Genetic Risk Stratification of Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma in Japanese Individuals.

PURPOSE: To assess the impact of genetic risk estimation for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in Japanese individuals. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis. PARTICIPANTS: Genetic risk scores (GRSs) were constructed based on a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of POAG in Japanese people. A total of 3625 Japanese individuals, including 1191 patients and 2434 controls (Japanese Tohoku), were used for the model selection. We also evaluated the discriminative accuracy of constructed GRSs in a dataset comprising 1034 patients and 1147 controls (the Japan Glaucoma Society Omics Group [JGS-OG] and the Genomic Research Committee of the Japanese Ophthalmological Society [GRC-JOS]) and 1900 participants from a population-based study (Hisayama Study). METHODS: We evaluated 2 types of GRSs: polygenic risk scores using the pruning and thresholding procedure and a GRS using variants associated with POAG in the GWAS of the International Glaucoma Genetics Consortium (IGGC). We selected the model with the highest areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). In the population-based study, we evaluated the correlations between GRS and ocular measurements. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Proportion of patients with POAG after stratification according to the GRS. RESULTS: We found that a GRS using 98 variants, which showed genome-wide significance in the IGGC, showed the best discriminative accuracy (AUC, 0.65). In the Japanese Tohoku, the proportion of patients with POAG in the top 10% individuals was significantly higher than that in the lowest 10% (odds ratio [OR], 6.15; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.35-8.71). In the JGS-OG and GRC-JOS, we confirmed similar impact of POAG GRS (AUC, 0.64; OR [top vs. bottom decile], 5.81; 95% CI, 3.79-9.01). In the population-based study, POAG prevalence was significantly higher in the top 20% individuals of the GRS compared with the bottom 20% (9.2% vs. 5.0%). However, the discriminative accuracy was low (AUC, 0.56). The POAG GRS was correlated positively with intraocular pressure (r = 0.08: P = 4.0 × 10-4) and vertical cup-to-disc ratio (r = 0.11; P = 4.0 × 10-6). CONCLUSIONS: The GRS showed moderate discriminative accuracy for POAG in the Japanese population. However, risk stratification in the general population showed relatively weak discriminative performance. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Accuracy of intraocular lens power formulas in eyes with keratoconus: Multi-center study in Japan.

PURPOSE: To assess the accuracy of intraocular lens (IOL) power formulas, namely, SRK/T, Haigis, Barrett Universal II, Barrett True-K for keratoconus, Kane formula, and Kane formula for keratoconus, for cataract with keratoconus in Japanese eyes. SETTING: Five surgical sites in Japan. DESIGN: A retrospective case series. METHODS: Eyes with keratoconus undergoing cataract surgery were included. Postoperative refraction was compared with the prediction by the formulas. Visual acuity, manifest spherical equivalent, prediction error (PE), and mean absolute errors (MAEs) were determined 1 month postoperatively. The PE within 0.50 diopter (D), 1.00 D, and 2.00 D were compared between IOL formulas. Subgroup analysis based on the steepest keratometry (stage 1, ≤ 48 D; stage 2, > 48 D and ≤ 53 D; and stage 3, > 53 D) was performed. The relationship between PE and preoperative biometric data were assessed. RESULTS: Fifty eyes were included. The MAE of the Barrett True-K for keratoconus, Kane keratoconus, and Kane formulas were significantly lower than that of Haigis. A statistically significant difference in the prediction accuracy within ± 0.50 D was found between Kane keratoconus and Haigis. The prediction accuracy of the Barrett True-K for keratoconus, SRK/T, and Kane within ± 1.00 D was statistically significant compared with that of Haigis. In stage 3, the Barrett True-K for keratoconus had a significantly lower MAE than SRK/T and Haigis. CONCLUSION: Keratoconus-specific formulas were more accurate than existing formulas in Japanese eyes. The Barrett True-K formula for keratoconus had higher prediction accuracy in severe keratoconus.

