Non-topography-guided PRK combined with CXL for the correction of refractive errors in patients with early stage keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and clinical outcome of combined non-topography-guided photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) for the treatment of mild refractive errors in patients with early stage keratoconus. METHODS: A retrospective, nonrandomized study of patients with early stage keratoconus (stage 1 or 2) who underwent simultaneous non-topography-guided PRK and CXL. All patients had at least 2 years of follow-up. Data were collected preoperatively and postoperatively at the 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year follow-up visit after combined non-topography-guided PRK and CXL. RESULTS: Seventy-nine patients (140 eyes) were included in the study. Combined non-topography-guided PRK and CXL induced a significant improvement in both visual acuity and refraction. Uncorrected distance visual acuity significantly improved from 0.39 ± 0.22 logMAR before combined non-topography-guided PRK and CXL to 0.12 ± 0.14 logMAR at the last follow-up visit (P <.001) and corrected distance visual acuity remained stable (0.035 ± 0.062 logMAR preoperatively vs 0.036 ± 0.058 logMAR postoperatively, P =.79). The mean spherical equivalent decreased from -1.78 ± 1.43 to -0.42 ± 0.60 diopters (D) (P <.001), and the mean cylinder decreased from 1.47 ± 1.10 to 0.83 ± 0.55 D (P <.001). At the last follow-up visit mean keratometry flat was 43.30 ± 1.75 vs 45.62 ± 1.72 D preoperatively (P = .03) and mean keratometry steep was 44.39 ± 3.14 vs 46.53 ± 2.13 D preoperatively (P = .02). Mean central corneal thickness decreased from 501.74 ± 13.11 to 475.93 ± 12.25 µm following combined non-topography-guided PRK and CXL (P < .001). No intraoperative complications occurred. Four eyes developed mild haze that responded well to a short course of topical steroids. No eye developed infectious keratitis. CONCLUSIONS: Combined non-topography-guided PRK and CXL is an effective and safe option for correcting mild refractive error and improving visual acuity in patients with early stable keratoconus.

New technique of intracorneal ring segments suturing after migration.

PURPOSE: To describe a new technique for suturing of the intracorneal ring segments to stabilize it in the proper location and to prevent recurrent displacement of the ring. METHODS: Two patients with recurrent ring segment migration toward the incision were treated with this new surgical technique between 2010 and 2013. The first case had Intacs ring (Addition Technology, Fremont, CA) and migration occurred 2 months after implantation. The second case had Keraring segment (Mediphacos, Belo Horizonte, Brazil) and migration occurred 1 week postoperatively. The ring segments were fixated to the cornea with a 10-0 nylon suture through the channel. The suture was removed at 1 month postoperatively. RESULTS: Ring segments remained in the desired location with a follow-up period of at least 6 months after implantation. CONCLUSIONS: This newly described ring suturing technique is an effective procedure that can be used to treat ring segment migration in the channel.

New technique of intracorneal ring segments suturing after migration.

PURPOSE: To describe a new technique for suturing of the intracorneal ring segments to stabilize it in the proper location and to prevent recurrent displacement of the ring. METHODS: Two patients with recurrent ring segment migration toward the incision were treated with this new surgical technique between 2010 and 2013. The first case had Intacs ring (Addition Technology, Fremont, CA) and migration occurred 2 months after implantation. The second case had Keraring segment (Mediphacos, Belo Horizonte, Brazil) and migration occurred 1 week postoperatively. The ring segments were fixated to the cornea with a 10-0 nylon suture through the channel. The suture was removed at 1 month postoperatively. RESULTS: Ring segments remained in the desired location with a follow-up period of at least 6 months after implantation. CONCLUSIONS: This newly described ring suturing technique is an effective procedure that can be used to treat ring segment migration in the channel.

