Reduced costs and improved quality were associated with the implementation of a multifaceted value-driven outcomes tool among three clinical projects, according to study findings published in JAMA.“Under alternative payment models, clinicians will theoretically deliver higher-quality care that results in better outcomes, fewer complications, and reduced health care spending,” Vivian S. Lee, MD, PhD, MBA, of the University of Utah, and colleagues wrote. “To implement alternative payment models effectively, physicians must understand actual care costs (not charges) and outcomes achieved for individual patients with defined clinical conditions—the level at which they (Read more...)
Author: Healio ophthalmology
Alcon launches 3-D visualization system for retinal surgery
Alcon, in collaboration with TrueVision 3D Surgical, announced the launch of a new microscope-free digitally assisted vitreoretinal surgery platform that utilizes a 3-D screen for retinal surgeons.The NGENUITY 3D Visualization System includes a high dy…
VIDEO: Study shows Ozurdex real-world results outperform clinical trial results for DME
COPENHAGEN — At the Euretina meeting here, Patricia Udaondo Mirete, MD, discusses a retrospective study of Ozurdex for the treatment of diabetic macular edema. Improved results in real-world use of Ozurdex have been found compared with clinical trials, and she outlines hypotheses about the difference.
Corneal regeneration through adipose-derived stem cells may be option for patients with keratoconus
COPENHAGEN — Transplantation of autologous human adipose-derived adult stem cells may be a feasible alternative to corneal transplantation in patients with keratoconus, according to the preliminary results of a study presented at the EuCornea meeting.“Adipose stem cells are easily obtained and highly efficient. Implanted into the corneal stroma, they are able to differentiate in vivo into adult keratocytes, do not stimulate immune reactions and produce newly formed human extracellular matrix,” Jorge Alió del Barrio, MD, said.
Over long term, DSEK and PK have similar cumulative endothelial cell loss but different patterns of loss
COPENHAGEN — A 10-year comparison of cell loss after penetrating keratoplasty and Descemet’s stripping endothelial keratoplasty showed a similar cumulative loss but different cell loss patterns.“We had previously evaluated the 5-year endothelial cell decline in both DSEK and DMEK and were pleased to find that the rate of decline was slower in the first 5 years as compared with PK,” Marianne Price, PhD, said at the EuCornea meeting.
ESCRS initiates Peter Barry Fellowship
COPENHAGEN — The European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons has established a fellowship in honor of Peter Barry, FRCS, who died May 26. Barry was a member of the ESCRS since its inception and served in a variety of roles over the years, including director.In the “Welcome from the President” address, kicking off the 34th congress of the society here, David Spalton, FRCS, FRCP, FRCOphth, said the ESCRS has established a bursary of 50,000 to be awarded to a trainee ophthalmologist to study for a year at a center (Read more...)
VIDEO: Surgeon gives pearls for transitioning to glued IOL surgery
COPENHAGEN — At the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons meeting, Athiya Agarwal, MD, discusses her lecture on the top surgical pearls for transitioning from traditional cataract surgery to the glued IOL technique.
VIDEO: Endoscopic vitrectomy useful in some pediatric and adult cases
COPENHAGEN — At the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons meeting, Chien Wong, MD, discusses the utility of endoscopic vitrectomy in certain cases, such as when use of a microscope is not possible. He also shares pearls and his personal experience with the device.
Pseudoexfoliation common reason for capsular tension ring insertion
COPENHAGEN — At one Japanese practice, pseudoexfoliation was the most common reason for capsular tension ring insertion during cataract surgery, according to a speaker.Shigeru Entani, MD, PhD, reported at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons meeting the 14-year experience with implantation of capsular tension rings at the Entani Eye Clinic in Japan; of 23,903 cataract surgeries, 200 eyes (0.84%) were implanted with a capsular tension ring. A preoperative decision to implant a capsular tension ring was made in 94 eyes (47%), and an intraoperative decision was made in (Read more...)
