Anterior Lens Research Articles

Zonular fibre Insertion-to-Limbus Distance (ZLD): normative data to assess lens position and diagnose ectopia lentis

PurposeSubluxation of the crystalline lens (Ectopia Lentis, EL) can lead to significant visual impairment and serves as a diagnostic criterion for genetic disorders such as the Marfan syndrome. There is no established criterion to diagnose and quantify EL. We prospectively investigated the distance between the zonular fibre insertion and the limbus (ZLD) in healthy subjects as a parameter to assess the position of the lens, quantify EL and provide normative data.MethodsThis prospective, observational, cross-sectional study includes one-hundred-fifty eyes of 150 healthy participants (mean age 28 years, range 4–68). Pupils were dilated with tropicamide 0.5% and phenylephrine 2.5% eyedrops. ZLD was measured in mydriasis at the slit lamp as the distance between the most central visible insertions of the zonular fibres on the lens surface and the corneoscleral limbus. Vertical pupil diameter (PD) and refractive error were recorded. If zonular fibre insertions were not visible, the distance between limbus and the pupillary margin was recorded as ZLD.Results145 right and 5 left eyes were examined. 93% of study subjects were Caucasian, 7% were Asian. In eyes with visible zonular fibre insertions (n = 76 eyes), ZLD was 1.30 ± 0.28 mm (mean ± SD, range 0.7–2.1) and PD was 8.79 ± 0.57 mm (7.5–9.8). In the remaining 74 eyes, ZLD was 1.38 ± 0.28 mm (0.7–2.1), and PD was 8.13 ± 0.58 mm (6.7–9.4). For all eyes, ZLD was 1.34 ± 0.29 mm (0.7–2.1), and PD was 8.47 ± 0.66 mm (6.7–9.8). Refractive error and sex did not significantly affect ZLD. Smaller PD and older age were associated with larger ZLD (P < 0.001 and P = 0.036, respectively).ConclusionAverage ZLD was 1.34 mm in eyes of healthy subjects. Older age correlated with larger ZLD. These normative data will aid in diagnosing and quantifying EL.

Postmortem changes in the eye on computed tomography images

BackgroundOcular tension decreases with increasing postmortem interval (PMI) and eyes collapse with extreme progression of postmortem change; however, time-related changes in postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) findings have not been clarified. This study aimed to quantitatively evaluate the vitreous volume and CT values of the vitreous body to clarify time-related changes in PMCT. MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed PMCT images of the eyes of subjects who underwent autopsy at our institution between July 2023 and February 2024. They were classified into four PMI groups: PMI-1: < 1 day, PMI-2: 1–2 days, PMI-3: 3–6 days, PMI-4: ≥ 7 days. The vitreous volumes and mean CT values of the vitreous chambers were measured. Additionally, the presence of intraocular gas and crystalline lens dislocation was observed. ResultsThe PMCT images of 131 eyes of 66 patients (41 males, 25 females) were analyzed. The mean age was 63.7 (22–99) years. The volume of the vitreous cavity was significantly decreased at PMI-3 and PMI-4, which indicated scleral depression. Intraocular gas appeared in PMI-4. Lens dislocation began at PMI-3 and was more frequently observed at PMI-4 and in the higher-temperature environment group. ConclusionOcular findings on PMCT are useful for estimating the time of death.

Background factors determining the time to intraocular lens dislocation.