Public perception of laser-assisted blepharoplasty versus blade-assisted blepharoplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate perceptions of blade- versus laser-based blepharoplasty before and after being provided educational information. METHODS: This interventional pre-post study included 145 randomly selected participants (Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital, Montreal, Canada, August 2020) who were asked about their perceptions surrounding blepharoplasty. Participants then received information about the techniques before answering final questions. RESULTS: Participants perceived no difference in outcomes for blade (37%) versus laser (40%) blepharoplasty precounselling. This increased to laser blepharoplasty postintervention (56%, p < 0.001) despite being told that there was no difference in outcomes. The higher the level of education among participants, the more likely they were to correctly believe that both techniques had similar outcomes (p = 0.049). Most participants would choose laser blepharoplasty initially (64%), and this percentage increased postintervention (81%, p < 0.001). The preintervention perception of blade blepharoplasty recovery time (20.1 ± 32.6 days) was longer than that for laser blepharoplasty (13.5 ± 32.0 days, p = 0.01) and increased for both techniques postintervention (p < 0.001). Perceived pain was lower for laser blepharoplasty. Postintervention, participants responded that additional costs of ($975 ± $1,091) would justify laser over blade blepharoplasty. CONCLUSION: Elucidating patient perceptions and preferences for blade- versus laser-based blepharoplasty provides surgeons with perspective on how to tailor preoperative counselling. Before and after the intervention, participants had a bias toward choosing laser blepharoplasty. The intervention seems to falsely convince people that laser blepharoplasty leads to better outcomes. Because the doctor's advice can greatly impact patients' decisions, physicians have to be careful not to give false expectations when counselling patients. Inaccurate recall of key educational takeaways suggests that information should be vulgarized and delivered actively to patients.

Bromfenac 0.09% for the Treatment of Macular Edema Secondary to Noninfectious Uveitis.

PURPOSE: The topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug bromfenac 0.09% has a potential benefit in uveitic macular edema (UME) with a safe side effect profile. The aim of the study is to assess the efficacy of bromfenac sodium solution in the treatment of UME. METHODS: The charts of 10 patients with macular edema due to noninfectious uveitis treated with bromfenac 0.09% were reviewed retrospectively. The main outcomes studied were the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and the central retinal thickness (CRT) compared 4 months before bromfenac initiation, at the time of its initiation, and 4 months later. RESULTS: Twelve eyes of 10 patients were included. BCVA and CRT were unchanged 4 months befoew bromfenac compared to the time of bromfenac initiation (P = 1.0 and P = 0.2, respectively). There were a significant improvement in BCVA after 4 months of bromfenac treatment (P = 0.043) and a significant decrease in CRT (P = 0.002). Subretinal fluid resolved completely in 8/9 eyes, and 4/9 eyes had a complete resolution of cystoid macular edema at 4 months. CONCLUSION: Bromfenac may be a useful addition to the treatment of UME.

Five-Year Results of Combined Small-Aperture Corneal Inlay Implantation and LASIK for the Treatment of Hyperopic Presbyopic Eyes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of simultaneous laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and small-aperture corneal inlay (KAMRA; AcuFocus, Inc) implantation in hyperopic presbyopic eyes at 5 years postoperatively. METHODS: This was a retrospective single-center study of patients with hyperopia and presbyopia who underwent simultaneous LASIK and corneal inlay implantation by two experienced refractive surgeons. These patients were regularly observed for 5 years and evaluated with serial corneal tomographies and refractive assessments for uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA), uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), distance-corrected near visual acuity (DCNVA), and manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE). RESULTS: Twenty-four eyes of 24 patients were included. Mean age was 53.63 ± 4.11 years (range: 47 to 63 years) and mean preoperative MRSE was +1.52 ± 0.64 diopters (D) (range: +0.50 to +3.00 D). UNVA was 0.04 ± 0.06 logMAR at 1 month and 0.02 ± 0.05 logMAR (J1+ equivalent) at 5 years postoperatively. In comparison, preoperative DCNVA was 0.44 ± 0.20 (J5/J6 equivalent) (P < .001). At 5 years postoperatively, UDVA was 0.16 ± 0.18 logMAR (20/30 Snellen equivalent), and 23 of 24 eyes (95.8%) had UNVA of J3 or better. Two eyes (8.3%) lost one line of CDVA. One corneal inlay needed readjustment but none were explanted. Eight eyes (25%) developed regression in UNVA with hyperopic shift, which responded to a 3- to 4-month course of topical steroids, with 3 eyes showing patchy haze on the undersurface of the corneal inlay. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous LASIK and KAMRA inlay implantation, evaluated for 5 years postoperatively, shows some efficacy and predictability in improving UDVA and UNVA in hyperopic presbyopic eyes. However, late-onset regression with hyperopic shift, possible loss of CDVA, and occasional haze remain challenges. [J Refract Surg. 2020;36(8):498-505.].

