[Implantation of multifocal add-on IOLs simultaneously with cataract surgery: results of a prospective study]. / Implantation multifokaler Add-on-Intraokularlinsen simultan mit Katarakt-Operation: Ergebnisse einer prospektiven Studie.

BACKGROUND: A prospective study was carried out to evaluate postoperative visual acuity and patients satisfaction after implantation of a multifocal add-on IOL. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 50 eyes of 25 patients operated by two surgeons "group A (MK) = 15 patients; group B (MWR) = 10 patients" with age-related cataract after "normal" cataract surgery, sulcus-fixated multifocal add-on IOLs (MS 714 PB Diff., Dr. Schmidt Intraocularlinsen, Sankt Augustin) were implanted. 12 weeks after surgery in both groups the following parameters were evaluated: far visual acuity; intermediate visual acuity (1 meter) and near visual acuity (33 centimeter). In addition, the patients satisfaction was measured in three steps (1 = excellent; 2 = satisfied; 3 = not satisfied) ermittelt. In group A also contrast sensitivity was measured using the Ginsberg box. RESULTS: Surgery was performed in all cases without complications. No postoperative complications were observed. After 12 weeks the results in both groups were comparable. Median distance visual acuity was 0.05 +/- 0.02 (LogMar) uncorrected and 0 +/- 0.05 (LogMar) with correction. Intermediate visual acuity was 0.25 +/- 0.06 (LogMar) uncorrected (0.1 +/- 0.09 (LogMar) with correction. Near visual acuity was 0.2 +/- 0.07 (LogMar) and 0.15 +/- 0.02 (LogMar), respectively. Patients satisfaction was 80 - 90%. CONCLUSIONS: Sulcus-fixated add-on IOLs are a useful addition to our refractive surgical armamentarium. The present results encourage us to use this method as a standard procedure.

[Management of a ruptured globe]. / Management der Bulbusruptur.

Globe rupture is one of the most severe open globe injuries, permanently impairing visual acuity or leading to blindness. The risk of globe rupture is increased after previous intraocular surgery (27-fold), in myopia, older age, females, and after sudden falls. The differentiation between an occult globe rupture and severe ocular contusion may be complicated by pronounced subconjunctival hemorrhage with conjunctival swelling. In case of doubt, a rupture of the eyeball should be ruled out after a severe blunt ocular trauma. Limbal and scleral exploration after 360 degrees peritomy leads to the correct diagnosis. Immediate and watertight wound closure is essential to avoid expulsive choroidal hemorrhage, persisting ocular hypotony or epithelial ingrowth. Delayed wound closure raises the risk of posttraumatic endophthalmitis. Early vitrectomy may prevent tractional retinal detachment in case of retinal injury with vitreal bleeding. Silicone oil instillation stabilizes the central retina after open globe injury; scleral buckling is controversial.

[Correction of aphakia with retroiridally fixated IOL]. / Ergebnisse der Aphakiekorrektur durch retroiridal fixierte Kunstlinse.

BACKGROUND: We report the results of the secondary implantation of retroiridally fixated irisclaw-lenses (Artisan(R)) to correct aphakia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study included all eyes that had undergone outpatient implantation of an Artisan IOL by the senior author (MK) between July 2004 and January 2008. We analysed 48 eyes of 46 patients (27 female, 19 male) aged 17 to 87 years. Underlying conditions were: aphakia after congenital cataract or trauma (19 eyes), late luxation of a posterior chamber IOL (16 eyes), intraoperative zonulolysis during cataract surgery that did not allow PC IOL implantation (12 eyes, including 10 eyes with pseudoexfoliation and one eye with Marfan syndrome), anterior chamber IOL with corneal decompensation problems and recurrent hyphema (1 eye). Simultaneous surgical procedures included: anterior vitrectomy (48 eyes), pars plana vitrectomy (14 eyes), removal of PC IOL (16 eyes), removal of AC IOL (1 eye), and penetrating keratoplasty (1 eye). Mean follow-up was 14.3 months (range: 1 - 31 months). IOL power was calculated using the SRKT formula and an A constant of 116.7. RESULTS: Surgery was uneventful in all cases with safe enclavation of both IOL haptics. Mean postoperative refraction was 0 dpt. (range: -0.75 to + 1.0 dpt.), median postoperative visual acuity in Log-Mar was 0.2; compared to preoperative visual acuity (median 0.4 Log-Mar); all patients improved. Pre- and postoperative intraocular pressures were in the normal range in all eyes. Complications were few: one eye without patent iridotomy developed pupillary block glaucoma one day following surgery and was successfully treated by Nd:YAG iridotomy. One patient following blunt ocular trauma developed a retinal detachment with PVR 10 months following implantation of the Artisan IOL that was repaired uneventfully by pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil instillation. In this case, the Artisan IOL was left in place. In two eyes, secondary trauma resulted in dislocation of one haptic of the Artisan IOL. In both of these cases, refixation of the Artisan IOL was easily performed by enclavation of the iris claw. In two patients cystoid macula oedema was observed. CONCLUSIONS: With correct indications the implantation of a retroiridally fixated IOL (Artisan) is a safe and predictable method to correct aphakia and has become our method of choice instead of anterior chamber IOLs and sclera fixated IOLs.

