Immunohistochemical, functional, and anatomical evaluation of patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane.

PURPOSE: The main purpose of this study was to perform an immunohistochemical, functional, and anatomical evaluation of patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM). METHODS: Twenty-four specimens of idiopathic ERM from 24 consecutive patients who underwent 23 G pars plana vitrectomy for ERM and internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling at the San Juan University Hospital in Alicante (Spain) in 2019 were analyzed. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmological examination including measurement of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and macular analysis by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) at the time of diagnosis and 3 months after surgery. Specific glial fibrillar acid protein antibodies (GFAP) and S100 calcium-binding protein ß (S100ß) immunostaining markers were used to identify the macroglial component of the ERM, Müller cells, and astrocytes. Ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 protein (Iba1) antibodies were used as specific markers for inflammatory cells, such as microglia and macrophages. RESULTS: Mean preoperative BCVA measured with Snellen chart was 0.3 and 0.6 preoperatively and at 3 months after surgery, respectively. SD-OCT identified 15 patients (62.5%) with a disruption of the outer retinal hyperreflective bands. The immunohistochemical study showed the presence of Müller cells in almost all cases (91.6%), as well of abundant microglia and macrophages. Microglia and macrophages were more frequently present in earlier stages of ERM. Microglia were present in ERM independently of the outer retinal hyperreflective bands integrity as measured by SD-OCT. A greater presence of macrophages was found in those ERMs with no outer retinal hyperreflective band disruption. CONCLUSIONS: Müller cells seem to be the most frequent cell group in ERMs, with also presence of microglia cells and macrophages. Astrocytes were more frequently found in early stages of ERMs. Microglia and macrophages were most frequent in ERMs with early stage (1, 2, or 3) than in advanced stages (4).

Rehabilitation of amblyopia using a digital platform for visual training combined with patching in children: a prospective study.

PURPOSE: To assess the possible benefits of the use of perceptual learning and dichoptic therapy combined with patching in children with amblyopia over the use of only patching. METHODS: Quasi-experimental multicentric study including 52 amblyopic children. Patients who improved their visual acuity (VA) by combining spectacles and patching were included in patching group (PG: 20 subjects), whereas those that did not improved with patching performed visual training (perceptual learning + dichoptic therapy) combined with patching, being assigned to the visual treatment group (VT: 32 subjects). Changes in VA, contrast sensitivity (CS), and stereopsis were monitored during a 6-month follow-up in each group. RESULTS: Significant improvements in VA were found in both groups at 1 month (p < 0.01). The total improvement of VA was 0.18 ± 0.16 and 0.31 ± 0.35 logMAR in PG and VT groups, respectively (p = 0.317). The Wilcoxon effect size was slightly higher in VT (0.48 vs. 0.54) at 6 months. An enhancement in CS was observed in the amblyopic eye of the VT group for all spatial frequencies at 1 month (p < 0.001). Likewise, the binocular function score also increased significantly in VT group (p = 0.002). A prediction equation of VA improvement at 1 month in VT group was obtained by multiple linear regression analysis (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.747). CONCLUSIONS: A combined treatment of visual training and patching is effective for obtaining a predictable improvement of VA, CS, and binocularity in patching-resistant amblyopic children.

Orthokeratology effect on the corneoscleral profile: Beyond the bull's eye.

