[Artisan iris-claw IOL implantation in cases of bilateral lens luxation into the vitreous body].

A clinical case of bilateral retropupillary implantation of iris-fixated lenses (Worst iris-claw intraocular lenses) in a patient with bilateral complete native lens dislocation into the vitreous body is presented. Despite native lens in the vitreous, the patient did not develop ocular hypertension in either eye after the surgery during a long-term follow-up period. Visual acuity significantly improved and there was no necessity in removing the dislocated lenses.

[Hybrid phacoemulsification: a new stage in the improvement of cataract surgery (?)].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the early results of femtosecond laser application in phacoemulsification of cataracts of different density. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Femtosecond laser-assisted phacoemulsification cataract surgery was performed on 277 patients (390 surgeries) with II-IV degree lens nuclear density. RESULTS: The use of femtosecond laser for capsulorexis and lens nucleus fragmentation enables forming of a well-shaped, properly sized, and accurately centered aperture in the anterior lens capsule, reduces the equivalent time of ultrasound exposure (by 30% in average) and decreases the total time of nuclear fragments emulsification by a third. CONCLUSIONS: Femtosecond laser-assisted phacoemulsification is a highly effective and safe surgical technique that takes the surgery to a new level. By analogy with cardiovascular surgery this direction of improvement of cataract treatmentmay be called "hybrid phacoemulsification". Hybrid approach in cardiovascular surgery is promising and progressive. It combines the possibilities of conventional and minimal invasive endovascular surgery, considerably reducing intraoperative trauma during open-heart procedures. In cataract surgery the use of femtosecond laser in combination with classical ultrasound phacoemulsification enables closed-eye performance of certain technical stages that are usually fraught with complications.

[Intraocular pressure and ocular blood flow features intravitreal infection of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents].

OBJECTIVE: to investigate intraocular pressure (IOP) and ocular blood flow (OBF) changes as well as the individual normal range of IOP in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with or without concomitant glaucoma after intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Group 1 included 34 patients (34 eyes) with AMD and no glaucoma, group 2-34 patients (34 eyes) with both AMD and glaucoma. In all patients the IOP and OBF were measured (with Ocular Blood Flow Analyzer) and the individual normal range of lOP calculated before the treatment, on the third day after the injection and at the 1-month follow-up visit. Statistical analysis was performed by STATISTICA 10. RESULTS: In group 1 there were no significant changes in ocular blood flow at different times after ranibizumab injection. In group 2 a considerable decrease in OBF was detected 1 month after the injection (p<0.001). In group 1 the intraocular pressure was at the same level before and after the treatment. In group 2 the IOP significantly decreased on the third day after the anti-VEGF injection (p=0.03) but was back to the initial level in 1 month. The individual normal range of lOP, when calculated on the third day after the injection, appeared to be much lower than before due to a moderate decrease in both IOP and OBF. At the 1-month follow-up the individual normal range of IOP was back to initial values in non-glaucoma patients but remained low in the glaucoma group due to reduced OBF. CONCLUSION: The established decrease in the individual normal range of IOP in the late period after an anti-VEGF injection should be taken into account when managing patients with both AMD and glaucoma.

[The upper limit of individual normal range of intraocular pressure--a personalized criterion for IOP evaluation].

OBJECTIVE: To determine clinical value of the use of the upper limit of individual normal range of intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma diagnosing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study enrolled 229 conditionally healthy participants (229 eyes) with no ocular complaints after a basic ophthalmic assessment. Ocular blood flow and IOP were measured with Ocular Blood Flow Analyzer (Paradigm Medical Industries). An original formula was further used for calculation of the upper limit of normal range of IOP. All patients were divided into two groups depending on whether or not their IOP fell within the statistically normal range, i.e. was less than 21 mmHg. Thus, group 1 included 193 patients (193 eyes) with IOP from 6.7 to 21.0 mmHg, group 2 -36 patients (36 eyes) with IOP from 21.7 to 30.8 mmHg. Glaucoma diagnosis was made from automated perimetry (Humphrey Visual Field Analyzer) and retinal tomography (HRT3, Cirrus HD-OCT) findings. RESULTS: In group 1, the IOP was found to exceed the upper limit of individual normal range in 38 eyes, thus indicating the probability of glaucoma; of them, in 23 patients (60.5%) the diagnosis was confirmed by further examinations. In the rest 155 eyes from group 1 the IOP matched the individual normal range; of them, glaucoma was ruled out in 154 eyes (99.35%). In group 2, a risk of glaucoma was determined in 27 eyes, of which 24 (88.9%) were further diagnosed. In 9 eyes the IOP exceeded the statistically normal values and yet was within the individual normal range. In none of those 9 cases glaucoma was found. CONCLUSION: The upper limit of individual normal range of IOP is a personalized diagnostic criterion, which is more significant for evaluation of the risk of having or developing glaucoma than the upper limit of statistically normal range (21 mmHg).

