All articles from EyeWorld.org on the topic of cataract surgery. EyeWorld is the award-winning member publication of ASCRS. The magazine provides news and updates from the Society as well as clinical features in the areas of cataract, refractive, cornea, glaucoma, and practice management. It publishes quarterly with editorial direction from its medical editorial board and staff.
New optical qualities, new materials, preloaded inserters, and the possibility of accommodative abilities: There has been quite a bit of movement in IOL innovations, some of which are available in the U.S., while others are still on the horizon.
A paper published online ahead of print in the Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery covered the topic of managing iris defects caused by cataract surgery. Gary Foster, MD, one of the paper’s authors, gave EyeWorld insights on the paper, “Management of common iatrogenic iris defects induced by cataract surgery.”
When performing cataract surgery, it’s important to be aware of other conditions and comorbidities, including issues with the retina. Several physicians discussed how to handle patients with retina abnormalities prior to cataract surgery.
A hot topic among young eye surgeons that has drawn CMS attention in the past, two ophthalmologists shared their take on office-based cataract surgery.
Ophthalmologists take several measures to prevent endophthalmitis after cataract surgery, but one thing they can’t control could have an impact on endophthalmitis rates: the weather. According to a study published in the Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery, endophthalmitis rates peaked in the more hot and humid months.
➤ NDA filed for topical glaucoma and ocular hypertension ophthalmic solution ➤ Nepafenac vs. placebo, results from Phase 2 study ➤ Enrollment completed for photobiomodulation treatment trial ➤ ASCRS activity updates
Managing astigmatism at the time of cataract surgery is a weighty topic with many variables. What technology to measure astigmatism—power and axis? How many measurements to take for reliability? How to ensure accuracy and consistency of measurements? What course of correction to take?
“In the day and age of refractive cataract surgery, optimizing outcomes is extremely important,” said Kathryn Hatch, MD, as she introduced a webinar hosted by the ASCRS Refractive Surgery Clinical Committee earlier this year. “We have increasing patient expectations, and it’s extremely important that we obtain ideal biometry measurements. To do so, we need to pay specific attention to the ocular surface, especially when treating astigmatism and presbyopia.”
It’s important to address underlying conditions prior to cataract surgery, and dry eye is one such condition. Physicians must identify and treat it to ensure the tear film is optimized and measurements are correct.
Hooks and expansion rings can be an ophthalmologist’s partner when performing phacoemulsification.