The effect of hypotensive drugs on intraocular lenses clarity.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of hypotensive drugs on light absorbance, discoloration, opacification and precipitate formation of IOLs. METHODS: In this laboratory study, four types of IOLs (two hydrophilic-acrylic-L1 and L2, and two hydrophobic-acrylic-B1 and B2) were soaked in solutions containing Timolol-maleate 0.5%, Dorzolamide 2%, Brimonidine-tartrate 0.2%, Latanoprost 0.005%, Brimonidine-tartrate/Timolol-maleate 0.2%/0.5% and Dorzolamide/Timolol-maleate 2%/0.5%. Non-treated IOLs and IOLs soaked in balanced salt solution (BSS) served as controls. All Treated lenses were sealed in containers and placed in an oven at 82 degrees Celsius for 120 days. Each IOL was examined using four different techniques: light microscopy imaging, light absorbance measurements at 550 nanometers through the optic's center, assessment of by a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy dispersive Xray spectrometry (EDX). RESULTS: Ninety-eight IOLs were included. All BSS-soaked IOLs appeared clear with no significant discoloration or precipitate-formation. Light absorbance in these lenses was comparable to that of non-soaked, non-heated IOLs. No calcium or phosphate were detected in either of these groups. Light absorbance differed significantly between the four treated IOL types. The drops most affecting light absorbance differed between IOLs. Gross examination revealed brown and yellow discoloration of all IOLs soaked in Dorzolamide and Brimonidine-tartrate solutions, respectively. SEM demonstrated precipitates that differed in size, morphology and distribution, between different IOL-solution combinations. EDX's demonstrated the presence calcium and phosphor in the majority of precipitates and the presence of sulfur in brown discolored IOLs. CONCLUSIONS: In vitro, interactions between hypotensive drugs and IOLs induce changes in light absorbance, discoloration and precipitate formation.

Toric intraocular lens power calculation in cataract patients with keratoconus.

PURPOSE: Intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation in eyes with keratoconus typically results in hyperopic postoperative refractive error. The purpose of this study was to investigate the visual and refractive outcomes in patients with keratoconus having cataract surgery with a toric IOL and compare IOL power calculation accuracy of conventional formulas and keratoconus-specific formulas. SETTING: Ein-Tal Eye Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel. DESIGN: Retrospective case-series study. METHODS: Postoperative visual acuity and manifest refraction were examined. The error in predicted refraction and IOL power calculation accuracy within a range of 0.50 to 2.00 diopters (D) were compared between different IOL calculating formulas. RESULTS: 32 eyes with keratoconus were included. Visual acuity improved in all cases, and subjective astigmatism decreased from -2.95 ± 2.10 D to -0.95 ± 0.80 D (P < .001). The mean absolute errors were as follows: Barrett True-K formula for keratoconus with measured or predicted posterior corneal power, 0.34 D; Barrett Universal II formula, 0.64 D; Kane formula, 0.69 D; Kane formula for keratoconus, 0.49 D; SRK/T formula, 0.56 D; Haigis formula, 0.72 D; Holladay 1 formula, 0.71 D, and Hoffer Q formula, 0.87 D. Barrett True-K formula with measured posterior corneal power, SRK/T formula, and Kane formula for keratoconus resulted in a prediction error within ±0.50 D of 87.5%, 59.4%, and 53.1%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Cataract removal with a toric IOL significantly improves visual acuity and decreases astigmatism in keratoconic eyes with a topographic central relatively regular astigmatic component. Keratoconus-specific formulas resulted in lower mean error in predicted refraction compared with conventional calculating formulas. Using the posterior corneal power within the Barrett True-K formula for keratoconus improved IOL power prediction accuracy.

Pars plana vitrectomy for posteriorly dislocated intraocular lenses: risk factors and surgical approach.

