Dr. Richard Lewis, of Grutzmacher, Lewis & Sierra Eye Specialists in Sacramento, California, is the first glaucoma specialist in the nation to adopt the TrueVision® 3D Surgical Visualization System as an advanced, new technology for glaucoma and refractive cataract surgery. The TrueVision® 3D Surgical Visualization System is a real-time, stereoscopic, 3D high-definition visualization system for microsurgery that attaches to microscopes to display the surgical field of view in real-time on 3D flat panel displays in the operating room.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cataracts and glaucoma are the first and second leading causes of blindness worldwide, both of which increase in prevalence as the population ages. Over 20 million people over the age of 40 have cataracts in the U.S. and it is estimated that over 4 million people have glaucoma, with many unaware of the condition.
The National Eye Institute (NEI) defines glaucoma as a group of eye diseases that cause vision loss and blindness as a result of damage to the optic nerve. Glaucoma is often referred to as the “silent thief of sight” due to the loss of vision which can occur gradually and without patient symptoms until the disease has significantly progressed. Currently, no cure for glaucoma exists, but with early diagnosis and medical or surgical treatment, it is possible to reduce or halt the progression of vision loss.
At the Grutzmacher, Lewis & Sierra Eye Specialist clinic, Dr. Lewis equipped an operating suite with the state-of-the-art TrueVision® 3D Surgical Visualization System for day-to-day glaucoma, refractive cataract, and corneal surgeries. The system is also used to record 3D surgical video for educational purposes and presenting on-demand and streaming 3D surgical video content.
For the first time ever, a comprehensive program for glaucoma by renowned surgeons, including Dr. Lewis, was presented in 3D at this year’s annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology in Chicago, October 16 through 19, 2010.
“TrueVision® provides me a 3D high-definition view of the surgical field that allows my operating room staff to see what I see, enabling them to anticipate my needs during glaucoma and cataract surgery. I can operate in an ergonomic position while maintaining the views of ocular structures involved in advanced glaucoma surgical techniques and cataract surgery. The 3D videos and images also allow me to educate my patients about their surgery and other surgeons about new techniques in a way that shows real depth within the eye,” said Dr. Lewis who is recognized internationally as glaucoma and cataract specialist. Dr. Lewis has presented 3D surgical videos to his colleagues during medical scientific conferences.
About Richard A. Lewis, MD
Dr. Lewis is a cataract surgeon and glaucoma specialist practicing in Sacramento, Calif. In addition to his busy private consulting practice, Dr. Lewis is actively involved in clinical research in national and international trials in glaucoma therapy. He is on the editorial board of the Journal of Glaucoma, Glaucoma Today, Focus on Glaucoma, and Ocular Surgery News and Video Journal of Ophthalmology. He also serves Glaucoma Today as the chief medical editor. For more information on Dr. Lewis, visit http://www.eyelasik.com/lasik-sacramento/richard-lewis.htm.
About TrueVision® 3D Surgical
TrueVision® 3D Surgical is the leader in digital 3D visualization for microsurgery. Based in Santa Barbara, Calif., TrueVision® has developed and patented an intelligent, real-time, 3D surgical visualization platform. The company is focused on developing a suite of 3D guidance applications for microsurgery to assist surgeons and positively impact patient outcomes. Visit http://www.truevisionsys.com for more information.
CONTACT:
Robert Reali
TrueVision 3D Surgical
805-963-9700