A 15-Year Review of Corneal Transplant in Brazil.

PURPOSE: To analyze 15-year of corneal transplant in Brazil. METHODS: Cross-sectional, retrospective, observational, and analytical study, between available data from the Brazilian Transplant Registry (January 2002-December 2016), collected by the Brazilian Association of Organ Transplantation was performed. The variables analyzed per year were number of corneal transplants, corneal transplants per million people (pmp), corneal transplant teams, and individuals on the waiting list for corneal transplants. Quantitative variables were expressed by their respective values. To verify the relationship of time with the variables, the Spearman correlation test was applied, adopting P<0.05 for rejection of the null hypothesis. RESULTS: Evaluation of the data from 2002 to 2016 revealed an increase in number of (1) corneal transplants (4,976-14,534-approximately 292% in 15 years; P<0.0001); (2) corneal transplants pmp (29.4-71.1 pmp; P<0.0001); (3) productivity of corneal transplants teams (40.1-79 transplants by each team per year; P=0.067); (4) effectiveness in meeting the Brazilian population demand for corneal transplants per year (18.2%-57.0%; P<0.0001); (5) potential donors (P<0.0001), effective donors (P<0.0001), and nondonors (P<0.0001). There was a reduction in the number of patients on the waiting list (19,189-10,923; P=0.056). CONCLUSION: Despite the progress in the last decade, the number of corneal transplants in Brazil cannot meet the growing population demand. Thus, this study suggests the implementation of more effective public policies of corneal transplants in Brazil, to minimize disparities in national territory, adequately meet the population demand, and reduce the time in waiting lists for corneal transplants.

Is there an association between glaucoma and capillaroscopy in patients with systemic sclerosis?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between glaucoma diagnosis and the nailfold capillaroscopy pattern in patients with systemic sclerosis. METHODS: An observational study in a cohort of patients with SSc was conducted. Patients with at least one nailfold videocapillaroscopy and one ophthalmology examination at the same year were included. Data collected were: age, sex; type of systemic sclerosis according to the degree of skin impairment, self-reported ethnicity, disease duration, current use and dosage of systemic corticosteroid, current use and dosage of bosentan®, intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness, diagnosis of glaucoma and capillaroscopy pattern. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients with systemic sclerosis were enrolled, 23% had glaucoma. There was no statistically significant association between glaucoma diagnosis and the capillaroscopic pattern (p = 0.86). There was also no significant difference (p = 0.66) regarding intraocular pressure between patients with mild (13.9 ± 3.8 mmHg) and severe capillaroscopic pattern (14.4 ± 2.8 mmHg). The odds ratio of glaucoma for severe capillaroscopic pattern compared to mild was 1.6 (95% confidence interval: 0.3-9.5). CONCLUSION: Up to 23% of patients with SSc have glaucoma. The high prevalence of glaucoma in SSc suggests a possible systemic vascular disturbance as the cause. However, there seems to be no significant association between the capillaroscopy pattern and glaucoma in systemic sclerosis. Further research is required to improve the understanding of glaucoma in the context of systemic sclerosis.

Corneal involvement in systemic inflammatory diseases.

Corneal involvement in patients with systemic inflammatory disorders may be sight threatening, and it may be associated with a life-threatening disease. Significant systemic inflammatory diseases in this context are autoimmune connective tissue diseases, systemic autoimmune dermatological disorders, and autoimmune diseases of the lacrimal system. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca is usually the most common ocular finding in these patients. Peripheral ulcerative keratitis is a rare condition usually associated with increased ocular morbidity and also mortality, as it might act as an indicator of a more widespread vasculitis. Corneal biomechanical properties may also be altered in connective tissue diseases. Although recent studies suggest that the risk for corneal complications after ocular surgery in patients with quiescent autoimmune disease is minimal, caution is still recommended, as the knowledge about the corneal wound-healing process and the corneal biomechanical properties in these patients is not yet fully understood. This article reviews corneal abnormalities and characteristics in the setting of systemic inflammatory diseases.