To clarify the characteristics of intraocular lens (IOL) dislocation requiring IOL suture or intraocular scleral fixation. This retrospective consecutive case series included 21 eyes (21 patients) who required sutured or sutureless intrascleral IOL fixation following IOL extraction owing to IOL dislocation at the outpatient clinic in the Department of Ophthalmology, Saitama Red Cross Hospital, Japan, between January and December 2019. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for background diseases, location of the dislocated IOL (intracapsular/extracapsular), insertion of a capsular tension ring (CTR), and the period from IOL insertion to dislocation. We included 21 eyes of 21 patients who required IOL suture or intrascleral fixation for IOL dislocation at our clinic from January to December 2019 were included. The most common background disease was pseudoexfoliation syndrome (four cases), followed by atopic dermatitis, dysplasia/dehiscence of the zonule, post-retinal detachment surgery, high myopia, and uveitis (three cases each). At the time of dislocation, the IOLs were either intracapsular (16 cases, including 3 cases with CTR insertion) or extracapsular (5 cases). The time from IOL insertion to IOL dislocation was 13.7 ± 8.1years (maximum: 31.3years, minimum: 1.7years). In this study, all 21 cases represented late IOL dislocations occurring after 3months postoperatively. Among these late IOL dislocation cases, IOL dislocation occurred in a short-medium period of time, especially in those with CTR insertion and weakness/dehiscence of the zonule, with an average of 3 to 5years postoperatively. We propose referring to these cases as intermediate-term IOL dislocation.

Investigating the determinants of iridolenticular contact area: a novel parameter for angle closure

Background/aimsTo identify ocular determinants of iridolenticular contact area (ILCA), a recently introduced swept-source optical coherence tomography (SSOCT) derived parameter, and assess the association between ILCA and angle closure.MethodsIn this population-based...

Зависимость частоты спонтанной люксации комплекса капсульный мешок-ИОЛ от материала и массы линзы

Abstract Spontaneous luxation frequency dependence of the «capsule bag-IOL» complex on the material and weight of the lens A.A. Ivanov , O.P. Mishchenko , T.N. Iureva S. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Federal State Institution, Irkutsk Branch, Irkutsk, Russian Federation Irkutsk State Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education – branch of the FSBEI APE RMACPE, Irkutsk, Russian Federation Irkutsk State Medical University, Irkutsk, Russian Federation Relevance.Spontaneous luxation of the «capsule bag – IOL» complex in the long-term postoperative period is a serious complication. The search for regulated risk factors, the limitation of which will reduce the frequency of this complication, is relevant. Purpose. To evaluate association between frequency of spontaneous luxation of the «capsule bag – IOL» complex and the number of surgeries, taking into account the characteristics of the lens. Material and methods. 69 IOLs from 14 medical companies and 2 capsule rings were examined. The weight was determined using trusted torsion scales (accuracy ± 1 mg) under hydration conditions. IOLs were divided into 3 groups: ≤18 D; 18.5–24.0 D; ≥24.5 D. A retrospective analysis of 159 cases of spontaneous IOL luxation into the vitreous body over 13 years (2007–2020) was carried out. Comparison of IOL implantation results/luxation was carried out from 2006 to 2010, taking into account luxations from 2007 to 2020. Additionally, the number of years from IOL implantation to spontaneous luxation, the axial length of the eye, and the presence of pseudoexfoliation syndrome were evaluated. Results. A multiple excess of the weight of hydrophilic compared with hydrophobic IOLs was found in three comparison groups with a comparable refractive power (p=0.0001). Hydrophilic lenses in various groups were 1.5–1.82 times heavier than hydrophobic lenses. Spontaneous luxation of hydrophobic IOLs occurred less frequently by 11.86–49.22% compared to lenses made of hydrophilic materials. Conclusion.The weight of the IOL may play an important role in the pathogenesis of dislocation of the artificial lens. In the future, it is possible to develop recommendations to reduce the risk of luxation of the «capsule bag – IOL» complex in the long term for patients with an initial combination of non-correctable risk factors complicating the condition of the ligamentous apparatus of the lens. Key words: IOL luxation, IOL weight, lens material, hydrophilic or hydrophobic IOLs

Wavefront Changes during a Sustained Reading Task in Presbyopic Eyes.

