VITRECTOMY WITH SUBRETINAL TISSUE PLASMINOGEN ACTIVATOR AND GAS TAMPONADE FOR SUBFOVEAL HEMORRHAGE: Prognostic Factors and Clinical Outcomes.

PURPOSE: To study the prognostic factors and clinical outcomes of patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy, subretinal injection of tissue plasminogen activator, and gas tamponade for the treatment of subfoveal hemorrhage (SFH). METHODS: A retrospective noncomparative interventional case series. RESULTS: Seventy-eight eyes from 77 patients were included. A total of 84.6% of eyes developed SFH from age-related macular degeneration. Partial or complete displacement of the SFH was achieved in 91.5% of eyes within 2 months of surgery. Visual acuity improved from 20/1,449 preoperatively to 20/390 after a mean follow-up time of 6.3 months, corresponding to approximately 5 lines of Snellen acuity improvement (P < 0.001). Better visual acuity was associated with the absence of age-related macular degeneration (P = 0.02) and less hemorrhage superior to the fovea (P < 0.001). Final visual acuity was not associated with the area of SFH (P = 0.17), use of anticoagulants (P = 0.14), or visibility of the ellipsoid layer by optical coherence tomography (P = 0.64). Nine patients (11.5%) developed a recurrence of SFH within the follow-up period. Recurrence of SFH was not associated with concurrent anticoagulant therapy (P = 0.52). CONCLUSION: An etiology other than age-related macular degeneration with less hemorrhage superior to the fovea predicts a better outcome in patients with SFH treated with pars plana vitrectomy, subretinal tissue plasminogen activator, and gas tamponade.

Binocular sensitivity and specificity of screening tests in cross-sectional diagnostic studies of paired organs.

We introduce new binocular accuracy measures as alternatives to conventional marginal measures that can be used to evaluate screening tests in diagnostic studies involving paired organs (e.g. eyes and ears). Specifically, we consider screening studies based on a cross-sectional design, where both diagnosis and disease status are determined after study enrolment or sampling, yielding paired binocular binary data described via two models, namely, the extended common correlation model and the Gaussian copula probit model. The first relies on the assumption of exchangeability of fellow organs, while the second is more flexible. Binocular versions of sensitivity and specificity are defined, respectively, as the probability of at least one correct positive diagnosis in patients with one or both organs truly diseased and the probability of two correct negative diagnoses for patients with both organs truly un-diseased. Comparisons between the conventional marginal and binocular sensitivities and specificities are illustrated for both models using data from a diabetic retinopathy study. We show that our methodology provides a viable alternative to conventional ways of assessing diagnostic accuracy of screening tests for paired organs. The binocular versions of sensitivity and specificity reflect the way screening tests are conducted in practice, and they overcome the shortcomings of conventional measures. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Joint estimation of multiple disease-specific sensitivities and specificities via crossed random effects models for correlated reader-based diagnostic data: application of data cloning.

We present a model for describing correlated binocular data from reader-based diagnostic studies, where the same group of readers evaluates the presence or absence of certain diseases on binocular organs (e.g., fellow eyes) of patients. Multiple random effects are incorporated to meaningfully delineate various associations in the data including crossed random effects to account for reader-specific variability and to incorporate cross correlations. To overcome the computational complexity involved in the evaluation and maximization of the marginal likelihood, we adopt the data cloning approach, which calculates maximum likelihood estimates under the Bayesian paradigm. The bias and efficiency of the estimates are assessed in two simulation studies. We apply our model to data from a diabetic retinopathy study.

