Topography-guided Excimer Laser Research Articles

Topography-guided excimer laser ablation in refractive surgery

Topography-guided excimer laser ablation in refractive surgery

Outcomes of topography-guided PRK/CXL in keratoconus using the NIDEK CXIII system-"Bharat Protocol" (Pilot study).

Outcome of topography-guided excimer laser ablation in conjunction with accelerated, high-fluence cross-linking in corneal ecstatic disease using the NIDEK CXIII equipped with CATz algorithm from the FinalFit software-"Bharat Protocol." Retrospective case record review of 30 eyes of 17 patients of stage 1-3 keratoconus who underwent the procedure was performed. Data collected were for visual acuity, distortion-induced eye pain, and keratometry. Pachymetry, lower order and higher order aberrations, spherical aberrations, and topographic cylinder were documented from by Scheimpflug imaging (Pentacam 70700: Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany). At a minimum follow-up of 6 months (range 6.2-13 months), there was significant improvement in UCVA (P < 0.00001), BCVA (P = 0.0061), decrease in Kmax (P = 0.0349), Ksteep (P < 0.0411), Kflat (P = 0.0099), and pachymetry (P = 0.0001). Significant improvement was also seen in distortion-induced eye pain (27/30 to 2/30; P < 0.00001). A more than two-line improvement in UCVA and BCVA was seen in 23/30 and 17/30 cases, respectively. Ectasia was stabilized in all cases at the last follow-up, and no complications were seen. The "Bharat" Protocol to arrest keratectasia progression and improve corneal regularity is a safe and efficacious alternative as a keratoconus management option. This is the first such study on Nidek Platform for the same.

Topography-guided excimer laser treatment

Topography-guided excimer laser treatment

Topography-guided corneal surface laser ablation combined with simultaneous accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking for treatment of keratoconus

Backgroundto study the outcomes of topography-guided customized excimer laser subepithelial ablation combined with accelerated CXL for progressive keratoconus.MethodsThirty-one eyes of 30 patients with progressive keratoconus were included in this prospective study. Topography-guided excimer laser ablation without refractive correction was performed. Simultaneous accelerated collagen cross-linking with ultraviolet light of 30 mW/cm2 for 4 min was followed. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCVA), manifest refraction, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), tomograghy were examined at postoperative 1, 6, and 12 months.ResultsUDVA improved slightly after surgery (P > 0.05). BSCDVA improved significantly from 0.32 ± 0.20 logMAR to 0.15 ± 0.14 logMAR at postoperative 12 months (P < 0.05). During 12-month follow-ups, there were no significant differences in manifest refraction and corneal keratometry except for maximal keratometry value of the anterior surface (Kapex), which decreased significantly from 57.23 ± 5.09D to 53.13 ± 4.47D (P < 0.05). Even though the thinnest corneal thickness decreased from 465 ± 24 μm to 414 ± 35 μm (P < 0.05), curvature asymmetry index front (SIf), keratoconus vertex front (KVf) and Baiocchi Calossi Versaci index front (BCVf) decreased significantly till postoperative 12 months (P < 0.05). Corneal higher-order aberrations and coma also decreased significantly till 12 months after surgery (P < 0.05).ConclusionsTopography-guided surface ablation without refractive correction combined with simultaneous accelerated collagen cross-linking provided good stability in refraction and corneal curvature, and also showed significant improvement in BSCDVA, corneal regularity and corneal optical quality.

The Relationship Between Preoperative Anterior Corneal Higher Order Aberrations and Topography-Guided Excimer Ablation Depth.

