Preoperative Visual Acuity Research Articles

Preoperative Visual Acuity Thresholds in Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Epiretinal Membrane: A Systematic Review.

This review consolidates findings from studies that used a preoperative visual acuity (VA) threshold as an indication for epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery. The literature was systematically searched using Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library from January 2000 to October 2022 to select studies reporting on pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for ERM that used a preoperative VA threshold as an inclusion criterion. Primary outcomes were final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and change in BCVA relative to baseline. Secondary outcomes included risk of intra- and postoperative complications. A total of 639 eyes from seven studies were included. The most liberal preoperative VA threshold was 20/28.5 or worse, whereas the most conservative threshold was worse than 20/60. The mean preoperative BCVA was 0.55 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) (∼20/70), and the mean postoperative BCVA was 0.35 logMAR (∼20/45). Generally, VA improved relative to baseline, regardless of the preoperative VA threshold. The smallest improvement in VA was observed in a study where the pre-operative VA to consider surgery was liberal (20/30 or worse), whereas the greatest VA improvement was observed in a study that used a conservative preoperative VA threshold (worse than 20/60). The greatest improvement in BCVA was observed in studies where a conservative pre-operative VA threshold was used. The decision to operate should involve a patient-centered approach with a thorough discussion of the risks and benefits of PPV, regardless of the preoperative VA threshold used. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2024;55:400-407.].

Outcomes of inverted internal limiting membrane flap surgery for chronic large macular holes in a sub-Saharan African setting

TopicOutcomes of inverted internal limiting membrane (ILM) flap surgery for chronic large macular holes (MH) in a sub-Saharan Africa setting. PurposeTo report the anatomic and visual outcomes of ILM flap surgery without face-down positioning for eyes with chronic large MH at Eye Foundation Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria. DesignRetrospective, observational study. MethodsCase files of patients who underwent inverted ILM flap surgery for large MH in the retina unit of the Eye Foundation Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria, between January 2022 and December 2022 were reviewed. ResultsThe study included 30 eyes of 29 patients. MH size was between 471 μm and 1530 μm. The mean overall preoperative best corrected logMAR visual acuity was 1.27 ± 0.58. A one-line worsening of preoperative logMAR vision was associated with an increase in MH size by 129.5 μm (p = 0.056). MH closure was achieved in 90% of eyes. There was an improvement in mean best corrected postoperative logMAR visual acuity at 6 months to 0.83 ± 0.49 (p < 0.001). Good visual outcomes were seen in 60.7% of eyes. The remodeling of the external limiting membrane seen in 46.7% of eyes was associated with good visual outcomes (p = 0.04). ConclusionThere was a 90% anatomic closure rate for chronic large MHs that underwent inverted internal limiting membrane flap surgery among our series of patients in a sub-Saharan African setting. Good visual outcomes were seen in 60.7% of eyes, with an overall improvement in logMAR visual acuity.

A Modified Four-point Scleral Fixation of Intraocular Lens in Aphakic Eyes without Adequate Capsular Support

Background: Polypropylene is a commonly used suturing material for intraocular lens (IOL) scleral fixation, but a high breakage rate after several years of follow-up is reported. Meanwhile, Gore-Tex has been a popular artificial material in ophthalmic surgery. Aim: This pilot study investigated the safety and efficacy of a modified surgical technique for scleral fixation of a four-point, close-loop haptic IOL using Gore-Tex as the suture material for aphakic patients without adequate capsular support. Methods: A modified IOL scleral fixation technique was developed using a four-point, close-loop haptic IOL and Gore-Tex as the suture material. Patients undergoing the operation between March 2018 and May 2019 at one center were included in the study. The preoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) with spectacles and postoperative UDVA with an IOL were compared as the main outcome. Follow-up time was 17–43 months. Results: A total of 10 eyes of 10 patients were enrolled, including 3 with iatrogenic IOL dislocation, 3 with iatrogenic lens drop, 2 with traumatic lens dislocation, and 2 with late in-the-bag IOL dislocation. The mean age was 70.8 ± 12.11 years. The mean UDVA, evaluated by the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution, was decreased from preoperative 1.89 ± 0.28 to postoperative 0.58 ± 0.70 (P &lt; 0.001). No complications were reported except in one case with a postoperative corneal ulcer which healed after antibiotic treatment. Conclusion: The favorable outcome suggests Gore-Tex sutures as a safe and stable material for IOL scleral fixation. Prospective studies with a larger sample size would be necessary for more details on the safety and efficacy of the Gore-Tex suture in IOL scleral fixation.

