Postoperative Corneal Endothelial Cell Research Articles

Safety of intraoperative autologous plasma incubation of corneal grafts for reducing endothelial cell loss: a pilot study.

Corneal endothelial cell loss contributes to transplant failure. Autologous plasma products (APP) activate salvaging pathways that can prevent oxidative stress perioperatively. This study aimed to evaluate the safety of intraoperative incubation of full-thickness corneal grafts in platelet-rich plasma (aPRP) and plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF-Endoret) in mitigating postoperative corneal endothelial cell loss (ECL). Pilot study including patients undergoing penetrating keratoplasty (PK) for various indications between June 2021 and December 2022. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either aPRP or PRGF-Endoret incubation, while those who declined intervention served as the control group. Demographic and clinical data were collected, including preoperative and postoperative endothelial cell count, intraocular pressure, pachymetry, and adverse reactions. Thirty individuals who underwent PK completed follow-up: eight from the aPRP group, 10 from the PRGF-Endoret group, and 12 from the control group. No adverse events related to APP treatment were recorded. In the first and third postoperative months, the APP group had significantly lower ECL percentages (37% vs. 25%, p = 0.02, and 44% vs. 33%, p = 0.02, respectively); this trend was maintained in the sixth month. When stratified, the PRGF-Endoret group showed significant differences in ECL reduction compared to controls at both time points (p = 0.03 and p = 0.05, respectively). The aPRP group showed a similar statistically significant outcome exclusively on the third postoperative month (p = 0.04). APP tended to reduce corneal edema faster than controls. Hexagonality was significantly better in the APP groups in the first and third months, particularly in the PRGF-Endoret group (p < 0.005). Preoperative incubation with APP is safe and promotes better endothelial cell quality and quantity in the early postoperative period following PK. These findings suggest a potential clinical benefit in enhancing graft outcomes and warrant further investigation.

Machine learning based endothelial cell image analysis of patients undergoing descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty surgery.

In this study, we developed a machine learning approach for postoperative corneal endothelial cell images of patients who underwent Descemet's membrane keratoplasty (DMEK). An AlexNet model is proposed and validated throughout the study for endothelial cell segmentation and cell location determination. The 506 images of postoperative corneal endothelial cells were analyzed. Endothelial cell detection, segmentation, and determining of its polygonal structure were identified. The proposed model is based on the training of an R-CNN to locate endothelial cells. Next, by determining the ridges separating adjacent cells, the density and hexagonality rates of DMEK patients are calculated. The proposed method reached accuracy and F1 score rates of 86.15 % and 0.857, respectively, which indicates that it can reliably replace the manual detection of cellsin vivoconfocal microscopy (IVCM). The AUC score of 0.764 from the proposed segmentation method suggests a satisfactory outcome. A model focused on segmenting endothelial cells can be employed to assess the health of the endothelium in DMEK patients.

Outcome of cataract surgery in children with presumed trematode-induced granulomatous anterior uveitis

PurposeTo examine the 6-month visual outcomes and complications following cataract surgery in patients with persumed trematode induced granulomatous anterior uveitis.SettingAssiut university hospital, Assiut, Egypt.DesignThis is a retrospective non comparative case series study.MethodsPatients presenting with significant cataract secondary to uveitis caused by trematode induced anterior chamber granuloma were included in this study.Cases with active anterior uveitis, within the last 3 months preceding surgery, and those with a history of trauma, were excluded from this study.Data collected included demographic characteristics, history of the condition including when uveitis started, treatment received and history of other health conditions that may be relevant to uveitis.Complete opthalmologic examination including assessment of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and OCT macula, if possible, were done. These was repeated 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after surgery. Specular microscopy was performed preoperatively and 3 months after surgery. Patients underwent cataract surgery with posterior chamber intra ocular lens and statistical analysis was performed to compare preoperative and postoperative BCVA and corneal endothelial cell counts. Postoperative complications were recorded.ResultsFive eyes of 5 patients were included in the study. All study eyes showed improvement in the post-operative visual acuity.A statistically significant improvement was observed in VA in the sixth postoperative month compared to the baseline measurements (p = 0.004). No statistically significant difference was observed between the preoperative and postoperative endothelial cell counts (p = 0.696). Cystoid macular edema did not occur as a postoperative complication.ConclusionVisual outcomes of cataract surgery in eyes with persumed trematode induced granulametous anterior uveitis are favorable. No sight threatening complication was observed in our series.

