Our cataract issue demonstrates how practitioners and industry continue to push our field forward during challenging times.

One of the most remarkable things I have noticed over the course of the last year is the resiliency of the human spirit in overcoming obstacles. When local businesses were hampered or shutdown due to quarantine rules, they found ways to continue to function within the parameters set. When face-to-face meetings were frowned upon, people made “Zoom meetings” an everyday occurrence. When schools were closed, teachers still found ways to connect and educate their students. In the field of medicine, telemedicine visits flourished.

This issue celebrates that spirit of “the show must go on.”

IN THIS ISSUE

Dr. Gregg Berdy gives an excellent course in the decision-making process for practitioners wanting to add new technology to their office in his article “When to purchase new technology.” This process is especially important given the tough financial times some practices are facing after 2020 (page 14).

Dr. Han Yin and Dr. Keith Walter give a great review of postoperative cystoid macular edema (CME) in “The impact of post-cataract CME.” Reminding surgeons and comanaging doctors of the rates and risk factors of CME is an important exercise that should be done frequently (page 18).

Dr. Quentin Allen provides his insights on his preoperative criteria for lens choice in “Patient selection for new IOL offerings” (page 30). Conversely, “Postoperative care for modern cataract surgery” is a great discussion by Dr. Bret Fisher on managing post-surgical patients (page 24).

“Adjusting to the Light Adjustable Lens” by Dr. O. Bennett Walton is an excellent introduction to this exciting new technology. The ability to adjust lens power after the patient has healed, will allow the surgeon to hit refractive targets and increase patient satisfaction (page 36).

In “Boost your patient education efforts,” Dr. Carlton Yuen explains how using video can further deepen a patient’s understanding of what can seem like a very complicated process (page 42).

Finally, Dr. Timothy McGarity does a great review of current MIGS offerings from a cataract surgeon’s perspective (page 45).

FLOURISH IN 2021

The authors and their discussions in this issue give us a look at exciting things coming to the field of cataract surgery. Even in challenging times, our field continues to push forward, and that is good for patients and practitioners. Discovering, utilizing and adapting to new technologies can improve your patient outcomes and help your practice flourish in the new year. OM

Michael P. Jones, MD, specializes in cataract and refractive surgery at Quantum Vision Centers with multiple locations in the St. Louis, Mo., metro area. He is also the co-creator of LaserArcs.com . Email him at mjones@quantumvisioncenters.com.

Disclosures: Dr. Jones revealed a relationship with Alcon.