LONG-TERM OUTCOMES FOR OPTIC DISK PIT MACULOPATHY AFTER VITRECTOMY.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of pars plana vitrectomy for congenital optic disk pit maculopathy with various adjuvant techniques, including gas tamponade, internal limiting membrane peel, and temporal optic disk endolaser in a multicenter study with long-term follow-up. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed to identify eyes that underwent surgical repair for congenital optic disk pits and serous macular detachment with or without macular retinoschisis from four retinal centers across Canada from 2003 to 2013. Data collected included surgeries performed, preoperative and postoperative vision, central retinal thickness, and presence or absence of subretinal fluid. Optical coherence tomography was used to define anatomical success (i.e., foveal reattachment). RESULTS: Thirty-two eyes of 32 patients with optic disk pits and serous macular detachments were identified that had undergone surgical repair. All eyes underwent pars plana vitrectomy and induction of posterior vitreous detachment if one was not present. Additional procedures performed on occasion included internal limiting membrane peel (n = 8), temporal optic disk pits endolaser (n = 7), and gas tamponade (air, C3F8 or SF6; n = 31). After vitrectomy surgery, foveal attachment was achieved in 26 of 32 eyes (81.3%). The average number of surgeries required was 1.4 ± 0.6, with a maximum of 3 vitrectomies (n = 2). Mean change in best-corrected visual acuity was -0.47 ± 0.54 logMAR units, which corresponds to approximately 5 lines of visual improvement (P < 0.001). Median time to reattachment was 416 days. Preoperative vision, preoperative symptom days, and age were not associated with postoperative reattachment. Similarly, internal limiting membrane peel and temporal endolaser were not associated with postoperative reattachment, nor was there a difference between air and SF6 and C3F8 gas tamponade. Elevated preoperative central retinal thickness was associated with a lower chance of postoperative reattachment (P = 0.007) and was also the best prognostic indicator of success (P = 0.039). CONCLUSION: Vitrectomy for macular detachment due to optic disk pit has good long-term success and results in an improvement in visual acuity. However, adjuvant techniques such as internal limiting membrane peel and temporal endolaser may not improve outcomes, nor does there seem to be a difference between short- and long-acting gases. Patients should be made aware that it can take more than a year and multiple surgeries to achieve foveal reattachment and that increased baseline central retinal thickness is a poor prognostic sign.

Antibiotic choice for the prophylaxis of post-cataract extraction endophthalmitis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the 8-year incidence of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery and to determine which surgical practices were associated with higher rates of endophthalmitis. DESIGN: Case-control study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 75 318 eyes undergoing cataract extractions, performed by 26 different surgeons at 4 public hospitals and 5 nonhospital surgical facilities. METHODS: Cases of endophthalmitis were acquired using a detailed, prospectively designed demographic database. Controls were tabulated using volume data available from the provincial health care system. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the development of endophthalmitis. RESULTS: A total of 23 cases (13 with culture-positive results) of postoperative endophthalmitis occurred, yielding an overall 8-year incidence of 0.03%. The incidence of endophthalmitis varied between surgeons from 0% to 0.20%. Two surgeons had higher rates than the rest of the group: 1 high-volume surgeon (1059.4±231.9 mean cases per year) with an incidence of 0.08% (n = 7; P = 0.004) and 1 low-volume surgeon (123.5±44.8 mean cases per year) with an incidence of 0.20% (n = 2; P = 0.002). On univariate analysis, the rate of endophthalmitis was not influenced by the use of intracameral (0.898) or subconjunctival antibiotics (0.331), whereas the use of moxifloxacin was associated with a lower rate of endophthalmitis (P = 0.029). Surgery at 1 private facility (P = 0.046) and the use of timolol at the end of the procedure (P = 0.007) were associated with a higher rate of endophthalmitis. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the odds of endophthalmitis was lower if a second-generation (P = 0.02) or fourth-generation (P = 0.008) fluoroquinolone antibiotic was used after surgery. In contrast, the odds of endophthalmitis occurring was higher if timolol (P = 0.0002) was used at the end of the procedure or if the surgery was performed at one of the private facilities (P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: The rate of endophthalmitis was lower if a fluoroquinolone was used after surgery. In contrast, endophthalmitis was more likely to occur if timolol was used at the end of the procedure or if surgery was performed at one of the private facilities.

Retention of the Boston keratoprosthesis type 1: multicenter study results.