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of sustained reading on the temporal changes in the wavefront error in the presbyopic eye. The wavefront aberration of the eyes was measured using an IRX3 Shack-Hartmann aberrometer before and after (immediately, 5 min, and 10 min after) a reading task. Temporal changes in C20, C40, and C3-1 coefficient values of the eyes were plotted, showing a predominant number of V-shaped patterns (for C40 and C3-1) and inverse V-shaped patterns (for C20) among the study group, and the percentages (between 27 and 73%) were reported. The median of the total RMS of aberrations and the RMS of HOA (higher-order aberrations), which included comatic (3rd order) and spherical-like aberrations (4th and 6th order), increased immediately after finishing the near-vision reading task and then decreased. The median of RMS of comatic aberrations had a similar pattern of variations, while the median of RMS of spherical-like aberrations displayed an opposite pattern. Simulating the aberration changes due to lens decentration caused by relaxed zonules during 4 D accommodation in an eye model demonstrated that the expected range of changes for the vertical coma and spherical aberrations are in the order of 0.001 and 0.01 μm, respectively, which could justify why the observed changes were not statistically significant. The observed dynamic changes in HOA might be linked to the biomechanical characteristics and alterations in the displacement of the crystalline lens following prolonged near-vision tasks in presbyopic people. Although some predominant patterns under some conditions were shown, they exhibit considerable inter-subject and inter-ocular variability. This might be due to slight misalignments while fixating on the internal extended object in the aberrometer.

Mir-204-5p alleviates mitochondrial dysfunction by targeting IGFBP5 in diabetic cataract.

Cataract contributes to visual impairment worldwide, and diabetes mellitus accelerates the formation and progression of cataract. Here we found that the expression level of miR-204-5p was diminished in the lens epithelium with anterior lens capsule of cataract patients compared to normal donors, and decreased more obviously in those of diabetic cataract (DC) patients. However, the contribution and mechanism of miR-204-5p during DC development remain elusive. The mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was reduced in the lens epithelium with anterior lens capsule of DC patients and the H2O2-induced human lens epithelial cell (HLEC) cataract model, suggesting impaired mitochondrial functional capacity. Consistently, miR-204-5p knockdown by the specific inhibitor also attenuated the MMP in HLECs. Using bioinformatics and a luciferase assay, further by immunofluorescence staining and Western blot, we identified IGFBP5, an insulin-like growth factor binding protein, as a direct target of miR-204-5p in HLECs. IGFBP5 expression was upregulated in the lens epithelium with anterior lens capsule of DC patients and in the HLEC cataract model, and IGFBP5 knockdown could reverse the mitochondrial dysfunction in the HLEC cataract model. Our results demonstrate that miR-204-5p maintains mitochondrial functional integrity through repressing IGFBP5, and reveal IGFBP5 may be a new therapeutic target and prognostic factor for DC.

Comparison between two-hole-assisted phaco-chop and stop-and-chop techniques for nuclear disassembly in residents’ cataract surgery

Abstract PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety of the novel two-hole-assisted phaco-chop technique as a transition between stop-and-chop and direct-chop techniques and to compare its phacoemulsification parameters with the stop-and-chop technique. METHODS: A prospective quasi-experimental study was conducted at Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan. One hundred and three patients (103 eyes), aged 18 years and above, with nuclear sclerosis (NS)+2, NS +3, +4, cortical, and posterior subcapsular cataracts (WHO Cataract Grading Group) were included, whereas patients with uveitis, glaucoma, traumatic cataracts, small pupils, zonular weakness, lens subluxation, small palpebral fissures, soft cataracts (NS + 1), and posterior polar cataracts were excluded from the study. The stop-and-chop technique was performed in 58 (56.3%) patients, whereas the two-hole-assisted chop technique in the rest. Ultrasound time (UST), total surgical time, and volume of balanced salt solution (BSS) delivered were recorded. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 65.12 ± 8.85 years. The comparison of the two techniques revealed no statistically significant difference in the UST (P = 0.723), volume of BSS used (P = 0.102), and total surgery time (P = 0.517). However, a significant positive correlation between cataract grade and UST (Spearman’s r = 0.888, P &lt; 0.001), BSS volume delivered (Spearman’s r = 0.831, P &lt; 0.001), and surgery time (Spearman’s r = 0.846, P &lt; 0.001) was observed. Moreover, the UST comparison between cataract grades revealed a significant difference between the three groups (F = 185.09 P &lt; 0.001). P &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The two-hole-assisted phaco chop is a safe and efficient transitional technique between stop-and-chop and direct-chop techniques for nuclear disassembly in cataract surgery performed by resident surgeons. In addition, the phacoemulsification parameters of the two-hole-assisted chop technique are comparable with the stop-and-chop technique.

