Evaluation of efficacy of new lens nucleus fragmenting forceps in cataract surgery / Avaliação da eficácia de uma nova pinça fragmentadora de núcleo do cristalino para cirurgia de catarata

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of low-cost nucleus fragmenting forceps designed to reduce the use of ultrasound during phacoemulsification. Methods: A total of 60 pig eyes enucleated 10 hours before were placed in the microwave oven, at maximum power for 10 seconds, to form cataracts with hardness comparable to a grade IV nucleus in the Lens Opacities Classification System III. Cataract extraction was performed using the Centurion® phacoemulsifier (Alcon Laboratories, Geneve, Switzerland) and Leica M620 microscope. All eyes were submitted to the pre-chop technique dividing the nucleus into four parts. After the pre-chop, the quadrants in 30 eyes were phacoemulsified with the torsional mode and were fragmented in the remaining 30 eyes after the pre-chop was with the fragmentation forceps before torsional mode phacoemulsification. The device was calibrated for all eyes by applying the following parameters: 40% linear torsional phacoemulsification; intraocular pressure of 65 mmHg; the linear vacuum of 600 mmHg; aspiration flow of 40 ccs/minute. After each procedure, the following was recorded: cumulative dissipated energy; equivalent average torsional amplitude; equivalent average ultrasonic power; estimated aspirated fluid; ultrasound total time; and total aspiration time. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: There was a statistically significant reduction favoring the use of the nucleus fragmenting forceps in all parameters, except for the average torsional amplitude. Conclusion: The use of the nucleus fragmenting forceps contributed to improving the efficacy of torsional phacoemulsification in enucleated pig eyes.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a eficácia de uma pinça fragmentadora de núcleo, de baixo custo, desenvolvida para reduzir o uso de ultrassom durante a emulsificação do núcleo. Métodos: Sessenta olhos de porco com 10 horas de enucleação foram colocados no forno de microondas, em potência máxima por 10 segundos, para a formação de catarata com dureza comparável à de um núcleo grau IV na Lens Opacities Classification System III. A extração da catarata foi realizada com o facoemulsificador Centurion® (Alcon Laboratories, Genebra, Suíça) e microscópio Leica M620. Todos os olhos foram submetidos a técnica de pre-chop, dividindo o núcleo em quatro partes. Em 30 olhos, após o pre-chop, foi feita a facoemulsificação dos quadrantes com o modo torsional e, nos outros 30 olhos, após o pre-chop, cada quadrante foi fragmentado com a pinça antes da facoemulsificação com o modo torsional. O aparelho foi calibrado para todos os olhos com os seguintes parâmetros: faco torsional linear 40%; pressão intraocular 65 mmHg; vácuo linear 600mmHg e fluxo de aspiração 40cc/minuto. Após cada procedimento, verificaram-se energia dissipada acumulada; média da amplitude do faco torsional; média equivalente do poder ultrassônico; líquido aspirado estimado; tempo total de ultrassom e tempo total de aspiração. A análise estatística foi realizada utilizando o teste de Kruskal-Wallis com o IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Valor de p<0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significante. Resultados: Houve redução estatisticamente significante em favor do uso da pinça fragmentadora de núcleo em todos os parâmetros, menos na média de amplitude do faco torsional. Conclusão: O uso da pinça fragmentadora de núcleo contribuiu para melhorar a eficácia do faco torsional em olhos de porco enucleados.

The carbon footprint of cataract surgery in Wellington.

INTRODUCTION: Efforts to improve the sustainability of ophthalmic care require methods to measure its environmental impact and a baseline measurement to compare against in the future. We aimed to measure the carbon footprint of cataract surgery in Wellington. METHODS: We used Eyefficiency, an application using established footprinting methods, to estimate the emissions produced by phacoemulsification surgery in two public and two private hospitals. We measured (1) power consumption, (2) procurement of disposable items and pharmaceuticals, (3) waste disposal emissions and (4) travel (other potential sources were excluded). Where possible we used New Zealand emissions coefficients. RESULTS: We recorded data from 142 cataract surgeries. The average emissions produced by cataract surgery in the region was estimated to be 152kg of carbon dioxide equivalent. This is equivalent to 62L of petrol and would take 45m2 of forest one year to absorb. The great majority of emissions were from procurement, mostly disposable materials, and the second greatest contribution was from travel (driving). CONCLUSION: Estimating the carbon footprint of cataract surgery is becoming easier, but improved methods for measuring the footprint of procured supplies are needed. There are significant opportunities for emissions reduction in the most common surgical procedure in New Zealand.

