Uncorrected Visual Acuity Research Articles

Effect of Belin-Ambrósio deviation index on 2-year refractive outcomes of PRK.

To assess the effect of preoperative Belin-Ambrósio deviation (BAD-D) index on 2-year visual, refractive, and tomographic outcomes, as well as the efficacy and safety of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) surgery. Eye clinic, Mashhad, Iran. Prospective cohort study. This study included 66 patients (66 eyes) who underwent PRK surgery, with a minimum follow-up period of 2 years. Participants were divided into 2 groups: preoperative BAD-D ≥1.60 (high BAD-D) and preoperative BAD-D <1.60 (low BAD-D). Preoperative and postoperative visual, refractive, and tomographic parameters were evaluated, and the efficacy and safety of the procedure were compared between groups. 66 patients with a mean age of 35.50 ± 8.21 years (range 22 to 55 years) were included. Postoperatively, the mean spherical equivalent (SE) of refractive error was +0.32 ± 0.65 diopters (D) in the high BAD-D group and +0.18 ± 0.66 D in the low BAD-D group ( P = .40). In addition, at 2 years of follow-up, the mean uncorrected distance visual acuity was 0.98 ± 0.07 in the high BAD-D group and 0.97 ± 0.08 in the low BAD-D group ( P = .905). Among the postoperative tomographic parameters, front elevation thickness, maximum Ambrósio relational thickness, astigmatism, and central corneal thickness were significantly different between the 2 groups (all, P < .05). At the 2-year follow-up, the mean Safety Index was 1.02 ± 0.04, and 1.01 ± 0.04 in high and low BAD-D groups, respectively ( P = .37), and the mean Efficacy Index was 0.99 ± 0.07 and 0.98 ± 0.06 in high and low BAD-D groups, respectively ( P = .40). The preoperative BAD-D index does not predict postoperative visual, refractive, and tomographic outcomes in patients with low-to-moderate myopia. However, in patients with normal preoperative BAD-D values, higher agreement was expected between the attempted and achieved SE.

Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of Foldable One-Piece Intraocular Lens A1-UV for the Treatment of Cataracts: Summary of Two Clinical Trials

Objective: Through the combined analysis of data from two clinical trials, the clinical safety and efficacy of aspheric intraocular lens A1-UV implantation in cataract patients was evaluated at 1 year after surgery. Methods: A total of 239 subjects (239 eyes) were enrolled, including 117 subjects in the A1-UV group (study group), 61 subjects in the SN60WF group (control group 1) and AQBHL group (control group 2), respectively. Follow-up time points included: preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative 1~2days, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year. The evaluation indexes included: visual acuity, refraction, contrast sensitivity, intraocular pressure and complications. Statistical methods mainly include Wilcoxon rank-sum test, independent samples t-test, chi-square test or Fisher exact probability test. Results: The uncorrected distance visual acuity of the A1-UV group increased from logMAR 0.77±0.33 preoperatively to 0.15±0.22 at 1 year after surgery, from 0.74±0.33 in the SN60WF group to 0.18±0.23 at 1 year after surgery, and from 0.78±0.34 in the AQBHL group to 0.21±0.24 at 1 year after surgery. For best-corrected distance visual acuity, the A1-UV group increased from logMAR 0.60±0.36 preoperatively to 0.05±0.10 at 1 year after surgery, the SN60WF group increased from 0.59±0.36 preoperatively to 0.07±0.15 at 1 year after surgery, and the AQBHL group increased from 0.59±0.35 preoperatively to 0.08±0.11 at 1 year after operation. There was no significant difference between the A1-UV group and the other two groups (all P&gt;0.05). At different follow-up times after surgery, the residual diopters was significantly lower than that before operation (all P&lt;0.05), and the refractive error before operation was effectively corrected. The contrast sensitivity was high, and the visual function was better. The mean intraocular pressure of the subjects implanted with A1-UV was within the normal range during each follow-up period after surgery. None of the patients had serious adverse events related to intraocular lens. Conclusion: The efficacy and safety of A1-UV foldable one-piece intraocular lens in cataract treatment are good