Assessment of safety profile of phacoemulsification in hard cataract

Purpose: The aim of the study was to assess safety of phacoemulsification in hard cataract by evaluating the post-operative endothelial cell loss and visual acuity. Materials and Methods: This is a hospital-based, prospective study conducted on 70 eyes of 70 patients with hard cataract. At the time of admission, detailed evaluation of anterior segment using slit lamp bio microscopy was done and cataract graded using LOCS III. Posterior segment was evaluated using indirect ophthalmoscopy under 20D/B-Scan. All patients with hard cataract underwent phacoemulsification procedure. The visual acuity and endothelial cell density assessed using Snellens chart and specular microscopy pre-operatively and post-operatively on Day 1, Day 7, and Day 30, respectively. Descriptive statistics, namely, mean, standard deviation to express continuous variables wherever applicable. Correlation between endothelial cell loss and cataract grading and correlation between final endothelial cell loss and final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) is analyzed by using Pearson’s Chi-square test and Pearson’s correlation coefficient. P value &lt;0.05 is considered as statistically significant. Results: Among 70 eyes, 40 (57.1%) had NO4-NC4, 18 (25.70%) had NO5-NC5, and 12 (17.1%) had NO6-NC6 cataract grading. The endothelial cell loss was 4.28%, 6.19%, and 7.15% on post-operative day 1, 7, and 30, respectively. There was a positive correlation showing that, as the cataract grading increased the endothelial cell loss increased too. The BCVA of 6/9 was achieved in 2 (2.8%), 6/6 in 68 (97.2%) at the end of four weeks. Conclusion: Although density of cataract has unfavorable influence on early post-operative corneal endothelial cell loss, it did not significantly influence final BCVA. The technique of phacoemulsification for hard nuclear cataract is worthy to be spread due to safety, effectiveness with good visual outcomes.

Safety of intracameral application of moxifloxacin and dexamethasone (Vigadexa®) after phacoemulsification surgery

BackgroundIntracameral antibiotics, such as moxifloxacin and cefuroxime, are safe to corneal endothelial cells and effective prophylaxis of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery. Corneal endothelial cells decrease in density after cataract surgery. Any substance used in the anterior chamber may affect corneal endothelial cells and lead to a greater decrease in density. This study wants to determine the percentage of endothelial cell loss after cataract extraction by phacoemulsification with off-label intracameral injection of moxifloxacin and dexamethasone (Vigadexa®).MethodsAn observational retrospective study was performed. The clinical records of patients undergoing cataract surgery by phacoemulsification plus intracameral injection of Vigadexa® were analyzed. Endothelial cell loss (ECL) was calculated using preoperative and postoperative endothelial cell density. The relation of endothelial cell loss with cataract grade using LOCS III classification, total surgery time, total ultrasound time, total longitudinal power time, total torsional amplitude time, total aspiration time, estimated fluid usage, and cumulative dissipated energy (CDE) was studied using univariate linear regression analysis and logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe median loss of corneal endothelial cells was 4.6%, interquartile range 0 to 10.4%. Nuclear color and CDE were associated with increased ECL. ECL>10% was associated with age and total ultrasound time in seconds.ConclusionsThe endothelial cell loss after the intracameral use of Vigadexa® at the end of cataract surgery was similar to the reported in other studies of cataract surgery without the use of intracameral prophylaxis for postoperative endophthalmitis (POE). This study confirmed the association of CDE and nuclear opalescence grade with postoperative corneal endothelial cell loss.

