A comparison of conventional and accelerated corneal crosslinking: corneal epithelial remodeling and in vivo confocal microscopy analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of conventional and accelerated corneal crosslinking (CXL) on visual acuity, corneal topography, corneal epithelial thickness, and subbasal nerve morphology in progressive keratoconus patients. METHODS: In this prospective and randomized study, twenty eyes of 20 patients were treated with conventional CXL (3 mW/cm2, 30 min, C-CXL) and 19 eyes of 19 patients were treated with accelerated CXL (9 mW/cm2, 10 min, A-CXL). The spherical equivalent, uncorrected visual acuity, best-corrected visual acuity, keratometric measurements, demarcation line measurement and epithelial thickness mapping analyses, and subbasal nerve morphology with in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCCM) were evaluated at baseline and at postoperative months 1, 3 and 6. RESULTS: At postoperative 6 months, a significant improvement was observed in all keratometric values in both treatment groups (p < 0.05). All epithelial thickness indices, except central, temporal, and inferotemporal thickness, were reduced at 1 month postoperatively in both treatment groups. The epithelial map uniformity indices (standard deviation and difference between min-max thickness) were significantly lower than the baseline values at all time points after CXL in both treatment groups (p < 0.001). Compared with the preoperative values, there was a significant decrease in all IVCCM parameters at 1 month postoperatively (p < 0.05). At 6 months postoperatively, corneal nerve fiber density and corneal nerve branch density recovered to preoperative values in the A-CXL group, whereas corneal nerve regeneration was not complete in the C-CXL group. CONCLUSION: Both conventional and accelerated CXL treatments appear to be effective in halting the progression of KC. Corneal epithelial irregularity slightly improves after CXL. The regeneration of subbasal nerves is faster after A-CXL treatment.

Intraocular foreign body in the anterior chamber angle misdiagnosed as herpetic stromal keratitis.

We report a case of a metallic intraocular foreign body (IOFB) retained in the anterior chamber (AC) angle that was masquerading as herpetic stromal keratitis. A 41-year-old male construction worker was referred to our ophthalmology clinic with the complaint of consistent blurred vision for 3 days in his left eye. He had no history of ocular trauma. The best-corrected visual acuity was found to be 10/10 in the right eye and 8/10 in the left eye. On slit-lamp examination of the anterior segment, the right eye was normal, while the left eye showed unilateral corneal edema and scarring, anterior lens capsule opacification, +2 cells in the AC, and the Seidel test was negative. Fundus examination was normal bilaterally. Despite there not being history of it, we still suspected ocular trauma considering the patient's occupational risk. Consequently, an orbital computed tomography imaging was performed which revealed a metallic-IOFB in the inferior iridocorneal angle. On the second follow-up day, the corneal edema regressed, and a gonioscopic examination of the affected eye was performed, showing a small foreign body embedded in the inferior iridocorneal angle of the AC. Subsequently, the IOFB was surgically removed using Barkan lens, and excellent visual results were achieved. This case emphasizes the importance of considering IOFB in the differential diagnosis of patients with unilateral corneal edema and anterior lens capsule opacification. Fur-thermore, the presence of IOFB should be definitely excluded in patients with occupational risk of ocular trauma even if there is no history of trauma. More awareness about the proper use of eye protection should be raised to circumvent penetrating ocular-trauma.

