Posture-related fluctuations of intraocular pressure in healthy children with suspicion of glaucoma.

PURPOSE: Currently, there are no specific data on the circadian course of intraocular pressure (IOP) in children, especially for IOP measurements in the supine position. The study aimed to characterize the diurnal and nocturnal IOP fluctuations in supine and sitting positions in patients less than 18 years of age. METHODS: Seventy-nine eyes of 79 patients under 18 years of age with suspicious optic nerve heads or ocular hypertension could be included in this study. All included patients showed an inconspicuous retinal nerve fiber layer thickness and Bruch's membrane minimum rim width by coherence tomography. IOP measurements during the 24-h IOP profile were retrospectively evaluated. Measurements were taken at 10:00, 16:00, 20:00, and 23:00 h in the sitting position and at 6:00 h in the morning in the supine position using iCare rebound tonometry on 2 consecutive days. RESULTS: Thirty-four of 79 children (43.0%) had peak nocturnal IOP values > 25 mmHg. The mean daily IOP was 18.8 ± 5.6 mmHg, and the mean daily fluctuation was 6.1 ± 4.0 mmHg. At 6 am, supine measurements were elevated to 25.1 ± 8.0 mmHg. Extensive fluctuations with values > 40 mmHg in the nocturnal supine measurement occurred in a relevant share of patients (n = 5). CONCLUSION: There appear to be relevant diurnal and nocturnal IOP fluctuations in healthy children (< 18 years). Nocturnal IOP measurements in supine patients with risk factors for glaucoma may provide important additional information to identify critical patients for further follow-up.

LASER FLARE PHOTOMETRY IN PRIMARY RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENT: An Evaluation of 2,487 Cases.

PURPOSE: Exploratory analysis associated with the prospective, multicenter, randomized PRIVENT trial. To characterize the associations between laser flare photometry and anatomical and epidemiological features of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). METHODS: The authors measured laser flare values of all 3,048 prescreened patients excluding those with comorbidities. A mixed regression analysis evaluated the strength of the influencing factors like age, sex, lens status, and presence and extent of RRD on laser flare. RESULTS: Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment was more frequent in men (65.8%) than in women (34.2%, P < 0.001) and in right (52%) than in left eyes (48%, P = 0.045). Phakic RRD affected less quadrants and was less likely to be associated with macula-off status than pseudophakic RRD (48.4% vs. 58.0% macula off, 23% vs. 31% ≥3 quadrants, P < 0.001). Laser flare of affected eyes was significantly higher compared with fellow eyes (12.6 ± 15.2 vs. 8.3 ± 7.4 pc/ms, P < 0.001). The factors age, sex, lens status, presence of RRD, and the number of quadrants affected were independent influencing factors on laser flare. R 2 was 0.145 for phakic and 0.094 for pseudophakic eyes. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that there may be more factors affecting laser flare than previously assumed. This might limit flare as predictive value for PVR and retinal redetachment.

A comparative study of cystoid macula edema following glaucoma drainage device surgery versus trabeculectomy.

PURPOSE: To assess and compare the risk for development of cystoid macula edema (CME) after glaucoma drainage device (GDD) implantation versus conventional trabeculectomy with mitomycin (trab) for glaucoma. METHODS: Retrospective review of consecutive patients receiving trab or GDD implantation between 2016 and 2018. Inclusion criteria were availability of pre- and postoperative spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) of the macula. SD-OCT images were evaluated for presence of CME qualitatively, central subfield thickness (CST) and macular volume (MV). RESULTS: 73 eyes could be included, 42 received trab and 31 GDD surgery. Eyes receiving trab on average had 0.8 ± 0.8 previous intraocular operations, while eyes with GDD implantation had 3.1 ± 1.9 (p < 0.001). Occurrence of postoperative CME was significantly more frequent after GDD implantation (6 out of 31 (19.4%)) than after trab (2 out of 42 eyes = 4.8%), (p = 0.049). Mean preoperative CST as well as MV was comparable in both groups (CST before trab: 282.7 ± 23.0 µm, CST before GDD 284.2 ± 27.3 µm, p = 0.287; MV before trab: 7.8 ± 1.1 mm3, MV before GDD: 8.0 ± 0.8mm3, p = 0.305). Mean postoperative CST and MV were significantly higher after GDD (CST 338.5 ± 129.3 µm, MV 8.8 ± 2.6 mm3) than after trabeculectomy (CST 290.6 ± 60.2 µm, p = 0.038; MV 7.8 ± 1.2mm3, p = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS: In real-life conditions, GDD surgery seems to be associated with a higher risk to develop CME when compared to conventional trabeculectomy. This information may be helpful for glaucoma surgeons to advise the patients on postoperative risks of surgery.

