Intraoperative variability of corneal epithelium thickness in photorefractive keratectomy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the intraoperative central corneal epithelial thickness (ET) as measured by optical coherence pachymetry (OCP) in myopic eyes undergoing alcohol-assisted photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent alcohol-assisted PRK was performed. Data were abstracted on age, gender, contact lens (CL) wear, preoperative refractive errors, keratometry, topographic and ultrasonic pachymetry, and intraoperative OCP measurements before and after epithelium removal. The central ET was calculated by subtracting OCP measurement after epithelium removal from the OCP measurement prior to epithelium removal. RESULTS: The study comprised of 162 consecutive eyes from 81 patients. Mean age was 26.73 ± 6.47 years, 50.6% were males. CL was used in 92 eyes (56.8%). The mean sphere and spherical equivalent were -3.60 ± 1.84 D and -3.26 ± 1.85D, respectively. The mean intraoperative ET was 58.22 ± 17.53 µm (range, 15-121µm). Fifty-five percent of the eyes had an ET measurement above or below the range of 40-60µm. ET was significantly higher in the second operated eye compared to the first operated eye (p = 0.006), and an association was found to CL-wear (p = 0.03). There was no significant difference in thickness between genders (p = 0.62), and no correlation to patient age (p = 0.45, rp = 0.06), refractive errors (p > 0.30,rp=-0.07-0.08), nor keratometry(p > 0.80, rp=-0.01- (-0.02)). CONCLUSION: The intraoperative assessment of ET in alcohol-assisted PRK showed a high variability of the central corneal epithelium, with a significant difference between the first and second operated eyes. This difference may have implications when the epithelium is not included in the surgical planning in surface ablation.

Clinical comparison of manual and laser-cut corneal tunnel for intrastromal air injection in femtosecond laser-assisted deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK).

PURPOSE: The most crucial step in deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) is to achieve a bare Descemet's membrane. We aimed to assess a new femtosecond laser software that allows for a precise intrastromal tunnel creation for big bubble (BB) air injection using a real-time microscope-integrated optical coherence tomography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 61 eyes of 61 patients with keratoconus. Before introducing the new software update, DALK was performed using a partial-assisted femtosecond laser (partial-thickness circular cut followed by a lamellar cut) with manual intrastromal tunnel creation (partial FS-DALK group). After the software update, the femtosecond laser created the intrastromal tunnel (full FS-DALK group). RESULTS: In the full FS-DALK group, the BB's formation was significantly higher (64.3% vs. 36.4%, p = 0.04), and surgery time was shorter (21.8 ± 5.1 vs. 25.6 ± 6.8 min, p = 0.025) than in the partial FS-DALK. Penetrating keratoplasty conversion rate (7.1% vs. 15.1%, p = 0.432) was similar between the groups. Both groups showed statistically significant improvement in uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity, central corneal thickness, surface asymmetry, and regularity indices. Endothelial cell density loss at 12 and 18 months was lower in the full compared with the partial FS-DALK group (12 months:10.0% vs. 16; 18 months: 10.7 vs. 16.5%, p < 0.001 for both comparisons). CONCLUSIONS: Creating the intrastromal guiding tunnel using FS laser for air injection resulted in a higher rate of BB formation, reduced long-term endothelial cell loss, and operating room time.

Intraocular lens power calculation in patients with irregular astigmatism.

