Humanitarian missions and visual outcomes in cataract surgery: A literature review.

The limited accessibility to ophthalmological services in remote regions of developing countries poses a significant challenge in visual healthcare. Cataracts and refractive errors are prominent causes of visual impairment, and surgery, despite being an efficient option, faces barriers in developing countries due to financial and geographical constraints. Humanitarian missions play a vital role in addressing this issue. The improvement in the accuracy of calculating IOL power through techniques such as keratometry and biometry is a fundamental step towards optimizing surgical outcomes and the quality of life for patients in these underserved regions. In this context, the consideration of keratometry and immersion ultrasound biometry as preoperative assessment standards in cataract surgeries in developing countries is presented as a pertinent and advisable strategy.

Traducción y validación del cuestionario Visual Function and Corneal Health Status (V-FUCHS) al idioma castellano / Translation and validation of the Visual Function and Corneal Health Status (V-FUCHS) questionnaire into Spanish language

Objetivo: Traducir y validar al castellano el cuestionario V-FUCHS en una población de pacientes que padecen distrofia endotelial de Fuchs (DEF).MétodosEl V-FUCHS consta de 15 preguntas, que valoran aspectos visuales de la calidad de vida en los pacientes con DEF, las cuales se pueden agrupar en 7 que valoran el factor «dificultad visual» y 8 que valoran el factor «deslumbramiento». Para la traducción y adaptación se siguieron las normas estandarizadas, destacando, una traducción, una retro-traducción y una aplicación en pacientes con DEF.ResultadosEn una primera fase se llegó al consenso de la traducción al castellano del V-FUCHS. Posteriormente, se incluyeron 25 pacientes para realizar la fase pre-test con el objetivo de valorar la aplicabilidad y la viabilidad del test. La puntuación de las mismas obtuvo un valor mínimo de −0,88 y un valor máximo de +2,44, según la escala probabilística de Rasch. El valor medio obtenido de las preguntas que conforman el factor dificultad visual fue de 0,61 (±0,71) y la media del factor deslumbramiento (Glare) fue de 0,41 (±0,51).ConclusiónLa validación del cuestionario V-FUCHS, tras su traducción y adaptación al castellano, demostró ser una herramienta útil para la valoración de la calidad visual de los pacientes con DEF. Los pacientes con un estado más avanzado de la enfermedad presentaron una mayor severidad en el resultado de la prueba. Asimismo, el factor deslumbramiento se correlaciona mejor con el aumento paquimétrico que con la agudeza visual del paciente. (AU)

Purpose: To translate and validate the V-FUCHS questionnaire into Spanish in a population of patients with Fuchs endothelial dystrophy (DEF).MethodsThe V-FUCHS consists of 15 short, easily understandable questions that assess visual aspects of quality of life in patients with DEF, which can be gathered into a group of seven that assess the “Visual Difficulty” factor and another group of eight that assess the “Glare Factor”. For the translation and cultural adaptation, the standardized norms for this process were followed, among other phases, a translation, a back-translation and an application in patients with DEF.ResultsIn the first phase, consensus was reached on the Spanish translation of the V-FUCHS. Subsequently, 25 patients were included to carry out the pre-test phase with the aim of assessing the applicability and feasibility of the test. The score obtained a minimum value of −0.88 and a maximum value of +2.44, according to the Rasch probabilistic scale. The mean value obtained from the Visual Difficulty factor was 0.61 (±0.71), while the mean for the Glare factor was 0.41 (±0.51).ConclusionThe validation of the V-FUCHS questionnaire, after its translation and adaptation into Spanish, proved to be a useful tool for assessing the visual quality of patients with DEF. Patients with a more advanced stage of the disease presented a greater severity in the test result. Likewise, the Glare factor (Glare) correlates better with the pachymetric increase than with the visual acuity of the patient. (AU)

Translation and validation of the Visual Function and Corneal Health Status (V-FUCHS) questionnaire into Spanish language.

