Effect of loteprednol etabonate 0.5% on initiation of dry eye treatment with topical cyclosporine 0.05%.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this work was to evaluate the effect of loteprednol etabonate (LE) before the initiation of topical cyclosporine A (tCsA) therapy in patients with mild-to-moderate dry eye disease. Prospective, multicenter randomized double-masked parallel group clinical study (NCT00407043). METHODS: Hundred and eighteen patients with dry eye disease were randomized to receive either LE and tCsA (n=61) or artificial tears (AT) and tCsA (n=57). Hundred and twelve patients completed the study (LE: n=57, AT: n=55) and are included in the data analysis. Patients self-administered either LE or AT for 2 weeks 4 times per day, followed by tCsA twice per day accompanied by either LE twice per day or AT twice per day for an additional 6 weeks of treatment. Primary outcome measures included the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, the Likert scale using standardized facial expressions, lissamine green staining, fluorescein staining, and the Schirmer test. Additional measures included global self-assessment, and safety outcomes included slitlamp examination, intraocular pressure, and assessment of visual acuity. RESULTS: Loteprednol etabonate pretreatment significantly reduced tCsA stinging (P<0.05). Both groups showed significantly improved OSDI scores at the 14-, 30-, and 60-day visits. Loteprednol etabonate showed significantly more OSDI improvement than AT. Both pretreatment strategies improved global self-assessment scores, Schirmer test, fluorescein staining, lissamine staining, and adjunctive AT use. Loteprednol etabonate showed superior improvement in Schirmer test, fluorescein staining, and lissamine staining. Intraocular pressure did not increase in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Loteprednol etabonate induction therapy 2 weeks before the initiation of long-term tCsA treatment for chronic dry eye disease provides more rapid relief of dry eye signs and symptoms with greater efficacy than tCsA and AT alone.

Argon laser iridoplasty to improve visual function following multifocal intraocular lens implantation.

PURPOSE: To describe the use of argon laser iridoplasty following implantation of a multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) to improve visual function. METHODS: Argon laser spots of 500-mW power, 500-µm spot diameter, and 500-ms duration were placed in the midperipheral iris in the area in which the iris was encroaching on the IOL. RESULTS: Argon laser iridoplasty provided statistically significant improvement in visual function including corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) and subjective quality of vision in 14 eyes from 11 patients. Mean CDVA improved from 0.24 (20/35 Snellen) to 0.10 (20/25 Snellen) logMAR (P<.0001), and mean subjective quality of vision improved from 2.9 to 7.5 (P<.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Argon laser iridoplasty should be considered in correcting visual problems associated with decentered multifocal IOLs.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infectious keratitis following refractive surgery.

PURPOSE: To elucidate risk factors, clinical course, visual outcomes, and treatment of culture-proven methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infectious keratitis following refractive surgery. DESIGN: Interventional case series. METHODS: Multicenter chart review of 13 cases of MRSA keratitis following refractive surgery and literature review. RESULTS: Thirteen eyes of 12 patients, nine of whom were either healthcare workers or exposed to a hospital surgical setting, developed MRSA keratitis following refractive surgery. All patients presented with a decrease in visual acuity and complaints of pain or irritation in the affected eye. Common signs on slit-lamp biomicroscopy were corneal epithelial defects, focal infiltrates with surrounding edema, conjunctival injection, purulent discharge, and hypopyon. All patients were diagnosed with infectious keratitis on presentation and treated with two antibiotics. All eyes were culture-positive for MRSA. CONCLUSIONS: According to a computerized MEDLINE literature search, this is the first case series of MRSA infectious keratitis following refractive surgery, the first reports of MRSA keratitis after refractive surgery in patients with no known exposure to a healthcare facility, the first report of MRSA keratitis after a laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) enhancement, and the first reports of MRSA keratitis after prophylaxis with fourth-generation fluoroquinolones. MRSA keratitis is a serious and increasing complication following refractive surgery. Patients with exposure to a healthcare environment should be considered at additional risk for developing MRSA keratitis. However, in addition, surgeons should now be vigilant for community-acquired MRSA. Prompt identification with culturing and appropriate treatment of MRSA keratitis after refractive surgery is important to improve visual rehabilitation.