Susceptibility of optic nerve head in children with posture-related elevation of intraocular pressure.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This work aimed to investigate changes in optic nerve head (ONH) morphometry based on Bruch membrane opening in children with extensive nocturnal intraocular pressure (IOP) elevations. METHODS: The course of Bruch membrane opening-based optic nerve head (ONH) morphometry was analysed in thirty-two patients younger than 18 years with evaluable SD-OCT examinations of the ONH and nocturnal posture-dependent IOP elevation above 25 mmHg. Longitudinal changes in neuroretinal rim tissue, as measured by Bruch Membrane opening minimum rim width (BMO-MRW) and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, were assessed. RESULTS: One year after the 24 h IOP measurement, global BMO-MRW (- 1.61 ± 16.8 µm, n.s.; p = 0.611) and RNFL (+ 0.64 ± 3.17 µm; n.s.; p = 0.292) measurements were not significantly different from the baseline. No significant BMO-MRW reduction (- 3.91 ± 24.3 µm; n.s. p = 0.458) or deviation in RNFL thickness (+ 1.10 ± 3.52 µm) was observed at the four-year follow-up. Absolute IOP values measured in the supine position did not correlate with changes in global BMO-MRW or RNFL thickness. CONCLUSION: Posture-dependent IOP elevations do not seem to influence retinal nerve fibre layer thickness or Bruch membrane opening-based morphometric data in childhood.

Gender benefit in laparoscopic surgical performance using a 3D-display system: data from a randomized cross-over trial.

BACKGROUND: The use of 3D technique compared to high-resolution 2D-4K-display technique has been shown to optimize spatial orientation and surgical performance in laparoscopic surgery. Since women make up an increasing amount of medical students and surgeons, this study was designed to investigate whether one gender has a greater benefit from using a 3D compared to a 4K-display system. METHODS: In a randomized cross-over trial, the surgical performance of male and female medical students (MS), non-board certified surgeons (NBCS), and board certified surgeons (BCS) was compared using 3D- vs. 4K-display technique at a minimally invasive training parkour with multiple surgical tasks and repetitions. RESULTS: 128 participants (56 women, 72 men) were included. Overall parkour time in seconds was 3D vs. 4K for all women 770.7 ± 31.9 vs. 1068.1 ± 50.0 (p < 0.001) and all men 664.5 ± 19.9 vs. 889.7 ± 31.2 (p < 0.001). Regarding overall mistakes, participants tend to commit less mistakes while using the 3D-vision system, showing 10.2 ± 1.1 vs. 13.3 ± 1.3 (p = 0.005) for all women and 9.6 ± 0.7 vs. 12.2 ± 1.0 (p = 0.001) for all men. The benefit of using a 3D system, measured by the difference in seconds, was for women 297.3 ± 41.8 (27.84%) vs. 225.2 ± 23.3 (25.31%) for men (p = 0.005). This can be confirmed in the MS group with 327.6 ± 65.5 (35.82%) vs. 249.8 ± 33.7 (32.12%), p = 0.041 and in the NBCS group 359 ± 52.4 (28.25%) vs. 198.2 ± 54.2 (18.62%), p = 0.003. There was no significant difference in the BCS group. CONCLUSION: 3D laparoscopic display technique optimizes surgical performance compared to the 2D-4K technique for both women and men. The greatest 3D benefit was found for women with less surgical experience. As a possible result of surgical education, this gender specific difference disappears with higher grade of experience. Using a 3D-vision system could facilitate surgical apprenticeship, especially for women.

