Suture-related complications after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty for keratoconus.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence of suture-related complications, their risk factors, and effects on the clinical outcomes after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) for keratoconus. METHODS: In this retrospective, comparative, interventional study, the records of consecutive patients with keratoconus who underwent DALK were reviewed for suture-related complications. Univariate analyses were used to identify risk factors for suture complications. We compared groups with and without suture-related complications to evaluate the effects of these complications on clinical outcomes after DALK. RESULTS: Of the 633 DALKs, 438 eyes (69.2%) developed suture complications including loose sutures (32.7%), spontaneous suture rupture (30%), sterile suture abscesses (22.8%), suture tract vascularization (16.4%), suture erosion (10.3%), and suture cheese wiring (6.8%). Vernal keratoconjunctivitis increased the incidence of sterile suture infiltration, premature suture loosening, and suture tract vascularization. Loose suture was observed more commonly in larger graft size, while spontaneous suture rupture was associated with late suture removal. There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative outcomes including visual acuity, refraction, graft rejection, and failure in eyes with and without suture complications. However, suture-related complications were directly associated with sight-threatening ocular morbidities, including graft rejection (39 eyes), ulcer (1 eye), and failure (2 eyes). CONCLUSION: Suture-related complications frequently occurred after DALK for keratoconus. Ocular surface inflammation, large grafts, and late suture removal increased the risk of suture-related complications. While these complications had no negative impact on clinical outcomes in the majority of cases, some of them led to sight-threatening morbidity, underlining the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

Laser in situ keratomileusis versus Artisan lens implantation in correcting ametropia after penetrating keratoplasty for keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To compare the long-term safety and efficacy of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) with Artisan phakic intraocular lens implantation to correct refractive errors after penetrating keratoplasty (PK) for keratoconus. METHODS: This retrospective comparative interventional case series included a total of 33 consecutive keratoconus eyes that had previous PK and received subsequent LASIK (n = 16) or Artisan lens implantation (n = 17) were included in this study. Outcome measures were uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), refractive error, and complications. RESULTS: Postoperatively, the UDVA of ≥20/40 was achieved in none of the LASIK group compared to 62.5% of eyes in the Artisan group (P < 0.001); the respective values for CDVA of ≥20/40 were 87.5 and 94.1% (P = 0.51). Spherical equivalent refraction decreased from - 6.97 ± 1.50 D preoperatively to - 4.20 ± 2.05 D postoperatively in the LASIK group (P < 0.001) and from - 10.79 ± 2.15 D preoperatively to - 2.13 ± 1.23 D postoperatively in the Artisan group (P < 0.001). There was no significant change in the refractive astigmatism in LASIK group (P = 0.30) or Artisan group (P = 0.11). The efficacy and safety indices were significantly better for Artisan (0.82 ± 0.34 and 1.13 ± 0.30, respectively) than for LASIK (0.22 ± 0.17 and 0.85 ± 0.24, respectively, P ≤ 0.006 for both comparisons). While refractive error changed significantly from postoperative year 3 to the final visit in the LASIK group, it remained stable in the Artisan group through follow-up period. No significant complications were observed in any group. CONCLUSION: Artisan lens implantation provided superior and stable visual outcomes compared to LASIK for the management of post PK refractive errors in keratoconus eyes.

Sinasol versus Optisol-GS for cold preservation of human cornea: a prospective ex vivo and clinical study.

To compare ex vivo results of donor corneas maintained in Sinasol with those stored in Optisol-GS and reporting clinical outcomes of grafted Sinasol-versus Optisol-GS-stored corneas. In phase I, paired donor corneas were maintained in Sinasol or Optisol-GS. Afterward, the corneas were subjected to slit-lamp biomicroscopic and specular microscopic examinations on days 1 and 7, and then to trypan blue staining on day 7. The same examinations were performed on the corneas that were kept in Sinasol or Optisol-GS for 14 days. In phase II, the post-operative reports of 72 consecutive corneal transplantations were recorded using Sinasol- or Optisol-GS-preserved corneas. In phase I, 128 corneas from 64 donors and 59 corneas from 33 donors were investigated for 7 and 14 days, respectively. The EC indices were comparable between the groups at the measurement periods. The EC losses over 7 and 14 days were 3.7% and 19.9% in Sinasol against 4.6% and 20.8% in Optisol-GS. Although fair quality corneas were more common in Optisol-GS group after 7 (P = 0.04) and 14 days (P = 0.034), changes of stromal edema, Descemet's fold, and other quality ratings during 14 days were not different between the groups. In phase II, all the transplanted corneas were postoperatively clear with no adverse reactions. The overall results indicate that Sinasol is a safe, effective, and affordable intermediate cold storage medium for preservation of corneas.

