Welcome to Issue No. 3 of Cataract & Refractive Surgery Today Europe! The response we have received to date has been really tremendous and we encourage you to share your thoughts and comments with Letters to the Editor. For those colleagues who have enquired about getting on the mailing list, it is quite simple — please send an e-mail to Managing Editor Laura Suarez at lsuarez@bmctoday.com with your complete contact details — and we shall take care of the rest!

In this issue, the emphasis is on evolving lens technologies for both cataract and phakic surgeries, along with a look at some of the complementary techniques for implantation of these new devices. There is little doubt that we are in an exciting period of development in lens technology; soon we are really going to be spoilt due to the increasing choices. As always there are those who advocate one procedure or device over another.

Another segment of surgeons dislike change, and to quote David Molian, "hate to leave their comfort zone." For example, microincisional phacoemulsification using bimanual techniques adds a level of sophistication. But many wonder to what advantage? Another question to ponder — What must come first, the surgical technique or devices suitable to take advantage of the technique? A bit like the question of the chicken and the egg, I think.

Today, phacoemulsification is at a level of complexity that is taken for granted by so many of us. Just take a moment to consider how primitive it was in its earlier stages. At that time, who would have thought we would be at the stage we are at now with phenomenal fluidics and independent control of so many variables? Consider also that if it weren't for phacoemulsification and the move to smaller cataract incisions, we would most likely still be implanting PMMA IOLs through a 7-mm incision. I think it's also safe to say that refractive surgery has helped push cataract surgery toward a procedure that leaves patients emmetropic, fueling the growth we're seeing in new-technology IOLs.

We must acknowledge the arduous process of procedural and product improvement that is necessary, as well as admiring the ones who stick their necks out and push all of us in a new direction. We should also recognize the ophthalmic industry, although in pursuit of its own goals, is to be thanked for providing us with many of the tools, both therapeutic and investigative, that assist us in our goal of striving for perfection. Ultimately, it is the scientific method conducted with integrity that must be utilised to judge which option might be better.

Finally, talking about goals, many of us — especially at this time — are passionate about those goals created by spherical objects propelled between two posts! The World Cup is about to commence and will no doubt be in full progress when you receive this issue. Okay, so this issue might be read a little later — we fully understand …

Enjoy the World Cup and this third issue of CRSToday Europe!