Long-term outcomes of modified glued versus flanged intrascleral haptic fixation techniques for secondary intraocular lenses.

PURPOSE: To report the long-term refractive outcomes and complications of two scleral fixation techniques for secondary intraocular lenses (IOL). METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent secondary IOL insertion at a tertiary care academic hospital using either modified glued ("glued") or flanged intrascleral haptic fixation (FISHF) techniques with over 12 months of follow-up were retrospectively reviewed. Pre- and postoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), postoperative complications, and refractive surprises were reported. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients underwent "glued" fixation and 22 underwent FISHF, with mean follow-up times of 3.1 ± 0.5 and 2.0 ± 1.2 years, respectively. Aphakia secondary to trauma was the main surgical indication. MA50BM or MA60AC IOLs (Alcon Laboratories Inc., Fort Worth, TX) were implanted in 92% of "glued" patients, while CT Lucia 602 IOLs (Carl Zeiss Meditec Inc., Dublin, CA) were used in 96% of FISHF patients. Postoperative spherical equivalent significantly improved compared to preoperative values (p < 0.001). No significant difference in CDVA was seen between the two techniques. FISHF resulted in mean hyperopic surprises of + 0.81D and + 0.69D using the Holladay 2 and Barrett Universal II formulae, respectively, which was significantly greater than the "glued" patients. A higher rate of IOL dislocation was seen in the "glued" cohort (13%) compared to FISHF (0%). CONCLUSIONS: Retrospective long-term outcomes of patients with complex ocular comorbidities undergoing a modified "glued" technique demonstrated a higher rate of IOL dislocation but more predictable refractive outcomes compared to the FISHF technique. The FISHF technique resulted in a significant hyperopic shift using fourth-generation IOL calculators.

Outcomes of sutureless secondary intraocular lens fixation with haptic flanging in a cohort of surgically complex eyes.

PURPOSE: To describe clinical outcomes of secondary intraocular lens (IOL) implantation using sutureless trans-scleral techniques in surgically complex eyes. METHODS: Retrospective surgical case series of 45 eyes that underwent secondary IOL implantation using a sutureless haptic flange technique. Demographic data of age, sex, primary diagnosis, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), refractive error, intraocular pressure, full ophthalmic exam findings, surgical approach, and any intraoperative complications were noted. RESULTS: The most common indication for secondary IOL implantation was aphakia, most commonly after ocular trauma. The primary outcome measures were pre-operative and post-operative BCVA, which revealed recovery of pre-operative vision levels by post-operative week 1 and improved vision by post-operative month 1 (p = 0.03). Secondary outcome measures of target refraction pre-operatively and post-operatively revealed significant reduction in post-operative spherical equivalent to achieve BCVA (p < 0.001). Targeting of the secondary IOLs using Barrett Universal II, Holladay 1, Holladay 2, and SRK/T all exhibited a hyperopic shift post-operatively in post-traumatic aphakic eyes and a myopic shift in the post complicated cataract extraction eyes. No intraoperative adverse events were noted. The most common post-operative complication was transient IOP elevation, with most patients completing 6 months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: There is rapid visual rehabilitation and reduction of spherical equivalent correction to attain BCVA in eyes with a history of ocular trauma that undergo secondary IOL implantation using a trans-scleral flange technique. Moreover, this study highlights that a specific IOL power formula can be more predictive of the desired refractive outcome depending on the indication for secondary IOL implantation.

A Retrospective Comparison of Primary Baerveldt Implantation versus Trabeculectomy with Mitomycin C.

