André Dosso

Outcomes of coaxial microincision cataract surgery versus conventional coaxial cataract surgery

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes of coaxial microincision cataract surgery (MICS) with those of conventional coaxial cataract surgery. SETTING: University Eye Clinic, Geneva, Switzerland. METHODS: In a prospective study, 50 eyes of 50 patients with nuclear or corticonuclear cataract (grades 2 to 4 on the Lens Opacities Classification System III) were randomly selected to have cataract extraction through a temporal clear corneal incision using 1 of 2 techniques: coaxial MICS (25 eyes) or conventional coaxial cataract surgery (25 eyes). Coaxial MICS was performed through a 1.6 mm incision and conventional coaxial cataract surgery, through a 2.8 mm incision. In all cases, a flexible hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lens (Lentis L‐303, WaveLight GmbH) was implanted. Intraoperative parameters were ultrasound time, surgical time, and total volume of balanced salt solution used. The best corrected visual acuity, corneal thickness, and endothelial cell count were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS: There were no relevant clinical differences between groups or perioperative complications in either group. The only statistically significant differences between the 2 groups were ultrasound time (P = .0002) and surgical time (P = .005). CONCLUSIONS: Coaxial microincision cataract surgery was a safe and effective technique. Although ultrasound and surgical time were significantly higher with coaxial MICS than with conventional coaxial cataract surgery, the postoperative results in the 2 techniques were comparable.

Exfoliation syndrome and phacoemulsification

Purpose: To evaluate intraoperative and postoperative complications of phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in eyes with exfoliation syndrome. Setting: Eye Clinic, University Hospital of Geneva, Switzerland. Methods: This prospective study evaluated 20 consecutive patients with exfoliation syndrome and 20 consecutive patients without the syndrome (control group) who had phacoemulsification and posterior chamber IOL implantation. One year later, the incidence of zonular tears, operating time, and fibrinoid reaction were studied in another group of 23 consecutive patients who had the same type of surgery by the same surgeon. Results: Maximal pupil dilation was significantly smaller (P < .0001) in the exfoliation than in the control group. Intraoperatively, the incidence of zonular tears was the same in both groups (10%). In the 23 patients who had surgery 1 year later, no zonular tears occurred. The incidence of postoperative complications was similar in both groups. The exfoliation group had a significant decrease in intraocular pressure over preoperative levels at 1 week and 3 months postoperatively. Conclusion: Phacoemulsification with posterior chamber IOL implantation appears to be safe in eyes with exfoliation syndrome.

Coupling of HRT II and AS-OCT to evaluate corneal endothelial cell loss and in vivo visualization of the Ahmed glaucoma valve implant.

AimsTo report corneal endothelial cell loss and in vivo visualization of the Ahmed glaucoma valve implant in eyes with refractory glaucoma.MethodsTen eyes underwent Ahmed valve implant surgery and were followed-up for 12 months. Data collected included intraocular pressure (IOP), number of antiglaucoma medications and surgery-related complications. At 6 and 12 months postoperatively, the intracameral length of the drainage tube (ICL) and the distance between the tube and the cornea (T–C distance), and the iris (T–I distance) were assessed using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). Heidelberg cornea tomograph II (HRT II) was used to measure the corneal endothelial cell density.ResultsMean (±SEM) preoperative IOP was 29.5±4 mmHg. Mean postoperative IOP was 11.6±2 at 12 months (P<0.01). Over a 6-month period, mean corneal endothelial loss was 7.9%±2.5 in the central and 7.5%±2.4 in the peripheral cornea (P<0.01). There was no correlation between central or peripheral corneal endothelial cell loss and the T–C, T–I distance or the ICL of the tube.ConclusionsCorneal endothelial cell loss occurs following Ahmed valve implant surgery, this appears to be multifactorial. AS-OCT and HRT II are promising methods for the follow-up of patients with a glaucoma drainage device.

