Comparative analysis of changes in retinal layer thickness following femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery and conventional cataract surgery.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the influence of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) on macula by examining changes in retinal layers after FLACS and to compare these changes with those after conventional cataract surgery (CCS). METHODS: This study included 113 unrelated Korean patients with age-related cataract who underwent CCS or FLACS in Severance Hospital between September 2019 and July 2021. Optical coherence tomography was performed before and 1 month after surgery. The total retinal layer (TRL) was separated into the inner retinal layer (IRL) and outer retinal layer (ORL); moreover, the IRL was subdivided into the retinal nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell layer, inner plexiform layer, inner nuclear layer (INL), outer plexiform layer, and outer nuclear layer. We performed between-group comparisons of the postoperative thickness in each retinal layer and the postoperative differences in retinal thickness. The average retinal thickness of the four inner macular ring quadrants was used for comparative analysis. RESULTS: Compared with the CCS group, the FLACS group exhibited a thicker ORL (P = 0.004) and a thinner INL (P = 0.007) after surgery. All retinal layer thickness values showed significant postoperative changes regardless of the type of surgery (P < 0.05). The postoperative increase in TRL and IRL thickness was significantly smaller in the FLACS group than in the CCS group (P = 0.027, P = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: The 1-month postoperative retinal changes were less pronounced in the FLACS group than in the CCS group.

Comparison of Intense Pulsed Light Treatments including Upper Lid or Lateral Canthus in Patients of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction.

Background: To determine the differences in the effects of intense pulsed light (IPL) treatment when including the upper and lower lid or lateral canthus area in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Methods: Patients who underwent three IPL treatment sessions at 3-week intervals were divided into three groups according to the treatment sites: group A, lower lid; group B, upper and lower lids; and group C, lower lid and lateral canthal area. Before and after the IPL treatment sessions, we obtained the lid abnormality score (LAS), meibum expressibility (ME), meibum quality (MQ), lipid layer thickness (LLT), type I Schirmer test (ST), tear break-up time (TBUT) test, corneal fluorescein staining scores (CFSs), and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). Results: IPL treatment significantly improved LASs, ME, MQ, TBUT, CFS, and OSDI values in all groups. Differences in LAS values before and after IPL treatment were significantly greater in groups B and C than those in group A. Conclusions: IPL treatment encompassing the upper lid and lateral canthus together with the lower lid elicited additional improvement in patients with MGD. The additional effect on treating the lateral canthus was similar to the effect observed on the additional treatment of the upper lid.

Clinical Outcomes of a New Hydrophobic Trifocal Intraocular Lens with Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate in Cataract Surgery: A Prospective Multicenter Study.

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical outcomes of new hydrophobic trifocal intraocular lens with hydroxyethyl methacrylate in the Korean population. METHODS: This prospective, multicenter, and observational study evaluated the clinical outcomes of 80 eyes of 40 patients with age-related cataract underwent cataract surgery using CNWT (Clareon PanOptix). Assessment included monocular and binocular uncorrected distance visual acuity, corrected distance visual acuity, uncorrected intermediate visual acuity (at 60cm), near visual acuity (at 40 and 33 cm), uncorrected defocus curves, questionnaires evaluating photic phenomena, spectacle independence, and spectacle free satisfaction. RESULTS: At postoperative 3 months, mean uncorrected binocular visual acuities were 0.04, 0.04, 0.03 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) at far, intermediate, and near distances, respectively. All patients achieved uncorrected binocular visual acuity of 0.2 logMAR or better. Monocular and binocular defocus curve indicated a mean visual acuity of 0.2 logMAR or better at the defocus range of +1.0 to - 3.0 diopters (100 to 33 cm) and +1.0 to - 3.5 diopters (100 to 28 cm). High spectacle independence was observed at all distances, with 37.5% patients reporting photic phenomena. CONCLUSIONS: The Clareon PanOptix intraocular lens has shown positive clinical outcomes, providing a viable option for cataract surgery. These lenses effectively address patients' visual needs, especially in intermediate and near distance tasks, reducing dependence on glasses.

