Plasma Exeresis for the Treatment of Benign Eyelid Lesions: A New Surgical Approach.

PURPOSE: To report the plasma therapy technique and its clinical outcomes in patients with benign eyelid lesions. METHODS: This is a retrospective, noncomparative, interventional study. The study included 71 eyes of 66 patients who underwent plasma exeresis for benign eyelid lesions in our clinic between February 2018 and December 2022. Patient symptoms, cosmetic outcomes, and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: The lesions were removed with a single plasma exeresis treatment in all patients. The mean size of the lesion at its largest part was 5.5 ± 1.2 mm (range, 3.0-8.8 mm). No complications were encountered during the procedure. The mean procedure time was 4.0 ± 0.7 minutes (range, 3-6 minutes). Postoperatively, only 3 cases (4.2%) with tarsal conjunctival extension had mild irritation symptoms such as pain, discomfort, and redness. The treated areas were fully improved cosmetically, and all patients were satisfied with the cosmetic outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The plasma therapy technique for removing benign eyelid lesions offers minimally invasive surgery, less discomfort, fast recovery, and successful anatomical and cosmetic outcomes.

Comparison of Two Different Treatments for Conjunctivochalasis: Plasma-Based Conjunctivoplasty Versus Argon Laser Photocoagulation.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of plasma-based conjunctivoplasty and argon laser photocoagulation techniques used in the treatment of conjunctivochalasis. METHODS: The study included 119 eyes from 67 patients who underwent plasma-based conjunctivoplasty or argon laser photocoagulation for conjunctivochalasis in our clinic between February 2021 and March 2022. Group 1 included 62 eyes from 35 patients who had plasma-based conjunctivoplasty. Group 2 included 57 eyes from 32 patients who had argon laser photocoagulation. Main outcomes were patient symptoms, the degree of conjunctivochalasis, fluorescein staining score, tear breakup time, the amount of conjunctival shrinkage, and complications. RESULTS: Before surgery, Group 1 had grade 1 conjunctivochalasis in 8 eyes (12.9%), grade 2 in 20 eyes (32.2%), and grade 3 in 34 eyes (54.8%). In Group 2, 9 eyes (15.7%) had grade 1, 21 eyes (36.8%) had grade 2, and 27 eyes (47.3%) had grade 3 conjunctivochalasis (P = 0.43). At the sixth postoperative month, only 2 eyes (3.2%) in Group 1 had grade 1 conjunctivochalasis, whereas the other cases (96.7%) had no conjunctivochalasis. However, Group 2 had grade 1 conjunctivochalasis in 16 eyes (28.0%), grade 2 in 21 eyes (36.8%), and grade 3 in 2 eyes (3.5%). Conjunctival shrinkage in Group 1 (5.1 ± 1.2 mm) was significantly higher than in Group 2 (3.3 ± 0.9 mm; P < 0.001). Postoperative tear breakup time in Group 1 (10.2 ± 2.1 seconds) was significantly longer than in Group 2 (8.8 ± 2.0 seconds; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Plasma-based conjunctivoplasty demonstrated greater clinical improvement and efficacy than argon laser photocoagulation for the treatment of conjunctivochalasis.

Comparison of Capsular Tension Ring Implantation before vs. after Toric Intraocular Lens for Rotational Stability.

PURPOSE: To compare the effect of implanting the capsular tension ring (CTR) before or after a toric intraocular lens (IOL) on rotational stability in patients with cataract and astigmatism. METHODS: This is a randomized retrospective study. Patients who underwent phacoemulsification combined with toric IOL implantation due to cataract and astigmatism between February 2018 and October 2019 were enrolled in the study. Group 1 consisted of 53 eyes of 53 patients in whom the CTR was placed into the capsular bag after the implantation of the toric IOL. On the other hand, group 2 consisted of 55 eyes of 55 patients in whom the CTR was placed into the capsular bag before implantation of the toric IOL. The two groups were compared in terms of preoperative and postoperative astigmatism, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and postoperative IOL rotation degree. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the two groups related to age and sex (p > 0.05) or the mean preoperative spherical value, UCVA, BCVA, and corneal astigmatism (p > 0.05). Although the mean postoperative residual astigmatism of the first group (- 0.29 ± 0.26) was lower than that of the second (- 0.43 ± 0.31), the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.16). The mean degree of rotation was 0.75 ± 2.66° in group 1 and 2.90 ± 6.57° in group 2, which was found to be statistically significant (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: The implantation of CTR after a toric IOL provides further rotational stability and more effective astigmatic correction.