[Globe explosion due to intravitreal injection]. / Bulbusexplosion durch intravitreale Injektion.

An 83-year old female was given an intravitreal injection of 0.4 ml of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) by her local ophthalmologist for age-related maculopathy with a large choroidal neovascularisation in the left eye. During the injection, globe explosion occurred with nasal limbal rupture and extrusion of intraocular contents. Emergency primary wound repair was performed at the Eye Surgery Centre Erlangen-Mitte. During surgery, a 9 mm limbal rupture with prolapse of half of the iris and subconjunctival extrusion of the complete natural lens was discovered. After lens removal, anterior vitrectomy and iris repositioning, the wound was closed and the eye left aphakic. The further postoperative course was unremarkable and the patient retained her preoperative visual acuity of counting fingers. In this case, several factors may have contributed to the dramatic events: relative nanophthalmus (preoperative refraction + 5.0dpt), scleral weakness secondary to chemotherapy for leukemia, older age, and a relatively large volume of injected TA. The intravitreal injection of drugs may cause serious complications. Paracentesis or limited pars plana vitrectomy should be considered prior to intravitreal injection in high-risk cases to prevent such disastrous complications.

Accommodation after Nd: YAG capsulotomy in patients with accommodative posterior chamber lens 1CU.

PURPOSE: After initial encouraging results with the accommodative 1CU posterior chamber lens (PCIOL), we investigated the rate, the postoperative time point of posterior capsular opacification (PCO) necessitating YAG capsulotomy and the accommodative range after Nd: YAG capsulotomy in patients with 1CU-PCIOL. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective clinical study included 65 patients who underwent phacoemulsification and implantation of the accommodative 1CU-PCIOL with postoperative follow-up from 3 to 24 months. Postoperative examination was performed 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery, then before and 6 weeks after Nd: YAG capsulotomy. Measurements included: the best corrected distance visual acuity, distance refraction, near visual acuity (Birkhauser charts in 35 cm) obtained with best distance correction, accommodative range measured by subjective near point with an accodommometer and defocusing with a visual acuity fall to 0.4. RESULTS: Both best corrected distance visual acuity (1.1+/-0.1) and near visual acuity with best distance correction (0.4+/-0.1) remained stable over the follow-up period until 12 months postoperatively. The accommodative range determined by near point was stable (mean 2.0+/-0.5 D). Also, the defocusing range remained stable over 12 months (1.8+/-0.4 D). A clinically relevant posterior capsule opacification with a significant decrease of visual acuity (0.4+/-0.2) and a need for Nd: YAG capsulotomy was diagnosed in 12 patients between 15 and 22 (mean 20+/-4, median 20) months postoperatively. All capsulotomies were performed without complication. Six weeks after capsulotomy, best corrected distance visual acuity was improved (1.1+/-0.1), near visual acuity with best distance correction was 0.4+/-0.1 and the accommodative range determined by near point was 1.95+/-0.6 D and by defocusing was 1.88+/-0.47 D. Six weeks after capsulotomy, measurements of the accommodative range did not show any statistical difference to the 12-month results before the occurrence of PCO (P>0.5). CONCLUSIONS: A clinically relevant PCO with a significant decrease of visual acuity necessitating Nd: YAG capsulotomy occurred mainly after 15 postoperative months in patients with 1CU. Our results indicate that Nd: YAG capsulotomy may not affect the accommodation ability of the 1CU. Nevertheless, long-term studies are needed to further analyze the accommodative properties.