PURPOSE: To assess the impact of 3 months of orthokeratology (ortho-k) contact lenses (CLs) for myopia correction on the corneoscleral profile, as changes in scleral geometry could serve as indirect evidence of alteration in the corneal biomechanical properties. METHODS: Twenty subjects (40 eyes) were recruited to wear ortho-k lenses overnight; however, after discontinuation (two CL fractures, one under-correction and two non-serious adverse events), 16 subjects (31 eyes) finished a 3-month follow-up. Corneoscleral topographies were acquired using the Eye Surface Profiler (ESP) system before and after 3 months of lens wear. Steep (SimKs) and flat (SimKf) simulated keratometry and scleral sagittal height measurements for 13-, 14- and 15-mm chord lengths were automatically calculated by the ESP software. Additionally, sagittal height and slope were calculated in polar format from 21 radii (0-10 mm from the corneal apex) at 12 angles (0-330°). Linear mixed models were fitted to determine the differences between visits. RESULTS: SimKs and SimKf were increased significantly (p ≤ 0.02). The sagittal height in polar format increased significantly (p = 0.046) at a radius of 2.5 mm for 150°, 180°, 210° and 240° orientations and at a radius of 3.0 mm for 210°. Additionally, the slope in polar format significantly decreased (p ≤ 0.04) at radii ranges of 0.0-0.5, 0.5-1.0 and 1.0-1.5 mm for multiple angles and at a radii range of 5.0-5.5 mm for 90°. It also increased significantly (p ≤ 0.045) at a radii range of 1.5-2.0 mm for 30° and at radii ranges of 2.0-2.5, 2.5-3.0 and 3.0-3.5 mm for multiple angles. No significant changes were found for any parameter measured from the scleral area. CONCLUSIONS: Three months of overnight ortho-k lens wear changed the central and mid-peripheral corneal geometry as expected, maintaining the peripheral cornea and the surrounding sclera stability.

Analysis of Treatment Discontinuation in Orthokeratology: Studying Efficacy, Safety, and Patient Adherence Over Six Months.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and participant compliance of orthokeratology treatment for the correction of myopic refractive errors over a six-month prospective study and to define the potential reasons for early treatment discontinuation. METHODS: A total of 32 participants with low-to-moderate myopia were fitted with the spherical model of corneal refractive therapy (CRT) orthokeratology lenses (Paragon Vision Sciences) and followed over six months, with specific attention to alterations in refractive error, corneal topography, and epithelial thickness. Concurrently, participant feedback and reasons for any treatment discontinuation were documented. RESULTS: Significant changes in refractive error and in corneal topography were observed, with approximately 50% of the refractive error being corrected on the first night of use and 100% by the first two weeks (P<0.001). Central epithelial thickness experienced substantial thinning, reducing to 15.65±4.49 µm (67.38%) (P<0.001) after 6 months of lens use. Six participants withdrew from this study for varied reasons, including unmet visual expectations and difficulty adhering to the lens-wearing regimen. Notably, the dropout group exhibited higher baseline low-order aberrations and less prolate corneas than those who persisted with the treatment (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Orthokeratology with CRT is efficacious and safe for the correction of low-to-moderate myopia in adults, but a portion of patients discontinue the treatment in the first 6 months of contact lens wear. Special care should be taken when recommending orthokeratology in patients with higher levels of myopia and corneas with less prolate shape, providing more realistic expectations and even changing to dual axis or more sophisticated designs.

Clinical outcomes with an aspheric monofocal and a new enhanced monofocal intraocular lens with modified optical profile.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the clinical outcomes obtained after cataract surgery with an aspheric monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) and an enhanced IOL with a modified optical profile. METHODS: Randomised clinical trial enrolling 70 patients (age, 52-87 years) undergoing cataract surgery. Two groups were created according to the type of IOL implanted: Vivinex iSert from Hoya Surgical Optics (Vivinex group, 35 patients) and Tecnis Eyhance ICB00 from Johnson & Johnson Vision (Eyhance group, 35 patients). Uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), uncorrected (UIVA) and distance-corrected intermediate visual acuity (DCIVA), refraction, and self-perceived visual function (Catquest-9SF) were evaluated during a 3-month follow-up. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between IOL groups in UDVA and CDVA (p ≥ 0.093). In contrast, monocular and binocular UIVA and DCIVA were significantly better in the Eyhance group at 1 (p ≤ 0.015) and 3 months postoperatively (p ≤ 0.002). Postoperative DCIVA 20/25 or better was obtained in 71.4% and 20.0% of patients in Eyhance and Vivinex groups, respectively. Differences in postoperative Rasch calibrated Catquest scores between Eyhance and Vivinex groups did not reach statistical significance (p ≥ 0.102). However, significant correlations were only found between the change in UIVA and Catquest scores (0.364 ≤ r ≤ 0.444, p ≤ 0.041) in the Eyhance group. CONCLUSIONS: The modified monofocal IOL evaluated provides better intermediate visual function in comparison with a standard aspheric monofocal IOL, but the impact of this benefit on the self-perceived level of vision achieved after surgery according to the patient seemed to be limited.