Visual outcomes following high water-content hydrophobic acrylic trifocal intraocular lens implantation

BackgroundTo prospectively evaluate binocular visual outcomes after implantation of trifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) with high-water-content hydrophobic acrylic material in Japanese patients.MethodsIn 59 patients (mean age 65.1 ± 7.9 years), Clareon PanOptix (CNWTT0: Alcon) with a high-water-content hydrophobic acrylic material was implanted bilaterally. Three months postoperatively, binocular uncorrected visual acuity (BUCVA) and distance-corrected visual acuity (BDCVA) at distances of 5 m, 80, 60, and 40 cm, binocular defocus curves, and binocular photopic contrast sensitivity were examined. Subjective symptoms (night vision disturbance, glare, halos, haze, or blurry vision) were also assessed.ResultsThe mean postoperative BUCVA/BDCVA at 5 m, 80 cm, 60 cm, and 40 cm were − 0.115/-0.163, -0.052/-0.047, -0.054/-0.075, and − 0.043/-0.067 logMAR, respectively. A smooth defocus curve, contrast sensitivity within the normal range, and acceptable subjective symptom rates were obtained.ConclusionsThe trifocal IOL, composed of a high-water-content hydrophobic acrylic material, provides good continuous binocular vision from distance to near.Trial registrationThis investigator-initiated study was registered in the Japan Registry for Clinical Trials (identifier: jRCTs032220042) on April 26, 2022.

Effect of Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy on higher order aberrations in different types of posterior capsule opacification: A prospective study.

To evaluate higher order aberrations (HOA) in different types of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) and analyze its changes fosllowing Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy (LPC). Tertiary care ophthalmic hospital. Prospective, comparative, observational study. One hundred ninety-three pseudophakic eyes with PCO were evaluated over 3 months. PCO was classified into pearly, fibrous, and mixed types. Their uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), evaluation of posterior capsule opacification (EPCO) scoring and root mean square values of HOA (total, coma, spherical, and trefoil) were measured using a wavefront aberrometer before and after LPC. Pearly, fibrous, and mixed PCO were observed in 89 (46.1%), 47 (24.4%), and 57 (29.5%) eyes respectively. The UCVA and CDVA showed improvement in all types of PCO post-procedure. The total HOA was 0.48 ± 0.47, 0.43 ± 0.42, 0.37 ± 0.34, and 0.76 ± 0.53, the coma aberrations were 0.18 ± 0.15, 0.18 ± 0.14, and 0.19 ± 0.19, spherical aberrations were 0.07 ± 0.12, 0.09 ± 0.12, and 0.05 ± 0.06, whereas the trefoil aberrations were 0.35 ± 0.44, 0.24 ± 0.26, and 0.21 ± 0.20, 15-day post-Nd:YAG LPC in pearly, fibrous, and mixed PCO respectively, all of which showed a significant reduction. The EPCO score showed no significant difference between different subtypes of PCO and had no correlation with the HOA. Post Nd:YAG LPC showed improvement in visual acuity with significant reduction in HOA in all types of PCO.

Clinical Evaluation of Violet Light Filtration and High-Resolution Lathing on a Diffractive Extended Depth of Focus IOL.

