Comparing the RETeval® portable ERG device with more traditional tabletop ERG systems in normal subjects and selected retinopathies.

PURPOSE: Our study aimed to determine if ISCEV standard-like ERGs recorded with the LKC RETeval® portable ERG unit compared to those obtained using the more traditional tabletop unit. METHODS: ERGs recorded from normal subjects and patients affected with retinal ON and OFF pathway anomalies were compared. Analysis included peak time and amplitude measurements as well as time-frequency domain analysis with the discrete wavelet transform of waveforms obtained with the two systems. RESULTS: Although both systems were similarly able to record reliable and highly reproducible ERG responses, there were major discrepancies in ERG responses between the portable and tabletop units, pointing toward a weaker stimulation of the retinal OFF pathway with the portable RETeval® unit. CONCLUSION: The portable RETeval® unit appears to be able to record highly reproducible and diagnostically useful clinical ERGs, albeit with some significant differences in waveform composition compared to those obtained with more standard tabletop systems. Given the unknown origin of these waveform discrepancies, if left uncorrected, these differences could potentially lead to erroneous interpretation when used in the clinical context and/or compared to ERGs recorded using more traditional table top units. Clearly, more research is warranted before handheld devices, such as the RETeval®, can be homologated as a diagnostically sound ERG devices.

mEYEstro software: an automatic tool for standardized refractive surgery outcomes reporting.

BACKGROUND: Standardization for reporting medical outcomes enables clinical study comparisons and has a fundamental role in research reproducibility. In this context, we present mEYEstro, a free novel standalone application for automated standardized refractive surgery graphs. mEYEstro can be used for single and multiple group comparisons in corneal and intraocular refractive surgery patients. In less than 30 s and with minimal user manipulation, mEYEstro automatically creates the required journal standard graphs while simultaneously performing valid statistical analyses. RESULTS: The software produces the following 11 standard graphs; Efficacy: 1. Cumulative uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected visual acuity (CDVA), 2. Difference between UDVA and CDVA, Safety: 3. Change in line of CDVA, Accuracy: 4. Spherical equivalent (SEQ) to intended target, 5. Attempted vs. achieved SEQ, 6. Defocus equivalent (DEQ) accuracy, 7. Refractive astigmatism accuracy, 8. Target-induced astigmatism vs. Surgically-induced astigmatism, 9. Correction index histogram, 10. Angle of error histogram, Stability: 11. SEQ stability over time. Percent proportions, means, standard deviations, Cohen's d effect sizes, and p-values are calculated and displayed on each graph. All graphs can be easily exported as high-resolution TIFF images for figures to use in scientific manuscripts and presentations. CONCLUSIONS: mEYEstro software enables clinicians, surgeons, and researchers, to easily and efficiently analyze refractive surgery outcomes using the standardized methodology required by several peer-reviewed ophthalmology journals.

Characterization of postoperative LASIK ectasia features on higher-order aberration excimer ablation maps.

BACKGROUND: To characterize anterior corneal higher-order aberration (HOA) excimer ablation map patterns in postoperative LASIK ectasia (POE) and to examine correlations between newly identified corneal HOA ablation map features of POE and known topographic indices. METHODS: Prospective multicenter non-interventional descriptive study. A total of 28 eyes from 22 POE patients were enrolled. The postoperative HOA ablation map was derived from Topolyzer Vario corneal imaging at the time of POE diagnosis. Features that recurred were identified and then analyzed. Correlations to Orbscan indices were studied. RESULTS: An arrangement of two elliptical paracentral ablation islands, deep inferior and shallow superior, in direct mirror-like opposition to each other, were identified on all HOA maps. The paracentral islands were accompanied by peripheral ablation crescents. The deep paracentral inferior island 'hot spot' coincided with the topographical apical POE cone and was highly reproducible in angular position (249.3 ± 17.3°). There was significant variation in ablation depth (shallow superior island: 11.5 ± 6.9 µm and deep inferior island: 32.5 ± 18.8 µm). The superior crescents had high variability in depth (34.8 ± 18.9 µm). Strong correlations were found between the corneal irregularity index and the ablation depth difference between the deep and shallow paracentral islands (R = 0.96; P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The corneal HOA excimer ablation map revealed a recurring, distinct, easily recognizable pattern in POE eyes. Validated Orbscan POE indices and HOA ablation map islands showed a strong correlation. It is possible to extract useful information from the corneal HOA ablation map, potentially making it suitable for diagnosing and monitoring POE although more studies are needed.

