The effect of topical ketorolac tromethamine on macular thickening after phacoemulsification in diabetic patients.

BACKGROUND: To determine the effect of ketorolac tromethamine 0.5% in preventing post-phacoemulsification macular thickening. This randomized clinical trial. patients randomized 1:1 to receive either topical ketorolac three times a day or a placebo. METHODS: A total of 101 eyes of 101 diabetic patients who were scheduled for phacoemulsification and had normal macular contour and thickness enrolled consecutively. The topical ketorolac and placebo were prescribed on the day before surgery and continued up to 4 weeks after surgery. Patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy, a history of intravitreal injection in less than three months, a history of macular photocoagulation in less than 6 months, and any other concomitant ocular pathologies were excluded. Central macular thickness (CMT) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was recorded in the follow-ups of 6, 12, and 24 weeks after the surgery and compared with the controls. RESULTS: 49 eyes in the case group and 52 eyes in the control group were analyzed. Mean BCVA was significantly improved in both groups at all follow-ups (P < 0.001 for all). There was no statistically significant difference regarding the BCVA in different time points except week 12 (P = 0.028) among the study group. In the case and control groups, CMT was increased at all follow-ups (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference when comparing the two groups regarding the mean of CMT at any time point postoperatively (P > 0.05 for all). CONCLUSION: Based on our findings, topical ketorolac tromethamine 0.5% is not effective in the prevention of post-phacoemulsification macular thickening in diabetic patients. TRAIL REGISTRATION: The study protocol was registered into www. CLINICALTRIAL: gov with the RCT registration number NCT03551808. (2018/06/11 ) CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03551808.

Risk Factors Associated with Keratoconus in an Iranian Population.

Purpose: To determine associated factors for keratoconus (KCN) in the Iranian population. Methods: In this retrospective case-control study, 100 KCN patients and 200 age- and sex-matched individuals, who were either candidates for photorefractive keratectomy or healthy referrals from the Torfeh Eye Hospital, were included as the case and control groups, respectively. KCN patients were all registered at the Iranian National Registry of Keratoconus (KCNRegⓇ). Demographic characteristics, patients' symptoms and their habits, as well as systemic and ocular disorders were documented. Clinical examinations included best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and refractive error measurements, biomicroscopic examination, and corneal imaging. Results: In this case group, the frequency of mild, moderate, and severe KCN was 38%, 28%, and 34%, respectively. Parental consanguinity (odds ratio [OR] = 1.758, P = 0.029), positive familial history in patients' first degree (OR = 12.533, P < 0.001) and second degree (OR = 7.52, P < 0.001) relatives, vernal keratoconjunctivitis (OR = 7.510, P = 0.003), severe eye rubbing (OR = 10.625, P < 0.001), and systemic diseases including migraine, hypertension, and thyroid disease (OR = 6.828, P = 0.021) were found as associated factors for KCN. Lesser frequency of KCN was observed in patients with Fars ethnicity (OR = 0.583, P = 0.042), with higher levels of wealth indices (OR = 0.31, P < 0.001) and higher levels of education (OR = 0.18, P = 0.024). Conclusion: Severe eye rubbing, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, parental consanguinity and positive familial history of KCN, low socioeconomic status, and low levels of education were significantly associated with KCN in our study population.

Role of Blepharoexfoliation in Demodex Blepharitis: A Randomized Comparative Study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of blepharoexfoliation in the treatment of Demodex blepharitis. METHODS: Patients with microscopically approved Demodex blepharitis were enrolled. Patients in the treatment group were treated once with in-office blepharoexfoliation (BlephEx LLC; Franklin, TN) using tea tree oil 2% shampoo, followed by eyelid scrubs with tea tree oil 2% shampoo twice a day for 8 weeks. Patients in the control group were treated with the same protocol, except for the in-office sham blepharoexfoliation procedure. As the main outcome measurement, the changes in the severity of symptoms [Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score] were compared. The changes in Demodex count and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) severity were compared as the secondary outcome measurements. RESULTS: Eighty-one patients (36 male and 45 female) were included. The mean age of the patients was 53.56 ± 8.13 years. The mean baseline OSDI score was 33.30 ± 11.80. The mean baseline Demodex count was 4.84 ± 1.49. The Demodex count at the baseline visit was moderately correlated with the baseline OSDI score (R = 0.526, P = 0.011) and baseline MGD severity ( P = 0.02). At the 8-week visit, the OSDI score was 22.62 ± 8.23 and 27.09 ± 9.11 in the blepharoexfoliation and control groups, respectively ( P = 0.016). At the 8-week visit, the Demodex count was 2.6 ± 1.08 and 3.03 ± 1.27 in the treatment and control groups, respectively ( P = 0.025). MGD improved in both groups ( P = 0.84). In the blepharoexfoliation group, the change in the OSDI score was moderately correlated with the baseline OSDI score (R = 0.611, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: One session of blepharoexfoliation, followed by manual eyelid scrubs was more effective than eyelid scrubs alone in reducing patients' symptoms and Demodex count.