Application of modified Yamane technique in intrascleral intraocular lens fixation combined with or without iris reconstruction

AimsTo explore the application and long-term clinical effects of modified Yamane technique in intrascleral intraocular lens (IOL) fixation combined with or without iris reconstruction.Settings and designThe data of patients receiving IOL fixation with modified Yamane technique in an ophthalmology department between December 2021 and August 2023 were analyzed retrospectively. The longest follow-up duration was > 12 months.Methods and materialThe trailing haptic was fixed with the needle before the leading haptic. The silicone haptic stoppers were used to stabilize the IOL when iris reconstruction was combined. Preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), corneal endothelial cells (CECs), postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), surgical indications and methods, and postoperative complications were recorded. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to evaluate IOL decentration and tilt. The paired sample t-test or Wilcoxon rank sum test were used to compare the results of the same index before and after the operation.ResultsTwelve patients (12 eyes) were included in this cohort. There were 1 case of IOL dislocation, eight cases of lens dislocation or subluxation, and three cases of aphakia. Traumatic lens dislocation was the main cause of aphakia. Primary lens extraction was performed in previous surgeries, and all three were combined with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Four of 12 patients underwent IOL fixation and iris reconstruction. The mean age of participants was 63 ± 10.61 years. The mean BCVA increased from 0.89 ± 0.72 logMAR to 0.39 ± 0.56 logMAR at the last visit (p < 0.05). The postoperative relative refractive error was − 0.13 ± 0.42 D (–0.60 D to + 0.57 D). The OCT showed that the IOLs were well centered, with a mean decentration of 0.20 ± 0.13 mm and a mean tilt of 2.31°±0.93°. Ten patients did not experience any complications.ConclusionsThe modified Yamane technique in IOL fixation surgery, especially combined with iris reconstruction, reduces operation difficulty, increases operational stability and safety, and improves postoperative visual acuity without serious intra- or postoperative complications. The long-term improvement effect was remarkable.

Anterior Chamber Depth and Lens Thickness Measurements in Pediatric Eyes: Ultrasound Biomicroscopy Versus Immersion A-Scan Ultrasonography

ObjectiveTo compare anterior chamber depth (ACD) and lens thickness (LT) measurements by ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), A-scan cross vector (CV) overlay with UBM, and immersion A-scan technique in pediatric eyes. MethodsThis prospective comparative cohort study comprised 43 eyes of 25 pediatric participants (mean age: 2.3±2.2 y). UBM and immersion A-scan biometry were performed prior to dilation and intraocular surgery. ACD and LT were measured by UBM image analysis, A-scan CV UBM overlay, and immersion A-scan technique. ResultsACD and LT measurements obtained using immersion A-scan were significantly greater than with UBM image analysis with mean differences of 0.52 mm and 0.62 mm, respectively (p < 0.001). Immersion A-scan and UBM measurements were moderately correlated (r = 0.70 and 0.64, p < 0.001). ACD and LT measurements obtained using CV overlay were not significantly different than UBM measurements and the values were strongly positively correlated (r = 0.95 and 0.93, p < 0.001). ConclusionImmersion A-scan may overestimate ACD and LT compared to UBM in pediatric patients due to oblique placement of the A-scan probe relative to the optical axis. Supplemental use of UBM and/or CV overlay is indicated to improve measurement accuracy in pediatric patients who cannot reliably fixate due to the ability to confirm proper alignment of the probe with the pupil by visualizing the anterior segment.

Efficacy and Safety of 0.03% Atropine Eye Drops in Controlling Myopia Progression: A One-Year Prospective Clinical Study.

