Intraoperative variability of corneal epithelium thickness in photorefractive keratectomy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the intraoperative central corneal epithelial thickness (ET) as measured by optical coherence pachymetry (OCP) in myopic eyes undergoing alcohol-assisted photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent alcohol-assisted PRK was performed. Data were abstracted on age, gender, contact lens (CL) wear, preoperative refractive errors, keratometry, topographic and ultrasonic pachymetry, and intraoperative OCP measurements before and after epithelium removal. The central ET was calculated by subtracting OCP measurement after epithelium removal from the OCP measurement prior to epithelium removal. RESULTS: The study comprised of 162 consecutive eyes from 81 patients. Mean age was 26.73 ± 6.47 years, 50.6% were males. CL was used in 92 eyes (56.8%). The mean sphere and spherical equivalent were -3.60 ± 1.84 D and -3.26 ± 1.85D, respectively. The mean intraoperative ET was 58.22 ± 17.53 µm (range, 15-121µm). Fifty-five percent of the eyes had an ET measurement above or below the range of 40-60µm. ET was significantly higher in the second operated eye compared to the first operated eye (p = 0.006), and an association was found to CL-wear (p = 0.03). There was no significant difference in thickness between genders (p = 0.62), and no correlation to patient age (p = 0.45, rp = 0.06), refractive errors (p > 0.30,rp=-0.07-0.08), nor keratometry(p > 0.80, rp=-0.01- (-0.02)). CONCLUSION: The intraoperative assessment of ET in alcohol-assisted PRK showed a high variability of the central corneal epithelium, with a significant difference between the first and second operated eyes. This difference may have implications when the epithelium is not included in the surgical planning in surface ablation.

Ex Vivo Histological Analysis of Corneas with Manually Implanted Intracorneal Stromal Ring Segments.

Backgrond: Intracorneal ring segments (ICRSs) are utilized to correct refractive changes impacting visual acuity, commonly implanted via femtosecond laser but can also inserted manually. Corneal deposits alongside the ICRS channels are seen commonly. Methods: This study explores the histological characteristics of corneal deposits following manual ICRS implantation, comparing them to previously published articles describing femtosecond laser-assisted cases. Results: This is a retrospective analysis of three cases involving manual ICRS implantation, accumulation of whitish deposits and later explanation of the corneas due to penetrating keratoplasty (PKP). Patient demographics, ocular history, and surgical details were collected. Histological analysis employed Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and Masson's trichrome staining. Whitish deposits along ICRS tracts were observed in all cases, with minimal fibroblastic transformation of keratocytes adjacent to the segments. Comparing these cases of manual to femtosecond laser-assisted ICRS implantation, in most cases, similar deposits were identified, indicating the deposits' association with the stromal tissue reaction to the ring segment and not to the surgical technique. Conclusions: This study contributes insights into the histopathology of manually implanted ICRS, emphasizing the shared nature of deposits in both insertion methods. The findings highlight the link between deposits and the stromal tissue reaction to the ring segment, irrespective of the insertion technique.

Intraoperative Assessment of the Stromal Ablation in Photorefractive Keratectomy.

Purpose: To evaluate the difference between planned and measured central ablation depth (CAD) and compare the first and second operated eye in simultaneous bilateral myopic alcohol-assisted PRK. Methods: A retrospective review of patients was performed. Demographic and preoperative data was abstracted. Intraoperative assessment included environmental data, laser-planned algorithm of ablation (L-CAD), and optical coherence pachymetry (OCP) measurements. The true stromal ablation depth (O-CAD) was calculated by subtracting the immediate post-ablation OCP measurement from the OCP measurement before laser ablation. Deviation in pachymetry (DP) between O-CAD and L-CAD was also assessed. Results: The study comprised 140 eyes from 70 consecutive patients. The mean age was 26.91 ± 6.52 years, and 57.1% were females. O-CAD was significantly correlated to preoperative refractive errors and intraoperative laser settings. DP was not correlated to any of the pre- or intraoperative parameters. L-CAD showed a significant underestimation as compared to O-CAD (67.87 ± 25.42 µm and 77.05 ± 30.79 µm, respectively, p < 0.001), which was shown in 74.3% of the cases. A moderate agreement between the two methods was noted, with a mean deviation of 17%. This difference was maintained for each eye individually (p < 0.001). In addition, DP was significantly higher in the first operated eye as compared to the second operated eye (11.97 ± 16.3 µm and 6.38 ± 19.3 µm respectively, p = 0.04). Conclusion: The intraoperative assessment of stromal ablation showed significantly higher central ablation depth values compared to the laser-planned ablation algorithm. The deviation in pachymetry was higher in the first, compared to the second, operated eye. Awareness is warranted as to the discrepancy between preoperative planning and intraoperative assessment.

