Short-term anterior chamber inflammation in phacoemulsification with and without Ex-Press glaucoma implant.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of clinically significant anterior chamber inflammation in a combined surgery, namely, phacoemulsification and Ex-Press miniature glaucoma device implantation, compared to phacoemulsification alone. METHODS: A retrospective comparative study of a consecutive series of 210 participants above 18 years of age diagnosed with significant cataract and who required glaucoma surgery, namely, Ex-Press miniature glaucoma device implantation or cataract alone in one or both eyes. All were operated on by a single experienced glaucoma surgeon in a single medical center. A total of 231 eyes were included in this study. All cases underwent an uneventful surgery and were examined the day following the surgery for visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and signs of excessive anterior chamber inflammation (Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature grading ⩾ 3). RESULTS: The combined group included 55 eyes of 51 patients, of whom 15 (27.3%) demonstrated excessive anterior chamber inflammation. The phacoemulsification group included 176 eyes of 159 patients, of whom 12 (6.7%) demonstrated excessive anterior chamber inflammation. Visual acuity and intraocular pressure measurements showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The Ex-Press glaucoma device is efficient, safe, and known for its inert nature. However, combination of this procedure with phacoemulsification surgery might result in a condition encouraging excessive inflammation, which eventually could lead to excessive anterior chamber inflammations if not treated vigorously. Emphasizing and recognizing the risks, especially in glaucoma patients, is important.

Management of subluxated capsular bag-fixated intraocular lenses using a capsular anchor.

UNLABELLED: We describe the use of the capsular anchor (AssiAnchor) to manage a subluxated intraocular lens (IOL) in the capsular bag. The anchor comprises 2 prongs that hold the anterior lens capsule and a central rod that is sutured to the scleral wall, enabling centration of the IOL-capsular bag complex. Six pseudophakic patients presenting with subluxated posterior chamber IOLs in the capsular bag were operated on using the device. The anchor was used successfully in all cases, although in 2 cases only 1 prong was placed under the capsulorhexis edge. In 1 eye, 2 anchors were used 1 month apart following repeated traumatic zonular injury. The capsular bag holding the IOL remained centered and stable throughout the follow-up period. The anchoring device, which was originally designed to preserve the lens capsule and stabilize subluxated crystalline lenses, can also be used to treat subluxation of a capsular bag-fixated IOL. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: Dr. Assia is the inventor of the AssiAnchor, has a licensed patent of the anchor, and is consultant to Hanita Lenses. Dr. Lapid-Gortzak is a consultant to and speaker for Alcon Surgical, Inc., Hanita Lenses, Orca Surgical, and Sanoculis Ltd.; a speaker for Santen; and a consultant to Icon. Drs. Ton and Naftali have no financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

[Same day postoperative examination after cataract surgery under local anesthesia--huge economic impact without increased risk].

INTRODUCTION: Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgeries in medicine. Re-evaluating the regimen for followup might save thousands of visits to the clinic and many working days every year. PURPOSE: To check the safety of same day postoperative follow-up as a substitute for the common practice in Israel of examination on the next day. METHODS: Retrospective examination of the digital files of patients after cataract surgery, who had their first postoperative examination on the same day of the surgery and the second examination after 1 week, during 2 years in a private clinic. RESULTS: Six hundred and sixty two files of patients were included in the study. Twenty nine had intraocular pressure (IOP) above 22 mmHg during the same day examination; 2 of those also had high pressure after 1 week. Two patients with residual lens material were re-operated one week later. Two had small corneal erosion, and one had anterior synechia; all were immediately treated in the clinic. Four patients were admitted, 3 for endophthalmitis, with no bacterial growth, and one for TASS [Toxic Anterior Segment Syndrome). Two patients had vitrectomy, and 2 had conservative treatment; all ended up with good visual acuity. All 4 patients were examined after calling the surgeon complaining of visual acuity deterioration, and arrived at the hospital early with no delay in the diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: A change in the follow-up regimen after cataract surgery did not increase the risk for complications. It is safe and economical and should be considered nationally.

Central corneal thickness measurements in nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy patients: a controlled study.