Efficacy of a new refractive multifocal contact lens for presbyopia.

This prospective single-arm study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of a refractive multifocal contact lens for the correction of presbyopia in 22 patients. The participants underwent clinical examinations before and 1 week after wearing a refractive multifocal contact lens (OptaCon ZOOM). The primary endpoints were the corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) and distance-corrected near visual acuity (DCNVA). Defocus curve, contrast sensitivity, and ocular surface disease index (OSDI) were analyzed. A slit-lamp examination was performed for safety analysis. Contact lens comfort and patient satisfaction were assessed using a questionnaire. No significant difference in CDVA was observed before and 1 week after refractive multifocal contact lens use (p = 0.127), whereas DCNVA was significantly improved after 1 week (p < 0.001). The contrast sensitivity was not significantly affected at any spatial frequency under mesopic or photopic conditions. OSDI was significantly increased (p = 0.023). The patient-reported satisfaction scores were 96.2, 91.9, and 85.0 out of 100 at far, intermediate, and near distances, respectively. No significant adverse events were observed. Refractive multifocal contact lenses improved near vision while maintaining distance vision in presbyopic patients, without compromising contrast sensitivity. The study results suggest that OptaCon ZOOM can be considered safe and effective for the correction of presbyopia.

New Korean Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Dry Eye Disease.

New Korean guidelines for the diagnosis and management of dry eye disease were developed based on literature reviews by the Korean Dry Eye Guideline Establishment Committee, a previous dry eye guideline by Korean Corneal Disease Study Group, a survey of Korean Dry Eye Society (KDES) members, and KDES consensus meetings. The new definition of dry eye was also proposed by KDES regular members. The new definition by the regular members of the KDES is as follows: "Dry eye is a disease of the ocular surface characterized by tear film abnormalities and ocular symptoms." The combination of ocular symptoms and an unstable tear film (tear breakup time <7 seconds) was considered as essential components for the diagnosis of dry eye. Schirmer test and ocular surface staining were considered adjunctive diagnostic criteria. The treatment guidelines consisted of a simplified stepwise approach according to aqueous deficiency dominant, evaporation dominant, and altered tear distribution subtypes. New Korean guidelines can be used as a simple, valid, and accessible tool for the diagnosis and management of dry eye disease in clinical practice.

A comparative study of two presbyopia-correcting intraocular lenses combining bifocal and extended depth-of-focus profiles.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the visual performance of two presbyopia-correcting intraocular lenses (IOLs) that combine both bifocal and extended depth-of-focus profiles, Artis® Symbiose® Plus (Symbiose Plus; Cristalens Industrie, Lannion, France) and Tecnis® Synergy® (Synergy; Johnson & Johnson Vision, Santa Ana, CA, USA). METHODS: The medical records of patients with cataract bilaterally implanted with either Symbiose Plus or Synergy between January 2022 and January 2023 were assessed. The principal measures of postoperative findings included uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), uncorrected intermediate visual acuity (UIVA), uncorrected near (40 and 33 cm) visual acuity (UNVA), objective optical quality (OOQ) parameters, distance-corrected defocus curve analysis, and surveys of subjective satisfaction. RESULTS: Total of 96 eyes from 48 patients were enrolled. Each group was equally composed of 24 patients, 48 eyes. There were no significant differences between the two groups on baseline characteristics. Both IOLs displayed excellent binocular UDVA, CDVA, and UNVA (40 and 33 cm) with no statistical difference (p = 0.467(UDVA), p = 0.584(CDVA), p = 0.096(40-cm UNVA), and p = 0.621(33-cm UNVA)). However, with regard to UIVA, the Synergy group showed significantly superior results (p < 0.001). In contrast, the Symbiose Plus group showed significantly better results on OOQ parameters and patient-reported quality of vision survey outcomes (both p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Both IOLs provided a decent continuous range of vision from near to far distance.

