Postoperative Endothelial Cell Counts 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.

Long-term results of anterior chamber iris claw intraocular lens implantation in children with ectopia lentis in Marfan syndrome

PurposeTo report the long-term clinical and endothelial cell count (ECC) results of lensectomy with primary anterior chamber iris claw lens implantation in the eyes of patients ≤18-year-old with ectopia lentis due to Marfan syndrome. MethodsThe medical records of Marfan patients operated on at a single institution from September 2007 to August 2020, with minimum follow-up of 2 years, were reviewed retrospectively. The following data were analyzed: sex, age at surgery, indication for surgery, the position of the lens in relation to the undilated and dilated pupil, corneal endothelial cell counts (ECC), peri- and postoperative complications, pre- and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity. ResultsA total of Forty-two eyes of 23 patients (12 girls and 11 boys) were included. At least two or more postoperative ECCs were collected from 33 eyes (17 patients). Median age at IOL implantation was 6.1 years (range, 1.8-18). Median overall follow-up time was 6.2 years (range, 2-13.5). Median ECC follow-up time was 6.2 years (range, 2-10). Mean best-corrected visual acuity was 0.71 ± 0.38 logMAR before surgery and 0.02 ± 0.25 logMAR at final follow-up. The mean annual ECC decline was 0.71% ± 2.24. Total cell loss from first to last postoperative measurement was 150 cells ± 394 cells/mm2 (4.81%). Pre- and first postoperative data were available for 17 eyes of 10 patients, with a mean cell loss before and directly after surgery of 269 ± 268 cells (7.94%). Surgery related complications were iris bombé due to blockage of peripheral iridectomy in 3 eyes and claw dislocation due to direct impact trauma in 3 eyes. ConclusionsIn our large, pediatric study cohort, anterior chamber iris claw IOL implantation resulted in an excellent visual outcome and normal endothelial cell loss compared with normative data. Safety measures are recommended to avoid traumatic dislocation of IOLs.

Statistical analysis plan for the phaco TIp position during clear corneal Phacoemulsification Surgery (TIPS) randomized controlled trial

BackgroundCornea is the most important refractive media in the eye, and damage to the corneal endothelium is one of the most common causes of poor visual outcome following cataract surgery, particularly in those with predisposing factors. The role of phaco tip position during phacoemulsification on corneal endothelial damage is ambiguous, and there is no consensus regarding the most cornea-friendly phaco tip position (bevel-up or bevel-down). The objective of the trial is to compare the effect of phaco tip position (bevel-up vs. bevel-down) during phacoemulsification using direct chop technique on corneal endothelial cell count.Methods and designTIPS is a randomised, multicentre, parallel-group, triple-masked (participant, outcome assessor, and statistician) trial with 1:1 allocation ratio. A total of 480 eligible participants, aged > 18 years with immature cataract, will be randomly allocated into bevel-up and bevel-down groups at two centres. Randomisation will be stratified according to the cataract grade. The primary outcome is postoperative endothelial cell count at 1 month. Secondary outcomes are central corneal thickness on postoperative days 1, 15, and 30 and difference in intraoperative complications.ConclusionIn this paper, we describe the detailed statistical analysis plan (SAP) for the TIPS trial, which was prepared prior to database lock. The SAP includes details of planned analyses and unpopulated tables, which will be reported in the publications. We plan to lock the database in July 2023 and publish the results later in the same year.SAP Version 0.1 (dated: 28 April 2023)Protocol version:2.0Trial registrationClinical Trial Registry of India CTRI/2019/02/017464. Registered on 5 February 2019; https://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pmaindet2.php?trialid=29764&EncHid=&userName=2019/02/017464

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.

Diamond ophthalmic burr-assisted deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty – Case series

This case series presents a simple technique using the diamond ophthalmic burr (DOB) to perform successful deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) in cases where the big-bubble technique is unsuitable or intraoperative Descemet membrane perforation occurs. Five patients underwent DOB-assisted DALK, and postoperative outcomes were evaluated, including best-corrected visual acuity, corneal astigmatism, residual host tissue thickness, and postoperative endothelial cell count. Manual corneal lamellar dissection was performed, followed by DOB-assisted pre-Descemet layer polishing and donor graft attachment using 16 (10-0) Monofilament Nylon sutures. The postoperative visual acuity significantly improved. DOB-assisted DALK is a viable alternative.