Revisiting the oil droplet sign in keratoconus: Utility for early keratoconus diagnosis and screening.

PURPOSE: An annular dark shadow (ADS) reflex has been observed while performing direct ophthalmoscopy on subjects with keratoconus. This study describes a method that may serve as a diagnostic technique for early keratoconus and may be used as a quantitative measure of severity. METHODS: Healthy keratoconic subjects and keratoconus suspects underwent corneal tomography and a full ocular examination. Keratoconus severity was graded based on Belin ABCD criteria. An iPhone camera was connected to a direct ophthalmoscope to take a picture of the eye. The height of the ASD was measured using the AutoCAD software. Differences between subject groups were evaluated by chi-squared and Mann-Whitney tests. Spearman correlation compared ocular parameters and the height of the ADS. A multiple stepwise linear regression was used to predict the height of the ADS based on clinical parameters. RESULTS: Fifty-eight subjects participated in this study: 37 healthy controls (37 eyes) and 21 keratoconics or keratoconus suspects (37 eyes). The ADS was present in all keratoconic and keratoconus-suspect eyes but in none of the controls. The height of the ADS was significantly correlated with keratoconus severity. Front corneal surface root mean square of higher order aberrations, sphere and anterior radius of curvature from the front apex curve are significant predictors of the height of the ADS. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The ADS may be a useful method to diagnose keratoconus and keratoconus-suspect cases and serve as a grading and follow-up method for tracking disease severity.

Modeling and Prediction of the Immediate and Short-Term Effect of Myopic Orthokeratology.

PURPOSE: To characterize the clinical changes occurring in the initial phase of the orthokeratology (OK) treatment for myopia correction, developing a model of prediction of the refractive changes in such phase. METHODS: Prospective study enrolling 64 eyes of 32 patients (range, 20-40 years) undergoing myopic OK treatment with the reverse geometry contact lens CRT (Paragon Vision Science). Changes in uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), refraction, corneal topography, ocular aberrations, and corneal epithelial thickness were evaluated during the first hour of OK lens wear and after 1 week of OK treatment. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to obtain a model to predict the short-term refractive effect of OK. RESULTS: The UCVA improved at each visit, reaching normal visual acuity values after a week (P<0.001) of OK treatment, which was consistent with the significant spherical equivalent (SE) reduction and central flattening (P<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that one night change in refraction (ΔR×1N) could be predicted according to the following expression (P<0.001, R2=0.686): ΔR×1N=1.042+0.028×Age+1.014×BCET (baseline central epithelium thickness)-0.752×BKm (baseline mean keratometry)-1.405×BSE (baseline SE)+1.032×ΔR×1 h (change in SE after 1 hr of OK lens use). Similarly, a statistically relevant linear relationship was obtained for predicting the refractive change after 1 week (ΔR×1W) of OK use (P<0.001, R2=0.928): ΔR×1W=3.470-1.046×BSE-1.552×BBCVA (baseline BCVA)-0.391×BKm+0.450×ΔR×1 h. CONCLUSIONS: The immediate and short-term refractive effects of myopic OK with the reverse geometry contact lens CRT can be predicted with enough accuracy from baseline and first trial visits data.