Comparison of Short-term Clinical Outcomes between Sutured Scleral Fixation and Modified Yamane Sutureless Scleral Fixation

Purpose: To compare and investigate the short-term clinical outcomes between 10-0 polypropylene sutured intraocular lens (IOL) scleral fixation and modified Yamane sutureless IOL scleral fixation in patients with IOL or crystalline les dislocation and aphakic state.Methods: From August 2012 to May 2022, medical records were retrospectively analyzed for 43 patients with sutured scleral fixation and 40 patients with sutureless scleral fixation. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), total astigmatism, IOL astigmatism, refractive error, corneal endothelial cell density, surgical time and complications were compared before surgery, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after surgery.Results: In the two groups, after 3 months of surgery, UCVA and BCVA improved compared to before surgery, but there was no significant difference between two groups. The absolute refractive error and total astigmatism for one week after surgery and IOL astigmatism for one week and one month after surgery were significantly lower in sutureless fixation group. There was no significant difference in postoperative corneal endothelial cell density changes between two groups, and total surgical time and IOL fixation time were measured significantly lower in sutureless fixation group.Conclusions: Although modified Yamane sutureless IOL scleral fixation did not show significant improvement in visual acuity compared with conventional sutured IOL scleral fixation, sutureless fixation provided better stability of IOL in the early stages after surgery and short in the surgical time. So it can be an effective alternative to conventional sutured scleral fixation in patients with IOL or crystalline lens dislocation and aphakic state.

Posture-Induced Intraocular Pressure Changes after iStent Inject W Combined with Phacoemulsification in Open Angle Glaucoma Patients

Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the posture-induced intraocular pressure (IOP) changes after iStent inject W combined with phacoemulsification procedure in Japanese patients with open-angle glaucoma. Materials and Methods: We prospectively evaluated the posture-induced IOP changes after surgery. The primary outcome was the posture-induced IOP changes postoperatively. Secondary outcome measures included postoperative complications, visual acuity, visual field, and corneal endothelial cell density. Results: This study completed the prospective observation for 15 eyes (15 patients). The mean preoperative IOP with the Goldmann applanation tonometer was 16.0 ± 2.6 mm Hg with a mean glaucoma medication usage of 2.5 ± 1.2, which decreased to 14.4 ± 2.4 mm Hg (p = 0.14) and 0.5 ± 0.9 medications (p < 0.01), respectively, 12 months postoperatively. The mean baseline IOP with the ICare was 12.0 ± 2.7 mmHg in the sitting position, which significantly increased to 15.2 ± 3.8 mmHg in the lateral decubitus position (p < 0.01). This postural IOP difference was 3.2 ± 2.2 mmHg and 3.2 ± 2.4 mmHg at baseline and 12 months postoperatively, respectively, with no significant changes (p > 0.99). Conclusions: iStent inject W combined with cataract surgery reduced the IOP and the number of glaucoma medications during short-term follow-ups with high safety. However, iStent inject W did not affect the degree of posture-induced IOP changes.

Machine Learning Analysis of Postkeratoplasty Endothelial Cell Images for the Prediction of Future Graft Rejection.

This study developed machine learning (ML) classifiers of postoperative corneal endothelial cell images to identify postkeratoplasty patients at risk for allograft rejection within 1 to 24 months of treatment. Central corneal endothelium specular microscopic images were obtained from 44 patients after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK), half of whom had experienced graft rejection. After deep learning segmentation of images from all patients' last and second-to-last imaging, time points prior to rejection were analyzed (175 and 168, respectively), and 432 quantitative features were extracted assessing cellular spatial arrangements and cell intensity values. Random forest (RF) and logistic regression (LR) models were trained on novel-to-this-application features from single time points, delta-radiomics, and traditional morphometrics (endothelial cell density, coefficient of variation, hexagonality) via 10 iterations of threefold cross-validation. Final assessments were evaluated on a held-out test set. ML classifiers trained on novel-to-this-application features outperformed those trained on traditional morphometrics for predicting future graft rejection. RF and LR models predicted post-DMEK patients' allograft rejection in the held-out test set with >0.80 accuracy. RF models trained on novel features from second-to-last time points and delta-radiomics predicted post-DMEK patients' rejection with >0.70 accuracy. Cell-graph spatial arrangement, intensity, and shape features were most indicative of graft rejection. ML classifiers successfully predicted future graft rejections 1 to 24 months prior to clinically apparent rejection. This technology could aid clinicians to identify patients at risk for graft rejection and guide treatment plans accordingly. Our software applies ML techniques to clinical images and enhances patient care by detecting preclinical keratoplasty rejection.