Influence of pupillary dynamics on the defocus curve of eyes implanted with diffractive multifocal lenses: a randomized study / Influência da dinâmica pupilar na curva de desfoco de olhos implantados com lentes multifocais difrativas: um estudo randomizado

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the influence of pupil dynamics on the defocus profile and area-of-focus of eyes implanted with a diffractive multifocal intraocular lens (IOL). Methods: This prospective randomized trial was conducted at the Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil. Thirty-eight patients were randomly assigned to receive the multifocal SN6AD1 (n=20) or the aspheric monofocal SN60WF (aIOL) (n=18) IOLs bilaterally. Dynamic pupillometry, visual acuity for distance and near, corrected and uncorrected, and a defocus profile were assessed postoperatively. The area-of-focus was calculated using an empirical polynomial model of the defocus profile. Results: Sixteen patients (32 eyes) in the multifocal SN6AD1 group and 17 patients (34 eyes) in the aspheric monofocal SN60WF group completed the 1-year follow-up. There were no significant between-group differences in monocular uncorrected distance or near visual acuity. The defocus profiles of the mfIOL group showed a double peak, whereas those of the aspheric monofocal SN60WF group showed only one peak, which is typical for a monofocal intraocular lens. The area-of-focus of the aIOL group (4.66 ± 1.51 logMARxD) was significantly different from that of the multifocal SN6AD1 (1.99 ± 1.31 logMARxD). Pupil size at maximum contraction after exposure to a flash of 30 cd/m2 for 1 second was significantly correlated with a better area-of-focus in the multifocal SN6AD1 group (r=0.54; p=0.0017), whereas this was not the case in the aspheric monofocal SN60WF group. Conclusion: These findings indicate that in eyes implanted with an multifocal SN6AD1, the smaller the pupil size, the better is the area-of-focus and hence the better is the visual performance. This correlation was not found for the aspheric monofocal SN60WF.(AU)

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a influência da dinâmica pupilar na curva de desfoco de olhos implantados com lente intraoculares multifocais difrativas. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo e randomizado realizado na Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto - Universidade de São Paulo - Departamento de Oftalmologia. Trinta e oito pacientes foram aleatoriamente designados para receber bilateralmente lentes intraoculares SN6AD1 (n=20) (mfIOL) ou SN60WF (n=18) (aIOL). Além da acuidade visual para longe e perto, corrigida e não corrigida, e curva de desfoco, foi ainda realizada pupilometria dinâmica. A área sob a curva de desfoco foi calculada usando um modelo polinomial empírico. Resultados: Um total de 16 e 17 pacientes (n=32 e 34 olhos) completaram 1 ano de seguimento nos grupos mfIOL e aIOL, respectivamente. Não houve diferenças significativas entre grupos para as acuidades visuais seja para longe ou perto. As curvas de desfoco do grupo mfIOL mostraram um pico duplo; enquanto o SN60WF mostrou apenas um pico, típico para uma lente intraoculares monofocal. A média da área sob a curva de desfoco do grupo aIOL foi (4,66 ± 1,51 logMAR.dp), e essa é estatisticamente significante diferente da métrica do grupo mfIOL (1,99 ± 1,31 logMAR.dp). A pupila na contração máxima após a exposição a um flash de 30 cd/m2 por 1 segundo foi significativamente correlacionada com uma melhor área de foco no grupo mfIOL (r=0,54; p=0,0017), essa relação não foi observada para o grupo aIOL. Conclusão: Estes dados indicam que quanto menor a pupila durante contração, melhor é a área sob a curva de desfoco e, portanto, o desempenho visual dos olhos implantados com essa mfIOL. Esta correlação não foi encontrada para lentes intraoculares monofocais.(AU)

Optimal timing of capsular tension ring implantation in pseudoexfoliation syndrome / Momento ideal para implante de anel de tensão capsular na síndrome pseudoesfoliativa

