Comparison of toric intraocular lens alignment between femtosecond laser-assisted capsular marking and digital marking.

PURPOSE: To compare the accuracy of toric intraocular lens (IOL) alignment between femtosecond laser-assisted capsular marking and digital marking. SETTING: Ruhr University Eye Clinic, Bochum, Germany. DESIGN: Prospective clinical trial. METHODS: In this study, 28 eyes of 23 patients, who underwent femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery with implantation of a toric IOL, were included. Intraoperatively, both femtosecond laser-assisted capsular marking and digital marking were applied simultaneously and compared in every case. The toric IOL was aligned to the capsular markings. Postoperatively, the axis of the capsular markings and toric IOL alignment was examined. Visual acuity and refractive outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Both alignment methods were performed without intraoperative complications in all cases. 25 eyes were included in the final analysis. Misalignment was significantly lower with femtosecond laser-assisted capsular marking than with digital marking (1.71 ± 1.25 degrees vs 2.64 ± 1.70 degrees, P = .016). Deviation from the target axis of the toric IOL was 1.62 ± 1.24 degrees 4 to 6 weeks postoperatively. Postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity was 0.14 ± 0.13 logMAR, and residual astigmatism was 0.3 ± 0.23 diopter (D) with an astigmatism ≤0.5 D in 93% of eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Both methods showed excellent results for the alignment of toric IOLs. However, femtosecond laser-assisted capsular marking was significantly more precise than digital marking and showed good refractive results. In addition, capsular marking offers the possibility to avoid parallax error and evaluating postoperative IOL rotation.

Increased Angiopoietin-1 and -2 levels in human vitreous are associated with proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic retinopathy is a frequent complication of diabetes mellitus and a leading cause of blindness in adults. The objective of this study was to elucidate the diabetic retinopathy pathophysiology in more detail by comparing protein alterations in human vitreous of different diabetic retinopathy stages. METHODS: Vitreous samples were obtained from 116 patients undergoing pars plana vitrectomy. Quantitative immunoassays were performed of angiogenic factors (VEGF-A, PIGF, Angiopoietin-1, Angiopoietin-2, Galectin-1) as well as cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-8, IFN-γ, TNF-α, CCL3) in samples from control patients (patients who don't suffer from diabetes; n = 58) as well as diabetes mellitus patients without retinopathy (n = 25), non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (n = 12), and proliferative diabetic retinopathy patients (n = 21). In addition, correlation analysis of protein levels in vitreous samples and fasting glucose values of these patients as well as correlation analyses of protein levels and VEGF-A were performed. RESULTS: We detected up-regulated levels of VEGF-A (p = 0.001), PIGF (p<0.001), Angiopoietin-1 (p = 0.005), Angiopoietin-2 (p<0.001), IL-1ß (p = 0.012), and IL-8 (p = 0.018) in proliferative diabetic retinopathy samples. Interestingly, we found a strong positive correlation between Angiopoietin-2 and VEGF-A levels as well as a positive correlation between Angiopoietin-1 and VEGF-A. CONCLUSION: This indicated that further angiogenic factors, besides VEGF, but also pro-inflammatory cytokines are involved in disease progression and development of proliferative diabetic retinopathy. In contrast, factors other than angiogenic factors seem to play a crucial role in non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy development. A detailed breakdown of the pathophysiology contributes to future detection and treatment of the disease.

Epi-Bowman keratectomy versus alcohol-assisted photorefractive keratectomy: wound healing and complications.

