Routine Cataract Surgery Research Articles

Pseudophakic cystoid macular oedema and posterior capsular opacification rates after combined phaco-trabeculectomy vs. phaco alone.

To assess the risk for pseudophakic cystoid macular oedema (PCME) and posterior capsular opacification (PCO) associated with combined cataract surgery and trabeculectomy compared to cataract surgery alone. Data analysis of subjects who underwent routine cataract surgery without and with concomitant trabeculectomy at the Department of Ophthalmology, Bristol Eye Hospital, the UK, between January 2008 and December 2017. Odds ratios (ORs) for PCME between the types of surgeries were calculated using univariate and multivariate regression analysis. Multivariate Cox regression controlling for age and gender was used to estimate the hazard ratio (HR) for neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomies. This study included 56 973 cataract surgeries without and 288 with concomitant trabeculectomy (phaco-trab) with a mean follow-up time of 6.9 ± 4.2 years. Baseline variables (age and gender, diabetes, pseudoexfoliation, use of pupil expansion device and postoperative follow-up time) were comparable between the groups. Postoperative rates of PCME remained non-significant between the cataract surgery and phaco-trabe groups both in uni- and multi-variate analysis (OR 0.347, 95%CI 0.049-2.477, p = 0.291). Furthermore, in Cox regression analysis adjusted for the patients' age and gender, Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy rates remained non-significant between the cataract surgery and phaco-trabe groups (HR 1.250, 95%CI 0.883-1.769, p = 0.209). In our large cohort study, combining trabeculectomy with cataract surgery did not predispose to an increased PCME or Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy rates.

Unexpected encounter with an intracameral cilium postcataract surgery

Abstract Background: Cataract surgery, a routine and highly successful ophthalmic intervention, is not immune to unexpected challenges. While complications are infrequent, their diverse nature necessitates a thorough understanding to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Case Report: This presentation focuses on a 55-year-old female who underwent routine phacoemulsification with intraocular lens placement. Despite uneventful initial postoperative assessments, a horizontally oriented intraocular cilium was discovered on the 1st day. Prompt removal was undertaken, leading to an uneventful recovery. The case is distinguished by video evidence ruling out the presence of cilium at the surgery’s conclusion, prompting exploration into the mechanisms of delayed entry. Discussion: Delving into the intricacies of intraocular cilium postcataract surgery, this discussion emphasizes the rarity of such occurrences and explores the spectrum of ocular responses documented in the literature. Patient-specific factors, wound integrity, and the role of postoperative eye rubbing are scrutinized. The importance of patient education, vigilant postoperative monitoring, and timely interventions to mitigate complications are highlighted. The case prompts a reconsideration of preventive strategies and underscores the adaptability required in managing unexpected challenges. Conclusion: In conclusion, this case of intraocular cilium following routine cataract surgery contributes a unique perspective to the understanding of postoperative complications. The absence of cilium at the surgery’s conclusion challenges assumptions, urging a reevaluation of preventive measures. Beyond this specific case, the discussion emphasizes the broader implications for patient care and surgical practice. The adaptive approach to unforeseen challenges, coupled with comprehensive patient education, emerges as pivotal for optimal outcomes in cataract surgery.

Accidental Corneal Intrastromal Intraocular Lens Implantation During Cataract Surgery: A Case Report

Purpose To report an unusual but important complication of routine cataract surgery, accidental intrastromal intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. Methods During cataract surgery in a 66-year-old man, the IOL was delivered into the intrastromal space of the cornea accidentally. The lens was removed immediately and carefully by enlarging the corneal tunnel. Results Anterior segment optical coherence topography (AS-OCT) was used for postoperative follow-up of the patient, which showed a viscoelastic substance in the stroma of the cornea that was washed out. Ther patient's final visual acuity was 20/20. Conclusions A uniplanar corneal incision with wound-assisted IOL insertion can lead to intrastromal IOL injection. If a cataract surgeon encounters such a complication, AS-OCT could be a useful imaging technique for follow-up. [ Journal of Refractive Surgery Case Reports . 2024;4(4):e36–e39.]

