A learning curve, by definition, is a graphical representation of the increase of learning with experience. A learning curve can be used in two main ways: either the same task is repeated over and over again, or a body of knowledge is learned over time. As premium surgeons, we know practice improves our surgical skill set, but “perfect practice makes perfect.” We must perform the necessary due diligence before performing any ocular surgery to make sure the surgery goes as planned. Likewise, the phrase “knowledge is power” is not far (Read more...)
Author: Healio ophthalmology
Intraoperative OCT system may improve posterior, anterior segment surgeries
A spectral-domain OCT system integrated into a surgical microscope may improve the quality of posterior and anterior segment procedures, according to a study.In recent years, several research groups have developed similar devices to allow the use of OC…
Barraquer lecturer separates fact from fiction for LASIK
LAS VEGAS — Eric D. Donnenfeld, MD, received the José I. Barraquer Award for excellence in refractive surgery at the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting, and in his lecture on the future of LASIK, he separated fact from fiction from a surgeon’s perspective.“LASIK has fallen into a precipitous decline in the last couple years,” Donnenfeld said, attributing much of the decline to the change in the economy starting in 2008. Even with an upswing in the economy and consumer confidence, there has not been a rebound for LASIK in either (Read more...)
Man presents with chronic headaches and progressive vision loss
A 60-year-old Hispanic man presented to the emergency department for evaluation of worsening chronic headaches and vision loss in the right eye more than the left eye. He had headaches for many years and had been managed with oral steroids by an outsid…
Letter re: Flip-and-slice supracapsular cataract disassembly technique
To the Editor:In the Dec. 10, 2015, issue of Ocular Surgery News, Dr. Matossian describes a “flip-and-slice supracapsular cataract disassembly technique.” This technique has many advantages, including a lower incidence of capsular rupture and the ability to avoid floppy iris issues because phacoemulsification is performed in a relatively safe zone. By prolapsing the nucleus and rotating it into a position that is more or less perpendicular to the capsule, small pupil phacoemulsification is also not an issue because the lens is held in place during phacoemulsification by the “fish-mouthed” pupillary (Read more...)
Letter re: Statements about Omidria
We agree with Dr. Ferguson (Letter to the Editor, Ocular Surgery News, Feb. 25, 2016) about the importance of controlling surgical costs; however, many of the statements regarding Omidria (phenylephrine/ketorolac 1%/0.3%) in his letter are incorrect. The erroneous statements on pricing and reimbursement were addressed by Dr. Gustafson in his response to Dr. Ferguson’s letter, and other inaccuracies were clarified by Dr. Lindstrom in the editor’s response. We focus here on Dr. Ferguson’s significant misstatements not addressed by Drs. Gustafson or Lindstrom. For each, a factual correction follows. “Preventing intraoperative (Read more...)
Concern for myopia progression increases with alarming rise in global prevalence
As one of the most common eye disorders across the world, myopia’s prevalence has alarmingly increased over the years, starting at younger ages than ever before.Understanding myopic progression is important, but the condition also needs to be recognized as an epidemic, according to OSN Contact Lenses Section Editor Penny A. Asbell, MD, FACS, MBA.
Early vitrectomy reduces time with vision loss in eyes with vitreous hemorrhage
Immediate vitrectomy with endolaser may reduce the amount of time a patient has low vision in eyes treated for vitreous hemorrhage associated with proliferative diabetic retinopathy, according to a study.Overall, vitrectomy significantly reduced the ne…
Blood-derived products have application in ocular surface disease therapy
The ocular surface is severely affected in diseases such as Sjögren’s syndrome, persistent epithelial defect, recurrent corneal erosion, neurotrophic keratopathy, post-LASIK dry eye syndrome, graft-versus-host disease and ocular cicatricial pemphigoid. The treatment of ocular surface disorders is difficult, and conventional therapy is often not enough to solve the problem. Scientists and clinicians have been searching for a long time for a substance that would be similar to tears in composition and may stimulate the healing process of the tissues affected in ocular surface disorders.Blood-derived products have demonstrated their capacity to (Read more...)