Effects of topical erythropoietin on healing experimentally-induced avascular scleral damage in a rabbit model.

The present study was designed to investigate the effect of topical erythropoietin on the healing process of induced necrotizing scleritis and to evaluate the ocular side effects of this treatment modality in a rabbit model. Necrotizing scleritis was induced in 8 New Zealand albino rabbits. The animals were then randomly divided into one of two groups: a treated group administered a topical erythropoietin-containing cellulose-based gel every 8 h or a control group treated with a cellulose-based gel without erythropoietin every 8 h. The sizes of the lesions measured at different time points were compared between the groups. After three months, the rabbits' eyes were enucleated and histologically and immunohistochemically evaluated for angiogenesis and apoptosis. The lesions were completely vascularized in all eyes of the treated group and 50% of eyes of the control group. The mean interval from the induction of scleral necrosis to a complete improvement was 28 days in the treated group and 62.5 days in the control group (P = 0.04). Histological examination revealed that erythropoietin enhanced the improvement of necrotizing scleritis by stimulating angiogenesis and reducing apoptosis. Neovascularization of the cornea, iris, or retina was not observed in the treated group. We observed a significantly faster recovery to complete improvement of necrotizing scleritis in rabbit eyes treated with erythropoietin compared to those of the control group. Treated eyes had a higher rate of complete healing and had no ocular safety concerns. This therapeutic modality represents a promising treatment for scleral necrosis following various types of ocular surgery.

Proposed risk factors for failure of transplanted eye bank-prepared descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty tissues.

To investigate the possible risk factors for failure of transplanted eye bank-prepared Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) tissues. In a retrospective study between March 2011 and March 2019, all the failed DSAEK cases (131 cases) reported to the Central Eye Bank of Iran were compared with a surgeon-matched successful DSAEK group (control, 126 cases) in terms of the donor, DSAEK tissue, and recipient characteristics. Univariate analysis indicated that the DSAEK tissue preparation from excised corneoscleral tissues (OR 2.17; P = 0.026) and donor conjunctival hyperemia (OR 1.62; P = 0.042) were more common in the re-DSAEK group than in the controls. Other donor and recipient characteristics as well as other DSAEK tissue criteria were not significantly different between the re-DSAEK and control groups. DSAEK lenticules in both re-DSAEK and control groups demonstrated symmetric contours. Subgroup analyses in the re-DSAEK group revealed a higher rate of surgeons' low to moderate experience in comparison to those of high experience (P < 0.001). Additionally, failed DSAEK was observed more commonly in donors aged over 50 years than among those under 30 years (P < 0.001). Our study showed that DSAEK tissues prepared from excised corneoscleral tissues and from donors with conjunctival hyperemia were associated with higher rates of re-DSAEK due to failed DSAEK. An increasing trend of re-DSAEK was observed with shorter surgeons' experience and more advanced donor's age.

An analysis of factors associated with graft topographic outcomes after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty.

PURPOSE: To investigate the correlations between preoperative, operative, and postoperative factors and corneal graft topographic parameters after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) performed in keratoconus-affected eyes. METHODS: This prospective, interventional study enrolled 44 eyes. Graft topographic parameters, including keratometric astigmatism and the surface regularity index (SRI), were assessed after complete suture removal. Univariate analyses were used to evaluate the effects of preoperative factors (donor quality, donor and recipient age, keratoconus severity), operative factors (graft size, donor button roundness, roundness and centration of the donor-recipient junction), and postoperative factors (time point of suture removal) on postoperative topographic parameters. RESULTS: The roundness of the donor-recipient junction after complete suture removal had a significant association with the roundness of the donor button after trephination (P = 0.04) and the amount of graft decentration relative to the limbus (P = 0.03). A significant correlation was found between the value of graft decentration relative to the limbus and postoperative keratometric astigmatism (P = 0.001) and between the roundness of the donor-recipient junction and the postoperative SRI (P = 0.02). The flat axis of the keratometric astigmatism and the longer axis of the graft lay in the direction of graft displacement. Other investigated factors had no significant association with postoperative topographic indices. CONCLUSION: Graft displacement relative to the limbus and roundness of the donor-recipient junction were the main predictors of graft astigmatism and regularity, respectively, after DALK. Noncircularity of the donor button after trephination could increase the graft surface irregularity indirectly by influencing the roundness of the surgical wound.

