Comparison of a single-dose vectored thermal pulsation procedure with 5-day course of daily oral azithromycin for meibomian gland dysfunction.

PURPOSE: This study aims at comparing the efficacy of a single-dose vectored thermal pulsation (VTP) procedure versus 5 days once daily oral azithromycin in patients with meibomian gland disease (MGD) by measuring the symptomatology and ocular surface parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted as a prospective, nonrandomized, comparative study over a period of 17 months at a tertiary care center. In this study, 60 patients with MGD were enrolled after they gave their informed consent according to the inclusion-exclusion criteria and were divided into two groups, 30 each in the azithromycin group and the VTP, i.e., the LipiFlow group. One group was treated with oral azithromycin for 5 days and the other group was given LipiFlow treatment. Postprocedure, follow-up was done for 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was noted in the score Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness questionnaire after 3 months of treatment in both the azithromycin and LipiFlow group (P < 0.0001), and the LipiFlow group showed sustained improvement at 6-month follow-up as score improved to 8.83 ± 2.32, whereas it deteriorated in azithromycin group to 13.77 ± 1.65. Pretreatment Ocular Surface Disease Index score (P = 0.126) and posttreatment (P < 0.0001) showed significant differences in both groups. The LipiFlow group showed an improved score of 25.65 ± 6.11 after 6 months of treatment, whereas it deteriorated to 34.79 ± 4.98 in the azithromycin group. Pretreatment, tear film break-up time (P = 0.28) and 6 months posttreatment score (P < 0.0001) showed significant differences in both groups, but in the LipiFlow group, it improved to 15.30 ± 1.76 after 6 months, whereas in the azithromycin group, it was 10.07 ± 1.60. The pretreatment MG score was 4.10 ± 0.99 and 4.23 ± 1.07 (P = 0.62) in the azithromycin and LipiFlow group, respectively. After 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months, the MG score was 24.20 ± 3.38, 21.67 ± 3.46, and 15.83 ± 2.41, respectively, in azithromycin group. In the LipiFlow group, the score was 13 ± 1.88, 14.27 ± 2.07, and 14.37 ± 1.85 at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months, respectively, suggestive of improvement in all visits. CONCLUSION: Both oral azithromycin and LipiFlow treatment are effective in patients with MGD. The effect of LipiFlow treatment lasted longer as compared to azithromycin. The efficacy of azithromycin in resolving the symptoms of MGD was greater compared to LipiFlow in the initial 2 weeks of treatment. However, the effect deteriorated in the subsequent follow-up at 3 months and 6 months.

Long-term outcomes of tailored stromal expansion with refractive lenticule for crosslinking thin corneas.

PURPOSE: To assess the long-term safety and stability of visual outcomes following the modified technique of collagen crosslinking (CXL) using refractive lenticule in eyes with thin corneas (<400 µm) and progressive keratoconus. SETTING: A tertiary eye care hospital in India. DESIGN: Prospective, interventional case series. METHODS: Eyes with progressive keratoconus and thin corneas (<400 µm) underwent CXL with intraoperative stromal augmentation using a refractive lenticule obtained from small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). Preoperative and postoperative evaluation (3 months, and then yearly thereafter) included corneal tomography (Oculus Pentacam), uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity (UDVA and CDVA, respectively), manifest refraction, and endothelial cell count (specular microscopy), and adverse events, if any, were noted. The patients were followed up for a period of 5 years. RESULTS: Seven eyes were included in the analysis. Mean corneal flattening of -4.29 D was noted from preoperative maximum keratometry (P = 0.018). An improvement in UDVA and CDVA of 0.38 logarithm of minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) and 0.36 logMAR, respectively, was noted at 5 years postoperative visit. Four eyes demonstrated a gain of two lines in CDVA. Mean spherical equivalent improved from -6.85 D preoperatively to -6.05 D at 5 years postoperatively. Clear demarcation line was noted between 230 to 270 µm on anterior segment optical coherence topography. No significant endothelial cell loss was noted postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Long-term outcomes demonstrated safety and disease stability following lenticule-assisted CXL.

Comparative analysis of outcomes following topography-guided laser in situ keratomileusis using manifest refraction versus a new topographic analysis algorithm.