PURPOSE: To translate and validate the V-FUCHS questionnaire into Spanish in a population of patients with Fuchs endothelial dystrophy (DEF). METHODS: The V-FUCHS consists of 15 short, easily understandable questions that assess visual aspects of quality of life in patients with DEF, which can be gathered into a group of seven that assess the "Visual Difficulty" factor and another group of eight that assess the "Glare Factor". For the translation and cultural adaptation, the standardized norms for this process were followed, among other phases, a translation, a back-translation and an application in patients with DEF. RESULTS: In the first phase, consensus was reached on the Spanish translation of the V-FUCHS. Subsequently, 25 patients were included to carry out the pre-test phase with the aim of assessing the applicability and feasibility of the test. The score obtained a minimum value of -0.88 and a maximum value of +2.44, according to the Rasch probabilistic scale. The mean value obtained from the Visual Difficulty factor was 0.61 (±0.71), while the mean for the Glare Factor was 0.41 (±0.51). CONCLUSION: The validation of the V-FUCHS questionnaire, after its translation and adaptation into Spanish, proved to be a useful tool for assessing the visual quality of patients with DEF. Patients with a more advanced stage of the disease presented a greater severity in the test result. Likewise, the Glare Factor (Glare) correlates better with the pachymetric increase than with the visual acuity of the patient.

Desprendimiento de retina tras la cirugía de cristalino transparente con lentes intraoculares EDOF y multifocales: una revisión narrativa / Retinal detachment after refractive lens exchange with EDOF and multifocal intraocular lenses: A narrative review

La cirugía de cristalino transparente (RLE) permite corregir las ametropías y la presbicia mediante el reemplazo del cristalino por una lente intraocular (LIO), ya sea monofocal, multifocal (MIOL) o de profundidad de foco extendida (EDOF). El desprendimiento de retina (DR) es uno de los eventos adversos más graves tras la RLE. El objetivo de este estudio fue revisar la evidencia y los resultados clínicos relacionados con el riesgo de DR después de la RLE. Se realizó una búsqueda utilizando PubMed y un procedimiento de bola de nieve para identificar estudios originales y series de casos. Según la bibliografía, los pacientes < 60 años con longitudes axiales > 23 mm tienen el mayor riesgo de DR. Solo nueve artículos reportaron la agudeza visual (AV) tras el DR en RLE, y solo 25% de los ojos mostraron una AV > 20/40. Teniendo en cuenta que la disminución de la AV tras el DR se puede dar con todos los tipos de LIO independientemente de su diseño óptico, la actitud más acertada al realizar una RLE sería una cuidadosa selección del paciente, evitando aquellos ojos con factores de riesgo para DR (AU)

Refractive lens exchange (RLE) allows to correct ametropias and presbyopia by replacing the crystalline lens with a monofocal, extended depth of focus or multifocal intraocular lens (IOL). Retinal detachment (RD) is one of the most serious adverse events after RLE. This study aimed to review the evidence related to the risk of RD after RLE and its clinical outcomes. A search using PubMed and a snowball search approach was conducted to identify articles and case reports. According to the literature, patients <60 years old with axial lengths >23 mm have the higher postoperative risk of RD. Only nine articles reported visual acuity (VA) after RD in RLE, and only 25% of eyes had a VA>20/40. Considering that the decrease in VA might be uniform for all types of IOLs after RD, surgeons should focus on preventing the RD by means of selecting the appropriate patient, rather than choosing on a particular IOL optical design (AU)

Retinal detachment after refractive lens exchange: A narrative review.

Refractive lens exchange (RLE) allows to correct ametropias and presbyopia by replacing the crystalline lens with an extended depth of focus or multifocal intraocular lens (IOL). Retinal detachment (RD) is one of the most serious adverse events after RLE. This study aimed to review the evidence related to the risk of RD after RLE and clinical outcomes. A search using PubMed and a snowball search approach was conducted to identify articles and case reports. According to the literature, the risks of RD should be considered in patients <60 years old with axial lengths >23 mm. Only nine articles reported visual acuity (VA) after RD in RLE, and only 25% of eyes had a VA > 20/40. Considering that the decrease in VA might be uniform for all types of IOLs after RD, surgeons should focus on selecting the patient to prevent RD rather than on a particular IOL optical design based on the potential risk of DR.

