Top LASIK and Refractive Experts in Trusted LASIK Surgeons Directory Present Research and Educate Their Peers at Annual AAO Meeting in Atlanta
Several leading LASIK and refractive eye surgery experts listed in the Trusted LASIK Surgeons directory were actively involved at the recently concluded American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) annual meeting in Atlanta. Dr. Randy Epstein, Dr. Walter Stark, Dr. James McCulley, Dr. R. Wayne Bowman, Dr. Edward Manche, Dr. Jason Stahl, and Dr. Bruce Koffler, all leading refractive eye surgery specialists educated their peers on the latest developments in vision correction through lectures, courses, training, and panels.
Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) December 11, 2008
Trusted LASIK Surgeons (http://www. trustedlasiksurgeons. com/index. htm) is pleased to feature contributions from members of its Trusted LASIK Surgeons Directory (http://www. trustedlasiksurgeons. com/find_a_lasik_eye_surgeon. htm) at the recent at the recent annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and the International Society of Refractive Surgeons (ISRS/AAO) in Atlanta, Georgia. These surgeons are among the leading LASIK and refractive eye surgery experts in the advancement of vision correction care. This annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology is always the largest gathering of ophthalmologists from all over the world. This year's meeting was held in conjunction with the European Society of Ophthalmologists. More than 13,000 ophthalmologists, technicians and industry representatives were in attendance.
Top Chicago LASIK eye surgeon (http://www. trustedlasiksurgeons. com/chicago_lasik_surgeons. htm) Randy Epstein of Chicago Cornea Consultants (http://www. chicagocornea. com/html/about. html), was a co-instructor for the "Astigmatism in the Cataract Patient" Skills Transfer Course, which helps cataract patients achieve better results in correcting astigmatism (blurred vision). In addition, Dr. Epstein presented a talk at the Alcon booth on "How To Be Fabulously Successful with Premium Intraocular Lenses (IOL's)", which included practical tips on proper patient selection, careful surgical techniques, and management of postoperative side effects and complications. Finally, Dr. Epstein co-authored a presentation at the Ocular Microbiology and Immunology Group OMIG), which includes many of the world's leading specialists in ocular infections, entitled "Culture-positive endophthalmitis after insertion of the Staar Intraocular Collamer Lens". This was the FIRST such case to be reported in the United States since the introduction of this new modality, which is used for the correction of extreme nearsightedness. "Being part of the Trusted LASIK Surgeons group has enabled me to get this information out to many of the leading refractive surgeons in a very efficient manner", said Dr. Epstein.
Baltimore, Maryland LASIK eye surgery expert (http://www. trustedlasiksurgeons. com/baltimore_lasik_surgeons. htm) Walter Stark, M. D, Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology and Director of the Stark-Mosher Center for Cataract and Corneal Diseases of Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins Medicine (http://www. hopkinsmedicine. org/wilmer/employees/cvs/Stark. html), presented two lectures at the AAO meeting. In light of the FDA panel hearings that took place earlier this year on laser eye surgery complications, his first presentation, "LASIK Complications--How to Prevent and How to Manage," provided a particularly useful guide to help refractive surgeons better serve their patients. Dr. Stark later lectured on the subject of how PTK (Phototherapeutic Keratectomy) can delay or prevent the need for penetrating keratoplasty in many eyes with corneal opacities. Dr Stark was one of the first investigators of the PTK technique in the early 1990's for the original FDA studies that led to approval. The removal of corneal scars, opacities, and cloudy areas of the cornea with the excimer laser can in many cases eliminate the need for a corneal transplant, a much more involved and serious operation with greater risks and prolonged postoperative management.