Short-term changes in Bruch's membrane opening-based morphometrics during the first week after trabeculectomy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the dynamics of Bruch's membrane opening-based morphometrics of the optic nerve head (ONH) using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) during the first week after glaucoma surgery by trabeculectomy with mitomycin C. METHODS: Prospective, longitudinal analysis of 25 eyes of 25 patients treated by trabeculectomy. Twenty-four eyes had evaluable postoperative SD-OCT examinations. Bruch's membrane opening minimum rim width (BMO-MRW) and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness were analyzed at baseline before surgery, 1 day, 2 to 3 days, and 1 week after surgery. Changes compared to baseline were correlated to intraocular pressure (IOP). RESULTS: One day after surgery, the mean BMO-MRW changed by + 26.17 µm, p = 0.001 (mean IOP reduction by 17.01 mmHg). This increase persisted on day 2-3 with a mean increase of BMO-MRW of + 25.33 µm, p = 0.001 (mean IOP reduction by 20.46 mmHg) and by week 1 with a mean BMO-MRW increase of + 33.17 µm, p < 0.001 (mean IOP reduction by 22.55 mmHg). The increase in BMO-MRW correlated significantly with the reduction of IOP on day 1 (Spearman's rho ρ = 0.656, p = 0.003) and d2-3 (Spearman's rho ρ = 0.479, p = 0.038). There was no statistically significant correlation found between the IOP and the increase in BMO-MRW in week 1. RNFL thickness showed no significant changes at day 1 as well as days 2-3 (p ≥ 0.078, respectively). It showed a small but significant increase in week 1 by 3.94 µm, p = 0.015. CONCLUSIONS: Structural reversal of disc cupping in BMO-MRW occurs as early as 1 day after trabeculectomy and correlates to the extent of the IOP reduction. During the whole first week after surgery, a strong increase in BMO-MRW can be noted. The changes in BMO-based parameters need to be considered when evaluating patients' longitudinal follow-up.

The influence of stereoscopic vision on surgical performance in minimal invasive surgery-a substudy of the IDOSP-Study (Influence of 3D- vs. 4 K-Display Systems on Surgical Performance in minimal invasive surgery).

PURPOSE: This study is a secondary analysis of the IDOSP trial published in the Annals of Surgery 2020. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of stereo acuity on surgical performance in a laparoscopic training parkour with 3D- versus 4 K-2D-display technique. METHODS: The surgical performance of medical students (MS), non-board-certified surgeons (NBC), and board-certified surgeons (BC) was compared using 3D- versus 4 K-2D-display technique at a training parkour in a randomized cross-over trial. Stereo acuity was tested by TNO and Titmus Stereo tests. RESULTS: Eighty-nine participants were included in this sub-trial. The median stereo acuity for all participants, measured with the Titmus test, was 25 s arc, with TNO test 30 s arc. Higher quality stereo vision, measured with the Titmus test, correlated significantly with a reduced parkour time (r = 0.26, p = 0.02) and error (r = 0.21, p = 0.048) with the 3D screen. The TNO test did not correlate significantly with parkour performance. There was no statistically significant correlation between parkour time nor error and stereo acuity using the 4 K system (p > 0.457 respectively). Higher age showed a significant correlation with lower stereo acuity measured with TNO (r = 0.21, p = 0.014), but not with the Titmus test (r = - 0.7, p = 0.39). Seven percent of the group "NBC and BC" showed reduced stereo acuity > 120 s arc with the Titmus test and 3% with the TNO test. CONCLUSION: High-quality stereo vision is of utmost importance for surgical skills using a 3D-display system. This was most obvious for MS and for tasks that place particularly high demands on hand-eye coordination. The Titmus test was more precise than the TNO test to predict the benefit of a 3D monitor system. Experience and fine motor skills could partly compensate for a poorer stereo acuity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (trial number: NCT03445429, registered February 26, 2018).

