Cataract
Spring 2025
by Mitchell Weikert, MD
Cataract Editor
Thank goodness Spring has returned and with it, the ASCRS Annual Meeting! As we return to Los Angeles, I’m excited for the many opportunities provided by our annual gathering—the chance to learn from each other, network with colleagues and industry partners, and meet up with friends. As we look forward to this fun and educational event, this issue of EyeWorld highlights a few of the many valuable offerings of the upcoming meeting on April 25–28:
- Subspecialty Day
- The reflections of Vance Thompson, MD, on his tenure as ASCRS President
- The Kelman, Binkhorst, and Lindstrom Lectures
- Symposia and featured educational events
- Recipients of the ASCRS Foundation Chang-Crandall Humanitarian Award
As we look forward to this fun and educational event, this issue of EyeWorld highlights a few of the many valuable offerings available at the upcoming meeting on April 25–28.
In addition to these Annual Meeting highlights, this issue of EyeWorld covers hot topics in cataract surgery. While some level of corneal edema is expected after cataract surgery, extension beyond a couple of weeks is uncommon and warrants further investigation. Although the common denominator may be endothelial dysfunction, the various etiologies that lead to it may require different management strategies. Saba Al-Hashimi, MD, Clara Chan, MD, and Himani Goyal, MD, take a comprehensive approach as they examine the preoperative risk factors that contribute to corneal edema, provide tips for postoperative evaluation, offer surgical pearls to prevent its occurrence, and discuss pharmacologic and surgical techniques to improve the vision and comfort for these patients.
Anthony Chung, MD, Jaclyn Haugsdal, MD, and Omar Krad, MD, review the current state of digital tools for surgical training in ophthalmology. In this YES Connect column, they provide an update on the various ways the digital revolution is impacting how we train future ophthalmic surgeons and expand the skills of those already in practice. The roles for digital tools are explored, including surgical simulation, multicenter collaboration, long-distance training, and AI-based objective analysis of surgical technique. Currently available simulators for phacoemulsification, MSICS, and vitreoretinal surgery are discussed, including their advantages, disadvantages, and limitations. The physicians complete their analysis by addressing the necessary balance between virtual learning and in-person traditional training.
Regardless of skill level or experience, iris prolapse is a complication that every cataract surgeon will encounter on occasion. Beeran Meghpara, MD, and Richard Tipperman, MD, discuss various methods for managing iris prolapse and mitigating its effect. After identifying common risk factors for iris prolapse, including specific anatomical features and pharmacologic exposure, they present several surgical techniques to prevent its occurrence or minimize the impact if it does occur. The blueprint they provide for preoperative anticipation and subsequent management offers a good refresher for this common problem.
We hope you enjoy this issue of EyeWorld and look forward to seeing you in Los Angeles at the ASCRS Annual Meeting in April!