To determine the correlation and relative contribution of preoperative anterior corneal Zernike coefficients to higher order aberration ablation depth (HOA-AD) with topography-guided excimer laser correction. Retrospective study of 46,271 consecutive preoperative virgin eyes. Anterior corneal Zernike coefficients (C6 to C27) and HOA-AD data on a 6.5-mm optical zone were analyzed from the Contoura (Alcon Laboratories, Inc) treatment software. Pearson correlations were performed to assess the relationship between Zernike coefficients and HOA-AD. A strong direct relationship was found between the total root mean square (RMS) anterior corneal HOA and HOA-AD (R = 0.84; P < .001). The 3rd order HOAs (C6 to C9) accounted for most of the HOA-AD (R = 0.83; P < .001). Zernike orders 4, 5, and 6 had significantly weaker correlations (4th order: R = 0.30; 5th order: R = 0.38; 6th order: R = 0.29). Vertical coma was the individual HOA with the highest correlation (R = 0.59; P < .001). Combining vertical and horizontal coma as total RMS coma increased the correlation significantly (R = 0.76; P < .001). The average HOA-AD increased by 1.5 µm for each additional 0.1-µm increment of total RMS coma. Anterior corneal Zernike coefficients directly and strongly correlate to the HOA-AD, with anterior corneal coma having the greatest contribution to HOA-AD. [J Refract Surg. 2020;36(8):506-510.].

Long-Term Stability With the Athens Protocol (Topography-Guided Partial PRK Combined With Cross-Linking) in Pediatric Patients With Keratoconus.

To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and stability of topography-guided partial PRK combined with corneal cross-linking (CXL) (the Athens Protocol [AP]) in pediatric patients with keratoconus over a 4-year follow-up period. This prospective study included 39 keratoconic eyes of 21 patients younger than 18 years with clinical and imaging evidence of keratoconus progression. Partial topography-guided excimer laser ablation in conjunction with high-fluence CXL was performed in all patients according to the AP. Uncorrected distance visual acuity, corrected distance visual acuity, refraction, keratometry, endothelial cell density, topography, and tomography using both Scheimpflug and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were evaluated for 4 years postoperatively. At 4 years postoperative, there was significant improvement in mean uncorrected distance visual acuity from 0.51 ± 0.31 (decimal) to 0.65 ± 0.26 (decimal; P < 0.05). Mean corrected distance visual acuity improved from 0.71 ± 0.22 (decimal) preoperatively to 0.81 ± 0.19 (decimal; P < 0.05), respectively. Mean flat keratometry (K1) and mean steep keratometry (K2) readings reduced from 44.95 ± 3.71 D and 49.32 ± 5.05 D, respectively, preoperatively to 43.14 ± 2.95 D and 46.28 ± 4.87 D, respectively, (P < 0.05) at 4 years. The mean anterior maximum keratometry (Kmax) reading reduced from 56.81 ± 2.94 D preoperatively to 48.11 ± 3.17 D at 48 months. The mean index of height decentration was 0.105 ± 0.054 μm preoperatively and 0.049 ± 0.024 (P < 0.05) at 4 years postoperative. Mean preoperative corneal thickness at the thinnest point was 436.7 ± 42.6 μm preoperatively, 392.50 ± 45.68 μm at 12 months postoperative, and 418.42 ± 17.01 μm at 4-year follow-up. Late-onset deep corneal haze, a potential intrinsic complication of this technique in pediatric patients, was encountered in 2 cases at least 1 year after the procedure. Long-term results of the AP seem to be safe and effective in pediatric patients, with marked improvement in visual function and keratometric symmetry indices.

Keratoconus management: long-term stability of topography-guided normalization combined with high-fluence CXL stabilization (the Athens Protocol).

