Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty in eyes previously treated with collagen crosslinking for keratoconus: 3-year results.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the 3-year results of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) using the big-bubble technique in keratoconus patients with previous corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) treatment. METHODS: Twenty eyes of 20 keratoconus patients who underwent DALK surgery using the big-bubble technique after CXL treatment between January 2011 and September 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients completed 3 years follow-up. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), maximum keratometry, keratometric astigmatism and endothelial cell density (ECD) were analysed. RESULTS: The mean interval between CXL and DALK surgery was 47.5 ± 24.0 months (mean ± SD). DALK was completed in all eyes. Big-bubble was successfully achieved in 16 eyes (80%), and manual dissection was performed in four eyes (20%). Microperforation occurred in three eyes (15%). Postoperatively, persistent epithelial defect occurred in three eyes (15%). The mean UCVA and mean BSCVA values were significantly improved preoperatively to all postoperative visits (p < 0.001). UCVA was 20/100 or lower in all eyes preoperatively and 20/100 or better in 18 eyes (80%) at 3 years; BSCVA was 20/40 or better in all eyes (100%) and 20/20 or better in three eyes (15%), and keratometric astigmatism was lower than 4 dioptres in 14 eyes (70%) at 3 years. The mean ECD loss was 6.3 ± 4.4% at 1 year, 9.0 ± 6.3% at 2 years and 11.2 ± 7.4% at 3 years. CONCLUSION: Previous CXL treatment in keratoconus patients did not cause a negative impact on the visual, refractive and surgical outcomes of DALK surgery using the big-bubble technique. DALK surgery seems to be a safe and effective surgical approach in these patients.

Comparison of intravitreal ranibizumab and bevacizumab treatment for retinopathy of prematurity.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of intravitreal ranibizumab and bevacizumab treatment for type 1 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). METHODS: 36 eyes of 20 patients with type 1 ROP who received anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) intravitreal injections between August 2011 and February 2013 were retrospectively evaluated. Fifteen eyes of 8 patients received 0.25 mg ranibizumab (group 1), and 21 eyes of 12 patients received 0.625 mg bevacizumab (group 2). Eyes were examined by indirect ophthalmoscopy on the first day, third day, first week, and first month and as required after injections. Laser photocoagulation was performed in cases with progression of ROP. RESULTS: The mean gestation time was 26.2 ± 2.7 weeks in group 1 patients and 27.1 ± 2.5 weeks in group 2 patients. No statistical difference in the time of gestation was observed between the two groups. The mean follow-up period was 20 ± 4.5 months. Laser photocoagulation was performed in 6 of 15 eyes from group 1 and 2 of 21 eyes from group 2. No eyes developed retinal detachment during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Ranibizumab and bevacizumab showed an efficacy in the treatment of type 1 ROP. The incidence of disease relapse was higher in eyes which received ranibizumab. Further randomized, controlled clinical trials are required to compare the efficacy of ranibizumab and bevacizumab.

Comparison of intravitreal ranibizumab and bevacizumab treatment for retinopathy of prematurity / Comparação de ranibizumab e bevacizumab intravítreos no tratamento da retinopatia da prematuridade

