Technique of corneal allogenic ring segment preparation using femtosecond laser: preclinical study on human corneal grafts.

PURPOSE: To describe a new technique for preparing corneal allogenic ring segments (CAIRSs) using femtosecond laser technology. SETTING: Hospital Foundation Adolphe de Rothschild-Noémie de Rothschild institute, Paris, France. DESIGN: Preclinical study conducted on human corneal grafts. METHODS: The corneal grafts were mounted on an artificial chamber pressurizer (ACP) with preset constant pressure, and the FSL was used to create a circular annulus with specific dimensions. The resulting CAIRSs were analyzed for their thickness and width after air drying. RESULTS: A total of 25 CAIRSs were prepared using the FSL. The mean width and thickness of the CAIRSs were 803 ± 77 µm and 83 ± 16 µm, respectively. Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in width among the various quadrants of each CAIRS or between different CAIRSs. Significantly thicker CAIRSs were obtained with a higher ACP pressure. CONCLUSIONS: The technique of CAIRS preparation using FSL technology and controlled artificial anterior chamber pressure demonstrated reproducibility and precision. This approach holds the potential for customizing and personalizing CAIRSs based on individual corneal characteristics.

Long-Term Follow-Up of Descemet Stripping Only: Data Up to 7 Years Postoperatively.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to report long-term follow-up of eyes undergoing Descemet stripping only (DSO). METHODS: This was a retrospective study including 26 eyes of 20 patients undergoing DSO between December 2015 and November 2022. Eligibility criteria included peripheral endothelial cell count (ECC) >1000 cells/mm2 and symptoms caused by central guttata. Patients underwent a central circular 4-mm descemetorhexis using a reverse Sinskey hook and a pair of descemetorhexis forceps using a peeling technique. Three parameters were measured before surgery and at last follow-up: best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central corneal thickness (CCT), and ECC measured centrally and at the periphery. RESULTS: The mean age was 73 ± 9 years [52-90 years]. The average follow-up period was 23.7 ± 24.8 months [3-84]. Twenty-two eyes responded to DSO with 20 female eyes (91%) and 2 male eyes (9%). The mean postoperative BCVA improved from 0.3 ± 0.17 logMAR to 0.09 ± 0.13 logMAR (P value <0.05). The mean postoperative CCT decreased from 588 ± 41 µm to 546 ± 50 µm (P-value <0.05). The mean postoperative central ECC was 780 ± 257 cells/mm2 [484-1500]. Peripheral ECC decreased postoperatively (1837 ± 407 cells/mm2 preoperatively to 864 ± 340 cells/mm2 postoperatively, P value >0.05). Peripheral endothelial cell polymegathism was stable (average of 26.8% ± 6.8% preoperatively and 30.2% ± 14% postoperatively). Average peripheral endothelial cells polymorphism decreased postoperatively (63.1 ± 20.5% preoperatively to 33% ± 25% postoperatively, P value >0.05). Four eyes did not show improvement after DSO and underwent Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty surgery. There were 3 men (75%) and 1 women (25%). The preoperative trend was for nonresponders to have lower BCVA, higher CCT, more abnormal peripheral polymorphism, and polymegathism. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study, with up to 7 years follow up, demonstrate the durability of DSO.

Discrimination between keratoconus, forme fruste keratoconus, and normal eyes using a novel OCT-based tomographer.

