Management of Reverse Pellucid Type Topography.

PURPOSE: Evaluation of the etiopathogenesis and management of topographic reverse pellucid pattern after rigid intraocular lens (IOL) implantation with wide limbal clear corneal incision (CCI). METHODS: Fifteen eyes with a history of gradual decrease in vision after IOL surgery with at least 6.5-mm CCI were diagnosed with wound dehiscence and were managed with tight resuturation, delayed, and selective suture removal. The improvement in uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuities (UDVA and CDVA, respectively) and refractive errors were analyzed, at least 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Postoperatively, UDVA improved in 13/15 eyes (86.7%), whereas CDVA also improved for at least 2 Snellen lines in 11/15 eyes (73.3%) (P<0.01 for both). In all patients, against-the-rule astigmatism changed to with-the-rule astigmatism pattern and the amount of cylinder decreased as the sutures are removed progressively. Vector analysis of astigmatism showed an arithmetic mean of corrected amount of cylinder of 4.17±2.10 D using manifest refraction data and 4.90±2.83 D using keratometric data at the last follow-up. CONCLUSION: Low visual acuity together with high astigmatism after rigid IOL surgery should prompt the surgeon for considering wound dehiscence that could be managed by careful and deliberate wound revision.

Circular Keratotomy Combined With Wedge Resection in the Management of High Astigmatism After Penetrating Keratoplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of circular keratotomy combined with wedge resection for the management of high astigmatism after penetrating keratoplasty (PK). METHODS: The study included seven eyes of seven patients with previous PK who underwent circular keratotomy combined with wedge resection. The uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), spherical equivalent (SE) refraction, and keratometric powers obtained by corneal topography were evaluated. The power vector method was used to analyze the astigmatic change postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 18.42±8.56 months (range 12-33 months). Uncorrected visual acuity, BCVA, and SE were improved in all eyes postoperatively. The mean preoperative astigmatism reduced from 15.11±5.48 D (range, 10.0-24.4 D) to 4.98±3.01 D (range, 2.2-9.6 D), postoperatively. According to the vector analysis, the overall mean surgically induced astigmatism at last visit was 12.87±6.20 D. The most common complication was the loosening of sutures occurred in five eyes within 2 months. CONCLUSIONS: Circular keratotomy combined with corneal wedge resection is a favorable option for the management of high astigmatism after PK.

Refractive and Corneal Aberrometric Changes After Crescentic Lamellar Wedge Resection in Pellucid Marginal Degeneration.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of crescentic corneal lamellar wedge resection for the treatment of pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD) in improving refractive, visual, and corneal aberrometry. METHODS: The study included 10 eyes of 10 patients who had undergone corneal lamellar wedge resection for PMD. Pellucid marginal degeneration was diagnosed based on the clinical signs and corneal topography. The corneal aberrometry was evaluated with Sirius corneal topography. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 14.1 months (range, 9-24 months). Uncorrected visual acuity was improved in nine eyes and remained unchanged in 1 case, whereas best-corrected visual acuity was improved in all eyes postoperatively. By vector analysis, the overall mean astigmatic drift at the last visit was calculated to be 13.0±6.3 diopters (D). At last visit, significant reductions were found for all aberrometric measurements. However, the differences were not significant for the measurements of trefoil (P=0.189). CONCLUSIONS: Corneal lamellar wedge resection is a favorable surgical option for management of PMD, allowing for improved visual acuity, keratometric cylinder, and corneal aberrations.

A theoretical model for graft punch size calculations to prevent Descemet's membrane folds following deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty.