Clinical outcomes of prestripped, prestained, and preloaded Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty ("P3 DMEK").

Despite faster healing and reduced risk of rejection, some surgeons are hesitant to adopt Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) due to difficult intraoperative tissue preparation. Use of eye bank prestripped, prestained, and preloaded (p3) DMEK tissue can reduce the learning curve and risk of complications. We conducted a prospective study including 167 eyes undergoing p3 DMEK and compared outcomes to a retrospective chart review of 201 eyes that underwent standard DMEK surgery. The primary outcomes were graft failure, detachment, and re-bubbling frequency. The secondary outcomes included baseline and postoperative visual acuity at months 1, 3, 6, and 12. Baseline and postoperative central corneal thickness (CCT) and endothelial cell counts (ECC) were collected. ECC decrease for p3 DMEK at 3, 6, and 12 months were 15.0%, 18.0%, and 21.0%, respectively. Forty (24%) of p3 DMEK and 72 (35.8%) of standard DMEK eyes had at least a partial graft detachment. There was no difference in CCT, graft failures, or re-bubble frequency. At 6 months, mean visual acuity was 20/26 and 20/24 for standard and p3 DMEK, respectively. Mean case time for p3 DMEK with phaco or p3 DMEK alone was 33 and 24 min, respectively. Mean case time for eyes undergoing DMEK with phaco or DMEK alone was 59 and 45 min, respectively. P3 DMEK tissue is safe and can provide excellent clinical outcomes that are comparable to standard DMEK tissue. Eyes undergoing p3 DMEK may have lower graft detachment and ECC loss.

Prevalence and Impact of Cornea Guttata in the Graft After Penetrating Keratoplasty in Germany.

The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence and severity of corneal guttata (CG) in grafts after penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) and to determine its clinical significance. This retrospective study included 1758 PKP performed in 1522 patients. In total, 6662 postoperative endothelial images revealed the prevalence and severity of CG (divided into categories G0 without CG and G1-G3 with increasing severity). Origin of the graft, postoperative corneal thickness, visual acuity, pleomorphism, polymegethism, and endothelial cell density (ECD) were analyzed. CG was detected in 14.9% of the grafts within 9 months after PKP, most of them were low-grade G1 (13.6%). Grafts from Homburg/Saar showed significantly less CG cases compared with other eye banks ( P = 0.034). The mean corrected distance visual acuity (logMAR) did not differ between G1 (0.45 ± 0.31) and G0 (0.46 ± 0.31). The mean ECD was lower in G1 compared with G0 ( P < 0.001). The mean corneal thickness was higher in G3 (597 ± 101 μm) compared with G0 (541 ± 65 μm) ( P < 0.001). Pleomorphism and polymegethism were correlated with CG ( P < 0.001). A progression of CG severity was detected in 13.5% of the cases during a follow-up time of 25.0 ± 19.9 months. Our study suggested that CG are transplanted in 14.9% of PKP, most of which are low-grade CG not affecting the visual acuity but already leading to an increase in corneal thickness, loss of ECD, and alteration of endothelial cell morphology. In 13.5% of the cases, a progression was demonstrated in the postoperative course.