PURPOSE: To compare the safety and efficacy of Baerveldt implantation (Abbott Medical Optics, Santa Ana, CA) and trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (MMC) in patients who have not undergone prior incisional ocular surgery. DESIGN: Retrospective, comparative case series. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 125 patients with low-risk glaucoma undergoing primary glaucoma surgery, including 55 patients who received a 350-mm(2) Baerveldt glaucoma implant and 70 patients who underwent trabeculectomy with MMC. METHODS: Eligible patients were identified using Current Procedural Terminology codes, and their medical records were reviewed retrospectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measure was surgical success (intraocular pressure [IOP] ≤21 mmHg and reduced ≥20% from baseline, IOP >5 mmHg, no reoperation for glaucoma, no loss of light-perception vision). Secondary outcome measures included visual acuity, IOP, number of glaucoma medications, and complications. RESULTS: The cumulative probability of success at 3 years with or without medical therapy was 87% in the Baerveldt group and 76% in the trabeculectomy group (P = 0.23). Postoperative complications occurred in 11 patients (20%) in the Baerveldt group and 20 patients (29%) in the trabeculectomy group (P = 0.27). Mean follow-up ± standard deviation was 27±19 months in the Baerveldt group and 34±20 months in the trabeculectomy group (P = 0.053). CONCLUSIONS: Similar rates of surgical success and postoperative complications were observed in patients undergoing trabeculectomy with MMC and in those undergoing Baerveldt implantation during 3 years of follow-up. Both are viable primary glaucoma procedures in patients who have not undergone prior ocular surgery.

The choroid in glaucoma.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Prior studies have not conclusively established a relationship between the choroid and glaucoma. The development of an enhanced imaging technique for spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) has allowed for measurements of choroidal thickness that are more accurate than previously possible. Therefore, the SD-OCT may be capable of documenting the changes in the choroid as they relate to glaucoma. RECENT FINDINGS: When applied to the SD-OCT, the technique of enhanced depth imaging allows for reproducible measurements of choroidal thickness. Nine reports have been published about choroidal thickness within the macula, as measured by OCT, in eyes with glaucoma. In six publications, there was no significant difference between the macular choroidal thicknesses of patients with glaucoma compared with those without glaucoma. Additional five studies have reported on peripapillary choroidal thickness in glaucoma patients. Although three of the studies determined that the peripapillary choroid is thinner in glaucoma patients, two others failed to establish this relationship. SUMMARY: The SD-OCT is capable of reproducibly measuring choroidal thickness in the peripapillary and macular areas. In those with glaucoma, choroidal thickness does not change within the macula. In a few subsets of glaucoma, the peripapillary choroid is thinner when compared with normals.

Evidenced-based comparison of aqueous shunts.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review provides an evidence-based comparison of aqueous shunts in common use. RECENT FINDINGS: Aqueous shunts are being used with increasing frequency in the surgical management of glaucoma. Recent retrospective studies and prospective clinical trials have compared the outcomes of different shunt designs. Larger end-plate size is associated with greater intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, but there may be an upper limit beyond which a further increase in plate surface area does not contribute beneficially to pressure control. The biocompatibility of plate material may also influence shunt efficacy. The flow restrictor of the Ahmed glaucoma valve provides an added level of safety by reducing the risk of postoperative hypotony, but this implant also appears to have a higher incidence of bleb encapsulation. SUMMARY: Several aqueous shunts are commercially available, and all have been shown to be safe and effective in lowering IOP. Studies comparing aqueous shunts have provided valuable information to assist in surgical decision-making in similar patient groups.

Effect of pupil dilation on macular choroidal thickness measured with spectral domain optical coherence tomography in normal and glaucomatous eyes.

To compare choroidal thickness before and after pupil dilation. Macular subfoveal, nasal, temporal and average choroidal thicknesses were measured in one eye of 17 healthy individuals and 40 glaucoma patients using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography before and after pupil dilation. Comparisons were made between pre- and post-dilation measurements, and between normal and glaucomatous eyes. No statistically significant differences were found between pre- and post-dilation choroidal thickness measurements both in normal (p = 0.361 for subfoveal, 0.760 for nasal, 0.941 for temporal, 0.881 for average) and glaucomatous eyes (p = 0.687 for subfoveal, 0.340 for nasal, 0.913 for temporal, and 0.642 for average). After adjusting for age, the comparison between normal and glaucomatous eyes showed no significant differences in measurements both before (p = 0.701-0.907) and after pupil dilation (p = 0.757-0.988). Similar results were obtained for measurements unadjusted for age. Measurements obtained under the two conditions correlated well in normal (r = 0.92-0.97, p < 0.001) and in glaucomatous eyes (r = 0.84-0.98, p < 0.001). Bland-Altman analyses showed good agreements between them in both groups of eyes, with mean difference ranges of 0.43-2.86 and 0.39-3.08 µm between pre- and post-dilation measurements in normal and glaucomatous eyes, respectively. Subfoveal and average choroidal thickness decreased significantly by 2 µm/year. Each millimeter increase in axial length decreased subfoveal choroidal thickness by 16.5 µm and average thickness by 14.1 µm. Macular choroidal thicknesses measured before and after pupil dilation are comparable and may be used interchangeably without significant discrepancies both in normal and glaucomatous eyes.