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare the efficacy of intravitreal ranibizumab and bevacizumab treatment for type 1 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Methods: 36 eyes of 20 patients with type 1 ROP who received anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) intravitreal injections between August 2011 and February 2013 were retrospectively evaluated. Fifteen eyes of 8 patients received 0.25 mg ranibizumab (group 1), and 21 eyes of 12 patients received 0.625 mg bevacizumab (group 2). Eyes were examined by indirect ophthalmoscopy on the first day, third day, first week, and first month and as required after injections. Laser photocoagulation was performed in cases with progression of ROP. Results: The mean gestation time was 26.2 ± 2.7 weeks in group 1 patients and 27.1 ± 2.5 weeks in group 2 patients. No statistical difference in the time of gestation was observed between the two groups. The mean follow-up period was 20 ± 4.5 months. Laser photocoagulation was performed in 6 of 15 eyes from group 1 and 2 of 21 eyes from group 2. No eyes developed retinal detachment during the follow-up period. Conclusion: Ranibizumab and bevacizumab showed an efficacy in the treatment of type 1 ROP. The incidence of disease relapse was higher in eyes which received ranibizumab. Further randomized, controlled clinical trials are required to compare the efficacy of ranibizumab and bevacizumab.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar a eficácia de ranibizumab e bevacizumab intravítreos no tratamento da retinopatia da prematuridade (ROP) tipo 1. Método: Foram avaliados retrospectivamente 36 olhos de 20 pacientes com retinopatia da prematuridade tipo 1 que receberam injeções intravítreas anti fator de crescimento endotelial vascular (anti VEGF) entre agosto de 2011 e fevereiro 2013. Quinze olhos de 8 pacientes receberam 0,25 mg ranibizumab (grupo 1) e 21 olhos de 12 pacientes receberam 0,625 mg bevacizumab (grupo 2). Os olhos foram examinados por oftalmoscopia indireta no primeiro dia, terceiro dia, primeira semana, e primeiro mês e conforme necessário após a injeção. Fotocoagulação com laser foi realizada quando foi detectada progressão da retinopatia da prematuridade. Resultados: Média do tempo de gestação para os pacientes do grupo 1 foi de 26,2 ± 2,7 semanas, enquanto para o grupo 2 foi de 27,1 ± 2,5 semanas. Não houve diferença estatística em relação ao tempo de gestação entre os grupos. A média de acompanhamento foi de 20 ± 4,5 meses. Fotocoagulação a laser foi realizada a 6 dos 15 olhos do grupo 1 e 2 dos 21 olhos do grupo 2. Nenhum dos olhos desenvolveu descolamento de retina no período de acompanhamento. Conclusão: O ranibizumab e bevacizumab são eficazes no tratamento da retinopatia da prematuridade tipo 1. Incidência de progressão foi maior nos olhos que receberam ranibizumab. Ensaios clínicos controlados futuros são necessários para comparar esses dois medicamentos.

Anatomical and visual outcomes of ranibizumab injections in retinal pigment epithelium tears.

PURPOSE: To report the anatomical and visual results in patients diagnosed as having retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) tears after receiving ranibizumab injections. METHODS: Eyes diagnosed as having RPE tears with a minimum 6-month follow-up were retrospectively evaluated. Each eye was treated with at least three doses of ranibizumab at monthly intervals. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), anterior segment findings, intraocular pressure, and fundus examination results were evaluated during control visits. Color fundus photography, fundus fluorescein angiographies, fundus autofluorescence, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) images were obtained. The height of pigment epithelial detachment (PED) was measured by SD-OCT. RESULTS: Twelve eyes with RPE tears were studied. Nine eyes (75%) developed RPE tears during ranibizumab injections for choroidal neovascularization (eight eyes with vascularized PED and one eye with choroidal osteoma), and tears occurred in three eyes before any injections. The median number of ranibizumab injections after diagnosis of RPE tears was 3 (min 2, max 5). In the most recent follow-up visit, there was no statistically significant correlation between the grade of RPE and logMAR of BCVA (p>0.05, r=0.112). Eight of twelve eyes had PED, and seven of these had irregular PED contours before injection therapy. The mean PED height was 447 ± 122 µm. CONCLUSIONS: In this series, RPE tears developed mostly after intravitreal anti-VEGF injections for vascularized PED. Increased vertical height and irregular contours of the PEDs can be risk factors for the formation of RPE tears. The continuation of anti-VEGF therapy after tear formation is beneficial for vision improvement in eyes with RPE tears.