OBJECTIVE: To report the retention rate of the Boston keratoprosthesis type 1 and to identify risk factors for keratoprosthesis loss. DESIGN: Cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 300 eyes of 300 patients who underwent implantation of the Boston keratoprosthesis type I device between January 2003 and July 2008 by 19 surgeons at 18 medical centers. METHODS: Forms reporting preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative parameters were prospectively collected and subsequently analyzed at a central data collection site. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Keratoprosthesis retention. RESULTS: A total cumulative number of 422 life-years of device implantation are included in this analysis. The average duration of follow-up was 17.1 ± 14.8 months, with a range of 1 week to >6.1 years. Ninety-three percent of the 300 Boston keratoprosthesis implants were retained at their last follow-up, corresponding to a retention time of 396 patient-years or 1.42 years/keratoprosthesis. The probability of retention after 1 year and 2 years was 94% and 89%, respectively. During the study period, 21 (7%) eyes failed to retain the device; the reasons for keratoprosthesis loss include sterile keratolysis (9), fungal infections (8), dense retroprosthetic membranes (3), and bacterial endophthalmitis (1). Multivariate analysis demonstrated 3 independent risk factors for keratoprosthesis loss: autoimmune cause (hazard ratio [HR], 11.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.31-43.11), ocular surface exposure requiring a concomitant tarsorrhaphy (HR, 3.43; 95% CI, 1.05-11.22), and number of prior failed penetrating keratoplasties (HR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.18-2.28). CONCLUSIONS: The Boston keratoprosthesis type 1 seems to be a viable option for eyes that are not candidates for penetrating keratoplasty (PK). Ocular surface disease due to an autoimmune cause demonstrated the lowest retention rate. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Immediately sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) adapted protocol during COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the steps, hurdles, and recommendations for implementation of the immediately sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) evidence-based protocol at a high-volume Canadian tertiary care centre. DESIGN: Quality-improvement study. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 406 patients who underwent ISBCS from July 2020 to December 2020. Patients were selected based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria including psychosocial factors, refractive error and consent. This initiative impacted staff at all levels involved with cataract surgery. METHODS: The Model of Improvement framework was used and involved numerous discussions with multidisciplinary teams of ophthalmologists, nursing and support staff, management, pharmacists, and medical device reprocessing teams. This initiative was created and refined via a thorough review of the literature and current best practices. It was implemented in July 2020 after a nursing "huddle." Any adverse outcomes and overall impact were collected from various levels of staff involved. RESULTS: Each eye was treated as a separate surgery with a double time-out per bilateral case. Additional measures were taken to ensure different lot numbers for medications, equipment, and materials. This practice increased surgical volume by approximately 25% and reduced the number of patient visits by 50%, reducing potential COVID-19 exposure. CONCLUSIONS: The resulting protocol from our study may be useful to other centres wishing to integrate ISBCS as one example of successful implementation. Of the 406 cases of ISBCS performed, we report zero cases of toxic anterior segment syndrome or endophthalmitis. In times of decreased elective surgeries, ISBCS is a safe and effective option to supplement surgical volume and provide significant patient benefits.

Decrease in Anti-VEGF Injections After Post-injection Endophthalmitis in Patients With Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Introduction: To evaluate the effect of antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF)-related endophthalmitis on intravitreal injection (IVI) frequency in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed of all cases of post IVI endophthalmitis that occurred in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, between 2012 and 2019. Contralateral eyes affected by nAMD but without endophthalmitis served as a control group. The main outcome measures were the frequency of anti-VEGF injections, visual acuity, and activity of choroidal neovascularization before and after endophthalmitis. Results: Seventeen eyes met the inclusion criteria, 2 (12%) of which never resumed IVI after endophthalmitis because of the quiescence of disease. Post-endophthalmitis eyes received IVI less frequently in the 1 year after endophthalmitis (mean 0.52 ± 0.42 IVI/month) than those that received IVI 1 year before endophthalmitis (1.09 ± 0.36 IVI/month) (P = .001). The 17 contralateral eyes also received anti-VEGF injections less frequently after endophthalmitis than before (P = .001). There was no significant change in optical coherence tomography markers of disease activity in cases or controls. Conclusions: In patients with nAMD, endophthalmitis resolution is associated with a decrease in anti-VEGF injection frequency. The same decrease in anti-VEGF injection frequency is also seen in contralateral eyes unaffected by endophthalmitis. Markers of disease activity remain unchanged in both eyes, suggesting disease quiescence despite reduced IVI frequency.