PURPOSE: In Epi-Bowman Keratectomy™ (EBK), a new dynamic multi-blade single-use device (Epi-Clear™, Orca Surgical, Israel) is utilized to remove the epithelium by sweeping movements across the corneal surface. Epithelial cells are discarded. Alcohol or other chemical agents are not utilized. We wanted to compare clinical results of Epi-Clear photorefractive kertectomy (PRK) to alcohol-assisted PRK. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective, comparative study. METHODS: Consecutive case series: Adult patients seeking laser vision correction of myopia or myopic astigmatism without ocular diseases or prior surgery were included. The Epi-Clear PRK group comprised 50 consecutive eyes of 27 patients and the PRK group 50 eyes of 25 patients. RESULTS: No intraoperative complications occurred. Epi-Clear PRK: At day 1, day 4, and 3 months, uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) was 0.41/0.47/0.93 (decimal scale); epithelial defect diameter was 4.7/0.2/0 (mm); pain level was 3.8/0.3/0 (visual analogue scale, 0-10), respectively. At 3 months, efficacy index was 0.86 and spherical aberrations were unchanged. Three eyes (6%) showed (presumably sterile) infiltrates. PRK: At day 1, day 4, and 3 months, UDVA was 0.56/0.46/1.15; epithelial defect diameter was 6.3/0.2/0 (mm); pain level was 5.0/0.3/0, respectively. At 3 months, efficacy index was 1.1 and spherical aberrations were unchanged. CONCLUSION: The new method of epithelial debridement with Epi-Clear before laser ablation seems to offer fast epithelial removal without nicking Bowman's layer (as observed with the laser microscope). However, we found significantly inferior results of Epi-Clear PRK compared to alcohol-assisted PRK. Furthermore, after Epi-Clear PRK corneal infiltrates as a new type of postoperative complication were observed.

Ab externo device for the treatment of glaucoma: direct flow from the anterior chamber to the ocular surface.

A new microinvasive glaucoma surgery device, the Beacon Aqueous Microshunt (BAM), drains aqueous humor directly from the anterior chamber to the surface of the eye vs draining to enclosed spaces within the eye, where outflow resistance, including the episcleral venous pressure, might limit drainage effectiveness. The BAM has a 0.030 mm × 0.048 mm channel and provides a fixed resistance. For implantation, a 1.40 mm wide transcorneal incision into the anterior chamber was created with a posterolimbal outer placement under topical anesthesia. The surgery was easy to execute and had a flat learning curve. Preliminary and early experience have shown success with lowering intraocular pressure immediately postoperatively. In conclusion, the BAM offers a promising minimally invasive surgical procedure.

Visual performance comparison of 2 extended depth-of-focus intraocular lenses.

PURPOSE: To compare the visual acuity and satisfaction outcomes of 2 different concepts of extended depth-of-focus intraocular lenses (EDOF IOLs). SETTING: University Eye Hospital Bochum, Germany. DESIGN: Prospective randomized comparative clinical trial. METHODS: Patients undergoing cataract surgery with the implantation of 2 different concept EDOF IOLs. In the first group (IC-8 Group), a monofocal 1-piece Tecnis Z B00 IOL (Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.) was implanted in the dominant eye, and an IC-8 IOL (AcuFocus) was implanted in the nondominant eye. In the second group (Symfony Group), a Tecnis Symfony IOL (Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.) was implanted in both eyes. The target refraction of the dominant eye was emmetropia and slight myopia (mini-monovision, -0.75 diopters) in the nondominant eye. Visual and refractive outcomes and patient satisfaction rates were evaluated 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: This study comprised 76 eyes of 38 patients. No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred in either group. Target refraction was reached in both groups without statistically significant differences. The uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA, photopic and mesopic light conditions) was excellent in both groups with statistically significantly better results in the IC-8 goup (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution; IC-8 Group (0.1 ± 0.07 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR]; Symfony Group 0.07 ± 0.1 logMAR, P value .02 [photopic]; IC-8 group 0.12 ± 0.09 logMAR, Symfony group 0.22 ± 0.1 logMAR, P value < .01 [mesopic]). Binocular uncorrected intermediate visual acuity (UIVA) and uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA) were also good in both groups without statistically significant differences (UIVA: IC-8 Group, 0.01 ± 0.07 logMAR, Symfony Group 0.01 ± 0.08 logMAR, P value .35; UNVA: IC-8 Group 0.14 ± 0.11, Symfony Group 0.09 ± 0.08, P value .14). Subjective satisfaction was high in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Both EDOF IOLs provided a very good UDVA with superior results in the IC-8 Group, and a good UIVA and UNVA under photopic light conditions. Subjective patient satisfaction was higher in the IC-8 Group.

Long-term follow-up and clinical evaluation of the light-adjustable intraocular lens implanted after cataract removal: 7-year results.