Preoperative ketorolac tromethamine 0.4% in phacoemulsification outcomes: pharmacokinetic-response curve.

PURPOSE: To assess the clinical benefit, relative efficacy, and pharmacokinetic-response curve of preoperative and postoperative ketorolac tromethamine 0.4% (Acular LS) to improve outcomes during and after cataract surgery. SETTING: Private clinical practice. METHODS: One hundred patients were randomized in a double-masked fashion to 4 groups of 25 to receive ketorolac for 3 days, 1 day, or 1 hour or a placebo before phacoemulsification. All treatment groups received ketorolac 0.4% for 3 weeks postoperatively; the placebo group received vehicle. Outcomes measures were preservation of preoperative mydriasis, phacoemulsification time and energy, operative time, corneal clarity, endothelial cell counts, postoperative inflammation, intraoperative and postoperative discomfort, complications, and incidence of clinically significant cystoid macular edema (CME). RESULTS: Maintenance of pupil size with 3-day ketorolac dosing was significantly better than with 1-day dosing (P<.01), which was significantly better than with 1-hour or placebo dosing (P<.01). Both 3-day and 1-day dosing were superior to 1-hour or placebo dosing. No patient receiving ketorolac 0.4% for 1 or 3 days developed CME compared with 12% of patients in the control (placebo) group and 4% in the 1-hour group. Three-day and 1-day dosing of ketorolac reduced surgical time, phacoemulsification time and energy, and endothelial cell loss and improved visual acuity in the immediate postoperative period compared with 1-hour predosing and the placebo (P<.05). CONCLUSION: The preoperative use of ketorolac tromethamine 0.4% for 3 days followed by 1-day of predosing provided optimum efficacy and superior outcomes relative to 1-hour pretreatment and a placebo.

Pyogenic granuloma formation following placement of the Medennium SmartPLUG punctum plug.

PURPOSE: To report a complication, not previously described, of the Medennium SmartPLUG, which is a new punctal plug with a novel design. METHODS: Two case reports are detailed, including clinical and pathologic photographs. RESULTS: Case 1 is a 58-year-old woman with Sjögren syndrome. Nearly 2 years following placement of a SmartPLUG in her right lower canaliculus, the patient presented with an erythematous, papillomatous growth overlying her punctum. Biopsy demonstrated pyogenic granuloma. Case 2 is a 62-year-old woman with dry eye. Exactly 2 years after a SmartPLUG was place in her right lower canaliculus, she also developed a pyogenic granuloma. After irrigation to remove the plug, the growth decreased in size. CONCLUSION: Pyogenic granuloma can develop as a late complication of the Medennium SmartPLUG punctum plug.

Efficacy of commercially available topical cyclosporine A 0.05% in the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of topical cyclosporine A 0.05% (tCsA) (Restasis, Allergan Pharmaceuticals) in the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction (posterior blepharitis). METHODS: Thirty-three patients with symptomatic meibomian gland dysfunction were randomized in a prospective study to either tCsA or placebo (Refresh Plus preservative-free artificial tears), 2 times daily for 3 months. They were evaluated at baseline and at 1, 2, and 3 months for subjective symptoms and objective signs including meibomian gland inclusions, lid margin vascular injection, tarsal telangiectasis, fluorescein staining, tear breakup time, and Schirmer scores. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients completed the study. All patients were tested for ocular symptoms, lid margin vascularity, tarsal telangiectasis, meibomian gland inclusions, tear breakup time, and fluorescein staining. At the 3-month visit, the tCsA group showed a greater improvement in ocular symptoms than the placebo group, but this difference was not statistically significant. At the 3-month visit, several objective examination findings were statistically significantly (P < 0.05) improved in the tCsA group compared with the placebo group. These differences included lid margin vascular injection, tarsal telangiectasis, and fluorescein staining. The most significant finding (P = 0.001) was the greater decrease in the number of meibomian gland inclusions in the tCsA group compared with the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: Topical CsA may be helpful in the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction (posterior blepharitis). Topical CsA did not induce an improvement in the symptoms, but it did decrease the number of meibomian gland inclusions in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction.

