UKISCRS Annual Meeting Royal Armouries, Leeds 8th and 9th October 2009 iSIGHT Nurses' Reports

New telescopic implant for Dry AMD - by Claire Britten

The management of “dry” age-related macular disease remains a challenge to eye specialists. In recent years efforts have concentrated on surgical techniques to increase the magnification of the image on the macula and also to shift the image to the healthier part of the macula. The initial successes with the IOP-VIP were very encouraging.

The IOL-VIP procedure involves the use of two separate intra-ocular lenses, one implanted in the capsular bag following the removal of the crystalline lens and the second intra-ocular lens placed in the anterior chamber to produce magnification and also a prismatic effect.

The new device is a single unit telescope implant invented by Dr Lipshitz from Israel. This is a reflecting telescope which is more powerful than focusing telescopes and it also preserves the peripheral vision. The view of the retina through the telescopic implant is compromised but still allows the treatment of other retinal conditions.

The first of these Lipshitz Telescopic Implants was inserted by Dr Awar Agarwal in Chennai India in June 2006 and they are now available in Europe and the UK. Unfortunately the cost of the lens and the surgical procedure is very high. We are looking forward to the results of the first patients treated in the UK.

New opportunities for patients with refractive errors after cataract surgery - by John Aspin

With advanced intraocular lens (IOL) design and surgical technique, an exact refractive result following cataract surgery with implantation of an IOL is a reasonable expectation. Today there is a very high patient demand for near perfect visual outcome.

The new supplementary IOL from Rayner is designed to be implanted into the ciliary sulcus of the eye to correct any residual post operative refractive errors following the use of a standard monofocal IOL into the capsular bag. The three types of IOL available are:

1. Aspheric - for the correction of any residual ametropia, myopia or hypertropia. 2. Toric - for the correction of any residual corneal astigmatism. 3. Multifocal - for the correction of presbyopia.

Using these “Add On” lenses will reduce the risks associated with IOL exchange surgery. The results so far are very promising. For further details contact enquiries@iSIGHTclinics.com

Continued Professional Development - UKISCRS Annual Meeting 2009        by Rosa Ball

This was my first time at a United Kingdom and Ireland Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (UKISCRS) meeting. I did not know what to expect and was pleasantly surprised. This year's conference was held at the Royal Armouries in Leeds and myself and two other nurses from iSIGHT went to support the inauguration of Mr Akingbehin as the new President of the Society.

The Thursday afternoon session was very informative with doctors discussing their preference between the different multi-focal lenses, and the preference between Lasik and Prelex. Though both lectures were of a serious nature, the topics were discussed in a light hearted manner.

Friday consisted of various sessions for both doctors and the nurses. I attended two sessions intended for nurses, which again I found very interesting and educational. The lectures were “What is Glaucoma and how do we treat it”, and “The role of the nurse in the ARMD clinic”.

I also had the chance to catch up with other colleagues and hope to go to next year's meeting in Brighton.

 

Blade Free Laser Femto LDV Blade free laser eye surgery is rapidly becoming the preferred choice for patients who seek to have laser Vision correction. more information	New Treatment for Dry AMD IOL-VIP surgery has been developed for patients with macular disease to provide an improvement in their central vision. more information