Twelve-month outcomes of single-step transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy for moderate hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism.

BACKGROUND: Conventional mechanical or alcohol-assisted photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) techniques for correction of hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism were associated with inconsistent results. The aim of this study is to evaluate the 12-month visual and refractive outcomes of the relatively new single-step transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (TE-PRK) for moderate hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism. METHODS: This is a prospective interventional study. Forty-eight eyes of 30 patients with moderate hyperopia or hyperopic astigmatism with a cycloplegic spherical equivalent refraction (SEQ) between 2.0 and 4.5 diopters (D) underwent single-step StreamLight® TE-PRK using EX500 excimer laser (Alcon Laboratories, USA). The main outcome measures were recorded at 6 and 12 months postoperatively including assessment of logarithm of the minimum angle resolution (logMAR) uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity (UDVA, CDVA), cycloplegic refraction, corneal topographic changes as well as post-PRK peripheral haze grading. RESULTS: The mean preoperative cycloplegic SEQ was significantly reduced from 3.21 ± 0.61 D to 0.35 ± 0.04 D and 0.41 ± 0.04 D at 6 and 12 months, respectively (P < 0.001). The mean preoperative UDVA significantly improved from 0.53 ± 0.02 logMAR to 0.07 ± 0.01 logMAR and 0.08 ± 0.01 logMAR at 6 and 12 months, respectively (P < 0.001) while the mean preoperative logMAR CDVA showed non-significant change over time throughout the study (P = 0.135). At the end of the study, 41 eyes (85.4%) achieved UDVA of 20/25 or better and no eye lost any lines of CDVA. Thirty-eight eyes (79.1%) had a postoperative cycloplegic cylinder of 0.5 D or less at 12 months. The mean preoperative mean keratometry showed significant increase at 6 and 12 months postoperatively (P < 0.001) while there was no significant change between the two postoperative visits denoting topographic stability (P = 0.058). The mean postoperative Q value at 6 and 12 months showed a significant prolate shift (P < 0.001). No haze was observed in 62.5% and 85.4% of the enrolled eyes at 6 and 12 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Single-step StreamLight® TE-PRK for moderate hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism achieved acceptable visual and refractive outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: (Clinicaltrials.gov): NCT05261685, 2 March 2022, retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05261685.

A Prospective Comparative Study between Implantable Phakic Intraocular Contact Lens and Implantable Collamer Lens in Treatment of Myopia in Adults.

Purpose: To compare implantable collamer lenses (ICLs) and acrylic implantable phakic contact lenses (IPCLs) in the treatment of myopia in adults, as regards refractive outcome and adverse effects. Methods: Prospective, randomized comparative study with phakic intraocular lenses (IOLs) was carried out for treatment of myopia. Patients were randomized into two groups: one for ICL and the other for IPCL. Preoperative assessments included a full examination, pentacam, endothelial cell count, and biometry. We compared the adverse effects and refractive outcomes between both groups. The study was registered in clinical trials and the registration number is NCT04624035. Results: Sixty eyes of sixty patients (28 in the ICL group and 32 in the IPCL group) with a follow-up period of 12 months. The mean preoperative spherical equivalent was -12.7 ± 3.4 D and -13.6 ± 4.4 D in the ICL and IPCL groups, respectively (P=0.37). The mean postoperative spherical equivalent value was ±0.4 ± 0.2 D and ±0.6 ± 0.1 D in the ICL and IPCL groups, respectively. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) has improved from 1.3 ± 0.06 to 0.15 ± 0.02 Log MAR in the ICL group (P < 0.001) and from 1.3 ± 0.02 to 0.15 ± 0.01 Log MAR in the IPCL group (P < 0.001). The mean endothelial cell count was reduced by 3.3% in the IPCL group and by 3.2% in the IPCL group. Conclusion: Both ICL and IPCL are effective methods to correct high myopia in adults with no statistically significant differences between the two lenses as regarding adverse effects.

Corrigendum to "Outcome of a Low-Cost Glaucoma Implant versus the Baerveldt Glaucoma Implant for Paediatric Glaucoma in a Tertiary Hospital in Egypt".

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1155/2019/5134190.].