Association between aqueous humor cytokines and postoperative corneal endothelial cell loss after Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty

This study measured the intraoperative anterior aqueous humor concentrations of various cytokines during corneal endothelial transplantation and searched for relationships between these concentrations and postoperative corneal endothelial cell (CEC) depletion. We recruited 30 consecutive patients who underwent corneal endothelial transplantation with Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) at Tohoku University Hospital between February 2014 and July 2017. During surgery, we obtained aqueous humor samples and later measured the concentrations of 27 cytokines with a Multiplex Bead Assay (Bio-Plex Pro). We counted CECs 1, 6 and 12 months after surgery, and used Spearman's rank correlation coefficient to identify relationships between CEC depletion and the concentrations of detected cytokines. The loss of CECs 1-6 months after surgery was significantly correlated with IL-7, IP-10, MIP-1a and MIP-1b concentrations (-0.67, -0.48, -0.39, and -0.45, respectively, all P <0.01). CEC loss 1-12 months after surgery was significantly correlated with IL-1b, IL-7, IP-10 and RANTES concentrations (-0.46, -0.52, -0.48, and -0.43, respectively). Multiple regression analysis showed that IL-7 concentration was significantly associated with CEC loss 1-6 months after surgery (b = -0.65, P < 0.01) and IP-10 concentration was associated with CEC loss 1-12 months after surgery (β = -0.38, P < 0.05). These results suggest that not only inflammatory cytokines but also IL-7, a cytokine related to lymphocytes, may be involved in the depletion of CECs after DSAEK, particularly depletion that occurs relatively early.

Nocardia Endophthalmitis- Prophylactic Prevention with an Innovative Approach

Background: Nocardia is a common cause of endophthalmitis in southern India. It is an aggressive disease with a poor prognosis. Objective: This study was conducted using an amikacin antibiotic in the drip irrigation of balanced saline solution (BSS) during the surgery to prophylactically study the occurrence of Nocardia endophthalmitis and any subsequent toxic effects of the antibiotics used. Methods: Prospective study period was of 6 months, starting from July to December-2018. Preoperative and postoperative specular counts and macular thickness using Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT) were compared with any incidence of Nocardia endophthalmitis. A total of 500 patients operated for manual SICS were randomly assigned into 2 groups. The first group of 250 patients received antibiotic amikacin added to the Balanced Saline Solution (BSS) irrigating solution throughout the course of the surgery. The second control group received no antibiotics. Manual SICS was performed on all 500 patients by a single surgeon and was found to be uneventful. Pre- and postoperative corneal endothelial cell density and mean macular thickness using OCT were taken and recorded of all the patients, respectively, and data obtained were statistically compared. Results: No incidence of Nocardia endophthalmitis among the cataract surgeries operated was found. There was no drug-related toxicity to the cornea or macula. Furthermore, no incidence of Nocardia endophthalmitis has been reported since 2018 after using antibiotics. Conclusion: A simple routine of adding amikacin in the drip prophylactically during the course of surgery helped us prevent Nocardia endophthalmitis with no side effects. Also, it will be an innovative technique that is economically feasible and effective in regions where Nocardia endophthalmitis is prevalent.

Phacovitrectomy-Influence of the timing of intraocular lens implantation on the corneal endothelium

In phacovitrectomy the cataract is usually operated on first including implantation of the intraocular lens (IOL) before beginning vitrectomy but the IOL can also be implanted following vitrectomy. This variation avoids optical impairments from corneal opacities and the lens rim, improves the visualization of the retina during surgery and might thereby reduce intraoperative complications, such as peripheral retinal tears or IOL subluxation. It might, however, increase stress on the corneal endothelium. The aim of this study was, therefore, to compare postoperative corneal endothelial cell loss for the standard procedure of phacovitrectomy and the surgical variation. In this retrospective study 41eyes were each assigned to groupI (standard phacovitrectomy) or groupII (variation of phacovitrectomy). The primary endpoint was the absolute and relative corneal endothelial cell loss appearing 5 ± 1weeks postoperatively with reference to the preoperative number of endothelial cells. Secondary endpoints included visual acuity, intraocular pressure, coefficient of variation of endothelial cell area (CV), proportion of hexagonal endothelial cell forms (6A), pachymetry, intraoperative and postoperative complications. The absolute and relative endothelial cell loss in groupI (-108 ± 146; -4.1 ± 5.7%) did not differ significantly from that in groupII (-73 ± 122; -3.1 ± 5.3%, p = 0.299; p = 0.388). The secondary endpoints also showed no significant differences. The presented variation of phacovitrectomy expands the surgical options and does not show asignificantly different postoperative corneal endothelial cell loss compared to the standard procedure.

