Eyeworld Daily News

ASCRS NEWS ASCRS ASOA ANNUAL MEETING by Lauren Lipuma EyeWorld Contributing Writer were comparable in many respects, but the nanolaser method resulted in less endothelial cell loss com- pared to phaco and deposited 10 times less energy into the eye. Dr. Sauder concluded that the nanolaser has several advantages over phaco in that it offers mini- mal intraocular trauma, low energy released into the eye, fast visual rehabilitation, and the greatest possible endothelial protection. In addition, it is the only cataract procedure that is completely done with single-use instruments. Patients whose procedures are typically delayed due to a low corneal endothelial cell count now have another option, Dr. Sauder said. Photofragmentation may be a more feasible option for clear lens extraction, he concluded. Editors' note: Drs. Dhami and Sauder have no financial interests related to their comments. P hysicians yesterday pre- sented the latest research on new cataract surgery techniques, including a new tool for managing white, mature, or intu- mescent cataracts and a lower-energy alternative to ultra- sound phacoemulsification. Abhinav Dhami, MD, Ludhiana, India, discussed the results of his study using anterior segment OCT for preventing the Argentinian flag sign in white cat- aracts. Subcapsular fluid present in white cataracts can cause forward and backward arching that exerts a strong tension of the capsule, which can lead to tearing during the capsulorhexis. But it's often difficult to determine which white cataracts have fluid and which do not, Dr. Dhami said. One way to find fluid in the capsule is to use anterior segment OCT. Dr. Dhami uses the OCT instrument to perform a wide-to- wide angle scan of the anterior chamber at a depth of 2.9 mm. If the OCT shows pockets of fluid, his technique is to insert a 30-gauge needle directly through the limbus, perforate the central anterior capsule, and aspirate the fluid from the mid-equator region before performing the capsulor- hexis. If no fluid is present on the OCT scan, Dr. Dhami performs the capsulorhexis as he normally would. Dr. Dhami's study compared outcomes of surgeries performed with his technique and without looking at OCT scans. When sur- geons were able to identify fluid pockets on the OCT beforehand, the rate of complications went down from 87% to 65%. He con- cluded that this technique allows surgeons to better identify and manage subcapsular fluid, which reduces the risk of capsular tears. Gangolf Sauder, MD, Stuttgart, Germany, discussed the latest developments in nanolaser photofragmentation cataract sur- gery, an alternative to traditional ultrasound phaco. The Cetus nanosecond laser (A.R.C. Laser), is a nanosecond- pulsed Nd:YAG laser that can emulsify the lens using much less energy than phaco. Within the handpiece, the laser strikes an angled titanium plate, where it creates a photofragmenting micro- plasma. The latest developments in the laser handpiece have led to an increase in effectiveness, better anterior chamber stability, and better holdability, he said. Dr. Sauder discussed the re- sults of a retrospective study com- paring surgeries where the lens was fragmented with the nanolaser to those fragmented with tradi- tional phaco. The two methods A new tool for white cataracts and an alternative to phaco Complimentary shuttle service will be provided between the San Diego Convention Center and official ASCRS ASOA hotels. Look for your route number, located in the top right of the bus windshield. Check the sign in your hotel lobby for additional information. For shuttle information or to pre-schedule ADA pick-up: Call 877-875-2455. Shuttle managed by ETS. Please use the ETS NextShuttle link to track your next hotel shuttle pick-up. 2019 of f icial hotel shut tle routes Route Hotel Pickup Location 1 – Red •Westin Gaslamp •Bristol Hotel •The Westgate Hotel •Four Points Sheraton •Hotel Republic •Westin San Diego Travel time to Convention Center: 20 minutes Curbside First Ave. at driveway Curbside Lobby at Bristol Hotel, Curbside Lobby On 2nd at Cedar St. On Columbia at B St. Columbia Street Enterance 2 – Yellow •Hotel Indigo •Andaz Hyatt •Moxy Gaslamp •Hotel Palomar •Courtyard Downtown •US Grant Hotel •Horton Grand Travel time to Convention Center: 18 minutes Curbside Lobby Curbside Lobby at Andaz Curbside Lobby at Hotel Palomar 4th Street Enterance Across Market at 3rd St. 3 – Blue •Embassy Suites •Wyndham SD Bayside •Springhill Suites Bayfront •Residence Inn Bayfront •Intercontinental San Diego Travel Time to Convention Center: 17 minutes Curbside Pacific Curbside Lobby Curbside Pacific at Bayfront Court Curbside Pacific at Bayfront Court Curbside Pacific at Bayfront Court Hotels within walking distance from Convention Center: •Marriott Marquis •Omni •Marriott Gaslamp •Hilton Bayfront •Hard Rock •Hilton Gaslamp •Manchester Grand Hyatt •Hotel Solamar 10 | EYEWORLD DAILY NEWS | MAY 6, 2019

• Cover