Corneal endothelial density and morphology in long-term soft contact lens users in Japan: a retrospective cross-sectional study of 17,732 eyes.

PURPOSE: There is a lack of long-term and large-scale studies on the adverse effects of soft contact lenses (SCLs) on the corneal endothelia of Asian populations. Here, we aimed to examine the effects of long-term SCL use on corneal endothelial density and morphology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study involved consecutive patients at the Miyata Eye Hospital (Miyazaki, Japan), who had used SCLs for more than 1 year. Patients with ophthalmological disorders without refractive errors were excluded. The period of SCL use, SCL type, corneal endothelial cell density (ECD), appearance rate of hexagonal cells (HEX), and coefficient of variation of cells (CV) were analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 17,732 eyes of 8866 patients were included in the analysis (age, 26.0 ± 8.8 years). The mean period of SCL use was 6.3 ± 5.4 years. Multivariate regression analysis revealed that ECD and HEX were significantly negatively correlated with the period of SCL use, age, and sex (p < 0.001 for all). The CV was significantly positively correlated with the period of use (p < 0.001), sex (p = 0.002), and age (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Corneal ECD, HEX, and CV were significantly associated with the period of SCL use in long-term users. It is essential to regularly check the corneal endothelium in patients with a history of long-term SCL use.

Visual function in eyes with diffractive extended depth-of-focus and monofocal intraocular lenses: 2-year comparison.

PURPOSE: To compare long-term visual function after implantation of diffractive extended depth-of-focus (EDF) intraocular lenses (IOLs) using echelett optics and monofocal IOLs with the same platform. METHODS: In this prospective comparative case series, diffractive EDF or monofocal IOLs were implanted binocularly and followed up for 2 years. At the last visit, distance-corrected binocular visual acuities were measured at distances of 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1, 2, 3, and 5 m. Photopic and mesopic contrast sensitivity was also examined. Dynamic visual function was evaluated in terms of functional visual acuity (FVA), standard deviation of visual acuity (SDVA), visual maintenance ratio (VMR), mean response time, and number of blinks. The outcomes were compared between the two IOLs, and the influence of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) on contrast sensitivity and FVA was examined. RESULTS: Binocular visual acuity of eyes with EDF IOLs was better at distances of 0.5 and 0.7 m than that of eyes with monofocal IOL (P < 0.026). There were no differences in binocular visual acuity at other distances, contrast sensitivities, or dynamic visual functions. The influence of PCO on the visual functions was not found in eyes with EDF IOLs. CONCLUSION: Up to 2 years postoperatively, eyes with diffractive EDF IOLs sustained superior intermediate visual acuity together with visual function comparable to that of eyes with monofocal IOLs.

Early intervention for perioperative hypertension in cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: Although perioperative blood-pressure control is important, especially for high-risk patients, no previous report has examined early monitoring of perioperative blood-pressure changes before cataract surgery. In this single-center, retrospective, observational study, we evaluated the early intervention for perioperative hypertension in cataract surgery with topical anesthesia. METHODS: Hospitalized patients who underwent phacoemulsification and intraocular-lens insertion and whose blood pressure was controlled using standardized management to start early monitoring and control (standardized group; 134 eyes of 134 patients) were compared to age- and sex-matched patients who underwent the same cataract surgery and whose blood pressure was controlled using conventional means (control group; 134 eyes of 134 patients). The perioperative blood pressure, pulse pressure, and heart rate were compared preoperatively, upon entering the operation room, and at the beginning, end, and after the operation. RESULTS: Although there was no difference before the operation, the changes in systolic pressure in the standardized group were significantly lower at the point of entering the operation room, at the beginning of the operation, and at the end of the operation (P = 0.003, < 0.001, and < 0.001, respectively). No significant difference was observed between etizolam and nicardipine use. CONCLUSION: Early monitoring and control of blood pressure in cataract surgery could effectively control perioperative hypertension without additional drug use and could be widely applied in the clinical setting.

