Late approach for LASIK flap striae.

A 24-year-old man was referred for postrefractive surgery evaluation. The patient had a history of uneventful laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in both eyes 3 months previously. According to the surgeon who originally performed the surgery, on slitlamp examination, only microstriae in the left eye was detected on postoperative day 1 and a more conservative follow-up approach was adopted without further immediate intervention. The patient returned only 3 months after surgery, complaining of low vision in the left eye that, according to the patient, had been present since postoperative week 2. The patient was then referred for examination and surgical procedure with a diagnosis of significant postoperative striae. The slitlamp examination revealed a LASIK flap with striae, epithelial filling, and a wrinkled appearance (Figure 1JOURNAL/jcrs/04.03/02158034-202312000-00017/figure1/v/2023-11-20T151558Z/r/image-tiff). There were no signs of infection or inflammation. Originally, the LASIK flap was programmed to be 110 µm. Preoperative manifest refraction in the right eye was -5.25 (20/20) and in the left eye was -5.25 (20/20). Assuming it is a case of late-approach LASIK flap striae, how would you proceed? Would you try to hydrate and lift the flap and just reposition it? Would you avoid lifting and associate phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) with excimer laser on top of the flap? Would you consider topo-guided surgery with regularization of the visual axis or even amputation of the flap?

Wavefront-guided PRK treatment of myopia using a refractive aberrometer.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety, effectiveness, and patient-reported outcomes of wavefront-guided photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for the correction of myopic refractive errors with and without astigmatism. SETTING: U.S. multicenter study. DESIGN: Prospective, nonrandomized clinical investigation. METHODS: 334 eyes (167 patients) underwent wavefront-guided PRK with the STAR S4 IR Excimer Laser System. Patients had preoperative myopic refractive errors with sphere up to -8.00 diopters (D) and cylinder up to -4.00 D with a maximum spherical equivalent (SE) of -10.00 D. All eyes were targeted for emmetropia, and treatment plans were derived from the iDESIGN system wavefront measurements. RESULTS: At 6 months, the point of refractive stability, 99.4% of eyes achieved 20/20 or better uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), 92% of eyes achieved 20/16 or better UDVA, 85.5% of eyes achieved manifest refraction SE (MRSE) within 0.50 D of target, mean SE was -0.06, and less than 1% of eyes lost more than 2 lines of corrected distance visual acuity. Glare and halos occurred with similar or lower frequencies at 6 months vs preoperative. Results from the National Eye Institute Refractive Error Quality of life questionnaire showed statistically significant improvements at 6 months vs preoperative across most measures of vision-related functioning and well-being. Approximately 98% of patients reported high satisfaction with their overall vision at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Wavefront-guided PRK with the iDESIGN aberrometer was safe, effective, and predictable for the correction of low to moderate myopia with and without astigmatism and led to high patient satisfaction.

Assessment of the Psychometric Properties of a Questionnaire Assessing Patient-Reported Outcomes With Laser In Situ Keratomileusis (PROWL).