Purpose: To compare the visual outcomes following topography-guided laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) treatment using manifest refraction versus a new topography analysis software. Methods: A prospective, randomized, observer-masked contralateral study was conducted in the refractive services of a tertiary eye care hospital in South India. Analysis of visual outcomes, corneal higher-order aberrations, and contrast sensitivity were performed at 3 months postoperative visit following uneventful topography-guided LASIK using the Wavelight EX500. One eye was treated with the Contoura platform using manifest refraction (Contoura), while the contralateral eye was treated using an ablation profile planned by the Phorcides Analytic Engine (Phorcides). Results: Sixty eyes of 30 patients were included in the study. At 3 months postoperative visit, the uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) in the Contoura and Phorcides groups was logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) 0.04 ± 0.07 and logMAR 0.06 ± 0.1, respectively (P = 0.483). Postoperative manifest refractive spherical error (MRSE) was 0.12 ± 0.22 and - 0.06 ± 0.20 D in the Contoura and Phorcides groups, respectively (P = 0.338). Although higher number of eyes demonstrated a gain in one or more lines of corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) in the Contoura group (16.6% vs. 6.6%), the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.361). Vector analysis (Alpins criteria) for postoperative cylinder, contrast sensitivity measurement, and corneal higher-order aberration profile showed no significant difference between the two groups at 3 months postoperative visit (P = 0.213, 0.514, and 0.332, respectively). Conclusion: Quantitative and qualitative visual outcomes with the Phorcides Analytic Software were similar to the Contoura treatment using manifest refraction.

Comparative analysis of visual outcomes following small-incision lenticule extraction with or without cyclotorsion compensation in eyes with high astigmatism: Contralateral eye study.

Purpose: To compare the visual outcomes in patients undergoing small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) for correction of myopic astigmatism (≥-1.50 D) with or without manual cyclotorsion compensation. Methods: A prospective, double-blinded, randomized, contralateral study was conducted in the refractive services of a tertiary eye care center. Eligible patients with bilateral high myopic astigmatism (≥1.5 D) and intraoperative cyclotorsion (≥5°) undergoing SMILE between June 2018 and May 2019 were included. Cyclotorsion compensation was performed using triple centration method before femtosecond laser delivery. Uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity (UDVA and CDVA, respectively) measurement, manifest refraction, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and corneal tomography were performed preoperatively and at 1 and 3 months' postoperative visit. Astigmatic outcomes were analyzed using Alpins criteria. Results: A total of 30 patients (60 eyes) were included in this study. The patients underwent bilateral SMILE surgery, with manual cyclotorsion compensation in one eye (CC group, n = 30 eyes) and no cyclotorsion compensation in the other eye (NCC group, n = 30 eyes). Preoperative astigmatism and intraoperative cyclotorsion were -2.0 D and 7.03° ± 1.06° (CC) and -1.75 D and 7.24° ± 0.98° (NCC) (P = 0.472 and 0.240, respectively). No significant differences were noted in mean refractive spherical equivalent (MRSE), UDVA, CDVA, and refractive error between the two groups at 3 months' postoperative visit. Astigmatic outcomes measured using Alpins criteria demonstrated no significant difference between the two cohorts. Conclusion: The cyclotorsion compensation technique provided no additional advantage in terms of astigmatic outcomes or postoperative visual quality, in eyes with high preoperative astigmatism and intraoperative cyclotorsion.

Visual outcomes of early enhancement following small incision lenticule extraction versus laser in situ keratomileusis.

Purpose: To compare visual outcomes of early enhancement following small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) versus laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Methods: Retrospective analysis of eyes (patients operated in the setting of a tertiary eye care hospital between 2014 and 2020) requiring early enhancement (within one year of primary surgery) was conducted. Stability of refractive error, corneal tomography, and anterior segment Optical Coherence Tomography (AS-OCT) for epithelial thickness was performed. The correction post regression was done using photorefractive keratectomy and flap lift in eyes, wherein the primary procedure was SMILE and LASIK, respectively. Pre- and post enhancement corrected and uncorrected distance visual acuity (CDVA and UDVA), mean refractive spherical equivalent (MRSE), and cylinder were analyzed. IBM SPSS statistical software. Results: In total, 6350 and 8176 eyes post SMILE and LASIK, respectively, were analyzed. Of these, 32 eyes of 26 patients (0.5%) post SMILE and 36 eyes of 32 patients (0.44%) post-LASIK required enhancement. Post enhancement (flap lift in LASIK, and PRK in SMILE group) UDVA was logMAR 0.02 ± 0.05 and 0.09 ± 0.16 (P = 0.009), respectively. There was no significant difference between the refractive sphere (P = 0.33) and MRSE (P = 0.09). In total, 62.5% of the eyes in the SMILE group and 80.5% in the LASIK group had a UDVA of 20/20 or better (P = 0.04). Conclusion: PRK post SMILE demonstrated comparable results to flap lift post LASIK and is a safe and effective approach for early enhancement post SMILE.

