Innovators in ophthalmology honored

MADRID, Spain — European surgeons who “significantly helped advance” the field of ophthalmology were honored here during the opening session of the Congress of the European Society of Ophthalmology.

Each of the honorees modified existing technology that has now become integrated into modern ophthalmology. This year’s recipients changed the indirect ophthalmoscope, the IOL and tonometry to make them an integral part of ophthalmology. The honorees spoke about the original technology and their enhancements and shared their opinions about the future of the devices. The indirect ophthalmoscope was first built in 1851. The IOL was introduced in 1945, and the tonometer originated in 1888.

Charles Schepens, MD, developed the modern indirect ophthalmoscope. He created the first indirect stereoscopic ophthalmoscope in Belgium in 1945. He expects the standing laser ophthalmoscope (SLO) to be “the next upgrade of the 152-year-old technology in testing the quality of the fundus.” The Model-2 SLO is being produced and allows surgeons to treat the fundus with a regular laser or with photodynamic therapy, he said.

Jan Worst, MD, is known for creating a more affordable IOL lens specifically for developing countries. Dr. Worst originated a true, iris-supported lens, currently marketed as the Artisan (Ophtec). His pseudophakic lens design has been adopted by surgeons to correct refractive defects while allowing the eye to retain its natural lens.

Jeorge Draeger, MD, has spent his career making a more precise tonometer. He developed a hand-held tonometer that has twice been tested in space to measure the effects of microgravity on intracranial and intraocular pressure. He observed that microgravity causes a fluid shift that increases pressure in those areas.

With his modifications, the instrument “can obtain more precise measurements in infants and in patients not suitable for fixation,” he said.