Influence of a Capsular Tension Ring on Capsular Bag Behavior of a Plate Haptic Intraocular Lens: An Intraindividual Randomized Trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of a capsular tension ring (CTR) on rotational stability, decentration, tilt, and axial stability of an 11.0-mm plate haptic intraocular lens (IOL). DESIGN: Intraindividual, randomized, double-masked, controlled clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS: Patients scheduled for sequential same-day bilateral cataract surgery. METHODS: All patients were randomized to receive a CTR and a plate haptic IOL in one eye and a plate haptic IOL in the fellow eye only. Intraocular lens axis assessment was performed at the end of surgery, 1 hour, 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months using a high-precision evaluation method. Decentration and tilt of the crystalline and pseudophakic lenses were assessed before surgery and at 1 week and 6 months using an anterior segment OCT. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Rotational stability from the end of surgery to 6 months and at all follow-up visits, decentration and tilt at 6 months, and differences in axial shift between 1 week and 6 months. RESULTS: One hundred thirty eyes of 65 patients were included in the study. Absolute rotation from the end of surgery to 6 months was 2.8 ± 3.9° and 3.2 ± 5.3° for the CTR and control groups, respectively (P = 0.613). Intraocular lens decentration and IOL tilt at 6 months were 0.29 ± 0.1 mm and 0.24 ± 0.1 mm and 6.7 ± 2.8° and 5.6 ± 1.6° for the CTR and control groups, respectively (P = 0.058; P < 0.01). A posterior IOL shift of 0.31 ± 0.31 mm and 0.19 ± 0.14 mm was observed in the CTR and control groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Concomitant implantation of a CTR and a plate haptic IOL did not improve the overall rotational stability of the IOL compared with the control group. Against expectations, higher values of decentration, tilt, and axial shift were observed in the CTR group. The simultaneous use of a CTR and a plate haptic IOL in the absence of zonular weakness at the time of cataract surgery should be considered with caution. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Reverse pupillary block, in contemporary scleral intraocular lens procedures.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the frequency and anterior segment optical coherence tomography parameters of patients with scleral fixated intraocular lenses (IOL) and reverse pupillary block (RPB). METHODS: Retrospective analysis at a tertiary care centre (Department for Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University of Vienna, Austria). We researched our records for patients who underwent scleral fixated IOL implantation from January 2018 till February 2023. Patients were included only if there was at least one adequate post-operative scan of anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) available. Initially, AS-OCT scans were assessed for IOL tilt and decentration employing a 3D scan and then later for anterior chamber angle (ACA), aqueous anterior chamber depth (AQD), pupil diameter and iris-IOL distance using the 2D scan at a 0° angle. Both an iris-IOL distance of 0 or less and an ACA of more than 70° were required to define an RPB. RESULTS: A total of 110 patients met the inclusion criteria, 41 were treated using the Carlevale, 33 the four flanged, 24 the Yamane and 12 the Scharioth technique, respectively. RPB was found in 32 patients (29%). Twenty patients with RPB were treated using YAG peripheral iridotomy, mean ACA decreased from 91.91° ± 13.77 to 61.02° ± 8.52, (p < 0.001), mean AQD decreased from 4.67 mm ± 0.47 to 4.31 ± 0.36 mm (p < 0.001) and mean iris-IOL distance increased from -0.09 ± 0.04 to 0.33 ± 0.30 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: RPB is found in a third of eyes who have undergone scleral fixated IOL implantation without iridectomy. YAG peripheral iridotomy is a potent option to treat RPB, and subsequently reduce the risk of iris chafing and secondary inflammation or glaucoma.

Best fit formula approach in delayed sequential bilateral cataract surgery.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated whether the best-fit intraocular lens (IOL) power formula for the first operated eye (BF1) was also the most accurate formula for the second eye. METHODS: This was a retrospective study of 152 patients who underwent uncomplicated delayed bilateral cataract surgery with a minimum delay of 3 weeks using only one 1-piece IOL (HOYA, Vivinex) at the Medical University of Vienna, Austria. Seven different formulae (Barrett Universal II, Castrop, Haigis, Hoffer Q, Holladay 1, Kane, and SRK/T) were investigated to test the formula selection approach with regard to the calculated mean and median absolute prediction errors (MAE/MedAE). RESULTS: The mean intraindividual difference in axial length was 0.2 mm (±0.3 mm). BF1 coincided with the best-fit formula for the second eye (BF2) in 56% of patients (p < 0.05). Using BF1 for the second eye led to a lower MedAE (0.22 dioptre, D) than using a formula at random (0.33 D) and was less accurate than using the best-fit formula for each eye separately (0.1 D). The MedAEs of all formulae were generally low, ranging from 0.28 to 0.35 D. CONCLUSION: Using BF1 for the second eye led to a lower MedAE than the random selection of a formula. Therefore, BF1 can be used for the second eye if the surgeon is unsure of the choice of formula.

