Eyeworld

EW INTERNATIONAL 104 March 2016 expecting more from their cataract surgeries, "compared to the Western world, there is still a large popula- tion who are not aware of the vari- ous IOL options or feel they do not qualify for spectacle independence," he said. "Depending on the culture of the place, patients tend to accept ametropia after cataract surgery without complaining," continued Chile, and Samaresh Srivastava, MD, India, all mentioned how general education and affordability of premium IOLs are also factors in multifocal lens selection. "I think that one of the import- ant factors, if not the most import- ant, is the level of education of the population," said Dr. Espiritu, who implants multifocal IOLs in 60 to 80 of his cataract surgeries annu- ally. "With this goes access to and increased use of technology, such as computers, mobile phones, and other handheld gadgets. Couple this with fingertip access (Internet and web) to information regarding one's options for visual rehabilitation, and the patient inquiries and requests for multifocal vision would be high." Dr. Srivastava said that while people in larger Indian cities are Dr. Srivastava, who implants multi- focal IOLs in 10 to 15% of cataract surgery patients. "Further, education and general awareness about newer technologies and outcomes with these IOLs are often a limiting factor in the choice of multifocal IOLs." Dr. Srur said that access to a specialist with expertise in the field is a determining factor for a success- ful surgery. "Unfortunately, these condi- tions do not always occur in Latin America, leading to an inadequate indication of a multifocal IOL and to the patient's dissatisfaction," he said, adding that "informed consent is essential for patients, but unfortu- nately it's not always offered." While culture can affect IOL choice, some of these physicians said it might also influence new multifocal IOL design. "In an ideal world, a single mul- tifocal IOL that works for everything would be fantastic, but that is unre- alistic due to the limitations of IOL designs," Dr. Yeoh said. "Already, we have a range of multifocal IOLs that cater to almost every lifestyle need. It's up to surgeons to take the time to assess each patient, be familiar with the pros and cons of each lens design, and make his choice for the patient. "The challenge down the line is to provide a full range of vision from far to intermediate to near without compromise so that we don't have to make these decisions," he said. Dr. Srivastava said he envisions the future of multifocality will tend toward advanced accommodating lenses without loss of light for any focus. "Intraocular lenses that can mimic the natural accommodating human lens will hopefully replace the pseudoaccomodating type of multifocal lenses available today," he said. EW Editors' note: Dr. Yeoh and Dr. Srur have financial interests with Alcon and Abbott Medical Optics (Abbott Park, Ill.). Dr. Chang, Dr. Espiritu, and Dr. Srivastava have no financial interests related to their comments. Contact information Chang: johnchang@hksh.com Espiritu: espiritueyemd@mac.com Srivastava: samaresh@raghudeepeyeclinic.com Srur: msrura@gmail.com Yeoh: ersryeoh@gmail.com Free Floor Plan and Patient Flow Reviews at ASCRS Booth 2111 Bring your plan by for Solutions to your flow / space problems. ASOA Course Saturday, May 7, 3:30 Keys to Designing the Efficient and Effective Ophthalmic Facility "We have made at least $5 for every dollar we spent on Practice Flow Solutions. Working with Practice Flow Solutions saved me from a really bad plan from the general architect. Your pre-design Assessment was very detailed and pointed out all the flow issues with the plan I had. Invaluable." Dr. Edward Meier Apex Eye Cincinnati, OH www.PracticeFlowSolutions.com F L O W A S S E S S M E N T S S P A C E A S S E S S M E N T S O F F I C E D E S I G N + ONSITE EFFICIENCY STUDIES + IDENTIF Y THE PROPER AMOUNT OF SPACE + MA XIMIZE YOUR WORKFLOW TIME WITHOUT A PATIENT TO SEE? PLANNING NEW PRACTICE SPACE? Cultural continued from page 102

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