Penetration of topically applied gatifloxacin 0.3%, moxifloxacin 0.5%, and ciprofloxacin 0.3% into the aqueous humor.

PURPOSE: To investigate the aqueous penetration of 3 commercially available ophthalmic fluoroquinolones. DESIGN: Prospective, double-masked, clinical study. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-two eyes of 52 patients. INTERVENTION: Fifty-two patients undergoing cataract surgery were given preoperative topical gatifloxacin 0.3% (Zymar), moxifloxacin 0.5% (Vigamox), or ciprofloxacin 0.3% (Ciloxan). The patients were instructed to use their antibiotic drops 4 times a day for 3 days before surgery. On the day of surgery, patients were given their assigned antibiotic every 15 minutes for 3 doses, 1 hour before their procedure. At the time of surgery, 0.1 ml of aqueous fluid was aspirated from the anterior chamber with an air cannula needle attached to a tuberculin syringe. The aspirate was immediately stored at -70 degrees C. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Fluoroquinolone concentrations were determined by reverse-phase high-pressure liquid chromatography assay technique with ultraviolet detection at a wavelength of 275 nm. RESULTS: Mean aqueous concentration of gatifloxacin in 16 eyes was 0.63 microg/ml (standard deviation [SD], 0.30), moxifloxacin in 14 eyes was 1.31 microg/ml (SD, 0.46), and the mean concentration of ciprofloxacin in 22 eyes was 0.15 microg/ml (SD, 0.11). CONCLUSIONS: Both moxifloxacin (P<0.001) and gatifloxacin (P<0.005) penetrated the aqueous humor at significantly higher levels than ciprofloxacin. Moxifloxacin penetrated into the aqueous humor at significantly higher levels than gatifloxacin (P<0.05). The anterior chamber levels of moxifloxacin and gatifloxacin may be due to the difference in antibiotic concentration.

Slitlamp biomicroscopy of the tear film of patients using topical Restasis and Refresh Endura.

We describe a technique in which slitlamp biomicroscopy is performed to evaluate eyes in patients using a topical dry-eye agent; ie, topical cyclosporine A ophthalmic emulsion 0.05% (Restasis) or glycerin 1%-polysorbate 80 1% (Refresh Endura). Both are delivered in an oil-emulsion formulation. We also describe a previously unreported physical finding in the tear film of these patients. The examination technique can help confirm patient compliance and the tear-film stability of the 2 agents.

Post-LASIK corneal flap displacement following penetrating keratoplasty for bullous keratopathy.

OBJECTIVE: To report 3 patients who experienced late flap dislocation after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in eyes that had undergone prior penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) for bullous keratopathy. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of 2 referral corneal and refractive surgery practices, case reports, and literature review. RESULTS: Three patients (mean age 58.3 years, 2 male, 1 female), all status post-corneal transplant for bullous keratopathy, had residual myopic astigmatism and underwent LASIK for correction of their significant anisometropia. Flap dislocation occurred at a mean of 7 days (range 3 to 14 days) following the LASIK procedure. All patients had peripheral corneal edema in their recipient bed. All 3 patients required an additional surgical procedure for visual rehabilitation. CONCLUSION: Flap displacement may occur following LASIK in patients who have undergone PKP for bullous keratopathy. The endothelial pump function, which is vital to maintaining flap adherence, may be compromised in these patients. We suggest that patients with a history of PKP and endothelial compromise who undergo LASIK wear protective shields for a longer than normal period and be followed closely to reduce the risk of flap slippage.

A comparison of the fourth-generation fluoroquinolones gatifloxacin 0.3% and moxifloxacin 0.5% in terms of ocular tolerability.