Risk factors for the development of retroprosthetic membranes with Boston keratoprosthesis type 1: multicenter study results.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to identify possible risk factors for retroprosthetic membrane (RPM) development in a large, multicenter cohort of patients receiving a Boston type 1 keratoprosthesis. DESIGN: Cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: The final analysis included 265 eyes of 265 patients who underwent implantation of a Boston keratoprosthesis type I device between January 2003 and July 2008 by 1 of 19 surgeons at 18 medical centers. METHODS: Forms reporting preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative parameters were prospectively collected and subsequently analyzed at a central data collection site. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the presence or absence of an RPM during the follow-up period. RESULTS: The average age of patients was 63.3±19.1 years, 48.5% of the patients were female, and 52.5% of procedures were performed on the right eye. The mean follow-up time was 17.8±14.9 months. The majority (85.4%; n = 222) had undergone an average of 2.2±1.2 (range, 1-8) penetrating keratoplasties before keratoprosthesis implantation, and 38 eyes (14.6%) received a primary keratoprosthesis. The overall RPM formation rate was 31.7% (n = 84). The most significant risk factor for RPM development was infectious keratitis (as a surgical indication for keratoprosthesis surgery itself), resulting in a rate of RPM formation of 70.6%. As an independent risk factor, the hazard ratio (HR) of RPM development in these eyes was 3.20 (95% confidence interval, 1.66-6.17). Aniridia was also an independent risk factor for RPM development (HR, 3.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.10-8.89). CONCLUSIONS: Formation of RPM is a common complication of keratoprosthesis surgery, occurring in approximately one-third of cases. Eyes at the highest risk of RPM development are those receiving corneal replacement for infectious keratitis and aniridia.

Evidence-based cataract surgery teaching milestones: guide to evaluate resident achievement.

PURPOSE: To develop evidence-based milestones for cataract surgery teaching and identify performance indicators. SETTING: Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: Operative records from a single surgeon were reviewed for resident participation when learning cataract surgery over a 14-year period. Time to complete a resident's first complete case was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included mean time to perform each categorical step of the procedure, number of cases participated in, rate of participation, complex case involvement, and complications. Strong resident performance was defined as time to first complete a case 1 SD quicker than mean performance; weak performance was the opposite. RESULTS: Residents (n = 13) performed beginner steps for 3.1 ± 3.2 months and intermediate steps until month 4.3 ± 3.3, and by month, 5.1 ± 3.4 residents were able to do complete cases. Time to perform a complete case increased with lower case participation (P = .02); mean proportion of complex cases that a resident participated in was 7.9% (n = 17.6 ± 10.0); less than 1% of resident cases resulted in posterior capsular rupture (PCR; n = 1.4 ± 1.3 cases). Based on these data, weaker achievement was defined as failure to achieve beginner-step competency by month 6.3, intermediate step competency by month 7.6, or inability to perform a complete case by month 8.5. In this dataset, 23.1% of residents (n = 3) met this definition. CONCLUSIONS: Residents who train with multiple teachers during a focused cataract surgery rotation can perform complete cases after a mean of 5.1 ± 3.4 months with a low PCR rate.

Detecting Glaucoma in Rural Kenya: Results From a Teleglaucoma Pilot Project in Nyamira, Kenya.