PURPOSE: To combine objective machine-derived corneal parameters obtained with new swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) tomographer (Anterion) to differentiate between normal (N), keratoconus (KC) and forme fruste KC (FFKC). SETTING: Laser Center, Hôpital Fondation Adolphe de Rothschild, Paris, France. DESIGN: Retrospective study. METHODS: 281 eyes of 281 patients were included and divided into 3 groups: N (n = 156), FFKC (n = 43), and KC (n = 82). Eyes were included in each group based on objective evaluation using Nidek Corneal Navigator, and subjective evaluation by authors. The SS-OCT system provided anterior and posterior corneal surface and pachymetry derived variables. The training set was composed of 143 eyes (95 N, 43 FFKC). Discriminant analysis was used to determine the group of an observation based on a set of variables. The obtained formula was tested in the validation set composed of 61 N and 82 KC. RESULTS: Among curvature parameters, the FFKC had significantly higher irregularity index at 3 mm and 5 mm, higher inferior-superior index, higher SteepK-OppositeK index and inferiorly decentered posterior steepest keratometry. Among thickness parameters: central pachymetry, thinnest pachymetry, percentage of thickness increase from center to periphery, and inferior decentration of the thinnest point were statistically different between groups. Combination of multiple variables into a discriminant function (F1) included 5 parameters and reached an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.95 (sensitivity = 75%, specificity = 98.5%) for detection of FFKC. F1 differentiates N from KC with AUROC = 0.99 (sensitivity = 99%, specificity = 99%). CONCLUSIONS: Combining anterior and posterior curvatures variables along with pachymetric data obtained from SS-OCT allowed automated detection of early KC and KC with very good accuracy (87% and 99.5% respectively).

Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty with cornea press technique and implantation of a Carlevale scleral-fixated intraocular lens.

Purpose: We describe a combined Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) using the Cornea-press (C-Press) technique, with implantation of a new sutureless, scleral fixated intraocular lens (IOL) (Carlevale, Soleko), in a case of bullous keratopathy and IOL mispositioning. Observations: Two scleral pockets were created along two scleral radial incisions, 180° apart, followed by two 23 G sclerotomies at the pockets' sites. After removal of the dislocated IOL through a corneoscleral incision, posterior vitrectomy was completed. The Carlevale IOL was injected into the anterior chamber (AC) and placed above the iris. The haptics were then externalized using opening distal forceps through the sclerotomies, and the plugs were secured in the scleral pockets. DMEK was then performed using the "C-press" technique, where corneal indentation allowed to artificially shallow the AC to ensure successful graft unrolling. Fifteen months postoperatively, the cornea was clear, the Carlevale IOL well positioned, and the patient's vision improved. Conclusions and importance: DMEK using the C-Press technique, combined with a sutureless, scleral-fixated IOL such as the Carlevale in a single procedure, may be a safe and effective option to restore vision in case of bullous keratopathy and dislocated IOL.

Medium to long term follow up study of the efficacy of cessation of eye-rubbing to halt progression of keratoconus.

Purpose: To study the progression of keratoconus after cessation of eye rubbing with a minimum follow up of three-years. Design: Retrospective, monocentric, longitudinal cohort study of keratoconus patients with a minimum of 3 years follow-up. Participants: One hundred fifty three eyes of seventy-seven consecutive patients with keratoconus were included. Methods: Initial examination consisted of anterior and posterior segment evaluation using slit-lamp biomicroscopy. At the initial visit, patients were thoroughly informed of their pathology and instructed to stop rubbing their eyes. Eye rubbing cessation was assessed at all the follow-up visits at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, and yearly afterward. Corneal topography using the Pentacam® (Oculus®, Wetzlar, Germany) was used to obtain maximum and average anterior keratometry readings (Kmax and Kmean), as well as thinnest pachymetry (Pachymin, µm) in both eyes. Main outcome measures: The main outcomes measured were maximum keratometry (Kmax), mean keratometry (Kmean), and thinnest pachymetry (Pachymin) values at various time points to assess for keratoconus progression. Keratoconus progression was defined as a significant augmentation of Kmax (>1D), Kmean (>1D), or significant diminution of Pachymin (>5%) throughout the total follow-up duration. Results: One hundred fifty three eyes of seventy-seven patients (75.3% males) aged 26.4 years old, were followed for an average of 53 months. Over the course of the follow-up, there was no statistically significant variation of ∆Kmax (+0.04 ± 0.87; p = 0.34), ∆ Kmean (+0.30 ± 0.67; p = 0.27) nor ∆Pachymin (-4.36 ± 11.88; p = 0.64). Among the 26 of the 153 eyes which had at least one criterion of KC progression, 25 admitted continuing eye rubbing, or other at-risk behaviors. Conclusion: This study suggests that a significant proportion of keratoconus patients are likely to remain stable if close monitoring and strict ARB cessation are achieved, without the need for further intervention.