IMPORTANCE: Patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures for laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) are needed. OBJECTIVE: To develop PRO measures to assess satisfaction, eye-related symptoms, and their effect on functioning and well-being following LASIK based on patient and expert input. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: The Patient-Reported Outcomes With LASIK (PROWL) studies were prospective observational studies of patients undergoing LASIK surgery for myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism. PROWL-1 was a single-center study of active-duty US Navy personnel and PROWL-2 was a 5-center study of civilians. PROWL-1 enrolled 262 active-duty service personnel and PROWL-2 enrolled 312 civilians 21 years or older who spoke English; 241 individuals in PROWL-1 and 280 in PROWL-2 completed a baseline questionnaire before surgery. The analytic sample included those also completing 1 or more follow-up questionnaires: 240 (99.6%) of those in PROWL-1 and 271 (94.4%) of those in PROWL-2. Questionnaires were self-administered through the internet preoperatively and at 1 and 3 months postoperatively in both studies and at 6 months postoperatively in PROWL-1. PROWL-1 began in August 2011 and was completed May 30, 2014; PROWL-2 began in July 2012 and was completed June 27, 2014. Data were analyzed from June 28, 2014, to October 24, 2016. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Scales assessing visual symptoms (double images, glare, halos, and starbursts), dry eye symptoms, satisfaction with vision, and satisfaction with LASIK surgery. Items from the National Eye Institute (NEI) Refractive Error Quality of Life Instrument (NEI-RQL-42), NEI Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ), and the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) were included. All scales are scored on a 0 to 100 possible range. Construct validity and responsiveness to change were evaluated (comparing scores before and after surgery). RESULTS: The median age of the 240-person PROWL-1 analytic sample was 27 years (range, 21-52 years); 49 were women (20.4%). The median age of the 271-person PROWL-2 analytic sample was 30 years (range, 21-57 years); 147 were women (54.2%). Internal consistency reliabilities for the 4 visual symptom scales ranged from 0.96 to 0.98 in PROWL-1 and from 0.95 to 0.97 in PROWL-2. The median (interquartile range) test-retest intraclass correlation was 0.69 (0.57-0.79) and 0.76 (0.68-0.84) in PROWL-1 and PROWL-2, respectively. Product-moment correlations of satisfaction with surgery with visual symptom scales at follow-up evaluations ranged from r = 0.24 to r = 0.49. Measures improved from baseline to follow-up, with effect sizes of 0.14 to 1.98, but scores on the NEI-RQL-42 glare scale worsened at the 1-month follow-up. Hours of work did not change significantly from baseline to 1-month follow-up, with the mean number (mean [SD] difference) in PROWL-1 of 41.7 vs 40.9 hours (-0.8 [18.7]) and in PROWL-2 of 38.8 vs 38.2 hours (-0.6 [17.1]). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The results of these studies support the reliability and validity of visual symptom scales to evaluate the effects of LASIK surgery in future studies.

Symptoms and Satisfaction of Patients in the Patient-Reported Outcomes With Laser In Situ Keratomileusis (PROWL) Studies.

IMPORTANCE: Patient-reported outcomes should be collected using validated questionnaires prior to and following laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery. OBJECTIVE: To report the frequency of patient-reported visual symptoms, dry eye symptoms, satisfaction with vision, and satisfaction with LASIK surgery in the Patient-Reported Outcomes With LASIK (PROWL) studies. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: The PROWL-1 and PROWL-2 studies were prospective, observational studies conducted from September 13, 2011, to June 27, 2014. The PROWL-1 study was a single-military center study of 262 active-duty Navy personnel 21 to 52 years of age. The PROWL-2 study was a study of 312 civilians 21 to 57 years of age conducted at 5 private practice and academic centers. The LASIK surgery and the postoperative care were performed based on the usual practice and clinical judgment at the site. Participants completed a self-administered, web-based questionnaire, preoperatively and postoperatively at 1 and 3 months (the PROWL-1 and -2 studies) and at 6 months (the PROWL-2 study). EXPOSURES: Participants underwent LASIK surgery for myopia, hyperopia, and/or astigmatism. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: Visual symptoms (double images, glare, halos, and/or starbursts), dry eye symptoms, participant satisfaction (with vision and LASIK surgery), and clinical measures (visual acuity, refractive error, and slitlamp and posterior segment eye examination findings) were assessed preoperatively and at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: A total of 262 participants were enrolled in the PROWL-1 study (mean [SD] age, 29.1 [6.1] years), and a total of 312 participants were enrolled in the PROWL-2 study (mean [SD] age, 31.5 [7.3] years). Visual symptoms and dissatisfaction with vision were common preoperatively. Overall, the prevalence of visual symptoms and dry eye symptoms decreased, although a substantial percentage of participants reported new visual symptoms after surgery (43% [95% CI, 31%-55%] from the PROWL-1 study and 46% [95% CI, 33%-58%] from the PROWL-2 study at 3 months). The percentages of participants in the PROWL-1 study with normal Ocular Surface Disease Index scores were 55% (95% CI, 48%-61%) at baseline, 66% (95% CI, 59%-72%) at 3 months, and 73% (95% CI, 67%-79%) at 6 months. The percentages of participants in the PROWL-2 study with normal Ocular Surface Disease Index scores were 44% (95% CI, 38%-50%) at baseline and 65% (95% CI, 59%-71%) at 3 months. Of those participants who had normal scores at baseline in both the PROWL-1 and -2 studies, about 28% (95% CI, 19%-37%) had mild, moderate, or severe dry eye symptoms at 3 months. While most participants were satisfied, the rates of dissatisfaction with vision ranged from 1% (95% CI, 0%-4%) to 4% (95% CI, 2%-7%), and the rates of dissatisfaction with surgery ranged from 1% (95% CI, 0%-4%) to 2% (95% CI, 1%-5%). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The systematic administration of a questionnaire to patients who have undergone LASIK surgery is a new approach to assess symptoms and satisfaction. Our findings support the need for adequate counseling about the possibility of developing new symptoms after LASIK surgery.