Estimation of the Economic and Environmental Impact of Single-Use Instruments in Routine Cataract Surgery.

To estimate the economic and environmental impact of single-use instruments (SUIs) to perform standard cataract surgery in six ophthalmology centers located in Europe and in the United States. Online survey and interview. Comparative cost analysis based on an online survey with follow-up questionnaire and interview. The carbon footprint calculation was made by ClimatePartner. Annual costs of reusable instruments (RUIs) were calculated based on data provided by the centers. Annual costs of SUIs were estimated based on the average-selling price of a single-use cataract set of 5 instruments and the reported annual volume of cataract surgery. The calculation carbon footprint of a cataract instrument covered the whole life cycle from production to end-of-life. Annual costs for SUIs were found inferior or similar to the annual costs for RUIs for 4 out of the 6 centers included in this study. The centers where SUIs were demonstrated to be the most cost-effective were also associated with the highest costs of sterilization per instrument. The carbon footprint of 5-years usage of a cataract instrument was found to be 5478.2 kg CO2 eq for SUIs without recycling, 4639.9 kg CO2 eq for SUIs with recycling and 20.6 kg CO2 eq for RUIs. The study demonstrated that SUIs can be an alternative solution to using RUIs in multispecialty hospitals associated with high sterilization costs.

Anterior Chamber Intraocular Lens Implantation Versus Four-Flanged Scleral Fixation Technique for Patients With Loss of Capsular Support During Routine Cataract Surgery.

To compare the outcomes of anterior chamber intraocular lens (AC-IOL) implantation versus the four-flanged scleral fixation technique in eyes with loss of capsular support during routine cataract surgery. This was a retrospective cohort study of all patients in whom an IOL was implanted either during or after short-term aphakia due to loss of capsular and sulcus support in a routine cataract surgery with at least 6 months of follow-up time between 2015 and 2023 in a tertiary medical center in Israel. Two different IOL implantation techniques were compared: the implantation of an angle-supported ACIOL and four-flanged scleral fixation. Main outcome measures included postoperative complications such as pseudophakic bullous keratopathy, loss of intraocular pressure control and glaucoma, IOL subluxation, and retinal detachment. Sixty-five eyes of 65 patients were included in the study, 33 eyes in the AC-IOL group and 32 eyes in the flange group. Follow-up time was 29.92 ± 20.02 months in the AC-IOL group and 20.17 ± 15.56 months in the flange group (P = .087). Pseudophakic bullous keratopathy was observed in 10 (30.3%) patients in the AC-IOL group and in 1 (3.1%) patient in the flange group (P = .04). This association remained significant using survival analysis (P = .006). In 4 (12.1%) patients in the AC-IOL group, a glaucoma filtering procedure was performed to control the intraocular pressure compared with none in the flange group (P = .042). In the setting of loss of capsular support during routine cataract surgery, four-flanged scleral fixation showed an overall lower rate of complications and significantly reduced rate of subsequent surgical interventions. [J Refract Surg. 2024;40(8):e520-e526.].

A comparison of venturi and peristaltic based phacoemulsification efficiency in routine femtosecond laser cataract surgery