Efficacy of Presbyopia-Correcting Contact Lenses: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: To analyze critically the clinical trials on presbyopia correction with contact lenses (CLs) to investigate the quality of the research performed. METHODS: A search was performed in PubMed database on clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of the presbyopia correction with different CLs, including multifocal or simultaneous vision contact lenses (MCLs). After a comprehensive analysis of the relevant publications found, quality assessment of such publications was performed by means of Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist tool according to the five types of evaluations: MCL versus spectacles, MCL versus pinhole CLs, MCL versus monovision, comparison between MCL designs, and MCL versus extended depth of focus CLs. RESULTS: A total of 16 clinical trials were selected for evaluation. All evaluated studies addressed a clearly focused research question and were randomized, with a crossover design in most of the cases. Blinding was not possible in all cases due to the physical appearance of some of the CLs evaluated (pinhole or hybrid designs). Most of studies analyzed reported outcomes with complete data, providing the statistical tests used and the P -values, but some of the authors did not provide the statistical power associated to the sample size evaluated. The small sample size in some trials as well as the scarce information about the effect of addition on visual performance was the main limitations found in the peer-reviewed literature revised. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high-quality scientific evidence supporting the use of presbyopia-correcting CLs, with several randomized controlled clinical trials conducted to this date.

Safety of inter-facility transport strategies for patients referred for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Inter-facility transport of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in the prone position (PP) is a high-risk situation, compared to other strategies. We aimed to quantify the prevalence of complications during transport in PP, compared to transports with veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) or in the supine position (SP). METHODS: We performed a retrospective, single center cohort study in Lyon university hospital, France. We included patients ≥ 16 years with ARDS (Berlin definition) transported to an ARDS referral center between 01/12/2016 and 31/12/2021. We compared patients transported in PP, to those transported in SP without VV-ECMO, and those transported with VV-ECMO (in SP), by a multidisciplinary and specialized medical transport team, including an emergency physician and an intensivist. The primary outcome was the rate of transport-related complications (hypoxemia, hypotension, cardiac arrest, cannula or tube dislodgement) in each study groups, compared using a Fisher test. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-four patients were enrolled (median PaO2/FiO2 70 [58-82] mmHg), of which 11 (8%) were transported in PP, 44 (33%) with VV-ECMO, and 79 (59%) in SP. The most frequent risk factor for ARDS in the PP group was bacterial pneumonitis, and viral pneumonitis in the other 2 groups. Transport-related complications occurred in 36% (n = 4) of transports in PP, compared to 39% (n = 30) in SP and 14% (n = 6) with VV-ECMO, respectively (p = 0.33). VV-ECMO implantation after transport was not different between SP and PP patients (n = 7, 64% vs. n = 31, 39%, p = 0.19). CONCLUSIONS: In the context of a specialized multi-disciplinary ARDS transport team, transport-related complication rates were similar between patients transported in PP and SP, while there was a trend of lower rates in patients transported with VV-ECMO.

Long-term safety and efficacy of a foldable iris-fixated phakic intraocular lens for the correction of myopia.

PURPOSE: To analyze and report the long-term outcomes in terms of efficacy and safety of eyes implanted with the spherical version of a foldable iris-fixated phakic intraocular lens (pIOL) for the correction of myopia. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the results of 56 eyes of 32 patients (age, 19-45 years) who underwent implantation of the spherical model of the Artiflex pIOL (Ophtec B.V., Groningen, The Netherlands) for the correction of myopia. Visual, refractive, biometric, intraocular pressure (IOP) and corneal endothelial changes were evaluated during a long-term follow-up: 2, 7, 10 and 12 years for more than 50, 30, 20 and 10 eyes, respectively. RESULTS: At 4 weeks postoperatively, a significant reduction of manifest sphere and spherical equivalent (SE), with a significant improvement of uncorrected distance visual acuity were found (all p < 0.001). No significant changes were found during the rest of follow-up in sphere (p ≥ 0.072). The percentage of eyes with SE within ± 1.00 D was over 83% during the whole follow-up. A non-significant trend to IOP increase was observed at 4 weeks postoperatively (p = 0.530), with a significant reduction at 1 year after (p = 0.039) and no significant changes during the rest of follow-up (p = 0.180). There was a significant reduction of anterior chamber depth at 4 weeks after surgery (p < 0.001), with no significant changes during the following 9 years of follow-up (p = 0.118). However, an additional significant decrease of this parameter was observed between 10 and 13 years after surgery (p = 0.027). Mean endothelial cell loss changed from 2.01 ± 4.49% at 4 weeks after surgery to 9.11 ± 2.24% at the end of the follow-up. No complications were reported during the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Myopia correction with the Artiflex pIOL is an effective and safe procedure in the long term.