PURPOSE: To present updated risk factors, anatomical and visual outcomes and a surgical approach to posteriorly dislocated intraocular lenses (IOL). METHODS: A retrospective case series review of patients presenting with posteriorly dislocated IOL to the vitreous was performed. All cases were managed surgically with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) followed by IOL repositioning and refixation or IOL exchange. Clinical characteristics, risk factors for IOL dislocation, visual outcomes and intraoperative and postoperative complications were investigated. RESULTS: Forty patients with posteriorly dislocated IOL underwent 3-port PPV and lens retrieval at an average of 6.5 years after cataract surgery. The main causes of IOL dislocation were previous PPV, myopia, pseudoexfoliation syndrome, ocular trauma and recurrent intravitreal injections. The existing IOL was repositioned and secured in 90% of the cases. Visual acuity improved in 34 patients, maintained in 5 and deteriorated in 1. All IOLs were central and stable at final follow-up. CONCLUSION: Posterior intraocular lens dislocation is becoming more prevalent. The main underlying causes found in this series were previous vitrectomy, myopia and recurrent intra-vitreal substance injections. Visual acuity improved in most cases after lens repositioning; however visual outcome is often limited due to associated ocular co-morbidities despite adequate lens position. Despite complete lack of zonular support, a posteriorly dislocated IOL can often be preserved by repositioning and fixation of the lens in the posterior chamber. Pathologies primarily associated with this type of lens malposition include history of vitrectomy, high myopia and multiple intravitreal substance injections.

Characteristics of orbital lymphoma: a clinicopathological study of 26 cases.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the medical data of patients with orbital and adnexal lymphoma. DESIGN: Cohort study of all cases diagnosed with orbital or adnexal lymphoma at Meir Medical Center between 1993 and 2007. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-six patients, with intraorbital or subconjunctival masses with orbital involvement, were examined and followed up between 1 and 8 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Examined data included: clinical presentation, age, gender, imaging, tumor location, surgical management, and pathological diagnosis. RESULTS: Presenting signs and symptoms included proptosis, eyelid lesions, tearing, chemosis, decreased visual acuity, ptosis, pain, squint, and optic nerve compression. In five cases, lymphoma was misdiagnosed on neuroimaging. Bone changes were seen in four patients. All cases were B cell lymphomas; with the majority (22 cases) of small B cell type; consisting of primary extranodal marginal zone lymphoma of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue and two cases of small cell lymphoma. One small cell lymphomas was of follicular type on a background of CLL, and the other was CLL/SLL type. Fourteen cases were primary orbital disease, and 12 cases were systemic disease. Macroscopic appearance of lymphoma at open biopsy was characteristic in most cases. Flow cytometry phenotyping gave rapid reliable diagnosis of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: Epiphora or chemosis in the presence of an orbital mass should alert the ophthalmologist to suspect lymphoma. Lymphoma may be easily misinterpreted on neuroimaging for other diseases. Bone changes seen on CT are more common than is generally perceived. Macroscopic appearance at open biopsy was characteristic.

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.

[UPDATE ON CATARACT EXTRACTION SURGERY AND INTRA-OCULAR LENS IMPLANTATION].

Cataract extraction and intra-ocular lens (IOL) implantation is one of the most prevalent surgical interventions worldwide. In Israel more than 50,000 procedures were performed in 2013. The progress in cataract surgery is dual, including the surgical technique of the crystalline lens removal along with developments in IOL structure and optic characteristics. This review focuses on new techniques in cataract surgery and modern types of IOLs for implantation.

Measurement of ocular cyclotorsion in superior oblique palsy using a single Maddox rod.

BACKGROUND: To describe a modified technique to measure ocular cyclotorsion using only 1 Maddox rod and compare it with the traditional double Maddox rod test (DMR). METHODS: Ocular cyclotorsion was prospectively measured in 48 consecutive patients with superior oblique palsy. Four measurements were taken; 2 using 2 Maddox rods: (A) a red rod in front of the affected eye and a white rod in front of the fellow eye and (B) red rod in front of the sound eye and red in front of the affected eye. Two additional sets of measurements were taken using 1 red Maddox rod in front of 1 eye only, where horizontal lines in the room served as a reference: (C) the red rod in front of the affected eye and (D) the red rod in front of the sound eye. RESULTS: Mean ocular cyclotorsion in 48 patients was 6.7°, 6.8°, 6.6°, and 6.1° in measures A, B, C, and D, respectively. The agreement between A and C did not differ statistically, whereas the agreement between B and D was statistically different (P < 0.0001). There was high repeatability in both comparisons. CONCLUSIONS: Ocular cyclotorsion may be measured using a single Maddox rod instead of two. It is simpler to conduct than the DMR.