Objective: To investigate the efficacy and safety of one-year treatment with 0.03% atropine eye drops for slowing myopia progression among children aged 6-12 years. Methods: Healthy Caucasian children aged 6-12 years with cycloplegic spherical equivalent (SE) from -1.0 D to -5.0 D and astigmatism and anisometropia ≤1.5 D were included. Changes in mean axial length (AL) and objective SE as well as changes in intraocular pressure (IOP), central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD) and lens thickness (LT) were assessed in the 0.03% atropine eye drops group and the control group from baseline through the 1-year follow-up. The proportion of participants showing myopia progression of <0.5 D from baseline in each group and any potential side effects in 0.03% atropine group were evaluated. Results: The study involved 31 patients in the 0.03% atropine eye drops group and 41 in the control group. Administration of 0.03% atropine for 1 year resulted in a mean change in SE of -0.34 (0.44) D/year, significantly lower than the -0.60 (0.50) D/year observed in the control group (p = 0.024). The change in AL was 0.19 (0.17) mm in the 0.03% atropine group, compared to 0.31 (0.20) mm in the control group (p = 0.015). There were no significant differences in changes of IOP, CCT and LT between the groups (all p ≥ 0.05). The 0.03% atropine group had a significantly greater increase in ACD compared to the control group (p = 0.015). In total, 64.5% of patients in the 0.03% atropine group showed progression <0.5 D/year, in contrast to 39.0% in the control group (p = 0.032). Adverse events were reported in 13 (35.0%) out of 37 patients in the treatment group, leading to discontinuation of the eye drops in six (16.0%) cases. None of the adverse events were severe. Conclusions: Despite a higher incidence of adverse events, 0.03% atropine eye drops effectively slowed the progression of myopia over 1-year.

Transient anterior subcapsular vacuolar lens opacities after Tanito microhook trabeculotomy: report of six cases

ObjectiveTo present six cases exhibiting transient anterior subcapsular vacuolar lens opacities following early postoperative Tanito microhook trabeculotomy (TMH) performed by the same surgeon.MethodsSix patients who underwent lens-sparing TMH at Meizankai Shimizu Eye Clinic from November 2021 to May 2023, and developed anterior subcapsular vacuolar lens opacities postoperatively were reviewed. Detailed records of surgeries, follow-up findings were collected and reported.ResultsIn all six cases, anterior vacuolar subcapsular lens opacities were observed on the day after surgery, gradually decreasing without affecting visual acuity or contrast sensitivity. In all cases, without any specific interventions, the opacities disappeared by 21 months postoperatively.ConclusionAnterior subcapsular cataracts, characterized by a vacuolar appearance and transient existence, should be recognized as an early complication of ab interno glaucoma surgery, possibly linked to use of distributed ophthalmic viscosurgical devices and excessive anterior chamber irrigation leading to traumatic cataracts on the lens surface.

Knobloch Syndrome Type 1 with a Novel Pathogenic Variant in the COL18A1 Gene: Case Report and Review of the Literature

AbstractKnobloch syndrome type 1 (KNO1) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by various ocular abnormalities, developmental delay, central nervous system, and urogenital tract abnormalities. KNO1 occurs phenotypically in the presence of at least two pathogenic variants of the COL18A1 gene in biallelic state, regardless of the individual's sex. We describe a novel nonsense variant in the COL18A1 gene, associated with KNO1 in a 2-year-old boy, born of a nonconsanguineous couple. This boy was referred for genetic analysis based on clinical evidence of bilateral frontal polymicrogyria of unknown etiology. Whole-exome sequencing and targeted analysis of genes associated with ataxia, polymicrogyria, and hereditary malformations of the brain was employed. One known pathogenic heterozygous splice acceptor variant (NM_001379500.1:c.929–2A &gt; G) and one likely pathogenic novel nonsense heterozygous variant (NM_001379500.1:c.3083C &gt; A) in the COL18A1 gene were identified. The c.929–2A &gt; G substitution affects the splice acceptor sequence and causes impaired messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) maturation. The c.3083C &gt; A variant affects the translated sequence and leads to the formation of a stop codon. Both variants are thought to result in a lack of protein product (as a result of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay) or in the production of truncated nonfunctional protein. KNO1 can go undiagnosed, thus, genetic testing can be a powerful tool for disease detection, specifically in cases in which retinal detachment and occipital encephalocele syndrome are present. Timely diagnosis not only ensures that patients are aware of the potential complications resulting from the condition such as lens subluxation, retinal detachment, and glaucoma, but can help plan appropriate disease prevention and therapy measures in affected families.