Effectiveness and safety of cataract surgery in laminar air flow device versus traditional scrubs: A 1-year non-inferiority pilot study.

Purpose: The study aimed to assess the safety and the non-inferiority of cataract surgery outside an operating room using the Surgicube®, a mobile laminar airflow (LAF) device. Settings: This single-center study was conducted at the Rothschild Foundation, Paris, France. Design: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study. Methods: All patients operated on for cataracts using the Surgicube® between February 2020 and February 2021 were included and controlled by a cohort of patients operated on for cataracts in the traditional theater during the same period. Patients with a postoperative follow-up of less than 1 month were excluded. Data collection was carried out using the patient's medical record. The primary endpoint was the evaluation of the number of endophthalmitis in the two groups. The secondary judgment criteria were the analysis of the various complications and the Logmar visual acuity at 1 month in the two groups. All the patients underwent an OCT retinal examination. Results: A total of 923 randomized patients who underwent cataract surgery between 2020 and 2021 have been included in the study. Among them, 448 patients were operated on using the Surgicube, and 475 patients underwent surgery in the traditional operating room using the same lens phacoemulsification technique. There are no significant differences between the two groups (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Cataract surgery using the Surgicube® outside a conventional operating room seems non-inferior to conventional scrub.

Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty-Induced Refractive Shift and Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty-Induced Intraocular Lens Calculation Error.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the mechanisms leading to the refractive shift and intraocular lens calculation error induced by Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK), using ocular biometry and corneal elevation tomography data. METHODS: This is a retrospective, monocentric cohort study. Eyes which underwent uncomplicated DMEK surgery with available pre-DMEK and post-DMEK Scheimpflug rotating camera data (Pentacam, Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany) were considered for inclusion with an age-matched control group of healthy corneas. Cataract surgery data were collected for triple-DMEK cases. DMEK-induced refractive shift (DIRS) and intraocular lens calculation error (DICE) were calculated. Pearson r correlation coefficient was calculated between each corneal parameter variation and both DIRS and DICE. RESULTS: DIRS was calculable for 49 eyes from 43 patients. It was 30.61% neutral, 53.06% hyperopic (36.73% > 1D), and 16.32% myopic (6.12% > 1 D). DICE was calculable for 30 eyes of 26 patients: It was 46.67% neutral, 40.00% hyperopic (10.00% > 1D), and 13.33% myopic (3.33% > 1D). DIRS and DICE were mainly associated with variations in PRC/ARC ratio, anterior average radii of curvature (ARC), posterior average radii of curvature (PRC), and posterior Q. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that ARC variations, PRC/ARC ratio variations, PRC variations, and posterior Q variations are the most influential parameters for both DIRS and DICE. We suggest that a distinction between those different phenomenons, both currently described as "hyperopic shift" in the literature, should be made by researchers and clinicians.

Development and validation of a pixel wise deep learning model to detect cataract on swept-source optical coherence tomography images.

