Being an ophthalmologist requires a unique vantage point. Almost simultaneously, we consistently reflect on lessons and experiences from the past, concentrate on the techniques and technologies we rely on in the present, and look ahead to the tools and treatments that will advance eye care in the future. As important as the past and present may be, it is the future that is most enticing to consider. The ability to visualize cutting-edge concepts, especially from our colleagues abroad, is one of the perks of specializing in a field as innovative as ours. The videos below demonstrate innovations in IOL design, capsular hooks, and keratoconus—a small sampling of the many ways in which ophthalmology is moving forward globally. Here’s to the future.

AN INNOVATIVE LENS DESIGN

Now that corneal inlays are available in the United States, it is interesting to see the future of small-aperture extended depth of focus devices going intraocular. In this video, H. Burkhard Dick, MD, PhD, of Bochum, Germany, shows a case of laser cataract surgery with implantation of the IC-8 IOL (AcuFocus). The IC-8 is a single-piece aspheric lens with an opaque annular mask embedded centrally into the 6-mm optic. It is designed to improve visual quality across a broad range for patients with presbyopia who undergo cataract surgery or refractive lens exchange.

A NOVEL TECHNIQUE FOR CAPSULAR SUPPORT

First a glued lens … now glued capsular support hooks! In this video, Soosan Jacob, MS, FRCS, DNB, of Chennai, India, demonstrates her technique of using a glued capsular hook for sutureless transscleral fixation of the capsular bag. This technique, which can also be used for subluxated in-the-bag IOLs, allows faster and easier surgery and a greater degree of adjustability for centration, according to Dr. Jacob. It also eliminates the need to pass long and thin needles across the anterior chamber. 

A NEW TREATMENT APPROACH FOR KERATOCONUS

In this video, Sri Ganesh, MBBS, MS, DNB, of Karnataka, India, presents an interesting new treatment approach for keratoconus. Dr. Ganesh uses combined femtosecond intrastromal lenticule implantation, also known as FILI, with accelerated corneal crosslinking for the treatment of mild to moderate keratoconus. Here, he presents the early results of the procedure in seven eyes.