Changes in the preoperative ocular surface flora with an increase in patient age: A surveillance analysis of bacterial diversity and resistance to fluoroquinolone.

PURPOSE: This study analyzed the relationship between patient age and the prevalence and fluoroquinolone susceptibility of gram-positive cocci from the ocular surface flora before ophthalmic surgery. METHODS: This surveillance study included scraped samples from the conjunctival sac of 8923 eyes of 5490 patients (70.0 ± 13.7 years) without ocular infection before ophthalmologic surgery between August 2018 and December 2020. A review of microbiological records regarding patient age was used to determine the number of isolates and gram-positive species obtained, as well as their fluoroquinolone susceptibility. Fluoroquinolone susceptibility was determined using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute protocols of broth microdilution. Statistical analysis was performed using a generalized additive model and a log-linear model. RESULTS: In total, 9,894 bacterial isolates obtained from scraped samples from the patients were analyzed. The detected species were Staphylococcus epidermidis (31.0%), Staphylococcus aureus (6.1%), Staphylococcus lugdunensis (3.9%), Enterococcus faecalis (5.8%), Corynebacterium species (31.7%), and Cutibacterium acnes (7.5%) and others. The number of species isolated from the ocular surface was increased at the rate of 1.018 per 10 years of age (p < 0.0001). S. epidermidis, S. lugdunensis, E. faecalis, and Corynebacterium species were isolated more often with an increase in patient age. The levofloxacin resistance ratio of methicillin-sensitive S. epidermidis and Corynebacterium species increased at the rate of 1.204 and 1.087 respectively with a 10-year increase in age (both p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Gram-positive bacteria in the ocular surface flora (OSF) exhibited gradual changes in diversity and fluoroquinolone resistance with an increase in patient age. It is important to monitor the OSF of the patients before ophthalmologic surgery to prevent refractory ocular postoperative infection.

Omnidirectional Haptic Stimulation System via Pneumatic Actuators for Presence Presentation.

Recently, remote meetings and work-from-home have become more common, reducing the opportunities for face-to-face communication. To facilitate communication among remote workers, researchers have focused on virtual space technology and spatial augmented reality technology. Although these technologies can enhance immersiveness in collaborative work, they face the challenge of fostering a sense of physical contact. In this work, we aimed to foster a sense of presence through haptic stimulation using pneumatic actuators. Specifically, we developed a choker-type wearable device that presents various pressure patterns around the neck; the pattern presented depends on the message the device must convey. Various combinations of haptic presentation are achieved by pumping air to the multiple pneumatic actuators attached to the choker. In addition, we conducted experiments involving actuators of different shapes to optimize the haptic presentation. When linked with a smartphone, the proposed device can present pressure patterns to indicate incoming calls and notifications, to give warning about an obstacle that one who is texting might miss while walking, and to provide direction to a pedestrian. Furthermore, the device can be used in a wide range of applications, from those necessary in daily living to those that enhance one's experience in the realm of entertainment. For example, haptic feedback that synchronizes with the presence of a singer or with the rhythm of a song one listens to or with a performer's movements during a stage performance will immerse users in an enjoyable experience.

Endothelial dysfunction of the cornea after exposure to sprayed venom from hornets.

