Central Endothelial Cell Loss Research Articles

Comparison of Graft Outcomes Reusing Original Intermediate-Term Cold Storage Solution for Entire Corneal Donor Storage Period With Exchanged Fresh Storage Solution After Donor Preparation in the Cornea Preservation Time Study.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes of Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty comparing exchange with fresh intermediate-term cold storage solution after lenticule preparation versus reuse of the original solution in the Cornea Preservation Time Study. In the Cornea Preservation Time Study, 508 donor corneas had lenticules prepared by the eye bank with fresh solution exchange (Fresh group) and 283 with reuse of the original solution (Original group). Storage time for all donors was ≤11 days. Graft success rates, central endothelial cell loss at 3 years, and frequency of positive donor rim cultures were compared between the 2 groups. The 3-year graft success rate (95% confidence interval) was 93.4% (90.7%-95.3%) in the Fresh group and 95.2% (91.8%-97.2%) in the Original group (adjusted hazard ratio for graft failure = 0.64, 95% confidence interval, 0.33-1.24, P = 0.19). The mean percentage endothelial cell loss was significantly greater in the Fresh group versus Original group (45% ± 22% vs. 38% ± 20%, respectively, P = 0.004). Cultures were positive in 4 (1.5%) of 267 donor rims (3 fungal and 1 bacterial) in the Fresh group and in 4 (2.5%) of 158 in the Original group ( P = 0.57). There were 2 postoperative infections in the Original group and none in the Fresh group. The use of the original intermediate-term cold storage solution did not reduce the 3-year graft success rate compared with exchanging with fresh solution after lenticule preparation for Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty, while the frequency of positive donor rim cultures did not significantly differ between groups.

I-PDEK: Microscope-integrated OCT-assisted pre-Descemet endothelial keratoplasty.

Four patients with pseudophakic corneal edema were subjected to pre-Descemet endothelial keratoplasty (PDEK) under the direct guidance of microscope-integrated optical coherence tomography (i-OCT). i-OCT facilitated successful type 1 big bubble formation during donor preparation, debridement of the hypertrophic epithelium, planning and placement of surgical wounds, descemetorrhexis with removal of remnant Descemet membrane tags, and identification of correct donor orientation and interface details. It was also possible to discern the stability of intraocular lens, flat iris configuration, adequate stromal hydration, and wound apposition on i-OCT. Preoperative visual acuity was counting fingers (50%), 0.78 logMAR (25%), and 1.48 logMAR (25%), whereas postoperative visual acuity was 0.6 logMAR (50%) and 0.3 logMAR (50%). At 6-months of follow-up, all grafts were clear and well attached, the mean central corneal thickness, graft size, graft thickness, and endothelial cell loss were 557.25 ± 13.45 μm, 7.75 ± 0.20 mm, 25.5 ± 2.64 μm, and 21.6 ± 0.02%, respectively. To conclude, i-OCT helped during various surgical steps of PDEK.

Defining the surgical footprint in cataract surgery: patient-related outcomes dependent on the experience of the surgeon.

To investigate which patient-related outcomes are dependent on the experience of the cataract surgeon. The study was designed as a prospective observational study. Novice (<150 surgeries performed) and experienced (>1000 surgeries performed) cataract surgeons from the Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet - Glostrup and Nordsjaellands Hospital - Hillerød were included in the study. Patients operated by the included surgeons were examined preoperatively, 1day, 3days, and 3weeks after standard, noncomplicated cataract surgery. Primary outcomes were change in central corneal thickness and endothelial cell loss. Secondary outcomes were best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, aqueous flare, central macular thickness, and surgical complications. Surgery performed by novice surgeons resulted in significantly lower visual acuity (mean -3.6 letters (Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS)); 95% CI: -7.3; -0.4, p=0.03) and greater corneal thickness (mean 26.7µm; 95% CI: 6.8; 46.6, p=0.01) on the first day postoperative than surgery performed by experienced surgeons. The experience of the cataract surgeon affected visual acuity and central corneal thickness in the immediate postoperative period. In the future, these patient-related outcomes may be used to assess the technical proficiency of surgical trainees and investigate the effect of different training programs.