CO2 laser-assisted sclerectomy surgery part I: concept and experimental models.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and performance of a second-generation device for CO2 laser-assisted sclerectomy surgery system in experimental models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Laser-assisted deep sclerectomy using a modified CO2 laser system (OT-134-"IOPtiMate"; IOPtima Ltd, Israel) was performed in 3 experimental models: enucleated pig eyes, human cadaver eyes, and live rabbit eyes. A half-thickness scleral flap was created, and a CO2 laser with a beam-manipulating system was used to achieve deep scleral ablation over the Schlemm canal zone. Aqueous percolation and scleral perforation rates were recorded. Intraocular pressure was monitored in live rabbits up to 21 days postoperatively. The shape and location of the scleral ablation zone, thermal damage, and the healing process were examined by histopathological analysis. RESULTS: Deep scleral ablation and aqueous percolation were repeatedly achieved in all the models. Micro-perforations occurred in 4/18 human eyes (22.2%), in 4/23 rabbit eyes (17.4%), and in none of the 38 porcine eyes. Mean intraocular pressure in the rabbits was significantly decreased (by 6.3±3.6 mm Hg) on the first postoperative day (P<0.0001) and gradually returned to normal. In all but one of the cadaver eyes, effective fluid percolation was achieved. Histology in each case disclosed deep scleral craters with a thin intact sclero-corneal tissue layer at the ablation area. Mild thermal damage, limited to the ablated scleral walls was detected and resolved after 10 days. CONCLUSIONS: The results in these experimental studies indicated that CO2 laser-assisted sclerectomy surgery using the OT-134 system is a safe and efficacious procedure for achieving effective fluid percolation.

CO2 laser-assisted sclerectomy surgery, part II: multicenter clinical preliminary study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of CO2 laser-assisted sclerectomy surgery (CLASS) in primary and pseudoexfoliative open-angle glaucoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients for primary filtration surgery underwent CLASS with a CO2 laser system (OT-134-IOPtiMate, IOPtima Ltd., Ramat Gan, Israel). This self-controlled system gradually ablates and removes scleral layers until percolating fluid absorbs the energy, attenuating further tissue ablation. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured at baseline, 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks, and 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Complete success was defined as 5≤IOP≤18 mm Hg and 20% IOP reduction with no medication at a 12-month endpoint visit, and qualified success as the same IOP range with or without medication. RESULTS: Thirty of 37 patients completed 12 months of follow-up. Mitomycin C was used in 25 procedures (83.3%). The mean baseline IOP of 26.3±7.8 mm Hg (mean±SD) dropped to 14.4±3.4 and 14.3±3.1 mm Hg at 6 and 12 months, respectively, with 42.4% and 40.7% IOP reduction at 6 and 12 months, respectively (P<0.001). Complete success was achieved by 76.7% and 60% of the patients at 6 and 12 months, respectively, whereas qualified success was achieved by 83.3% and 86.6% of the patients at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Complications were mild and transitory with no sequela. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term and intermediate results suggest that CLASS may become a simple, safe, and effective means of choice for the treatment of open-angle glaucoma.

Capsule anchor to manage subluxated lenses: initial clinical experience.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the use of a capsule anchor to reposition and fixate the capsular bag to the scleral wall in eyes with subluxation of the crystalline lens. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar-Saba, Israel. METHODS: This study evaluated a 1-plane poly(methyl methacrylate) intraocular implant (Capsular Anchor) that is clipped to the anterior capsule to support it. The device is composed of a central rod located in front of the anterior capsule and 2 lateral arms positioned behind the anterior capsule. The anchor is secured to the sclera with a single 9-0 or 10-0 polypropylene suture. A capsular tension ring (CTR) can be implanted in conjunction with the anchor. The anchor was implanted in eyes with subluxated cataractous lenses. After surgery, intraocular lens (IOL) centration and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) were monitored for 12 months. RESULTS: The anchor was successfully implanted in 2 patients with traumatic subluxated lenses and 2 patients with Marfan syndrome. In 1 eye, 2 anchors were used because of zonular dehiscence that extended during surgery. In 3 eyes, an IOL was implanted in the bag and in 1 eye, in the sulcus. A CTR was additionally implanted in 3 eyes. During the 12-month follow-up, the IOLs remained well centered and stable. The CDVA improved to 20/20 to 20/25 in all cases. CONCLUSION: The capsule anchor was effective in fixating the lens capsule to the scleral wall in cases of significant zonular dehiscence.

Repositioning and scleral fixation of the subluxated lens capsule using an intraocular anchoring device in experimental models.

