Pupil Expansion Research Articles

Intraoperative Complications of Cataract Surgery Using Intracameral Illumination in the Elderly over 75 Years.

Purpose To evaluate intraoperative complications and utilization of adjunctive devices between microscope and intracameral illuminations during cataract surgery in the elderly over 75 years. Design A retrospective, consecutive, interventional case series Participants. Two hundred eighty-six eyes of 184 patients older than 75 years who underwent cataract surgery using microscope and intracameral illuminations. Methods A chart review was performed on an advanced cataract surgery group of 141 consecutive cases in which the intracameral illumination was used and on a standard cataract surgery group of 145 consecutive cases in which the intracameral illumination was not used. Main Outcome Measures Intraoperative complications (posterior capsule rupture, radial tear of the anterior capsule, dropped nucleus, or sulcus-implanted/sclera-fixated IOL) and utilization of adjunctive devices (pupil expansion device or anterior capsule staining). Results The frequency of use of the pupil expansion device was lower in the advanced cataract surgery group than that in the standard cataract surgery group (0.7% vs 6.9%; p=0.007). Furthermore, the rates of a posterior capsule rupture and at least one intraoperative complication were lower in the advanced cataract surgery group than those in the standard cataract surgery group (0.7% vs 4.8%; p=0.067) (0.7% vs 7.6%; p=0.004). Conclusions In the current cohort of patients over 75 years, the rate of intraoperative complications was lower when using the intracameral illumination than that when using the conventional method. Cataract surgery using intracameral illumination would be good option for elderly people.

Incidence of pseudophakic cystoid macular edema in eyes with and without pupil expansion device.

Novel pupil expansion devices are widely recognized for their intraoperative feasibility in safe small pupil cataract surgeries. To assess whether the use of pupil expansion devices affects recovery from cataract surgery. A post hoc analysis of five consecutive prospective randomized clinical trials. 536 eyes of 536 patients undergoing routine cataract surgery were analysed according to the use of pupil expansion device. Thirty-four eyes were operated with pupil expansion device and 502 eyes without. Clinical outcome parameters were recorded at 28days and 3months. Patient age and gender distribution, and baseline clinical outcome parameters were comparable between study groups. Pseudoexfoliation syndrome, glaucoma and medication for benign prostatic hyperplasia were more frequently present; phacoemulsification energy was higher and operation time longer in eyes with pupil expansion device. At 28days, aqueous flare increased by 12.0±25.1pu/mseconds and mean central subfield macular thickness by 16.2±24.4μm in eyes with pupil expansion device, when compared to 4.6±14.8pu/mseconds (p=0.015) and 7.0±33.9μm (p=0.064) in eyes without the device. At 3-month follow-up, clinically significant pseudophakic cystoid macular edema (PCME) was reported in 12% of eyes with pupil expansion device and in 2% of eyes without (p=0.006). After adjusting for the presence of confounding factors, hazard for clinically significant PCME was greater in eyes with pupil expansion device than in those without (HR 5.41, 95% CI 1.35-21.71, p=0.017). The use of pupil expansion device may predispose eyes to increased risk of clinically significant PCME. Effective anti-inflammatory treatment and follow-up are warranted in eyes with pupil expansion device.

Iris hooks versus a pupil expansion ring: Operating times, complications, and visual acuity outcomes in small pupil cases

To compare iris hooks and a pupil expansion ring (Malyugin ring) in eyes with a small pupil. Epsom and St. Helier University National Health Service Trust, London, United Kingdom. Retrospective case series. Patients who had primary phacoemulsification cataract surgery from January 1, 2012, to December 30, 2016, were included. Combined procedures and surgeons with fewer than 50 cases were excluded. Anonymized data were demographics, surgeon grade, case complexity, iris hooks or Malyugin ring use, posterior capsule rupture, zonular fiber rupture or dialysis, vitreous loss, operating time, postoperative complications, and visual acuity. Of the 9552 cases included, 425 (4.4%) had a small pupil, 314 of which required a pupil expansion ring and 95 iris hooks. Compared with no pupil expander, iris hooks were associated with an additional operating time of 14minutes for consultants and 24minutes for trainees. The pupil expansion ring was associated with an additional operating time of 4minutes and 6minutes, respectively. Neither pupil expander was associated with more intraoperative complications. The pupil expansion ring was associated with higher postoperative anterior uveitis and corneal edema rates. Pupil expander cases achieved equivalent visual acuity gains. The pupil expansion ring and iris hooks were safe and effective in minimizing intraoperative complications in eyes with a small pupil. The pupil expansion ring was faster to use than iris hooks. Monitoring for signs of postoperative anterior uveitis or cornea edema with careful insertion or removal of pupil expansion rings is advocated.