PURPOSE: The length of Descemet's membrane and donor graft sizes in deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty do not match in very steep corneas, which can lead to Descemet's membrane folds. The aim of this study is to establish a theoretical model for graft size calculations for deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty and evaluate its efficacy for preventing Descemet's membrane folds. METHODS: We calculated the arc diameter of the recipient bed by using the cosine formula and developed a table to aid surgeons in donor punch size selection. To test the usefulness of this formula, we evaluated the development of Descemet's membrane folds in keratoconus patients with very steep corneas (K >60 D). In group 1, deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty surgeries were performed using graft sizes that were determined based on our model (n=31). In group 2, graft sizes were determined based on the empirical judgment of the surgeon without any formal calculation (n=30). RESULTS: Our theoretical calculations demonstrated that the diameter of donor punch sizes needed to prevent Descemet's membrane fold increases when the cornea is steeper, or the trephine size is larger. We tested the efficacy of this model on the clinical outcome of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty. The mean age (28.9 ± 10.1 years vs. 32.8 ± 8.3 years, p=0.11) and preoperative K1 (59.2 ± 9.3 D vs. 58.1 ± 9.4 D, p=0.67), K2 (66.2 ± 6.0 D vs. 65.7 ± 7.4 D, p=0.81), and Km values (62.1 ± 7.7 D vs. 61.8 ± 8.1 D, p=0.88) were similar between the two groups. Three patients developed Descemet's membrane folds in group 2, and none of the patients developed Descemet's membrane folds in group 1. These results supported our theo retical calculations. CONCLUSION: Adjustment of donor graft size based on the calculated arc diameter of the recipient bed reduced the development of Descemet's membrane folds after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty in steep corneas.

Management of ocular complications of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada syndrome (VKH) is a multisystem disorder, characterized by the T-cell-mediated autoimmune process directed against melanocytic antigens in the ocular, nervous, auditory and integumentary systems. The ocular hallmarks of the disease involve severe bilateral panuveitis associated with exudative retinal detachment. CASE REPORT: We report a pediatric case of probable VKH Syndrome with isolated ocular findings, in which bilateral vitritis, papillitis and serous retinal detachments involving the macula with intra-retinal edema and choroideal thickening were detected. INTERVENTION: Subtenon triamcinolone acetonide injection was performed in addition to systemic corticosteroid and cyclosporine treatments. Evolution Prompt improvement was seen in the ocular manifestations of VKH syndrome, which persisted for at least 4 months. Subtenon corticosteroid injection, together with systemic corticosteroid and cytotoxic treatment, prevented the ocular complications of invasive intraocular treatment modalities, and at the same time reduced the systemic corticosteroid dosage. CONCLUSION: We recommend use of ocular invasive treatment modalities in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Syndrome only if the disease progression cannot be controlled. If systemic medications fail to stop the progression of the disease activity, subtenon injections may be considered before intraocular treatment modalities.

Hypotony Maculopathy After Trabeculectomy in a Patient With GAPO Syndrome.

This report describes a case of hypotony maculopathy developing in a patient with GAPO syndrome following a trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (MMC). A 42-year-old man with a diagnosis of GAPO syndrome underwent a trabeculectomy with an MMC application of 0.4 mg/mL for 1 minute. Intraocular pressure was measured at 6 to 8 mmHg during the first weeks after the surgery. A fundus examination then revealed macular choroidal folds, retinal vascular tortuosity, and swelling in the optic nerve. At postoperative 1 month, additional suturing of a bleb was performed; however, the hypotony continued. Postoperative hypotony should be taken into account in patients with GAPO syndrome due to a defective fibrosis process following a trabeculectomy.

