Impact of Advanced Image-Guided Systems on Correction of Corneal Astigmatism During Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery.

PURPOSE: To determine the effectiveness of the correction of corneal astigmatism utilizing the Alcon Image Guidance system (Ft. Worth, Texas) versus manual marking in the orientation of femtosecond laser-assisted astigmatic keratotomy incisions. SETTING: This study was based in a private practice in Albany, New York, USA. DESIGN: Retrospective review of patients undergoing FLACS from January 2018 to June 2022. METHODS: Patients who underwent FLACS with Image Guidance (IG) and without IG were investigated. Variables including pre-operative K values, cylinder, spherical equivalent (SE), and visual acuity (VA) were collected, as well as the cyclorotation angle delta registered by IG, post- operative refractive cylinder, SE, and VA. The primary outcome was post-operative refractive cylinder in patients with IG compared to those without IG. RESULTS: A total of 160 eyes were included, with 103 eyes who had IG and 57 eyes who did not have IG. Post-operative cylinder was similar in those with IG (0.31 +/- 0.36 D) compared to those without IG (0.31 +/- 0.37 D) (p=0.97). Average cyclorotation in the IG group was 2.82 ± 3.03 degrees. When cyclorotation was stratified into three groups (<2.8 degrees, 2.8-8.5 degrees, >8.5 degrees), no differences were found in post-operative refractive cylinder (p=0.35). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who underwent FLACS with Image Guidance had similar post-operative cylinder outcomes compared to those without Image Guidance. This study suggests that the accommodation of cyclotorsion using an advanced image guidance system is similar to that obtained with manual marking techniques in patients having 2 diopters or less of astigmatism corrected.

Traumatic Orbital Roof Fracture With Superior Rectus Entrapment in a Pediatric Patient.

Pediatric patients often present with orbital fractures after facial trauma, most commonly fractures of the orbital floor. Evaluation of orbital fractures for entrapment of the extraocular muscles is crucial, as urgent surgical exploration and possible repair are needed in these cases. We report a 2-year-old male who presented after a fall with multiple left orbital wall fractures, including a roof fracture. On examination, the patient's OS appeared fixed in an upward gaze. Positive forced ductions revealed clinical concern for entrapment of the superior rectus. The patient was taken to the operating room for exploration, and the entrapped superior rectus muscle was freed from the fracture. The patient subsequently recovered fully with complete extraocular movements. This represents the first reported case of superior rectus entrapment in an orbital roof fracture.

Association of open globe injury characteristics with outcome measures in the emergency department.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the association of demographic and clinical features of emergency department (ED) patients presenting with open globe injuries (OG) with outcomes such as inpatient admission rate, length of stay (LOS), and total cost. METHODS: The Nationwide Emergency Department Sample database 2018 and 2019 was used to analyze the association of demographic and clinical features of OG patients with outcome measures. RESULTS: 8404 OG patients were identified. Medicaid patients were associated with higher ED costs and a higher frequency of extended LOS. The 70+ age group was associated with higher inpatient admission. Frail patients were associated with significantly increased likelihood of inpatient admission, higher likelihood of extended LOS and higher total combined ED cost. Falls and being struck were associated with shorter LOS. CONCLUSION: This study describes the most common demographic and clinical characteristics of OGIs that present to the ED, as well as the association of these characteristics with outcome measures such as inpatient admission rates, LOS, and total cost. The study further identified potential high-risk patients for prolonged length of stay. The findings will better optimize patient care protocols to improve outcomes.

The Short-term Effect of a Single Lapse in Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Treatment for Diabetic Macular Edema Within Routine Clinical Practice.

PURPOSE: Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a leading cause of vision loss in diabetics. Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment option for DME, although the injections are costly and require frequent visits, which increases the risk for unintended treatment lapses. The aim of this study is to characterize the effects of an unintended treatment lapse in patients with DME undergoing anti-VEGF therapy. DESIGN: Retrospective, comparative case series. METHODS: This retrospective chart review compared patients seen in a multicenter institutional practice with DME exhibiting an unintended minimum 3-month lapse in anti-VEGF treatment, with a control group of DME patients receiving regular anti-VEGF treatment without lapses. The primary outcome was difference in central subfield thickness (CST) between the control group and the treatment lapse group at 6 months following treatment lapse. RESULTS: A total of 164 patients were evaluated, 82 patients in the treatment lapse group and 82 patients in the control group. The average age was 65 years, and the average lapse in treatment was 6.2 ± 3.5 months (range 3-24 months). Comparison of data between the lapse and control groups revealed no significant differences in CST (359.9 ± 108.3 µm and 335.4±94.6 µm, respectively, P = .066) or in visual acuity (66.5 ± 14.3 and 68.9 ± 14.5, respectively, P = .136). Limitations included a relatively small sample size, retrospective nature, and only a single lapse being evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: An unintended, single, relatively short-term lapse in anti-VEGF treatment in patients with DME did not appear to result in significant anatomic or visual compromise upon resumption of regular follow-up and treatment.

Treatment of Ocular Neuralgia After Refractive Surgery With Bilateral Orbital Steroid and Anesthetic Injections.

PURPOSE: To describe a patient with chronic periocular pain after bilateral photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and ocular neuralgia that was controlled with regular orbital steroid and anesthetic injections. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 21-year-old man presented 3 months following bilateral PRK surgery in severe bilateral orbital pain. Previous treatments included topical (artificial tears, corticosteroids, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs) and oral (NSAIDs, opioids, and pregabalin) therapies with minimal pain relief. A bilateral orbital triamcinolone acetonide 40 mg/cc and 0.25% bupivacaine injection was done after a successful, diagnostic unilateral 0.25% bupivacaine injection. Following bilateral bupivacaine and triamcinolone acetonide injections, pain intensity improved from 7 of 9 to 1 of 3 out of 10. Repeat injections have been regularly performed over the past 3 years, allowing the patient to experience improved symptoms lasting from 4 to 9 months. CONCLUSIONS: In this case, orbital nerve blocks provided relief and may be considered as a potential treatment for orbital neuralgia after refractive surgery. [J Refract Surg. 2019;35(8):534-537.].