Clinical course of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis: evaluation by in vivo confocal microscopy

Purpose: To describe, by in vivo confocal microscopy, the structural changes occurring during the course of adenovirus epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC), from the onset of the disease up to 24 weeks of follow-up. Methods: Eight patients (age, 8-57 years) with clinical evidence of EKC were examined and photographed in vivo with a Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II, Rostock Cornea Module. Results: At 1 week, confocal microscopy revealed clusters of hyperreflective cells in the basal epithelial cell layer. In these sites, we observed subepithelial accumulations of dendritic cells, located mainly at the level of the Bowman layer. Underneath in the anterior stroma, we detected clusters of highly reflective, irregularly shaped cells. At 2 weeks, all patients presented follicular conjunctivitis, focal keratitis, and subepithelial infiltrates. At this point, confocal microscopy revealed persistent clusters of hyperreflective basal epithelial cells intermingled with roundish cells that probably represent leukocytes. Underneath, dendritic cells had formed an intricate network and, in the anterior stroma, we detected a hyperreflective cellular plaque that corresponded to the subepithelial infiltrate. At 24 weeks after onset of the symptoms, density and dimension of dendritic cell clusters were decreased, but we now detected stromal hyperreflectivity in the midstroma. Conclusions: In vivo confocal microscopic examination of subepithelial infiltrates appearing during EKC suggests that the innate immune system, as represented by the dendritic cells, is highly active early on. Nonetheless, the inflammatory component in both epithelium and stroma is massive and, in deeper stromal layers, long standing.

Yoga can be dangerous--glaucomatous visual field defect worsening due to postural yoga.

The relationship between the head-down body position and increased IOP is well known.1–6 We present a 46-year old woman who presented with a worsening of glaucomatous visual field defects one year after starting to perform regularly a particular postural headstand yoga exercise, reversible after cessation of the exercise. In 10 non-yoga-practising volunteers intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured by Tono-Pen in sitting and immediately after assuming a headstand position. A more than twofold increase of the IOP was measured in the headstand position. Therefore postural (head-down) yoga exercises are clearly not recommended for patients suffering from glaucoma. A 46-year-old Caucasian woman followed at our clinic for a bilateral juvenile …

Retinal vessel analyzer measurements of the effect of panretinal photocoagulation on the retinal arteriolar diameter in diabetic retinopathy.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) on the retinal arteriolar diameter in patients with diabetic retinopathy using a retinal vessel analyzer. Methods: Ten eyes of 6 consecutive patients with type II diabetes and severe nonproliferative or proliferative diabetic retinopathy were studied prospectively. Measurements of the retinal arteriolar diameter were performed before the first photocoagulation session and after the end of the PRP treatment. Results: Retinal arteriolar diameter before PRP was 131 ± 15 arbitrary units and decreased to 112 ± 14 arbitrary units after PRP (P = 0.012). There was a significant vasoconstriction of 13.8% ± 8.3% following PRP. Mean visual acuity before and after PRP was 0.31 ± 0.36 logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution and 0.28 ± 0.30 logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution, respectively (P = 0.68). There was no significant change in mean arterial pressure before and after PRP (P = 0.89). There was no correlation between the visual acuity change or the number of laser burns and the percentage change in the retinal arteriolar diameter (P > 0.1). Conclusion: Panretinal photocoagulation has a vasoconstrictive effect on retinal arterioles in patients with severe nonproliferative or proliferative diabetic retinopathy. These results are consistent with an autoregulatory response of the retinal circulation to increased inner retinal oxygen tension after PRP. The retinal vessel analyzer is a fast, accurate, noninvasive, online measuring system for the study of the retinal vascular response to PRP in patients with diabetic retinopathy.