Alternative Approach for the Treatment of Conjunctivochalasis: Plasma-Based Conjunctivoplasty.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of plasma-based conjunctivoplasty as a new surgical approach for conjunctivochalasis. METHODS: This prospective, noncomparative, interventional study included research on 42 eyes of 33 patients who underwent plasma therapy because of conjunctivochalasis between February 2020 and December 2021. Maintaining a 2-mm distance from the limbus, at least 3 lines (approximately 2 mm deep) of plasma therapy were applied to the conjunctiva from the temporal quadrant to the nasal quadrant. Patient symptoms, the fluorescein clearance test, ocular surface integrity with fluorescein staining, the Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire, tear breakup time (TBUT), tear meniscus height, and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean patient age at the time of surgery was 67.3 ± 7.2 (range: 54-81) years. After surgery, the grades of conjunctivochalasis decreased in all patients. Although epiphora was present in 28 eyes (66.6%) preoperatively, none of the cases had epiphora during the follow-up period. The Ocular Surface Disease Index score improved significantly from 34.7 ± 10.3 preoperatively to 5.0 ± 4.2 3 months postoperatively ( P <0.001). Although the preoperative TBUT was 5.1 ± 2.2 seconds, the TBUT increased to 10.0 ± 2.3 seconds 3 months postoperatively ( P <0.001). Chemosis developed in only 1 eye (2.3%) and completely regressed with topical steroid treatment in the first postoperative week. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma-based conjunctivoplasty is a minimally invasive and simple surgery with less intraoperative and postoperative discomfort, a fast recovery, and can be suggested as an alternative approach to other treatment methods.

Changes in Intraocular Lens Explantation Indications and Comparison of Various Explantation Techniques.

PURPOSE: To examine the current causes of intraocular lens (IOL) explantation, compare various IOL explantation techniques, and assess the visual outcomes and complications. DESIGN: Retrospective comparative case series. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 175 eyes of 160 patients who underwent IOL exchange for a one-piece foldable acrylic IOL between January 2010 and March 2022 were covered by the research. Group 1 included 74 eyes from 69 patients in which the IOL was removed after being grasped, pulled, and refolded inside the main incision. Group 2 consisted of 66 eyes from 60 patients in which the IOL was removed by bisecting it, whereas group 3 included 35 eyes from 31 patients in which the IOL was removed by enlarging the main incision. MAIN OUTCOMES: Surgical indications, interventions, visual outcomes and refraction, and complications. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 66.1 ± 10.5 years. The mean time between primary surgery and IOL explantation was 57.0 ± 38.9 months. IOL dislocation (in 85 eyes, 49.5%) was the most common reason for IOL explantation. When the patients were examined in terms of both surgical indication groups and IOL removal techniques, corrected-distance visual acuity increased significantly in all subgroups (P < .001). The increase in astigmatism after surgery was 0.08 ± 0.13 diopters (D) in group 1, 0.09 ± 0.17 D in group 2, and 0.83 ± 0.29 D in group 3 (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The grasp, pull, and refold technique for IOL explantation provides a simpler surgery, less complication, and good visual outcomes.

Iridodialysis Repair With Intrascleral Fixation of Flattened Flanged Polypropylene Suture.

PURPOSE: To present the flattened flanged polypropylene suture technique developed to obtain round and stable pupils in patients with iridodialysis. METHODS: After performing a fornix-based conjunctival peritomy, a flange was created at the tip of a 6.0 polypropylene suture by cautery. In the quadrant of iridodialysis, an ultrathin 30-gauge needle was inserted into the sclera at a distance of 2 mm from the limbus and advanced 1.5 mm intrasclerally, parallel to the limbus. The needle was directed radially into the eye and easily passed through the edge of the peripheral iris. The polypropylene suture was pushed into the lumen of the needle with the help of forceps. After the needle was externalized, the tip of the suture was flanged by cautery, and the flange was immediately flattened using a needle holder. RESULTS: Six eyes of six patients with iridodialysis were enrolled in this study. Postoperatively, the irises remained well positioned and the pupils became round in all eyes. None of the patients developed suture erosion, suture loosening or rupture, hyphema, hypotony, chronic iridocyclitis, and angle closure. CONCLUSION: The present technique provides a minimally invasive surgery and robust iris fixation without the need to create a scleral flap, groove, or pocket.

