Postoperative Snellen Visual Acuity Research Articles

Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Resistant Cystoid Macular Edema.

To evaluate the results of pars plana vitrectomy for cystoid macular edema (CME) resistant to medical treatment. Quasi-experimental study Place and Duration of Study: Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Rawalpindi, from January to July 2019. This study recruited 30 eyes of 30 patients with cystoid macular edema confirmed on optical coherence tomography that was refractory to medical treatment. Eyes with diabetic fibrous proliferation, optic atrophy, neo-vascular glaucoma, membrance and macular retinal pigment epithelial atrophy were excluded from the study. All patients underwent 23 G pars plana vitrectomy followed by epiretinal membrane / internal limiting membrane (ERM/ILM) peeling and gas injection. In 11 eyes, perfluoropropane gas was injected; while in 19 eyes, sulfurhexafluoride gas was injected. Main outcome measures included pre- and post-op Snellen's visual acuity and central macular thickness (CMT). All patients completed their follow-up of six months. Mean age of 16 male and 14 female patients was 54.30 ±3.70 years. Postoperative Snellen's visual acuity improved to 0.61 ±0.08 from 0.11 ±0.04 and postoperative central macular thickness improved to 223.80 ±40.20 μm from 578.00 ±26.57 μm. Both differences were statistically significant (p<0.001). Pars plana vitrectomy with ERM / ILM peel and gas injection for CME refractory to medical treatment is an effective treatment. There was significantly improved best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) postoperatively along with decreased CMT on optical coherance tomography (OCT).

PROPORTION OF PATIENTS WITH MACULAR HOLE SURGERY WHO WOULD HAVE BEEN FAVORABLE OCRIPLASMIN CANDIDATES: A Retrospective Analysis.

To identify favorable ocriplasmin candidates from a cohort of idiopathic full thickness macular hole surgery patients. The records of patients with full thickness macular hole who underwent pars plana vitrectomy surgery between 2011 and 2015 were reviewed. Clinical data collected included patient demographics, pre- and post-operative Snellen visual acuity, optical coherence tomography findings, and lens status. The authors defined "favorable" ocriplasmin candidates as patients with focal vitreomacular traction, no epiretinal membrane, and hole size ≤400 μm. The authors further categorized "optimal" candidates as age ≤65, phakic, no epiretinal membrane, with focal vitreomacular traction, and hole size ≤400 μm. The records of 238 patients were assessed; 30.7% were male while mean age was 68.6 ± 8.3 years. The mean logMAR acuity was 1.2 (Snellen 20/317) preoperatively and 0.90 (Snellen 20/159) postoperatively. Optical coherence tomography findings indicated that 46.5% of the macular holes studied were less than ≤400 μm in size, 14.8% had an epiretinal membrane, and 25.3% had vitreomacular traction. A total of 17.7% of study patients were found to be favorable candidates, whereas 3.8% were optimal ocriplasmin candidates. Only a minority of full thickness macular hole surgical candidates in this cohort would be considered favorable ocriplasmin candidates.

Posterior Pole Detachment Technique for the Management of Full Thickness Macular Hole

Purpose: To investigate the clinical characteristics, visual and anatomical outcomes of a series of large full thickness macular holes treated by vitrectomy, ILM peeling and gas tamponade augmented by retina expansion. Methods: Prospective, non-comparative, interventional case series of seven eyes of seven patients with Gass Stage 3 or above full thickness macular hole presenting to a vitreo-retinal unit of a tertiary eye hospital. All patients underwent 23 gauge pars plana vitrectomy, peeling of the internal limiting membrane, retina expansion through detachment of the posterior pole with injection of balanced salt via a 41-gauge subretinal cannula, and gas tamponade with sulfur hexafluoride gas. The main outcome measures were: anatomical closure of the macular hole and post-operative visual acuity. Results: Six cases were Gass Stage 3, and one Gass Stage 4. Preoperative visual acuity ranged from hand movement to 6/36. Patients were followed post operatively for a minimum of 6 months. Anatomical closure of the full-thickness macular hole was successfully achieved and confirmed on optical coherence tomography in six of the seven cases. All patients in our case-series recorded improved visual acuity by 6 months follow up. Six patients attained a postoperative best corrected Snellen visual acuity of 6/24 or better. Conclusion: The retina expansion technique has demonstrated promising results in improving anatomic and visual outcomes in patients with large, chronic, full thickness macular hole. The proposed mechanism is the undermining of the retina by fluid to facilitate approximation of the hole edge and aid migration of glial cells to close the foveal defect.