Randomised placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluating the impact of a new visual rehabilitation program on neuroadaptation in patients implanted with trifocal intraocular lenses.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of a new visual training program for improving the visual function in patients implanted with trifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs). METHODS: Randomised placebo-controlled clinical trial enrolling 60 subjects (age, 47-75 years) undergoing cataract surgery with implantation of trifocal diffractive IOL. Home-based active visual training was prescribed immediately after surgery to all of them (20 sessions, 30 min): 31 subjects using a serious game based on Gabor patches (study group) and 29 using a placebo software (placebo group). Visual acuity, contrast sensitivity (CS), and perception of visual disturbances (QoV questionnaire) were evaluated before and after training. Likewise, in a small subgroup, resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) analysis was performed. RESULTS: No significant differences were found between groups in compliance time (p = 0.70). After training, only significant improvements in monocular uncorrected intermediate visual acuity were found in the study group (p ≤ 0.01), although differences between groups did not reach statistical significance (p ≥ 0.11). Likewise, significantly better binocular far CS values were found in the study group for the spatial frequencies of 6 (p = 0.01) and 12 cpd (p = 0.03). More visual symptoms of the QoV questionnaire experienced a significant change in the level of bothersomeness in the study group. Rs-fMRI revealed the presence significant changes reflecting higher functional connectivity after the training with the serious game. CONCLUSIONS: A 3-week visual training program based on the use of Gabor patches after bilateral implantation of trifocal diffractive IOLs may be beneficial for optimising the visual function, with neural changes associated suggesting an acceleration of neuroadaptation. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04985097. Registered 02 August 2021, https://clinicaltrials.gov/(NCT04985097 ).

Easyton® transpalpebral versus Perkins applanation tonometry in different populations.

OBJECTIVE:  To compare intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements obtained using the new transpalpebral Easyton® tonometer and Perkins applanation tonometer (PAT) in three different clinical populations. METHODS: The participants of this prospective study were 84 subjects divided into the groups: 22 healthy children (G1), 42 healthy adults (G2), and 20 adult patients with primary open angle glaucoma (G3). The data recorded in 84 eyes of these subjects were age, sex, gender, central corneal thickness (CCT), and axial length (AL). In all eyes, IOP was determined in the same examination room by the same experienced examiner using Easyton® and PAT in random order. RESULTS:  Mean differences in IOP readings between Easyton® and PAT were 0.45 ± 1.97 (p = 0.295), - 0.15 ± 2.13 (p = 0.654), - 1.65 ± 3.22 (p = 0.033), and - 0.018 ± 2.50 mmHg (p = 0.500) in the groups G1, G2, G3, and whole sample (G4), respectively. Correlations between Easyton® and PAT IOP values were 0.668 (p = 0.001) for G1, 0.463 (p = 0.002) for G2, 0.680 (p < 0.001) for G3, and 0.605 (p < 0.001) for G4. Moderate to good agreement between the two tonometers was found in all groups according to intraclass correlation coefficients, which were 0.794 (p < 0.001) for G1, 0.632 (p < 0.001) for G2, 0.809 (p < 0.001) for G3, and 0.740 (p < 0.001) for G4. The lower and upper limits of agreement between the devices were - 5.1 and 4.7 mmHg, respectively, in the complete group. No correlation was noted between CCT or AL and the Easyton® IOP measurements. CONCLUSION: IOP measurements obtained with Easyton® and PAT show an acceptable level of agreement mainly in healthy individuals, recommending it for IOP screening in children and in patients in which PAT measurement may be impared as patients with hemifacial spasms, corneal irregularities, or reduced mobility. It is not recommended for glaucoma patients follow-up.