Early Clinical Outcomes of Intrascleral Fixation Using an Intraocular Lens with Hook-Shaped Haptics.

PurposeIn this study, we aimed to report on the early results of intrascleral intraocular lens (IOL) fixation using a hook-shaped haptic IOL (hsh-IOL).Patients and MethodsWe enrolled 27 consecutive eyes of 27 patients (mean age, 74±11.4 years) who underwent intrascleral IOL fixation with an hsh-IOL and were followed-up for 3 months postoperatively. The reasons for surgery included insufficient capsular support, including IOL dislocation, aphakia, or dislocated crystalline lens. The haptic of the hsh-IOL was externalized from the eye using forceps, and the hook was buried in the scleral tunnel. We investigated the preoperative and 3-month postoperative corrected visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure (IOP), corneal endothelial cell density, refractive prediction error, postoperative intraocular astigmatism, surgically induced astigmatism, and intraoperative and postoperative complications.ResultsThe mean postoperative corrected VA (logMAR, 0.083±0.18) was significantly better than the mean preoperative value (0.42±0.60, p=0.0007). The 3-month postoperative mean absolute prediction error was 1.00±0.96 D. The mean IOL-induced astigmatism was 0.95±0.70 D. Further, the mean postoperative corneal endothelial cell count (2036±644 cells/mm2) was significantly lower than the preoperative value (2316±527 cells/mm2) (p=0.009). No patient had a 1-month postoperative IOP <5 mmHg or >25 mmHg. There were no intraoperative or vision-threatening complications, such as retinal detachment, endophthalmitis, or IOL dislocation, due to postoperative haptics misalignment.ConclusionIntrascleral IOL fixation using hsh-IOL is an effective option for eyes with insufficient capsular support.

Corneal endothelial cell changes and surgical results after Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation: ciliary sulcus versus anterior chamber tube placement

We compared the changes in corneal endothelial cells and surgical outcomes after Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation with the valve tip inserted either into ciliary sulcus (CS) or anterior chamber (AC). We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients treated with CS AGV (n = 24) and AC AGV (n = 38). We compared the preoperative and postoperative central corneal endothelial cell density (ECD), endothelial cell coefficient of variation (CV), best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), number of glaucoma medications, and postoperative complications in the two groups. Both groups had similar baseline characteristics and follow-up period. At the last follow-up, the AC AGV group had significantly higher mean monthly ECD loss (17.47 ± 11.50 cells/mm2 vs. 6.40 ± 7.69 cells/mm2, p < 0.0001) and greater proportion of mean monthly ECD loss than the CS AGV group (0.84 ± 0.53 vs. 0.36 ± 0.39%, p < 0.0001). Both groups had similar mean monthly CV changes. The qualified success rates at 2 years were 83.3% and 76.3% for the CS AGV and AC AGV groups, respectively. Although similar surgical outcomes including visual acuity, IOP, number of glaucoma medications, and postoperative complications were obtained following CS AGV and AC AGV, corneal ECD loss was higher in the AC AGV group. Thus, CS AGV may be a better surgical option than AC AGV.

Intraoperative intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection for prevention of postoperative inflammation and complications after phacoemulsification in patients with uveitic cataract