Ocular and Systemic Complement Activation during Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Treatment and Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 Dietary Supplementation in Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of dietary supplementation using Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS2) on complement activation in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) under ongoing treatment. METHODS: In this prospective, single-center, controlled, open-label investigator-initiated trial, eligible nAMD patients were randomized at a ratio of 1:1 in 2 groups: those with and without dietary AREDS2 supplementation for 4 weeks. Zinc, plasma, and aqueous humor (AH) complement levels were quantified via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. RESULTS: Fifty of 62 enrolled patients completed the trial (AREDS2 n = 27, controls n = 23). Systemic zinc and complement levels were not different at baseline between the 2 groups (p > 0.1). At the final visit, systemic zinc levels were significantly higher in the AREDS2 group (10.16 ± 2.08 µmol/L; 8.66 ± 1.17 µmol/L; p = 0.007), whereas systemic and AH complement levels were not different (p > 0.1). In both groups, no significant change was observed in systemic levels of C3, C3a, FH, FI, and sC5b-9 (p > 0.1). Only systemic complement component Ba showed an increase from baseline to the end visit (p = 0.01). This increase was higher in the control group (p = 0.02) than in the AREDS2 group (p = 0.23). CONCLUSIONS: Short-term dietary AREDS2 supplementation leads to a significant increase in systemic zinc levels without any influence on complement activation levels.

Prism adaptation test before strabismus surgery in patients with decompensated esophoria and decompensated microesotropia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of Prism adaptation test (PAT) on the angle of squint in decompensated esophoria (decEPH) and decompensated microesotropia (decMET). METHODS: In this single-center retrospective study we reviewed the medical records of patients with the diagnosis of decEPH or decMET, aged at least 12 years, who were treated by strabismus surgery for the first time. The maximum Angle of squint (AOS) for far (F) and near (N) fixation and PAT results before surgery, as well as AOS (F) and AOS (N) after surgery and results of binocular function tests were considered. PAT included wearing a prism based on the largest angle for over 60 min. RESULTS: 100 patients (mean age 37 ± 17 years) were included in the decEPH group, 82 patients (mean age 30 ± 13 years) in the decMET group. For decEPH, before surgery AOS was 25.5 ± 8.8 pdpt (F) and 23.5 ± 9.8 pdpt (N). During PAT the AOS increased significantly by 2.7 ± 4.3 to 28.2 ± 8.6 pdpt (F) and by 4.9 ± 4.5 to 28.3 ± 9.5 pdpt (N). Altogether, in 82% of decEPH patients AOS (F) and/ or AOS (N) in- or decreased by at least 3 pdpt. For decMET, before surgery AOS was 28.6 ± 10.8 pdpt for far (F) and 30.9 ± 11.8 pdpt for near fixation (N). During PAT the AOS increased significantly by 4.2 ± 5.8 to 32.5 ± 9.5 pdpt (F) and by 3.7 ± 6.1 to 34.4 ± 9.5 pdpt (N). Altogether, in 51% of decMET patients, AOS (F) and/ or AOS (N) increased by at least 10 pdpt, therefore more than 5° which would have been maximally expected from mictrotropia, or decreased by at least 3 pdpt. CONCLUSIONS: The Prism adaptation test (PAT) showed remarkable changes in AOS in both decEPH and decMET. In patients with decEPH, the preoperative assessment of the "true AOS" under PAT reflects a pivotal requirement for successful strabismus surgery, as 82% had dose relevant angle changes ≥ 3 pdpt. For patients with decMET the preoperative prism adaptation test is especially of diagnostic value, but also 51% of decMET patients had changes in AOS beyond the expected microtropic angle (≥ 10 pdpt) or even a dose relevant angle decrease (≥ 3pdpt).