PURPOSE: The diagnosis of cataract is mostly clinical and there is a lack of objective and specific tool to detect and grade it automatically. The goal of this study was to develop and validate a deep learning model to detect and localize cataract on Swept Source Optical Coherance Tomography (SS-OCT) images. METHODS: We trained a convolutional network to detect cataract at the pixel level from 504 SS-OCT images of clear lens and cataract patients. The model was then validated on 1326 different images of 114 patients. The output of the model is a map repreenting the probability of cataract for each pixel of the image. We calculated the Cataract Fraction (CF), defined as the number of pixel classified as "cataract" divided by the number of pixel representing the lens for each image. Receiver Operating Characteristic Curves were plotted. Area Under the Curve (ROC AUC) sensitivity and specitivity to detect cataract were calculated. RESULTS: In the validsation set, mean CF was 0.024 ± 0.077 and 0.479 ± 0.230 (p < 0.001). ROC AUC was 0.98 with an optimal CF threshold of 0.14. Using that threshold, sensitivity and specificity to detect cataract were 94.4% and 94.7%, respectively. CONCLUSION: We developed an automatic detection tool for cataract on SS-OCT images. Probability maps of cataract on the images provide an additional tool to help the physician in its diagnosis and surgical planning.

Comparative analysis of 2 biometers using swept-source OCT technology.

PURPOSE: To report the repeatability, level of agreement, and correlation of 2 swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) biometers, the IOLMaster 700 (biometer A) and the ANTERION (biometer B). SETTING: Rothschild Foundation Hospital, Paris, France. DESIGN: Prospective comparative case series. METHODS: Consecutive patients who attended for cataract assessment had SS-OCT biometry performed with the reference, biometer A, and biometer B. Axial length, mean keratometry, central corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, and corneal diameter measurements (white-to-white [WTW] distance) were measured. The intraoperator repeatability was calculated using analysis of variance and repeatability limits. Correlations were assessed, and the level of agreement between the biometers was represented with the Bland-Altman method. RESULTS: The study comprised 63 patients (125 eyes). There was a statistically significant difference between the 2 biometers in all measurements (P < .05). All repeatability measurements were very high, as were the level of correlation and level of agreement between biometer A and biometer B for all parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Biometer B provided good agreement and repeatability compared with biometer A; however, all parameters were not interchangeable, particularly, the WTW measurement and the high keratometric values.

Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) rejection following COVID-19 infection: A case report.

PURPOSE: To report the first known case of Descemet's Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) graft rejection following COVID19 infection. OBSERVATION: A 60-year-old woman with a history of DMEK for Fuch's dystrophy, presented with redness and vision loss in her operated eye 18 months after surgery. Further clinical history revealed systemic symptoms consistent with COVID19, which had started 3 weeks prior to the onset of ocular symptoms. Examination revealed graft rejection, despite patient compliance with maintenance topical corticosteroid therapy. Serological testing was positive for SARS-CoV-2 IgG. The patient responded well to intensive treatment with systemic, periocular and topical corticosteroids, and reversal of graft rejection was achieved. Two months later, there was a recurrence of graft rejection while on maintenance therapy with cyclosporin 2% and topical corticosteroids. The same intensive immunosuppressive treatment protocol was followed, and reversal of graft rejection was again achieved. CONCLUSION AND IMPORTANCE: We believe that COVID-19 infection was a causative factor in this patient DMEK rejection. By highlighting this case, we hope to raise awareness amongst ophthalmologists of potential graft complications following COVID19 infection.

Effect of Intracameral Cefuroxime on Graft Endothelial Cells in Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty: A Comparative Study.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of intracameral cefuroxime on graft endothelial cell loss after simple Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) and combined DMEK and cataract surgery.Materials and Methods: Single-center retrospective comparative analysis. One hundred and three patients were included, 31 in the cefuroxime group and 72 in the non-cefuroxime (NC) group. Best Spectacle-Corrected Visual Acuity (BSCVA), endothelial cell density (ECD) of the graft measured by specular microscopy, and the recipient's pachymetry were recorded pre-operatively and at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery.Results: In the cefuroxime group, BSCVA was 0.22 ± 0.27 LogMAR, 0.15 ± 0.24 LogMAR and 0.07 ± 0.22, respectively, at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery with no significant differences found when compared to the NC group (p > .05). Anatomical outcomes were similar as mean pachymetry decreased from 599 ± 51 µm preoperatively to 511 ± 30 µm at 6 months after surgery in the cefuroxime group and from 607 ± 67 µm preoperatively to 519 ± 32 µm at 6 months in the NC group (p = .25). Endothelial cell loss was comparable between both groups: 33.4% versus 33.6% at 1 month (p = .97), 37.4% versus 34.9% at 3 months (p = .68) and 41.6% versus 38.3% at 6 months (p = .42) in the cefuroxime and NC groups, respectively. The rates of rebubbling, graft rejection, and cystoid macular edema were not significantly higher in the cefuroxime group.Conclusion: The use of intracameral cefuroxime during simple or combined DMEK did not lead to higher graft endothelial cell loss.