Factors predicting redislocation or suture break in eyes after scleral-fixated intraocular lens.

To investigate predictive factors for redislocation in patients with recurrent intraocular lens (IOL) dislocation after secondary scleral-fixated IOL (SF IOL) surgery. 2 tertiary referral hospitals. Retrospective case series. Patients undergoing SF IOL surgery were grouped into redislocation and no-redislocation groups. Medical records of consecutive patients who underwent SF IOL surgery between June 2014 and December 2019 at 2 tertiary referral centers were reviewed. Data regarding patient demographics, treatment factors, anatomical and functional outcomes, and postoperative complications were recorded. 237 eyes of 225 patients (169 [75.1%] men) were included. The redislocation group was more likely to have a younger mean age at the initial SF IOL surgery (redislocation vs no-redislocation, 55.4 vs 62.0 years, respectively; P = .008), have a prior history of a previous suture break (23 eyes, 52.3% vs 1 eye, 0.5%; P < .001), and have undergone the initial SF IOL surgery using <1 mm-sized side-port incisions (17 eyes, 38.6% vs 32 eyes, 16.5%; P = .002) than was the no-redislocation group. In addition, the redislocation group had a higher occurrence of complications ( P < .001). Multivariate regression revealed that younger age, left eye involvement, aphakic status before the surgery, unremarkable primary IOL dislocation cause, need for ocular hypertension treatment and glaucoma surgery, and no large incision during the initial surgery were significantly (all P < .05) associated with redislocation. Younger age, left eye involvement, postoperative complications such as ocular hypertension and glaucoma, and techniques without large incisions increase the risk of redislocation. Conversely, lower risk factors include unremarkable surgery causes and a history of aphakic conditions.

Changes in corneal endothelial cells after scleral-fixated intraocular lens surgery in children with congenital ectopia lentis: 2-year follow-up.

To investigate the changing patterns of corneal endothelial cells and the associated factors in children with congenital ectopia lentis (CEL) after scleral-fixated intraocular lens (SF IOL) surgery. Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangzhou, China. Retrospective study. Patients were divided into the surgery group and the control group. Central endothelial cell density (ECD), coefficient of variation in cell size, the percentage of hexagonal cells (hexagonality), average cell size (AVG), and central corneal thickness were analyzed for both groups at baseline and each follow-up visit. Clinic characteristic, ocular parameters, IOL decentration, and IOL tilt of patients in the surgery group were collected. Multiple linear regression was performed to assess the potential associated factors for the postoperative changes in corneal endothelial cells in the surgery group. After 2-year follow-up, the decline of ECD was 17.8% (95% CI, -21.8 to -13.9) in the surgery group and -3.1% (95% CI, -5.2 to -1.0) in the control group ( P < .001), while the increase of AVG was 24.3% (17.1-31.6) in the surgery group and 2.7% (1.0 to 4.5) in the control group ( P < .001). Multivariate analysis showed that axial length (AL) ≥24 mm and white-to-white (WTW) <12.2 mm were significantly associated with greater loss of ECD (β = -241.41, 95% CI, -457.91 to -24.91, P = .030 and β = 251.63, 95% CI, 42.10-461.17, P = .020, respectively) and AL ≥24 mm was significantly positively associated with the increase of AVG (β = 34.81, 95% CI, 0.90-68.71, P = .044). The SF IOL had a significant impact on corneal endothelium in children with CEL. More attention should be paid to monitor postoperative corneal endothelium change during long-term follow-up in CEL children, especially for those with longer AL and smaller WTW.

Anterior scleral thickness in Marfan syndrome: A quantitative analysis.