Effectiveness of ketorolac-soaked bandage contact lens for pain management after photorefractive keratectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of ketorolac-soaked contact lenses (CLs) on postoperative pain after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and their potential side effects including conjunctival hyperaemia and delayed epithelial healing. METHODS: This is a prospective, randomised, double-blind, contralateral eye study. A total of 310 eyes of 155 patients who underwent PRK in both eyes were included in the study. After photoablation, a 0.4% ketorolac-soaked bandage CL was placed over the cornea in Group 1, while a drug-free soft bandage CL was placed over the cornea in Group 2. The postoperative pain was evaluated using a verbal numerical rating scale. The ocular redness was compared using the black pixels (veins, and areas of redness) and white pixels (remaining areas) of the images. The complications and time to corneal wound healing were also recorded. RESULTS: The mean pain score was significantly lower in Group 1 (2.7 ± 1.3) than in Group 2 (7.4 ± 1.4) on postoperative day 1 (p < 0.001). However, on the 3rd postoperative day, there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of pain scores (p = 0.42). Preoperative eye redness was 199.2 ± 16.0 pixels in Group 1 and 200.1 ± 17.6 pixels in Group 2 (p = 0.65). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of eye redness at the postoperative 24th and 72nd hours (p = 0.43 and p = 0.39, respectively). CONCLUSION: Soaking the bandage CL in a solution containing ketorolac 0.4% for 15 minutes could significantly lower pain scores on the first postoperative day after PRK, with no serious complications.

Results of Unilateral Lateral Rectus Recession Surgery in 15 - 30 PD Intermittent Exotropia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the surgical outcomes of unilateral lateral rectus muscle recession (ULR) with low surgical dosage in patients with intermittent exotropia (IXT) of 15 - 30 prism dioptres (PD). METHODS: We retrospectively analysed 92 eyes of 92 patients who underwent ULR surgery with the diagnosis of IXT of 15 - 30 PD at distance fixation between January 2017 and June 2019. ULR surgery of 6.5 mm was performed for exotropia of 15 - 20 PD, 7.5 mm for that of 20 - 25 PD, and 8.5 mm for that of 25 - 30 PD and postoperative results were evaluated at the 1st week, 1st month, 6th month, and the 2nd year. Orthophoria or IXT less than 10 PD was accepted as successful. RESULTS: The mean preoperative deviation angle at distance was 22.3 ± 4.4 PD. Mean postoperative deviation angles at distance were 2.5 ± 1.7, 3.9 ± 2.4, 6.5 ± 3.0, and 8.7 ± 3.1 at 1 week, 1 month, 6 months, and 2 years, respectively. The surgical success rate of ULR was 100, 96.7, 84.7, and 77.1% at the 1st week, 1st month, 6th month, and the 2nd year, respectively. In the long-term results, there were no complications such as lateral gaze incomitance, overcorrection, or deterioration in stereopsis. CONCLUSION: Using the ULR technique, we were able to obtain effective surgical results in IXT with less surgical dosage and without any serious complications. ULR surgery can be used as an effective method in patients with IXT of 15 - 30 PD.

Effectiveness of toric IOL and capsular tension ring suturing technique for rotational stability in eyes with long axial length.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of the toric intraocular lens (IOL) and capsular tension ring (CTR) suturing technique in eyes with long axial length (AL) with a high risk of toric IOL rotation. METHODS: This is a retrospective observational case series. The data files of patients who underwent a one-piece acrylic toric IOL (Tecnis Toric IOL and Acrysof IQ Toric IOL) implantation with the toric IOL and CTR suturing technique for cataract and astigmatism or toric IOL repositioning were analyzed. Inclusion criteria were a regular total corneal astigmatism of ≥ 1.5 D and an AL of ≥ 26.0 mm. Preoperative and postoperative astigmatism, uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), IOL rotation, intraoperative, and postoperative complications were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 30 eyes of 29 patients were included in this study. The mean AL was 27.82 ± 1.53 mm (range, 26.08-31.07). UDVA revealed a statistically significant improvement from 0.84 ± 0.20 logMAR preoperatively to 0.04 ± 0.06 logMAR postoperatively (p < 0.001). The mean preoperative corneal astigmatism was 3.08 ± 1.01 D reduced to the postoperative residual astigmatism of 0.59 ± 0.32 D which was found also statistically significant (p < 0.001). Only 2 eyes (6.2%) had postoperative toric IOL rotation of 5° and 10°, respectively. The mean degree of postoperative rotation was 0.50 ± 2.01. CONCLUSION: This technique provided excellent rotational stability even in eyes with longer AL and did not require additional intervention.

