Sutureless Lyophilized Amniotic Membrane Grafting for Corneal Epithelial Defects.

OBJECTIVES: To report the tolerability, safety, and efficacy of the lyophilized amniotic membrane (AM) Visio-AMTRIX placed under a bandage contact lens (BCL) in treating persistent epithelial defects (PEDs). METHODS: This retrospective study included consecutive patients with PEDs treated with a lyophilized AM placed under the BCL. Patients with PEDs who did not respond to medical treatment were included. Patients with a follow-up time less than 3 months were excluded. RESULTS: Eleven eyes of 11 patients (mean age, 61.6±15.9 years) were included. Time from PED presentation to AM transplantation (AMT) was 27.7±4.9 days, with the mean PED area of 13.2±11.3 mm2. Complete resolution was achieved in 8 of 11 eyes after a single AM graft. The epithelial defect persisted after the first AMT in three eyes (27.3%), and a second graft was necessary to achieve complete healing. The corneal epithelial defect healed in an average of 11.0±4.4 days after grafting. After PED resolution, the best-corrected visual acuity significantly improved from 0.66±0.30 logMAR (20/91 Snellen) to 0.58±0.24 logMAR (20/77 Snellen) (P=0.036) compared with baseline. The AM resorbed within 2 weeks in all cases. No complication or recurrence was observed. CONCLUSIONS: A sutureless lyophilized AM under the BCL can resolve PEDs with a significant improvement in vision.

Demarcation line evaluation of iontophoresis-assisted transepithelial corneal collagen cross-linking for keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the visualization and depth of the demarcation line with anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) after iontophoresis-assisted transepithelial corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL). METHODS: This prospective, consecutive, single center, non-randomized clinical study involved 15 eyes of 12 patients with keratoconus who underwent an AS-OCT scan (Spectralis; Heidelberg Engineering, Inc., Carlsbad, CA) to search for a demarcation line and its depth at 1 month after iontophoresis-assisted transepithelial CXL. AS-OCT scan measurements were performed by two independent examiners. RESULTS: No intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed. Kappa coefficient estimation for operator agreement in demarcation line visualization (whether it was visualized) was 70.6%. The corneal stromal demarcation line was identified in 9 eyes (60%) by both examiners. Mean depth of the corneal stromal demarcation line was 246.67 ± 50.72 µm (range: 183 to 339 µm) for the first examiner and 241.89 ± 62.52 µm (range: 163 to 358 µm) for the second examiner. There were no statistically significant differences for the measurements of the paired comparisons between the two examiners (P = .61). The Pearson correlation coefficient between the measurements was 0.910. CONCLUSIONS: Iontophoresis-assisted transepithelial CXL creates a demarcation line that can be visualized with AS-OCT, which seems less easily distinguishable and shallower than in conventional CXL. However, its depth and visualization seems to be more similar to conventional CXL than transepithelial CXL.

Central PresbyLASIK for Hyperopia and Presbyopia Using Micro-monovision With the Technolas 217P Platform and SUPRACOR Algorithm.

PURPOSE: To analyze the refractive outcomes and satisfaction of presbyopic hyperopes treated with central presbyopicLASIK (presbyLASIK) with induced micro-monovision. METHODS: This retrospective study included 74 eyes of 37 patients treated with central presbyLASIK with micro-monovision using the Technolas 217P excimer laser (Technolas Perfect Vision GmbH, Munich, Germany) between June 2011 and March 2014. Study parameters included uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) and uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA), aberrometry, the central steep zone, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: Median age was 54.3±4 years (range: 46 to 63 years). Mean postoperative spherical equivalent refraction was 0.00±0.58 diopters (D) for dominant eyes and -0.51±0.54 D for non-dominant eyes. Mean binocular UDVA was 0.01±0.10 logMAR (Snellen 20/20) at 6 months and -0.01±0.05 logMAR (Snellen 20/19) at 1 year postoperatively. Mean binocular UNVA was 0.18±0.14 logMAR (Parinaud 2) (Jaeger 1) at 6 months and 0.18±0.12 logMAR (Parinaud 2) (Jaeger 1) at 1 year postoperatively. At 6 months, 79.31% of patients achieved 20/25 and could read Parinaud 2 (Jaeger 1) binocularly. At 1 year, 84.21% of patients achieved 20/25 and could read Parinaud 2 (Jaeger 1) binocularly. The mean central steep zone was 2.35±1.00 D. There were significantly more negative spherical aberration and vertical coma in the central 5 mm postoperatively (P<.05). The re-treatment rate was 6.75%. Eighty-three percent of these patients did not need any glasses for distance and near vision. CONCLUSIONS: This procedure may improve functional near, intermediate, and distance vision in presbyopic patients with low and moderate hyperopia.

