Standard and hypoosmolar corneal cross-linking in various pachymetry groups.

PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of corneal thickness on the outcome of corneal cross-linking (CXL) for progressive keratoconus. METHODS: In this cohort study, 72 unilateral eyes were treated by CXL and divided into three groups according to central corneal thickness (CCT) measured by ultrasound pachymetry after 30-minute riboflavin. Group 1 (CCT <400 µm) underwent hypoosmolar CXL; group 2 (CCT 400 to 460 µm) and group 3 (CCT >460 µm) underwent standard CXL. Visual acuity, refraction, topography, ultrasound and optical pachymetry, intraocular pressure, endothelial cell count, and complications were evaluated 1 year post-CXL. RESULTS: Ultrasound CCT after riboflavin instillation decreased significantly in groups 1 and 2 (-57 ± 44 µm and -39 ± 23 µm, respectively) and increased in group 3 (+15 ± 37 µm). One year post-CXL, maximal keratometry decreased significantly in group 2. Keratoconus progression was halted in 92% (group 1), 97% (group 2), and 86% (group 3). Optical pachymetry decreased significantly in all groups. Corrected distance visual acuity improved significantly in groups 1 and 3. No significant difference was found in visual acuity, keratometry, optical pachymetry, or endothelial cell density change between groups. Complication rates were comparable between the groups; there was no significant difference in CXL failure (p = 0.687) or corrected distance visual acuity loss (p = 0.617). CONCLUSIONS: During CXL, corneas with CCT less than or equal to 460 µm seem to dehydrate faster than corneas with CCT greater than 460 µm. Both standard and hypoosmolar CXL are safe and effective treatments, with comparable amounts of stabilization after 1 year.

Scleral lens tolerance after corneal cross-linking for keratoconus.

PURPOSE: Subjective and objective evaluation of scleral lens tolerance and fitting before and after corneal cross-linking (CXL) for progressive keratoconus. METHODS: In this prospective cohort, evaluations were made of 18 unilateral eyes in patients who underwent CXL and had been wearing scleral lenses before the procedure. All the patients gave informed consent; they were able to cooperate with the study, were eligible for CXL, had been wearing well-fitting scleral lenses for at least 3 months, and had no other active ocular disease. Data were collected before and 1 year after CXL. Outcome measures were changes in clinical and subjective scleral lens performance. The following components were studied: scleral lens corrected distance visual acuity, scleral lens specifications, scleral lens fit, wearing time, and subjective measures on visual analogue scale questionnaires (1 to 100 mm). RESULTS: There was no significant change in scleral lens corrected distance visual acuity (p = 0.632). Sixty-one percent of eyes needed a scleral lens fit and/or power change. Wearing time (median, 16 hours per day) and subjective tolerance were found to be stable. CONCLUSIONS: Scleral lens tolerance after CXL appeared to be stable.

Corneal cross-linking for treatment of progressive keratoconus in various age groups.

PURPOSE: To compare the effect of corneal cross-linking (CXL) for keratoconus in various age groups and to investigate the influence of the topographic cone location on the outcome of CXL. METHODS: This cohort study included 95 patients (119 eyes) diagnosed as having progressive keratoconus who underwent epithelium-off standard protocol CXL from January 2010 through May 2012. For statistical analysis, patients were divided into three age groups: pediatric patients (< 18 years), adolescent patients (18 to 26 years), and adults (> 26 years). Visual acuity and refraction, topography, intraocular pressure, and endothelial cell counts were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS: Topographic cones were located more centrally in pediatric corneas (0.85 ± 0.66 mm) compared to adolescent corneas (1.49 ± 0.76 mm, P = .002) and adult corneas (1.86 ± 0.99 mm, P < .001). Pediatric corneas flattened 1 year after CXL by a mean of 1.8 diopters (D), compared to 1.1 D in the other age groups. Central cones (0 to 1 mm) were steeper (62.3 ± 8.3 D) before treatment than peripheral cones (3 to 4 mm) (55.9 ± 8.9 D). One year after CXL, corrected distance visual acuity improved in all age groups, with the highest improvement in pediatric eyes (-0.23 ± 0.40 logMAR, P = .044). CONCLUSIONS: Before CXL, cones of pediatric keratoconic corneas were located more centrally than in the two older age groups. After CXL, pediatric corneas showed more corneal flattening and more corrected distance visual acuity improvement. Pediatric CXL was equally safe compared to adolescent and adult CXL.

Two cases of keratoconus diagnosed after pregnancy.

PURPOSE: This case report aims to demonstrate that pregnancy-induced biomechanical corneal changes in combination with risk factors for ectasia can develop into (the exacerbation of) keratoconus. CASE REPORT: We describe two women who were clinically diagnosed with keratoconus after their second pregnancy. Both women were myopic and had a history of allergies and contact lens wear. It is unclear whether these two women had a newly diagnosed keratoconus that developed during pregnancy or had experienced an exacerbation of an unrecognized, subclinical keratoconus. CONCLUSIONS: Nowadays, documented progression of keratoconus can be treated by corneal crosslinking to stabilize the weakened cornea. Therefore, it is important to understand the effects of hormonal changes in (keratoconic) eyes during pregnancy and to include topographic imaging in unexplained visual deterioration in young individuals, especially during or after a pregnancy.

Anterior chamber depth is significantly decreased after scleral buckling surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Myopic patients have an increased risk for the development of a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Currently, myopic patients have the choice to undergo correction of their refractive error by the implantation of a phakic intraocular lens (pIOL). After pIOL implantation, progressive endothelial cell loss may result if the anterior chamber is too shallow. Because scleral buckling (SB) surgery for treatment of an RRD may in itself result in a decreased anterior chamber depth (ACD), this may become an important issue not only for the retinal surgeon who is faced with a patient who has both an RRD and a pIOL, but also for the refractive surgeon who should consider the potential problems of the implantation of pIOL in an eye that has previously undergone SB surgery. The goal of this study was to evaluate how long changes in ACD persist after SB procedures in patients with RRD. DESIGN: Prospective case series. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-eight eyes with a primary RRD treated by SB using an encircling element and a radial or segmental buckle; 31 fellow eyes served as controls. METHODS: Anterior chamber depth (in the horizontal meridian) and axial length were measured preoperatively and at 1 week and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months postoperatively with an anterior optical coherence tomography method and an IOLMaster (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Germany), respectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: In all 38 eyes, ACD was significantly reduced compared with preoperative levels up to 9 months after SB surgery. RESULTS: Anterior chamber depth returned to normal at 1 year after surgery. Axial length was significantly enlarged during the whole follow-up period. No significant differences were found between the use of radial or segmental buckles. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior chamber depth may remain decreased after SB for a longer time period than previously reported. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): The authors have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Results of cataract surgery after implantation of an iris-fixated phakic intraocular lens.

PURPOSE: To report the results of cataract surgery after previous implantation of an Artisan iris-fixated phakic intraocular lens (pIOL) for the correction of myopia. SETTING: University center and private practice. METHODS: This study comprised eyes with previous implantation of an iris-fixated pIOL to correct myopia and subsequent pIOL explantation combined with cataract surgery and in-the-bag implantation of a posterior chamber IOL. Predictability of refractive results, changes in endothelial cell density (ECD), and postoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean follow-up after cataract surgery in the 36 eyes of 27 consecutive patients was 5.7 months +/- 7.5 (SD). The mean time between pIOL implantation and cataract surgery was 5.0 +/- 3.4 years. After explantation of the pIOL and subsequent cataract surgery, the mean spherical equivalent (SE) was -0.28 +/- 1.11 diopters (D); the SE was within +/-1.00 D of the intended correction in 72.2% of patients and within +/-2.00 D in 86.1% of patients. The mean endothelial cell loss after the combined procedure was 3.5% +/- 13.2% and the mean postoperative BCVA, 0.17 +/- 0.18 logMAR. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with a history of implantation of an iris-claw pIOL for the correction of myopia, cataract surgery combined with explantation of the pIOL yielded acceptable predictability of the postoperative SE and minimal loss of ECD, resulting in a gain in BCVA.

Long-term follow-up of a multifocal apodized diffractive intraocular lens after cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: To report the long-term performance of the AcrySof ReSTOR SA60D3 intraocular lens (IOL) after cataract surgery. SETTING: University Hospital Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands. METHODS: This prospective clinical trial comprised 44 eyes (22 consecutive patients) having cataract surgery with implantation of the ReSTOR IOL. Monocular and binocular uncorrected distance visual acuity, best corrected distance visual acuity, uncorrected near visual acuity, best distance-corrected near visual acuity, spectacle dependence, undesired visual symptoms, patient satisfaction, and incidence of posterior capsule opacification were analyzed 6 months and 3 years postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean uncorrected distance acuity (logMAR) was 0.046 +/- 0.099 at 6 months and 0.115 +/- 0.173 at 3 years and the mean best corrected distance acuity, -0.040 +/- 0.075 and -0.018 +/- 0.093, respectively. Binocular uncorrected and best-corrected near acuities (logMAR) were 0.009 +/- 0.029 at 6 months and 0.014 +/- 0.035 at 3 years. All patients achieved a binocular uncorrected and best distance-corrected near acuity of 20/25 or better at 6 months and 3 years. On a quality-of-life questionnaire, patients reported good distance, intermediate, and near acuity without complaints of severe glare or halos. Complete spectacle independence for distance and near acuity was achieved by 83.7% and 81.9% of patients, respectively, at 6 months and 85.0% and 75.0% of patients, respectively, at 3 years. Four eyes (9.1%) required neodymium:YAG capsulotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Cataract surgery with the AcrySof ReSTOR SA60D3 IOL provided good, stable distance and near visual acuities over a 3-year follow-up, leading to low spectacle independence and high patient satisfaction.

Higher-order aberrations after implantation of iris-fixated rigid or foldable phakic intraocular lenses.

PURPOSE: To evaluate higher-order aberrations (HOAs) after implantation of Artiflex phakic intraocular lenses (pIOLs). SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Academic Hospital Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands. METHODS: This retrospective comparative case series comprised 27 eyes (14 patients) that had Artiflex pIOL implantation and 22 eyes (13 patients) that had Artisan pIOL implantation. Refractive data, pupil size, IOL decentration, and HOA values were recorded and compared. Laboratory analysis was performed. Follow-up was 1 year. RESULTS: In the Artiflex group, the mean spherical equivalent (SE) changed from -9.95 diopters (D) +/- 1.43 (SD) (range -6.75 to -12.13 D) to -0.30 +/- 0.53 D (range -1.94 to 0.56 D). Postoperatively, trefoil-y increased (increase factor 1.73) and spherical aberration decreased (increase factor 0.55). The mean pIOL decentration was 0.24 +/- 0.12 mm; 96.3% were decentered 0.5 mm or less. There was a significant correlation between pIOL decentration and postoperative spherical aberration and coma-y. In the Artisan group, the mean SE changed from -9.90 +/- 2.74 D (range -4.00 to -14.50 D) to -0.20 +/- 0.42 D (range -0.75 to 0.50 D). Postoperatively, trefoil-y and spherical aberration increased (increase factors 3.32 and 6.84, respectively). Laboratory analysis confirmed the negative and positive spherical aberration profile of the Artiflex pIOL and Artisan pIOL, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Artiflex pIOL implantation decreased spherical aberration, while Artisan pIOL implantation increased spherical aberration. Trefoil-y increased in both groups. These changes might be explained by incision size differences in relation to trefoil and differences in optic design in relation to spherical aberration.

Intraocular straylight after implantation of the multifocal AcrySof ReSTOR SA60D3 diffractive intraocular lens.

PURPOSE: To measure intraocular straylight (as a measure of glare) after cataract surgery and implantation of an AcrySof ReSTOR SA60D3 multifocal or AcrySof SA60AT monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) (both Alcon Laboratories). SETTING: University Hospital Maastricht, Maastricht; Isala Clinics, Zwolle; Netherlands Institute for Neurosciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. METHODS: In a prospective open observational case series, a newly developed straylight meter was used to objectively measure straylight 6 months postoperatively in 66 eyes with a diffractive AcrySof ReSTOR SA60D3 IOL (multifocal group) and 40 eyes with a monofocal AcrySof SA60AT IOL (monofocal group). A comparison of straylight levels in an age-matched population without cataract (control group) was performed. RESULTS: The straylight level was 1.20 log units +/- 0.16 (SD) in the multifocal group and 1.10 +/- 0.19 log units in the monofocal group. When the difference in mean level of straylight was adjusted for age, mean straylight levels were 0.078 log units lower in the monofocal group than in the multifocal group (P = .026). Straylight levels in both pseudophakic groups were lower than in the control group without cataract (P< .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Levels of intraocular straylight log(s) were significantly lower for both types of IOL than in age-matched subjects from the normal population. The mean level of intraocular straylight 6 months postoperatively was higher in patients with an AcrySof ReSTOR SA60D3 IOL than in patients with a monofocal AcrySof SA60AT IOL. Implantation of the former IOL would therefore result in a smaller gain in contrast sensitivity and a smaller reduction in glare and halos than implantation of the latter IOL.

Use of Verisyse/Artisan phakic intraocular lens for the reduction of myopia in a patient with pellucid marginal degeneration.

PURPOSE: To describe a patient who underwent implantation of a Verisyse/Artisan iris-fixated phakic intraocular lens (IOL) for correction of high myopia in pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD). METHODS: A patient with PMD was observed during a period of 7 years after the implantation of a Verisyse/Artisan phakic IOL. At each visit, slit-lamp evaluation was performed, and corneal topography, endothelial cell count, manifest refraction, and uncorrected and best-corrected visual acuity were determined. RESULTS: Verisyse/Artisan phakic IOL implantation was performed for the correction of the patient's high myopia in the presence of early-stage PMD. The preoperative refraction of the right eye was -13.0 -3.0 x 90 degrees. The postoperative spherical equivalent (SE) was +0.50 D after 1 year and +0.50 D after 7 years. The preoperative refraction of the left eye was -13.0 -1.25 x 55 degrees. The postoperative SE was -0.38 D after 1 year and -0.13 D after 7 years. Preoperative topographic astigmatism for the right and left eye was 2.94 and 0.81 D, respectively. Seven years later, topographic astigmatism for the right and left eye had changed to 4.45 and 0.71 D, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This case shows that the implantation of a Verisyse/Artisan phakic IOL may be effective in the treatment of refractive error in PMD. This case discusses the value of a removable (as opposed to a permanent) solution, such as the Verisyse/Artisan phakic IOL device, in the treatment of refractive error in PMD.

Long-term study of Artisan phakic intraocular lens implantation for the correction of moderate to high myopia: ten-year follow-up results.

PURPOSE: To determine the long-term performance of the Artisan phakic intraocular lens (PIOL) for the correction of myopia. DESIGN: Long-term (10 years) retrospective follow-up study. PARTICIPANTS: Eighty-nine eyes of 49 patients who underwent Artisan PIOL implantation for the correction of myopia. METHODS: Comparisons were made between preoperative clinical data and the clinical data at 1, 6, and 10 years after surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Refractive stability, refractive predictability, safety, efficacy, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), intraocular pressure, intraoperative problems, corneal endothelial cell density, corneal endothelial cell loss, and glare levels were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean spherical equivalent (SE) after 10 years was -0.70+/-1.00 diopters (D; range, -4.00 to 2.00 D), with no significant change in mean SE between 1, 6, and 10 years. At 10 years, 68.8% of all eyes were within 1.0 D of the intended correction. At 10 years, 31.2% (n = 24) gained 1 or more Snellen lines of BCVA and 2.6% (n = 2) lost more than 2 Snellen lines of BCVA; 93.3% reached a BCVA of 20/40 or better, and 82.0% reached a UCVA of 20/40 or better. The mean intraocular pressure remained stable and was 15.5+/-3.5 mmHg (range, 7-25 mmHg) at 10 years. The mean endothelial cell loss was -8.86+/-16.01% (range, -51.69% to 34.43%) at 10 years. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term results demonstrate that the implantation of an Artisan PIOL for the correction of moderate to high myopia is a stable, predictable, and safe method when strict inclusion criteria for surgery are applied. There was no significant loss of corneal endothelial cells and no reports of long-term glare.

Artisan iris-fixated toric phakic and aphakic intraocular lens implantation for the correction of astigmatic refractive error after radial keratotomy.

We report 2 patients who had radial keratotomy (RK) to correct myopia. The first patient developed a postoperative hyperopic shift and cataract. Nine years post RK, she had intracapsular cataract extraction and implantation of an Artisan aphakic intraocular lens (IOL). Twenty years post RK, hyperopia and astigmatism progressed to +7.0 -5.75 x 100 with a best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/20. Due to contact lens intolerance, the Artisan aphakic IOL was exchanged for an Artisan toric aphakic IOL. Three months later, the BCVA was 20/20 with +1.0 -0.50 x 130. The second patient demonstrated residual myopic astigmatism 6 years after bilateral RK and had become contact-lens intolerant. An Artisan toric phakic IOL was implanted in both eyes. Four months later, the BCVA was 20/25 with a refraction of +0.25 -1.0 x 135 and 20/20 with a refraction of -1.0 x 40. Both patients were satisfied with the visual outcomes.

Three-year follow-up analysis of Artisan toric lens implantation for correction of postkeratoplasty ametropia in phakic and pseudophakic eyes.

PURPOSE: To determine the 3-year follow-up of efficacy and safety of Artisan toric iris-fixated lens implantation after penetrating keratoplasty (PK) to correct high ametropia and astigmatism. DESIGN: Prospective noncomparative case series with a minimum follow-up of 1 year. PARTICIPANTS: Artisan toric lens implantation was performed in 36 eyes of 35 patients who were contact lens intolerant or unable to wear glasses due to anisometropia and/or high astigmatism. INTERVENTION: Thirty-six eyes of 35 consecutive patients received Artisan toric lens implantation for postkeratoplasty astigmatism and/or anisometropia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Manifest refraction, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), and corneal topography were determined or performed before surgery and at 3, 6, and 12 months and yearly intervals up to 4 years after surgery. Efficacy, safety, percent reduction of refractive astigmatism, anisometropia of defocus, and the astigmatism correction index were determined. A patient satisfaction questionnaire and specular microscopy were assessed. RESULTS: The mean +/- standard deviation of preoperative refractive cylinder was -7.06+/-2.01 diopters (D) (range, -3.0 to -11.0), which was reduced to -1.73+/-1.25 D, -1.69+/-1.15 D, -1.94+/-1.68 D, -2.02+/-1.93 D, and -2.00+/-1.53 D at 6 months (n = 36), 1 year (n = 36), 2 years (n = 29), 3 years (n = 15), and the last follow-up examination (28.5+/-12.5 months, n = 36), respectively (P<0.001 for all time points, paired t test). The spherical equivalent was reduced from -3.19+/-4.31 D (range, +5.5 to -14.25 D) preoperatively to -1.03+/-1.20 D (range, +1.0 to -5.25 D) at the last follow-up. The UCVA and BSCVA were > or =20/40 in 31.6% and 80.6%, respectively. There was a loss of BSCVA of >2 lines in 8.3% of eyes and a gain of at least 2 lines in 8.3% of eyes. Percent reductions in refractive astigmatism and anisometropia of defocus were 88.8%+/-29.5% and 77.8%+/-19.3%, respectively. The astigmatism correction index was 96.0%+/-24.2%. Satisfaction increased from 3.6 to 8.0 (scale, 0-10) after implantation. The endothelial cell loss as compared with preoperatively was 13.8%+/-18.7% (n = 34), 21.2%+/-21.8% (n = 33), 29.6%+/-27.3% (n = 26), 30.4%+/-32.0% (n = 18), and 34.8%+/-26.3% (n = 6) at 6 months (P = 0.001), 1 year (P<0.001), 2 years (P<0.001), 3 years (P = 0.001), and 4 years postoperatively (P = 0.1), respectively. In 2 patients, irreversible graft rejections occurred, and in 1 patient, gradual endothelial decompensation occurred. CONCLUSION: Artisan toric lens implantation after PK was effective for reduction of refractive astigmatism and ametropia. All patients were suitable for spectacle correction after implantation. There was continuing endothelial cell loss from 6 months to 3 years postoperatively. In 3 cases, corneal graft failure developed.

Functional outcome and patient satisfaction after Artisan phakic intraocular lens implantation for the correction of myopia.

PURPOSE: To determine patient satisfaction after Artisan phakic intraocular lens (PIOL) implantation to correct myopia. DESIGN: Non-comparative prospective case series. METHODS: One hundred twenty eyes of 60 patients who had undergone Artisan PIOL implantation to correct myopia were analyzed. A validated questionnaire that consisted of 66 satisfaction items were self-administered by patients 12 months after surgery. Clinical parameters (PIOL decentration, the difference between pupil size and PIOL optical zone, and optical aberrations) were measured. Main outcome measures of satisfaction scale scores (global satisfaction, quality of uncorrected and corrected vision, night vision, glare, day and night driving) were analyzed. Correlations with clinical parameters were obtained. RESULTS: After surgery, 98.3% of patients were satisfied, and 73.3% of patients considered their night vision to be the same or better; 44.1% of patients reported more bothersome glare. The night vision score correlated with spheric aberration (r = -0.303; P = .020). The glare score correlated with the difference between scotopic pupil size and PIOL optical zone (r = -0.280; P = .030) and vertical coma (r = -0.337; P = .009). The night driving score correlated with postoperative spheric equivalent (r = 0.375; P = .009), total root mean square aberrations (r = -0.337; P = .017), higher order root mean square aberrations (r = -0.313; P = .027), and vertical coma (r = -0.297; P = .036). CONCLUSION: Overall satisfaction after Artisan PIOL implantation for myopia is excellent. The quality of night vision and night driving were related to scotopic pupil size, individual higher order aberrations, and residual refractive error.

Evaluation of pupil dynamics after implantation of artisan phakic intraocular lenses.

PURPOSE: To compare pre- and postoperative horizontal and vertical pupil diameters after horizontal Artisan phakic intraocular lens (PIOL) (Ophtec BV, Groningen, The Netherlands) implantation for correction of myopia. METHODS: The pre- and postoperative scotopic pupil diameters measured by the Colvard pupillometer (Oasis Medical, Glendora, Calif) were compared in 71 eyes after Artisan PIOL implantation (Artisan Colvard group). Analysis of pupil shape (vertical vs horizontal diameter, V/H ratio) after horizontal Artisan PIOL implantation was performed with the Procyon pupillometer (Procyon Instruments Ltd, London, United Kingdom) in 121 eyes (Artisan Procyon group) under scotopic, mesopic-low, and mesopic-high conditions and compared to an age- and refraction-matched control group of 121 eyes of refractive surgery candidates (Procyon control group). RESULTS: After horizontal Artisan PIOL implantation, the mean horizontal pupil diameter decreased from 6.231 +/- 0.70 mm preoperatively to 5.34 +/- 0.68 mm postoperatively in the Artisan Colvard group (P < .01). The mean horizontal scotopic diameter was 5.60 +/- 0.66 mm, the mesopic-low diameter was 4.94 +/- 0.71 mm, and the mesopic-high diameter was 3.98 +/- 0.54 mm for the Artisan Procyon group. The mean horizontal scotopic diameter was 6.29 +/- 0.91 mm, the mesopic-low diameter was 5.40 +/- 0.96 mm, and the mesopic-high diameter was 4.16 +/- 0.80 mm in the Procyon control group. A significant increase was noted in V/H ratio under scotopic, mesopic-low, and mesopic-high conditions from 1.02, 1.02, and 1.01, respectively, in the Procyon control group to 1.17, 1.12, and 1.06, respectively, in the Artisan Procyon group (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Horizontal pupil size was significantly decreased after horizontal Artisan PIOL implantation and might be attributed to a mechanical restriction of the iris in the horizontal meridian.

Recurrent intraocular inflammation after implantation of the Artiflex phakic intraocular lens for the correction of high myopia.

We describe a 54-year old man who developed a severe cell deposition 1 week after implantation of a foldable Artiflex phakic intraocular lens (pIOL) (Ophtec B.V.) with a silicone optic and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) haptics in the left eye for the correction of high myopia. Nine months after implantation, many cell deposits remained visible on the posterior surface of the IOL, causing severe glare, especially during daylight conditions. We explanted the Artiflex pIOL and exchanged it for a PMMA Artisan pIOL. One month after the exchange, the uncorrected visual acuity was 20/20 and the patient's glare complaints had disappeared. Slitlamp examination showed no signs of inflammation in the anterior segment or cell deposits on the PMMA Artisan pIOL. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated multiple cell deposits on the explanted Artiflex pIOL.

Functional outcomes and patient satisfaction after laser in situ keratomileusis for correction of myopia.