Clinical outcome of organ‐cultured preloaded DMEK compared to standard DMEK ‐ A single center study

The use of ready‐to‐use grafts from specialized eye banks might provide a number of benefits, including graft quality control, assured availability at a certain operation time, a decreased likelihood of case cancellation, and a shorter and less sophisticated DMEK surgery, with a resulting lower risk of graft damage. However, it is critical to thoroughly establish the clinical safety of employing these preloaded tissues. Especially since most of the studies were prepared and stored under hypothermic conditions. There are only a few studies on preprepared tissues in organ culture, which are partly controversial.In this prospective study we included patients who received DMEK surgery at the Knappschaft Eye Clinic Sulzbach between 05/2021–12/2022. Patients received either a preloaded DMEK (pDMEK), prepared 5 days before surgery in the eye bank, or a conventional, directly before surgery, surgeon‐prepared DMEK (sDMEK).The preliminary data shows that preloaded DMEK is a safe procedure, but there is a trend towards more frequent rebubbling in the pDMEK group and a statistically non‐significant lower postoperative endothelial cell count compared to the sDMEK group. However, visual acuity and corneal thickness reduction were similar in both groups.

Comparison of implantation of posterior chamber phakic IOL implantation and laser vision correction in terms of corneal endothelial cells: 3-year observational paired-eye study.

To compare the postoperative endothelial cell counts of EVO-implantable collamer lenses (ICLs) with a central hole (V4c and V5) and laser vision correction surgery (laser in situ keratomileusis or photorefractive keratectomy). B&VIIT Eye Center, Seoul, South Korea. Retrospective observational and paired contralateral study. 62 eyes of 31 patients who underwent EVO-ICLs with a central hole implantation in one eye (phakic intraocular lens [pIOL] group) and laser vision correction in the contralateral eye (LVC group) to correct refractive errors were retrospectively reviewed. Central endothelial cell density (ECD), percentage of hexagonal cells (HEX), coefficient of variation (CoV) in cell size, and adverse events were evaluated for at least 3 years. The endothelial cells were observed using a noncontact specular microscope. All surgeries were performed, without complications during the follow-up period. The mean ECD loss values compared with the preoperative measurements were 6.65% and 4.95% during the 3 years after pIOL and LVC, respectively. There was no significant difference in ECD loss compared with the preoperative values (paired t test, P = .188) between the 2 groups. No significant loss in ECD was observed at any timepoint. The pIOL group showed higher HEX ( P = .018) and lower CoV ( P = .006) values than the LVC group at the last visit. According to the authors' experience, the EVO-ICL with a central hole implantation was a safe and stable vision correction method. Moreover, it did not induce statistically significant changes in ECD at 3 years postoperatively compared with LVC. However, further long-term follow-up studies are required to confirm these results.

Does the phaco TIp position during clear corneal Phacoemulsification Surgery adversely affect corneal endothelium? TIPS study protocol for a randomised, triple-masked, parallel-group trial of bevel-up versus bevel-down phacoemulsification.