PURPOSE: Ocular injuries due to Hymenoptera venom are uncommon and most injuries occur on the ocular surface. We reported two rare cases of corneal endothelial damage caused by hornet venom that was sprayed, not injected, through stinging in the eye. OBSERVATIONS: Case 1: A 57-year-old male patient was injured when a hornet sprayed venom into his left eye. He was referred to our hospital because the edoema and epithelial erosion of the cornea persisted. The patient presented with bullous keratopathy, asymmetrical iris atrophy, irreversible mydriasis, and glaucoma. His cataract progressed, and his best-corrected visual acuity was 0.03. Cataract surgery was performed after anti-inflammatory treatment with steroids, and Descemet-stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty was performed 6 months later. The patient recovered well postoperatively: his best-corrected visual acuity improved to 1.0 and he continued his glaucoma treatment. Case 2: A 75-year-old male patient had damage to his corneal epithelium, severe conjunctivitis, and conjunctival edoema when sprayed hornet venom entered his left eye. At initial presentation, the corneal endothelial cell density had decreased to 1042 cells/mm2. The conjunctival sac was washed, and steroid and topical antibacterial instillations were administered. His best-corrected visual acuity improved from 0.07 at the initial visit to 0.5. However, the corneal opacification and glaucoma persisted, and 3 months later the corneal endothelial cell density decreased to 846 cells/mm2. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: Corneal injuries caused by sprayed hornet venom are rare; however, they can cause intense anterior chamber inflammation and severe, irreversible corneal endothelial damage. In such cases, prompt initial treatment, the administration of adequate anti-inflammatory medication, and careful evaluation of the corneal endothelium are required.

Prognosis and etiology of traumatic and non-traumatic corneal perforations in a tertiary referral hospital: a 30-year retrospective study.

PURPOSE: To clarify the prognosis of corneal perforation, we compared the etiology and characteristics of patients with traumatic and non-traumatic corneal perforations. METHODS: This retrospective observational study included patients treated for traumatic or non-traumatic corneal perforations at a single tertiary hospital from 1989 to 2019. The variables collected included the primary cause of corneal perforation, final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and treatment administered. The initial treatment administered and treatment success rates were compared between the traumatic and non-traumatic groups. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to determine the predictors of final visual acuity. RESULTS: Ninety eyes of 90 patients (mean age, 61.1 ± 19.7 years) were included. Traumatic and non-traumatic corneal perforations occurred in 40 (44.4%) and 50 eyes (55.6%), respectively. Among non-traumatic causes, infection and autoimmune disease were the causes for corneal perforation in 18 (20.0%) and 12 eyes (13.3%), respectively. The success rate for the closure of the perforated site with the initial procedure was significantly higher in traumatic corneal perforations than in non-traumatic corneal perforations (90.0% and 72.2%, respectively; p = 0.038). Patients with traumatic corneal perforation had significantly better final BCVA than those with non-traumatic corneal perforation (0.71 ± 1.18 and 1.52 ± 1.12, respectively; p = 0.0016). On multivariate analysis, older age and non-traumatic corneal perforation were significantly related to the final lower BCVA (p < 0.001 and p = 0.029, respectively). CONCLUSION: Traumatic corneal perforation demonstrated a significantly better prognosis than non-traumatic corneal perforation. It is critical to consider the primary cause of corneal perforation to anticipate prognosis.

Influence of implantation of diffractive trifocal intraocular lenses on standard automated perimetry.

BACKGROUND: This prospective comparative study aimed to investigate the influence of diffractive trifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) implantation on standard automated perimetry. METHODS: Patients with no diseases affecting the visual field had undergone cataract surgery following the implantation of trifocal or monofocal IOLs from July 2019 to August 2020 were recruited. The normality of the anterior and posterior segments and absence of glaucomatous optic nerve cupping were confirmed preoperatively by slit-lamp examination. Standard automated perimetry was performed using Humphrey Visual Field 10-2 testing, 2-3 months after cataract surgery in only one eye per patient. The mean deviation (MD) and foveal sensitivity were compared between IOLs in eyes with acceptable reliability indices and best-corrected visual acuity of 20/25 or better. RESULTS: Among the 83 eyes of the 83 patients included, 39 and 29 eyes eligible for perimetry analysis had trifocal and monofocal IOLs, respectively. The mean MD and foveal sensitivity in eyes with trifocal IOLs were significantly lower than those in eyes with monofocal IOLs (P < 0.021), with mean differences of 0.77 and 1.01 dB, respectively. CONCLUSION: The comparison in nonglaucomatous eyes demonstrated that the influence of trifocal IOLs on standard automated perimetry was greater than that of monofocal IOLs.