Heads-up Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty Surgery: Feasibility, Surgical Duration, Complication Rates, and Comparison With a Conventional Microscope.

PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) surgery using the glasses-assisted 3-dimensional (3D) display system NGENUITY (Alcon Laboratories, Fort Worth, TX) and to compare with standard DMEK surgery by using a conventional operating microscope. METHODS: Twelve consecutive cases of DMEK surgery were performed using the glasses-assisted 3D display system NGENUITY (Alcon) and matched with similar cases performed by using the OPMI-Lumera 700 surgical microscope (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Germany) in this prospective cross-sectional study realized at the Rothschild Foundation, Paris, France. DMEK graft preparation time, graft unfolding time, time to perform the descemetorhexis (DM), and overall surgical time were recorded. Best corrected visual acuity, endothelial cell density of the donor tissue measured by specular microscopy, and the recipient's central corneal thickness were recorded preoperatively and again at 1 and 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: In the 3D group, time to perform the graft preparation, DM, and global surgical time were significantly higher in the 3D group than in the conventional groups (17 minutes 36 seconds ± 3 minutes 13 seconds and 14 minutes 50 seconds ± 1 minutes 28 seconds, P = 0.04; 6 minutes 18 seconds ± 2 minutes 30 seconds vs. 3 minutes 50 seconds ± 2 minutes 8 seconds, P = 0.03; and 31 minutes 30 seconds ± 6 minutes 10 seconds vs. 24 minutes 10 seconds ± 3 minutes 26 seconds, respectively, P = 0.05). The time to unfold the graft was higher, although not significantly so, in the 3D group compared with the conventional group (5 minutes 15 seconds ± 2 minutes 40 seconds vs. 4 minutes 40 seconds ± 2 minutes 25 seconds, P = 0.89). Mean central corneal thickness decreased about 168 ± 82 µm at 3 months after surgery in the 3D group and about 228 ± 123 µm in the conventional group without significant difference (P = 0.60). Best corrected visual acuity in the 3D group was 0.33 ± 0.32 LogMAR at 3 months after surgery with no significant differences found when compared with conventional surgery. The percent endothelial cell loss from preoperative at 3 months was 35% in the 3D group and 26% in the conventional group, respectively, with no significant difference (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Performing DMEK surgery using a 3D display system is feasible; however, it is more challenging and the total surgical time is longer. This method would certainly be useful for instructional courses.

Conjunctival limbal autografting (CLAU) combined with customised simple limbal epithelial transplantation (SLET) in a severe corneal chemical burn: Case report.

PURPOSE: The most common cause of severe limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) is chemical injury. We report a case of severe unilateral alkali injury complicated by total LSCD, treated with customized Simple limbal epithelial transplantation (SLET) combined with conjunctival-limbal autografting (CLAU). OBSERVATION: A 23-year-old female sustained a severe unilateral alkali chemical injury, resulting in total LSCD, treated with customized SLET combined with CLAU. We used two autologous limbal biopsies harvested from the fellow eye. One was used for CLAU and the second was split into multiple pieces, and was glued to bare stroma following resection of the corneal pannus. A stable ocular surface was achieved, and the donor eye remained healthy. Visual acuity improved from hand motion initially, to 20/20 over one year post-operatively. CONCLUSION AND IMPORTANCE: This case report demonstrates the efficacy and safety of customized SLET with supplemental CLAU to treat total LSCD in severe ocular burns.

