[Prevention of intraoperative miosis in femtosecond laser-assisted phaco surgery]. / Preduprezhdenie intraoperatsionnogo mioza v fakokhirurgii c primeneniem femtosekundnogo lazera.

INTRODUCTION: Prevention of intraoperative miosis in hybrid (femtosecond laser-assisted) phacoemulsification is a relevant problem of cataract surgery. PURPOSE: Development and clinical study of an effective method for preventing intraoperative miosis in hybrid (femtosecond laser-assisted) phacoemulsification. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Hybrid phacoemulsification was performed in 300 patients (300 eyes). The first group (100 eyes) 3 days prior to the surgery was prescribed instillations of 0.1% indomethacin 3 times a day and 3 times in 2 hours before surgery at 30 minute intervals. The second group (100 eyes) 3 days prior to the surgery was prescribed instillations of 0.1% indomethacin 3 times a day, 3 times in 2 hours before the surgery at 30 minute intervals, and 1 hour before the surgery an additional intramuscular injection of diclofenac. The third group (control, 100 eyes) 2 hours before the operation was prescribed instillations of 0.1% indomethacin, 3 times at 30 minute intervals. The diameter of the pupil was evaluated before the beginning of femtosecond laser stage and before the opening of anterior chamber during the second stage of the operation. RESULTS: When the interval between the femtosecond laser stage and emulsification of the nucleus fragments was maintained at less than 15 minutes, pronounced decrease of the pupil (more than 2 mm) was noted in 8.2% of cases in the first group, 6.7% in the second group and 14.1% in third (control) group; mean values of pupil narrowing were 0.68±0.27 mm in the 1st group, 0.63±0.25 mm in the 2nd group, and 0.93±0.39 mm (p<0.05) in the third group. CONCLUSION: The clinical study showed high efficiency of the proposed methods for prevention of intraoperative miosis in hybrid (femtosecond laser-assisted) phaco surgery. An important factor affecting intraoperative narrowing of the pupil is the time interval between the femtolaser stage of the operation and emulsification of the nucleus fragments, which should not exceed 15 minutes.

Ocular surface histopathological insult following sarin and VX exposure and potential treatments in the rat model.

Eye exposure to organophosphate (OP) chemical warfare irreversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, results in long-term miosis and impaired visual function. In contrast to the well-documented miotic and ciliary muscle spasm observed following chemical warfare, OP ocular exposure, little is known regarding the ocular surface histopathological insult. The aim of the present study was to determine the degree of the ocular surface insult following sarin or VX ocular exposure and to evaluate potential anti-cholinergic treatments in counteracting this insult. Rats that were whole body exposed to various sarin concentrations (0.049-43 µg/L; 5 min exposure), showed a dose-dependent miotic response and light reflex impairment. Following whole body sarin exposure, a dose dependent ocular surface histopathological insult was developed. A week following exposure to a low concentration of 0.05 µg/L, conjunctival pathology was observed, while corneal insult was noticed only following exposure to a concentration of 0.5 µg/L and above. Both tissues presented poorer outcomes when exposed to higher sarin concentrations. In contrast, eyes topically exposed to 1 µg sarin demonstrated no ocular insult a week following exposure. On the contrary, topical exposure to 1 µg VX resulted in a significant corneal insult. Anticholinergic treatments such as 0.1% atropine or 2% homatropine, given shortly following VX exposure, counteracted this insult. The results of this study show that not only do anti-cholinergic treatments counteract the miotic response, but also prevent the histopathological insult observed when given shortly following OP exposure.

Efficacy of preoperative nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and the re-dilation technique in minimizing miosis after femtosecond laser in cataract surgery / Eficácia do AINE pré-operatório e da técnica de re-dilatação em minimizar a miose na cirurgia de catarata com laser de femtosegundo