Star CanVac-continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis - A novel, safe rhexis technique in intumescent total cataracts.

Achieving a complete uniform capsulorhexis in an intumescent cataract is perhaps the most crucial and challenging step for surgeons. Star CanVac CCC is a new manual technique for creating a continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) in intumescent total cataracts. Small centripetal tears in the shape of a star are created in the center of the anterior lens capsule by using a 26-G cystotome. This allows equal distribution of forces secondary to increased intralenticular pressure, thereby avoiding unidirectional or bidirectional tear extension. Subsequently, a 25-G flat-tipped fine cannula connected to a syringe is used to hold the free capsular flap. The piston of the syringe is withdrawn to create a stable suction pressure, and the rhexis is completed without withdrawing the instrument from the anterior chamber. Our technique is safe, affordable, and an alternative method to routine CCC or expensive techniques such as Femto or Zepto capsulotomy for white intumescent cataracts.

Limited pars-plana vitrectomy for optimizing surgical outcome in subluxated cataracts undergoing femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery.

We propose a technique for combined femto laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) and limited vitrectomy from the pars-plana site for optimization of surgical results in subluxated cataracts. FLACS creates a free-floating, customised capsulotomy, minimizes stress on compromised zonules, and prechops the nucleus, effectively reducing the ultrasonic power as well as the forces required to chop the nucleus. The area of zonular dehiscence creates a direct communication between the irrigation fluid and the anterior vitreous, leading to its hydration. Trans-limbal vitrectomy creates a continuum between the liquefied vitreous and the main wound, leading to further vitreous loss, and exaggeration of the zonular weakness, while pars-plana vitrectomy avoids this by cutting the liquefied vitreous, near its attachment, thereby preventing further hydration and causing lesser stress to the zonules. A combination of these procedures, along with a capsule support device, gives favorable surgical outcomes in moderate to severe subluxations.

Accuracy of Barrett versus third-generation intraocular lens formula across all axial lengths.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the accuracy of Barrett Universal II versus third-generation formula for different intraocular lens (IOL) powers for Indian eyes with different axial lengths (ALs). DESIGN: This is a retrospective, nonrandomized consecutive case series. METHODS: This study reviewed 981 eyes from 825 patients who had uneventful cataract surgery and IOL implantation. The eyes were separated into subgroups based on AL as follows: short (<22.0 mm), medium (22.01-23.99 mm), and long (>24.0 mm). The predicted refractive outcome using formulas was calculated and compared with the actual refractive outcome to give the prediction error. The percentage of every refractive error absolute value for each formula was calculated at <±0.50D, 0.50D-0.75D, and >±0.75D. RESULTS: In all, 981 eyes were analyzed. There were no significant differences in the median absolute error predicted by Barrett and the third-generation formulae. The Barrett Universal II formula resulted in significantly lowest mean spherical equivalent in short eyes (P = 0.0047) as well as a higher percentage of eyes with prediction errors within <±0.50D, 0.50D-0.75D, and >±0.75D. We found that the Barrett Universal II formula had the lowest predictive refraction error and mean absolute error across all ALs. CONCLUSION: The Barrett Universal II formula rendered the lowest predictive error compared with SRK/T, Holladay, and Hoffer Q formulas. Thus, the Barrett Universal II formula may be regarded as a more reliable formula for achieving emmetropia and reducing postoperative refractive surprises across all ALs.

Intraocular lens scaffold pupilloplasty: A novel technique for pupilloplasty in phakic eyes.

Numerous techniques of pupilloplasty have been described to restore iris anatomy. However limitations arise in phakic eyes due to the propensity for crystalline lens damage. We describe a novel technique for pupilloplasty in phakic eyes, wherein a plate haptic intraocular lens or phakic intraocular lens provides a scaffold and protects the anterior crystalline lens from subsequent surgical manoeuvres. The technique is demonstrated in a 24-year-old male who presented four months following blunt trauma to his left eye, with complaints of glare and difficulty in near activities secondary to traumatic mydriasis. The use of an intraocular lens scaffold allowed successful pupilloplasty without iatrogenic tissue trauma or subsequent crystalline lens opacification up to one-year follow-up. Our technique affords a safe pupillary repair without damage to the clear crystalline lens or the need for a concomitant lens extraction.