ABSTRACT Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the appropriate timing of capsular tension ring implantation in cases of zonular weakness due to pseudoexfoliation syndrome. Methods: This prospective, comparative study was performed at the Ophthalmology Department of Inonu University, Malatya, Turkey. There were 43 patients included in the study. Group 1 (16 patients) had early capsular tension ring implantation, and group 2 (27 patients) had late capsular tension ring implantation. Patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome who underwent phacoemulsification surgery, posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation, and capsular tension ring implantation were included in the study. Intraoperative complications and difficulties with either capsular tension ring implantation or cortex removal were evaluated in each eye. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups in the difficulty of capsular tension ring implantation (p=0.124). The difficulty of cortex removal differed significantly between the groups (p=0.003). Intraoperative complications were observed in 3 patients in group 1 and 11 patients in group 2; the difference between the groups was not significant (p=0.18). Posterior capsule fluctuations were observed in 8 patients (29.5%) in group 2, which resulted in posterior capsule rupture in 2 patients. Conclusions: Cortex removal is more difficult with early capsular tension ring implantation, and posterior capsule fluctuations may cause problems with late capsular tension ring implantation. The surgeon must consider the risk-to-benefit ratio of early versus late insertion for the optimal timing of capsular tension ring implantation.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o momento apropriado para implante de anel de tensão capsular em casos de fraqueza zonular devida à síndrome pseudoesfoliativa. Métodos: Este foi um estudo prospectivo e comparativo realizado no Departamento de Oftalmologia da Universidade İnönü. Foram incluídos 43 pacientes, sendo 16 no grupo 1 e 27 no grupo 2. O grupo 1 era composto de pacientes que se submeteram ao implante precoce do anel de tensão capsular, enquanto no grupo 2 os pacientes tiveram implante tardio. Foram incluídos pacientes com síndrome pseudoesfoliativa submetidos à cirurgia de facoemulsificação e ao implante de lente intraocular na câmara posterior e anel de tensão capsular. Em cada olho, foram avaliadas as complicações intraoperatórias e as dificuldades tanto com a implantação do anel de tensão capsular quanto com a remoção do córtex. Resultados: Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos quanto à dificuldade de implante do anel de tensão capsular (p=0,124). Ao se comparar as remoções do córtex, observou-se diferença significativa entre os grupos (p=0,003). Complicações intraoperatórias foram observadas em 3 pacientes do grupo 1 e 11 pacientes do grupo 2; porém, não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos (p=0,18). No grupo 2, observaram-se flutuações da cápsula posterior em 8 pacientes (29,5%), com ruptura da cápsula posterior em dois deles. Conclusões: A remoção do córtex é mais difícil no implante precoce do anel de tensão capsular e flutuações da cápsula posterior podem causar problemas no implante tardio do anel de tensão capsular. O cirurgião deve ponderar a relação risco/benefício do implante precoce e tardio ao avaliar o momento ideal para implante de anel de tensão capsular.

Using Optical Quality Analysis System for predicting surgical parameters in age-related cataract patients.

The Optical Quality Analysis System (OQAS, Visiometrics) provides objective measurements of image formed onto retina, by combining quantification of ocular media transparency and of optical aberrations. In order to evaluate its contribution in the assessment of age-related cataract, we conducted a monocentric clinical study to determine the relationships between clinical grading of lens opacity, OQAS parameters, and parameters required for cataract surgery by phacoemulsification with ultrasound (called "phacodynamics"). Clinical parameters were: best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA, expressed as Log of minimal angle resolution (logMAR)) and the lens opacity classification system III (LOCS III) as a gold standard determined by two independent observers who graded total cataract and nuclear, cortical and posterior sub capsular components. The OQAS provided an objective scatter index (OSI), a modulation transfer function (MTF, expressed in cycle per degree (cpd)) and a Strehl ratio (SR) used as an aberration marker. Patients were operated on by the same surgeon using a phacoemulsification machine that provided the cumulative dissipated energy (CDE) and total ultrasound time (US time) necessary to extract the lens. Patients with poor compliance, corneal or retinal diseases impairing OSI, or who required surgical settings variation, were excluded. Twenty-one eyes of 21 patients aged 76±8 years were analyzed. They were 11 pure nuclear, 3 pure cortical, and 7 mixed cataracts. Mean LOCS III and OSI were respectively: 4.86 ±2.03 and 6.12 ±3.07 (mean±SD). Medians (10°-90° percentiles) were: for BCVA 0.30 (0.10-0.70) logMAR, for MTF cutoff 9.31 (1.54-30.57) cpd, for SR 0.071 (0.042-0.146), for CDE 8.04 (5.74-23.29) and for US time 58 (39-116) seconds. LOCS III was significantly correlated (spearman r, rs) with BCVA (rs = 0.561, p = 0.008), CDE (rs = 0.457, p = 0.038) and US time (rs = 0.647, p = 0.002). The three OQAS parameters significantly correlated (all rs ≥ 0.526, p<0.05) with BCVA, and LOCS III grading, but the strongest correlations were found with OSI for cortical components and with MTF for nuclear components: only OSI may be used objectively to assess the effect of cortical components on optical quality, and MTF cutoff-integrating scattering and aberrations-seems the best objective parameter for clinical assessment of nuclear cataracts. The three OQAS parameters were also significantly correlated (rs) with CDE, and with US time only for pure nuclear cataracts: OSI had the strongest correlations with phacodynamics (rs = 0.693, p = 0.022 with CDE and rs = 0.703, p = 0.019 US time). OSI increased with cortical components not requiring higher CDE. When measured in optimal conditions (good compliance, no retinal or ocular surface or tear film diseases), the three OQAS parameters are complementary for objective grading of cataract. In the future, they may help to optimize surgical parameters, especially energy distribution, in femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery.

