R. Wayne Bowman

Reliability of intraocular pressure measurements after myopic excimer photorefractive keratectomy

OBJECTIVE To determine the reliability of intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements by Goldmann applanation tonometry and pneumotonometry in eyes treated with excimer myopic photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). DESIGN A prospective case series. PARTICIPANTS Forty consecutive eyes treated with PRK were evaluated. INTERVENTION AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Central and peripheral corneal Goldmann tonometry and pneumotonometry measurements were done before surgery, at 1 week, and at 1 and 3 months after surgery. RESULTS The IOP by Goldmann tonometry from the central cornea was significantly lower than the peripheral IOP; however, there was no difference between IOP measured from central and peripheral corneas by pneumotonometry, which, in turn, correlated with peripheral Goldmann measurements. There was a trend, but not a statistically significant correlation, between the spherical equivalent of the treatment and the amount of decrease in central Goldmann IOP. CONCLUSIONS Pneumotonometry measures the IOP reliably after PRK from all parts of the cornea, whereas central Goldmann tonometry underestimates the IOP by 2.40+/-1.23 mmHg.

Corneal Higher-Order Aberrations after Descemet's Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty

PURPOSE To compare the corneal higher-order aberration (HOA) after Descemets stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) and penetrating keratoplasty (PKP), and in age-matched controls. DESIGN Cross-sectional, non-comparative interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS Thirty-one eyes of 28 patients who underwent DSAEK, 20 eyes of 16 patients who underwent PKP, and 31 eyes of 31 control patients. INTERVENTION The corneal topography and HOAs of the central 4- and 6-mm zones from anterior and posterior corneal surfaces were evaluated postoperatively with the Scheimpflug rotating imaging system (Oculus Gmbh, Wetzlar, Germany). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Anterior and posterior corneal HOAs. RESULTS The mean anterior corneal total HOAs of the central 4 and 6 mm were 0.599+/-0.288 microm and 1.215+/-0.496 microm, respectively, in eyes that underwent DSAEK; 1.730+/-0.826 microm and 3.349+/-1.490 microm, respectively, in eyes that underwent PKP; and 0.439+/-0.163 microm and 0.921+/-0.300 microm, respectively, in controls. Although the mean anterior corneal total HOAs of the central 4 and 6 mm were significantly higher in eyes that underwent PKP than in eyes that underwent DSAEK and in controls (P<0.01), there was no significant difference in anterior corneal total HOAs of the central 4 and 6 mm between eyes that underwent DSAEK and controls. The mean posterior corneal total HOAs of the central 4 and 6 mm were 3.680+/-1.586 microm and 7.142+/-3.011 microm, respectively, in eyes that underwent DSAEK; 2.957+/-1.238 microm and 5.314+/-2.095 microm, respectively, in eyes that underwent PKP; and 0.818+/-0.193 microm and 1.609+/-0.344 microm, respectively, in controls. Although there was no significant difference in posterior corneal total HOAs of the central 4 mm between the DSAEK group and the PKP group, the posterior corneal HOAs of the central 6 mm were significantly higher in the DSAEK group than in the PKP group (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Although posterior corneal HOAs are significantly higher in eyes that underwent DSAEK, anterior corneal HOAs are not significantly different in eyes that underwent DSAEK than those of age-matched controls.

Possible role of the vitamin E solubilizer in topical diclofenac on matrix metalloproteinase expression in corneal melting: An analysis of postoperative keratolysis

OBJECTIVE To analyze tissue matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression in three patients who developed postoperative corneal melts after treatment with topical diclofenac sodium 0.1% (Falcon; Fort Worth, TX) ophthalmic solution. DESIGN Retrospective noncomparative interventional case series with tissue analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Three patients were examined in this study. We report two patients from the same center with acute corneal melts after uncomplicated photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). Prior to these cases, 1500 patients were treated at the Zale Lipshy University Laser Center for Vision with no adverse effects. All 1500 patients were treated with the same postoperative regimen of ciprofloxacin, rimexolone, and suprofen ([Profenal, (CIBA, Duluth, GA]). The next 27 cases were treated postoperatively with ciprofloxacin and rimexolone. However, diclofenac sodium 0.1% was used instead of Profenal. A third case was also discussed. This melt occurred at another center in a postoperative cataract patient who developed cystoid macular edema after cataract extraction with intraocular lens placement. He was initially treated with diclofenac sodium 0.1% (Ciba Vision, Duluth, GA) then with diclofenac sodium 0.1%. He subsequently developed a corneal perforation requiring penetrating keratoplasty. All tissue specimens were examined by light microscopy. Microbiologic cultures and stains were also performed. Immunolocalization and in situ hybridization were performed on all keratoplasty specimens to detect expression and localization of MMPs. All patients had a complete diagnostic evaluation for systemic autoimmune diseases. RESULTS Postoperatively, all patients developed corneal perforations requiring surgical intervention while being treated with diclofenac sodium 0.1%. Microbiologic cultures and special stains were negative for microorganisms. Induced expression of specific tissue degrading enzymes of the matrix metalloproteinase family was demonstrated within corneal epithelial cells, stromal keratocytes, and at the level of Descemets membrane. The uniform distribution pattern of expression was not consistent with the localization expected of a repair response, suggesting the involvement of some outside agent. CONCLUSIONS Whereas MMP expression is a normal component of repair, excessive or inappropriate MMP activity is associated with corneal keratolysis. Our study provides preliminary evidence that topical application of diclofenac sodium 0.1% may be associated with aberrant MMP expression in the cornea.

