News & Insights

This month I attended the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) Annual Congress, held this year in London. It is one of the most important gatherings in Ophthalmology, bringing together thousands of eye surgeons from across the world to share research, clinical outcomes and emerging techniques. I also had the opportunity to take part in a hands-on wetlab session using the latest laser technology for refractive surgery. Here is what I took away, and why it is relevant to anyone considering cataract surgery, lens replacement or laser vision correction.

Precision in lens replacement surgery has taken a significant step forward. One of the clearest themes at the congress was the growing role of artificial intelligence in planning cataract and refractive lens exchange procedures. New AI-driven formulas are now able to predict the ideal intraocular lens power with a level of accuracy that was simply not possible a few years ago. For patients choosing a premium lens, whether a multifocal lens to reduce dependence on glasses or a toric lens to correct astigmatism, this means a higher chance of achieving the target vision first time. Fewer patients are likely to need a secondary enhancement procedure, and more can expect to be free of glasses for most daily activities after surgery.

There was also a great deal of discussion around new options for presbyopia, the gradual loss of near focus that affects almost everyone from their mid-forties onwards. Extended depth of focus (EDOF) lenses continue to improve, and newer designs are offering a wider, more natural range of vision with fewer visual disturbances such as halos or glare at night. For patients who are not yet ready for lens surgery, there are also advances in corneal laser treatments that can address presbyopia while preserving the option of lens surgery later. These developments mean that more patients now have a realistic route to reduced glasses dependence, regardless of their age or starting prescription.

The wetlab sessions I took part in focused on a new generation of femtosecond laser, excimer laser and solid-state ablation laser plateforms for laser refractive surgery. Practising on these systems gave me direct experience of how the technology has evolved in terms of speed, precision and the ability to customise treatment to the individual eye. The latest platforms use more sophisticated eye-tracking and can deliver treatment profiles tailored to the unique optical characteristics of each patient's cornea. For suitable candidates, this translates into sharper, more stable vision after laser eye surgery and a reduced risk of side effects such as dry eye or night-vision disturbance.

If you are considering cataract surgery, lens replacement for presbyopia or laser vision correction, the advances discussed at this year's congress are directly relevant to the options available to you now. I am committed to bringing the most current evidence and techniques to my practice, and I am happy to discuss which approach may be most appropriate for your individual circumstances. If you would like to arrange a consultation, please do get in touch. There is no obligation, and an initial assessment is simply an opportunity to understand your options clearly.

Our eyes change throughout our lives, and many of the conditions that affect vision in later years are influenced by lifestyle factors we can address today. Understanding these risks and taking simple preventive steps can make a meaningful difference to your long-term eye health.

UV exposure is one of the most significant and modifiable risk factors for several eye conditions, including cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Wearing good-quality sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays whenever you are outdoors, even on overcast days, is one of the most effective things you can do to protect your eyes.

Diet also plays an important role. Foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, such as leafy green vegetables, eggs and sweetcorn, help protect the macula. Omega-3 fatty acids found in oily fish support the tear film and may reduce the risk of dry eye disease. Staying well hydrated and avoiding smoking are equally important.

Regular eye examinations are essential, even if you feel your vision is unchanged. Many conditions, including glaucoma and diabetic eye disease, can progress silently before symptoms appear. If you have a family history of eye disease, are over 60, or have diabetes or high blood pressure, more frequent monitoring is advisable. Do not wait for symptoms to develop before seeking a review.