Nir Sorkin

Keratoconus and allergic diseases among Israeli adolescents between 2005 and 2013.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between keratoconus (KC) and common allergic conditions, such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis in a large-scale database–based epidemiological study. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study to estimate the epidemiologic relationship between KC and allergic diseases. The study population included all Israeli adolescents who underwent medical evaluation by the Israeli Defense Force, between the years 2005 and 2013. The presence of KC was determined by corneal topography read by an ophthalmologist. Results: A statistically significantly increased odds ratio (OR) for the presence of KC was found for asthma [OR: 2.0; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.6–2.5; P < 0.001], allergic rhinitis (OR: 1.6; 95% CI: 1.3–2.0; P < 0.001), and the combination of allergic conjunctivitis, chronic blepharitis, and vernal keratoconjunctivitis (AC/CB/VKC), for which a particularly strong association was found (OR: 6.0; 95% CI: 4.0–9.2; P < 0.001). No significant association was found between angioedema, urticaria, history of anaphylaxis, allergy to hymenoptera sting or atopic dermatitis, and KC. After stratifying the patients according to the severity of the allergic disease, the association between severe (AC/CB/VKC) and KC was very high (OR: 36.5; 95% CI: 20.4–65.4; P < 0.001). Conclusions: In this study, we demonstrated a substantial association between (AC/CB/VKC), asthma, allergic rhinitis, and KC, with no significant association between other allergic diseases and KC. The severity of the allergic status is without doubt associated with a greater risk of having KC. The mechanism causing this association is still unclear.

Enhancing Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty in Postvitrectomy Eyes With the Use of Pars Plana Infusion

Purpose: To present a modified surgical technique to perform Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) in previously vitrectomized eyes and to analyze its safety and efficacy. Methods: A retrospective analysis of previously vitrectomized eyes that underwent DMEK at Toronto Western Hospital was performed. The modified DMEK technique that was used included placement of a posterior pars plana infusion to reduce fluctuations in the anterior chamber depth and its excessive deepening. Results: Twelve eyes of 12 patients (5 females and 7 males) aged 65.3 ± 21.5 years were included. Mean best-corrected visual acuity improved significantly from 1.72 ± 0.62 logMAR (mean Snellen ∼20/1040) preoperatively to 1.01 ± 0.64 logMAR (mean Snellen ∼20/200) at 6 months postoperatively (P = 0.017). Mean donor endothelial cell density was 2658 ± 229 cells/mm2 preoperatively and 1732 ± 454 cells/mm2 at 6 months after the procedure (mean percentage cell loss of 31.8%) (P = 0.046). There were no significant intraoperative complications, and no graft failures. One eye had graft detachment, which resolved after 2 rebubbling procedures. One eye had retinal detachment, which was corrected surgically. Conclusions: The use of posterior pars plana infusion in previously vitrectomized eyes stabilizes the anterior segment during DMEK, allowing for performance of DMEK surgery, and can potentially reduce intraoperative and postoperative complications.

Comparison of Ishihara Booklet with Color Vision Smartphone Applications.

Purpose To compare the standard Ishihara booklet with color-vision-testing smartphone applications. Methods A prospective observational diagnostic study on 42 normal trichromats and 38 color-deficient subjects. Patients were presented with three color vision tests in random order: an Ishihara test booklet and two color-vision-testing smartphone applications: Eye2Phone and the Color Vision Test application (CVT app). Sensitivity and specificity of the electronic tests was compared with Ishihara results, and in each one of these applications every plate was individually analyzed for success/failure rate. Results Average age was 42.7 ± 12.9 years. There were 57 males (71.2%). Sensitivity and specificity of each test was 100% (38/38) and 95.2% (40/42) for the Eye2Phone, and 100% (38/38) and 54.8% (23/42) for the CVT app. There was no significant difference between the Ishihara booklet and the Eye2Phone (p = 0.500), with a high kappa measure of agreement (0.950, p < 0.001). The CVT app was significantly different than both other tests (p < 0.001) with a low kappa measure of agreement (0.535 with the Ishihara and 0.575 with the Eye2Phone). Of the 21 tested plates, color-deficient subjects failed 11.8 ± 3.1 plates in the Ishihara booklet and 14.1 ± 2.1 plates in the Eye2Phone (p < 0.001). Significant plate-specific differences for the color-deficient group were found in plate numbers 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 15, and 16. Both tests were poorly able to give an indication of the specific dichromatism type. The Ishihara booklet was rated more comfortable and clearer than the Eye2Phone in color-deficient subjects. The CVT app was rated lowest for comfort and clarity in both groups. Conclusions Smartphone applications testing for color vision deficiency are readily available; however, users of these apps should be aware that some may have different sensitivity for detection of color vision deficiency compared to Ishihara booklet, limiting their usefulness for clinical use. Therefore, further validation of these applications is required.

