EyeWorld Asia-Pacific September 2019 Issue

EWAP SEPTEMBER 2019 3 EDITORIAL T he focus of the September issue of EyeWorld #UKC 2CEKƂE is a comprehensive discussion of technological innovations that advance outcomes in cataract and refractive surgery. The topics range from methods of cataract surgery and intraocular aberrometry to MIGS and the delivery of therapeutic agents. v Üi ÀiyiVÌ œ˜ ̅i >`Û>˜Vià of recent decades, there is no doubt that technological improvements stand out as one of the most important ways we have been able to improve outcomes after cataract and refractive surgery. Nevertheless, in recent years it appears the Li˜iwÌà >Ài “œÀi ˆ˜VÀi“i˜Ì> rather than the exponential gains that were evident in past decades. There is still a debate whether femtosecond cataract surgery œvviÀà Ài> Li˜iwÌà ˆ˜ œÕÌVœ“ià and whether intraocular aberrometry does provide better outcomes than careful planning and utilization of advanced formulae. Similarly, MIGS devices have an excellent safety «Àœwi LÕÌ >Ài >à ÞiÌ ˜œÌ >à effective as well-established drainage procedures such as trabeculectomy and tube surgery. Heads-up displays as opposed to traditional surgical microscope is tantalizing but in complex cases direct viewing through the microscope oculars is often preferred as discussed by surgeons experienced with this new technology. Personally, I don’t think one should be disheartened, as often the true impact of new technology may only become evident after some time. I’m certain many of the technological innovations `ˆÃVÕÃÃi` ܈ LiVœ“i wÀ“Þ established, although their value may only become apparent Level Up when we look back in years to come. As important as the new technology is ensuring that training and the acquisition of new skills keeps pace with the new technologies so that these can be used to the best advantage of our patients and improve outcomes. It’s certainly an exciting time to be practicing ophthalmology when there are so many new technologies being considered as evident in this issue of our news journal. I look forward to an exciting annual meeting in Kyoto this year which will provide a wonderful opportunity to discuss and explore the many technologies presented here in our September issue. EWAP Graham Barrett Chief Medical Editor EyeWorld ƂÈ>‡*>VˆwV “...there is no doubt that technological improvements stand out as one of the most important ways we have been able to improve outcomes after cataract and refractive surgery. Nevertheless, in TGEGPV [GCTU KV CRRGCTU DGPGƂVU CTG OQTG incremental rather than the exponential gains that were evident in past decades.”