Corneal Deturgescence after Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty Evaluated by Visante Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography

PURPOSE To evaluate postoperative corneal deturgescence after Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) using the Visante anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT) system (Carl Zeiss Meditec Inc, Dublin, California, USA). DESIGN Retrospective case series. METHODS We included 21 eyes (9 males and 12 females; mean age +/- standard deviation, 76.3 +/- 12 years). The Visante OCT system was used to determine the central and peripheral endothelial keratoplasty graft thickness and total central and peripheral corneal thickness. RESULTS Central graft thickness decreased from the first day (243.3 +/- 92 microm) to the last visit (147.8 +/- 44 microm; P = .0001). The rate of central graft thinning slowed during the following intervals: during the first week (47 microm), at 1 week to 1 month (40 microm), and at 1 to 6 months (25 microm), with a mild increase at 6 to 9 months (5 microm). Peripheral graft thickness continued to decrease from postoperative day 1 (318.5 +/- 99 microm) to the last visit (196.7 +/- 50 microm; P = .0001). There was a decrease in total central corneal thickness from day 1 (903.8 +/- 179 microm) to the last visit (671 +/- 93 microm; P = .0001). All patients were imaged with the Visante OCT at the first 4 defined postoperative intervals; however, only 9 eyes were imaged at the last interval of 6 to 9 months. CONCLUSIONS After DSAEK, there is a greater thinning of the central graft compared with the peripheral graft. The central cornea thickness decreases and peripheral corneal thickness increases. Central corneal graft deturgescence stabilizes by 6 months after surgery.

Comparative study of descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty donor preparation by Moria CBm microkeratome, horizon microkeratome, and Intralase FS60.

Purpose: To report a rare case of large conjunctival B-cell lymphoma in a child. Methods: A 13-year-old girl was initially diagnosed with a right lower eyelid chalazion. After 3 weeks during which the mass was growing, she was referred for treatment to our department. Because of the unusual appearance of the mass, an excisional biopsy was performed. Results: Pathological findings were consistent with those of a large B-cell lymphoma. CD20 and Ki67 staining were positive, and polymerase chain reaction analysis showed monoclonality of B cells. Conclusions: Although conjunctival lymphoma is a very rare entity in children, it should be included in the differential diagnosis of an eyelid or conjunctival mass.PURPOSE To evaluate the quality of stromal bed and the safety on endothelium in preparation of donor tissue for Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty in a masked fashion using 2 mechanical microkeratomes and a femtosecond laser. METHODS Deep anterior lamellar dissection was performed on 15 donor corneas. Central endothelial cell density was calculated using specular microscopy before and after the dissection. One cornea from each of 5 donor pairs was cut with the Moria ALTK system with the CBm microkeratome using the 300-μm head and the mate cut with the Horizon disposable 300-μm microkeratome. Five additional donor corneas were cut with the Intralase 60-kHz FS laser. The donor corneas were then bisected with half of the cornea used for Live/Dead assay to study central endothelial viability. The other halves were sent for scanning electron microscopy of the stromal bed. Qualitative surface roughness of the scanning electron microscopy images was graded by 2 masked observers, and quantitative surface roughness was assessed using roughness evaluation software. RESULTS The Horizon group showed a smoother stromal bed compared with the Moria or Intralase groups by 2 masked observers. However, the Moria group had the smoothest quantitative score of all the groups when assessed by roughness evaluation software. There was no statistically significant difference among the 3 groups in the percentage change in the central endothelial cell density or percentage of viable central endothelium by Live/Dead assay after the dissection. CONCLUSIONS Both mechanical microkeratomes created smoother stromal bed dissections than the femtosecond laser. All systems provided good endothelial cell viability.