[Toric intraocular lenses for correction of persistent corneal astigmatism after penetrating keratoplasty]. / Torische Kunstlinsen zur Korrektur eines persistierenden kornealen Astigmatismus nach perforierender Keratoplastik.

PURPOSE: Cataract extraction with implantation of toric intraocular lenses (tIOL) is a new surgical option for correction of residual astigmatism following penetrating keratoplasty and cataract with only minimal direct manipulation of the graft. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We implanted an individually manufactured backtoric tIOL in 11 eyes of 9 patients. TIOL power calculation was done using vergence transformation in a paraxial space. RESULTS: Implantation and intraoperative alignment of tIOL were uneventful in all patients. Uncorrected visual acuity increased from 0.1+/-0.06 preoperatively to 0.47+/-0.18 (p=0.006) postoperatively. Best-corrected visual acuity changed from 0.23+/-0.18 preoperatively to 0.6+/-0.14 postoperatively (p=0.002). The refractive cylinder could be reduced from 7.0+/-2.6 D to 1.63+/-1.5 D (p=0.001) after surgery. We observed a small mean deviation from the target axis of 4.1+/-2.9 degrees (0-8 degrees ) after a mean follow-up time of 3.5 (2-7) months. CONCLUSION: TIOL implantation is a promising option for correction of high astigmatism following penetrating keratoplasty with only minimal direct surgical manipulation of the graft. Regular and symmetric corneal topography is essential for successful implantation of tIOL.

[Blunt ocular trauma. Part II. Blunt posterior segment trauma]. / Stumpfes Augentrauma. Teil II: Stumpfes Hinterabschnittstrauma.

This review presents typical patterns of posterior segment injuries as well as diagnostic and therapeutic considerations after ocular contusion or rupture of the globe. Vitreal prolapse is associated with retinal detachment (20%), iridodialysis or ciliary body cleft (43%), and contusion cataract (41%). Berlin's edema (35%) and retinal detachment (5-7%) are frequent after ocular contusion. In cases of central Berlin's edema, choroidal infarction (Hutchinson-Siegrist-Neubauer syndrome) or choroidal rupture, macular hole or choroidal neovascularization should be ruled out. A central choroidal rupture is often associated with choroidal neovascularization (14-20%). Globe ruptures (5% of blunt injuries) are associated with hyphema grades III and IV (58 vs 5% in ocular contusions). The prognosis of globe ruptures to develop a visual function <20/200 is 51 times more frequent than in eyes with contusion. The risk of trauma-induced globe ruptures is higher in eyes after cataract surgery (27 x) (in females 5 x).

[Blunt ocular trauma. Part I: blunt anterior segment trauma]. / Stumpfes Augentrauma.Teil I: Stumpfes Vorderabschnittstrauma.

Blunt ocular traumas include contusions and ruptures of the globe--open and closed globe injuries. Characteristic damage results in anterior and posterior segment trauma. Typical patterns of injuries are combinations of (1) hyphema grade II-IV, iris-lens injury, vitreal bleeding--choroidal rupture and increased risk of rebleeding, (2) angle recession >180 degrees--secondary open-angle glaucoma, and (3) vitreal prolapse and lens dislocation-retinal detachment. Patients with blunt eye trauma should be under steady observation by an ophthalmologist to handle late complications.

