Comparing refractive outcomes of a standard industry toric IOL calculator using anterior corneal astigmatism and total corneal refractive power.

PURPOSE: To evaluate refractive outcomes for a standard industry calculator using anterior corneal astigmatism or total corneal refractive power. METHODS: This prospective interventional study evaluated the refractive outcomes of 56 eyes using a standard industry calculator (Zeiss ZCalc) and a digital IOL alignment software. After A-constant optimisation the ZCalc was recalculated with two different keratometry values using appropriate refractive indices: anterior corneal astigmatism (ACA) by IOLMaster 700 and total corneal refractive power (TCRP) by Pentacam. The Barrett toric calculator was used as a reference. RESULTS: Undercorrection of 0.04 ± 0.42 D after 1 week and 0.13 ± 0.48 D after 3 months was achieved for the spherical equivalent by using a standard industry calculator. IOL misalignment was 2.8° ± 3.4° using a digital alignment system. For the ZCalc, the mean absolute error could be reduced from 0.19 ± 0.40 D using ACA to 0.04 ± 0.48 D when considering total corneal refractive power (p = 0.06). The Barrett calculator delivered better refractive outcomes than using a standard industry calculator with ACA measurements only (- 0.06 ± 0.43 D; p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Reliable and accurate refractive outcomes in toric IOL calculation were achieved by using the ZCalc calculator. The prediction error for a widely used standard industry toric IOL calculator could be reduced by using measured total corneal refractive power.

[Retinal OCT: Vitreoretinal Interface]. / Netzhaut-OCT: vitreoretinale Grenzfläche.

The gold standard for the assessment of the vitreoretinal interface (VRI) is high resolution OCT. It is therefore essential to select the appropriate scan modalities to detect all morphological changes in different diseases, not only at the VRI, but also in all layers of the retina and in the foveal and parafoveal areas. These can be raster scans, radial scans or "en face" scans. Morphological changes at the VRI and especially in the outer retinal layers are good prognostic factors in high resolution OCT for the success of surgery for vitreomacular interface disorders. The following article gives an overview of current OCT procedures as well as correlations between morphological and functional findings.

[Comparison of Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant versus Intravitreal Ranibizumab as a First-Line Treatment of Macular Oedema due to Retinal Vein Occlusion]. / Vergleich von intravitrealem Dexamethason-Implantat mit intravitrealem Ranibizumab als Erstbehandlung des Makulaödems bei retinalen venösen Gefäßverschlüssen.

PURPOSE: The present study investigated the treatment effect of dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex®, group 1) and anti-VEGF injection (Lucentis®, group 2) in course of macular oedema due to retinal vein occlusion in a retrospective, non-randomised case series. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Group 1 comprised 60 patients (31 with CRVO and 29 with BRVO) and group 2 included 52 patients, 27 with CRVO and 25 with BRVO) and both groups were further treated in case of recurrence. Preoperative and in monthly intervals best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness using SD-OCT (Spectralis, Heidelberg Engineering), intraocular pressure, biomicroscopy status and a fundus photo documentation (Optomap) were evaluated. The primary clinical endpoint was visual acuity 12 months after the first intravitreal therapy, while secondary endpoints included the central retinal thickness change and safety of therapy. RESULTS: In group 1, an increase of BCVA (± standard deviation) of 8.4 (± 1.9) letters was observed in CRVO patients and a gain of 10.7 (± 3.8) letters in BRVO patients after 12 months, while in group 2, an increase of BCVA of 6.9 (± 1.9) letters (CRVO) compared to 12.5 (± 3.7) letters (BRVO) was observed after the same time span. In both groups a significant reduction in retinal thickness was achieved. An increase of intraocular pressure above 5 mmHg was observed in nearly half of the cases In group 1, but was well controlled by conservative antiglaucomatous therapy. We observed a progression of lens opacity in approximately 50 % of the cases in group 1. CONCLUSION: The treatment with Ozurdex compared to Lucentis appears to provide a trend towards a better although not significant visual acuity increase after 12 months in CRVO patients. A similar trend favouring anti-VEGF treatment with Lucentis was seen in patients with BRVO. However, the lens status and age of the patient should be taken into account when considering a treatment with Ozurdex.

Spironolactone in the treatment of central serous chorioretinopathy - a case series.