Epithelial Erosions and Refractive Results After Single-Step Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy and Alcohol-Assisted Photorefractive Keratectomy in Myopic Eyes: A Comparative Evaluation Over 12 Months.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the epithelial erosion incidence and refractive results in myopic eyes undergoing single-step transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (TransPRK) compared with alcohol-assisted photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). METHODS: This was a retrospective nonrandomized comparative study conducted at the American University of Beirut Medical Center. A total of 189 eyes that had undergone single-step transepithelial PRK (TransPRK) were compared with 189 matched eyes that had undergone alcohol-assisted PRK over a follow-up of 1 year. The incidence and symptoms of epithelial erosion were evaluated in both treatment groups using a post hoc questionnaire administered to patients selected in the study. Visual and refractive outcomes, including vector analysis of astigmatism, and corneal higher-order aberrations were also compared at 1-year postoperatively. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar between 2 groups (P > 0.05). A slight difference was detected at 12-month follow-up in the refractive cylinder (P = 0.02) and difference vector (P = 0.01) between eyes that had undergone TransPRK versus alcohol-assisted PRK. All other visual and refractive outcomes were similar at 12-month follow-up between both groups. Of note, 9.9% of patients with alcohol-assisted PRK (10/101) reported to the clinic because of tearing and stabbing sensation within 1 week after contact lens removal as opposed to 1% (1/100) of the TransPRK group (P = 0.0097). Subclinical recurrent epithelial erosion symptoms occurred more frequently in alcohol-assisted PRK: soreness to touch, sharp pains, and eyelid sticking occurred in 26.0% versus 6.6%, 32.5% versus 7.9%, and 26.0% versus 6.6% among the patients who were treated with alcohol-assisted PRK versus those who were treated with TransPRK, respectively (P ≤ 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Single-step TransPRK for myopic eyes yields refractive results similar to those of alcohol-assisted PRK but shows a lesser incidence of early postoperative epithelial erosions and subsequent subclinical recurrent erosions.

Refractory interface haze developing after epithelial ingrowth following laser in situ keratomileusis and small aperture corneal inlay implantation.

PURPOSE: To report the occurrence and the management of refractory interface haze that developed after epithelial ingrowth following small aperture inlay implantation. OBSERVATIONS: A 52 year-old man with sub-clinical anterior basement membrane dystrophy (ABMD) underwent combined hyperopic laser in situ keratomileusis and KAMRA corneal inlay implantation to correct presbyopia. Post-operatively, epithelial ingrowth developed requiring debridement and KAMRA removal. Significant diffuse interface haze, ground-glass in texture, involving the central 6 mm of the cornea developed the next day, and was refractory to topical and systemic steroids, necessitating flap irrigation, gentle scraping, and MMC application to the residual stromal bed after 12 days. The interface haze gradually improved to near complete resolution over 12-months. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: Epithelial ingrowth can lead to flap interface haze refractory to medical therapy. Early surgical intervention is key to haze resolution.

Limbal Stem Cell-Sparing Corneoscleroplasty with Peripheral Intralamellar Tuck: A New Surgical Technique for Keratoglobus.

PURPOSE: To describe the technique of limbal stem cell-sparing corneoscleroplasty for the management of advanced keratoglobus. METHODS: A patient with bilateral advanced keratoglobus, with best-corrected visual acuity of 20/400 in the right eye and 20/200 in the left eye, underwent limbal stem cell-sparing corneoscleroplasty of the right eye. Initially, a 360-degree limbal incision with 200-µm depth was created, followed by a sublimbal tunnel dissection into the sclera, in order to conserve stem cells. Next, a limbus-to-limbus lamellar keratectomy at 200-µm depth was performed. Meanwhile, a donor corneoscleral button with preserved endothelium of the central 8 mm was fashioned. Prior to suturing the donor corneoscleral graft using a modified suturing technique to cover its scleral component, a full-thickness trephination of 8-mm diameter was completed in the central host cornea. RESULTS: Reepithelialization occurred within the first week. No episodes of rejection, intraocular pressure spikes, or epithelial breakdown were observed postoperatively. At the 6-month follow-up, the patient had 20/70 best-corrected vision and a smooth cornea with regular astigmatism on topography. CONCLUSION: Limbal stem cell-sparing corneoscleroplasty is a single-step technique for restoring the structural integrity of the cornea in advanced keratoglobus while preserving the host limbal stem cells.