Phacoemulsification in adult patients with post-uveitis complicated cataract

Objective: To evaluate the difficulties, complications and outcome of cataract surgery in patients with complicated cataract after anterior uveitis. Methods: A retrospective study on 37 patients who suffered phacoemulsification surgery for post-uveitis complicated cataract in the period 2009-2014 was performed. 43 eyes underwent surgery. Results: Posterior synechiae were present in 25 eyes. Posterior synechiolysis ensured large pupil in 15 eyes, and, in 14 eyes, the use of iris hooks or pupil expansion ring was necessary for surgery. Posterior capsule rupture was reported in 1 eye. Opacified and thick posterior capsule was noticed in 6 eyes. After surgery, transient rising of intraocular pressure was noticed in 4 eyes and prolonged postoperative inflammation was present in 3 eyes. Posterior capsule opacification was the most frequent issue (9 eyes) and cystoid macular oedema was reported in 2 eyes. Conclusions: Post-uveitis complicated cataract surgery presents specific difficulties and postoperative complications are present in these patients, like prolonged postoperative inflammation and cystoid macular oedema.

Updated cataract surgery complexity stratification score for trainee ophthalmic surgeons

To devise a comprehensive cataract surgery complexity score system for the selection of appropriate cases for trainees using evidence-based, validated risk factors for posterior capsule rupture, patient-specific factors, and complexity stratification recommendations to minimize complications, optimize outcomes, and maximize patient safety. Epsom and St. Helier University National Health Service Trust, London, United Kingdom. Retrospective cohort study. Patients having primary phacoemulsification cataract surgery from January 1, 2011 until December 31, 2016 were included; combined corneal, glaucoma, or posterior segment procedures were excluded. Anonymized data on demographics, pupil size, pupil expander use, intraoperative and postoperative complications, and postoperative distance visual acuity were extracted. Patients were stratified by complexity score and surgeon grade (consultant, junior, intermediate, and senior trainee, and fellow). From 11 468 included cases, 8200 (71.5%) had a complexity score. Small pupil, pupil expander use, iris damage during phacoemulsification, zonular dialysis, postoperative raised intraocular pressure, and corneal edema (odds ratio, 3.17; 95% confidence interval, 2.05-4.92) were significantly associated with increasing complexity. Appropriate case allocation by complexity and surgeon grade resulted in no association between posterior capsule rupture and complexity score. Increasing complexity scores were associated with lower postoperative distance visual acuity. The updated evidence-based comprehensive cataract complexity score system is a useful tool for the stratification of case complexity and guides appropriate case selection to match trainee experience. Higher complexity scores were associated with greater intraoperative and postoperative complications and lower postoperative distance visual acuity. Patients with higher scores should be made aware of the guarded prognosis when obtaining consent.

CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND RESULTS OF CATARACT SURGERY IN THE SMALL PUPIL EYE BY PHACOEMUSIFICATION