Skin-Only Versus Skin-Plus-Orbicularis Resection Blepharoplasty: An Elaborated Analysis of Early- and Long-Term Effects on Corneal Nerves, Meibomian Glands, Dry Eye Parameters, and Eyebrow Position.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the early- and long-term effects of 2 different blepharoplasty techniques on corneal nerves, meibomian gland morphology, clinical parameters of dry eye disease (DED), and eyebrow position. METHODS: This prospective, interventional study included age-sex-matched blepharoplasty patients who had a skin-only resection (24 eyes of 12 patients; Group-S) or a skin-plus-orbicularis muscle resection (24 eyes of 12 patients; Group-M) procedure. Preoperative and postoperative parameters of in vivo corneal confocal microscopy (IVCCM; corneal nerve fiber density [CNFD], nerve branch density [CNBD], and nerve fiber length), meibomian gland area loss (MGAL), DED (Schirmer I test and noninvasive tear breakup time), and eyebrow heights (lateral [LBH] and central [CBH]) were evaluated and compared between the intervention groups ( ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT05528016). RESULTS: Compared with baseline, the CNBD of Group-S (19.91 ± 7.66 vs. 16.05 ± 7.28 branches/mm 2 , p = 0.049) and CNFD of Group-M (19.52 ± 7.45 vs. 16.80 ± 6.95 fibers/mm 2 , p = 0.028) was significantly decreased at postoperative first week. However, in both groups, IVCCM parameters returned to baseline values at postoperative first month and first year ( p > 0.05). A significant MGAL increase was observed in Group-S (18.47 ± 5.43 vs. 19.94 ± 5.31, p = 0.030) and Group-M (18.86 ± 7.06 vs. 20.12 ± 7.01, p = 0.023) at the postoperative first year, demonstrating meibomian gland atrophy. Only significant changes were observed in Group-M in LBH (16.17 ± 2.45 vs. 16.67 ± 2.28 mm, p = 0.044) and CBH (17.33 ± 2.35 vs. 17.96 ± 2.31 mm, p = 0.004) at postoperative first year. CONCLUSIONS: Blepharoplasty with or without orbicularis resection seems to have similar effects on IVCCM, DED, and MGAL parameters. However, incorporating an orbicularis muscle resection in a blepharoplasty operation could slightly elevate the eyebrow position.

Corneal nerve fiber involvement in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy.

BACKGROUND: Despite the primary myelin-related pathophysiology, small fiber neuropathy (SFN) and axonal degeneration are also considered to be involved and associated with disabling symptoms and impaired quality of life in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). Demonstration of SFN usually requires complex or invasive investigations. OBJECTS: In vivo corneal confocal microscopy (IVCCM) has evolved as a non-invasive, easily applied method for quantification of small fiber involvement in peripheral nerve disorders. We aimed to investigate the potential role of IVCCM in CIDP. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 15 patients with CIDP underwent assessment with clinical disability scales, neuropathic pain (NP) and autonomic symptom questionnaires, nerve conduction studies, and IVCCM. IVCCM parameters were analyzed and compared to those from 32 healthy controls. RESULTS: Corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD) and corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL) were significantly decreased in the CIDP group, compared to those in controls (p = 0.03 and p = 0.024, respectively). Langerhans cells and fiber tortuosity were increased in CIDP patients (p = 0.005 and p = 0.001, respectively). IVCCM parameters were significantly lower in patients with NP compared to those in patients without NP. CONCLUSION: IVCCM shows promise as a non-invasive complementary biomarker in the assessment of demyelinating polyneuropathies, providing insights into the potential pathophysiology of these non-length-dependent neuropathies.

In Vivo Corneal Confocal Microscopy in Multiple Sclerosis: Can it Differentiate Disease Relapse in Multiple Sclerosis?

PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate the role of in vivo corneal confocal microscopy (IVCCM) in the detection of corneal inflammatory activity and subbasal nerve alterations in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and to further determine whether IVCCM can be used to detect (acute) disease relapse. DESIGN: Prospective cross-sectional study, with a subgroup follow-up. METHODS: This single-center study included 58 patients with MS (MS-Relapse group [n = 27] and MS-Remission group [n = 31]), and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects. Patients with a history of optic neuritis or trigeminal symptoms were excluded. Corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD), corneal nerve branch density (CNBD), corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL), and dendritic cell (DC) density were evaluated in all patients with MS and control subjects by IVCCM. Patients in the MS-Relapse group who were in remission for ≥6 months after the MS incident underwent a repeat IVCCM. RESULTS: No statistical difference was observed between the MS-Relapse and MS-Remission groups regarding age, sex, MS duration, and the number of relapses (P > .05). Compared with healthy control subjects, all subbasal nerve parameters were significantly lower (CNFD: P < .001, CNFL: P < .001, CNBD: P < .001), and the DC density was significantly higher (P = .023) in patients with MS. However, no significant difference was observed between MS-Relapse and MS-Remission groups in terms of CNFD (mean [SE] difference -2.05 [1.69] fibers/mm2 [95% confidence interval {CI} -1.32 to 5.43]; P < .227), CNFL (mean [SE] difference -1.10 [0.83] mm/mm2 [95% CI -0.56 to 2.75]; P < .190), CNBD (mean [SE] difference -3.91 [2.48] branches/mm2 [95% CI -1.05 to 8.87]; P < .120), and DC density (median [IQR], 59.38 [43.75-85.0] vs 75.0 [31.25-128.75]; P = .596). The repeat IVCCM in relapse patients (n = 16 [59.3%]) showed a significant increase in CNFD (P = .036) and CNBD (P = .018), but no change was observed in CNFL (P = .075) and DC density (P = .469). CONCLUSION: Although increased inflammation and neurodegeneration can be demonstrated in patients with MS compared with healthy control subjects, a single time point evaluation of IVCCM does not seem to be sufficient to confirm the occurrence of relapse in patients with MS. However, IVCCM holds promise for demonstrating early neuroregeneration in patients with MS.

Corneal Sensation and Nerve Fiber Changes in Patients With Interstitial Cystitis.

PURPOSE: Central sensitization syndromes are associated with ocular surface discomfort and certain changes in corneal sensation. The aim of this study was to evaluate corneal changes in patients with interstitial cystitis (IC). METHODS: Thirty patients with IC and 32 healthy control subjects were included in this study. All patients had a detailed ophthalmological examination including measurement of corneal sensation with Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer, tear breakup time, Schirmer I test, and Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire. After these examinations, corneal subbasal nerve plexus of the patients was evaluated with in vivo corneal confocal microscopy (IVCM) and the images were analyzed using fully automated software (ACC Metrics Corneal Nerve Fiber Analyzer V.2). RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups regarding age and gender distribution. Corneal sensation was significantly higher in patients with IC (P = 0.03), whereas tear breakup time, Schirmer I test, and Ocular Surface Disease Index scores were similar between the patients and controls. IVCM demonstrated nerve fiber loss in patients with IC. Corneal nerve fiber density, corneal nerve branch density, and corneal nerve fiber length were significantly reduced in patients with IC compared with healthy controls (P < 0.001, P = 0.04, and P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with IC had increased corneal sensation and decreased nerve fiber density in IVCM analysis. Corneal nerve fiber loss might decrease the induction threshold of the remaining fibers to induce peripheral sensitization, which may also trigger central sensitization in long term.

Clinical outcomes with a low add multifocal and an extended depth of focus intraocular lenses both implanted with mini-monovision.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the visual acuity, contrast sensitivity (CS), spectacle needs, photic phenomena, and quality of life parameters of patients bilaterally implanted with a low add multifocal (MIOL) or an extended depth of focus (EDOF) intraocular lens (IOL), both with intended mini-monovision. METHODS: In this prospective, randomized, comparative study, patients were randomized to receive either Tecnis +2.75 D (ZKB00) (MIOL Group, n = 15) or Tecnis Symfony (ZXR00) (EDOF Group, n = 14) for bilateral implantation with mini-monovision (-0.50 D). Binocular logMAR uncorrected visual acuities (UVA), monocular defocus curves, CS with CSV 1000-E, and Pelli-Robson Test (PRT), spectacle needs and quality of life parameters with NEI RQL-42 questionnaire were evaluated at postoperative 1, 3, and 6 months. RESULTS: Results of MIOL and EDOF Groups at postoperative month 6 are as follows: distance (6 m) UVA -0.03 ± 0.05 and -0.05 ± 0.06 (p = 0.938), intermediate (60 cm) UVA, 0.04 ± 0.08 and -0.03 ± 0.07 (p = 0.046); near (40 cm) UVA, 0.22 ± 0.08 and 0.15 ± 0.07 (p = 0.046); near spectacle needs, 26.7% and 14.3% (p > 0.05), respectively. Better visual acuity was achieved in the EDOF Group between the defocus range of -0.50 and -1.75 D (p < 0.05). No significant difference was found regarding photic phenomena and CS evaluated with CSV 1000-E between the two IOL groups at 6 months after surgery (otherwise there are differences at 1 and 3 months in favor of EDOF). However, EDOF Group performed better in mesopic CS evaluated with PRT (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: When implanted with mini-monovision better binocular uncorrected visual performance at intermediate and near distances achieved with EDOF than low add MIOL.