Corneal cross-linking for treatment of keratoconus relapse in post-keratoplasty eyes.

PURPOSE: Keratoconus relapse after penetrating keratoplasty is a rare condition that may result in severe visual deterioration and corneal graft thinning. Therefore, treatment to stabilize the cornea should be considered. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Corneal Cross-Linking (CXL) in eyes with relapse of keratoconus after penetrating keratoplasty for keratoconus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of eyes that developed keratoconus relapse following a penetrating keratoplasty and treated with CXL. The main outcome measures were change in maximal keratometry (Kmax), best-corrected distance visual acuity (BCVA), thinnest corneal thickness (TCT) and central corneal thickness (CCT), and complications. RESULTS: We identified 10 consecutive eyes of 9 patients. Preoperative median BCVA before the CXL and 1 year after the CXL procedure remained stable (p = 0.68). The median (IQR) of Kmax improved from 63.2 (24.9) D before the CXL procedure to 62.2 (27.1) D at 1 year postoperatively (P = 0.028). Median TCT and CCT also remained with no significant change 1 year after CXL. No complications were noted following the procedure. CONCLUSION: CXL in eyes with keratoconus relapse after keratoplasty is a safe and effective procedure enabling not only visual stabilization but also might bring keratometry improvement. Routine follow-up after keratoplasty should be performed for early detection of keratoconus relapse and CXL is timely advised when such a relapse is documented.

Gender related trends among Israeli ophthalmologists professional career and personal life performance.

BACKGROUND: Gender-diversity trends in ophthalmology in Israel have not been studied despite a high proportion of female ophthalmologists. Our purpose was to evaluate gender-related trends in ophthalmology professional career and personal life performance in early and advanced careers in Israel. METHODS: A survey based on a nationwide voluntary anonymous web questionnaire was distributed to the members of the Israeli Ophthalmological Society. The questionnaire included questions referring to professional career and personal life performance. Gender differences were analyzed. RESULTS: Out of 252 respondents, 116 (46%) were women, with a mean age of 47.97 + -11.3 and 53.18 + -12.4 (P = 0.01) years, respectively. Marital status, post-residency fellowship performance or duration, an additional academic degree, academic appointments, and managerial positions were similar between genders. Fellowship predominance of males was found in cornea/cataract/refractive and of females in strabismus, pediatric ophthalmology, and neuro-ophthalmology (P < 0.01, P = 0.032, respectively). Men had significantly more publications and appointments in peer review journals and work hours (P = 0.04 and P = 0.02, P = 0.027, respectively). Both genders responded similarly regarding work satisfaction, combination between family life and work. More women felt inequity during and post-residency in clinical (P = 0.011, P = 0.001, respectively) and surgical work (P = 0.001, P = 0.035, respectively). More women experienced inappropriate remarks from patients and sexual harassment (P = 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively), and supported the need for affirmative action (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Several gender disparities were found among ophthalmologists in Israel, including subspecialties distributions, publications, appointments in peer review journals, working hours, work inequity sense, harassment events, and support the need for affirmative action.

Safety and Efficacy of Repeated Corneal Collagen Crosslinking in Progressive Keratoconus.

