VisionPlus India

consultations, drive-through glaucoma checks, improved care in the community both pre- and post-cataract surgery, and SpaMedica’s finger prick testing for Warfarin all identified as examples of recent progress. Nine insights on the future of cataract surgery that were discussed in the workshop: THE “JURY IS STILL OUT” ON BILATERAL SURGERY FOR CATARACTS Silvester acknowledged that bilateral eye surgery has taken place in recent years due to time pressures as a result of the pandemic. He also told delegates that he has previously performed bilateral surgery on children, due to the risk of general anaesthetic. However, he emphasised that there are still risks and concerns with this approach, including bilateral refractive surprise, bilateral corneal oedema, bilateral uveitis, and bilateral cystoid macular oedema. POTENTIAL OF THE MALYUGIN RING Silvester spoke about the potential of the Malyugin (M) Ring, which he described as being similar to a paper clip with a hook. The M Ring can be inserted into the eye during surgery to temporarily stretch the pupil, making it easier to operate. He acknowledged that that device is expensive, but that it “works really well” and “as an innovation, is fantastic.” INNOVATION IN LENSES Silvester went on to speak about innovation in the lens space, acknowledging that outcomes with multifocal and enhanced monovision lenses are “fantastic” – and that they are often a cost- effective solution. He added a note of caution, however, reminding attendees that there is currently no scientific evidence to support the claim that yellow lenses can reduce severity of acute macular degeneration. INNOVATION IN THE LENS SPACE, ACKNOWLEDGING THAT OUTCOMES WITH MULTIFOCAL AND ENHANCED MONOVISION LENSES ARE “FANTASTIC” – AND THAT THEY ARE OFTEN A COST-EFFECTIVE SOLUTION 51 VISION PLUS INDIA EDITION