PURPOSE: To compare the ocular tolerability of the commercially available ophthalmic solutions of the fourth-generation fluoroquinolones, gatifloxacin 0.3% (Zymar, Allergan, Inc., Irvine, CA) with benzalkonium chloride (BAK) and moxifloxacin 0.5% (Vigamox) without BAK. METHODS: A baseline evaluation was conducted on 30 healthy volunteers for conjunctival hyperemia, conjunctival vascularity, pupil size, and anterior chamber (AC) cell and flare. Pupils were measured under scotopic conditions with a Colvard pupillometer. Conjunctival hyperemia and vascularity, and AC reaction were measured on a Likert-like scale of 0-3. Subjects then received drops in both eyes from masked bottles of gatifloxacin ophthalmic solution 0.3% with BAK (in one eye determined randomly) and moxifloxacin ophthalmic solution 0.5% without BAK (in the contralateral eye) in a double-masked fashion. Subjects graded pain and ocular irritation in each eye on a scale of 1-10 after 5 min with their eyes closed. The examination was then repeated. RESULTS: The average age of this study population was 34.4 years. The groups of eyes receiving moxifloxacin 0.5% demonstrated an increase in mean conjunctival hyperemia (0.21 [range: 0-1] at baseline to 1.52 [range: 0-3] at 5 min.) that was significantly greater (p = 0.0005) compared with that of the group receiving gatifloxacin 0.3% (0.22 [range: 0-1] at baseline to 0.45 [range: 0-2] at 5 min). The group receiving moxifloxacin 0.5% showed an increase in conjunctival vascularity (0.55 [range: 0-1] at baseline to 1.61 [range: 0.5-3] at 5 min.) that was significantly greater (p = 0.0005) compared with that of the group receiving gatifloxacin 0.3% (0.52 [range: 0-1] at baseline to 0.68 [range: 0-2] at 5 min.). Significantly less pain (1.2 vs. 3.2, p = 0.001) and irritation (0.64 vs. 3.42, p = 0.001) occurred with gatifloxacin 0.3% than with moxifloxacin 0.5%. Pupil size was significantly reduced (5.65 mm-5.05 mm) in eyes receiving moxifloxacin 0.5% (p = 0.004) and no significant change occurred in pupil size (5.60 mm-5.65 mm) in eyes that received gatifloxacin 0.3% (p = 0.878). No AC reaction was noted with either medication. CONCLUSIONS: The group of eyes receiving gatifloxacin 0.3% with BAK demonstrated greater ocular tolerability in comparison to the group receiving moxifloxacin 0.5% without BAK. Moxifloxacin-induced pupillary miosis may be due to prostaglandin release in the anterior chamber. A limitation of this study is the relatively young age of the study population.

Hyperthermic treatment of post-LASIK corneal striae.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of hyperthermia for the treatment of long-standing corneal flap striae after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). SETTING: TLC Laser Eye Center, Garden City, New York, USA. METHODS: Patients with visually significant flap striae at least 3 weeks post-LASIK were offered hyperthermic treatment. The central 6.0 mm of epithelium was removed from affected corneas, and the flaps were elevated. A striae removal spatula was heated to 65 degrees C in sterile water, and both sides of the flaps were mechanically massaged with the spatula for 5 to 10 minutes until the striae were visually reduced. RESULTS: Thirty-six eyes of 34 patients were treated with hyperthermia to remove corneal striae. All patients had a clinical reduction in striae. The mean pretreatment best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/44, improving to 20/25 on follow-up (mean follow-up 16.4 months). Patients subjectively noted reduced haze and glare and no loss of BCVA. There were no serious flap complications. CONCLUSION: Hyperthermic treatment is a safe, effective treatment option for corneal striae after LASIK.

Effect of hinge width on corneal sensation and dry eye after laser in situ keratomileusis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of hinge width on corneal sensation and dry-eye syndrome after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). SETTING: TLC Laser Eye Center, Garden City, New York, USA. METHODS: Fifty-four patients at least 18 years of age had bilateral LASIK with a narrow nasal hinge microkeratome flap in 1 eye and a wider nasal hinge microkeratome flap in the other eye. In all eyes, the flaps were 160 microm in thickness with a diameter of 9.5 mm. Masked Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometry was performed in the central cornea preoperatively and at 1 week and 1, 3, and 6 months. Dry eye was evaluated at the same intervals by lissamine green corneal and conjunctival staining, Schirmer test with anesthesia, and tear-film breakup time. RESULTS: Corneal sensation was significantly reduced from preoperative levels through 6 months in the narrow-hinge group and through 3 months in the wider-hinge group (P< or =.002). The mean corneal sensation was greater in corneas with a wider hinge flap than in those with a narrow hinge flap at all postoperative examinations; the difference was significant at 1 and 3 months (P< or =.002). The loss of sensation was greatest at 1 week and improved at all subsequent examinations. Overall, dry-eye signs and symptoms were greatest immediately postoperatively and improved at subsequent intervals. CONCLUSIONS: Corneal sensation and dry-eye signs and symptoms improved at all intervals between 1 week and 6 months. The loss of corneal sensation and presence of dry-eye syndrome were greater in eyes with a narrow hinge flap than in eyes with a wider hinge flap.