Outcomes of big-bubble deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty for pediatric keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes and complications of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) performed for pediatric keratoconus. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 44 consecutive eyes of 39 keratoconus-affected children (≤ 18 years of age). All patients underwent big-bubble DALK from March 2004 to June 2016. The outcome measures included postoperative best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), manifest refraction, keratometry readings, and complications. RESULTS: The mean participant age was 16.8 ± 1.4 years, and the mean follow-up period was 68.5 ± 39.9 months. Successful big bubble was achieved in 33 eyes (75.0%), while the surgical technique was predescemetic DALK in 11 (25.0%). The mean BSCVA changed from 1.34 ± 0.49 LogMAR preoperatively to 0.24 ± 0.10 LogMAR postoperatively (P < 0.001). The mean keratometry decreased from 59.54 ± 5.17 D preoperatively to 46.23 ± 2.17 D postoperatively (P < 0.001). The complications encountered during the study period were intraoperative Descemet's membrane perforation (n = 5, 11.4%), the Urrets Zavalia syndrome (n = 1, 2.3%), graft epithelial problems (n = 3, 6.8%), subepithelial graft rejection (n = 5, 11.4%), high intraocular pressure (n = 8, 18.2%), and traumatic wound dehiscence (n = 2, 4.6%). Suture-related complications included premature loosening (n = 13, 29.6%), broken sutures (n = 12, 27.3%), suture-tract vascularization (n = 6, 13.6%), suture-associated abscesses (n = 5, 11.4%), and suture cheese wiring (n = 2, 4.6%). A clear graft was found in 40 eyes (90.9%) at the last follow-up examination. CONCLUSION: This study showed promising results with big-bubble DALK in keratoconus-affected children. A frequent and close follow-up with dedicated parental involvement is essential for the early recognition and management of postoperative complications.

Trephine- and dye-free technique for eye bank preparation of pre-stripped Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty tissue.

We describe a rapid and easy technique for the preparation of pre-stripped Descemet membrane (DM) endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) tissue in the eye bank, without the use of dye or trephining by the eye bank technician. After drawing 2 radial marks 90° apart on the scleral rim of the cornea, a circumferential incision was made internal to the trabecular meshwork and the edge of the DM opposite to the marked area was scored and gently peeled towards the marked area. Finally, the peeled DM was gently unrolled and attached to the posterior stromal bed via absorbing excess liquid from the periphery. The prepared DMEK tissue while reattached on the posterior aspect of the cornea was subjected to slit-lamp biomicroscopic and specular microscopic examinations. In case of proper preparation of DMEK tissue and suitability of endothelial cells for DMEK surgery, the tissue was distributed for transplantation. At the time of surgery, trypan blue staining was performed by the cornea surgeon before DM trephination. Duration of DMEK tissue preparation, uneventful preparation, post-preparation endothelial cell loss, surgeon's satisfaction, and intra- and post-operative attachment of the tissue were investigated variables in this study. Over a 2-year period, 28 DMEK tissues were successfully prepared from 30 corneas using our new technique. The median duration of DMEK preparation was 100 s. The area of endothelial cell loss was 1.8% ± 1.2% centrally and 6.2% ± 1.8% in areas close to the forceps contacts. Seven out of the 28 (25%) DMEK tissues were ruined by surgeons during surgery and the overall rate of re-bubbling in 19 transplanted DMEK tissues was 16%. The presented method, which uses no trephining or vital dye, has simplified and expedited the preparation process of pre-stripped DMEK tissue in the eye banks.