Deferred laser photocoagulation of relaxing retinotomies under silicone oil tamponade to reduce recurrent macular detachment in severe proliferative vitreoretinopathy

This study sought to investigate whether, in patients with retinal detachment complicated by proliferative vitreoretinopathy, we can re-attach the retina with a posterior relaxing retinotomy and silicone oil tamponade while postponing laser retinopexy for several months. In 13 consecutive patients we applied laser coagulation of the retinotomy edge 15 ± 12 weeks after surgery. Silicone oil was removed 9 ± 6 weeks after laser application. After the retinotomy without laser, some degree of central shifting was seen in all patients, followed by obvious curling in 10 patients. The total follow-up was 24 ± 7 months after retinotomy and 13 ± 9 months after oil removal. The retina was attached in 12 patients at the last visit, with the oil still in situ in three patients. Seven patients, however, required additional surgery. Function remained stable with a mean preoperative and postoperative Snellen visual acuity of 0.09. Not anchoring retinotomy edges with a laser at the time of surgery allows inward curling and central slippage of retinal edges under silicone oil. This appears to compensate for the retinal fibrosis occurring in the weeks following surgery and may result in less macula-off re-detachments under oil, and potentially, in better visual outcome.

Surgical outcomes of 23-gauge vitrectomy for the management of lens fragments dropped into the vitreous cavity during cataract surgery

PurposeTo assess the clinical features and surgical outcomes of 23-Gauge (G) vitrectomy for lens fragments dropped into the vitreous during cataract surgery. MethodsA retrospective, non-comparative, interventional case series at a single medical center. The medical records of 45 eyes from 45 consecutive patients who were referred to our hospital for surgical retrieval of phacoemulsification dropped lens fragments and who underwent 23-G vitrectomy were retrospectively reviewed. Data pertaining to patient demographics, pre- and post-operative Snellen visual acuity, and postoperative complications were recorded. Factors associated with dropped lens fragments were also examined. ResultsMean patient age was 68.18±11.47years. The preoperative and postoperative mean logarithm of minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) visual acuity was 1.91±0.59 (Snellen equivalent 0.06±0.15) and 0.42±0.51 (Snellen equivalent 0.54±0.31), respectively. Forty-two eyes (93.3%) had dislocated lens fragments <50% of the total lens size. Two eyes (4.4%) had a large and hard lens nucleus, which necessitated the use of a 20-G fragmatome to efficiently and completely remove the lens material. At the final examination, 30 eyes (66.6%) had a visual acuity better than 20/40. Post-vitrectomy complications included elevated IOP for at least 3months (n=5 eyes, 11.1%), intraocular lens dislocation (n=2 eyes, 4.4%), and cystoid macular edema (n=1 eye, 2.2%). No cases of postoperative endophthalmitis or retinal detachment were observed. ConclusionsA 23-G vitrectomy is safe and efficient for the surgical management of dropped lens fragments following cataract surgery.

Clinical Outcomes of Cataract Surgery in Very Elderly Adults

To investigate the clinical outcomes of cataract surgery elderly adults. Retrospective cohort study. Two clustered hospitals. Two hundred seven individuals aged 90 and older who underwent cataract surgery for primary senile cataracts. Best-corrected preoperative and postoperative Snellen visual acuity, type of cataract, surgical techniques, preoperative systemic or ocular comorbidities, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were assessed. Improvement of visual acuity was defined as a decrease in logMAR acuity of 0.1. Factors associated with visual outcome within 6 months after surgery were identified using logistic regression modeling. The duration of postoperative survival was calculated. In the 207 participants (mean age 92.0 ± 2.1), 79.7% achieved visual improvement after cataract surgery. Forty-eight percent (mean age 97.4 ± 2.8) were alive on December 31, 2012. The most common systemic comorbidities were hypertension (66.2%), diabetes mellitus (25.1%), and myocardial infarction (19.8%). Age-related macular degeneration (AMRD) (15.9%), glaucoma (10.6%), and myopic degeneration (5.3%) were the three most common ocular comorbidities. Uncomplicated cataract surgery was performed in 87.0% cases. The most common complications were vitreous loss (8.2%), posterior capsular rupture (7.2%), and zonular rupture (4.8%). Participants with AMRD (P = .001, odds ratio (OR) = 4.77, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.86-12.26) and vitreous loss (P = .001, OR = 12.86, 95% CI = 2.71-61.10) were less likely to achieve postoperative visual improvement. Despite a high prevalence of systemic and ocular comorbidities in very elderly adults, good clinical outcomes of cataract surgery were attainable. ARMD and vitreous loss were associated with a lower chance of postoperative visual improvement.