Incorrect sleeping position and eye rubbing in patients with unilateral or highly asymmetric keratoconus: a case-control study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate eye rubbing and sleeping position in patients with Unilateral or Highly Asymmetric Keratoconus (UHAKC). METHODS: Case-control study of consecutive UHAKC patients diagnosed at the Rothschild Foundation. Controls were age- and sex-matched, randomly selected refractive surgery clinic patients. Patients self-administered questionnaires regarding their family history of keratoconus, eye rubbing, and sleeping habits. All the eyes underwent a comprehensive ocular examination. Logistic regression was used to analyze univariate and multivariate data to identify risk factors for keratoconus. RESULTS: Thirty-three UHAKC patients and 64 controls were included. Univariate analyses showed that daytime eye rubbing [OR = 172.78], in the morning [OR = 24.3], or in eyes with the steepest keratometry [OR = 21.7] were significantly different between groups. Allergy [OR = 2.94], red eyes in the morning [OR = 6.36], and sleeping on stomach/sides [OR = 14.31] or on the same side as the steepest keratometry [OR = 94.72] were also significantly different. The multivariate model also showed statistical significance for most factors including daytime eye rubbing [OR = 134.96], in the morning [OR = 24.86], in the steepest eye [OR = 27.56], and sleeping on stomach/sides [OR = 65.02] or on the steepest side [OR = 144.02]. A univariate analysis in UHAKC group, comparing the worse and better eye, showed that eye rubbing [OR = 162.14] and sleeping position [OR = 99.74] were significantly (p < 0.001) associated with the worse eye. CONCLUSION: Our data suggests that vigorous eye rubbing and incorrect sleeping position are associated with UHAKC. This is especially true in rubbing the most afflicted eye, and contributory sleep position, including positions placing pressure on the eye with the steepest keratometry.

Evaluation of vision-related quality of life in keratoconus patients, and associated impact of keratoconus severity indicators.

PURPOSE: To evaluate vision-related quality of life in keratoconus patients and associated impact of keratoconus severity indicators using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25). METHODS: This was a prospective cross-sectional study carried out from November 1, 2014, to April 30, 2015, in the corneal service of the Hôtel-Dieu hospital, Paris, France. A hundred and one keratoconus patients were consecutively enrolled. Participants completed a French-validated version of the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25). Manifest refraction, maximum keratometry value, and corneal thinnest point were recorded. Associations between clinical and demographic factors, previous medical or surgical treatment, and NEI-VFQ-25 scale scores were evaluated. RESULTS: Vision-related quality of life was no better in patients managed with rigid gas permeable contact lens, collagen cross-linking, or intracorneal ring segment implantation, compared with untreated patients. In advanced keratoconus (stages II, III, and IV of Amsler-Krumeich classification), rigid gas permeable contact lens wearers had better general vision but more ocular pain. Distance-corrected visual acuity worse than 20/40, mean refractive cylinder > 2.5 diopters, and corneal thinnest point < 460 µm in the better eye were associated with a lower vision-related quality of life. In multivariate analysis, only the uncorrected and distance-corrected visual acuity of the better eye remained significantly correlated with vision-related quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Low distance-corrected visual acuity in the better eye was the strongest predictor of low vision-related quality of life.

Average lens density quantification with swept-source optical coherence tomography: optimized, automated cataract grading technique.