Profile of a new extended range-of-vision IOL: a laboratory study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the surface profile of a new-generation extended range-of-vision intraocular lens (IOL) and to compare it with that obtained for a monofocal IOL based on the same platform. METHODS: Prospective, experimental, laboratory study comparing the surface profile of the DFT015 (AcrySof IQ Vivity; Alcon Laboratories, Inc.), a new-generation presbyopia-correcting IOL, with the profile of the SN60WF (AcrySof IQ; Alcon Laboratories, Inc.), an aspheric monofocal IOL based on the same platform. Raw profiles were obtained using contact profilometry. The best-fit form was then subtracted from each raw profile to highlight potential differences. RESULTS: No significant differences were appreciated in raw profiles. On the contrary, after form removal, the new extended range-of-vision IOL showed a peculiar profile characterized by the presence of two altitudinal symmetrical changes in the order of 1 µm, localized in the central portion of the optic. CONCLUSIONS: The new-generation extended range-of-vision IOL evaluated showed a smooth change of its surface compared to the same platform monofocal IOL. The altitudinal changes blended in the central design of the new presbyopia-correcting IOL, although micrometric, might play a crucial role in creating a continuous focal range while minimizing visual disturbances.

Influence of the invariant refraction assumption in studies of formulas for monofocal and multifocal intraocular lens power calculation.

PURPOSE: To assess the influence in paired design studies of formulae comparison for intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation of using a single formula for deciding the implanted power with monofocal (mIOL) and multifocal (MIOL) lenses. DESIGN: Retrospective observational. METHODS: Ninety-six right eyes were retrospectively analyzed. Eyes were assigned in two independent groups, SG and HG, depending on the formula used for deciding the implanted power, SRK-T (n = 54) and Haigis (n = 42), respectively. Median absolute prediction error (MedAE) was evaluated between independent samples (SRK-T in SG vs Haigis in HG) and between paired samples (SRK-T vs Haigis in both SG and HG). Percentages of eyes within a specific range of prediction error (PE) were also calculated for both, the standard steps and the clinically relevant steps. RESULTS: MedAE difference was lower than 0.09 D between both formulas for the comparison of independent samples in the mIOL (p = 0.62) and MIOL (p = 0.83) groups. However, paired samples resulted in better MedAE for SRK-T in the SG (0.14 D lower, p = 0.003) and for Haigis in the HG (0.07 D lower, p = 0.015), but only in the mIOL group. These small differences were also manifested, but not reaching statistical significance (p > 0.05), in the percentage of eyes achieving a specific range of PE, especially in the mIOL group. CONCLUSIONS: A small superiority for the formula used for selecting the final implanted IOL power can appear in studies following current standards. These studies should clearly specify which formula was used for selecting the implanted power.

Agreement between subjective and predicted high and low contrast visual acuities with a double-pass system.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the agreement between subjective high and low contrast visual acuity (VA) and predicted values from double-pass system measurements in healthy candidates to laser refractive surgery. METHODS: Ninety-two eyes measured during the preoperative screening to laser refractive surgery were included in this retrospective analysis. High contrast subjective visual acuity (HCVA) and low contrasts at 20% (LCVA20) and 9% (LCVA9) were compared with the predicted VA obtained with a commercial double-pass system (OQAS) at the same levels of contrast, 100% (OV100), 20% (OV20), and 9% (OV9). The agreement was evaluated with Bland-Altman analysis computing the limits of agreement (LoAs) and the correlations with the spearman rho. RESULTS: An underestimation of VA was obtained with the double-pass system for the highest contrast. Differences between predictive and subjective measurements were statistically significant for 100% contrast (- 0.08 logMAR, p < 0.0005), but not for 20% (- 0.03 logMAR, p = 0.07) and 9% (- 0.02 logMAR, p = 0.9) of contrasts. The LoAs increased with the decrease of contrast from 0.29 with 100% to 0.39 logMAR with 9% of contrast. A weak correlation was obtained between subjective and predicted VA (rho ≤ 0.33) that was only significant for 100% (p = 0.001) and 20% (p = 0.004) contrasts. CONCLUSION: Mean differences between methods were reasonably small so mean results obtained for predicted VA in OQAS studies can be considered as reliable, at least in healthy subjects and for low contrast. However, limits of agreement were considerably poor which means that OQAS cannot replace individual subjective measurements of VA in clinical practice.