Slow coagulation versus micropulse transscleral cyclophotocoagulation for refractory childhood glaucoma.

To compare the safety and efficacy of micropulse laser (MP-TSCP) and slow coagulation transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCP) with a diode laser for reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with refractory childhood glaucoma (CG). Patients with CG and at least 12 months of medical chart data were included. Data on preoperative and postoperative outcomes were analyzed. The primary outcomes were an IOP of 6-21 mmHg and/or ≥ 20% reduction in the baseline value. A total of 17 eyes were included. The preoperative mean IOP was 28 mmHg in the MP-TSCP and 29.9 mmHg in the TSCP. The mean IOP decreased significantly to 17.26 ± 3.27 mmHg in the MP-TSCP and 14.68 ± 5.79 mmHg TSCP at the last medical record. Three anti-glaucoma meds were administered to the eyes preoperatively in both groups. A mean of 1.02 eye drops was administered to the MP-TSCP and 2.06 to the TSCP. The number of medications decreased by 2.38 ± 1.55 in the MP-TSCP and 0.82 ± 1.68 in the TSCP. The median preoperative visual acuity (logMAR) was 1.51 ± 1.06 in the MP-TSCP and 1.87 ± 0.74 in the TSCP. The variation in mean visual acuity (logMAR) was -0.027 ± 0.05 in the MP-TSCP and -0.40 ± 0.58 in the TSCP. The most frequent complication was corneal decompensation (one - MP-TSCP and two - TSCP). Both techniques were effective and relatively safe for reducing IOP. These techniques appear to extend the indications of cyclophotocoagulation in CG eyes and improve the functional prognosis.

Differences in Guttae Ultramorphology in Relation to Visual Function in Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in guttae ultramorphology and their relation to visual function in eyes with Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD). Thirty FECD eyes without ocular comorbidities were included. Visual functional parameters (best-corrected visual acuity with high-contrast and low-contrast letters and contrast sensitivity/LogCS) and corneal morphology measured with Scheimpflug tomography (Pentacam) were assessed. The surgically removed Descemet membranes were examined by light and transmission electron microscopy. Preoperative mean best-corrected visual acuity (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) was 0.52 ± 0.18, LogCS 0.96 ± 0.21 and central corneal thickness 640 ± 55 μm. All eyes had signs of subclinical corneal edema in Scheimpflug tomography; clinically visible corneal edema was present in 40% of eyes. Histological findings included a posterior fibrillar zone (PFZ) in 10 specimens (33%) and abnormal collagen depositions in Descemet membranes in 14 specimens (47%). Guttae buried within the PFZ were present only in eyes with clinically visible edema (n = 4, 13%). There was no difference in visual function results and tomography parameters between eyes with and without PFZ or between protruding guttae and guttae embedded in a PFZ, respectively. Guttae morphology and density were not correlated with visual functional parameters. Guttae buried in a PFZ occurred only in eyes with clinically manifest edema, and thereby, they are an ultramorphological sign for advanced FECD. Subclinical edema was present in all eyes and might be more relevant for quality of vision than guttae ultramorphology.

Long-Term Outcomes of Vitrectomy for Idiopathic Epiretinal Membrane With Internal Limiting Membrane Removal in Patients With Good Preoperative Visual Acuity.

Purpose: To evaluate the long-term visual results of vitrectomy with epiretinal membrane (ERM) and internal limiting membrane (ILM) removal for idiopathic ERM in eyes with a preoperative visual acuity (VA) of 20/50 or better. Methods: This retrospective review of a consecutive case series comprised 337 patients. Of these, 36 eyes of 36 patients had ERM and ILM removal from 2017 to 2018. Inclusion criteria included a subjective decrease in VA, a preoperative VA of 20/50 or better, vitrectomy with ERM and ILM removal for ERM, and a minimum 6-month follow-up. Paired t tests were used to determine the statistical significance (P < .05) of VA changes postoperatively. Results: The mean (±SD) best-corrected logMAR VA improved to a maximum of 0.125 ± 0.09 (Snellen equivalent 20/26.4) at a mean of 11.1 months postoperatively (P < .001). The VA continued to significantly improve over the long term (mean, 41.6 months; range, 6-63; P < .001). Overall long-term data trended heavily toward VA improvement (25/36 patients [69.4%]) and stability (10/36 patients [27.7%)] after ERM and ILM removal, with only 1 patient (2.8%) having worse VA. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications related to ERM and ILM removal. Conclusions: Surgery to remove idiopathic ERM and ILM for patients with significant symptoms and good preoperative VA may result in excellent long-term visual results.