LASIK in children with hyperopic anisometropic amblyopia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of LASIK for hyperopia in pediatric eyes with amblyopia resulting from anisometropia. METHODS: Thirty-two children with anisometropic amblyopia in whom conventional therapy was unsuccessful underwent unilateral LASIK between 1999 and 2005. Mean patient age was 10.3 +/- 3.1 years (range: 4 to 15 years), and mean follow-up was 20.1 +/- 15.1 months (range: 12 to 60 months). At the last follow-up examination, spherical equivalent refraction, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), and complications were recorded. RESULTS: Mean preoperative and postoperative manifest spherical equivalent refraction of the treated eyes was 5.17 +/- 1.65 and 1.39 +/- 1.21 diopters (D), respectively (P < .01). Mean UCVA was 0.06 +/- 0.09 (range: 0.01 to 0.5) preoperatively and 0.27 +/- 0.23 (range: 0.05 to 0.8) postoperatively (P < .01). Mean BSCVA was 0.20 +/- 0.17 (range: 0.01 to 0.8) preoperatively and 0.35 +/- 0.25 (range: 0.1 to 1.0) postoperatively (P < .01). Six eyes gained > or = 4 lines of BSCVA, 4 eyes gained 2 to 3 lines, 12 eyes gained 1 line, and 9 eyes were unchanged; only 1 eye lost 1 line of BSCVA due to haze in the flap-stroma interface. None of the patients reported halos or glare. There were no intraoperative or postoperative flap complications. CONCLUSIONS: LASIK seems to be an effective and safe procedure for the management of hyperopic anisometropic amblyopia in select cases. Visual acuity improved in the amblyopic eyes and was associated with decreased anisometropia. The refractive response to hyperopic LASIK in children appears to be similar to that of adults with comparable refractive errors.

Complicated flap creation with femtosecond laser after radial keratotomy.

PURPOSE: To report a case of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) that used the Intralase femtosecond laser 14 years after radial keratotomy (RK) for residual myopic astigmatism. METHODS: A 39 year-old male patient had undergone a bilateral RK operation for myopic correction. The manifest refraction was -1.25 -3.00 x 175 D, with uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) of 20/50 and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/20. The central and thinnest pachymetry measurements were 582 and 576 mum, respectively, by Orbscan II. RESULTS: Intralase was used for LASIK, and initially, a loss of suction was seen during flap formation. The flap could be created again at the same intracorneal plane. During flap lifting, the RK incisions were separated, and one of the RK incisions progressed to the corneal center with the force applied by the blunt spatula. No piece was separated completely from the flap. Excimer laser treatment and flap repositioning could be done without any problems. At the fifth postoperative month, his UCVA was 20/20. All RK incisions seemed well aligned. There was no haze or epithelial ingrowth. CONCLUSIONS: This case showed that the Intralase femtosecond laser not only has no unique benefit as opposed to the mechanical keratome for post-RK eyes but also can lead to serious complications. We recommend that femtosecond laser flap formation not be used in post-RK eyes.

360-Degree Iris Burns Following Conductive Keratoplasty.

PURPOSE: The authors report a case with multiple iris burns after conductive keratoplasty to correct hyperopia. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 52-year-old woman with hyperopia had a previous conductive keratoplasty procedure and underwent a conductive keratoplasty re-treatment 6 months later. Postoperatively, she presented with 360-degree iris burns in both eyes that were correlated with the corneal conductive keratoplasty scars. In addition, specular microscopy revealed decreased endothelial cell density for both eyes. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first reported case of iris burns associated with conductive keratoplasty. [J Refract Surg. 2016;32(11):776-778.].

Intraoperative complications in intumescent cataract surgery using a phaco capsulotomy technique.

PURPOSE: To evaluate intraoperative complications of a modified phaco capsulotomy technique and the ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD)-assisted capsulorhexis in eyes with intumescent white cataract. SETTING: Lütfi Kirdar Kartal Eye Training and Research Hospital, Department of Ophthalmology, Istanbul, Turkey. DESIGN: Comparative randomized case study. METHODS: Eyes of patients with intumescent white cataract were divided into 2 equal groups. After the anterior capsule was stained with trypan blue, Group 1 received a modified phaco capsulotomy technique and Group 2 received a high-viscosity OVD-assisted capsulorhexis. The OVD used was sodium hyaluronate 2.0% (Protectalon 2.0%) Main outcomes were the capsulorhexis diameters, the deviations from the target diameter, and intraoperative complications. RESULTS: Eighty eyes of 80 patients were enrolled. There was a deviation from the target capsulorhexis diameter in 15 eyes (11 oversized, 4 undersized) in Group 1 and in 20 eyes (16 oversized, 6 undersized) in Group 2. Capsule tears during capsulorhexis were observed in 2 eyes in Group 1, and the surgery was changed to extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) in 1 eye. In Group 2, capsule tears during capsulorhexis occurred in 22 eyes and 20 of these were managed with ECCE. CONCLUSION: The modified phaco capsulotomy technique might reduce the risk for capsule tear during capsulorhexis, leading to safe cataract surgery in cases of intumescent cataracts. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: None of the authors has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