Posterior capsular opacification evaluation through contrast sensitivity defocus curves with two multifocal intraocular lenses of similar material.

PURPOSE: To assess the degree of posterior capsular opacification (PCO) and its influence on contrast sensitivity defocus curve (CSDC) after implantation of two trifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs), Alsafit (AT) and Liberty (L), during a 12-month follow-up. A secondary aim was to evaluate the Nd:YAG capsulotomy rate in a long time. METHODS: Data from 63 subjects, 34 implanted with AT and 29 with L, were retrospectively analyzed for this pilot study. In those eyes without capsulotomy during the first year (n = 58), CSDC at 3 and 12 months after surgery and PCO grading were measured, with additional answering of a visual function questionnaire (VF-14) and a question of general satisfaction. The period after surgery up to capsulotomy or last on-demand visit without Nd:YAG was recorded for survival analysis beyond the 12-month follow-up. RESULTS: Total area under CSDC (TAUC) between 3 and 12 months decreased from 2.96 to 1.71 for AT (p < 0.05) and from 2.73 to 2.21 (p > 0.05) for L. Of eyes, 51.6, 19.3, and 29% with AT were graded as level 0, 1, and 2 of PCO, while 85.1, 11.1, and 3.7% of eyes with L were graded as level 0, 1, and 2 (p < 0.05). PCO grading was correlated with a decrease of TAUC (ρ = - 0.27, p = 0.04). Median time to require capsulotomy was 22 months with AT and 30 months with L (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: PCO decreases CSDC in patients with trifocal lenses. Despite using the same hydrophilic material, PCO grading and Nd:YAG capsulotomy rate was higher for AT than for L.

Global multi-site, prospective analysis of cataract surgery outcomes following ICHOM standards: the European CAT-Community.

PURPOSE: To evaluate in a large sample of patients from 10 different European centers the results of cataract surgery, characterizing the relationship between patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) and clinician-reported outcome measures (CROMs). METHODS: Prospective non-interventional multicenter observational descriptive study analyzing the clinical outcomes of a total of 3799 cases undergoing cataract surgery (mean age: 72.7 years). In all cases, the cataract surgery standard developed by the International Consortium for Health Outcomes Measurements (ICHOM) was used to register the clinical data. Three-month postoperative visual acuity and refraction data were considered CROMs, whereas Rasch-calibrated item 2 (RCCQ2) and total Catquest-9SF score (CQ) were considered PROMs. RESULTS: Postoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) was 0.3 logMAR or better in 88.7% (2505/2823) of eyes. Mean differences between preoperative and postoperative RCCQ2 and CQ scores were -3.09 and -2.39, respectively. Visual function improvement with surgery was reported by 91.5% (2163/2364) of patients. Statistically significant, although weak, correlations of postoperative CDVA with postoperative refraction, PROMs, and complications were found (0.133 ≤ r ≤0.289, p < 0.001). A predictive model (R2: 0.254) of postoperative CDVA considering 10 variables was obtained, including preoperative CDVA, different ocular comorbidities, age, gender and intraoperative complications. Likewise, another predictive model (R2: 0.148) of postoperative CQ considering a total of 14 variables was obtained, including additionally preoperative CQ, target refraction and previous surgeries. CONCLUSIONS: Cataract surgery provides an improved functional vision in most of patients although this improvement can be limited by ocular comorbidities and complications. The relationship between PROMs and CROMs is multifactorial and complex.

Comparative Analysis of Two Clinical Diagnostic Methods of the Corneoscleral Geometry.