Conjunctival Autografts for Ocular Surface Reconstruction after Conjunctival Nevus Excision.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and therapeutic outcomes of the cases where we used conjunctival autografts with and without the Tenon fascia for ocular surface reconstruction after conjunctival nevus excision. METHODS: This study included 63 eyes of 63 patients who underwent conjunctival nevus excision between January 2013 and December 2020. Although a Tenon-free conjunctival autograft was used in 32 eyes of 32 patients in group 1, a Tenon-containing conjunctival autograft was used in 31 eyes of 31 patients in group 2. The clinical and histopathological characteristics of the nevus, complete graft epithelization, cosmetic outcomes, and postoperative complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Conjunctival autografts were harvested from the contralateral eye in 3 eyes (9.3%) in group 1 and 2 eyes (6.4%) in group 2 ( P = 0.66). Postoperatively, the mean defect size at the harvest site was 5.3 ± 1.4 mm in group 1 and 5.5 ± 1.5 mm in group 2 ( P = 0.47). Graft edema was observed in only 1 case (3.1%) in group 1 and 6 cases (19.3%) in group 2 ( P = 0.04). Although a complete graft epithelization was observed in all eyes in group 1, fluorescein staining was present in 2 eyes (6.4%) in group 2 ( P = 0.14). Cosmetically, retracting and shrinking grafts were absent in group 1, whereas group 2 had in 4 eyes (12.9%) ( P = 0.03). Neither group had conjunctival scarring, symblepharon, eyelid cicatrization, dysmotility, or pannus at the donor site. CONCLUSIONS: Ocular surface reconstruction with a Tenon-free conjunctival autograft after conjunctival nevus excision provides excellent cosmetic and functional results without significant complications.

Fusiform Anastomosis Technique with a Single Longitudinal Incision in the Lacrimal Sac in External Dacryocystorhinostomy.

BACKGROUND: In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the surgical outcomes of the fusiform anastomosis technique in external dacryocystorhinostomy (ex-DCR) that we designed in the form of a physiological tube, which sufficiently covered the bone ostium with the mucosa. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a retrospective observational study that included 145 eyes of 131 patients who underwent ex-DCR due to nasolacrimal duct obstruction. The patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 included 73 eyes of 65 patients who underwent fusiform anastomosis, and group 2 included 72 eyes of 66 patients who underwent conventional anterior and posterior flap anastomosis. The open nasolacrimal passage with lacrimal irrigation and the absence of reflux were accepted as anatomical success, and the absence of epiphora symptoms was accepted as functional success. The groups were compared in terms of anatomical success, functional success, and granulation tissue formation. RESULTS: Anatomical success was observed in 73 eyes (100%) in group 1 and 66 eyes (91.6%) in group 2 (p = 0.01). Functional success was observed in 72 of 73 eyes (98.6%) in group 1 and 65 of 72 eyes (90.2%) in group 2 (p = 0.02). Nasal endoscopic examination performed in 32 eyes in group 1 and 28 eyes in group 2 revealed that granulation tissue was observed in 7 of 28 eyes (25%) in group 2, while there were no eyes with granulation tissue in group 1 (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: The fusiform anastomosis technique in ex-DCR provided excellent anatomical success and extremely good functional success.