Configuration of recipient corneal cut after mechanical trephination in keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To determine the roundness of recipient corneal cuts after mechanical trephination and to investigate possible factors that could affect the corneal bed configuration in deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK). METHODS: This study enrolled 85 eyes with keratoconus that underwent DALK. Recipient corneas were partially trephined using a new, unused, disposable Hessburg-Barron suction trephine. Photographs that best represented the recipient corneal cut were selected, and ImageJ software was used to evaluate the roundness of recipient bed. The effect of potential variables on the roundness of cuts was investigated using the univariate analyses. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 31.0 ± 9.0 years. The mean recipient trephine size was 8.04 ± 0.29 mm (range 7.5-8.50 mm). The recipient cut roundness was 0.922 ± 0.070, varying from 0.78 to 1.0. The roundness of the corneoscleral limbus (0.874 ± 0.074) which represented the shape of recipient cornea was the main predictor of the configuration of recipient cut (r = 0.84, P < 0.001). Other preoperative characteristics investigated were mean keratometry (P = 0.63), keratometric astigmatism (P = 0.18), central corneal thickness (P = 0.64), keratoconus severity (P = 0.37), and trephine size (P = 0.50) that demonstrated no significant associations with the roundness of cut. CONCLUSIONS: The recipient corneal cut after mechanical trephination may not be circular. The roundness of recipient bed was primarily affected by the roundness of corneoscleral limbus, indicating that the shape of recipient cut tends to follow the original shape of the cornea.

Single versus double pass technique for preparation of ultrathin Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty tissues from donated whole eyes.

This study was conducted to analyze the preoperative thickness profile and endothelial rating of ultrathin Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (UT-DSAEK) tissues prepared with a single versus double microkeratome pass from donated whole eyes and corresponding eye bank postoperative results. Microkeratome-assisted UT-DSAEK tissues were prepared from freshly donated whole eyes with single-pass (SP) and double-pass (DP) technique in the Central Eye Bank of Iran. Preoperative thickness profiles and endothelial cell densities of UT-DSAEK tissues were obtained from optical coherence tomography and specular microscopy, respectively, and compared between groups. Corneal perforation rates during the eye bank preparation and postoperative reports of transplanted UT-DSAEK tissues were also compared. Over a 15-month period, 342 UT-DSAEK tissues were prepared: 248 via SP and 94 with DP technique. Mean donor corneal central thickness was 610 ± 58 µm with SP and 790 ± 100 µm with DP technique. Mean central thickness of UT-DSAEK tissues was not statistically different between the groups (84.8 ± 11.0 µm with SP and 85.1 ± 10.5 µm with DP technique, P = 0.857). Mean increase of UT-DSAEK thickness from central to pericentral and peripheral cornea was not significantly different with both techniques. Mean differences between thicknesses of 2 pericentral locations and between those of 2 peripheral locations were not statistically different in the study groups. Corneal perforation of 1.6 and 1.1% occurred in SP and DP groups, respectively. Failed graft was reported 6 months postoperatively in 4 (1.6%) cases with SP and in 1 (1.1%) case with DP technique. Preoperative thickness profiles of UT-DSAEK tissues prepared from donated whole eyes via SP technique were not significantly different from those prepared with DP, showing a symmetric increase of thickness towards peripheral locations.

Measurements of donor endothelial keratoplasty lenticules prepared from fresh donated whole eyes by using ultrasound and optical coherence tomography.

This study was conducted to analyze the profile and thickness of endothelial keratoplasty lenticules prepared from fresh donated whole eyes with Visante optical coherence tomography (V-OCT) compared to measurements obtained from ultrasound pachymetry (USP) at the Central Eye Bank of Iran. Microkeratome-assisted precut corneas were prepared for Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty by using standard eye bank protocol. Central posterior lenticule thickness (CPLT) on fresh whole eye, before excising corneoscleral disc and transferring to Optisol-GS, was measured by USP. V-OCT was used to measure central, paracentral, and midperipheral thicknesses of lenticules after transferring the tissue to Optisol-GS. Chi Square and Bonferroni tests were respectively used to uncover the differences between the USP and V-OCT measurements and also the thickness profile of lenticules. Postoperative reports for the entire transplanted lenticules were recorded. Accordingly, on evaluation of 312 enrolled precut corneas, CPLT measurements by V-OCT versus USP were statistically different (mean: 136 µm vs 165 µm, respectively; P = 0.008). Thickness profile of the posterior lenticules revealed increased thickness from the central to the peripheral parts of the cornea (mean increase of 16 µm at the pericentral and 64.2 µm at the peripheral locations, respectively); however, the increase in the thickness was relatively symmetrical. Postoperative reports of transplanted lenticules were unremarkable, since there were no posterior flap detachments. In essence, V-OCT measurements of microkeratome-assisted precut lenticules prepared from fresh donated whole eyes averaged 29 µm thinner than USP measurements and revealed a significant but symmetric increase of thickness towards the peripheral parts of the corneas. However, the variation in the thickness profile did not affect the attachment or the clarity of transplanted precut lenticlues.