BackgroundWe aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of phacoemulsification with intravitreal 3 mg triamcinolone acetonide injection in preventing postoperative inflammation and complications in patients with non-infectious anterior uveitis and panuveitis complicated cataract.MethodIn this retrospective cohort study, 140 uveitic cataract patients who received phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation in Shanxi Eye hospital from January 2018 to January 2020 were reviewed. The IVTA group (51 eyes of 41 patients) received intravitreal injection of 3 mg triamcinolone acetonide (TA) at the end of surgery, and the control group (51 eyes of 41 patients) without injection matched by propensity score matching were enrolled. Outcome measures were best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), anterior chamber inflammation, intraocular pressure, corneal endothelial cell density, central macular thickness and complications within 3 months follow-up.ResultsThe degree of postoperative anterior chamber inflammation in the IVTA group was lighter than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The postoperative logMAR BCVA of anterior uveitis was better and improved more quickly in the IVTA group(P < 0.05). Postoperative time of using corticosteroids was shorter in the IVTA group as compared to the control group (P < 0.05). The central macular thickness at postoperative month 1 was statistically significantly lower in the IVTA group (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in postoperative corneal endothelial cell density and intraocular pressure (P > 0.05). Two of 51 eyes (3.9%) in the IVTA group and 8 of 51 eyes (15.7%) in the control group had recurrence of uveitis; 6 of 45 eyes (13.3%) in the control group developed cystoid macular edema but none in the IVTA group; 11 of 51 eyes (21.6%) in the IVTA group and 22 of 51 eyes (43.1%) in the control group developed posterior synechiae postoperatively.ConclusionsIntraoperative Intravitreal injection of 3 mg TA is an effective and safe adjunctive therapy for preventing postoperative inflammation and complications to promote early recovery for anterior uveitis or panuveitis complicated cataract patients following phacoemulsification.Trial registrationThis retrospective cohort study was in accordance with the tenets of the Helsinki Declaration and was approved by the Shanxi Eye Hospital Ethics Committee. Written informed consent was obtained from all participants for their clinical records to be used in this study.

The kebab technique uses a bipolar pencil to retrieve a dropped nucleus of the lens via a small incision

We developed a new method to retrieve a dropped nucleus of the lens via a small incision using bipolar pencils, the kebab technique, to solve the lack of small-gauge fragmatomes, and the expense and toxicity of perfluorocarbon liquids (PFCL). A total of 8 eyes in 6 patients underwent this technique and were reviewed. After vitrectomy, the dropped nucleus of the lens was lifted from the retina by adhesion with a bipolar pencil, and phacoemulsification was performed while rotating the lens. The outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and corneal endothelial cell density before and after surgery. Surgical indications included zonular weakness, trauma, acute angle closure attack, and phacolytic glaucoma. At 1 month, BCVA improved from a mean (standard deviation, SD) 1.67 logMAR (0.90) to 1.14 logMAR (1.01). The mean preoperative IOP was 24.5 (16.8) mmHg and postoperative IOP was 11.0 (2.8) mmHg. The mean preoperative corneal endothelial cell count was 2600 (322) cells/mm2 (one eye was unmeasurable) and postoperative corneal endothelial cell count was 2387 (431) cells/mm2. There were no postoperative complications. The retrieval of a dropped nucleus of the lens using a bipolar pencil enables small incisions without using PFCL.

Modified Technique for Scleral-Sutured Fixation with the Double Knots Technique for Posterior Chamber Intraocular Lens: Short-Term Observation

Purpose To evaluate the short-term safety and efficacy of a novel approach of utilizing the 9-0 looped polypropylene suture with double knots buried into the scleral groove and the scleral tunnel to minimize the risk of the suture erosion and suture knot exposure. Design Clinical-based retrospective study. Methods Records of consecutive patients who had anterior vitrectomy and scleral-fixated posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation between July 2018 and April 2020 with a minimum follow-up of 3 months were reviewed. Results This study enrolled a total of 21 eyes from 20 patients (15 male). These patients had a mean age of 58.52 ± 8.55 years and were followed for an average of 1.08 ± 0.58 years postoperatively. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved from a preoperative mean of 0.43 ± 0.41 logMAR to a significantly higher mean 3-month postoperative value of 0.09 ± 0.21 logMAR (Z = -3.35, p < 0.01). There were no statistical differences between the preoperative and postoperative corneal endothelial cell density (p=0.71). The postoperative complications included transient increased intraocular pressure in 5 eyes (24%). No other complications were detected during the follow-up. Conclusions The modified technique proposed is a safe, effective, and reliable approach resulting in good visual outcomes. Our procedure might have the potential benefit to avoid suture-related complications in scleral-fixated IOL implantation. Trial registration. Retrospective case series study, not applicable.