To investigate the anterior scleral thickness (AST) in patients with Marfan syndrome (MFS). A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Ophthalmology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, including patients with a genetically confirmed clinical diagnosis of MFS and age-, gender- and axial length-matched controls. Subjects with known corneal, conjunctival or scleral pathology and a history of ocular surgery, including pars plana vitrectomy, recent contact lens use or high-grade astigmatism were excluded. Subjects underwent non-cycloplegic autorefraction, Scheimpflug-based corneal tomography, axial length measurement and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). AST was manually measured at 1 mm (AST1), 2 mm (AST2) and 3 mm (AST3) from the scleral spur, temporally and nasally. A total of 56 subjects (28 subjects in the MFS group and 28 matched subjects in the control group) were included in this study. In patients with MFS, AST was significantly reduced compared to matched controls, both overall and at every analysed measuring point in the nasal and temporal areas (p < 0.001). Central corneal thickness (CCT) and mean keratometry (Kmean) values were significantly lower in patients with MFS (p < 0.05). A positive correlation was found between nasal AST and CCT in patients with MFS. No correlation was found between AST and Kmean or between AST and axial length. In patients with MFS with ectopia lentis, compared to those without, temporal AST3 was significantly lower (p < 0.05). AST was significantly lower in patients with MFS harbouring a variant predicted to cause haploinsufficiency compared to those with a variant expected to lead to a dominant negative effect for both nasal and temporal measurements. Based on anterior segment OCT measurements, AST of patients with MFS is significantly lower compared to matched controls.

Corneal Endothelial Changes Following Anterior Chamber Intraocular Lens Implantation in Extracapsular Cataract Surgery

Aim: To determine &amp; quantify corneal endothelial changes after primary or secondary implantation of anterior chamber intraocular lenses (AC IOLs) in extracapsular cataract surgery complicated by loss of capsule support. Setting: Ibn Al- Heythem teaching eye hospital, Baghdad. Patients &amp; Methods: This prospective study comprised 125 patients underwent extracapsular cataract surgery complicated by loss of capsular support. Of them 76 patients had primary implantation of open-loop AC IOLs. The other 49 patients were kept aphakic after similar complicated cataract surgery &amp; had secondary AC IOL implantation (open-loop), this was performed 10 weeks to 2 years from initial cataract surgery. At least 2 weeks post AC IOL implantation, non-contact specular microscopy was performed at the center of the cornea for eyes with primary &amp; secondary AC IOLs implantation, their fellow eyes (phakic or pseudophakic with posterior chamber PC IOL) taken as control. Results: The mean endothelial cell density (ECD) was significantly lower in eyes with primary or secondary AC IOL implantation than in unoperated phakic eyes. Patients with primary AC IOL implantation in 1 eye &amp; PC IOL implantation in fellow eye had a difference in ECD that was not statistically significant. The ECD difference was significantly greater in eyes with secondary AC IOL implantation compared to fellow pseudophakic eyes (PC IOL). The coefficient of variation (CV) in cell size &amp; percentages of hexagonality showed no significant changes in the various groups. Conclusion: AC IOL implantation didn't appear to alter corneal endothelial function. Results indicate that endothelial cell loss was related to surgical trauma rather than the presence of AC IOL.

Spiroplasma infection as a cause of severe congenital keratouveitis, cataract and glaucoma