Laser in situ keratomileusis flap stability in an aviator following aircraft ejection.

We present the case of a 28-year-old male F/A-18F Super Hornet naval flight officer who ejected from an aircraft at 13 000 feet at a speed in excess of 350 knots 7 years after uneventful laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). The patient was evaluated the day after the ejection. No LASIK flap complications or epithelial defects were found, and the corrected distance visual acuity was 20/15 in both eyes. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: None of the authors has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Randomized dose-response analysis of mitomycin-C to prevent haze after photorefractive keratectomy for high myopia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of mitomycin-C (MMC) 0.01% (0.1 mg/mL) in preventing haze formation after wavefront-guided photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for higher myopia at 3 exposures. SETTING: United States Navy Refractive Surgery Center, San Diego, California, USA. DESIGN: Double-masked randomized prospective trial. METHODS: Sixty-, 30-, and 15-second exposures of MMC 0.01% were compared in wavefront-guided PRK for higher myopia. One eye received MMC (surgical sponge) and the other a placebo. All eyes received a 4-month tapering postoperative topical steroid regimen. Endothelial cell densities, haze scores, high- and low-contrast acuities, and manifest refraction were measured preoperatively and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Outcomes were analyzed as repeated measures over time. RESULTS: The mean preoperative manifest refraction spherical equivalent was -5.98 diopters (D) (range -4.4 to -8.0 D). No eye developed more than trace haze. There was a significant difference in haze scores between MMC-treated eyes and untreated eyes at 1 and 3 months (P=.034) but no difference at 6 and 12 months. Endothelial cell densities decreased in the treated eyes and untreated eyes at all 3 exposures at 1 month but returned to baseline by 6 months. There was no difference in acuities or refractions with or without MMC. CONCLUSIONS: Mitomycin-C may not be needed to prevent haze after modern PRK with a 4-month steroid taper. There was no clinically significant difference in haze formation between MMC eyes and control eyes at the concentration and exposures used.

Delayed presentation of traumatic dislocation of a Visian Implantable Collamer Lens.

PURPOSE: To report traumatic dislocation of a Visian Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL, STAAR Surgical Co) discovered on routine examination. METHODS: A 26-year-old man was found to have ICL subluxation into the anterior chamber with pupillary capture on routine screening examination. The patient reported being punched near the left eye 2 weeks earlier. He noted mild blurry vision, no pain, and uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) was 20/30, which was decreased from his baseline of 20/20 in the affected eye. RESULTS: Surgical repositioning was performed under pupillary dilation without complication. Postoperatively, UDVA was 20/20(-2). Persistent pigment on the ICL, slight pupillary margin peaking, and anterior chamber inflammation were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Traumatic ICL dislocation may occur with minimal signs and symptoms. Education of patients about the necessity for examination after ocular trauma and need to wear eye protection during activities at high risk of ocular trauma are important.