Topography versus non-topography-guided photorefractive keratectomy with corneal cross-linking variations in keratoconus.

AIM: To compare the visual results of non-topography-guided and topography-guided photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) applying sequential and simultaneous corneal cross-linking (CXL) treatment for keratoconus. METHODS: Interventional and comparative prospective study. Sixty-nine eyes (36 patients) suffering from keratoconus (stages 1 Amsler-Krumeich classification) were divided into four groups: sequential topography-guided photorefractive keratectomy with CXL, simultaneous topography-guided photorefractive keratectomy with CXL, simultaneous non-topography guided photorefractive keratectomy with CXL, and sequential non-topography guided photorefractive keratectomy with CXL. The main outcome measures were pre- and postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), best corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), manifest refraction, contrast sensitivity, and keratometry. RESULTS: All analyzed visual, contrast sensitivity, and refractive parameters showed a significant improvement in the four groups (all P<0.05). A noticeable improvement was seen in keratometry in all the groups, and a remarkable difference was observed between topography-guided groups in comparison to non-topography-guided groups (P<0.05). Interestingly, the improvement in all parameters showed a degree of stability to the end of the follow-up. CONCLUSION: The treatment priorities in all four groups are safety, efficacy, and predictability in the correction of the sphero-cylindrical errors in mild and moderate keratoconus. No significant differences among groups in the recorded objective outcomes were found.

Ophthalmic practice during COVID-19 pandemic.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused significant changes in ophthalmic practice. The initial strategy of strict restriction of elective activities has been replaced with various guidelines to revitalize ophthalmic procedures considering the new safety concerns. In this manuscript, we reviewed recent recommendations for ophthalmic practice in different fields of ophthalmology during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Effect of mitomycin-C on corneal endothelial cell parameters after refractive surface ablation procedures.

Background: The effect of mitomycin-C (MMC) on the reduction of endothelial cell count in the cornea remains controversial. We aimed to evaluate the effect of MMC on corneal endothelial cell parameters after refractive surface ablation procedures, including photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK). Methods: In this interventional, comparative, follow-up study, 342 eyes of 171 patients were followed up for 6 months. Patients undergoing PRK or LASEK were included and were divided into two groups: group one (188 eyes of 94 patients) with an ablation depth of ≥ 65 µm and who received intraoperative 0.02% MMC for 30 s, and group two (154 eyes of 77 patients) with an ablation depth of < 65 µm and who received balanced salt solution for 30 s. Changes in endothelial cell density (ECD), central corneal thickness (CCT), coefficient of variation (CV), and hexagonality values were compared between the groups at 3 and 6 months after surgery. Results: The mean (standard deviaiton [SD]) age of the patients was 28.11 (6.56) years. The mean (SD) ECD did not change significantly in either group between the baseline and at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. The baseline mean ECD was significantly higher in group one than that in group two (P < 0.001) and remained so at 3 (P = 0.002) and 6 months (P = 0.022) postoperatively. The baseline hexagonality value was lower in group one (P = 0.173), with a gradual decrease during the postoperative follow-up as compared with that in group two (P = 0.016 and 0.001 at 3 and 6 months postoperatively, respectively). Group one had a significantly lower CCT at 3 and 6 months postoperatively (both P < 0.001) and a higher mean CV (3 months: P = 0.028; 6 months: P = 0.328). Conclusions: A single intraoperative application of MMC for 30 s as prophylaxis for corneal haze development during refractive surface ablation procedures had no significant effect on ECD up to 6 months postoperatively. Future studies with a contralateral-eye design (to neutralize factors specific to the individual patient), a larger sample size, and longer follow-up are necessary to confirm or disprove our observations.

Management Strategies of Ocular Abnormalities in Patients with Marfan Syndrome: Current Perspective.