Single-step transepithelial versus alcohol-assisted photorefractive keratectomy in the treatment of high myopia: a comparative evaluation over 12†months.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To evaluate refractive outcomes of single-step transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (TransPRK) versus alcohol-assisted PRK (EtOH-PRK) for the correction of high myopia. METHODS: This was a retrospective non-randomised comparative study conducted at the American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon. Eyes with myopia (spherical equivalent (SE) larger than -6.00 D) that had undergone EtOH-PRK treatment combined with mitomycin C and TransPRK (SE: -7.53±0.90 D and -7.24±0.77 D, p=0.062), using the Schwind Amaris excimer laser, were included. 59 eyes (37 patients) that had single-step TransPRK were compared with 59 eyes (36 patients) that had EtOH-PRK. Visual and refractive outcomes, including analysis of astigmatism, and corneal higher order aberrations (HOAs) at 6.0 mm optical zone, were compared for 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups (p>0.05). The SE deviation from target (SEDT) at 1 week, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months follow-up visits were similar between groups (p=0.428). At 12 months, 81.3% and 73.3% of eyes that had undergone TransPRK and EtOH-PRK, respectively, were between ±0.50 D SEDT (p=0.381). Mean cylinder power was 0.33±0.26 D versus 0.41±0.30 D at 12 months follow-up (p=0.140). The mean success index was 0.50±0.50 for the TransPRK group and 0.49±0.52 for the EtOH-PRK group (p=0.939), while the absolute mean angle of error was 7.81°±61.98° vs 13.12°±71.86° (p=0.667), respectively. The change in total, spherical and comatic corneal HOAs were similar in both groups at 12 months (p>0.05). Haze was similar between both groups; two eyes had +1 haze at 12 months in the TransPRK group versus zero eyes among the EtOH-PRK group (p=0.154). CONCLUSIONS: Single-step TransPRK for high myopia with or without astigmatism appears to yield similar visual, refractive and safety results as EtOH-PRK.

Safety and Efficacy of Sequential Intracorneal Ring Segment Implantation and Cross-linking in Pediatric Keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and visual outcome of intracorneal ring segment (ICRS) implantation followed by cross-linking in pediatric keratoconus patients. DESIGN: Retrospective interventional case series. METHODS: This retrospective study included pediatric patients (aged ≤14 years) with keratoconus and poor corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) that underwent ICRS implantation and cross-linking (CXL). ICRS were inserted under topical anesthesia after creating a corneal tunnel with a femtosecond laser. Cross-linking was performed 1 month subsequently. Records were reviewed and data collected preoperatively and at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 4 years postoperatively. RESULTS: Twelve patients (17 eyes; 10 male, 2 female) aged 9-14 years (mean age 12.3 years) received ICRS implantation followed by CXL. Follow-up times ranged from 6 months to 4 years after surgery. At the 6-month follow-up all eyes were evaluated; at the 1-year, 2-year, and 4-year follow-up 11, 10, and 7 eyes were evaluated, respectively. At the 6-month follow-up, mean CDVA in comparison to preoperative levels improved significantly (P = .001) from 0.30 ± 0.19 logMAR to 0.12 ± 0.1 logMAR; mean uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) also improved significantly from 0.90 ± 0.50 logMAR to 0.43 ± 0.31 logMAR. A significant decrease in both keratometry readings and spherical equivalent (from -4.0 to -1.56 diopters) was also noted after ICRS insertion. At the 1-year, 2-year, and 4-year follow-up refractive values remained relatively stable in comparison to the 6-month follow-up, except for a minor but significant improvement in cylinder and, at 4 years, in UDVA. All patients tolerated the surgery well and no intraoperative or postoperative complications were reported, except for 1 ring segment that had to be removed after 2 years owing to vascularization and corneal thinning. CONCLUSION: ICRS implantation is a safe and effective procedure for visual rehabilitation in children with keratoconus and poor CDVA.