Clinical Results of Repeated Corneal Collagen Cross-linking in Progressive Keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of repeated corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) in eyes with progressive keratoconus after primary CXL. METHODS: Twelve eyes of 10 patients who underwent repeated CXL were included in this study. All cases were treated with a second CXL when disease progression was noted. Uncorrected visual acuity, best-corrected distance visual acuity, and corneal tomography were performed before and after repeated CXL. Common risk factors for progression were recorded. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 23.4 ± 6.2 (14-34) years. Eye rubbing was detected in 6 patients. The preoperative maximum keratometry (Kmax) value was >58.0 diopters (D) in 11 eyes (62.2 ± 4.9 D). Repeated CXL was performed with a mean interval of 19.3 months after the first CXL procedure when a disease progression of 2.3 D on average in Kmax was determined. With a mean follow-up of 36 months, Kmax regressed in 8 eyes, remained stable in 2 eyes, and progressed in 2 eyes after repeated CXL. Uncorrected and corrected visual acuity remained unchanged. No complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Repeated CXL seems to be effective in stabilizing keratoconus progression after failure of primary CXL. Patients should be followed up at least for 2 years after primary CXL.

Use of a Mini-Scleral Lens in Patients with Keratoconus.

Objectives: To assess the visual performance of a mini-scleral lens in patients with keratoconus and to evaluate its fit by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Materials and Methods: Twenty-nine eyes of 24 patients with keratoconus were fitted with a mini-scleral lens (Esclera; Mediphacos Inc., Belo Horizonte, Brazil). Diagnostic lenses were used in the initial fitting process. The lens fit was evaluated by the fluorescein pattern and also by anterior segment OCT (RTVue, Optovue Inc., Fremont, CA). Within 30-45 minutes after insertion, the lens fit parameters including central corneal and limbal clearance, and peripheral landing zone alignment were evaluated by OCT. High- and low-contrast visual acuity (VA), subjective performance for comfort and vision (5-point Likert scale), and overall satisfaction with the lens (100 mm visual analog scale [VAS]) were measured before and after lens wear. Results: The mean decimal high-contrast VA (best spectacle-corrected VA: 0.40±0.14 vs VA with the scleral lens: 0.93±0.12, p<0.0001) and low-contrast VA (best spectacle-corrected VA: 0.60±0.24 vs VA with the scleral lens: 1.15±0.18, p<0.0001) significantly improved with lens wear. The mean central corneal clearance was 120.7±24.5 µm. There were no correlations between the keratometric values and the sagittal depth of the scleral lens. The mean number of trial lenses required for ideal fit was 2.2 lenses (range: 1-8). Patients reported high scores for comfort (mean score: 4.69; range: 4-5), vision (mean score: 4.62; range: 3-5) and overall satisfaction with the lens (mean VAS score: 88.1; range: 70-100). Conclusion: The mini-scleral lens provided good high- and low-contrast visual acuity and high patient satisfaction in patients with keratoconus. Anterior segment OCT imaging facilitated the evaluation of the fit.