ABSTRACT Purpose: To assess the efficacy of using a nonste­roidal anti-inflammatory drug preoperatively and of applying the re-dilation technique when necessary to minimize pupil size variation when comparing the degree of mydriasis before femtosecond laser pretreatment with that at the beginning of phacoemulsification. Methods: This retrospective study included patients who underwent cataract surgery using the LenSx (Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, TX). Our routine dilating regimen with flurbiprofen, tropicamide, and phenylephrine was used. The re-dilation technique was applied on eyes that manifested with a pupillary diameter that was smaller than the programmed capsulotomy diameter after laser pretreatment. The technique consists of overcoming pupillary contraction by instilling tropicamide and phenylephrine before phacoemulsification. Pupil size was assessed before femtosecond laser application and at the beginning of phacoemulsification. Results: Seventy-five eyes (70 patients) were included. Nine (12%) eyes underwent the re-dilation technique. There was no significant difference in mean pupillary diameter and mean pupillary area between the two studied surgical time points (p=0.412 and 0.437, respectively). The overall pupillary area constriction was 2.4 mm2. Immediately before opening the wounds for phacoemulsification, none of the eyes presented with a pupillary diameter <5 mm, and 61 (85.3%) eyes had a pupillary diameter >6 mm. Conclusion: Preoperative administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and the re-dilation technique resulted in no significant pupil size variation in eyes that were pretreated with the femtosecond laser, when comparing the measurements made before the laser application and at the beginning of phacoemulsification. This approach can avoid the need to proceed with cataract extraction with a constricted pupil.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia do uso de anti-inflamatório não-esteróide no pré-operatório e aplicação da técnica de re-dilatação quando necessária para minimizar a variação do tamanho pupilar ao comparar o grau de midríase antes do tra­tamento com laser de femtosegundo no início da facoemulsificação. Métodos: Esse estudo retrospectivo incluiu pacientes que foram submetidos à cirurgia de catarata usando o LenSx (Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, TX). Nosso regime de di­latação de rotina com flurbiprofeno, tropicamida e fenilefrina foi usado. A técnica de re-dilatação doi aplicada em olhos que se manifestaram com um diâmetro pupilar menor do que o diâmetro da capsulotomia programado após o pré-tratamento a laser. A técnica consiste em superar a contração pupilar pela instilação de tropicamida e fenilefrina antes da facoemulsificação. O tamanho pupilar foi avaliado antes da aplicação do laser de femtosegundo e no inicio da facoemulsificação. Resultados: Setenta e cinco olhos (70 pacientes) foram incluídos. Nove (12%) olhos foram submetidos à técnica de re-dilatação. Não houve diferença significativa no diâmetro pupilar médio e na área pupilar média entre os dois tempos cirúrgicos estudados (p=0,412 e 0,437, respectivamente). A constrição global da área pupilar foi de 2,4 mm2. Imediatamente antes de abrir as incisões para a facoemulsificação, nenhum dos olhos apresentava diâmetro pupilar <5 mm e 61 (85,3%) olhos apresentavam um diâmetro pupilar >6 mm. Conclusões: O administração pré-operatória de anti-inflamatório não-esteróide e da técnica de re-dilatação resultaram em uma variação significativa do tamanho pupilar em olhos que foram pré-tratados com laser de femtosegundo, comparando as medidas realizadas antes da aplicação do laser e no inicio da facoemulsificação. Essa abordagem pode evitar a necessidade de prosseguir com a extração da catarata com uma pupila contraída.

Continuous intracameral phenylephrine-ketorolac irrigation for miosis prevention in femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery: Reduction in surgical time and iris manipulation.

PURPOSE: To determine whether the addition of phenylephrine 1.0%-ketorolac 0.3% (Omidria) to the irrigation solution during femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) reduces surgical time and the need for pupil expansion devices compared with the irrigation solution containing epinephrine. SETTING: Wake Forest Baptist Eye Center, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: Data were collected from consecutive patients. One group had epinephrine 1 µg/mL in the irrigating solution and the other group, had phenylephrine and ketorolac 4 mL added to 500 mL irrigation solution instead of epinephrine. All patients received preoperative topical bromfenac 2 days before surgery. The same surgeon performed all procedures using the same laser (Catalys) and operative conditions. Endpoints were surgical time and the use of pupil expansion devices. RESULTS: Data were collected from 200 consecutive patients, 100 in each group. Patient demographics, including a mean baseline pupil size of 7.1 mm, were similar between the groups. Mean surgical times were significantly reduced in the phenylephrine-ketorolac group versus the epinephrine group (8.1 minutes versus 9.4 minutes) (P = .007). When eyes requiring a pupil expansion device were eliminated, there was still a significant reduction in surgical time for phenylephrine-ketorolac versus epinephrine (8.1 minutes versus 9.0 minutes) (P = .018). Two eyes (2%) in the phenylephrine-ketorolac group and 12 eyes (12%) in the epinephrine group required a pupil expansion device (P = .009). CONCLUSION: These data support the hypotheses that using phenylephrine and ketorolac reduces FLACS time and the need for pupil expansion devices.

