PRESS RELEASE
Thursday, January 25, 2018

Cutting through the range of eye surgery options

Understanding the broad range of options available to eye surgeons is vital to ensure the best possible outcomes for potential patients, according to a leading opthalmologist. Speaking at a meeting of the British Contact Lens Association in London, consultant ophthalmic surgeon Allon Barsam said the wide variety of procedures ensured there was no one-size-fits-all solution, but the treatment should be tailored to the patient.
He added: “Due to our increased use of digital screens in everyday life, the ability to focus ‘at near’ is more important than ever before and will continue to be so. 

“For many, surgery is a very real option, particularly in those that have struggled for whatever reason with contact lenses or don’t like glasses. But we need to understand more about the different types of surgery and what type should be used for any given situation. 
“It’s a complex area and we shouldn’t fall into the trap of favouring just one method. If you only use a hammer, everything starts to look like a nail.”
The meeting, held at the Royal College of Nursing on Tuesday, January 23, saw Mr Barsam, who runs a tertiary NHS practice specialising in cornea and refractive surgery, present a lecture titled 'Surgical advances for correction of presbyopia'.
This video-based presentation demonstrated all of the most commonly accepted surgical interventions for presbyopia as well as newer innovations now available.

BCLA members discovered more about the advantages and disadvantages of laser blended vision, implantable contact lenses, sulcus-based lenses and capsular bag fixated intraocular lenses as well as patient selection theory. Intraocular lenses covered included simple mono vision with mono-focal lenses, toric lenses, trifocal lenses and extended depth of focus lenses while potential side effects of surgery such as dry eye, ectasia, glares and halos were discussed at length.

Mr Barsam added: “It’s important to explain the full process to patients so they have a thorough understanding of the procedure. Currently, too many companies in the industry treat patients as if they are stupid and sell to them with meaningless mumbo jumbo, all that does is create a culture of distrust.”

The presentation was followed by an extensive question and answer session, giving all those attending the chance to quiz Mr Barsam and taking home invaluable advice to help them in day-to-day practice.

For more details of the next BCLA Evening Meeting, due to take place in March, visit www.bcla.org.uk

Notes to editors

• For further information, or to arrange further interviews, please call Daniel Owens from Orange Juice Communications on 07909 916668 or email [email protected]