PURPOSE: Accurate intraocular lens (IOL) calculation in subjects with irregular astigmatism is challenging. This study evaluated the accuracy of using Scheimpflug-derived central 2-mm equivalent keratometry reading (EKR) values for IOL calculation in irregular astigmatism. METHODS: This retrospective study included subjects (31 eyes of 30 patients) who underwent cataract surgery and IOL calculation using the 2-mm central EKR methods. We compared prediction error (PE) and absolute PE (APE) outcomes using SRK/T and Barrett Universal II formulas for keratometry data obtained from the IOLMaster 500 and Pentacam (anterior corneal sim k) devices. RESULTS: Cataract surgery and IOL calculation using the 2-mm central EKR methods resulted in improved visual acuity (uncorrected: from 1.13 ± 0.38 to 0.65 ± 0.46 logMar, p < 0.01; best-corrected: from 0.45 ± 0.24 to 0.26 ± 0.20 logMar, p < 0.01) after surgery. The percentage of subjects with best-corrected visual acuity of 6/6 was 22%, < 6/9 was 58%, and < 6/12 was 71%. For both the SRK/T and the Barrett formulas, the PE was similar to those obtained by IOLMaster (> 0.14) but lower than those obtained by the anterior corneal sim k (p < 0.02). IOLMaster provided keratometry reading in only 23/31 (74.1%) of cases. CONCLUSIONS: The use of Scheimpflug central 2-mm EKR for IOL calculation in irregular astigmatism was beneficial in terms of visual acuity improvement. It had comparable refractive prediction performance to the IOLMaster 500 and better than the anterior corneal sim K. The 2-mm EKR method can be used when IOLMaster cannot provide a reliable reading in abnormal corneas.

Validation of the multi-metric D-index change in the assessment of keratoconus progression.

PURPOSE: To validate the effectiveness of the multi-metric D-index by Pentacam in detecting keratoconus (KC) progression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study of KC patients at the Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel, during 2016-2018 with at least two corneal tomography examinations six months apart. Agreement between clinical diagnosis of progression (1.5D increase in mean keratometric value, 1D increase in Kmax, a 5% decrease in central corneal thickness (CCT), worsening of visual acuity by more than one line, or deterioration of manifest corneal astigmatism > 1.5D) and the D-index was evaluated. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to find the D-index's optimal cutoff value to show progression. RESULTS: We included KC eyes in the stable group (N = 7) and the progression group (N = 54). Patient demographics and tomographic parameters at baseline were similar between the groups. The D-index change was significantly higher in the progression group than in the stable group (median + 1 and 0.0, respectively, p = 0.024). Based on the ROC analysis, the optimal D-index cutoff change within at least six months was 0.32 (59.3% sensitivity and 100% specificity (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.771, Youden = 0.592). Subjects with a D-index change above this value had a 21.1-fold increase in odds for corneal ectasia progression requiring CXL (OR: 21.1, 95%CI 1.17-398.8, p = 0.038). CONCLUSION: The multi-metric D-index can serve as a clinically feasible parameter to detect KC progression and guide patients' referral for further interventions.

Topical 0.03% tacrolimus for subepithelial infiltrates secondary to adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the safety and efficacy of topical 0.03% tacrolimus ointment treatment for subepithelial corneal infiltrates (SEIs). METHODS: This prospective non-controlled interventional case series included patients with SEIs who had been previously treated with topical corticosteroids with either no improvement or the medication being withdrawn due to associated intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation. The patients were treated with 0.03% tacrolimus ointment twice daily for 22 weeks (including a 1-month washout). The objective data were best-corrected Snellen visual acuity (BCVA), IOP, and full ocular examination results, including SEI severity and the Schirmer test. The subjective data were the patients' responses to a questionnaire at all follow-up visits. RESULTS: The patients consisted of five males (45%) and six females (55%) (mean age 50 ± 11 years) who were followed up for an average of 22 weeks. The mean BCVA (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR]) before and after treatment was 0.34 ± 0.09 and 0.08 ± 0.04 respectively (p = 0.042). All the patients evidenced significant objective clinical improvement, and none had a severe degree of SEI at the end of the treatment. The patients reported considerable reduction in the severity of their symptoms (foreign body sensation, glare, etc.). Three patients were excluded due to side-effects (one had severe dizziness and discomfort), and their data were excluded from the study. CONCLUSION: Topical tacrolimus 0.03% is a safe and effective alternative treatment in patients with SEIs who do not respond to other treatment modalities or have untoward side-effects from topical steroids.

Pharmacokinetics of bevacizumab after topical and intravitreal administration in human eyes.