Efficacy of preoperative nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and the re-dilation technique in minimizing miosis after femtosecond laser in cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of using a nonste-roidal anti-inflammatory drug preoperatively and of applying the re-dilation technique when necessary to minimize pupil size variation when comparing the degree of mydriasis before femtosecond laser pretreatment with that at the beginning of phacoemulsification. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients who underwent cataract surgery using the LenSx (Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, TX). Our routine dilating regimen with flurbiprofen, tropicamide, and phenylephrine was used. The re-dilation technique was applied on eyes that manifested with a pupillary diameter that was smaller than the programmed capsulotomy diameter after laser pretreatment. The technique consists of overcoming pupillary contraction by instilling tropicamide and phenylephrine before phacoemulsification. Pupil size was assessed before femtosecond laser application and at the beginning of phacoemulsification. RESULTS: Seventy-five eyes (70 patients) were included. Nine (12%) eyes underwent the re-dilation technique. There was no significant difference in mean pupillary diameter and mean pupillary area between the two studied surgical time points (p=0.412 and 0.437, respectively). The overall pupillary area constriction was 2.4 mm2. Immediately before opening the wounds for phacoemulsification, none of the eyes presented with a pupillary diameter <5 mm, and 61 (85.3%) eyes had a pupillary diameter >6 mm. CONCLUSION: Preoperative administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and the re-dilation technique resulted in no significant pupil size variation in eyes that were pretreated with the femtosecond laser, when comparing the measurements made before the laser application and at the beginning of phacoemulsification. This approach can avoid the need to proceed with cataract extraction with a constricted pupil.

Effect of phenylephrine 1.0%-ketorolac 0.3% injection on tamsulosin-associated intraoperative floppy-iris syndrome.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of phenylephrine 1.0%-ketorolac 0.3% injection (Omidria) on different components of intraoperative floppy-iris syndrome (IFIS). SETTING: Silverstein Eye Centers, Kansas City, Missouri, USA. DESIGN: Prospective case series. METHODS: Men treated with tamsulosin having standard cataract extraction surgery were placed in a treatment group that received phenylephrine 1.0%-ketorolac 0.3% injection in the irrigation solution and a control group) that received basic saline solution. Every procedure was video recorded using an endocyclophotocoagulation (ECP) probe and microscopic view. Pupil dilation, iris billowing, and iris prolapse were measured using a micrometer, ECP recording grading scale, and microscopic recordings, respectively. RESULTS: Each group (treatment and control) comprised 25 eyes of 25 patients. Although both groups had a decrease in pupil diameter before and after cataract extraction and before cataract extraction and after intraocular lens implantation, the changes were statistically significantly greater in the treatment group. Iris prolapse occurred in 3 patients (12.0%) in the treatment group and 14 patients (56.0%) in the control group (P < .001). Stage 3 (severe) pupil billowing occurred in 1 eye (4.0%) in the treatment group and 10 eyes (40.0%) in the control group (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The use of the phenylephrine 1.0%-ketorolac 0.3% injection combination added to the irrigating solution during cataract surgery in patients at risk for IFIS led to significantly better prevention of miosis, less pupil billowing, and a reduced incidence of iris prolapse. A new grading scale for intraoperative iris abnormalities might be used for future evaluation.

Topical 0.1% Bromfenac Sodium for Intraoperative Miosis Prevention and Prostaglandin E2 Inhibition in Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of topical 0.1% bromfenac sodium, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), on intraoperative pupil dilation maintenance and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) inhibition during femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery. METHODS: Sixty patients (30 each in study and control groups) were included in this study. The patients received 0.1% bromfenac ophthalmic solution or control placebo twice a day for 3 days before surgery. Pupil size was measured at the initiation of femtosecond laser pretreatment and phacoemulsification. Aqueous humor was collected at the beginning of routine cataract surgery. PGE2 levels were measured with an enzyme-linked immunoassay. Laser flare photometry was measured preoperatively and at 1 day postoperatively. RESULTS: Compared with untreated patients, the change in pupil size and postoperative day 1 aqueous flare were significantly reduced throughout the operation in the patients treated with 0.1% bromfenac (P < 0.001). Mean PGE2 concentrations were also significantly decreased by treatment with 0.1% bromfenac (P < 0.001). The reduction of the pupil area and postoperative day 1 aqueous flare were significantly correlated with PGE2 levels (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: NSAID treatment, when administered before femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery, was effective in maintaining intraoperative pupil dilation, preventing miosis, and reducing PGE2 levels.