Clinical Factors Impacting Outcomes From Failed Trabeculectomy Leading to Glaucoma Drainage Device Implantation and Subsequent Penetrating Keratoplasty.

PRCIS: We evaluated the factors that impacted time from glaucoma drainage implant (GDI) surgery to penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in eyes with previously clear corneas (ie, GDI-first sequence), and that specifically underwent a trabeculectomy before GDI surgery for intraocular pressure (IOP) control. PURPOSE: To describe through an event-triggered data collection method the clinical course and the long-term outcomes of 2 procedures that are commonly performed sequentially in complex clinical situations: GDI surgery and PK. The study investigates the clinical factors associated with the progression to PK and determines the GDI success rate and graft survival. METHODS: A single, tertiary-care center retrospective interventional cases series including patients with a sequential history of trabeculectomy, GDI surgery, and PK from 1999 to 2009. Outcome measures included IOP, visual acuity, graft failure, GDI failure, and time from GDI to PK. RESULTS: Of the eyes, 56% had primary open angle glaucoma. The time from the last trabeculectomy to GDI was 66.5 ± 66.7 months. Of the eyes, 84% received a Baerveldt GDI. Time from GDI to PK was 36.4 ± 28.4 months. IOP at the time of PK was between 5 mm Hg and 21 mm Hg in 90% of eyes. At the last follow-up, 48% of grafts were clear. At 5 years post-PK, 33% of corneal grafts remained clear, whereas 81% of tubes remained functional. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly half of the corneal grafts are clear at the last long-term follow-up. Graft failure occurs at a higher rate than tube failure suggesting that IOP control is only one and possibly not the most important factor in graft survival in eyes with prior glaucoma surgery.

Evaluation and management of glaucoma after keratoprosthesis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the causes and treatment of glaucoma in Boston keratoprosthesis (K-pro) recipients. RECENT FINDINGS: Glaucoma exists in up to three-quarters of patients who undergo K-pro surgery. After K-pro placement, intraocular pressure (IOP) is measured by digital palpation, which has been found to be reliable in trained observers. The onset or progression of glaucoma in K-pro patients should be monitored through visual field testing, direct visualization and structural imaging of the optic nerve. Although medical therapy is an option, one-half to three-quarters of K-pro recipients are surgically managed with a glaucoma drainage device (GDD) or, less commonly, cyclophotocoagulation. SUMMARY: Glaucoma is a common and permanent blinding sequelae of K-pro surgery. In K-pro patients, elevated IOP and changes in the optic nerve head should result in a high index of suspicion for glaucoma. Management is frequently surgical and typically entails placement of a GDD.

Automated Detection of Glaucoma With Interpretable Machine Learning Using Clinical Data and Multimodal Retinal Images.