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) is still poorly understood. An animal model of CSC proved that the mineralocorticoid receptor [1] of the choroid also plays a role in CSC. Since there is still no evidence-based therapy for non-self-limiting CSC, this case series evaluates the effect of oral spironolactone in CSC patients. METHODS: In this interventional, uncontrolled, prospective case series, we present 18 consecutive CSC patients. Patients were treated with spironolactone 25 mg twice daily (Spironolacton AL® 50 mg, ALIUD PHARMA) for up to 12 weeks. Follow-up examinations with BCVA, OCT, and EDI-OCT were performed at 1, 2, and 3 months after starting the treatment. Main outcome measure was a change of subretinal fluid (SRF) (in micrometers) measured by optical coherence tomography. Secondary outcome was a change in central retinal thickness (CRT) (in micrometers) measured by OCT and a change in BCVA. RESULTS: The subretinal fluid (SRF; mean) decreased from 219 µm (baseline) to 100 µm (visit 3) (difference 119 µm). Total central retinal thickness (CRT; mean) decreased from 405 µm before treatment (baseline) to 287 µm after treatment (difference 118 µm). The BCVA (in logMAR; mean) increased from 0.32 at baseline to 0.20 at visit 3. CONCLUSION: Our case series could confirm a positive influence of spironolactone on the course CSC. Longer follow-up with a larger number of cases could provide more data about the long-term efficiency, recurrences, and safety of this well-tolerated and non-invasive treatment option of CSC.

[Functional and morphological correlations in macular hole surgery]. / Funktionelle und morphologische Korrelationen in der Makulaforamen-Chirurgie.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to establish the correlation between functional and morphological aspects before and 12 months after macular hole surgery. METHODS: In this prospective, interventional, consecutive study 16 eyes of 16 patients were included. All eyes received a successful transconjunctival 23-gauge vitrectomy with ILM peeling after initial diagnosis and maximum duration of symptoms of two months. Preoperatively and 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively determinations of best-corrected visual acuity (logMAR), a 10° microperimetry (MP-1) and a spectral-domain based optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) examination were performed. The photoreceptor layer (inner and outer segment, IS/OS) was evaluated based on SD-OCT images and correlated with data assessed by microperimetry analysis in the foveal and parafoveal region. RESULTS: After three months a stabilisation of BCVA with regeneration of the IS/OS line, an improvement of the fixation behaviour and the macular sensitivity could be observed. A significant restitution of the IS/OS line was observed after 12 months. Best corrected visual acuity, mean overall macular sensitivity and fixation improved significantly within the twelve month observation period (p < 0.05). Comparison of patients with at least two lines of visual acuity gain with patients having less than two lines of visual acuity gain 12 months after surgery showed no statistically significant difference in regeneration of the IS/OS integrity in the fovea (p = 0.433), but a difference was seen in the parafoveal region. A postoperative visual acuity gain of at least two lines was significantly more often seen in eyes with postoperative continuous IS/OS line in the parafoveal sectors compared to eyes with persistent IS/OS defects (p < 0.02). CONCLUSION: Correlations of morphological and functional improvements can be observed after successful micro-invasive macular hole surgery. The extent of the preoperative IS/OS defect, particularly in the parafoveal region, is a good predictive parameter for the postoperatively obtained macular sensitivity. The prediction of the postoperative visual acuity should not be made on the basis of a single clinical, anatomic finding.

[Corneal dystrophies in optical coherence tomography]. / Hornhautdystrophien in der optischen Kohärenztomographie.

BACKGROUND: Corneal optical coherence tomography (anterior segment OCT, AS-OCT) is described in the current IC3D classification of corneal dystrophies to be a method for improvement of clinical diagnostics and treatment. OBJECTIVE: In this case series AS-OCT images of corneal dystrophies were analyzed with respect to morphological changes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This was a retrospective imaging and morphological case series with 38 eyes. For image acquisition the corneal module of the high-resolution spectral-domain OCT Zeiss Cirrus HD-5000 platform (Oberkochen, Germany) was employed. The following corneal dystrophies were analyzed: epithelial basement membrane dystrophy, Meesmann corneal dystrophy, Reis-Bücklers corneal dystrophy, granular corneal dystrophy type 1, granular corneal dystrophy type 2 and macular corneal dystrophy. RESULTS: The AS-OCT images showed the typical changes of the dystrophies through hyperreflectivity and hyporeflectivity in the individual corneal layers. The findings in the AS-OCT images correlated well with the histological descriptions in the literature and provided additional information to the slit lamp examination, especially with respect to the exact location of the alterations. CONCLUSION: Corneal AS-OCT imaging seems to be a helpful tool for determination of morphological changes in patients with corneal dystrophies and can facilitate both the diagnostics and surgical treatment decisions.

Comparison of Two Toric IOL Calculation Methods.