NSAID Pretreatment Inhibits Prostaglandin Release in Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether short-term nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) pretreatment on the day of surgery inhibits prostaglandin release. Previous studies detected elevated prostaglandin levels after femtosecond laser treatment and identified them as a potential mediator for laser-induced miosis. METHODS: Patients underwent either image-guided femtosecond laser cataract surgery or conventional cataract surgery (n = 75). Half of the eyes per group received topical NSAID treatment on the day of surgery. Aqueous humor was collected from all patients. ELISA measurements were performed to detect aqueous humor prostaglandin levels. RESULTS: Femtosecond laser cataract surgery led to higher prostaglandin levels than conventional cataract surgery (P = .007). In both groups, NSAID pretreatment led to reduced prostaglandin release. In the femtosecond laser group, patients pretreated with NSAIDs had significantly lower prostaglandin values (65.3 ± 13.2 pg/mL) than patients not pretreated with NSAIDs (294.4 ± 66.5 pg/mL) (P = .0009). CONCLUSIONS: The short-term NSAID treatment prevented prostaglandin release in patients treated with image-guided femtosecond laser. Therefore, it has potential to limit intraoperative laser-induced miosis.

The Effects of Two Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, Bromfenac 0.1% and Ketorolac 0.45%, on Cataract Surgery.

PURPOSE: To compare the additive effects of two types of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), bromfenac 0.1% or ketorolac 0.45%, relative to topical steroid alone in cataract surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total 91 subjects scheduled to undergo cataract operation were randomized into three groups: Group 1, pre/postoperative bromfenac 0.1%; Group 2, pre/postoperative preservative-free ketorolac 0.45%; and Group 3, postoperative steroid only, as a control. Outcome measures included intraoperative change in pupil size, postoperative anterior chamber inflammation control, change in macular thickness and volume, and ocular surface status after operation. RESULTS: Both NSAID groups had smaller intraoperative pupil diameter changes compared to the control group (p<0.05). There was significantly less ocular inflammation 1 week and 1 month postoperatively in both NSAID groups than the control group. The changes in central foveal subfield thickness measured before the operation and at postoperative 1 month were 4.30±4.25, 4.87±6.03, and 12.47±12.24 µm in groups 1 to 3, respectively. In the control group, macular thickness and volume increased more in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), compared to those without DM. In contrast, in both NSAID groups, NSAIDs significantly reduced macular changes in subgroups of patients with or without DM. Although three ocular surface parameters were worse in group 1 than in group 2, these differences were not significant. CONCLUSION: Adding preoperative and postoperative bromfenac 0.1% or ketorolac 0.45% to topical steroid can reduce intraoperative miosis, postoperative inflammation, and macular changes more effectively than postoperative steroid alone.

[Malyugin ring for intraoperative miosis in femtosecond laser phacovitrectomy]. / Anillo de Malyugin para miosis intraoperatoria en femtofacovitrectomía.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usefulness of the Malyugin ring in poor pupil dilation during phacoemulsification assisted with femtosecond laser with 23 gauge pars plana vitrectomy. METHOD: A 57-year-old female with cataract and vitreous hemorrhage, and poor pupil dilation (5.5mm). The phacoemulsification assisted with femtosecond laser, using Malyugin ring after capsulorrhexis, followed by pars plana vitrectomy, and removing at the end without complications. RESULTS: A successfull intraoperative pupil dilation was achieved without complications, with a final BCVA of 20/40. CONCLUSIONS: The Malyugin ring is an effective alternative in cases with poor pupil dilation in femtophacovitrectomy, preserving the anatomical and functional integrity.

Effect of topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and nuclear hardness on maintenance of mydriasis during phacoemulsification surgery.