Objectives: To investigate the clinical characteristics of cataract patients with small pupils and to evaluate the result of cataract surgery on the eye have small pupils by phacotechnique. Subjects and methods: Descriptive study, prospective, uncontrolled interventions. Sample selection. The sample size of 70 patients with 70 eyes of cataracts with small pupils was treated by phaco technique and intraocular lens implant within posterior chamber. Follow up to 3 months. Results: 70 eyes, the percentage of men and women was not different from 54.2% (38 male) compared to 45.8% (32 female). The mean age was 80 ± 8.74, from 58 to 99 years. The disease was mainly found in the age group over 70 years old with over 80% (51.5%). Visual acuity before surgery was very poor under 3m CF (count finger) for 68.6% (48/70). Visual acuity over 1/10 was only a small amount with 2.8% (2 eyes). Pseudoexfoliation was the most common reason complications of mydriasis with 32/70 eyes (45.7%) and 22/70 eyes (31.4%) for age. The preoperative pupilarysizewas mostly small with 63/70 eyes (90.0%), non-dilated pupils (7/70 eyes) (10.0%). Average pupil size was 3.34 mm (2 - 4mm). Iris condition: iris atrophy 20/10 eyes (28.6%), iris synechiae 11/10 (15.7%), irregular iris muscle with 51, 4% and good iris muscle accounted for 48.6%. Grade of cataract: Grade III: 31/70 eyes (44.3%), Grade IV: 32/70 eyes (45.7%), Grade II: 5/70 eyes (7.1%) and V:2/70 eyes (2.9%). Pupil expander technique: OVD injection with 42/70 eyes (60%), using iris hook with 23/70 eyes (32.9%). Pupillary size before and after intervention has changed from 3.7mm to 4.48mm. Conclusions: Iris expander techniques have been shown to have good dilated pupils: 60.0% OVD injection, iris hook was 32.9%, other methods 7.1% One-week visibility of good visual acuity was higher than that of postoperative one day (12.2%) and increased at 1 month and 3 months (20.0%). Very good visual acuity was not available and low vision group was 1.4% after 3 months. Key words: cataract surgery; phacoemusification, small pupil

41.5: Head-mounted Display Based on Surface Relief Grating for Augmented Reality

A see-through head-mounted display (HMD) is demonstrated in the paper, which can present the user with information such as virtual symbols or images superimposed over real-world image. To meet the human eyes' visual requirements under different situations, a large exit pupil of 2 to 5 times of the pupil size (about 2.4 mm) is required. To solve the problem, the HMD presented in the paper is a combination of micro-display of LCoS, imaging eyepiece and an exit pupil expander based on planar waveguide with slanted surface relief grating. Both transmission and reflection gratings are applied in the HMD design. Two system schemes are presented which expand the light only along one direction and two orthogonal directions, respectively. The system configuration and principle of operation are described in the paper.

Simultaneous pupil expansion and displacement for femtosecond laser–assisted cataract surgery in patients with lens ectopia

We describe a new approach for cataract surgery in ectopia lentis associated with an inadequately dilated pupil. A Malyugin ring 2.0 is first positioned in the eye to expand the pupil. One of the ring coils is then temporarily sutured to the limbal area with 10-0 polypropylene. With this maneuver, the pupillary expansion ring is placed in alignment with the center of the ectopic lens. Femtosecond laser anterior capsulotomy and lens fragmentation is then performed. Next, the temporary suture is released, a capsular hook(s) is placed to support the lens, and the lens is emulsified. A modified capsular tension ring is then inserted and sutured to the ciliary sulcus to center the capsular bag and the intraocular lens is implanted. This new technique for patients with insufficiently dilated pupils associated with ectopia lentis has the potential to improve surgical results and minimize complications in selected cases.

Efficacy of the Canabrava Ring (pupil expansion device) in cataract surgery for eyes with small pupils: the first 30 cases.