A theoretical model for graft punch size calculations to prevent Descemets membrane folds following deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty / Modelo teórico para cálculos do tamanho de punção de enxerto para evitar dobras na membrana de Descemet após ceratoplastia lamelar anterior profunda

ABSTRACT Purpose: The length of Descemet's membrane and donor graft sizes in deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty do not match in very steep corneas, which can lead to Descemet's membrane folds. The aim of this study is to establish a theoretical model for graft size calculations for deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty and evaluate its efficacy for preventing Descemet's membrane folds. Methods: We calculated the arc diameter of the recipient bed by using the cosine formula and developed a table to aid surgeons in donor punch size selection. To test the usefulness of this formula, we evaluated the development of Descemet's membrane folds in keratoconus patients with very steep corneas (K >60 D). In group 1, deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty surgeries were performed using graft sizes that were determined based on our model (n=31). In group 2, graft sizes were determined based on the empirical judgment of the surgeon without any formal calculation (n=30). Results: Our theoretical calculations demonstrated that the diameter of donor punch sizes needed to prevent Descemet's membrane fold increases when the cornea is steeper, or the trephine size is larger. We tested the efficacy of this model on the clinical outcome of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty. The mean age (28.9 ± 10.1 years vs. 32.8 ± 8.3 years, p=0.11) and preoperative K1 (59.2 ± 9.3 D vs. 58.1 ± 9.4 D, p=0.67), K2 (66.2 ± 6.0 D vs. 65.7 ± 7.4 D, p=0.81), and Km values (62.1 ± 7.7 D vs. 61.8 ± 8.1 D, p=0.88) were similar between the two groups. Three patients developed Descemet's membrane folds in group 2, and none of the patients developed Descemet's membrane folds in group 1. These results supported our theo retical calculations. Conclusion: Adjustment of donor graft size based on the calculated arc diameter of the recipient bed reduced the development of Descemet's membrane folds after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty in steep corneas.

RESUMO Objetivo: O comprimento da membrana de Descemet e o tamanho do enxerto doador na ceratoplastia lamelar anterior profunda não coincidem em córneas muito íngremes, o que pode levar às dobras da membrana de Descemet. O objetivo deste estudo é estabelecer um modelo teórico para cálculo do tamanho do enxerto para ceratoplastia lamelar anterior profunda e avaliar a sua eficácia na prevenção de dobras da membrana de Descemet. Métodos: Calculamos o diâmetro do arco do leito receptor usando a fórmula do cosseno e desenvolvemos uma tabela para auxiliar os cirurgiões na seleção do tamanho da punção no doador. Para testar a utilidade dessa fórmula, avaliamos o desenvolvimento das dobras da membrana de Descemet em pacientes com ceratocone com córneas muito íngremes (K>60D). No grupo 1, foram realizadas cirurgias de ceratoplastia lamelar anterior profunda, utilizando tamanhos de enxerto que foram determinados com base em nosso modelo (n=31). No grupo 2, os tamanhos dos enxertos foram determinados com base no julgamento empírico do cirurgião sem qualquer cálculo formal (n=30). Resultados: Nossos cálculos teóricos demonstraram que o diâmetro dos tamanhos da punção do doador necessários para evitar as dobras na membrana de Descemet aumenta quando a córnea é mais íngreme ou o tamanho da trefina é maior. Testamos a eficácia deste modelo no resultado clínico da ceratoplastia lamelar anterior profunda. A média de idade (28,9 ± 10,1 anos vs. 32,8 ± 8,3 anos, p=0,11) e K1 pré-operatório (59,2 ± 9,3 D vs. 58,1 ± 9,4 D, p=0,67), K2 (66,2 ± 6,0 D vs. 65,7 ± 7,4) D, p=0,81) e Km (62,1 ± 7,7 D vs. 61,8 ± 8,1 D, p=0,88) foram semelhantes entre os dois grupos. Três pacientes desenvolve ram dobras na membrana de Descemet no grupo 2, e nenhum dos pacientes desenvolveu dobras na membrana de Descemet no grupo 1. Estes resultados apoiam nossos cálculos teóricos. Conclusão: O ajuste do tamanho do enxerto doador com base no diâmetro do arco calculado do leito receptor reduziu o desenvolvimento das dobras na membrana de Descemet após ceratoplastia lamelar anterior profunda em córneas íngremes.