Slitlamp stretching of the corneal flap after laser in situ keratomileusis to reduce corneal striae.

PURPOSE: To examine the efficacy of treating immediate postoperative corneal striae and poor flap alignment by stretching the corneal flap at the slitlamp with a cotton-tip applicator and compare the results using this technique with those using the conventional technique of refloating the flap with balanced salt solution (BSS(R)). SETTING: TLC Laser Eye Center, Garden City, New York, USA. METHODS: Charts of 7154 eyes having laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) were reviewed retrospectively. During the 11 months prior to January 1, 2000, 3516 eyes had LASIK. Patients with flap striae or a malpositioned flap at the immediate slitlamp evaluation were treated by refloating the flap (Group A). During the 11 months subsequent to January 1, 2000, 3638 eyes had LASIK. Patients with flap striae or a malpositioned flap at the immediate slitlamp evaluation were treated by flap stretching with a cotton-tip applicator (Group B). The number of eyes that required retreatment for flap striae was analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-nine eyes in Group A (0.82%) required retreatment for visually significant flap striae after day 1, and 11 eyes in Group B (0.30%) required retreatment. A loss of best corrected visual acuity occurred in 3 Group A eyes and 2 Group B eyes. CONCLUSIONS: During the immediate postoperative period, stretching the flap with a cotton-tip applicator was a simple, safe, and effective technique for reducing visually significant flap striae. Unlike refloating the flap with BSS, flap stretching at the slitlamp does not require additional anesthesia, exposure time, or dehydration of the ocular surface.

Infectious keratitis after laser in situ keratomileusis: results of an ASCRS survey.

To investigate the incidence, culture results, treatment, and visual outcomes of infectious keratitis after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) worldwide, the Cornea Clinical Committee of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) contacted 8600 United States and international ASCRS members by e-mail and asked them to respond to a questionnaire about post-LASIK infectious keratitis. One hundred sixteen infections were reported by 56 LASIK surgeons who had performed an estimated 338 550 procedures. Seventy-six cases presented in the first week after surgery, 7 during the second week, 17 between the second and fourth weeks, and 16 after 1 month. Forty-seven cases were not diagnosed on initial presentation. The most common organisms cultured were atypical mycobacteria and staphylococci. Empiric therapy is not recommended as most of the organisms are opportunistic and not responsive to conventional therapy. Flap elevation and culturing should be performed when post-LASIK infectious keratitis is suspected.

Efficacy and wound-temperature gradient of whitestar phacoemulsification through a 1.2 mm incision.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and wound-temperature gradients of WhiteStar micropulse technology using bimanual phacoemulsification without an irrigation sleeve through a 1.2 mm incision. SETTING: Island Eye Surgicenter, Carle Place, New York, USA. METHODS: Ten patients had bimanual phacoemulsification using micropulse technology without an irrigation sleeve through a 1.2 mm clear corneal incision. A thermocouple consisting of a 30-gauge copper wire was inserted into clear cornea directly adjacent to the wound to digitally record temperature gradients at the wound. Endothelial cell counts were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively in all patients. RESULTS: All 10 patients maintained corneal clarity with no sign of thermal damage to the wound. The maximum corneal wound temperatures during phacoemulsification ranged from 24 degrees C to 34 degrees C, well below the temperature of collagen shrinkage. The endothelial cell loss at 3 months was 7%. CONCLUSIONS: Because of the decreased thermal effect with WhiteStar technology, an irrigation sleeve over the phacoemulsification needle is superfluous. As a result, bimanual phacoemulsification can be safely performed through a 1.2 mm incision.