PURPOSE: To develop a multimodal model to automate glaucoma detection DESIGN: Development of a machine-learning glaucoma detection model METHODS: We selected a study cohort from the UK Biobank data set with 1193 eyes of 863 healthy subjects and 1283 eyes of 771 subjects with glaucoma. We trained a multimodal model that combines multiple deep neural nets, trained on macular optical coherence tomography volumes and color fundus photographs, with demographic and clinical data. We performed an interpretability analysis to identify features the model relied on to detect glaucoma. We determined the importance of different features in detecting glaucoma using interpretable machine learning methods. We also evaluated the model on subjects who did not have a diagnosis of glaucoma on the day of imaging but were later diagnosed (progress-to-glaucoma [PTG]). RESULTS: Results show that a multimodal model that combines imaging with demographic and clinical features is highly accurate (area under the curve 0.97). Interpretation of this model highlights biological features known to be related to the disease, such as age, intraocular pressure, and optic disc morphology. Our model also points to previously unknown or disputed features, such as pulmonary function and retinal outer layers. Accurate prediction in PTG highlights variables that change with progression to glaucoma-age and pulmonary function. CONCLUSIONS: The accuracy of our model suggests distinct sources of information in each imaging modality and in the different clinical and demographic variables. Interpretable machine learning methods elucidate subject-level prediction and help uncover the factors that lead to accurate predictions, pointing to potential disease mechanisms or variables related to the disease.

Descemet's stripping with automated endothelial keratoplasty and glaucoma.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Descemet's stripping with automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) has recently become the preferred surgical procedure replacing penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) for corneal endothelial disorders. However, DSAEK may also be associated with postprocedure intraocular pressure elevation and secondary glaucoma, and presents unique surgical challenges in patients with preexisting glaucoma surgeries. RECENT FINDINGS: The relatively high rate of glaucoma induction or worsening after PKP has significant implications leading to corneal graft failure and irreversible vision loss from glaucomatous optic neuropathy. In contrast, DSAEK, in addition to providing excellent visual outcomes with faster recovery, may provide advantages over PKP with lower risk of serious, vision-threatening glaucoma-related complications. Pupillary block glaucoma, steroid-induced intraocular pressure elevation, and less commonly peripheral anterior synechiae development have been reported after DSAEK. In patients with preexisting glaucoma surgical procedures (trabeculectomy or tube shunts), special attention to techniques (which continue to evolve) are required to perform DSAEK safely and effectively. SUMMARY: As DSAEK continues to gain popularity and advance with more studies performed, our understanding of DSAEK-associated intraocular pressure elevation and secondary glaucoma-related complications will become more complete. Current limited data suggest that DSAEK may be a suitable surgical alternative to PKP in patients with corneal endothelial disease and coexistent glaucoma with or without prior glaucoma procedures with faster recovery and good visual outcomes.

Quantitative and Qualitative Differences in Endothelial Cell Loss Between Endothelium-In Versus Endothelium-Out Loading in Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty.

PURPOSE: This study compares endothelial cell loss (ECL) between donor grafts loaded in the Geuder Glass Cannula and the Coronet EndoGlide made specifically for Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). METHODS: Prestripped tissues using the submerged cornea using backgrounds away (SCUBA) technique were obtained from an eye bank. Donor grafts were loaded with the Geuder Glass Cannula or Coronet DMEK EndoGlide. Grafts were then ejected directly onto a glass slide, stained, and imaged with confocal fluorescent microscopy. Trainable Fiji (ImageJ) segmentation software was used to quantify ECL. RESULTS: Twenty-three total tissue samples were tested. Eleven grafts were loaded using the Geuder, and 12 were loaded with the Coronet. Preloading graft endothelial cell density was comparable between Geuder (2436 ± 581 cells/mm) and Coronet (2577 ± 483 cells/mm) groups with P = 0.56. Other baseline characteristics including donor age and time from death to loading were comparable (P = 0.73 and P = 0.66, respectively). Average ECL was 11.3% ± 3.0% in the Geuder group versus 7.2% ± 7.0% in the Coronet group and not significantly different (P = 0.07). When observing patterns of cell loss, grafts loaded in the Coronet DMEK EndoGlide resulted in more focal forceps grabs and trifold patterns. Grafts loaded with the Geuder Glass Cannula yielded more diffuse stippled stress lines. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest comparable ECL between Geuder (endothelium-out) and Coronet (endothelium-in) DMEK EndoGlide tissue injection techniques. Patterns of ECL in the Coronet group correlated with forceps grabs, but this study suggests that additional manipulation of tissue does not result in higher ECL.