Clinical prospective intra-individual comparison after mix-and-match implantation of a monofocal EDOF and a diffractive trifocal IOL.

OBJECTIVES: To assess intra-individually visual acuity (VA) and subjective outcome after mix-and-match implantation of a monofocal EDOF IOL and a diffractive trifocal IOL. METHODS: The monofocal EDOF Isopure IOL was implanted in the dominant eye and the trifocal FineVision HP IOL in the non-dominant eye. Postoperative evaluation included VA at various distances, contrast acuity, monocular defocus curves, decentration and tilt, wavefront aberrometry, VF-7 questionnaire and a halo and glare simulator. RESULTS: 50 eyes of 25 subjects were enroled. The trifocal IOL performed better at monocular DCNVA (p < 0.01) and at defocus levels of -1.5D to -4.0D (p < 0.01), the monofocal EDOF IOL was better at -0.5D (p = 0.013). No differences in monocular BCDVA, DCIVA, contrast acuity, decentration or tilt were observed (p > 0.05). Wavefront analysis revealed lower HOAs in the trifocal group at 5 mm (p < 0.01) and no difference (p = 0.107) at 3 mm pupil aperture. The monofocal EDOF IOL displayed increased negative SA at 5 mm (p < 0.01) and 3 mm (p < 0.01) pupil diameter. Low values of optical phenomena and satisfying results of the VF-7 questionnaire were obtained. CONCLUSION: Excellent visual performance and low rates of optical phenomena were achieved after mix-and-match implantation of the monofocal EDOF Isopure IOL and the trifocal FineVision HP IOL. Trifocal IOL implantation in the non-dominant eye may decrease optical disturbing phenomena. Similar results were observed for monocular distance, intermediate and contrast VA. The trifocal IOL provided better monocular near VA. Decentration and tilt and HOAs were low.

Intraindividual Comparison of an Enhanced Monofocal and an Aspheric Monofocal Intraocular Lens of the Same Platform.

PURPOSE: To compare intraindividual differences in visual performance of a monofocal and enhanced monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) of the same platform. DESIGN: Prospective, interventional, fellow-eye comparison clinical study. METHODS: In total, 55 patients (110 eyes) with bilateral age-related cataract were enrolled. All patients received a monofocal ZCB00 IOL in the dominant and an enhanced monofocal Eyhance ICB00 IOL in the nondominant eye. After 2 to 4 months, monocular best-corrected distant visual acuity (BCDVA), distance-corrected intermediate visual acuity (DCIVA), distance-corrected near visual acuity (DCNVA), contrast visual acuity, monocular defocus curves, internal higher-order aberrations (HOAs) and spherical aberrations (SA), decentration, and tilt were compared. RESULTS: The monocular mean BCDVA, DCIVA at 80 cm and 66 cm, and DCNVA were -0.03 ± 0.07, 0.24 ± 0.12, 0.32 ± 0.13, and 0.50 ± 0.13 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution for the enhanced ICB00 and -0.06 ± 0.06 (P = .014), 0.30 ± 0.11 (P = .005), 0.38 ± 0.12 (P = .004), and 0.55 ± 0.14 (P = .034) logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution for the ZCB00, respectively. Internal HOAs (P = .001) and negative SA (P < .001) were increased with the ICB00 at 3 mm and comparable at 5 mm (P > .05). Contrast acuity, tilt, and decentration were similar (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Significantly increased monocular DCIVA at 80 cm and 66 cm and DCNVA at 40 cm were observed with the enhanced ICB00 IOL, and the ZCB00 IOL demonstrated better BCDVA. This would result in a mean gain of 2 to 3 Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters at near and intermediate distance. Monocular defocus curves displayed highest differences of 5 Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters at -1.25 diopters (D) and -1.50 D levels of defocus and a depth of focus of 1.23 D for the ICB00 IOL and 0.94 D for the ZCB00 IOL. Decentration, tilt, and HOAs were generally low.