PRECIS: A teleglaucoma (TG) case-finding model was used in Kenya. Of the patients, 3.46% had definite glaucoma and 4.12% were glaucoma suspects. Most cases were of moderate to advanced stage and referred for further assessment. PURPOSE: The aim was to evaluate glaucoma prevalence in a high-risk population using a TG model. METHODS: Patients aged 35 or over were referred to the TG program from the outpatient diabetic and hypertensive clinics at Nyamira District Hospital (NDH) and from community awareness programs. Comprehensive ophthalmic examination included structured history, visual acuity, intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness, stereoptic nerve, and macular images. A glaucoma specialist provided diagnosis and management recommendation through virtual consultation. Glaucoma diagnosis and staging were based on at least 1 eye meeting the optic nerve criteria as specified by the Canadian glaucoma guidelines. RESULTS: In all, 1206 participants were seen and 19 of these could not complete the examination. Of 1187 patients, 56% were women and the mean age was 56.60±12.36 years. Of the patients, 11.8% had images that were ungradable in at least 1 eye. The prevalence of glaucoma and glaucoma suspects was 3.46% (n=42) and 4.12% (n=50), respectively. The proportion of patients with early, moderate, advanced, and absolute glaucoma was 2.4%, 33.3%, 52.4%, and 2.4%, respectively. Other diagnoses (pathology in at least 1 eye) included cataract in 13.2%, diabetic retinopathy in 1.48%, and optic atrophy in 1.98%. Of the patients, 28.2% were referred to the Innovation Eye Centre, Kisii, for further assessment. CONCLUSION: A structured TG program detected glaucoma in 3.46% of a rural Kenyan population. Timely patient referral was also initiated.

Intravitreal bevacizumab alone versus combined verteporfin photodynamic therapy and intravitreal bevacizumab for choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration: visual acuity after 1 year of follow-up.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to compare the mean change in visual acuity between bevacizumab and combined bevacizumab and photodynamic therapy for the treatment of choroidal neovascularization from age-related macular degeneration after 12 months of follow-up. METHODS: This study included a retrospective cohort of patients with untreated choroidal neovascularization. The generalized estimating equation was used to account for the correlation between eyes and to construct multivariate models to control for confounding factors of visual acuity change. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-nine eyes treated with bevacizumab were compared with 236 eyes that received bevacizumab and photodynamic therapy (combination treatment). The monotherapy eyes showed an improvement of 0.101 +/- 0.619 logarithm of minimum angle of resolution units (5.05 letters) after a mean follow-up of 409.6 days versus 0.096 +/- 0.611 (4.8 letters) after a mean follow-up of 416.7 days with combination therapy; there was no difference between the groups (P = 0.970). The monotherapy eyes received 3.32 +/- 1.71 injections versus 3.14 +/- 1.52 injections in the combination therapy group (P = 0.665). The multivariate analysis did not show any difference between groups at the end of the study period in terms of visual improvement, worsening, stabilization, or the number of bevacizumab injections used. CONCLUSION: Long-term visual outcomes for the treatment of choroidal neovascularization in age-related macular degeneration are not improved with the addition of photodynamic therapy to bevacizumab nor are fewer injections needed.

Intrastromal cannula injury in cataract surgery.

Iatrogenic ocular injuries from unexpected cannula ejection during ophthalmic surgery are rare and can cause vision-threatening damage. This report describes 2 cases of cannula-associated ocular injuries that resulted in good visual outcome, despite the cannula traveling intrastromally through the visual axis.

Effect of stopping hydroxychloroquine therapy on the multifocal electroretinogram in patients with rheumatic disorders.

OBJECTIVE: To report the effect of hydroxychloroquine therapy cessation on the multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) in a case series of patients with rheumatic disease suspected to have retinopathy. METHODS: Comprehensive data were retrospectively reviewed on 14 patients from a total of 50 cases who discontinued hydroxychloroquine due to suspected toxicity. Patients were followed for 4 years after the cessation of therapy. mfERG testing had been part of original screening for hydroxychloroquine retinopathy and was continued after therapy cessation at 6-month intervals. Descriptive statistics, independent sample t test, and one-way analysis of variance with repeated measures and post hoc analysis were conducted to determine patients' clinical characteristics and changes in the mfERG after therapy cessation, respectively. RESULTS: All 14 patients were female; 12 were treated for rheumatoid arthritis and 2 for systemic lupus erythematosus. Three groups were identified: (i) 9 patients in whom the responses of the mfERG recovered to within normative values after cessation of hydroxychloroquine therapy, (ii) 3 who experienced limited recoveries, and (iii) 1 patient whose mfERG response was unchanged. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the clinical characteristics of these patients. However, the proportional reduction of mfERG ring 1, 2, and 3 amplitudes from age normal responses at the time of discontinuation of drug use for the first and second groups of patients was significantly different, with more reduction in group 2 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Early detection of hydroxychloroquine retinopathy through screening and subsequent therapy discontinuation could result in recovery of the mfERG ring amplitude response and preservation of visual function.