Presbyopic LASIK using the Supracor algorithm and micromonovision in presbyopic myopic patients: 12-month visual and refractive outcomes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the visual and refractive outcomes for presbyopia and myopia treatment using the Teneo 317 M2 platform and the myopic Supracor algorithm. SETTING: Percy Military Hospital and Private Laser Victor Hugo Center, Paris, France. DESIGN: Observational retrospective nonrandomized study. METHODS: 50 eyes (25 patients) treated with bilateral myopic Supracor and micromonovision using the Teneo 317 M2 platform and followed up for 12 months. Study outcomes included binocular and monocular visual acuities (without correction for distance and near vision), the spherical equivalent, predictability, stability, safety, optical aberrations, and complications. RESULTS: The mean age was 50.6 ± 2.7 years, and the mean preoperative spherical equivalent was -2.6 ± 1.4 diopters. At 12 months postoperatively, the mean binocular uncorrected distance visual acuity was 0.02 ± 0.03 logMAR, and 24 patients (96%) achieved an acuity of 20/25 or better. The binocular uncorrected near visual acuity was equal to Jaeger 1 in 18 patients (72%) and Jaeger 2 or better in 23 patients (92%). 12 eyes (24%) had lost 1 Snellen line, and 1 eye (2%) had lost 2 Snellen lines of monocular corrected distance visual acuity. No cases required retreatment; however, 1 eye (2%) underwent revision surgery because of diffuse lamellar keratitis. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that Supracor using the Teneo 317 M2 platform is a safe and effective technique for myopia and presbyopia treatment. Supracor is therefore a viable alternative to monovision for presbyopia and myopia. However, a careful patient selection is essential to satisfy realistic expectations.

Keratoconus and Fitness to Fly.

BACKGROUND: Of the body senses, vision is the most important for safe flight. Keratoconus causes progressive blurring and distortion of vision, which threatens the career of a civilian or military aviator. The goal of this retrospective study was to describe a series of keratoconus cases in a pilot population and to discuss decisions about their flight waivers.METHODS: To assess the impact of keratoconus on flying careers, we reviewed the records of all aviators with keratoconus examined in an Aeromedical Center over the past 5 yr.RESULTS: The files of 19 pilots [13 line pilots and 6 military pilots (3 fighter pilots)] were collected and analyzed. Of the 19 patients, 2 did not obtain flight fitness waivers. Among the 17 who received waivers, correction for defective distant vision (glasses or contact lenses) was imposed on 5 aviators.DISCUSSION: Keratoconus is a medical condition with aeromedical significance that should be detected by aeromedical examiners. A flight license can only be considered if the disease is stable and with satisfactory visual quality. Double pass aberrometry may be helpful to determine flight fitness. This study shows that keratoconus is not always a disability for aviators. Most of them are able to continue their flying careers safely. However, it must be analyzed on a case-by-case basis.Delbarre M, Crepy P, Froussart-Maille F. Keratoconus and fitness to fly. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2022; 93(12):840-845.

Incidence and characteristics of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment during coronavirus-19 pandemic: A French study.

PURPOSE: To assess the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown on the number and clinical characteristics of patients with retinal detachment (RD) in a French public university eye hospital. METHODS: Single-center, retrospective non-interventional study. Patients consulting at the emergency room (ER) of Quinze-Vingts Hospital (France) for rhegmatogenous RD before and after instauration of the lockdown were reviewed. We compared the characteristics of patients with RD between the containment period (March17th - April27th,2020) and the period preceding the lockdown (February18th - March16th,2020). We compared the number of RD surgeries performed between the first month of lockdown (March17th - April19th,2020) and the corresponding period of 2019. Number of cases, delay between diagnosis and surgery, visual acuity was measured. RESULTS: During the first month of lockdown, 59 RDs were operated on, compared to 107 in the corresponding period in 2019 (-44,8%). Mean time from first symptoms to surgery was significantly higher during the lockdown 12.7 (11.3) days vs 7.6 (7.8) days (p = 0.031) before. During the lockdown, the mean BCVA was lower albeit the difference did not reach statistical significance (1.16 (0.9) during pre-containment vs 1.5 (0.9) during containment; p = 0.09). Reasonsfor delayed consultation were: fear of Covid-19 (31%; p = 0.0001), absence of referral doctor (31%; p = 0.003) and difficulties in getting to public transport (10.3%;p = 0.859). CONCLUSION: Despite maintaining accessto emergency eye care facilitiesin our hospital, the lockdown affected visual health. Should the lockdown be reinstated, we postulate that a better information about eye care access for non-Covid emergencies may attenuate its effect on visual health.