The long-term postoperative effect of the Baerveldt glaucoma drainage device and of a trabeculectomy on the corneal endothelium.

To determine whether the postoperative corneal endothelial cell density (ECD) differs between glaucoma patients who underwent Baerveldt implant (BGI) surgery and patients who underwent a trabeculectomy (TE) over 5 years ago. Cross-sectional, observational study including 34 patients who underwent TE and 36 patients who underwent BGI surgery 5-11 years ago, as part of a randomized clinical trial. None of the patients had a history of intraocular surgery prior to their glaucoma surgery. Central and peripheral ECD was measured by using a non-contact specular microscope. Central and peripheral ECD in the TE group was 2285 ± 371 cells/mm2 (mean ± SD) and 2463 ± 476 cells/mm2 , respectively. Central and peripheral ECD in the BGI group was 1813 ± 745 cells/mm2 and 1876 ± 764 cells/mm2 , respectively. The central and peripheral ECD was statistically significantly higher in the TE group than in the BGI group (p = 0.001 for both). Additional intraocular surgical interventions were more prevalent in the BGI group (23) than in the TE group (5) (p < 0.001). In a subanalysis, without eyes that had undergone additional surgical interventions, only the peripheral ECD was statistically significantly higher in the TE group compared with the BGI group (p = 0.011). For the BGI group, a longer postoperative period resulted in a lower central ECD (r = -0.614, p = 0.004). Long-term ECD in eyes that underwent a BGI was considerably lower compared with eyes that underwent a TE, mainly in the peripheral cornea. This suggests that BGI causes a larger decrease of ECD than TE. Additionally, the decrease after BGI appears to continue for a longer period than after TE.

Three-Year Findings of the HORIZON Trial: A Schlemm Canal Microstent for Pressure Reduction in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma and Cataract

To report 3-year outcomes of the HORIZON study comparing cataract surgery (CS) with Hydrus Microstent (Ivantis, Inc) implantation versus CS alone. Multicenter randomized clinical trial. Five hundred fifty-six eyes from 556 patients with cataract and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) treated with 1 or more glaucoma medication, washed out diurnal intraocular pressure (IOP) of 22 to 34 mmHg, and no prior incisional glaucoma surgery. After phacoemulsification, eyes were randomized 2:1 to receive a Hydrus Microstent or no stent. Follow-up included comprehensive eye examinations through 3 years. Outcome measures included IOP, medical therapy, reoperation rates, visual acuity, adverse events, and changes in corneal endothelial cell counts. Three hundred sixty-nine eyes were randomized to microstent treatment and 187 to CS only. Preoperative IOP, medication use, washed-out diurnal IOP, and glaucoma severity did not differ between the two treatment groups. At 3 years, IOP was 16.7 ± 3.1 mmHg in the microstent group and 17.0 ± 3.4 mmHg in the CS group (P= 0.85). The number of glaucoma medications was 0.4 ± 0.8 in the microstent group and 0.8 ± 1.0 in the CS group (P < 0.001), and 73% of microstent group eyes were medication free compared with 48% in the CS group (P < 0.001). The microstent group included a higher proportion of eyes with IOP of 18 mmHg or less without medications compared with the CS group (56.2% vs. 34.6%; P < 0.001), as well as IOP reduction of at least 20%, 30%, or 40% compared with CS alone. The cumulative probability of incisional glaucoma surgery was lower in the microstent group (0.6% vs. 3.9%; hazard ratio, 0.156; 95% confidence interval, 0.031-0.773; P=0.020). No difference was found in postoperative corneal endothelial cell loss between groups. No procedure- or device-related serious adverse events resulting in vision loss occurred in either group. Combined CS and microstent placement for mild to moderate POAG is safe, more effective in lowering IOP with fewer medications, and less likely to result in further incisional glaucoma filtration surgery than CS alone at 3 years.