Comparative Analysis of Safety and Efficacy of Topography-Guided Customized Cross-linking and Standard Cross-linking in the Treatment of Progressive Keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To compare the safety and efficacy of topography-guided customized corneal cross-linking (PiXL) with standard cross-linking (CXL) for the treatment of progressive keratoconus. METHODS: In a prospective interventional analysis, the eyes of patients with progressive keratoconus underwent standard cross-linking (homogenous 9-mm ultraviolet-A irradiation of 9 mW/cm2 delivering a total fluence of 5.4J/cm2) versus topography-guided customized cross-linking (30 mW/cm2 pulsed irradiance with a total fluence ranging from 5.4 to 15 J/cm2, in concentric circles centered on the posterior float maximum). The following parameters were analyzed at the preoperative, 1-month, 6-month, and 1-year postoperative visits: corrected spectacle distance visual acuity, manifest refraction including sphere, cylinder and mean refractive spherical equivalent, corneal tomography, higher order aberration profile, and endothelial cell count. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography evaluation was performed at the 1-month postoperative visit to assess the depth of the demarcation line. RESULTS: Sixty-four eyes of 45 patients (32 eyes in each group) were included. There was a significant reduction in maximum keratometry and IS asymmetry in the PiXL group at both the 6-month and 1-year postoperative visits (P = 0.001 and 0.06). Corrected spectacle distance visual acuity improved significantly in the PiXL (0.05 ± 0.08 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution, P = 0.02) versus the standard CXL (0.01 ± 0.025 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution, P = 0.26) group. A greater depth of a stromal demarcation line was observed in the customized CXL group (P = 0.02). No significant complications were noted in either cohort. CONCLUSIONS: PiXL demonstrated similar safety with significantly greater keratometry flattening and corneal regularization vis-à-vis standard CXL. This resulted in significant improvement of spectacle corrected visual acuity for eyes with mild-to-moderate keratoconus.

Topography-guided treatment in regular and irregular corneas.

Over the last decade, refractive surgery has been revolutionized by advancements in ablation profiles, available for the treatment of both regular and irregular corneas. Advances in corneal imaging have helped highlight the presence of higher-order aberrations, the correction of which could result in a better quality of vision. Topographic measurements being static are more repeatable and pupil independent and therefore provide the ideal platform for correction of both lower and higher-order aberrations and could result in improved visual quality even in patients with seemingly regular corneas. The combination of topography-guided treatment with collagen cross-linking has further increased the scope of treating irregular corneas like keratoconus, post-laser in-situ keratomileusis ectasia, and pellucid marginal degeneration. This review delves into the current literature and guidelines available for the topographic treatment of regular and irregular corneas.

Decade - long journey with small incision lenticule extraction: The learnings.

Over the past decade, small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) has revolutionized the field of keratorefractive surgery. With the promise of superior corneal biomechanics and reduced postoperative dry eye, SMILE afforded a distinct advantage over flap-based procedures. Our evolving understanding of the surgical technique and management of its unique complications has further enhanced the outcomes. This review will highlight specific pearls on various preoperative and intraoperative principles allowing optimization of outcomes with SMILE.

Randomized trial comparing visual outcomes of toric intraocular lens implantation using manual and digital marker.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the visual outcome of participants undergoing toric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation after cataract extraction using manual marking versus digital marking for intraoperative guidance. METHODS: Randomized controlled trial of participants with cataract and corneal astigmatism of 1.00 D-4.50 D. The eyes were grouped into manual marking (Group 1) and digital marking (Group 2). Preoperative Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), Corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), and corneal astigmatism were determined. IOL power and axis of alignment were determined using Barrett toric calculator. Eyes were marked by bubble marker and Mendez ring in group 1 and by VERION (Alcon, Fort Worth, Texas) digital overlay in Group 2. Postoperatively, UDVA, CDVA, residual refractive cylinder and IOL misalignment were determined (iTrace system, Tracey technologies) at 1 week, 6 weeks, and 3 months. RESULTS: A total of 61 eyes of 50 participants, 31 in Group 1 and 30 in Group 2, were studied. The mean postoperative cylindrical error was 0.50 ± 0.39 D in Group 1 and 0.29 ± 0.34 D in Group 2 (P = 0.03). 67.74% (n = 21) and 93.55% (n = 29) eyes achieved a residual astigmatism of ≤0.50 D and ≤1.00 D, respectively, in Group 1, whereas 83.33% (n = 25) and 100% (n = 30) eyes achieved a residual astigmatism of ≤0.50 D and ≤1.00 D, respectively, in Group 2 at 3 months postoperatively. Toric IOL misalignment was 4.71 ± 3.12° in Group 1 and 4.03 ± 2.99° in Group 2 (P = 0.39). CONCLUSION: Accurate manual marking and digital marking are equally effective guides for toric IOL alignment, intraoperatively.