Introduction: Globally, at least 30 million cataract surgeries are required annually to prevent cataract-related blindness. Corneal endothelial decompensation is one of the most common causes of poor visual outcome following cataract surgery, particularly in those with predisposing factors. The increasing ageing population and reduced visual impairment threshold for cataract surgery have resulted in rising cataract surgical rates and hence, an increase in corneal endothelial decompensation is expected. The role of phaco tip position on corneal endothelial damage is ambiguous. Previous studies have reported contradictory results and were also underpowered to detect a significant difference due to small sample sizes. With no consensus regarding the most cornea-friendly phaco tip position (bevel-up versus bevel-down) during phacoemulsification, we propose a randomised clinical trial with a robust design using direct chop phaco-technique. Objective: To compare the effect of phaco tip position (bevel-up vs. bevel-down) on corneal endothelial cell count during phacoemulsification. Methods: A randomised, multicentre, parallel-group, triple-masked (participant, outcome assessor, and statistician) trial with 1:1 allocation ratio is proposed. By adopting stratified randomisation (according to cataract grade), we will randomly allocate 480 patients aged >18 years with immature cataract into bevel-up and bevel-down groups at two centres. History of significant ocular trauma, previous intraocular surgery, shallow anterior chamber, low endothelial cell count, pseudoexfoliation syndrome, intraocular inflammation, and corneal endothelial dystrophy are the key exclusion criteria. The primary outcome is postoperative endothelial cell count at one month. Secondary outcomes are central corneal thickness on postoperative days 1, 15, and 30, and intraoperative complications. Trial registration: Clinical Trial Registry of India CTRI/2019/02/017464 (05/02/2019).

Is ultra-thin Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty a viable alternative to Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Ultra-thin Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (UT-DSAEK) is a recently developed surgical procedure that has shown promising results for the management of various corneal endothelial diseases. To evaluate the outcomes of the UT-DSAEK to the Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). A systematic analysis of the studies comparing UT-DSAEK with DMEK by evaluating one or more outcomes (vision, complications, and post-operative endothelial cell counts) was performed. The meta-analysis was done if two or more studies reported a common outcome. We used PubMed, EMBASE, and SCOPUS databases to identify articles comparing the outcomes of UT-DSAEK with DMEK and performed a meta-analysis using RevMan, version 5.4. A total of six studies were included in this review (two randomized clinical trials and four non-randomized comparative studies). Our analysis showed the patients who underwent DMEK cases showed better visual outcomes with a mean difference of 0.06 LogMAR (95% CI: 0.04-0.09) in BCVA, albeit with i 2 of 52% (heterogenous values). The evidence was weak, with the most weightage on retrospective studies. UT-DSAEK showed significantly fewer complications such as graft dislocations, with an odds ratio of 0.25 (95% CI: 0.13-0.48). There was no significant difference in the endothelial cell counts with a mean difference of 86.34 (95%CI: -133.09 to -305.77). Although the literature is limited on UT-DSAEK with post-operative visual acuity that could be practically at par with DMEK, lesser complication rates and comparable post-operative endothelial cells could be a suitable alternative to DMEK for corneal endothelial pathologies.

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.

A Counter Prechop Technique Using a Modified Universal Prechopper in Combination with or without Using a Universal Chopper.

PurposeTo introduce an alternative prechop technique without or with the use of a modified universal chopper (AE-2591, HI Kim chopper, ASICO, Inc. USA).MethodsPatients who underwent cataract surgery using the phaco-chop technique and the modified prechop technique have been grouped and reviewed retrospectively. Endothelial cell count (ECC) and central corneal thickness (CCT) measured 7 days pre-operatively, and 1 month and 3 months post-operatively, were compared between the two groups. In modified prechop technique, a narrow 1.7 mm neck prechopper (AE-4298, HI Kim-Inamura chopper, ASICO, Inc., USA) was used with universal chopper (AE-2591, HI Kim chopper, ASICO, Inc., USA) as an additional device for grade 4 and above cataracts or without it for grade 2 to 3 cataracts. Details of the surgical technique is further described in the Method section.ResultsA total of 104 eyes in the modified prechop group and 97 eyes in the phaco-chop group were enrolled in the study. Pre-operative nuclear opacity, ECC, and CCT as well as post-operative ECC (absolute value and the loss) and CCT (absolute value and the change) throughout the follow-up between the two groups did not show statistically significant differences.ConclusionCounter prechop technique using the modified prechopper and universal chopper is a safe, easy, and versatile surgical technique that can be applied broadly in a wide range of cases with various complexities, including LOCS lll N1 to N6 nuclei, hypermature cataracts, small pupils, and fragile suspensory zonular ligaments, with post-operative result not inferior to that of the conventional technique.