The optics of aphakic and pseudophakic eyes in childhood.

The growth of the eye results in a myopic shift in aphakic and pseudophakic eyes during childhood. Cataract surgery after the age of 6 months, with or without lens implantation, appears to have little effect on the rate of refractive growth. Most children with pseudophakia have a large amount of myopic shift. This myopic shift is greatest in children with surgery at younger ages. It is also greater in eyes with high-power intraocular lenses due to an optical phenomenon analogous to the effect of vertex distance. The amount of myopic shift and the variance in rate of refractive growth can be predicted using an empiric, logarithmic model. We describe a revision of this logarithmic model to extend it patients with surgery before 3 months of age. We also analyze the variance in the rate of refractive growth, based on data from pseudophakic children with the longest follow-up in proportion to age.

Comparison of tropicamide and cyclopentolate for cycloplegic refractions in myopic adult refractive surgery patients.

PURPOSE: To compare tropicamide 1%, a shorter-acting cycloplegic agent, with cyclopentolate 1% for cycloplegic refractions in adult refractive surgery patients. SETTING: Navy Refractive Surgery Center, Ophthalmology, Naval Medical Center, San Diego, California. METHODS: The study was prospective, single center, with randomized sequencing of cycloplegic agent; each patient received both agents. Thirty consecutive myopic adult refractive surgery patients (mean age 35.4 years) participated. A complete preoperative examination, including cycloplegic refraction, was obtained twice, 1 week apart. The patient and the examiner were masked to the medication. Main outcome measures included cycloplegic and manifest refractions, best corrected distance acuity, near-point accommodation, pupil diameters, and subjective appraisal of experience with cycloplegic agents. RESULTS: Twenty-eight of 30 patients completed both examinations. Both eyes were measured, but comparisons were limited to right and left eyes, independently. No statistically significant difference was found between the tropicamide and cyclopentolate cycloplegic refractions (mean difference in MSE +/- SD, OD=0.054 +/- 0.214 diopters (D), t=1.33, P=.10; OS=0.054 +/- 0.253 D, t=1.12, P=.14). Five eyes of 3 patients had a difference of 0.50 D or greater between the 2 agents; less myopia with cyclopentolate. Near-point testing revealed less residual accommodation with cyclopentolate (difference in MSE, OD=-0.27 +/- 0.51 D, t=2.68, P=.006; OS=-0.32 +/- 0.49 D, t=3.46, P=.001). Subjectively, 24 of 28 (86%) patients preferred tropicamide, 1 (4%) preferred cyclopentolate, and 3 (10%) had no preference. CONCLUSIONS: There was no statistically significant difference in mean cycloplegic refractions. Cyclopentolate was more effective than tropicamide in reducing accommodative amplitude in adult myopes (near-point testing). Patients strongly preferred tropicamide.

An atypical presentation of Acanthamoeba keratitis in a noncontact lens wearer.

This article presents the case of a 49-year-old man who did not have a history of wearing contact lenses and who developed a rapidly progressive course of Acanthamoeba keratitis. The patient developed stromal keratitis that did not respond to herpes simplex virus therapies. Within 1 week after presentation, the patient progressed from mild anterior stromal haze and edema to a ring infiltrate, epithelial loss, and significant corneal edema. Corneal scrapings demonstrated cysts consistent with Acanthanmoeba keratitis. The patient was admitted to the hospital and placed on intensive medical therapy. He responded to therapy, and at 5 months showed central scarring in a quiet eye. This article presents a case of Acanthamoeba keratitis in a non-contact lens wearer, who was diagnosed clinically and histopathologically within 1 week of onset of symptoms. His case was atypical given his lack of contact lens wear or antecedent trauma and rapid progression to a ring infiltrate, usually seen as late findings.