Ring analysis of multifocal oscillatory potentials (mfOPs) in cCSNB suggests near-normal ON-OFF pathways at the fovea only.

PURPOSE: To investigate the center-periphery distribution of ON and OFF retinal responses in complete congenital stationary night blindness (cCSNB). METHODS: Photopic full-field flash ERGs (photopic ffERGs) and OPs (photopic ffOPs) and slow m-sequence (to enhance OP prominence) mfERGs (and filtered mfOPs) evoked by a 37 hexagon stimulus array were recorded from normal subjects and cCSNB patients. Discrete wavelet transform (DWT) analysis of photopic ffERGs and mfERGs was also performed in order to assess the contribution of the ON and OFF retinal pathways (i.e., OFF-to-ON ratio) in both cohorts. RESULTS: As expected, the photopic ffERG (and ffOPs) responses in cCSNB were devoid of the first two of the three OPs (i.e., OP2 and OP3 and OP4) normally seen on the ascending limb of the b-wave. A similar finding was also noted in the mfERGs (and mfOPs) of ring 4. In contrast, the mfERGs (and mfOPs) of ring 1 included all three OPs. DWT analysis revealed that while in normal subjects, the OFF-to-ON ratio of mfERGs slightly increased from rings 1 to 4 (from 0.61 ± 0.03 to 0.78 ± 0.04; p < 0.05; median: from 0.62 to 0.79; p < 0.05), in cCSNB this ratio increased significantly more [from 0.73 ± 0.13 (ring 1) to 1.18 ± 0.17 (ring 4); p < 0.05; median: 0.78 to 1.22; p < 0.05], hence from a normal ON-dominated ratio (central ring) to an OFF-dominated ratio (peripheral ring). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show a clear discrepancy of ON and OFF mfOP components in cCSNB. Responses originating from the most central ring (i.e., ring 1) disclosed a near-normal electrophysiological contribution (as revealed with the presence of OP2, OP3 and OP4 as well as with the DWT OFF-to-ON ratio) of the retinal ON and OFF pathways in mfERG (and mfOPs) responses compared to responses from the more peripheral ring (and ffOP) which are devoid of the ON OPs (i.e., OP2 and OP3).

Refractive, visual, and subjective quality of vision outcomes for very high myopia LASIK from - 10.00 to - 13.50 diopters.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) outcomes, subjective quality of vision (QoV) and patient satisfaction in eyes with very high myopia (VHM) above - 10.00 diopters (D). METHODS: Consecutive myopic and myopic-astigmatism eyes with spherical equivalent (SEQ) ranging between - 10.00 to - 13.50 D underwent LASIK with the WaveLight® Allegretto Wave® Eye-Q 400 Hz excimer laser. Treatment accuracy, efficacy, safety, stability, cylinder vectors, and higher-order aberrations were evaluated, together with subjective QoV and night vision disturbances (NVDs). RESULTS: 114 eyes had a preoperative SEQ of - 11.02 ± 0.81 D, with a median follow-up of 24 months. A total of 72, 84, and 94% of eyes were within ± 0.50, ± 0.75 and ± 1.00 D of intended SEQ (R2 = 0.71). The efficacy index was 0.93 ± 0.20, with 51 and 81% of eyes achieving 20/20 and 20/25. The astigmatism correction index was 0.95 ± 0.33. The safety index was 1.05 ± 0.12. The average myopic regression was - 0.51 ± 0.38 D. Preoperative QoV scores improved significantly postoperatively (7.5 ± 0.8 vs. 9.1 ± 0.7; P <  0.001), with less NVDs (P <  0.001). Total, spherical and coma root mean square (RMS) postoperative ocular higher-order aberrations were 1.07 ± 0.34, 0.67 ± 0.25, and 0.70 ± 0.40 µm. CONCLUSIONS: Very high myopia LASIK between - 10.00 to - 13.50 D is safe and results in good visual outcomes, with high patient satisfaction and a significant improvement in patient-reported QoV after surgery. Appropriately selected patients within this very high myopia group can be included as LASIK candidates.