BACKGROUND: Topical bevacizumab is a potential treatment modality for corneal neovascularization, and several recent studies have demonstrated its efficacy. No previous study of the pharmacokinetics of topical bevacizumab has been performed in human eyes. The purpose of this study is to investigate the pharmacokinetics of topical administration of bevacizumab in human eyes, and also to compare the pharmacokinetics of intravitreal bevacizumab injections with previously reported data. METHODS: Twenty-two (22 eyes) were included in this study, and divided into four groups: eight patients received topical bevacizumab and aqueous samples were obtained 1 hour later during cataract extraction surgery (group 1), eight patients received topical bevacizumab and vitreous samples were obtained 1 day later during pars-plana vitrectomy (PPV) (group 2), three patients received intravitreal bevacizumab and vitreous samples were obtained during PPV (group 3). Vitreous samples from three patients who received no bevacizumab served as controls (group 4). All samples underwent enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect bevacizumab. RESULTS: No bevacizumab was detected in the aqueous or vitreous of any topically treated eyes. The mean vitreal half-life for intravitreally injected bevacizumab was 4.9 days in four non-vitrectomized eyes and 0.66 days in one previously vitrectomized eye. CONCLUSIONS: Topically administered bevacizumab does not penetrate the cornea into the anterior chamber and vitreous cavity, indicating that topical use for treating corneal neovascularization has minimal risk of intraocular penetration and adverse events related to intraocular vascular endothelial growth factor inhibition. The half-life following intravitreal bevacizumab injection measured in this study is comparable to that of previous reports, and includes the first demonstration of a significantly reduced half-life following intravitreal injection in a previously vitrectomized eye.

Intraoperative Assessment of the Stromal Ablation in Photorefractive Keratectomy.

Purpose: To evaluate the difference between planned and measured central ablation depth (CAD) and compare the first and second operated eye in simultaneous bilateral myopic alcohol-assisted PRK. Methods: A retrospective review of patients was performed. Demographic and preoperative data was abstracted. Intraoperative assessment included environmental data, laser-planned algorithm of ablation (L-CAD), and optical coherence pachymetry (OCP) measurements. The true stromal ablation depth (O-CAD) was calculated by subtracting the immediate post-ablation OCP measurement from the OCP measurement before laser ablation. Deviation in pachymetry (DP) between O-CAD and L-CAD was also assessed. Results: The study comprised 140 eyes from 70 consecutive patients. The mean age was 26.91 ± 6.52 years, and 57.1% were females. O-CAD was significantly correlated to preoperative refractive errors and intraoperative laser settings. DP was not correlated to any of the pre- or intraoperative parameters. L-CAD showed a significant underestimation as compared to O-CAD (67.87 ± 25.42 µm and 77.05 ± 30.79 µm, respectively, p < 0.001), which was shown in 74.3% of the cases. A moderate agreement between the two methods was noted, with a mean deviation of 17%. This difference was maintained for each eye individually (p < 0.001). In addition, DP was significantly higher in the first operated eye as compared to the second operated eye (11.97 ± 16.3 µm and 6.38 ± 19.3 µm respectively, p = 0.04). Conclusion: The intraoperative assessment of stromal ablation showed significantly higher central ablation depth values compared to the laser-planned ablation algorithm. The deviation in pachymetry was higher in the first, compared to the second, operated eye. Awareness is warranted as to the discrepancy between preoperative planning and intraoperative assessment.

Photorefractive keratectomy in flat, normal, and steep corneas.

PURPOSE: To compare photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) outcomes in patients with different corneal steepness. SETTING: Care-Vision Laser Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel. DESIGN: Retrospective comparative chart review. METHODS: Patients included in this study underwent wavefront optimized myopic PRK between January 2013 and December 2019. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on the steepness of the cornea (steep keratometry) (flat: <42 diopters [D], normal: 42 to 46 D and steep: >46 D). One to one matching was performed to verify that baseline parameters (age, preoperative visual acuity and refractive error) were similar between groups. Primary outcome measures were: postoperative corrected/uncorrected distance visual acuity (CDVA/UDVA), efficacy index (postoperative UDVA/preoperative CDVA), safety index (postoperative CDVA/preoperative CDVA), spherical equivalence (SEQ) and cylinder. RESULTS: After matching, 650 eyes were included in each group, which were similar in baseline parameters. There were no significant postoperative differences between flat, normal, and steep corneas in terms of safety index (1.02 vs 1.03 vs 1.03, P = .28), efficacy index (1.01 vs 1.01 vs 1.02, P = .57), logMAR CDVA (0.01 vs 0.02 vs 0.01, P = .76), logMAR UDVA (0.02 vs 0.03 vs 0.02, P = .68), %SEQ within 0.50 D (73.9% vs 74.2% vs 74.6%, P = .95) or 1.00 D of target (91.9% vs 92.5% vs 92.2%, P = .92), %cylinder within 0.50 D (82.8% vs 82.2% vs 81.4%, P = .81) or 1.00 D of target (96.9% vs 97.1% vs 97.2%, P = .95). CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences were found between flat, normal and steep corneas following wavefront-optimized myopic PRK. Thus, this procedure may be safely and effectively performed in both flat and steep corneas.

Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis in Flat, Normal, and Steep Corneas.

PURPOSE: To compare laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) outcomes in patients with different corneal curvatures. METHODS: This is a retrospective comparative chart review. Patients included in this study underwent wavefront-optimized myopic LASIK between January 2013 and December 2022 at Care-Vision Laser Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on the steepness of the cornea (steep keratometry) (flat: <42 diopters [D], normal: 42-46 D, and steep: >46 D). Case-by-case matching was performed to verify that baseline parameters (age, preoperative visual acuity, and refractive error) were similar between groups. Primary outcome measures were postoperative corrected/uncorrected distance visual acuity, efficacy index, safety index, spherical equivalence, and astigmatism. RESULTS: After matching, 300 eyes were included in each group, which were similar in baseline parameters. There were no significant postoperative differences between flat, normal, and steep corneas regarding safety index (1.01 vs. 1.02 vs. 1.01, P = 0.95), efficacy index (1.03 vs. 1.02 vs. 1.02, P = 0.94), logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution corrected distance visual acuity (0.01 vs. 0.01 vs. 0.01, P = 0.17), logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution uncorrected distance visual acuity (0.02 vs. 0.03 vs. 0.02, P = 0.65), proportion of patients with spherical equivalence within 0.50 D (73.0% vs. 73.7% vs. 69.3%, P = 0.45) or 1.00 D (93.3% vs. 94.7% vs. 91.7%, P = 0.34) of the target, and proportion of patients with astigmatism within 0.50 D (86.7% vs. 82.3% vs. 80.3%, P = 0.11) or 1.00 D (98.7% vs. 98.7% vs. 99.0%, P = 0.91) of the target. Longer term follow-up of a smaller set of patients revealed similar results. CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences were found between flat, normal, and steep corneas following wavefront-optimized myopic LASIK. Thus, this procedure may be safely and effectively performed across a wide range of corneal curvatures.

Postoperative Pain Comparison Between Alcohol-Assisted and Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy Using Nepafenac Treatment: A Novel Study.

INTRODUCTION: The study aimed to compare postoperative pain between alcohol-assisted and transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy in patients who received the novel analgesic preoperative nepafenac treatment 2 days preoperatively and 3 days postoperatively. Pain, stinging, tearing, light sensitivity, and stress levels were evaluated. METHODS: The study included a retrospective analysis of 55 patients divided into two groups: bilateral alcohol-assisted photorefractive keratectomy (aa-PRK) and transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (transepithelial-PRK). Nepafenac was administered for pain control for all patients, with patients receiving four drops for 2 days before the surgery and 3 days postoperatively per clinical instructions. Patients completed questionnaires on the day of the surgery and for the first 5 days postoperatively. Statistical analysis was performed using XLSTAT (version 2023.1.2). t-Test was used to analyze and compare pain and symptom levels and Fisher's exact test for categorical data. p-Values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The study examined 55 patients (49% female) with a mean age of 25.11 ± 6.81 years who had undergone bilateral surface refractive surgery to correct myopic errors. The mean baseline standard error (SE) was -3.16 ± 2.20 D. Among these patients, 27 patients underwent aa-PRK and 28 patients underwent transepithelial-PRK. Higher levels of pain were significant in the aa-PRK group (p = 0.003). However, there was no significant difference between the groups in the average levels of stinging, tearing, or light sensation. Additionally, stress levels decreased over time in both groups, with levels becoming almost equal after 5 days, and there was no significant difference in the average stress levels between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The study found that patients who underwent the transepithelial-PRK procedure had significantly lower pain levels compared with those who underwent aa-PRK after being treated with nepafenac per protocol. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of stinging, tearing, light sensation, and stress levels.