Descripción de la logística para una expedición humanitaria de alta producción quirúrgica de cirugías de cataratas / Logistics description of a high yield cataract surgery non-profitable expedition

Objetivo Describir el método logístico para realizar una campaña humanitaria de alto volumen quirúrgico. Método Estudio descriptivo basado en la experiencia tras múltiples campañas humanitarias con el objetivo de operar cataratas. Resultados El método se basa en la planificación, búsqueda de financiación, captación de voluntarios, acuerdo con el país a colaborar, organización y puesta en marcha de la campaña humanitaria a nivel clínico y quirúrgico. Conclusiones La ceguera por catarata puede ser evitada. Consideramos que con esta planificación otras organizaciones pueden adquirir conocimientos para tomar bases y poder realizar campañas humanitarias similares. La planificación, la coordinación, el apoyo económico, el esfuerzo y la buena voluntad es imprescindible para el buen funcionamiento y desarrollo de una campaña humanitaria exitosa (AU)

Purpose To describe the logistics and methodology of a high yield surgical non-profitable campaign. Methods A descriptive study based on previous non-profitable campaigns dedicated to cataract surgery. Results The method is based on planification, finance acquisition, volunteer support, foreign affairs with the collaborating country where the surgeries are going to be performed, team organization, and overall, summoning all the stated items to materialize a global humanitarian campaign to eradicate cataracts by clinical and surgical procedures. Conclusions Blindness due to cataracts can be over-ruled. We consider that through our planification and methodology, other organizations may acquire some knowledge to improve their methodology and carry out similar volunteering surgical campaigns. Planification, coordination, financial aid, determination, and a strong will power are altogether compulsory for a successful non-profitable surgical campaign (AU)

Efficacy of femtosecond laser for anterior capsulotomy in complex white cataracts.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the advantages and complication rate of capsulotomy performed with femtosecond laser in white complex cataract cases. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. PARTICIPANTS: Sixteen eyes of 16 patients. METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective review of white cataract surgery cases in which the femtosecond laser (LenSx, Alcon Laboratories, Fortworth, Texas, USA) was used between May 2019 and February 2021. Outcome measures included an assessment of the capsulotomy, identification of tags, surgical time, cumulative dispersed energy (CDE) and postoperative management. RESULTS: Sixteen eyes of 16 patients were included in this study; capsule tags occurred in six patients (37.5%). In 2 patients, the capsule presented small adhesions that were identified and removed. One patient presented a very significant contraction of the anterior capsule with an incomplete cut zone of 2 to 4hours. In a patient with nystagmus, the capsulotomy was performed without complications under peribulbar anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: The femtosecond laser permitted capsulotomies of better shape, size and regularity in complex cases of white cataract and in combination with conditions such as nystagmus and prior corneal transplantation. The microadhesions and untreated areas were identified with trypan blue, which is essential to use in these cases to avoid associated complications.

Logistics description of a high yield cataract surgery non-profitable expedition.

PURPOSE: To describe the logistics and methodology of a high yield surgical non-profitable campaign. METHODS: A descriptive study based on previous non-profitable campaigns dedicated to cataract surgery. RESULTS: The method is based on planification, finance acquisition, volunteer support, foreign affairs with the collaborating country where the surgeries are going to be performed, team organization, and overall, summoning all the stated items to materialize a global humanitarian campaign to eradicate cataracts by clinical and surgical procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Blindness due to cataracts can be over-ruled. We consider that through our planification and methodology, other organizations may acquire some knowledge to improve their methodology and carry out similar volunteering surgical campaigns. Planification, coordination, financial aid, determination, and a strong will power are altogether compulsory for a successful non-profitable surgical campaign.