PURPOSE: To compare the sagittal height (SH) measurements and best fit sphere (BFS) scleral curvature obtained with two different diagnostic technologies. METHODS: Prospective, nonrandomized, and comparative study analyzing 23 healthy eyes of 23 patients (age, 14-52 years) was conducted. A complete eye examination was performed including a corneoscleral topographic analysis with the Scheimpflug camera-based system Pentacam (Oculus GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany) and afterward with the Fourier domain profilometer Eye Surface Profiler (ESP) (Eaglet-Eye, Houten, the Netherlands). Differences between devices in temporal SH (TSH), nasal SH (NSH), and mean SH (MSH) measurements at 13- and 15-mm chord length and in scleral BFS were analyzed. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found in TSH, NSH, and MSH obtained with Pentacam and ESP (P≤0.017), with a range of agreement from 0.21 to 1.28 mm, and a clear trend of the Pentacam system to provide higher SH measurements. Significant differences were found between Pentacam scleral BFS and ESP outer BFS (P<0.001) (range agreement, 3.57 mm). Significant correlations were found between spherical equivalent and differences between devices in 15-mm TSH (r=0.485; P=0.048), as well as between the difference between devices for some SH measurements and the magnitude of such SH values (r≥0.504; P≤0.014). CONCLUSION: Sagittal height and scleral BFS measurements obtained with the two devices are not interchangeable, with an increased difference in SH measures between devices in eyes with less myopic refractive error and increased SH values.

Should Overnight Orthokeratology Patients Wear Their Lenses During Their Afternoon Nap?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in visual acuity, corneal curvature, elevation, pachymetry, and objective quality of vision of experienced orthokeratology patients using their contact lenses during a simulated 30-min afternoon nap. METHOD: Twelve patients aged 30.8±8.3 years were recruited for the study, with a history of overnight orthokeratology of 27.4±23.0 months. Patients were instructed to close their eyes for 30 min while wearing their contact lenses or without lenses. Anterior corneal curvature, elevation, and corneal pachymetry were assessed with the Pentacam Scheimpflug System at 17 predefined corneal locations, and the HD Analyzer (Terrassa, Spain) was used to measure objective quality of vision. Measurements were conducted before eye closure (baseline), immediately after eye opening/lens removal (M1), and 30 min later (M2). RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found in anterior corneal curvature and elevation between baseline values and M1 or M2, with and without contact lenses. Corneal swelling at M1 was greater without contact lenses (change in central corneal thickness of 2.3%±3.1%, P=0.001) than with contact lenses (1.7%±1.3%, P<0.001). Recovery at M2 was slower when lenses were worn. A statistically significant improvement in objective quality of vision and visual acuity was found only when patients napped with their lenses. CONCLUSIONS: Even if no significant changes were found in corneal curvature and elevation, patients of overnight orthokeratology may benefit from using their contact lenses during their afternoon nap in terms of objective quality of vision and visual acuity.

Could anatomical changes occurring with cataract surgery have a clinically significant effect on effective intraocular lens position?

PURPOSE: To assess if the calculation of the effective lens position (ELP) of two different monofocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) could be optimized by considering the potential anatomical changes occurring after cataract surgery. METHODS: Prospective, descriptive, single-center study involving 472 eyes of 280 subjects (mean age 73.5 years) undergoing cataract surgery that were divided into two groups according to the IOL implanted: group 1330 eyes with AcrySof IQ SN60WF (Alcon), and group 2142 eyes with Akreos MI60L (Bausch + Lomb). Refractive and biometric changes were evaluated during a period of 6-month follow-up with an optical biometer (considering potential measurement artifacts). Comparison of ELP estimated with the SRK-T formula (ELPSRK-T) and ELP calculated considering clinical real data was made (ELPAXL-corrected clinical). RESULTS: Besides significant changes in refraction (p ≤ 0.020), a significant increase in anterior chamber depth (ACD) (p < 0.001) and a significant reduction in the axial length (AXL) (p < 0.001) were detected at 1 month after surgery. Mean 1-month postoperative AXL change was - 0.08 ± 0.06 and - 0.10 ± 0.11 mm in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p = 0.001), with no significant changes afterward. Mean difference between ELPSRK-T and ELPAXL-corrected clinical was 0.17 ± 0.39 and - 0.23 ± 0.43 mm in groups 1 and 2, respectively (p < 0.001). A strong and statistically significant correlation of these differences with the prediction refractive error was found in both groups (group 1, r = - 0.723; group 2, r = - 0.819; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The estimation of ELP using the SRK-T formula for the two IOLs evaluated may be optimized considering biometric changes with surgery, helping to understand better some problems of refractive unpredictability.