Comparison of phacoemulsification parameters in eyes with and without exfoliation syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and to compare the phacoemulsification machine parameters in eyes with and without XFS, requiring cataract surgery. METHODS: Patients who underwent phacoemulsification and in-the-bag IOL implantation for cataract were included in this retrospective study. All surgeries were performed by the same experienced surgeon using the stop & chop technique with the same phacoemulsification device (Infiniti Vision System, Alcon Laboratories, Inc., USA). Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of exfoliation material (XFM). Each group consisted of consecutive patients. Their characteristics and intraoperative phacoemulsification parameters were compared. RESULTS: Sixty-eight eyes of 68 patients [29 in the exfoliation syndrome (XFS) (-) group, 39 in XFS (+)] were enrolled. There were no statistical differences regarding preoperative patient characteristics. There was a statistically significant difference in total U/S time, phaco time, aspiration time and estimated fluid used between the XFS (+) and XFS (-) groups (P=0.021, P=0.017, P=0.009 and P=0.002, respectively). Considering that the use of a CTR (capsule tension ring) might be an important factor potentially affecting surgical parameters, the data were analyzed accordingly. Aspiration time and estimated fluid used remained statistically significant (P=0.046 and P=0.017, respectively); however, although the U/S total and phaco time were found to be longer in XFS (+) group compared to XFS (-) group, the difference did not show statistical significance (P=0.061 and P=0.059, respectively). There were no differences between groups regarding endothelial cell loss or any other postoperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of XFS results in longer total U/S time, phaco and aspiration time and more estimated fluid used in phacoemulsification, but this prolongation does not result in additional complications.

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.

Visual quality observation of clear lens extraction by ultrasonic phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation in a child with microspherophakia: A case report.

RATIONALE: Microspherophakia is characterized by a small, spherical crystalline lens with increased sagittal diameter. Because of the uncertainty about the outcome, as well as the complexity of the operation and development of complications, the management and timing of surgical intervention for microspherophakia are still debated. Lens extraction is effective for avoiding the risk of pupillary blockage, but the outcome after operation is controversial. The iTrace (Tracey, USA) report shows the influence of low-order aberrations (LOA) and high-order aberrations (HOA), which may be valuable in predicting postoperative outcome. Our report concerns a child with microspherophakia who underwent lens extraction via the analysis of visual quality by iTrace. PATIENT CONCERNS: Our report is on the case of a 7-year-old girl whose parents observed she had to bring her papers and books extremely close to her face to read. On examination, the girl was bilaterally diagnosed microspherophakia with a small tremble lens. The objective refraction was -15.0 diopter of spherical power (DS)/-1.00 diopter of cylindrical power (DC) × 180 right eye (OD) and -12.5 DS/-1.50 DC × 20 left eye (OS). The HOA of OD and OS were high up to 0.926 and 0.659, respectively by iTrace. The visual quality remained terrible after correcting LOA (high myopia and astigmatism). According to iTrace report, the patient would get a good visual quality by extracting the clear lens with HOA from cornea after correcting LOA. The girl's parent opted for surgery on the left eye. DIAGNOSIS: Due to the patient's symptoms, examination results, she was diagnosed with microspherophakia. INTERVENTIONS: The patient underwent clear lens extraction by ultrasonic phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. OUTCOMES: The first day after operation, total HOA was decreased to 0.077. Total LOA was 0.713. Corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) is 20/20. One week after surgery, HOA was 0.110 and LOA was 0.328. CDVA was 20/25. CDVA was still 20/25 one month after surgery. The total HOA was 0.110 and the LOA was 0.334 by iTrace. LESSONS: ITrace not only plays an important role in analyzing potential reasons of undesirable preoperative visual quality but also can predict postoperative outcomes. All these functions are helpful for determining surgical intervention of microspherophakia cases.