Long-term outcomes of intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation for post-LASIK ectasia.

PURPOSE: To report the long-term results of intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS) for postoperative LASIK ectasia. METHOD: In this retrospective interventional cases series, 8 eyes of 6 patients who underwent femtosecond laser-assisted ICRS implantation for post-LASIK ectasia were enrolled. Main outcome measures were uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), spherical equivalent refraction, and average keratometry (Kavg) values were assessed. RESULTS: Mean±SD follow-up was 67±21 months (range, 36-96 months). The mean UDVA, CDVA, spherical equivalent refraction, and Kavg values were significantly improved at all postoperative visits when compared to baseline values. No serious complications were observed during follow-up. CONCLUSION: Our long-term findings showed that ICRS yielded improvements in visual acuity, refractive status, and keratometric values without any progression in cases with post-LASIK corneal ectasia.

Corneal collagen crosslinking for ectasia after laser in situ keratomileusis: long-term results.

PURPOSE: To report the long-term results of corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) treatment for post-laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) ectasia. SETTINGS: Turkiye Hospital Eye Clinic and Fatih University Medical Faculty, Department of Ophthalmology, Istanbul, Turkey. DESIGN: Retrospective case series study. METHODS: Consecutive patients with ectasia after LASIK were treated with CXL. The main outcome measures were uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuities, spherical and cylindrical refractions, and simulated keratometry (K) values. RESULTS: The study enrolled 20 eyes (14 patients; 7 women) with a mean age of 34.8 years ± 6.0 (SD) (range 25 to 45 years) and mean follow-up of 42 months (range 36 to 60 months). The UDVA and CDVA improved significantly, from 0.78 ± 0.61 logMAR to 0.53 ± 0.36 logMAR (P=.007) and from 0.27 ± 0.23 logMAR to 0.19 ± 0.13 logMAR, respectively (P≤.028). No eye lost 1 or more Snellen lines of UDVA or CDVA. Although the mean spherical refraction was not significantly different at the last visit (P=.074), the mean cylindrical refraction decreased significantly (P=.036). The maximum K value decreased from 46.0 ± 4.4 diopters (D) at baseline to 45.6 ± 3.8 D at the last visit (P=.013). By the last visit, the maximum K value decreased (≥1.0 D) in 5 eyes and remained stable in 15 eyes. No serious complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Corneal collagen crosslinking yielded long-term stability in cases with post-LASIK corneal ectasia without significant side effects. Improvements in visual acuity, cylindrical refraction, and maximum K values occurred. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Same-day intrastromal corneal ring segment and collagen cross-linking for ectasia after laser in situ keratomileusis: long-term results.