Visual outcomes after lensectomy and iris claw artisan intraocular lens implantation in patients with Marfan syndrome.

PURPOSE: To review our experience with crystalline lens extraction and iris claw Artisan IOL implantation in patients with lens subluxation secondary to Marfan syndrome. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 12 eyes of 9 patients with lens subluxation due to Marfan syndrome who underwent crystalline lens removal and Artisan IOL (Ophtec, Groningen, Netherlands) implantation. A questionnaire of pre- and post-operative data, including demographics, pre- and postoperative comorbidities and complications was completed. Patients were evaluated for visual outcome and occurrence of complications. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and spherical equivalents (SE) were compared before and after lens extraction and IOL insertion. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 30.03 ± 15.02 years, and mean post-operative follow-up time was 44.5 ± 16.4 months. Mean BCVA also showed a significant improvement from 0.5 ± 0.3 at the baseline to 0.2 ± 0.2 post-operatively (P = 0.006). SE changed significantly from -11.38 ± 1.99 preoperatively to -0.45 ± 1.65 post-operatively (P = 0.003). All eyes had the IOL implanted at desired position. Post-operative complications were retinal detachment in one case and IOL dislocation in another patient. No other complication such as ocular hypertension, angle abnormalities, clinical cystoids macular edema, and corneal decompensation was observed during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Artisan IOL implantation after lens extraction appears to be an attractive alternative for optical correction in cases of Marfan syndrome with ectopia lentis. It confers a significant improvement in visual acuity with reasonable risk profile.

Comparing quantitative and qualitative indices of the donated corneas maintained in Optisol-GS with those kept in Eusol-C.

This study was conducted to compare the quantitative and qualitative indices of the donated corneas maintained in either Optisol-GS or Eusol-C storage media. In an ante-grade single blind study, two corneas from each donor with a death to preservation time of less than 30 h and with a minimum of "an apparent good cornea rating" were maintained in corneal storage media; randomly one in Optisol-GS and the other in Eusol-C. Slit-lamp biomicroscopic and specular microscopic examinations were performed on days 1 and 7. The results of the qualitative and quantitative indices and the final cornea rating were recorded. Statistical analyses were performed to evaluate any differences between the two media. 180 corneas from 90 donors with an age range of 29.3 ± 22.4 years were allocated in two groups: 90 corneas in Optisol-GS and the other 90 in Eusol-C. Five corneas in Optisol-GS and four corneas in Eusol-C were excluded from the study due to lack of specular images. There was no significant change of endothelial rating from day 1 to day 7 between two media (P = 0.175). As the maintenance time of the donated corneas increased, no significant difference was noted between the two groups in terms of endothelial indices, stromal edema, and Descemet's folding. This study shows no superiority between Eusol-C and Optisol-GS in short term preservation of donated corneas.

Profile of cataract surgery in Varamin Iran: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Cataract is the most popular cause of blindness. This study addresses some aspects of cataract surgery in an Iranian population. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: 3000 adults over 50 in Varamin district. METHODS: Cataract surgical coverage was defined as the proportion of (pseudo) aphakic eyes of all operable and operated eyes with cataract. If there was obvious lens opacity in either or both eyes in combination with best corrected visual acuity less than 6/18, the person was asked why the operation for cataract was not done to find out about barriers of cataract surgery. Outcomes of cataract surgery were categorized as good, intermediate and poor using presenting visual acuity which were defined as visual acuity ≥ 6/18, 6/60 ≤ visual acuity < 6/18 and visual acuity < 6/60, respectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cataract surgical coverage, barriers and outcomes of cataract surgery. RESULTS: Out of 5638 examined eyes, 526 eyes (9.3%) had history of cataract surgery. 156 subjects (45.7%) had a unilateral and 185 subjects (54.2%) had bilateral operated eyes. Cataract surgical coverage was 66.4% in visually impaired eyes (visual acuity < 6/18), 90.4% in blind eyes (visual acuity < 3/60), 80.5% in visually impaired persons and 97.6% in blind persons. Cataract surgery in the majority of eyes (71.9%) had a good visual outcome. The main barrier of cataract surgery was unawareness of treatment. CONCLUSION: Overall, the cataract services in the studied population were acceptable, although it should be improved, to achieve vision 2020 objectives.