This study is a prospective, randomized, subject/evaluator-masked clinical trial in a single-center clinical setting. The purpose of the study is to compare the clinical performance of Tecnis Symfony Optiblue IOL (models ZXR00V and ZXW150) with violet light filter (VLF) and manufacturing improvements versus Tecnis Symfony IOL (models ZXR00 and ZXT150) with ultraviolet light filter (UVF) in patients undergoing cataract surgery. Patients with cataracts aged ≥ 22years were randomly assigned 1:1 to bilateral implantation with ZXR00V/ZXW150 (VLF group) or ZXR00/ZXT150 (UVF group). Key endpoints at 6months postoperative included patient reported nighttime dysphotopsia symptoms, 25% low contrast visual acuity with glare, and patient satisfaction. Sixty patients were implanted with ZXR00V/ZXW150 (30) or ZXR00/ZXT150 (30). At 6months, the VLF group did not show a statistically significant differences in mean monocular photopic uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCDVA), best-corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA), uncorrected near visual acuity (UCNVA) (40cm), or distance-corrected near visual acuity (DCNVA) (40cm) compared to the UVF group. At 1month, patients in the VLF group reported significantly less difficulty due to halo (p = 0.016) and starburst (p = 0.028) symptoms. By the 6months, dysphotopsia complaints were no longer significantly different between the groups. Although the VLF group trended toward better low contrast visual acuity and patient satisfaction, statistical significance was not reached. Managing the patients' expectations is key to achieving success. At the 1-month visit the patients who reported dysphotopsia complaints in the VLF group had significantly less difficulty with starbursts and halos as compared to the UVF group. By the 6-month visit, there was no significant difference between the two groups in the difficulty with starbursts and halos. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier, NCT06567834.

Improvements in visual function early after cataract surgery in eyes implanted with multifocal intraocular lenses.

To compare the improvements in all-distance visual acuity (VA) and contrast sensitivity early after cataract surgery among eyes implanted with multifocal and monofocal intraocular lenses (IOLs). Nonrandomized comparative study. Forty-two eyes with a trifocal IOL (Alcon, PanOptix®), 42 eyes with a combined bifocal and extended-depth-of-focus (EDF) IOL (Johnson & Johnson, Synergy®), and 84 eyes with a monofocal IOL were recruited. Uncorrected or corrected VA at various distances, and photopia and mesopic contrast VA were examined at 1day and 3 months postoperatively. Improvements in these VAs were compared between time points and among groups. Mean uncorrected as well as corrected VA improved significantly between 1day and 3 months postoperatively at almost all distances in the trifocal and combined bifocal + EDF groups (P ≤ 0.018), and at the intermediate distance of 1.0m and far distances in the monofocal group (P ≤ 0.031). Mean improvements in near uncorrected VA at 0.3m, intermediate VA at 0.5m, and far VA at 2.0, 3.0, and 5.0m were significantly greater in the multifocal groups than in the monofocal group (P ≤ 0.032). Improvements in photopic and mesopic contrast VA at most contrasts were significantly better in the multifocal groups (P ≤ 0.021). Mean uncorrected or corrected VA at almost all distances and contrast sensitivity at most contrasts improved significantly early after surgery in eyes implanted with multifocal IOLs, and the improvements in VA at most distances and in contrast sensitivity were better with multifocal IOLs than with monofocal IOLs.

Case report: Two-step lamellar keratoplasty for alkali burns

PurposeTo report a case of a patient with ocular surface alkali burn who developed corneal perforation before entering a stable phase. This patient was treated with a custom-designed lamellar graft using a Two-Step lamellar keratoplasty (LK) after 3 months alkali burn.MethodsThis study was a case report.ResultsA 43-year-old male patient who presented with redness, pain, and decreased vision in his left eye following lime exposure. Initial treatment involved amniotic membrane transplantation and anterior chamber irrigation. However, the patient subsequently developed corneal infiltration and progressive thinning. The patient refused the corneal transplantation and ultimately underwent tarsorrhaphy. Twenty days postoperatively, the patient experienced sudden ocular pain and central corneal perforation. Considering the potential complications of conventional corneal transplantation, including stem cell deficiency, graft dissolution, and rejection, a personalized Two-Step LK was devised. Following this procedure, the patient’s vision gradually improved to 20/133 (without correction), with a good corneal condition but mild epithelial defects and edema. At the 8-month follow-up, subepithelial corneal haze was observed, but uncorrected visual acuity remained stable at 20/133 and best corrected visual acuity was up to 20/66.ConclusionFor patients with ocular surface alkali burns who experience persistent disease progression despite early and mid-stage aggressive interventions, this study is the first to report on the use of a Two-Step LK. This approach takes into account both the “soil” factors that may lead to graft dissolution and the “seed” factors related to recipient stem cell deficiency. The results in preventing graft dissolution and maintaining postoperative corneal function are encouraging.

