Eyeworld

B enjamin Franklin is generally acknowl- edged as the inventor of bifocal eye- glasses. Highly regarded as a scientist, politician, and inventor, Franklin was faced with a universal dilemma. He had reached middle age and could no longer read with the same glasses he used for distance. Justifiably proud of what he called "my double spectacles," his invention has been used by billions of people around the world. So little has changed that he would no doubt still recognize his creation some 250 years later. Modern inventors, scientists, and dreamers con- tinue to develop new ways to address the timeless problem of presbyopia. We are only now beginning to understand the mechanism by which a young emmatropic eye can alter its focus. Although now widely accepted, the Helmholz description of accommodation, published over 100 years ago, was in recent times still referred to as a theory. That the explanation of some- thing as ubiquitous as near vision could be considered a "theory" underlies the challenge we face in treating this condition. In this issue of EyeWorld we explore the multitude of devices, procedures, and methods that are being developed to address the restoration of near vi- sion. The variety of approaches suggests that we still don't have a clear path. There are single optic IOLs that are designed to move, dual optic spring- loaded IOLs, deformable membrane models, and even an electrically acti- vated implant, all at various stages of development. Perhaps an IOL is not the answer. A corneal intrastromal implant is under investigation that simu- lates a pinhole effect to increase depth of field. Corneal reshaping, scleral bands, and even a laser treatment to soften the nuclear lens are being consid- ered. No doubt some of these ideas and devices will offer relief and others will fall by the wayside. There is no clear winner at this point but the race is on. We can only wonder if any of the options we are considering today will still be recognizable two centuries from now. Franklin described in a letter dated August 21, 1784, to his friend George Whatley: "I cannot distinguish a letter even of large print; but am happy in the invention of double spectacles, which serving for distant objects as well as near ones, make my eyes as useful to me as ever they were. If all the other defects and infirmities were as easily and cheaply remedied, it would be worth while for friends to live a good deal longer." Franklin's words still ring true. It is indeed worthwhile to live longer, and we will continue to search for new ways to help us maintain the vision of our youth. Reference Levene, John R., Clinical Refraction and Visual Science, Chapter 6 Butterworth's, 1977. John Vukich, M.D. international editor Publisher Donald R. Long dlong@eyeworld.org Editorial Editor Stephanie Graham stephanie@eyeworld.org Assistant Editor Stacy Majewicz smajewicz@eyeworld.org EyeWorld Staff Writers Faith Hayden faith@eyeworld.org Jena Passut jena@eyeworld.org Production Graphic Designer Julio Guerrero jguerrero@eyeworld.org Production Manager Cathy Stern cstern@eyeworld.org 703-383-5702 Production Assistant Karen Salerni ksalerni@eyeworld.org Contributing Editors Vanessa Caceres Lakeland, Florida Michelle Dalton Reading, Pennsylvania Rich Daly Arlington, Virginia Enette Ngoei Singapore Matt Young Malaysia Senior Contributing Editor Maxine Lipner Nyack, New York Advertising Sales ASCRSMedia 4000 Legato Road Suite 700 Fairfax, VA 22033 703-591-2220 fax: 703-591-0614 eyeworld@eyeworld.org www.eyeworld.org Advertising Sales Managers Jeff Brownstein jbrownstein@eyeworld.org 703-788-5745 Paul Zelin pzelin@eyeworld.org 703-383-5729 Classified Sales Cathy Stern cstern@eyeworld.org 703-383-5702 EyeWorld Special Projects and Events Jessica Donohoe jdonohoe@eyeworld.org 703-591-2220 ASCRS Publisher: EYEWORLD (ISSN 1089-0084) is published monthly by ASCRS Ophthalmic Services Corp., 4000 Legato Road, Suite 700, Fairfax, VA 22033-4003; telephone: 703-591-2220; fax: 703-591-0614. Printed in the U.S. Editorial Offices: EYEWORLDNews Service, 4000 Legato Road, Suite 700, Fairfax, VA 22033-4003; toll-free: 800-451-1339, 703-591-2220; fax: 703-591-0614; email: eyeworld@eyeworld.org. Advertising Offices: ASCRSMedia, 4000 Legato Road, Suite 700, Fairfax, VA 22033-4003; toll-free: 800-451-1339, 703-591-2220; fax: 703-591-0614; email: eyeworld@eyeworld.org. Copyright 2011, ASCRS Ophthalmic Services Corp., 4000 Legato Road, Suite 700, Fairfax, VA 22033-4003. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Letters to the editor and other unsolicited material are assumed intended for publication and are subject to editorial review and acceptance. Subscriptions: Requests should be addressed to the publisher. Annual subscription prices: Individual: 1 year, $120; 2 years, $220; 3 years, $320. Institutional: 1 year, $250; 2 years, $330; 3 years, $425. Foreign: 1 year, $240, 2 years $470, 3 years, $700. 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POSTMASTER: Send change of address to EYEWORLD, 4000 Legato Road, Suite 700, Fairfax, VA 22033. Periodical postage paid at Fairfax, VA 22033 and at additional mailing offices. The ideas and opinions expressed in EYEWORLDdo not necessarily reflect those of the editors, publisher, or its advertisers. P U B L I S H I N G   S T A F F June 2011 Volume 16 • No. 6 A S C R S The official publication of the American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery My double spectacles

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