Anatomical and visual outcomes of ranibizumab injections in retinal pigment epithelium tears / Resultados anatômicos e visuais de injeções de ranibizumab em roturas do epitélio pigmentado da retina

ABSTRACT Purpose: To report the anatomical and visual results in patients diagnosed as having retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) tears after receiving ranibizumab injections. Methods: Eyes diagnosed as having RPE tears with a minimum 6-month follow-up were retrospectively evaluated. Each eye was treated with at least three doses of ranibizumab at monthly intervals. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), anterior segment findings, intraocular pressure, and fundus examination results were evaluated during control visits. Color fundus photography, fundus fluorescein angiographies, fundus autofluorescence, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) images were obtained. The height of pigment epithelial detachment (PED) was measured by SD-OCT. Results: Twelve eyes with RPE tears were studied. Nine eyes (75%) developed RPE tears during ranibizumab injections for choroidal neovascularization (eight eyes with vascularized PED and one eye with choroidal osteoma), and tears occurred in three eyes before any injections. The median number of ranibizumab injections after diagnosis of RPE tears was 3 (min 2, max 5). In the most recent follow-up visit, there was no statistically significant correlation between the grade of RPE and logMAR of BCVA (p>0.05, r=0.112). Eight of twelve eyes had PED, and seven of these had irregular PED contours before injection therapy. The mean PED height was 447 ± 122 µm. Conclusions: In this series, RPE tears developed mostly after intravitreal anti-VEGF injections for vascularized PED. Increased vertical height and irregular contours of the PEDs can be risk factors for the formation of RPE tears. The continuation of anti-VEGF therapy after tear formation is beneficial for vision improvement in eyes with RPE tears. .

RESUMO Objetivo: Apresentar os resultados anatômicos e visuais de injeções de ranibizumab em pacientes que foram diagnosticados com roturas do epitélio pigmentado da retina (RPE). Métodos: Olhos com um mínimo de seis meses de acompanhamento após diagnóstico de roturas do RPE foram avaliados retrospectivamente. Cada olho foi tratado com, pelo menos, três doses de ranibizumab em intervalos mensais. Acuidade visual com a melhor correção (BCVA), achados do segmento anterior, pressão intraocular e exames de fundo de olho foram avaliados nas visitas de controle. Retinografia colorida, angiografias fluoresceínicas, autofluorescência de polo posterior e tomografia de coerência óptica imagens de domínio espectral (SD-OCT) foram obtidos. A altura do descolamento do epitélio pigmentado (PED) foi medida com SD-OCT. Resultados: Doze olhos com roturas do epitélio pigmentado da retina foram incluídos no estudo. Nove olhos (75%) desenvolveram roturas do epitélio pigmentado da retina durante as injeções ranibizumab para neovascularização de coroide (oito olhos com descolamento do epitélio pigmentado vascularizado e um olho com osteoma de coroide), a rotura ocorreu em três olhos antes de quaisquer injeções. A mediana do número de injeções de ranibizumab após o diagnóstico da rotura do RPE foi de 3 (mínimo 2, máximo 5). Na visita de acompanhamento mais recente, não houve correlação estatisticamente significante entre o grau de RPE e logMAR de BCVA (p>0,05, r=0,112). Oito dos doze olhos tinham descolamento do epitélio pigmentado, desses, 7 olhos tinham PEDs com contornos irregulares antes da injeção. A altura média do PED foi 447 ± 122 µm. Conclusões: Nesta série, as roturas de epitélio pigmentado da retina aconteceram principalmente após a injeção intravítrea anti-VEGF para descolamento do epitélio pigmentado vascularizado. O aumento da altura vertical e contornos irregulares dos PEDs podem ser considerados fatores de risco para a formação da rotura ...

Serous macular detachment, yellow macular deposits, and prominent middle limiting membrane in multiple myeloma.

Bone marrow-derived multiple myeloma is a type of plasma cell tumor that may be associated with ocular complications. A 52-year-old male patient was admitted to our eye clinic with the complaint of sudden visual loss and a visual acuity of 20/50 in the right eye and 20/800 in the left eye. Fundus examination revealed common flame-shaped hemorrhages, venous dilatation and tortuosity, Roth spots, serous macular detachment, and yellow macular deposits in both eyes. Evaluation with fundus fluorescein angiography, fundus autofluorescence, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography resulted in suspicion of hyperviscosity retinopathy and referral to the hematology clinic. After hematology consultation confirmed a diagnosis of multiple myeloma, chemotherapy and plasmapheresis were initiated. Four months after presentation, best-corrected visual acuity was 20/20 in both eyes and improvement in hyperviscosity retinopathy, serous macular detachment, and yellow macular deposits was observed.