Clinical Outcomes of Penetrating Keratoplasty After Autologous Cultivated Limbal Epithelial Transplantation for Ocular Surface Burns

To report the clinical outcomes of penetrating keratoplasty (PK) after autologous cultivated limbal epithelial transplantation in eyes with limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) after ocular surface burns. Retrospective case series. This study included 47 patients with unilateral LSCD treated by autologous cultivated limbal epithelial transplantation and PK between 2001 and 2010. PK was performed either along with (single-stage; n = 12) or at least 6 weeks after (2-stage; n = 35) limbal transplantation. The primary outcome measure was corneal allograft survival, and failure was defined clinically as loss of central graft clarity. Secondary outcomes were postoperative Snellen visual acuity and complications. Most patients were young (mean age, 18 ± 11.4 years) males (76.6%) with LSCD resulting from alkali burns (78.7%) and with visual acuity less than 20/200 (91.5%). The mean follow-up was 4.2 ± 1.9 years. Kaplan-Meier corneal allograft survival rate at 1 year was significantly greater in eyes undergoing 2-stage limbal and corneal transplantation (80 ± 6%; median survival, 4 years) compared with single-stage limbal and corneal transplantation (25 ± 13%; median survival, 6 months; P = .0003). Visual acuity of 20/40 or better was attained by 71.4% of eyes with clear corneal grafts. Allograft failure occurred in 26 (60.5%) eyes as a result of graft rejection (57.7%), graft infiltrate (26.9%), or persistent epithelial defects (15.4%). Recurrence of LSCD was more common after single-stage (58.3%) than 2-stage (14.3%) surgery (P = .008). The 2-stage approach of autologous cultivated limbal epithelial transplantation followed by PK successfully restores ocular surface stability and vision in eyes with chronic ocular burns. The single-stage approach is associated with poorer clinical outcomes and should be avoided.

Combined pars plana lensectomy/vitrectomy for idiopathic macular hole repair without postoperative prone positioning.

The aim of this study is to determine the anatomic and visual outcomes following combined pars plana lensectomy/vitrectomy (CPPLV) as a primary procedure for idiopathic macular hole (MH) without post-operative prone positioning (PPP). A retrospective chart review of 42 patients (47 eyes) with MH who underwent CPPLV was performed. No PPP was performed; however, patients were instructed to avoid the supine position during the first postoperative week. The main outcome measures included MH closure rate, best corrected post-operative Snellen visual acuity (BCVA), and procedure complications. Anatomical closure was achieved in 44 eyes (93.6%). The average BCVA in these eyes improved from 20/203 at baseline to 20/91 post-operatively, with 28 (63.6%) having 20/40 or better. Twenty-eight (59.6%) of the 47 eyes had a BCVA of 20/40 or better post-operatively and 35 (74.5%) eyes improved by at least 2 Snellen lines. Post-operative retinal detachment (RD) was observed in 4 eyes (8.5%) and late reopening of the hole in 4 (9.1%). The anatomical and visual outcomes and the RD rate of CPPLV with sulcus intraocular lens implantation without PPP are comparable to those of traditional MH surgery techniques. The main advantages include sparing the patient the inconvenience of PPP and eliminating the need for additional post-vitrectomy cataract extraction procedure.