Surgically induced astigmatism in the scleral fixated 'Carlevale' IOL technique.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the surgically induced astigmatism over a 6-month follow-up period in patients who underwent scleral IOL fixation using an acrylic single-piece IOL with special haptics designed for sutureless scleral fixation. METHODS: We conducted a prospective longitudinal study at a single site with a single surgeon. We included patients who received transscleral IOL implantation following the Carlevale technique and were followed up post-operatively for 24 weeks. We measured the patient's refraction at baseline, week 12 and week 24 using the best corrected visual acuity at 4 m (EDTRS chart). We performed corneal tomography at every visit using an anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). We evaluated surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) and refraction during each follow-up visit and compared them to baseline. We then assessed changes in SIA over time. RESULTS: In total, 27 eyes of 27 patients consisting of 16 female and 11 male individuals were evaluated. The mean patient age was 71 ± 11.7 years, mean axial length was 24.30 ± 1.47 mm (range: 21.4-27.23) and mean white-to-white distance was 12.07 ± 0.40 mm (range: 11.4-12.7). The mean SIA decreased from 1.78 ± 0.96D at week 1 significantly to 0.80 ± 0.55D at week 12 (p < 0.001) and then stayed unchanged around 0.82 ± 0.72D at week 24 (p = 1.0). CONCLUSIONS: The scleral fixated Carlevale IOL and its implantation procedure were found to result in a predictable SIA of <1D after 24 weeks. However, the axis orientation of the SIA appeared to be random, making it unsuitable for implementation in toric IOL calculations.

Fellow-Eye Comparison Of Monocular Visual Outcomes Following Monofocal EDOF And Trifocal EDOF IOL Implantation.

PURPOSE: To compare intraindividual monocular visual performance of a monofocal EDOF and a trifocal EDOF IOL following bilateral cataract surgery. DESIGN: Single-center, prospective, fellow-eye comparison clinical trial. METHODS: All patients received uneventful bilateral cataract surgery with implantation of the monofocal EDOF Isopure IOL in the dominant eye and the trifocal EDOF FineVision Triumf IOL in the non-dominant eye. Intraindividual monocular comparison included visual acuity at various distances, defocus curves, internal total higher-order aberration (HOA), spherical aberration (SA) Z(4.0), IOL decentration and tilt. Additionally, subjective outcomes were evaluated using Halo and Glare simulation and the VF-7 questionnaire. RESULTS: In total, 25 patients (50 eyes) were included. Intraindividual monocular BCDVA, DCIVA, and BCNVA were comparable (p> .05). However, monocular contrast acuity (p= .019), DCNVA (p< .001) and defocus curves at defocus levels of 0.0D (p= .005) and between -1.5 and -4.0D (p< .001) differed significantly. At 5mm, internal HOA and SA Z(4.0) were significantly different (p< .001) and comparable at 3mm pupil diameter, as were IOL tilt and decentration (p> .05). CONCLUSION: In this combined fellow-eye comparison, near vision was significantly better with the trifocal EDOF IOL. The monofocal EDOF IOL demonstrated similar distance and intermediate visual performance as the trifocal EDOF IOL. Overall, low values of photic phenomena and visual impairment was observed.

Long-term impact of low-energy femtosecond laser and manual cataract surgery on macular layer thickness: A prospective randomized study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate change in retinal layers 18 months after femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (LCS) and manual cataract surgery (MCS) in a representative age-related cataract population using artificial intelligence (AI)-based automated retinal layer segmentation. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized and intraindividual-controlled study including 60 patients at the Medical University of Vienna, Austria. Bilateral same-day LCS and MCS were performed in a randomized sequence. To provide insight into the development of cystoid macular oedema (CME), retinal layer thickness was measured pre-operatively and up to 18 months post-operatively in the central 1 mm, 3 mm and 6 mm. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients completed all follow-up visits. LCS compared to MCS did not impact any of the investigated retinal layers at any follow-up visit (p > 0.05). For the central 1 mm, a significant increase in total retinal thickness (TRT) was seen after 1 week followed by an elevated plateau thereafter. For the 3 mm and 6 mm, TRT increased only after 3 weeks and 6 weeks and decreased again until 18 months. TRT remained significantly increased compared to pre-operative thickness (p < 0.001). Visual acuity remained unaffected by the macular thickening and no case of CME was observed. Inner nuclear layer (INL) and outer nuclear layer (ONL) were the main causative layers for the total TRT increase. Photoreceptors (PR) declined 1 week after surgery but regained pre-operative values 18 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: Low-energy femtosecond laser pre-treatment did not influence thickness of the retinal layers in any topographic zone compared to manual high fluidic phacoemulsification. TRT did not return to pre-operative values 18 months after surgery. The causative layers for subclinical development of CME were successfully identified.