The Effect of Systemic Tamsulosin Hydrochloride on Choroidal Thickness Measured by Enhanced Depth Imaging Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effects of selective α1A-adrenoceptor antagonist tamsulosin hydrochloride on choroidal thickness using enhanced depth imaging spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT). METHODS: This is a prospective observational study including 29 eyes of 29 patients with newly diagnosed benign prostatic hyperplasia. Choroidal thickness and retrobulbar ocular blood flow measurements were performed at baseline and after 3 months of treatment. Results were analyzed by the masked observer. RESULTS: The mean subfoveal choroidal thickness (275.8-291.9 µm) and thicknesses 750 µm nasal (257.9-270.4 µm) and 750 µm temporal (262.4-277.0 µm) to the fovea were significantly increased after 3 months of treatment (p < 0.001). No statistically significant change was found in retrobulbar ocular blood flow. CONCLUSIONS: Tamsulosin causes a significant increase in EDI-OCT-based choroidal thickness measurements. This increase might be associated with choroidal vasodilation in consequence of blockade of sympathetic α1A-adrenoceptors, which is critical for the maintenance of vascular tone and resistance in the choroidal vascular architecture. This should be kept in mind when choroidal disease and its response to treatment are followed by EDI-OCT imaging.

Inhibitory effect of sub-conjunctival tocilizumab on alkali burn induced corneal neovascularization in rats.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effects of sub-conjunctivally applied interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R) antibody (tocilizumab) on alkali burn induced corneal neovascularization (CNV) in rats. METHODS: Alkali burn induced corneal neovascularization was created in 24 right eyes of 24 rats. The rats were then randomized into 2 groups. Group 1 received sub-conjunctival injection of 4 mg/0.2 ml tocilizumab and Group 2 received sub-conjunctival injection of 0.2 ml normal saline at the 5th day of alkali burn. The corneal surface area invaded with neovascular vessels were calculated on photographs. The rats were sacrificed and the corneas were excised at the15th day. The corneal specimens were stained with hemotoxylin-eosin to evaluate tissue morphology and with Willebrand factor (vWF) to evaluate microvascular structures immunohistochemically. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression was analyzed by ELISA. RESULTS: The percent area of CNV was 26.9% in Group 1 and 56.5% in Group 2 (p < 0.001). The histological evaluation showed that the corneal structures were not visibly altered by sub-conjuntival tocilizumab injection. Group 1 showed significantly lower corneal inflammation score than Group 2 (p < 0.001). The number of vessels stained with vWF were significantly higher in Group 2 than Group 1 (15.23 and 5.46, respectively; p < 0.001). ELISA analyses showed that corneal VEGF levels were significantly lower in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (p = 0.013) CONCLUSION: The present data demonstrated first time the beneficial effects of sub-conjunctival tocilizumab on decreasing CNV in alkali burn model of the rat cornea. Further studies are warranted to confirm these findings for the clinical application.

Surgically induced astigmatism following medial rectus recession: short-term and long-term outcomes.

PURPOSE: The current study aimed to investigate short- and long-term postoperative ocular refractive effects of medial rectus recession on the involved eye and to describe the detectable effects in detail by the results of vector analysis. METHODS: Data of patients in whom medial rectus recession was performed between 2010 and 2012 were retrospectively evaluated. The study included 52 eyes of 32 patients. Patients with a history of previous ocular surgery, congenital or progressive corneal disease, familial or acquired posterior segment disease, glaucoma, a history of ocular trauma, or any neurological or systemic disease were excluded. Best-corrected and uncorrected visual acuities and refraction examination findings of the patients were recorded before the surgery and at the postoperative first month and first year. A vector analysis program was used to analyze surgically induced astigmatism. RESULTS: Significant myopic shift and astigmatic change were determined in the spherical equivalent refraction in the early postoperative period (first month); however, these changes disappeared in the long term (at the postoperative first year). A positive correlation was not observed between the amount of surgical recession and the results of ophthalmic examination at the postoperative first month and first year. CONCLUSIONS: Only postoperative first month spherical equivalent showed a positive correlation with the amount of surgical recession; however, this correlation disappeared at the postoperative first year.

