Our algorithm for the surgical and medical management of corneal and anterior segment diseases evolves frequently: What we do now is not what we did 5 years ago, and it will not be what we do 5 years from now. While this exciting growth is what drew many of us to ophthalmology, keeping up with the newest developments can become overwhelming.
This months’ edition of Corneal Physician focuses on these new developments to make this information manageable. Start with this month’s cover story, written by Albert Y. Cheung, MD, on p.13.
Adding New Technology
As innovation steams ahead and we are privileged to have more tools and techniques to offer our patients, community and networking with peers and industry become vital for progress. In his article “Incorporating New Techniques and Technologies” (p. 24), Mitchell P. Weikert, MD, discusses patterns of adoption and ways to incorporate our ever-growing armamentarium of tools and tricks in our practices successfully.
Tools for Ocular Graft-Versus-Host Disease
Hazem M. Mousa, MD, and Victor C. Perez, MD, outline key points for the diagnosis and treatment of ocular graft-versus-host disease in “Overcoming Ocular Graft-Versus-Host Disease” (p. 26). Specifically, they describe their approach in combining established diagnostic tools, such as vital dye staining with a variety of new techniques, such as tear film osmolarity, matrix metalloproteinase inflammatory testing, and meibography. Additionally, they outline when to incorporate ocular surface treatments, such as anti-inflammatory drops and an amniotic membrane, into the treatment paradigm.
Battling Demodex Blepharitis
Also in the realm of expanding ocular surface treatments, Leela Raju, MD, describes a study that played a pivitol role in the FDA approval of lotilaner for the treatment of Demodex blepharitis in this edition of “Research Article Spotlight (p. 32).
Solving a Cataract Surgery Conundrum
Beeran Meghpara, MD, discusses treatment for patients who have irregular astigmatism prior to cataract surgery in his article, “Managing Irregular Astigmatism Before Cataract Surgery” (p. 9). Also, he reviews several considerations in IOL selection to optimize patient outcomes.
A Pinhole Implant For a Highly Irregular Cornea
Also expanding on our growing toolbox of IOLs, Michael Snyder, MD, describes in “My Corneal Save” (p. 7) an innovative use of a pinhole implant in a patient who had a highly irregular cornea following radial keratotomy.
Conquering Corneal Opacity
Dr. Sumitra S. Khandelwal, MD, offers tips for collaboration and recommendations of alternative temporary keratoprosthesis devices or intraocular viewing methods for corneal opacity patients in need of intraocular surgery in her article “Overcoming Corneal Opacity” (p. 18).
Improving Outcomes Post Endothelial Keratoplasty
Farida Esaa Hakim, MD, and Deepinder Dhaliwal, MD, L.Ac, describe changes in eye banking to battle detection of infections in “Managing Fungal Keratitis After Endothelial Keratoplasty.” Specifically, they give insightful recommendations for diagnosis and management of this rare but potentially devastating complication of corneal transplantation.
A Front-Row Seat
Thankfully, there is no sign of slowing advancements in the cornea and anterior segment world. I think this issue of Corneal Physician will be of interest to you. CP
DR. HOUSER is a corneal specialist at Duke Health. Her areas of expertise include cataract surgery, clear lens exchange, corneal disease, corneal transplant, and LASIK surgery.
