Eyeworld

JUL 2021

EyeWorld is the official news magazine of the American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery.

Issue link: https://digital.eyeworld.org/i/1381991

Contents of this Issue

Navigation

Page 144 of 146

P 142 | EYEWORLD | JULY 2021 continued from page 140 come to him, resulting in more specific and direct ques- tions. What's more, he said it helps ensure a consistent message is given to all patients and those who might be involved in their care decisions. He is also able to ob- tain metrics on how often his communications are being opened or watched. "It's amazing how much less time you spend in the examination lane trying to educate the patient and real- izing that doing it verbally, we weren't doing such a great job at it," he said, adding later that patients "usually don't have many questions because they're so well informed at that point." Dr. Yuen described this as being proactive rather than reactive in education, which benefits the patient and the provider. "If I do 500 cataract surgeries a year and I spend 15 to 20 minutes counseling each patient on his or her surgi- cal options, I'm going to use more than 100 hours a year repeating something that doesn't have to be repeated in person. Instead, making a video allows you to present a consistent message and streamline patient education. It doesn't have to be expensive but something you are con- fident in presenting to patients to give everyone the same option without discrimination or … our own biases that we carry when we walk in the exam room." For the patient, it fills in a significant education gap. Dr. Yuen pointed to a Johnson & Johnson survey that found while most people (70%) were familiar with cataracts and knew cataract surgery was the most common treatment op- tion (85%), only 30% of those who were diagnosed or who had symptoms of cataracts said they would be very likely to have surgery. The most cited reason was fear (29%) and concerns about efficacy (28%). Twenty-two percent had a lack of knowledge about cataract procedures, according to the press release about the survey. Dr. Yuen also said the videos give patients the opportu- nity to see him without a mask. Dr. Varma said he is still spending the time in the office with patients to discuss their conditions at length as needed. Telehealth visits have been helpful in that they allow him to communicate with patients from the comfort of their homes. "It is critical for them to realize and understand that they can always reach out to us and we are available when they have concerns. … They can continue to make that connection on the phone or via Zoom or FaceTime," Dr. Varma said. "In general, in times of crisis, patients want more communication," Mr. Weiner said. "While they might be inundated with information during these times, they often lack it from trusted sources. "They want to hear from you," Mr. Weiner said. He recommended erring on the side of over communicating." CENTURION ® VISION SYSTEM IMPORTANT PRODUCT INFORMATION CAUTION: Federal (USA) law restricts this device to sale by, or on the order of, a physician. As part of a properly maintained surgical environment, it is recommended that a backup IOL injector be made available in the event the AutoSert ® IOL Injector Handpiece does not perform as expected. INDICATION: The CENTURION ® Vision System is indicated for emulsification, separation, irrigation, and aspiration of cataracts, residual cortical material and lens epithelial cells, vitreous aspiration and cutting associated with anterior vitrectomy, bipolar coagulation, and intraocular lens injection. The AutoSert ® IOL Injector Handpiece is intended to deliver qualified AcrySof ® intraocular lenses into the eye following cataract removal. The AutoSert ® IOL Injector Handpiece achieves the functionality of injection of intraocular lenses. The AutoSert ® IOL Injector Handpiece is indicated for use with the AcrySof ® lenses SN6OWF, SN6AD1, SN6AT3 through SN6AT9, as well as approved AcrySof ® lenses that are specifically indicated for use with this inserter, as indicated in the approved labeling of those lenses. WARNINGS: Appropriate use of CENTURION ® Vision System parameters and accessories is important for successful procedures. Use of low vacuum limits, low flow rates, low bottle heights, high power settings, extended power usage, power usage during occlusion conditions (beeping tones), failure to sufficiently aspirate viscoelastic prior to using power, excessively tight incisions, and combinations of the above actions may result in significant temperature increases at incision site and inside the eye, and lead to severe thermal eye tissue damage. Good clinical practice dictates the testing for adequate irrigation and aspiration flow prior to entering the eye. Ensure that tubings are not occluded or pinched during any phase of operation. The consumables used in conjunction with ALCON ® instrument products constitute a complete surgical system. Use of consumables and handpieces other than those manufactured by Alcon may affect system performance and create potential hazards. AEs/COMPLICATIONS: Inadvertent actuation of Prime or Tune while a handpiece is in the eye can create a hazardous condition that may result in patient injury. During any ultrasonic procedure, metal particles may result from inadvertent touching of the ultrasonic tip with a second instrument. Another potential source of metal particles resulting from any ultrasonic handpiece may be the result of ultrasonic energy causing micro abrasion of the ultrasonic tip. ATTENTION: Refer to the Directions for Use and Operator's Manual for a complete listing of indications, warnings, cautions and notes. © 2020 Alcon Inc. 07/20 US-INT-2000002

Articles in this issue

Archives of this issue

view archives of Eyeworld - JUL 2021