Wiping microkeratome blades with sterile 100% alcohol to prevent diffuse lamellar keratitis after laser in situ keratomileusis.

PURPOSE: To report our experience in preventing diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) by wiping the microkeratome blade with sterile 100% alcohol. SETTING: Enaim Refractive Surgery Center, Jerusalem, Israel. METHODS: Laser in situ keratomileusis was performed in 24 patients (48 eyes) on the same day by the same surgeon. The environment and instruments were identical in all cases. A new blade was used in both eyes of each patient. All blades were from the same batch and were randomly assigned to 2 groups. In the alcohol group, 12 blades were wiped with a Merocel surgical spear (Medtronic Solan) dipped in 100% alcohol and rinsed with balanced salt solution (BSS) before they were mounted in a Hansatome microkeratome (Bausch & Lomb Co.); in the control group, 12 blades were wiped with a Merocel surgical spear dipped in BSS and rinsed with BSS. All patients were examined on the first postoperative day. RESULTS: Grade I to II DLK was diagnosed in 7 eyes of 4 patients in the control group (29%). No DLK was diagnosed in the alcohol group. CONCLUSION: Wiping the microkeratome blade with 100% alcohol before mounting may remove a substance from the manufacturing or sterilization process that can cause DLK.

Simultaneous wavefront-guided photorefractive keratectomy and corneal collagen crosslinking after intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation for keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To study the results of simultaneous photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) in keratoconus after previous intrastromal corneal ring segment (ICRS) implantation. SETTING: Enaim Laser Center, Jerusalem, Israel. DESIGN: Case series. METHODS: This study comprised patients with moderate keratoconus who had previous Intacs ICRS implantation with the Intralase laser at least 6 months before PRK-CXL. Wavefront-guided PRK and ultraviolet-A CXL were performed simultaneously. Refraction, uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuities, keratometry (K) values, endothelial cell count (ECC), pachymetry, corneal resistance factor (CRF), and corneal hysteresis (CH) were assessed 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Twelve months after PRK-CXL, the mean decimal UDVA improved significantly from 0.20 ± 0.12 (SD) to 0.55 ± 0.15 (P<.01). The mean decimal CDVA improved from 0.58 ± 0.13 to 0.77 ± 0.17 (P=.01). The mean cylinder decreased from -3.60 ± 1.70 to -1.30 ± 1.10 diopters (D) (P<.001). The mean apex K decreased from 50.91 ± 5.50 D to 46.61 ± 4.52 D (P<.005). The other corneal parameters did not change significantly after treatment. No significant difference was found between the 6-month and 12-month results. No patient lost lines of CDVA. Mild haze remained in 11.1% of eyes 12 months after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous wavefront-guided PRK and CXL for keratoconus after ICRS implantation was safe and effective. It significantly improved the UDVA, CDVA, and central K value, and consequently the visual function, of patients with moderate keratoconus.

Artisan phakic intraocular lens for correcting high myopia.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety indexes and efficacy of Artisan phakic intraocular lens (IOL) for the correction of high myopia. METHODS: Retrospective interventional case series reports. Thirty-one eyes (22 patients) with myopia from -5.25 to -19.00 diopters underwent implantation of an Artisan phakic IOL. Follow-up examinations were performed at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months. The following parameters were recorded: manifest refraction, slit-lamp examination, applanation tonometry, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), complications or adverse reactions. The primary variable was the refractive outcome at 3 months. Secondary variables were change in BSCVA, and efficacy and safety indexes. RESULTS: At 3 months, mean spherical equivalent was -0.50 +/- 0.36 diopters (range, -1.25 - plano). In 29 eyes (93.5%) UCVA was 6/12 or better; the other three eyes had UCVA of 6/15. The difference between preoperative and 1 week postoperative BSCVA was not statistically significant (p = 0.25). Comparison of BSCVA at 1 week and at 1 month was statistically significant (p = 0.05); this difference was even more significant at 3 months (p = 0.01). The BSCVA remained the same or improved for all the eyes. BSCVA for 20 eyes (64.5%) had improved one or more lines in visual acuity. Mean endothelial cell loss at 3 months was 3.96%. CONCLUSION: The Artisan lens is a safe, predictable, and efficacious method to correct high myopia. Postoperative gain in BSCVA was achieved for the majority of eyes. Future study to assess safety indexes and risk of complications is required with long-term follow-up.