Hydroseparation allows for faster, easier and safer DMEK
COPENHAGEN — A new technique allows for faster and safer Descemet’s separation in Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty, with less risk of endothelial damage, according to one surgeon speaking at the EuCornea meeting.The technique, named hydroseparation, uses balanced salt solution or Ringer’s solution to separate the membrane without touching the endothelial surface and can be performed on both the donor and recipient cornea, Pavel Stodulka, MD, PhD, said.
VIDEO: Intraoperative OCT lends advantage in corneal procedures
COPENHAGEN — At the Eucornea meeting, Francis W. Price Jr., MD, talks about the advantages of intraoperative OCT in corneal transplantation procedures, including DSAEK, DALK and DMEK. The technology is still in early stages, but can already make surgery safer and more precise, he said.
VIDEO: Mazzo touts Zeiss’ range of ophthalmic devices
COPENHAGEN — At the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, James V. Mazzo, newly appointed global president of ophthalmology for Carl Zeiss Meditec, discusses the company’s range of ophthalmology devices, as well as the hire of Andrew Chang as global head of sales for Zeiss.
VIDEO: Surgeon gives pearls for transitioning to PDEK
COPENHAGEN — At the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons, Amar Agarwal, MD, gives surgical pearls for transitioning from Descemet’s stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) or Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) to pre-Descemet’s endothelial keratoplasty or PDEK.
Novel cells, delivery procedure in development for retinal diseases
COPENHAGEN — A novel agent derived from human umbilical tissue and a novel system to deliver the agent suprachoroidally may ultimately benefit patients with retinal disease, according to Christopher Riemann, MD. Riemann explained both the agent and the delivery system at the Euretina meeting.
VIDEO: José Cunha-Vaz, MD, PhD, gives Euretina lecture
COPENHAGEN — José Cunha-Vaz, MD, PhD, was assigned the Euretina lecture this year. The topic of his lecture, based on many years of outstanding, breakthrough research, was the role of the blood-retinal barrier in retinal diseases and disease management.
‘Promising’ solutions for myopia control under study
COPENHAGEN — The prevalence of myopia in children 5 to 15 years old is increasing worldwide, and researchers are seeking solutions to slow the trend, according to Nina Jacobsen, MD, PhD. There are complications related to myopia, including increased risk of glaucoma, cataract, retinal detachment and, in the higher degrees, maculopathy, Jacobsen said at the World Society of Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Subspecialty Day.
VIDEO: Speaker reviews latest imaging advances
COPENHAGEN – At Euretina 2016, Wolfgang Drexler, PhD, talks about current limitations and future developments of optical coherence tomography. Adaptive optics-enhanced OCT angiography, new widefield, high-speed and swept-source-based systems, Doppler technology, multiple beam approaches, absorption measurement techniques, as well as miniaturized handheld modalities are in the pipeline.
Euretina president: Present times pose great challenges but offer advanced solutions
COPENHAGEN — In welcoming the audience gathered at the opening ceremony of Euretina, President Ursula Schmidt-Erfurth, MD, PhD, evoked the image of the retina as a miniature, highly condensed universe, “with 90% of visual function residing in the tiny area of the macula, 1.5 mm large and 0.2 mm thick.” Minimal alterations in this universe, she said, immediately lead to severe visual defects affecting all tasks in life and impacting all levels of socioeconomic well-being and mental health.
VIDEO: Doubts cast on validity of regulations
COPENHAGEN — At Euretina 2016, José Carlos Pastor, MD, talks about the case of cytotoxic batches of a perfluorocarbon liquid that led to blindness in 117 patients in Spain last year. The case casts doubts on the validity of regulations and international standards for the testing of medical devices.
VIDEO: Advantages abound for digitally assisted vitreoretinal surgery
COPENHAGEN — At Euretina 2016, Christopher Riemann, MD, talks about the many advantages of 3-D heads-up or digitally assisted vitreoretinal surgery.