Effect of the position of the corneal lamella on the frequency of its detachment.

AIM: To determine the influence of gaps [places where neither the donor's nor the recipient's Descemet's membrane (DM) is present] and overlaps (places where the recipient's DM is covered by the donor's DM) on the frequency of postoperative detachment of DM endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) lamellae. METHODS: Totally 64 eyes of 64 patients with Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy or bullous keratopathy indicated for DMEK were randomly divided in two groups. The diameter of the implanted DMEK lamella was the same in both groups (8 mm), but we changed the diameter of the removed recipient DM. In the first group (32 eyes), the circular area was approximately 8.5 mm (gaps); in the second group (32 eyes), the diameter was 7.5 mm (overlaps). Postoperatively we noted all cases of detachment visible on the slit lamp and these cases we indicated for rebubbling. We also measured the uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) as well as corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) in decimal and postoperative endothelial cell density (ECD). The minimum follow-up time was 6mo. RESULTS: The number of rebubbling procedures in the entire group of patients was 13, i.e., 20.3%, with 6 eyes (18.7%) in the gap group, and 7 eyes (21.9%) in the overlap group. Lamella replacement (re-DMEK) was required in 3 (gap group) and 2 patients (overlap group), respectively. The difference between the groups was statistically insignificant. The UDVA was 0.54±0.21 in the gap group and 0.58±0.24 in the overlap group. The CDVA was 0.74±0.22 and 0.80±0.16, respectively. ECD was 1920±491 and 2149±570 cells/mm2. The small differences between both groups were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: We do not notice any difference in the group of patients with overlaps or gaps of DM. The presence of small areas of gaps or overlaps does not affect the frequency of detachment of the DMEK lamellae.

Long-term Results of a Combined Procedure of Cataract Surgery and Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty With Stromal Rim.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term results of combining cataract surgery, intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, and Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty with peripheral stromal support (DMEK-S). METHODS: The outcomes of 107 eyes of 37 patients who had undergone a combination of cataract surgery, IOL implantation, and DMEK-S between October 2007 and February 2015 were retrospectively evaluated. The average follow-up duration was 18.2 ± 18.3 months (range, 6-84 months). Changes in uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity, spherical equivalent, and corneal endothelial cell density were analyzed. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were also recorded. RESULTS: The mean logMAR uncorrected distance visual acuity improved from 0.92 ± 0.60 preoperatively to 0.33 ± 0.33, 0.28 ± 0.25, 0.24 ± 0.20, and 0.27 ± 0.27 at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months postoperatively (P < 0.001), respectively. The mean logMAR corrected distance visual acuity improved from 0.62 ± 0.65 preoperatively to 0.17 ± 0.29, 0.13 ± 0.21, 0.07 ± 0.16, and 0.11 ± 0.23 at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months postoperatively (P < 0.001), respectively. The mean endothelial cell density decreases were 50.7% ± 21.1%, 50.8% ± 19.8%, 60.7% ± 16.6%, 62.2% ± 11.8%, and 61.8% ± 20.0% at 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 months after surgery, respectively. Similar trends, although with slightly better visual outcomes, were found in the subgroup of patients without other eye diseases. The mean final deviation from intended spherical equivalent was 0.77 ± 1.19 D, representing a hyperopic shift. CONCLUSIONS: A combined procedure of cataract surgery, IOL implantation, and DMEK-S is an effective method of treatment in patients with combined corneal disease and cataract, maintaining visual rehabilitation in the long term. Future developments should be performed to minimize the incidence of complications.

Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty with stromal rim (DMEK-S) in complicated patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of the hybrid technique of posterior lamellar keratoplasty (Descemets' membrane endothelial keratoplasty with stromal rim, DMEK-S) in eyes with multiple ocular pathologies. METHODS: A retrospective case control study of the consecutive group of all eyes with combined ocular pathologies which underwent DMEK-S keratoplasty. We evaluated the number of pre- and post-operative complications; uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA); corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) and endothelial cell density (ECD). The first group (Group 1 - 100 eyes) was compared to a control group of eyes (Group 2 - 145 eyes) without combined ocular pathologies, which were operated throughout the same time period. Comparisons were made in the 12th month of the follow-up. RESULTS: Both the UDVA and the CDVA statistical values 12 months after the surgery were significantly better in Group 2. ECD was comparable in both groups. The number of complications during surgery was considerably higher in Group 1, where a certain type of complication occurred in 15 eyes (15%), while in Group 2 this complication occurred only in 9 eyes (6.2%). In Group 1 a slightly higher number of rebubbling cases (52% vs. 48.3%) occurred, as well as more than twice as many cases of primary graft failure (34% vs. 15.7%) compared to Group 2. CONCLUSION: DMEK-S - hybrid endothelial transplantation in complicated eyes in the evaluated group of patients led to a noticeable improvement of visual acuity. When compared to surgeries in uncomplicated eyes, DMEK-S results in a higher rate of postoperative complications, especially graft detachment and primary failure.

Frequency of Complications During Preparation of Corneal Lamellae Used in Posterior Lamellar Keratoplasty Using the Pneumodissection Technique (Big Bubble).