PURPOSE: To determine the long-term safety and effectiveness of a light-adjustable intraocular lens (LAL) over a period that is longer than reported in the literature at the time of the study. SETTING: University Eye Hospital, Bochum, Germany. DESIGN: Noninterventional observation. METHODS: In 445 patients, cataract surgery with LAL implantation was performed between April 2008 and December 2012. It was possible to contact 171 of these patients or their relatives through letter or telephone; 61 patients (103 eyes) agreed to participate in the long-term study and were examined. RESULTS: The mean time between the lock-in (final light treatment) and long-term visit was 7.2 years; 61 patients were included and examined. Corrected and uncorrected distance visual acuity was and remained good (n = 93). The refractive outcome was stable with minimal deviation. There were no significant changes in corneal thickness. In 2 patients, there were slight opacities of the IOL material without impact on visual acuity. Other eye diseases were within the normal range of the patients' age. CONCLUSION: Seven years after implantation and refractive adjustment, eyes with an LAL had stable refraction, good visual acuity, and no IOL-associated pathologies. The findings suggest that LAL technology is a safe and efficient method to achieve good visual results without long-term complications.

Small incision lenticule extraction for the correction of high myopia.

PURPOSE: Excimer laser-based refractive procedures can have less predictable results when used for correcting high myopia than when used for moderate myopia. Small incision lenticule extraction might overcome this weakness. However, small incision lenticule extraction is only Food and Drug Administration approved for use in myopic eyes up to -8 D with astigmatism of -3 D or less. We report outcomes of small incision lenticule extraction in highly and moderately myopic eyes and compare these to modern laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. METHODS: Retrospective, observational consecutive case series. Inclusion criteria: attempted myopic spherical correction ⩾-8 or-3 to -7.75 D with astigmatism ⩽-3 D, and corrected distance visual acuity of 1.0 (decimal scale) or better. RESULTS: A total of 62 highly myopic and 407 moderately myopic eyes were included. At 3 months postoperatively, the highly myopic eyes had a mean spherical equivalent refraction of -0.28 ± 0.41 D (range: -1.13 to +0.75 D). Mean uncorrected distance visual acuity was 1.0. Mean efficacy index was 0.84. Mean safety index was 1.03. Uncorrected distance visual acuity same or better than corrected distance visual acuity: 61%. Astigmatism was ⩽0.5 D in 90% and ⩽1 D in 100%. The results in the moderately myopic eyes were comparable. CONCLUSION: We found equally good visual and refractive outcomes after small incision lenticule extraction for the correction of high and of moderate myopia combined with an astigmatic correction of up to 3 D, respectively.

Clinical outcomes of small incision lenticule extraction versus advanced surface ablation in low myopia.

PURPOSE: To compare the visual and refractive outcomes of small incision lenticule extraction and advanced surface ablation for low myopia or myopic astigmatism. METHODS: Retrospective, observational case series of our first 50 consecutive small incision lenticule extraction patients compared to refraction-matched 50 advanced surface ablation treatments with attempted spherical equivalent correction ⩽-3.5 D, astigmatism ⩽-1.5 D, and corrected distance visual acuity of 1.0 (decimal scale) or better. Only one eye per patient was included. RESULTS: Small incision lenticule extraction: mean attempted spherical equivalent correction was -2.80 ± 0.63 D. Uncorrected distance visual acuity was 0.85 and 1.0 at days 1 and 5, respectively. At 3 months, mean spherical equivalent refraction was 0.02 ± 0.32 D (range: -0.5 to +0.75 D), mean cylinder was -0.24 ± 0.21 D (range: 0 to -0.75 D), mean uncorrected distance visual acuity was 1.27, mean efficacy index was 0.96, and mean safety index was 1.05. Uncorrected distance visual acuity was same or better than corrected distance visual acuity in 96%, astigmatism ⩽0.5 D in 98% and ⩽1 D in 100% of eyes, respectively. Advanced surface ablation: mean attempted spherical equivalent correction was -2.75 ± 0.5 D. Uncorrected distance visual acuity was 0.72 and 0.61 at days 1 and 5, respectively. At 3 months, mean spherical equivalent refraction was 0.22 ± 0.32 D, mean cylinder was -0.27 ± 0.27 D, mean uncorrected distance visual acuity was 1.21, mean efficacy index was 1.03, and mean safety index was 1.08. CONCLUSION: Small incision lenticule extraction for low myopia was found to be safe and effective with outcomes at 3 months similar to those obtained with advanced surface ablation while offering a quicker visual recovery.