Rotational stability and refractive outcomes of a new hydrophobic acrylic toric intraocular lens.

PURPOSE: To assess rotational stability and refractive outcomes of a new toric hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lens (IOL). DESIGN: Single-center, prospective, interventional clinical trial. METHODS: A total of 130 eyes of 82 patients with age-related cataract and total corneal astigmatism of greater than 1.0 diopters (D) received a hydrophobic acrylic toric IOL Clareon CNW0T3-9. Baseline measurement for rotational stability evaluation was performed at the end of surgery (EOS), with the patient still supine on the operating table, using non-movable vessels as reference landmarks. Postoperative retroillumination pictures were taken at 1 h, 1 week, 1 month and 4-6 months postoperatively. Subjective manifest refraction was assessed at the 6 months follow-up visit. RESULTS: Final results were obtained in 126 eyes of 80 patients. Mean absolute rotation from EOS to 6 months was 1.33 ± 2.00 [0.01, 19.80] degrees. Rotational stability values from EOS to 1 h, 1 h to 1 week, 1 week to 1 month and 1 month to 6 months were 0.86 ± 0.82 [0.00, 3.90], 1.06 ± 1.94 [0.00, 19.45], 0.47 ± 0.42 [0.00, 2.03] and 0.38 ± 0.40 [0.00, 2.56] degrees. Mean preoperative corneal astigmatism was 1.78 ± 0.83 [1.00, 4.76] D which changed to a mean postoperative refractive astigmatism of 0.33 ± 0.27 [0.00, 1.25] D at 6 months. CONCLUSION: The Clareon toric IOL presented very good rotational stability with a mean absolute rotation below 1.4° from EOS to 6 months. Only two IOLs rotated more than 5° with none of them requiring repositioning surgery. Refractive outcomes were satisfying with a mean residual refractive astigmatism below 0.50 D. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered at Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03803852 ; on May 17, 2022.

Rotational Stability, Decentration, and Tilt of a New Hydrophobic Acrylic Intraocular Lens Platform.

PURPOSE: To evaluate rotational stability, decentration and tilt of the monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) Nanex (NC1-SP; HOYA Surgical Optics). DESIGN: Prospective interventional case series. METHODS: The study was performed at the Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Vienna. The study population comprised 130 eyes of 68 patients with age-related cataract who underwent cataract surgery with implantation of a Nanex IOL. Baseline image for rotational stability evaluation was obtained at the end of surgery (EoS) and compared to retroillumination images taken at 1 hour, 1 week, 1 month, and 6 months after surgery. Axis alignment was assessed using nonmovable landmarks on the sclera and the optic-haptic junctions of the IOL. Anterior segment OCT images were performed to evaluate decentration and tilt. The main outcome measure was absolute rotation from EoS to 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Median IOL rotation of all eyes from EoS to 6 months was 1.9° (interquartile range 0.1°-37.5°). Ten eyes (9.71%) rotated more than 5° and 2 eyes (1.94%), more than 10°. IOL rotation did not correlate with axial eye length (Spearman r = -0.042, P = .46), crystalline lens thickness (Spearman r = 0.134, P = .19), and crystalline lens equatorial diameter (Spearman r = 0.101, P = .325). IOL rotation positively correlated with anterior fibrosis severity (Spearman r = 0.321, P = .002). Preoperative decentration (0.2 ± 0.12 mm) and tilt (5.7 ± 1.6°) did not change significantly after surgery (0.22 ± 0.12 mm and 5.62 ± 1.49°, respectively). CONCLUSION: The investigated IOL presented good rotational stability and low decentration and tilt values. Nevertheless, anterior capsule fibrosis development led to a higher tendency of IOL rotation after 1 week.