Effect and Safety of Pressure Sensor-equipped Handpiece in Phacoemulsification System.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of the Active Sentry handpiece of the Centurion Vision System compared to the Centurion Ozil handpiece for phacoemulsification in cataract surgery. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on 281 patients (449 eyes) who underwent cataract surgery between August 2020 and June 2021. Preoperative measurements, intraoperative parameters, complication rate, and postoperative outcomes were compared between the Active Sentry handpiece and the Centurion Ozil handpiece groups. Additionally, the parameters were compared in different cataract severity groups and multiple predictive factors for the number of active surge mitigation (ASM) actuations were assessed with the Active Sentry handpiece. RESULTS: There were 198 eyes in the Active Sentry group and 251 eyes in the Centurion Ozil group. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups, as the cumulative dissipated energy in the Active Sentry and Centurion Ozil groups were 8.32 ± 7.74 and 7.87 ± 9.25 µJ, respectively (p = 0.576). Total surgery time, ultrasound usage time, aspiration time, amount of fluid aspirated, postoperative corrected distant visual acuity, and postoperative decrease in corneal endothelial cell density were comparable between the two groups. The significant contributors to the number of ASM actuations were age, preoperative corrected distant visual acuity, axial length, and total ultrasound time. CONCLUSIONS: There was no clear advantage of the Active Sentry handpiece compared to the Centurion Ozil handpiece. ASM actuation increases with age, poor visual acuity before surgery, short axial length, and prolonged ultrasound usage time. It is expected that in more severe and high-risk cataract surgery, the Active Sentry handpiece functions more effectively, possibly affecting the safety and prognosis.

Causes of Punctal Plug Loss in Sjögren's Syndrome.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term maintenance rate and associated factors of silicone punctal plugs in patients with Sjögren's syndrome (SS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 163 patients with SS who underwent silicone punctal plug insertion between December 2013 and July 2021 at Severance Hospital. The status of punctal plug insertions was classified into the following three categories by the clinician: maintenance, spontaneous loss, and intended removal. Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate the risk factors for spontaneous loss. RESULTS: The mean maintenance period was 12.8±15.3 (median 7.07) months. The rate of spontaneous loss was 58%, and the rate of punctal plug removal by the clinician was 14%. The number of prior plug insertions was a risk factor for spontaneous loss [hazard ratio (HR) 1.055, p=0.035]. The upper eyelid punctum was at a higher risk than the lower one (p=0.042). Small-sized plugs showed a significantly higher risk for spontaneous loss than large-sized ones (HR 1.287, p=0.035). Flow-controller type plugs were more vulnerable to spontaneous loss than complete occluders [Micro Flow™ vs. EagleFlex® (HR 2.707, p=0.008) and Micro Flow™ vs. Ultraplug™ (HR 3.402, p=0.005)]. The most common reason for removal was tear overflow (5.6%). CONCLUSION: In repeated insertion, characteristics of the punctal plug, including the type and size, and location of plug insertion, influenced the spontaneous loss of plugs. The management of punctal plugs, including insertion, maintenance, and removal, requires personalized strategies for versatile situations.

Clinical outcomes of a new four-haptic hydrophobic presbyopia-correcting intraocular lens.