PREVALENCE AND CHARACTERISTICS OF MULTIFOCAL CHOROIDITIS/PUNCTATE INNER CHOROIDOPATHY IN PATHOLOGIC MYOPIA EYES WITH PATCHY ATROPHY.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence and characteristics of multifocal choroiditis/punctate inner choroidopathy (MFC/PIC) in eyes with patchy atrophy because of pathologic myopia. METHODS: Five hundred eyes of 253 patients with patchy atrophy were examined between 2014 and 2020 at the Advanced Clinical Center for Myopia. The main outcome measures included the prevalence and characteristics of active MFC/PIC lesions diagnosed by optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: Fifty-five of the 500 eyes (11%) diagnosed with patchy atrophy had optical coherence tomography features of active MFC/PIC lesions, such as focal elevations of the retinal pigment epithelium filled with medium hyperreflectivity material, curvilinear scars (Schlaegel lines), and/or areas of outer retinal atrophy. At the time when the MFC/PIC was diagnosed, the mean age was 57.3 ± 12.0 years, and the mean axial length was 29.2 ± 1.8 mm. Macular neovascularization was found in 45 of eyes (81.8%) with MFC/PIC versus 151 eyes without such findings (33.9%; P < 0.001). In 25 of the 55 eyes (45.5%), active MFC/PIC lesions were found before the development of the patchy atrophy. The Bruch membrane defects were colocated with these lesions. CONCLUSION: Active MFC/PIC lesions were identified in a minority of eyes with pathologic myopia, and a subset of these lesions were observed to progress to findings indistinguishable from myopic patchy atrophy. Evidence of MFC/PIC in eyes with pathologic myopia appeared to be a risk factor for the development of macular neovascularization.

Phacoemulsification in patients with corneal opacities using slit illumination of the surgical microscope.

Performing phacoemulsification in eyes with corneal opacities is challenging even with expert surgeons. Several techniques have been described to improve intraoperative visualization through opacified corneas. This retrospective interventional case series included 10 eyes of 10 patients with coexisting senile cataract and corneal opacity who underwent phacoemulsification with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation under slit illumination of the surgical microscope. Uneventful phacoemulsification with IOL implantation was achieved in all eyes without intraoperative complications. Slit illumination reduced the light scattering and reflection from the corneal opacity, enhanced the red reflex, and improved depth perception simultaneously in different steps of phacoemulsification. Phacoemulsification was safely performed in eyes with corneal opacity under slit illumination of the surgical microscope. It can be considered as a viable option for improving intraoperative visualization in patients with corneal opacities without additional instrumentation.

Ocular Manifestations of Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome, Upper Egypt Early Report.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the ocular manifestations of post-acute COVID-19 syndrome. METHODS: A retrospective, comparative study included 100 patients who had recovered from COVID-19 and 100 controls who were recruited by stratified randomization from hospital registration system and analyzed regarding history, full ophthalmological examination, general examination including internal medicine and neurological evaluation. Laboratory tests were done. RESULTS: Mean±SD of age were 55.5 ± 6.2 in COVID group vs 56.5 ± 5.8 in control group; P value = 0.7. In COVID group, 57 patients (57%) were males vs 51 patients (51%) in control group (P value = 0.39), the other compared parameters including history and risk factors showed non-significant difference except for ESR and D-dimer which were elevated in COVID group. In COVID group, 5 patients (5%) were having retinal vascular occlusion, 2 patients (2%) were having anterior ischemic optic neuropathy AION, 3 patients (3%) were having uveitis and 2 patients (2%) were having central serous chorioretinopathy CSCR. While in control group, 2 patients (2%) were having retinal vascular occlusion, and none had AION, uveitis or CSCR (P value = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Post-acute COVID-19 syndrome could affect the eyes in the form of coagulation problems, neurological morbidities, and other manifestations. This necessitates meticulous follow-up of recovered patients from COVID-19.

Comparison of the phaco chop and drill-and-crack techniques for phacoemulsification of hard cataracts: A fellow eye study.