Refractive outcome and lens power calculation after intrascleral intraocular lens fixation: a comparison of three-piece and one-piece intrascleral fixation technique.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the refractive prediction error of common intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation formulae in patients who underwent intrascleral IOL fixation using two different techniques. METHODS: This is a prospective, randomized, longitudinal, single-site, single-surgeon study. Patients who underwent intrascleral IOL implantation using the Yamane or the Carlevale technique were followed up for a period of six months postoperatively. Refraction was measured using the best-corrected visual acuity at 4 m (EDTRS chart). Lens decentration, tilt and effective lens position (ELP) were assessed using an anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). The prediction error (PE) and the absolute error (AE) were evaluated for the SRK/T, Hollayday1 and Hoffer Q formula. Subsequently, correlations between the PE and axial length, keratometry, white to white and ELP were assessed. RESULTS: In total, 53 eyes of 53 patients were included in the study. Twenty-four eyes of 24 patients were in the Yamane group (YG) and 29 eyes of 29 patients were in the Carlevale group (CG). In the YG, the Holladay 1 and Hoffer Q formulae resulted in a hyperopic PE (0.02 ± 0.56 D, and 0.13 ± 0.64 D, respectively) while in the SRK/T formula the PE was slightly myopic (- 0.16 ± 0.56 D). In the CG, SRK/T and Holladay 1 formulae led to a myopic PE (- 0.1 ± 0.80 D and - 0.04 ± 0.74 D, respectively), Hoffer Q to a hyperopic PE (0.04 ± 0.75 D). There was no difference between the PE of the same formulae across both groups (P > 0.05). In both groups the AE differed significantly from zero in each evaluated formula. The AE error was within ± 0.50 D in 45%-71% and was within ± 1.00 D in 72%-92% of eyes depending on the formula and surgical method used. No significant differences were found between formulae within and across groups (P > 0.05). Intraocular lens tilt was lower in the CG (6.45 ± 2.03°) compared to the YG (7.67 ± 3.70°) (P < 0.001). Lens decentration was higher in the YG (0.57 ± 0.37 mm) than in the CG (0.38 ± 0.21 mm), though the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.9996). CONCLUSIONS: Refractive predictability was similar in both groups. IOL tilt was better in the CG, however this did not influence the refractive predictability. Though not significant, Holladay 1 formula seemed to be more probable than the SRK/T and Hoffer Q formulae. However, significant outliers were observed in all three different formulae and therefore remain a challenging task in secondary fixated IOLs.

Prostaglandin Release After Low-Energy Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery Without Anti-Inflammatory Drug Premedication.

PURPOSE: To compare prostaglandin E2 (PGE-2) levels in the aqueous and pupil diameter in patients undergoing low-pulse energy femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (LCS) without non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) pretreatment with either fragmentation or capsulotomy performed first. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, fellow-eye controlled comparison. METHODS: This study was undertaken at the Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Vienna. The population consisted of 140 eyes of 70 patients with bilateral age-related cataract. Bilateral same-day LCS with either anterior capsulotomy before lens fragmentation (Caps-First) in one eye or vice versa (Frag-First) in a random sequence were performed. Aqueous was tapped 5 minutes after LCS and PGE-2 concentration was analyzed. Pupil diameters were recorded immediately before and after femtosecond laser pretreatment. The main outcome measure was PGE-2 concentrations in picograms/milliliter and pupil diameter in millimeters. RESULTS: Mean PGE-2 concentrations were 42.0 ± 63.7 pg/mL in the Caps-First group versus 71.8 ± 160.7 pg/mL with the Frag-First group (P = .186). Mean pupil diameters before and after pretreatment were 7.6 ± 0.8 mm and 7.6 ± 0.8 mm, respectively (P = .871). Mean PGE-2 concentrations and pupil diameters did not show any significant difference between time points or groups. CONCLUSIONS: Low-energy femtosecond laser pretreatment did not increase PGE-2 levels in the absence of NSAID pretreatment. This was independent of whether capsulotomy or fragmentation was performed first. Moreover, no pupillary miosis was observed.

Through-Focus Response of Extended Depth of Focus Intraocular Lenses.