Clinical safety and efficacy of elliptical thin-flap LASIK using a low-pulse energy femtosecond laser.

This study assessed the clinical safety and efficacy of elliptical thin-flap LASIK with a low-pulse energy femtosecond laser in 3 thickness subgroups (85, 90, and 100μm). A total of 80 patients who underwent bilateral LASIK surgery at Taiwan between April and September 2019 were retrospectively enrolled. Elliptical corneal flaps with wide temporal hinges and inverted-angled side cuts were created. Target flap thickness was calculated on the basis of residual stromal bed thickness and percent tissue altered. Before flap creation, an optical coherence tomography image for visualization of the precut flap position was obtained with the built-in camera. At postoperative month 1, the overall mean logMAR uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) was - 0.04 ± 0.07 (20/18 Snellen), with 96% of eyes achieving UDVA of 20/20 or better. Postoperative mean manifest spherical equivalent was - 0.37 ± 0.42 D at 1 month. The visual and refractive outcomes in each of the 3 subgroups were similar. The achieved flap thicknesses were found to be highly predictable and consistent in the respective thickness subgroups. Optical coherence tomography-guided thin-flap LASIK performed with the low-pulse energy femtosecond laser was found to be safe with no intraoperative or postoperative complications.

Analysis of the effectiveness of the effect on accommodation of phenylephrine in comparison with the combination of tropicamide and phenylephrine in children with mild myopia

At the moment there is a rapid increase in the number of children with myopia, including high degree, which undoubtedly leads to further disability of the population. This problem is more relevant for developing and developed countries. Purpose of the study: to carry out a comparative analysis of the effectiveness of the effect of phenylephrine instillations on the accommodative apparatus of the eye in comparison with the combination of tropicamide and phenylephrine in children with mild myopia. The study analyzed the results of examination of 2 groups of children. At the initial examination, as well as after a course of drug therapy for 1 month. The following parameters were evaluated: determination of uncorrected visual acuity, spherical correction index, autorefractometry, relative accommodation reserve, relative accommodation volume and absolute accommodation volume. In the first group, which included 76 children (152 eyes), phenylephrine 2.5 % injections were performed once a day for 1 month. In the second group, which included 24 children (48 eyes), tropicamide 0.8 % in combination with phenylephrine 5 % 1 time a day for 1 month was administered. The analysis of the obtained data revealed positive dynamics to the improvement of uncorrected visual acuity, reduction of the index of spherical correction required to achieve the maximum corrected visual acuity. The reserves of relative accommodation, the volume of relative and absolute accommodation in both studied groups increased. However, the data obtained in the study of the second group, where the effect of tropicamide 0.8% in combination with phenylephrine 5% in the form of instillations was investigated.

Research on the Z.S. technique for 8 − 0 polypropylene suture in scleral fixation of one-piece intraocular lens

BackgroundTo introduce a new flange technique (called the Z.S. fixation technique) for 8 − 0 polypropylene suture in scleral fixation of a one-piece intraocular lens (IOL) and evaluate its effectiveness and safety.MethodsAll surgeries were performed using two strategies. First, the Z.S. fixation technique was used to fix 8 − 0 polypropylene sutures to the sclera and the two haptics of a one-piece IOL, respectively. The one-piece IOL previously implanted in the anterior chamber was then relocated to the posterior chamber. Finally, the suture ends outside the sclera were cauterized into flanges and buried in the sclera. All effectiveness and safety data related to the Z.S. technique were recorded and compared.ResultsThe Z.S. fixation technique was employed in 16 eyes of 13 patients, with a follow-up duration of at least 6 months. Postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) was greatly improved in most of the operated eyes (11/16). The mean log MAR UDVA after surgery was significantly improved compared with that before surgery (0.93 ± 0.72 vs. 1.53 ± 0.73, P = 0.002). IOLs in the vast majority of operated eyes (15/16) remained stable during half-year follow-up. No severe intra-/post-operative complications were observed in any of the operated eyes.ConclusionThe Z.S. fixation technique for 8 − 0 polypropylene suture in scleral fixation of one-piece IOL reduced surgical injuries and had ideal surgical effectiveness and safety.