Strategies and Application of Compression Sutures With a Modified Technique for Rapid Resolution of Large (Grade III) Hydrops: A Prospective Interventional Study.

The aim of this study was to describe the strategies and outcomes, with a modified technique, of compression sutures in large acute hydrops. This was a prospective interventional study in 29 eyes of 28 patients who underwent compression sutures using a modified technique. The degree of resolution after surgical intervention was quantified by 3 masked observers, using the slit-lamp photographic documentation and optical coherence tomography. The degree of resolution, best-corrected visual acuity, and complications were analyzed. The mean age was 20.89 (7-46) years. Five patients had pellucid marginal degeneration (pellucid marginal corneal degeneration), 23 had keratoconus, and 1 had posttrauma hydrops. The preoperative visual acuity was hand motions in all eyes. The reduction in edema was 76% on day 1, 91.6% on 6 ± 2 days, 98.6% on 18 ± 3 days from surgical intervention. The baseline pachymetry assessed on optical coherence tomography was beyond measurement in 26 eyes. The mean pachymetry at day 1 was 704 μm (range 480-950) which reduced to 607 (range 422-850) microns at 6 ± 2 days and 518 (range 415-718) microns at 18 ± 3 days postintervention (P < 0.0001). The mean duration between the surgery and complete suture removal was 48 (35-68) days. No suture-related complications were noted. Twenty eyes could attain good visual rehabilitation with glasses/contact lenses (vision could not be assessed in 5 eyes). Penetrating keratoplasty was performed on 1 patient. Compression sutures using the modified technique was safe and effective in the rapid resolution of acute hydrops in keratoconus and pellucid marginal corneal degeneration. No complications were noted, and visual restoration with spectacles and contact lenses was satisfactory.

Sensory Function of Children With Strabismus After Epiblepharon Surgery.

To investigate the effect of epiblepharon surgery on motor and sensory function in children with epiblepharon and concomitant strabismus. Among 564 patients who underwent epiblepharon correction surgery from May 2016 to April 2023, 45 children who were examined for strabismus were included in the study. Preoperative and postoperative visual acuity, refraction, and angle of deviation were analyzed. For those with significant angle of deviation, additional stereopsis, sensory fusion, and returning time were retrospectively investigated. The angle of deviation was examined by one examiner at distance and near. The mean age of 45 children (18 boys and 27 girls) was 6.8 ± 2.9 years. Fifteen had significant strabismus at the time of epiblepharon surgery. Visual acuity improved in both the total and strabismus groups. Improvement in stereopsis and fusion was also observed in the strabismus group. The angle of deviation showed no difference in both groups. Epiblepharon could affect ocular manifestations of strabismus as shown in this study. The authors suggest strabismus treatment be continued after epiblepharon surgery, with improved sensory function. Further evaluation with larger groups is needed in the future. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2024;61(4):257-261.].

Postoperative outcome and influencing factors of strabismus surgery in infants aged 1–6 years