Comparison of Intraocular Lens Power Prediction Accuracy Between 2 Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography Biometry Devices.

PURPOSE: To compare intraocular lens (IOL) power prediction accuracy of the Eyestar 900 (EyeS900) and the IOLMaster 700 (IOLM700) based on estimated and measured posterior corneal power. DESIGN: Retrospective, interinstrument reliability study. METHODS: Setting: Institutional. PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred twenty-five eyes of 225 cataract surgery patients. MEASUREMENTS: Patients underwent measurements by both devices preoperatively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Spherical Equivalent Prediction Error (SEQ-PE), spread of the SEQ-PE (precision) and the absolute SEQ-PE (accuracy) of each device using Barrett Universal II (BUII) formula with either estimated posterior keratometry (E-PK) or measured posterior keratometry (M-PK). RESULTS: Trimmed mean SEQ-PEs of EyeS900 E-PK, EyeS900 M-PK, IOLM700 E-PK, and IOLM700 M-PK were 0.03, 0.08, 0.02, and 0.09 D, respectively with no significant differences between EyeS900 E-PK and IOLM700 E-PK (P = 0.31) as well as between EyeS900 M-PK and IOLM700 M-PK (P = 0.31). Statistically significant SEQ-PE differences were found when E-PK and M-PK were compared, regardless of the device used, showing hyperopic SEQ-PE in M-PK calculations. Excellent correlation and agreement in SEQ-PE were found between the devices for both E-PK (P < 0.001, r = 0.848, mean bias: +0.01 D, 95% LOA of -0.32 to +0.34 D) and M-PK (P < 0.001, r = 0.776, mean bias: -0.01 D, 95% LOA of -0.42 to +0.39 D). No significant differences were found comparing absolute SEQ-PE and precision of the devices. CONCLUSION: The Eyestar 900 and the IOLMaster 700 show comparable IOL power prediction accuracy by the BUII formula using either estimated or measured posterior keratometry. An adjusted lens factor may be required for BUII when utilizing measured posterior keratometry in both devices.

Factors Predicting the Need for Re-treatment After Laser Refractive Surgery in Patients With Mixed Astigmatism.

PURPOSE: To identify risk factors that increase the likelihood of re-treatment following refractive surgery in patients with mixed astigmatism. METHODS: This was a retrospective study including patients who underwent either laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) or photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) between 2000 and 2019 and had mixed astigmatism (spherical error of +0.50 D or greater and spherical equivalent of less than 0.00 diopters [D]). Patients were divided into two groups according to whether they underwent re-treatments during the study period. RESULTS: Overall, 785 eyes (785 patients) were included. In total, 5.2% of the eyes (n = 41) underwent re-treatment. The re-treatment group was more likely to have preoperative high astigmatism (80.5% vs 48.3%, P < .001), moderate to high hyperopia (36.6% vs 22.3%, P = .035), and to have undergone surgery earlier during the study period (P < .001). They were also more likely to have undergone surgery using the Wave-Light EX200 rather than the EX500 laser platform (Alcon Laboratories, Inc) (P < .001), have a treated optical zone of 6 mm rather than 6.5 mm (P < .001 for both), and their maximum ablation depth was greater (P < .001). There was no difference between the re-treatment and control groups regarding procedure type (PRK vs LASIK). Binary logistic regression found preoperative high astigmatism (odds ratio = 3.97, P < .001) and the type of laser platform used (EX200, odds ratio = 7.78, P < .001) as the only independent factors associated with re-treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Re-treatment rates following correction of mixed astigmatism were 5.2% over 20 years. Use of a sixth-generation laser platform significantly reduced the risk of re-treatment. Presence of high astigmatism is a significant risk factor for re-treatment. There was no difference in retreatment risk between PRK and LASIK. [J Refract Surg. 2024;40(2):e73-e78.].

Pseudophakic cystoid macular oedema and posterior capsular opacification rates after combined phaco-trabeculectomy vs. phaco alone.