Purpose. To measure central corneal thickness (CCT) in patients with history of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). Patients and Methods. Patients older than 40 years with a history of NAION (group 1) were prospectively evaluated including full eye examination and central corneal thickness (CCT) pachymetry. Patients with a history of intraocular surgery, corneal disease, glaucoma, and contact lens wear were excluded. Measurements were also performed in a gender and age matched control group (group 2). Results. Thirty-one eyes of 31 NAION patients in group 1 were included and 30 eyes of 30 participants in group 2. There were 15 men in group 1 and 9 in group 2 (P = 0.141), and mean age of the patients was 59 ± 10 years in group 1 versus 61 ± 11 years in group 2 (P = 0.708). Mean CCT was 539 ± 30 microns in group 1 and 550 ± 33 microns in group 2 (P = 0.155). Conclusion. Patients with NAION have no special characteristic of CCT in contrast to the crowded optic disc known to be a significant anatomic risk factor for NAION. More studies should be carried out to investigate CCT and other structure related elements in NAION patients.

Acanthamoeba keratitis: study of the 5-year incidence in Israel.

BACKGROUND: Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is not a notifiable disease in Israel, so there are no accurate incidence rates for this condition in Israel. The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of AK in Israel for the years 2008-2012. METHODS: We distributed a survey questionnaire to laboratory managers in Israel. The laboratories were affiliated to medical institutes that either provided ophthalmology services or served community ophthalmology clinics. Our questionnaire requested survey respondents to provide information regarding the methods used to diagnose AK, and the number of positive and negative cultures for Acanthamoebae species performed for each of the years from 2008 to 2012. RESULTS: Six laboratories used non-nutrient agar with Escherichia coli as the culture medium, one used calcofluor-white staining with fluorescent microscopy, and two used PCR for diagnosing AK. Twenty-three AK cases were identified, to give an estimated incidence of 1/1 668 552. CONCLUSIONS: AK is mostly attributable to the use of contact lenses. As contact lenses are popular in Israel, we expected a higher incidence rate. A lower than expected incidence rate may indicate insufficient awareness of AK in Israel.

Depth of intrastromal corneal ring segments by OCT.

PURPOSE: To compare the depth of intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS) with the expected depth value using optical coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS: This was a retrospective comparative study in an ophthalmic unit in a government hospital, the Baruch Padeh Medical Center, Poriya, Israel. Ten eyes of 8 patients with 18 ICRS were reviewed. Eleven segments were Intacs (Addition Technology, Inc.) and 7 Kerarings (Mediphacos). Using anterior segment OCT (OPKO OTI) the shortest distance from the epithelium to the segment at 3 points was measured for each segment. The 3 points are proximal, middle, and distal to the incision. RESULTS: The mean depth of the 18 segments was 360±68 µm. The mean maximal and minimal depths were 383±70 and 336±72 µm, respectively. The mean depths of the distal, central, and proximal point measurements of all ICRS were 358±79, 361±77, and 362±59 µm, respectively; no significant difference was found. No part of the segments tended to be more superficial than others (p=0.98). There was no significant difference between Intacs and Kerarings depths (p=0.43). There was a significant difference between the expected ICRS depth and the OCT measurements (mean 480±20) and 360±68), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The ICRS actual depth was less than expected. There was mild variability in segment depth, both between segments and along the same segment. No significant difference was found between the depth of Intacs and Kerarings.

External Ophthalmomyiasis Caused by a Rare Infesting Larva, Sarcophaga argyrostoma.

Purpose. External ophthalmomyiasis (EO) is caused by infesting larvae belonging to various species of flies. Most documented cases result from sheep (Oestrus ovis) and Russian (Rhinoestrus purpureus) botfly larvae, but we recently discovered a rare case of EO caused by flesh fly (Sarcophaga argyrostoma) larvae. Here, we report the case of a patient with EO who had been hospitalized and sedated for 1 week because of unrelated pneumonia. Methods. Case report. Results. A total of 32 larvae were removed from the adnexae of both eyes. Larvae identification was confirmed through DNA analysis. Treatment with topical tobramycin resulted in complete resolution of EO. Conclusion. EO can be caused by S. argyrostoma, and the elderly and debilitated may require extra ocular protection against flies during sedation.

Foreign body embedded in anterior chamber angle.