Randomized, Double-Masked Trial of Netarsudil 0.02% Ophthalmic Solution for Prevention of Corticosteroid-Induced Ocular Hypertension

To assess whether prophylactic use of netarsudil 0.02% ophthalmic solution reduces the risk of intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation associated with prolonged use of topical corticosteroids to prevent cornea transplantation rejection. Prospective, randomized clinical trial. In this study, 120 subjects were randomized to use netarsudil (off-label) or placebo once daily for 9months after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty, and 71 fellow eyes were enrolled and assigned to the opposite treatment arm. Participants concurrently used topical prednisolone acetate 1% 4× daily for 3months, 3× daily for a month, twice daily for a month, and once daily for 4months. The main outcome was IOP elevation (defined as IOP ≥24mm Hg or an increase of ≥10mm Hg over baseline) assessed by Kaplan-Meier and proportional hazards analyses, taking loss to follow-up into consideration. Overall, 95 eyes were assigned to netarsudil and 96 to placebo; 15 eyes (16%) were withdrawn early from the netarsudil arm because of ocular irritation. The rate of IOP elevation was 14% with netarsudil and 21% with placebo (relative risk: 0.6; 95% confidence interval: 0.3-1.3; P= .23). IOP was >30mm Hg in 7.8% assigned to netarsudil versus 7.4% assigned to placebo (P= .84). Median 6-month central endothelial cell loss was 31% versus 29% with netarsudil versus placebo, respectively (P= .49). Netarsudil did not produce a statistically significant reduction in the risk of steroid-induced IOP elevation after corneal transplantation relative to placebo.

Central corneal thickness changes following manual small incision cataract surgery versus phacoemulsification for white cataract

Aim: To assess the central corneal thickness (CCT) and endothelial cell loss after manual small-incision cataract surgery and phacoemulsification in patients with white cataract. Material and methods: This is a comparative, prospective, non-randomized study on 42 patients with white cataract, who underwent cataract surgery. The patients were divided into manual small-incision cataract surgery (21 eyes, MSICS group) and phacoemulsification cataract surgery group (21 eyes, phaco group). The endothelial cell density (ECD), central cornea thickness (CCT), and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) were evaluated at 1 day, 1 week, 4 weeks, and 3 months postoperatively. The results of 20 cases of nuclear sclerosis grade II-III (LOCS III) who underwent phacoemulsification by the same surgeon were also compared. Propensity scoring was used to adjust for confounding by selection bias. Results: The CCT increased after surgery in both groups. The thickness was greater in the phaco group on first day postoperatively (73 µ increase in MSICS group and 138 µ in phaco group, p=0.008) and it returned to preoperative levels 1 month postoperatively. The endothelial cell loss was lower in the MSICS group at 3 months postoperatively (11.8% in MSICS group and 15.8% in phaco group, p=0.111). The CDVA was not different in both groups at 1 week and 4 weeks postoperatively (p>0.05). Conclusions: Manual small-incision cataract surgery for white cataract provided less central corneal thickness changes compared to conventional phacoemulsification. Abbreviations: CCT = central corneal thickness; ECD = endothelial cell density; CDVA = corrected distance visual acuity; APT = absolute phacoemulsification time; EPT = effective phacoemulsification time; MSICS = Manual small-incision cataract surgery in white cataract; Phaco II = Phacoemulsification in white cataract; Phaco I = phacoemulsification in NS 2 + Cataract; Phaco = Phacoemulsification in white cataract; APACRS = Asia-Pacific Association of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons.