The effects of bandpass filtering on the oscillatory potentials of the electroretinogram.

PURPOSE: In order to study the OPs, the ERG signal must be filtered to eliminate the low-frequency waves known as the a- and b-waves. Unfortunately, the ISCEV ERG standard does not give clear guidelines on how to proceed apart from indicating that frequencies below 75 Hz should be filtered out when recording scotopic OPs, while no suggestions are offered for the photopic OPs. The purpose of this study was thus to characterize more extensively the effects of various digital filters on the photopic OP waveforms in order to suggest the most appropriate filtering method to record them. METHODS: Filtered OPs (N = 9600 tracings) were extracted from a photopic ERG databank of 40 normal subjects [intensity: 4.4 cd s m-2; background: 30 cd m-2] using 240 different combinations of five digital filters types (Bessel; Butterworth; Elliptic; Chebyshev type 1 and 2), eight bandwidth ranges (50-300; 75-300; 100-300; 125-300; 50-1000; 75-1000; 100-1000; 125-1000 Hz), three filter orders (1, 2 and 5) and with/without phase lag corrections that were generated using MATLAB 2015b. The peak time and the percentage of OPs (sum of OP amplitudes on the b-wave amplitude) were calculated in the time domain (TD%OP). RESULTS: The timing of the OPs was less affected than the amplitude by the different filters used. Depending on the filter used, the resulting OPs were either severely depressed (16.16% of broadband OP content) or slightly reduced (93.63%). The filters that most successfully eliminated the slow components of the ERG (i.e., < 12% of broadband value) were the Bessel, the Butterworth and the Chebyshev type 1 filters and out of the latter, the Butterworth filter was that which most faithfully reproduced the high-frequency OPs (i.e., > 96%). CONCLUSION: Our results vividly demonstrate the need to better define the characteristics of the filter that is used to record the OPs as it does have a significant impact on the resulting waveform.

AstigMATIC: an automatic tool for standard astigmatism vector analysis.

BACKGROUND: Standardization for reporting medical outcomes facilitates clinical study comparisons and has a fundamental role on research reproducibility. In this context, we present AstigMATIC, a free standalone application for automated standardized astigmatism vector analyses in corneal and intraocular refractive surgeries. AstigMATIC uses a simple graphical user interface (GUI) and allows the simultaneous display and analysis of astigmatism magnitude and axis. RESULTS: The software produces the four following standard graphs according to the standards of the Alpins Method; 1-Target-Induced Astigmatism Vector, 2- Surgically-Induced Astigmatism Vector, 3-Difference Vector and 4-Correction Index. Vector means with X and Y standard deviations are automatically calculated and displayed on the corresponding single-angle vector plots (0 to 180°). Data points are entered into a simplified GUI with no need for command line input. The standard graphs can be easily exported as high-resolution TIFF images for figures to use in production and presentations. CONCLUSIONS: AstigMATIC enables the user to easily and efficiently analyze vectorial astigmatism outcomes using the standardized Alpins Method for post-surgical astigmatism.

The DTL ERG electrode comes in different shapes and sizes: Are they all good?

PURPOSE: Although the DTL fiber electrode has been in use in the ERG field for more than four decades, its composition was never clearly defined. We compared five different types of conductive (DTL type) yarn (differing in terms of mass, number of filaments, and crimping degree) in order to determine whether we could identify one that would be better suited for the recording of ERGs. METHODS: Photopic flash ERGs were recorded from five subjects using the following DTL electrodes: 27/7, 22/1, 11/1, 11/1*2, and 22/1*2. Data analysis included amplitude and peak time measurements of the a- and b-waves in the time domain (TD) as well as measurements of specific frequency descriptors of the ERG waveform in the time-frequency domain using the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) approach. The degree of comfortableness was also assessed in 12 subjects with two surveys (Likert 5-point and the ranking scale). RESULTS: Comparisons of TD and DWT parameters did not permit to identify the best DTL electrode, all yielding comparable measures. There was a slight trend for the largest electrode (22/1*2) to yield the largest response, but this was at the expense of comfort, the 22/1*2 electrode being rated as the least comfortable. CONCLUSIONS: Given the minimal impact the different electrodes had on the amplitude of the signal, we believe that comfort should dictate our choice. It would appear from our results that use of a multifilament electrode is the best choice since one can get an electrode whose size is optimized for the recording of large responses while minimizing the foreign-body sensation due to the small size of each of the filaments that compose this multifilament electrode.

