Demand for corrective surgery for astigmatism cleared for takeoff

Article

As the number of premium IOLs grows, along with the demand for cataract surgeries and the population of patients in their mid-50s and 60s, optometrists are poised to take an essential role in preparing patients and performing preoperative testing.

As the number of premium IOLs grows, along with the demand for cataract surgeries and the population of patients in their mid-50s and 60s, optometrists are poised to take an essential role in preparing patients and performing preoperative testing, according to Douglas K. Devries, OD.

IOLs and LRIs used in tandem

Premium IOLs, including toric lenses, make up 10% to 15% of the market, but that number will grow, according to Dr. Devries. As it does, optometrists will increasingly be the key source of information about these IOLs, he said. Currently, two types of toric lenses are on the market: the STAAR Surgical toric and the Alcon AcrySof IQ toric. The STAAR toric comes in 2.00 D and 3.50 D. Alcon's lens has a greater range of power, 1.50 D to 6.00 D.

The pre-op work-up

The preoperative care before astigmatism correction with an LRI or IOL begins with a comprehensive exam, including accurate refraction, manual keratotomy, corneal evaluation (look for presence of guttata, deficient tear syndrome, or blepharitis or meibomian gland disease), and dilated fundus exam.

Pachymetry is also an essential part of the evaluation. It helps ensure that a correction can be made with the excimer laser if the initial procedure doesn't produce the desired outcome, Dr. Devries said. Corneal topography is especially useful on a patient who has an ectatic disorder which, if not identified before surgery, could affect the outcome.

The work-up for a toric IOL should also include a manifest refraction or a history of refraction, including both the amount and axis of cylinder. Also look for pseudoexfoliation; these patients may not be ideal candidates for a toric IOL. Finally, discuss the method of surgery with the patient as well as his or her expectations.

"Patients need to know, at this point, that it's not a perfected science, but in the vast majority of cases, they will get a better visual outcome," Dr. Devries said.

Recent Videos
In 2 weeks, the study participant's dry eye symptoms improved from 76 to 43 on a 0-100 rating scale, according to Marc-Matthias Schulze, PhD, Dipl Ing.
Eye care practitioners reported moderate to high satisfaction with lifitegrast's ability to improve signs of dry eye, according to Melissa Barnett, OD, FAAO, FSLS.
Neda Gioia, OD, CNS, FOWNS, details the positive feedback gained so far from other optometrists that have been prescribing the NutriTears supplement to their dry eye patients.
Damaris Raymondi, OD, FAAO, highlighted the importance of building patient-doctor trust to learn about these practices, which can include non-traditional treatments like chamomile or manuka honey eye drops.
Noreen Shaikh, OD, Magdalena Stec, OD, FAAO, and Brenda Bohnsack, MD, PhD, emphasize that collaboration and communication are key to proper diagnosis and treatment.
Cecilia Koetting, OD, FAAO, DipABO, cited data from a recent student that found that presbyopia treatment with 0.4% pilocarpine led to up to 86% of patients achieving 20/40 or better.
Kerry Giedd, OD, MS, FAAO, was 1 of 20 investigators around the country for a study evaluating the daily disposable contact lens.
According to A. Paul Chous, MA, OD, FAAO, optometrists have an important opportunity to educate patients in their chairs about diabetes.
David Geffen, OD, FAAO, gave a poster presentation titled "Revolutionizing Comfort: Unveiling the Potential of Perfluorohexyloctane Eyedrops for Contact Lens Wearers" at this year's Academy meeting.
Jessica Steen, OD, FAAO, Dipl-ABO, discussed ophthalmic considerations for patients undergoing treatment with antibody drug conjugates for gynecologic cancers at this year's conference.
© 2024 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.