Preparation of pre-cut corneas from fresh donated whole globes for Descemet's stripping automated keratoplasty: 3-year results at the Central Eye Bank of Iran.

To describe the technique and the results of the preparation of pre-cut corneas for Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) during a 3-year period at the Central Eye Bank of Iran (CEBI). The method of preparation of pre-cut corneas from donated whole globes at the CEBI is described and the frequency and percentage of pre-cut corneas prepared for DSAEK, between April 2009 and March 2012, are specified. Moreover, post-operative reports are reviewed for any complaints about using pre-cut tissues for DSAEK. Out of the 1,518 donated whole globes appropriate for DSAEK, 1,478 (97.4 %) pre-cut corneas were successfully prepared. The method of preparation failed in 40 (2.6 %) cases. Based on the eye bank post-operative reports, thickness of pre-cut tissues for DSAEK was deemed unacceptable in only 6 (0.4 %) cases prior to surgery; five of these were too thick and one was too thin. Preparation of pre-cut corneas, for DSAEK from donated whole globes, in the CEBI is a safe and easy method, with very good preservation of endothelial cells after the preparation of the pre-cut corneas and reduced risks from corneal manipulation.

The effects of Ramadan fasting on the health and function of the eye.

BACKGROUND: Ramadan fasting may alter a variety of physiological parameters which by themselves influence ocular system. Here, we review the effects of Ramadan fasting on the health and function of the eye. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Literature records in PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and Iran Medex databases as well as proceedings of related meetings from January 1986 to March 2014 were systematically reviewed. The search key words was based on the terms "Ramadan Fasting," "Ramadan," "Islamic Fasting," "Fasting in Ramadan" accompanied with one of the eye, tear drop, myopia, intraocular pressure (IOP), tear break up time, basal tear secretion, refractive error, and visual acuity. RESULTS: Predawn water loading and dehydration in the evening are shown to increase and decrease IOP and tear secretion, respectively. Ocular blood flow is changed in Ramadan fasting, and patients with ocular vein occlusion may experience more frequent attacks. There are no or minimal fluctuations in visual acuity and refractive errors, but most of them are decompensated after Ramadan. CONCLUSION: Although the influence of fasting in different eye parameters is evaluated in several studies, there are no or only limited studies conducted on patients suffering from glaucoma, damage to ophthalmic vasculature, tear dysfunction, and minimal visual acuity. Such studies are required to make a definite decision before fasting is declared harmless to these patients.

Main issues in deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty: A systematic narrative review.

Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) has emerged as a transformative approach in managing corneal pathologies, notably keratoconus (KC), providing a viable alternative to penetrating keratoplasty (PK). This systematic review explores the intricacies of DALK, comparing its preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative considerations with PK. Extensive literature searches revealed a wealth of data regarding DALK's advantages and challenges, with an emphasis on graft survival, visual outcomes, and complications. In the preoperative phase, DALK showcases its versatility, catering to a wide spectrum of patients, including those with KC and ocular surface disorders. Intraoperatively, it offers innovative techniques to address emphysema, bubble formation, and Descemet's membrane perforation, all while maintaining a strong focus on patient-centered outcomes. Postoperatively, DALK's lower rejection rates and decreased complications underscore its potential superiority over PK, although unique challenges such as graft failure from nonimmunologic factors demand vigilant management. This comprehensive review not only serves as a valuable resource for ophthalmic surgeons but also sheds light on the evolving landscape of corneal transplantation, highlighting DALK's role as a transformative force in the field.

Main issues in penetrating keratoplasty.