Long-term outcome in corneal endotheliitis with molecular detection of herpes simplex virus 1 and human herpes virus 6: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Human herpesvirus 6B (HHV-6B) is known to cause exanthema subitem and has been detected in various ocular diseases, including keratitis, uveitis, optic neuritis, and endophthalmitis; however, the long-term outcome after the reactivation of HHV-6B has not been well-addressed. Sugita et al. previously reported the concomitant presence of HHV-6B with herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) in the aqueous fluid at the onset of corneal endotheliitis. We focused on the same patient with corneal endotheliitis, in whom both HSV-1 and HHV-6B sequences were observed, and reported the clinical course and long-term outcomes. CASE PRESENTATION: A 64-year-old woman was referred to our center for visual disturbances in the left eye. Her best-corrected visual acuity in the left eye was 0.5 and the left intraocular pressure was elevated to 33 mmHg. Mid-sized keratic precipitates and 2+ cells were observed in the anterior chamber with corneal endothelial edema and reduction of the corneal endothelial cell density to 1828 cells/mm2. The patient was diagnosed with corneal endotheliitis with increased intraocular pressure. Polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed the concomitant presence of both HSV-1 and HHV-6B sequences in the left aqueous fluid. After treatment with oral valacyclovir and topical betamethasone, her intraocular inflammation gradually improved and has not recurred at 12 years after corneal endotheliitis onset although corneal opacity remained. CONCLUSIONS: Reactivation of HHV-6B infection might be associated with HSV-1 corneal endotheliitis; however, no serious late sequelae occurred after appropriate treatment for HSV-1 infection in this immunocompetent host.

Age factor in the fluoroquinolone susceptibility of gram-positive cocci isolates from bacterial keratitis cases between 2008 and 2016.

PURPOSE: To determine the relationship between fluoroquinolone susceptibility of gram-positive cocci (GPC) isolated from patients with bacterial keratitis and the age of the patients or the date of onset. METHODS: Bacterial isolates were obtained from corneal lesions of patients with infectious keratitis treated between January 2008 and December 2016. The fluoroquinolone susceptibility of GPC was assessed, and a retrospective review of microbiological records was performed. Fluoroquinolone susceptibility was measured through broth microdilution in accordance with protocols of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. Statistical analysis was performed using a generalized estimating equation and cubic spline to determine the association between fluoroquinolone susceptibility of GPC isolated from corneal lesions and patient age. RESULTS: Of the 1200 bacterial isolates, 471 GPC were identified. They included Staphylococcus epidermidis (45.6%), other coagulase-negative Staphylococcus sp. (17.8%), and Staphylococcus aureus (18.3%). Levofloxacin susceptibility of GPC exhibited a negative relationship with age and had an odds ratio of 0.893 (95% confidence interval, 0.825-0.967) for every 10 years of age. A non-adjusted cubic spline curve was well correlated with year-adjusted data in a generalized additive model, and the levofloxacin susceptibility of GPC was initially stable but gradually declined after 40 years of age, before re-stabilizing again after 70 years of age. CONCLUSION: The fluoroquinolone susceptibility of GPC isolated from corneal lesions of infectious keratitis is high in children under 15 years of age and declines with an increase in age of patients using a generalized estimating equation and cubic spline.

Functional visual acuity after implantation of diffractive extended depth-of-focus intraocular lenses using an echelett optics.

BACKGROUND: The prospective comparative case series aimed to evaluate all-distance visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and functional visual acuity (FVA) of eyes with diffractive extended depth-of-focus (EDOF) intraocular lenses (IOLs) using an echelett optics and monofocal IOLs with the same platform. METHODS: Diffractive EDOF and monofocal IOLs were implanted in 27 eyes of 27 patients each. At 3 months after implantation, all-distance visual acuities at distances of 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, 1, 2, 3, and 5 m were measured under distance-corrected. Static visual function was also examined using photopic contrast sensitivity and area under the logarithmic contrast sensitivity function (AULCSF). Dynamic visual function was examined with FVA, and mean FVA value, visual maintenance ratio (VMR), mean response time, and number of blinks were evaluated. These outcomes were compared between the two IOLs. RESULTS: The mean distance-corrected visual acuities were better at distances of 0.7 m or nearer in eyes with EDOF IOLs. There was no difference in the contrast sensitivities (P > 0.22). In the FVA results, no difference was found in mean FVA and VMR (P > 0.68). CONCLUSION: The static and dynamic evaluations of postoperative visual functions demonstrated that the visual function of eyes with EDOF IOLs under photopic and distance-corrected conditions was comparable to eyes with monofocal IOLs.