To investigate refractive, topometric, pachymetric, and visual rehabilitation changes induced by anterior surface normalization for keratoconus by partial topography-guided excimer laser ablation in conjunction with accelerated, high-fluence cross-linking. Two hundred thirty-one keratoconic cases subjected to the Athens Protocol procedure were studied for visual acuity, keratometry, pachymetry, and anterior surface irregularity indices up to 3 years postoperatively by Scheimpflug imaging (Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany). Mean visual acuity changes at 3 years postoperatively were +0.38 ± 0.31 (range: -0.34 to +1.10) for uncorrected distance visual acuity and +0.20 ± 0.21 (range: -0.32 to +0.90) for corrected distance visual acuity. Mean K1 (flat meridian) keratometric values were 46.56 ± 3.83 diopters (D) (range: 39.75 to 58.30 D) preoperatively, 44.44 ± 3.97 D (range: 36.10 to 55.50 D) 1 month postoperatively, and 43.22 ± 3.80 D (range: 36.00 to 53.70 D) up to 3 years postoperatively. The average Index of Surface Variance was 98.48 ± 43.47 (range: 17 to 208) pre-operatively and 76.80 ± 38.41 (range: 7 to 190) up to 3 years postoperatively. The average Index of Height Decentration was 0.091 ± 0.053 μm (range: 0.006 to 0.275 μm) preoperatively and 0.057 ± 0.040 μm (range: 0.001 to 0.208 μm) up to 3 years postoperatively. Mean thinnest corneal thickness was 451.91 ± 40.02 μm (range: 297 to 547 μm) preoperatively, 353.95 ± 53.90 μm (range: 196 to 480 μm) 1 month postoperatively, and 370.52 ± 58.21 μm (range: 218 to 500 μm) up to 3 years postoperatively. The Athens Protocol to arrest keratectasia progression and improve corneal regularity demonstrates safe and effective results as a keratoconus management option. Progressive potential for long-term flattening validates using caution in the surface normalization to avoid overcorrection.

Visual outcomes of topography-guided excimer laser surgery for treatment of patients with irregular astigmatism

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and predictability of topography-guided treatments to enhance refractive status following other corneal surgical procedures. In a prospective case series study, 28 consecutive eyes of 26 patients with irregular astigmatism after radial keratotomy, corneal transplant, small hyperopic and myopic excimer laser optical zones, and corneal scars were operated. Laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) (n = 8) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) (n = 20) were performed using the ALLEGRETTO WAVE excimer laser and topography-guided customized ablation treatment software. Preoperative and postoperative uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), manifest and cycloplegic refraction, and corneal topography with asphericity were analyzed in 12 months follow-up. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) changed from 0.2 ± 0.2 or (20/100 ± 20/100) to 0.51 ± 0.31 or (20/40 ± 20/60) in the LASIK group (P = 0.01) and from 0.34 ± 0.16 or (20/60 ± 20/120) to 0.5 ± 0.23 or (20/40 ± 20/80) in the PRK group (P = 0.01). Refractive cylinder decreased from -3.2 ± 0.84 diopters (D) to -2.06 ± 0.42 D in the LASIK group (P = 0.07) and from -2.25 ± 0.39 D to -1.5 ± 0.23 D in the PRK group (P = 0.008). Best corrected visual acuity did not change significantly in either group. Topography-guided treatment is effective in correcting the irregular astigmatism after refractive surgery. Topography-guided PRK can significantly reduce irregular astigmatism and increase the UCVA and BCVA.

Comparison of Placido disc and Scheimpflug image-derived topography-guided excimer laser surface normalization combined with higher fluence CXL: the Athens Protocol, in progressive keratoconus