PURPOSE: To compare two calculators for toric intraocular lens (IOL) calculation and to evaluate the prediction of refractive outcome. METHODS: Sixty-four eyes of forty-five patients underwent cataract surgery followed by implantation of a toric intraocular lens (Zeiss Torbi 709 M) calculated by a standard industry calculator using front keratometry values. Prediction error, median absolute error, and refractive astigmatism error were evaluated for the standard calculator. The predicted postoperative refraction and toric lens power values were evaluated and compared after postoperative recalculation using the Barrett calculator. RESULTS: We observed a significant undercorrection in the spherical equivalent (0.19 D) by using a standard calculator (p ≤ 0.05). According to the Baylor nomogram and the refractive influence of posterior corneal astigmatism (PCA), undercorrection of the cylinder was lower for patients with WTR astigmatism, because of the tendency of overcorrection. An advantage of less residual postoperative SE, sphere, and cylinder for the Barrett calculator was observed when retrospectively comparing the calculated predicted postoperative refraction between calculators (p ≤ 0.01). CONCLUSION: Consideration of only corneal front keratometric values for toric lens calculation may lead to postoperative undercorrection of astigmatism. The prediction of postoperative refractive outcome can be improved by using appropriate methods of adjustment in order to take PCA into account.

Modern Corneal Eye-Banking Using a Software-Based IT Management Solution.

BACKGROUND: Increasing government legislation and regulations in manufacturing have led to additional documentation regarding the pharmaceutical product requirements of corneal grafts in the European Union. The aim of this project was to develop a software within a hospital information system (HIS) to support the documentation process, to improve the management of the patient waiting list and to increase informational flow between the clinic and eye bank. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After an analysis of the current documentation process, a new workflow and software were implemented in our electronic health record (EHR) system. RESULTS: The software takes over most of the documentation and reduces the time required for record keeping. It guarantees real-time tracing of all steps during human corneal tissue processing from the start of production until allocation during surgery and includes follow-up within the HIS. Moreover, listing of the patient for surgery as well as waiting list management takes place in the same system. CONCLUSION: The new software for corneal eye banking supports the whole process chain by taking over both most of the required documentation and the management of the transplant waiting list. It may provide a standardized IT-based solution for German eye banks working within the same HIS.

[Importance of morphological and functional diagnostics of the vitreoretinal interface]. / Stellenwert morphologischer und funktioneller Diagnostik an der vitreoretinalen Grenzfläche.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is the standard examination for assessment of the vitreoretinal interface (VRI); therefore, it is essential to select the appropriate scan modalities to detect the total amount of morphological changes, not only at the VRI but also in all layers of the retina and in both the foveal and parafoveal areas. For the success of a surgical intervention in the treatment of vitreomacular interface disorders, morphological changes, especially in the outer retinal layers, have been determined to be of prognostic interest in high-resolution OCT. This article gives an overview of current OCT examination procedures as well as correlative aspects of morphological and functional findings.

A comparison of differential pulse and d.c. amperometric detection modes for the liquid chromatographic determination of oxalic acid.

Oxalic acid determinations are made using two modes of electrochemical detection, namely, classical d.c. and differential pulse, after separation by ion-pair, ion exchange high performance liquid chromatography. Peak height ratio plots are constructed and compared for uric acid and oxalic acid mixtures using both electrochemical detection modes. The enhanced selectivity realized by use of the differential pulse electrochemical detection mode is demonstrated.

The determination of oxalic acid in urine by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection.

A system for the determination of oxalic acid in human urine using ion exchange-ion pair, high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLCEC) is described. Urine is acidified with HCl, and excess CaCl2 is added to precipitate oxalate ion. The precipitate is isolated, redissolved in dilute sulfuric acid, and separated on a strong cation exchange column using an acetic acid-solium acetate-tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate mobile phase adjusted to pH 2.8. Using an electrochemical detector at 1.25 volts vs. the saturated calomel electrode (SCE), oxalic acid exhibits a linear dynamic range from 1 to 1000 mg/liter with a detection limit of 0.1 mg/liter. Quantitative data are obtained by the method of standard addition in the clinically significant range from 5 to 40 mg/liter. Percentage recovery for spiked urine samples was 97.8% with a relative standard deviation of 2.5%.

[Femtosecond lasers for cataract and refractive lens surgery]. / Femtosekundenlaser für die Katarakt- und refraktive Linsenchirurgie.

The femtosecond laser technology continues its progress in ophthalmology and now also plays an increasingly important role in lens surgery. Using this technology it is possible to create corneal sections and to perform capsulorhexis and lens fragmentation. There are currently four instruments on the market with more to follow. The individual benefits and also critical issues are presented and the results of current studies are discussed.

[Femtosecond laser-assisted lens surgery depending on interface design and laser pulse energy: results of the first 200 cases]. / Femtosekundenlaser-gestützte Linsenchirurgie abhängig von Interfacedesign und Laserpulsenergie : Ergebnisse der ersten 200 Fälle.