Two leading refractive eye surgery experts from Dallas, Texas (http://www. trustedlasiksurgeons. com/dallas_lasik_surgeons. htm), Dr. James McCulley and Dr. R. Wayne Bowman, who practice and teach together at the UT Southwestern Medical Center (http://www. utsouthwestern. edu/patientcare/medicalservices/eyes/lasik. html), were among the presenters of a paper they co-authored entitled "Diagnosis in Keratoconus using Scheimpflug System," which covered corneal topography and imaging. "LASIK and refractive surgery patients want excellent results that last. They also expect the utmost attention to detail and safety. Dr. McCulley's and my major concern is post-LASIK keratoconus. Our study at UT Southwestern showed the importance of integrating newer diagnostic techniques into one's practice. The ability to visualize the posterior corneal surface and assess HOA's and elevations via Scheimpflug rotating images with the Pentacam is a very important tool in screening patients for refractive surgery."
Dr. Bowman went on to note that "the presence of significant HOA's and elevations allows the surgeon to detect patients at risk for keratoconus well before conventional topography. With topographically-driven LASIK on the horizon, and collagen cross-linking showing promising results, surgery should be deferred by patients with asymmetric topography and posterior corneal abnormalities. Utilizing rotating Scheimplfug images pre-operatively is a powerful resource for screening out at risk individuals, and should result in improved long-term results and safety for our LASIK patients."
Northern California Bay Area LASIK expert Edward Manche, M. D. (http://www. trustedlasiksurgeons. com/san_jose_lasik_surgeons. htm), Professor of Ophthalmology and Director of the Stanford Eye Laser Center (http://ophthalmology. stanford. edu/laser/index. htm), presented two lectures at the AAO meeting. The first lecture was entitled "Comparison of Intraoperative Subtraction Pachymetry & Postoperative Anterior Segment OCT Imaging of Femtosecond and Mechanical Keratome LASIK Flaps." This study compared the accuracy of flap thickness using two measurement techniques, subtraction pachymetry, which uses a thin ultrasonic probe, and an OCT ("optical ultrasound") device to measure the flap thickness one year after the LASIK surgery. The study found that the OCT device is a powerful measuring device that allows the surgeon to precisely measure the sub-surface of the human cornea in three dimensions. Dr. Manche concluded that "flaps made with the femtosecond laser (Intralase) were more precise in terms of thickness and uniformity than those made with a mechanical keratome (mechanical blade), which demonstrated the advantages of using a femtosecond laser device when performing LASIK surgery. The second lecture was entitled "Wavefront-guided PRK in myopic eyes following previous keratorefractive surgery." This study looked at using wavefront-guided PRK to treat eyes that had previously undergone LASIK, PRK and radial keratotomy. The patients in the study had a variety of bothersome visual symptoms after their original surgery. The study demonstrated that wavefront guided PRK was safe, effective and predictable at correcting many of the unwanted visual side effects in this group of patients.
Jason Stahl, M. D., a refractive eye surgeon expert from Kansas city (http://www. trustedlasiksurgeons. com/kansas_city_missouri_lasik_surgeons. htm) who practices at Durrie Vision (http://www. durrievision. com), served as a director for 5 courses at AAO. Dr. Stahl taught three courses on laser refractive surgery to fellow surgeons and ophthalmology residents. Another course, "The AcrySof Phakic Angle-Supported Intraocular Lens (IOL) for the Correction of Moderate to High Myopia," showed how to use phakic lenses to help correct vision for people who are highly nearsighted. In addition, Dr. Stahl presented an E-Poster at the Refractive Surgery Subspecialty Day Meeting of the International Society of Refractive Surgery of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (ISRS/AAO). Of particular note were two of his presentations: (1) "When and How to Treat Epithelial Ingrowth", which provided practical tips on the diagnosis and surgical management of epithelial ingrowth through a presentation of slides and videos and (2) "The AcrySof Phakic Angle-Supported intraocular lens (IOL) for the Correction of Moderate to High Myopia", which discussed how this flexible lens implant for the correction of high myopia was approved for use in Europe and several other countries, but is under FDA investigation in the United States. Dr. Stahl presented the preliminary results of the flexible lens implants in electronic format as a PowerpPoint presentation, where ophthalmologists from all over the world were able to view any of these "E Posters" at multiple computer terminals located in the convention center.
