Visual Outcomes, Spectacle Independence, and Patient-Reported Satisfaction of the Vivity Extended Range of Vision Intraocular Lens in Patients with Early Glaucoma: An Observational Comparative Study.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate and compare visual outcomes, spectacle independence, and patient satisfaction on bilaterally implanted Vivity extended depth-of-focus (EDOF) or monofocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) after cataract surgery in patients with early glaucoma. Patients and Methods: In this retrospective, non-randomized, interventional cohort study, patients with early glaucoma undergoing cataract surgery received bilateral implantation of either EDOF (AcrySof IQ Vivity; Alcon) or monofocal (Clareon/SN6ATx/SN60WF; Alcon) IOLs. The primary outcome was monocular uncorrected intermediate visual acuity (UIVA). The secondary outcomes were monocular uncorrected distance (UDVA) and near (UNVA) visual acuity, spectacle independence, patient satisfaction, and photic phenomena. Fifty-eight eyes from 29 patients, including 32 eyes in the EDOF group and 26 eyes in the monofocal group, were included in the study. Results: UIVA (0.06 ± 0.16 versus 0.39 ± 0.10 LogMAR; P < 0.001) and UNVA outcomes (0.29 ± 0.10 versus 0.55 ± 0.18 LogMAR; P < 0.001) were significantly better in the EDOF group than in the monofocal group, respectively. There was no difference in UDVA and corrected distance visual acuity outcomes between the groups (P > 0.05), but both spectacle independence and patient satisfaction scores were significantly higher in the EDOF group (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively). There was no difference in self-reported photic phenomena. Conclusion: Bilaterally implanted EDOF IOLs provided excellent distance vision and better intermediate and near vision than monofocal IOLs in patients with early glaucoma. Spectacle independence and patient satisfaction were significantly higher in patients who received EDOF IOLs. Photic phenomena were rare and seldom bothersome.

Primary Needling of the Ab Interno Gelatin Microstent Reduces Postoperative Needling and Follow-up Requirements.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of primary needling at the time of ab interno gelatin microstent insertion on postoperative needling rates. DESIGN: Retrospective, interventional cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: Eighty-six eyes of 74 patients with no prior incisional surgery. METHODS: Consecutive eyes with open-angle glaucoma refractory to medical treatment that underwent ab interno gelatin microstent insertion (XEN; Allergan Inc.) with or without primary needling. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome measure was the proportion of eyes requiring postoperative needling. Secondary outcome measures included the mean reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP), topical glaucoma medication use, complications, reoperations, and number of follow-up clinic visits over 12 months. RESULTS: Fifty-one eyes (42 patients, median age 74 years) underwent XEN surgery with primary needling at the time of surgery, and 35 eyes (32 patients, median age 73 years) underwent XEN surgery without routine primary needling. Eyes that received routine primary needling had an 84.8% lower rate of postoperative needling (3.9% vs. 25.7%, P = 0.003) and required fewer postoperative clinic visits (P = 0.043). Median IOP was 18.0 mmHg (interquartile range [IQR], 13.0-23.0) on 3.0 (IQR, 2.0-3.0) classes of topical medications at baseline. At 12 months, the median IOP was 11.0 mmHg (IQR, 9.0-14.0) in the primary needling group and 11 mmHg (IQR, 10.0-14.0) when primary needling was not routinely performed. Both groups demonstrated a high safety profile. In total, 5 eyes required further glaucoma surgery with insertion of a glaucoma drainage device. CONCLUSIONS: Primary needling at the time of XEN gel stent insertion is associated with a significant reduction in the need for postoperative needling and postoperative clinic visits. This modification provides a predictable postoperative course with a significant and sustained reduction in both IOP and glaucoma medication requirements with less intense postoperative management.