PURPOSE: To investigate extended depth of focus intraocular lenses (EDOF IOLs), intended to extend the depth of field after cataract surgery in a comparative study at the optical bench. METHODS: An optical bench with either green or white light was used for this study. The artificial cornea used exhibited a spherical aberration of 0.2 µm. Examinations of the following lenses with a pupil opening of 3 and 4.5 mm were carried out: AcrySof IQ Vivity (Alcon Laboratories, Inc), Isopure (PhysIOL), Tecnis Eyhance (Johnson & Johnson), Vivinex Impress (Hoya Surgical Optics), and xact (Santen). RESULTS: Using green light and a pupil aperture of 3 mm, the AcrySof IQ Vivity showed the highest light energy for the intermediate area, whereas the Isopure and Vivinex Impress provided the highest energy for distance vision. Under the same examination conditions with a pupil opening of 4.5 mm, all lenses showed a low light distribution for the intermediate range. Regarding light distribution for distance, the Tecnis Eyhance had the highest light intensity. Using white light, the curves became much wider and more similar to each other. CONCLUSIONS: The five EDOF lenses investigated differ mainly by their different weighting of energy between the far and intermediate ranges. [J Refract Surg. 2022;38(8):497-501.].

Automatic segmentation of intraocular lens, the retrolental space and Berger's space using deep learning.

PURPOSE: To develop and validate a deep learning model to automatically segment three structures using an anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT): The intraocular lens (IOL), the retrolental space (IOL to the posterior lens capsule) and Berger's space (BS; posterior capsule to the anterior hyaloid membrane). METHODS: An artificial intelligence (AI) approach based on a deep learning model to automatically segment the IOL, the retrolental space, and BS in AS-OCT, was trained using annotations from an experienced clinician. The training, validation and test set consisted of 92 cross-sectional OCT slices, acquired in 47 visits from 41 eyes. Annotations from a second experienced clinician in the test set were additionally evaluated to conduct an inter-reader variability analysis. RESULTS: The AI model achieved a Precision/Recall/Dice score of 0.97/0.90/0.93 for IOL, 0.54/0.65/0.55 for retrolental space, and 0.72/0.58/0.59 for BS. For inter-reader variability, Precision/Recall/Dice values were 0.98/0.98/0.98 for IOL, 0.74/0.59/0.62 for retrolental space, and 0.58/0.57/0.57 for BS. No statistical differences were observed between the automated algorithm and the inter-reader variability for BS segmentation. CONCLUSION: The deep learning model allows for fully automatic segmentation of all investigated structures, achieving human-level performance in BS segmentation. We, therefore, expect promising applications of the algorithm with particular interest in BS in automated big data analysis and real-time intra-operative support in ophthalmology, particularly in conjunction with primary posterior capsulotomy in femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery.

Ultrasound energy consumption and macular changes with manual and femtolaser-assisted high-fluidics cataract surgery: a prospective randomized comparison.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to compare ultrasound (US) consumption and central macular thickness (CMT) and volume changes with manual and femtosecond laser (FSL)-assisted cataract nucleus workup. METHODS: Sixty patients scheduled for immediate sequential bilateral surgery underwent a prospective randomized intraindividual comparison of nucleus sector fragmentation performed manually in one eye and with low-energy FSL assistance in the partner eye, followed by high-fluidics phacoaspiration with a maximum US power of 30%. Ultrasound (US) energy consumption and macular thickness and volume were compared as measured by intraoperative effective phacoemulsification time (EPT) and high-resolution spectral domain optical coherence tomography pre- and 1 week, 3 weeks and 6 weeks postoperatively. Results are presented as means ± SD or medians [min; max]. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients completed the full follow-up. For the manual and FSL-assisted groups, nuclear hardness was almost identical with a mean LOCS III grade of 2.44 ± 1.08 and 2.50 ± 1.00 (p = 0.371). Median EPT was 1.40 [0.2; 8.3] and 1.25 [0.2; 9.4] seconds. Median preoperative CMT was 276.50 [263.25; 289.75] µm and 276.00 [262.00; 290.00] µm. Median postoperative CMT was 278.00 [260.50; 288.00] versus 275.50 [264.00; 290.50] µm at 1 week, 279.50 [266.75; 292.25] versus 280.00 [266.50; 294.50] µm at 3 weeks and 280.50 [268.00, 293.75] versus 279.50 [264.75; 295.25] µm at 6 weeks. Differences in CMT and total macular volume between the groups were not statistically significant at any point in time. CONCLUSION: Femtosecond laser (FSL) prefragmentation of the nucleus into six sectors did not reduce US energy consumption compared with manual splitting of the nucleus into four quadrants in this particular surgical setting. Sectorial FSL-prechopping with the low-energy FSL used had no additional impact on postoperative macular thickness and volume.