This review explores contemporary challenges in penetrating keratoplasty (PK), focusing on technical intricacies, technological advancements, and strategies for preventing graft rejection. A systematic literature search from January 2018 to July 2023 was conducted across PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE. The inclusion criteria comprised studies on PK and its comparison with other corneal pathologies, with emphasis on keratoconus (KC). Two independent reviewers screened studies, extracting relevant data. The review covers PK evolution, highlighting infra-red femtosecond lasers' impact on graft shapes, minimizing astigmatism, and enhancing wound healing. Graft rejection, a primary complication, is examined, detailing risk factors and preventive measures. Preoperative considerations, diagnostic techniques for rejection, and PK in KC are discussed. Postoperative care's significance, including intraocular pressure monitoring and steroid administration, is emphasized. The paper concludes with a comprehensive approach to prevent graft rejection, involving topical and systemic medications. An outlook on evolving monoclonal antibody research is presented. As the field progresses, personalized approaches and ongoing therapeutic exploration are expected to refine strategies, enhancing PK outcomes.

Inflammatory and genomic interactions within keratoconus susceptible patients: a nationwide registered case-control study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the association between variants in the interleukin (IL)-1 gene cluster and susceptibility to keratoconus (KC) in an Iranian population. METHODS: In the case group, there were 188 KC patients diagnosed by clinical findings and corneal tomography. The control group included all 205 healthy controls with no personal or family history of eye-related, metabolic, or immune system-related disease. Using the standard salting out extraction procedure, genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood leukocytes. The genotypes were determined by applying agarose gel electrophoresis for the IL-1RN 86 bp VNTR and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) for rs16944 and rs1143634. RESULTS: The results showed a significant association between the IL-1ß rs1143634 (rs1143634 T allele, P = 0.008) and IL-1RN 86 bp VNTR polymorphisms (LL and LS genotype, P = 0.048 and 0.012 respectively) and susceptibility to KC in the Iranian population. The genotype distributions of rs1143634 (P = 0.004) and rs2234663 (P = 0.042) significantly differed between case and control groups, with certain genotypes demonstrating a protective effect against KC. Logistic regression analysis revealed a protective effect of the IL-1RN L allele [odds ratio (OR) = 0.367, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.240-0.562; P = 0.000] and certain haplotypes (OR = 0.628, 95% CI: 0.447-0.884; P = 0.007) against KC. However, no significant association was found for the IL-1ß rs16944 polymorphism. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence for an association between variants in the IL-1 gene cluster and susceptibility to KC in an Iranian population. Further research on larger and more diverse populations is warranted to validate these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms involved.

A population-based survey of the prevalence and types of glaucoma in central Iran: the Yazd eye study.

PURPOSE: To describe the prevalence and types of glaucoma in Yazd, central Iran. DESIGN: Population-based, cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: Iranian adults aged 40 to 80 years, residing in Yazd, Iran, in 2010 and 2011. METHODS: Eligible samples were selected using cluster random sampling. Each participant underwent an interview and ophthalmologic examinations, including refraction, determination of uncorrected and best-corrected visual acuity, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, Goldmann applanation tonometry, gonioscopy, dilated fundus examination, central corneal thickness measurement, visual field testing, and stereoscopic fundus photography. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence of different types of glaucoma. RESULTS: Of 2320 eligible individuals, 2098 (response rate, 90.4%) participated in the study and 1990 completed all evaluations for glaucoma diagnosis. Overall, 47 persons (2.4%) were categorized with ocular hypertension, 32 persons (1.6%) were categorized with primary angle-closure suspect (PACS), and 16 persons (0.8%) were categorized with primary angle closure (PAC). The total number of subjects with glaucoma was 87 (4.4%; 95% confidence interval, 3.3-5.4), consisting of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG, 3.2%, including high-tension glaucoma [1.7%] and normal-tension glaucoma [NTG], 1.5%]), primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG, 0.4%), pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (0.4%), and other secondary glaucomas (0.4%). The mean age of subjects with glaucoma was 63.3 ± 11 years, and 57.5% of them were female. Seventy-eight individuals (89.7%) were unaware of their disease. Positive family history of glaucoma was present in 6.9% of glaucoma subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of glaucoma in Yazd (4.4%) is comparable to that in other population-based studies in Asia, with POAG accounting for the majority of cases. Most affected subjects were unaware of their disease. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.