Small aperture IC-8 intraocular lens in cataract patients: achieving extended depth of focus through small aperture optics.

BACKGROUND: To investigate visual outcomes following cataract surgery in patients who were implanted monocularly with an extended range of focus IC-8 IOL. METHODS: A multicentre, non-randomised, retrospective case series of 126 consecutive patients implanted with the IC-8 IOL. Data were collected and pooled from six centres across Australia. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), uncorrected intermediate visual acuity (UIVA) at 80 cm and uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA) at 40 cm were measured in eyes implanted with the IC-8 IOL. Adverse events, spectacle independence, visual symptoms and patient satisfaction were assessed at final follow-up. RESULTS: Over 90% of the patients without pre-existing ocular pathology (n = 109) achieved UDVA, UIVA and UNVA of 6/12 or better in the IC-8 eye. Binocularly, in this group, 98% achieved UDVA of 6/9, 94% UIVA of 6/12 and 91% UNVA of 6/12 or better. By final follow-up, over 50% of patients reported complete spectacle independence for distance, intermediate and near visual activity, with the remainder only using spectacles for specific tasks such as near-vision hobbies and reading in dim light. CONCLUSIONS: The IC-8 IOL is capable of providing extended depth of focus following cataract surgery. It allows complete spectacle independence in more than half of the patients implanted with the IC-8 IOL.

Retinopathy of prematurity: postmenstrual age at threshold in a transitional economy is similar to that in developed countries.

BACKGROUND: To analyse the timing of threshold disease in infants requiring treatment for retinopathy of prematurity in a transitional economy. DESIGN: Retrospective, observational, cohort study. SETTING: National Hospital of Paediatrics, Hanoi, Vietnam. STUDY POPULATION: Premature infants in the Neonatal ward requiring laser treatment for threshold retinopathy of prematurity. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Chronological age and postmenstrual age at treatment. RESULTS: From January 2002 to November 2004, 42 infants from the National Hospital of Paediatrics required laser surgery for threshold retinopathy of prematurity. The mean +/- standard deviation (SD) of birth weight was 1369 +/- 184 g (range 1000-1700); the mean +/- SD of gestation at birth was 30 +/- 1.8 weeks (range 27-34); and the mean +/- SD of postmenstrual age at which treatment occurred in these infants was 36.2 +/- 2.5 weeks (range 31.4-42). A further 58 infants were transferred from other hospitals for laser surgery between January 2004 and October 2004. The mean +/- SD of birth weight was 1325.5 +/- 237.2 g (range 800-1900); the mean +/- SD of gestation at birth was 30 +/- 1.7 weeks (range 28-35); and the mean +/- SD of postmenstrual age at which treatment was given in these infants was 36.3 +/- 2.3 weeks (range 32.71-44.3). DISCUSSIONS: Despite the relative maturity of the gestation of these infants compared with infants in developed countries who develop severe retinopathy of prematurity, the timing of treatment for threshold disease appears to be related to postmenstrual age.

Zone 1 retinopathy of prematurity in a transitional economy: a cautionary note.

PURPOSE: To describe three low risk infants in whom severe retinopathy of prematurity developed. DESIGN: A prospective, observational case series. METHODS: setting: National Hospital of Pediatrics, Hanoi, Vietnam. study population: Premature infants in the neonatal ward. observation procedure: Eye examinations. RESULTS: Severe retinopathy of prematurity occurred in three infants. All had zone 1 disease and other unusually severe findings, such as neovascularization of the disk. These infants would not be at risk for the development of such severe retinopathy of prematurity in countries with a developed economy. CONCLUSIONS: Unusual characteristics of retinopathy of prematurity may be occurring in countries with transitional economies. Screening programs should be implemented and should take into consideration the possibility that retinopathy of prematurity may occur in infants who fall outside the screening guidelines that are used in the developed world.