Carlton R Fenzl

Small-incision lenticule extraction

UNLABELLED This review looks at the benefits, limitations, complications, and future applications of the small-incision lenticule extraction procedure. Using the search terms small incision lenticule extraction and femtosecond lenticule extraction, we obtained data from 56 articles (omitting German and Chinese articles) from the PubMed database. Small-incision lenticule extraction has shown efficacy, predictability, and safety that are proportionate to those of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), with the additional benefit that it eliminates flap creation and the attendant risks. The potential advantages of the procedure related to improved biomechanical stability, postoperative inflammation, and dry-eye symptoms have not been fully established. Small-incision lenticule extraction-treated eyes have shown a reduced degree of postoperative corneal denervation and higher-order aberrations and an accelerated rate of corneal nerve convalescence relative to LASIK. Future possibilities related to long-term cryogenic storage of extracted lenticules with eventual reimplantation or donation have been investigated with encouraging preliminary results. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE Drs. Reinstein and Shah are consultants to Carl Zeiss Meditec AG. No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Ocular manifestations and management recommendations of lysosomal storage disorders I: mucopolysaccharidoses.

The mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are a group of lysosomal storage disorders caused by inborn errors of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) metabolism. These diseases are classified by enzyme deficiency into seven groups: type I, II, III, IV, VI, VII, and IX. GAG accumulation leads to characteristic clinical features. Some ophthalmic findings that are characteristic of MPS diseases include corneal clouding, retinal degeneration, decreased electroretinogram wave amplitude, optic atrophy, papilledema, and glaucoma. Current treatments such as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and enzyme replacement therapy have increased the life span of many MPS patients and created the need to improve management of ocular symptoms. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of ocular manifestations and treatment options for the various types of MPS.

Simultaneous and sequential implantation of intacs and verisyse phakic intraocular lens for refractive improvement in keratectasia

Purpose: To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and visual outcomes of simultaneous and sequential implantation of Intacs (Addition Technology, Inc, Sunnyvale, CA) and Verisyse phakic intraocular lens (AMO, Santa Ana, CA) in selected cases of ectatic corneal disease. Setting: John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, UT. Methods: Prospective data were collected from 19 eyes of 12 patients (5 eyes, post-laser in situ keratomileusis ectasia and 14 eyes, keratoconus). Intacs segments were implanted followed by insertion of a phakic Verisyse lens at the same session (12 eyes) in the simultaneous group or several months later (7 eyes) in the sequential group. The uncorrected visual acuity, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), and manifest refraction were recorded at each visit. Results: No intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed. At the last follow-up (19 ± 6 months), in the simultaneous group, mean spherical error was −0.79 ± 1.0 diopter (D) (range, −2.0 to +1.50 D) and cylindrical error +2.06 ± 1.21 D (range, +0.5 to +3.75 D). In the sequential group, at the last follow-up, at 36 ± 21 months, the mean spherical error was −1.64 ± 1.31 D (range, −3.25 to +1.0 D) and cylindrical error +2.07 ± 1.03 D (range, +0.75 to +3.25 D). There were no significant differences in mean uncorrected visual acuity or BSCVA between the 2 groups preoperatively or postoperatively. No eye lost lines of preoperative BSCVA. Conclusions: Combined insertion of Intacs and Verisyse was safe and effective in all cases. The outcomes of the simultaneous implantation of the Intacs and Verisyse lens in 1 surgery were similar to the results achieved with sequential implantation using 2 surgeries.

What we know about ocular manifestations of Ebola

Ebola hemorrhagic fever is a deadly disease caused by several species of ebolavirus. The current outbreak of 2014 is unique in that it has affected a greater number of people than ever before. It also has an unusual geographic distribution. Nonspecific findings such as fever and generalized weakness have traditionally been very common early in the acute phase. Ophthalmic manifestations have also been reported in significant numbers. Conjunctival injection has been identified in both the acute and late phases. Subconjunctival hemorrhage and excessive lacrimation have also been reported. Various forms of uveitis have been associated with the convalescent phase of the disease. When identified in conjunction with other signs such as fever, acute findings such as conjunctivitis may contribute to the diagnosis of Ebola hemorrhagic fever. Ideally, serologic testing should be performed prior to isolation and treatment of these individuals. Considering the prevalence of the current outbreak and the threat of transcontinental spread, ophthalmic health professionals need to be aware of the ocular manifestations of Ebola hemorrhagic fever as well as the associated signs and symptoms in order to prevent further spread.

Efficacy and safety of a 3-month loteprednol etabonate 0.5% gel taper for routine prophylaxis after photorefractive keratectomy compared to a 3-month prednisolone acetate 1% and fluorometholone 0.1% taper

