Michele De Maria

Work-Related Eye Injuries: A Relevant Health Problem. Main Epidemiological Data from a Highly-Industrialized Area of Northern Italy

The province of Modena is one of the most industrialized areas of Northern Italy. The medical records of the Ophthalmological Emergency Department (OED) of Modena University Hospital were studied: there were 13,470 OED accesses in 2014 and in 754 cases that an occupational eye injury occurred. The frequency of work-related eye injuries (3‰) was lower compared to other published studies, but the absolute number is still relevant, showing the need for more adequate prevention, especially in metal work, construction work, and agriculture, where the worst prognoses were observed. Intervention programs must be implemented as early as possible in the working life, considering that the frequency in younger workers is about double that of the oldest age class (3.5‰ vs. 1.8‰), and special attention should also be given to foreigners, who have a 50% higher injury risk. Furthermore, the planning of specific interventions for eye-injured workers may be useful, considering that a previous injury does not appear to encourage the adoption of preventive interventions, and a subgroup of eye-injured workers have a potential risk for new injuries. Finally, the data presented here indicates how OED records, integrated with specific occupational information, can be applied for studies on work-related eye injuries.

Results and complications of surgeons-in-training learning bimanual microincision cataract surgery

Purpose To evaluate visual outcomes and complications of bimanual microincision cataract surgery performed by surgeons in training. Setting Institute of Ophthalmology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy. Design Prospective case series. Methods The corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), astigmatism, corneal pachymetry, and endothelial cell count were evaluated before and 7 and 30 days after bimanual MICS performed by surgeons in training. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were also recorded. Results Three surgeons in training performed bimanual MICS in 150 eyes of 131 patients. There were 18 intraoperative complications (12.0%) (10 iris traumas [6.6%]; 4 capsule ruptures without vitreous loss [2.7%]; 3 capsule ruptures with vitreous loss [2.0%]; 1 intraocular lens [IOL] implantation in the sulcus due to zonular laxity [0.7%]). There were 5 postoperative complications (3.3%) (2 iris prolapses [1.3%]; 1 IOL loop malposition [0.7%]; 1 narrowing of anterior chamber [0.7%]; 1 capsulorhexis phimosis [0.7%]). Thirty days postoperatively, the mean CDVA improvement was 0.53 ± 0.20 (Snellen decimal) (P < .05), the mean decrease in astigmatism was 0.09 ± 0.54 diopter (P = .29), and the mean increase in corneal pachymetry was 7.42 ± 22.01 &mgr;m (P = .12). There was statistically significant endothelial cell loss (mean 496.50 ± 469.66 cells/mm2) (P < .05). Conclusions Bimanual MICS performed by surgeons in training was safe and effective. Visual outcomes and complication rates were similar to those reported for coaxial cataract surgery performed by surgeons in training. Financial Disclosure No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Long-term follow-up for bimanual microincision cataract surgery: comparison of results obtained by surgeons in training and experienced surgeons

Purpose To determine the efficacy of bimanual microincision cataract surgery (B-MICS) performed by surgeons in training, evaluating clinical results, posterior capsule opacification (PCO) incidence, and clear corneal incision (CCI) architecture in a long-term follow-up and comparing results with those obtained by experienced surgeons. Patients and methods Eighty eyes of 62 patients operated on by three surgeons in training who used B-MICS technique for the first time were included in the study (Group A). Eighty eyes of 59 patients who underwent B-MICS by three experienced surgeons were included as a control group (Group B). Best corrected visual acuity, astigmatism, corneal pachymetry, and endothelial cell count were evaluated before surgery and at 1 month and 18 months after surgery. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography images were obtained to study the morphology of CCIs. PCO incidence was evaluated using EPCO2000 software. Results Out of 160 surgeries included in the study, mean best-corrected visual acuity improvement at 18 months was 0.343±0.246 logMAR for Group A, and 0.388±0.175 logMAR for Group B, respectively. We found no statistically significant induced astigmatism nor corneal pachymetry changes in either group, while we noticed a statistically significant endothelial cell loss postoperatively in both groups (P<0.05). In Group A, mean PCO score was 0.163±0.196, while for Group B, it was 0.057±0.132 (P=0.0025). Mean length and inclination of the CCIs for Group A and Group B were, respectively, 1,358±175 µm and 1,437±256 µm and 141.8°±6.4° and 148.7°±5.1°. As regards corneal architecture in the 320 CCIs considered, we found posterior wound retractions and endothelial gaps, respectively, 9.8% and 11.6% for Group A and 7.8% and 10.8% for Group B. Conclusion B-MICS performed by surgeons in training is an effective surgical technique even when assessed after a long-term follow-up. PCO incidence resulted in being higher for less experienced surgeons. Corneal incisions were shorter and less angled in surgeons in training in comparison with results obtained by expert surgeons.

