Message From the Chair: A Commitment to Evidence-Based Best Practices

At the Intermountain Ocular Research Center at the John A. Moran Eye Center, Nick Mamalis, MD, and Liliana Werner, MD, PhD, are in the business of solving mysteries. Assisting industry and physicians across the globe, their research on intraocular lens (IOL) design, materials, and complications has shaped anterior segment surgery as we know it, not to mention improved outcomes for millions of patients undergoing cataract and other procedures each year.

IOL advances over the past decade have been particularly exciting. We’ve seen the light-adjustable IOL join the U.S. market, and research is moving forward on a laser procedure that would allow lens power adjustment following surgery. Yet we’ve also faced new quandaries, such as dead bag syndrome, first described by Samuel Masket, MD.

This elusive complication occurs years after successful routine cataract surgeries when the capsular bag fails to retain its shape, causing IOL dislocation. The cause is unknown, but hopefully not for long.

Working with colleagues across the country, including Dr. Masket, Drs. Mamalis and Werner are zeroing in on potential causes using histopathologic and immunohistochemical analysis. They have presented on dead bag syndrome in detail at the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and the American Academy of Ophthalmology annual meetings and created an award-winning film to share their work.

I hope this edition of Clinical FOCUS brings you up to speed on what is known about this possible complication. Understanding prognosis and repair options are essential as we continue to pursue successful long-term outcomes for our patients. Moran’s Austin Nakatsuka, MD, and Katherine Hu, MD, have experience with a dead bag case and share their insights into clinical management.

Finally, don’t miss this edition’s update on the effectiveness of open/expanded-bag cataract surgery techniques in preventing posterior capsule opacification. We are committed to delivering the best evidence-based practices this top-of-field research can provide.

Sincerely,

Randall J Olson, MD

Distinguished Professor and Chair, Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Utah

The Cumming Presidential Endowed Chair

CEO, John A. Moran Eye Center Director, University of Utah Vision Institute

Dr. Olson specializes in research dealing with intraocular lens and cataract surgery. He is the author of more than 300 professional publications and has given many named lectures all over the U.S. and worldwide. In his clinical practice, Dr. Olson specializes in cataract services and external eye diseases.