[Results of the first 1,000 consecutive elective nonmechanical keratoplasties using the excimer laser. A prospective study over more than 12 years]. / Ergebnisse der ersten 1.000 konsekutiven elektiven nichtmechanischen Keratoplastiken mit dem Excimerlaser. Eine prospektive Studie über mehr als 12 Jahre.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The purpose of this prospective clinical cross-sectional study was to analyse indications, intraoperative, perioperative and postoperative pecularities and complications as well as postoperative functional and morphologic results of the first 1000 consecutive elective round laser keratoplasties. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The age of the 480 females and 520 males (362 x keratoconus), who had been operated on between 07/1989 and 04/2002 ranged from 20 to 92 years (mean 55+/-19). A total of 6 microsurgeons performed 718 x PK only, 222 x a triple procedure and 60 x additional IOL manoeuvres. Recipient and donor trephinations were accomplished with an 193 nm excimer laser (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Germany) from the epithelial side. RESULTS: In 895 eyes with perioperative corneal erosion, epithelial healing took not more than 3 days in half of cases. During a follow-up period of 1.9+/-1.5 years, in 35 eyes episodes of acute diffuse (8 irreversible) and in 12 eyes episodes of chronic focal (5 irreversible) endothelial immunologic graft reactions (4.7%) occurred between 6 weeks and 4.7 years after PK. Before/after suture removal, median values of astigmatism were 1.5 diopters (D)/2.5 D refractive, 3.0 D/3.3 D keratometric, and 4.0 D/4.2 D topographic. Best-corrected visual acuity was 0.50/0.60, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: More than 12 years of experience with this new technique indicate that besides optical advantages, nonmechanical trephination does not cause intraoperative or postoperative disadvantages for the patient. Under standardised surgical conditions a massive increase of astigmatism after suture removal seems to be avoidable with laser trephination in most cases due to reduction of decentration,"vertical tilt" and especially "horizontal torsion".

Q-switched erbium:YAG laser corneal trephination: thermal damage in corneal stroma and cut regularity of nonmechanical Q-switched erbium:YAG laser corneal trephination for penetrating keratoplasty.

PURPOSE: To assess stromal thermal damage and cut regularity induced by nonmechanical Q-switched Er:YAG laser corneal trephination for penetrating keratoplasty. METHODS: Corneal trephination was performed in 80 enucleated porcine eyes by Q-switched (2.94-microm) Er:YAG laser, along with donor and recipient masks made of metal or ceramic. All combinations of 0.65- or 0.96-mm spot diameter and 45- or 50-mJ/pulse energy setting were used with each of the masks at a 5-Hz repetition rate. Corneas were processed for histologic examinations. Stromal thermal damage was quantified on PAS-stained slides, and cut regularity was assessed semiquantitatively on a scale from 0 (regular) to 3 (highly irregular). Transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were performed on selected specimens. RESULTS: The least thermal damage (mean +/- SD = 6.2 +/- 0.7 microm) was found in the donor ceramic group with 50-mJ/pulse energy and 0.65-mm spot diameter, while the best regularity of the cut (1.2 +/- 0.4) was found in the donor ceramic group with 45-mJ pulse energy and 0.65-mm spot diameter. Thermal damage was less pronounced in donor than in recipient corneas (P < 0.01). Smaller spot diameter (0.65 mm) led to less thermal damage (P < 0.01) than the use of a 0.96-mm spot diameter. The differences in thermal damage between ceramic and metal masks were minimal. CONCLUSIONS: After Q-switched Er:YAG laser corneal trephination for nonmechanical penetrating keratoplasty, reproducible high cut regularity and low concomitant thermal damage were observed. This is an encouraging finding in the search for a nonmechanical trephine for penetrating keratoplasty combining high precision and low cost.

[Impact of an Er:YAG laser beam control on cut quality of non-mechanical corneal trepanation for penetrating keratoplasty]. / Einfluss der Er:YAG-Laserstrahlführung auf die Schnittqualität der nichtmechanischen Hornhauttrepanation für die perforierende Keratoplastik.

