EyeWorld Asia-Pacific September 2015 Issue

17 September 2015 EWAP FEATURE The future of cataract surgery by Ellen Stodola EyeWorld Staff Writer Two surgeons comment on changes in cataract surgery and what they see for the future C ataract surgery has seen many advances over the past several decades, and it continues to move forward with new technologies and techniques. Richard Hoffman, MD , clinical associate professor, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Eugene, Ore., and Susan MacDonald, MD , assistant professor, Tufts School of Medicine, and director of comprehensive ophthalmology, Lahey Clinic, Burlington, Mass., commented on the current state of Trulign Toric IOL Source: Bausch + Lomb AcrySof Toric IOL Source: Alcon Tecnis Toric IOL Source: Abbott Medical Optics STAAR Toric IOL Source: STAAR Surgical cataract surgery and what they see in the future of the field. The next big area of advancement IOL technology is a hot topic in the field, with a number of IOLs available for use in the U.S., and even more coming to market internationally. Dr. Hoffman hopes for toric multifocal IOLs to be widely available soon in the U.S., and is also hoping for a truly accommodative IOL that has no optical aberrations, which is not yet available. Similarly, Dr. MacDonald said that IOLs are a major focus, specifically the problem of dislocated IOLs. “These dislocations will continue to present,” she said. “Finding a stable solution with limited complications would be extremely helpful. I am looking forward to the FDA approval of iris- fixated AC IOLs. ” Dr. MacDonald thinks there will be amazing smart IOLs developed in the future. “We will have intraocular lenses that will have cameras, data storage, and the ability to monitor intraocular pressure and possibly deliver drugs,” she said. “I think we will be able to connect our smart IOL with our smartphones, watches, tablets, and computers.” There will also likely be opportunities to take photos and video with IOLs and to monitor IOP and retinal pathology and deliver medicine from the IOL implant, she said. Dr. Hoffman thinks that the Calhoun Vision Light Adjustable Lens (Pasadena, Calif.) is an interesting new technology, but he is unsure if it will catch on due to the labor required following implantation for the patient’s maximum benefit. “I think the autofocus technology is fascinating, but I believe it has been placed on the shelf for now and will probably never make it to market,” he said. “I believe multifocal IOL technology has major advantages over multifocal corneal procedures and will be the technology of choice for presbyopia correction for the foreseeable future.” continued on page 18