OBJECTIVETo compare the efficiency of venturi and peristaltic pump phacoemulsification systems in patients undergoing routine laser cataract surgery. DESIGNSingle center, non-randomized clinical study. PARTICIPANTSThe study compared consecutive eyes with moderate nuclear sclerosis undergoing routine laser cataract surgery at the Outpatient Eye Center, Mercy Health System, Springfield, MO, USA. METHODSEach surgery utilized the same femtosecond laser settings. Surgeries were performed with either a venturi or peristaltic vacuum system by a single surgeon (WJS). The EFX, percent power, ultrasound time (UST), the total time that the phaco tip was in the eye (phaco tip in/out time, PIOT) and the surgery time (speculum in/out time) were recorded. Exclusions and intraoperative complications were also analyzed. RESULTS995 eyes were included in the study. The EFX in the venturi eyes (1.7±1.3; n=521) compared to peristaltic eyes (2.1±1.4; n=474) was lower (p <0.0001). Similarly, the UST in the eyes performed with the venturi system versus the peristaltic system was reduced (32.4±22.3 sec vs. 40.7± 25.7 sec; p <0.0001). The PIOT in the venturi group compared to the peristaltic group was less (71.1±31.1 sec vs. 79.1±36.1 sec; p = 0.0002). The case time (speculum in/out time) was lower for the venturi eyes (307.2±68.8 sec vs. 311.6±53.6 sec; p=0.268). CONCLUSIONIn eyes undergoing routine laser cataract surgery, use of the venturi pump system was more efficient compared to peristaltic pump system based on energy use and time, and there was no significant difference in complications.

Transient Macular Edema after Uncomplicated Cataract Surgery: Below the Surface

To present analysis of 17 case reports of 17 patients who had an acute transient macular edema appeared after uneventful cataract surgery. Observations: In literature about 12 case series of toxic macular edema development after cataract surgery are described and all of them were accompanied by the cefuroxime intracameral usage. Also, there are reports of macular edema development after several weeks after uncomplicated phacoemulsification due to pseudophakic cystoid macular edema (Irvine-Gass syndrome) or due to vitreomacular traction syndrome. We observed a series of transient acute macular edema with 3,8% incidence occurring on the first days after uncomplicated phacoemulsification with IOL implantation that had no signs of vitreomacular traction or acute inflammation. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed on patients complaining on blur vision and who had signs of macular edema by ophthalmoscopy. By OCT high and often extensive neuroepithelium and local pigment epithelium detachments were observed on the first day after surgery in 17 patients with quiet postoperative condition of the eye. The edema resolved on the 3-6-th day by standard phaco accompanying pharmacological treatment. In most cases posterior vitreous cortex was adjacent to the retina except 3 patients with posterior vitreous detachment in macular area. We found a paper by Costen M.T.J. et al. (2007) about the same striking appearance of maculopathy called by authors “A-sign” maculopathy because of A-shaped pattern on OCT images in 3 patients after routine cataract surgery. Yaman A (2008) and Panagiotidis D (2010) also reported same findings after uncomplicated cataract surgery. We compared our findings with 3 papers mentioned above, as well as with typical pseudophakic cystoid macular edema (CME) and vitreomacular traction syndrome. Conclusion: It’s obvious that observed case series are cefuroxime induced. But its comparison with CME in terms of morphology of the macula could improve our understanding of mechanisms of the interstitial fluid flow in the eye tissues.

Accuracy and safety of an autonomous artificial intelligence clinical assistant conducting telemedicine follow-up assessment for cataract surgery