A new presbyopia-correcting intraocular lens (IOL) combining bifocal and extended-depth-of-focus profiles (Symbiose: Artis Symbiose Plus; Cristalens Industrie, Lannion, France) was introduced. We compared the output with that of a standard monofocal IOL (PL E: Artis PL E). The two four-haptic hydrophobic IOLs were made of the same material from the same company. Cataract patients bilaterally implanted with either PL E or Symbiose between November 2021 and August 2022 were reviewed. The principal measures of the postoperative results were uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA); corrected distance VA (CDVA); uncorrected intermediate VA; uncorrected near VA; objective optical quality; and distance-corrected defocus curves. This study included forty-eight patients (96 eyes), with 22 and 26 patients (44 and 52 eyes, respectively) being implanted with PL E and Symbiose, respectively. All patients received the same type of IOL implanted in both eyes. The average age of patients was 70.9 ± 7.1 and 60.0 ± 8.5 years in PL E and Symbiose groups, respectively, with significantly younger patients in Symbiose group (p < 0.001). Both IOLs displayed excellent UDVA and CDVA with no statistical difference (p = 0.081 (monocular UDVA), p = 0.599 (monocular CDVA), p = 0.204 (binocular UDVA), and p = 0.145 (binocular CDVA)). In comparison with PL E group, Symbiose group showed significantly superior postoperative intermediate and near VA (p < 0.001). PL E group showed significantly superior objective optical quality compared with Symbiose group (p < 0.001). Symbiose provides a continuous range of vision that ensures a seamless transition from far to near with no discontinuity. It also delivers a smooth defocus curve with a larger landing area than the PL E. But the objective optical quality was better in PL E.

Corticosteroid-Antibiotic Interactions in Bacteria that Cause Corneal Infection.

Purpose: Although a comprehensive knowledge of antibiotic/corticosteroid combinations is essential for the appropriate treatment of eye infections, the impact of their co-administration has not been well studied to date. A systematic pharmacodynamic/pharmacokinetic study to determine the effects of cotreatment with various antibiotics and corticosteroids was conducted. Methods: Four bacterial strains, seven antibiotics, and four corticosteroids were used in the analyses. Drug interactions were evaluated by considering antibacterial effects with a checkerboard assay and intracellular concentrations in human corneal epithelial cells. Results: The drug combinations that showed the most stable effects against Pseudomonas aeruginosa was levofloxacin-prednisolone. Stable combinations against the three types of Gram-positive bacteria were neomycin-prednisolone, ofloxacin-dexamethasone, ofloxacin-prednisolone, and polymyxin-dexamethasone. The cellular concentrations were changed for the gatifloxacin-fluorometholone, moxifloxacin-fluorometholone, tobramycin-dexamethasone, and tobramycin-prednisolone combinations. Conclusions: Loteprednol and fluorometholone reduced the antibacterial effects of all of the tested antibiotics in this study. Dexamethasone and prednisolone showed various effects in this regard, depending on the co-administered antibiotic. Prior knowledge of specific antibiotic/corticosteroid interactions provides valuable information to clinical practitioners by combining data on the antibacterial and intracellular uptake effects of their co-administration. Translational Relevance: When using antibiotics and corticosteroids, drug combinations can be selected by referring to the results of this study.

Proteomic analysis of tears in dry eye disease: A prospective, double-blind multicenter study.

PURPOSE: To identify specific dry eye disease (DED) tear biomarker(s) using tear proteomic analysis, clinical parameters, and their correlations before and after DED treatment. METHODS: A prospective, double-blinded, national multicenter clinical study was performed using data from 80 DED patients. The patients were treated with 0.1% cyclosporine (CsA, n = 28), 0.05% CsA (n = 26), or 3% diquafosol (DQS, n = 26) eye drops, and tear proteome changes and clinical outcomes (tear break-up time [TBUT], corneal erosion [Cor-Er], conjunctival erosion [Conj-Er], and symptom assessment in dry eye [SANDE] scores) were observed at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. For all clinical parameters, correlation analysis was performed between the three drug conditions and the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) from the proteomic analysis. RESULTS: AFM, ALCAM, CFB, H1-4, PON1, RAP1B, and RBP4 were identified in all treatment groups and were downregulated after treatment. All clinical parameters significantly improved at 12 weeks than at baseline (p-value <0.0001); however, their values were not significantly different among groups, except for Cor-Er (p-value = 0.007). Compared with the DQS group, Cor-Er score significantly improved after treatment with 0.1% and 0.05% CsA. The seven DEPs identified in all groups were not consistently correlated with the clinical parameters (p-value >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Despite differences in drug concentration and action mechanisms, the improvement levels of TBUT, Cor-Er, and SANDE scores were clinically adequate. However, useful tear protein biomarkers, clinically acceptable biomarker combinations correlating with clinical parameters, and clinically acceptable levels of specificity and sensitivity were not identified.