Clinical Factors for Early and Late Endothelial Cell Loss After Corneal Transplantation

To consider the relative importance of factors associated with post-keratoplasty endothelial cell loss. Lamellar keratoplasty continues to supplant penetrating keratoplasty. When host endothelium is healthy, retaining it with deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty significantly reduces long-term endothelial cell loss. Endothelial keratoplasty and penetrating keratoplasty differ fundamentally in relative rates of early and late central endothelial cell loss, yet at 10 years, their cumulative cell loss is similarly substantial. The greatest risk factor for post-keratoplasty endothelial decompensation is prior glaucoma filtration surgery, particularly an aqueous shunt. Interestingly, vital dye staining and sophisticated imaging software suggest that the actual viable endothelial cell density of donor corneas is often overestimated by specular microscopy, inflating estimates of early cell loss. Corneal graft longevity is often determined by endothelial cell survival. Adoption of new surgical techniques has improved graft survival, and new imaging techniques allow more accurate preoperative endothelial cell evaluation.

All laser cataract surgery compared to femtosecond laser phacoemulsification surgery: corneal trauma.

The aim of this study was to evaluate corneal tissue trauma after femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) and phacoemulsification (femtophaco surgery) compared to FLACS and nanolaser emulsification (all laser surgery). This is a prospective nonrandomized clinical study conducted at the Ophthalmology Clinic, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Italy, involving forty-two eyes of 42 patients candidates to cataract surgery. Patients were enrolled in two groups: femtophaco surgery (group 1 with 21 eyes) and all laser surgery (group 2 with 21 eyes). Main outcome measures included uncorrected visual acuity and distance corrected visual acuity, corneal endothelial cell count, and corneal thickness at the tunnel site and at the center of the cornea. Best correct visual acuity was not significantly different between the two groups. Postoperatively, a significant decrement of endothelial cell count at the center of the cornea was observed in group 1 compared with preoperative values at 90days (p<0.001) while t remained stable in group 2. The central corneal thickness showed a statistically significant increase for both groups that reached a maximum thickness at 7days and then returned to presurgery levels after 90days for group 1 and after 60days for group 2. The tunnel corneal thickness showed a statistically significant increase for both groups that reached a maximum thickness at 7days, which did not return to presurgery level for group 1 but did return to presurgery levels after 60days for group 2. All laser surgery induced lower central endothelial cell loss and lower increase of corneal thickness compared to femtophaco surgery.

Correction of Moderate to High Myopia with a Foldable, Angle-Supported Phakic Intraocular Lens: Results from a 5-Year Open-Label Trial

To evaluate the 5-year efficacy of a foldable, hydrophobic, angle-supported phakic intraocular lens (pIOL) when used to correct moderate to high myopia. Prospective, nonrandomized, multicenter, open-label cohort study conducted in the United States, the European Union, and Canada (3 separate protocols). This was a pooled analysis of 515 eyes from 360 patients 18 to 49 years of age with moderate to high myopia (preoperative corrected distance visual acuity [CDVA] ≤0.34 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR]) and with variance in the manifest refraction spherical equivalent within ±0.5 diopter (D) for a minimum of 12 months. Implantation of the AcrySof Cachet angle-supported anterior chamber pIOL (Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, TX). Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), CDVA, predictability and stability of manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE), serious adverse events, endothelial cell density, and patient satisfaction. Of 360 patients who received implantation in at least 1 eye (515 eyes), 326 (90.6%) completed the study (5-year best-corrected visual acuity data available for 415 eyes). At 5 years, a decrease in CDVA of 2 lines or more was observed in 0.5% of eyes (n= 2/415) compared with preoperative baseline. At 5 years, all 415 eyes achieved a CDVA of 0.34 logMAR or less; 91.3% (n= 379/415) had a CDVA of 0.04 logMAR or less. Mean UDVA ± standard deviation (SD) was 0.01±0.18 logMAR; 94.7% (n= 393/415) and 66.3% (n= 275/415) of eyes had a UDVA of 0.34 logMAR or less or 0.04 logMAR or less, respectively, at 5 years. Mean MRSE ± SD was-0.34±0.57 D (range,-2.50 to 1.63 D). Most eyes (89.8%; n= 371/413) had an MRSE within ±1.00 D of their target refractive error at 5 years and 67.3% (n= 278/413) were within ±0.50 D. Mean annualized central endothelial cell loss was 1.46% (90% confidence interval [CI],-1.6% to-1.3%) from 6 months to 5 years. The most common pIOL-related serious adverse event was adhesion between the cornea and the iris (synechia; n= 24). Most patients (98.1%) indicated that they would have the same pIOL implanted again. In patients with moderate to high myopia, the AcrySof Cachet angle-supported pIOL provided excellent refractive correction for up to 5 years after implantation, with a low rate of mean central endothelial cellloss. Careful patient selection is necessary to achieve optimal postsurgical outcomes.

