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Inside Eyetube.net | Jun 2011

Main Attractions on Eyetube.net

This month’s installment of Inside Eyetube.net showcases brand-new features and techniques that come to the ophthalmic world accompanied by high expectations and even higher challenges. The opportunities will allow ophthalmologists to perform safer and more effective surgeries in the years to come: to predict corneal ectasia before a refractive procedure by analyzing corneal biomechanics, to reduce the risks involved in cataract surgery by means of laser devices, and to surgically lower intraocular pressure (IOP) with minimally invasive procedures.

PREDICTING BEHAVIOR WITH BIOMECHANICS

Renato Ambrósio Jr, MD, presents preliminary clinical data demonstrating that the deformation responses of normal and ectactic corneas are different. Imagery obtained with dynamic ultrahigh-speed Scheimpflug noncontact tonometry is displayed on a split screen to illustrate the differences in deformation threshold degree. The ability to use this new instrument and others that are currently available, such as the Ocular Response Analyzer (Reichert, Inc., Depew, New York), will help ophthalmologists to analyze and quantify corneal biomechanical properties and identify which corneas will be at risk for ectasia after a refractive procedure. All of this can be done before any geometrical sign of ectasia is detected (http://eyetube.net/?v=rugeg; Figure 1).

SAFETY BEYOND PRECISION

A series of videos is dedicated to applications for laser cataract procedures using the LenSx laser system (Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas). The system facilitates the placement of a multifocal IOL through a perfectly round capsulorrhexis. Stephen G. Slade, MD, presents a case pairing the AcrySof IQ Restor IOL +3.0 D (Alcon Laboratories, Inc.) with the LenSx laser. After the eye is docked to the LenSx laser system, Dr. Slade plans the capsulotomy, lens fragmentation, arcuate incisions, and the primary and secondary incisions. The laser performs these steps prior to the patient’s relocation to the operating room. In the operating room, the IOL and cortical material are removed with the Infiniti Vision System’s Ozil IP (Alcon Laboratories, Inc.), and the AcrySof IOL is inserted (http://eyetube.net/?v=lensxalcon).

Even with the best surgical technique, it is possible for the center of the pupil and the multifocal optic to be misaligned, which can produce visual distortion. Allon Barsam, MD, and Eric Donnenfeld, MD, present data on the use of argon laser iridoplasty to improve visual function after the implantation of a multifocal IOL. They apply argon laser energy to the midperiphery of the iris to move the pupil centrally and improve far and near BCVA (http://eyetube.net/?v=womed; Figure 2).

MINIMALLY INVASIVE GLAUCOMA SURGERY

Iqbal Ike Ahmed, MD, demonstrates the implantation of an Ex-Press Glaucoma Filtration Device (Alcon Laboratories, Inc.) in an 82-year-old woman with advanced glaucoma. Dr. Ahmed creates a scleral flap large enough to cover the device’s external plate. He makes the sclerotomy with a 25- gauge vitreoretinal trocar at the anterior scleral spur. It is important to note that the entry plane is parallel to the iris. Dr. Ahmed uses slipknot flap closure for added IOP control (http://eyetube.net/?v=expressalcon).

Gabor Scharioth, MD, performs a routine canaloplasty and creates a paracentesis to reduce IOP. He inserts a flexible microcatheter around the entirety of Schlemm canal. The illuminated tip indicates the catheter’s position. Currently, there are two catheters for use in the Schlemm canal available— the iTrack (iScience Interventional, Menlo Park, California) and GlaucoLight (Dutch Ophthalmic USA, Exeter, New Hampshire). Ultimately, the surgeon removes the catheter and leaves a suture through the canal. Dr. Scharioth also demonstrates the insertion of the iStent (Glaukos Corp., Laguna Hills, California). This trabecular micro-bypass system was developed to address the limitations of current medical and surgical therapies for glaucoma treatment (http://eyetube. net/?v=besee).

CONCLUSION

Each procedure and instrument mentioned in this column may reduce complications and side effects related to refractive, cataract, or glaucoma surgery. As always, accurate surgical planning and a precise approach will improve patient safety and satisfaction.

Section Editor Elena Albé, MD, is a consultant in the Department of Ophthalmology, Cornea Service, Istituto Clinico Humanitas Ophthalmology Clinic, Milan, Italy. Dr. Albé states that she has no financial interest in the products or companies mentioned. She may be reached at tel: +39 0331 441721; e-mail: elena.albe@gmail.com.

Section Editor Richard M. Awdeh, MD, is the Director of Technology Transfer and Innovation and an Assistant Professor of Ophthalmology at the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Miami. Dr. Awdeh states that he is a consultant to, speaker for, and receives grant support from Alcon Laboratories, Inc. He may be reached at tel: +1 305 326 6000; e-mail: rawdeh@med.miami.edu.

Section Editor William B. Trattler, MD, is the Director of Cornea at the Center for Excellence in Eye Care, Miami, and the Chief Medical Editor of Eyetube.net. He states that he has no financial interest in the products or companies mentioned herein. Dr. Trattler may be reached at tel: +1 305 598 2020; e-mail: wtrattler@earthlink.net.

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