Impact of Changes in the Optical Density of Postlens Fluid on the Clinical Performance of Miniscleral Lenses.

PURPOSE: To determine the impact of optical density changes in postlens fluid on clinical performance and to quantify these changes over time during miniscleral lens wear. METHODS: Twenty-three eyes of 13 patients with keratoconus were fitted with a miniscleral lens (scleral Misa lenses; Microlens Contactlens Technology, Arnhem, Netherlands). The lens fit was evaluated using the fluorescein pattern and also through anterior segment optical coherence tomography imaging. The optical density changes were measured using Scheimpflug tomography at 30 min, 1, 2, 3, and 4 hr. High- and low-contrast visual acuity (VA), subjective performance with comfort and vision (5-point Likert scale), and overall satisfaction with the lens (100-mm visual analog scale) were measured before and after lens-wear. RESULTS: The mean Snellen high-contrast VA (best spectacle-corrected VA: 0.4±0.2 vs. VA with the scleral lens: 0.8±0.1, P<0.0001) and low-contrast VA (best spectacle-corrected VA: 1.2±0.2 vs. VA with the scleral lens: 1.3±0.2, P=0.019) significantly improved with dispensed scleral lens. Patients reported high scores for comfort (3.8±0.8), vision (3.8±0.6), and overall satisfaction with the lens (68.7±19.1). Compared with preoperative values, optical density significantly increased over time (P<0.0001). High-contrast VA remained stable, whereas low-contrast VA significantly decreased at 2 hr (P=0.035). CONCLUSION: This study shows that the optical density of postlens fluid increases over time with miniscleral lens wear, and it has a negative impact on low-contrast VA.

Effect of Riboflavin Solution With Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose and Eyelid Speculum on Pachymetry Changes During Accelerated Collagen Crosslinking.

PURPOSE: To assess corneal thickness changes with isotonic riboflavin (RF) solution with hydroxylpropyl methylcellulose in patients undergoing accelerated corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) with and without an eyelid speculum. METHODS: Fifty-two eyes of 48 patients with progressive keratoconus were enrolled in this study. The patients in this study were divided into 2 groups: in group 1 an eyelid speculum was removed during 20-minute RF (0.1%) + hydroxylpropyl methylcellulose (Mediocross M; Avedro Inc, Waltham, MA) instillation, and in group 2 the eyelid speculum was retained in place during the entire CXL procedure. All patients underwent accelerated CXL using continuous ultraviolet-A (UVA) light exposure at 9 mW/cm for 10 minutes; total energy dose was 5.4 J/cm. Intraoperative ultrasound pachymetry measurements were obtained before and after epithelial removal, after RF loading, and after UVA light exposure at 5 and 10 minutes. RESULTS: The preoperative pachymetric measurements decreased in both groups after the removal of epithelium [group 1 (n = 26): -25 µm, group 2 (n = 26): -31 µm, P = 0.234]. Although the thinnest pachymetry significantly increased after soaking in both group 1 (52.26 µm) and group 2 (27.88 µm, P < 0.001), closure of the eyelids during RF instillation further increased the pachymetry readings (P < 0.0001). The corneal thickness remained stable in both groups during UVA irradiation at 5 and 10 minutes (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Closure of the eyelids further induces corneal swelling that may offer an advantage to improve safety of the procedure particularly in thin corneas.