PurposeTo evaluate the postoperative outcome of strabismus surgery performed in children aged 1–6 years by investigating the change of the preoperative angle of deviation (AOD), elevation in adduction, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and refractive error.MethodsRetrospective chart review of 62 children who received strabismus surgery between January 2018 and December 2021 at the Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry of the Medical University of Vienna. Age, sex, type of strabismus, AOD, BCVA, refractive error and visual acuity were evaluated with respect to the postoperative outcome.ResultsMean follow-up was 13.55 ± 11.38 months with a mean age of 3.94 ± 1.97 years (range: 1.0–6.0) at time of surgery. 74.19% of patients (n = 46) had isolated or combined esotropia, 12.90% (n = 8) had isolated or combined exotropia and 12.90% (n = 8) had isolated strabismus sursoadductorius. Mean preoperative AOD of 15.69 ± 16.91°/15.02 ± 14.88° (near/distance) decreased to 4.00 ± 9.18°/4.83 ± 7.32° (near/distance) at final follow-up (p < 0.001). BCVA improved from 0.26 ± 0.26/0.25 ± 0.23 (left/right) to 0.21 ± 0.25/0.20 ± 0.23 (left/right) (p = 0.038). There was no significant change regarding refractive error (p = 0.109) or elevation in adduction (p = 0.212). Success rate which was defined as a residual AOD of less than 10° was 74.19% (n = 46). In 3.23% (n = 2) retreatment was necessary.ConclusionStrabismus surgery in infants was shown to have a satisfactory outcome with a low retreatment rate. Surgical success rate was not linked to age, sex, type of strabismus or the preoperative parameters AOD, refractive error and visual acuity in this study.

Outcomes of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment surgery in patients with Stickler syndrome.

Despite recent developments in vitrectomy technology and instrumentation, rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in Stickler syndrome (RDS) remains a challenge for surgeons. RDSs are associated with a higher rate of complications and surgical failures than those not associated with Stickler syndrome. This study is a report about anatomic and visual outcomes of RDS surgery and describes the surgical techniques associated with the treatment of this specific condition. This is a retrospective, interventional, consecutive case series of patients with RDS undergoing retinal reattachment surgery from 1990 to 2020 at the Institute of Ocular Microsurgery (IMO) in Barcelona, Spain. Twenty-four eyes of 18 patients with genetically confirmed Stickler syndrome were included in the study. Ten eyes (41.6%) presented a giant retinal tear. Retinal reattachment was achieved in all cases after an average of 1.21 (range 1-6) surgical interventions. Nineteen eyes (79%) required only one operation to achieve complete retinal reattachment. The most common first surgical procedure was a 4-mm scleral buckle with posterior pars plana vitrectomy and silicone oil endotamponade, performed on 16 (66.6%) of the eyes. The mean follow-up period was 10.2years. Mean preoperative visual acuity LogMar was 1.10 (Snellen equivalent 20/252), which improved to 0.50 (Snellen equivalent 20/63) at final follow-up (p < 0.05). In most RDS cases, anatomic success and visual acuity improvement can be achieved with the first surgical procedure, using a combination of silicone oil tamponade and a 4-mm scleral encircling band. In some early cases of RDS, other less invasive surgical techniques can be used.

Visual outcomes of the surgical rehabilitative process following open globe injury repair.

The path of rehabilitation of an eye after open globe injury (OGI) may require multiple additional secondary surgeries after the initial repair. Although much has been studied regarding the outcomes of secondary surgeries after open globe repair, it can be challenging to understand the possible implications of the surgical rehabilitative process. This retrospective study considers the benefits of the required additional secondary surgeries for a consecutive series of OGI patients. OGI patients who had at least one additional surgery after the initial open globe repair (OGR) were studied retrospectively. Additional inclusion criteria included: follow up of at least 12 months since the initial injury and at least 3 months since their most recent surgery, and no additional planned interventions. Preoperative visual acuity was compared to final visual acuity. Additionally, the odds of achieving ambulatory vision (≥20/800) and reading vision (≥20/40) were calculated after each indicated consecutive surgery. A cohort of 74 eyes from 73 patients met our inclusion criteria. These patients underwent a mean of two additional surgeries. The mean logMAR VA improved from 2.3 (HM) at presentation to 1.4 (20/150), or a 9-line Snellen equivalent improvement. Upon reaching their final visit status, 50% of patients had achieved ambulatory vision and 30% of patients had achieved reading vision. The odds of achieving ambulatory vision after completion of all the rehabilitative surgical process compared to the vision prior to the secondary rehabilitative surgery were higher (OR: 19.1, 95% CI: 7.9 - 30.4, p = 0.0008) as were the odds of achieving reading vision (OR: 4.6, 95% CI: 0.2 - 9.0, p = 0.04). With subsequent second, third, and fourth additional surgeries, the odds of achieving either ambulatory or reading vision at the final visit compared to their preoperative visual acuities were not significant (p > 0.05) but the visual acuity continued to trend toward visual improvement. Approximately 50% of individuals who required additional surgery at UMN achieved ambulatory vision and 30% achieved reading vision. The odds of visual improvement through the surgical rehabilitative process were very high, with the greatest gains generally achieved after the first surgery.