Comparisons of Cornea Cold, a New Corneal Storage Medium, and Optisol-GS.

PURPOSE: This study compares the quality of donor corneal tissue stored in Optisol-GS and Cornea Cold. METHODS: Seventeen pairs of donor corneas were obtained from an eye bank. One of each pair was stored in Cornea Cold or Optisol-GS. Endothelial cell loss (ECL), central corneal thickness (CCT), and endothelial cell density (ECD) were measured at 7 and 21 days of storage. Qualitative metrics were evaluated by using a slit lamp. RESULTS: At days 7 and 21, there were no observed differences in qualitative corneal health of the samples. There were no statistical differences in the mean ECL at 7 and 21 days between the 2 groups (P = 0.07 and P = 0.50, respectively). At 7 days, the mean CCT was 644 ± 52 µm in the Cornea Cold group and 591 ± 64 µm in the Optisol-GS group (P = 0.001). At 21 days, CCT was 714 ± 55 µm in the Cornea Cold group and 708 ± 58 µm in the Optisol-GS group (P = 0.70). The mean ECD was not statistically different between the groups (P = 0.56 at 7 days and P = 0.14 at 21 days). CONCLUSIONS: Storage of corneal donor tissue in the Optisol-GS and Cornea Cold storage media resulted in statistically comparable ECL and ECD for up to 21 days. CCT was higher in Cornea Cold at 7 days, but this discrepancy disappeared at 21 days.

Dosimetric effects of bolus and lens shielding in treating ocular lymphomas with low-energy electrons.

Radiation therapy is an effective treatment for primary orbital lymphomas. Lens shielding with electrons can reduce the risk of high-grade cataracts in patients undergoing treatment for superficial tumors. This work evaluates the dosimetric effects of a suspended eye shield, placement of bolus, and varying electron energies. Film (GafChromic EBT3) dosimetry and relative output factors were measured for 6, 8, and 10 MeV electron energies. A customized 5-cm diameter circle electron orbital cutout was constructed for a 6 × 6-cm applicator with a suspended lens shield (8-mm diameter Cerrobend cylinder, 2.2-cm length). Point doses were measured using a scanning electron diode in a solid water phantom at depths representative of the anterior and posterior lens. Depth dose profiles were compared for 0-mm, 3-mm, and 5-mm bolus thicknesses. At 5 mm (the approximate distance of the anterior lens from the surface of the cornea), the percent depth dose under the suspended lens shield was reduced to 15%, 15%, and 14% for electron energies 6, 8, and 10 MeV, respectively. Applying bolus reduced the benefit of lens shielding by increasing the estimated doses under the block to 27% for 3-mm and 44% for 5-mm bolus for a 6 MeV incident electron beam. This effect is minimized with 8 MeV electron beams where the corresponding values were 15.5% and 18% for 3-mm and 5-mm bolus. Introduction of a 7-mm hole in 5-mm bolus to stabilize eye motion during treatment altered lens doses by about 1%. Careful selection of electron energy and consideration of bolus effects are needed to account for electron scatter under a lens shield.

Delayed-onset isolated central Descemet membrane blister detachment following phacoemulsification.

We report 2 patients who developed delayed-onset isolated central Descemet membrane (DM) blister-like detachment following phacoemulsification. The detachments were not associated with a DM tear or inadvertent injection of fluid under DM, and no fluid tracks from the periphery were present. When the detachments failed to resolve spontaneously over several months, intracameral air or C(3)F(8) gas was injected. In 1 patient, a therapeutic paracentral puncture in DM was also performed to facilitate escape of the entrapped fluid. Although a small residual detachment (confirmed by optical coherence tomography) remained in both cases, the visual acuity improved to 20/25 in 1 patient and 20/30 in the other. We think these unique focal detachments in DM may be associated with an underlying preexisting weakness in the DM attachment to the stroma.

Scleral Patch Graft With a Suture Reinforcement Technique in Surgical Management of Necrotizing Scleritis With Ectasia.

