Comparison of accelerated CXL alone, accelerated CXL-ICRS, and accelerated CXL-TG-PRK in progressive keratoconus and other corneal ectasias.

PURPOSE: To compare accelerated corneal crosslinking (CXL) alone, CXL with simultaneous intrastromal corneal ring segments (CXL-ICRS), and CXL with simultaneous topography-guided photorefractive keratectomy (CXL-TG-PRK) in progressive keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD), or laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK)-induced ectasia. SETTING: The Kensington Eye Institute and Bochner Eye Institute, Toronto, Canada. DESIGN: Prospective nonrandomized interventional study. METHODS: Visual and topographical outcomes using a comparative analysis adjusting for preoperative maximum keratometry (Kmax) were evaluated 1 year postoperatively. RESULTS: Four hundred fifty-two eyes from 375 patients with progressive keratoconus, PMD, or LASIK-induced ectasia that underwent accelerated (9 mW/cm, 10 minutes) CXL alone (n = 204), CXL-ICRS (n = 126), or CXL-TG-PRK (n = 122) were included. Change in logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution uncorrected distance visual acuity was significant with CXL-ICRS (-0.31; 95% CI, -0.38 to -0.24) and CXL-TG-PRK (-0.16; 95% CI, -0.24 to -0.09), but not with CXL alone. No significant differences in change were found between the 3 groups. Change in corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) was significant in all 3 groups: -0.12 (95% CI, -0.15 to -0.10) with CXL alone, -0.23 (95% CI, -0.27 to -0.20) with CXL-ICRS, and -0.17 (95% CI, -0.21 to -0.13) with CXL-TG-PRK. Improvement in CDVA was greater with CXL-ICRS than with CXL alone (-0.08 ± 0.02; P < .0001) and CXL-TG-PRK (-0.05 ± 0.02; P = .005). Change in Kmax was significant with CXL-ICRS [-3.21 diopters (D); 95% CI, -3.98 to -2.45] and CXL-TG-PRK (-3.69 D; 95% CI, -4.49 to -2.90), but not with CXL alone (-0.05 D; 95% CI, -0.66 to 0.55). CONCLUSIONS: CXL alone might be best for keratoconic patients who meet the inclusion criteria. CXL-ICRS might be more effective for eyes with more irregular astigmatism and worse CDVA and CXL-TG-PRK for eyes requiring improvements in irregular astigmatism but still have good CDVA.

Accelerated Corneal Cross-Linking: Efficacy, Risk of Progression, and Characteristics Affecting Outcomes. A Large, Single-Center Prospective Study.

PURPOSE: We examined the efficacy and preoperative characteristics that affect outcomes of accelerated (9 mW/cm2 for 10 minutes) corneal cross-linking (CXL). DESIGN: Prospective single-center observational cohort study. METHODS: We enrolled 612 eyes of 391 subjects with progressive keratoconus (n = 589), pellucid marginal degeneration (n = 11), and laser in situ keratomileusis-induced ectasia (n = 12). We evaluated best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), topography, refraction, endothelial cell density, corneal thickness, haze, intraocular pressure, and visual function before and 12 months after the CXL procedure. We tabulated the proportion of those with progression of maximum keratometry (Kmax). We included participant's race, age, sex, and the presence of preoperative apical scarring and environmental allergies in a multivariable linear regression model to determine the effect of these characteristics on outcomes. RESULTS: At 1 year there was no significant change in mean Kmax (n = 569). Progression of Kmax was higher in subgroups with a baseline Kmax >58 diopters (n = 191) and those 14-18 years of age (n = 53). Preoperative BSCVA, Kmax, refraction, corneal cylinder, coma, central corneal thickness, and vision function were statistically and clinically significant predictors of outcomes (P < .001). Preoperative apical scarring led to worsening haze (P = .0001), more astigmatism (P = .002), more central corneal thinning (P = .002), and was protective to the endothelium (P = .008). Race, age, and sex affected some outcomes. CONCLUSION: Mean Kmax was stable at 1 year after accelerated CXL. Younger patients and those with a higher preoperative Kmax need to be monitored closely for progression. Preoperative BSCVA, topography, refraction, CCT, and apical scarring were significant predictors of outcomes.