Intra corneal ring segment implantation with lenticule assisted stromal augmentation for crosslinking in thin corneas.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intra corneal ring segment (ICRS) implantation combined with crosslinking (CXL) using a Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) lenticule for intraoperative stromal augmentation in thin corneas. OBSERVATIONS: The procedure was performed in three eyes of progressive keratoconus or post refractive surgery corneal ectasia, with a preoperative mean thinnest pachymetry of 389.34 ± 5.5 µm. Keratometry flattening (preoperative mean maximum keratometry of 63.17 ± 9.31D to postoperative mean maximum keratometry of 54.77 ± 9.47D) and improvement in spectacle corrected distance visual acuity (mean preoperative LogMAR 0.43 ± 0.19 to mean postoperative LogMAR 0.71 ± 0.26) was noted at three months, with stability at one-year postoperative visit. Demarcation line was demonstrated at a depth of 220.67 ± 8.32 µm. No significant endothelial cell loss was noted. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: Intraoperative stromal thickness augmentation using a lenticule obtained from SMILE allows safe and effective CXL in combination with ICRS in ultrathin corneas. This allows an alternative to lamellar keratoplasty for visual rehabilitation in such eyes.

Ectasia after keratorefractive surgery: Analysis of risk factors and treatment outcomes in the Indian population.

Purpose: To analyze the risk factors in eyes developing ectasia following keratorefractive procedures. In addition, the study assessed visual outcomes following various treatment modalities for ectasia. Methods: In this retrospective study, data of patients who underwent keratorefractive procedures, presenting to the refractive services of a tertiary eye care hospital in South India between January 2016 and May 2019 was analyzed. Of these, the eyes that developed ectasia were noted and the possible risk factors were determined. Visual outcomes following treatment with corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) with or without intracorneal ring segment implantation (ICRS) or topography-guided corneal ablation (T-PRK) were analyzed. Results: Forty eyes of 26 patients developed ectasia following keratorefractive procedures, with a mean interval of 73.1± 45.4 months between primary procedure and ectasia development. Of these, 14 patients had bilateral presentation. Identifiable risk factors included ablation depth > 75 µm (59.25%), percentage of tissue altered (PTA) > 40% (48.14%), residual stromal bed < 300 µm (22.22%), mean refractive spherical equivalent > 8 D (25.92%), inferior-superior (I-S) asymmetry > 1.4D (7.40%), central corneal thickness (CCT) < 500 µm (7.40%), Belin Ambrosio Display (BAD) > 2.5 (7.40%), posterior float elevation maximum ≥18 µm (3.70%), and pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD; 3.70%). Conclusion: Our study shows that only 70% of the eyes demonstrated an identifiable risk factor for the development of ectasia. Ablation depth of > 75 µm and the PTA > 40% were the most common risk factors. Treatment following CXL with ICRS or T-PRK demonstrated significantly better visual outcomes in comparison with CXL alone.

Impact of anterior capsular polishing on capsule opacification rate in eyes undergoing femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery.

Purpose: To evaluate the impact of anterior capsular polishing on capsule opacification and contraction in eyes undergoing femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS). Methods: This prospective interventional comparative analysis included patients undergoing FLACS between August 2016 and May 2017. The eyes were subdivided into three groups based on the extent of intraoperative anterior capsular polishing performed: complete 360-degree polishing; inferior 180-degree polishing; and no polishing. Visual acuity, posterior capsular opacification (PCO) score, anterior capsular opacification (ACO) grade, and capsulorhexis diameter were evaluated at 1-week, 6-months, and 1-year postoperative visits. Results: The study included 99 eyes of 90 patients. No significant differences were observed between the three groups in ACO grade and capsulorhexis contraction at all follow-up visits. There was a statistically significant difference in PCO grade among the groups at 6-month and 1-year follow-up but it was found to be clinically insignificant. One eye in the no polishing group underwent neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) capsulotomy at the 1-year follow-up visit. Conclusion: A lower incidence of PCO was demonstrated in the 360-degree polishing group, although it was visually insignificant. No significant difference in postoperative capsular contraction was demonstrated between the cohorts up to one-year follow-up.