Miniaturization in Glaucoma Monitoring and Treatment: A Review of New Technologies That Require a Minimal Surgical Approach.

In the management of glaucoma, recent and upcoming innovations have the potential to contribute to both the efficacy of intraocular pressure (IOP) monitoring and the number of available treatment options. These new devices and procedures have two things in common: they are part of the trend in medicine towards miniaturization, and they require a limited surgical procedure to become effective. This review focuses on the Eyemate (Argos) intraocular sensor, which offers a new way to reliably measure 24 h IOP, and on intraocular sustained release systems for pharmacological glaucoma therapy. It also briefly reflects on the miniature implants currently used in minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS).

Evaluation of clinical outcomes following implantation of a sub-2-mm hydrophilic acrylic MICS intraocular lens.

PURPOSE: To evaluate clinical outcomes following sub-2-mm microincision cataract surgery (MICS) and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. SETTING: Five EU clinical sites. DESIGN: Prospective, multicenter, open-label, single-arm, non-randomized. METHODS: Preoperative assessment involved visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure and biometry measurements. 1.4-mm wound-assisted or 1.8-mm MICS was performed. Follow-up visits were made 1 day, 1-2 weeks, 1-2 and 4-6 months after surgery. The incision size, corrected distance VA (CDVA), uncorrected distance VA, manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE), refraction predictability/stability and IOL decentration were assessed. At 12-, 18-, and 24-month, long-term centration, posterior capsular opacification (PCO) and Nd:YAG capsulotomy rates were investigated. RESULTS: A total of 103 eyes were implanted with the study IOL (INCISE, Bausch & Lomb), 96 of which were included in visual outcome analysis. A mean 6-month CDVA of - 0.02 logMAR (20/20 + 1) was observed and 75 eyes (79.8%) and 93 eyes (98.3%) achieved a visual acuity of at least 20/20 or 20/40. Mean MRSE was - 0.20 ± 0.60 D. Mean absolute predictive error was 0.44 ± 0.36 D, with 90.4% within 1.00 D of target. Mean total decentration was 0.35 ± 0.36 mm at 6 months and 0.32 ± 0.14 mm at 24 months (p > 0.05). 24-month evaluation of posterior capsular opacification score was 0.03 for the central area. A Nd:YAG rate of 3.4% was observed at 24 months. CONCLUSIONS: The new MICS IOL provided excellent visual outcomes and was safe and effective for the sub-2-mm procedure. The MICS IOL demonstrated long-term centration, stability and a low rate of PCO development.

Small-incision lenticule extraction for the correction of myopic astigmatism.

PURPOSE: To report the outcomes of small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) in myopic eyes with astigmatism of 1.0 to 3.0 diopters (D). SETTING: Center for Refractive Surgery, Eye Department, St. Francis Hospital, Muenster, Germany. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: Inclusion criteria were myopia of -0.5 D or more, astigmatism between -1.0 D and 3.0 D, and decimal corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) of 1.0 or better. RESULTS: The study comprised 206 eyes. Preoperatively, the mean attempted spherical equivalent (SE) correction was -5.45 ± 2.37 D (range -1.25 to -11.38 D) and the mean cylinder was -1.52 ± 0.57 D (range -1.0 to -3.0 D). Three months postoperatively, the mean SE refraction was -0.07 ± 0.38 D (range -1.25 to +1.00 D) and the mean cylinder was -0.32 ± 0.29 D (range 0.0 to -1.5 D). The mean decimal uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) was 1.13, the mean efficacy index was 0.87, and the mean safety index was 1.00. The UDVA was the same as or better than the CDVA in 67% of cases. The angle of error was ±5 degrees in 67% and ±15 degrees in 94% of cases, and the residual astigmatism was 0.5 D or less in 88% and 1.0 D or less in all patients. CONCLUSION: Small-incision lenticule extraction for the correction of myopic astigmatism was safe and effective, with outcomes comparable to those reported for laser in situ keratomileusis using modern eye-tracking systems.