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs on pupil dilation maintenance during phacoemulsification cataract surgery and quantify the relationships between pupil size change and nuclear hardness. METHODS: This prospective randomized clinical observation study was single centered and double-masked. We studied 239 cases undergoing uneventful phacoemulsification cataract surgery in the absence of significant ocular comorbidity. Cases were randomly assigned to 1 of 6 groups receiving the following treatments: (1) diclofenac (0.1%); (2) pranoprofen (0.1%); (3) control, physiological normal saline solution; (4) diclofenac (0.1%) and epinephrine; (5) pranoprofen (0.1%) and epinephrine; (6) control, physiological normal saline and epinephrine solutions. Pupil diameter was measured at 3 intervals of cataract surgery: before the first incision, at the end of nucleus fragmentation, and at the end of cortex irrigation/aspiration. RESULTS: Compared with patients who were not treated, there was a significant difference in maintaining pupil dilation throughout the operation when the patients were treated with either diclofenac or pranoprofen, P<0.001 and P<0.03, respectively. From the first incision to postnucleus fragmentation, the change in pupil size in both diclofenac and control groups was significantly associated with the hardness of the crystalline lens, P=0.001 and P=0.012, respectively. At the end of irrigation/aspiration, the change in pupil size in only the control groups was significantly associated with the hardness of the crystalline lens, P=0.022. Diclofenac treatment was most effective at inhibiting pupil miosis when the hardness of the nucleus was grade 3, P=0.009. Pupil miosis was not related to the hardness of the nucleus when the patients were treated with epinephrine. CONCLUSIONS: Both diclofenac and pranoprofen treatment inhibit surgical-induced miosis. There is a negative correlation between the hardness of the crystalline lens and pupil diameter maintenance at the early stage of phacoemulsification.

Comparing the efficacy of mydriatic cocktail-soaked sponge and conventional pupil dilation in patients using tamsulosin - a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: A strong association exists between the use of tamsulosin and the occurance of intraoperative floppy iris syndrome. Several methods were advocated to overcome the progressive intraopertive miosis.Our purpose was to investigate the effect of a mydriatic-cocktail soaked cellulose sponge on perioperative pupil diameter in tamsulosin-treated patients undergoing elective cataract surgery. METHODS: Patients using tamsulosin were dilated either with mydriatic-cocktail soaked sponge (group 1) or with conventional eyedrop regimen (group 2). Control patients not taking any α1 adrenergic receptor inhibtors were also dilated with mydriatic sponge (group 3).In all groups oxybuprocain 0.4%, cocain 4%, tropicamide 1%, phenylephrine 10%, diclophenac 0.1% along with chloramphenicol 0.5% were used preoperatively.Pupil diameter (mm) was measured preoperatively, after nucleus delivery, and before IOL implantation. Adverse effects associated with the use of sponge, minor and major intraoperative complications, the use of iris retractors and operation time were recorded.Differences in general between groups were analyzed with a one way analysis of variance (ANOVA); differences between groups in proportions were assessed by Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: Mean pupil diameter (mm) was preopertively: 7.52 ± 1.21, 7.30 ± 1.55 and 7.99 ± 0.96 (ANOVA: p = 0.079); after nucleus delivery: 6 ± 1.20, 6.29 ± 1.12 and 6.52 ± 0.81 (ANOVA: p = 0.123); before IOL implantation: 5.46 ± 1.06, 5.83 ± 1.09 and 6.17 ± 0.89 (ANOVA: p = 0.0291).No adverse effect related to sponge use was detected. Frequency of minor complications, and iris hook use was similar in the two tamsulosin treated group. Operation time did not differ significantly in the three groups. CONCLUSION: We have found that using a mydriatic cocktail-soaked wick - an alternative way to achieve intraoperative mydriasis for cataract surgery - was as effective and safe as the conventional repeated eyedrops regiment for tamsulosin treated patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN37834752.

Effects of MDMA alone and after pretreatment with reboxetine, duloxetine, clonidine, carvedilol, and doxazosin on pupillary light reflex.