Artificial intelligence deployed to triage patients post-cataract surgery could help to identify and prioritise individuals who need clinical input and to expand clinical capacity. This study investigated the accuracy and safety of an autonomous telemedicine call (Dora, version R1) in detecting cataract surgery patients who need further management and compared its performance against ophthalmic specialists. 225 participants were recruited from two UK public teaching hospitals after routine cataract surgery between 17 September 2021 and 31 January 2022. Eligible patients received a call from Dora R1 to conduct a follow-up assessment approximately 3 weeks post cataract surgery, which was supervised in real-time by an ophthalmologist. The primary analysis compared decisions made independently by Dora R1 and the supervising ophthalmologist about the clinical significance of five symptoms and whether the patient required further review. Secondary analyses used mixed methods to examine Dora R1's usability and acceptability and to assess cost impact compared to standard care. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05213390) and ISRCTN (16038063). 202 patients were included in the analysis, with data collection completed on 23 March 2022. Dora R1 demonstrated an overall outcome sensitivity of 94% and specificity of 86% and showed moderate to strong agreement (kappa: 0.758-0.970) with clinicians in all parameters. Safety was validated by assessing subsequent outcomes: 11 of the 117 patients (9%) recommended for discharge by Dora R1 had unexpected management changes, but all were also recommended for discharge by the supervising clinician. Four patients were recommended for discharge by Dora R1 but not the clinician; none required further review on callback. Acceptability, from interviews with 20participants, was generally good in routine circumstances but patients were concerned about the lack of a 'human element' in cases with complications. Feasibility was demonstrated by the high proportion of calls completed autonomously (195/202, 96.5%). Staff cost benefits for Dora R1 compared to standard care were £35.18 per patient. The composite of mixed methods analysis provides preliminary evidence for the safety, acceptability, feasibility, and cost benefits for clinical adoption of an artificial intelligence conversational agent, Dora R1, to conduct follow-up assessment post-cataract surgery. Further evaluation in real-world implementation should be conducted to provide additional evidence around safety and effectiveness in a larger sample from a more diverse set of Trusts. This manuscript is independent research funded by the National Institute for Health Research and NHSX (Artificial Intelligence in Health and Care Award, AI_AWARD01852).

Accuracy of intra ocular lens calculation formulae in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate the visual and refractive outcomes in patients with pseudoexfoliation (PXF) undergoing routine cataract surgery and to compare the accuracy of intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation formulae.MethodsRetrospective case-series study from Shamir medical center, a public hospital, Israel. Medical records of patients who underwent routine cataract surgery between January 2019 and August 2021 were investigated. Postoperative visual acuity and manifest refraction were examined. The error in predicted refraction and IOL power calculation accuracy within a range of ± 0.50 to ± 1.00 diopters were compared between different IOL calculating formulae.Results151 eyes of 151 patients ages 73.9 ± 7.1 years were included in this study- 58 eyes in the PXF group and 93 eyes in the control group. The mean absolute error (MAE) for the BUII formula was 0.63D ± 0.87 for the PXF group and 0.36D ± 0.48 for the control group (p < 0.05). The MAE for the Hill-RBF 3.0 formula was 0.61D ± 0.84 for the PXF group and 0.42D ± 0.55 for the control group (p = 0.05). There were significant differences in MAE and MedAE between PXF group and control group measures (p < 0.05). In the PXF group there were no significant differences between the different formulae.ConclusionsThere were significant differences in accuracy of IOL power calculations in all formulae between PXF group and control group measures. PXF patients show hyperopic shift from predicted refraction. Barret universal II formula had the highest proportion of eyes with absolute error in prediction below or equal to 0.50 D in both PXF and control groups.

Correlations Between the Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio, Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratio, and Serum Lipid Fractions With Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Introduction Age-related macular degeneration, a chronic and progressive disease, is one of the leading causes of vision loss globally among the elderly population. Multiple hypotheses have been proposed regarding its pathogenesis, including the presence of lipid metabolism alteration. Dysfunctional lipid handling within retinal pigment epithelial cells has been implicated in the accumulation of lipofuscin and subsequent induction of oxidative stress and inflammation, all contributing to retinal degeneration. The present study aims to comparatively analyze the serum lipid fractiondistributions in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and controls. Materials and methods A retrospective study was carried out between January 2021 and December 2023 on 91 naïve patients with neovascular AMD and 90 controlsadmitted for routine cataract surgery. All subjects underwent a comprehensive ophthalmological exam, including ophthalmoscopy and optical coherence tomography (OCT) with central macular thickness (CMT) measurement. A complete blood count with differential and lipid fractions values was analyzed. The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) were comparatively analyzed between the control group and the test group. Results The groups were comparable in terms of age (73.84 ±7.52 years for the neovascular AMD group vs 72.1±10.92 years in controls; p=0.8) and gender distribution (p=0.243). The mean NLR and PLR values were slightly higher in the AMD groupbut not statistically significant (p=0.51, p>0.99, respectively). Comparative analysis of lipid profile fractions showed significantly higher HDL-C values in the exudative AMD group compared to normal subjects (61.27±19.4 mg/dL vs 50.99±7.86 mg/dL, p=0.006). Also, the proportion of subjects with HDL-C>60 mg/dL was higher in the exudative AMD group (p=0.014). There were no significant differences in total cholesterol (189.77±53.39 mg/dL vs 190.43±37.84 mg/dL, p=0.681), LDL-C, and TG. Logistic regression analysis showed that serum HDL-C and HDL-C values >60 mg/dL are significantly associated factors with neovascular AMD. However, there is no statistical correlation between the values of these biochemical parameters and visual acuity or CMT in the neovascular AMD patient group. Conclusions There were no correlations between NLR and PLR with neovascular AMD in the study group. Higher HDL-C valuesexceeding 60 mg/dL were associated with neovascular age-related macular degeneration and could represent a possible therapeutic target in neovascular AMD.