Photorefractive keratectomy with mitomycin C for the management of a LASIK flap complication following a penetrating keratoplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) with mitomycin C (MMC) following a buttonhole secondary to attempted laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in an eye that had undergone a prior penetrating keratoplasty (PKP). METHODS: Case report and review of the literature. A 26-year-old man underwent PRK with MMC following a buttonhole flap complication after LASIK in an eye that had undergone a PKP for keratoconus. RESULTS: Three months following the procedure, the patient demonstrated a clear cornea and a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/20. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first case report of buttonhole during LASIK following a PKP and the use of PRK to treat a LASIK flap complication following a successful PKP. In addition, this is the first case report of prophylactic use of MMC to prevent corneal haze with PRK following PKP. A buttonhole is a rare complication following LASIK for residual refractive error following PKP, which can be successfully managed with PRK and prophylactic MMC.

Prevention of recurrent Reis-Bücklers dystrophy following excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy with topical mitomycin C.

PURPOSE: To report a case of excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) for Reis-Bücklers dystrophy with a single intraoperative application of adjunctive topical 0.02% mitomycin C (MMC). METHODS: Interventional case report and review of the literature. RESULTS: A 73-year-old woman with visually significant Reis-Bücklers dystrophy underwent PTK of her right eye with 0.02% adjunctive MMC for visual rehabilitation. Before treatment, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/400. The left eye had previously undergone PTK on 2 occasions without MMC, and the dystrophy had recurred following each treatment. One year after the procedure, her MMC-treated cornea remains clear with no recurrence of Reis-Bücklers dystrophy. CONCLUSIONS: The use of topical MMC in conjunction with PTK may be a safe and effective treatment of Reis-Bücklers dystrophy and may be helpful in preventing recurrence of the disease.

The effects of LASIK on the ocular surface.

Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) can affect corneal sensation, aqueous tear production, wound healing, and the incidence of corneal erosions. Virtually all patients experience dry eye at least transiently after LASIK. Because intact corneal sensation drives tear production, denervation associated with the LASIK procedure is the most significant cause of post-LASIK dry eye. To prevent symptomatic postoperative dry eye, it is crucial to identify and treat pre-existing dry eye before surgery. This review addresses the pathophysiology and management of dry eye, as well as the relationship between LASIK and corneal erosions, and suggests intra- and post-operative management techniques to minimize complications and maximize the stability of the ocular surface. Contraindications to LASIK and alternative refractive surgical procedures are discussed.

Curriculum for Clinical Practice.

A masters' level curriculum for clinical practice with the elderly is presented which highlights four areas: successful aging, theories of adult psychological development, practice with families and practice with groups. These areas have been abstracted from a fuller curriculum which includes practice with depressed and demented elders and their families, crosscultural practice, death and dying, interdisciplinary practice. The areas elaborated here are newer, hold special appeal for clinical students, and emerge from demographic trends.

Interdisciplinary Geriatric Education.

There is an absence of adequately trained social workers to meet the health and social service needs of a rapidly increasing aging population. Educators face the challenge of helping social workers in the field both to upgrade their gerontological knowledge and skills and to become functioning members of the emerging modality-the interdisciplinary care team. A historical review of gerontological social work education suggests that 'first generation' education programs based on a medical model of intervention gave way to the 'second generation' in which aging was viewed as a normative step in the life cycle. Currently gerontological social work education is entering the 'third generation' in which emphasis is on working with members of other disciplines to provide comprehensive care. This interdisciplinary geriatric health care is most readily taught as a continuing education, post-graduate experience. This 'third generation' of gerontoloical social work education is exemplified by the experience of the Hunter/Mount Sinai Geriatric Education Center. Interdisciplinary geriatric health care requires teaching by an interdisciplinary team and, to be effective, educators must themselves be equipped to function as member of the team. Barriers to interdisciplinary understanding and the factors neccessary for interdisciplinary collaboration are detailed.