TWO YEARS DESCRIPTIVE STUDY OF MACULAR HOLE PATIENTS OPERATED IN DR. KARIADI GENERAL HOSPITAL, SEMARANG

Introduction and Objective: Macular hole (MH) is vitreomacular interface disorder that could cause visual impairment. Clinical characteristics of MH are important for predicting MH treatment outcomes. This study purpose was to describe MH patients’ characteristics and postoperative outcomes in Dr. Kariadi Hospital. Method: A retrospective study held on January 2021–December 2022 utilizing patients’ medical records. Preoperative data: sex, age, symptoms, duration of symptoms, origin, preoperative visual acuity (VA), modified Gass classification stage, macular hole index (MHI), and hole forming factor (HFF) were obtained. Postoperative outcomes data: postoperative VA and anatomical closure were also collected. Result: 20(20 eyes) patients were obtained, with 14(70%) female, 12(60%) aged &gt;60 years old, 13(65%) metamorphopsia, 12(60%) central visual loss, 10(50%) preoperative VA 6/24-6/60, 10(50%) duration of symptoms &lt;3 months, and 16(80%) idiopathic origin. OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) findings revealed base diameter mean was 780,7 um(+ SD 312). 13 patients (65%) stage 3 of MH, 12(60%) MHI &lt;0,5, 12(60%) HFF &gt; 0,9. All patients underwent MH surgery procedures. Postoperative examination showed 10 patients(50%) with VA 6/6-6/20. 11(100%;p&lt;0,001) with preoperative VA&gt;6/60, 10(100%;p&lt;0,001) with duration of symptoms &lt;3 months, 8(100%;p=0,012) with MHI &gt; 0,5, and 11(100%;p&lt;0,001) with HFF &gt; 0,9 (p&lt;0,001) had improved visual acuity and anatomical closure. It also revealed 17(85%) had anatomical closure. Conclusion: The most common characteristics found in MH patients were female sex, age &gt;60 years old, and disorder of idiopathic origin. Preoperative VA, duration of symptoms &lt;3 months before surgery, MHI &gt; 0,5, and HFF &gt; 0,9 were positive prognostic factors for better postoperative functional and anatomical outcomes.

TWO YEARS DESCRIPTIVE STUDY OF MACULAR HOLE PATIENTS OPERATED IN DR. KARIADI GENERAL HOSPITAL, SEMARANG

Introduction &amp; ObjectivesMacular hole (MH) is a vitreomacular interface disorder that could cause visual impairment. Clinicalcharacteristics of MH are important for predicting MH treatment outcomes. This study purpose wasto describe MH patients’ characteristics and postoperative outcomes in Dr. Kariadi Hospital.&#x0D; MethodsA retrospective study held on January 2021–December 2022 utilizing patients’ medical records.Preoperative data: sex, age, symptoms, duration of symptoms, origin, preoperative visual acuity(VA), modified Gass classification stage, macular hole index (MHI), and hole forming factor (HFF)were obtained. Postoperative outcomes data: postoperative VA and anatomical closure were alsocollected.&#x0D; Results20(20 eyes) patients were obtained, with 14(70%) female, 12(60%) aged &gt;60 years old, 13(65%)metamorphopsia, 12(60%) central visual loss, 10(50%) preoperative VA 6/24-6/60, 10(50%) durationof symptoms &lt;3 months, and 16(80%) idiopathic origin. OCT (Ocular Coherence Tomography)findings revealed base diameter mean was 780,7 um(+ SD 312). 13 patients (65%) stage 3 of MH,12(60%) MHI &lt;0,5, 12(60%) HFF &gt; 0,9. All patients underwent MH surgery procedures.Postoperative examination showed 10 patients(50%) with VA 6/6-6/20. 11(100%) with preoperativeVA&gt;6/60, 10(100%) with duration of symptoms &lt;3 months, 8(100%) with MHI &gt; 0,5, and 11(100%)with HFF &gt; 0,9 had improved visual acuity and anatomical closure. It also revealed 17(85%) hadanatomical closure.&#x0D; ConclusionThe most common characteristics found in MH patients were female sex, age &gt;60 years old, anddisorder of idiopathic origin. Preoperative VA, duration of symptoms &lt;3 months before surgery, MHI&gt; 0,5, and HFF &gt; 0,9 were positive prognostic factors for better postoperative functional andanatomical outcomes.