Purpose To compare the outcome of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and complications in patients treated with either loteprednol etabonate 0.5% gel or prednisolone acetate 1% suspension and fluorometholone (fml) 0.1% suspension. Setting John A Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA. Design Prospective, randomized, partially masked trial. Methods PRK was performed on 261 eyes of 132 participants. Patients were randomized to a postoperative corticosteroid regimen of either loteprednol etabonate 0.5% gel (loteprednol) or prednisolone 1% acetate suspension followed by fluorometholone 0.1% suspension (prednisolone/fml). Primary outcome measures included incidence and grade of postoperative corneal haze and incidence of increased intraocular pressure of 10 mmHg above baseline, or any intraocular pressure over 21 mmHg. Secondary outcome measures included uncorrected distance visual acuity, best corrected distance visual acuity, and manifest refraction spherical equivalent. Results The incidence of haze in the first 3 months was 2.6% (3/114 eyes) in the loteprednol group and 4.8% (7/147 eyes) in the prednisolone/fml group and was not statistically significant between groups (P=0.37). The incidence of elevated intraocular pressure was 1.8% (2/114 eyes) in the loteprednol group and 4.1% (6/147 eyes) in the prednisolone/fml group, and was not statistically significant between the groups (P=0.12). The mean 3-month postoperative logMAR uncorrected visual acuity was −0.078±0.10 and −0.075±0.09 in the loteprednol and prednisolone/fml groups, respectively (P=0.83). Conclusion Postoperative corneal haze and elevated intraocular pressure were uncommon in both treatment arms. There was no statistically significant difference between each postoperative regimen. Refractive results were similar and excellent in both treatment arms. A tapered prophylactic regimen of loteprednol 0.5% gel is equally effective to prednisolone 1%/fml 0.1% after PRK.

Use of infant donor tissue in endothelial keratoplasty.

Dear editor We have read with great interest the recent article by Kobayashi et al describing endothelial keratoplasty using infant donor tissue.1 This is a fine case report describing the use of infant donor tissue as a viable source when performing non-Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (nDSAEK). Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) and nDSAEK seem to be the only currently accepted forms of keratoplasty for which donor tissue under the age of 2 years is acceptable. When used to perform penetrating keratoplasty, it is known that infantile grafts behave in an ectatic fashion.2,3 This is likely due to their more elastic properties. Tissue preparation in Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) proves to be too difficult given the strength of adhesion of Descemet membrane to the overlying stroma.1 We would also like to bring to your attention the article entitled “Use of infant donor tissue for endokeratoplasty”, published in the Journal of Cataract and Refractive Surgery in December of 2001.2 Shiuey and Moshirfar4 describe the use of infant tissue (20 months) in the successful performance of this procedure. While this variation of endokeratoplasty is seldom performed in 2014, substitution of diseased host endothelium with that of an infant was performed. Endothelial cell counts similar to those described in the current article were documented. Given that the article by Shiuey and Moshirfar was the first to describe replacement of posterior tissue with that of an infant while leaving the anterior corneal stroma and epithelium intact, we thought it would be a valuable reference to be mentioned for readers interested in this topic. Once again, we would like to congratulate and commend the authors of the current article on the success of the procedure and the value that it provides for future generations of corneal surgeons performing DSAEK and nDSAEK.

Dellen-like keratopathy associated with glaucoma drainage devices

To report the first case of dellen-like keratopathy with superior corneal thinning associated with implantation of glaucoma drainage devices. A 70-year-old male with a history of primary open angle glaucoma and dry eye disease underwent placement of glaucoma drainage devices with antimetabolite application in both eyes. Prior to placement, minimal refractive error was noted on manifest refraction. Several years later, the patient was referred for decreased vision and corneal irregularity. Examination showed pathologic corneal curvature, superior corneal thinning, and epithelial demarcation lines immediately anterior to the glaucoma drainage devices in both eyes. The epithelium remained intact with no evidence of limbal stem cell deficiency. Manifest refraction revealed a large change in both eyes. Topography was used to confirm the presence of irregular corneal curvature anterior to the glaucoma drainage devices. Dellen-like keratopathy with superior thinning is a rare sequela after implantation of a glaucoma drainage device that must be considered in elderly patients who undergo glaucoma surgery. It is likely related to a combination of tear film alteration related to previously large anterior blebs, antimetabolite application, and aqueous humor flow patterns around the drainage devices. Treatment should focus on lubrication.

Accuracy of corneal trephination depth using the Moria single-use adjustable depth vacuum trephine system.

Background The Moria single-use adjustable depth trephine is a device that allows a goal trephination depth to be set prior to the surgical procedure. Methods Eleven fresh human cadaveric eyes were trephined using 8.0 mm Moria single-use adjustable vacuum trephines. Prior to trephination, the average corneal pachymetry in the peripheral 7–10 mm range was obtained using anterior segment optical coherence tomography. The trephination depth was set to 80% of that value. Light microscopy was used to image anteroposterior cross-sections of each corneal specimen. Digital protractor software was used to evaluate the trephination angle, depth, and length. All adequately processed specimens were included in the analysis. In addition, trephination angle data from a previous publication by Moshirfar et al were used as a comparison with those of this study. Results Trephination analysis of depth compared with pachymetry revealed a mean of 83.7%±6.53% (95% confidence interval 79.8–87.6). Maximum and minimum trephined depths were 95.35% and 71.3%, respectively. Trephination depth compared with angular corneal thickness yielded a mean of 66.2%±4.79% (95% confidence interval 63.0–69.4). Maximum and minimum depths were 73.7% and 59.7%, respectively. Analysis of trephination angle yielded a mean of 130.2±3.57 degrees (95% confidence interval 127.8–132.61). Maximum and minimum angles were 135.5 degrees and 126 degrees, respectively. The standard deviation of the trephination angle of the Moria trephine was found to be significantly less than that of Hessburg-Barron and Hanna trephines calculated in the previous study. Conclusion The Moria adjustable vacuum trephine is an accurate method of trephination when a specific depth is desired. Further investigation is needed to determine the relevance of this in relation to deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty.