Melanoma-associated retinopathy treated with ipilimumab therapy.

Melanoma-associated retinopathy (MAR) is a rare autoimmune syndrome in patients with melanoma characterized by visual disorders. MAR is induced by the degeneration of bipolar cells of the retina and the presence of serum autoantibodies against retina proteins. Ipilimumab, an anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 antibody, improves survival in previously treated patients with metastatic melanoma, but is responsible for a spectrum of immune-related adverse events. Administration of ipilimumab to patients with autoimmune diseases (such as MAR or vitiligo) is actually not recommended. We report a patient presenting with MAR occurring during a melanoma relapse. Surgery and chemotherapy had no effect on visual acuity and melanoma increased. In the absence of alternative antitumoral treatment, we focused on the vital prognosis and treated the patient with ipilimumab. Two years after the treatment the patient is free from new metastasis but has presented with exacerbation of vitiligo and MAR. In the very rare case of melanoma with autoimmune disease without a therapy option, ipilimumab could be discussed, taking into account the fact that it can be effective on tumor burden but can also increase autoimmunity.

Trends in prescriptions for glaucoma and ocular hypertension in France between 2014 and 2019.

PURPOSE: To explore the national trend in prescriptions for glaucoma and ocular hypertension (OHT) in France between 2014 and 2019. METHODS: This is a retrospective descriptive study based on prescription data from the Primary Health Insurance Fund databases. All patients with a social security number who received one or more glaucoma/OHT prescriptions between 2014 and 2019 were identified. Figures for 2020 are not yet available as of the date of submission of this article. Demographic characteristics from Common Classification of Medical Acts information and from National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies were analyzed. The data analysis was carried out using the R version 3.6.2.software from the available databases of the Information Systems Medicalization Program. RESULTS: Our results suggest an increase in the number of patients treated with glaucoma drugs, which cannot be explained simply by demographic growth. There is also a change in drug prescription habits, both in the class of medication used and in the use of fixed combinations. We also note the increasing use of SLT (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty), a relatively newer tool in the therapeutic arsenal. Over the same time period, demographic characteristics remained stable; age and sex distribution for each year remained constant. In addition, the phenomenon of poor therapeutic compliance, which we attempted to explore, remained stable. DISCUSSION: This study updates the French epidemiologic data available on prescriptions for glaucoma and ocular hypertension, a true public health concern. CONCLUSION: On the one hand, prescribing practices have evolved over the study period. On the other hand, the number of patients treated has increased faster than the growth of the French population over the same period. These findings are consistent with trends observed in previous studies.

Glaucoma progression analysis by Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT).

Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) provides an objective quantification of the lesions of various target tissue structures in glaucoma, with unprecedented resolution, which has now demonstrated its interest in controlling the progression of glaucomatous neuropathy, from early stages to late stages. A certain number of well-established proofs state that a progressive modification in OCT is a common predictor of functional loss, and that patients with rapid OCT changes have an increased risk of developing glaucomatous scotoma. Follow-up of the progression goes through three stages. It consists first of all in detecting the evolution of damage to the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), then that of the macular ganglion cell complex (GCC), in order to better define this progression of the damage to the target structures and, thirdly, to complete its analysis by integrating it with the analysis of the functional impairment. We note today that there is a greater risk of developing a future functional deficit of the visual field in subjects with a RNFL loss slope greater than -1/year, for all clinical stages of glaucoma. The characteristics of GCC progression are much better specified. Often earlier than that of the progress of the thinning of the RNFL and much faster in the subjects considered as "progressors", its cartography is better defined, with a particular interest for the follow-up of diversion maps and "wide field" acquisitions offering better visibility of deficits and their progression. To date, a certain number of suspicious indicators of short-term progress can be retained, highlighting the essential precaution of having two or more basic measures and a confirmation of the change on at least one new OCT acquisition. Finally, if the interpretation of the progression must always be based on clinical examination data, and the macula in particular, it remains crucial to confront the progression of the RNFL with that of the GCC and with that of the visual field.

External radiation exposure and mortality in a cohort of French nuclear workers.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the effect of external radiation exposure on the mortality of French nuclear workers. METHODS: A cohort of 29 204 workers employed between 1950 and 1994 at the French Atomic Energy Commission (Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique (CEA)) or at the General Company of Nuclear Fuel (COmpagnie GEnérale des MAtières nucléaires (Cogema, now Areva NC)) was followed up for an average of 17.8 years. Standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) were computed with reference to French mortality rates. Dose-effect relationship were analysed through trend tests and Poisson regression, with linear and log-linear models. RESULTS: The mean exposure to X and gamma radiation was 8.3 mSv (16.9 mSv for exposed worker population). A total of 1842 deaths occurred between 1968 and 1994. A healthy worker effect was observed, the number of deaths in the cohort being 59% of the number expected from national mortality statistics. Among the 21 main cancer sites studied, a statistically significant excess was observed only for skin melanoma, and an excess of borderline statistical significance was observed for multiple myeloma. A dose-effect relationship was observed for leukaemia after exclusion of chronic lymphoid leukaemia (CLL). The relative risk observed for non-CLL leukaemia, n = 20, was 4.1 per 100 mSv (90% CI 1.4 to 12.2), linear model and 2.2 per 100 mSv (90% CI 1.2 to 3.3), log-linear model. Significant dose-effect relationship were also observed for causes of deaths associated with alcohol consumption: mouth and pharynx cancer, cirrhosis and alcoholic psychosis and external causes of death. CONCLUSION: The risk of leukaemia increases with increasing exposure to external radiation; this is consistent with published results on other nuclear workers cohorts.

MEDOR, a didactic tool to support interpretation of bioassay data after internal contamination by actinides.

A didactic software, MEthodes DOsimètriques de REférence (MEDOR), is being developed to provide help in the interpretation of biological data. Its main purpose is to evaluate the pertinence of the application of different models. This paper describes its first version that is focused on inhalation exposure to actinide aerosols. With this tool, sensitivity analysis on different parameters of the ICRP models can be easily done for aerosol deposition, in terms of activity and particle number, actinide biokinetics and doses. The user can analyse different inhalation cases showing either that dose per unit intake cannot be applied if the aerosol contains a low number of particles or that an inhibition of the late pulmonary clearance by particle transport can occur which contributes to a 3-4 fold increase in effective dose as compared with application of default parameters. This underlines the need to estimate systematically the number of deposited particles, as well as to do chest monitoring as long as possible.

[Reliability and reproducibility of introcular pressure (IOP) measurement with the Icare® Home rebound tonometer (model TA022) and comparison with Goldmann applanation tonometer in glaucoma patients]. / Fiabilité et reproductibilité des mesures de la pression intraoculaire par le tonomètre Icare® Home (modèle TA022) et comparaison avec les mesures au tonomètre à aplanation de Goldmann chez des patients glaucomateux.

PURPOSE: The Icare® Home tonometer is a new rebound tonometer, developed for intraocular pressure (IOP) self-monitoring. The main objective of our study was to evaluate the reliability and reproducibility of measurements taken with the Icare® Home tonometer in glaucoma patients compared to the Goldmann applanation tonometer. A secondary objective was to investigate factors that could influence the reproducibility of these measurements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-two glaucoma patients were included in this prospective, non-randomized, monocentric study. IOP measurements were performed on the right eye and then on the left eye in the following order (3 measurements of IOP for each method): air tonometer (T-Air), Icare® Home tonometer by the patient (RT-P), Icare® Home tonometer by an ophthalmologist (RT-O), Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT). RESULTS: Forty-four patients (85%) managed to take their IOP on both eyes with the Icare® Home tonometer. Mean IOPs were 14.35±3.93mmHg (T-Air), 13.43±4.65mmHg (RT-P), 14.13±4.29mmHg (RT-O), 14.74±3.84mmHg (GAT). The intraclass correlation indices (ICC) on the 3 repeated IOP measurements were 0.924, 0.872, 0.947 and 0.957, respectively. Bland-Altman analysis found a mean difference (bias) between GAT and RT-P, between GAT and RT-O, and between RT-O and RT-P, respectively, of 1.31, 0.61 and 0.70mmHg, with a 95% confidence interval of -3.34 to 5.96, -3.91 to 5.14 and -3.44 to 4.84mmHg, respectively. The reproducibility of the measurements taken with the Icare® Home tonometer did not vary according to corneal thickness or age of the patients. CONCLUSION: The Icare® Home tonometer provides reliable and reproducible IOP values in glaucoma patients, although it appears to slightly underestimate the IOP measurements compared to the Goldmann applanation tonometer.

[Selective laser trabeculoplasty: Effect of number of preoperative topical glaucoma medications on pressure lowering and success rate]. / Trabéculoplastie sélective au laser : effet du nombre de traitements antiglaucomateux topiques préopératoires sur la baisse pressionnelle et le taux de succès.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the lowering of intraocular pressure (IOP) one year after SLT and to assess if differences are related to number of pre-SLT topical treatments in ocular hypertension (OHT) and primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients. METHODS: Retrospective review of 106 eyes of 13 OHT and 93 POAG patients treated by SLT for insufficient IOP control, allergy, discomfort or non-compliance to glaucoma medications, excluding patients with less than 1 year of follow-up after SLT. IOP was measured by applanation before and at 1, 6 and 12 months after SLT. RESULTS: Hundred and six eyes untreated (n=13), or treated with one (n=25), two (n=40) or three or more (n=28) glaucoma medications were included. Mean IOP decreased from 19.4±3.6mmHg preoperatively to 15.7±3.1mmHg at 12 months, which corresponds to an average decrease of 18.8%. At 1 year, 62.2% (n=66) were responders (IOP reduction≥3mmHg): 92.3% without medications (n=12), 68% with one (n=17), 57.5% with two (n=23) and 50% with three or more medications (n=14). Their average IOP decreased from 20.7±3.4 to 15.2±2.9mmHg (26.6%), respectively from 20.8±2.6 to 15.8±3.2 (25%) without medications, 20.6±3.2 to 14.9±3.7 (27.3%) with one, 20.8±4.1 to 15.5±3.3 (25.1%) with two and 20.7±3.2 to 14.4±2.4mmHg (29.7%) with three medications. CONCLUSIONS: The number of responders seems to be greater in OHT and POAG patients without or with few glaucoma medications, but the IOP reduction seems to be similar regardless of the number of glaucoma medications.

[Diagnostic laser in glaucoma: scanning laser polarimetry (GDx VCC) and confocal scanning laser tomography (HRT)]. / Les lasers diagnostiques dans le glaucome: la polarimétrie à balayage laser (GDx VCC) et la tomographie confocale par balayage laser (HRT).

Automated structural measurements of retinal nerve fibers and optic nerve head are possible with new lasers providing objective and reproductible data for analysis. Scanning laser polarimetry (GDx VCC), based on retardation of polarized light, assesses peripapillary nerve fiber layer thickness. Confocal scanning laser tomography yields precise topographic maps of the optic disc and peripapillary retina. The advantages, applications for glaucoma detection, both in a screening setting as well as for monitoring progression, limitations and pitfalls need to be well known and results should be analyzed with clinical data.

[Evaluation of the new Canon HS-100 SD-OCT: Reproducibility of macular ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness measurement in normal, hypertensive and glaucomatous eyes]. / Évaluation du nouvel OCT SD Canon HS-100: reproductibilité de la mesure de l'épaisseur du complexe cellulaire ganglionnaire maculaire pour des yeux normaux, hypertones et glaucomateux.

PURPOSE: To evaluate intra- and interobserver reproducibility of macular GCC thickness measurement by automated segmentation on the Canon HS-100 SD-OCT (Tokyo, Japan) in normal (N), hypertensive (OHT) and glaucomatous eyes. METHODS: A total of 179 eyes of 93 patients were included: 90 N, 28 OHT and 36 early glaucoma and 25 advanced glaucoma. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmologic exam, central corneal thickness and 24-2 standard automated perimetry (HFA SITA standard). Each of two observers performed three macular acquisitions with the Canon OCT HS-100. Acquisitions were analyzed with the Glaucoma 3D mode, which estimated the macular GCC thickness in global, superior and inferior hemisectors, and in eight separate macular areas. Reproducibility was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), coefficient of variation (CV) and test-retest variability (TRTV) calculated as 1.96 times the standard deviation. RESULTS: Mean GCC thickness was respectively 92.4 µm, 89.0 µm, 80.7 µm and 71.2 µm in N, OHT, early and advanced glaucomatous eyes. In all groups, intra- and interobserver reproducibility ranged respectively for ICC from 89.8 to 99.8% and from 90.2 to 99.4%, for CV from 0.43 to 1.95% and from 0.58 to 2.16% and for TRTV from 0.8 to 3.22 µm and from 1.04 to 3.53 µm. GCC thickness measurements using the new HS-100 SD-OCT were highly reproducible. However, in the advanced glaucoma group, while the reproducibility of GCC thickness measurement is good in the average, superior and inferior hemisectors of the macula, it was slightly less for the paracentral sectors, especially inferior. These sectors correspond generally to the areas most affected by glaucoma. CONCLUSION: The reproducibility of GCC thickness measurements using the new Canon HS-100 SD-OCT is high for normal, OHT, and glaucomatous eyes. It is thus a reliable and reproducible ancillary test available to the clinician for the examination of glaucomatous optic neuropathies.

[Treatment of acute angle-closure glaucoma]. / Traitement actuel des glaucomes aigus par fermeture de l'angle.

Treatment of acute angle-closure glaucoma is now better adapted for each stage of the disease. The urgent necessity to lower intraocular pressure is normally achieved using medical therapy followed by laser peripheral iridotomy and sometimes by filtration surgery. Early argon laser peripheral iridoplasty is effective and safe in some cases, allowing a very early peripheral iridotomy to be performed and avoiding systemic treatment. When surgery is required, lens extraction must be considered. In all cases, IOP control and regular gonioscopic examination the 1st Year are essential to detect peripheral anterior synechiae.

[Adapto-electroretinographic study of regeneration of the visual pigments in the fauve de Bourgogne and albino rabbit after photobleaching with monochromatic light]. / Etude adapto-électrorétinographique de la régénération des pigments visuels chez les lapins fauve de Bourgogne et albinos après éblouissement en lumière monochromatique.

Kinetics of rod pigment regeneration were studied in vivo in Fauve de Bourgogne and Albino rabbits by adapto-electroretinography (AERG). Electroretinography in the rabbit using polychromatic flashes affords the means to dissociate the response of the cones (a-wave, b1-wave: photopic function), from that of the rods (b2-wave scotopic function). After photobeachting, electroretinograms were recorded at two minutes' intervals during dark adaptation of one hour duration. Variations of b2/b1 with time of dark adaptation provide an adapto-electroretinogram giving relative measurements of rod pigment concentration at various stages of regeneration. In the present study, photobleaching was provoked by monochromatic light (at 405, 436 and 546 nm) actinometrically controlled. Studies were conducted in two Fauve de Bourgogne and two Albino rabbits. The effect of four doses, varying from 4.10(17) photon.cm-2 to 1.10(19) photon.cm-2, was measured at each wavelength on the AERG in the four rabbits. First order kinetics for rod pigment regeneration were observed, mainly at 546 nm and at high dose levels: overall regeneration rate is apparently controlled by the isomerization step. For Fauve de Bourgogne and Albino rabbits, the regeneration rate depends on the bleaching wavelength and on the dose. At high dose levels and for long wavelengths, delayed recoveries are observed in the Fauve de Bourgogne animals. However, durations of delays are shorter with monochromatic light experiments than with polychromatic light bleaching, at the same dose. Differences of ocular media transmission may be responsible for a faster regeneration process at shorter than at longer wavelengths.

[Diagnostic use of macular layer analysis by SD-OCT in primary open angle glaucoma]. / Capacités diagnostiques de l'analyse des différentes couches maculaires par SD-OCT dans le glaucome primitif à angle ouvert.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic ability of segmentation of the various internal macular layers by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (Cirrus HD-OCT, Carl Zeiss Meditec (CZM), Dublin, CA, USA) and to compare it to that of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (cpRNFL) in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 252 eyes diagnosed with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) (164 early POAG, 44 moderate POAG and 44 advanced POAG) and 223 eyes of control subjects. All patients underwent visual field testing (Humphrey Field Analyser, SITA-Standard 24-2, CZM), and SD-OCT imaging (Cirrus HD-OCT) of the macular and optic nerve head regions (ganglion cell analysis (GCA), macular cube 200×200; optic disc cube 200×200). OCT macular scans were segmented into macular nerve fiber layer (mNFL), ganglion cell layer with inner plexiform layer (GCIPL), outer retinal layers, and ganglion cell complex (GCC) (mNFL+GCIPL). Glaucoma discriminating ability was assessed using the area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUC) for all macular parameters and mean circumpapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (cpRNFL). RESULTS: For the entire POAG population of this study, the minimum GCIPL index provided greater diagnostic ability than the other parameters studied, with a statistically significant difference in their AUC (minimum GCIPL [0.887], mean GCIPL [0.865], GCC [0.863], cpRNFL [0.823], mean mNFL [0.786] and minimum mNFL [0.742]). The results were similar in the early POAG group but without any statistically significant difference with the cpRNFL parameter. In the moderate POAG group, the diagnostic ability was similar for all indices, whereas in the advanced POAG group, minimum GCIPL and GCC gave the largest AUC indices. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The minimum macular GCIPL is a new index obtained with the GCA algorithm of the Cirrus HD-OCT. It appears to have an excellent ability to detect glaucoma at every stage and demonstrates performance comparable to that of the cpRNFL parameter, in combination with which it may provide important complementary information for clinical practice.

[Analysis of macular ganglion cell complex (GCC) with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in glaucoma]. / Analyse du complexe cellulaire ganglionnaire maculaire (GCC) en tomographie par cohérence optique (SD-OCT) dans le glaucome.

Early detection of ganglion cell loss is possible with new algorithms for the assessment of the Macular Ganglion Cell Complex (GCC) by SD-OCT. The various data acquisition protocols used by the various versions of software, as well as their accuracy and reproducibility, must be taken into account. Current results show similar ability to detect glaucoma as compared to Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer thickness (RNFL), with some limitations, possible artifacts, and interpretation pitfalls which must be taken into account. The role of the significance map and of various indices (Focal Loss Volume, Global Loss Volume, GCIPL minimum...); data obtained in the setting of various clinical entities (tilted disc, peripapillary atrophy, large and small optic discs, high myopia...); and detection of progression, especially in advanced glaucoma, underline the role of macular GCC analysis as a complementary method to peripapillary RNFL thickness. The diagnostic precision and better reproducibility of these new software protocols offer new perspectives in the detection and management of progression in various stages of the management of glaucomatous optic neuropathy.

[Efficacy of prophylactic treatment of intraocular pressure spikes due to intravitreal injections]. / Efficacité d'un traitement prophylactique hypotonisant dans l'hypertonie oculaire induite après injections intravitréennes.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate intraocular pressure increase after intravitreal injections (IVIs) and the effect of prophylactic pressure-lowering medications. METHODS: A prospective study of 210 anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) IVI (0.05 mL of bevacizumab or ranibizumab), that were divided into five groups, group 1: no intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering medication (n=50); group 2: apraclonidine 1 % one drop 2 hours prior to IVI (n=50); group 3: acetazolamide 250 mg 2 hours prior (n=50); group 4: fixed combination brimonidine+timolol (n=30); group 5: fixed combination dorzolamide+timolol (n=30). IOP was measured before, immediately after (T1), 15 min after (T15) and 45 min after (T45) the IVI using a Perkins tonometer. RESULTS: The mean IOP peak in group 1 was 46.4 ± 4.8 mmHg at T1, 21.7 ± 5.7 mmHg at T15 and 15.4 ± 4.3 mmHg at T45. Apraclonidine 1 % and the fixed combinations produced a significant reduction of IOP at every time point, of around 9 mmHg at T1. The reduction in IOP obtained with acetazolamide was not significant versus group 1 at T1 (-1.6 mmHg, P=0.12), but became significant at T15 and T45 (respectively, P=0.011 and P=0.015). CONCLUSIONS: IOP spikes are high but transient following IVI. Acetazolamide proved to be ineffective in preventing this spike. Topical medications, however, produced a significant reduction in IOP spike as well as in the duration of the increased pressure, with no significant difference between fixed combinations and 1 % apraclonidine at T1. It would seem advisable to prevent this IOP spike in the case of repeated injections, particularly in patients with glaucoma.

[A rare trauma-associated cause of central retinal vein occlusion in a young subject]. / Une cause rare d'occlusion de la veine centrale de la rétine chez le sujet jeune dans un contexte traumatique.

INTRODUCTION: Retinal vein occlusions are the second leading cause of retinal vascular disease, after diabetic retinopathy. In the case of young subjects, a thorough etiological investigation must be conducted in order to diagnose rare etiologies, such as this heterozygous mutation of the factor II gene associated with a central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), occurring in a young subject within the context of trauma. OBSERVATION: The case deals with a 35-year-old soldier on a mission in a conflict zone. He was the victim of blast injury as a result of the explosion of an improvised explosive device (IED) or homemade bomb, and presented a sudden decline in visual acuity in his left eye associated with the clinical picture of a CRVO. Analysis showed a heterozygous factor II G20210A gene mutation. CONCLUSION: Retinal vein occlusions are always serious visual events. In the case of young subjects, a thorough etiological investigation must be conducted in search of rare abnormalities likely to lead to retinal vein occlusion.

[Enhanced depth imaging of the choroid in open-angle glaucoma: a preliminary study]. / Évaluation de l'épaisseur choroïdienne par tomographie en cohérence optique (SD-OCT). Étude préliminaire dans le glaucome à angle ouvert.

INTRODUCTION: Choroidal thickness (CT) can be evaluated with spectral domain OCT. The authors report the results from a preliminary study comparing CT in normal and glaucomatous eyes. PATIENTS AND METHOD: The aim of this study was to measure subfoveolar CT in normal and glaucomatous eyes and to evaluate the recent enhanced depth imaging technique (EDI SD-OCT). Seventeen eyes of nine healthy subjects where compared with 23 eyes of 14 glaucomatous patients. CT was evaluated using a Spectralis™ OCT. A section was obtained within a 30° scan centered on the fovea, with 100 scans averaged for each section. Two acquisitions were made for each eye by the same operator to obtain an average CT measurement. The results were compared with clinical examination data (refractive error, peripapillary atrophy, and age). RESULTS: There was a strong correlation between the two measurements r=0.99 (p<0.001). The mean age of the healthy group was 72.76±7.71 years, the mean refractive error was 0.71±0.74 D, and peripapillary atrophy was present in 29% of the eyes. The mean subfoveal CT was 224.38µm. The mean age of the glaucomatous group was 71.39±11.37, the mean refractive error was-1.37±2.74 D, and peripapillary atrophy was present in 70% of the eyes. The mean subfoveal CT was 219.98µm. There was no significant difference between the two populations for the subfoveolar CT or refractive errors. In both groups, there was a negative correlation between CT and peripapillary atrophy. In healthy eyes, peripapillary atrophy was correlated with age (p<0.001), whereas it was not in the glaucomatous population (p=0.795). DISCUSSION: This is the first study, to our knowledge, evaluating EDI OCT in glaucomatous eyes. Reproducibility was excellent. There was always a negative correlation between CT and peripapillary atrophy. There was no CT difference between the normal and glaucomatous group, but the number of patients was small. CONCLUSION: Further studies are required to evaluate the possible relationship between CT and peripapillary atrophy and the link with the evolutive stage of the glaucomatous neuropathy.

[Comparison between Lenstar LS 900 non-contact biometry and OcuScan RXP contact biometry for task delegation]. / Comparaison de la biométrie sans contact cornéen par LENSTAR LS 900 et de la biométrie contact par OCUSCAN RXP dans le cadre de la délégation de tâches.

INTRODUCTION: Non-contact biometers have many advantages including the delegation of tasks to orthoptists. This study analyses the reliability of measurements comparing contact and non-contacts techniques. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Comparative measurements were taken on 86 eyes of 45 patients (mean age: 74 years; 44.4 % males) in preoperative phacoemulsification by three orthoptists with experience in this task. Each patient had non-contact measurements (Lenstar LS 900, Haag-Streit) and contact measurements (corneal biometry and ultrasound pachymetry with OcuScan RXP, Alcon) and a keratometry refractometer (TONOREF II, Nidek). The axial length data, pachymetry, power of the intraocular lens (SRK/T formula), anterior chamber depth, and the average keratometry were analyzed by paired comparisons. RESULTS: The non-contact biometer was ineffective in 5.8 % of cases (Parkinson's disease, two cases; dense posterior subcapsular cataracts, three cases). The non-contact pachymetry was statistically significantly higher (546.4 µm vs. 538.6 µm; p<0.001). The axial length was significantly longer for the non-contact measurement (23.21 mm vs. 23.05 mm; p<0.0001). In 25.9 % of patients, this difference was greater than or equal to 0.3mm and affected the power of the implant chosen. The anterior chamber depth measured on non-contact biometry was statistically greater (3.33 mm vs. 3.03 mm; p<0.0001). However, there was no significant difference regarding the average keratometry (43.82 D vs. 43.78 D; p=0327). CONCLUSION: Besides the infectious benefit for patients, absence of cleaning and decontamination of biometric probes, non-contact measurements using Lenstar are an example of a safe activity that can be delegated to assistants. This technique has been used to optimize the refractive outcome of 25.9 % of our patients undergoing refractive cataract surgery.