PURPOSE: To quantify the intraoperative parameters and postoperative outcomes after using the phaco chop technique in one eye and drill-and-crack technique in the other eye in patients with bilateral dense brunescent cataract. METHODS: The Lens Opacities Classification System III grading system was used to select 132 eyes of 66 patients with bilateral nuclear opalescence (NO) grade NO4 or grade NO5. One eye in each patient with bilateral dense brunescent cataract was subjected to phacoemulsification using the phaco chop technique, while the other eye was subjected to phacoemulsification with the drill-and-crack technique for nucleus disassembly. The intraoperative parameters were quantified. Surgical outcome was assessed preoperatively and 1 day, 4 weeks and 12 weeks postoperatively, and the outcomes of the two techniques were compared. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the techniques in operative parameters [cumulative dissipated energy (p = 0.74), surgical time (p = 0.68) or surgical difficulty during nucleus disassembly (p = 0.80)]. There was no significant difference in the postoperative change in central corneal thickness between the techniques at day 1, 4 weeks and 12 weeks or in corneal endothelial cell density loss at 4 and 12 weeks (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference between the techniques in the mean corrected distance visual acuity (logarithm of the minimum angle resolution) at 4 weeks postoperatively (p = 0.25). CONCLUSION: The phaco chop and drill-and-crack techniques are equally effective for disassembly of hard NO4 and NO5 cataracts.

Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) intravitreal injection combined with argon laser photocoagulation for treatment of optic disc pit maculopathy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate clinical efficacy of combined sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) gas tamponade and laser photocoagulation for optic disc pit maculopathy (ODPM). METHODS: Eleven eyes of nine patients with optic disc pit maculopathy were treated with intravitreal injection of 0.6 ml 100% sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) combined with laser photocoagulation treatment. Patients were followed up for a mean of 28.54 months (range of 14-57 months) after treatment. The anatomical success was shown by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and the functional outcome was judged by best corrected visual acuity. RESULTS: Treatment with SF6 gas tamponade followed by laser photocoagulation in OPDM patients resulted in resolution of subretinal fluid (SRF) in 82% of eyes after single injection. Repeated injection was needed in two eyes to achieve resolution of SRF. Visual acuity improved significantly from a mean of 0.83 ± 0.14 logMAR preoperatively to a mean of 0.26 ± 0.11 logMAR postoperatively. Visual acuity stayed stable throughout the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: SF6 gas tamponade combined with laser photocoagulation represents simple, effective, minimally invasive treatment option for ODPM without vitreomacular traction. Repeated injection was required in some patients.

Early weaning versus prolonged administration of aqueous suppressants for prevention of hyperencapsulation in paediatric Ahmed glaucoma valve.

PURPOSE: To investigate the role of early and prolonged administration of aqueous suppressants in reduction of hyperencapsulation and intraocular pressure (IOP) control after paediatric Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation. METHODS: A prospective randomized interventional study recruited children who had AGV implantation for paediatric glaucoma. All patients received postoperative Timolol 0.5% for either 12 months (Group A) or 3 months (Group B). Additional IOP-reducing medications were added if IOP exceeded 21 mmHg or hyperencapsulation developed in either group. Primary outcome measures were rate of hyperencapsulation and reduction of IOP. RESULTS: Eighty sex children completed the 12-month follow-up visits. Baseline IOP was significantly reduced from 31.95 ± 9.1 to 16.94 ± 3.4 mmHg at 12 months in Group A and from 32.7 ± 7.4 to 19.85 ± 6.9 mmHg at 12 months in Group B. IOP was significantly lower in Group A than B at 6-, 9- and 12-month follow-up visits. In the first 4 months, the hyperencapsulation rate was similar in both Group A (six eyes, 13.3%) and Group B (seven eyes, 17.1%). However, the hyperencapsulation rate was significantly lower in Group A than B at both 6 months (22.5% versus 36.6%) and 12 months (31.1% versus 46.3%). Anti-glaucoma medications were significantly lower in Group A than B at both 6 months (1.3 versus 3.2 drugs) and 12 months (1.5 versus 3.6 drugs). CONCLUSION: Early and prolonged use of aqueous suppressants significantly reduced the rate of hyperencapsulation and provided better IOP control after paediatric AGV implantation.