Intrascleral fixation of capsular bag and intraocular lens in cases with large zonular dialysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of sutureless capsular bag and intraocular lens (IOL) fixation with flattened, flanged intrascleral fixation technique in patients with large zonular dialysis. METHODS: Fifty-five eyes of 51 patients who underwent flattened flanged intrascleral capsular bag and IOL fixation and optic capture for traumatic cataract, subluxated cataract, and pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) with zonular dialysis greater than 180° were included in the study. The main difference of this technique from the Yamane technique is that it has a flattened flange with sharp borders at the haptic tip. Uncorrected visual acuity, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), astigmatism, endothelial cell loss, IOL tilt, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 57.4 ± 15.1 years (range 18-83). Of the patients, 28 (55%) were male and 23 (45%) were female. The mean duration of follow-up after surgery was 19.3 ± 6.5 months (range 12-36). The mean preoperative and postoperative CDVA were 0.71 ± 0.16 logMAR and 0.13 ± 0.20 logMAR, respectively (p < 0.001). The mean preoperative and postoperative astigmatism were 2.0 ± 1.4 D and 1.0 ± 0.7 D, respectively (p < 0.001). The mean IOL tilt was 5.7° ± 5.2°. The mean endothelial cell loss was 9% (range 0.9-19.5). Anterior capsular phimosis was developed in 2 eyes (4%). CONCLUSION: The flattened flanged intrascleral technique of the capsular bag combined with optic capture provides good visual outcomes, robust capsular bag-IOL fixation, and minimal adverse events. However, further studies with more patients are needed for long-term results.

Facilitated trailing haptic externalization technique for intrascleral intraocular lens fixation.

PURPOSE: To describe the facilitated trailing haptic externalization technique for intrascleral intraocular lens (IOL) fixation. METHODS: In this technique, first the direction of the 4-5 mm tip of the trailing haptic is straightened with the help of forceps. After the second needle enters the posterior chamber, the edge of the IOL optic is pushed towards the opposite scleral tunnel with the needle. The trailing haptic approaching the center from the periphery and the straightened distal part of the haptic towards the direction of the needle facilitate the relatively easily and gently placing of the haptic into the lumen with a one-time use of forceps. RESULTS: This technique was performed on 65 eyes of 58 patients, with a mean patient age of 53.0 ± 14.6 years (range, 22-78). No complications such as endothelial touch, vitreous loss, iris or ciliary body damage, and hyphema were encountered during surgery. The mean operation duration was 14.8 ± 2.3 min (range, 12-20). In the postoperative period, there was only mild postoperative anterior chamber reaction in all eyes. Postoperative transient intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation that responded well to topical antiglucomatous therapy was observed in only two cases (3%). No patient developed haptic exposure, IOL dislocation, iris capture, postoperative hypotony, vitreous hemorrhage, choroidal effusion, cystoid macular edema, or retinal detachment. CONCLUSION: The facilitated trailing haptic externalization technique provides a safer, simpler, and minimally invasive surgery without significant complications while easing the surgical difficulties of the Yamane technique.

Clinical Outcomes of Piggybacking a One-Piece IOL With a Three-Piece IOL in Eyes With Nanophthalmos.

PURPOSE: To compare the nanophthalmic eyes in which a three-piece intraocular lens (IOL) along with a one-piece IOL and two one-piece IOLs were used for piggyback IOL implantation into the capsular bag. METHODS: This retrospective comparative case series included 61 eyes of 31 patients. Group 1 consisted of 31 eyes of 16 patients who underwent piggyback implantation of a one-piece IOL along with a three-piece IOL into the capsular bag. Group 2 consisted of 30 eyes of 15 patients who underwent piggyback implantation of two one-piece IOLs into the capsular bag. IOL spherical power was determined by calculating the arithmetic mean of the Holladay 1 formula and Hoffer Q formula, targeting emmetropia. Main outcomes were postoperative visual acuity and refraction, IOL centration and tilt, and complications. RESULTS: The mean postoperative follow-up time was 15.6 ± 5.2 months in Group 1 and 14.8 ± 4.3 months in Group 2 (P = .51). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of preoperative and postoperative spherical equivalent (P = .52 and .42, respectively). Twenty-six eyes (83.8%) in Group 1 and 26 eyes (86.60%) in Group 2 were within ±1.50 D of emmetropia. Mean IOL decentration was significantly lower in Group 1 (0.03 ± 0.08 mm) than Group 2 (0.14 ± 0.18 mm) (P = .003). The mean IOL tilt was 1.45 ± 2.94 degrees in Group 1 and 4.00 ± 4.23 degrees in Group 2 (P = .008). CONCLUSIONS: Piggyback implantation of a three-piece IOL combined with a one-piece IOL provides less IOL decentration and tilt in patients with nanophthalmos. The use of the arithmetic mean of the Holladay 1 and Hoffer Q formulas for IOL power calculation provides more accurate results. [J Refract Surg. 2022;38(12):812-818.].