One of the missions of Eyetube.net is to collect a variety of educational content that can truly make a difference in the way surgeons practice ophthalmology. A survey of this month’s new and exciting offerings reveals that the mission continues on track.
LESSONS IN CATARACT SURGERY
Cataract surgeons should appreciate a thought-provoking video submitted by Robert H. Osher, MD, who discussed many of the advances that have occurred in cataract surgery techniques over the course of his career. In this video, he explains how some of the techniques that surgeons routinely perform were once considered controversial (Figure 1) (http://eyetube.net/v.asp?nageen).
LESSONS IN REFRACTIVE SURGERY
A new channel has been launched on Eyetube.net called the Refractive Experts Portal. It includes presentations from the Refractive Forum symposia at the 2009 AAO Annual Meeting and video content focused on refractive laser surgery. This channel is a great place for refractive surgeons at all levels of their careers to watch cutting-edge techniques along with lively lectures and debates (http://eyetube.net/refractiveexperts/video.asp?v=pepemi).
LESSONS IN CORNEAL SURGERY
An exciting new procedure is Descemet’s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK). One of its biggest challenges seems to be the development of an atraumatic method of inserting the donor button. Eyetube.net has a number of DSAEK videos, and a recent submission from Donald Tan, MD, is worthy of attention. Dr. Tan shares his DSAEK technique using the Tan EndoGlide (Network Medical Products Ltd., North Yorkshire, United Kingdom) to insert the button. The video showcases Dr. Tan’s entire surgical technique, which is useful for all levels of DSAEK surgeons (Figure 2) (http://eyetube.net/v.asp?lenone).
LESSONS IN PTERYGIUM SURGERY
Another module worth examining focuses on improving outcomes in pterygium surgeries. The goal of this procedure is to safely remove the pterygium and achieve a nice cosmetic result and a low rate of recurrence. John Hovanesian, MD, presents a comprehensive description of various surgical techniques, including the use of amniotic grafts and mitomycin C. Overall, his video provides a number of insights into pterygium surgery’s success (Figure 3) (http://eyetube.net/v.asp?dudure).
CONCLUSION
Eyetube.net provides a wide spectrum of educational videos that can help surgeons learn new techniques and allow experienced ophthalmologists to learn new nuances and steps that may enhance their patients’ outcomes.
Section editor William B. Trattler, MD, is the director of cornea at the Center for Excellence in Eye Care in Miami and the chief medical editor of Eyetube.net. Dr. Trattler may be reached at (305) 598-2020; wtrattler@earthlink.net.