3D Versus 4K Display System - Influence of "State-of-the-art"-Display Technique on Surgical Performance (IDOSP-study) in Minimally Invasive Surgery: A Randomized Cross-over Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if "state-of-the-art" 3D- versus 4K-display techniques could influence surgical performance. BACKGROUND: High quality minimally invasive surgery is challenging. Therefore excellent vision is crucial. 3D display technique (3D) and 2D-4K technique (4K) are designed to facilitate surgical performance, either due to spatial resolution (3D) or due to very high resolution (4K). METHODS: In randomized cross-over trial the surgical performance of medical students (MS), non-board certified surgeons (NBC), and board certified surgeons (BC) was compared using 3D versus 4K display technique at a minimally invasive training Parkour. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-eight participants were included (February 2018 through October 2019, 49 MS, 39 NBC, 40 BC). The overall Parkour time (s) 3D versus 4K was 712.5 s ± 17.5 s versus 999.5 s ±â€Š25.1 s (P < 0.001) for all levels of experience. It was (3D vs 4K) for MS (30 tasks) 555.4 s ±â€Š28.9 s versus 858.7 s ±â€Š41.6 s, (P < 0.0001), for NBC (42 tasks) 935.9 s ±â€Š31.5 s versus 1274.1 s ±â€Š45.1 s (P =< 0.001) and for BC (42 task) 646.3 s ±â€Š30.9 s versus 865.7 s ±â€Š43.7 s (P < 0.001). The overall number of mistakes was (3D vs 4K) 10.0 ±â€Š0.5 versus 13.3 ±â€Š0.7 (P < 0.001), for MS 8.9 ±â€Š0.9 versus 13.1 ±â€Š1.1 (P < 0.001), for NBC 12.45 ±â€Š1.0 versus 16.7 ±â€Š1.2 (P < 0.001) and for BC 8.8 ±â€Š1.0 versus 10.0 ±â€Š1.2 (P = 0.18). MS, BC, and NBC showed shorter performance time in 100% of the task with 3D (significantly in 6/7 tasks). For number of mistakes the effect was less pronounced for more experienced surgeons. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration-task load index was lower with 3D. CONCLUSION: 3D laparoscopic display technique optimizes surgical performance compared to the 4K technique. Surgeons benefit from the improved visualization regardless of their individual surgical expertise.

Dynamics of structural reversal in Bruch's membrane opening-based morphometrics after glaucoma drainage device surgery.

PURPOSE: Structural reversal of disc cupping is a known phenomenon after trabeculectomy. The aim of this retrospective, longitudinal, cross-sectional analysis was to evaluate the postoperative dynamics of Bruch's membrane opening-based morphometrics of the optic nerve head following glaucoma drainage device surgery. METHODS: Forty-three eyes, treated by glaucoma drainage device surgery, were included in the study. Individual changes in the spectral domain optic coherence tomography (SD-OCT) parameters Bruch's membrane opening minimum rim width (BMO-MRW), Bruch's membrane opening minimum rim area (BMO-MRA) and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness as well as mean defect in 30-2 perimetry were analyzed. Changes were correlated to postoperative intraocular pressure levels over time. Available follow-up visits were aggregated and grouped into a short-term follow-up (20 to 180 days after surgery), a midterm follow-up (181 to 360 days after surgery) and a long-term follow-up (more than 360 days after surgery). RESULTS: In short-term follow-up, BMO-MRW and BMO-MRA increased significantly (p <= 0.034). This increase correlated negatively with the intraocular pressure at the time of the follow-up (Pearson's rho = - 0.49; p = 0.039). From 6 months after surgery on, there was no statistically significant change in BMO-MRW and BMO-MRA (p >= 0.207). RNFL thickness and mean defect of 30-2 perimetry showed no significant changes after GDD implantation (p >= 0.189). CONCLUSIONS: Lowering of intraocular pressure by glaucoma drainage device surgery leads to an increase of Bruch's membrane opening based parameters in the first 6 months after surgery. These changes have to be taken into account when evaluating patients' longitudinal follow-up after glaucoma drainage device implantation.

Impact of ab-interno trabeculectomy on Bruch's membrane opening-based morphometry of the optic nerve head for glaucoma progression analysis.