PURPOSE: To assess the risk for pseudophakic cystoid macular oedema (PCME) and posterior capsular opacification (PCO) associated with combined cataract surgery and trabeculectomy compared to cataract surgery alone. METHODS: Data analysis of subjects who underwent routine cataract surgery without and with concomitant trabeculectomy at the Department of Ophthalmology, Bristol Eye Hospital, the UK, between January 2008 and December 2017. Odds ratios (ORs) for PCME between the types of surgeries were calculated using univariate and multivariate regression analysis. Multivariate Cox regression controlling for age and gender was used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) for neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomies. RESULTS: This study included 56 973 cataract surgeries without and 288 with concomitant trabeculectomy (phaco-trab) with a mean follow-up time of 6.9 ± 4.2 years. Baseline variables (age and gender, diabetes, pseudoexfoliation, use of pupil expansion device and postoperative follow-up time) were comparable between the groups. Postoperative rates of PCME remained non-significant between the cataract surgery and phaco-trabe groups both in uni- and multi-variate analysis (OR 0.347, 95%CI 0.049-2.477, p = 0.291). Furthermore, in Cox regression analysis adjusted for the patients' age and gender, Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy rates remained non-significant between the cataract surgery and phaco-trabe groups (HR 1.250, 95%CI 0.883-1.769, p = 0.209). CONCLUSIONS: In our large cohort study, combining trabeculectomy with cataract surgery did not predispose to an increased PCME or Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy rates.

A Comprehensive Evaluation of 16 Old and New Intraocular Lens Power Calculation Formulas in Pediatric Eyes.

Purpose: To compare the accuracy of 16 intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation formulas in pediatric cataract eyes. Patients and Methods: The data records of pediatric patients who had been implanted with three IOL models (SA60AT, MA60AC, and enVista-MX60) between 2012 and 2018 were analyzed. The accuracy of 16 IOL power calculation methods was evaluated: Barrett Universal II (BUII), Castrop, EVO 2.0, Haigis, Hill-RBF 3.0, Hoffer Q, Hoffer QST, Holladay 1, Kane, LSF AI, Naeser 2, Pearl-DGS, SRK/T, T2, VRF, and VRF-G. The non-optimized (ULIB/IOLcon) and optimized constants were used for IOL power calculation. The mean prediction error (PE), Performance Index (FPI), and all descriptive statistics were calculated. Results: Ninety-seven eyes of 97 pediatric patients aged 13.2 (IQR 11.2-17.1) were included. No statistically significant difference (HS-test) was observed (p > 0.818) except for the Hoffer Q, and Naeser 2 (P = 0.014). With optimized lens constants, the best FPI indices were obtained by Hoffer Q (0.256) and VRF-G (0.251) formulas, followed by Hill-RBF 3.0 and BUII, with an index of 0.248. The highest FPI indices with non-optimized constants showed SRK/T and T2 formulas (0.246 and 0.245, respectively), followed by VRF-G and Holladay 1, with an index of 0.244. The best median absolute error values (MedAE) were achieved by Hoffer Q (0.50 D), VRF-G (0.53 D), and Hill-RBF 3.0 (0.54 D), all P ≥ 0.074. Conclusion: Our results place the Hoffer Q, VRF-G, Hill-RBF 3.0, and BUII formulas as more accurate predictors of postoperative refraction in pediatric cataract surgery.