The posterior iris-claw lens outcome study: 6-month follow-up.

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to evaluate functional and anatomical outcomes of posterior iris-claw intraocular lens (IOL) implant for correction of aphakia in eyes with inadequate capsular support.Materials and Methods:Prospective case series of 108 aphakic eyes with inadequate capsular support which underwent posterior iris-claw IOL with a 6-month follow-up period was conducted. The cases belonged to two clinical settings: elective secondary implantation and those with intraoperative posterior dislocation of cataractous lens or IOL. Main outcome measures were visual acuity, anterior chamber reaction, stability of IOL, endothelial cell count, intraocular pressure (IOP), and cystoid macular edema (CME).Results:The mean best-corrected visual acuity was LogMAR 0.25. None had chronic anterior chamber inflammation. The mean difference in central endothelial counts before surgery and 1 month after surgery was 104.21 cell/mm2 (4.92%). There was no statistically significant difference in central endothelial cell count at 1 and 6 months (P = 0.91) and also in the central macular thickness at preoperative and after 6 months suggestive of CME (P = 0.078). Three eyes had raised IOP which were managed with neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser peripheral iridotomy. There were no IOL dislocations or other adverse events in our series.Conclusion:Posterior chamber iris-claw lenses are a good option in eyes with inadequate posterior capsular support. Chronic inflammation, poor lens stability, or significant central endothelial cell loss was not observed during the 6-month follow-up period.

Randomized, prospective, single-masked clinical trial of endothelial keratoplasty performance with 2 donor cornea 4°C storage solutions and associated chambers.

The aim of this study was to compare endothelial cell loss and graft success 6 months after endothelial keratoplasty (EK) with paired donor corneas stored in Optisol GS and Life4°C solutions and their associated storage chambers. Donor pairs were stored, one in Optisol GS and the other in Life4°C, and prepared for Descemet stripping automated EK or Descemet membrane EK. Matched pairs of recipients with Fuchs dystrophy were randomized to 1 member of each donor pair. Clarity of recipient stroma, intraocular pressure, and complications were followed for 6 months. Central endothelial images of the donor cornea at screening and 3 and 6 months after EK were analyzed by a masked central reading center. Dual grading of endothelial cell density was performed using the center method. Differences in endothelial cell density and cell loss were examined by paired analysis. Thirty-two pairs were enrolled, and 27 were analyzed (5 had improper matching or loss to follow-up). Donor age was 59 ± 14 years, median death-to-surgery time was 4 days (range, 2-9 days), 6 recipient pairs had Descemet membrane EK, and 21 had Descemet stripping automated EK. Recipient age was comparable in the Optisol GS and Life4°C groups (70 vs. 68 years, respectively, P = 0.46). Six-month central endothelial cell loss did not differ significantly between the Life4°C and Optisol GS groups (18 ± 18% vs. 20 ± 20%, respectively, P = 0.55). All recipient corneas were clear at 6 months in both groups. Endothelial cell loss and graft success were comparable at 6 months for paired donor corneas stored in Optisol GS and Life4°C.Clinical Trial Registration-URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01657500.