PURPOSE: To analyze the longitudinal change in Bruch's membrane opening minimal rim width (BMO-MRW) and circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) after glaucoma surgery via ab-interno trabeculectomy in adult glaucoma patients. METHODS: Retrospective audit of 65 eyes of 65 participants undergoing ab-interno trabeculectomy using electroablation of the trabecular meshwork. In 53 eyes, surgery was combined with phacoemulsification and posterior chamber lens implantation. Pre- and postoperative SD-OCT examinations of the optic nerve head (ONH), intraocular pressure (IOP), and visual field data were analyzed. Longitudinal change in morphometric SD-OCT parameters of the ONH was compared and correlated to change in IOP and visual field function. RESULTS: BMO-MRW increased significantly between baseline (BL) and follow-up (FU) within the first 6 months after surgery (BL = 167.85 ± 90 µm; FU = 175.59 ± 89 µm; p = 0.034). This increase correlated with postoperative lowering of IOP (rho = - 0.41; p = 0.016). Nine months after surgery (range, 7-12 months), there was no significant change in BMO-MRW (BL = 196.79 ± 79; FU = 196.47 ± 85 µm; p = 0.95), while in later follow-up, a decrease of BMO-MRW was found (BL = 175.18 ± 78; FU = 168.65 ± 72; p = 0.05). RNFL thickness was unchanged in early (p > 0.16) and significantly decreased in later follow-up (p = 0.009). Mean deviation (MD) of visual field function did not show a significant change before and after surgery. CONCLUSION: Electroablative ab-interno trabeculectomy leads to a significant transient mild increase in BMO-MRW. This increase was shown to correlate with IOP lowering. Significant loss of BMO-MRW in later follow-up may reflect insufficient IOP reduction by surgery. The parameters RNFL thickness and MD seem less impacted directly by surgery.

[Differential diagnosis of vertical strabismus in the elderly]. / Differenzialdiagnose der Vertikaltropie im Senium.

Due to the demographic changes, the number of older patients in ophthalmological practices and clinics, including those with diplopia, is increasing. Some of the patients report not only horizontally shifted double images but also or only vertically shifted double images. Vertical double vision often causes significant diagnostic problems for ophthalmologists. The underlying condition could urgently require further neurological, neuroradiological and/or internal medical diagnostics (e.g., skew deviation, 4th nerve palsy, myasthenia, Graves' orbitopathy, orbital floor fracture, orbital mass, 3rd nerve palsy) but the cause of diplopia could also be a condition in which overdiagnosis should be avoided (e.g., sagging eye syndrome, the prevalence of which significantly increases with increasing age; decompensated strabismus due to inferior oblique muscle overaction, myopia-associated vertical tropia). For some diseases early diagnosis is important for a better prognosis, e.g., tumor diagnosis, Graves' disease and stroke. This article presents an overview of the most common and most important differential diagnoses of vertical tropia in patients over 50 years of age.

[EndoArt®: results in patients with glaucoma drainage devices]. / EndoArt®: Ergebnisse bei Patienten mit Glaukom-Drainage-Implantaten.

BACKGROUND: EndoArt® (Eye Yon Medical, Ness Ziona, Israel) is a novel artificial corneal inner layer transplant and an innovative treatment alternative for patients at high risk for graft failure after posterior lamellar corneal transplantation (EK). AIM OF THE STUDY: We present the initial results of the EndoArt® implantation in patients with glaucoma drainage devices (GDD). PATIENTS AND SURGICAL PROCEDURE: In this study 12 eyes with GDD were retrospectively evaluated. All had a high risk of transplant rejection in cases of EK (previous other glaucoma surgery in addition to GDD, n = 8, condition following Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty, DMEK, n = 9, uveitis, n = 2, or synechiae, n = 2). The EndoArt® was secured with a gas bubble and one to three holding sutures. The preoperative and postoperative best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) and central corneal thickness (CCT) were determined. The need for additional gas injections (rebubbling) was analyzed. RESULTS: Octafluoropropane (C3F8) 12% was used in nine patients and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) 20% in three patients as anterior chamber tamponade to ensure adhesion of the EndoArt®. At least one rebubbling was necessary in four eyes. The preoperative BSCVA was 1.6 (±â€¯0.5) logMAR and significantly improved to 1.1 (±â€¯0.6) logMAR after 12 weeks (p = 0.028). The preoperative CCT was 719 µm ± 145.7, which significantly decreased to 622.4 µm ± 174.9 after six weeks (p = 0.004) and to 591.7 µm ± 190.8 after 12 weeks (p = 0.096). In one eye, the prosthesis was explanted due to a suspected fibrotic remodelling of the cornea following multiple previous DMEKs. DISCUSSION: EndoArt® led to a significant improvement in BSCVA and reduction in CCT; however, there was a high rebubbling rate in patients with GDD. In high-risk patients, the use of EndoArt® may be advantageous in avoiding graft failure after EK.

[Thrombosis of the superior ophthalmic vein-A case series and review of the literature]. / Thrombose der Vena ophthalmica superior ­ Fallserie und Literaturübersicht.