Marfan syndrome is an autosomal dominant genetic connective tissue disorder that results from mutations in the fibrillin-1 gene located on chromosome band 15q15-21. Fibrillin, a glycoprotein, is widely expressed throughout the body and contributes to the elasticity and force-bearing capacity of connective tissue. In the eye, fibrillin is a key constituent of the ciliary zonules, which suspend the crystalline lens in place. The zonular defect leads to ectopia lentis, which is a hallmark of Marfan ocular abnormalities and occurs in 60% to 80% of cases. Other less common ocular features of Marfan syndrome are increased axial length, astigmatism, and flat cornea. Visual function in Marfan syndrome could be affected in several ways: ectopia lentis, refractive error, amblyopia, retinal detachment, cataract, and glaucoma. Management of a subluxated lens starts with the correction of refractive error with eyeglasses in mild cases. In more severe cases, especially when the lens bisects the pupil, complete correction of refractive error is impossible without removing the subluxated lens. The best method for visual rehabilitation after lens extraction is still debated. Aphakic Artisan lens implantation at the time of subluxated lens removal results in good visual outcomes with an acceptable safety profile. Studies with longer term follow-up and larger sample populations are needed to evaluate the safety of this procedure in patients with Marfan syndrome.

Clinical Practice Guidelines for Prevention, Diagnosis and Management of Early and Delayed-onset Ocular Injuries Due to Mustard Gas Exposure.

PURPOSE: To develop clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for prevention, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of ocular injuries caused by exposure to mustard gas. METHODS: The clinical questions were designed by the guideline team. Websites and databases including National Guidelines Clearinghouse, National Institute for Clinical Excellence, Cochrane, and PubMed were searched to find related CPGs and explore possible answers to the clinical questions. Since there were no relevant CPGs in the literature, related articles in Persian and English languages were extracted. Each article along with its level of evidence was summarized. Additionally, hand search was performed by looking the reference list of each article. Consequently, recommendations were developed considering the clinical benefits and side effects of each therapeutic modality. The recommendations were re-evaluated in terms of customization criteria. All recommendations along with the related evidence were scored from 1 to 9 by experts from all medical universities of Iran. The level of agreement among the experts was evaluated by analyzing the given scores. RESULTS: The agreement was achieved for all recommendations. The experts suggested a number of minor modifications which were applied to the recommendations. Finally, CPGs were developed with 98 recommendations under three major domains including prevention of injury, diagnosis and management of the acute and delayed-onset mustard gas ocular injuries. CONCLUSION: Considering the lack of CPGs for the prevention, diagnosis, and management of mustard gas-induced keratitis, these recommendations would be useful to prevent the serious ocular complications of mustard gas and standardize eye care services to the affected individuals.

Correlation of higher order aberrations and components of astigmatism in myopic refractive surgery candidates.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the correlation between refractive, corneal, and residual astigmatism and higher order aberrations (HOA) in refractive surgery candidates. METHODS: Three hundred and seventy-five eyes of 188 patients aged 28.2 ± 6.24 years with a predominance of females (62.7%) were enrolled in this study. Refraction, topography (Orbscan IIz, Bausch & Lomb, Rochester, NY, USA), and aberrometry (Zywave, Bausch & Lomb, Rochester, NY, USA) were performed to determine refractive and corneal astigmatism and HOA for all participants. Ocular residual astigmatism was calculated using vector analysis. RESULTS: The mean spherical equivalent was -3.59 ± 1.95 D and the mean refractive astigmatism was -1.97 ± 1.3 D. The mean HOA was 0.38 ± 0.15 µm in all cases, which increased with spherical equivalent (p < 0.05). There was a positive significant correlation between both corneal and refractive astigmatism and HOA (p < 0.05), but there was no significant correlation between residual astigmatism and HOA (p = 0.122). CONCLUSION: The results of the study showed significant correlations between corneal and refractive astigmatisms and HOA.

Three Methods for Correction of Astigmatism during Phacoemulsification.

PURPOSE: To compare the safety and efficacy of three methods for correcting pre-existing astigmatism during phacoemulsification. METHODS: This prospective, comparative, non-randomized study was conducted from March 2010 to January 2011, and included patients with keratometric astigmatism ≥1.25 D undergoing cataract surgery. Astigmatism was corrected using the following approaches: limbal relaxing incisions (LRI) on the steep meridian, extension and suturing of the phaco incision created at the steep meridian (extended-on-axis incision, EOAI), and toric intraocular lens (tIOL) implantation. Keratometric and refractive astigmatism were evaluated 1, 8, and 24 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: Eighty-three eyes of 72 patients (35 male and 37 female) with mean age of 62.4 ± 14.3 (range, 41-86) years were enrolled. The astigmatism was corrected by using the LRI, EOAI and tIOL implantation methods in 17, 33 and 33 eyes, respectively. Postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) was significantly improved in all three groups. The difference in postoperative UDVA was not statistically significant among the study groups throughout follow-up except at week 24, when UCVA was significantly better in the tIOL group as compared to the EOAI group (P = 0.024). There is no statistically significant difference of correction index and index of success between three groups at week 24 (P = 0.085 and P = 0.085 respectively). CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in astigmatism reduction among the three methods of astigmatism correction during phacoemulsification. Each of these methods can be used at the discretion of the surgeon.

