11th EPOMEC Podcast with Dr. Dan Reinstein & Dr. Shady Awwad

Welcome to Dubai: Professor Einstein's First Impressions

Initial Impressions of the Event

• Professor Einstein describes the meeting as "really well organized," highlighting the exceptional treatment he received as a speaker.

• He appreciates the venue's layout, noting that it allows for both large lectures and smaller sessions simultaneously, fostering a sense of community among attendees.

The Significance of Arabic Contributions to Medicine

Historical Context in Medical Science

• Professor Einstein emphasizes that many foundational aspects of Western medicine originated from the Arab region, particularly Mesopotamia.

• He reflects on historical figures like Ibn al-Haytham, who made significant contributions to ophthalmology but were overshadowed by European counterparts.

Key Messages from His Upcoming Talk

Focus on Extended Depth of Field

• The professor plans to discuss concepts that have been overlooked for decades, specifically related to extended depth of field in vision correction.

• He mentions his observations regarding night vision disturbances and how they led him to explore new treatments beyond traditional methods.

Innovations in Vision Correction Techniques

Discoveries and Methodologies

• Einstein shares insights about reducing spherical elaboration while maintaining contrast sensitivity, which was initially disappointing yet revealed unexpected patient outcomes.

• He discusses collaboration with Tim Archer on modulating spherical elaboration profiles using direct access to wavefront data.

Development of Laser Blended Vision

Evolution and Impact

• The concept evolved into a product termed "Laser Blended Vision," inspired by techniques used in cataract surgery.

• Over 20 years, his clinic has treated over 12,000 patients while measuring contrast sensitivity effectively.

Cataract Surgery vs. LASIK Presbyond: A Comparative Analysis

Efficacy and Safety of LASIK Presbyond

• The conclusion indicates that for patients with presbyopia who do not have cataracts, LASIK Presbyond is the preferred treatment option due to its high efficacy and safety profile.

• LASIK Presbyond is described as a less risky procedure compared to intraocular surgery, offering greater accuracy and fewer side effects than diffractive or multifocal segmental IOLs.

• The procedure allows for adjustments post-surgery, making it reversible in cases where patients may not adapt well; only 3% of patients experienced adaptation issues after one year.

Economic Considerations in Eye Surgery

• The speaker notes a trend towards lens replacement surgeries globally, driven by economic factors affecting younger patients' ability to afford laser eye surgery.

• Patients often opt for refractive lens exchange due to advertising but are informed about the lower-risk options available when no cataract is present.

Addressing Cataract Concerns Post-Surgery

• There’s a discussion on the likelihood of developing cataracts post-LASIK; statistics show that only 30% of individuals in the UK undergo cataract surgery before death.

• If a patient develops a cataract after having undergone LASIK Presbyond, they can still achieve good vision through monofocal IOL implantation, which offers better outcomes than traditional methods.

Patient Satisfaction and Procedure Comparison

• Patients often compare their experiences with friends who had lens replacements; however, the speaker emphasizes that LASIK Presbyond provides immediate benefits with lower risks and potential future advantages if cataracts develop.

• The argument presented highlights that choosing LASIK now leads to better visual outcomes both immediately and later if cataracts occur.

Industry Trends and Innovations

• There’s an acknowledgment of shifting industry perspectives regarding multifocal corneal procedures; manufacturers are revisiting their marketing strategies as new technologies emerge.

• The speaker mentions advancements in eoff lenses as similar to those used in presbyopic surgeries since 2004, indicating ongoing research and development within this field.

Future Directions in Vision Correction

• Discussion includes the need for restoring accommodation rather than relying solely on surgical interventions; this could potentially eliminate many current procedures altogether.

• Emphasizes the advantage of customizing spherical aberration during corneal corrections compared to fixed parameters used in eoff lenses centered on limbus rather than corneal vertex.

This structured summary captures key insights from the transcript while providing timestamps for easy reference.

Optics and Patient Satisfaction in Refractive Surgery

Overview of Optics and Refractive Segmental Devices

• The speaker acknowledges the effectiveness of optics and refractive segmental devices, noting that hundreds of millions have been implanted with high patient satisfaction.

• A comparison is made between patient satisfaction rates for these devices over the last 20 years versus eolf on the cornea, revealing similar satisfaction levels but differing 2020 rates.

Light Adjustable Lenses vs. LASIK

• The speaker contrasts light adjustable lenses with LASIK, emphasizing the accuracy of light adjustable lenses due to their ability to modulate spherical aberration effectively.

• A study conducted by Calhoun Vision demonstrated impressive results with light adjustable lenses, achieving 95% of eyes within a quarter diopter.

Risks Associated with Intraocular Surgery

• The discussion highlights concerns regarding intraocular surgery risks compared to LASIK procedures, suggesting that such surgeries may not present lower risk factors.

• The speaker emphasizes that unless there are optical disturbances in the lens, corneal procedures should be prioritized to avoid complications like cataracts.

Educational Opportunities in Refractive Surgery

• The conversation hints at an upcoming talk where more detailed insights will be shared about refractive surgery practices.

• Attendees are encouraged to participate in courses offered in London for comprehensive learning about refractive surgery techniques.

Scientific Evidence and Learning Approach

• The course aims to cater to both beginners and experienced practitioners by providing scientific evidence backing all teachings, ensuring informed discussions on various surgical methods.