The world's top ophthalmic meeting opens this week with the ISRS/AAO-sponsored Refractive Surgery Subspecialty Day meeting, Refractive Surgery 2006: The Times They Are A-Changin'. I'd like to thank the program directors, Steven E. Wilson, MD, and Francesco Carones, MD, for organizing a superb course in the leading edge in refractive surgery. You don't want to miss this or any of the other ISRS/AAO activities in Las Vegas, from our booths to the Gala. You can find a complete listing of ISRS/AAO activities on our Web site -- Marguerite McDonald, MD, FACS

CLINICAL UPDATES
- MMC during LASEK significantly decreases haze
- Corneal thickness measurements using OCT, Orbscan II and an ultrasound pachymeter correlate well
- Intracorneal lenses show promise in correcting hyperopia
- Patients treated with Intacs for post-LASIK corneal ectasia show good, long-term refractive stability
- Corneal sensitivity and tear film function recover faster in epi-LASIK–treated eyes
- Large-zone PRK results in better long-term outcomes
- Laser surgery safer than contacts?

ISRS/AAO INFORMATION
- ISRS/AAO course in Las Vegas to offer the latest in refractive surgery
- Don't forget to visit the ISRS/AAO booth in Las Vegas
- Limited number of tickets still available for the ISRS/AAO Gala Dinner & Dance
- Academy to host an International Centre during the Joint Meeting

INDUSTRY NEWS
- FDA approves NIDEK laser for the treatment of hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism
- IntraLase announces worldwide availability of femtosecond laser-enabled keratoplasty

CALENDAR
- Upcoming meetings

CLINICAL UPDATES

MMC during LASEK significantly decreases haze
This retrospective study compared results of 30 LASEK patients who received MMC 0.02 percent intraoperatively and 28 who did not. The MMC group did not exhibit haze development compared to the no MMC group which developed several degrees of haze with an average of 0.25. The MMC group had better UCVA results. After a mean follow-up of 10.3 months, no toxic side effects were observed. Journal of Refractive Surgery, October 2006

Corneal thickness measurements using OCT, Orbscan II and an ultrasound pachymeter correlate well
The three instruments were used to measure central corneal thickness in 14 patients (28 eyes) before and after LASIK surgery. Although the instruments correlated well in measuring corneal thickness after surgery, there were significant differences. All instruments indicated corneal swelling and recovery during the first week after surgery and thickening at one month. Structural changes in the cornea may impact the measurements. Journal of Refractive Surgery, September 2006

Intracorneal lenses show promise in correcting hyperopia
A two year follow-up of 21 patients (23 eyes) shows these lenses were tolerated relatively well and provided a reasonably stable and predictable way to correct moderate hyperopia. However, induced astigmatism, stromal opacification, decentration, night halos and glare occurred in a significant number of eyes. Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery, October 2006

Patients treated with Intacs for post-LASIK corneal ectasia show good, long-term refractive stability
This retrospective review of five patients (eight eyes) who completed five years of follow up finds no evidence of progressive time-dependent corneal ectasia, late regression or sight-threatening complications. Ophthalmology, November 2006

Corneal sensitivity and tear film function recover faster in epi-LASIK–treated eyes
This prospective study compared results from 79 Epi-LASIK patients and 61 LASIK patients. Epi-LASIK patients didn't experience any effect on basic tear secretion during the follow-up period. Schirmer test II scores were restored at six months after LASIK and remained lower at all intervals, compared with those of epi-LASIK treated eyes. American Journal of Ophthalmology, October 2006

Large-zone PRK results in better long-term outcomes
Patients (123 eyes) who had PRK using 4 mm, 5 mm and 6 mm optical zones were followed for 10 to 12 years. Best outcomes were achieved with 6 mm zones in terms of refractive predictability, early hyperopic shift, regression, corneal transparency and night haloes. But all three ablation groups demonstrated good refractive stability. Ophthalmology, October 2006

Laser surgery safer than contacts?
After reviewing several large studies, William Mathers, MD, an ophthalmology professor, found a greater chance of suffering vision loss from contact lenses than from refractive surgery. His study was published in a letter in the October issue of Archives of Ophthalmology.

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ISRS/AAO INFORMATION

ISRS/AAO course in Las Vegas to offer the latest in refractive surgery
Innovation in Refractive Surgery: So New It May Not Be True (course # 692) will feature a panel of leading experts discussing late-breaking topics with vigor and humor.

Don’t forget to visit the ISRS/AAO booth in Las Vegas
Drop by the booth during Subspecialty Day (in the lobby of Ballroom C at the Venetian) to pick up your ISRS/AAO membership ribbon and pin, as well as the latest issue of the Journal of Refractive Surgery and EyeNet Selections: Refractive Surgery. You can also learn more about the upcoming ISRS/AAO meeting in Beijing.

Tickets for the ISRS/AAO Gala Dinner & Dance are now on sale
Join your colleagues for an elegant dinner followed by live music and dancing on Friday, Nov. 10, 7 p.m. to midnight, at the Venetian Hotel. Prestigious awards will also be presented: the Lifetime Achievement Award, Jack T. Holladay, MD, MSEE ; the Founders Award, H. Dunbar Hoskins Jr., MD; the Barraquer Award, Douglas D. Koch, MD; the Kritzinger Memorial Award, Yaron S. Rabinowitz, MD; the Casebeer Award, Michael C. Knorz, MD; the Lans Distinguished Award, Steven E. Wilson, MD; the Troutman Award, Marcelo Netto, MD and the Miradas Award (recipient to be announced). This ISRS/AAO Gala Dinner & Dance is sponsored in part from an unrestricted grant from Alcon. Tickets are $125 each. Seating is limited, so it’s recommend you purchase tickets online by October 25.

Academy to host an International Centre during the Joint Meeting
Located in booth #3974 in Hall A at the Sands Expo, the center will include a Spanish and Mandarin-speaking interpreter, light refreshments. It's an ideal place to meet with fellow international attendees, relax and receive assistance with Joint Meeting details and other issues regarding your stay in Las Vegas. And just for stopping by, you will receive a free gift (while supplies last). Admittance is by attendee badge. In addition, the Academy has posted on its Web site travel information specific to international attendees.

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INDUSTRY NEWS

FDA approves NIDEK laser for the treatment of hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism
With this approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the EC-5000 Excimer Laser can be used to treat hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism (+0.50D to +5.00D sphere and up to 2.00D cylinder) in addition to the current approved range for myopia and myopic astigmatism.

IntraLase announces worldwide availability of femtosecond laser-enabled keratoplasty
In a press release the company says its IntraLase laser technology represents the greatest advancement in corneal transplant surgery in more than 50 years. The femtosecond laser reportedly makes corneal transplant surgery safer, with faster healing and better visual results.

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