During the past few months, Eyetube.net has received several strong additions to its cataract and refractive IOL channels. Here's what's new.
ADDRESSING WORLD BLINDNESS
The Web site's large selection of videos demonstrates techniques for obtaining optimal results with modern cataract surgery. A current favorite with viewers, however, was submitted by David F. Chang, MD, and Rengaraj Venkatesh, MD. In "The Greatest Challenge in Cataract Surgery Needed: a 5-Minute, $15 Cure for Blindness," Dr. Venkatesh demonstrates small-incision extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) (Figure 1) (www.eyetube.net/videos/default.asp?fesozo).
This technique was invented to treat large numbers of patients in developing countries. Such operations are important, because cataracts remain one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide.
AND THE WINNER IS…
Eyetube.net recently announced the winners of the first annual OPMI Lumera Film Festival (sponsored by Carl Zeiss Meditec Inc., Dublin, CA). Chris Kurz, MD; Mark Mifflin, MD; and Majid Moshirfar MD, took first place in the most artistic video category for their entry showing the extraction of a parasitic worm from a patient's eye (Figure 2) (www.eyetube.net/videos/default.asp?hoopih).
"A Safe and Effective Technique to Tackle Lens-Induced Glaucoma in the Developing World" by Srinivasan Kavitha, MD, and Rengaraj Venkatesh, MD, won the prize for best complex case (Figure 3) (www.eyetube.net/videos/default.asp?gunuse). Like Dr. Venkatesh's joint submission with Dr. Chang (mentioned earlier), this video is an excellent example of how ophthalmologists are using limited resources to manage complicated surgical situations in developing countries.
I-Jong Wang, MD, placed first in the top resident category with his submission, "Surgical Treatment of Epithelial Ingrowth" (Figure 4) (www.eyetube.net/videos/default.asp?nimuso). In this video, Dr. Wang demonstrates surgical techniques for treating this relatively rare but serious complication of LASIK. Epithelial ingrowth can be especially distressing to patients whose refractive surgery was uncomplicated.
Dr. Chang received top honors in the innovative technology adaptation category for his video "Lumera Illumination Technique for Complicated Cases" (Figure 5) (www.eyetube.net/videos/default.asp?giwefi). As with all of Dr. Chang's submissions, this video provides wonderful pearls for experienced cataract surgeons.
To view the videos submitted to the OPMI Lumera Film Festival, visit www.eyetube.net/filmfestival/resident.asp.
TOP VIDEOS
Robert Osher, MD, has submitted another excellent surgical video to Eyetube.net's cataract channel. "Complete IFIS Case With Iris Prolapse" presents detailed tips for handling complicated cases of intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (Figure 6) (www.eyetube.net/videos/default.asp?lonenu). Dr. Osher's pearls will certainly appeal to any cataract surgeon who encounters this challenging intraoperative complication.
In "Refractive Surgery Complication Reversal," Arun C. Gulani, MD, used piggybacked IOLs to correct a refractive surprise that was further complicated by an unsuccessful enhancement with an excimer laser (Figure 7) (www.eyetube.net/videos/default.asp?lepufu).
Both refractive and retinal surgeons may be interested in a video submitted by Kirk H. Packo, MD. "Refractive Surgery Pitfalls During Retinal Surgery" shows what happens when the surgeon attempts to remove hazy epithelium from an eye that previously underwent LASIK (Figure 8) (www.eyetube.net/videos/default.asp?gibopi).
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
When you visit Eyetube.net, be sure to share your comments on your favorite videos in the online forum. Even better, share your surgical tips by uploading your own videos to the Web site. Until next time, save me a seat at the microscope!
William B. Trattler, MD, is the director of cornea at the Center for Excellence in Eye Care in Miami, and he is the medical editor for Eyetube.net. He acknowledged no financial interest in the products or companies mentioned herein. Dr. Trattler may be reached at (305) 598-2020; wtrattler@earthlink.net.