Actualización sobre las contraindicaciones en cirugía refractiva láser corneal / Update on contraindications in laser corneal refractive surgery

Los más de 25 años de experiencia con las técnicas de cirugía refractiva (desde que se aprobara por la Food and Drug Administration [FDA] de EE. UU. el uso del láser excímer en el remodelamiento de la córnea en 1995), sumado a los avances tecnológicos en oftalmología (láser de femtosegundo, ablación guida por topografía, sistemas de imagen de segmento anterior) y el mayor entendimiento de los errores refractivos, las aberraciones de alto orden y la biomecánica corneal, hacen que la cirugía refractiva corneal con láser sea un método seguro y eficaz para la corrección de estos defectos. Sin embargo, a día de hoy, siguen existiendo ciertas circunstancias que suponen una contraindicación para su aplicación, además de otras que podrían asociarse a complicaciones, y que deben ser analizadas con detenimiento.Esta revisión repasa las contraindicaciones actuales para la cirugía refractiva corneal con láser recogidas en los Protocolos de Práctica Preferente (PPP) de la Academia Estadounidense de Oftalmología y de la Sociedad Española de Oftalmología. Estos protocolos están basados en la mayor evidencia científica disponible en la actualidad y permiten extraer recomendaciones claras, mejorando el perfil de seguridad de estas técnicas.Las contraindicaciones pueden diferenciarse en relativas o absolutas; entre estas últimas están: la edad inferior a 18 años, la ausencia de estabilidad refractiva y la existencia de ciertas afecciones oculares (entre las que destacan determinadas distrofias corneales, queratocono, ojo seco mal controlado) o sistémicas (procesos autoinmunes activos o diabetes mellitus mal controlada)...(AU)

More than 25 years of experience with refractive surgery techniques (since the FDA [Food and Drug Administration] of the United States approved the use of the excimer laser in the remodeling of the cornea in 1995), added to the technological advances in ophthalmology (femtosecond laser, topography-guided ablation, anterior segment imaging systems) and increased understanding of refractive errors, higher order aberrations, and corneal biomechanics make corneal laser refractive surgery a safe method and effective for the correction of these defects. However, to date, there are still certain circumstances that represent a contraindication for its application, in addition to others that could be associated with complications, and that must be carefully analyzed.This review analyzes the current contraindications for laser corneal refractive surgery listed in the Preferred Practice Protocols (PPPs) of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Spanish Ophthalmology Society. These protocols are based on the best scientific evidence currently available and allow clear recommendations to be drawn, improving the safety profile of these techniques.Contraindications can be differentiated into relative or absolute; among the latter are: age less than 18 years, the absence of refractive stability and the existence of certain ocular pathologies (including certain corneal dystrophies, keratoconus, poorly controlled dry eye) or systemic pathologies (active autoimmune processes or poorly controlled diabetes mellitus). Other circumstances such as the use of certain drugs (amiodarone, isotretinoin), extreme values of mean central keratometry and pachymetry, history of previous uveitis or glaucoma, pregnancy and lactation, are considered relative contraindications according to the PPPs. However, there are studies that demonstrate the safety of refractive surgery in some of these cases. (AU)

Update on contraindications in laser corneal refractive surgery.

More than 25 years of experience with refractive surgery techniques (since the FDA [Food and Drug Administration] of the United States approved the use of the excimer laser in the remodeling of the cornea in 1995), added to the technological advances in ophthalmology (femtosecond laser, topography-guided ablation, anterior segment imaging systems) and increased understanding of refractive errors, higher order aberrations, and corneal biomechanics make corneal laser refractive surgery a safe method and effective for the correction of these defects. However, to date, there are still certain circumstances that represent a contraindication for its application, in addition to others that could be associated with complications, and that must be carefully analyzed. This review analyzes the current contraindications for laser corneal refractive surgery listed in the Preferred Practice Protocols (PPPs) of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the Spanish Ophthalmology Society. These protocols are based on the best scientific evidence currently available and allow clear recommendations to be drawn, improving the safety profile of these techniques. Contraindications can be differentiated into relative or absolute; among the latter are: age less than 18 years, the absence of refractive stability and the existence of certain ocular pathologies (including certain corneal dystrophies, keratoconus, poorly controlled dry eye) or systemic pathologies (active autoimmune processes or poorly controlled diabetes mellitus). Other circumstances such as the use of certain drugs (amiodarone, isotretinoin), extreme values of mean central keratometry and pachymetry, history of previous uveitis or glaucoma, pregnancy and lactation, are considered relative contraindications according to the PPPs. However, there are studies that demonstrate the safety of refractive surgery in some of these cases.