Lexington, Kentucky refractive and LASIK expert surgeon Dr. Bruce Koffler (http://www. trustedlasiksurgeons. com/lexington_lasik_surgeon_bruce_koffler_md. htm), of Koffler Vision Group (http://www. kofflervisiongroup. com/), presented a lecture to the Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (JCAHPO(r) on Accommodating and Multifocal Intraocular Lenses. The lecture reviewed the FDA approved lenses including Crystalens, ReStor, Rezoom and those lenses that are still in the approval process. The pros and cons of each lens was discussed. Dr. Koffler is a leading expert on intraocular lenses. In addition Dr. Koffler presented a course on Corneal Reshaping Therapy to the JCAHPO(r) members. This technique allows for the use of specialty contact lenses to reshape the cornea during nighttime wear reducing low to moderate myopia or nearsightedness. Dr. Koffler is a Past President of the Contact Lens Association of Ophthalmologists (CLAO).
The refractive eye surgeons listed and profiled in the Trusted LASIK Surgeons Directory are among the most highly qualified LASIK and refractive surgeons and includes many of the true pioneers in vision correction surgery, not just LASIK but other procedures such as lens implants, phakic implants, and conductive keratoplasty.
For more on why consumers should consider the refractive eye surgeons listed in the Trusted LASIK Surgeons directory for their vision correction needs, please visit:
Why choose a Surgeons from the Trusted LASIK Surgeon's Directory (http://www. trustedlasiksurgeons. com/why_use_a_trusted_lasik_surgeon. htm)
The screening process and standards used by Trusted LASIK Surgeons are located at How Are LASIK Surgeons Qualified at Trusted LASIK Surgeons? (http://www. trustedlasiksurgeons. com/how_are_lasik_surgeons_qualified_at_tls. htm)
To find a highly accomplished LASIK and refractive specialist in your local area who has been qualified and listed in the Trusted LASIK Surgeons directory, please visit Trusted LASIK Surgeons Directory (http://www. trustedlasiksurgeons. com/find_a_lasik_eye_surgeon. htm)
SOURCE: Trusted LASIK Surgeons
About Trusted LASIK Surgeons, Inc.
Trusted LASIK Surgeons, Inc. (Trusted LASIK Surgeons) is a premier LASIK, laser eye surgery, and refractive eye surgery directory service whose primary mission is to assist consumers in finding the best and most qualified LASIK and vision correction surgeons in their local area in the United States. To accomplish this, Trusted LASIK Surgeons uses a unique screening process where each prospective LASIK eye surgeon must meet the minimum required qualifications set by Trusted LASIK Surgeons. These qualifications for these doctors are based on experience (not just in LASIK but complete refractive care), research (including FDA approval studies for manufacturers and academic appointments at major universities), publications and lectures (to their peers, not to the public via infomercials) and patient care standards (treating other eye professionals and managing complications from patients first operated on by someone else). All refractive eye surgeons listed at Trusted LASIK Surgeons have qualified, been accepted, and have subscribed to our services. For more information on why we believe consumers interested in LASIK should consider an eye surgeon listed in the Trusted LASIK Surgeon's directory, please visit our website at www. TrustedLASIKSurgeons. com.
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About the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)
The American Academy of Ophthalmology is the largest national membership association of Eye M. D.s. Eye M. D.s are ophthalmologists, medical and osteopathic doctors who provide comprehensive eye care, including medical, surgical and optical care. More than 90 percent of practicing U. S. Eye M. D.s are Academy members, and the Academy has more than 7,000 international members. The mission of the American Academy of Ophthalmology is to advance the lifelong learning and professional interests of ophthalmologists (Eye M. D.s) to ensure that the public can obtain the best possible eye care. The American Academy of Ophthalmology is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for every individual they treat by helping each to see his or her best and by protecting their patients' vision and eye health throughout life. Academy members are committed to responding compassionately to their patients' individual needs and to advancing the highest standards of comprehensive eye care. To enable its members to meet these goals, the Academy provides a wide variety of programs, products and services to Eye M. D.s and the patients they serve.
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