Intraoperative Performance and Early Postoperative Outcomes Following Phacoemulsification With Three Fluidic Systems: A Randomized Trial.

PURPOSE: To compare intraoperative performance and early postoperative outcomes following phacoemulsification with two systems using active fluidics and one using gravity-based fluidics. METHODS: In this prospective randomized trial, 200 eyes were randomized to the traditional and Active Sentry groups (n = 80 eyes each) where the Centurion Vision System was used with traditional or Active Sentry (Alcon Laboratories, Inc) hand-pieces, respectively, or the Infinit group (n = 40 eyes) where the Infiniti Vision System (Alcon Laboratories, Inc) was used. Within the traditional and Active Sentry groups, there were two subgroups with low (30 mm Hg) or high (55 mm Hg) intraocular pressure (IOP) used. Outcome measures compared were: cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), percentage change in central corneal thickness (CCT) at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month, anterior chamber cells at 1 day and 1 week, rate of rise and fall of IOP following occlusion break, corneal endothelial cell density (ECD), and macular thickness 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: CDE was significantly lower in group II compared to the traditional group (2.96 ± 1.4 vs 4.14 ± 2.2, P = .001). With 30 mm Hg IOP, the Active Sentry group had significantly less percentage change in CCT at 1 week postoperatively compared to the traditional handpiece group (0.01% vs 0.02%, P = .008). Incidence of anterior chamber cells less than grade 2 on day 1 was significantly higher in the Active Sentry group (82.9% vs 52%, P = .03). Percentage change in ECD was significantly lower in the Active Sentry group (-0.957 vs -0.98%, P = .005). Significantly faster rise of IOP to baseline following occlusion break was seen in the Active Sentry group. CONCLUSIONS: The use of Active Sentry handpiece was associated with lower CDE, less postoperative increase in CCT, fewer anterior chamber cells, and faster rise of IOP following occlusion break. [J Refract Surg. 2024;40(5):e304-e312.].

Visual outcomes comparing emmetropia versus mini-monovision following bilateral implantation of a non-diffractive extended vision intraocular lens:randomized trial.

PURPOSE: To compare visual outcomes and patient satisfaction following bilateral implantation of a non-diffractive extended vision intraocular lens(IOL) when targeting emmetropia versus mini-monovision. SETTING: Iladevi Cataract & IOL Research Centre,India. DESIGN: Prospective,randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Patients undergoing bilateral cataract surgery with an extended vision IOL(Vivity, Alcon Laboratories, USA) randomized to: group I- IOL implantation with emmetropic target in both eyes, or group II- IOL implantation with mini-monovision of -0.5 diopters(D). Outcome measures evaluated 6 months postoperatively were: unaided and corrected near visual acuity(UNVA, CNVA) at 40 centimeters(cm), unaided and corrected distance(UDVA, CDVA) and intermediate (UIVA, CIVA) visual acuity at 66cm. Mesopic contrast sensitivity, binocular defocus curve, patient reported spectacle independence questionnaire and satisfaction on the McAlinden questionnaire were also assessed. RESULTS: 70 patients enrolled in study. 34 and 33 patients in groups I and II completed follow-up. Binocular UNVA was significantly better in group II (0.26+0.05 vs 0.22+0.08 LogMAR, P=0.03). Reading add required in group II was significantly lower. UIVA (0.09+0.06 vs 0.07+0.08 LogMAR, P=0.15) and UDVA (0.02+0.04 vs 0.02+0.05 LogMAR, P=0.78) were not significantly different between groups. Mesopic contrast sensitivity was not significantly different between the groups. Binocular defocus curve showed significantly better mean visual acuities between -2.0 to -3.0 diopters in group II. Patients in both groups had high levels of spectacle independence, with no patient reporting dysphotopsia. CONCLUSION: Binocular UNVA was significantly better, with comparable UDVA and mesopic contrast sensitivity when targeting mini monovision with the non-diffractive extended vision IOL as compared to targeting binocular emmetropia.

Current concepts in the management of cataract with keratoconus.

This review analyzed all pertinent articles on keratoconus (KCN) and cataract surgery. It covers preoperative planning, intraoperative considerations, and postoperative management, with the aim of providing a simplified overview of treating such patients. Preoperatively, the use of corneal cross-linking, intrastromal corneal ring segments, and topo-guided corneal treatments can help stabilize the cornea and improve the accuracy of biometric measurements. It is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of traditional techniques such as penetrating keratoplasty and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty, as well as newer stromal augmentation techniques, to choose the most appropriate surgical approach. Obtaining reliable measurements can be difficult, especially in the advanced stages of the disease. The choice between toric and monofocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) should be carefully evaluated. Monofocal IOLs are a better choice in patients with advanced disease, and toric lenses can be used in mild and stable KCN. Intraoperatively, the use of a rigid gas permeable (RGP) lens can overcome the challenge of image distortion and loss of visual perspective. Postoperatively, patients may need updated RGP or scleral lenses to correct the corneal irregular astigmatism. A thorough preoperative planning is crucial for good surgical outcomes, and patients need to be informed regarding potential postoperative surprises. In conclusion, managing cataracts in KCN patients presents a range of challenges, and a comprehensive approach is essential to achieve favorable surgical outcomes.

FLACS vs conventional phacoemulsification by junior cataract surgeons: randomized trial.

PURPOSE: To report intraoperative performance and postoperative outcomes of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) and conventional phacoemulsification (PE) in the hands of junior surgeons. SETTING: Iladevi Cataract & IOL Research Centre, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. DESIGN: Prospective single-masked randomized controlled trial. METHODS: 320 eyes (320 patients) undergoing cataract surgery for uneventful cataracts in the hands of junior surgeons were randomized to Group 1-FLACS or Group 2-PE. Intraoperatively, cumulative dissipated energy (CDE) and fluid used were compared. Postoperatively, the following were compared: central corneal thickness (CCT) on day 1, 1 week, and 1 month; corneal clarity (day 1 and 1 week); anterior chamber inflammation (day 1 and 1 week); change in endothelial cell density (ECD) at 6 months postoperatively; and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) at 1 week and 1 month postoperatively. RESULTS: 157 and 158 patients in groups 1 and 2 analysed. Intraoperatively, CDE (5.41 ± 2.73 vs 8.83 ± 4.28 in Groups 1 and 2, P = .0001) and fluid used (79.33 ± 33.46 vs 101.82 ± 32.23 mL in Groups 1 and 2, P < .0001) were significantly lesser in Group 1. CCT was significantly higher in Group 2 on day 1 (550.96 ± 33.64 vs 587.70 ± 55.76 µm in Groups 1 and 2, P < .0001) and at 1 week postoperatively (527.94 ± 30.78 vs 545.11 ± 35.17 µm in Groups 1 and 2, P = .001). 72% of eyes had clear corneas on day 1 in Group 1 compared with 39% in Group 2 ( P = .01). Anterior chamber inflammation and CDVA were comparable. Change in ECD was significantly lower (9.3%) in Group 1 vs 12.7% in Group 2, P < .0001. CONCLUSIONS: FLACS showed lower intraoperative CDE, fluid usage, lesser increase in CCT, better early postoperative corneal clarity, and lesser change in ECD at 6 months postoperatively in the hands of junior surgeons during standard cataract surgery.

Late onset corneal decompensation following retained lens fragment in anterior chamber years after uneventful phacoemulsification.

PURPOSE: To report a case of late onset corneal decompensation following cataract surgery due to retained lens fragment in anterior chamber. OBSERVATIONS: A 65 year old female presented with complaint of gradual dimness of vision in left eye since 4 months. She underwent uneventful phacoemulsification with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation elsewhere 4 years back. On examination, the CDVA in left eye was 20/200. Slit-lamp examination revealed corneal edema with Descemet's folds. She was diagnosed as pseudophakic bullous keratopathy and was being treated with topical steroids, cycloplegics and hyperosmolar agents for the same. She was also counseled about a lamellar corneal transplant. Posterior segment examination was within normal limits. Since the position of the IOL (sulcus versus bag) was not clearly seen ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) imaging was performed to try and better understand the possible cause for corneal decompensation. To our surprise, on both, UBM and ASOCT, a single, retained lens fragment was noted at 6 0'clock in the anterior chamber. AC wash was performed to remove the retained lens fragment. 3 months post AC wash corneal edema resolved completely with improvement in the BCVA to 20/40. CONCLUSION: AND IMPORTANCE: This case highlights the importance of a thorough clinical evaluation supplemented with imaging modalities in order to make a complete diagnosis and eventually achieve better outcomes for the patient. In any case of unexplained corneal edema, either in the early or late postoperative period, UBM and ASOCT can become very helpful to determine the underlying cause.

Comparison of intraocular lens calculation methods after myopic laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis and radial keratotomy without prior refractive data.

AIM: To compare intraocular lens (IOL) calculation methods not requiring refraction data prior to myopic laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and radial keratotomy (RK). METHODS: In post-LASIK eyes, the methods not requiring prior refraction data were Hagis-L; Shammas; Barrett True-K no-history; Wang-Koch-Maloney; 'average', 'minimum' and 'maximum' IOL power on the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ASCRS) IOL calculator. Double-K method and Barrett True-K no-history, 'average', 'minimum' and 'maximum' IOL power on ASCRS IOL calculator were evaluated in post-RK eyes. The predicted IOL power was calculated with each method using the manifest postoperative refraction. Arithmetic and absolute IOL prediction errors (PE) (implanted-predicted IOL powers), variances in arithmetic IOL PE and percentage of eyes within ±0.50 and ±1.00 D of refractive PE were calculated. RESULTS: Arithmetic or absolute IOL PE were not significantly different between the methods in post-LASIK and post-RK eyes. In post-LASIK eyes, 'average' showed the highest and 'minimum' showed the least variance, whereas 'average' and 'minimum' had highest percentage of eyes within ±0.5 D and 'minimum' had the highest percentage of eyes within ±1.0 D. In the post-RK eyes, 'minimum' had highest variance, and 'average' had the least variance and highest percentage of eyes within ±0.5 D and ±1.0 D. CONCLUSION: In post-LASIK and post-RK eyes, there are no significant differences in IOL PE between the methods not requiring prior refraction data. 'Minimum' showed least variance in PEs and more chances of eyes to be within ±1.0 D postoperatively in post-LASIK eyes. 'Average' had least variance and more chance of eyes within ±1.0 D in post-RK eyes.

Brolucizumab for Choroidal Neovascular Membrane with Pigment Epithelial Tear and Subretinal Fluid.

The aim of this study was to determine the utility of brolucizumab in the management of choroidal neovessels (CNV) with a retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) tear and subretinal fluid. We used a case series of patients with CNV who developed an RPE tear either spontaneously or following an intravitreal injection. All patients received intravitreal brolucizumab as primary or switch therapy. Appropriate data were collected. Follow-up was one year. The paired t-test was used to determine the significance of the results. The primary outcome measure was the change in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Secondary outcome measures were the change in subretinal fluid and complications, if any. A total of five patients were included in the analysis. The age range was 67-74 years and baseline BCVA was from 20/80 to 20/100. On average, all patients showed improvement in BCVA (p = 0.012) and also showed a significant anatomical improvement (p = 0.03). None of the patients had any complications, and all patients responded to additional anti-VEGF injections. In conclusion, all patients showed significant visual and anatomical improvement with brolucizumab; no complications were noted. All patients, including those who received switch, demonstrated a favorable anatomical and visual response to intravitreal brolucizumab without safety concerns.

Real-time dynamic changes in intraocular pressure after occlusion break: comparing 2 phacoemulsification systems.

PURPOSE: To compare real-time intraocular pressure (IOP) response to occlusion break event in 2 phacoemulsification systems. SETTING: Iladevi Cataract and IOL Research Center, India. DESIGN: Randomized, experimental study. METHODS: Rabbits were randomized to:Group I (n = 10 eyes), Centurion Vision system with active fluidics, or, Group II (n = 10 eyes), Centurion with Active Sentry. Within each group, parameter set 1 (IOP 30 mm Hg, aspiration flow rate [AFR] 20 mL/min, and vacuum 600 mm Hg) and parameter set 2 (IOP 50 mm Hg, AFR 25 mL/min, and vacuum 600 mm Hg) were tested. Real-time rate of drop and rise of IOP after occlusion break event (mm Hg per second) and percentage reduction of IOP from maximum during nuclear fragment removal were compared. RESULTS: 10 rabbits (20 eyes) were included. Rate of drop of IOP after occlusion break was not significantly different between groups. Rate of rise of IOP was statistically significantly higher in Group II with both parameter sets (199.09 ± 69.28 vs 94.33 ± 45.66 in parameter set 1, P = .006; and 256 ± 45.05 vs 165.25 ± 51.80 in parameter set 2, P = .005), suggesting faster recovery to baseline IOP after occlusion break. The mean percentage reduction of IOP from maximum was significantly higher in Group I (P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: Rise of IOP to baseline after occlusion break event was faster and mean percentage reduction of IOP from maximum during nuclear fragment removal was lower when using the Centurion Vision system with the Active Sentry upgrade compared with the traditional handpiece. The ability to sense IOP at the level of the handpiece with the Active Sentry upgrade allows faster mitigation of surge response.

Current intravitreal therapy and ocular hypertension: A review.

To determine the effect of commonly used intravitreal agents on immediate and long-term IOP elevations and their association, if any, with glaucoma. Literature searches in PubMed and the Cochrane databased in January 2020 yielded 407 individual articles. Of these, 87 were selected for review based on our inclusion criteria. Based on the evidence provided, 20 were assigned level I, 27 level II, and 22 level III. Eight articles were rejected because of poor quality, insufficient clarity, or irrelevance based on standardized protocols set out by the American Academy of Ophthalmology. The studies that reported on short-term IOP elevation (i.e., between 0 and 60 min) showed that an immediate increase in IOP is seen in all patients who receive anti-VEGF agents or triamcinolone acetonide when measured between 0 and 30 min of intravitreal injection and that the IOP elevation decreases over time. The data on long-term IOP elevation were mixed; Pretreatment with glaucoma medications, anterior chamber tap, vitreous reflux, longer intervals between injections, and longer axial lengths were associated with lower IOP elevations after injection of anti-VEGF agents, while the position of the implant vis-à-vis, the anterior chamber was important for steroid therapy. Data were mixed on the relationship between IOP increase and the type of intravitreal injection, number of intravitreal injections, preexisting glaucoma, and globe decompression before injection. There were no data on the onset or progression of glaucoma in the studies reviewed in this assessment. However, some studies demonstrated RNFL thinning in patients receiving chronic anti-VEGF therapy. Most, if not all, intravitreal agents cause ocular hypertension, both in the short term and long term. The functional consequences of these observations are not very clear.

SINGLE INJECTION RESPONSE TO ANTIVASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL GROWTH FACTOR AGENTS IN PATIENTS WITH WET AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION: Incidence and Characteristics.

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of complete resolution of choroidal neovascular membrane-associated exudation with a single antivascular endothelial growth factor injection in treatment-naive wet age-related macular degeneration patients and its associated characteristics. METHODS: Retrospective, observational study of naive wet age-related macular degeneration patients who received antivascular endothelial growth factor therapy with ranibizumab/aflibercept and demonstrated complete resolution of retinal exudation with a single injection. Complete resolution was defined as the total disappearance of the intraretinal fluid, cysts, and subretinal fluid and a return of retinal thickness to <250 µm on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. All relevant data were collected. Follow-up was scheduled on Days 1, 7, and 30 postoperatively and then monthly, with at least 9 visits mandatory per year if the macula remained fluid free. Appropriate statistical analyses were performed. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients (29 men; mean age 67.25 ± 4.40 years) were identified. The mean baseline and final-corrected distance visual acuity was 20/160 and 20/45, respectively. Patients completed a mean of 10.9 follow-up visits per year. Smaller choroidal neovascular membranes (<200 µm), early presentation, better presenting corrected distance visual acuity, subfoveal choroidal neovascular membranes, absence of blood/fibrosis, and use of aflibercept (2 mg) favored resolution with one injection. CONCLUSION: A subset (13.76%; 63/458, 95% confidence intervals: 10.73-17.25) of patients with treatment-naive wet age-related macular degeneration demonstrates resolution of choroidal neovascular membrane-associated exudation with a single antivascular endothelial growth factor injection, sustained over 2 years or more. This can lower therapy costs, treatments, office visits, and the potential risk of geographic atrophy.

Real-time imaging of airflow patterns and impact of infection control measures in ophthalmic practice: a pandemic perspective.

PURPOSE: To analyze exhaled airflow patterns in a clinical scenario and the impact of infection control practices and room air circulation in context of the COVID-19 pandemic. SETTING: Raghudeep Eye Hospital, India. DESIGN: Experimental study. METHODS: Ten patients attending ophthalmic outpatient clinic (OPD) and operating room (OR) were included. Using Schlieren imaging, exhaled airflow patterns were documented with/without an N95 mask or face shield during respiratory activities. Recordings were performed with and without room air conditioning turned on. Exhaled airflow patterns in OPD and OR when using vs not using these infection control measures and the impact of room air circulation on these were compared. RESULTS: Five patients each in OPD and OR were included. There was a forward stream of exhaled air from the patient's mouth/nose during all respiratory activities. An N95 mask dampened its intensity and forward transmission. Taping the mask around the nasal bridge further reduced airflow leakage. A mechanical barrier in front of the patient's face blocked forward propagation of the exhaled airflow. Turning on a forceful and direct draft of air over the surgeon's working area dampened and diverted the exhaled airflow away from the surgeons' breathing area. This effect was particularly pronounced in the OR, with the overhead laminar airflow. CONCLUSIONS: Using high force airflow with the draft facing downward can dampen and divert the exhaled airflow away from healthcare providers. Using masks/mechanical barriers and taping the mask reduces potential dissemination of aerosols and, thereby, human and surface contamination.

Cortical aspiration - The "POPS" technique.

In the present study, we describe a step-by-step technique for cortex aspiration during cataract surgery- POPS (positioning, occlusion, posterior displacement, and swiping). Firstly, the aspiration probe is positioned under the bulk of cortical fibers beyond the capsulorhexis margin. Subsequently, the aspiration port is occluded with minimal vacuum, and the occluded port is displaced posteriorly to detach the cortical fibers off the anterior capsule. Now, tangential, arc-like swiping movements are performed while gradually increasing vacuum at the same time. The fibers are brought to the center and finally aspirated. This allows complete removal of the equatorial fibers and lens epithelial cells (LEC) with the least stress to the capsulozonular complex. Unlike the conventional technique, which involves the radial pull of cortical fibers, in this technique, there is swiping and posterior displacement of the cortical fibers before pulling towards the center and aspirating. We believe this technique will ensure safer, more effective cortical and LEC removal, reducing zonular stress.

Decoding fluid droplet generation during phacoemulsification and pars plana procedures in the COVID-19 era-An experimental study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate fluid droplet spray generation during phacoemulsification (PE), pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), and fragmatome lensectomy (FL) and assess factors affecting these. METHODS: This is an experimental study. PE through 2.2 and 2.8 mm incisions was performed in six goat eyes and four simulator eyes using both continuous and interrupted ultrasound (U/S). PPV and FL were performed in three goat eyes. Generation of visible fluid droplet spray was analyzed from video recordings through the microscope camera and an external digital camera. Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) was applied over the incision site during PE and FL. RESULTS: When PE was performed through both incision sizes, there was no visible fluid droplet spray if the phaco tip was centered in the incision, without sleeve compression. When there was phaco tip movement with the phaco sleeve sandwiched between the tip and the incision wall, there was visible fluid droplet spray generation. It was more difficult to induce fluid droplet spray with 2.8 mm incision, and spray was lesser with interrupted U/S. During PPV, there was no droplet spray. During FL, fluid droplet spray was only seen when U/S was delivered with the fragmatome tip close to the sclerotomy. HPMC impeded droplet spray. CONCLUSION: Fluid droplet generation during PE can be minimized to a large extent by keeping the phaco tip centered within the incision, avoiding sleeve compression. Smaller incision and continuous U/S were more prone to droplet generation. FL should be performed away from sclerotomy. HPMC over incision is recommended.

Comparison of Optical Low-Coherence Reflectometry and Swept-Source OCT-Based Biometry Devices in Dense Cataracts.

PURPOSE: To investigate agreement between biometric measurements obtained from the Lenstar LS 900 (Haag-Streit AG) based on optical low-coherence reflectometry (OLCR) and the Tomey OA-2000 (Tomey Corporation) based on swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) in dense cataracts. METHODS: In this prospective observational study, axial length, keratometry, anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness, and central corneal thickness (CCT) were measured in 124 eyes of 76 patients. Intraocular lens prediction errors and absolute prediction errors were assessed based on postoperative manifest refraction. Analyses used were paired t test, Pearson correlation coefficient (r), and Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS: Failure in axial length measurements was noted in 28 eyes (22.58%) with OCLR compared to 2 eyes (1.6%) with SS-OCT. Although not statistically significant, axial length measurements were clinically higher with SS-OCT (23.78 ± 1.76 mm) compared to OCLR (23.72 ± 1.58 mm) (P = .81) (r = 0.23; P = .01). There was a significant trend toward myopic intraocular lens prediction with SS-OCT (-0.09 ± 0.48) compared to OLCR (0.09 ± 0.41, P < .01) (r = 0.25, P = .01). There was good agreement for keratometric and ACD values between the two devices. SS-OCT gave significantly higher values of lens thickness compared to OCLR (4.44 ± 0.44 vs 4.18 ± 0.48 mm, P < .01) (r = 0.39, P < .01). CCT measured with OCLR was significantly higher than SS-OCT (525.64 ± 27.0 vs 513.21 ± 29.24 µm; P < .01) (r = 0.98, P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: One-fifth of the patients with dense cataracts failed axial length measurement on OCLR. SS-OCT gives clinically higher axial length measurements leading to more myopic intraocular lens prediction errors postoperatively. OCLR provides higher pachymetry and lower lens thickness values compared to the SS-OCT device. [J Refract Surg. 2020;36(8):557-564.].

Intraoperative performance and long-term postoperative outcomes after scleral fixation of IOLs with polytetrafluoroethylene suture.

PURPOSE: To report intraoperative performance and long-term postoperative outcomes after scleral fixation of intraocular lenses (IOLs) with polytetrafluoroethylene suture (PTFE). SETTING: Raghudeep Eye Hospital, Ahmedabad, India. DESIGN: Prospective, interventional case series. METHODS: One hundred eyes undergoing scleral fixation of IOLs using PTFE suture (Gore-Tex) with 12 months or more postoperative follow-up were included. The primary outcome measures were occurrence of intraoperative and postoperative complications such as glaucoma, suture-related complications, and inflammation within the follow-up period. The secondary outcome measure was improvement in visual acuity (VA). RESULTS: Of the 100 eyes, posteriorly dislocated IOLs (53 eyes) followed by dropped nuclei (33 eyes) were the most common surgical indications. Mean follow-up was 23 months (range 12 months to 5 years). Seventy-one patients (77.17%) had 18 months or more follow-up; 21 eyes had a rise in intraocular pressure in the early postoperative period; 12 of them required glaucoma surgery. Early complications were vitreous hemorrhage in 13 eyes, retinal detachment in 6 eyes, and transient hyphema in 1 eye. Late postoperative complications were cystoid macular edema (9 eyes), epiretinal membrane (3 eyes), and bullous keratopathy (3 eyes). Mean VA improved from 0.92 ± 0.16 (SD) logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) preoperatively to 0.41 ± 0.27 logMAR. LogMAR at final follow-up was 0.41 ± 0.28 (P < .01). There were no cases of suture-related complications (erosion/breakage/granuloma) or IOL decentration throughout the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Scleral fixation of IOLs with PTFE suture was found to be safe and well tolerated. All eyes had well-centered IOLs, with no suture-related complications during long-term follow-up. VA improved significantly with acceptable postoperative complications.

Visual outcomes after toric intraocular lens implantation in pediatric eyes undergoing cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate long-term visual outcomes and complications after toric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in children with preexisting corneal astigmatism undergoing cataract surgery. SETTING: Iladevi Cataract & IOL Research Center, Ahmedabad, India. DESIGN: Prospective, interventional case series. METHODS: Children with regular corneal astigmatism of at least 1.5 diopters (D) were included. A standardized surgical technique with in-the-bag implantation of a toric IOL was performed. All children were followed up on postoperative day 1 and periodically thereafter, until 36 months postoperatively. The uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), and residual refractive astigmatism were documented 36 months postoperatively. Rotational stability of toric IOL was also evaluated through the follow-up duration. Complications, particularly visual axis obscuration (VAO) and glaucoma, were documented. RESULTS: In total, 76 eyes (51 children) were included in the study. Mean age at surgery was 7.41 ± 2.82 years (SD) and mean preoperative keratometric astigmatism was 1.56 ± 2.13 D. The CDVA (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR]) improved significantly from 0.59 ± 0.43 preoperatively to 0.23 ± 0.27 36 months postoperatively (P = .03). Mean postoperative UDVA was 0.32 ± 0.26 logMAR. Mean refractive astigmatism at final follow-up was -0.55 ± 0.40 D, with 74% patients having a UDVA of at least 20/40; 5% of eyes needed VAO treatment and none developed glaucoma. No eye required repositioning of toric IOL until final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Toric IOL implantation reduced postoperative refractive astigmatism and gave excellent UDVA at 36 months follow-up in pediatric eyes undergoing nontraumatic cataract surgery.

Bevacizumab as an Adjunct to Trabeculectomy in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma: A Randomized Trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes of trabeculectomy using two different routes of bevacizumab administration as an adjunct in patients with primary open angle glaucoma. METHODS: Prospective, randomized, masked trial that included 180 eyes of 180 patients of documented primary open angle glaucoma were eligible for surgery. Patients were randomized to receive either a single intraoperative dose of subconjunctival bevacizumab (1.25 mg, Group I) or topical bevacizumab (5 mg/ml) for 30 days (Group II). One eye was randomly selected, if both were eligible for surgery. All patients underwent a complete ocular and systemic examination. Bleb morphology was examined and scored as per Moorfields system (MBGS) at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months postoperatively. Visual field, fundus photography, and disc analysis were performed. Outcome measures (at one year) included (1) comparison of bleb morphology in both groups, (2) proportion of patients achieving surgical success, and (3) side effects of treatment. RESULTS: The groups did not differ with respect to age, sex, and crystalline lens status. Group II patients had significantly lower vascularity scores for central (P=0.042) and peripheral bleb areas (P=0.042) and peripheral bleb areas (P=0.042) and peripheral bleb areas (n = 88) patients achieved average vascular scores of less than 2.5 (P=0.042) and peripheral bleb areas (n = 88) patients achieved average vascular scores of less than 2.5 (vs. 94%; P=0.042) and peripheral bleb areas (. CONCLUSION: Topical bevacizumab gives a better vascularity profile at one year, but the studied routes appear equally safe and do not seem to affect the outcome in any other way.

Sustained Intraocular Pressure Rise after the Treat and Extend Regimen at 3 Years: Aflibercept versus Ranibizumab.

PURPOSE: To determine the risk factors associated with sustained intraocular pressure (IOP) rise in patients enrolled in the treat and extend (T&E) protocol receiving aflibercept/ranibizumab therapy for 3 years. DESIGN: Retrospective, observational chart review. Setting. Multicentric. Patients. 789 patients (1021 eyes; 602 males) enrolled in T&E using aflibercept/ranibizumab for diabetic macular edema (DME), wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD), or macular edema in retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Intervention. The history, examination (clinical and special investigations), and treatment records were thoroughly scrutinized. Sustained IOP rise was defined as a rise in IOP above baseline by ≥6 mmHg and/or >24 mmHg on 2 or more consecutive visits. The Wilk-Shapiro test was used for confirming normality of data. The Mantel-Haenszel test and generalized estimating equations were used to analyse multicentric data as well as to analyse data from both eyes of the same patients in the event that both eyes were under therapy. The relative risk, chi-square test (with and without Yates' correction), and univariate and multivariate analysis were used wherever appropriate. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. The primary outcome measure was the determination of risk factors for sustained IOP rise with ranibizumab/aflibercept therapy. Secondary outcome measures included determining the incidence of IOP rise (short term and sustained), visual field, and retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) changes. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 42.4 months. Male gender, South Asian ethnicity, older age, presence of AMD and vein occlusion, use of ranibizumab, higher number of injections, narrow angles, switch to bevacizumab/ranibizumab, and preexisting glaucoma were associated with sustained IOP rise. No significant visual field and RNFL changes were seen. The overall incidence was 8.91%. No patient required filtering surgery. No patient with IOP rise returned to baseline. CONCLUSION: IOP rise is an important consideration as the chronicity of the condition can eventually lead to glaucomatous changes in eyes with already compromised vision. Follow-ups and use of appropriate therapy can be determined correspondingly.

Intravitreal dexamethasone implant as an alternative to systemic steroids as prophylaxis for uveitic cataract surgery: a randomized trial.

PURPOSE: To determine the utility of the dexamethasone implant (IVD) as an alternative to systemic steroids as prophylaxis against cystoid macular edema (CMO) in patients with chronic, recurrent CMO associated intermediate or posterior uveitis (IU/PU), and cataract undergoing cataract surgery. METHODS: This was a randomized, parallel design, and clinical trial. Patients with IU/PU and cataract scheduled for cataract surgery were randomly assigned to receive the IVD concurrently with cataract surgery (Group 1: 20 patients) or systemic steroids (Group 2: 23 patients) tapered over 4-6 weeks along with uneventful cataract surgery and routine postoperative care. Patients with glaucoma/contraindications to steroids were excluded. All patients were followed up for 6 months. OUTCOME MEASURE: Primary-incidence of postoperative CMO. Secondary-the change in BCVA (corrected distance visual acuity) and Central Subfield thickness (CST) and complications. Appropriate statistical analysis was done. RESULTS: The median age was 47.3 ± 4.23 years (group 1) and 49.12 ± 5.32 years (Group 2). One patient (Group 1) and two (Group 2) developed CMO. The BCVA improved significantly in both groups (p = 0.013). The CST change was insignificant. Four patients (Group 1) required intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering medications. Three patients (Group 2) required early steroid taper. CONCLUSIONS: IVD is a good alternative as prophylaxis in IU/PU and cataract in preventing postoperative CMO.

Impact of fluidic parameters during phacoemulsification on the anterior vitreous face behavior: Experimental study.

Purpose: To evaluate the eff ect of different aspiration flow rates (AFR) and bottle heights (BH) on vitreous face (AVF) during phacoemulsifi cation. Methods: Experimental study in 20 porcine eyes. Transzonular viscodissection was performed between the posterior capsule(PC) and AVF to dissect out the Berger's space. Triamcinolone acetonide was injected into this space to aid visualization with ultrasound B-Scan(USG). Realtime USG was performed during phacoemulsifi cation. Eyes were divided randomly into-Group I: Low parameters(AFR = 20 cc/min, BH = 90 cm, vacuum = 400 mmHg),and Group II: High parameters (AFR = 40 cc/min, BH = 110 cm, vacuum=650 mm Hg). Results: 15 eyes were analysed (8 in Group I; 7 in Group II). In all eyes, forward and backward movement of the PC was seen when going from foot position 0 to 1, or on occlusion break. Amplitude of these movements was much greater in Group II compared to Group I. There was no PC rupture in either group. In 2 of the 7 eyes in Group II, USG showed a sudden, spontaneous dispersion appearance of sono-opaque echoes in the vitreous cavity alongwith disappearance of the well-defi ned, crescentic stained space despite an intact PC. This suggests rupture of the AVF, leading to dispersion of the triamcinolone into the entire vitreous cavity. No AVF rupture was seen in Group I. Conclusion: We report a rarely described entity of AVF rupture with intact PC. The use of high AFR and BH may have clinically invisible detrimental consequences to the anterior vitreous face.