Association of Rare CYP39A1 Variants With Exfoliation Syndrome Involving the Anterior Chamber of the Eye.

Importance: Exfoliation syndrome is a systemic disorder characterized by progressive accumulation of abnormal fibrillar protein aggregates manifesting clinically in the anterior chamber of the eye. This disorder is the most commonly known cause of glaucoma and a major cause of irreversible blindness. Objective: To determine if exfoliation syndrome is associated with rare, protein-changing variants predicted to impair protein function. Design, Setting, and Participants: A 2-stage, case-control, whole-exome sequencing association study with a discovery cohort and 2 independently ascertained validation cohorts. Study participants from 14 countries were enrolled between February 1999 and December 2019. The date of last clinical follow-up was December 2019. Affected individuals had exfoliation material on anterior segment structures of at least 1 eye as visualized by slit lamp examination. Unaffected individuals had no signs of exfoliation syndrome. Exposures: Rare, coding-sequence genetic variants predicted to be damaging by bioinformatic algorithms trained to recognize alterations that impair protein function. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was the presence of exfoliation syndrome. Exome-wide significance for detected variants was defined as P < 2.5 × 10-6. The secondary outcomes included biochemical enzymatic assays and gene expression analyses. Results: The discovery cohort included 4028 participants with exfoliation syndrome (median age, 78 years [interquartile range, 73-83 years]; 2377 [59.0%] women) and 5638 participants without exfoliation syndrome (median age, 72 years [interquartile range, 65-78 years]; 3159 [56.0%] women). In the discovery cohort, persons with exfoliation syndrome, compared with those without exfoliation syndrome, were significantly more likely to carry damaging CYP39A1 variants (1.3% vs 0.30%, respectively; odds ratio, 3.55 [95% CI, 2.07-6.10]; P = 6.1 × 10-7). This outcome was validated in 2 independent cohorts. The first validation cohort included 2337 individuals with exfoliation syndrome (median age, 74 years; 1132 women; n = 1934 with demographic data) and 2813 individuals without exfoliation syndrome (median age, 72 years; 1287 women; n = 2421 with demographic data). The second validation cohort included 1663 individuals with exfoliation syndrome (median age, 75 years; 587 women; n = 1064 with demographic data) and 3962 individuals without exfoliation syndrome (median age, 74 years; 951 women; n = 1555 with demographic data). Of the individuals from both validation cohorts, 5.2% with exfoliation syndrome carried CYP39A1 damaging alleles vs 3.1% without exfoliation syndrome (odds ratio, 1.82 [95% CI, 1.47-2.26]; P < .001). Biochemical assays classified 34 of 42 damaging CYP39A1 alleles as functionally deficient (median reduction in enzymatic activity compared with wild-type CYP39A1, 94.4% [interquartile range, 78.7%-98.2%] for the 34 deficient variants). CYP39A1 transcript expression was 47% lower (95% CI, 30%-64% lower; P < .001) in ciliary body tissues from individuals with exfoliation syndrome compared with individuals without exfoliation syndrome. Conclusions and Relevance: In this whole-exome sequencing case-control study, presence of exfoliation syndrome was significantly associated with carriage of functionally deficient CYP39A1 sequence variants. Further research is needed to understand the clinical implications of these findings.

Prospective assessment of plate-haptic rotationally asymmetric multifocal toric intraocular lens with near addition of + 1.5 diopters.