Comparison of clear corneal incision injuries between torsional and conventional phacoemulsification

To compare thermal and mechanical clear corneal incision (CCI) injuries after conventional and torsional phacoemulsification. A prospective, randomized clinical study. A total of 80 eyes were evaluated for the profile of the incision at 1 day and 3 months postoperatively. The wound architecture was recorded with anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). The incisional thickness increased by thermal injury, Descemet's membrane detachment (DMD) caused by mechanical injury, the presence of endothelial gaping, loss of coaptation, and wound retraction of the conventional phaco group and the torsional phaco group were compared. The corneal thickness at the incision site of the torsional ultrasound group was significantly lower than the conventional group compared to at the first postoperative visit (1187.55 ± 75.66, 1233.62 ± 85.87, P = .013). However, this thickness was similar between the two groups at 3 months postoperatively. The central endothelial cell loss was significantly lower in the torsional ultrasound group after 3 months (417 ± 143, 322 ± 130, P = .003). There was a positive correlation between cumulated dissipated energy (CDE) and the incisional corneal thickness change that was observed by AS-OCT. Other OCT outcome parameters (such as endothelial gap, DMD, epithelial gap, and uncoaptation) that may be caused by mechanical injury did not differ significantly between the groups on postoperative day one or after 3 months. The torsional ultrasound mode may provide a lower level of phacoemulsification time and energy and induce less incisional corneal thickness caused by thermal injury in the early postoperative period. The long-term wound healing appeared the same in both ultrasound mode groups.

Comparison of Torsional and Microburst Longitudinal Phacoemulsification: A Prospective, Randomized, Masked Clinical Trial

To compare intraoperative performance and postoperative outcome of three phacoemulsification technologies in patients undergoing microcoaxial phacoemulsification through 2.2-mm corneal incisions. The prospective, randomized, single-masked study included 360 eyes randomly assigned to torsional (Infiniti Vision System; Alcon Laboratories, Fort Worth, TX), microburst with longitudinal (Infiniti), or microburst with longitudinal (Legacy Everest, Alcon Laboratories) ultrasound. Assessments included surgical clock time, fluid volume, and intraoperative complications, central corneal thickness on day 1 and months 1 and 3 postoperatively, and endothelial cell density at 3 months postoperatively. Comparisons among groups were conducted. Torsional ultrasound required significantly less surgical clock time and fluid volume than the other groups. There were no intraoperative complications. Change in central corneal thickness and endothelial cell loss was significantly lower in the torsional ultrasound group at all postoperative visits (P < .001, Kruskal-Wallis test) compared to microburst longitudinal ultrasound modalities. Torsional ultrasound demonstrated quantitatively superior intraoperative performance and showed less increase in corneal thickness and less endothelial cell loss compared to microburst longitudinal ultrasound.

Effect of Anterior Chamber Depth on Corneal Endothelial Change After Phacoemulsification

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of preoperative and postoperative parameters, particularly anterior chamber depth, on corneal endothelial cell loss during cataract surgery. Methods: Eighty-two eyes of 82 patients who underwent cataract surgery by the same surgeon using the same technique were selected for the present study. Various preoperative and postoperative parameters including age, anterior chamber depth, duration and power of phacoemulsification, preoperative endothelial cell density, coefficient of variation, hexagonality, and grade of nucleosclerosis were evaluated. Endothelial cell densities were recorded preoperatively and at two months postoperatively using a noncontact specular microscope. Results: After two months, the mean central endothelial cell loss in all eyes was 8.77%. Among the pre- and post-operative parameters, patient' age, anterior chamber depth, duration, power, and energy of phacoemulsification and grade of nucleosclerosis showed significant correlation with endothelial cell loss. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis identified age, nucleosclerosis, anterior chamber depth, and phacoemulsification time as independent predictors for endothelial cell loss. Conclusions: The risk of endothelial cell loss increased with increases in patient' age, nucleosclerosis, and phacoemulsification time. However, eyes with a deep anterior chamber showed a significantly lower risk of endothelial cell loss.