PURPOSE: Keratoconus is a progressive visually impairing disorder. Despite the beneficial effects of epithelial off-crosslinking (CXL) on the stabilization of keratoconus, progression may still occur. We report the efficacy and safety of a repeated CXL for significant progression of keratoconus after a single CXL procedure. METHODS: This retrospective study includes patients diagnosed with progressive keratoconus who were previously treated with CXL and underwent repeated CXL. Demographic, clinical, and surgical data were retrieved and analyzed. RESULTS: Ten consecutive eyes of nine patients who developed progressive keratoconus after CXL were identified. The mean age at diagnosis of keratoconus was 20.2 ± 6.0 years. The post-repeated CXL follow-up period was 2.1 ± 1.3 years. The mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) remained stable throughout the follow-up period. The mean Kmax at baseline was 60.4 ± 3.6 D. Before the repeated CXL, Kmax progressed significantly ( P = 0.018) and was 62.2 ± 6.3 D, and at the last follow-up, the value decreased significantly ( P = 0.037) and was 60.3 ± 6.4 D. The mean minimal pachymetry was 464.0 ± 27.0 µ at base line. Before the repeated CXL, minimal pachymetry was significantly lower ( P = 0.018), and after the repeated CXL, the minimal pachymetry was stable ( P = 0.2). No intra- or postoperative complications were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Repeated CXL is a safe and effective treatment option when failure of the initial CXL is diagnosed, even in young patients. This procedure may prevent visual deterioration and a potential need for keratoplasty.

Repeated Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Astigmatic Keratotomies in Post-Keratoplasty Eyes.

Visual rehabilitation after a keratoplasty is often compromised due to high amounts of residual astigmatism. Femtosecond laser-assisted astigmatic keratotomy (FLAK) is gaining popularity in decreasing this astigmatism. Though one set of two incisions suffices in most cases, sometimes the treatment proves insufficient and additional treatment is required. This case series evaluates the outcomes in patients who underwent two consecutive FLAK sets to correct post-keratoplasty residual astigmatism. All repeated FLAK cases performed on post-keratoplasty eyes were reviewed in a high-volume clinic as a non-comparative retrospective case series. The data extracted include the procedure parameters, time between procedures, refraction including sphere, astigmatism, spherical equivalent (SE), and uncorrected and best-spectacle-corrected distance visual acuity (UDVA, BSDVA, respectively). Eleven eyes of eleven patients aged 25.5 ± 10 treated with more than one FLAK procedure were identified. The average follow-up time was 6 months after the first FLAK and 24 ± 10 months after the second. The second FLAK was performed six months after the first. The preoperative mean astigmatism was -9.59 ± 2.36 D. At the final follow-up, the mean astigmatism decreased to -5.38 ± 1.79 D (p = 0.001). Repeated FLAK procedures achieved a significant and stable reduction of astigmatism in post-keratoplasty eyes. This procedure shows safety and effectivity in these complex eyes and may prevent the need for a further keratoplasty.

Acute cataract development in a 43-year-old woman after an ultrasound eyelid-tightening procedure.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to describe a severe side effect presentation of a bilateral cataract after treatment with intense focused ultrasound (IFUS) and subsequent uneventful cataract surgery. OBSERVATIONS: A 43-year-old woman presented to the emergency room with decreased visual acuity several hours after undergoing an eyelid-tightening procedure using IFUS. The patient's vision was decreased (R>L), a result of an acute cataract, which had an unusual appearance and consistency. Several weeks later, visual acuity had decreased further in the right eye to 20/400 and the patient underwent uneventful laser-assisted cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation, which resulted in full visual recovery. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: This case emphasizes the need for particular attention to possible side effects resulting from periocular IFUS, including severe ocular impact requiring surgical intervention.

