EyeWorld is the official news magazine of the American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery.
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March 2012 Refractive February 2011 EW FEATURE 87 tremely careful not to suggest that femtosecond cataract surgery is any safer than the conventional way. That has yet to be born out in any kind of literature or study, and he and colleagues want to avoid being the kind of practice that plays on pa- tients' fears of blades or scalpels in order to drive their adoption of this technology, he said. "We simply explain the benefits in precision, especially for astigma- tism correction, and other critical steps of the procedure over conven- tional methods," he said. Dr. Desai tells patients that they have three basic decisions to make: when to do the surgery, how they want it done (either the conventional way or with the laser), and what range of vision they're looking for. "We're careful to describe things in terms of the investment they're making in the quality and range of vision by utilizing all available technologies, like the femto laser, intra-operative aberrometer, and advanced IOLs, in order to most accurately correct astigmatism and provide the greatest level of specta- cle independence. Most patients intuitively understand this and instinctively choose this option if it fits their expectations and desires for post-operative results." The conversion rate at his prac- tice is at about 30%, he said. Like Dr. Desai, Jerry Hu, M.D., in private practice, Fort Worth, Texas, also talks to patients about the two cataract surgery methods. He tells patients that in the traditional technique, the surgeon, who is well trained in the procedure, is going to be using handheld scalpels and it's proven to be a safe procedure. He also tells patients that in laser cataract surgery, the same laser that has been used for LASIK has been adapted to cataract surgery to treat astigmatism. He uses a com- puter to take real-time measure- ments of the eye and customizes a surgical treatment plan on the com- puter. When the plan is completed, a laser carries out the most critical parts of the surgery that will involve cutting in about 1 minute or less. He also adds that the laser can perform portions of the cataract procedure. Dr. Hu, whose conversion rate is about 40%, said he groups the LenSx technology with lifestyle implants in his patient offerings. Whether you're just beginning or experienced in cataract and refractive surgery, ASCRS is the professional society that's right for every stage of your career. Mentors and Innovators As an experienced anterior segment ophthalmologist, you've come to understand the importance of innovation and collaboration. It's through collaboration that ophthalmology improves and expands—at times in great leaps and at times through subtle change. Through its many educational and networking services, ASCRS provides an effective forum for the debate of new ideas and the incremental improvement of technique and outcomes. ASCRS offers the means and the unrestricted opportunity to advance the profession and yourself. Join ASCRS today! The Society for Surgeons AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CATARACT AND REFRACTIVE SURGERY 4000 Legato Road, Suite 700, Fairfax, VA 22033 • 703-591-2220 • www.ASCRS.org Femtosecond abroad It is important to note that the guidelines for use and billing of the femtosecond laser in place in other countries may differ from U.S. guidelines. In Germany, Michael Knorz, M.D., professor of ophthal- mology, Heidelberg University, Man- heim, said he offers laser refractive lens surgery as his standard because he feels it's better than manual pha- coemulsification. "Of course I will explain to every patient that there is another choice, namely manual phacoemul- sification, and I will give my reasons why I believe laser refractive lens continued on page 89 An ASCRS Membership For every stage of your career