Postoperative adjunctive bevacizumab versus placebo in primary trabeculectomy surgery for glaucoma.

AIM: To compare the effectiveness of postoperative adjunctive use of subconjunctival bevacizumab in altering the outcome of primary trabeculectomy in terms of sustained lowering of intraocular pressure (IOP) and reduction of postoperative bleb vascularization and fibrosis. METHODS: A prospective, one center, randomized, placebo-control study. Fifty-nine patients (59 eyes) with uncontrolled IOP under maximal tolerated medical treatment (MTMT) were recruited. A primary trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (MMC) was done and the patients were randomized to either postoperative subconjunctival injection of bevacizumab (1.25 mg/0.05 mL) or balanced salt solution (BSS). Forty-seven patients (47 eyes) completed at least one year of follow up and were included in the study. The main outcome measure was the IOP, and secondary outcome measures include bleb morphology, vascularization, and fibrosis, as well as the need for glaucoma medications and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) needling. RESULTS: At 1-year follow up, there was no significant difference between groups for IOP (P=0.65), bleb morphology (P=0.65), and the need for glaucoma medications (P=0.65) or 5-FU needling requirements (P=0.11). However, the bevacizumab group had a higher rate of success results, lower use of glaucoma medications after surgery, and optimal bleb aspect in more patients, but more 5-FU needling procedures required. CONCLUSION: A bigger sample size is needed in order to determine whether the differences found in the bevacizumab group are statistically significant.

Prostaglandin agonist effect on matrix metalloproteinase aqueous levels in glaucoma patients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the aqueous levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) differ between patients with glaucoma treated with topical prostaglandin analogues and normal, nonglaucomatous control patients. Also, to note any difference in MMP levels between latanoprost, travoprost, and bimatoprost that might suggest a difference in efficacy or mechanism of action between these drugs. DESIGN: Prospective, observational study. PARTICIPANTS: Patients who were scheduled to undergo routine intraocular surgery (phacoemulsification or combined phacotrabeculectomy) as part of their standard clinical care were included. Eighteen eyes of 18 patients with glaucoma using any 1 prostaglandin analogue (latanoprost, travoprost, or bimatoprost) were compared with 8 normal control patients. METHODS: This was a multicentre study. Aqueous humour (0.2 mL) was aspirated at the beginning of the intraocular surgery through a clear corneal paracentesis. MMP-2 and -9 were quantified in the aqueous of all participants using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the levels of either MMP-2 (p = 0.216) or MMP-9 (p = 0.552) between the control patients and the patients with glaucoma on prostaglandins. There was no difference in the levels of MMP-2 or -9 between the latanoprost, travoprost, or bimatoprost groups. CONCLUSIONS: The levels of MMP-2 and -9 in aqueous of glaucomatous eyes on topical prostaglandin analogues were the same as those of normal age-matched control patients. This could reflect either a return to normal levels with efficacious treatment or a lack of difference between disease and nondisease states.

Five-year results of 5-fluorouracil augmented needling revision of failing blebs.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To report the 5-year intraocular pressure (IOP) outcomes of patients requiring a 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) needling revision compared to a matched sample. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty eyes receiving 5-FU bleb needling revision were matched to 40 patients not needled. IOP was recorded preoperatively and annually to 5 years. The main outcome measure was surgical success: IOP control without medications or surgery. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients with 5-FU needling revision (80.0%) required anti-glaucoma medication postoperatively versus 28 control patients (70%) (P > .05). Thirty-two patients with 5-FU needling revision were complete or qualified successes compared to 36 control patients (P = .34). Eight patients with 5-FU needling revision (20%) had a reoperation versus 4 control patients (10%) (P > .05). CONCLUSION: 5-FU needling revision can produce long-term IOP control levels similar to those who did not require the procedure. No statistically significant differences between the two groups was seen in either the use of medications or further surgery.