The effect of the glycemic control on the aqueous humor glucose levels in diabetic patients undergoing elective cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: Aqueous humor glucose levels play a role in the anterior segment disorders' pathophysiology, mainly in diabetics. Our purpose was to evaluate the ratio of aqueous humor glucose levels to blood glucose levels in diabetics and to evaluate the correlation between this ratio and blood glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. METHODS: This prospective study was performed in Sheba Medical Center during 2016-2018. The study included type 2 diabetic patients admitted for elective cataract surgery. Blood glucose levels were measured immediately before surgery. HbA1c was obtained within 3 months preoperatively. At the beginning of surgery, 0.05-0.1 mL aqueous humor was drawn. Main outcome measures were aqueous humor glucose/blood glucose ratio and the correlation between HbA1c and aqueous humor glucose/blood glucose ratio. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients (mean age 75.2 ± 11.2 years) were recruited. The average aqueous humor glucose/blood glucose ratio was 0.69 ± 0.20. A significant positive correlation was found between aqueous humor and blood glucose levels, Pearson coefficient constant R = 0.63 (p < 0.01), and specifically stronger among older patients R = 0.89 (p < 0.01), females R = 0.74 (p < 0.01), patients with short-term disease (<10 years) R = 0.80 (p < 0.01), and patients treated with oral anti-diabetic treatment R = 0.74 (p < 0.01). A significant strong positive correlation was found between HbA1c levels and aqueous humor glucose/blood glucose ratio R = 0.62 (p < 0.01), and specifically stronger among older patients R = 0.82 (p < 0.01), males R = 0.70 (p < 0.01), patients with prolonged disease (⩾10 years) R = 0.540 (p < 0.05), and patients treated with oral anti-diabetic treatment R = 0.62 (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: A significant strong correlation was found between aqueous humor glucose levels and blood glucose levels. Poor glycemic control was strongly correlated with an increased ratio, reflecting an increased anterior chamber's glucose permeability. Older age group was found to have stronger correlation of poor glycemic control with this ratio.

Therapeutic HL-Contact Lens versus Standard Bandage Contact Lens for Corneal Edema: A Prospective, Multicenter, Randomized, Crossover Study.

INTRODUCTION: To compare the safety and efficacy of the Therapeutic Hyper-CL™ lens versus a standard bandage contact lens (PureVision B&L) for chronic corneal edema. METHODS: Prospective, multicenter, randomized, crossover study. Chronic corneal edema patients were randomized to one of two arms. The first arm was fitted with the Therapeutic Hyper-CL™ lens while the second arm was fitted with a standard soft bandage contact lens. Both arms were treated with 5% sodium chloride 6 times a day. After a 7-day treatment period, there was a 7-day washout period, after which the arms were crossed over. Patients were evaluated at days 0 (baseline), 7 (following first treatment allocation), 14 (following washout), and 21 (following second treatment allocation). The primary outcomes were 3 lines of BCVA (best corrected visual acuity) improvement. RESULTS: In total, 49 patients were enrolled. There was significantly greater BCVA improvement rate >3 lines (30.4% versus 17.4%, P=0.04) in the Therapeutic Hyper-CL™ lens group. The mean change in BCVA lines was significantly greater for the Therapeutic Hyper-CL™ lens (3.4 ± 6.7 versus 0.9 ± 2.3, P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The Therapeutic Hyper-CL™ lens was associated with a higher chance for significant visual acuity improvement when compared to a standard bandage contact lens combined with 5% sodium chloride. This trial is registered with NCT02660151.

Strong bonding of corneal incisions using a noncontact fiber-optic laser soldering method.

Suturing of corneal incisions requires significant skill. We demonstrate a noncontact method that will simplify the bonding process. 5-mm-long penetrating vertical and slanted incisions were made in corneas of eyes, extracted from dead piglets. A fiber-optic laser system was used for laser soldering of the incisions, under close temperature control, using albumin solder. The burst-pressure PB immediately after the soldering was found to be PB ≈ 92 and 875 mmHg, for vertical and slanted incisions, respectively. PB = 875 mmHg is an exceptionally high figure, ≈10 times the clinically acceptable value for sutured incisions. Laser soldering was then performed on penetrating incisions made in the corneas of live healthy piglets, of weight ≈10 Kg. After a healing period, the eyes were extracted, and the corneas were examined by histopathology and by optical coherence tomography. Our method immediately generated watertight and strong bonding without noticeable corneal shape distortion. These results would be beneficial for cataract surgery and for corneal transplantations. The fiber-optic system makes it much easier to bond corneal incisions. In the future, laser soldering could be automated and efficiently used by less experienced surgeons, thereby reducing the workload on the experienced ones.

Epithelial ingrowth after late traumatic femtosecond laser-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis flap dislocation.