Rotational Stability of a New Hydrophobic Acrylic IOL With Modified C-loop Haptics.

PURPOSE: To assess rotational stability, axial stability, decentration, and tilt of the Rayner RAO800C single-piece hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lens (IOL) (Rayner Intraocular Lenses Ltd) from end of surgery to 4 to 7 months postoperatively. METHODS: Surgeries were performed at the Department of Ophthalmology at the Medical University of Vienna. A total of 130 eyes of 68 patients received an aspheric hydrophobic Rayner RAO0800C IOL. IOLs were randomly implanted to the 0 ± 10, 45 ± 10, 90 ± 10, or 135 ± 10 degree axis. Baseline measurement was performed with the patient still supine on the operating table. Axis alignment after 1 hour, 1 week, 1 month, and 4 months was evaluated by retroillumination pictures. Postoperative IOL decentration, tilt, and aqueous depth at 4 months were assessed using an anterior segment swept-source optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: Absolute median IOL rotation from end of surgery to 4 months was 2.4 degrees (range: 0.0 to 85.0 degrees). Median IOL rotation from end of surgery to 1 hour, 1 hour to 1 week, 1 week to 1 month, and 1 month to 4 months was 1.6 (range: 0.0 to 86.2), 1.1 (range: 0.0 to 28.8), 0.6 (range: 0.0 to 5.2), and 0.7 (range: 0.0 to 2.6) degrees. Respective proportions of IOLs rotating more than 5, 10, and 20 degrees from end of surgery to 4 months were 23.9%, 11.0%, and 6.4%. Horizontal and vertical decentration at 4 months was -0.09 ± 0.14 and 0.09 ± 0.14 mm, respectively. Horizontal and vertical tilt at 4 months was -4.78 ± 1.36 and -1.58 ± 1.10 degrees, respectively. A posterior axial shift of 0.052 ± 0.055 mm was observed from 1 week to 4 months. CONCLUSIONS: Although median IOL rotation appeared to be low, a significant proportion of IOLs rotated postoperatively. Decentration and tilt values were generally low. A minimal posterior optic shift was observed after 1 week. [J Refract Surg. 2021;37(2):112-118.].

Accuracy of common IOL power formulas in 611 eyes based on axial length and corneal power ranges.

AIMS: To provide clinical guidance on the use of intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation formulas according to the biometric parameters. METHODS: 611 eyes that underwent cataract surgery were retrospectively analysed in subgroups according to the axial length (AL) and corneal power (K). The predicted residual refractive error was calculated and compared to evaluate the accuracy of the following formulas: Haigis, Hoffer Q, Holladay 1 and SRK/T. Furthermore, the percentages of eyes with ≤±0.25, ≤±0.5 and 1 dioptres (D) of the prediction error were recorded. RESULTS: The Haigis formula showed the highest percentage of cases with ≤0.5 D in eyes with a short AL and steep K (90%), average AL and steep cornea (73.2%) but also in long eyes with a flat and average K (65% and 72.7%, respectively). The Hoffer Q formula delivered the lowest median absolute error (MedAE) in short eyes with an average K (0.30 D) and Holladay 1 in short eyes with a steep K (Holladay 1 0.24 D). SRK/T presented the highest percentage of cases with ≤0.5 D in average long eyes with a flat and average K (80.5% and 68.1%, respectively) and the lowest MedAE in long eyes with an average K (0.29 D). CONCLUSION: Overall, the Haigis formula shows accurate results in most subgroups. However, attention must be paid to the axial eye length as well as the corneal power when choosing the appropriate formula to calculate an IOL power, especially in eyes with an unusual biometry.

Influence of Artificial Tears on Keratometric Measurements in Cataract Patients.