Witnessing the first sign of retinitis pigmentosa onset in the allegedly normal eye of a case of unilateral RP: a 30-year follow-up.

PURPOSE: A patient initially presented with constricted visual field, attenuated retinal vasculature, pigmentary clumping and reduced ERG in OS only, suggestive of unilateral retinitis pigmentosa (RP). This patient was subsequently seen on eight occasions (over three decades), and, with time, the initially normal eye (OD) gradually showed signs of RP-like degeneration. The purpose of this study was to evaluate which clinical modality (visual field, funduscopy or electroretinography) could have first predicted this fate. METHODS: At each time points, data obtained from our patient were compared to normative data using Z tests. RESULTS: At initial visit, all tests were significantly (p < 0.05) altered in OS and normal in OD. Visual field and retinal vessel diameter in OD reduced gradually to reach statistical significance at the 5th visit and 6th visit (21 and 22 years after the first examination, respectively). In OD, the amplitude of the scotopic and photopic ERGs reduced gradually and was significantly smaller than normal at the 2nd visit (after 11 years) and 3rd visit (after 18 years), respectively. When the photopic ERG was analyzed using the discrete wavelet transform (DWT), we were able to detect a significant change at the 2nd visit (after 11 years) instead of the 3rd visit (18 years). CONCLUSIONS: Our study allowed us to witness the earliest manifestation of an RP disease process. The ERG was the first test to detect significant RP changes. A significantly earlier detection of ERG anomalies was obtained when the DWT was used, demonstrating its advantage for early detection of ERG changes.

Functional decomposition of the human ERG based on the discrete wavelet transform.

The morphology of the electroretinogram (ERG) can be altered as a result of normal and pathological processes of the retina. However, given that the ERG is almost solely assessed in terms of its amplitude and timing, defining the shape of the ERG waveform so that subtle, physiologically driven, morphological changes can be systematically and reproducibly detected remains a challenging problem. We examined if the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) could meet this challenge. Normal human photopic ERGs evoked to a broad range of luminance intensities (to yield waveforms of various shapes, amplitudes, and timings) were analyzed using DWT descriptors of the ERG. Luminance-response curves that were generated using the various DWT descriptors revealed distinct (p < 0.05) luminance-dependence patterns, indicating that the stimulus luminance differently modulates the various time-frequency components of the ERG and thus its morphology. The latter represents the first attempt to study the luminance-dependence of ERG descriptors obtained with the DWT. Analyses of ERGs obtained from patients affected with ON or OFF retinal pathway anomalies were also presented. We show here for the first time that distinct time-frequency descriptors can be specifically associated to the function of the ON and OFF cone pathway. Therefore, in this study, the DWT revealed reproducible, physiologically meaningful and diagnostically relevant descriptors of the ERG over a wide range of signal amplitudes and morphologies. The DWT analysis thus represents a valuable addition to the electrophysiologist's armamentarium that will improve the quantification and interpretation of normal and pathological ERG responses.

A New Method to Minimize the Standard Deviation and Root Mean Square of the Prediction Error of Single-Optimized IOL Power Formulas.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop a simplified method to approximate constants minimizing the standard deviation (SD) and the root mean square (RMS) of the prediction error in single-optimized intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation formulas. Methods: The study introduces analytical formulas to determine the optimal constant value for minimizing SD and RMS in single-optimized IOL power calculation formulas. These formulas were tested against various datasets containing biometric measurements from cataractous populations and included 10,330 eyes and 4 different IOL models. The study evaluated the effectiveness of the proposed method by comparing the outcomes with those obtained using traditional reference methods. Results: In optimizing IOL constants, minor differences between reference and estimated A-constants were found, with the maximum deviation at -0.086 (SD, SRK/T, and Vivinex) and -0.003 (RMS, PEARL DGS, and Vivinex). The largest discrepancy for third-generation formulas was -0.027 mm (SD, Haigis, and Vivinex) and 0.002 mm (RMS, Hoffer Q, and PCB00/SN60WF). Maximum RMS differences were -0.021 and +0.021, both involving Hoffer Q. Post-minimization, the largest mean prediction error was 0.726 diopters (D; SD) and 0.043 D (RMS), with the highest SD and RMS after adjustments at 0.529 D and 0.875 D, respectively, indicating effective minimization strategies. Conclusions: The study simplifies the process of minimizing SD and RMS in single-optimized IOL power predictions, offering a valuable tool for clinicians. However, it also underscores the complexity of achieving balanced optimization and suggests the need for further research in this area. Translational Relevance: The study presents a novel, clinically practical approach for optimizing IOL power calculations.