Microkeratome versus femtosecond flaps: accuracy and complications.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To update the knowledge on differences between mechanical microkeratome and femtosecond flaps for laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in terms of accuracy and complications. RECENT FINDINGS: Corneal flaps created with the femtosecond laser present a more planar architecture and provide greater precision in flap diameter and thickness; a more uniform flap thickness across the flap diameter and it allows the surgeon to programme the angulation of the flap periphery. Femtosecond LASIK flaps are classically related to complications derived from a more intense inflammatory response, such as diffuse lamellar keratitis and transient light-sensitivity syndrome. Newer femtosecond models allow for much lower energy delivery to cut the flap, to the point the overall inflammatory response is not significantly different from the microkeratome. The incidence of complications such as epithelial defect and flap dislocations is higher with microkeratome flaps. SUMMARY: This review examines the accuracy and complications of flaps created with femtosecond and microkeratome. Both femtosecond and microkeratome are able to create accurate LASIK flaps. Femtosecond LASIK flaps represent significant improvement in morphology and predictability with implications for safety.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on cataract surgeries in Brazil: A retrospective study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to describe the behavioral patterns of data on cataract surgery performed in the Brazilian public health system before, during, and after the COVID-19 outbreak and estimate the setbacks generated by the pandemic to guide public policies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an observational, longitudinal, and descriptive epidemiological study based on data retrieved from the public health system's databases of cataract surgeries performed each year and in each region from 2015 to 2022. RESULT: In Brazil, compared with the average of the 5-years preceding the pandemic, a 23 % reduction in the number of cataract surgeries was observed in 2020, followed by a 21 % increase in 2021, compensating for the majority of patients that were not operated on. However, the worsening situation of blindness caused by cataracts due to the pandemic not be avoided in the Central-West region, where unrecovered cases continue to accumulate. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic did not worsen the situation of cataract blindness in Brazil due to the efficacy of the measures taken by the government in resuming elective surgeries. However, the auhtors recommend that the distribution of resources for cataract surgeries should consider regional discrepancies based on epidemiological data.

Influence of lighting on visual performance.

PURPOSE: This review emphasizes the effect of light on visual efficiency, the impact of different lighting focuses, types of lighting, and their influence on vision and productivity. Light sources and standards are intriguing subjects for ophthalmologists. Guidelines regarding the level of lighting influence on visual activities can enhance visual performance.Methods: This article was developed based on literature reviews, with a bibliographic survey conducted in databases such as PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, LILACS, and SciELO. RESULTS: Provides recommendations for understanding information regarding the influence of lighting on visual performance. CONCLUSION: Proper workplace lighting is crucial for improving visual efficiency, safety, productivity, and worker health. Efficient workplace lighting should avoid light sources directed towards the worker's face, prevent harmful glare, be more intense in the work area, and uniform in the rest of the room. Ophthalmologists should be knowledgeable about and provide guidance on correct lighting to ensure patient comfort and satisfaction with visual correction.

Progression in the Number of Cataract Surgeries in Brazil: 10 Years of Evolution.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the frequency of cataract surgery in Brazil between 2010 and 2019 and determine the impact of public policies on preventing blindness, thereby providing evidence to conduct healthcare programs. METHODS: An analytical epidemiological approach was employed, which used data from public databases, specifically the Hospital Information System (SIH-SUS) and the Outpatient Information System (SIA-SUS). We focused on cataract surgeries conducted via phacoemulsification and extracapsular cataract extraction techniques between 2010 and 2019, mainly targeting senile cataracts within the Brazilian public health system. Data were analyzed on an annual basis and stratified by region. Trends over time were assessed using generalized additive models. RESULTS: A statistically significant upward trend in cataract surgeries was observed both nationally and within the South region (p < 0.05). Nationally, there was a 40.22% increase in surgeries between 2010 and 2019. Furthermore, the surgery rate per 1000 individuals aged ≥50 years varied across regions: nationally, it was 10.85, with rates of 9.23 in the Southeast, 13.86 in the Northeast, 9.23 in the South, 11.94 in the Midwest, and 14.2 in the North. CONCLUSION: All regions of the country, a satisfactory number of cataract surgeries were performed at some point. Only the Southern region demonstrated a notable upward trend in the number of cataract surgeries. Conversely, the remaining regions failed to sustain surgical performance, hindering consistent improvement in cataract-related conditions. To accurately gauge the prevalence of blindness in Brazil, it is crucial to examine the population growth among individuals aged ≥50 years.