Surgical Management of Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy: A Treatment Algorithm and Individual Patient Meta-Analysis of Descemet Stripping Only.

This study aims to determine predictive factors for success of Descemet stripping only (DSO) in Fuchs corneal endothelial dystrophy and propose a DSO treatment algorithm. Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were searched to evaluate DSO case series, including combined phacoemulsification and DSO, and the use of Rho-kinase inhibitors (ROC-i). Our primary outcome was success of corneal clearance. Secondary outcomes included the time to corneal clearance, the postoperative endothelial cell count (ECC), and the impact of ROC-i. Sixty-eight cases were evaluated with a mean follow-up of 12.4 months. DSO corneal clearance was achieved in 85% (n = 58) with a mean time of 4.9 weeks for the ROC-i group compared with 10.1 weeks in the observation group (P < 0.0001). The mean central ECC postoperatively was higher in the ROC-i group compared with the observation group 1151 ± 245 versus 765 ± 169 cells/mm2, respectively (P < 0.018). The postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved in 61 eyes (90%), with mean final BCVA of 0.17 (0.26) logMAR (P = 0.001), which was statistically significant compared with preoperative BCVA. Factors influencing success were 4-mm descemetorhexis size, a clear peripheral ECC with no clinical sequelae of decompensation or guttae, and a low central corneal thickness. No intraoperative complications were noted. The commonest postoperative complication was deep corneal stromal scars noted at the descemetorhexis edge (n = 9). DSO has a role in the treatment of a subset of patients with Fuchs corneal endothelial dystrophy and that adjuvant treatment with ROC-i may lead to faster corneal clearance.

Evaluation of pre-operative and post-operative endothelial cell counts in single-site versus twin-site phacoemulsification trabeculectomy: A Prospective, randomized study

Introduction: Phacotrabeculectomy is a combined procedure in which both cataract extraction and glaucoma filtering surgery are performed in the same operative session. The one-site approach consists of both cataract extraction and trabeculectomy occurring through a single scleral incision. The two-site approach begins with cataract surgery, typically through a clear cornea incision, followed by a completely separate trabeculectomy performed superiorly upon completing the cataract procedure. This study looks at IOP changes, vision, loss of endothelial cells and BCVA between single-site and twin-site phacoemulsification -trabeculectomy surgeries, Methods: This prospective, randomized study was conducted between September 2014 to August 2015 with sample size of 80 subjects at National institute of Ophthalmology, Pune. Results: The endothelial cell loss was significantly more in single site surgery when compared to twin site surgery, in both at 1 month and 3 months follow-up time points (P-value

Comment on: Safety of phakic intraocular collamer lens implantation in 95 highly myopic special-needs children

We discussed the study by Reynolds et al. during the ESCRS journal club on July 7, 2021.1 In this retrospective case series, the investigators presented perioperative and longer-term adverse event data from 95 special-needs children or adults with myopia who could not comply with spectacles and/or contact lenses and underwent implantation of an intraocular collamer lens (ICL). Although this study addressed an important clinical question in a challenging patient group, we would like to highlight some points of discussion that are of relevance to the interpretation of the study. The definition of adverse events as minor or major seemed somewhat controversial. For example, in this study, wound leak requiring repair was designated as major since it necessitated a return to the theater, whereas endothelial cell loss was classed as minor. Although this nomenclature may be understandable in the context of a short-term clinical study after intervention, these definitions may not lend appropriate weight to possible serious longer-term safety concerns. The endothelial cell count was only measured in 31 of 160 eyes (ie, less than 19% of the cohort). Consequently, firm conclusions about the long-term safety of ICL implantation in this patient group cannot be made. Furthermore, these eyes are likely to be unrepresentative of the cohort since they are presumably from the most cooperative individuals. A greater yield may have been possible through specular microscopy in the lateral decubitus position undertaken under general anesthesia, although we appreciate that repeated anesthesia may have an overall detrimental effect on special-needs children. In this highly heterogeneous patient group, a more detailed presentation of the data might have allowed the reader to appreciate the relationships between clinical parameters (ie age and refraction) and adverse events. For example, the mean preoperative spherical equivalent refractive error was −11 D (range: −4 to −22) and mean age was 9.3 years (range: 1.8 to 25) with some nonpediatric patients. Illustration of distribution of refractive error and age as individual datapoints would have allowed the reader to determine, for example, whether there is a relationship between preoperative refractive error or age and postoperative endothelial cell loss? Moreover, could these parameters predict the development of postoperative pupil block? Furthermore, the details of adverse events by group (age, refraction, and underlying disorder) would have been helpful. Although the authors reported that there were 95 children and 160 implanted eyes, the article states that 35 unilateral and 60 bilateral surgeries were performed, which adds up to only 155 eyes. Previous studies on the subject have shown that ICL implantation is safe in children with a low rate of adverse events.2 Many of these studies were conducted by the same study group.3,4 Nevertheless, randomized controlled studies are needed in a larger number of pediatric patients to argue that the benefits outweigh the risks as stated by the researchers in their conclusion. Specifically, the measurement of postoperative endothelial cell counts in most individuals in such cohorts are required to make meaningful statements about long-term safety.