A Comparison of Three Methods for Trephining Donor Corneal Buttons: Endothelial Cell Loss and Microscopic Ultrastructural Evaluation

Purpose: To evaluate the ultrastructure of the cut edge and associated endothelial cell loss following donor cornea trephination with a standard punch, vacuum punch, and vacuum trephine and artificial anterior chamber system.Materials and Methods: This laboratory investigation compared trephinations (8.0 mm) performed on human corneas using either a standard posterior punch (n = 12), vacuum posterior punch (n = 12), or vacuum trephine and artificial anterior chamber system (n = 12). Specular microscopy was performed before and after trephination to determine central endothelial cell density. Light and scanning electron microscopy were performed to evaluate the structure of the trephined edge. Endothelial cell-free distances from the trephinated edges were measured on light microscopy sections.Results: Central endothelial cell loss (cells/mm2) after trephination was –14.0 ± 49.9 (SD) for the standard posterior punch, –85.6 ± 87.0 for the vacuum posterior punch, –116.0 ± 223.1 for the vacuum trephine and artificial anterior chamber system. Endothelial cell-free distances from the trephined margin were 63 ± 22 μm, 85 ± 13 μm, and 123 ± 48 μm for the three respective methods. The edges of grafts cut with anterior trephination were inward sloping from the epithelial to endothelial surfaces, while both posterior punches created outward sloping edges. Increased fibrillar disruption at edges was seen following anterior trephination.Conclusion: Different trephination methods produce distinct cut morphologies with the anterior trephination approach, resulting in more irregular margins. The anterior approach was associated with increased variability and greater endothelial cell loss than the studied posterior approaches. The use of corneal scissors may contribute to the morphologic features of the corneal button seen following anterior trephination.

Effect of bromfenac ophthalmic solution on ocular inflammation following cataract surgery

This study compared the post-cataract surgery anti-inflammatory effects of topical treatment with 0.1% bromfenac, 0.1% betamethasone or both on postoperative anterior chamber inflammation and corneal swelling. Seventy-two patients with no eye disease other than cataract were enrolled in a prospective, randomized study to undergo phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation. After cataract surgery, patients were randomized to treatment with bromfenac, betamethasone or both agents. Twenty-five eyes were assigned to bromfenac, 23 to betamethasone and 24 to the combined treatment group. Inflammatory reactions in the anterior chamber were measured with laser flare photometry preoperatively and at 1 and 3 days, 1 and 2 weeks, and 1 and 2 months postoperatively. Intraocular pressure (IOP) and corneal thickness were measured at the same time-points. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was measured preoperatively and at 2 days, 1 and 2 weeks, and 1 and 2 months postoperatively. Specular microscope endothelial photography of the central region of the cornea was performed preoperatively and at 3 months after surgery. There were no significant differences among the bromfenac, betamethasone and combined treatment groups in BCVA, IOP, aqueous flare or corneal thickness. Cystoid macular oedema was present in one eye treated with betamethasone. There were no significant differences in anti-inflammatory effects among the three treatments. These findings suggest that bromfenac is as effective as betamethasone in minimizing inflammatory reactions after cataract surgery.

Coupling of HRT II and AS-OCT to evaluate corneal endothelial cell loss and in vivo visualization of the Ahmed glaucoma valve implant

To report corneal endothelial cell loss and in vivo visualization of the Ahmed glaucoma valve implant in eyes with refractory glaucoma. Ten eyes underwent Ahmed valve implant surgery and were followed-up for 12 months. Data collected included intraocular pressure (IOP), number of antiglaucoma medications and surgery-related complications. At 6 and 12 months postoperatively, the intracameral length of the drainage tube (ICL) and the distance between the tube and the cornea (T-C distance), and the iris (T-I distance) were assessed using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). Heidelberg cornea tomograph II (HRT II) was used to measure the corneal endothelial cell density. Mean (+/-SEM) preoperative IOP was 29.5+/-4 mmHg. Mean postoperative IOP was 11.6+/-2 at 12 months (P<0.01). Over a 6-month period, mean corneal endothelial loss was 7.9%+/-2.5 in the central and 7.5%+/-2.4 in the peripheral cornea (P<0.01). There was no correlation between central or peripheral corneal endothelial cell loss and the T-C, T-I distance or the ICL of the tube. Corneal endothelial cell loss occurs following Ahmed valve implant surgery, this appears to be multifactorial. AS-OCT and HRT II are promising methods for the follow-up of patients with a glaucoma drainage device.