Traumatic flap displacement and epithelial ingrowth after microkeratome-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is a widely described potentially sight-threatening complication. However, this complication is rare when a femtosecond laser is used to create the LASIK flap. We present a case of epithelial ingrowth after late traumatic femtosecond-assisted LASIK flap dislocation. A 25-year-old woman presented to our emergency department after being scratched in the right eye by her cat. The patient had bilateral myopic femtosecond-assisted LASIK surgery 5 years previously with good postoperative visual acuity. Ocular examination showed nasal dislocation of the flap. Follow-up examinations showed epithelial ingrowth. She was referred for reconstructive surgery in which the epithelial ingrowth was removed and the flap repositioned. Follow-up examinations showed an excellent result.

Safety of cataract surgery in patients treated with the new oral anticoagulants (NOACs).

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety of phacoemulsification of cataract in patients taking new oral anticoagulants (NOACs). METHODS: In a prospective case series, consecutive patients on NOACs (dabigatran, rivaroxaban, or apixaban) who were referred for uncomplicated cataract surgery to the eye institute underwent a thorough ophthalmological and hematological evaluation. Rivaroxaban and apixaban anti-factor Xa tests, and diluted thrombin time for dabigatran, were used for monitoring anticoagulation levels in blood. Blood was drawn for these tests just prior to surgery and at a peak level of the drug at about 4 h post-surgery (2 h after the drug was given). All surgeries were videotaped and patients were examined at 1 and 7 days after the operation. The main outcome measures included assessment of intra-operative, postoperative ocular bleeding, and other related complications. RESULTS: Thirty-five eyes of 25 unrelated patients ranging in age from 63 to 92 years (mean 77.6 years) underwent phacoemulsification. Intra-operative bleeding was observed in 5 eyes from the conjunctiva or limbus at the main incision site. No intraocular bleeding occurred. No hemorrhagic complications were observed during the 1-week follow-up. According to anti-factor Xa levels prior to surgery and following surgery, 85% of the patients were on therapeutic levels of NOACs. CONCLUSIONS: Clear corneal incision phacoemulsification performed under topical anesthesia can be safely performed in simple cases of cataract without discontinuing NOAC treatment.

Unilateral Refractive Lens Exchange with a Multifocal Intraocular Lens in Emmetropic Presbyopic Patients.

Purpose: To evaluate the visual outcome and patient satisfaction after a unilateral multifocal IOL implantation in the non-dominant eye of emmetropic patients with presbyopia. Methods: An interventional case series of consecutive patients who underwent unilateral phacoemulsification with femto-laser assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) and refractive lens exchange (RLE), followed by an implantation of a trifocal diffractive IOL (FineVision Micro F), was performed in the non-dominant eyes of emmetropic patients with presbyopia. After 6 months of follow-up, the main outcome measures were uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), uncorrected intermediate visual acuity (UIVA), and uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA). Secondary outcomes included spherical equivalent (SE), refraction, contrast sensitivity, patient questionnaire and presence of visual side effects. Results: A total of 26 eyes of 26 patients, with an average age of 53.8 ± 4.1 years, were included in this study. Preoperative mean UDVA was 0.13 ± 0.04 logMAR (Snellen 20/27), UIVA was 0.46 ± 0.12 logMAR (Snellen 20/58), and UNVA was 0.66 ± 0.17 logMAR (Snellen 20/91), in comparison to postoperative mean UDVA of 0.18 ± 0.32 logMAR (Snellen 20/30) (p = 0.32), UIVA of 0.17 ± 0.21 logMAR (Snellen 20/30) (p < 0.005), and UNVA of 0.02 ± 0.10 logMAR (Snellen 20/21) (p < 0.005). Monocular UNVA of 20/25 or better in the operated eye was achieved in 23 (88%) patients. Twenty-four (96%) patients said they would recommend this procedure to family and friends. There were no intraoperative complications and no IOL exchange was required. Conclusions: A unilateral RLE of the non-dominant eye with FLACS and a trifocal diffractive IOL (FineVision Micro F) implantation in emmetropic, presbyopic patients is provides satisfactory distance, intermediate, and near visual outcomes with no complications reported in this preliminary case series.

Inadvertent corneal pigmentation following cosmetic blepharopigmentation.