[Differentiation of concomitant glaucomatous optic neuropathy in optic disc drusen].

Characteristics of ocular blood flow (OBF) in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in eyes with optic disc drusen have been investigated. The study enrolled 21 patient (35 eyes) with optic disc drusen, of which 7 (8 eyes) were diagnosed with POAG. Besides the standard tests, the ophthalmological assessment included evaluation of OBF (flowmetry) and an individual normal range of intraocular pressure (IOP). The results showed that optic disc drusen are not associated with OBF changes. Concomitant POAG might be suspected in a patient with optic disc drusen whose OBF is significantly decreased and IOP is above the individual normal range. Differentiation of morphofunctional changes in chronic optic neuropathy, which might be due to either glaucomatous optic neuropathy or optic disc drusen, is complicated when actual IOP lies within the average normal range. Ocular blood flow evaluation by means of flowmetry with calculation of an individual normal range of IOP has been demonstrated as a highly effective predictor of concomitant POAG in patients with optic disc drusen.

[Selective principle of modern approaches in keratoplasty].

Currently accepted selective principle of modern therapeutic-optical keratoplasty is based on well-known advantages of target substitution of the damaged corneal layers. This article covers the variety of selective keratoplasty methods for different anatomical levels of corneal involvement. Major advantages of up-to-date keratoplasty methods involving high end surgical technologies have been analyzed.

[Peculiarities of ocular blood flow in ischemic optic neuropathy and normal tension glaucoma].

Characteristics of ocular hemodynamics in ischemic optic neuropathy (ION) outcome and normal tension glaucoma (NTG), the conditions that are difficult to be differentially diagnosed, have been investigated. The study enrolled 32 patients (40 eyes) with ION outcome, 26 patients (46 eyes) with NTG, and 20 patients (32 eyes) with no ocular pathology. Besides the standard ophthalmological examination, color Doppler imaging of ocular vessels, evaluation of ocular blood flow volume and individual normal range of intraocular pressure (flowmetry) were performed in all cases. The results showed that an excess of the actual intraocular pressure (IOP) over the individual normal range was much higher in patients with NTG than in patients with ION (39% and 14.5% correspondingly). It was also found that NTG is associated with a more significant decrease of ocular blood flow volume (30.1% in average) in comparison to ION outcome (11%). In both conditions a decrease in velocity parameters of the blood flow in main ocular vessels was registered, however, ocular hemodynamics changes appeared to be more severe in patients with glaucomatous optic neuropathy. A statistically reliable correlation between volumetric and velocity parameters of ocular blood flow has been discovered.

[Top-hat keratoplasty in surgical treatment of bullous keratopathy].

Outcomes of different modifications of top-hat keratoplasty were assessed in 48 patients (48 eyes) with bullous keratopathy. In the 1st group manual top-hat keratoplasty was performed in 7 patients. 30 patients of the 2nd group underwent manual half-top-hat keratoplasty. In the 3rd group femtosecond laser-assisted top-hat keratoplasty was performed in 11 patients. All keratoplasty techniques used in the study provide high rate of clear graft retention. Manual half-top-hat keratoplasty is technically easier compared to manual top-hat keratoplasty though having similar outcomes and does not require the use of any additional equipment. Femtosecond laser-assisted top-hat keratoplasty allows to achieve superior optical results, trephination is performed promptly and with minimal tissue trauma. This new keratoplasty technique is a promising procedure and requires further detailed investigations.

[Hemodynamic changes in myopia of different degrees].

A total of 78 patients (143 eyes) with low, medium and high degree myopia were assessed. Apart from standard ophthalmological tests, flowmetry and duplex ultrasound of ocular vessels were performed in all cases to evaluate volumetric and velocity parameters of ocular blood flow in relation to the length of anterior-posterior axis and the degree of myopia. It is found that both parameters of regional blood flow progressively decrease as the anterior-posterior axis increases.

[Experimental and morphological study of the effect of antiangiogenic therapy on corneal neovessels].

The article presents the results of an experimental and morphological study of combined antiangiogenic effect of photodynamic therapy with Photosens photosensitizer and Avastin (bevacizumab) on neovascularization process in corneal stroma. The combined approach has demonstrated an advantage over separate application of these methods, what, however, has to be proved clinically.

[The results of up-to-date techniques of automated endothelial keratoplasty].

The results of different techniques of automated endothelial keratoplasty (EKP) performed in 72 patients with bullous keratopathy are estimated. Automated EKP with superficial flap was performed in 18 patients (1st group), Descemet stripping automated EKP (DSAEK) - in 26 patients (2nd group), Descemet stripping automated EKP (DSAEK) with thin grafts - in 20 patients (3rd group), Descemet membrane automated EKP with stromal rim (DMAEK) - in 8 patients (4th group). According to our results DSAEK with thin grafts is indicated to elderly patients with severe ocular disease (ocular comorbidities, repeated surgery, advanced keratopathy). DSAEK is a promising surgical technique allowing to achieve the best functional results. Nevertheless this procedure is technically challenging and is good for relatively functionally "preserved" patient groups.

[Functional results of contact lens correction and penetrating keratoplasty in keratoconus. Report 1. Analysis of resolution ability of the eye].

Comparative analysis of functional results of contact lens correction and penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) in keratoconus are presented. To assess resolution ability we considered visual acuity and contrast sensitivity. 117 patients (219 eyes) with stage I-IV keratoconus, wearing rigid gas-permeable contact lenses (RPCL), and 60 patients (64 eyes) after PKP were examined. In 69% patients after PKP non-corrected visual acuity (NCVA) was 0.1 or more and mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.63, that is similar to efficacy of contact lens correction in stage III-IV keratoconus. In 31% patients NCVA after PKP was less than 0.1 due to significant refractive arrow, visual rehabilitation of these patients required use of RPCL or refractive surgery. Contrast sensitivity in medium frequencies after PKP was almost similar to that of contact lens correction in stage III keratoconus, and in high frequencies it was close to that of stage IV.

[Functional results of contact lens correction and penetrating keratoplasty in keratoconus. Report 2. Wavefront analysis].

Comparative analysis of optic aberrations in contact lens correction and after penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) in keratoconus are presented. 117 patients (219 eyes) with stage I-IV keratoconus, wearing rigid gas-permeable contact lenses (RPCL), and 60 patients (64 eyes) after PKP were examined using OPD Scan (NIDEK, Japan) to assess aberration characteristics. Total optic aberrations and higher-order aberrations of ocular and corneal wavefront were significantly increased after PKP compared to those in patients with I-III stage keratoconus wearing RGCL. Astigmatic aberrations after surgery are increased compared to that in patients wearing RGCL regardless of keratoconus stage. Generally, according to objective aberrometry efficacy of PKP is similar to that of contact lens correction in IV stage keratoconus.

[Comparative analysis of several morphometric parameters received using optic coherent tomography and scanning laser ophthalmoscopy in initial glaucoma diagnosis].

Retinal morphometric parameters received using confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy and optic coherent tomography (OCT) are compared. OCT was performed using Stratus OCT 3000 ("Carl Zeiss Meditec"), and for confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy we used Heidelberg retinal tomography HRT 3.0 ("Heidelberg Engineering"). A total of 81 patients (158 eyes) were enrolled into the study: 34 patients (64 eyes) with suspected glaucoma (diagnosis of early open angle glaucoma was proven after ophthalmologic examination) and 47 healthy adults aged from 38 till 72 years old. OCT was found to reveal significant decrease of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in peripapillary zone in patients with suspected glaucoma as compared with healthy subjects, whereas no significant difference in morphometry of neuroretinal rim and PNFL was found using confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (HRT).

[The role of tear acidity and Cu-cofactor of lysyl oxidase activity in the pathogenesis of keratoconus].

Detailed analysis of copper compounds migration in the corneal stroma are presented. The biochemical conditions of the middle periphery of the cornea is found to inhibit copper ions movement to the center in patients with keratoconus due to increased tear alkalinity. Low concentration of dichlorocuprate (I) ion in the center of cornea results in inactivation of lysyl oxidase, an enzyme that catalyzes collagen cross-linking, and thus promotes keratoconus. Revealed association of tear acidity and copper distribution in cornea offers new opportunities in pathogenic treatment of keratoconus.