Comparison of IOP Measurement by Goldmann Applanation Tonometer, ICare Rebound Tonometer, and Tono-Pen in Keratoconus Patients after MyoRing Implantation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the different IOP readings by Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT), ICare rebound tonometer, and Tono-Pen in keratoconus patients after MyoRing implantation. To assess the influence of central corneal thickness (CCT) and thinnest corneal location (TCL) on IOP measurements by different tonometers. SETTING: Prospective observational study was conducted in two private centers in Egypt from February 2015 to November 2016. METHODS: Seventeen eyes of 10 patients suffering from keratoconus and who underwent MyoRing implantation were recruited. All subjects underwent GAT, ICare, and Tono-Pen IOP measurements in random order. Central corneal thickness and thinnest corneal location were assessed by Pentacam. Difference in mean in IOP readings was assessed by T-test. Correlation between each pair of devices was evaluated by Pearson correlation coefficient. The Bland-Altman analysis was used to assess intertonometer agreement. RESULTS: Seventeen eyes (10 patients) were evaluated. The mean IOP reading was 13.9 ± 3.68, 12.41 ± 2.87, and 14.29 ± 1.31 mmHg in GAT, ICare, and Tono-Pen group, respectively. There was a significant difference between IOP readings by GAT/ICare and Tono-Pen/ICare (p value: 0.032 and 0.002, respectively) with no significant difference between GAT/Tono-Pen (p value: 0.554). Mean difference in IOP measurements between GAT/ICare was 1.49 ± 2.61 mmHg, Tono-Pen/ICare was 1.89 ± 2.15 mmHg, and GAT/Tono-Pen was -0.39 ± 2.59 mmHg. There was no significant correlation between the difference in IOP readings among any pair of devices and CCC or TCL. The Bland-Altman analysis showed a reasonable agreement between any pair of tonometers.

Switching to Aflibercept in Diabetic Macular Edema after Unsatisfactory Response to Other Anti-vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Drugs.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of switching to aflibercept in diabetic macular edema (DME) with suboptimal response to previous anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections. METHODS: A prospective interventional case series study recruited patients from a single center diagnosed with DME with suboptimal response to anti-VEGF injections. Three consecutive monthly injections of aflibercept were performed. The primary outcome measure was mean change in visual acuity after switching to aflibercept. RESULTS: Forty-two patients (42 eyes) were included. Baseline logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) visual acuity was 0.87 ± 0.23 and improved significantly to 0.62 ± 0.29, 0.56 ± 0.34, and 0.46 ± 0.35 at 1, 2, and 3 months, respectively, after the first injection. Mean baseline retinal thickness was 451.57 ± 107.09 µm and decreased significantly at 1, 2, and 3 months after switching to aflibercept (346.52 ± 79.03, 328.24 ± 81.98, and 313.71 ± 85.79 µm, respectively). Both visual improvement and mean change in retinal thickness were significant in patients with pre-aflibercept best-corrected visual acuity less than 1.0 logMAR but were not significant in patients with best-corrected visual acuity more than 1.0 logMAR. CONCLUSIONS: Switching to aflibercept in DME patients with an unsatisfactory response to previous anti-VEGF injections provided acceptable short-term visual and retinal architectural improvement.

Scanning electron microscopic characteristics of manually loaded and preloaded foldable acrylic intraocular lenses.

PURPOSE:: To compare surface alterations between preloaded and manually loaded intraocular lens. METHODS:: Scanning electron microscope was utilized to evaluate surface alteration and deposits in four different types of intraocular lenses: preloaded hydrophobic acrylic, preloaded hydrophilic acrylic, manually loaded hydrophobic acrylic, and manually loaded hydrophilic acrylic. Six lenses with different powers (+6 D, +22 D, and +29 D) were used from each category, to represent different thickness categories of the intraocular lenses. RESULTS:: In total, 30 intraocular lenses have been evaluated in this study: 4 from the control group (2 hydrophobic and 2 hydrophilic lenses) and 12 from the preloaded intraocular lens and manually loaded groups (6 hydrophilic and 6 hydrophobic lenses with different powers). Surface deposits were found in eight hydrophobic intraocular lenses compared to a single intraocular lens with scattered deposits on the optical surface of a hydrophilic intraocular lens. In manually loaded intraocular lens group, five hydrophobic and one hydrophilic intraocular lenses showed identifiable marks on the optical surface. In the preloaded intraocular lens group, three hydrophobic intraocular lenses showed identifiable marks on the optical surface and three hydrophobic intraocular lenses showed surface wrinkling. All hydrophilic intraocular lenses revealed no identifiable marks. CONCLUSION:: Surface alterations and deposits are a common finding in both preloaded and manually loaded intraocular lenses. Water content of acrylic intraocular lenses is an important factor predisposing to these changes, and hydrophobic intraocular lenses are more vulnerable than hydrophilic lenses. The impact on the final visual outcome needs further studies.

Outcome of a Low-Cost Glaucoma Implant versus the Baerveldt Glaucoma Implant for Paediatric Glaucoma in a Tertiary Hospital in Egypt.