BackgroundOnly seven cases of ocular Spiroplasma infection have been reported to date, all presenting as congenital cataracts with concomitant intraocular inflammation. We describe the first case of Spiroplasma infection initially presenting as a corneal infiltrate.Case presentationA 1-month-old girl was referred for a corneal infiltrate in the left eye. She presented in our hospital with unilateral keratouveitis. Examination showed a stromal corneal infiltrate and dense white keratic precipitates in the left eye. Herpetic keratouveitis was suspected and intravenous acyclovir therapy was initiated. Two weeks later, the inflammation in the left eye persisted and was also noticed in the right eye. Acute angle-closure glaucoma and a cataract with dilated iris vessels extending onto the anterior lens capsule developed in the left eye. The inflammation resolved after treatment with azithromycin. Iridectomy, synechiolysis and lensectomy were performed. Bacterial metagenomic sequencing (16 S rRNA) and transmission electron microscopy revealed Spiroplasma ixodetis species in lens aspirates and biopsy. Consequently, a diagnosis of bilateral Spiroplasma uveitis was made.ConclusionsIn cases of congenital cataract with concomitant intraocular inflammation, Spiroplasma infection should be considered. The purpose of this case report is to raise awareness of congenital Spiroplasma infection as a cause of severe keratouveitis, cataract and angle-closure glaucoma in newborns. Performing molecular testing on lens aspirates is essential to confirm diagnosis. Systemic macrolides are suggested as the mainstay of treatment.

Rapid survey for assessing effective cataract surgical coverage (eCSC) and effective refractive error coverage (eREC)-Novel indicators of universal eye health.

As per the recent World Health Organization estimates, approximately 2.2 billion people have near and distance vision impairment (VI) globally, and out of this almost 50% is avoidable. The Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Visual Impairment survey was a cross-sectional study conducted in September 2021, using cluster random sampling in 42 clusters with a cluster size of 140, giving a total of 6000 participants. Two teams comprising of trained optometrists and social workers conducted the ocular examination which included unaided, pinhole, and aided visual acuity assessments followed by examination of the anterior segment and lens. Distance visual acuity was measured using simplified tumbling "E" charts of different sizes for VA of 6/12, 6/18, and 6/60. The lens assessment was done in an un-dilated pupil with torch light by the optometrist. Overall, 6520 individuals aged 6 years and above were enumerated, of whom 5440 (83.4%) were examined. The response rate for examination was better among females (93.1%) than males (73.9%), and it decreased from 93.8% in the age group 6-15 years to 77.1% in the 45+ age group. The prevalence of blindness and VI were 0.18% (95% CI: 0.06-0.29) and 4.19% (95%CI: 3.65-4.72), respectively. The major causes of VI in all age groups were uncorrected refractive error (65.4%), cataract (23.7%), cataract surgical complications (2.6%), corneal opacity (0.4%), and other posterior segment diseases (7.5%). The effective cataract surgical coverage (eCSC) was 61.8%, effective refractive error coverage (eREC) for distance vision was 59.8%, and eREC for near vision was 47.0%. The RAAVI methodology is suitable to measure effective coverage in the general population, both for baseline measurement and periodic monitoring. The 2030 targets for the surveyed district are 90% eCSC and 100% eREC. Such exercises need to be conducted in each district of the country to determine the baseline and target values of effective coverage.

Histopathological findings of anterior lens capsule in pediatric cataract.

To investigate the histopathological findings of the anterior lens capsule in pediatric patients who had surgery for cataracts. This study is a prospective interventional study. Anterior capsule tissue samples that were obtained by the anterior capsulotomy method during phacoemulsification surgery were fixed and examined under a transmission electron microscope. Twenty-two eyes of 19 patients who were diagnosed with congenital and juvenile cataracts were included in this study. Five patients had associated systemic diseases, including hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy, prematurity, juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia, and Down's syndrome. Electron microscopic evaluation demonstrated single-layered epithelium under the capsule, degenerated organelles with round-oval and prismatic-oval nuclei, and degenerated mitochondria and heterochromatin-rich nuclei. In the case with cerebral palsy, collagen fibrils of the connective tissue and fibroblast-like cells were observed replacing the epithelium that should be underneath the capsule in both eyes, and there was a disorganized distribution of collagen fibrils and vacuole structures in the cytoplasm of fibroblast-like cells. Similar histopathological findings were found in pediatric cataracts with or without systemic disease except in one cerebral palsy case. The absence of lens epithelium may have been a result of degeneration in this patient, and this can be attributed to the presence of systemic inflammation and gliosis in cerebral palsy. The absence of lens epithelium can play a role in the development of dense subcapsular fibrosis and cataract formation.