PURPOSE: To assess the influence of artificial tears of different viscosity on K-readings prior to cataract surgery. DESIGN: Prospective randomized crossover, before-and-after clinical study. METHODS: Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Vienna. PATIENT POPULATION: A total of 123 eyes of 80 patients prior to cataract surgery were assigned to 2 groups based on normal and dry eyes. INTERVENTION: Two native baseline keratometries were followed by instillation of either high- or low-viscosity eye drops. Keratometry was repeated 30 seconds, 2 minutes, and 5 minutes after instillation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Influence of eye drops of different viscosity in normal and dry eyes on short time K-readings. RESULTS: Repeatability between native baseline measurements was high (standard deviation = 0.02 mm in normal and in dry eyes). In normal and dry eyes, a statistically significant increase in measurement variability after instillation of both low-viscosity and high-viscosity eye drops was observed (P < .01). Measurement variability was most pronounced between baseline measurement and 30 seconds and diminished over time. Variability of K-readings appeared higher in dry eyes compared with normal eyes. Astigmatism changed more than 0.5 diopters in 13.2% of normal eyes and 34.4% in dry eyes using eye drops of high viscosity. CONCLUSION: Tear film-stabilizing eye drops prior to keratometry measurements influenced K-readings significantly, especially in dry eyes. A time period of more than 5 minutes should be allowed to pass after instillation of eye drops. The higher the viscosity of the eye drops, the stronger the influence and the longer its persistence.

Comparison of Axis Determination With Different Toric Intraocular Lens Power Calculation Methods.

PURPOSE: To compare the axis position of the measured total corneal astigmatism (TCA) with the axis of the anterior keratometry and the calculated axis position of different toric intraocular lens (IOL) calculators. METHODS: A total of 163 astigmatic eyes of 163 patients were retrospectively analyzed. The axis of the actual TCA, measured with anterior segment optical coherence tomography, was compared to the anterior keratometric value (Group I) and three different methods of TCA calculation for toric IOL power determination: Abulafia-Koch regression formula (Group II), Barrett Toric Calculator V2.0 (Group III), and Barrett Toric Calculator V2.0 including measured posterior keratometric value (Group IV). Eyes were assigned to three subgroups: with-the-rule, against-the-rule, and oblique astigmatism. RESULTS: The mean deviation calculated from measured TCA was +0.56° (Group I), -0.32° (Group II), -0.37° (Group III), and -1.00° (Group IV). For with-the-rule astigmatism, the TCA axis agreed most with Group I (6.5% outliers > 5° deviation). For against-the-rule astigmatism, Group IV and Group II were closest to the measured TCA axis (1.5% and 3% outliers with > 5° deviation). CONCLUSIONS: The means of the calculated axis were similar to the measured TCA, but the proportion of outliers with an axis deviation of greater than 5° showed remarkable differences. Isolated anterior keratometric value measurements showed the fewest outliers in with-the-rule astigmatism. In against-the-rule astigmatism, Abulafia-Koch calculation should be used for axis determination. [J Refract Surg. 2021;37(9):642-647.].

One-Year Results of Arcuate Keratotomy in Patients With Low to Moderate Corneal Astigmatism Using a Low-Pulse-Energy Femtosecond Laser.

PURPOSE: To investigate corneal astigmatism (CA) reduction and corneal optical quality after surface-penetrating femtosecond laser arcuate keratotomies (Femto AK) considering anterior (CAant) and posterior corneal curvature (CApost), total corneal refractive power astigmatism (CAtot), and corneal higher-order aberrations (HOAs) through 1 year. DESIGN: Prospective interventional case series. METHODS: Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Vienna. PatientPopulation: Forty-three eyes of 43 patients with age-related cataract and CAtot between 1 and 3 diopters (D). INTERVENTION: Paired keratotomies were created with a low-energy femtosecond laser (LDV Z8; Ziemer Ophthalmic Systems, Port, Switzerland) and combined with an astigmatic neutral manual posterior-limbal cataract incision. CA and HOAs measurements were obtained preoperatively and after 1 month, 3 months, and 1 year. MainOutcomeMeasure: Change of CA and HOAs after low-energy Femto AK through 1 year. RESULTS: Mean preoperative CAant and CAtot (1.62 ± 0.49 D and 1.58 ± 0.44 D) were significantly reduced, to 0.66 ± 0.38 and 0.50 ± 0.30 D (P < .001) 1 year after surgery, respectively. CApost showed no significant change, from 0.31 ± 0.19 D preoperatively to 0.31 ± 0.13 D (P = .732) at the 1-year follow-up period. Astigmatism as calculated by vector astigmatism analysis stayed stable at 1 month, 3 months, and 1 year. Corneal wavefront HOAs significantly improved at 1 month, 3 months, and 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: Paired surface-penetrating keratotomies created by a low-energy femtosecond laser showed efficient and stable CA reduction within 1 year after surgery. The optical quality of the cornea was preserved with lower HOAs than preoperatively.