Standalone iStent Trabecular Micro-bypass Glaucoma Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PRECIS: Standalone trabecular micro-bypass glaucoma surgery with the iStent devices is associated with clinically relevant reductions in intraocular pressure (IOP) sustained over a reasonably long-term while simultaneously reducing medication burden and a relatively favorable safety profile. PURPOSE: While there is a relatively large body of evidence supporting the implantation of the iStent trabecular micro-bypass devices during phacoemulsification in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG), its efficacy as a standalone procedure has been less widely reported. The aims of this study were to systematically identify and quantitatively evaluate the efficacy of iStent devices (iStent and iStent inject) when performed independently of cataract surgery in patients with OAG. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was undertaken in August 2019 to identify studies of standalone trabecular micro-bypass glaucoma surgery with iStent devices in patients with OAG. All randomized trials were considered and nonrandomized studies that included at least 6 months of follow-up or more than 10 eyes. Key efficacy analyses included postoperative IOP and medication use, which were used to evaluate weighted mean differences from baseline, and the proportion of eyes free of ocular medication. Postoperative adverse events were descriptively summarized. RESULTS: A total of 13 studies were identified including 4 randomized controlled trials and 9 nonrandomized or single-arm studies providing data for 778 eyes. In eyes implanted with iStent devices, a weighted mean IOP reduction of 31.1% was observed at 6 to 12 months. In studies reporting longer-term outcomes (36 to 48 mo or 60 mo), the weighted mean IOP reduction was 30.4% and 32.9%, respectively. The pooled weighted mean reduction in IOP from baseline across all studies at 6 to 12 months and 36 to 60 months poststent implantation was 7.01 mm Hg (95% confidence interval: 5.91, 8.11) and 6.59 mm Hg (95% confidence interval: 5.55, 7.63), respectively. Medication burden was reduced by ~1.0 medication at 6 to 18 months and 1.2 medications at 36 to 60 months. Adverse events reported in more than 5% of participants were progression of pre-existing cataract/cataract surgery and loss of best-corrected visual acuity but these rates were no different to those reported in comparator medical therapy study arms. CONCLUSIONS: The results from these studies support the independent effect of the iStent trabecular bypass devices on IOP and medication burden over a duration of follow-up of up to 5 years.

Health economic evaluation in ophthalmology.

Health economic evaluation is the application of economic theories, tools and concepts to healthcare. In the setting of limited resources, increasing demand and a growing array of intervention options, economic evaluation provides a framework for measuring, valuing and comparing the costs and benefits of different healthcare interventions. This review provides an overview of the concepts and methods of economic evaluation, illustrated with examples in ophthalmology. Types of economic evaluation include cost-minimisation, cost-benefit, cost-effectiveness, cost-utility and economic modelling. Topics including utility measures, the quality-adjusted lifeyear, discounting, perspective and timeframe are discussed. Health economic evaluation is important to understand the costs and value of interventions in ophthalmology and to inform health policy as well as guide clinical decision-making.

Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery: Comparison of iStent with iStent inject in primary open angle glaucoma.

IMPORTANCE: Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery has gained significant traction in recent years. This study evaluates the first- and second-generation trabecular micro-bypass stents "iStent" and "iStent inject". BACKGROUND: To evaluate and compare the effect of a single iStent and double iStent inject in primary open angle glaucoma. DESIGN: Prospective comparative case series. PARTICIPANTS: Primary open angle glaucoma patients undergoing trabecular micro-bypass stent insertion combined with cataract surgery. METHODS: Baseline demographic information, preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative outcomes including intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity, reliance on glaucoma medication and complications were collected and analysed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary, secondary and tertiary outcome measures were consecutively defined as an IOP of ≤18 mmHg with zero medications, an IOP of ≤18 mmHg with reduced medications or a 20% reduction in IOP with or without medication. RESULTS: The study comprised 145 eyes in the iStent and 100 eyes in the iStent inject group. At 12 months, 56.0% of the iStent and 51.3% of the iStent inject eyes had achieved primary success and 63.1% and 57.7% secondary success. The mean postoperative IOP was 16.6 mmHg in iStent and 16.9 mmHg in iStent inject. Survival analysis demonstrated a greater incidence of failure in the iStent inject beyond 5 months. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Both trabecular micro-bypass stents in this study were effective in reducing IOP and the burden of medication when combined with cataract surgery. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups across our outcome measures although the iStent inject required earlier recommencement of medications for optimal IOP control.