PURPOSE: To determine the frequency of formation of various types of bubbles and the potential impact of donor and lamella parameters on this frequency, and to identify possible risk factors of unsuccessful "big-bubble" creation in preparation of pre-Descemet endothelial keratoplasty and Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty with peripheral stromal support. METHODS: Donor age and sex, death to preservation time (DPT), storage time, presence of corneal scars (mainly a condition after cataract surgery), and endothelial cell density of 256 donor corneas were assessed before Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty with peripheral stromal support or pre-Descemet endothelial keratoplasty lamella preparation using the big-bubble technique. RESULTS: Mean donor age was 62.3 ± 8.5 years (28.3% women and 71.7% men). Mean endothelial cell density of the donor graft was 2866 ± 255 cells/mm. Mean DPT was 10.12 ± 4.88 hours, and mean storage time of the transplant before surgery was 6.5 ± 4.8 days. Corneal scars were present in 17 donor grafts (6.6%) after cataract surgery. Eleven corneas were devalued because of Descemet membrane rupture during preparation (4.3%). In 182 corneas, standard bubble type I was created (71.7%); in 27 corneas, bubble type II was created; eventually, both types of bubbles formed simultaneously (10.5%); in 47 corneas, no bubble was created (18.4%). CONCLUSIONS: We identified higher endothelial cell density, shorter DPT, and the presence of corneal scars after cataract surgery as risk factors threatening successful bubble formation. The only risk factor for creating type II bubbles was higher donor age in our study.

Clinical experience with the WIOL-CF accommodative bioanalogic intraocular lens: Czech national observational registry.

PURPOSE: To assess efficacy and patient satisfaction after cataract surgery and implantation of a new accommodative bioanalogic intraocular lens (IOL). METHODS: We evaluated the collected data of 48 patients with bilateral cataract surgery and Wichterle IOL (WIOL) implantation included in the Czech national observational registry. Monocular and binocular uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), uncorrected intermediate visual acuity, uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity for distance (CDVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity for near (CNVA), distance-corrected near visual acuity (DCNVA), and distance-corrected intermediate visual acuity were evaluated 6 months after surgery. Subjective patient satisfaction was assessed at 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean monocular UDVA was 0.074 ± 0.108 logMAR, the mean monocular CDVA was 0.047 ± 0.125 logMAR, the mean monocular UNVA was 0.328 ± 0.146 logMAR, the mean monocular DCNVA was 0.339 ± 0.131 logMAR, and the mean monocular CNVA was 0.139 ± 0.107 logMAR. A total of 24 patients (50%) had no problems with any light phenomena. A total of 18 patients were very satisfied (37.5%), 11 were satisfied (22.9%), 15 (31.2%) were rather satisfied, 4 (8.3%) were rather dissatisfied, and 0 were dissatisfied. CONCLUSIONS: The WIOL-continuous focus polyfocal lens offers very good vision at far and intermediate distance comparable with other types of multifocal IOLs, and relatively good near vision, while the incidence of adverse side phenomena is relatively low.

Use of PocketMaker Microkeratome for Creation of Corneal Pocket for Foldable Keratoprosthesis KeraKlear Implantation - Case Series.

PURPOSE: To describe a surgical method for corneal pocket creation for KeraKlear keratoprosthesis implantation by PocketMaker microkeratome. METHODS: We implanted keratoprosthesis KeraKlear in 3 patients. In all cases, we used a microkeratome PocketMaker to create a corneal pocket, where the incision was made at a depth of 300 µm with a vibrating diamond blade. RESULTS: Although corneas have been extensively opaque and vascularized, in all three cases we successfully performed suction of the microkeratome system and created a corneal pocket without any difficulties. Subsequent keratoprosthesis implantations were performed without any problems. CONCLUSION: The technique is simple, relatively cheap, and the creation of the corneal pocket is possible even in patients with vascularized and opaque cornea.

Clinical outcomes after complete intracorneal ring implantation and corneal collagen cross-linking in an intrastromal pocket in one session for keratoconus.

Purpose. The aim of this work was to evaluate the results after combined surgery implantation of full rings and CXL in one session in a group of patients with keratoconus during a 12-month follow-up. Material and Methods. The study included 22 eyes of 20 keratoconic patients, mean age of 28.41 (from 18 to 50) years. A full ring was inserted and afterwards 0.1% riboflavin solution was injected into the corneal pocket through the incision tunnel. The cornea was irradiated with UV-A light for 30 minutes. Postoperative visits were scheduled for the first week and months 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 after surgery. Minimal follow-up time was 12 months. Results. The mean UDVA improved by 6 lines from before the operation to 1 year after the operation, the mean CDVA improved by approximately 2.5 lines, and the mean K improved by 3.94 D. Statistically significant reductions of sphere (P < 0.001), cylinder (P = 0.004), and spherical (P < 0.001) equivalents were found 1 month after surgery. Conclusion. The combined surgery MyoRing implantation and CXL seems to be a safe method in the treatment of keratoconus. We noticed an improvement of the refractive error in all of our patients.

Treatment of Corneal Neovascularization Using Anti-VEGF Bevacizumab.

Purpose. To evaluate antiangiogenic effect of local use of bevacizumab (anti-VEGF antibody) in patients with corneal neovascularization. Methods. Patients were divided into two groups. All patients suffered from some form of corneal neovascularization (NV). Patients in group A received 0.2-0.5 mL of bevacizumab solution subconjunctivally (concentration 25 mg/mL) in a single dose. Group A included 28 eyes from 27. Patients in group B applied bevacizumab eye drops twice daily (concentration 2.5 mg/mL) for two weeks. Group B included 38 eyes from 35 patients. We evaluated the number of corneal segments affected by NV, CDVA, and the incidence of complications and subjective complaints related to the treatment. The minimum follow-up period was six months. Results. By the 6-month follow-up, in group A the percentage reduction of the affected peripheral segments was 21.6% and of the central segments was 9.6%; in group B the percentage reduction of the central segments was 22.7% and of the central segments was 38.04%. In both groups we noticed a statistically significant reduction in the extent of NV. Conclusion. The use of bevacizumab seems to be an effective and safe method in the treatment of corneal neovascularization, either in the subconjunctival or topical application form.