Clinical outcomes and complications between FLACS and conventional phacoemulsification cataract surgery: a PRISMA-compliant Meta-analysis of 25 randomized controlled trials.

To update and investigate the clinical outcomes and complications between femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) and conventional phacoemulsification cataract surgery (CPCS). A Meta-analysis was performed using databases, including Pubmed, Embase, and the Cochrane library. At least one of the clinical outcomes and/or complications data in each included randomized controlled trials (RCT) was reported. The quality of the RCT was assessed with the Cochrane risk assessments tool. Overall, 25 RCTs including 3781 eyes were included. No statistically significant difference detected between FLACS and CPCS in terms of corrected distant visual acuity (CDVA), uncorrected distant visual acuity (UDVA), and central corneal thickness (CCT) at the long-term follow up, although FLACS showed better CDVA at 1wk postoperatively, and less increase in CCT at 1d and 1wk. FLACS had better postoperative endothelial cell count (ECC) at 1 and 4-6wk, while there was no significantly difference between FLACS and CPCS at 1d, 3 and 6mo [weighted mean difference (WMD): 51.54, 95% confidence interval (CI): -5.46 to 108.54, P=0.08; WMD: 48.52, 95%CI: -17.54 to 114.58, P=0.15; WMD: 12.17, 95%CI: -48.61 to 72.94, P=0.69, respectively]. Postoperative endothelial cell loss (ECL) of the FLACS was significantly lower than that of the CPCS at 1, 4-6wk, and 3mo (P=0.02, 0.008, 0.03, respectively). However, there was no significant difference between two groups at 6mo (WMD: -30.36, 95%CI: -78.84 to 18.12, P=0.22). No significant difference was discovered with respect to the macular edema [odds ratio (OR): 0.93, 95%CI: 0.42 to 2.05, P=0.85], capsular complication excluding posterior capsular tears (OR: 0.79, 95%CI: 0.42 to 1.50, P=0.47) and intraocular pressure change (OR: 0.82, 95%CI: 0.39 to 1.72, P=0.60). However, posterior capsular tears were more common in CPCS group (OR: 0.12, 95%CI: 0.01 to 0.98, P=0.05). The effective phacoemulsification times were significantly lower in the FLACS group compared to the CPCS group (WMD: -0.78, 95%CI: -1.23 to -0.34, P=0.0006). No statistically significant difference is discovered between FLACS and CPCS in clinical outcomes at the long-term follow up. However, higher rate of posterior capsular tears is detected in patients receiving CPCS.

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.

Outcomes of a new suture technique for the treatment of dislocated intraocular lenses: locked loop on the haptic.