Revisión de la literatura sobre la evidencia disponible actualmente para el manejo de las queratitis infecciosas con PACK-CXL / Review of the literature on the currently available evidence for the management of infectious keratitis with PACK-CXL

Las queratitis infecciosas (QI) son una de las causas más comunes de ceguera a nivel mundial, especialmente en países en vías de desarrollo, y puede llegar a representar del 5,1 al 32,3% de todas las indicaciones de queratoplastia penetrante. Sin embargo, realizar una queratoplastia terapéutica «en caliente» está asociado con una mayor incidencia de recurrencia de la QI y rechazo del injerto. El tratamiento estándar incluye antimicrobianos (ATM) de amplio espectro y, una vez identificado el patógeno causante y el antibiograma, continuar con un tratamiento dirigido, según la sensibilidad del germen. La aparición de cepas multirresistentes a los ATM está aumentando progresivamente a un ritmo alarmante en los últimos tiempos. Asimismo, la diversidad de los microorganismos causantes (bacterias, hongos, parásitos, virus) dificulta en ocasiones la realización de un diagnóstico clínico correcto, retrasando el inicio de un tratamiento efectivo. Se estima que solo un 50% de los ojos tendrá un buen resultado visual si se retrasa la terapia. En definitiva, todos estos factores hacen que sea muy importante la identificación de alternativas al tratamiento ATM. Por las propiedades ATM del cromóforo fotoactivado (riboflavina) y la luz ultravioleta de longitud de onda 200-400nm, utilizada en múltiples aplicaciones médicas y no médicas para la desinfección, se ha propuesto el cromóforo fotoactivado para el cross-linking corneal en el tratamiento de las QI, como una herramienta adicional en el arsenal terapéutico de las QI. Debe diferenciarse del cross-linking empleado para el manejo del queratocono progresivo. El objetivo de esta revisión es actualizar la evidencia disponible sobre la eficacia y seguridad del cromóforo fotoactivado para el cross-linking en las QI (AU)

Infectious keratitis (IK) is one of the most common causes of monocular blindness worldwide, especially in developing countries, and may account for 5.1 to 32.3% of all indications for penetrating keratoplasty (PK). However, performing a therapeutic PK on a “hot eye” is associated with a higher incidence of IK recurrence and graft rejection. Standard treatment includes antimicrobials (ATM) and, once the causative pathogen has been identified, must be continued with targeted treatment, depending on antibiogram sensitivity. However, appearance of multiresistant strains to ATM is progressively increasing at an alarming rate. Besides that, the diversity of the causative microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses) may hinder the clinical diagnosis and secondarily the proper treatment from the beginning. It is estimated that only 50% of eyes will have a good visual result if the correct therapy is delayed. All these factors make the identification of alternatives to ATM treatment of paramount importance. Due to the ATM properties of photoactivated chromophore (riboflavin) and ultraviolet light of wavelength 200-400nm, used in multiple medical and non-medical applications for disinfection, photoactivated chromophore for corneal cross-linking (CXL) of IK, as an addition to the therapeutic arsenal for the management of IK has been proposed. It must be differentiated from CXL used for the management of progressive keratoconus. The objective of this review is to update the available evidence on the efficacy and safety of photoactivated chromophore for corneal CXL in IKs (AU)

Review of the literature on the currently available evidence for the management of infectious keratitis with PACK-CXL.

Infectious keratitis (IK) is one of the most common causes of monocular blindness worldwide, especially in developing countries and may account for 5.1%-32.3% of all indications for penetrating keratoplasty (PK). However, performing a therapeutic PK on a "hot eye" is associated with a higher incidence of IK recurrence and graft rejection. Standard treatment includes antimicrobials (ATM) and, once the causative pathogen has been identified, must be continued with targeted treatment, depending on antibiogram sensitivity. However, appearance of multiresistant strains to ATM is progressively increasing at an alarming rate. Besides that, the diversity of the causative microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses) may hinder the clinical diagnosis and secondarily the proper treatment from the beginning. It is estimated that only 50% of eyes will have a good visual result if the correct therapy is delayed. All these factors make the identification of alternatives to ATM treatment of paramount importance. Due to the ATM properties of photoactivated chromophore (riboflavin, RB) and ultraviolet (UV) light of wavelength (λ) 200-400 nanometers (nm), used in multiple medical and non-medical applications for disinfection, photoactivated chromophore for corneal cross-linking (CXL) of IK (PACK-CXL), as an addition to the therapeutic arsenal for the management of IK has been proposed. It must be differentiated from CXL used for the management of progressive keratoconus (KC). The objective of this review is to update the available evidence on the efficacy and safety of PACK-CXL in IKs.