To evaluate the outcomes of the first 30 cataract surgeries performed with a new disposable, injector-free, small-pupil expansion device. This consecutive case series included 30 eyes from 29 patients who underwent cataract surgery using a new disposable small-pupil expansion device called the Canabrava Ring (AJL Ophthalmic S.A, Spain). It is the first iris expansion ring produced with indents that do not align with each other in the superior and inferior regions, resulting in a small vertical length (0.4 mm) that minimizes the risk of endothelial contact. All eyes had poorly dilated pupils of less than 5 mm preoperatively. Fifteen eyes had significant infective or traumatic pathologies preoperatively. Vertical and horizontal pupil diameters were evaluated preoperatively, intraoperatively, and 1 month postoperatively. The mean patient age was 64 ± 11.8 (standard deviation) years. The Canabrava Ring remained engaged throughout all surgeries, except one. All pupils were intraoperatively expanded to a diameter of 6.3 mm. Although preexisting pathology on the innervation of the pupils, the mean pupil diameter returns to a close preoperative size after 1 month surgery. The mean pupil diameters postoperatively and preoperatively were 4.41 and 3.77 mm, respectively (p<0.05). Postoperative complications occurred in eight eyes (one toxoplasmosis reactivation, one retinal detachment, one posterior capsule rupture, one posterior capsule opacification, and four posterior synechiae). These complications occurred in eyes with preexisting traumatic or infective pathologies or synechiae. The Canabrava Ring is effective for expanding and maintaining expansion of small pupils in cataract surgery. The increase in postoperative pupil diameter is clinically diminutive and can most likely be attributed to preexisting pathologies affecting pupil innervation. Further large-scale studies are required to support the present findings.

Recent advances in small pupil cataract surgery.

To highlight the existing and emerging cataract surgery trends in patients with insufficient mydriasis. Discuss the latest pharmacological approaches for pre and intraoperative pupil dilatation. Present the variety of newest pupil expansion devices; critically review their advantages and possible limitations to be considered by the surgeon. The intracameral use of various mydriatic combinations augmenting the preoperative mydriatic instillations is currently gaining popularity in cataract surgery. Two main options are available: bolus injection of pharmacological agent or its constant irrigation during the phacoemulsification procedure. The former is aimed to expand the pupil, whereas the latter is mostly preventing the pupil from constriction. Introduction of femtosecond-assisted cataract surgery, apart from some benefits was followed by a variety of adverse effects including prostaglandin release into the aqueous humor causing pupil constriction. Preoperative administration of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs at least 1 day prior to surgery significantly decreases the chance of pupil constriction after laser energy is applied to the eye. However, pupil expansion devices may be needed in up to 10% of cases. Following the success of the Malyugin ring (MicroSurgical Technology Inc., Redmond, Washington, USA) several manufacturers introduced pupil expansion devices of various designs. They are differing with materials, pupillary margin fixation mechanisms, and easiness of manipulations during implantation and removal. Combination of proper use of pre and intraoperative pharmacological pupil dilatation protocols combined with pupil expander rings allow for well tolerated and effective cataract surgery in the vast majority of patients with insufficient mydriasis.

Mechanical dilation of the pupil and its possible applications in femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery

In certain cases intraoperative pupil dilation during cataract surgery may be necessary to improve the visualization of intraocular structures and assure the atraumatic nature of surgical manipulations. The article reviews a wide range of pupil expanders, their historical aspects and possibilities of their application in modern cataract surgery.

Comparison of the frequency of use of a pupil expansion device with and without an intracameral phenylephrine and ketorolac injection 1%/0.3% at the time of routine cataract surgery.

PurposeThe objective of this study is to evaluate whether a phenylephrine and ketorolac injection 1%/0.3% (phenyl/keto injection) (Omidria®) prior to capsulotomy decreases the need for the Malyugin Ring® to manage small pupils.SettingBucci Laser Vision Institute, Wilkes-Barre, PA, USA.DesignRetrospective analysis of cataract surgeries performed by a single surgeon at a single center.MethodsA historical control group of 1,004 consecutive cases (December 2013 to February 2015) did not receive a phenyl/keto intracameral injection prior to capsulotomy and were compared with 915 consecutive cases in the treatment group (June 2015 to April 2016) for the rate of use of the Malyugin Ring. Epinephrine injections were selectively used in the control group as per surgeon judgment. Use of the femtosecond laser was recorded for both groups. The incidence of alpha-1 blocker patients and the use of the femtosecond laser were recorded for both groups.ResultsIn the 1,004 cases performed in the historical control group without a phenyl/keto injection, the surgeon chose to use the Malyugin Ring 79 times (7.87%). In the 915 cases performed in the treatment group, the surgeon chose to use the Malyugin Ring 27 times (2.95%). The surgeon selectively used intracameral injections of epinephrine in the control group 64 times (6.47%). There was no significant difference in the use of the femtosecond laser in the control group (15.04%) versus the treatment group (16.28%); however, 4 (2.65%) femtosecond patients in the control group required a Malyugin Ring, while zero patients needed the ring in the femtosecond treatment group. The incidence of Malyugin Ring use in alpha-1 blocker patients was 12/49 (24.49%) in the control group and 6/49 (12.74%) in the treatment group (P=0.05).ConclusionThe frequency of use of the Malyugin Ring was significantly reduced (P<0.001) from 7.87% to 2.95% with this treatment. These results strongly suggest that the antimiotic/anti-inflammatory effects of this phenyl/keto injection reduced facility costs, surgical time, and other complexities related to the use of the Malyugin Ring during phacoemulsification.