Laser trabeculoplasty: an investigation into factors that might influence outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness of argon (ALT) or selective (SLT) laser trabeculoplasty (LTP) in lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) and to determine whether patient-related factors had any impact on outcome. DESIGN: Retrospective review. PARTICIPANTS: 500 patients treated with LTP over 14 years. METHODS: This study was conducted at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto. Five patient-related characteristics were used as dependent variables-age, race, gender, pseudophakic status, and pseudoexfoliation. IOP decrease and treatment failure at 12 months were the main outcome variables. RESULTS: 500 eyes of 500 patients were included, 350 after ALT and 150 after SLT. The mean ± standard deviation baseline IOP was significantly higher in the patients treated by ALT than in those treated by SLT (24.2 ± 5.4 versus 22.2 ± 4.6, p < 0.0001) at baseline but not at 1 year (19.6 ± 5.1 versus 19.5 ± 6.1, p = 0.41). When the final IOP was examined by multiple regression analysis, there was a significant effect in favor of ALT over SLT (p = 0.03) and for patients with higher baseline IOPs (p < 0.0001). No significant effect was found for any of the demographic subgroupings. However, when the outcome variable was success or failure, only the baseline IOP remained significant. CONCLUSIONS: Specific patient characteristics do not significantly influence LTP outcome after 12 months of follow-up. The most powerful predictor of either final IOP or clinical success was a higher baseline IOP, but ALT may have a better ability to lower IOP.

Small-incision iris fixation of foldable intraocular lenses in the absence of capsule support.

PURPOSE: To report visual outcomes and complications of modified McCannel iris suture fixation of small-incision foldable acrylic intraocular lenses (IOLs) for aphakia in the absence of capsule support. DESIGN: Retrospective interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-six patients who underwent foldable acrylic IOL implantation using peripheral iris suture fixation for aphakia in the absence of capsule support. METHODS: Data from 46 patients who underwent iris fixation of a foldable acrylic IOL were retrospectively evaluated for underlying diagnoses, surgical history, clinical results, and complications. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), spherical equivalent, and surgical complications. RESULTS: Best-corrected visual acuity improved from 20/100 to 20/50 (P = 0.01), with 97% of eyes maintaining or improving BCVA after a mean (+/- standard deviation) follow-up of 24.1+/-12.4 months. Complications included transient low-grade uveitis (3 [6.5%]), transient pigment dispersion (3 [6.5%]), IOL dislocation (2 [4.3%]), elevated intraocular pressure (1 [2.2%]), and retinal detachment (1 [2.2%]). No new cases of cystoid macular edema or worsening of glaucoma occurred. CONCLUSION: Small-incision peripheral iris fixation of 3-piece acrylic foldable IOLs in the absence of capsule support appears to be an effective technique with few severe adverse events.

Surgical repositioning of dislocated capsular tension rings.

PURPOSE: To present techniques and results of surgical repositioning of subluxed and dislocated capsular tension rings (CTRs). DESIGN: Retrospective interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: Eleven patients with a previously implanted CTR in-the-bag for zonular weakness who presented with CTR-intraocular lens (IOL)-capsular bag decentration who underwent surgical repositioning. METHODS: Data from 11 patients who underwent surgical repositioning were evaluated retrospectively for underlying diagnosis, interval between initial surgery and decentration, surgical technique, clinical results, and complications. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Capsular tension ring-IOL-capsular bag centration, final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and surgical complications. RESULTS: Of the 11 patients with CTR decentration, 3 had it early in the postoperative period, and 8 had it late. Mean (+/- standard deviation) durations from cataract extraction and CTR implantation to surgical repositioning were 6.1+/-7.9 months for those with decentration early and 49.6+/-15.3 months for late decentrations (overall range, 0.7-74.7). Of the 11 patients, 7 had pseudoexfoliation, and 4 of the 7 had associated glaucoma. Nine patients had subluxation of the CTR-IOL-capsular bag complex, which was managed by an anterior segment approach. A pars plana vitrectomy and levitation of the CTR was required in 2 patients due to complete dislocation of the CTR into the posterior vitreous. Surgical techniques for repositioning included single, double, or 3-point scleral suture loop fixation of the CTR through the capsular bag complex (8 eyes); use of the capsular tension segment (CTS) placed within the capsular bag for scleral suture fixation (2); or iris suture fixation of the IOL haptics (1). All patients achieved successful anatomical repositioning of the CTR-IOL-capsular bag complex. Mean preoperative BCVA improved from 20/100 to 20/40 postoperatively. After repositioning surgery, BCVA improved in 7 patients, was maintained in 2, and worsened in 2 (due to advanced glaucoma). CONCLUSION: Postoperative CTR subluxation or dislocation is a risk for patients with severe or progressive zonulopathy. Decentrations may be effectively managed with scleral suture fixation of the CTR through the capsular bag or the use of the CTS.