Cataract Surgery After Keratoplasty: How Should We Prepare?

Introduction : Cataract surgery following corneal transplantation demands special attention to corneal graft stability and optimization to allow for excellent IOL selection, as well as corneal graft preservation since lens removal damages the corneal endothelium. This study aimed to determine how we should prepare for cataract surgery after keratoplasty.&#x0D; Case Illustration : Case 1: A 34-year-old male has phacoemulsification in his right eye (last eye). He had a history of eye surgery, including, keratoplasty for RE in 2019, and vitrectomy for RE because of endophthalmitis. The pre-operative visual acuity is 0.5/60 with PAS and an irregular pupil. Post-operative VA 3/60 with BCVA 6/40. Last follow-up, the grafted cornea was still clear with normal IOP. Case 2: A 50- year-old female underwent phacoemulsification for both eyes (BE). She had histories of keratoplasty in 1986, 1989, and 1997 for BE. She also had extreme myopia for BE (RE S -17.00, LE S-14.00). Pre- operative VA was 1/60 of BE, and BCVA was 6/20 a month after surgery. During the last check-up, both transplant corneas were clear with normal IOP. Last visit, her both grafts remained clear.&#x0D; Discussion : &#x0D; Conclusion : IOL calculations are challenging due to inaccuracy in corneal measurements, astigmatism, or corneal pathology. The best time to perform surgery is at least 2 years after keratoplasty. We suggest using total keratometry in the K-6 formula or Haigis for the IOL formula. Good dispersive viscoelastic, operating away from the corneal endothelium, and employing low phaco-energy/fluids will help to deliver a clear cornea after surgery. Last, steroid treatment will enhance graft survival rate.

Management of Open Globe Injury Followed by Cataract Traumatic and Corneal Laceration in a 37-year-old Man. A Case Report

Introduction : Ocular trauma is the most common cause of visual impairment and unilateral vision loss. According to the Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology, ocular trauma consists of Open Globe Injury and Closed Globe Injury. Open globe injury is a full-thickness eyewall wound due to a laceration or occult rupture. Damage to the cornea and lens are among the most common types of ocular trauma.&#x0D; Case Illustration : This case report involves a 37 year-old-man who presented with complaints of pain and visual impairment in the left eye for the past month. The symptoms appeared after accidentally getting hit by a bamboo branch. Upon examination, the patient had a visual acuity of 1/300 in the left eye, ciliary injection (+), non-spherical pupil, and normal intraocular pressure on palpation. On slit lamp examination, a 7mm corneal laceration with a scar formation and a lens mass in the eye's anterior chamber.&#x0D; Discussion : In this case, the open globe injury resulted in visual impairment due to corneal laceration and traumatic cataracts. The trauma occurred one month before the examination, and the corneal laceration had already formed a leukoma. The patient underwent corneal repair and vitrectomy, extracapsular cataract extraction using the ECCE technique, and intraocular lens implantation.&#x0D; Conclusion : The prognosis of ocular trauma depends on the severity of the injury to the eye structures, the time between the injury and surgery, the preoperative visual acuity, the mode of injury, and the patient's age. The OTS scoring system can predict the final visual acuity outcome in such cases.