PURPOSE: To describe a technique for reducing and reinforcing scleral thinning in cases of necrotizing scleritis with ectasia. METHODS: Descriptive report of a surgical technique in 2 surgical cases with a video. RESULTS: Successful repair and reduction in uveal prolapse from scleral thinning in 2 cases of necrotizing scleritis with ectasia with a suturing technique using overlapping (weave) compressive suturing over a scleral patch. CONCLUSIONS: In cases of necrotizing scleritis with ectasia in which there is perforation or prolapsing uvea, this technique should be considered.

Trans-scleral Cyclophotocoagulation Curriculum: Lecture and Skills Practice.

INTRODUCTION: Trans-scleral cyclophotocoagulation (TS-CPC) is a laser procedure that is often used in the treatment of end-stage glaucoma and glaucoma that is refractory to medical and surgical treatments. However, formal teaching in proper indications and techniques for TS-CPC can be improved in many institutions. In an effort to standardize TS-CPC teaching, a TS-CPC lecture curriculum and a skills practice session were introduced. METHODS: The lecture and the wet-lab curriculum were developed at the University of Washington to formally teach first- and second-year ophthalmology residents the indications and techniques for TS-CPC. A global rating scale of procedural performance was also developed to assist in evaluating the trained residents on their first three TS-CPC procedures. RESULTS: Since its introduction in 2017, the course has been highly rated by seven residents (five PGY-2 and two PGY-3), with an increase in pre- versus posttest scores, as well as an increase in pre- versus postcurriculum scores for three survey questions regarding curriculum objectives. DISCUSSION: We feel that this course is valuable in improving learner knowledge of and confidence in performing TS-CPC. Knowledge about indications and technical aspects of TS-CPC improved on testing following the curriculum, as did the self-assessed confidence levels of the residents. Furthermore, there were a number of positive descriptive comments made by the residents. We plan to hold this training session every year at our institution.

The effect of the timing of scleral flap suture release on the safety and long-term success of phacotrabeculectomy.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of the timing of the scleral flap suture release on the safety and long-term success of phacotrabeculectomy. DESIGN: Retrospective, nonrandomized chart review. METHODS: We studied 173 eyes of 173 consecutive patients who underwent primary phacotrabeculectomy, with or without intraoperative mitomycin-C, and subsequent scleral flap suture release. RESULTS: Early suture release (<3 weeks) had a lower long-term success rate than late suture release (>3 weeks), with an average follow-up period of 44.8 months. Patients who used mitomycin-C had statistically later suture release than did patients without mitomycin-C. There were nine cases of hypotony, for which independent risk factors were early suture release and the use of mitomycin-C. CONCLUSIONS: Greater long-term success with minimal complications was achieved when scleral flap suture release was performed three weeks after phacotrabeculectomy. Suture release within three weeks after surgery was associated with an increased risk of filtration failure and a higher risk of postoperative complications.

Endophthalmitis Associated With Glaucoma Drainage Implants.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To identify the clinical features, organisms, and treatment outcomes in patients with endophthalmitis associated with glaucoma drainage implants. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective noncomparative case series. RESULTS: Of the 13 patients, exposure occurred in eight eyes, including exposure of the tube in four eyes, exposure of the patch graft in three eyes, and exposure of the plate in one eye. In the remaining five eyes, either recent implant placement or conjunctival revision occurred. The most common organism was Staphylococcus epidermidis (five eyes). Intravitreal antibiotics were administered in all eyes, with the exception of one eye (primary evisceration). Removal of the implant was performed in six eyes and evisceration or enucleation was performed in three eyes. Median pre-infection visual acuity was 20/80 (range: 20/30 to hand motion). Visual acuity at last follow-up was no light perception (five eyes), light perception (two eyes), hand motion (one eye), and better than or equal to 20/200 (five eyes). CONCLUSION: Clinical features associated with endophthalmitis include implant exposure and a history of recent surgery. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most common isolate. Although removal of the implant was performed in many patients, successful treatment was accomplished in some patients without removal. Visual outcomes were generally poor. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2016;47:563-569.].