PURPOSE: To assess a revised version of an objective cataract grading method based on the lens densitometry on swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) scans. SETTING: Rothschild Foundation, Paris, France. DESIGN: Prospective case series. METHODS: All patients seeking a cataract evaluation and consenting to study participation were included. Exclusion criteria were a history of ocular surgery, cornea or retina disorders, and ocular dryness. The average lens densitometry (ALD) was measured on SS-OCT scans (IOLMaster 700) using an algorithm developed with MATLAB software. The ocular scatter index (OSI), measured using a double-pass aberrometer (Optical Quality Analysis System); Pentacam nucleus staging (PNS) score; and mean PNS were also measured and compared with the ALD measurements. RESULTS: Two hundred eighty-five eyes (195 with cataract; 90 controls) of 155 patients aged 20 to 93 years (mean 56.5 years ± 21 [SD]) were included. The ALD measurements were repeatable (P = .99, analysis of variance). The repeatability limit was 2.50 pixel units. The ALD correlated with the OSI (r2 = 0.41, P < .01) and PNS score (r2 = 0.65, P < .01). An ALD greater than 73.8 pixel units was the cutoff threshold for cataract, with 96.2% sensitivity and 91.3% specificity. Discriminant analysis produced a model combining visual acuity and the mean ALD with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.975 (P < .001), where the mean ALD had the highest coefficient. CONCLUSIONS: Using the automated algorithm based on SS-OCT ALD measurements was a repeatable, reliable objective cataract grading method. When the ALD is greater than 73.8 pixel units, it is reasonable to discuss cataract surgery in symptomatic patients.

C-Press Technique to Facilitate Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty Surgery in Vitrectomized Patients: A Case Series.

PURPOSE: To describe an original technique to unfold the graft in vitrectomized eyes undergoing Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart and video review of successive cases presenting with corneal decompensation in vitrectomized eyes or aphakic eyes in which DMEK or combined DMEK/scleral-fixated intraocular lens implantation was indicated and in which a specific technique [Cornea-Press (C-Press)] was used to unfold the graft. C-Press is characterized by corneal indentation intended to artificially shallow the anterior chamber and allow the graft to unroll. Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity, central corneal thickness, the time of graft unfolding, endothelial cell count, and the incidence of intraoperative/postoperative complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Eleven eyes of 11 patients (8 men, mean age: 73 ± 12 years) were included. Corrected distance visual acuity (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) improved from 1.44 ± 0.23 preoperatively to 0.77 ± 0.36 6 months postoperatively (P < 0.001). Central corneal thickness (CCT) decreased from 644 ± 79 preoperatively to 516 ± 49 µm 6 months postoperatively. The graft unfolding time was 4.4 ± 2.5 minutes. Mean endothelial cell density was 2762 ± 192 preoperatively and 1872 ± 324 cells/mm 6 months postoperatively. No eye showed intraoperative complications. Rebubbling for partial detachment was needed in 2 cases (18%). CONCLUSIONS: The C-Press technique enables likely safe and reproducible DMEK surgery in vitrectomized eyes. Further clinical studies with a large number of patients and longer follow-up are required to confirm our preliminary results.

Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty After Failed Penetrating Keratoplasty.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate the feasibility of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) performed after previous penetrating keratoplasty (PK) failure and to describe primary outcomes. METHODS: Twenty-eight eyes of 28 patients who underwent DMEK after primary PK failure between January 2013 and November 2017 were included in this single-center retrospective study. Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity, endothelial cell density, and the recipient's central corneal thickness were recorded preoperatively and at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: The main indications for primary PK were keratoconus (32%), Fuchs dystrophy (18%), and pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (14%). After a 6-month follow-up, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity was significantly improved in 26 patients (93%) with a mean gain of +0.59 ± 0.47 LogMAR (P < 0.0004). Mean pachymetry reduction was 110 ± 108 µm (P < 0.00003) at 6 months. Mean endothelial cell density was 2016 ± 288 cells/mm (P < 0.006), (24% decrease compared with preoperative values). Graft detachment (>1/3) was observed in 14 cases (50%) and rebubbling was needed (100% effective) during the first 2 weeks after surgery. Elevated intraocular pressure was reported in 5 cases. No early graft rejections were reported. CONCLUSIONS: In case of previous PK failure, DMEK is an alternative treatment to re-PK. A longer follow-up to ensure the long-term viability of the graft is needed.