Superior efficacy of low-molecular-weight heparin vs unfractionated heparin in acute coronary syndrome without ST elevation

To evaluate the 5-year efficacy of a foldable, hydrophobic, angle-supported phakic intraocular lens (pIOL) when used to correct moderate to high myopia.Prospective, nonrandomized, multicenter, open-label cohort study conducted in the United States, the European Union, and Canada (3 separate protocols).This was a pooled analysis of 515 eyes from 360 patients 18 to 49 years of age with moderate to high myopia (preoperative corrected distance visual acuity [CDVA] ≤0.34 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR]) and with variance in the manifest refraction spherical equivalent within ±0.5 diopter (D) for a minimum of 12 months.Implantation of the AcrySof Cachet angle-supported anterior chamber pIOL (Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, TX).Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), CDVA, predictability and stability of manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE), serious adverse events, endothelial cell density, and patient satisfaction.Of 360 patients who received implantation in at least 1 eye (515 eyes), 326 (90.6%) completed the study (5-year best-corrected visual acuity data available for 415 eyes). At 5 years, a decrease in CDVA of 2 lines or more was observed in 0.5% of eyes (n = 2/415) compared with preoperative baseline. At 5 years, all 415 eyes achieved a CDVA of 0.34 logMAR or less; 91.3% (n = 379/415) had a CDVA of 0.04 logMAR or less. Mean UDVA ± standard deviation (SD) was 0.01±0.18 logMAR; 94.7% (n = 393/415) and 66.3% (n = 275/415) of eyes had a UDVA of 0.34 logMAR or less or 0.04 logMAR or less, respectively, at 5 years. Mean MRSE ± SD was −0.34±0.57 D (range,−2.50 to 1.63 D). Most eyes (89.8%; n = 371/413) had an MRSE within ±1.00 D of their target refractive error at 5 years and 67.3% (n = 278/413) were within ±0.50 D. Mean annualized central endothelial cell loss was 1.46% (90% confidence interval [CI], −1.6% to −1.3%) from 6 months to 5 years. The most common pIOL-related serious adverse event was adhesion between the cornea and the iris (synechia; n = 24). Most patients (98.1%) indicated that they would have the same pIOL implanted again.In patients with moderate to high myopia, the AcrySof Cachet angle-supported pIOL provided excellent refractive correction for up to 5 years after implantation, with a low rate of mean central endothelial cell loss. Careful patient selection is necessary to achieve optimal postsurgical outcomes.

Determining Factors for Corneal Endothelial Cell Loss by Using Bimanual Microincision Phacoemulsification and Power Modulation