PURPOSE: To determine subjective patient satisfaction and self-perceived quality of vision after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) to correct myopia and myopic astigmatism. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Academic Hospital Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands. METHODS: A validated questionnaire consisting of 66 items was self-administered by 142 consecutive patients. Seven scales covering a specific aspect of quality of vision were formulated. Aspects included global satisfaction, quality of uncorrected and corrected vision, quality of night vision, glare, daytime driving, and night driving. Main outcome measures were responses to individual questions and scale scores, and correlations with clinical parameters including refractive outcome, uncorrected visual acuity, best corrected visual acuity, ablation depth, and scotopic pupil-optical zone disparity were obtained. RESULTS: The mean score for the overall satisfaction was 4.1 +/- 0.71 (SD) (scale 0 to 5.0). A total of 92.2% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied with their surgery, 93.6% considered their main goal of surgery achieved, and 92.3% would choose to have LASIK surgery again. Satisfaction with uncorrected vision was 3.03 +/- 0.71. The mean score for glare was 3.0 +/- 0.9. At night, glare from lights was believed to be more important than before surgery by 47.2%. Glare from oncoming car headlights after surgery was reported by 58.4% and was believed to be more bothersome for night driving than before surgery by 52.8%. Night driving was rated more difficult than before surgery by 39.4%, whereas 59.3% had less difficulty driving at night. There was a significant correlation between the uncorrected vision score and the postoperative spherical equivalent (r = 0.245) and postoperative astigmatism (r = 0.265). There was no correlation between the glare or night vision scores and the degree of correction, the amount of ablation depth, or the disparity between the scotopic pupil and the optical zone. CONCLUSIONS: Self-perceived uncorrected vision after LASIK surgery for the correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism appears to be very good and is related to the postoperative residual error. Although the majority of patients postoperatively experienced glare, particularly with driving at night, this was not related to the pupil-optical zone disparity or degree of correction.

Scleral lens influence on corneal curvature and pachymetry in keratoconus patients.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the influence of full scleral lenses on corneal curvature and pachymetry in keratoconus patients. METHODS: In this intervention study, 20 eyes of 14 patients were measured by Scheimpflug imaging (Pentacam HR, Oculus) at two time points: directly and ≥1 week after scleral lens removal. Steep, flat and maximal keratometry (K(steep), K(flat) and K(max)) and optical pachymetry were analyzed. A generalized estimating equation analysis was performed to correct for paired eyes. RESULTS: Directly after scleral lens removal, all three curvature parameters were significantly flatter compared to ≥1 week after scleral lens removal. Average K(steep) was 0.7 diopter (D) lower (P<0.001), average K(flat) was 0.5D lower (P=0.037) and average K(max) was 1.1D lower (P<0.001). Directly after scleral lens removal, average optical pachymetry was ±2.5% higher (P<0.001) compared to ≥1 week after scleral lens removal. CONCLUSIONS: Although scleral lenses do not mechanically touch the cornea, curvature and pachymetry seem to be influenced by scleral lens wear in keratoconus patients. The duration of these changes remain unclear.

Transepithelial versus epithelium-off corneal cross-linking for the treatment of progressive keratoconus: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical effects and safety of transepithelial corneal cross-linking (CXL) to epithelium-off (epi-off) CXL in progressive keratoconus. DESIGN: Randomized clinical trial (noninferiority). METHODS: Patients received either transepithelial CXL with Ricrolin TE (n = 35) or epi-off CXL with isotonic riboflavin (n = 26) in 1 academic treatment center, using a simple unrestricted randomization procedure. The main outcome measure was clinical stabilization of keratoconus after 1 year, defined as a maximal keratometry (Kmax) increase <1 diopter (D). RESULTS: Average Kmax was stable at all visits in the transepithelial group, while after epi-off CXL a significant flattening of 1.2-1.5 D was demonstrated from the 3-month follow-up onwards. The trend over time in Kmax flattening was significantly different between the groups (P = .022). Eight eyes (23%) in the transepithelial group showed a Kmax increase of >1 D after 1 year (range 1.3-5.4 D) vs none in the epi-off group (P = .017). There was significant different trend in corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), with a more favorable outcome in the transepithelial group (P = .023). In the transepithelial group, no complications occurred and in the epi-off group, 4 eyes (15%) developed complications owing to healing problems (sterile infiltrate, herpes keratitis, central haze, and stromal scar). CONCLUSION: This study showed that although transepithelial CXL was a safe procedure without epithelial healing problems, 23% of cases showed a continued keratoconus progression after 1 year. Therefore, at this time, we do not recommend replacing epi-off CXL by transepithelial CXL for treatment of progressive keratoconus.