Postoperative Evaluation of Bilateral Reading Performance With Two Intraocular Lenses: Twelve-Month Results.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the bilateral reading performances within the first 12 months after the implantation of two intraocular lens (IOL) models. METHODS: The patients involved in this research had bilateral phacoemulsification and implantation of the Acriva Reviol MFM 613 IOL (group 1) or AcrySof ReSTOR SN6AD1 apodized multifocal IOL (group 2). The bilateral reading performance was evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively using the MNREAD acuity charts. The reading speed, critical print size, and reading acuity were measured binocularly at 40 and 60 cm. In addition, the binocular uncorrected visual acuities (far, UDVA; intermediate, UIVA; and near, UNVA) were also measured. RESULTS: Each IOL model was implanted in 30 eyes (15 patients), and 30 patients were included in this study. Overall, there were no statistically significant postoperative differences in the mean UDVA, UIVA and mean (P>0.05). There were statistically significant postoperative differences in the mean reading acuity (group 1, 0.07±0.10 logMAR; group 2, 0.02±0.08 logMAR; P=0.019) at 40 cm. When tested at 60 cm, the reading acuity (0.13±0.10 logMAR and 0.21±0.11 logMAR, respectively; P=0.021) and critical print size (0.25±0.13 logMAR and 0.39±0.16 logMAR, respectively; P=0.005) were significantly better in group 1 than in group 2. CONCLUSION: Both of the IOLs achieved good visual performances. However, the Acriva Reviol MFM 613 IOL performed better than the AcrySof ReSTOR SN6AD1 at an intermediate distance, whereas the AcrySof ReSTOR SN6AD1 provided better near distance results.

Changes in Corneal Density After Accelerated Corneal Collagen Cross-linking With Different Irradiation Intensities and Energy Exposures: 1-Year Follow-up.

PURPOSE: To determine and compare the changes in corneal density after 2 different protocols of accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking (A-CXL) in patients with progressive keratoconus. METHODS: Two groups of eyes received A-CXL treatment; 20 eyes received A-CXL using continuous UVA light exposure at 9 mW/cm for 10 minutes with a total energy dose of 5.4 J/cm, and 24 eyes received A-CXL using continuous UVA light exposure at 30 mW/cm for 4 minutes with a total energy dose of 7.2 J/cm. Corneal density was measured with Scheimpflug tomography at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of follow-up. RESULTS: Densitometry peaked at 1 month (mean: 16.34 ± 3.80, P = 0.006, 9-mW/cm A-CXL; mean: 20.90 ± 2.81, P < 0.0001, 30-mw/cm A-CXL) in both groups, and it decreased over time in 30-mW/cm A-CXL. However, in 9-mW/cm A-CXL, increased corneal densitometry plateaued until 6 months postoperatively and started to decrease thereafter. Densitometry completely returned to baseline after 12 months in both groups. The mean change in density at 1- and 3-month follow-up was higher in the 30-mW A-CXL group than in the 9-mW A-CXL group (P = 0.003, P = 0.044; respectively). CONCLUSIONS: High-energy exposure tends to induce more haze in the early posttreatment period, but it is reversible.

Topiramate and accommodation: Does topiramate cause accommodative dysfunction?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the accommodation function in topiramate users. DESIGN: Case-control clinical study. PARTICIPANTS: The participants included 16 controls and 22 patients using 100 mg/kg topiramate who were diagnosed with migraine according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, second edition criteria. METHODS: One-minute dynamic measurements of refraction with accommodation stimuli of 0 D, 2 D, 2.5 D, 3 D, 4 D, and 5 D were obtained using the open field refractometer WAM-5500 in. RESULTS: In most of the accommodation stimuli ranges (0 D, 2.5 D, 3 D, and 5 D), topiramate users had a significantly higher accommodative lag compared with controls (p = 0.028, p = 0.014, p = 0.011, and p = 0.011, respectively). The most important causes of accommodative lag were found to be accommodation stimulus and inclusion in the topiramate group (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.32, 95% CI 0.22-0.37 and 0.42-0.91, respectively). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that the 2 most important predictors of accommodative lag were accommodation stimulus and age (p < 0.001, r = 0.51, 95% CI 0.31-0.32 and 0.67-0.69, respectively) CONCLUSIONS: Even after adjustment for age, accommodative lag is greater across several accommodative stimulus levels in patients using topiramate, which may be related to visual symptoms in topiramate users.