Monthly Pulse
Keeping a Pulse on Ophthalmology Poll Size: 397

It is satisfying to note that over 83% of the responding ophthalmologists recognize the link between high myopia and retinal detachment. The emphasis on the manner of pre-surgical consent was equivocal. While more than half of the respondents (54%) appropriately realized that there was no link between exudative ARMD and cataract surgery, some 23% were unsure and another 24% believed that there was a link. The AREDS Study Report No. 25 revealed no link between developing wet ARMD and cataract surgery. Interestingly, nearly all of the respondents (98%) realized the need for the use of an NSAID following cataract surgery in a patient with a known history of CME. The response suggests that the duration of drug therapy remains unclear and needs further elucidation. Finally, more than half of ophthalmologists would, appropriately, not implant a multifocal lens in a patient with significant retinal disease. Patients with macular disease will lose some contrast sensitivity, which may be amplified with a multifocal lens. In addition, repeat retinal surgery can be difficult in the multifocal lens patient. Therefore, these lenses should be avoided if possible in this patient population.

Keith A. Warren, M.D.
Founder and CEO Warren Retina Associates

EyeWorld Monthly Pulse

EyeWorld Monthly Pulse is a reader survey on trends and patterns for the practicing ophthalmologist. Each month we send a 4-6 question online survey covering different topics so our readers can see how they compare to our survey. If you would like to join the current 1,000+ physicians who take a minute a month to share their views, please send us an email and we will add your name. Email ksalerni@eyeworld.org and put EW Pulse in the subject line; that's all it takes.

Copyright EyeWorld 2011