PURPOSE: To present a case of inadvertent corneal pigmentation as a complication of cosmetic eyelid tattooing. OBSERVATIONS: A 63 year old woman presented with left eye redness and irritation 3 days after undergoing permanent eyeliner tattooing of her upper and lower eyelids. On ocular examination a black pigmentation of the nasal cornea in her left eye was observed, with associated conjunctival injection. Initial slit lamp attempts of pigment removal were unsuccessful. A surgical attempt to scrape the pigment in the stroma was only partially successful due to the penetration of pigment particles in between stromal lamellae. Microanalysis spectroscopy was performed on a specimen of pigment taken from the eyelashes in order to attain the chemical properties of the material and assist with further therapeutic strategy. The analysis revealed an organic inert nature of the material (mostly carbon and oxygen) and ruled out presence of dangerous components such as copper and lead. Due to minimal inflammatory reaction and the non-central location of the corneal pigmentation, the patient remained under close observation, treated with lubrication and no further interventions, until complete resolution by 6 weeks. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: While the procedure of cosmetic blepharopigmentation is considered relatively safe, it bares many possible complications, ranging from mild dermal irritation to vision-threatening conditions. Our case of inadvertent keratopigmentation demonstrates the potential dangers of this procedure, and the importance of medical supervision and intervention in cases of complications. Vision preservation in this case was enabled by the midperipheral location of the pigment penetration.

Prophylactic exposure of human corneal endothelial cells to Rho-associated kinase inhibitor reduced apoptosis rate after phacoemulsification: Ex vivo study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether prophylactic exposure of corneal endothelial cells (CECs) to a selective Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) inhibitor will inhibit CEC apoptosis after phacoemulsification. SETTING: Laboratory evaluations at the Edith Wolfson Medical Center, Holon, Israel and the Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat-Gan, Israel and the Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Ramat-Gan, Israel. DESIGN: Experimental study. METHOD: Human donor corneolimbal rings were divided into fragments that were stored in commercial storage media with or without the addition of 10 mM ROCK inhibitor for 1 week and were then exposed to phacoemulsification energy. Samples were dissociated into single cells by trypsin digestion and CECs were targeted using the antihuman CD166 antibody, a new biomarker. The CEC survival was evaluated for early and late apoptosis rate with flow cytometric analysis of annexin-V and propidium iodide (PI) double staining. RESULTS: Six corneoscleral rings from 4 donors were studied. After phacoemulsification, CEC exposed to ROCK inhibitor demonstrated a 37.06% reduction in early apoptosis rate (29.36% ± 4.33% [SD] versus 46.65% ± 1.51%, P = .006) and 45.27% reduction in late apoptosis rate (17.6% ± 16.81% versus 32.16% ± 26.30%, P = .007), compared with controls. Subsequently, ROCK levels in apoptotic CECs were significantly lower in cells incubated with ROCK inhibitor than the control medium. CONCLUSIONS: In this ex vivo study, ROCK inhibitor reduced endothelial loss and thus, could be used to limit or slow down CEC loss. Rho-associated kinase inhibitor might be used before cataract surgery, especially in high risk patients. This might be a promising new method for preventing pseudophakic bullous keratopathy.

Does PACK-CXL Change the Prognosis of Resistant Infectious Keratitis?

PURPOSE: To examine the clinical characteristics, treatments, and prognosis of all cases of infectious keratitis resistant to conventional therapy and treated by photo-activated chromophore for keratitis corneal cross-linking (PACK-CXL) in one institution between 2012 and 2016. METHODS: A database search of patients who underwent PACK-CXL (ultraviolet-A for 10 minutes for irradiance of 9 mW/cm2) for infectious keratitis unresponsive to medical treatment at a tertiary care hospital was conducted. The following parameters were documented: patient demographic information, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) before the procedure and at the end of follow-up, characteristics of the ulcer, antibiotic treatment prior to CXL, culture results, and long-term complications. Cases with less than 1 year of follow-up were excluded. RESULTS: PACK-CXL was performed in 18 consecutive eyes. CDVA at the time of presentation was 1.47 logMAR (mean 1.47 ± 0.72 logMAR, range: 0.00 to 2.79 logMAR). Culture results were positive in 72% of eyes (13 of 18 patients) and no pathogens were identified in 28% of eyes (5 of 18 patients). All patients were treated with more than one antibiotic. The mean CDVA at the end of follow-up was 1.22 logMAR (mean: 1.22 ± 0.89 logMAR, range: 0 to 2.07 logMAR). There was no significant change between CDVA at presentation to CDVA at the end of follow-up (matched pair, P = .126). One eye underwent an emergency therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with large, central corneal ulcer and poor CDVA who were resistant to conventional treatment underwent PACK-CXL. At the end of follow-up, only one eye required emergency penetrating keratoplasty. This low rate might be attributed to a good response to CXL. [J Refract Surg. 2018;34(8):559-563.].