Situation of ophthalmology education in Brazil: supply versus demand.

PURPOSE: The number of medical schools in Brazil has increased in recent years; however, vacancies for specialization in ophthalmology probably have not kept up with the growing demand. This study wants to estimate the increase in medical schools, the demand for ophthalmology specialization, and evaluate learning opportunities in ophthalmology. METHODS: This was a retrospective study with research from the Ministry of Education and Brazilian Council of Ophthalmology database from 2002 to 2021. These data were checked through 120 notices published by the institutions in 2021. RESULTS: The number of medical school vacancies increased by 370%, whereas the number of certified ophthalmology vacancies increased by 64%. There was an 11.4% misalignment between the Brazilian Council of Ophthalmology data in the Ministry of Education. CONCLUSION: The proportion of medical graduates has increased much more than opportunities for ophthalmology specialization. The effect on the search for unaccredited specialization positions is unknown, and policies for monitoring the specialization of ophthalmology vacancies should be established.

Role of Corneal Epithelial Measurements in Differentiating Eyes with Stable Keratoconus from Eyes that Are Progressing.

Purpose: To evaluate measures of corneal epithelium in eyes that showed documented signs of keratoconus (KC) progression and compare with stable eyes and healthy controls. Also, to determine the correlation of these epithelial parameters with maximum keratometry (K max) and pachymetry. Design: Prospective, observational, comparative study. Participants: One-hundred and fifty eyes from 150 patients. The study included 50 eyes from patients with documented KC progression, 50 eyes with stable KC, and 50 clinically normal eyes to serve as controls. Methods: A spectral-domain (SD)-OCT imaging was obtained in all eyes, and mean values were compared between the groups. The correlation of epithelial parameters with K max and thinnest pachymetry was also investigated. Main Outcome Measures: For the purposes of this study, the epithelial measures maximum, minimum, superior, and inferior values as well as the difference between the minimum and maximum (min-max) and epithelial standard deviation were considered, obtained from SD-OCT and compared between groups. Measurements of the thinnest point and min-max in pachymetry were also recorded. Results: The only epithelial parameter that presented a statistically significant difference between stable and progressive KC was epithelium min-max. Although stable KC presented epithelium min-max mean values of -18.2 ± 6.6, progressive KC eyes presented mean values of -23.4 ± 10.3 (P < 0.0001). Epithelial maximum (P = 0.16), minimum (P = 0.25), superior (P = 0.28), inferior (P = 0.23), and standard deviation (P = 0.25) values were not significantly different between stable and progressive eyes. Difference min-max pachymetry points in stable (-108.3 ± 33.5) and progressive KC (-115.2 ± 56.0) were not significantly different (P = 0.723). There was no significant correlation between epithelium min-max with corneal thinning (P = 0.39) or K max (P = 0.09) regardless of disease progression. Conclusions: Epithelial measures are useful to identify KC eyes that are progressing; the parameters that measure the difference between min-max epithelium points were significantly different between stable and progressive groups, unlike this difference in pachymetry. Finally, this epithelial parameter seems to be independent of corneal thinning and K max. Financial Disclosures: Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Teleconsultation at a public ophthalmic teaching hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PURPOSE: To analyze teleconsultation at a public ophthalmic teaching hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil. METHODS: Medical records of patients who requested ophthalmological teleconsultation between June 2020 and March 2021 were reviewed. The main outcomes included demographic data, eye disease symptoms, hypothesized diagnosis, and management. Moreover, the results of a satisfaction survey administered after the consultation were analyzed. RESULTS: Medical records of a total of 161 patients were reviewed. The mean age was 45.98 ± 17.57 (8-90) years, and most were women (113, 70.20%). Only 57 (35.60%) of the patients had made previous follow-up visits to the hospital. The most frequent reason for consultation was the need for a new eyeglass prescription (73, 45.34%), followed by dry eye symptoms (16, 9.93%) and pterygium (13, 8.07%). Other reasons were the monitoring of previously diagnosed eye diseases, such as glaucoma, retinopathies, strabismus, and keratoconus. Regarding the satisfaction survey, 151 (93.78%) patients answered the online questionnaire. Most reported that they were satisfied with the teleconsultation (94.03%) and would participate in a future teleconsultation (90.06%). CONCLUSION: Teleconsultation could be widely used to assist patients in public ophthalmology healthcare and teaching hospitals. Even though new eyeglass prescriptions are a frequent reason for ophthalmological appointments, patients tend to be satisfied with teleconsultation, as it also provides guidance.