Impact of Single Constant Optimization on the Precision of IOL Power Calculation.

Purpose: The primary objective of this research is to examine how precision in intraocular lens calculation formulas can be impacted by zeroing the mean error through adjustments in the effective lens position value. Additionally, the study aims to evaluate how this modification influences outcomes differently based on the source of the prediction error. Methods: In order to analyze the impact of individual variables on the standard deviation, the study maintained all variables constant except for one at a time. Subsequently, variations were introduced to specific parameters, such as corneal curvature radius, keratometric refractive index, axial length, and predicted implant position. Results: According to our findings, when zeroing the mean error is applied to correct for inaccuracies in corneal power estimation, it results in a significant and exponential rise in standard deviation, thus adversely affecting the formula's precision. However, when zeroing is employed to compensate for prediction errors stemming from axial length measurements or predicted implant position, the effect on precision is minimal or potentially beneficial. Conclusions: The study highlights the potential risks associated with the indiscriminate but necessary zeroing of prediction errors in implant power calculation formulas. The impact on formula precision greatly depends on the source of the error, underscoring the importance of error source when analyzing variations in the standard deviation of the prediction error after zeroing. Translational Relevance: Our study contributes to the ongoing effort to enhance the accuracy and reliability of these formulas, thereby improving the surgical outcomes for cataract patients.

A Simplified Method to Minimize Systematic Bias of Single-Optimized Intraocular Lens Power Calculation Formulas.

PURPOSE: To provide a simplified method to optimize lens constants to zero the mean prediction error (ME) of an intraocular lens (IOL) calculation formula, without the need to program the formula itself, by exploring the influence of IOL and corneal power on the refractive impact of variations in effective lens position. DESIGN: Theoretical development of an optimized formula and retrospective clinical evaluation on documented datasets. METHODS: Retrospective data from 8878 patients with cataracts with pre- and postoperative measurements available using 4 IOL models and 6 IOL power calculation formulas were examined. A schematic eye model was used to study the impact of small variations in effective lens position (ELP) on the postoperative spherical equivalent (SE) refraction. The impact of keratometry (K) and IOL power (P) on SE was investigated. A theoretical thick lens model was used to devise a formula to zero the average prediction error of an IOL power calculation formula. This was achieved by incrementing the predicted ELP, which could then be translated into an increment in the IOL constant. This method was tested on documented real-life postoperative datasets, using different IOL models and single-constant optimized IOL calculation formulas. RESULTS: For small variations in ELP, there was an exponential relationship between IOL power and the resultant postoperative refractive variation. The ELP adjustment necessary to zero the ME equated to a ratio between the ME and the mean of the following expression: 0.0006*(P2+2K*P) on the considered datasets. The accuracy of the values obtained using this formula was confirmed on documented postoperative datasets, and on published and nonpublished formulas. CONCLUSION: The proposed method allows surgeons without special expertise to optimize an IOL constant to nullify the ME on a documented dataset without coding the different formulas. The influence of individual eyes is proportional to the squared power of the implanted IOL.

The Development of a Thick-Lens Post-Myopic Laser Vision Correction Intraocular Lens Calculation Formula.