RATIONALE: Pupillometry can be used to characterize autonomic drug effects. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine the autonomic effects of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy), administered alone and after pretreatment with reboxetine, duloxetine, clonidine, carvedilol, and doxazosin, on pupillary function. METHODS: Infrared pupillometry was performed in five placebo-controlled randomized studies. Each study included 16 healthy subjects (eight men, eight women) who received placebo-MDMA (125 mg), placebo-placebo, pretreatment-placebo, or pretreatment-MDMA using a crossover design. RESULTS: MDMA produced mydriasis, prolonged the latency, reduced the response to light, and shortened the recovery time. The impaired reflex response was associated with subjective, cardiostimulant, and hyperthermic drug effects and returned to normal within 6 h after MDMA administration when plasma MDMA levels were still high. Mydriasis was associated with changes in plasma MDMA concentration over time and longer-lasting. Both reboxetine and duloxetine interacted with the effects of MDMA on pupillary function. Clonidine did not significantly reduce the mydriatic effects of MDMA, although it produced miosis when administered alone. Carvedilol and doxazosin did not alter the effects of MDMA on pupillary function. CONCLUSIONS: The MDMA-induced prolongation of the latency to and reduction of light-induced miosis indicate indirect central parasympathetic inhibition, and the faster recovery time reflects an increased sympathomimetic action. Both norepinephrine and serotonin mediate the effects of MDMA on pupillary function. Although mydriasis is lasting and mirrors the plasma concentration-time curve of MDMA, the impairment in the reaction to light is associated with the subjective and other autonomic effects of MDMA and exhibits acute tolerance.

A randomized, masked comparison of topical ketorolac 0.4% plus steroid vs steroid alone in low-risk cataract surgery patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether adding perioperative topical ketorolac tromethamine 0.4% improves cataract surgery outcomes relative to topical steroids alone in patients without known risk factors for cystoid macular edema (CME). DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, investigator-masked, multicenter clinical trial. METHODS: Patients scheduled to undergo phacoemulsification and with no recognized CME risks (diabetic retinopathy, retinal vascular disease, or macular abnormality) were randomized to receive either prednisolone acetate 1% 4 times daily (QID) alone (steroid group; n = 278) or prednisolone 1% QID plus ketorolac 0.4% QID (ketorolac/steroid group; n = 268) for approximately four weeks postoperatively. In the ketorolac/steroid group, patients also received topical ketorolac 0.4% QID for three days preoperatively. In both groups, patients received four doses of ketorolac 0.4% one hour before surgery. Patients with capsular disruption or vitreous loss intraoperatively were exited from the study. Outcome measures included CME incidence, retinal thickness as measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT), best-corrected visual acuity, and contrast sensitivity. RESULTS: No patients in the ketorolac/steroid group and five patients in the steroid group had clinically apparent CME (P = .032). Based on OCT, no ketorolac/steroid patient had definite or probable CME, compared with six steroid patients (2.4%; P = .018). In the ketorolac/steroid group, mean retinal thickening was less (3.9 microm vs 9.6 microm; P = .003), and fewer patients had retinal thickening of more than 10 microm as compared with the steroid group (26% vs 51%; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that adding perioperative ketorolac to postoperative prednisolone significantly reduces the incidences of CME and macular thickening in cataract surgery patients already at low risk for this condition.

Topical administration of diclofenac (1%) in the prevention of miosis during vitrectomy.

PURPOSE: A prospective, randomized clinical trial was conducted to assess the usefulness of preoperative diclofenac eye drops in maintaining mydriasis during vitrectomy and in reducing postoperative inflammation. METHODS: Fifty consecutive patients undergoing vitrectomy were randomly assigned to diclofenac (n = 24) or control (n = 26) groups. All patients received a standard preoperative regimen of cyclopentolate (2%) and phenylephrine hydrochloride (2.5%). The diclofenac group also received diclofenac (1%) preoperatively. Pupillary diameter was recorded at four time points during surgery. Inflammatory indices were measured postoperatively using slit-lamp examination. RESULTS: After induction of anesthesia, the decrease in pupil size was not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.112), but for the next two stages, it was significantly less in the diclofenac group (P = 0.012 and P = 0.003, respectively). No significant differences were found between the two groups for anterior chamber cells and redness in the eye postoperatively (P = 0.609 and P = 0.123, respectively). However, anterior chamber flare was significantly greater in the control group (P = 0.035), and patients felt significantly more pain in this group (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Topical administration of diclofenac was effective in maintaining mydriasis during vitrectomy and in reducing postoperative pain and anterior chamber flare as determined by slit-lamp evaluations.

Arousal and the pupil: why diazepam-induced sedation is not accompanied by miosis.