Secondary Management and Outcome of Massive Suprachoroidal Hemorrhage

To present the results of secondary surgical treatment of five patients with massive suprachoroidal hemorrhage (MSCH), which occurred intraoperatively, postoperatively, or following ocular trauma. Five patients presenting with MSCH were included in this study during or after phacoemulsification surgery (1 patient), glaucoma surgery (1 patient), combined glaucoma and phacoemulsification surgery (2 patients), and after traumatic sclera rupture (1 patient). Diagnosis was confirmed by ophthalmoscopy and B-scan ultrasonography. Pre-existing risk factors and distance visual acuity were documented. All cases received medical therapy and underwent secondary surgical intervention with radial sclerotomies combined with vitrectomy, use of perfluorocarbon, and silicone oil. Postoperative assessment included visual acuity measurement, ocular examination, and ultrasonography. In all cases, anatomic restoration of ocular structures was achieved. Distance visual acuity improved in all cases (preoperative Snellen visual acuity ranged from light perception to hand motions; postoperative Snellen visual acuity ranged from 0.05 to 0.3). The mean follow-up period was 17 months. In general, despite the advanced surgical techniques, the prognosis of MSCH remains guarded and the visual outcome poor. However, secondary surgical treatment with combined radial sclerotomies and vitrectomy should be considered in order to minimize the damaging effect and maximize the anatomic and functional restoration.

Comparison of PMMA, foldable silicone and foldable acrylic hydrophobic intraocular lenses in combined phacoemulsification and trabeculectomy

To compare the postoperative results of phacotrabeculectomy with implantation of PMMA, foldable silicone or foldable hydrofobic acrylic intraocular lens (IOL). Glaucoma unit, The Royal Liverpool University Hospital, Liverpool, United Kingdom. We studied a total of 124 eyes of three consecutive groups of patients with glaucoma and cataract that underwent phacotrabeculectomy with implantation of a PMMA (30 eyes), a foldable silicone (57 eyes) or a foldable acrylic (37 eyes) IOL. Postoperative Snellen visual acuity and intraocular pressure (IOP), and early and late complications were assessed. All data were analyzed by means of chi2 test, Fisher's exact test, ANOVA/MANOVA tests or a combination whenever appropriate. In all three groups the early and late mean postoperative IOPs were significantly lower than the preoperative ones (p<0.001), with no intergroup differences (p=0.48). The number of eyes with early postoperative hypertension (IOP>25 mmHg) and hypotony (IOP<7 mmHg) was similar in the three groups (p=0.91 and p=0.92 respectively). All groups showed improvement in mean visual acuity (p<0.001), and the differences among the groups were not significant (p=0.79). By 9-12 months after surgery IOPs lower than 22 mmHg without glaucoma medication were found in 76.9% in the PMMA group, 76.6% in the silicone group and in 76.9% in the acrylic group. At the same interval, best visual acuity of 6/12 or better was attained in 80.8%, 83% and 80.8%, in the PMMA, silicone and acrylic groups respectively. The silicone group had significantly more postoperative fibrin reaction into the anterior chamber (p=0.01) and giant cell deposits on the IOL (p<0.0001) than the PMMA and the acrylic groups. The rate of Yag laser posterior capsulotomy was lower with the acrylic IOL (0%) than with the silicone (12.2%) or PMMA (13.3%) IOLs (p=0.08). In patients with glaucoma and cataract, phacotrabeculectomy with PMMA, silicone or acrylic IOL was equally effective in lowering the IOP and improving visual acuity. However, incidence of fibrin reaction and lens deposits was higher in those eyes which received a silicone IOL. The PMMA and the acrylic groups did not differ with respect to postoperative complications, but those eyes with an acrylic IOL had a lower rate of posterior capsule opacification.

Surgical management of cataracts in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis-associated uveitis

Purpose To evaluate outcomes of cataract surgery with posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation with or without trabeculectomy in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA)-associated uveitis. Design Interventional case series. Methods Retrospective chart review of five patients aged 12 years or younger with JRA-associated uveitis who underwent cataract surgery with posterior chamber IOL with or without trabeculectomy at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation from December 1995 to October 2001. Results Four female patients and one male patient ranging from age 7 to 12 years were identified. One patient had bilateral involvement; six eyes were included in the study. Three eyes underwent cataract extraction with posterior chamber IOL, and three underwent combined cataract surgery with posterior chamber IOL and trabeculectomy. Median age at surgery was 8.5 years, with a median follow-up of 43.5 months. Four of five children (five eyes) were on systemic methotrexate immunosuppressive therapy for a median length of 1.25 years before surgery. Two of five patients (three eyes) were also on additional systemic immunosuppressive or anti-inflammatory treatments. All eyes received frequent topical corticosteroid therapy for a median of 2 weeks preoperatively and 8.5 weeks postoperatively. A final postoperative Snellen visual acuity of 20/40 or better was achieved in all children. A median final visual acuity improvement of 7 Snellen lines was observed after cataract surgery. Conclusions With adequate long-term preoperative and postoperative control of intraocular inflammation with systemic immunosuppressive therapy in addition to intensive topical corticosteroid treatment, children with JRA-associated uveitis can demonstrate favorable surgical outcomes after cataract surgery with posterior chamber IOL.