PURPOSE: To report the long-term results of combined same-day intrastromal corneal ring segment placement and corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) for postoperative laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) ectasia. DESIGN: Retrospective, interventional case series. METHOD: This retrospective, interventional cases series was performed in Turkiye Hospital Eye Clinic and the Department of Ophthalmology, Fatih University Medical Faculty Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. Sixteen eyes of 14 patients with postoperative ectasia after LASIK were enrolled. All consecutive patients were treated with femtosecond laser-assisted intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation and followed by same-day corneal collagen cross-linking for ectasia occurring after LASIK. Main outcome measures included uncorrected distance visual acuity, corrected distance visual acuity, spherical and cylindrical refraction, and simulated keratometry values. RESULTS: The mean age ± standard deviation of the 10 women and 4 men was 33.0 ± 6.5 years (range, 23 to 44 years), and the mean follow-up was 43 months (range, 36 to 62 months). The uncorrected distance visual acuity improved significantly from 1.18 ± 0.42 logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) units to 0.44 ± 0.22 logMAR (P < .001), and the corrected distance visual acuity improved significantly from 0.46 ± 0.26 logMAR to 0.21 ± 0.14 logMAR (P < .001). The mean spherical and cylindrical refraction decreased significantly (P < .001 for both). The maximum keratometry value decreased from baseline by 49.3 ± 4.9 diopters (D) to 43.9 ± 2.8 D at the last visit, and the minimum keratometry value decreased from 44.3 ± 4.7 D to 41.5 ± 3.5 D (P < .001 for both). No serious complications were shown during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Implantation of intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation combined with same-day corneal collagen cross-linking was a safe and effective treatment for ectasia occurring after LASIK. It also significantly improved the visual acuity, refraction, and keratometry values.

Comparison of intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation only and in combination with collagen crosslinking for keratoconus.

OBJECTIVE: To compare visual outcomes, corneal astigmatism, and keratometric readings in patients with progressive keratoconus undergoing intrastromal corneal ring implantation (ICRSI) only and in combination with ultraviolet A riboflavin mediated corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL).
 METHODS: In this retrospective comparative study, there were 2 groups of keratoconus patients. Group 1 consisted of only ICRSI patients. Group 2 consisted of combined ICRSI-CXL patients. Preoperative and postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCDVA) and best-corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA), spherical error, cylindrical error, and mean keratometry were compared.
 RESULTS: The study evaluated 166 eyes of 121 patients with a mean age of 24.74 years. The UCDVA improved from 0.24 to 0.37 in group 1 and from 0.24 to 0.42 in group 2 at the last visit. The BCDVA improved from 0.34 to 0.62 in group 1 and from 0.31 to 0.67 in group 2. Spherical error decreased from -5.05 D to -1.65 D in group 1 and from -4.82 D to -1.52 D in group 2. Cylindrical error decreased from -6.06 D to -3.47 D in group 1 and from -5.66 D to -3.20 D in group 2. Mean keratometry values decreased from 51.89 D to 47.96 D in group 1 and from 50.89 D to 46.91 D in group 2. p Value was >0.05 in group comparisons. Ring explantation due to corneal melting was applied in 3 eyes.
 CONCLUSION: Both combined ICRSI-CXL and ICRSI-only groups experienced favorable outcomes, without statistical difference in any studied effect of both treatment strategies.

Intracorneal ring implantation using Intralase® with partial coverage of the cone in a patient after an alkaline injury.

PURPOSE: To report the use of intracorneal ring segment (ICRS) implantation in a case of severe corneal thinning and irregularity secondary to alkali burn. CASE REPORT: A 33-year-old man who had a history of ocular alkali burn in the right eye was admitted. His best corrected visual acuity was 0.16 with manifest refraction of +5.00 (-7.00 × 180°). Orbscan II(®) revealed steepening of >53 D superiorly, excessive thinning inferiorly with thinnest pachymetric reading of 269 µm. Two KeraRing(®) segments, 200 µm thick and 90° arced, were implanted. During intrastromal channel creation by Intralase(®), the inferior half of the applanating cone was covered by a gelatinous paper to prevent the penetration of the laser beam into the anterior chamber. In the first year postoperation, best corrected visual acuity was 0.7 with manifest refraction of +1.50 (-3.50 × 35°). Visante(®) opticial coherence tomography displayed ICRS at a depth of <370 µm. CONCLUSION: ICRS implantation with this novel approach may be an option in eyes with severe corneal irregularity and thinning.