Features of the development and progression of diabetic macular edema in patients with type 2 diabetes

Background. In the developed world, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the population aged 65 years and older is 33 %, and prediabetes is 50 %. Macular edema can be the first symptom of diabetic retinopathy or occur at any stage of its development. In developed countries, the most common cause of central vision loss in people under the age of 50 is diabetic macular edema (DME). Long-term studies have found that the risk of developing DME is higher in patients with type 2 diabetes. The purpose was to investigate the features of the development and progression of DME in patients with type 2 diabetes. Materials and methods. A total of 180 patients (360 eyes) with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy and type 2 diabetes were examined. The nature, frequency, and features of the development and progression of DME were evaluated. All patients were examined for uncorrected visual acuity, best corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, static computed perimetry, optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography. We used the Student’s t-test to determine the statistical significance of the mean differences in two independent groups. The null hypothesis was rejected and the differences between indicators were considered statistically significant at a significance level of p &lt; 0.05. Results. In patients of the Ukrainian population with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy and type 2 diabetes, the incidence of DME 0 averaged 55.56 %, DME 1 — 15.0 %, DME 2 — 15.56 %, DME 3 — 13.89 %. There was a statistically significant relationship between the frequency of DME of different stages and the duration of type 2 diabetes. At presentation, the frequency of DME 0 was on average 55.56 %; with the duration of type 2 diabetes of up to 10 years, it was 3 and 24 % statistically significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) than in patients with duration from 11 to 20 and above 20 years, respectively. The incidence of DME 1 was 15.0 %, DME 2 was 15.56 %; with the duration of type 2 diabetes of up to 10 years, it was 2 times lower (p &lt; 0.05) than in patients with duration of 11 to 20 years and more than 20 years, respectively. The incidence of DME 3 was 13.89 %; with the duration of type 2 diabetes of up to 10 years, it was 3 times lower (p &lt; 0.05) than in patients with duration of 11 to 20 years and above 20 years, respectively. A statistically significant dependence of the incidence of diabetic macular edema on treatment in patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy and type 2 diabetes has been found. When taking hypoglycemic drugs, the incidence of DME 0 increases statistically significantly, and when insulin therapy is used, the incidence of DME 1–3 increases. Conclusions. A statistically significant relationship was found between the frequency of DME of different stages and the duration of type 2 diabetes. The longer the duration of type 2 diabetes, the higher the frequency of DME stages 1, 2 and 3. The incidence of DME 1–3 in patients on insulin therapy is 2 times higher compared to patients taking hypoglycemic drugs (p &lt; 0.01).

Efficacy of enhanced monofocal intraocular lens in combined phacovitrectomy for patients with photoreceptor-preserving epiretinal membrane