Treating Cytomegalovirus Retinitis-Related Retinal Detachment By Combining Silicone Oil Tamponade and Ganciclovir Implant

With the efficacy of pars plana vitrectomy and silicone oil infusion in treating cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis-related retinal detachment and the success of the ganciclovir implant in controlling CMV retinitis, we sought to evaluate the possible benefits of combining these two procedures in one surgical operation. A retrospective review of 10 patients was conducted. Each patient was diagnosed with a CMV retinitis-related retinal detachment and treated with pars plana vitrectomy and silicone oil infusion, with simultaneous placement of a ganciclovir implant. Parameters evaluated included location of retinal detachment, reattachment rate, pre- and post-operative Snellen visual acuity, pre- and post-operative CMV retinitis activity and location, and complications of the combined procedure. Overall anatomic reattachment was achieved in all 10 patients. Four patients presented with macular involvement of their retinal detachments. Three of these patients experienced significant post-operative improvement in visual acuity. Surgery preserved visual acuity in the 6 patients who presented with macula attached. Best postoperative acuity was better than or equal to 20/100 in 7 (70%) patients. All 3 CMV retinitis patients with inactive retinitis preoperatively remained free of retinitis for the duration of follow up. At last follow up, 8/10 (80%) showed no active CMV retinitis and no patients experienced progression of their retinitis. Results of this series indicate that patients benefit from excellent anatomic reattachment rates, preservation or improvement of visual acuity in most cases, and extended control of their CMV retinitis. Combining the two procedures appears viable. Further study is warranted to assess definitive anatomic and functional outcomes resulting from this new technique.

PARS PLANA VITRECTOMY FOR PERSISTENT, VISUALLY SIGNIFICANT VITREOUS OPACITIES

Purpose: To evaluate the role of vitrectomy in patients with persistent, visually disabling vitreous opacities. Methods: Six consecutive eyes of five men (age 58-66 years) with pseudophakia or aphakia and vitreous opacities resulting in visual symptoms for more than 1 year that underwent vitrectomy were retrospectively reviewed. Postoperative questionnaires regard-ing functional performance and quality-of-life issues were completed by the participants to assess subjective patient satisfaction. Results: Postoperative Snellen visual acuity was improved or equal to preoperative acuity in all cases (8-44 month follow-up) and there were no surgical complications. All patients expressed high satisfaction with overall visual function. Analysis of the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-39 indicated that general vision, near activities, distance activities, mental health, role difficulties, and peripheral vision were significantly improved (P < 0.05) following surgical intervention. Conclusions: Vitrectomy may be indicated in a select group of patients with visually disabling vitreous floaters, although objective assessment of visual dysfunction from vitreous floaters requires further evaluation.

Surgical Removal of Subfoveal Choroidal Neovascularization in Presumed Ocular Histoplasmosis: Stability of Early Visual Results

The authors assess the stability of visual acuity outcomes after the surgical removal of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization in a large series of patients with presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (POHS). A retrospective study of 117 consecutive patients undergoing vitrectomy between February 1990 and December 1994 was performed. All patients underwent the surgical removal of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization due to POHS and had at least 3 months of follow-up. Postoperative Snellen visual acuity was the primary study endpoint. With a median follow-up of 13 months (range, 3-46 months), 35% of patients had postoperative visual acuity of 20/40 or better, and 40% had improvement of three or more Snellen lines after surgery. In a subset of 54 eyes followed for at least 1 year, 91% showed stable or improved vision between the 3- and 12-month time points, and 85% showed stable or improved vision between 3 months and final visit. Follow-up of a large number of patients appears to confirm initially encouraging results and to suggest stability of beneficial effect after the surgical removal of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization in POHS.