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes predisposed to higher Nd:YAG capsulotomy rates following cataract surgery: analysis of 53,471 consecutive cases.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of diabetes type on Nd:YAG capsulotomy rates following cataract surgery. DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study. METHODS: All patients who underwent cataract extraction at the Department of Ophthalmology, Bristol Eye Hospital, Bristol, UK, between 2003 and 2017 were included. The Nd:YAG capsulotomy rate following cataract surgery was assessed and compared between nondiabetic, type 1 diabetes (T1D), and type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients. Multivariate Cox regression analysis controlling for age and sex was used to estimate hazard ratios for Nd:YAG laser capsulotomies. RESULTS: Included were 53,471 consecutive cataract surgeries. Overall, 42,651 eyes (79.8%) were in nondiabetic patients, 823 eyes (1.5%) were in T1D patients, and 9,997 eyes (18.7%) were in T2D patients. The mean follow-up time was 6.8 ± 4.2 years. In univariate analysis, the eyes of T1D patients (p < 0.001) and T2D patients (p = 0.003) had significantly higher Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy rates than the eyes of nondiabetic patients. In Cox regression analysis adjusted for the patient's age and sex, DM1 (HR 1.692, 95%CI 1.390-2.059, P<0.001) and DM2 (HR 1.157, 95%CI 1.075-1.244, P<0.001) remained significantly predictive for higher Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy rates. CONCLUSION: In our large cohort study, patients with T1D and T2D were predisposed to high risk for Nd:YAG capsulotomy following cataract surgery. This study may be beneficial and raise awareness regarding the assessment of posterior capsular opacification development in pseudophakic diabetic patients, particularly those with T1D. The significance of ophthalmology screening for diabetes individuals is further supported by this issue.

Femtosecond LASER-Assisted Double Intraocular Lens Exchange in Nanophthalmic Eyes.

Introduction: Though patients with nanophthalmos frequently endure decreased quality of vision with contact lenses or spectacles, refractive surgery is generally an inadequate alternative due to the associated high refractive error. A refractive lens exchange (RLE) is an alternative option but is technically challenging, requiring accuracy in biometry measurements and procedures. Case Presentation: This case discusses a 27-year-old female with nanophthalmos (axial lengths 17.6 mm and 17.4 mm, right and left eyes, respectively) who underwent a femtosecond laser-assisted (FLA) RLE with simultaneous implantation of a monofocal and a Sulcoflex trifocal (Rayner, Britain) lens in each eye. Preoperative cycloplegic refraction was +11.50/-0.75 × 145 and +12.00/-1.00 × 35 in the RE and LE, respectively. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at distance and near in the RE and LE was 6/7.5 and J1, 6/8.5 and J2, respectively. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was >6/120 and >J14 for each eye. FLA RLE was performed in the RE, then in the LE 2 weeks later. In each eye, a monofocal (44.0 D, RE, and LE) and a Sulcoflex trifocal lens (both implants, Rayner, Britain) were implanted in one procedure. Distance and near UCVA measured 6 weeks post-op RE and 1-month post-op LE at 6/8.5 and J1 in the RE, 6/10 and J1 in the LE. The RE and LE refraction and BCVA were +0.50/-1.00 × 115, 6/7.5, and plano/-1.00 × 55, 6/8.5, respectively. The post-op outcomes were uneventful. Conclusion: A single procedure concurrently implanting a monofocal and Sulcoflex trifocal intraocular lens in nanophthalmic eyes resulted in an excellent UCVA. This procedure can be considered esthetic and reconstructive as it significantly improves patient appearance and function.

Monovision surgery in myopic presbyopes: visual function and satisfaction.

PURPOSE: To describe our experience with monovision excimer laser correction in individuals with myopic presbyopia. METHODS: This prospective interventional case series was conducted in a private refractive surgery center on 40 patients with presbyopia aged 40 years and older, who were treated with monovision refractive surgery between 2010 and 2011. The dominant eye was corrected for distance vision and the nondominant eye was corrected for near vision, with anisometropia of ≥1.00 diopters (D). All patients underwent comprehensive objective and subjective visual assessments, including a questionnaire that was filled out preoperatively and at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. The primary outcomes were preoperative and postoperative refraction, binocular visual acuity, stereopsis, contrast sensitivity, glare, and questionnaire results. RESULTS: The 1-year follow-up was completed by 38 patients (95%). Preoperative and 1-year postoperative refraction of the distance eye spherical equivalent (SE), anisometropia SE, and uncorrected visual acuity were -4.05 ± 1.94 and -0.01 ± 0.22 D, 0.45 ± 0.50 and 1.73 ± 0.56 D, and 0.87 ± 0.2 and 0.09 ± 0.11 logMAR, respectively. Best-corrected visual acuity was unchanged. Both mean distance and near stereopsis decreased, from 52 to 142 seconds of arc and from 54 to 57 seconds of arc, respectively. Contrast sensitivity and glare decreased significantly. Patient satisfaction improved from 41.5 ± 30.4% to 85.2 ± 5.0% (range, 40 to 100%) at the 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Monovision excimer laser correction provides both effective and satisfactory results and should be considered as an option for individuals with myopic presbyopia suitable for, and interested in, refractive surgery.