Bleb-associated endophthalmitis: Proportion, presentation, management and outcomes in Victoria, Australia.

IMPORTANCE: Bleb-associated endophthalmitis is a potentially vision-threatening complication of trabeculectomy. With improvements in surgical technique and changing patterns of intraoperative antimetabolite use, a re-evaluation of the incidence of bleb-associated endophthalmitis is warranted. BACKGROUND: To investigate changes in the incidence, presentation, management and outcomes of bleb-associated endophthalmitis between 1997 and 2015 in Victoria, Australia. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort analysis. PARTICIPANTS: Consecutive cases of bleb-associated endophthalmitis managed at the Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital (RVEEH) between 1997 and 2015. METHODS: Medical record review of consecutive cases of bleb-associated endophthalmitis and statistical analysis were performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual acuity, including loss of light perception, intraocular pressure, and need for further surgery. RESULTS: Sixty-seven eyes with bleb-associated endophthalmitis (BAE) were identified. Of these, 41 had trabeculectomy performed in Victoria during the study period, over which time 11 129 trabeculectomies were performed. The proportion of BAE was stable over time (0.4%). The mean age at presentation was 73.7 ± 12.1 years old and the majority of patients were Caucasian (79.1%). The mean duration between glaucoma filtration surgery and the development of bleb-associated endophthalmitis was 3 years (Interquartile Range = 0.4-6.0 years). The cultures were positive in 71.6% of cases. Approximately 1 in 8 patients required enucleation. The final visual acuity was poor with a Snellen Visual Acuity (VA) of 6/60 or worse in two-thirds of patients. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Bleb-associated endophthalmitis is an uncommon complication following glaucoma filtration surgery. The proportion has remained stable over time. Visual outcomes remain poor.

The Safety and Efficacy of Supraciliary Stenting Following Failed Glaucoma Surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of supraciliary stenting following failed glaucoma surgery. DESIGN: Interventional case series. METHODS: Setting: Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom. STUDY POPULATION: Twenty eyes from 20 patients with glaucoma refractory to prior glaucoma surgery. INTERVENTION: Ab interno microstent (CyPass Micro-Stent; Alcon, Fort Worth, Texas, USA) implantation into the supraciliary space. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcome measures included the occurrence of ocular adverse events, mean intraocular pressure (IOP) change, and glaucoma medication use through 12 months. RESULTS: Mean baseline IOP was 22.5 ± 8.0 mm Hg and number of medications was 2.7 ± 1.0. The majority of patients had undergone either prior trabeculectomy or aqueous shunt surgery. There were no serious intraoperative complications or major adverse events following supraciliary stenting. The most common adverse events included transient hyphema (3/20, 15%), transient IOP > 30 mm Hg (4/20, 20%), and transient IOP < 6 mm Hg (4/20, 20%). At 12 months, mean IOP was 14.9 ± 4.3 mm Hg-a 33.7% reduction (P = .01). Mean medication usage decreased 56% to 1.2 ± 1.5 at 12 months (P = .01). Two patients (10%) required subsequent aqueous shunt insertion. CONCLUSION: Ab interno supraciliary stenting has a favorable safety profile and provides an effective approach to controlling IOP and reducing medication burden in eyes in which previous glaucoma surgery has failed.

Ab Interno Gel Implant-associated Bleb-related Infection.

PURPOSE: To examine the presentation and management of 3 cases of bleb-related infection following ab interno gel implant surgery, so as to add to the growing understanding of complications associated with the emerging landscape of newer, minimally invasive glaucoma surgical procedures, and how they are best managed. DESIGN: Multicenter retrospective interventional case series. METHODS: Consecutive cases of bleb-related infection following ab interno gel implant surgery from 2 university-affiliated hospitals were included. Risk factors, visual outcomes, intraocular pressure, and subsequent management were analyzed. RESULTS: We report 3 cases of late bleb-related infection occurring after ab interno gelatin stent insertion (8, 7, and 24 months after surgery). One case had blebitis only; the other 2 had bleb-related endophthalmitis. All cases responded rapidly to management of their infections according to standard bleb-related infection protocol, recovering to within 2 lines of their previous visual acuity (6/9, 6/12, and 6/18). Explantation of the devices was not required. CONCLUSIONS: Bleb-related infections after ab interno gel implant insertion can occur. If infection is treated appropriately, good clinical outcomes are possible.

Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery as primary stand-alone surgery for glaucoma.

Recently, many new devices and procedures have been developed to lower intraocular pressure in a less invasive and purportedly safer manner than traditional glaucoma surgery. These new devices might encourage an earlier transition to surgery and reduce the long-term commitment to topical glaucoma medications with their associated compliance and intolerance issues. Although often seen as an adjunct to cataract surgery, a growing body of evidence suggests that primary minimally invasive glaucoma surgery may be a viable initial treatment option. New studies have shown that primary ab interno trabeculectomy (Trabectome, NeoMedix Inc., Tustin, CA, USA), trabecular micro-bypass stent insertion (iStent and iStent Inject, Glaukos Corporation, Laguna Hills, CA, USA), canalicular scaffolding (Hydrus, Invantis Inc., Irvine CA, USA), the ab interno gel Implant (XEN, Allergan, Dublin, Ireland) or supraciliary stenting (CyPass Micro-Stent, Alcon, Fort Worth, TX, USA) may lower the lowering intraocular pressure and/or topical medication burden in phakic or pseudophakic patients with glaucoma. This effect seems to last at least 12 months but reliable cost-effectiveness and quality of life indicators have not yet been established by investigator-initiated randomized trials of sufficient size and duration.

Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty Reduces Intraocular Pressure Peak in Response to the Water Drinking Test.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) on intraocular pressure (IOP) peak and fluctuation induced by the water drinking test (WDT) in patients with open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension. METHODS: Patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension underwent the WDT before and after SLT within a 12-month period. No other changes to therapeutic regimen were permitted. IOP was measured with a Goldmann applanation tonometer at baseline and every 15 minutes for 45 minutes following a fluid challenge of 800 mL over 15 minutes. Baseline, peak, and percentage fluctuation in IOP from baseline were compared using a repeated measures analysis of variance with Bonferroni adjustment. RESULTS: Twenty eyes from 20 patients were included in this study. The median patient age was 73±15 years (interquartile range) and 70% of patients were female. Ten eyes (50%) had a diagnosis of primary open-angle glaucoma and 10 eyes had ocular hypertension. Following SLT there was a statistically significant reduction in mean baseline IOP from 16.9±2.4 to 14.2±2.3 mm Hg (P<0.001), peak IOP from 21.9±3.7 to 16.9±3.1 mm Hg (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension treated with SLT have significantly reduced peak IOPs and fluctuation in IOP in response to the WDT.

Endophthalmitis associated with Glaucoma Shunt Intraluminal Stent Exposure.

Endophthalmitis post glaucoma drainage implant (GDI) surgery is rare, often associated with tube or plate exposure. We report a case of endophthalmitis following glaucoma shunt intraluminal stent exposure in a patient who underwent Baerveldt glaucoma implant surgery. Endophthalmitis following manipulation of intraluminal stents is a rare complication of GDIs but potentially vision threatening condition that needs to be carefully screened for and treated immediately. How to cite this article: Kwon HJ, Kerr NM, Ruddle JB, Ang GS. Endophthalmitis associated with Glaucoma Shunt Intraluminal Stent Exposure. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2016;10(1):36-37.

Glaucoma laser and surgical procedure rates in Australia.