The aim of this study is to evaluate the visual outcomes and quality of an enhanced monofocal intraocular lens (IOL), compared to a conventional monofocal IOL in patients with epiretinal membrane (ERM). This retrospective comparative study reviewed medical records of 110 eyes of 110 patients with photoreceptor-preserving ERM (55 patients in each group) who underwent phacovitrectomy and received either a conventional monofocal IOL (Tecnis PCB00) or an enhanced monofocal IOL (Tecnis Eyhance ICB00) from March 2021 to October 2021. Baseline examination included corrected (CDVA) and uncorrected (UDVA) distance visual acuity, and measurement of pupil size. Postoperative evaluation included uncorrected intermediate (UIVA) and near (UNVA) visual acuity, and defocus curve. Contrast sensitivity was assessed using CGT-2000 (Takagi, Seiko, Japan). The baseline parameters showed no difference between PCB00 and ICB00 groups. At 3 months, there was no difference of UDVA and CDVA, but UIVA (0.27 vs. 0.39 LogMAR; p = 0.001) and UNVA (0.35 vs. 0.45 LogMAR; p = 0.014) were better in ICB00 group. On the defocus curve, the ICB00 group demonstrated a slower slope decrease, with higher visual acuity from − 1.5 to -3.0 diopters when compared to the PCB00 group. The distant contrast sensitivity showed no significant difference between two groups. In conclusion, the enhanced monofocal IOL improved intermediate visual outcomes, achieving equivalent distance visual acuity and similar contrast sensitivity to the conventional monofocal IOL. It could be an alternative option to conventional monofocal IOL when planning combined phacovitrectomy for patients with photoreceptor-preserving ERM.

Refractive outcomes following simultaneous silicone oil removal and ciliary sulcus intraocular lens implantation.

This study aimed to assess the refractive outcomes following the combined intervention of silicon oil (SO) removal and ciliary sulcus intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in aphakic eyes after phacovitrectomy. A retrospective examination of medical records from patients who underwent a combined procedure of SO removal and ciliary sulcus IOL implantation from 2019 to 2022 was performed. The primary outcomes of interest included uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), predictive error (PE) and mean absolute predictive error (MAE). Subgroup analyses were performed to compare outcomes between patients with and without intraoperative posterior capsulotomy. The cohort comprised 40 eyes from 40 patients, with a mean duration of SO tamponade of 5.17 ± 1.48 months. A significant improvement in UDVA was observed from 1.58 ± 0.31 logMAR to 0.99 ± 0.31 logMAR one month postoperatively (P < 0.01). The PE was -0.73 ± 0.86 diopters (D), and the MAE was 0.90 ± 0.67 D, with 37.50% and 57.50% of cases achieving PE within ±0.5 D and ±1.0 D, respectively. No significant differences in UDVA, PE, or MAE were found between the capsulotomy and non-capsulotomy subgroups (all P > 0.05). However, a lower proportion of eyes in the capsulotomy group achieved PE within ±1.0 D compared to the non-capsulotomy group one month postoperatively (38.90% vs. 72.70%, P = 0.03). The combined procedure of SO removal and sulcus IOL implantation resulted in a mild myopic shift in postoperative refraction. Intraoperative posterior capsulotomy seems to increase the lability of postoperative refractive outcomes.

Refining delivery and positioning: A modified approach to FIL SSF intraocular lens implantation using the "full reverse" technique.

To present a modified surgical technique for implantation of the sutureless scleral-fixated hydrophilic intraocular lens (FIL SSF). Single surgeon retrospective case series and review of surgical videos with step-by-step technique analysis. Uncorrected and best corrected visual acuity (UCVA and BCVA), refractive error (spherical equivalent), full clinical examination with intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement, endothelial cell density on corneal specular microscopy and macular optical coherence tomography (OCT) were recorded at baseline, 1, 4 and 8 weeks postoperatively. The FIL SSF IOLs were successfully implanted using the so-called "full reverse" technique, having the lens loaded in the injector in an upside-down fashion, as opposed to IOL technical specifications. In all cases, the FIL SSF IOL was properly placed in the ciliary sulcus, well-centered and without signs of tilt. Follow up figures at 2 months are consistent with published data, confirming the potential benefits of the new implantation technique. In our preliminary experience, the "full reverse" technique of the FIL SSF IOL has proven effective in preventing incorrect IOL orientation in 100% of cases. However, larger prospective controlled studies and longer follow up are required to either support or disprove our results.