BACKGROUND: Thrombosis of the superior ophthalmic vein (SOV) is rare. It can present with heterogeneous symptoms and requires a careful diagnostic work-up. METHODS: This article reports on a case series of three female patients with thrombosis of the SOV and performed an extensive review of the existing literature in PubMed. RESULTS: All three patients showed different leading symptoms but all had a triad of restricted eye motility, exophthalmos and a difference in intraocular pressure with the higher pressure on the side of the protruded eyeball. The pathophysiological background differed in all cases: in the two first cases a pre-existing anticoagulation treatment had been paused shortly before the event. Cofactors were an intraorbital venous outflow obstruction due to an unclear mass in the orbital apex in one case and hypercoagulability due to a malignant disease in the other case. In the third case, there was a cavernous sinus fistula. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis should be considered not only in patients with dilated vessels of the anterior segment but also in unclear cases of exophthalmos or unilateral elevated intraocular pressure (IOP).

Lens status and degree of lens opacity influence laser flare photometry (objective tyndallometry).

PURPOSE: Objective tyndallometry using laser flare photometry can be utilized e.g., in management of uveitis. Previous studies showed a significant difference in flare values between pseudophakic and phakic eyes. We investigate a potential association between the degree of lens opacification and flare value in a large cohort phakic eyes. METHODS: Retrospective, non-interventional single center study. Laser flare values of 460 healthy fellow eyes from two large cohorts (primary rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), macular holes (MH)) were correlated with lens status, degree of lens opacity, and age. RESULTS: Out of 460 patients (mean age 64.6 ± 11.2, 57% male) 30.4% were pseudophakic (70.2 ± 10.9) and 69.6% phakic, of which 47.8% showed a clear lens (57.3 ± 9.1), 43.2% an mild cataract (65.2 ± 9.0) and 9.0% a moderate cataract (73.5 ± 9.0).In pseudophakia, flare (8.14 ± 4.6 pc/ms) was significantly higher compared to phakia (6.4 ± 3.9 pc/ms; p < 0.001). In phakic eyes, flare values increased significantly with increasing lens opacity (clear lens 5.3 ± 2.8 pc/ms; mild cataract 7.0 ± 4.0 pc/ms; moderate cataract 9.5 ± 6.1 pc/ms; p < 0.001). In clear lenses and mild cataract, age correlated significantly with flare (two-sided, p < 0.001, clear lenses R = 0.3; mild cataract R = 0.4). In clear lenses, flare values increased with age by 0.09 per year, in mild cataract by 0.17 (regression coefficients). No significant correlation was found between age and flare value in moderate cataract and pseudophakic eyes. CONCLUSION: The level of objective tyndallometry seems to be dependent on lens status, degree of lens opacity and age. These factors should therefore be taken into account when interpreting laser flare values in the future.

[Surgical treatment options for congenital/infantile corneal opacities and anterior segment dysgenesis]. / Chirurgische Therapieoptionen bei kongenitalen/kindlichen Hornhauttrübungen und Vorderabschnittsdysgenesien.

BACKGROUND: Due to the risk of amblyopia congenital and infantile corneal opacities have a narrow therapeutic window, frequently with a complex surgical treatment. OBJECTIVE: The present study gives an overview of the current treatment options for congenital and infantile corneal opacities. METHODS: The results of a literature search are presented and own clinical data and examples are shown. RESULTS: In children ophthalmologic operations are surgically more demanding and the prognosis is generally worse. Surgical options include phototherapeutic keratectomy, crosslinking, corneal sutures, sectoral iridectomy, block excision and lamellar, penetrating, and auto-keratoplasty. An equally important part of the treatment is conservative treatment, when necessary with bandage lenses, glasses, contact lenses and occlusion. DISCUSSION: Whenever possible treatment of congenital and infantile corneal opacities should be limited to the affected layers/areas. Nevertheless, children and parents have to be prepared for many examinations, sometimes with the patient under anesthesia and should be well-informed about the prognosis and the risks.

Combined ab-interno trabeculectomy and cataract surgery induces comparable intraocular pressure reduction in supine and sitting positions.