AIM: To determine trends in the number of glaucoma laser and surgical procedures performed in Australia between 1994 and 2014. METHODS: Medicare claims were analysed to determine the number of glaucoma-related procedures reimbursed in Australia between 1994 and 2014. Glaucoma procedures were identified by Medicare Benefits Schedule item number and analysed by age range, gender, state, month and year. RESULTS: Laser trabeculoplasty rates declined 60% between 1994 and 2003 before increasing a dramatic 353% between 2003 and 2014. Laser iridotomies increased 281% over the study period while cyclodestructive procedures increased 207%. The number of primary filtering operations for glaucoma fell 68% from a peak in 1996 to a low in 2006 and then remained stable. However, the number of filtering operations in eyes where a previous filtering operation had been performed increased 27%. There was a marked increase in glaucoma drainage device insertion, increasing 234% over the study period. CONCLUSIONS: There has been a substantial increase in laser trabeculoplasty procedures in Australia, following a decline between 1994 and 2003. Primary filtering operations for glaucoma have declined in number while glaucoma drainage devices are playing an increasingly prominent role in the surgical management of glaucoma.

Intraocular pressure during femtosecond laser pretreatment: comparison of glaucomatous eyes and nonglaucomatous eyes.

PURPOSE: To compare changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) during femtosecond laser pretreatment of cataract between glaucomatous eyes and nonglaucomatous eyes. SETTING: Launceston Eye Institute and Launceston Eye Hospital, Launceston, Australia. DESIGN: Nonrandomized interventional prospective case series. METHODS: Patients with clinically stable primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) having femtosecond laser pretreatment were compared with a concurrent cohort of patients with healthy eyes having the same procedure. Pretreatment was performed using a fluid-filled optical docking system (Liquid Optics Interface). With the patient supine, the IOP was measured at 4 time points using a rebound tonometer (Icare Pro). RESULTS: The study comprised 143 eyes of 97 patients. Forty-three eyes (30.1%) had documented glaucoma. The mean baseline IOP was 20.2 mm Hg ± 4.2 (SD) in glaucomatous eyes and 18.9 ± 4.0 mm Hg in nonglaucomatous eyes (P = .06). The mean change in IOP values between each time frame and baseline was as follows: vacuum-on, 13.8 ± 9.9 mm Hg and 11.1 ± 6.9 mm Hg, respectively (P = .06); after treatment, 17.4 ± 7.4 mm Hg and 14.1 ± 7.2 mm Hg, respectively (P = .014); after undocking of vacuum, 9.9 ± 5.4 mm Hg and 8.7 ± 5.7 mm Hg, respectively (P = .24). CONCLUSIONS: Femtosecond pretreatment caused a greater transient rise in IOP after treatment and a higher residual IOP after vacuum undocking in glaucomatous eyes than in nonglaucomatous eyes. This is well tolerated short term; however, long-term implications for eyes with glaucoma are unknown at present. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Effect of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery on the corneal endothelium.

PURPOSE: To compare the effect on the corneal endothelium of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery and conventional phacoemulsification cataract surgery. SETTING: Private clinic, Tasmania, Australia. DESIGN: Prospective comparative cohort study. METHODS: Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (study group) or conventional phacoemulsification (control group) was performed. The central corneal thickness, central 3.0 mm corneal volume, volume stress index, and central endothelial cell density (ECD) were measured preoperatively and 1 day, 3 weeks, and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The study group comprised 405 eyes and the control group, 215 eyes. Postoperative corneal edema was significantly less in the study group at 1 day and 3 weeks. However, the difference was negligible at 6 months. The study group had significant reductions in ECD loss compared with the control group [corrected] at 3 weeks but not at 6 months (6-month mean -150 cells/mm(2) ± 244 [SD] versus -149 cells/mm(2) ± 233). Eyes in the study group with laser-automated corneal incisions had greater endothelial cell loss at 6 months than eyes in the study group with manual corneal incisions and eyes in the control group (P<.0001). Eyes in the study group with zero effective phaco time and manually created corneal incisions had statistically significantly less endothelial cell loss at 6 months than the other groups (P<.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Femtosecond laser pretreatment for cataract surgery was associated with a significant reduction in early postoperative corneal edema and endothelial cell loss compared with conventional phacoemulsification; however, the difference diminished with time. Laser-automated corneal incisions seemed to adversely affect the corneal endothelial cells. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Toward zero effective phacoemulsification time using femtosecond laser pretreatment.