Optimum on-time and off-time combinations for micropulse phacoemulsification in venturi vacuum mode.

PURPOSE: To measure the time to fragment removal and number of chatter events using various combinations of micropulse on times and off times (measured in milliseconds) of longitudinal ultrasound (US) using a venturi-based phacoemulsification system. SETTING: John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, USA. DESIGN: Experimental study. METHODS: Pig lenses were hardened with formalin and cut into 2.0 mm cubes. The time to fragment removal (efficiency) and frequency of fragments bouncing off the tip (chatter) were measured with the venturi-based system. Micropulse longitudinal US was tested. Parameters were combinations of 5, 6, and 7 milliseconds on, with 5, 6, and 7 milliseconds off. Twenty runs each of 9 combinations were completed. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between on/off duty cycle combinations. The 6 on/7 off group had higher efficiency than the 5 on/6 off and 7 on/7 off groups. Six on/5 off was more efficient than 5 on/6 off. When data were pooled and on times alone were used, 6 milliseconds on time was more efficient than 5 or 7 milliseconds. No efficiency differences in off times were found. No significant chatter differences were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Using micropulse longitudinal US in venturi vacuum mode, 6 milliseconds on was the most efficient on time. Five, 6, and 7 milliseconds off times had similar efficiency. These data suggest that the most efficient setting with lowest US energy use is 6 milliseconds on and 7 milliseconds off.

Comparison of effective phacoemulsification time and corneal endothelial cell loss using 2 ultrasound frequencies.

PURPOSE: To compare 2 ultrasound (US) frequencies for phacoemulsification for moderate to hard cataract to determine a frequency that makes phacoemulsification safer and more efficacious. SETTING: Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, New Delhi, India. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Patients with grade 4.0 to 6.9 senile cataract were randomized to 2 groups. Group A had lower frequency (28 kHz) phacoemulsification, and Group B had higher frequency (42 kHz) phacoemulsification. The effective phacoemulsification time (EPT) and estimated fluid usage (EFU) were compared intraoperatively. The endothelial parameters were assessed over 1 year. RESULTS: Both groups comprised 80 patients. The groups were matched for age (P = .533), sex (P = .263), and nuclear grade (nuclear color, P = .496; nuclear opalescence, P = .622). Group B had significant reductions in EPT (P = .008) and EFU (P = .004) compared with Group A. Postoperatively, the endothelial cell density (ECD) was significantly higher in Group B at 1 month (P = .004), 3 months (P = .003), 6 months (P = .004), 9 months (P = .002), and 1 year (P = .003). The percentages of ECD loss were also significantly lower in Group B; the difference was statistically significant up to 1 year postoperatively even after adjustments for age, grade of cataract, EPT, and EFU. CONCLUSION: Higher frequency phacoemulsification was associated with a lower EPT and EFU as well as better endothelial preservation than a lower frequency.

Phacoemulsification in review: Optimization of cataract removal in an in vitro setting.

Phacoemulsification, initially used in the late 1960s, continues to be the standard of care for cataract removal. An animal model was developed so that, in a controlled research setting, all the various machines, handpieces, tips, and settings could be investigated. As a general rule, the higher power, vacuum, and aspiration settings lead to optimally efficient phacoemulsification. In addition, both new phacoemulsification platforms and newly developed devices have been shown to improve efficiency. As a result, we recommend that the integration of these recent developments should be considered in future investigations.

Surgical Outcomes of Phacoemulsification Followed by iStent Implantation Versus Goniotomy With the Kahook Dual Blade in Patients With Mild Primary Open-angle Glaucoma With a Minimum of 12-Month Follow-up.