Ablation zone centration after photorefractive keratectomy and its effect on visual outcome

Purpose: To determine the relation between ablation zone decentration, measured by corneal topography, and visual and refractive outcome, contrast sensitivity, glare, and subjective reports of halos after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).Setting: Eye Foundation, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine.Methods: This study comprised 70 eyes of 70 patients enrolled into Phase III of the clinical investigation of the VISX 20/20 excimer laser for the correction by PRK of 1.00 to 6.00 diopters of pre-existing sphere. All patients were treated with 5.0 mm ablation zones. Preoperative and postoperative corneal topography in 67 eyes was done using the EyeSys system. Ablation zone decentration was measured relative to the pupillary center at all postoperative visits as determined from the difference or change map.Results: Mean distance between the ablation zone center and the pupillary center was 0.62 mm ± 0.34 (SD) (range 0.07 to 1.67 mm). Twenty seven of 66 patients with corneal topography (40.9%) had decentrations less than 0.5 mm; decentrations in 6 eyes (9.1 %) were 1.0 mm or more from the pupillary center. No correlation was observed between the magnitude of decentration and 1 year postoperative best spectacle-corrected acuity (r = −.04, P = .76), uncorrected acuity (r = −.03, P = .84), or spherical equivalent (r = -.07, P = .59); preoperative uncorrected acuity (r = .04, P = .73) or spherical equivalent (r = −.02, P = .90); or reduction in spherical equivalent (r = .02, P = .89). The magnitude of decentration was correlated with preoperative spectacle-corrected acuity (r = −.37, P = .002). There was no difference in contrast sensitivity, glare, or halos between the cases with less than 0.5 mm of decentration and those with 0.5 mm or more of decentration.Conclusions: The degree of ablation zone decentration did not affect postoperative Snellen visual acuity or contrast sensitivity.

Excimer laser superficial keratectomy for proud nebulae in keratoconus.

Contact lens intolerance in keratoconus may be due to the formation of a proud nebula at or near the apex of the cone. Excimer laser superficial keratectomy was performed as an outpatients with proud nebulae as treatment patients with proud nebulae as treatment for their contact lens intolerance. The mean period of contact lens wear before the development of intolerance was 13.4 years (range 2 to 27 years). Following the development of intolerance, three patients abandoned contact lens wear in the affected eye while the remainder experienced a reduction in comfortable wearing time (mean = 3.75 hours; range: 0-14 hours). All patients had good potential Snellen visual acuity with a contact lens of 6/9 (nine eyes) and 6/12 (one eye). The proud nebulae were directly ablated with a 193 nm ArF excimer laser using a 1 mm diameter beam. Between 100-150 pulses were sufficient to ablate the raised area. Patients experienced no pain during the procedure and reported minimal discomfort postoperatively. In all cases flattening of the proud nebulae was achieved. Seven patients were able to resume regular contact lens wear (mean wearing time = 10.17 hours; range 8 to 16 hours). In three patients, resumption of contact lens wear was unsuccessful because of cone steepness. All patients achieved postoperative Snellen visual acuity of 6/12 or better with a contact lens. Four patients experienced a loss of one line in Snellen acuity. The mean follow up period was 8.3 months (range 2 to 17 months). Excimer laser superficial keratectomy is a useful technique for the treatment of contact lens intolerance caused by proud nebulae in patients with keratoconus. Penetrating keratoplasty is thus avoided.

Corneal lip tunnel incision

To evaluate whether the corneal lip tunnel incision or the sutureless closure causes any refractive problems, we performed a retrospective study on 387 cataract surgery patients who were divided into four groups based on type of wound closure and whether the corneal lip was made. The four groups consisted of patients who received an X-stitch closure without the corneal lip, a horizontal mattress stitch without the lip, a horizontal mattress stitch with the lip, and a sutureless closure with the lip. All patients had phacoemulsification in situ; implantation of a foldable silicone lens was performed through a scleral tunnel incision. Clinical evaluations included preoperative characteristics and postoperative Snellen visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and vector analysis of cylinder. In all four groups, a 4.0 mm wide incision was used. Entrance into the clear cornea during the corneal lip tunnel incision did not induce additional cylinder, and the sutureless closure did not decrease induced cylinder or increase the against-the-rule shift. The results of this study indicate that the combination of a 4.0 mm incision with 1.5 mm corneal lip, phacoemulsification in situ, foldable lens implantation, and sutureless closure is a safe and effective procedure for cataract surgery.

Synthesis of the literature on visual acuity and complications following cataract extraction with intraocular lens implantation. Cataract Patient Outcome Research Team.