Visual Outcomes of Successful versus Failed Big-Bubble Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty for Keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To compare the visual outcomes of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) for keratoconus with and without successful big-bubble formation. METHODS: In this retrospective comparative study, a total of 289 consecutive eyes from 257 patients underwent DALK using the big-bubble technique. In cases where the big bubble could not be accomplished, manual stromal dissection down to Descemeton membrane (DM) was performed using a crescent knife. Visual acuity and refractive outcomes were compared between the bare DM group (Group 1) and manual dissection group (Group 2). RESULTS: A bare DM was successfully achieved in 229 (79.2%) eyes and manual dissection was performed in 60 (20.8%) eyes. The study groups were comparable in terms of age (P = 0.79), preoperative best-spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) (P = 0.15), and follow-up duration (P = 0.73). Postoperative BSCVA was significantly better in Group 1 than in Group 2 throughout follow-up (P < 0.05). In Group 2, BSCVA was significantly lower in eyes with advanced keratoconus as compared to those with moderate keratoconus (P = 0.007). At final follow-up, BSCVA ≤ 0.30 logarithm of minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) was achieved in 82.1% of eyes in Group 1 versus 54.5% of eyes in Group 2 (P < 0.001). Groups 1 and 2 were comparable in terms of postoperative spherical equivalent refractive error (P = 0.61) and keratometric astigmatism (P = 0.39). CONCLUSION: Retention of the posterior corneal stroma which occurs with manual dissection during failed big bubble formation in DALK is associated with lower visual acuity as compared to achieving a bare DM.

An Analysis of Factors Influencing Quality of Vision After Big-Bubble Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty in Keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To identify causes of reduced visual acuity and contrast sensitivity after big-bubble deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) in keratoconus. DESIGN: Prospective interventional case series. METHODS: This study included 36 eyes in 36 patients with keratoconus who underwent DALK using the big-bubble technique. A bare Descemet membrane was achieved in all cases. Univariate analyses and multiple linear regression were used to investigate recipient-, donor-, and postoperative-related variables capable of influencing the postoperative quality of vision, including best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) and contrast sensitivity. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 27.7 ± 6.9 years, and the patients were followed for 24.6 ± 15.1 months postoperatively. The mean postoperative BSCVA was 0.17 ± 0.09 logMAR. Postoperative BSCVA ≥20/25 was achieved in 14 eyes (38.9%), whereas a BSCVA of 20/30, 20/40, or 20/50 was observed in 15 eyes (41.7%), 6 eyes (16.6%), and 1 eye (2.8%), respectively. Preoperative vitreous length was significantly associated with postoperative BSCVA (ß = 0.02, P = .03). Donor-recipient interface reflectivity significantly influenced scotopic (ß = -0.002, P = .04) and photopic (ß = -0.003, P = .02) contrast sensitivity. The root mean square of tetrafoil was significantly negatively associated with scotopic (ß = -0.25, P = .01) and photopic (ß = -0.23, P = .04) contrast sensitivity. Recipient age, keratoconus severity, donor-related variables, recipient trephination size, and graft and recipient bed thickness were not significantly associated with postoperative visual acuity or contrast sensitivity. CONCLUSION: Large vitreous length, higher-order aberrations, and surgical interface haze may contribute to poor visual outcomes after big-bubble DALK in keratoconus.

Customized Clinical Practice Guidelines for Management of Adult Cataract in Iran.

PURPOSE: To customize clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for cataract management in the Iranian population. METHODS: First, four CPGs (American Academy of Ophthalmology 2006 and 2011, Royal College of Ophthalmologists 2010, and Canadian Ophthalmological Society 2008) were selected from a number of available CPGs in the literature for cataract management. All recommendations of these guidelines, together with their references, were studied. Each recommendation was summarized in 4 tables. The first table showed the recommendation itself in clinical question components format along with its level of evidence. The second table contained structured abstracts of supporting articles related to the clinical question with their levels of evidence. The third table included the customized recommendation of the internal group respecting its clinical advantage, cost, and complications. In the fourth table, the internal group their recommendations from 1 to 9 based on the customizing capability of the recommendation (applicability, acceptability, external validity). Finally, customized recommendations were sent one month prior to a consensus session to faculty members of all universities across the country asking for their comments on recommendations. RESULTS: The agreed recommendations were accepted as conclusive while those with no agreement were discussed at the consensus session. Finally, all customized recommendations were codified as 80 recommendations along with their sources and levels of evidence for the Iranian population. CONCLUSION: Customization of CPGs for management of adult cataract for the Iranian population seems to be useful for standardization of referral, diagnosis and treatment of patients.