Comparison of the Predictive Accuracy of Intraocular Lens Power Calculations after Phototherapeutic Keratectomy in Granular Corneal Dystrophy Type 2.

Granular corneal dystrophy type 2 (GCD2) is an autosomal dominant disease affecting vision. Phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) is advantageous in removing vision-threatening corneal opacities and postponing keratoplasty; however, it potentially disturbs accurate intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation in cataract surgery. The myopic/hyperopic Haigis-L method with or without the central island has been reported; nevertheless, an optimal method has not yet been established. To compare the predictive accuracy of post-PTK IOL power calculations in GCD2, the retrospective data of 30 eyes from July 2017 to December 2020 were analyzed. All GCD2-affected eyes underwent post-PTK standard cataract surgery using the WaveLight EX500 platform (Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, TX, USA) under a single surgeon. The mean prediction error (MPE) and absolute error (MAE) with the myopic/hyperopic Haigis-L, Barrett Universal II, Barrett True-K, Haigis, and SRK/T by standard keratometry (K) and total keratometry (TK), where possible, were analyzed. Barrett Universal II and SRK/T showed significantly superior MPE, and MAE compared with the myopic/hyperopic Haigis-L method. TK was not significantly superior to K in the same formula. In conclusion, this study suggests that these biometries and formulas, especially Barrett Universal II and SRK/T, are potentially useful in IOL power calculation in GCD2 after PTK.

Clinical Outcomes After Bilateral Implantation of a Diffractive Trifocal Intraocular Lens: A Worldwide Pooled Analysis of Prospective Clinical Investigations.

Purpose: To investigate visual and safety outcomes of AcrySof® IQ PanOptix® (model TFNT00), a trifocal, presbyopia-correcting intraocular lens (IOL), in patients of different ethnicities across multiple countries, based on a pooled analysis of six prospective multicenter studies. Patients and Methods: This pooled analysis included adult patients from six prospective clinical studies performed across 56 centers worldwide. After cataract removal by phacoemulsification, all patients were implanted with TFNT00; follow-up duration varied from 3 to 12 months according to the studies' design. Binocular defocus curve; absolute manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE); and binocular photopic uncorrected and corrected visual acuities at distance (UCDVA, BCDVA; 4-5 m), intermediate (UCIVA, DCIVA; 60-66 cm), and near (UCNVA, DCNVA; 40 cm) were measured. Results: The study included 557 patients, 547 of whom were implanted bilaterally with the TFNT00 IOL (n = 1094 eyes). Binocular visual data at 1 month and 3-6 months after implantation were available for up to 546 and 542 bilaterally implanted patients, respectively. A continuous range of 0.1 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) or better vision from distance (0.00 diopter [D], 4-5 m) to near (-3.00 D; optically equivalent to 33 cm) was observed 3-6 months after TFNT00 implantation. At 3-6 months, 88.2% of first eyes achieved an MRSE ≤0.50 D and 88.7% of second eyes achieved an MRSE ≤0.50 D. Overall, 99.3%, 92.3%, and 94.6% of patients bilaterally implanted with TFNT00 achieved binocular photopic BCDVA, DCIVA, and DCNVA of 0.14 logMAR or better, respectively. Ocular adverse device effects and secondary surgical interventions (SSIs) were infrequent. Conclusion: This global pooled analysis showed that TFNT00 provided a continuous range of 0.1 logMAR (~20/25 Snellen) or better vision from distance to 33 cm, with a low incidence of ocular adverse device effects and SSIs.