Stop sign for correct tissue plane identification in small incision lenticule extraction.

We describe the "stop sign" which allows correct anterior and posterior lenticular plane delineation in Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE). This sign describes the resistance noted at the junction between the dissected and undissected halves of both the planes, interfering with subsequent lateral movement of the instrument. The resistance is demonstrated at both the anterior and posterior lenticular plane. This allows ideal dissection of the lenticule from the overlying cap and underlying stroma, thereby reducing the complications arising from incorrect tissue dissection.

Femtosecond laser-integrated anterior segment optical coherence tomography to detect preexisting posterior capsular dehiscence and increase safety in posterior polar cataracts.

PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy of the femtosecond laser with integrated anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) for the detection of posterior capsular dehiscence in posterior polar cataracts (PPCs). To evaluate the safety of phacoemulsification in these eyes undergoing femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS). SETTING: Centre For Sight Group of Eye Hospitals, a chain of tertiary eyecare hospitals in India. DESIGN: Prospective interventional case series. METHODS: The study included eyes with PPCs undergoing FLACS using the CATALYS femtosecond platform. Real-time OCT guidance was used to image the posterior capsule (PC), which was then classified as intact or dehiscent. The femtosecond laser was used for the creation of capsulotomy, nuclear fragmentation, and corneal incisions. In all eyes, the posterior offset (distance between the posterior extent of nucleotomy and the PC) was increased to enable a thick epinuclear cushion. Intraoperative status of the PC was noted, and the specificity and the sensitivity of AS-OCT to detect a preexisting posterior capsular defect was determined. RESULTS: The cohort included 50 eyes (40 patients), in which a posterior capsular discontinuity on AS-OCT was observed in 7 eyes (14%). Five (10%) of these 7 eyes developed an intraoperative posterior capsular rent (PCR) A sensitivity and negative predictive value of 100% was noted. No case of nucleus drop was noted. CONCLUSIONS: Femtosecond laser with integrated AS-OCT is a relevant and helpful tool to detect and increase the safety in preexisting posterior capsular dehiscence, alerting the surgeon ahead of phacoemulsification.

Photorefractive intrastromal corneal crosslinking for treatment of low myopia: clinical outcomes using the transepithelial approach with supplemental oxygen.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of photorefractive intrastromal corneal crosslinking (PiXL) for the treatment of low myopia using the epithelium-on approach with supplemental oxygen. SETTING: The Eye Foundation, Coimbatore, India. DESIGN: Prospective interventional case series. METHODS: Myopic nonectatic eyes underwent PiXL using the Mosaic system. Ultraviolet-A (UV-A) irradiation of 365 nm wavelength was delivered in an accelerated (30 mW/cm) pulsed approach to provide a total fluence of 15 J/cm. Supplemental oxygen (concentration greater than 95%) was provided to increase the efficacy of the epithelium-on approach during the UV-A irradiation. Efficacy was determined by improvement in mean refractive spherical equivalent (MRSE), uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), and keratometric flattening. Safety was determined by loss of lines of corrected distance visual acuity, endothelial cell loss, and adverse events. RESULTS: Fifty eyes of 26 patients with a mean age of 22.73 ± 3.74 years were included. A significant improvement in UDVA from baseline (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR] 0.63 ± 0.25) was noted at the 3-month (logMAR 0.08 ± 0.15) and 6-month (logMAR 0.13 ± 0.18) follow-up visits (P < .001). Significant keratometric flattening from baseline was noted at all follow-up visits (P < .001). No significant endothelial cell loss or adverse effects were noted. A significant correlation was noted between the change in MRSE and preoperative corneal biomechanics (deformation amplitude ratio, P = .029). CONCLUSIONS: Transepithelial PiXL with supplemental oxygen might be a safe and effective approach for reduction of myopia. The change in MRSE and keratometric flattening was greater in comparison with earlier protocols, including the epithelium-off approach.