Long-term analysis of IOL stability of the Lewis technique for scleral fixation

Purpose To demonstrate that in case of absence of capsular support intraocular lens (IOL) scleral fixation is both effective and stable over years. Methods A total of 13 eyes from 13 patients who underwent an IOL scleral fixation according to Lewis suturing technique between January 2001 and December 2008 were studied. Patients underwent a complete ophthalmologic evaluation. The IOL stability was assessed using slit-lamp and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) examination. The IOL stability was evaluated in terms of centration and tilting. All the knots were photographed and their integrity assessed. Results Follow-up was 60–129 months. Eleven knots appeared evident and undamaged, 6 knots were eroded, and 9 knots were not detectable. All IOLs were stable in the sulcus. Two patients presented a slight decentration of the IOL at the slit-lamp examination, while the AS-OCT demonstrated slight tilting of the lenses in 4 patients. Conclusions The Lewis technique for IOL scleral fixation is an optimal surgical technique in case of absence of capsular support. No IOL luxation in the vitreous chamber has been reported; only 2 of the 10 patients with at least one eroded knot presented a minimal decentration of the lens with no influence on visual acuity. Although knot erosion is not an uncommon occurrence, IOL remains stable in the long term, probably due to a fibrotic process around the suture, and the IOL haptics, which prevent IOL dislocation.

Chemical injury treated with autologous limbal epithelial stem cell transplantation and subconjunctival bevacizumab

Background Limbal stem cell (LSC) deficiency leads to corneal opacity due to a conjunctivalization of the corneal surface. LSC transplantation, which can be followed by corneal keratoplasty, is an effective procedure to restore corneal transparency; however, a common cause of failure of this procedure is neovascularization (NV). Methods A 59-year-old man with a 21-year history of a corneal chemical burn caused by phosphoric acid in his left eye was examined. He presented with unilateral total LSC deficiency with severe conjunctivalization and a corrected distance visual acuity that was limited to hand motion. Results We reported the short-term in vivo efficacy of subconjunctival bevacizumab for progressive corneal NV in a patient with LSC deficiency that underwent LSC transplantation. Four months after autologous LSC transplantation and 1 month after the second subconjunctival bevacizumab injection, the patient’s corrected distance visual acuity was 1/10. Conclusion Subconjunctival injection of bevacizumab can reduce the corneal NV, reducing conjunctival inflammation and supporting restoration of a stable ocular surface that is able to counteract graft failure, with no toxicity for the transplanted LSC.

Anterior Capsule of the Lens: Comparison of Morphological Properties and Apoptosis Induction following FLACS and Standard Phacoemulsification Surgery

Purpose Comparative evaluation of morphological features of anterior capsules and apoptosis induction in epithelial cells after femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) and standard phacoemulsification surgery. Methods Group 1: 30 FLACS anterior capsulotomies and Group 2: 30 manual anterior continuous curvilinear capsulorhexes. All patients were operated on by the same experienced surgeon. Morphological features of the anterior capsules and apoptosis induction in epithelial cells were evaluated. Results All patients revealed a significant mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improvement 3 months after surgery, and no major intraoperative nor postoperative complications occurred. The capsular epithelium appeared to be preserved in both groups. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed irregular saw-tooth shaped edges in capsules from Group 1 whereas capsules from Group 2 showed regular and smooth edges. A statistically significant higher expression of the downstream apoptotic effector cleaved caspase 3 was observed in Group 1. Conclusions The saw-tooth appearance was likely due to the progressive sequence of laser pulses on the capsule. The low energy/high frequency properties of the laser pulse, combined with an overlapped pulse pattern, resulted in highly continuous morphology of capsule edges. The higher apoptosis induction in FLACS group might be due to photodisruption-dependent plasma generation and formation of cavitation bubbles.