PURPOSE: To describe the development of the post-myopic laser vision correction (LVC) version of the PEARL-DGS intraocular lens (IOL) calculation formula and to evaluate its outcomes on an independent test set. DESIGN: Retrospective, single-center case series. METHODS: A modified lens position prediction algorithm was designed along with methods to predict the posterior corneal curvature radius and correct the corneal power measurement error. A different set of previously operated eyes that underwent LVC was used to evaluate the prediction precision of the post-LVC formula. RESULTS: Post-LVC PEARL-DGS formula significantly reduced mean absolute error of prediction in comparison to Haigis-L, Shammas, and American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) average formulas (P < .001). It exhibited similar postoperative refractive precision as the Barrett True-K No History formula (P = .61). CONCLUSION: The post-LVC formula development process described in this article performed as well as the state-of-the-art post-LVC formula on the present test set. Further studies are required to assess its efficacy in other independent sets.

Angle Kappa Influence on Multifocal IOL Outcomes.

PURPOSE: To characterize angle kappa and study the relationship between preoperative angle kappa and postoperative refractive accuracy, visual outcomes, and patient satisfaction in a large population of eyes with multifocal intraocular lens (MIOL) implantation. METHODS: A comprehensive electronic medical record chart review of 26,470 consecutive eyes that underwent immediate sequential bilateral cataract or refractive lens exchange with MIOLs was conducted. The primary outcome measures were postoperative monocular uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), manifest refraction sphere and cylinder, spherical equivalent (SEQ), defocus equivalent (DEQ), subjective quality of vision at near, intermediate, and distance, and the likelihood of recommending the procedure. Relationships between preoperative angle kappa and postoperative outcomes were assessed with Pearson correlations. RESULTS: Angle kappa followed a right-skewed normal distribution (R2 = 0.99) with a mean ± standard deviation of 0.64 ± 0.27 mm. No clinically meaningful relationship was found between preoperative angle kappa and postoperative sphere, cylinder, SEQ, and DEQ, all with R2 ⩽ 0.0005. Similarly, there was no clinically meaningful relationship between preoperative angle kappa and postoperative UDVA (R2 = 0.001), postoperative satisfaction for near, intermediate, and distance vision (all R2 ⩽ 0.0023), or for recommending the MIOL surgery to friends and relatives (R2 = 0.0000). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative angle kappa does not have a predictive clinical impact on postoperative MIOL visual outcomes, refractive accuracy, or subjective patient satisfaction. Angle kappa as a single variable cannot be used to determine MIOL candidacy. [J Refract Surg. 2023;39(12):840-849.].

Toric Trifocal Intraocular Lens for Refractive Lens Exchange: A Multi-center, Multi-surgeon Large Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: To assess the outcomes of a novel toric trifocal intraocular lens (IOL) for refractive lens exchange (RLE) in a large series of eyes with corneal astigmatism. METHODS: Consecutive eyes that underwent RLE with the PanOptix Toric IOL (Alcon Laboratories, Inc) were included. Outcomes measures included postoperative distance (UDVA), 60 cm intermediate (UIVA), and 40 cm near (UNVA) uncorrected visual acuity, manifest refraction, spherical and defocus equivalent, efficacy and safety indices, and vector analyses of refractive and toric IOL accuracy. RESULTS: A total of 4,933 eyes had a median follow-up of 3 months. UDVA of 20/20 and 20/40 was obtained in 65% and 99% of eyes monocularly and 87% and 100% binocularly, respectively. UIVA at 60 cm of 20/25 and 20/40 was achieved in 70% and 99% of eyes monocularly and in 77% and 100% binocularly, respectively. UNVA at 40 cm of 20/25 and 20/40 was achieved in 85% and 96% of eyes monocularly and in 95% and 100% binocularly, respectively. A total of 67%, 89%, 97%, and 99% of eyes had a SEQ within 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00 diopter (D) of intended target (R2 = 0.99). Postoperative refractive astigmatism of 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00 D or less was achieved in 86%, 95%, and 98% of eyes. The vector analysis correction index and index of success were 1.04 ± 0.35 and 0.41 ± 0.31 for toric IOL accuracy and 1.00 ± 0.46 and 0.36 ± 0.55 for refractive accuracy, respectively. The 3- and 12-month post-RLE excimer laser enhancement rates were 1.1% (95% CI: 0.8% to 1.4%) and 7.6% (95% CI: 6.9% to 8.3%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The PanOptix Toric IOL performed well for a wide range of axial lengths and corneal astigmatism in eyes that had RLE. Most patients achieved effective uncorrected binocular near, intermediate, and distance vision for daily functioning. [J Refract Surg. 2023;39(5):302-310.].