Introduction. We present a case of a metallic foreign body embedded in the anterior chamber angle. After standing in close proximity to a construction worker breaking a tile, a 26-year-old woman using soft contact lens for the correction of mild myopia presented to emergency department for evaluation of a foreign body sensation of her right eye. Methods and Results. Diagnosis was confirmed by gonioscopic examination and a noncontrast CT scan of head and orbits. The foreign body was removed by an external approach without utilizing a magnet. The patient's final outcome was favorable. Discussion. The above is a rare clinical situation, which is impossible to detect on slit-lamp examination without a gonioscopic view. Proper imaging and a specific management are mandatory in order to achieve favorable outcome.

Endogenous endophthalmitis with an unusual infective agent: Actinomyces neuii.

PURPOSE: To report an unusual case of a patient with endogenous endophthalmitis caused by Actinomyces neuii. METHODS AND RESULTS: A 69-year-old woman in an immunosuppressed state and who had a previous history of periappendicular abscess presented with bilateral red painful eyes. The diagnosis was confirmed by culture and pan-bacterial polymerase chain reaction drawn from anterior chamber sample. On admission, the patient underwent an intravitreal injection of vancomycin combined with ceftazidime. Following a 3-week treatment of intravenous penicillin and topical sulfacetamide sodium, the patient recovered fully. CONCLUSIONS: Actinomyces neuii can cause endogenous endophthalmitis. Intravenous penicillin G is an effective treatment leading to favorable prognosis.

A decrease in VEGF and inflammatory markers is associated with diabetic proliferative retinopathy.

Diabetic retinopathy is the most severe ocular complication of diabetes mellitus (DM), is associated with micro-vascular damage. The more advanced stage, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Our hypothesis was that inflammatory and angiogenic markers will detect the different stages of type 2 diabetes, and may predict development of micro-vascular damage. Methods. Seventy three type II diabetic patients were randomly assigned to three groups (A - 25 patients {12 males], no diabetic retinopathy; B - 25 patients {19 males], non-proliferative retinopathy; and C - 23 patients {13 males], proliferative retinopathy),when they came for a routine follow-up visit in the ophthalmologic outpatient clinic. Twenty-three healthy subjects (14 males) served as controls. High-sensitivity C reactive protein (hs-CRP), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule 1(sVCAM-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were studied. Results. The duration of type II diabetes differed between group A (9 ± 6 years) and B (17 ± 9 years) patients (p = 0.001). No such difference was revealed between groups B and C (19 ± 6 years) (p = 0.30). A difference in hemoglobin A1C (HBgA1C) levels was detected between groups A (7.1 ± 2.7%) and B (8.5 ± 1.5%) (p = 0.02), but none was found between groups B and C (8.5 ± 1.6%) (p = 0.98). Only six patients (out of 23) used insulin treatment in group A, compared with 16 in group B (out of 25) and 17 in group C (out of 25) (p = 0.004). All three groups of diabetic patients were older (62.8 ± 10.8, 61.9 ± 9.4, 59.2 ± 10.3 years, respectively) than the controls(44.3 ± 11.6 years) (p≤0.001). Hs-CRP levels were higher in diabetic patients (4,391 ± 4,175, 4,109 ± 4,533, 3,005 ± 3,842 ng/mL, respectively) than in controls (1,659 ± 1,866 ng/mL); however, only the levels in patients of groups A (p = 0.01) and B (p = 0.03) were significantly different from those of the controls, in contrast to group C, which did not differ (p = 0.180). Similar findings were observed for sVCAM-1 (706 ± 347, 746 ± 328, 638 ± 208 ng/mL, respectively, vs. controls {552 ± 143 ng/mL]); sVCAM-1 levels of groups A and B, but not C, differed from the controls (p = 0.05, p = 0.01 and p = 0.125, respectively). With the exception of group B (p = 0.03), soluble VEGF DM type II levels (493 ± 353, 625 ± 342, 368 ± 223 pg/mL, respectively) did not vary from those of the controls (392 ± 355 pg/mL, p≥0.05). However, as the disease progressed, there was a significant decrease in VEGF levels, accompanied by a significant difference between groups B and C (p = 0.006). Conclusions. Patients with diabetes type 2with no-retinopathy and with non-proliferative retinopathy had high levels of inflammatory and angiogenic markers, which decreased in patients with diabetic proliferative retinopathy. Biomarkers of inflammation and angiogenesis may detect the progression of diabetic vascular disease and may lead towards earlier interventions that would prevent systemic complications.