Cataract & Refractive

Applying a specific number of FS-induced cuts to the crystalline lens could restore accommodation.

Ophthalmic surgeons have been implanting multifocal lenses for several years, not only in cataract surgery, but also to offset the accommodation lost as a consequence of age. With the newest generation of lenses, more than 80% of refractive and cataract patients can now enjoy life without glasses.

The first generation Crystalens accommodating intraocular lens (IOL) (eyeonics) was approved by the FDA in November 2003 and has since undergone two revisions. The first involved modification of the lens optic to a "square" rather than smooth edge in order to reduce the incidence of asymmetric capsular fibrosis, which could cause capsular contraction and IOL tilt

It has been discovered that the equatorial diameter of a lens directly influences accommodation and thus presents a sound target for presbyopia treatment interventions

Presbyopia Correcting IOLs (PCIOLs) are perhaps the most significant technological advancement in recent ophthalmic history. These lenses not only provide patients with the option of seeing near, intermediate, and distant objects without dependence on glasses for most of their daily activities - they could also become the single most important cornerstone for building a successful ophthalmic practice, both now and in the foreseeable future.

A look back at what happened in the fields of cataract & refractive surgery in 2007 and what we can look forward to in 2008.

The World Economic Forum has selected 39 companies as Technology Pioneers for 2008 and NuLens is one of those honoured with this title.

LASIK is a safe and effective procedure in the correction of myopia five years after surgery, according to a study in the September issue of Ophthalmology.

Secondary glaucoma is a common consequence in patients undergoing surgery for congenital cataracts, although it may not occur until years after the initial operation.

First eye cataract surgery is probably more cost-effective over a patient's remaining lifetime than if they have no surgery at all.

Bilateral implantation of the Acri.LISA 366D distance-dominant bifocal intraocular lens provides a satisfactory full range of vision.

Topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often used off-label for multiple purposes in cataract surgery, but such treatment is often being administered with limited supporting evidence and carries a high cost along with potential risks.

When thinking about administering medications intracamerally during cataract surgery, it is important to consider whether their potential benefits are worth the risk.

According to the results of an online survey conducted by the ASCRS Cataract Clinical Committee, the results of the ESCRS study of endophthalmitis prophylaxis do not appear to have had a significant impact on the practices of US cataract surgeons.

Clear corneal incision (CCI) is not a risk factor for post-cataract surgery endophthalmitis.

Results of 10-year follow-up of patients with high myopia who underwent LASIK indicate that the procedure is safe and effective over the long term.

A fourth-generation version of an accommodating IOL (HD-100 crystalens, eyeonics) provides excellent uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) at all distances without degrading contrast acuity, according to the results of an FDA multicenter clinical trial.

Posterior continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (PCCC) with optic capture of a posterior chamber IOL is a safe and effective technique to afford stable IOL fixation and maintain visual axis clarity after cataract surgery in pediatric eyes.

The condition of the ocular surface influences the outcome of cataract and refractive surgery and can also affect recovery following some surgical procedures.

An analysis of visual outcomes in a contemporary series of cataract surgery eyes that underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for retained lens material indicates these complicated cases tend to do well.

Initial experience with intraoperative use of a wavefront analyzer (WaveTec Visions Systems) suggests that it may be a very useful tool for achieving increased accuracy and efficiency in astigmatism correction.

Keratoectasia can develop after surface ablation in eyes with forme fruste keratoconus (FFKC), and there do not appear to be any identifiable features as protecting against that event.

Creation of a pocket for intracorneal riboflavin instillation using the femtosecond laser (IntraLase, Advanced Medical Optics) appears to be a safe and effective method for assisting cornea collagen cross-linking.

Demand for excellent uncorrected distance visual acuity after cataract surgery is increasing, especially with the availability of new presbyopia-correcting IOLs. This phenomenon is opening up a new class of patients to the benefits of laser vision correction.

As the evolution in refractive surgery continues, surgeons can expect to see the journey continuing back to the surface—aided by new strategies to improve the outcomes of sub-Bowman's keratomileusis (SBK) and PRK.