Visual and patient reported outcomes provided by a refractive multifocal intraocular lens based on continuous transitional focus

PurposeTo analyze the quality of vision of patients implanted bilaterally with the multifocal Precizon Presbyopic intraocular lens (IOL), as well as to evaluate the visual performance provided by the lens.SettingVissum Miranza Alicante.DesignProspective multicenter study.Methods56 patients (mean age 65.0 ± 8.7 years old) underwent bilateral implantation with multifocal Precizon Presbyopic IOL. The quality of vision was assessed by a quality of vision questionnaire at 6 months after the implantation procedure, a complete eye examination was also performed including visual and refractive measurements, defocus curve and contrast sensitivity assessment. Visual and refractive variables were compared in preoperative, 3-month postoperative and 6-month postoperative visits by Wilcoxon test.ResultsThe quality of vision analysis showed the absence of severe glare and severe haloes in all evaluated patients. Likewise, non-symptoms of glare, haloes and starbursts were seen in 75%, 68%, and 55% of subjects, respectively. Efficacy and safety index was 1.26 and 1.42, respectively. The 6-month postoperative binocular uncorrected distance visual acuity and near uncorrected visual acuity were 0.00 ± 0.09 and 0.20 ± 0.13 logMAR, respectively. Mean spherical equivalent was 0.29 ± 0.45 D.ConclusionsThe Precizon Presbyopic NVA IOL (OPHTEC BV) provides a suitable quality of vision with a low rate of disturbance photic phenomena induction, as well as an excellent visual performance at main distances of sight accomplishing the visual demands of the majority of patients.

KeraRing Implantation with Femtosecond Laser in Keratoconus Treatment at Different Stages

Objective: To investigate the reliability and effectiveness of femtosecond laser-assisted KeraRing (Mediphacos, Belo Horizonte, Brazil) implantation in treating keratoconus. Methods: Intrastromal corneal ring segments (KeraRing, Mediphacos, Brazil) were implanted in 15 eyes of 14 patients unable to tolerate contact lenses. Femtosecond laser (Intralase, 60 Hz) was used for corneal tunnel creation. Based on the distribution of ectatic area on the cornea, dual segments were implanted in 9 eyes, while single segments were implanted in 6 eyes. Preoperative and postoperative uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), objective and subjective refraction, and topographic corneal curvature (K) values of the cases were compared using the Wilcoxon test. Results: The mean age of patients was 25±7.46 (range: 15-39) years, with a mean postoperative follow-up period of 10.8±7.37 (range: 1-24 months). BCVA improved in all eyes during the follow-up period, increasing from a mean of 0.12±0.1 to 0.38±0.24 (p

Short-Term Visual and Refractive Outcomes of Single-Step Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy with Amaris 750S and SmartSurfACE in Myopia and Astigmatism: A 6-Month Follow-Up Study.

Single-step transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (TPRK) is a modern refractive surgery technique that offers a no-touch approach for correcting myopia and astigmatism. This study aims to evaluate the short-term visual and refractive outcomes of TPRK in patients with myopia and astigmatism over a 6-month follow-up period. This retrospective cohort study included patients who underwent single-step TPRK using the Amaris 750S laser platform with SmartSurfACE and SmartPulse® technologies, targeting a plano refraction. Procedures were performed with aspheric, non-wavefront-guided profiles, and outcomes were assessed postoperatively. 96% of eyes achieved 20/20 or better uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), with 98% reaching 20/25 or better, and 100% achieving 20/32 or better. UDVA was the same or better than preoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) in 96% of eyes, and no eyes lost two or more Snellen lines. Refractive outcomes showed strong precision, with 93% of eyes within ±1.00 D of the target. Astigmatism correction was accurate, with 100% of eyes having ≤1.00 D of astigmatism, and 80% achieving a precise astigmatism angle of error between -5° and 5°. Single-step TPRK with SmartSurfACE and SmartPulse® technologies provides highly effective and predictable visual and refractive outcomes for myopia and astigmatism. The procedure consistently delivers precise corrections with minimal complications, making it a reliable option for refractive surgery.