The effect of intracameral anesthesia on macular thickness and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer thickness after uneventful phacoemulsification surgery: prospective and randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effect of intracameral lidocaine anesthesia on macular thickness and macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) thickness following uneventful phacoemusification in healthy subjects. METHODS: This is a prospective, randomized and double- masked study. One hundred eyes of 74 consecutive patients were randomized to receive intracameral preservative-free lidocaine 1 % (intracameral lidocaine group) or intracameral injection of balanced salt solution (sham injection group) at the time of the phacoemulsification surgery. Preoperative and postoperative macular thickness analyses with spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-ODT) were performed and the results between the two groups were compared. RESULTS: Postoperatively, both the central foveal thickness (CFT) and the thickness of perifoveal macula were significantly improved in both groups (p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between CFT and the inner and outer macular zone thicknesses of the two groups at any follow-up time. In both groups, GC-IPL thickness was significantly increased at the first week and first month visits (p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between GC-IPL thickness measurements of the two groups at any follow-up time. CONCLUSION: The current study demonstrated that supplementary intracameral lidocaine 1 % did not cause more macular thickening than the intracameral sham injection during a follow-up period of 3 months. The present study also showed a tendency for a transient increase in high definition SD-OCT-based GC-IPL thickness measurements within a few months following cataract surgery under both intracameral lidocaine anesthesia and intracameral sham injection.

Scleral fixation underneath an intact conjunctiva.

PURPOSE: To describe a technique for the fixation of intraocular lenses or capsular tension rings through the ciliary sulcus or pars plana. METHODS: This alternative technique allows burial of the knot and the free suture ends within the sclera, without using a scleral flap or pocket or even a conjunctival opening. RESULTS: No suture exposure has occurred with the use of the suture burial technique in approximately 25 eyes in 4 years. Additional benefits include less patient discomfort and an improved anatomic and cosmetic outcome starting from the first postoperative day. CONCLUSIONS: This technique causes minimal tissue damage and scarring with almost no postoperative discomfort.

Comparison of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty and intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation in advanced keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To compare the visual and refractive results in eyes with advanced keratoconus having deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) with those having intrastromal corneal ring segment (ICRS) implantation. SETTING: Dr. Lütfi Kirdar Kartal Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. DESIGN: Comparative case series. METHODS: Records of advanced keratoconus patients with a clear central cornea and contact lens intolerance who had DALK or ICRS implantation were reviewed. Preoperatively and after 24 months, the uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuities, refraction, and Orbscan II keratometry (K) readings in the 2 groups were comparable. RESULTS: The DALK group comprised 36 eyes and the ICRS group, 30 eyes. Both groups had a statistically significant increase in UDVA and CDVA from preoperatively to 24 months postoperatively (P<.001). The DALK group had a statistically significantly greater improvement in UDVA and CDVA than the ICRS group 24 months postoperatively (P<.001). The improvement in spherical equivalent (SE) refractive error, manifest sphere, and manifest cylinder was statistically significant in both groups (P<.001). The mean reduction in SE and manifest cylinder were significantly greater in the DALK group (P<.05). The postoperative reduction in the maximum and minimum K values was statistically significant in both groups (P<.001); the mean reduction in K values was significantly greater in the DALK group (P<.001). CONCLUSION: Although DALK provided greater improvement in visual acuity and refractive errors in advanced keratoconus cases, ICRS implantation may be an alternative treatment with satisfactory outcomes and less visual impact.

Penetrating keratoplasty in congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy.