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of two alternative corneal topography data sources used in topography-guided excimer laser normalization, combined with corneal collagen cross-linking in the management of keratoconus using the Athens protocol, ie, a Placido disc imaging device and a Scheimpflug imaging device.MethodsA total of 181 consecutive patients with keratoconus who underwent the Athens protocol between 2008 and 2011 were studied preoperatively and at months 1, 3, 6, and 12 postoperatively for visual acuity, keratometry, and anterior surface corneal irregularity indices. Two groups were formed, depending on the primary source used for topoguided photoablation, ie, group A (Placido disc) and group B (Scheimpflug rotating camera). One-year changes in visual acuity, keratometry, and seven anterior surface corneal irregularity indices were studied in each group.ResultsChanges in visual acuity, expressed as the difference between postoperative and preoperative corrected distance visual acuity were +0.12 ± 0.20 (range +0.60 to −0.45) for group A and +0.19 ± 0.20 (range +0.75 to −0.30) for group B. In group A, K1 (flat keratometry) changed from 45.202 ± 3.782 D to 43.022 ± 3.819 D, indicating a flattening of −2.18 D, and K2 (steep keratometry) changed from 48.670 ± 4.066 D to 45.865 ± 4.794 D, indicating a flattening of −2.805 D. In group B, K1 (flat keratometry) changed from 46.213 ± 4.082 D to 43.190 ± 4.398 D, indicating a flattening of −3.023 D, and K2 (steep keratometry) changed from 50.774 ± 5.210 D to 46.380 ± 5.006 D, indicating a flattening of −4.394 D. For group A, the index of surface variance decreased to −5.07% and the index of height decentration to −26.81%. In group B, the index of surface variance decreased to −18.35% and the index of height decentration to −39.03%. These reductions indicate that the corneal surface became less irregular (index of surface variance) and the “cone” flatter and more central (index of height decentration) postoperatively.ConclusionOf the two sources of primary corneal data, the Scheimpflug rotating camera (Oculyzer™) for topography-guided normalization treatment with the WaveLight excimer laser platform appeared to provide more statistically significant improvement than the Placido disc topographer (Topolyzer™). Overall, the Athens protocol, aiming both to halt progression of keratoconic ectasia and to improve corneal topometry and visual performance, produced safe and satisfactory refractive, keratometric, and topometric results. The observed changes in visual acuity, along with keratometric flattening and topometric improvement, are suggestive of overall postoperative improvement.

Evaluation of Visual Acuity, Pachymetry and Anterior-Surface Irregularity in Keratoconus and Crosslinking Intervention Follow-up in 737 Cases

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate visual acuity, corneal pachymetry, and anterior-surface irregularity indices correlation with keratoconus severity in a very large pool of clinically-diagnosed untreated keratoconic eyes, and in keratoconic eyes subjected to crosslinking intervention. Materials and methods Total of 737 keratoconic (KCN) cases were evaluated. Group A was formed from 362 untreated keratoconic eyes, and group B from 375 keratoconic eyes subjected to partial normalization via topography-guided excimer laser ablation and high-fluence collagen crosslinking. A control group C of 145 healthy eyes was employed for comparison. We investigated distance visual acuity, uncorrected (UDVA), best-spectacle corrected (CDVA), and Scheimpflug-derived keratometry, pachymetry (central corneal thickness, CCT and thinnest, TCT), and two anterior-surface irregularity indices, the index of surface variance (ISV) and the index of height decentration (IHD). The correlations between these parameters vs topographic keratoconus classification (TKC) were investigated. Results Keratometry for group A was K1 (flat) 46.67 ± 3.80 D and K2 (steep) 50.76 ± 5.02 D; for group B K1 44.03 ± 3.64 D and K2 46.87 ± 4.61 D; for group C, K1 42.89 ± 1.45 D and K2 44.18 ± 1.88 D. Visual acuity for group A was UDVA 0.12 ± 0.18 and CDVA 0.59 ± 0.25 (decimal), for group B, 0.51 ± 0.28 and 0.77 ± 0.22, and for group C, 0.81 ± 0.31 and 0.87 ± 0.12. Correlation between ISV and TKC (r2) was for group A 0.853, and for group-B 0.886. Correlation between IHD and TKC was for group A r2 = 0.731, and for group B 0.701. The ROC analysis ‘area under the curve’ was for CDVA 0.550, TCT 0.596, ISV 0.876 and IHD 0.887. Conclusion Our study indicates that the traditionally employed metrics of visual acuity and corneal thickness may not be robust indicators nor provide accurate assessment on either keratoconus severity or postoperative evaluation. Two anterior surface irregularity indices, derived by Scheimpflug-imaging, ISV and IHD, may be more sensitive and specific tools. Précis Visual acuity, Scheimpflug-derived pachymetry and anterior-surface irregularity correlation to keratoconus severity in untreated cases (A), treated with crosslinking (B), and in a control group (C) reveals that visual acuity and pachymetry do not correlate well with keratoconus severity. How to cite this article Kanellopoulos AJ, Moustou V, Asimellis G. Evaluation of Visual Acuity, Pachymetry and Anterior-Surface Irregularity in Keratoconus and Crosslinking Intervention Follow-up in 737 Cases. J Kerat Ect Cor Dis 2013;2(3):95-103.