Distinguishing Central Serous Chorioretinopathy From Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Prospective Study.

Purpose: This article identifies clinical features that differentiate central serous chorioretinopathy (CSR) from neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) and uses this information to develop a diagnostic tool. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted of patients with a new diagnosis of CSR, nAMD, or indeterminate presentation. All patients underwent clinical assessment, axial length measurement, enhanced-depth imaging-optical coherence tomography, and intravenous fluorescein angiography. A final consensus diagnosis was derived following review of these factors. Results: A total of 56 eyes of 56 patients were enrolled (CSR = 34; nAMD = 22). The subfoveal choroidal thickness was greater in the CSR group (421 ± 106 µm) than the nAMD group (219 ± 91 µm, P < .001). The following odds ratio of CSR reached statistical significance: age 70 and younger (72.00, 95% CI: 11.99-432.50), subfoveal choroidal thickness greater than or equal to 300 µm (33.92, 95% CI: 4.06-283.18), dome-shaped neurosensory detachment (13.24, 95% CI: 3.22-54.45), retinal pigment epithelial changes (0.31, 95% CI: 0.10-0.97), subretinal hyperreflective material (0.11, 95% CI: 0.03-0.42), and fibrovascular pigment epithelial detachment (0.05, 95% CI: 0.01-0.47). A stepwise CSR vs nAMD clinical decision-making algorithm is proposed. Conclusions: Choroidal thickness is increased in CSR when compared with nAMD. The presented odds ratios and the CSR vs nAMD clinical decision-making tool can be applied to distinguish CSR from nAMD.

Joint estimation of diagnostic accuracy measures for paired organs--application in ophthalmology.

Diagnostic studies in ophthalmology frequently involve binocular data where pairs of eyes are evaluated, through some diagnostic procedure, for the presence of certain diseases or pathologies. The simplest approach of estimating measures of diagnostic accuracy, such as sensitivity and specificity, treats eyes as independent, consequently yielding incorrect estimates, especially of the standard errors. Approaches that account for the inter-eye correlation include regression methods using generalized estimating equations and likelihood techniques based on various correlated binomial models. The paper proposes a simple alternative statistical methodology of jointly estimating measures of diagnostic accuracy for binocular tests based on a flexible model for correlated binary data. Moments' estimation of model parameters is outlined and asymptotic inference is discussed. The resulting estimates are straightforward and easy to obtain, requiring no special statistical software but only elementary calculations. Results of simulations indicate that large-sample and bootstrap confidence intervals based on the estimates have relatively good coverage properties when the model is correctly specified. The computation of the estimates and their standard errors are illustrated with data from a study on diabetic retinopathy.