Comparison of Ultrasound Biometry with Optical Biometry for Measurement of Axial Length and Calculation of Intraocular Lens Power in Patients Undergoing Routine Cataract Surgery

Objective: To compare the axial length and intraocular lens power calculated by using ultrasound biometry and optical biometry in patients with cataract Methodology: It was prospective randomized control trial carried out at eye department of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences Islamabad from Oct 2021-December 2021, comprising of 50 patients undergoing contract surgery in Eye Department of PIMS using non-probability consecutive sampling. After taking informed written consent from patient’s biometry was performed using optical scan and ultrasound biometry (with appalation probe). Axial length and intraocular power calculated by both methods was recorded. Results: The mean axial length measurement by ultrasound of the patients’ eyes was 22.72±0.85 mm and by optical biometry was 22.67±0.86 mm. Similarly the mean intraocular lens power calculated by ultrasound was 20.60±1.56D and by optical was 20.51±1.51D. Optical and ultrasound method showed strong positive correlation in measurements of intraocular lens power and axial length of eyes, i.e. r=0.965 &amp; 0.939 respectively. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggested that optical biometry is good alternate of ultrasound in measurement of axial length and intraocular lens power of patients, as strong correlation exist between both techniques

Prospective randomized clinical trial evaluating efficacy and safety of a new ophthalmic viscosurgical device in patients undergoing cataract surgery.

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Bio-Hyalur LVD compared with Viscoat ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD) in patients undergoing routine cataract surgery. 2 tertiary eyecare hospitals in Italy. Prospective randomized clinical trial. This study compared the outcomes of Bio-Hyalur LVD vs Viscoat OVD in patients undergoing standard cataract surgery with phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation from January 2021 to April 2022. The primary outcome was mean change in IOP at 6 hours. Secondary outcomes included 1-day, 7-day, 30-day, and 90-day mean intraocular pressure (IOP); 7-day, 30-day, and 90-day corrected distance visual acuity; endothelial cell density (ECD); change in central corneal thickness (CCT); and complications including intraocular inflammation. 84 eyes of 84 patients (n = 41 in the Bio-Hyalur LVD group and n = 43 in the Viscoat group) were screened, enrolled, randomized, and included in the analysis. Mean change in IOP was significantly higher in the Viscoat group than in the Bio-Hyalur LVD group 6 hours ( P = .034), 7 days ( P < .001), 30 days ( P < .001), and 90 days ( P = .003) postoperatively. Mean change in uncorrected distance visual acuity and corrected distance visual acuity was significantly higher in the Bio-Hyalur LVD group 30 and 90 days postoperatively. No significant differences in ECD, CCT, and complication rates were observed between groups at any timepoint. Bio-Hyalur LVD OVD was safe and effective in patients undergoing routine cataract surgery. Bio-Hyalur LVD OVD did not confer a higher risk of postoperative increase in IOP.

