Eyeworld

An ASCRS Digital Clinical Committee symposium at the 2026 ASCRS Annual Meeting F rom the latest developments to the benefits of oper- ating with a 3D heads-up display, this symposium at the 2026 ASCRS Annual Meeting, developed by the ASCRS Digital Clinical Committee and sponsored by Alcon at the Diamond Level, Haag-Streit at the Platinum Level, and Cassini and Leica at the Gold Level, made the case for 3D surgery and even included some pre- sentations for the audience to watch in 3D. Session moderator John Hovanesian, MD, called the symposium dual purpose. "Part of it is surgical teaching, part of it is related to understanding what we're capable of with 3D imaging nowadays," he said. The session included presentations on several appli- cations of the technology from the front to the back of the eye that Dr. Hovanesian said "allow us to see the breadth of what we can do with 3D imaging." 3D SURGERY (PRESENTED IN 3D)—IS NOW THE TIME? "I think about ergonomics and posture every single day," she said, noting that she worked on strengthening her core and back and made ergonomic modifications at work. Ophthalmologists, performing repetitive tasks that require fine motor control in prolonged awkward working conditions, are at high risk for musculoskeletal disorders. Due to this, 13% of ophthalmologists retire early due to symptoms, and 7.6% require surgery due to disc herniation, Dr. Dhaliwal said. Surgeons are likely to adapt to their environment instead of adapting the environment to themselves and their physical needs. Dr. Dhaliwal said this mindset needs to change. Surgeons need to think of themselves as elite ath- letes who depend on both their mind and body to perform with excellence. Dr. Dhaliwal referenced a paper that blamed most oph- thalmologists' chronic injuries on the forward head posture required at traditional slit lamps and operating microscopes. Combating this is possible with digitally operated micro- scopes that do not require such positioning. "Studies have shown there is less postoperative discomfort for the surgeon with the use of 3D heads-up displays," she said. But just because you're using a heads-up display doesn't automatically mean optimal ergonomics. If it functions with a monitor, Dr. Dhaliwal noted that the monitor needs to be at or slightly below eye level. Dr. Dhaliwal provided these action items to her fellow ophthalmologists: • Take the time to understand ergonomics. • Be aware of your posture in every procedure. • Prioritize your comfort with microscope, chair, and foot pedal positions before the patient comes into the room. Have the patient move toward you instead of you toward the patient. • Stretch, train, and build core strength. • Have someone take a picture of your posture while operating. • If you have pain, don't ignore it. See a specialist. During discussion, Dr. Hovanesian brought up the power of laughter. He said that research has shown laughter can disarm muscle and mental tension and is something that he tries to incorporate into his OR as well. Complex Cases in 3D Christopher Schiefer, MD, who is performing his fellowship with Robert Weinstock, MD, presented cases that benefited from 3D surgery. The symposium included presentations for attendees to watch in 3D. Source: ASCRS Introduction and Ergonomic Benefits of 3D Surgery "Why am I interested in ergonomics? Let me tell you my 'back story,'" said Deepinder Dhaliwal, MD. Dr. Dhaliwal had a "massive" herniated disc in 2015 after slipping on water in the OR. This resulted in right leg weakness and severe pain. She was told, due to the progres- sive weakness, that she could not work, officially classifying her as disabled. This lasted for 2 weeks (though she didn't know how long it would last at the time). In the immediate aftermath and the years following, Dr. Dhaliwal said she learned a lot of hard lessons.

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