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of femtosecond laser-assisted lens surgery depending on interface design and laser pulse energy settings. METHODS: In this non-randomized, consecutive case series200 eyes underwent femtosecond laser-assisted (LenSx, Alcon) lens surgery between November 2012 and June 2013. Group 1 consisted of 85 eyes with 60 cataracts and 25 refractive lens exchanges (RLE) which were treated with a curved direct contact interface, and group 2 consisting of 115 eyes with 72 cataracts and 43 RLEs treated with a modified interface using an additional soft contact lens (SoftFit™, Alcon) between the corneal surface and the interface. The degree of opacity of the lens in cataract eyes was measured with a Scheimpflug camera. Afterwards, phacoemulsification was performed with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in all eyes. Primary endpoints were the effective phacoemulsification time (EPT), the average laser treatment time and the occurrence of intraoperative complications. RESULTS: The mean EPT in group 1 was 1.62 ± 1.12 s (cataract 1.94 ± 1.31 s, RLE 1.29 ± 1.01 s) and in group 2 the mean EPT was 1.66 ± 0.92 s (cataract 1.98 ± 1.28 s, RLE 1.33 ± 1.22 s, p = 0.32 between groups). The laser treatment lasted on average 48.90 ± 2.45 s (group 1) and 49.70 ± 2.87 s (group 2) with an average lens fragmentation thickness of 3401.48 ± 401.12 µm (all groups). In four cases of group 1, a second applanation of the interface was necessary. Furthermore, one anterior capsule tear, 39 cases of intraoperative wrinkling of the corneal surface and 21 cases in which the corneal incision had to be opened manually were documented in group 1. In group 2 no second applanation of the interface, no anterior capsule tears and no corneal wrinkling but 9 cases with a manual opening of corneal incisions were documented (p < 0.01 between groups). CONCLUSION: The minor intraoperative complications of the femtosecond laser technique investigated could be significantly reduced using an optimized interface and reduced laser pulse energy.

Twelve-month experience with Ozurdex for the treatment of macular edema associated with retinal vein occlusion.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex) alone or in combination with bevacizumab. METHODS: Sixty-four eyes were prospectively investigated. Group 1 (22 central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and 16 branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO)) was treated with Ozurdex alone, and group 2 (14 CRVO and 12 BRVO) was treated with three consecutive bevacizumab injections followed by Ozurdex. Recurrences were treated with Ozurdex only. Patients were seen preoperatively and thereafter in monthly intervals. The primary end point was best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 12 months. RESULTS: In group 1, BCVA improved by 6.6 (±1.7) letters in CRVO and 7.8 (±2.9) in BRVO patients, and in group 2 by 9.8 (±1.0) vs 9.4 (±2.1) letters. A significant difference was only seen between CRVO patients in group 1 and 2 at 12 months (P<0.05). Recurrence after the first Ozurdex injection occurred after 3.8 (CRVO) and 3.5 months (BRVO) in group 1, vs 3.2 and 3.7 months in group 2. Elevated intraocular pressure (>5 mm Hg) was measured in approximately 40% cataract progression requiring surgery in about 50% of eyes after three Ozurdex injections. CONCLUSION: Combined treatment showed slightly better functional outcome for CRVO patients. Increased intraocular pressure and cataract progression was frequent and should be considered when an individual treatment is planned.

[Kearns-Sayre syndrome : a mitochondrial disease (OMIM #530000)]. / Kearns-Sayre-Syndrom : Eine mitochondriale Erkrankung (OMIM #530000).

Kearns-Sayre syndrome is a rare mitochondrial disease which usually occurs sporadically with the presence of ptosis and the clinical triad of chronic progressive external ophthalmoplegia, atypical retinitis pigmentosa and cardiac conduction disorders. We show on the example of a young patient with unexplained atypical acquired ptosis and eye movement disorders, the correct interpretation of the diagnostic findings. Of importance is the early detection of potentially life-threatening complications which can lead to sudden cardiac death.

[Persistent contact lens-associated keratitis]. / Persistierende kontaktlinsenassoziierte Keratitis.

A 43-year-old woman presented with a 2-month history of contact lens-associated keratitis and corneal ulceration on the left eye. Without having isolated the pathogenic agent, a calculated anti-infective and anti-inflammatory therapy had already been administered with no signs of improvement. Filamentous fungi (Acremonium sp) were found in the scraping material and the contact lens solution. A keratoplasty à chaud was necessary despite immediate initiation of pathogen-specific therapy. Early identification of the pathogen via corneal debridement and culturing are standard procedures in order to initiate a specific therapy and prevent ulceration which can threaten the visual outcome.