PURPOSE: To describe a new device for repositioning and scleral fixation of the capsular bag of subluxated lenses in experimental models. SETTING: Laboratory for Experimental Microsurgery, Meir Medical Center, Kfar-Saba, Israel. METHODS: The capsular anchoring device is a poly(methyl methacrylate) 1-plane implant consisting of 2 handles that grasp the edges of the capsulorhexis and a base for scleral fixation with a single 10-0 or 9-0 polypropylene suture. A temporary safety suture can be used to facilitate manipulations and prevent loss of the device through the zonular defect until it is secured to the scleral wall. The device was implanted in porcine eyes and living rabbit eyes. An animal model of lens subluxation was achieved by tearing about one third of the zonules. Capsule centration, implant stability, and inflammatory reaction were evaluated 2 to 4 weeks after implantation in the living model. RESULTS: The device was implanted in 7 porcine eyes and 9 living rabbit eyes. A lens subluxation model was created in 4 porcine eyes and 2 rabbit eyes. The device effectively pulled the capsular bag to the center and remained stable up to 4 weeks thereafter. Very large zonular dialysis (>5 hours) was managed using 2 devices. Successful intraocular lens implantation was done repeatedly in the presence of the device. The implant was well tolerated in all rabbit eyes. Histopathological examination of the enucleated eyes revealed no inflammatory reaction or adhesions. The margin of the anterior capsulorhexis remained intact in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Experimental studies of a capsular anchoring device for subluxated lenses confirmed the safety and efficacy of the new device. A capsular tension ring can also be inserted separately to further stabilize the capsular bag.

Refractive error in premature infants.

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence and the degree of refractive error between the ages of 2 weeks and 6 months in premature infants without retinopathy of prematurity and to seek a correlation between refractive error and age at examination, birth weight, or gestational age. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In this observational cross-sectional study, eye refraction in 390 premature infants, with no ocular pathology, was measured by cycloplegic retinoscopy at the age of 2 weeks to 6 months. A correlation was sought between refractive error and perinatal variables. RESULTS: Of the 390 infants reviewed, 347 (89%) had a refractive error and 43 (11%) were emmetropic in both eyes. Most of the infants were hyperopic (76.8%). Myopia was observed in only 11.9%. Astigmatism was found in 24.4% of the infants. The mean age at examination was 2.1 +/- 1 months; the mean birth weight was 1639 +/- 444 g, and the mean gestational age at birth was 32.2 +/- 2.4 weeks. The mean spherical equivalent of refraction was +1.56 +/- 1.82 diopters (D) in the right eye and +1.55 +/- 1.78 D in the left eye. Refractive error was positively correlated with age at examination ( R = 0.16, P = 0.001). The mean refractive error was +1.24 D in infants aged 1 month or less and reached +2.50 D at the age of 4 to 6 months. Refractive error was not correlated with birth weight or gestational age. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of refractive error in premature infants without retinopathy of prematurity in the first 6 months of life may be as high as 89%. Most of these infants are hyperopic. Eye refraction is correlated with age at examination, but not with birth weight or gestational age.

Tumor necrosis factor and clinical and metabolic courses after cardiac surgery in children.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to determine the relationship between plasma tumor necrosis factor concentrations and hemodynamic and metabolic parameters during the postoperative clinical course in children undergoing cardiac surgery. METHODS: Tumor necrosis factor levels of 10 consecutive children undergoing surgery for repair of congenital heart defects were analyzed in blood samples drawn at predetermined time points during surgery and up to 24 hours thereafter. Clinical data were collected at these times for correlation to tumor necrosis factor levels. RESULTS: All the patients survived. Tumor necrosis factor was detected in all 10 children. Tumor necrosis factor levels declined after induction of general anesthesia (201 +/- 65 pg/mL) steadily decreasing during surgery, reaching 80 +/- 50 pg/mL at 24 hours after the operation. Tumor necrosis factor levels were found to be inversely correlated with mean blood pressure values and indicators of acidosis (bicarbonate levels and base excess, P <.03). They were not correlated with the durations of cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic crossclamping. CONCLUSIONS: Tumor necrosis factor released into the circulation during and after pediatric cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass may be related to the hemodynamic and acid-base changes observed after cardiac surgery. Elucidation of the relationship between tumor necrosis factor and patient outcome in high-risk patients awaits further studies.