Comparison of Femtosecond Laser-Enabled Descemetorhexis and Manual Descemetorhexis in Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty

Purpose: To introduce a novel method to perform descemetorhexis in Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) using the femtosecond laser and to compare it with Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty performed with manual descemetorhexis (M-DMEK). Methods: A retrospective medical chart review of 2 groups of patients who underwent DMEK surgery combined with cataract surgery secondary to Fuchs corneal endothelial dystrophy and cataract: 17 patients underwent femtosecond laser-enabled descemetorhexis Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (FE-DMEK) and 89 patients underwent DMEK surgery with M-DMEK. Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity, endothelial cell density (ECD), graft detachment rate, and complications were compared. Results: Average age of the 106 patients (64 women and 42 men) was 68 ± 11 years. Postoperative best spectacle-corrected visual acuity was 0.19 ± 0.13 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution in the FE-DMEK group and 0.35 ± 0.48 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution in the M-DMEK group (P = 0.218). One day after surgery, there were no significant graft detachments in the FE-DMEK group, compared with 20% graft detachment rate in the M-DMEK group (P = 0.041). Rebubbling was performed in 17% of eyes in the M-DMEK group compared with none in the FE-DMEK group (P = 0.066). The mean endothelial cell count in the FE-DMEK and M-DMEK groups at 6 months after surgery were 2105 ± 285 cells per square millimeter (24% cells loss) and 1990 ± 600 cells per square millimeter (29% cells loss), respectively (P = 0.579). Conclusions: FE-DMEK shows efficacy similar to that of M-DMEK with apparently less graft detachment and reduced need for rebubbling.

Peripheral Blunt Dissection: Using a Microhoe-Facilitated Method for Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty Donor Tissue Preparation

Purpose: To describe a modified technique for Descemet membrane donor tissue preparation that facilitates the original Melles stripping technique. Methods: Descemet membrane is prepared using a Rootman/Goldich modified Sloane microhoe, using a blunt instrument as opposed to a sharp blade or needle and begins dissection within the trabecular meshwork. The trabecular tissue is dissected for 360 degrees, and then Descemet membrane is stripped to approximately 50%. A skin biopsy punch is then used to create fenestration in the cornea, which is used to mark an “F.” on the stromal side of Descemet membrane to aid in orientation of the graft. Trephination of the membrane is then performed and stripping is completed. The tissue is stained with 0.06% trypan blue and aspirated into an injector for insertion into the anterior chamber. Results: Before converting to the technique described, 5 of 75 (6.7%) tissues were wasted and 7 of 75 (9.3%) tissues with radial tears were salvaged for use. Since converting to the new technique, only 1 of 171 (0.6%) (P = 0.01) tissues was wasted and 7 of 171 (4.1%) (P = 0.2) tissues with radial tears were salvaged. Conclusions: The peripheral blunt dissection technique offers an improvement over the technique originally described by Melles et al, as the incidence of tissue wastage and tears is lower, it is easy to learn, has low stress, and is reproducible. Combining this with a stromal surface letter mark ensures correct orientation of the tissue against the corneal stroma of the recipient.

Predictability of Biometry in Patients Undergoing Cataract Surgery.

Purpose To compare measurements of axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), keratometry (K), and the refractive predictability of the Aladdin and IOLMaster biometry devices in cataract surgery patients. Methods A retrospective observational study of eyes undergoing cataract surgery. Data were retrieved on AL, ACD, and K measurements obtained by the Aladdin and the IOLMaster. Furthermore, the postoperative refractive prediction errors were compared between the devices. Results The study included 127 consecutive eyes of 127 patients undergoing cataract surgery. Mean measurements of AL were not significantly different between the Aladdin (24.18 ± 1.89 mm) and IOLMaster (24.18 ± 1.89 mm) (p = 0.792). Mean K measurements were different between Aladdin (43.84 ± 1.56 D) and IOLMaster (43.97 ± 1.61 D) (p < 0.001). For AL, Aladdin measurements correlated strongly with IOLMaster measurements (r = 0.9997). For K, Aladdin measurements correlated strongly with IOLMaster measurements (r = 0.9912). Fifty-eight of the 127 eyes underwent cataract surgery with a monofocal intraocular lens. For these, mean absolute error (MAE) in predicting refraction relative to the measured postoperative refraction differed between Aladdin (MAE = 0.54 ± 0.40D) and IOLMaster (MAE = 0.49 ± 0.41D) (p = 0.001). After adjustment for the systematic difference in K measurements, the difference in MAE was no longer significant (p = 0.601). The ACD measurements did not differ significantly (p = 0.873) and were well correlated (r = 0.8327). Conclusions A very good correlation was found in AL, K, and ACD measurements between the Aladdin biometer and the IOLMaster. Minimal adjustment for the constant difference in keratometry measurements matched the refractive predictability of both devices.