Synthetic Strategies for Improving Solubility: Optimization of Novel Pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine CFTR Activator That Ameliorates Dry Eye Disease.

Dry eye disease (DED) is one of the most prevalent ocular diseases but has limited treatment options. Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), a major chloride channel that stimulates fluid secretion in the ocular surface, may pave the way for new therapeutic strategies for DED. Herein, we report the optimization of Cact-3, a potent CFTR activator with poor solubility, to 16d, a potent CFTR activator with suitable solubility for eye drop formulation. Notably, 16d was well distributed in target tissues including cornea and conjunctiva with minimal systemic exposure in rabbit. Topical ocular instillation of 16d significantly enhanced tear secretion and improved corneal erosion in a mouse model of DED. In addition, 16d significantly reduced mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-1ß, IL-17, and TNF-α and MMP2 in cornea and conjunctiva of DED mice.

Presbyopia correction using the monocular bi-aspheric ablation profile in myopic eyes.

PURPOSE: To analyze the 6-month outcomes of the treatment combination of the monocular bi-aspheric ablation profile (PresbyMAX) and contralateral aspheric monofocal laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) ablation profile for correction of myopia and presbyopia. SETTING: Yonsei University College of Medicine and Eyereum Eye Clinic, Seoul, South Korea. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: This was a retrospective case review of 92 patients (184 eyes) diagnosed with myopia who underwent uneventful simultaneous bi-aspheric ablation in the nondominant eye and aspheric monofocal regular LASIK in the dominant eye to correct myopia and presbyopia between January 2017 and August 2020. Monocular and binocular uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) and near visual acuity (UNVA), and corrected distance visual acuity and near visual acuity were analyzed postoperatively. RESULTS: At 6 months postoperatively, the mean UDVAs (logMAR) in the dominant and nondominant eyes were 0.01 ± 0.02 and 0.26 ± 0.15, respectively. Furthermore, all treated dominant eyes achieved 20/20 or better monocular UDVA, and 84% achieved 20/16 or better monocular UDVA. In the nondominant treated eyes, 89% achieved 20/50 or better monocular UDVA, 78% achieved 20/40 or better, and 34% achieved 20/32 or better. The binocular cumulative UDVA at 6 months postoperatively was 20/20 or better in all patients. All patients achieved J2 or better in binocular cumulative UNVA, and 83% achieved J1. CONCLUSIONS: Presbyopia correction using the combination of PresbyMAX in the near eye and aspheric monofocal regular LASIK in the distant eye is a safe and effective treatment for presbyopia in patients with myopia.

Visual outcomes, spectacle independence, and patient satisfaction of pseudophakic mini-monovision using a new monofocal intraocular lens.

Modified monovision-or "mini-monovision"-is an alternative method to multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) for treating presbyopia. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients bilaterally implanted with the new enhanced monofocal Tecnis Eyhance (ICB00) IOLs with the mini-monovision technique to improve near vision. In this retrospective case series, the medical records of 50 patients (100 eyes) who underwent bilateral cataract surgery were reviewed. Patients were divided into the Emmetropia and Mini-monovision groups based on the postoperative spherical equivalent and residual myopia. The binocular visual acuity for far (4 m), intermediate (66 cm), and near (40 cm) distances, binocular defocus curves, contrast sensitivity, visual symptoms, spectacle independence, and patient satisfaction rates were evaluated at 3 months postoperatively. The binocular uncorrected distance and intermediate visual acuities, contrast sensitivity, incidence of photic phenomena, and patient satisfaction were not significantly different between the two groups (p > 0.05). However, the binocular uncorrected near visual acuities and spectacle independence rates were significantly better in the Mini-monovision group (p < 0.001). Conclusively, the pseudophakic mini-monovision technique using enhanced monofocal IOLs may be a promising option for presbyopia correction in patients unsuitable for multifocal IOLs.