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Limbal stem cell deficiency is more common than often recognized, said Edward Holland, MD, director of Cornea Service at the Cincinnati Eye Institute and professor at the University of Cincinnati in Cincinnati.

New data suggest that it may be time to stop worrying about broad inclusion criteria when evaluating patients with cataracts for potential femtosecond laser surgery. A retrospective review of more than 800 consecutive cases found that the technology provides high precision in the treatment of challenging cases with broad inclusion criteria, said H. Burkhard Dick, MD.

Physicians who wonder if they should make the investment in a new model of surgical system they currently use and like, the answer could be yes. Data presented by Barry Schechter, MD, showed a 22% time savings in uncomplicated cataract procedures with new equipment.

Whether a surgeon uses a laser for cataract surgery or manual methods may not make much of a difference in terms of postoperative inflammation. That at least is the experience of H. Burkhard Dick, MD, professor and chairman of ophthalmology and director of the University Eye Clinic Bochum, Bochum, Germany.

There is more to femtosecond laser LASIK than the laser frequency alone. Flap shape also makes a difference. A recent trial confirmed that elliptical flaps offer the predicted surgical advantages over circular flaps with no change in patient satisfaction or visual performance scores, said Louis Probst, MD,

If one trabecular bypass stent is good for reducing IOP, are two stents better? The answer could be yes, at least for a first-generation device (iStent, Glaukos). Data presented showed that microinvasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) to implant two trabecular micro-bypass stents is safe and effective after 1 year of follow-up.

After 20 years and more than 16 million LASIK procedures, overall patient satisfaction for the procedure is high, but misconceptions and patient education are areas that still need improvement.

It is not always easy to fit the right IOL to the right patient to correct presbyopia. It is not that approved lenses do not work as expected, according to Richard Chu, DO, medical director, Chu Eye Associates, Fort Worth, TX, but that each lens has slightly different optical characteristics. Not every lens is right for every patient.

New clinical data suggest that an improved intraoperative aberrometer can help improve clinical outcomes for patients who receive an aspheric, hydrophobic IOL, said Dee Stephenson, MD, of Stephenson Eye Associates in Venice, FL.

Ophthalmology has a history of “strange,” and actually that may be good for the specialty. Of all the specialties of medicine, ophthalmology keeps seeing innovation evolve on a regular basis. The technology in this market is always evolving and it keeps getting better and more efficient.

The Lensar Laser System for refractive cataract surgery (Lensar Inc.) has received 510(k) clearance from the FDA for the execution of arcuate incisions during cataract surgery.

With advances in technology, there are now a number of ways to assess the topography of the optic nerve head, the nerve fiber layer (NFL), and the retinal ganglion cell (RGC) complex.

Beaver-Visitec International Inc. (BVI) has purchased the ophthalmic assets from Odyssey Medical Inc., which specializes in dry eye solutions.

B+L has received FDA approval for bromfenac ophthalmic solution eye drops (Prolensa), CE mark for the Victus femtosecond laser platform for creation of corneal incisions in cataract surgery, and recommendation of approval for the Trulign Toric posterior chamber IOL.

Fundus photography retains an important role in glaucoma diagnosis and follow-up, but is limited due to subjective interpretation. An educational website is being developed to help standardize optic disc analysis in difficult cases.

The effectiveness of laser peripheral iridotomy in treating angle closure disease depends on the mechanism of angle closure (pupillary block versus non-pupillary block) and the stage of disease (primary angle closure suspect, primary angle closure, or primary angle closure glaucoma).

As consumer interest in alternative therapies grows and considering their potential for harm, ophthalmologists need to be prepared to speak about this topic with their patients.

Cultural competency is defined as the application of cultural knowledge and interpersonal and clinical skills to enhance effectiveness in managing patient care. It is important because of increasing cultural and language diversity that can contribute to health disparities, and it is the law.

Optimal management of glaucoma requires an individualized approach in which treatment is tailored based on multiple considerations. Developments in therapeutic options are adding new layers to the complexity of care decisions.

A number of studies suggest myopia is a risk factor for glaucoma, but there may be an alternate explanation for the reported association.

With evidence that at least 50% of glaucoma is undiagnosed, strategies are needed to identify these individuals and assure they receive proper care. Experience so far with the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeSmart EyeCheck screening initiative indicates it is a successful model for approaching the problem of undiagnosed eye disease among at-risk populations in the United States.

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