To determine risk factors for central corneal endothelial cell loss in bimanual microincision cataract surgery by using power modulation. Prospective study: 79 eyes (70 subjects) with uncomplicated bimanual cataract surgery by using power modulation. Cataracts were graded with the LOCS III system. Specular microscopy was performed preoperatively and postoperatively (5 weeks). Endothelial cell density was calculated (CD; cells/square millimeter). Endothelial cell loss (ECL = preoperative CD - postoperative CD; cells/square millimeter) and proportional loss of cells [PLC = (ECL/preoperative CD) x 100; %)] were calculated. Phacoemulsification time (seconds) and average phacoemulsification power in foot position 3 (%) were recorded. Cataracts were moderate to high density, nuclear color = 3.96, and nuclear opalescence = 3.91. Endothelial cell loss = 196 cells/square millimeter (P < 0.0001). Proportional loss of cells = 8.12% (P < 0.0001). Average phacoemulsification power in foot position 3 was low (8.17%). Increased nuclear color and opalescence were correlated with more phacoemulsification time and higher average phacoemulsification power in foot position 3 (P < 0.0001). Endothelial cell loss and proportional loss of cells, respectively, were affected by increased nuclear color (P < 0.004, P < 0.003) and opalescence (P < 0.006, P < 0.004) but were not affected by phacoemulsification time. Average phacoemulsification power in foot position 3 had a mild effect on endothelial cell loss and proportional loss of cells (P = 0.02, P = 0.02). Despite the need for longer phacoemulsification time and increased power to emulsify denser cataracts, the amount of endothelial cell loss was only mildly affected by the average phacoemulsification power in foot position 3 and unaffected by total phacoemulsification time, showing that bimanual phacoemulsification with power modulation is an efficient and effective technique for performing cataract surgery.

Comparative study of coaxial phacoemulsification and microincision cataract surgery: One-year follow-up

To evaluate the amount of ultrasound (US) used, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and corneal endothelial cell loss in bimanual microincision cataract surgery (MICS) and coaxial phacoemulsification. Department of Ophthalmology, Universidade Gama Filho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A prospective randomized study included 30 patients (60 eyes) with bilateral cataract. All patients had coaxial phacoemulsification in 1 eye and MICS in the fellow eye. The US time and the effective US time were measured intraoperatively. The BCVA and central endothelial cell loss were evaluated in both groups over a 1-year follow-up. The results between the 2 groups were compared. The total US time was lower in the coaxial phacoemulsification group than in the MICS group; the means were 0.50 minutes +/- 0.33 (SD) and 0.82 +/- 0.39 minutes, respectively. The mean US power was similar between groups (mean 10.1% +/- 3.76% and 10.0% +/- 4.0%, respectively). The BCVA was similar between the groups from 24 hours to 1 year. The mean central corneal endothelial cell loss at 3 months was 4.66% +/- 6.10% in the coaxial phacoemulsification group and 4.45% +/- 5.06% in the MICS group and at 1 year, 6.00% +/- 6.72% and 8.82% +/- 7.39%, respectively. The only significant difference in the postoperative results between the 2 groups was central endothelial cell loss at the 1-year follow-up. The US time was longer in the MICS group than in the in the coaxial phacoemulsification group, but the mean US power was similar between groups. The BCVA was also similar between groups; however, the MICS group had more central endothelial cell loss at the 1-year follow-up.

Postoperative Corneal Swelling Correlates Strongly to Corneal Endothelial Cell Loss After Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery

To evaluate postoperative corneal swelling as a predictor of corneal endothelial cell loss after phacoemulsification cataract surgery. Prospective observational case series. Thirty patients planned for routine phacoemulsification cataract surgery were included. Ultrasonic pachymetry and specular microscope endothelial photography of the central and nasal portions of the cornea and Orbscan II slit-scan tomography were performed preoperatively and the day after surgery. The 30 patients were selected from 41 patients based on their increase in central corneal thickness: the first 10 cases with a <5% increase, the first 10 with a 6% to 20% increase, and the first 10 with a > or =20% increase. The same measurements were repeated after 1, 2, and 3 months. The primary outcome measures were corneal endothelial cell loss and increase in pachymetry. Several other parameters were also registered, including age, degree of cataract, visual acuity, phacoemulsification time and energy, total operation time, and the amount of infusion fluid used. The central corneal swelling at postoperative day 1 was strongly correlated with the central corneal endothelial cell loss at 3 months (R(2) = 0.785, P < .001). In this series, with large variations in the corneal swelling at the first postoperative day, the degree of permanent corneal endothelial damage was reflected in the degree of early postoperative corneal swelling. Measuring the difference in pachymetry at postoperative day 1 is a useful way to assess the effects on the corneal endothelium exerted by the phacoemulsification procedure.