EyeWorld is the official news magazine of the American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery.
Issue link: https://digital.eyeworld.org/i/194331
October 2013 procedures to gauge their long-term benefits—or complications. He regularly sees patients with ocular rosacea or allergy who want to get the red out. "I tell them that no medicine or drop will eliminate redness for an extended period of time," Dr. Latkany said. Although these patients may use vasoconstrictor drops, he advises them to use the drops sparingly as they can actually cause more redness in the long term. Still, Dr. Latkany sympathizes for his patients with constantly red eyes as he sees how that affects their daily life. "They'll tell me that their boss thinks that they are taking drugs, drinking, or that they didn't get enough sleep," he said. Dr. Latkany will examine these patients to rule out a blood vessel-related problem. He will also see if it's possible to eliminate the cause of the redness, such as removing allergens in the patient's environment. Dr. Latkany has seen patients who have had the I-BRITE procedure done, and their eyes look whiter. However, he would like to check for a permanent effect. "I'd like to see more detailed studies with long-term follow up, from preop day one to year three," he said. Gauging the safety of MMC with whitening procedures and carefully evaluating patient selection are also key for the whitening procedures going forward. For example, a case report published this year found that a 59-year-old man with a history of blepharitis after LASIK had the I-BRITE procedure done, but then presented a year later with progressive bilateral necrotizing scleritis and scleral calcification.3 "Conjunctival hyperemia secondary to tear deficiency and evaporative dry eye may predispose to poor wound healing," the investigators concluded. EW 3. Leung TG, Dunn JP, Akpek EK, Thorne JE. Necrotizing scleritis as a complication of cosmetic eye whitening procedure. J Ophthalmic Inflamm Infect. 2013;22:39. Editors' note: Dr. Boxer Wachler markets and performs I-BRITE. Dr. Kim originally developed and markets the eye whitening procedure that he uses. Dr. Latkany has no financial interests related to this article. THINK ENERGY REDUCTION "With the LENSAR Laser, I've experienced a signifcant reduction in phaco energy, and in some cases I've needed no ultrasound energy at all. More importantly, I've seen a reduction in infusion volume and surgical time, resulting in much quieter postoperative eyes." EW CORNEA 61 Contact information Boxer Wachler: bbw@boxerwachler.com Kim: nunsusul@yahoo.co.kr Latkany: relief@dryeyedoctor.com At LENSAR™, we're always thinking ahead. That's why we designed the LENSAR Laser System with phaco energy reduction in mind. By combining superior imaging of the anterior segment, precise laser placement, and effcient lenticular fragmentation, the LENSAR Laser allows for a reduction in phaco time and up to 100% reduction in phaco energy.1 This ultimately provides patients with a higher level of safety and you with greater peace of mind. The LENSAR Laser System. Designed for energy reduction, designed for you. Learn more at LENSAR.com – Jonathan Solomon, MD References 1. Kim BH. Regional conjunctivectomy with postoperative mitomycin C to treat chronic hyperemic conjunctiva. Cornea. 2012;31:236244. 2. Lee S, Go J, Rhiu S, et al. Cosmetic regional conjunctivectomy with postoperative mitomycin C application with or without bevacizumab injection. Am J Ophthalmol. 2013;156:616-622. Scan to learn about LENSAR at AAO 2013