OBJECTIVE: To compare effective phacoemulsification time after femtosecond laser pretreatment with conventional phacoemulsification and the associated effect on visual outcomes and endothelial cell loss. DESIGN: Prospective, consecutive, single-surgeon case-control study. CONTROLS: Controls underwent phacoemulsification cataract extraction plus insertion of an intraocular lens (IOL). Cases underwent pretreatment with the femtosecond laser followed by phacoemulsification cataract extraction and IOL insertion. METHODS: Two hundred one eyes underwent cataract surgery between April 2012 and July 2012. Data collected included patient demographics, preoperative characteristics, femtosecond lens fragmentation method, effective phacoemulsification time (EPT), intraoperative complications, and postoperative outcomes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Effective phacoemulsification time, intraoperative complications, corneal endothelial cell loss, as well as postoperative best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and refractive outcomes. RESULTS: Patient demographics were similar between groups. There was no difference between baseline cataract grades (2.59 ± 0.71 vs. 2.52 ± 0.72, not significant). One hundred percent of cases pretreated with the femtosecond laser had complete capsulotomy. Mean EPT was reduced by 83.6% in the femtosecond pretreatment group (P<0.0001) when compared with controls, with 30% having 0 EPT (P<0.0001). Effective phacoemulsification time was reduced 28.6% within the femtosecond group using improved lens fragmentation algorithms, and a further 72.8% reduction was achieved with a 20-gauge phacoemulsification tip. Overall, there was a 96.2% reduction in EPT between controls and the optimized femtosecond pretreatment group. This was associated with a 36.1% reduction in endothelial cell loss in the femtosecond group. Visual and refractive outcomes were similar to those of conventional cataract surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Femtosecond laser pretreatment results in a significant reduction in effective phacoemulsification time, including the possibility of 0 EPT. Further reductions may be achieved using optimization of lens fragmentation patterns and surgical technique. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Intraocular pressure during femtosecond laser pretreatment of cataract.

PURPOSE: To analyze the course of intraocular pressure (IOP) during femtosecond laser pretreatment to cataract surgery. SETTING: Launceston Eye Institute, Tasmania, Australia. DESIGN: Interventional prospective study. METHODS: Femtosecond laser pretreatment was performed using the Catalys Precision Laser System with Liquid Optics Interface. The IOP was measured using a rebound tonometer (iCare PRO) during different stages of surgery and analyzed by number of docking attempts, vacuum time, treatment time, and central corneal thickness (CCT). RESULTS: The mean baseline IOP in the 25 eyes was 17.5 mm Hg ± 2.4 (SD). During vacuum application, the mean IOP rise was 11.4 ± 3.3 mm Hg. Peak IOPs were recorded immediately after laser capsulotomy and lens fragmentation (mean 36.0 ± 4.4 mm Hg; mean increase from baseline 18.5 ± 4.7 mm Hg) and remained above baseline 2 minutes after the procedure (26.6 ± 4.0 mm Hg) (P<.001). Multiple regression analysis found no association between IOP rise and number of docking attempts, vacuum time, treatment time, or CCT. CONCLUSION: Femtosecond laser pretreatment was associated with a mean peak increase in IOP of 18.5 mm Hg from baseline and appeared to be safe and well tolerated.

Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery compared with conventional cataract surgery.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the safety and efficacy of the Catalys (Optimedica, Santa Clara, CA, USA) femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery system compared with conventional phacoemulsification cataract extraction. DESIGN: Prospective, consecutive, parallel cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: The first 200 eyes undergoing conventional cataract surgery to the first 200 eyes undergoing femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery between April and July 2012. METHODS: Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery involved anterior capsulotomy and lens fragmentation based on optical coherence tomography-guided treatment mapping. Conventional cataract surgery involved manual continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis. Both procedures were completed by standard phacoemulsification and insertion of an intraocular lens. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Effective phacoemulsification time and intraoperative complication rates. RESULTS: Patient demographics were similar between both groups. There was no statistically significant difference in intraoperative complications between femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery and conventional surgery. There was one posterior capsule rupture in both groups (0.5%; not significant). One hundred per cent of cases treated with the femtosecond laser had a complete capsulotomy. Vacuum time decreased with experience. Effective phacoemulsification time was reduced by 70% in the femtosecond group (P < 0.0001). Twenty-six cases in the femtosecond group versus one case in the conventional group had 0 effective phacoemulsification time (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery appears to be as safe as conventional cataract surgery in the short term and results in significantly lower effective phacoemulsification time. Although it may allow for greater efficiency and decreased postoperative complications, further research is needed into long-term safety aspects such as corneal endothelial cell loss.