Visualization of the trabeculo-Descemet membrane in deep sclerectomy after Nd:YAG goniopuncture: an in vivo confocal microscopy study.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the morphologic characteristics of the trabeculo-Descemet membrane (TDM) by in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) after deep sclerectomy with collagen implant and to correlate the findings with the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effect of goniopuncture. METHODS Twenty eyes of 19 patients were evaluated in a prospective, observational case series. Examination using IVCM and measurement of IOP were performed 15 minutes before and 15 minutes after Nd:YAG goniopuncture. RESULTS Two groups could be distinguished on the basis of morphologic characteristics of the TDM before goniopuncture. In group 1 (13 eyes), the TDM was characterized by the presence of an area of epithelial cells in the deep stromal level. After goniopuncture, an opening at the TDM with dispersed epithelial cells was visible. In group 2 (7 eyes), fibrotic tissue overlying the TDM was observed in all cases, and no openings were visible after goniopuncture. Group 1 had a statistically significant decrease in mean (SD) IOP after goniopuncture (21.6 [4.8] mm Hg before and 13.5 [4.6] mm Hg after, P = .008); there was no significant change in group 2 (19.2 [4.3] mm Hg before and 20.8 [7.5] mm Hg after, P = .30). There was a strong correlation between the presence of fibrous tissue and percentage of IOP lowering after goniopuncture (ρ = -0.89, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS The presence of fibrotic tissue covering the TDM is associated with failure of goniopuncture. Use of IVCM may be valuable in predicting the efficacy of goniopuncture in patients with elevated IOP after deep sclerectomy with collagen implant.

In vivo confocal microscopy in hydroxychloroquine-induced keratopathy.

BackgroundVortex keratopathy, arising as a side effect of several medications, is characterized by golden-brown deposits in the cornea. MethodsA 41-year-old woman treated for sarcoidosis with hydroxychloroquine therapy and suffering from vortex keratopathy was examined by in vivo confocal microscopy. Scans of both corneas were performed.Results By slit lamp examination, the left but not the right eye showed a golden-brown deposit throughout the cornea. In vivo confocal microscopy revealed the presence of highly reflective, dot-like intracellular inclusions concentrated in the basal epithelial layer. They were also detected within the anterior and posterior stroma, but not within the endothelium. In regions of the anterior stroma, devoid of inclusions, hyperreflective ramified keratocytes were observed, forming an extended interconnecting network.Conclusion In addition to the granular deposits, in vivo confocal microscopy revealed hyperreflective, possibly phagocytic keratocytes.

Thrombus and branch retinal vein occlusion

Branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) is often associated with arteriosclerosis. Typically the occlusion occurs at an arteriovenous crossing. We report a case of a previously healthy patient who developed a BRVO. Funduscopy and fluorescein angiography suggested an intravascular thrombus as the cause of the occlusion. The investigations performed were positive for systemic hypertension and hyperlipidaemia. After 2 months, fundus examination revealed disappearance of the intravascular thrombus, resolution of the macular edema and improvement of the — visual acuity. Certain physiological characteristics of the retinal circulation associated with hyperlipidaemia and systemic hypertension appear to favour thrombus formation.

Observation à l’OCT Visante® de l’évolution d’un ulcère cornéen neurotrophique perforant traité par greffes de membranes amniotiques

INTRODUCTION: The optical coherence tomography (OCT) Visante provides easy, high-resolution observation free of contact with the cornea and anterior segment. We present the progression of a neurotrophic corneal ulcer treated with amniotic membrane grafts studied with this system. METHODS: A 71-year-old patient with facial nerve paresis secondary to vestibular schwannoma surgery presented with a neurotrophic perforated corneal ulcer. Since medical treatment had failed, we performed an amniotic membrane graft. The OCT Visante was used for follow-up for 2 months. RESULTS: Progression was slow but the perforation eventually closed. Cicatrization of the corneal ulcer was followed with the OCT Visante to document the healing process and corneal thickness. CONCLUSION: Optical coherence tomography Visante provides easy visualization and high-resolution documentation with no contact with the healing corneal ulcerations.