BACKGROUND: Results of non-mechanical corneal trepanation using the excimer laser enhance the morphological and functional results for penetrating keratoplasty. Searching for alternative laser sources we assessed the impact of an automatic laser beam control for the Er:YAG solid-state laser on the cut performance and thermal damage zone in non-mechanical corneal trepanation. METHODS: We compared the cut quality of A) a manually guided laser beam, B) a semiautomatically guided laser beam and C) a fully PC-controlled laser beam positioning system (q-switched, repetition rate 5 Hz, pulse energy 65 mJ, spot size 0.7 mm) along slit aperture masks on 28 rabbit eyes using macroscopic images and histological sections (PAS staining). RESULTS: The manually guided laser beam control (A) induced the broadest thermal damage zone in the corneal stroma (19.3+/-8.7 microm) compared to the semi-automatic mode (B) (8.8+/-3.0 microm, p=0.03) and the PC-controlled laser beam control (C) (7.0+/-3.0 microm, p=0.016). CONCLUSION: The fully automatic PC-controlled laser beam positioning system for the Er:YAG solid-state laser with a small spot size and fixed low repetition rate allows a precise laser beam guidance and a significant enhancement of the cut performance compared to a manual laser beam control via micromanipulator in experimental nonmechanical corneal trepanation.

Pericyte recruitment in human corneal angiogenesis: an ultrastructural study with clinicopathological correlation.

BACKGROUND/AIM: During angiogenesis-that is, the outgrowth of new from pre-existing blood vessels, new capillaries undergo a period of "fine tuning" when vascular endothelial cells become apoptotic if sufficient supply of angiogenic factors is lacking. Morphologically, this period correlates with the absence of pericyte coverage of new vessels. Mature, pericyte covered vessels, in contrast, do not depend on elevated levels of angiogenic factors for survival. This study analyses whether, and if so when, pathological vessels in human corneal neovascularisation (CN) acquire pericyte coverage. This can be of importance for future angioregressive therapeutic strategies. METHODS: Vascularised human corneas obtained by keratoplasty were evaluated by electron microscopy for pericyte coverage of new vessels. These data were correlated with the duration of CN (mean 73 (SD 95) (range 0.5-360) months; n = 15). CN was secondary to keratitis, transplant rejection, aniridia, or trauma. RESULTS: Overall, 196 blood vessels were analysed ultrastructurally (72 (37%) capillaries, 122 (62%) venules, and two (1%) arterioles). Electron microscopically, 170 (87%) vessels were covered by pericytes and two (1%) in addition by smooth muscle cells. Pericyte recruitment increased with time, evolving between clinically noted onset of CN and keratoplasty. Already 2 weeks after onset of CN, more than 80% of new vessels were covered by pericytes. CONCLUSION: Pathological new vessels in human corneal angiogenesis are rapidly covered by pericytes. Therapeutic strategies aimed at regression of immature, not yet pericyte covered vessels by antagonising angiogenic factors should thus be most effective if applied very early in the course of corneal neovascularisation.

[Two years experience with the new accommodative 1 CU intraocular lens]. / Zwei Jahre Erfahrung mit der akkommodativen Hinterkammerlinse 1 CU.

After marked improvement of optical rehabilitation of cataract patients during the last decades due to small incision surgery and foldable intraocular lenses (IOL), presbyopia is now one of the great unsolved questions in ophthalmology. During recent years a new accommodative IOL, the 1CU lens, has been developed based on the concepts of K.D. Hanna and on finite element computer simulation models. The 1CU IOL is designed to transform contracting forces of the ciliary muscle into anterior movement of the IOL optic (optic-shift concept). After the first implantation of a 1CU IOL in Erlangen in June 2000, we have now successfully implanted the 1CU IOL in over 90 patients. Our experiences and the results of several clinical studies indicate good and safe implantability, good centration, no IOL-specific complications, and good distance visual acuity. In comparison to control groups with conventional IOL, patients with the 1CU enjoyed significantly better distance-corrected near visual acuity, a larger accommodative range, and increased anterior and posterior axial movement of the lens optic after medical stimulation or inhibition of the ciliary muscle. We interpret our results as confirmation of the optic-shift concept of the 1CU IOL. Overall, the concept of accommodative IOL appears attractive and may have a great potential in the future. Additional studies including randomized blind multicenter evaluation of the 1CU IOL are necessary to further evaluate long-term and accommodative results.

[Relevance of the pseudoexfoliation syndrome for the glaucomas]. / Bedeutung des Pseudoexfoliationssyndroms für die Glaukome.