Optimal timing of capsular tension ring implantation: Miyake-Apple video analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the appropriate timing for capsular tension ring implantation in cases of zonular weakness either prior to or after lens extraction using Miyake-Apple video analysis. SETTING: John Moran Eye Center, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. METHODS: Four cadaver eyes were prepared using a standard Miyake-Apple protocol with image capture using digital video recording. After continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis and hydrodissection/viscodissection were performed, 2 eyes had early capsular tension ring implantation (CTR) and 2 eyes had CTR implantation after lens extraction. The 12.3 mm CTR was implanted in all eyes. Capsular bag torque and displacement, zonular elongation and stress, and ease of CTR placement were evaluated in each eye. RESULTS: Early CTR implantation resulted in significantly increased capsular torque and displacement of up to 4.0 mm compared to insertion in an empty capsular bag. There was significant zonular elongation and tension during early placement. CONCLUSION: In terms of minimizing further zonular stress and damage and capsular destabilization, the ideal timing for CTR placement is after lens extraction and decompression of the capsular bag.

Phacoemulsification and goniosynechialysis in the management of unresponsive primary angle closure.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of phacoemulsification and goniosynechialysis (PEGS) in managing acute and subacute primary angle closure unresponsive to conventional therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective series of patients of six glaucoma-trained surgeons with primary angle closure that did not respond to medical management, Nd:YAG laser peripheral iridotomy, or argon laser peripheral iridoplasty. RESULTS: A total of twenty-one patients with an average age of 65.6 years were included. Underlying mechanism of angle closure included pupillary block (n = 18) and plateau iris (n = 3). Average intraocular pressure (IOP) immediately prior to PEGS was 40.7 mm Hg, and mean follow-up time after PEGS was 11.7 months. PEGS decreased mean IOP by 25 mm Hg (62%), and mean number of medications from 3.8 pre-surgery to 1.7 post-surgery (55%). Mean LogMar visual acuity improved after PEGS, from 0.64 to 0.44 (Paired t test t = 4.120 P = 0.001). Subsequent trabeculectomy was necessary in one case (5%). CONCLUSIONS: Phacoemulsification with goniosynechialysis may be an effective treatment option for primary angle closure unresponsive to conventional therapy.

Revisiting early postoperative follow-up after phacoemulsification.

PURPOSE: To determine whether postoperative evaluation of routine phacoemulsification can be safely and effectively performed on the day of surgery and 4 days postoperatively and evaluate the incidence and management of early intraocular pressure (IOP) elevations 3 to 7 hours postoperatively in patients with or without glaucoma. SETTING: Community-based hospital. METHODS: This retrospective series comprised 465 consecutive patients who had phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. All patients had postoperative follow-up on the day of surgery (3 to 7 hours postoperatively) and at 4 days. Patients were classified into 2 groups: nonglaucoma (NG), 396 patients; and glaucoma (GL), 69 patients. The main outcome measures were the incidence and management of postoperative complications including IOP spikes, wound leaks, uveitis, and endophthalmitis. RESULTS: Three to 7 hours postoperatively, 73 NG (18.4%) and 32 GL (46.4%) patients had IOP elevations greater than 28 mm Hg, a significant change from baseline (P <.0001). Fourteen NG (3.6%) and 13 GL (18.8%) patients had IOP elevations greater than 40 mm Hg (P <.0001). Significant IOP elevations were effectively managed with a paracentesis with or without short-term antiglaucoma medications on the day of surgery, with 75 NG (18.9%) and 39 GL (56.5%) patients requiring IOP intervention. There were no IOP elevations greater than 21 mm Hg on the next day or at 4 days. There were no complications that were missed at the same-day evaluation that may have been identified at the 1-day postoperative visit. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that after routine phacoemulsification, patients can be safely and effectively reviewed on the day of surgery and 4 days postoperatively to identify and manage early postoperative IOP spikes. A significant number of patients, particularly those with preexisting glaucoma, had potentially harmful IOP spikes 3 to 7 hours postoperatively.