BACKGROUND: To prospectively evaluate surgical results following implantation of rotationally asymmetric, plate-haptic, refractive segmented multifocal toric intraocular lenses (IOLs) with near addition of + 1.5 diopters (D) (Lentis Comfort LS-313 MF15T, Oculentis GmbH). METHODS: In 59 eyes of 41 patients, ocular examinations were conducted before and 1 day, 1 week, 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. Uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuity, uncorrected (UIVA) and distance-corrected (DCIVA) intermediate visual acuity at 70 cm, and uncorrected (UNVA) and distance-corrected (DCNVA) near visual acuity at 30 cm were tested. A defocus curve was drawn, and the degree of disturbing photic phenomena were questioned. RESULTS: The IOL showed excellent rotational stability; the average absolute rotation was 1.66 ± 1.17 degrees from 1 day 1 to 6 months postoperatively, and 98.1 and 100% of eyes yielded rotation of less than 5 and 10 degrees, respectively. Postoperative distance and intermediate visual acuity were highly satisfactory; UDVA, CDVA, UIVA, and DCIVA were about 20/20, 20/16, 20/25, 20/25, respectively. Near visual acuity was suboptimal; UNVA and DCNVA were at approximately 20/60. The defocus curve analysis showed that 20/25 and 20/40 uncorrected visual acuity was attained at as close as 60 and 40 cm, respectively. Contrast sensitivity was within a normal range, and subjective photic phenomena were minimum. CONCLUSIONS: The refractive segmented, rotationally asymmetric multifocal toric IOLs with + 1.5 D near addition showed superb rotational stability and highly satisfactory distance and intermediate vision. Contrast sensitivity was high and incidence of photic symptoms was very low. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered at JAPIC Clinical Trials Information, ID: JapicCTI-183,877, https://www.clinicaltrials.jp/cti-user/trial/Search.jsp (February 5, 2018).

Presbyopia Correction Using Multifocal Soft Contact Lenses in Patients With Monofocal Intraocular Lenses.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effectiveness of presbyopia correction using multifocal soft contact lenses (MF SCLs) for pseudophakic subjects with monofocal intraocular lenses (IOLs). METHODS: In 11 subjects, after monofocal IOL implantation, disposable MF SCLs (Dailies Total 1 Multifocal, Alcon) were daily used for 3 months. Binocular visual acuity between 0.3 and 5 m was measured using an all-distance vision tester (AS-15, Kowa) at 1 and 3 months and compared before and during MF SCL wear. Binocular contrast sensitivity testing was conducted under mesopic and photopic illuminations at 1 month. RESULTS: The mean manifest refraction spherical equivalent before MF SCL wear was -0.36 D. The add powers of used MF SCLs were +1.25, +2.00, and +2.50 D in 1, 16, and 5 eyes, respectively. The mean binocular visual acuities during MF SCL wear were 20/20 or better between 0.5 and 5 m and significantly improved at 0.7 m or less (P<0.025). There was no change in the mesopic contrast sensitivity, whereas the photopic contrast sensitivity at 18 cycles per degree was degraded during MF SCL wear. CONCLUSIONS: The use of MF SCL was effective for presbyopia correction in pseudophakic subjects with monofocal IOL, and favorable binocular vision would be obtained in a range from distance to intermediate.

Regional comparison of preoperative biometry for cataract surgery between two domestic institutions.