B-HEX pupil expander: Pupil expansion redefined.

The B-HEX® Pupil Expander (Med Invent Devices) is a disposable 6.5 mm flexible hexagonal device with notches at corners and flanges at sides. Alternate flanges with positioning holes are tucked under the iris to engage the notches to the margin of the pupil to provide a 5.5 mm expanded pupil. Unlike devices with scrolls or pockets which require an injector to avoid snagging the incision, the preloaded B-HEX is inserted and removed through a 1 mm or larger incision using a manipulator or 23-gauge micro-forceps. The thin profile and uniplanar design allow unhindered instrument movement during phacoemulsification, cortical cleaning, and intraocular lens implantation. The B-HEX is safely used even after capsulorhexis since the thin uniplanar notches are directly visualized to avoid the capsule margin. It is useful in coaxial phacoemulsification, coaxial sub 2.00 mm micro incision cataract surgery (MICS), biaxial 1.5 mm MICS, femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery (FLACS), small pupil pars plana vitrectomy, and shallow anterior chamber eyes.

Cataract surgery in small pupils.

This paper presents the review of historical aspects and the current state-of-the-art in various pupil dilatation methods to be used in cataract surgery. The surgical algorithm in managing small pupil cases should include topical and intraocular mydriatics, appropriately selected viscosurgical device and mechanical dilatation with instruments, iris hooks, and/or pupil expanders.

Combined use of an iris hook and pupil expansion ring for femtosecond laser–assisted cataract surgery in patients with cataracts complicated by insufficient mydriasis and an ectopic pupil

We developed a surgical technique that combines use of an iris hook and a pupil expansion ring in femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery complicated by insufficient mydriasis and an ectopic pupil. With this technique, the surgery, including femtosecond laser assistance, phacoemulsification, and intraocular lens implantation, can be accomplished successfully prior to iris repair. Dr. Malyugin receives travel grants from Alcon Laboratories, Inc. and Novartis Corp.; he receives royalties from Microsurgical Technology, Inc. None of the other authors has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Stabilizing the capsular bag and expanding the pupil with a pupil expansion device

We describe a surgical technique for management of zonular instability and pupillary miosis using a pupil expansion device (Malyugin ring) in patients who need cataract surgery. In this technique, the pupil expansion device is first used in the usual fashion. After a capsulorhexis has been created, lateral scrolls of the pupil expansion device are released and repositioned to entrap both the anterior capsulorhexis and the pupil margin at the against-the-wound meridian (3 o'clock and 9 o'clock position) to fixate the unstable capsular bag to the iris. Phacoemulsification is performed, and the ring is removed after intraocular lens implantation. With this method, capsular stabilization and pupil expansion are achieved simultaneously with the same instrument. No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Small pupil and cataract surgery.