To better define the effectiveness and risks of modern cataract surgery. Meta-analysis (formal systematic identification, selection, review, and synthesis) of published literature. Patients described in 90 studies published between 1979 and 1991 that addressed visual acuity (n = 17,390 eyes) or complications (n = 68,316 eyes) following standard extracapsular cataract extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation, phaco-emulsification with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation, or intracapsular cataract extraction with flexible anterior chamber intraocular lens implantation. The proportion of eyes with postoperative Snellen visual acuity of 20/40 or better and the proportion of eyes with each of 18 complications. The pooled percentage of eyes (weighted by sample size) with postoperative visual acuity of 20/40 or better was 95.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 95.1% to 95.9%) among eyes without preexisting ocular comorbidity and 89.7% (95% CI, 89.3% to 90.2%) for all eyes. The pooled percentage of eyes experiencing complications (weighted by sample size and, when pertinent, by quality score of the individual studies but not adjusted for variation in duration of follow-up) ranged from 0.13% for endophthalmitis to 19.7% for posterior capsule opacification. Pooled proportions of eyes with other complications were as follows: bullous keratopathy, 0.3%; intraocular lens malposition/dislocation, 1.1%; clinically apparent cystoid macular edema, 1.5%; and retinal detachment, 0.7%. Pooled results for postoperative Snellen visual acuity and most complications were similar for surgery performed via phacoemulsification vs standard extracapsular cataract extraction, although comparisons of the outcomes between these procedures should be interpreted with caution. The published literature indicates that modern cataract surgery yields excellent visual acuity and, although not free of complications, is a very safe procedure regardless of the extraction technique used.

Prediction of Visual Recovery After Scleral Buckling of Macula-off Retinal Detachments

Patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachments involving the fovea have visual loss that may not be recoverable despite anatomically successful surgery. Few guidelines exist to predict ultimate visual outcome with any certainty. We found that despite macular detachment, a device commonly used to predict visual acuity in cataractous eyes, the Potential Acuity Meter (Mentor O & O, Inc., Norwell, Massachusetts), provided acuity measurements even when Snellen visual acuity levels were poor or unmeasurable. In a study of 50 consecutive patients with clear media, we investigated a possible correlation between postoperative Snellen visual acuity with the preoperative Potential Acuity Meter results. We found that actual visual improvement correlated well with potential visual improvement as determined by Potential Acuity Meter measurements (R = .92). Preoperative assessment of patients with this device was a better predictor of final visual outcome than preoperative Snellen visual acuity, the extent of retinal detachment, or the duration of the retinal detachment by history.

Safety and excimer PRK

Purpose: To determine the relation between ablation zone decentration, measured by corneal topography, and visual and refractive outcome, contrast sensitivity, glare, and subjective reports of halos after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK).Setting: Eye Foundation, University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine.Methods: This study comprised 70 eyes of 70 patients enrolled into Phase III of the clinical investigation of the VISX 20/20 excimer laser for the correction by PRK of 1.00 to 6.00 diopters of pre-existing sphere. All patients were treated with 5.0 mm ablation zones. Preoperative and postoperative corneal topography in 67 eyes was done using the EyeSys system. Ablation zone decentration was measured relative to the pupillary center at all postoperative visits as determined from the difference or change map.Results: Mean distance between the ablation zone center and the pupillary center was 0.62 mm ± 0.34 (SD) (range 0.07 to 1.67 mm). Twenty seven of 66 patients with corneal topography (40.9%) had decentrations less than 0.5 mm; decentrations in 6 eyes (9.1 %) were 1.0 mm or more from the pupillary center. No correlation was observed between the magnitude of decentration and 1 year postoperative best spectacle-corrected acuity (r = −.04, P = .76), uncorrected acuity (r = −.03, P = .84), or spherical equivalent (r = -.07, P = .59); preoperative uncorrected acuity (r = .04, P = .73) or spherical equivalent (r = −.02, P = .90); or reduction in spherical equivalent (r = .02, P = .89). The magnitude of decentration was correlated with preoperative spectacle-corrected acuity (r = −.37, P = .002). There was no difference in contrast sensitivity, glare, or halos between the cases with less than 0.5 mm of decentration and those with 0.5 mm or more of decentration.Conclusions: The degree of ablation zone decentration did not affect postoperative Snellen visual acuity or contrast sensitivity.