PURPOSE: To study surgical outcomes after combined phacoemulsification with either iStent implantation or goniotomy using the Kahook Dual Blade (KDB) with a minimum of 12 months of follow-up. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with mild primary open-angle glaucoma who underwent phacoemulsification in combination with either iStent implantation or goniotomy using the KDB from 2011 to 2017 were included. RESULTS: In total, 48 eyes in the iStent group and 29 eyes in the KDB group were included with at least 12 months of follow-up. There was no difference in patient age, sex, previous surgery, preoperative or postoperative visual acuity or intraocular pressure (IOP) between the 2 groups. Mean preoperative IOP in the iStent group decreased from 17.6±4.8 to 15.9±2.9 mm Hg (P=0.01); mean preoperative IOP in the KDB group decreased from 17.4± 4.3 to 15.0±4.0 mm Hg (P=0.01). The overall percentage of IOP reduction was 14.3% in the iStent group and 12.6% in the KDB group at 12 months of follow-up. Mean topical glaucoma medication use decreased from 2.0±0.9 to 0.7±1.1 in the iStent group and from 2.2±1.0 to 1.6±1.3 in the KDB group. Multivariable linear regression accounting for age, sex, race, baseline IOP, and number of eyes treated as covariates indicated a significant reduction in IOP from baseline with both iStent (Wald χ=3.97, P=0.046) and KDB (Wald χ=4.65, P=0.031). Multivariable logistic regression accounting for age, sex, race, baseline IOP, and number of eyes treated as covariates indicated no significant difference in overall success between iStent and KDB (Z-test=0.92, P=0.359). CONCLUSIONS: Phacoemulsification in combination with either iStent implantation or goniotomy using the KDB both achieved statistical significant reduction in IOP and number of glaucoma medications at 12 months of follow-up in patients with mild primary open-angle glaucoma with no complications.

Case Series of Combined iStent Implantation and Phacoemulsification in Eyes with Primary Angle Closure Disease: One-Year Outcomes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of combined iStent® trabecular micro-bypass device (Glaukos, Laguna Hills, CA) and phacoemulsification in eyes with primary angle closure disease. METHODS: A two-center prospective interventional case series of consecutive patients with primary angle closure (PAC) or primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG) on at least one glaucoma medication, who underwent iStent implantation with cataract surgery. Postoperatively, patients were assessed on days 1 and 7, and months 1, 3, 6, and 12. The intraocular pressure (IOP), glaucoma medication use, visual acuity, and the presence of complications were assessed at each visit. Complete success was defined as IOP reduction of at least 20% without the use of glaucoma medications. RESULTS: Thirty-seven eyes with angle closure disease were included in this study. At 1-year, postoperative mean IOP (14.8 ± 3.94 mmHg) was significantly decreased compared with preoperative medicated (17.5 ± 3.82 mmHg, p = 0.008) and unmedicated (24.6 ± 3.41 mmHg, p < 0.001) IOP. Complete success was achieved in 89.2% of the eyes. The number of glaucoma medications decreased from 1.49 ± 0.77 to 0.14 ± 0.48 (p < 0.001). Preoperative medicated IOP was a risk factor for failure (hazard ratio 3.45, 95% confidence interval 1.52-7.85, p = 0.003), after adjustment for age, gender, and race. The most common postoperative complications were iStent occlusion with iris (27.0%) and hyphema (18.9%). There were no sight-threatening intraoperative or postoperative complications. CONCLUSION: Combined iStent implantation with cataract surgery was effective in lowering the IOP and the number of glaucoma medications for at least 12 months, with a favorable safety profile. FUNDING: Glaukos Corporation; NMRC Science Translational and Applied Research (STAR) award.

Efficacy of Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Phacoemulsification for Cataract Patients and its Influence on Serum Levels of Inflammatory Factors.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate effect of femtosecond laser-assisted phacoemulsification in treating cataract patients, and to analyse its influence on serum inflammatory factors IL-6, IL-1ß, TNF-α . STUDY DESIGN: An analytical, descriptive study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: The Ophthalmologic Center, Rehabilitation Center Hospital of Gansu, China, from January 2016 to September 2017. METHODOLOGY: A total of 94 eyes were randomly divided into control group (47 cases) and observation group (47 cases). Control group was treated with traditional phacoemulsification. The observation group was added with femtosecond laser based on the treatment of the control group. Clinical efficacy of two groups was compared. RESULTS: Surgery time of the observation group was longer than that of the control group (p<0.001). Effective phacoemulsification time, cumulative dissipated energy, and liquid flow of the observation group were all less than those of the control group (all p<0.001). One day after surgery, aqueous flare and rate of corneal endothelium loss in the observation group were less than those of the control group (both p<0.001). Seven days after surgery, serum levels of IL-6, IL-1 and TNF- in the observation group were lower than those of the control group (all p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Femtosecond laser-assisted phacoemulsification has better clinical effect in treating cataract, and can reduce the energy and time cost in the phacoemulsification, decrease the serum levels of inflammatory factors and cause less postoperative complications. But it takes longer operation time and relatively higher treatment cost.