Comparing Visual Outcomes of KLEx, PRK, and LASIK Procedures in the Military Population.

To assess the 6-month visual and refractive outcomes of keratorefractive lenticule extraction (KLEx) as compared to laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) in a military population at a Joint Warfighter Refractive Surgery Center. Joint Warfighter Refractive Surgery Center (JWRSC), Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX. Retrospective Study. Patients who underwent either KLEx, PRK, or LASIK between 2019-2022 were included. Anonymized data collected included demographics, pre- and post-operative uncorrected and corrected visual acuity, and manifest refraction. Of the 4,466 treated eyes, 737 (16.5%) underwent the KLEx, 2,801 (62.7%) underwent PRK, and 928 (20.8%) underwent LASIK treatment. In terms of efficacy, there was no statistically significant difference at post-operative month (POM)6 between the percentage of eyes reaching an uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) of 20/20 or better between the three procedures. At POM1 (P < 0.001) and POM3 (P < 0.001), there were a greater number of eyes in the KLEx group that achieved the same or 1 line better of distance visual acuity than the PRK group. The efficacy index of KLEx, PRK, and LASIK at POM6 were 1.09, 1.10, and 0.97, respectively. The safety index for KLEx, PRK, and LASIK at POM6 were 0.96, 1.01, and 0.81, respectively. After the initial recovery period, KLEx demonstrates comparable outcomes in terms of efficacy, safety, and accuracy as compared to LASIK and PRK.

The Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Visual Acuity Changes in Schoolchildren: A One-Year Follow-Up.

(1) Background: Visual acuity (VA) is essential for children's quality of life, and its relationship with socioeconomic status (SES) highlights disparities in healthcare. This study investigated the influence of SES on changes in schoolchildren's VA over one year. (2) Methods: Initial examinations were conducted on 1822 children (8-10 years). Follow-up was performed on 804 of these children a year later. Uncorrected (UCVA) and presenting (PVA) distance VA were measured monocularly using a decimal Snellen chart. Very reduced UCVA (<0.5) was considered a proxy of myopia. (3) Results: The prevalence of initially very reduced UCVA (myopia) was similar in children with low and high SES (12.6% vs. 12.4%) (χ2; p = 0.153). After one year, the prevalence of very reduced UCVA increased to 14.1% in children with a low SES compared with 11.1% in children with a high SES (p = 0.001). Significant disparities related to SES were also found in PVA so that children with a low SES exhibited a greater reduction in PVA than children with a high SES (5.2% vs. 3.5%) (χ2; p = 0.004). (4) Conclusions: Children with a low SES showed an increase in reduced UCVA values over one year and a higher number of children with very reduced PVA compared with those with a high SES.

Seven-year refractive outcomes comparing small incision lenticule extraction and femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis for myopia and myopic astigmatism.

This study aimed to compare the seven-year refractive outcomes of small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and femtosecond laser-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) for correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism. This retrospective cohort study included 97 eyes of 53 patients who had undergone SMILE or FS-LASIK for myopia seven years prior. Measured parameters included uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), and manifest refraction. There were no significant differences between the SMILE and FS-LASIK groups in logMAR UDVA, cylinder, and logMAR CDVA at 7 years postoperatively (P>0.05). However, there were significant differences between the two groups in sphere and spherical equivalent (P=0.035 and P=0.016, respectively). UDVA was better than or equal to 20/20 in 81% of the eyes after SMILE and in 63% after FS-LASIK (P = 0.045). The efficacy indices of the SMILE and FS-LASIK groups were 1.04 ± 0.23 and 0.97 ± 0.23 (P=0.405), and the safety indices were 1.18 ± 0.19 and 1.10 ± 0.17 (P=0.543), respectively. This study demonstrates the good predictivity of both SMILE and FS-LASIK. SMILE could offer superior refractive outcomes than FS-LASIK during a 7-year follow-up in correcting myopia and myopic astigmatism.