PURPOSE: To compare the results of penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in a series of congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy (CHED) patients operated at amblyogenic years and at later ages. METHODS: Records of 65 eyes of 35 CHED patients who underwent PK were reviewed retrospectively. Visual results and graft clarity rates were compared between patients operated after (group 1) and before (group 2) 12 years of age. Results were also compared between eyes with and without nystagmus. RESULTS: Group 1 consisted of 47 eyes (24 patients), whereas group 2 consisted of 18 eyes (11 patients). Thirteen patients (54%) in group 1 and 10 patients (91%) in group 2 had nystagmus. Mean ages at surgery were 26.4 and 7.6 years in group 1 and group 2, respectively. Mean follow-up period was 101.0 months in group 1 and 59.7 months in group 2. Group 1 cases had better graft clarity rates than group 2 cases (P = 0.023). Postoperative best-corrected visual acuities (BCVAs) were 20/80 or better in 39 eyes of group 1 (83%) and in 5 eyes of group 2 (28%). Visual outcomes were found significantly better in group 1 cases (P < 0.001). In group 1, 76% of eyes with nystagmus and 91% of eyes without nystagmus had BCVAs of 20/80 or better. In group 1, both preoperative and postoperative BCVAs were found significantly better in eyes without nystagmus (P < 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Delayed keratoplasty seems to offer better graft outcomes and visual prognosis to CHED patients, even in the presence of nystagmus.

Changes in central macular thickness after uncomplicated corneal transplantation for keratoconus: penetrating keratoplasty versus deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess changes in macular thickness by means of optical coherence tomography after penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) for keratoconus. METHODS: This prospective study comprised 60 eyes of 60 patients who had keratoplasty for the treatment of keratoconus. Eyes were divided into 2 groups according to the keratoplastic technique applied: PKP group and DALK group. Measurements of central macular thickness were performed preoperatively and 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: The final analysis included 33 eyes in the PKP group and 24 eyes in the DALK group. In the PKP group, the central macula was found to be 6.5%, 6.3%, and 4.5% thicker in the first, third, and sixth month, respectively. Similarly, the central macula was 5.6%, 5.4%, and 2.9% thicker at months 1, 3, and 6 in the DALK group. The 2 groups did not differ significantly in terms of macular thickening. The percentage of eyes showing more than 10% increase in the macular region at any time during the follow-up period was 43.2% in the PKP group and 50.0% in the DALK group (P = 0.614). The percentage of eyes found to have a central macular thickness more than 250 µm at any time during the follow-up period was 10.8% in the PKP group and 18.2% in the DALK group (P = 0.424). CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that DALK, although it is a closed-system technique, has a similar impact on the macula compared with PKP.

Comparison of astigmatic keratotomy results in deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty and penetrating keratoplasty in keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To compare astigmatic keratotomy (AK) outcomes in high astigmatism after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) and after penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in keratoconus patients. DESIGN: Prospective, comparative, interventional case series. METHODS: This study comprised 20 eyes that underwent DALK and 24 eyes that underwent PK. After suture removal, all eyes had more than 5 diopters (D) of astigmatism and underwent standard manual 1-pair, 90-degree, and 90% corneal thickness AK incisions. The main outcome measures included preoperative and postoperative manifest refraction, uncorrected visual acuity, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity, surgically induced astigmatism, Orbscan II (Bausch & Lomb) corneal topography results, keratometric astigmatism, and complications. RESULTS: All eyes completed 6 months of follow-up. The overcorrection rate was 35% and 41.6% in the DALK and PK groups, respectively (P=.75). At 6 months after AK, logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution uncorrected visual acuity improved from 0.88 ± 0.20 to 0.54 ± 0.26 and from 1.0 ± 0.34 to 0.53 ± 0.26 in the DALK and PK groups, respectively (P=.01 to P<.01). Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity improved from 0.16 ± 0.09 to 0.13 ± 0.08 and from 0.16 ± 0.12 to 0.11 ± 0.08 in the DALK and PK groups, respectively (P=.13 to P=.01). The mean refractive cylinder was decreased 2.74 ± 1.44 D in the DALK group and 3.18 ± 2.96 D in the PK group (P=.35). Surgically induced astigmatism was 6.10 ± 3.27 D in the DALK group and 7.15 ± 2.98 D in the PK group (P=.36). CONCLUSIONS: The manual AK for the treatment of postkeratoplasty astigmatism after DALK and PK in keratoconus patients is a safe and effective surgical procedure, allowing similar refractive cylinder reduction and improvement in uncorrected visual acuity and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity.

Intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation for the treatment of keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation using both mechanical and femtosecond-assisted tunnel creation for the treatment of patients with keratoconus. METHODS: A retrospective noncomparative interventional study including 96 eyes of 75 patients with keratoconus. All patients had contact lens intolerance and clear central corneas. Corneal tunnels were made using a femtosecond laser in 26 eyes (femtosecond group) and mechanically in 70 eyes (mechanical group). The Keraring (Mediphacos, Belo Horizonte, Brazil) was implanted in each eye, and a complete ophthalmic examination was performed, including visual acuity, refraction, and keratometric readings. RESULTS: The mean preoperative uncorrected visual acuity for all eyes was 1.40 ± 0.39 logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) (mean ± SD) and improved to 0.60 ± 0.34 logMAR at the sixth month (n = 96, P < 0.001) and 0.50 ± 0.32 (n = 54, P < 0.001) at the 18th month. The mean preoperative best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) for all eyes (n = 96) was 0.68 ± 0.36 logMAR. The mean BSCVA was 0.29 ± 0.21 (n = 96, P < 0.001) at the sixth month and improved to 0.26 ± 0.20 (n = 54, P < 0.001) at the 18th month. There was a significant reduction in spherical equivalent refractive error from -5.88 ± 3.65 diopters (D) (n = 96) to -2.26 ± 1.98 D (n = 54, P < 0.001) at the 18th month. The mean preoperative maximum keratometry (Kmax) was 53.58 ± 5.90 D and decreased to 49.02 ± 4.70 (n = 96, P < 0.001) at 6 months and 48.57 ± 4.36 D (n = 54, P < 0.001) at the 18th month. Sixth month results of the mechanical versus femtosecond groups were as follows: improvement in uncorrected visual acuity (2.08 vs. 1.50 lines), improvement in BSCVA (2.93 vs. 2.19), reduction in spherical equivalent (3.78 vs. 3.75 D), and reduction in maximum keratometry (4.66 vs. 4.62 D). There was no statistically significant difference between both groups for any parameter. CONCLUSIONS: Keraring implantation is effective for the treatment of keratoconus, providing safety and good visual outcomes after both mechanical and femtosecond-assisted tunnel creation.

Pediatric refractive surgery and its role in the treatment of amblyopia: meta-analysis of the peer-reviewed literature.

PURPOSE: To provide an overview of the visual outcomes after pediatric refractive surgery in anisometropic amblyopia and to analyze the relationship of these outcomes with age and type of refractive surgery. METHODS: Systematic searches in PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases without data restrictions and a search by surveillance of the literature regarding pediatric refractive surgery were performed. Only studies reporting individual data of pediatric cases (age 1 to 17 years) undergoing photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), laser epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK), and LASIK were included. A total of 15 articles including data from a total of 213 amblyopic eyes were considered: LASIK in 95 eyes and surface ablation in 118 eyes. Changes in uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) were investigated as well as their relation with age and ablation type. RESULTS: A significant increase in logMAR UDVA and CDVA was found in the overall sample of amblyopic eyes after surgery (P<.001). A significant correlation was found between age and preoperative CDVA (r=0.34, P<.001) as well as between age and the change in CDVA after surgery (r=-0.38, P<.001). The change in UDVA was significantly superior for eyes undergoing surface ablation compared to those undergoing LASIK (P=.04). Corneal haze was the predominant complication, which was reported in 5.3% of LASIK cases and 8.5% of surface ablation cases. CONCLUSIONS: Laser refractive surgery is an effective option for improving the visual acuity in children with an amblyopic eye in association with anisometropia.

Intraocular lens exchange through a 3.2-mm corneal incision for opacified intraocular lenses.