Keynote lecture focuses on latest outcomes, new developments of corneal regeneration
ATHENS, Greece — One of the keynote lectures during Cornea Day at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons winter meeting focused on corneal regeneration, from limbal stem cell transplantation to the latest tissue engineering approaches for ocular surface reconstruction. Since the first paper on the topic was published in 1997, several protocols for limbal stem cell culture and transplantation were developed.
VIDEO: Surgeon highlights new applications for SMILE procedure
ATHENS, Greece — At the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons winter meeting, Osama Ibrahim, MD, discusses new applications for the small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) procedure, a technique that has been performed on over 5,000 eyes.
VIDEO: Surgeon highlights new applications for SMILE procedure
ATHENS, Greece — At the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons winter meeting, Osama Ibrahim, MD, discusses new applications for the small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) procedure, a technique that has been performed on over 5,000 eyes.
New laser performs precise capsulotomies, costs less than femtosecond laser
ATHENS, Greece — A new compact laser has the ability to perform precise, perfectly round capsulotomies at a fraction of the cost of a femtosecond laser, according to one speaker here.“An additional advantage is that the laser changes the collagen phase, and capsulotomies are highly resistant to tear, highly elastic and extensible,” Pavel Stodulka, MD, said at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons winter meeting.
Fyodorov Lecture focuses on latest advances in keratoconus management
ATHENS, Greece — Modern approaches to keratoconus management were the topic of this year’s Fyodorov Lecture, awarded at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons winter meeting to José L. Güell, MD, PhD. Two strategies, he said, have been validated by a long positive experience and studies: corneal cross-linking (CXL) and keratoplasty.
ForeseeHome AMD monitoring program available for Medicare patients in US
The ForeseeHome AMD monitoring program is available by prescription for eligible Medicare patients in the U.S. who have dry age-related macular degeneration and are at risk for developing wet AMD, Notal Vision announced in a press release. “Notal Vision is extremely pleased to achieve this significant milestone with the ForeseeHome AMD monitoring system. We have worked diligently for almost 2 years with the goal of ensuring this device is available to eligible patients enrolled in Medicare,” Barak Azmon, MD, CEO of Notal Vision, said in the release.
VIDEO: Cross-linking, topography-guided PRK improve visual outcomes
ATHENS, Greece — At the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons winter meeting, George D. Kymionis, MD, PhD, discusses positive long-term results of combined corneal cross-linking and topography-guided PRK in patients with corneal disease.
VIDEO: Cross-linking, topography-guided PRK improve visual outcomes
ATHENS, Greece — At the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons winter meeting, George D. Kymionis, MD, PhD, discusses positive long-term results of combined corneal cross-linking and topography-guided PRK in patients with corneal disease.
Study: Longer oral contraceptive use may increase risk of self-reported glaucoma, ocular hypertension
Women aged 40 years or older who used oral contraceptives may have an increased risk of self-reported glaucoma or ocular hypertension, according to a study. Data were pulled from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which included 3,40…
VIDEO: Add-on lenses represent innovative, promising concept for the future
ATHENS, Greece — At the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons winter meeting, Michael Amon, MD, talks about the advantages of add-on lenses, a removable and adjustable technology that he believes adapts well to the changes of the aging eye.
High rate of severe, potentially blinding complications reported with cosmetic iris implants
ATHENS, Greece — Cosmetic iris implants are a non-approved, high-risk procedure that can lead to severe, potentially blinding complications in the majority of cases, a speaker said at the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons winter meeting. Wajiha Kheir, MD, told the audience that 700 procedures were performed with the NewIris implant (Kahn Medical Devices) since 2010 and that many complications have been reported, including increased IOP, iritis with keratic precipitates, corneal edema and hyphema. Use of the implant was discontinued because of irreversible ocular damage.