Intracorneal inlay to correct presbyopia: Long-term results.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term visual results of Acufocus ACI-7000 (now Kamra) intracorneal inlay implantation in presbyopic phakic patients. SETTING: Beyoglu Eye Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. DESIGN: Clinical trial. METHODS: This study comprised patients with emmetropic or post-laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) presbyopia. Patients had an uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA) of 20/40 or worse, correctable to 20/25 or better at distance. The inlay was implanted on the stromal bed after the LASIK flap was relifted or a flap created. The inlay was centered on the presurgical position of the first Purkinje reflex. The main outcome measures were distance and near vision and the complication rate. RESULTS: The study enrolled 39 patients aged 45 to 60 years. At the 4-year follow-up, all patients (N = 22) had 2 or more lines of improvement in UNVA with no significant loss in distance vision. The mean final UNVA was 20/20 (Jaeger [J1]); 96% of patients could read J3 or better. The uncorrected distance acuity was 20/40 or better in all eyes. Five patients had cataract progression, and 2 had a change in refractive status. No eye with an intracorneal inlay had intraoperative complications during cataract extraction. Four inlays were explanted during the study. There were no severe corneal complications that affected final vision. CONCLUSION: Intracorneal inlay implantation was an effective, safe, and reversible procedure for the long-term surgical treatment of presbyopia.

Combined Kerarings and Artisan/Artiflex IOLs in Keratectasia.

PURPOSE:To evaluate the results of combined intracorneal ring (Keraring, Mediphacos Ltd) and anterior chamber, iris-fixated, phakic intraocular lens (pIOL) (Artisan and Artiflex, Ophtec BV) implantation in patients with ectatic corneal conditions and secondary high myopic and astigmatic refractive error. METHODS:Ten eyes of eight consecutive patients with different ectatic corneal diseases underwent sequential intracorneal Keraring and iris-fixated pIOL implantation. Two eyes with keratoconus, one eye with pellucid marginal degeneration, and one eye with iatrogenic corneal ectasia were implanted with the Artisan pIOL; six eyes with keratoconus were implanted with the Artiflex pIOL. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE), topographic findings, and complications were recorded. RESULTS:Mean UDVA improved from 0.02+/-0.10 pre-operatively to 0.11+/-0.06 after Keraring implantation and to 0.54+/-0.18 after pIOL implantation (P<.001 for all). Mean CDVA improved from 0.18+/-0.12 preoperatively to 0.39+/-0.13 after Keraring implantation and to 0.66+/-0.18 after pIOL implantation (P<.001 for all). Mean MRSE reduced from -12.50+/-6.31 D preoperatively to +/-12.08+/-5.17 D after Keraring implantation (P=.10) and to -0.10+/-0.84 D after pIOL implantation (P<.001). No intra- or postoperative complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS:Sequential intracorneal Keraring segments and Artisan/Artiflex pIOL implantation resulted in visual and refractive improvements in patients with different corneal ectatic conditions with high myopic refractive errors.

Lift and crack technique for risky cataract cases.

UNLABELLED: We describe a technique to manage dense cataract cases. After a capsulorhexis of 6.0 to 7.0 mm diameter has been created, the phaco tip is inserted into the nucleus centrally and high vacuum is used to lift the nucleus and elevate it with a tilt to protrude outside the capsular bag distally. The chopper is used to segment the nucleus centripetally, starting from the lens equator or just behind, without applying stress to the capsular bag or zonules. Further phacoemulsification is maintained by holding the nucleus centrally and chopping it into smaller triangular sectoral pieces. In this horizontal chopping technique, which is done just outside the capsular bag, grasping the nucleus in the center and elevating it with high vacuum instead of depressing one edge of the nucleus to elevate the other edge prevents additional stress to the capsule and zonules. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: Neither author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.