AIM: The aim was to evaluate visual and refractive results and complications of intraocular lens (IOL) exchange through a 3.2 mm corneal incision for opacified IOLs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study comprised 33 eyes of 32 patients with IOL opacification requiring an IOL exchange between July 2003 and March 2007. Exchange surgery was performed through a 3.2-mm temporal clear corneal incision followed by implantation of a new foldable hydrophobic IOL. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), topographical astigmatism, and refractive cylinder were evaluated. Surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) was calculated and complications were recorded. RESULTS: Opacification was observed in 25 eyes (76%) with Aqua-Sense, 3 eyes (9%) with Hydroview, 3 eyes (9%) with MemoryLens IOLs, and 2 eyes (6%) with DgR. The mean follow-up period was 36.54 months. An uneventful IOL exchange was achieved in 18 eyes (55%). Zonular dehiscence occurred in 9 eyes (27%), and posterior capsule tear developed in 4 eyes (12%). The mean preoperative BSCVA (mean ± standard deviation, decimal scale) was 0.13 ± 0.08 (mean: 20/150, range 20/2000 to 20/60) and improved to 0.63 ± 0.18 (mean: 20/32, range 20/60 to 20/20, P < 0.001). The mean SIA was 0.70 D. Seven eyes (21%) had 0.5 D or lower SIA. CONCLUSION: IOL exchange is a technically challenging procedure with potential risks of reversing the advantages of a prior small-incision cataract surgery. The use of a small corneal incision for IOL exchange could preserve the advantages of modern phacoemulsification surgery with acceptable SIA related to the procedure.

Comparison of mechanical and femtosecond laser tunnel creation for intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation in keratoconus: prospective randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes of mechanical and femtosecond laser-assisted tunnel creation for intrastromal corneal ring segment (ICRS) implantation in eyes with keratoconus. SETTING: Kartal Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. METHODS: In this prospective study, consecutive eyes with keratoconus were randomly assigned to have ICRS tunnel creation with a mechanical device or a femtosecond laser. Keraring ICRS with a 5.0 mm diameter and 160-degree arc length were implanted in all cases. The uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuities, refraction, and keratometry (K) readings were measured preoperatively and 1 year postoperatively, and the data in the mechanical group and the femtosecond group were compared statistically. RESULTS: One year postoperatively, there was significant improvement in UDVA, CDVA, K readings, spherical equivalent (SE), and manifest sphere and cylinder in both groups (P<.05). The UDVA improved by 2.4 lines in the mechanical group and 2.0 lines in the femtosecond group and the CDVA by 3.3 lines and 2.7 lines, respectively; the mean reduction in maximum keratometry was 4.50 diopters (D) and 4.70 D, respectively, and the mean reduction in SE, 3.18 D and 3.09 D, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups in visual or refractive results (P>.05). Anterior corneal perforation, superficial segment placement, and segment extrusion occurred in 1 eye each in the mechanical group. Segment migration occurred in 1 eye in the femtosecond group. CONCLUSION: Despite intraoperative complications in the mechanical group, the visual and refractive outcomes were similar to those in the femtosecond group.

Comparison of 2 intrastromal corneal ring segment models in the management of keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes of implantation of 2 models of intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS) to manage keratoconus. SETTING: Kartal Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. METHODS: This study evaluated eyes with keratoconus that had implantation of Keraring ICRS (Group A) or Intacs ICRS (Group B). The corneal tunnels were created mechanically or with a femtosecond laser. The uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuities, refraction, keratometry (K) readings (Orbscan II), and complications in the 2 groups were compared. RESULTS: Group A comprised 100 eyes and Group B, 68 eyes. The postoperative increase in UDVA and CDVA was statistically significant in both groups (P<.05). Group A had greater improvement in CDVA than Group B at 6 months and 1 year (both P<.001). At 1 year, the decrease in the mean maximum K power was statistically significant in Group A (51.27 diopters [D] +/- 4.46 [SD] to 47.87 +/- 3.39 D) and in Group B (51.12 +/- 4.54 D to 47.58 +/- 3.66 D) (P<.05). The mean reduction in maximum K was statistically significantly greater in Group A at 6 months and 1 year (P = .018 and P = .024, respectively). There were no statistically significant differences in visual or refractive results between femtosecond laser and mechanical tunnel creation. CONCLUSION: Although both ICRS models were effective and safe in managing keratoconus, the Keraring ICRS led to more improvement in CDVA and UDVA and a greater reduction in the maximum K value.