Protecting Sight #110: Why we need to rethink capitalism. Photophobia, hyperaesthesia, armamentarium, polycoria, and Leaves of Grass.

Welcome to my daily learning journal. My daily goal is to watch one Ted Talk and one cataract surgery. I also plan to read one journal article and read/listen to a book chapter, short story or significant work.

Here’s today’s list:

1. Ted Talk – Paul Tudor Jones II: Why we need to rethink capitalism. “Paul Tudor Jones II loves capitalism. It’s a system that has done him very well over the last few decades. Nonetheless, the hedge fund manager and philanthropist is concerned that a laser focus on profits is, as he puts it, ‘threatening the very underpinnings of society.’ In this thoughtful, passionate talk, he outlines his planned counter-offensive, which centers on the concept of ‘justness.’ ” (ted.com)

I have admired Paul Tudor Jones II for many years and since learning of his philanthropy initiatives. He mentions the phrase “corporate and social responsibility.” This is a term not well known in the US and one which is spoken often in India (CSR). The talk is from 2015 and I’d be interested to see how his Just Index has faired in the years since.

“Now, capitalism has been responsible for every major innovation that’s made this world a more inspiring and wonderful place to live in. Capitalism has to be based on justice. It has to be, and now more than ever, with economic divisions growing wider every day. It’s estimated that 47 percent of American workers can be displaced in the next 20 years. I’m not against progress. I want the driverless car and the jet pack just like everyone else. But I’m pleading for recognition that with increased wealth and profits has to come greater corporate social responsibility.”

Paul Tudor Jones II (Ted Talk)

2. Cataract Surgery – Richard Mackool MD – Episode 17: The Photophobic and Hyperaesthetic Patient. Dr. Mackool writes, “Many patients experience severe photophobia in response to the microscope light. These patients are also often hyperesthetic, and this patient presented with both issues. Here I demonstrate the use of the “NLP” (no light perception) technique to eliminate photophobia, the soft lens/no ultrasound phaco method and the use of a low (50 mm Hg) IOP setting during phaco and I/A to eliminate the possibility of discomfort caused by a higher intraoperative IOP in this patient who also had a floppy iris.”

Great pearls and Dr. Mackool used the word “armamentarium”! (among my favorite words in medicine.)

3. Journal – Safi A, Schalenbourg A, Kawasaki A. Polycoria in a Young GirlJAMA Ophthalmol. 2020;138(9):e200656. doi:10.1001/jamaophthalmol.2020.0656

Interesting case and well worth to watch the case video.

Walt Whitman, steel engraving, July 1854.jpg

4. Book Chapter – Walt Whitman – Leaves of GrassSparknotesWikipedia, and Gutenberg. Book 33.

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