Orbital inflammatory disease.

Orbital inflammatory disease (OID), commonly known as orbital pseudotumour, is an inflammatory disease of unknown cause. It has different forms of presentation and different degrees of severity. Its variable nature is the main cause for this disease to be misdiagnosed and misclassified. The prognosis of OID depends on the tissues affected and the histology. OID usually responds favourably to systemic steroid treatment. However, empiric steroids may mask other underlying diseases that respond well to this treatment as well, namely, IgG4-related disease or lymphoproliferative disorders. This fact has led to controversy among various authors as some recommend performing a biopsy in most of the cases, whereas others defend that this procedure should only be performed if the patient has not responded to empiric steroid treatment. Although steroids have been the mainstream treatment of OID, the side effects, relapse rates and lack of response in some cases have resulted in them being replaced by immunosuppressive and immunomodulator therapies that currently stand as a key steroid-sparing treatment option, in addition to radiotherapy and surgery. The aim of this review is to update the evidence on the diagnosis and treatment of OID.

Enfermedad inflamatoria orbitaria idiopática / Orbital inflammatory disease

La enfermedad inflamatoria orbitaria idiopática (EIOI), comúnmente conocida como pseudotumor orbitario, es una enfermedad inflamatoria de etiología desconocida. Sus síntomas pueden ser muy variables tanto en intensidad, gravedad, formas de presentación o gravedad. Esta heterogeneidad ha condicionado que sea una entidad difícil de definir y clasificar. El pronóstico de la EIOI depende de su localización, presentación e histología. La EIOI suele responder favorablemente a los corticoides sistémicos, sin embargo, este hecho puede hacer que la entidad sea confundida con otras enfermedades que también tienen buena respuesta a corticoides, como la enfermedad relacionada con la IgG4 y las enfermedades linfoproliferativas. Esta controversia ha alzado una polémica entre autores que defienden la realización de biopsia previa al tratamiento en la mayoría de los casos, frente a otros que afirman que la biopsia debe indicarse en lesiones que no responden adecuadamente al tratamiento médico empírico. Si bien los corticoides se sitúan como los protagonistas de la EIOI, los efectos secundarios, las tasas de recidivas y la falta de respuesta de algunos subtipos han permitido el paso a agentes inmunosupresores e inmunomoduladores que ocupan un escalón fundamental en la terapia combinada o ahorradora de corticoides, junto con la radioterapia y la cirugía. El objetivo de esta revisión es actualizar la evidencia sobre el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la EIOI.

Orbital inflammatory disease (OID), commonly known as orbital pseudotumour, is an inflammatory disease of unknown cause. It has different forms of presentation and different degrees of severity. Its variable nature is the main cause for this disease to be misdiagnosed and misclassified. The prognosis of OID depends on the tissues affected and the histology. OID usually responds favourably to systemic steroid treatment. However, empiric steroids may mask other underlying diseases that respond well to this treatment as well, namely, IgG4-related disease or lymphoproliferative disorders. This fact has led to controversy among various authors as some recommend performing a biopsy in most of the cases, whereas others defend that this procedure should only be performed if the patient has not responded to empiric steroid treatment. Although steroids have been the mainstream treatment of OID, the side effects, relapse rates and lack of response in some cases have resulted in them being replaced by immunosuppressive and immunomodulator therapies that currently stand as a key steroid-sparing treatment option, in addition to radiotherapy and surgery. The aim of this review is to update the evidence on the diagnosis and treatment of OID.