Optimizing preoperative requirements for outpatient cataract surgery at the Royal Alexandra Hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate preoperative testing for cataract surgery, implement stakeholder-driven change, and increase the number of patients who arrived for surgery with complete preoperative requirements, for the purpose of delivering safe, high-quality, and cost-effective care for patients. DESIGN: Quality improvement. PARTICIPANTS: Cataract surgery patients, health care staff in Ophthalmology Day Surgery, an Ophthalmology improvement team, the Clinical Section Heads of Ophthalmology and Anaesthesia, Quality Consultants, and members of the Quality Council participated in this study. METHODS: A lean quality improvement approach was used to define and build understanding of the problem. Between July and November 2016, a chart-based reporting system captured all patients who arrived for cataract surgery with expired or incomplete preoperative requirements. A cost analysis was completed, and evidence was reviewed to ensure alignment with best practice preoperative recommendations. RESULTS: On average, 25% (619/2451 over a 17-week period) of patients per day arrived at the Ophthalmology Day Surgery for cataract surgery with incomplete and/or expired physical history forms and ECGs. An improvement team worked to implement a radical improvement idea and relied on an existing questionnaire to ensure patient safety preoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the literature, best practice guidelines, and a cost analysis, it was decided that patients undergoing routine cataract surgery in Edmonton Zone Hospitals under regional anaesthesia would no longer require physician history and physicals and ECGs. Elimination of the preoperative requirements for all but select high-risk patients meant that 100% of patients who arrived for cataract surgery would not have outstanding presurgery requirements.

Ocular injuries associated with Airsoft guns: a case series.

BACKGROUND: As Airsoft guns have gained popularity in Canada, there have been an increasing number of associated ocular injuries. This study reviews and evaluates the ocular injuries and effects associated with trauma secondary to Airsoft guns. METHODS: The clinical records of 1232 patients seen by an on-call ophthalmology resident at the Royal Alexandra Hospital Eye Clinic were reviewed. Of these, 8 patients had ocular injuries involving an Airsoft gun. RESULTS: All 8 cases were monocular injuries in male patients with a mean age of 18 years. Documented injuries included hyphema, corneal contusion, subconjunctival hemorrhage, lid contusion, corneal abrasion, traumatic iritis, commotio retinae, and traumatic mydriasis. Presenting visual acuities ranged from 20/15 to light perception. INTERPRETATION: Injuries were confined mostly to the anterior segment and were not as serious as injuries reported from paintball and traditional BB gun injuries. However, hyphema was a commonly observed finding. Eye care professionals should be aware of the potential harm associated with injuries related to Airsoft guns.

Prospective randomized controlled trial of phaco-trabectome versus phaco-trabeculectomy in patients with open angle glaucoma.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of ab interno trabeculectomy with the Trabectome combined with cataract surgery (phaco-AIT) versus Trabeculectomy with mitomycin C combined with cataract surgery (phaco-Trab) in open-angle glaucoma. METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled trial with a single surgeon and surgical center was undertaken. Patients were recruited from July 2009 to October 2014. Primary outcomes were mean intraocular pressure (IOP) at 6 months and surgical complications. Secondary outcomes were mean IOP at 12 months, achievement of target IOP, number of glaucoma medications, and rate of secondary surgery. RESULTS: The trial was ended early before achieving our intended sample size due to difficulties in recruitment and lack of clinical equipoise over time. Nineteen patients were enrolled, 10 phaco-AIT and 9 phaco-Trab. Baseline IOP was 20.0 ± 5.3 in phaco-AIT and 23.1 ± 6.4 mm Hg in phaco-Trab (p = 0.22). IOP decreased to 17.5 ± 3.8 and 16.0 ± 6.0 mm Hg at 6 months (p = 0.54), and 16.8 ± 2.7 and 17.1 ± 5.0 mm Hg at 1 year (p = 0.57), respectively. Mean number of glaucoma medications at baseline was 1.8 ± 1.3 in phaco-AIT and 1.4 ± 1.1 in phaco-Trab (p = 0.59). Mean number of glaucoma medications decreased to 0.78 ± 1.39 and 0.38 ± 0.74 at 6 months (p = 0.68), and 0.44 ± 0.88 and 0.75 ± 0.89 at 1 year (p = 0.41), respectively. Mild and moderate complications were seen in both treatment groups, but severe complications were seen only in phaco-Trab. One secondary glaucoma procedure was required in the phaco-AIT group. CONCLUSIONS: Phaco-AIT achieved similar IOP lowering at 6 and 12 months compared with phaco-Trab with a similar number of glaucoma medications required at 1 year, and no serious complications were identified in the Phaco-AIT group.