PURPOSE: To compare safety and efficacy between a low-cost glaucoma drainage device (GDD), the Aurolab aqueous drainage implant (AADI), and the Baerveldt glaucoma implant (BGI) in refractory childhood glaucoma in Egypt. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of patients who received either an AADI or BGI at a tertiary care postgraduate teaching institute. Children aged <16 years with uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) with or without prior failed trabeculectomy who completed a minimum 6-month follow-up were included. The outcome measures were IOP reduction from preoperative values and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Charts of 57 children (younger than 16 years old) diagnosed with refractory childhood glaucoma were included. Of these, 27 eyes received AADI implants (group A), while 30 received BGI implants (group B). The mean preoperative baseline IOP was 34 ± 5 mmHg in group A versus 29 ± 2 mmHg in group B (p=0.78) in patients on maximum allowed glaucoma medications. In group A versus group B, the mean IOP decreased to 13.25 ± 8.74 mmHg (p=0.6), 12.8 ± 5.4 mmHg (p=0.7), and 12.6 ± 5.6 mmHg (p=0.9) after 1 week, 3 months, and 6 months, respectively. However, in group A, an anterior chamber reaction appeared around the tube in 14 cases starting from the first month and resolved with treatment in only 4 cases. In the other 10 cases, the reaction became more severe and required surgical intervention. This complication was not observed in any eye in group B. CONCLUSION: AADI, a low-cost glaucoma implant, is effective in lowering IOP in patients with recalcitrant paediatric glaucoma. However, an intense inflammatory reaction with serious consequences developed in some of our patients; we believe these events are related to the valve material. We therefore strongly recommend against its use in children.

Comparison of the clinical disc margin seen in stereo disc photographs with neural canal opening seen in optical coherence tomography images.

PURPOSE: To compare neural canal opening (NCO) with the clinical optic disc margin (DM) seen and to investigate the planarity of the NCO in normal human optic nerve heads (ONH). METHODS: Sixteen eyes were imaged. Twelve healthy eyes were selected for planarity and 9 for NCO and DM correspondence. All subjects were subjected to a visual field examination, stereo disc photograph (SDP), scanning laser ophthalmoscopy, clinical examination with a fellowship trained glaucoma specialist, and optical coherence tomography imaging. Three reviewers delineated the NCO and inner limiting membrane on optical coherence tomography images. The clinical DM was delineated by a glaucoma specialist while viewing SDPs. Plane error was calculated for NCO and for Bruch membrane (BM) at distances 80 and 120 µm from NCO. RESULTS: The NCO segmentation interrater variability was low with an average coefficient of variation of 2.7%. A regional variation of the SDP and NCO correspondence was observed, wherein the temporal region had the largest coefficient of variation. The plane error of the NCO and BM were similar and was approximately 12 µm, which is small relative to an average DM diameter of 1.7 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The BM opening has a good correspondence with the clinical DM seen in SDPs. NCO delineation seemed to be reliable. The BM and NCO are relatively planar in normal humans and can be further evaluated for longitudinal studies to observe stability.

Using multiple trabecular micro-bypass stents in cataract patients to treat open-angle glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of multiple trabecular micro-bypass stents combined with cataract surgery in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG) and cataract. SETTING: Private practice, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. DESIGN: Comparative case series. METHODS: Eyes with OAG had implantation of 2 or 3 micro-bypass stents with concurrent cataract surgery and follow-up through 1 year. Efficacy measures were intraocular pressure (IOP) and topical ocular hypotensive medication use. Safety assessment included complications and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA). RESULTS: The study comprised 53 eyes (47 patients); 28 had implantation of 2 stents and 25 had implantation of 3 stents. The overall mean 1-year postoperative IOP was 14.3 mm Hg, which was significantly lower than preoperative IOP overall and in each group (P<.001). The target IOP was achieved in a significantly higher proportion of eyes at 1 year versus preoperatively (77% versus 43%; P<.001). Overall, 83% of eyes had a decrease in topical ocular hypotensive medication at 1 year from preoperatively, with a 74% decrease in the mean number of medications (from 2.7 to 0.7) at 1 year (P<.001). The 3-stent group was on significantly fewer medications than the 2-stent group at 1 year (0.4 versus 1.0; P=.04). CONCLUSIONS: Using multiple micro-bypass stents with concurrent cataract surgery led to a mean postoperative IOP of less than 15 mm Hg and allowed patients to achieve target pressure control with significantly fewer medications through 1 year. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: Dr. Ahmed is a consultant to Glaukos Corp. No other author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.