Predictability of Biometry in Patients Undergoing Cataract Surgery.

PURPOSE: To compare measurements of axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), keratometry (K), and the refractive predictability of the Aladdin and IOLMaster biometry devices in cataract surgery patients. METHODS: A retrospective observational study of eyes undergoing cataract surgery. Data were retrieved on AL, ACD, and K measurements obtained by the Aladdin and the IOLMaster. Furthermore, the postoperative refractive prediction errors were compared between the devices. RESULTS: The study included 127 consecutive eyes of 127 patients undergoing cataract surgery. Mean measurements of AL were not significantly different between the Aladdin (24.18 ± 1.89 mm) and IOLMaster (24.18 ± 1.89 mm) (p = 0.792). Mean K measurements were different between Aladdin (43.84 ± 1.56 D) and IOLMaster (43.97 ± 1.61 D) (p < 0.001). For AL, Aladdin measurements correlated strongly with IOLMaster measurements (r = 0.9997). For K, Aladdin measurements correlated strongly with IOLMaster measurements (r = 0.9912). Fifty-eight of the 127 eyes underwent cataract surgery with a monofocal intraocular lens. For these, mean absolute error (MAE) in predicting refraction relative to the measured postoperative refraction differed between Aladdin (MAE = 0.54 ± 0.40D) and IOLMaster (MAE = 0.49 ± 0.41D) (p = 0.001). After adjustment for the systematic difference in K measurements, the difference in MAE was no longer significant (p = 0.601). The ACD measurements did not differ significantly (p = 0.873) and were well correlated (r = 0.8327). CONCLUSIONS: A very good correlation was found in AL, K, and ACD measurements between the Aladdin biometer and the IOLMaster. Minimal adjustment for the constant difference in keratometry measurements matched the refractive predictability of both devices.

Novel model of innate immunity in corneal infection.

The cornea functions as the major refractive interface for vision and protects the internal eye from insult. Current understanding of innate immune responses to corneal infection derives from a synthesis of in vitro and in vivo analyses. However, monolayer cell cultures and mouse models do not accurately duplicate all aspects of innate immunity in human patients. Here, we describe a three-dimensional culture system that incorporates human cells and extracellular matrix to more completely simulate the human cornea for studies of infection. Human corneal stromal fibroblasts were mixed with type I collagen in 3-µm pore size transwell inserts, and overlayed with Matrigel to simulate a human corneal stroma and epithelial basement membrane. These were then infected with a cornea-tropic adenovirus, and exposed on their inferior side to leukocytes derived from human peripheral blood. Subsequent analyses were performed with histology, confocal microscopy, ELISA, and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). CXCL8, a neutrophil chemokine shown previously as the first cytokine induced in infection of human corneal cells, increased upon adenovirus infection of facsimiles in a dose-responsive fashion. Myeloperoxidase-positive cells infiltrated infected corneal facsimiles in a sub-Matrigel location, possibly due to CXCL8 colocalization with heparan sulfate, a Matrigel constituent. Cellular infiltration was significantly inhibited by treatment with chemical inhibitors of p38 MAPK and Src kinase, both constituents of a signaling cascade previously suggested to regulate inflammation after adenovirus infection. FACS analysis determined that both virus and corneal fibroblasts were necessary for the induction of leukocyte migration into the facsimiles. The corneal facsimile, literally a cornea in a test tube, permits mechanistic studies on human tissue in a highly tractable system.