Simple limbal epithelial transplantation for recurrent pterygium: A case series

Purpose Pterygium recurrence is a common complication of pterygium removal. Multiple surgical and medical approaches have been utilized to reduce recurrence rates. The present case series proposes a novel way to treat recurrent pterygia, by using the simple limbal epithelial transplantation (SLET) technique. Observations The cases of four patients who presented with recurrent pterygium were reviewed. In all four of the cases reported, the SLET procedure went without complication. There were no significant recurrences at each of the patients most recent follow-up visits. Conclusions and importance This is the first report of SLET being used as a treatment modality for recurrent pterygium. Further studies are required to more reliably demonstrate the utility of the procedure in this clinical circumstance, but our results are encouraging that in select patients, this may be a viable option in treating aggressive recurrent pterygia.

Bilateral BrightOcular iris implants necessitating explantation and subsequent endothelial keratoplasty

Purpose To demonstrate the dangers associated with the BrightOcular iris implant, a model that had initially been touted as safer than its predecessors. Observations A 41-year-old male presented with decreased vision in both eyes, approximately two years following bilateral BrightOcular cosmetic iris implantation performed in Mexico. On initial consultation, he was found to have bilateral corneal decompensation with stromal edema and a significantly reduced endothelial cell count (ECC). On follow up 5 weeks later, his vision and corneal edema had further detriorated. In the following month, he underwent explantation of the cosmetic iris implants in both eyes. Significant corneal edema persisted in the right eye several months post-operatively, to the point of necessitating endothelial keratoplasty. Conclusions and importance Despite numerous reports in the literature of the significant ocular complications that can arise secondary to cosmetic iris implantation, individuals continue to willingly undergo this surgery. Our intention with presenting this case to the ophthalmologic community is two-fold: to highlight the ongoing clinical risk that BrightOcular devices pose, despite being marketed as safer than the older NewColourIris models, and to stress the urgency with which cosmetic iris implants should be removed from the eye.

Topography-Guided Photorefractive Keratectomy in the Treatment of Corneal Scarring.

PURPOSE To report the outcome of topography-guided photorefractive keratectomy (TG-PRK) in the treatment of patients with corneal scarring. METHODS A retrospective, interventional case series including 6 eyes of 6 patients with corneal scarring and irregular astigmatism who underwent TG-PRK. The etiologies for scarring were: infectious corneal ulcers, foreign body trauma, LASIK flap buttonhole, and lamellar keratoplasties performed to correct corneal perforation secondary to corneal melting. Main outcome measures were corrected distance visual acuity, uncorrected distance visual acuity, manifest refraction, and corneal regularity on topography maps. RESULTS Average age was 56.5 ± 19.6 years and average follow-up time was 14.8 ± 6.1 months. Three patients had corneal scarring with cataract and underwent TG-PRK to achieve sufficient regularization of corneal astigmatism to enable the implantation of a toric intraocular lens (IOL). The three remaining patients had TG-PRK performed to improve visual acuity, and all had improvement in uncorrected (improvement between one and three Snellen lines) and corrected (improvement between two and three Snellen lines) distance visual acuity. There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications and no loss of visual acuity. CONCLUSIONS The use of TG-PRK for corneal scarring may improve visual acuity in selected cases, obviate the need for keratoplasty in some cases, and facilitate toric IOL implantation in some cases. [J Refract Surg. 2017;33(9):639-644.].

Bilateral effect of unilateral dexamethasone intravitreal implant in a case of noninfectious uveitic macular edema and vitritis.

PURPOSE To describe a bilateral therapeutic effect of the 0.7-mg dexamethasone drug delivery system injected in 1 eye of a patient with bilateral, noninfectious uveitic macular edema and vitritis. METHODS Interventional case report. RESULTS A 26-year-old woman had vitritis and macular edema in both eyes and received a dexamethasone drug delivery system injection to the right eye. Best-corrected visual acuity, clinical examination, and Heidelberg Spectralis spectral domain optical coherence tomography were performed at baseline and during follow-up visits. Follow-up time was 24 months. Vitritis and macular edema completely resolved in both eyes with bilateral improvement in visual acuity. Treatment effect enabled systemic immunosuppressive treatment to be lowered, and the effect lasted for 24 months. CONCLUSION Unilateral dexamethasone drug delivery system injection might have a bilateral therapeutic effect in uveitic eyes. This observation may be related to the compromised blood-retina barrier in eyes with uveitis. Further studies are warranted to assess this effect.