Delivering the knowledge

Mark Korolkiewicz reports on the latest happenings in refractive surgery, from 'femtosecond' technology to the US experience of the ReSTOR lens, as discussed at September's ESCRS Conference

The European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons does the refractive surgery industry credit. The quality of the research, speakers, presentations and findings is the impetus for the world's refractive community to come together and share knowledge.

Like all conferences, papers vary in data sample size, length of follow-up and numerous other factors, but even the most sceptical mind would have no difficulty conceding the amount of clinical audit, analysis and research that goes on in this industry.

The 4,000 surgeons who turn up to this event each year would be unlikely to invest this time and expense to attend if their clinical practice was not likely to benefit from the experience.

So what is happening in the occasionally all too insular world of refractive surgery? There is no better place to answer this question than ESCRS. The dedicated use the event to learn what is happening out there in practice, the wise however come back with a sense of what is going to happen. Refractive surgery is a fast moving industry. Outdated techniques, views or practice can be risky if the rest of the body's responsible opinion marches on regardless.

The laser companies remain busy. Developing hardware and software can be an expensive business and it must show clinical benefit to the patient at the end. If it does not, surgeons don't buy it, patients don't receive it and the laser manufacturer is left contemplating how to ensure their next move is more successful.