After a long day in the clinic, I’ve always enjoyed reading my monthly copy of OM. Each issue is always packed with real-world, practical information on ophthalmology and running a practice. So, when I was invited to be the guest editor for this month, it felt like the proverbial “feather in my cap.”

This year marks 10 years since I graduated residency, and while many physicians would likely say that I’m just beginning, reflecting on the changes in ophthalmic technology (and in other aspects of life no less) during the past 10 years is impressive. In fact, every device or advancement mentioned in this IOL and Surgical Instrumentation issue has been developed or become mainstream since I completed training! Our rapid advances in technology allow us to better care for our patients but also require us to stay at the forefront of our field.

IN THIS ISSUE

More options in IOL technology mean more decision-making for the surgeon as to which IOL is best suited for the patient. And while it is wonderful to be able to help our patients customize their vision to their desires, it also places a burden on us to understand the limitations of each technology. Dr. Alanna Nattis helps guide us through the many new IOL options and which are ideal for certain patient types.

Femtosecond laser technology has been present for many years in cataract surgery; luckily, the technology continues to evolve. Contributing editor Conni Bergmann Koury takes a look at the major platforms’ available to us and their latest updates and advances.

A major focus in surgery lately has been on how to not only improve outcomes but also efficiencies. While our IOL technologies have advanced during the last 10 years, so has our ability to deliver them, literally. Preloaded IOL injectors have made rapid advances in ease of use and have reduced the burden on our surgical staff. Contributing editor Louis Pilla helps us review the most recent preloaded IOLs.

Dr. Cristos Ifantides shares with us his experience and expertise on the newest way to create an automated capsulotomy: the Zepto Precision Cataract Surgery System (Centricity Vision). The Zepto device helps provide strong capsulotomies with a small OR footprint.

Speaking of ORs and smaller footprints, one of the newest advancements in cataract surgery is the ability to perform cataract surgery in an office-based setting. Dr. Michelle Rhee shares her experiences and insights on this next transition in our field and offers practical advice on how to bring this to your own setting.

Lastly, Dr. Deepinder Dhaliwal covers a topic that is important to all ophthalmologists and surgeons: ergonomics and posture. Many of us have suffered from occupational injuries related to our physically demanding careers. Focusing on how to prevent work-related injuries is of critical importance to our longevity in our fields, and I hope we can learn even more in the future.

EXCITING TIMES AHEAD

I am amazed at the progress our field has made, both in technology and in patient care. My father-in law, Henry Trattler MD, is also an ophthalmologist, and he often shares stories of cataract surgery being done in the hospital as an inpatient procedure and how the concept of using a microscope was revolutionary. Hearing his experiences and seeing where we are now, I look forward to even more exciting times ahead. OM

Jennifer Loh, MD, is founder and medical director of Loh Ophthalmology Associates, located in Miami, and serves on the board for Eye Physicians of Florida. Dr. Loh is also a clinical faculty member for the newly accredited ACGME Larkin Hospital Ophthalmology Residency program.

Disclosures: Dr. Loh revealed relationships with Johnson & Johnson Vision, NovaBay and Sight Sciences.