Intravitreal injections: is there benefit for a theatre setting?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and compare the rate of endophthalmitis after intravitreal injections performed in an in-office (dedicated procedure room) versus in-theatre setting. METHODS: A retrospective comparative cohort study was performed of all patients consecutively treated by a single surgeon with intravitreal injection with either ranibizimab or bevacizumab for any recognised clinical indication. All cases received injections between March 2006 and March 2012, during which time all injections were prospectively recorded on an electronic medical record system. A search of the electronic database using a report building system was used to extract the total number of injections into location-specific grouping (ie, in office vs in theatre). RESULTS: 12 249 injections were performed over a 6-year period. 3376 of these were performed in the in-office procedure room, compared with 8873 in the operating theatre. Of the 3376 injections performed in office, there were four cases of infective endophthalmitis compared with none of the 8873 injections performed in theatre (p=0.006). In-theatre intravitreal injections were associated with a 13-fold lower risk of endophthalmitis compared to in-office injections. CONCLUSIONS: The theatre environment is a clinically appropriate location for any intravitreal injection procedures and was associated with a significantly lower risk of infective endophthalmitis in this single-surgeon comparative cohort study.

Connexin43 mimetic peptide reduces vascular leak and retinal ganglion cell death following retinal ischaemia.

Connexin43 gap junction protein is expressed in astrocytes and the vascular endothelium in the central nervous system. It is upregulated following central nervous system injury and is recognized as playing an important role in modulating the extent of damage. Studies that have transiently blocked connexin43 in spinal cord injury and central nervous system epileptic models have reported neuronal rescue. The purpose of this study was to investigate neuronal rescue following retinal ischaemia-reperfusion by transiently blocking connexin43 activity using a connexin43 mimetic peptide. A further aim was to evaluate the effect of transiently blocking connexin43 on vascular permeability as this is known to increase following central nervous system ischaemia. Adult male Wistar rats were exposed to 60 min of retinal ischaemia. Treatment groups consisted of no treatment, connexin43 mimetic peptide and scrambled peptide. Retinas were then evaluated at 1-2, 4, 8 and 24 h, and 7 and 21 days post-ischaemia. Evans blue dye leak from retinal blood vessels was used to assess vascular leakage. Blood vessel integrity was examined using isolectin-B4 labelling. Connexin43 levels and astrocyte activation (glial fibrillary acidic protein) were assessed using immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. Retinal whole mounts and retinal ganglion cell counts were used to quantify neurodegeneration. An in vitro cell culture model of endothelial cell ischaemia was used to assess the effect of connexin43 mimetic peptide on endothelial cell survival and connexin43 hemichannel opening using propidium iodide dye uptake. We found that retinal ischaemia-reperfusion induced significant vascular leakage and disruption at 1-2, 4 and 24 h following injury with a peak at 4 h. Connexin43 immunoreactivity was significantly increased at 1-2, 4, 8 and 24 h post ischaemia-reperfusion injury co-localizing with activated astrocytes, Muller cells and vascular endothelial cells. Connexin43 mimetic peptide significantly reduced dye leak at 4 and 24 h. In vitro studies on endothelial cells demonstrate that endothelial cell death following hypoxia can be mediated directly by opening of connexin43 hemichannels in endothelial cells. Blocking connexin43 mediated vascular leakage using a connexin43 mimetic peptide led to increased retinal ganglion cell survival at 7 and 21 days to levels of uninjured retinas. Treatment with scrambled peptide did not result in retinal ganglion cell rescue. Pharmacological targeting of connexin43 gap junction protein by transiently blocking gap junction hemichannels following injury provides new opportunities for treatment of central nervous system ischaemia.