Presence of a small pupil is still considered a major challenge for cataract surgeons. Appropriate mydriasis and maintaining it is of paramount importance to prevent potential serious complications. Recently, more interventions and instruments are available for the cataract surgeons to deal with these challenging cases. The intention of this review is to discuss the preoperative and intraoperative considerations and techniques for cataract surgery in small pupil and related conditions and to discuss new developments in management of small pupil in femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery. There are new techniques and pharmaceuticals available to cataract surgeons in the setting of small pupil. Intracameral ketorolac may soon be available to maintain mydriasis and to control pain and inflammation. Malyugin ring has been added to pupil expansion rings and has already been used for small pupil in different settings. In femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery, presence of a small pupil can now be managed by applying intracameral mydriatics and intraocular devices successfully. Accurate preoperative examinations adjunct with intraoperative use of appropriate pharmacologic and mechanical devices can yield favorable outcomes in cataract surgery with a small pupil.

Femtosecond laser–assisted cataract surgery in eyes with a small pupil

To evaluate the efficacy of different treatment modalities in eyes with small pupils before femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery. Ruhr University Eye Clinic, Bochum, Germany. Prospective clinical trial. Eyes with an intraoperative pupil size smaller than 5.5 mm received sequential treatments to achieve a pupil larger than 5.5 mm in 3 steps: (1) intracameral administration of epinephrine solution, (2) additional viscomydriasis, and (3) implantation of a Malyugin ring pupil expander. When a step enlarged the pupil to at least 5.5 mm, femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery with an anterior capsulotomy diameter of at least 4.5 mm and 350 μm nuclear fragmentation grids, ultrasound phacoemulsification, and intraocular lens implantation were performed. Main outcome measures were achieved preoperative pupil size in each sequential treatment group and analysis of intraoperative complications. Of 850 eyes scheduled for cataract surgery, 40 received sequential treatments. To achieve a pupil larger than 5.5 mm, epinephrine was sufficient in 7% of the eyes; additional viscomydriasis was necessary in 25%, and the pupil expander was implanted in 68%. The most frequent comorbidities were pseudoexfoliation of the lens capsule (30.0%) and intraoperative floppy-iris syndrome (12.5%). Tongue-like lesions of the capsulotomies were detected in 5 eyes. The 3-step treatment allowed the surgeon to increase the efficiency and safety of femtosecond-assisted cataract surgery in eyes with a small preoperative pupil, providing good safety margins at the pupil boundary for the capsulotomy and the softened nuclear volume.

Tower microneedle minimizes vitreal reflux in intravitreal injection

Intravitreal injection is widely used for easy control of drug levels in posterior segment of the eye by injecting the drug directly with hypodermic needles. Patients, however, often experience complications from intravitreal injection due to repeated injections, increased intraocular pressure, and infection. In addition, injected drug reflux after intravitreal injection makes it challenging to maintain predetermined drug dose due to the drug loss through backward effusions. Here, we described that the Tower Microneedle can reduce initial reflux and bleb formation due to its smaller outer diameter compared to a traditional hypodermic needle. Furthermore, we use phenylephrine hydrochloride for pupil expansion and demonstrated that Tower Microneedle induced similar pupil expansions using only half the drug volume, in the same period of time, compared to the 31 Gauge hypodermic needle. Consequently, Tower Microneedle achieves the same therapeutic effect in the vitreous body using fewer drugs than a traditional hypodermic needle due to the decreased backward drug effusion. Tower Microneedle described herein holds great promise for intravitreal injection with less reflux and lower drug dosage.

Use of Malyugin Pupil Expansion Ring in Femtosecond Laser-assisted Cataract Surgery

Purpose: To describe a technique that allows performing femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery with the LenSx laser (Alcon) in patients with poor or non dilating small pupils. Methods: Case report describing new surgical technique. Results: The primary and secondary incisions were made manually and the anterior chamber was filled with ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD). The Malyugin pupil expansion device (Microsurgical Technology) was inserted through the main port incision via the injector. The OVD was removed and all incisions were hydrated. Laser capsulorhexis and lens fragmentation was performed after docking. Subsequent phacoemulsification, intraocular lens (IOL) implantation and the Malyugin ring removal was performed in the usual fashion. Conclusions: Use of the Malyugin ring is a reliable and stable method of maintaining an adequate surgical pupil diameter both for femtosecond laser assisted capsulotomy and lens fragmentation with Lenx laser and subsequent phacoemulsification and IOL implantation.