PresbyPRK vs presbyLASIK using the SUPRACOR algorithm and micromonovision in presbyopic hyperopic patients: visual and refractive results at 12 months.

PURPOSE: To compare the visual outcome and refractive results between presbyopic photorefractive keratectomy (presbyPRK) and presbyopic laser in situ keratomileusis (presbyLASIK) in presbyopic hyperopic patients using micromonovision and the SUPRACOR algorithm. SETTING: Percy Military Hospital and private Laser Victor Hugo Center, France. DESIGN: Observational retrospective nonrandomized. METHODS: Twenty-three patients who had undergone presbyPRK or presbyLASIK were included and followed up for 12-months. Far and near visual acuity without correction in monocular and binocular, measurement of distance visual acuity with correction in monocular, evaluation of spherical equivalent (SE), aberrometry, and patient satisfaction were measured and analyzed in this study. RESULTS: The study included 26 eyes of 13 patients in the presbyLASIK group and 20 eyes of 10 patients in the presbyPRK group. The mean age was 55.43 ± 4.6 years. Uncorrected binocular distance visual acuity was 0.030 ± 0.05 logMAR in the presbyLASIK group and 0 logMAR in the presbyPRK group (P = .066). Binocular near visual acuity without correction was 0.21 ± 0.11 logMAR in the presbyLASIK group and 0.30 ± 0.15 logMAR in the presbyPRK group (P = .0398). For the dominant eyes, the SE was -0.08 ± 0.48 diopters (D) in the presbyLASIK group and 0.16 ± 0.82 D in the presbyPRK group (P = .3995). For nondominant eyes, the SE was -0.44 ± 0.50 D in the presbyLASIK group and 0.12 ± 0.65 D in the presbyPRK group (P = .0254). CONCLUSIONS: PresbyPRK and presbyLASIK were comparable in efficacy, stability, predictability, and safety. PresbyPRK could be a safe and effective surgical alternative for the hyperopic presbyopic patient.

3D-printed shields for slit lamps produced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Additive manufacturing has been extensively used during the COVID-19 pandemic to design and produce protection equipment. During clinical examinations using slit lamps, ophthalmologists are at risk of being contaminated by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and the device itself is exposed to viral contamination. Several solutions have already been proposed for fixing transparent shields on the physician side. Here we propose a 3D-printed device fixed on the chin rest on the patient side, aiming at limiting viral spread both on the lamp itself and towards the physician.

Color Vision Tests in Pilots' Medical Assessments.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of eight color vision tests to screen for and accurately measure hereditary color-deficiency in order to improve color vision assessment methods for aircraft pilots. METHODS: This prospective study included 29 color-deficient subjects and 23 healthy subjects. All performed the following tests: Ishihara plates, Farnsworth D15, Lanthony desaturated 15 Hue, Munsell 100 Hue, Beyne and Fletcher-Evans CAM lanterns, Nagel anomaloscope, and the Color Assessment and Diagnosis (CAD) test. The sensitivity and specificity of color-deficiency diagnosis were evaluated for each test, as well as the test's relevance for assessing aircraft pilots. RESULTS: The Ishihara plate test demonstrated a sensitivity of 0.97 and a specificity of 1.00 for color-deficiency screening. The CAD test and anomaloscope showed both a sensitivity and specificity of 1.00. The Beyne lantern, Fletcher lantern, Farnsworth D15, and the Lanthony 15 Hue tests all showed a specificity of 1.00 and sensitivities of, respectively, 0.69, 0.97, 0.58, and 0.79. During aircraft pilot selection tests, the CAD test classified 10% of color-deficient subjects as safe to fly, the anomaloscope 17%, and the Beyne and Fletcher lantern tests, respectively, 31% and 3%. DISCUSSION: The discrepancy in results confirms that current color vision test protocols need to be reassessed. The CAD test could be an interesting alternative to the series of tests used to assess flight crew, but it seems more selective than current tests.Marechal M, Delbarre M, Tesson J, Lacambre C, Lefebvre H, Froussart-Maille F. Color vision tests in pilots' medical assessments. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2018; 89(8):737-743.

Syphilitic Scleritis.

A 47-year-old man developed a painful right red eye for 72 hours with a 20/25 decreased visual acuity. He had no medical history. Slit-lamp examination revealed a painful nodular scleritis at the equator of the globe in the infero-temporal quadrant. There was a moderate intraocular inflammation in the anterior segment. Fundus examination revealed a grade 1 hyalitis and a focal retinitis with vasculitis and arterio-veinous occlusion toward the scleritis zone. Syphilis and HIV serology were positive and the scleritis resolved 5 days after a penicillin G medication. Syphilitic scleritis are relatively uncommon.