Visual And Refractive Outcomes of Myopia Astigmatism After Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (ReLEx SMILE) Procedures; Retrospective Study

Abstract&#x0D; Introduction &amp; Objectives : Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (ReLEx SMILE) is becoming more popular as a flapless and minimally invasive form of laser vision correction for the treatment of myopia and myopia astigmatism. This study aimed to assess postoperative visual and refractive outcomes of SMILE- based correction of myopia astigmatism, to evaluate the efficacy, predictability, safety, and stabilityof this procedure over a one-month postoperative period&#x0D; Methods : This retrospective study evaluated 200 eyes of 100 patients who underwent ReLEX SMILE technique, using the Zeiss VisuMax Laser between July 2020 and October 2022. Before surgery, 1 day and 1 month after surgery, the efficacy, predictability, safety, and stability of the procedure were assessed.&#x0D; Results : The preoperative Mean Uncorrected Distance Visual Acuity (UCVA) was 1.55 ± 0.53. Corrected Distance Visual Acuity (BCVA) was 20/20 or better in 74.50% and 90% of eyes in 1 day and 1 month after surgery, respectively. MRSE reduced from -5.22 ± 2.44 to -0.22 ± 0.54 at 1 day post-operative, and -0.19 ± 0.51 at 1 month. 75% of eyes had an unchanged BCVA between 1 day and 1 month after surgery. 72% of eyes achieved spherical equivalent within ±0.5 D and 94% of eyes were within ±1.0 1 month after surgery. The intraoperative complication was suction loss in two patients.&#x0D; Conclusion : SMILE can be considered an effective and safe refractive surgery for the treatment of myopia astigmatism.

Sociodemographic Disparities in Preoperative Visual Acuity and Cataract Surgery Utilization in the San Francisco Bay Area.

We examined whether cataract surgery utilization and preoperative visual acuity were associated with patient-specific factors, including ocular findings and comorbidities, general biomedical factors, and/or sociodemographic factors. Retrospective, cross-sectional study. We reviewed the electronic health records of patients from 2012 to 2022 who were examined and followed for at least 2years by an eye care provider at University of California San Francisco Health (UCSF Health)and who had cataract in at least one eye associated with best-corrected visual acuity of 20/25 or worse. Data include ocular factors (e.g., best-corrected visual acuity, lens opacity grade, diagnoses of glaucoma, and/or age-related macular degeneration), biomedical comorbidities, and sociodemographic factors including race/ethnicity, health insurance coverage, primary language spoken, and social vulnerability index. Logistic and multivariate regression analyses. We examined cataract surgery utilization and preoperative best-corrected visual acuity. Compared to White and Asian patients, Black patients had the lowest rates of cataract surgery utilization and the poorest mean preoperative visual acuities, with Hispanic patients following in second place in both categories. However, when the analysis controlled for sociodemographic and biomedical factors, Medicaid insurance and speaking Chinese as a primary language emerged as significant associations. In addition, higher cataract surgery utilization rates were associated with worse preoperative best-corrected visual acuity, a concurrent diagnosis of glaucoma, and a concurrent diagnosis of macular degeneration. Worse preoperative visual acuity was associated with Spanish or Chinese language preference, Medicaid status, and glaucoma diagnosis; poorer preoperative visual acuity was only weakly correlated withincreased social vulnerability. After adjusting for other biomedicalandsociodemographic variables, havingMedicaid insurance and being a non-English speaker were the factorsmost notably associated with reduced cataract surgery utilization and poorer preoperative visual acuity. Health insurance and language barriers, as well as other biomedical and sociodemographic factors, may explain a large proportion of the racial disparities inboth cataract surgery utilization and preoperative visual acuity observed among Black and Hispanic patients. Chinese-speaking patients with limited English proficiency are a vulnerable subgroup that exhibits lower rates of cataract surgery utilization and higher degrees of visual loss prior to undergoingcataract surgery compared to other Asian patients.

Factors predicting the visual outcome of intracorneal ring segment for keratoconus.

To identify predictive factors and to construct predictive models using epidemiological and clinical preoperative factors for the visual acuity change after intracorneal ring segment (ICRS) implantation in patients with keratoconus. The medical records of 287 keratoconic eyes of 230 patients implanted with ICRS at Chula Refractive Surgery Center of a tertiary university hospital (Bangkok, Thailand) between January 2012 and March 2022 were retrospectively reviewed for epidemiological and clinical preoperative variables, including those derived from Scheimpflug tomography. After randomly excluding one eye for each bilateral case, the remaining 230 eyes were randomized into two groups: a training group (184 eyes) and a validation group (46 eyes). In the training group, the correlation between the interesting variables and postoperative uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity change (ΔUDVA and ΔCDVA; logMAR scale) at 6 months was explored, and then the multiple linear regression analysis was used to develop the predictive models. The obtained models were tested using the validation group. There were 5 and 14 preoperative variables that statistically correlated with ΔUDVA and ΔCDVA respectively. Only the preoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVAp) strongly correlated with ΔCDVA (Beta = -0.746). Using multiple regression, the preoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVAp) and front mean keratometry were selected in the proposed model for ΔUDVA (adjusted R2 = 38.8%), while the CDVAp and index of surface variance (ISV) were selected in the model [Formula: see text] (adjusted R2 = 48.9%). The ΔUDVA and ΔCDVA models were correct in 47.83% and 63.4% of the validation group within 0.20 logMAR, respectively. Potential predictive factors and models for ICRS-induced changes in visual acuity are proposed as adjunctive tools for clinicians. Such tools could be used for case selection and during counselling before ICRS implantation to maximize surgical outcomes.