Secondary chronic open-angle glaucoma associated with pseudoexfoliation (PEX) syndrome accounts for approximately 25% of all glaucomas and represents the most common identifiable cause of glaucoma overall. The underlying disorder, PEX syndrome, is a generalized process of the extracellular matrix characterized by production and progressive accumulation of an abnormal extracellular material in many intra- and extraocular tissues. Recent data support the pathogenetic concept of PEX syndrome as a type of elastosis affecting particularly elastic microfibrils. Active involvement of the trabecular meshwork in this characteristic matrix process may lead to glaucoma development in 40-60% of the patients. In addition, PEX syndrome also represents an important risk factor for a broad spectrum of spontaneous or intra- and postoperative ocular complications as well as for systemic cardiovascular diseases. PEX-associated open-angle glaucoma represents a relatively severe and progressive type of glaucoma with a generally poor prognosis due to high intraocular pressure levels and fluctuations in the diurnal pressure curve. The primary cause of chronic pressure elevation appears to be local production of PEX material by trabecular meshwork cells and Schlemm's canal cells with subsequent degenerative changes of Schlemm's canal and juxtacanalicular tissues. Additional pathogenetic factors contributing to pressure increase include pronounced melanin dispersion, increased protein concentrations of the aqueous humor, vascular factors, and connective tissue alterations of the lamina cribrosa. Other types of glaucoma, such as acute open-angle glaucoma, provoked by melanin showers during diagnostic mydriasis, or secondary angle closure glaucoma due to pupillary or ciliary block, are also common in PEX patients. The pathogenetic factors TGF-beta1 and TIMP-1/2 appear to be causally involved in this fibrotic process and thus may represent potential targets for specific, rational therapeutic approaches.

[Microsurgical quality assurance exemplified by cataract surgery]. / Mikrochirurgische Qualitätssicherung am Beispiel der Kataraktchirurgie.

BACKGROUND: The new German laws demand comprehensive quality assurance in all hospitals. The prerequisite for this in ophthalmic microsurgery is the complete documentation of all relevant surgical details including patient comorbidity. METHODS: Since 1989 we have documented all microsurgical procedures using a computer-based surgery recording system. To analyze the changing spectrum of cataract surgery in a university eye hospital, we evaluated 12,653 consecutive cataract extractions divided into 5 periods between 1990 and 1999. RESULTS: Within these periods the patients' age changed significantly (p < 0.001), whereas the gender showed no significant change (p = 0.34). Furthermore, there was an increase in the number of simultaneous surgical procedures (p < 0.01) as well as the frequency of the pseudoexfoliation syndrome (p < 0.001). In addition the mean duration of cataract procedures decreased (p < 0.001) and the occurrence of vitreous loss also decreased (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term documentation of all relevant patient data enables valid evaluation of the patient spectrum. Furthermore, this monitoring helps to manage the challenge of quality assurance in ophthalmology.

Impact of increased intraocular pressure on long-term corneal endothelial cell density after penetrating keratoplasty.

PURPOSE: Besides immunological graft rejection, persistently increased intraocular pressure (IOP) is among the most important causes for graft failure after penetrating keratoplasty (PK). The purpose of this study was to assess the longitudinal development of IOP after PK and to investigate possible correlations with corneal endothelial cell density. METHODS: This longitudinal prospective study included 209 eyes after PK with a complete follow-up at 3 months, 6 months, before first suture removal (16 +/- 5 months) and after complete suture removal (21 +/- 5 months). At each examination, IOP was measured by Goldmann applanation tonometry. Endothelial cell density was assessed by specular microscopy (EM 1100, Tomey). The indications for PK were 48% keratoconus, 34% Fuchs' dystrophy, 5.4% stromal dystrophies, 8.6% secondary bullous keratopathy and 4% corneal scars. An iridotomy was performed routinely during PK. The postoperative treatment with topical steroids was standardized. RESULTS: Preoperatively, the mean IOP was 13.6 +/- 2.9 mm Hg with increased IOP (>21 mm Hg) in 2.0% of eyes. After 3 months, the incidence of increased IOP (24.5 +/- 4.6 mm Hg) was highest (6.7%) and decreased thereafter to 3.0% after complete suture removal. No patients showed IOP higher than 30 mm Hg. A persistently increased IOP for more than 3 months was seen in 2% of patients. At 3 months postoperatively, the mean endothelial cell density was 1,977 +/- 496/mm(2) and did not decrease significantly (p > 0.05) until 6 months (1,771 +/- 507 cells/mm(2)). At the end of the follow-up period, the mean endothelial cell density was significantly reduced (1,347 +/- 501 cells/mm(2)). There was no significant correlation between IOP and mean endothelial cell density at any postoperative examination stage (p > 0.24). Patients with persistently increased IOP for more than 3 months did not have significantly different endothelial cell densities in comparison with those without increased IOP. CONCLUSION: From 6 months after PK, the incidence of increased IOP was not higher than the preoperative level. Mild to moderate temporary IOP elevations after PK do not seem to affect the endothelial cell density of the graft until complete suture removal. Further long-term studies are necessary to assess the clinical relevance of these observations.