【In Press】 Bimanual microincision cataract surgery with implantation of the new Incise? MJ14 intraocular lens through a 1.4 mm incision

AIM To analyze the visual outcomes and the posterior capsule opacification (PCO) with the new Incise® MJ14 intraocular lens (IOL) implanted through a 1.4 mm clear corneal incision (CCI) in patients who underwent bimanual microincision cataract surgery (B-MICS). METHODS Eighty eyes which underwent cataract surgery using B-MICS technique performed by the same experienced surgeon were included in the study: 40 eyes were implanted with an Incise® MJ14 IOL through a 1.4 mm CCI (group A) without enlargement of the main CCI, while 40 eyes were implanted with an Akreos® MI60 IOL with enlargement of the main CCI to 1.8 mm (group B). Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), astigmatism and endothelial cell loss were evaluated before and after surgery at 7, 30d and 6mo. Anterior segment-optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) of CCI was performed at 1, 3, 7, 30d, 6 and 18mo. PCO incidence was evaluated at 18mo using EPCO 2000 Software. RESULTS Mean BCVA improvement and endothelial cell loss were statistically significant at 18mo in both groups with no difference between the two groups; no statistically significant difference in surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) was noticed in the two groups. At AS-OCT the only significant alterations in the CCI were endothelial gaping and local detachment of Descemets membrane at 1 and 7d after surgery; no statistically significant alterations were found at 1, 6 and 18mo. PCO score at 18mo was 0.03±0.07 for group A and 0.08±0.18 for group B (P=0.11) with no sign of central optic plate invasion in both groups. CONCLUSION The implant of the new Incise® MJ14 IOL through a 1.4 mm CCI and B-MICS technique appeared to be a safe and effective procedure with rapid visual recovery. PCO rate resulted very low and the CCI presented few morphological alterations which were only detectable in the first days postoperatively and achieved fast corneal healing during the long-term follow-up.

Postoperative diffuse opacification of a hydrophilic acrylic intraocular lens: analysis of an explant

AbstractPurposeWe describe the clinicopathological and ultrastructural features of an opaque single-piece hydrophilic acrylic intraocular lens (IOL) explanted from a patient.MethodThe main outcome of this report is the documentation of calcium deposits confirmed by surface analysis. The decrease in visual acuity was due to the opacification of the IOL. The opacification involved both the optic plate and the haptics.Results The analysis at the scansion electron microscope revealed that the opacity was caused by the deposition of calcium and phosphate within the lens optic and haptics.ConclusionThis is the first case about the opacification of an Oculentis L-313. The opacification was characterized by calcium and phosphate deposition probably due to a morphological alteration of the posterior surface of the IOL.

Bimanual femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery compared to standard bimanual phacoemulsification: A case–control study:

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of bimanual, low-energy femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery with 1.4-mm microincisions compared to standard bimanual phacoemulsification (bimanual microincision cataract surgery). Design: Prospective, non-randomized comparative case series. Methods: Bimanual femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery with microincisions was performed on 80 eyes (Group A) with the low-energy Ziemer LDV Z8; a matched case–control series of 80 eyes performed with standard bimanual microincision cataract surgery technique was selected for comparison (Group B). All interventions were performed by the same experienced surgeon. Intraoperative parameters were recorded as well as intra- and postoperative complications. Best corrected visual acuity, surgically induced astigmatism, central corneal thickness and endothelial cell count were evaluated before surgery and at 1 and 3 months post intervention. Results: The mean effective phaco times were 3.79 ± 2.19 s (Group A) and 4.49 ± 1.84 s (Group B) (p = 0.041). No major intra- or postoperative complications occurred. An overall significant mean best corrected visual acuity improvement was noted at 3 months, but was not statistically different between the groups. No significant changes were observed for surgically induced astigmatism or corneal pachymetry. A significant loss of endothelial cell count in both groups was detected at 3 months, with Group A reporting a significantly lower endothelial cell count loss compared to Group B (p = 0.009). Conclusion: Bimanual, low-energy femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery with 1.4-mm microincisions by an expert surgeon was proven to be safe and effective in this study. This technique has advantages compared with standard bimanual microincision cataract surgery in terms of endothelial preservation.