Optical quality in eyes implanted with aspheric and spherical intraocular lenses assessed by NIDEK OPD-Scan: a randomized, bilateral, clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To determine whether implantation of an intraocular lens (IOL) with an aspheric surface (Akreos AO, Bausch & Lomb Inc) results in reduced ocular aberrations (spherical aberration) and improved Strehl ratio and modulation transfer function (MTF) after cataract surgery. METHODS: In an intraindividual, randomized, double-masked, prospective study of 50 eyes (25 patients) with bilateral cataract, an IOL with modified anterior and posterior surfaces (Akreos AO) was implanted in one eye and a biconvex IOL with spherical surfaces (Akreos Fit, Bausch & Lomb Inc) implanted in the fellow eye. Ocular aberrations, Strehl ratio, and MTF curve with 4.5-, 5.0-, and 6.0-mm pupils were measured with a NIDEK OPD-Scan dynamic retinoscopy aberrometer 3 months after surgery. Uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity (UDVA and CDVA, respectively) were also measured. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was noted between eyes in postoperative UDVA and CDVA at 1 month. At 3 months, the Akreos AO IOL group obtained statistically significant lower values of higher order and spherical aberrations with 4.5-, 5.0-, and 6.0-mm pupil diameters than the Akreos Fit IOL group (P<.05). The value of Strehl ratio was statistically significantly higher in eyes with the Akreos AO IOL for 4.5- and 6.0-mm pupils (P<.05). The MTF curve was better in the Akreos AO IOL group in 4.5-, 5.0-, and 6.0-mm pupils (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: The aspheric Akreos AO IOL induced significantly less spherical aberration than the Akreos Fit IOL for 4.5-, 5.0-, and 6.0-mm pupils. Modulation transfer function and Strehl ratio were also better in eyes implanted with the Akreos AO IOL than the Akreos Fit.

Visual performance of an apodized diffractive multifocal intraocular lens with +3.00-d addition: 1-year follow-up.

PURPOSE: To determine whether implantation of a multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) with a lower addition (+3.00 diopters [D]) at the lens plane results in better intermediate visual acuity 1 year after surgery compared with a multifocal IOL with higher addition (+4.00 D). METHODS: This prospective, randomized, double-masked study included 80 eyes from 40 patients. Twenty patients were implanted bilaterally with the ReSTOR +3.00-D add IOL and 20 patients were implanted bilaterally with the ReSTOR +4.00-D add IOL. Primary outcome measures were distance, intermediate, and near visual acuity. Secondary outcomes were defocus curves, best reading distance, mesopic and photopic contrast sensitivity, quality of life, and spectacle independence. Monocular and binocular visual acuity were measured as uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity at 4 m, uncorrected near and distance-corrected near visual acuity at 40 cm, and uncorrected intermediate visual acuity and distance-corrected intermediate visual acuity at 50, 60, and 70 cm. RESULTS: Twelve months postoperatively, no statistically significant difference between groups in distance and near visual acuity was noted. The ReSTOR +3.00-D add group performed better than the ReSTOR +4.00-D add group at all intermediate distances studied. The ReSTOR +4.00-D group chose a reading distance 8 cm closer than the +3.00-D group. Both groups performed similarly with respect to contrast sensitivity, quality of life, and spectacle independence rates. CONCLUSIONS: Patients implanted with a multifocal IOL with lower addition (ReSTOR +3.00 D) had better performance at intermediate distances compared with the ReSTOR +4.00-D add IOL with similar performance for distance and near visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and quality of life.