[Corneal neural paralysis after block excision including the 3 and 9 o'clock meridian]. / Korneale Neuroparalyse nach Blockexzision im Bereich des 3- und 9-Uhr-Meridians.

PURPOSE: Corneal innervation is mainly supported by the long posterior ciliary nerves. Anatomically, the long ciliary nerves run with the long ciliary arteries at 3 and 9 o'clock. The aim of this retrospective study was to find out if block excision of anterior uveal tumors or epithelial ingrowth located at the 3 or 9 o'clock position of the limbal circumference causes corneal neuroparalysis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1980 and May 1999, a total of 151 block excisions were performed in our department (92 block excisions because of anterior uveal tumors and 59 because of cystic epithelial ingrowth to the anterior chamber). In 27 patients, anterior uveal tumors or cystic epithelial ingrowth were located at the 3 or 9 o'clock position of the limbal circumference (14 patients with cystic epithelial ingrowth and 13 patients with anterior uveal tumors). Mean age of all patients was 54.4 +/- 15.7 years at the time of surgery. Mean diameter of the block excision was 10.7 +/- 4.5 mm for tumor-patients and 9.0 +/- 1.2 mm for patients with anterior chamber cysts. Mean follow-up time was 93.6 +/- 43 months. RESULTS: Only 1 of 27 patients exhibited a moderate neuroparalytic corneal ulcer during the follow-up time. In the remaining 26 patients, no signs of clinically relevant corneal neuroparalysis such as epithelial disorders or neuroparalytic ulcers were found. CONCLUSION: Block excision of tumors or cystic epithelial ingrowth located at the 3 or 9 o'clock position of the limbal circumference did not lead to severe neuroparalytic disorders of the host cornea. This may be an important factor in postoperative management of patients undergoing block excision and corneoscleral grafting.

[Eye contusions caused by a bottle cap. A retrospective study based on the Erlangen Ocular Contusion Register (EOCR)]. / Bulbuskontusionen durch Flaschendeckel. Eine retrospektive Studie anhand des Erlanger Okulären Contusions-Registers (EOCR).

BACKGROUND: Perforating ocular injuries due to exploding beverage bottles are well known. However, bottle caps alone may also induce severe ocular damage due to ocular contusions while opening carbon dioxide-containing beverage bottles. We studied this type of ocular contusion. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospectively, we examined all findings, operations, and tension profiles of 400 consecutive patients with ocular contusion who had been hospitalized in the Department of Ophthalmology, University Erlangen-Nürnberg, using the Erlangen ocular contusion registry (EOCR). RESULTS: Seven patients were injured by bottle caps (1.8%) while attempting to open a beverage bottle. The bottle caps were screw caps in six patients and crown corks in one patient. The patient age was 34 +/- 22 years (range: 16-68 years). Four patients were female, three male. We found the following morphological changes: hyphema (seven patients), iridodialysis (two patients), traumatic cataract (two patients), vitreous prolapse (one patient), vitreous hemorrhage (two patients), and retinal detachment (two patients). Intraocular pressure was higher than 21 mmHg in three patients. Visual acuity was hand motion in two patients, lower then 0.4 in two, and 1.0 in three on the admission day. Five patients read 1.0 on the day of discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Bottle cap injuries are not as harmless as supposed. Bottle caps may induce severe ocular damage due to the high-impact energy.