Clinical Results of Topography-based Customized Ablations in Highly Aberrated Eyes and Keratoconus/Ectasia With Cross-linking

To report results of a series of highly aberrated corneas treated with a topography-guided excimer laser ablation. Retrospective, nonrandomized, consecutive series of eyes treated with topography-guided photorefractive keratectomy (TG-PRK) with the customized topographical neutralization technique (TNT). Cases included postoperative refractive surgery decentered ablations, optical zone enlargement, asymmetrical astigmatism, postoperative radial keratotomy (RK), postoperative keratoplasty, keratoconus combined with collagen cross-linking (CXL), and postoperative LASIK ectasia combined with CXL. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), and manifest refraction were analyzed preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. In decentered ablation cases, 94% of 37 eyes were within 1.00 diopter (D) of the attempted refractive outcome, with 76% within 0.50 D. Mean topographic, central, optical zone of uniform (monodioptric) power increased from 3.5 to 5.2 mm in 25 eyes. Thirty-one eyes treated for asymmetrical astigmatism showed improvement in cylinder from mean 1.31 to 0.52 D. Ten of 11 eyes treated for previous RK astigmatism achieved postoperative UDVA 20/40 or better. Twenty-seven eyes with postoperative keratoplasty astigmatism were treated, with 7 (25.9%) eyes gaining > or = 2 lines and 12 (44.4%) eyes gaining > or = 1 line of CDVA. Of eyes with keratoconus that were treated using TG-PRK with CXL, 42 (58%) eyes had UDVA 20/40 or better, and 66 (92%) eyes had CDVA 20/40 or better. Twelve (71%) of 17 eyes treated for postoperative LASIK ectasia using TG-PRK with CXL had UDVA 20/40 or better. Nine (53%) eyes gained > or = 2 lines of CDVA. Topography-guided laser treatment with custom TNT, combined with CXL in keratoconus and ectasia, is an effective, safe, and increasingly predictable option for highly aberrated corneas.

Treatment strategies for corneal ectasia

To review the most recent management strategies for corneal ectasia after keratorefractive surgery. Management options for postoperative ectasia include conservative management with various types of contact lenses such as rigid gas permeable lenses, custom wave front-guided soft contact lenses, hybrid lenses and tandem soft contact lens-rigid gas permeable lenses. Minimally invasive surgical options including corneal ring segment implantation with Intacs, KeraRings or Ferrara rings have shown to have good results in the initial period after insertion. However, there appears to be some evidence that this initial effect may regress with time. Collagen cross-linking is also minimally invasive and has been documented to stop the progression of ectasia and in some cases may cause regression. Recently, techniques combining collagen cross-linking with intracorneal ring segments or with topography-guided excimer laser treatments have shown to have promising results. Early management of ectasia is essential to prevent its progression and to preserve visual potential. There are several management options that are available that may be used to reduce the need for corneal transplantation for these patients.

Topography-guided excimer laser ablation of irregular cornea resulting from penetrating injury

A 26-year-old woman with irregular astigmatism caused by ocular perforation became aphakic in the injured left eye 2 years after the initial trauma. The initial corneoscleral wound repair was performed without intraocular lens implantation. The patient’s uncorrected visual acuity in the right eye was 20/20 and in the left eye, counting fingers at 50 cm. The vision in the left eye could not be corrected with a spectacle because of high corneal astigmatism so a rigid gas-permeable contact lens was tried. With a contact lens, the acuity improved to 20/80; however, the patient could not wear the lens because of intolerance and severe astigmatism. As an alternative, topography-guided ablation was performed to correct the corneal astigmatism. Treatment of the irregular central cornea reduced the astigmatism. Three months postoperatively, the corrected visual acuity was 20/20 with a refraction of +8.00 −1.50 × 26. This case indicates that topography-guided ablation can be a useful surgical method for correcting surgically induced irregular astigmatism.