RATIONALE: There is a close relationship between arousal and pupil diameter, decrease in the level of arousal being accompanied by constriction of the pupil (miosis), probably reflecting the attenuation of sympathetic outflow as sedation sets in. Paradoxically, sedation induced by benzodiazepines is not accompanied by miosis. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the hypothesis that diazepam may attenuate both the sympathetic and the opposing parasympathetic outflow to the iris, which may mask the miosis. Dapiprazole (sympatholytic) and tropicamide (parasympatholytic) were applied topically, together with the cold pressor test (CPT), to manipulate the sympathetic/parasympathetic balance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen healthy male volunteers participated in four weekly sessions according to a balanced double-blind protocol. Diazepam 10 mg (two sessions) and placebo (two sessions), associated with either 0.01% tropicamide or 0.5% dapiprazole eyedrops, were administered orally. Pupil diameter, light and darkness reflexes and pupillary sleepiness waves were recorded with infrared video pupillometry, alertness was measured by critical flicker fusion frequency (CFFF) and visual analogue scales (VAS), blood pressure and heart rate by conventional methods. CPT was applied after post-treatment testing. Data were analysed by analysis of variance, with multiple comparisons. RESULTS: Diazepam caused sedation (reduction in VAS alertness scores and CFFF, increase in sleepiness waves), dapiprazole had a sympatholytic and tropicamide a parasympatholytic effect on the pupil. Diazepam had no effect on pupil diameter and reflexes or their modifications by the antagonists. CPT increased pupil diameter, blood pressure and heart rate, and the increase only in systolic blood pressure was attenuated by diazepam. CONCLUSIONS: Diazepam-induced sedation is not accompanied by any change in either the sympathetic or parasympathetic influence on the iris.

A comparison of the potency of newly developed oximes (K074, K075) and commonly used oximes (obidoxime, HI-6) to counteract tabun-induced neurotoxicity in rats.

The neuroprotective effects of newly developed oximes (K074, K075) and currently available oximes (obidoxime, HI-6) in combination with atropine in rats poisoned with tabun at a sublethal dose (180 micro g/kg i.m.; 80% LD(50)) were studied. The tabun-induced neurotoxicity was monitored using a functional observational battery and an automatic measurement of motor activity. The neurotoxicity of tabun was monitored at 24h and 7 days following tabun challenge. The results indicate that all oximes studied in combination with atropine allow all tabun-poisoned rats to survive within 7 days following tabun challenge while two non-treated tabun-poisoned rats died within 2h. Both newly developed oximes combined with atropine seem to be effective antidotes for a decrease in tabun-induced neurotoxicity in the case of sublethal poisoning although they are not able to eliminate tabun-induced neurotoxicity completely. The oxime K075 showed a higher neuroprotective efficacy against tabun than K074 according to the number of eliminated tabun-induced neurotoxic signs at 24h as well as 7 days after tabun challenge. The neuroprotective efficacy of obidoxime in combination with atropine is similar to the potency of newly developed oxime K075 but the ability of the oxime HI-6 to counteract tabun-induced acute neurotoxicity is significantly lower at 24h as well as 7 days after tabun poisoning. Due to their neuroprotective effects, both newly developed oximes (especially K075) appear to be more suitable oximes for the antidotal treatment of acute tabun poisonings than the oxime HI-6.

Possible involvement of nitric oxide in morphine-induced miosis and reduction of intraocular pressure in rabbits.

The role of mu3 opioid receptors in morphine-induced intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering effect and miosis was evaluated in conscious, dark-adapted New Zealand white (NZW) rabbits using a masked-design study. IOP and pupil diameter (PD) measurements were taken at just before and 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6 h after monolateral instillation of morphine (10, 50 and 100 microg/30 microl) as compared to vehicle administered in the contralateral eye. Morphine-induced ocular effects were challenged by a pre-treatment with the non-selective opioid receptor antagonist, naloxone (100 microg/30 microl), the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 1%, 30 microl), or the non-selective mu3 opioid receptor inhibitor, reduced L-glutathione (GSH, 1%, 30 microl). Morphine induced a dose-dependent decrease in IOP and PD. Pre-treatment with naloxone totally prevented morphine-induced decrease in IOP and miosis. Ocular administration of L-NAME or GSH alone failed to affect IOP or PD of NZW rabbits. However, pre-treatment with either drugs significantly reduced, but not totally prevented ocular effects of morphine. These results suggest that biochemical mechanisms related to nitric oxide release are involved, at least in part, in morphine effects on the eye. Since the mu3 opioid receptor subtype is able to release nitric oxide and is sensitive to inactivation by GSH, it may be possible that mu3 opioid receptors are involved in morphine-induced miosis and reduction in IOP.