Long-term results of in-the-bag primary intraocular lens implantation in children younger than 24 months.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the safety of primary intraocular lens implantation in a large number of eyes in children aged <24 months. METHODS: The medical records of patients aged 5-24 months, who underwent primary intraocular lens implantation in the capsular bag, were reviewed. A foldable three-piece acrylic intraocular lens was implanted by the same surgeon using a single surgical technique. Patients who had <1 year of follow-up after the surgery were excluded. The main outcome measurements included visual acuity, myopic shift, follow-up complications, and additional surgeries. RESULTS: Sixty-eight patients (93 eyes) were analyzed. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 15.06 ± 6.19 months (range: 5-24 months), and the spherical equivalent 1 month after surgery was 3.62 ± 2.32 D. After 5.67 ± 3.10 years, the spherical equivalent was -0.09 ± 3.22 D, and the corrected distance visual acuity was 0.33 ± 0.33 and 0.64 ± 0.43 logMAR in bilateral and unilateral cases, respectively (p=0.000). The highest myopic shift was observed in infants who underwent surgery at ages 5 and 6 months. The most frequent complications included visual axis opacification and corectopia. Glaucoma and retinal detachment were not reported. CONCLUSION: Primary in-the-bag intraocular lens implantation in children aged 5-24 months is safe, and is associated with low rates of adverse events and additional surgery.

The effects of functionally monocular patients' emotional reactions during phacoemulsification under topical anesthesia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between the incidence of complications and functionally monocular patients' emotional reactions during phacoemulsification under topical anesthesia. METHODS: We enrolled 22 functionally monocular patients (11 males and 11 females; group 1) and 19 age- and sex-matched controls (6 males and 13 females; group 2) in this prospective, interventional, cross-sectional, case control study. Demographics data, including age, sex, and educational background, were collected. Surgeries were performed by the same surgeon, and during surgery, the patients' vital signs (blood pressure and heart rate) and surgical events (duration, body movements, signs of increased vitreous cavity pressure, difficulty in performing capsulorhexis, and complications) were noted. Pre- and postoperative visual acuity was also analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age of group 1 was 73.05 ± 13.31 years and of group 1 was 69.74 ± 16.81 years. There was no significant between-group difference in systolic and diastolic blood pressures. The average heart rate was similar in both groups, too. During surgery, the surgeon's perception of excessive eye, eyelid, or head movements in both groups was similar, in addition to signs of increased vitreous cavity pressure. CONCLUSION: It is safe to perform phacoemulsification under topical anesthesia in functionally monocular patients, who apparently behave similarly to binocular patients.

Posterior Capsule Opacification after Cataract Surgery in Children Over Five Years of Age with Square-edge Hydrophobic versus Hydrophilic Acrylic Intraocular Lenses: A Prospective Randomized Study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of hydrophobic and hydrophilic materials in square-edged acrylic intraocular lenses (IOLs) on the development of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) after pediatric cataract surgery. METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned to group 1 (hydrophobic acrylic square-edged IOLs; 13 eyes) or group 2 (hydrophilic acrylic square-edged IOLs; 13 eyes). The study evaluated PCO rates using Evaluation of Posterior Capsule Opacification (EPCO) 2000 software at one, three, six and 12 months postoperatively. Postoperative measurements also included corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) capsulotomy and postoperative complications other than PCO. RESULTS: Both groups had significant increases in PCO rates after one year. Comparison of the groups showed no significant differences in the EPCO scores at three (group 1, 0.007±0.016 vs group 2, 0.008±0.014; p=0.830), six (group 1, 0.062±0.103 vs group 2, 0.021±0.023; p=0.184), or twelve months postoperatively (group 1, 0.200±0.193 vs group 2, 0.192±0.138; p=0.902). We also found no significant group differences regarding the change (delta, Δ) in EPCO scores between three and six months (group 1, 0.055±0.09 vs group 2, 0.013±0.02; p=0.113) or between six and twelve months postoperatively (group 1, 0.139±0.14 vs group 2, 0.171±0.14; p=0.567). Twenty-three percent of patients required Nd:YAG capsulotomy at the twelve-month visit. CONCLUSIONS: No differences in PCO rates were found between hydrophobic and hydrophilic acrylic square-edged IOLs in children between five and twelve years of age at one year of follow-up.