Posterior Corneal Astigmatism Does Not Influence Manifest-Treated Topography-guided LASIK Outcomes.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether the magnitude of posterior corneal astigmatism (PCA) impacts refractive and visual outcomes of primary topography-guided laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and to provide guidance on treating eyes with high PCA. METHODS: Comparative retrospective analysis of 4,541 consecutive eyes treated with Contoura (Alcon Laboratories, Inc) on the manifest refractive astigmatism. Standard outcomes of the 1,514 eyes with the lowest PCA (first tercile; low PCA group) were compared to the 1,514 eyes with the highest PCA (last tercile; high PCA group). Pearson correlation coefficient was used to assess relationships between variables. RESULTS: Preoperatively, 20.9% of eyes presented with PCA of 0.50 diopters (D) or greater. The mean PCA was 0.18 ± 0.07 D in eyes with low PCA, and 0.50 ± 0.11 D in eyes with high PCA. An equivalent number of eyes achieved a cumulative postoperative unilateral uncorrected distance visual acuity of 20/20 in both the low PCA and high PCA groups (95.3% vs 94.7%; P = .4489). The efficacy index of both low and high PCA eyes was identical (0.99 ± 0.06 vs 0.99 ± 0.08; P = .3192), as was the safety index (1.00 ± 0.02 vs 1.00 ± 0.03; P = .0110). The magnitude of preoperative PCA was weakly correlated with postoperative refractive astigmatism (R = 0.1323), but not with postoperative defocus equivalent (R = -0.0414) or spherical equivalent (R = -0.0128). CONCLUSIONS: PCA does not negatively impact the outcomes of topography-guided LASIK targeting the manifest refraction, having identical accuracy, efficacy, and safety in eyes with both low and high PCA. There is no scientific basis to measure and consider PCA in topography-guided LASIK planning software or nomograms if the excimer laser treatment input targets the manifest refraction. [J Refract Surg. 2022;38(12):780-790.].

Does Adjunctive Under-flap CXL Reduce Regression for Hyperopic LASIK?

PURPOSE: To investigate whether adding accelerated under-flap corneal cross-linking to hyperopic laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK-ufCXL) affects postoperative stability and regression, visual and refractive outcomes, and subjective quality of vision. METHODS: This prospective comparative contralateral eye study included 51 patients with hyperopia (102 eyes) who received LASIK-ufCXL in the eye with highest defocus equivalent (DEQ) or randomized when DEQ equal, with the contralateral control eye receiving LASIK alone. After excimer ablation, 0.25% riboflavin was instilled on the stromal bed for 3 minutes. The flap was repositioned, followed by a total irradiation dose of 3.24 J ultraviolet A (UV-A) light administered to the corneal surface, using 18 mW/cm2 UV-A for 3 minutes. Postoperative hyperopic regression (stability) was the primary outcome measure, defined by the difference in spherical equivalent (SEQ) at 1 week and 24 months postoperatively. Secondary measures reported uncorrected distance visual acuity, corrected distance visual acuity, cylinder vector analysis, subjective quality of vision, subjective night vision disturbances, and corneal haze. RESULTS: At 24 months, the SEQ stability (P = .4273) and the magnitude of hyperopic regression (P = .5613) did not significantly differ between groups, with a small trend showing hyper-opic regression of 0.50 diopters or greater being less frequent in LASIK-ufCXL eyes. There were no significant differences in accuracy, efficacy, and safety (P > .05), with a small trend of more residual refractive astigmatism in the LASIK-ufCXL group (P = .3216, Cohen's d: -0.29). Subjective quality of vision trended inferior in LASIK-ufCXL eyes (P = .2237, Cohen's d: -0.25), with a greater haze grading (P = .0466, Cohen's d: 0.41). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative regression and stability were statistically equivalent between hyperopic LASIK vs LASIK-ufCXL, with identical safety. There were small clinical trends of lower efficacy, accuracy, and subjective quality of vision in LASIK-ufCXL eyes. [J Refract Surg. 2022;38(12):770-779.].