Acute Corneal Hydrops 3 Years after Intra-corneal Ring Segments and Corneal Collagen Cross-linking.

This case report describes a 15-year-old male with allergic conjunctivitis and keratoconus, who underwent uneventful intra-corneal ring segment (ICRS) implantation and corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) in the right eye. During the follow-up periods, the patient was noted to have several episodes of allergic conjunctivitis that were treated accordingly. At the 2 years postoperatively, he presented with another episode of allergic conjunctivitis and progression of keratoconus was suspected on topography. However, the patient was lost to follow-up, until he presented with acute hydrops at 3 years postoperatively. There are no reported cases of acute corneal hydrops in cross-linked corneas. We suspect the young age, allergic conjunctivitis and eye rubbing may be a risk factors associated with possible progression of keratoconus after CXL. Prolonged follow-up and aggressive control of the allergy might be necessary in similar cases.

Central Corneal Thickness After Cross-linking Using High-Definition Optical Coherence Tomography, Ultrasound, and Dual Scheimpflug Tomography: A Comparative Study Over One Year.

PURPOSE: To assess central corneal thickness (CCT) and corneal haze in keratoconus eyes following corneal cross-linking (CXL). DESIGN: Prospective noncomparative case series. METHODS: Forty patients (44 eyes) with keratoconus that had serial evaluation for CCT, following CXL, using high-definition optical coherence tomography (HD-OCT), ultrasound pachymetry (USP), and dual Scheimpflug tomography. CCT was measured at baseline, then at 2 weeks and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean baseline CCT measurements were 470.02 µm, 469.79 µm, and 466.66 µm using the HD-OCT, the USP, and dual Scheimpflug tomography, respectively (P = .91). Following CXL, the mean CCT measurements by dual Scheimpflug, at all follow-up periods, were lower compared to mean baseline reading (P < .003). The mean CCT measurements by the HD-OCT and USP were similar to baseline readings except for the thicker readings at the 2-week follow-up visit. Overall, the mean CCT obtained by the USP was similar to that obtained by the HD-OCT throughout the 12-month period. However, the mean CCT measurements obtained by dual Scheimpflug tomography were statistically and clinically significantly lower than those obtained by both HD-OCT and USP at all follow-up visits. CONCLUSIONS: USP and HD-OCT showed better agreement in CCT readings at all visits, and may better estimate the true CCT following CXL as compared to dual Scheimpflug tomography. The lower mean CCT post-CXL as measured by the latter seems to be correlated with the amount of haze that develops after cross-linking.

Central cortical cleanup and zonular deficiency.

BACKGROUND: Complete removal of the cortex has been advocated to prevent posterior capsular opacification but carries the risk of zonular dehiscence, hence there is a need for a safe maximal cortical cleanup technique in eyes with severe diffuse zonulopathy in subjects above age 90. METHODS: We used bimanual central cortical cleaning by elevating central fibers and aspirating them toward the periphery. Peripheral cortical fibers were removed passively only when they became loose due to copious irrigation. A one-piece foldable implant was inserted without a capsular tension ring. Postoperative corticosteroid drops were used. RESULTS: This technique was safely performed in a dozen eyes with severe pseudo-exfoliation or brunescent cataract with weak zonules. Posterior capsular rupture, iritis, vitreous loss, and lens subluxation were not observed. Moderate capsular phimosis occurred but with maintained central vision. CONCLUSION: The dogma of "complete cortical cleanup" in severe zonulopathy needs to be revisited in favor of a clear visual axis with maximal preservation of the damaged zonules. This technique is ideal in patients above age 90 where posterior capsular opacification and late dislocation of intraocular lens-capsule bag complex are unlikely to occur until several years postoperatively.