Implantation of a Corneal Inlay in Pseudophakic Eyes: A Prospective Comparative Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical outcomes of binocular cataract surgery with and without pinhole corneal inlay implantation. METHODS: In the inlay-cataract group, a small aperture corneal inlay was implanted in addition to cataract surgery in the non-dominant eye and routine cataract surgery was performed in the dominant eye. In the control group, conventional cataract surgery was performed in both eyes in separate consecutive surgeries 2 weeks apart. The target refraction was emmetropia. Visual acuity, refraction, contrast sensitivity, and visual field were analyzed 1, 4, and 12 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: Sixteen patients with advanced cataracts underwent cataract surgery on both eyes in separate surgeries. There was no statistically significant difference regarding mean age, Lens Opacities Classification System grading, and refractive outcome. The difference in uncorrected distance visual acuity between the control group and inlay-cataract group was not statistically significant after 12 weeks (P = .59). Mean uncorrected intermediate visual acuity was significantly better in the inlay-cataract group (P = .03). Near visual acuity was better in the inlay-cataract group, but it was not statistically significant (P = .07). There was no statistically significant difference between groups under binocular photopic and mesopic conditions with and without glare. The results of the visual field examination showed no statistically significant difference between both eyes. CONCLUSIONS: The findings demonstrate that implantation of monofocal IOLs in combination with a small aperture corneal inlay in the non-dominant eye helps to increase intermediate and near visual acuity. The implantation of small aperture corneal inlays seems to be an interesting alternative for pseudophakic patients who desire spectacle independence. [J Refract Surg. 2018;34(11):746-750.].

Flap Melting Over Corneal Inlay for Hyperopic Correction.

PURPOSE: To report two cases of flap melting over corneal inlays for hyperopic correction several years after implantation. METHODS: The corneal inlay (+6.00 diopters [D]; PermaVision intracorneal lens; Anamed Inc., Lake Forest, CA) was implanted underneath a LASIK flap in two patients. RESULTS: Visual acuity and slit-lamp findings of both patients were stable for several years. At 9 years postoperatively, the first patient presented with a sudden loss of corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) due to partial flap melting over the inlay while the surrounding anterior cornea showed opacification. The inlay was explanted immediately. Three years after explantation, CDVA returned to 1.0. Similarly, the second patient presented 11 years postoperatively with loss of vision, opacification, and partial flap melting. The inlay was explanted. Two years later, CDVA recovered. CONCLUSIONS: Potentially severe biocompatibility issues of corneal inlays may occur even after several uneventful years. [J Refract Surg. 2018;34(11):775-778.].

Atypical endophthalmitis after intraocular collamer lens implantation.

Unilateral endophthalmitis occurred after bilateral immediately sequential intraocular collamer lens (Visian Implantable Collamer Lens) implantation for the correction of myopic astigmatism in a 49-year-old woman. The surgeries and initial recovery were unremarkable. However, after 3 days, the patient noticed increasing blurring of vision in the left eye and presented to our clinic. The anterior segment of this eye was quiet, while the vitreous cavity was densely infiltrated. Immediate explantation of the corrective lens and vitrectomy combined with intravitreal antibiotic injection were performed. Staphylococcus epidermidis was detected in the vitreous tap and treated with intravenous antibiotics, antibiotic eyedrops, and parabulbar injections of dexamethasone. The corrected distance visual acuity recovered to 20/20 over a 6-month period. However, a cataract developed thereafter.

Binocular and Monocular Implantation of Small-Aperture Intraocular Lenses in Cataract Surgery.

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical outcomes with the extended depth of focus small-aperture intraocular lens (IOL) (IC-8; AcuFocus, Irvine, CA) for presbyopia compensation when implanted monocularly or binocularly. METHODS: Visual outcomes, defocus curve, patient satisfaction, and visual symptoms during a 6-month follow-up were evaluated in 11 patients (contralateral group) implanted monocularly with this IOL and with an aspheric monofocal IOL in the fellow eye (myopic target) and 6 patients (bilateral group) implanted bilaterally with the IC-8 IOL (dominant eye with plano target, fellow eye with myopic target). RESULTS: Bilateral implantation of the IC-8 IOL resulted in an extended range of focus, with better intermediate and near vision. Monocular implantation of the IC-8 IOL resulted in a significantly higher overall satisfaction score and lower halo score. CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral implantation of the IC-8 IOL resulted in an extended range of focus, with better intermediate and near vision than monocular implantation of this IOL. [J Refract Surg. 2018;34(9):629-631.].