High-dose topical bevacizumab for corneal neovascularization.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Bevacizumab (Avastin), an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drug, has been successfully used in the recent years to treat ocular pathologies, mostly by intravitreal administration. The aim of the current study was to assess the off-label topical use of high-dose bevacizumab for the treatment of corneal neovascularization. METHODS: Seventeen eyes of 17 patients with corneal neovascularization secondary to various pathologies were included. The patients were treated with topical bevacizumab (25 mg/ml) 4 times daily for 2 weeks. The following parameters were evaluated at baseline and on days 3, 7 and 14: visual acuity, slit-lamp examination, intraocular pressure, heart rate and blood pressure. Color photos were obtained at baseline and on day 14. RESULTS: Eleven eyes (65%) demonstrated regression of corneal neovascularization and/or clearing of corneal opacification. Adverse ocular events were mild and transient, and included eyelid swelling/chalazion and superficial punctate keratitis. CONCLUSION: Treatment with high-dose topical bevacizumab (25 mg/ml) was effective for corneal neovascularization in nearly two thirds of the eyes treated. Adverse ocular side effects were mild and transient.

Complications of pupil expansion devices: a large real-world study.

Purpose: To assess the risk for uveitis, pseudophakic cystoid macular edema (PCME), and posterior capsular opacification (PCO) associated with the use of pupil expansion devices in cataract surgery. Design: A retrospective comparative cohort study. Participants: Patients who underwent routine cataract surgery with and without pupil expansion devices at the Department of Ophthalmology, Bristol Eye Hospital, UK, between January 2008 and December 2017. Methods: This study included 39,460 eyes operated without a pupil expansion device and 699 eyes operated with the device. Odds ratios for uveitis and PCME when using a pupil expansion device were calculated using univariate and multivariate regression analysis, having age, gender, diabetes, pseudoexfoliation, and pupil expansion device as independent variables. Multivariate Cox regression controlling for age and gender was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) for Nd : YAG laser capsulotomies. Results: Postoperative uveitis and PCME were reported in 3.9% and 2.7% of the eyes operated with a pupil expansion device compared to 2.3% and 1.3% operated without the device (p=0.005 and p=0.002, respectively). In univariate regression analysis, eyes with pupil expansion devices showed a higher risk of postoperative uveitis or PMCE after cataract surgery (OR 1.88, 95%CI 1.39-2.55, p<0.001). In multivariate regression analysis, the risk for PMCE was greater among diabetic patients and in eyes with a pupil expansion device than in those without (OR 1.50, 95%CI 1.24-1.83, P<0.001; OR 1.90, 95%CI 1.16-3.11, P=0.01). In Cox regression analysis adjusted for the patient's age and gender, the use of a pupil expansion device was associated with higher Nd : YAG laser capsulotomy rates (HR 1.316, 95%CI 1.011-1.714, P=0.041). Conclusion: In our large cohort study, the use of pupil expansion devices in cataract surgery was associated with an increased risk of major postoperative complications. Effective anti-inflammatory treatment and follow-up are warranted in eyes operated with a pupil expansion device.

Use of a Novel Three-dimensional Head-mounted Digital Visualization Platform in Corneal Endothelial Transplantation.

INTRODUCTION: To report the first endothelial keratoplasty procedures performed using a 3D digital head-mounted ophthalmic exoscope. METHODS: Three patients underwent Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) using a 3D digital ophthalmic exoscope (Beyeonics One, Beyeonics Vision, Haifa, Israel) at the Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel. RESULTS: All procedures were uneventful, leading to resolution of corneal edema and vision improvement. Surgeons reported excellent visualization and minimal lag, almost negligible, with the benefits of improved ergonomics and the use of head gestures to control zoom, focus, brightness, and panning. There were no postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: The new 3D digital ophthalmic exoscope system can be successfully used in DSAEK surgery with potential advantages in ergonomics, picture quality, and image control. Further studies can compare this system with either standard operating microscopes or 3D heads-up display systems.