Three-month outcome of ziv-aflibercept for exudative age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE: In vitro and in vivo studies did not detect toxicity to the retinal pigment epithelium cells using intravitreal ziv-aflibercept. Our purpose is to ascertain the 3-month safety and efficacy in wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) treated with intravitreal ziv-aflibercept. METHODS: Prospectively, consecutive patients with wet AMD underwent ziv-aflibercept intravitreal injection (1.25 mg/0.05 mL) from March 2015 to November 2015. Monitoring of best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular inflammation, cataract progression and by spectral domain optical coherence tomography were carried out at baseline day 1, 1 week, 1 month, 2 months and 3 months after injections. RESULTS: 30 eyes were treated (22 Caucasians, 8 Indians; 16 men, 14 women; 14 right eyes and 16 left eyes) with mean age of 74.3 years with 11 treatment-naïve cases and 19 having had treatment-non-naïve. Best-corrected visual acuity improved from baseline logMAR 1.08-0.74 at 1 week, 0.72 at 1 month, 0.67 at 2 months and 0.71 at 3 months (p<0.001 for all time periods). Central macular thickness in microns decreased from 332.8 to 302.0 at 1 week, 244.8 at 1 month, 229.0 at 2 months and 208.2 at 3 months (p<0.001 for all time periods). There were no signs of intraocular inflammation, or change in lens status or increase in intraocular pressure throughout the study. CONCLUSIONS: Off label use of ziv-aflibercept improves visual acuity, without detectable ocular toxicity and offers a cheaper alternative to the same molecule aflibercept, especially in low/middle-income countries and in countries where aflibercept (Eylea) is not available. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02486484.

Intravitreal Adalimumab in Active Noninfectious Uveitis: A Pilot Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the short-term efficacy of intravitreal adalimumab (IVA) for the treatment of eyes with active noninfectious uveitis. METHODS: Consecutive eyes with active noninfectious uveitis were injected with IVA at 0, 2, then every 4 weeks for total of 26 weeks. RESULTS: Six out of 7 patients (12 of 13 eyes) completed 26 weeks of treatment. One patient (1 eye) failed treatment. Seven out of 12 eyes had improvement of ≥2 ETDRS lines. Three out of three eyes had resolution of anterior chamber cells. And 9 of 10 eyes with vitreous haze had zero haze at 26 weeks. Five out of 8 eyes with macular edema had complete resolution. Median fluorescein angiography score improved from 14 to 4 on last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: IVA was effective in controlling the inflammation, decreasing the macular edema, and improving the best corrected visual acuity in the majority of eyes in this series.

Hyperopic laser in situ keratomileusis: comparison of femtosecond laser and mechanical microkeratome flap creation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the refractive predictability and stability of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) flap creation performed with a femtosecond laser and with a mechanical microkeratome to correct mild to moderate hyperopia. SETTING: American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: Patients who had hyperopic LASIK treatment using the Amaris excimer laser were included. Eyes in which the LDV femtosecond laser was used for flap creation were compared with eyes in which the Moria M2 microkeratome was used. RESULTS: The microkeratome group comprised 53 eyes and the femtosecond laser group, 72 eyes. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups (P > .05). The mean spherical equivalent (SE) deviation from target 1 week postoperatively was -0.08 diopter (D) ± 0.58 (SD) in the femtosecond laser group and -0.06 ± 0.87 D in the microkeratome group (P = .92). Thereafter, the mean SE deviation from target increased gradually and by 6 months postoperatively was +0.30 ± 0.50 D and +0.70 ± 0.71 D, respectively (P = .001). The correlation between the achieved and the attempted SE refraction was better in the femtosecond laser group (R(2) = 0.806) than the microkeratome group (R(2) = 0.671). CONCLUSIONS: Using the same nomogram, the short-term refractive outcomes of hyperopic LASIK with flap creation performed with the femtosecond laser were comparable to those for the microkeratome; however, the femtosecond group showed significantly better stability over the 6-month follow-up and better predictability, as reflected by a lower standard deviation and stronger Pearson correlation. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: Dr. Arba Mosquera is an employee of Schwind eye-tech-solutions GmbH and Co. KG. No other author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Sequential argon-YAG laser membranotomy of extensive persistent pupillary membrane with visual loss.

A 20-year-old woman, a registered nurse, presented with best-corrected visual acuity of 6/15 (20/50) due to bilateral extensive persistent pupillary membrane. Sequential argon laser photocoagulation of the iris strands at the pupillary membrane iris collarette followed by neodymium:YAG laser lysis resulted in partial clearing of the central visual axis without bleeding. Best-corrected visual acuity improved to 6/9 (20/30) bilaterally without complications noted 1 year after combined laser therapy.