Concurrent macular corneal dystrophy and keratoconus.

A 21-year-old female presented with progressive bilateral visual loss for the past 8 years. The patient had no history of systemic disease, surgery or medications. Complete ophthalmologic examination and topography were performed. On ophthalmic examination, uncorrected visual acuity was counting fingers at 2.5 m (20/50 with pinhole) in the right and left eyes. Both corneas appeared hazy on gross examination. On slit-lamp biomicroscopy, focal grayish-white opacities with indistinct borders were noted in the superficial and deep corneal stroma of both eyes. Both corneas were thin and bulging. Corneal topography showed a pattern consistent with keratoconus. The patient underwent penetrating keratoplasty (PKP). Histopathologic studies after PKP confirmed the diagnosis of macular corneal dystrophy and keratoconus in the same eye. The patient was clinically diagnosed as a case of concurrent macular dystrophy and keratoconus, which is a very rare presentation.

Long-term evaluation of complications and results of photorefractive keratectomy in myopia: an 8-year follow-up.

PURPOSE: To evaluate 8-year results of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for myopia in terms of safety, efficacy, stability, and late complications. METHODS: From 371 myopic eyes of 203 patients who underwent PRK using NIDEK EC-5000 excimer laser with 5.5- to 6-mm ablation zones in Basir Eye Center, Tehran, Iran, during 1997-1998, data of 179 myopic eyes of 98 patients, who participated in annual examinations, were analyzed. Treated eyes were divided into 3 groups according to preoperative refraction: low myopia [-10.00 D). The main outcome measures were safety, efficacy, stability, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: Eight years after PRK, 69.64%, 44.44%, and 45.65% of the low, moderate, and high myopic groups were within +/-0.5 D of emmetropia. Sixteen eyes (4.31% of original cases) underwent retreatment mainly because of regression. Although a small myopic shift occurred up to 8 years after surgery, changes in myopic regression stabilized in all myopic groups within 24 months. Four eyes (2.06%) lost 2 lines of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (1 eye for corneal haze and other 3 for problems not related to refractive surgery). Corneal haze occurred in 11.34% especially in medium and high myopic groups, but it cleared within 2 years in 68.2% of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our study, PRK seems to be a safe, efficient, and stable surgical procedure, and if patients obtain a good result with the initial treatment, then their results are relatively stable over time.

Refractive effect of the horizontal rectus muscle recession.

PURPOSE: To determine refractive and corneal topographic changes after horizontal rectus muscles recession. METHODS: In a noncomparative interventional case series, 49 eyes of 27 patients were evaluated in two groups: (1) exotropic patients (24 eyes) who underwent lateral rectus muscle(s) recession, and (2) esotropic patients (25 eyes) who underwent medial rectus muscle(s) recession. Full ophthalmic examination including cycloplegic automated refraction was carried out before, 1 and 3 months after surgery. Corneal topography was performed preoperatively and repeated at 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: In eyes underwent medial rectus recession, there were statistically significant myopic shifts in spherical equivalent at month 1 (from +2.09+/-1.82 to +1.88+/-1.83 diopters, P=0.03) and in astigmatic power at both month 1 (from -0.85+/-0.67 to -1.15+/-0.65 diopter, P=0.04) and month 3 (from -0.85+/-0.67 to -1.16+/-0.65 diopter, P=0.01). Myopic shifts were also noted following lateral rectus recession; however, there were not statistically meaningful. Significant astigmatic axis shift, which was toward with the rule astigmatism, was detected only after lateral rectus recession at both month 1 (P=0.02) and month 3 (P=0.02). Corneal power measured by topography was also demonstrated a statistically significant reduction (less than 0.3 diopter) after recession of either medial (P<0.001) or lateral (P<0.001) rectus muscle. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of being statistically significant in some parts, the amounts of refractive and corneal topographic changes were not clinically remarkable. Therefore, it does not seem necessary to perform cycloplegic refraction early after horizontal rectus muscle recession; however, a precise refraction in all cases of strabismus should not be deferred later than 3 months.