Light as a drug: prospective randomized evaluation and comparison of the effect of decreased illumination on visual recovery after cataract surgery.

To compare the effect of decreased illumination on the rate of postoperative visual recovery, and the incidence of cystoid macular edema (CME) with surgical visualization achieved with a traditional analog operating microscope compared with a 3D digital visualization system. Ambulatory surgery center, New York. Prospective, randomized, consecutive, single-surgeon series. Patients undergoing routine cataract surgery were randomized into either (1) visualization through the binoculars of a standard operating microscope ("traditional group") or (2) visualization through a 3D digital visualization system affixed to the same operating microscope ("digital group"). Note was made in each case of light intensity used, light exposure time, cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), femtosecond laser use, preoperative medical and ocular conditions, intraoperative and/or postoperative complications, and preoperative and postoperative visual acuities and optical coherence tomography confirmed CME. The study comprised 118 eyes in the traditional group and 96 eyes in the digital group. There were no differences in preoperative visual acuity, light exposure time, CDE, or femtosecond laser use between groups, but the light intensity used in the digital group was significantly less (19.5% ± 0.5%) than in the traditional group (48.6% ± 0.6%; P < .001). Furthermore, the digital group achieved a better decimal postoperative day 1 visual acuity (0.60 ± 0.03) with less rates of CME (2.1%) when compared with that of the traditional group (0.51 ± 0.02, P = .03; and 9.2%, P = .03), respectively. Visual recovery and CME rates were significantly better in patients who underwent cataract surgery assisted by the 3D digital visualization platform without an increase in complications or surgical time.

Refining glaucoma diagnosis and treatment in cataract surgery candidates: contribution of preoperative OCT retinal nerve fiber layer.

To evaluate the clinical significance of preoperative spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in identifying glaucoma and better managing patients scheduled for routine cataract surgery. Department of Ophthalmology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel. Retrospective cohort study. Consecutive patients scheduled for cataract surgery were enrolled from February 2022 to August 2022. Participants underwent routine OCT RNFL studies which were evaluated by a glaucoma specialist. Findings were compared with those of preoperative fundus biomicroscopic examinations conducted by the referring ophthalmologist. The main outcomes were the incidence of newly detected glaucoma based on OCT RNFL findings and the consequent changes in patient management. In total, 486 patients met the inclusion criteria of whom 112 (23%) had abnormal RNFL. 31 patients (6.4%) had abnormal OCT RNFL findings attributed to comorbidities other than glaucoma, and 81 patients (16.7%) were suspected to have glaucoma based on their OCT RNFL findings, from which 44 patients (9%) were newly diagnosed with glaucoma or as glaucoma suspects, resulting in management modifications that included routine glaucoma follow-up (25 patients, 5.1%), initiation of intraocular pressure-lowering treatment (12 patients, 2.5%), and conversion to combined cataract-glaucoma surgery (7 patients, 1.4%). OCT RNFL for cataract surgery candidates proved valuable in detecting glaucoma that had not been revealed by standard fundus biomicroscopic examination. The additional information provided by OCT RNFL can potentially enhance patient management and optimize outcomes.

Comparison of corneal topography maps obtained using the IOLMaster 700® and the Anterion® in candidates for toric IOL implantation.

To compare central corneal topography (CT) obtained using the IOLMaster 700® biometer to corneal topography obtained using a Swept-Source OCT-based predicated topographer (PT), in candidates for toric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. A retrospective comparative study was conducted in consecutive patients undergoing a routine cataract surgery assessment with significant astigmatism on keratometry. Each patient was examined using both the IOLMaster 700® (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Germany) and the Anterion® (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany) for routine preoperative measurements. The corneal axial anterior power map obtained with each device was then anonymized and analysed independently by two ophthalmologists using a reading grid. The reading grid assessed the usual parameters describing astigmatism and evaluated if a toric IOL was indicated or a second topography examination was needed to confirm the indication. In total, 169 eyes of 120 patients were included. The inter-examination agreement for the astigmatism description ranged from 56 to 85% depending on the reader and parameter. The decision to implant a toric IOL based on the axial map was the same in 59-60% of cases depending on the examiner. A second examination was needed in 18-25% and 8-14% of cases after CT and PT, respectively. The IOLMaster 700® central anterior axial map allowed toric IOL implantation in 58-70% of cases with no need for second corneal examination. The agreement between the anterior axial maps obtained using both devices was good. However, in about a quarter of the cases, dedicated topography had to be performed to confirm the surgical indication.

Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery for complex cataracts - A review.

Since its inception in 2009, femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) has become an alternative to conventional phacoemulsification cataract surgery (CPCS). Clinical studies were unable to demonstrate superior visual outcomes, but revealed reduced endothelial cell loss. More recently, the cost-effectiveness of FLACS over CPCS in routine cataract surgeries has been challenged. However, the unique abilities of FLACS to customize anterior capsulotomies precisely, soften and fragment the nucleus without capsular bag stress, and create corneal incisions may have special utility in complex cataract and less-common scenarios. In this article, we review the unique role of FLACS in complex cataract surgeries and how it could play a role to improve the safety and predictability of nonroutine cataract surgery.

Topographic Keratoconus Incidence in Greece Diagnosed in Routine Consecutive Cataract Procedures: A Consecutive Case Series of 1250 Cases over 5 Years.

Background: Scheimpflug tomography has for many years been an integral part of our pre-operative assessment in cataract extraction. We retrospectively reviewed the incidence of topographic keratoconus and keratoconus suspicion in our routine cataract surgery population over 5 years. Setting: The Laservision Clinical and Research Institute, Athens, Greece. Methods: In 1250 consecutive cataract surgery cases in otherwise naïve eyes, accounting for years 2017 to 2021, we retrospectively evaluated preoperative Pentacam HR imaging. The cases already classified as keratoconus were included in group A. The residual cases were assessed by five different experienced evaluators (two ophthalmic surgeons and three optometrists) for topographic and tomographic keratoconus suspicion based on irregular pachymetry distribution, astigmatism truncation, and/or astigmatic imaging irregularity and included in group B. Regular corneas, by this assessment, were included in group C; irregular corneas, as determined by the evaluators but unrelated to keratoconus, were included in group D. Results: Based on the above, 138 cases (11.08%) were classified by Pentacam tomography as keratoconus and by default were included in group A. Of the residual cases, 314 or 25.12% were classified as suspect keratoconus and included in group B; 725 cases (58%) were classified as normal and non-keratoconus and included in group C; and 73 cases or 5.84% were placed in group D as non-keratoconus but abnormal. There was no disagreement between the five evaluators over any of the cases in groups C and D, and little variance among them for cases included in group B (less than 5% by ANOVA). Conclusions: The incidence of keratoconus and corneas suspicious for keratoconus in Greece appears to be much higher than respective reports from other regions: one in ten Greeks appear to have topographic keratoconus, most not diagnosed even by the age of cataract surgery, and almost an additional one in four may have suspicious corneal imaging for keratoconus. These data strongly imply that routine screening for disease should be promoted among Greeks, especially during puberty, to halt possible progression; moreover, careful screening should be performed when laser vision correction is being considered.

Visualization of Cataract Surgery Steps With 4D Microscope-Integrated Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography in Ex Vivo Porcine Eyes.