[EyeSi surgical simulator: Construct validity of capsulorhexis, phacoemulsification and irrigation and aspiration modules]. / Simulateur de chirurgie de cataracte EyeSi : validité de construction des modules capsulorhexis, phacoémulsification et aspiration des masses cristalliniennes.

PURPOSE: To compare performance on the EyeSi surgical simulator in 3 training modules by users with different levels of experience in ophthalmology. METHODS: We included 18 surgeons (6 residents with no cataract experience, 6 residents with little experience (1 to 10 cases) and 6 experienced cataract surgeons (over 500 cases). Three modules were selected (capsulorhexis, phacoemulsification-cracking and irrigation and aspiration). All subjects completed 12 levels of increasing difficulty twice, and the results of the second trial were analyzed according to the surgeon's experience. RESULTS: For the capsulorhexis module, experienced surgeons achieved higher total scores than the other 2 groups in exercise 1 (P=0.0102). For the phaco-cracking module, experienced surgeons achieved higher total scores in exercise 8 (P=0.0495) and a tendency toward significance in exercises 3 (P=0.0934) and 5 (P=0.0938). Participants with greater experience had lower total task time in exercises 1 (P=0.0444), 4 (P=0.06) and 5 (P=0.0189). CONCLUSION: Experienced surgeons outperformed residents with regard to overall score in 4 exercises of the capsulorhexis and phaco-cracking modules. Our results confirm previously demonstrated construct validity for these modules on the EyeSi simulator. These findings will help in the development of relevant training programs that could potentially be applied to the standard ophthalmological curriculum.

Cataract surgery in patients with glaucoma drainage implants: the hooked tube technique.

PURPOSE: Cataract surgery has been reported to adversely affect the IOP control in eyes with the glaucoma drainage implant (GDI). One reason might be the flow of lens debris/viscoelastic material through the GDI tube into the bleb. This pilot study was conducted to determine the clinical results of a novel technique for temporary occlusion of the GDI tube with an iris retractor hook during phacoemulsification. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 15 patients (control group) who underwent phacoemulsification between January 2005 and December 2010 and 17 patients (treatment group) who underwent phacoemulsification with the hooked tube technique between January 2011 and April 2016 with a minimum 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: The IOP remained within 4 mmHg of the preoperative level in all eyes of the treatment group. Three eyes exhibited IOP spikes (≥ 10 mmHg) among controls. The mean postoperative IOP at 1 month was statistically significantly increased in the control group compared with the treatment group (P = 0.040). The number of antiglaucoma medications at 3 and 6 months was significantly increased in the control group (1.4 ± 1.1 vs. 1.7 ± 1.1; P = 0.041, 1.4 ± 1.1 vs. 2.3 ± 1.2; P = 0.017, respectively). After phacoemulsification, there was a significant increase in the mean number of antiglaucoma medications used at 6 months in the control group compared with the treatment group (P = 0.049). In both groups, one eye developed corneal decompensation. CONCLUSIONS: The hooked tube technique seems to provide an effective way to reduce the risk of the IOP spikes after cataract surgery in eyes with GDI.

Isolated Capsulorhexis Flap Technique in Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery to Protect the Corneal Endothelial Cells.

PURPOSE: To present a novel technique that using capsulorhexis flap to protect corneal endothelial cells during femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery. METHODS: During the procedure, an isolated capsulorhexis flap was used to lift it up carefully by using OVD until the flap attached to the corneal inner layer. It kept steady during the phaco phase, and been removed by I/A tip after intraocular lens implantation. RESULTS: In our pilot study, the damage to the corneal endothelial cells from the phacoemulsification procedure were no more than the traditional phaco procedure, even femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery. CONCLUSION: Isolated capsulorhexis flap technique initiate a new approach to protect the endothelial cell. It is a simple technique with a short learning curve, but still need a further investigation to prove the protection of corneal endothelial cells.