[Results of clinical evaluation of a new screening method for determining the individual normal level of intraocular pressure].

The paper presents the results of practical application of a new screening method for determining tolerant intraocular pressure (TIOP) on a Blood Flow Analyzer (Paradigm, USA). Studies were conducted on 331 eyes (205 subjects). Group 1 consisted of 80 patients (126 eyes) without glaucoma being found, with intraocular pressure (IOP) in the average normal range, but with a TIOP excess of 1-8 mm Hg (a risk group); Group 2 included 15 subjects (20 eyes) without glaucoma with normal IOP in whom TIOP exceeded the existing IOP by 1-7 mm Hg; Group 3 comprised 110 patients (185 eyes) with Stage I-III primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) with compensated IOP. Morphofunctional studies revealed glaucoma in 95 (75%) eyes in the risk group: Stages II and I in 61 and 30%, respectively; and advanced glaucoma in 9%. At the same time, there was a close correlation of the probable detection of glaucoma with the existing degree of a TIOP excess. No cases of glaucoma were observed in Group 2. The determination of TIOP and morphofunctional changes over time in Group 3 revealed a stable glaucomatous process in 99% of cases in which IOP was lower than or equal to TIOP, as well as progressive glaucomatous neuropathy in 91% in which compensated LOP exceeded TIOP. The results of the study in Group 3 suggest that the index TIOP may be used as a guide of IOP in the treatment and monitoring of POAG. The presented data indicate that the determination of the level of TIOP is a required element of both standard ophthalmological examination and monitoring of glaucoma.

[Results of combination surgical treatment for open-angle glaucoma and cataract].

The results of 257 combined, pathogenically oriented operations were analyzed in 181 patients with cataract concurrent with open-angle glaucoma (OAG). A system of pathogenically oriented combined surgical interventions was shown to be highly effective in patients with cataract concurrent with OAG. The proposed procedure for intraoperative determination of the retention of intraocular fluid allows a pathogenically oriented antiglaucomatous component of combined surgery to be chosen in patients with cataract and OAG. Increased visual acuity and stable stabilization of the glaucomatous process were achieved in all cases during a follow-up of less than 3 years.

[New modification of complete corneal stromoplasty].

New technical elements of complete corneal stromoplasty were practiced in an experiment on 25 isolated cadaver eyes; then 7 operations were clinically performed on 7 eyes according to the same procedure. The results have shown that the experimentally tested new technique may be successfully applied in the clinical setting.

[Diagnostic value of macular morphometry in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma].

In this article the results of practical use of central retinal zone (CRZ) tomography in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) measured with RTA (Retinal thickness Analyzer, Talia Technology Ltd., Israel) are presented. 460 patients (790 eyes) aged 45-85 years old were included into the study. Significant decrease of CRZ minimal thickness and perifoveal region thickness (p < 0.05 and p = 0.01 respectively) was revealed in patients with POAG compared with control group. Morphometric data showed correlation with decrease of light sensitivity and visual field defects detected with static perimetry. This fact confirms information value of central retinal morphometric changes for glaucoma diagnosis.

[A new screening method for determining tolerant intraocular pressure].

The authors proposed a new screening for determining individual tolerant intraocular pressure (TIOP). The investigation covered 107 individuals (167 eyes). All the examinees were divided into three groups. Groups 1 and 3 comprised healthy volunteers without the signs of vascular changes and glaucoma; Group 2 included patients with new-onset glaucoma with uncompensated intraocular pressure (IOP). There was a regression relationship of ocular blood flow (OBF) to the length of the anteroposterior ocular axis (APOA), which showed a high correlation between OBF and APOA. To determine TIOP, the authors proposed the calculation formula: TIOP = P x K/K(n), where P is the tonometric IOP (mm Hg); K is the flowmetric value of OBF (microl/sec); K(n) is the individual normal OBF value (microl/sec) determined by the nomogram developed by the authors, by taking into account the value of APOA (mm). It is suggested that the eye has a certain buffer range of excessive tolerant pressure within which increased ophthalmotonus results in abnormal sequels. The patients with TIOP that is lower than the existing IOP in the absence of glaucoma symptoms should be classified as a risk-group.