PURPOSE: Regional variations of the preoperative biometry can affect the refractive accuracy of cataract surgery. We aimed to compare the preoperative biometric data for cataract surgery between two domestic institutions. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the preoperative biometric data of 673 consecutive eyes undergoing standard cataract surgery at Miyata Eye Hospital (Miyazaki; M group) and Kitasato University Hospital (Kanagawa; K group), and compared these data between the two groups. RESULTS: We found significant differences in the mean keratometric readings (44.39 ± 1.56 D vs. 44.09 ± 1.74 D) (unpaired t test, p = 0.034), the anterior chamber depth (3.14 ± 0.43 mm vs. 3.46 ± 0.62 mm) (p < 0.001), the axial length (23.98 ± 1.62 mm vs. 24.59 ± 1.82 mm) (p < 0.001), and the lens thickness (4.64 ± 0.48 mm vs. 4.37 ± 0.62 mm) (p < 0.001), in the M and K groups, respectively. Otherwise, we found no significant differences in corneal astigmatism (p = 0.104), or central corneal thickness (p = 0.480) between the two groups. For subgroup analysis, the prediction error (0.06 ± 0.47 D) in the M group was significantly more hyperopic than that (- 0.09 ± 0.54 D) in the K group (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: There were significant differences in the mean keratometric readings, the anterior chamber depth, the axial length, and the lens thickness, by approximately 0.3 D, 0.3 mm, 0.6 mm, and 0.3 mm, respectively. Regional variations of the preoperative biometry did exist to some extent, and were not clinically negligible, in consideration of the precise IOL power calculation and the subsequent refractive accuracy of cataract surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trial Registry (000037994).

Effect of topical prostaglandins on the biomechanics and shape of the cornea.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of topical prostaglandin (PG) eyedrops on the biomechanics and shape of the cornea. METHODS: Consecutive patients with primary open-angle glaucoma who had been treated with the same anti-glaucoma PG (114 eyes, 57 patients) or ß-blocker (36 eyes, 18 patients) eyedrops in 1 eye alone for more than 3 months at Inouye Eye Hospital or Miyata Eye Hospital. The biomechanical properties of the cornea were measured using a Corvis ST device (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany). Corneal tomography was measured with a Casia 1 or 2 (Tomey Corp., Nagoya, Japan). The biomechanical parameters and tomographic features of the cornea were compared between PG-treated eyes, ß-blocker-treated eyes, and contralateral eyes using a mixed-effect model adjusted for intraocular pressure and corneal thickness and a linear model adjusted for age, sex, intraocular pressure, and corneal thickness. RESULTS: The PG-treated eyes had a significantly smaller applanation 1 time, the highest concavity radius, and a larger deformation amplitude than the contralateral eyes. Also, the PG-treated eyes had a significantly smaller applanation 1 time and applanation 2 velocity but a larger peak distance than the ß-blocker-treated eyes. There were no significant differences in any of the Casia parameters between the PG-treated eyes and the contralateral eyes. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that topical PG makes biochemical changes to the cornea but does not alter its shape.

Activation of the Sphingosine 1 Phosphate-Rho Pathway in Pterygium and in Ultraviolet-Irradiated Normal Conjunctiva.

Sphingosine 1 phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive lipid that regulates cellular activity, including proliferation, cytoskeletal organization, migration, and fibrosis. In this study, the potential relevance of S1P-Rho signaling in pterygium formation and the effects of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on activation of the S1P/S1P receptor axis and fibrotic responses were investigated in vitro. Expressions of the S1P2, S1P4, and S1P5 receptors were significantly higher in pterygium tissue than in normal conjunctiva, and the concentration of S1P was significantly elevated in the lysate of normal conjunctival fibroblast cell (NCFC) irradiated with UV (UV-NCFCs). RhoA activity was significantly upregulated in pterygium fibroblast cells (PFCs) and UV-NCFCs, and myosin phosphatase-Rho interacting protein (MRIP) was upregulated, and myosin phosphatase target subunit 1 (MYPT1) was downregulated in PFCs. Fibrogenic changes were significantly upregulated in both PFCs and UV-NCFCs compared to NCFCs. We found that the activation of the S1P receptor-Rho cascade was observed in pterygium tissue. Additionally, in vitro examination showed S1P-rho activation and fibrogenic changes in PFCs and UV-NCFCs. S1P elevation and the resulting upregulation of the downstream Rho signaling pathway may be important in pterygium formation; this pathway offers a potential therapeutic target for suppressing pterygium generation.