To investigate the visualization capabilities of high-speed swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) in cataract surgery. Cataract surgery was simulated in wet labs with ex vivo porcine eyes. Each phase of the surgery was visualized with a novel surgical microscope-integrated SS-OCT with a variable imaging speed of over 1 million A-scans per second. It was designed to provide four-dimensional (4D) live-volumetric videos, live B-scans, and volume capture scans. Four-dimensional videos, B-scans, and volume capture scans of corneal incision, ophthalmic viscosurgical device injection, capsulorrhexis, phacoemulsification, intraocular lens (IOL) injection, and position of unfolded IOL in the capsular bag were recorded. The flexibility of the SS-OCT system allowed us to tailor the scanning parameters to meet the specific demands of dynamic surgical steps and static pauses. The entire length of the eye was recorded in a single scan, and unfolding of the IOL was visualized dynamically. The presented novel visualization method for fast ophthalmic surgical microscope-integrated intraoperative OCT imaging in cataract surgery allowed the visualization of all major steps of the procedure by achieving large imaging depths covering the entire eye and high acquisition speeds enabling live volumetric 4D-OCT imaging. This promising technology may become an integral part of routine and advanced robotic-assisted cataract surgery in the future. We demonstrate the visualization capabilities of a cutting edge swept-source OCT system integrated into an ophthalmic surgical microscope during cataract surgery.

Evaluation of changes of anterior segment parameters in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome after cataract surgery using anterior segment optical coherence tomography

The aim of the study was to compare the anterior segment parameters after cataract surgery in pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX) and control eyes. We conducted a prospective comparative study of 36 eyes (PEX group), 16 eyes (PEXG group) and 46 eyes (control group) of 98 patients after phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation. Before surgery, 1 week, 1 month and 3 months postoperatively, anterior chamber parameters were evaluated by swept source anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). Anterior chamber depth (ACD), angle opening distance (AOD500/750), trabecular-iris space area (TISA500/750), trabecular-iris angle (TIA500/750) and lens vault (LV) were assessed at each study visit. Preoperatively, ACD, AOD500/750 and TISA500/750 were significantly smaller, while LV was significantly greater in PEX and PEXG eyes than in controls. 3 months postoperatively all irido-corneal parameters and ACD were significantly greater in all study groups without intergroup differences. ACD and LV significantly increased in PEX group between 1 and 3 months after surgery while being stable in control group. Relative increases in ACD, AOD500, TISA750, TIA500/750 were significantly higher in PEX and PEXG groups than in controls. Our study finds that ACD and iridocorneal parameters in AS-OCT demonstrated significantly greater relative increases 3 months after phacoemulsification in PEX and PEXG groups than in control eyes. Significantly greater deepening of anterior chamber and opening of the irido-corneal angle may be a reason for different refractive outcomes and IOP control in patients with PEX and PEXG after routine cataract surgery.

Tandem Mass Tag LC-MS/MS of Aqueous Humor From Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes Without Retinopathy Reveals Early Dysregulation of Synaptic Proteins.

An early neurodegenerative component of diabetic retinal disease (DRD) that precedes the vascular findings of clinically diagnosed diabetic retinopathy (DR) is increasingly being recognized. However, the relevant molecular mechanisms and biomarkers for early DRD are poorly defined. The purpose of this study was to uncover novel potential mediators of early diabetic retinal neuronal dysfunction through analysis of the aqueous fluid proteome in preclinical DR. Aqueous fluid was collected from subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) but no clinical DR and from nondiabetic controls undergoing routine cataract surgery. Preoperative spectral-domain optical coherence tomography of the macula was obtained. Tandem mass tag LC-MS/MS was performed to identify proteins differentially present in diabetic and control aqueous fluid, and proteins with >50% change and P < 0.05 were considered significant. Selected results were validated with western blot of human aqueous fluid samples. We identified decreased levels of proteins implicated in neuronal synapse formation and increased levels of inflammatory proteins in the aqueous fluid from patients with type 2 DM but no DR compared with controls. Of the differentially present synaptic proteins that we identified and confirmed with western blot, the majority have not previously been linked with DRD. The proteomic profile of aqueous fluid from individuals with type 2 DM but no DR suggests that retinal neuronal dysfunction and inflammation represent very early events in the pathophysiology of DRD. These findings support the concept that diabetic retinal neurodegeneration precedes vascular pathology and reveal novel potential mediators and/or biomarkers warranting further investigation.