AIM: To analyze the therapeutic effect of combined ab-interno trabeculectomy and cataract surgery on intraocular pressure (IOP) levels in supine and sitting postures during a 24-hour IOP profile. METHODS: Twenty-six eyes of twenty-six patients receiving ab-interno trabeculectomy using electroablation of the trabecular meshwork combined with cataract surgery or stand-alone were included in this retrospective analysis. IOP change during 24-hour IOP profiles within two years postoperatively were analyzed for eyes receiving surgery ("study eyes") and compared to fellow eyes, which had not received surgery. Clinical data including mean sitting IOP (siIOP), mean supine IOP (suIOP) and the number of topical antiglaucomatous medications (TAM) were extracted from patients' files. RESULTS: Preoperatively, siIOP was 17.6±5.3 mm Hg in study and 17.1±4.7 mm Hg in fellow eyes (P=0.347). Patients were treated with an average of 2.8±1.0 TAM. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was significantly worse in study eyes (P<0.001), visual field function was marginally not significantly different (P=0.057). After surgery 9.6±6.8mo, study eyes had a mean siIOP of 14.5±3.6 mm Hg (IOP reduction: -3.2 mm Hg, P=0.009), a mean suIOP of 18.0±3.5 mm Hg, and an average of 1.3±1.34 TAM (P<0.001), while in fellow eyes, mean siIOP was 16.2±3.4 mm Hg and mean suIOP was 20.5±5.1 mm Hg. Postoperatively, the relative IOP increase between sitting and supine postures was approximately 30% in both study and fellow eyes (P=0.99). CONCLUSION: IOP after ab-interno trabeculectomy shows a comparable relative reduction in both supine and sitting position. Classical trabeculectomy is known to lower suIOP overproportionally.

Correction to: 3D vs. 4 K Display System - Influence of "State-of-the-art"-Display Technique On Surgical Performance (IDOSP-Study) in minimally invasive surgery: protocol for a randomized cross-over trial.

After publication of our article [1] the authors have notified us that one of the names has been incorrectly spelled.

3D vs. 4K Display System - Influence of "State-of-the-art"-Display Technique On Surgical Performance (IDOSP-Study) in minimally invasive surgery: protocol for a randomized cross-over trial.

BACKGROUND: Three-dimensional (3D) stereoscopic vision is crucial to perform any kind of manual task. The reduction from real life 3D to virtual two-dimensional (2D) sight is a major challenge in minimally invasive surgery (MIS). A 3D display technique has been shown to reduce operation time and mistakes and to improve the learning curve. Therefore, the use of a3D display technique seems to optimize surgical performance for novice and experienced surgeons. Inspired by consumer electronics, a 4K display technique was recently introduced to MIS. Due to its high resolution and zoom effect, surgeons should benefit from it. The aim of this study is to evaluate if "state-of-the-art" 3D- vs. 4K-display techniques could influence surgical performance. METHODS: A randomized, cross-over, single-institution, single-blinded trial is designed. It compares the primary outcome parameter "surgical performance", represented by "performance time "and "number of mistakes", using a passive polarizing 3D and a 4K display system (two arms) to perform different tasks in a minimally invasive/laparoscopic training parkour. Secondary outcome parameters are the mental stress load (National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Task Load Index) and the learning curve. Unexperienced novices (medical students), non-board-certified, and board-certified abdominal surgeons participate in the trial (i.e., level of experience, 3 strata). The parkour consists of seven tasks (for novices, five tasks), which will be repeated three times. The 1st run of the parkour will be performed with the randomized display system, the 2nd run with the other one. After each run, the mental stress load is measured. After completion of the parkour, all participants are evaluated by an ophthalmologist for visual acuity and stereoscopic vision with five tests. Assuming a correlation of 0.5 between measurements per subject, a sample size of 36 per stratum is required to detect a standardized effect of 0.5 (including an additional 5% for a non-parametric approach) with a power of 80% at a two-sided type I error of 5%. Thus, altogether 108 subjects need to be enrolled. DISCUSSION: Complex surgical procedures are performed in a minimally invasive/laparoscopic technique. This study should provide some evidence to decide which display technique a surgeon could choose to optimize his performance. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03445429 . Registered on 7 February 2018.