EyeWorld is the official news magazine of the American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery.
Issue link: https://digital.eyeworld.org/i/78716
March 2012 EW NEWS & OPINION ASCRS•ASOA Symposium & Congress highlights by John Ciccone ASCRS Director of Communications In the journal … March 2012 Complications of cosmetic iris implants Ambika Hoguet, M.D., David Ritterband, M.D., Richard Koplin, M.D., Elaine Wu, M.D., Tal Raviv, M.D., John Aljian, M.D., John Seedor, M.D. When investigators identified complications of 14 eyes of 7 patients with NewColorIris cosmetic iris implants, they found that 64% had decreased visual acuity, 50% had elevated IOP, 36% had anterior uveitis, and another 36% experienced corneal edema. Between the 4- and 33- month marks, all 14 required the iris prosthesis to be explanted. Complications of the explantation procedure included intraoperative suprachoroidal hemorrhage, which occurred in one eye, as well as post- op corneal edema in 8, increased IOP in 7 eyes, and cataract in 9 eyes. In addition to explantation, some further surgery was warranted such as cataract removal with IOL implantation, which was needed in 7 eyes, Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty in 5 eyes, glaucoma drainage implant placement in 3 eyes, and penetrating kerato- plasty in 1 eye. Investigators concluded that severe ocular morbidity may be the price of the use of cosmetic iris implants. Decreased visual acuity, corneal edema, glaucoma, and uveitis were among the complica- tions that patients suffered. They determined that medical and surgical measures to control IOP and corneal decompensation were needed many times, even after explantation of the device had taken place and had effectively helped to stabilize some symptoms. Collagen crosslinking and phakic IOL for keratoconus José L. Güell, M.D., Ph.D., Merce Morral, M.D., Ph.D., François Malecaze, M.D., Ph.D., Oscar Gris, M.D., Ph.D., Daniel Elies, M.D., Felicidad Manero, M.D. The aim in this case series, which took place from November 2006-July 2009, was to show how well those with progressive mild to moderate keratoconus along with myopic astigmatism fared when treated with collagen crosslinking in conjunction with toric phakic Artiflex or Artisan (Ophtec, Groningen, the Netherlands) IOL implantation. Investigators found that following treatment, 82% were within 0.5 D of attempted spherical correction and 76% were within 1 D of attempted cylinder correction with a mean follow-up of 36.9 months. They deter- mined that 94% had uncorrected distance visual acuity of 20/40 or bet- ter. There was no loss of corrected distance visual acuity in any eyes. The conclusion reached was that myopic astigmatism in cases of mild to moderate progressive keratoconus could be effectively corrected with use of collagen crosslinking in conjunction with the toric iris claw lens. Special report: U.K. National Cataract Training Survey Philip Alexander, F.R.C.Ophth., David Matheson, Julia Baxter, Naing Latt Tint, F.R.C.Ophth. To determine the background, the beliefs, and the techniques of those imparting cataract surgery training, investigators mailed out a nation- wide survey to all consultant ophthalmologists in the United Kingdom. Out of 950 ophthalmologists contacted, the overall response rate was 43%. Surveys indicated that the majority of those engaged in training, 79% were men with 53% working in a district general hospital, 46% in a university teaching hospital, and 1.5% in both. More surgical opportu- nities were available for trainees at the university teaching hospital. In- vestigators also found that the most commonly used teaching technique was modular training. They noted that no formal training had been given to the vast majority, 83%, in how to go about teaching surgical skills. The wish to have such training at their disposal was only ex- pressed by 12% of respondents. Results indicated that while most oph- thalmologists had not been formally trained in teaching cataract surgery skills, they enjoyed imparting the knowledge to others. Investigators concluded that to determine optimal methods for imparting surgical training to ophthalmologists, more study is needed. of a healthcare policy speech by a special guest at the Opening General Session. Given the nature of the appearance, special security arrange- ments will be in place. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Randall J. Olson, M.D. C hicago is a great town— centrally located, with easy access by air, and fantastic dining, shop- ping, and entertainment. Here are some highlights of this year's Annual Meeting. Saturday, April 21 Tour the Exhibit Hall: See the latest technology in ophthalmic devices, pharmaceuticals, equipment, and practice services. The Exhibit Hall is an important part of the educational experience, and it helps to make the ASCRS•ASOA Symposium & Congress possible. Open Saturday- Monday, April 21-23, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Tuesday, April 24, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Town Hall Sessions (new): At- tendees' questions on clinical topics will direct these casual, free-flowing discussions. Eight have been sched- uled. Attendees will interact with an expert panel by texting questions and can enjoy the relaxed atmos- phere of the educational arena built within the ASCRS networking lounge in the Exhibit Hall. Sched- uled sessions Saturday through Tuesday include cataract, dry eye, keratorefractive, femtosecond laser cataract surgery, and more. Check the program for dates and sessions. The meeting will kick off with the Opening General Session and include the Binkhorst Lecture, featuring Randall J. Olson, M.D., on "Where are We on the Road to Optical Perfection?" Presidential speeches and a special preview of the documentary LASIK on the Frontlines will be included in the ASCRS Foundation report, as well as comments from honored quests. ASCRS is honored to be the host Sunday, April 22 The ASCRS Lecture on Science and Medicine will feature Michael T. Osterholm, Ph.D., M.P.H., an inter- national leader on issues regarding our preparedness for an influenza pandemic. He is an expert on the ef- fects of the use of biological agents as catastrophic weapons targeting civilian populations. He has pub- lished in journals such as Foreign Affairs, the New England Journal of Medicine, and Nature and authored the New York Times best-selling book Living Terrors: What America Needs to Know to Survive the Coming Bioterror- ist Catastrophe. 10-11 a.m. The Government Relations Session will feature Congressman Erik Paulsen (R-MN), co-chair of the Congressional Medical Technology Caucus. His presentation, "Update from Washington: Fighting to Main- tain American Leadership in Medical Innovation," will examine what we need to do to put America back in the lead of medical innovation. 11 a.m.-12 p.m. The ASOA Party—a perennial hit. Take a break at Chicago's best nightspot, the House of Blues Chicago. Located in the historic Marina City complex on the Chicago River and modeled after the spectacular "Estavovski" Opera House in Prague, it offers spectacular views from the exclusive opera boxes. 329 N. Dearborn, Chicago. 8:00 p.m.-midnight. Monday, April 23 The Charles D. Kelman Innovator's Lecture will feature Douglas D. Koch, M.D., on "Corneal Optics for IOL Selection: Cracking the Code." Dr. Koch will elaborate on the idea that a better understanding of the optics of the cornea is required to optimize several aspects of IOL sur- gery, including the accuracy of IOL calculations, visual quality, depth of focus (pseudoaccommodation), and IOL toricity. Dr. Koch will discuss new advances in technology and continued on page 14 13