Change in Corneal Astigmatism After Phacoemulsification with Rigid Intraocular Lens Implantation

Phacoemulsification with lens implant is the preferred method of cataract extraction nowadays. In resource-deficient settings, rigid polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) lenses are implanted which require enlargement of corneal incision to 5.5mm. Objectives: We conducted this study to evaluate the effect of corneal incisions secured with a single suture on corneal astigmatism after routine cataract surgery. Methods: It was a quasi-experimental study conducted at tertiary care hospitals. Sixty patients were studied and preoperative visual acuity and keratometry readings were noted. After standard phacoemulsification, a 5.5mm rigid PMMA lens was implanted in the bag, and the corneal incision was sutured using a single central 10/0 nylon suture. Visual acuity and keratometry readings were noted on 1st postoperative day, 1-week postoperatively, and 6-weeks postoperatively and compared with pre-operative values. Results: The mean age was 59.27 ± 10.72 (range: 46 – 78) years. There were 32 (53.3%) males and 28(46.7%) females in the study. The mean preoperative keratometry reading was 0.89 ± 0.70 D, and the mean first-day postoperative cylinder was 1.94 ± 0.98 D (p &lt; 0.05). The mean astigmatism at the 6th week postoperatively was 0.96 ± 0.65 D, and its comparison with the pre-operative astigmatism was statistically not significant (p &gt; 0.05). Surgically induced astigmatism was found to be 0.07 diopters. Almost 60% of the patients achieved uncorrected 6/7.5 or better visual acuity, and more than one-third of patients achieved 6/6 best corrected visual acuity six weeks after the cataract surgery using the described technique. Conclusions: Phacoemulsification with 5.5mm PMMA IOL with a central single suture is an effective procedure for postoperative astigmatism and visual outcome.

The effect of cataract surgery on quality of life and sleep in geriatric patient group

Aim: Investigation of the effects of cataract surgery on quality of life and sleep in geriatric patient group Methods: Ninety four patients who were diagnosed with cataract and operated were included. Preoperative and postoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was measured with the Snellen chart. Cataract types were divided into 3 categories as nuclear, cortical and posterior subcapsular. The VFQ-25 (vision-related quality of life) questionnaire and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Questionnaire were administered to the patients before and after the surgery. Results: One hundred thirty-eight eyes of 94 patients were operated. 45.7% of the patients had nuclear, 16% had cortical, 38.3% had posterior subcapsular cataracts. VFQ 25 questionnaire scores increased from 70.70±3.46 (42-89) to 85.65±7.09 (70-97) postoperatively (p&lt;0.001). While the preoperative Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) score of the patients was 8.70±2.99 (2-17), it was 6.26±3.19 (1-17) postoperatively (p&lt;0.001). There was a positive correlation between the increase in postoperative visual acuity (?) and the VFQ 25 questionnaire score increase (?) (r=0.891, p=0.000). ?VFQ 25 and ? PSQI values were higher in patients who underwent bilateral cataract surgery, but this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.199, p=0.808). ?VFQ 25 after posterior subcapsular cataract surgery was greater than nuclear and cortical type. ? PSQI values were similar in nuclear, posterior subcapsular and cortical cataracts. Conclusion: Geriatric patients with posterior subcapsular cataracts had a higher postoperative vision-dependent quality of life than patients with other cataract types. Cataract surgery has positive effects on sleep quality of geriatric patients, regardless of cataract type and laterality (bilateral/unilateral).