To evaluate surgical and refractive outcomes of a new sutured scleral fixation technique in the management of subluxated intraocular lenses (IOLs). Nineteen eyes treated with the new scleral fixation technique were included. The mean corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), postoperative refraction error, mean endothelial cell count (ECC), and complications were recorded. All patients were evaluated immediately postoperatively, at 1 and 7days, and then at 1, 3, and 6months. The mean duration of follow-up of the patients was 10months (range, 6-15months). The mean CDVA was 0.41 ± 0.1 logMAR (logarithm of minimum angle of resolution) preoperatively and was 0.08 ± 0.07 logMAR postoperatively. The mean astigmatism was - 2.22 ± 1.86 D preoperative and was - 0.86 ± 0.58 D postoperative. The mean preoperative and postoperative ECC was 2455 ± 288 and 2352 ± 288, respectively. One patient (5.26%) experienced vitreous hemorrhage, and two (10.52%) experienced intraocular pressure elevation. IOL tilt and decentralization, conjunctival erosion, and cystoid macular edema were not observed in any eyes during follow-up. This new IOL repositioning technique can be applied in a short surgical time and provides a stable IOL centration on long-term follow-up.

Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty for corneal penetrating wounds.

To report our surgical experience of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) performed in eyes with scarring resulting from a corneal penetrating wound without tissue loss. Case series of three eyes of three patients that underwent DALK for poor vision due to a scar resulting from a previous corneal penetrating wound. Surgery was performed at least 1 year after the initial injury. Manual dissection technique was used in all cases. Preoperative and postoperative best correct visual acuity (BCVA), postoperative residual bed thickness, and postoperative endothelial cell count (ECC) were evaluated. Preoperative BCVA ranged from 1.3 to 1.0 LogMAR. Two eyes were pseudophakic and one eye had a traumatic cataract. Manual DALK was successfully accomplished in all three cases. The mean residual recipient bed thickness was 103 µm (range 68-130 µm). The mean endothelial cell loss at the 6th month of follow-up was 6% (range 3%-11%) with a further 1% decrease at 4 years. One of the patients underwent cataract surgery and limbal relaxing incisions 1 year after DALK having a total endothelial cell loss of 4.8% at 2 years of follow-up. BCVA at 2 years of follow-up was 0.1 LogMAR (range 0.22-0.0 LogMAR). No episode of rejection was recorded, and all grafts remained clear at last follow-up (5 years, range 4-6 years). Manual DALK should be considered in cases of corneal scars in optical zone resulting from penetrating wound.

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.

The influence of corneal incision size on endothelial cell loss and surgically induced astigmatism following phacoemulsification cataract surgery.

OBJECTIVECorneal incision size has influence both on corneal biomechanics and intracameral fluid dynamics during phacoemulsification cataract surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of corneal incision size on endothelial cell loss and surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) following phacoemulsification cataract surgery.METHODSThis prospective, randomized, and comparative study included 61 eyes with senile cataracts. The patients were randomly assigned to 2.2 mm and 2.8 mm corneal incision sizes and were operated with the same phacoemulsification system. Phacoemulsifcation energy parameters, pre-operative and post-operative endothelial cell counts and corneal astigmatism values were specifically recorded. SIA was calculated according to Alpins method and the results of both groups were compared.RESULTSThere were 31 eyes in the microincisional (2.2 mm) group and 30 eyes in the standard incision (2.8 mm) group. There was no significant difference between the groups for age and gender distribution (p=0.09 and p=0.18, respectively). Similar levels of cumulative dissipated energy was used during phacoemulsification in both groups (p=0.70). SIA was slightly higher in the standard incision group compared to microincisional group (0.47D at 64° vs. 0.37D at 61°, p=0.30). Pre-operative and post-operative uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was similar between the groups (p=0.45 and p=0.27).Endothelial cell loss tended to be slightly higher in the microincisional group compared to standard incision group (174.87±132.27 vs. 160.84±121.58, p=0.75), but this difference was not statistically significant.CONCLUSIONSmaller corneal incisions slightly reduced SIA, but tended to induce more endothelial cell loss. This small difference in SIA did not cause a significant change in the postoperative UCVA. Therefore, the trend in reducing corneal incision sizes below 2.8 mm might not be contributing the surgical outcomes of the patients, especially when we consider potential corneal endothelial changes.