Intraocular lens power calculation after myopic laser in situ keratomileusis: Estimating the corneal refractive power

PURPOSE: To derive regression‐based formulas and identify essential dependent variables to estimate refractive corneal power after myopic laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). SETTING: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA. METHODS: A retrospective data review of 30 eyes (23 patients) having myopic LASIK followed by phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in the same eye gathered the following: pre‐LASIK and post‐LASIK refractions and topographies, axial length, IOL type and power, and spherical equivalent (SE) refraction 3 months after phacoemulsification. Using the double‐K Holladay 1 formula, the refractive corneal power in each eye was back‐calculated. Regression formulas were derived and compared with current corneal power estimation methods. RESULTS: The multiple regression formula based on the average corneal power in the central 3.0 mm area (ACCP3mm) and the change (Δ) in SE (SEpostLASIK − SEpreLASIK) was simplified to ACCPadj = ACCP3mm − 0.16ΔSE, with the highest Pearson correlation coefficient (r = 0.989) and lowest absolute corneal power estimation error (0.30 diopter [D] ± 0.30 (SD)). Regression based on ACCP3mm alone yielded 0.980 and 0.49 ± 0.40 D, respectively. Using SimK with ΔSE resulted in a lower r value (0.971) and larger absolute corneal power estimation error (0.65 ± 0.44 D) (P = .0014). The clinical history methods yielded 0.909 and 1.09 ± 0.868 D, respectively (P = .0005). CONCLUSION: The regression formula based on ACCP3mm and ΔSE was very accurate in predicting refractive corneal power after myopic LASIK followed by formulas based on ACCP3mm alone and SimK and ΔSE, all of which consolidate the validity of similar previously suggested methods, including EffRPadjusted.

Wavefront-guided LASIK for myopia using the LADAR CustomCornea and the VISX CustomVue.

PURPOSE To evaluate the objective and subjective visual outcomes and refractive results of wavefront-guided LASIK with LADAR CustomCornea and VISX CustomVue. METHODS This prospective randomized single-institution multisurgeon study comprised 100 eyes of 58 patients (50 eyes on each laser platform). Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), and manifest refraction were measured postoperatively at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months. Contrast sensitivity, higher order aberrations measurement, and a subjective vision questionnaire were performed preoperatively and at 3 months. RESULTS Preoperatively, the CustomCornea group had a mean manifest sphere of -3.58 +/- 1.61 diopters (D) (range: -0.50 to -7.25 D), cylinder of +0.64 +/- 0.45 D (range: 0 to +1.75 D), and manifest refractive spherical equivalent (MRSE) of -3.26 +/- 1.56 D. The CustomVue group had a manifest sphere of -4.00 +/- 1.69 D (range: -1.50 to -7.50 D), cylinder of +0.60 +/- 0.52 D (range: 0 to +2.00 D), and MRSE of -3.70 +/- 1.64 D. At 3 months, 94% of CustomCornea eyes and 84% of CustomVue eyes had UCVA > or = 20/20 (P = .20). Twenty-four percent of CustomVue eyes and 22% of CustomCornea eyes gained 1 line of BSCVA. In both groups, 96% of eyes were within 0.50 D of emmetropia. Mean CustomCornea glare contrast sensitivity improved (P = .04) whereas more eyes improved than worsened in both groups. Spherical aberration and total higher order aberrations increased, and trefoil decreased in both groups. A decrease in coma was noted in 70% of CustomCornea eyes. CONCLUSIONS Wavefront-guided LASIK with both platforms is safe, effective, and delivers excellent visual results. CustomCornea improves contrast sensitivity under glare conditions.

Laser in situ keratomileusis for residual refractive errors after apodized diffractive multifocal intraocular lens implantation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the visual and refractive outcomes of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) to correct residual refractive error after apodized diffractive multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. SETTING: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA. METHODS: This retrospective study reviewed eyes of consecutive patients who had LASIK using the IntraLase FS60 femtosecond laser and Visx Star S4 excimer laser to correct residual refractive error after AcrySof ReSTOR IOL implantation. RESULTS: The review comprised 85 eyes of 59 patients. Thirty‐six eyes (42.3%) had myopic correction, 35 (41.2%) had mixed astigmatic correction, and 14 (16.5%) had hyperopic correction; 45 eyes (52.9%) also had neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) capsulotomy. Six months after LASIK, 91.8% of eyes had an uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCVA) of 20/25 or better, 92.9% had an uncorrected near visual acuity (UCNVA) of J1 or better, and 85.9% had 20/25 or better UCVA concurrent with J1 or better UCNVA. No eye lost more than 1 line of best spectacle‐corrected visual acuity; 2 eyes (2.4%) lost 1 line. Ninety‐nine percent of eyes were within ±1.00 diopter (D) of emmetropia, and 98% of eyes were within ±1.00 D cylinder. There was no significant difference in postoperative UCVA or UCNVA between the 3 refraction groups (P >.05) or between eyes that had Nd:YAG capsulotomy and those that did not (P >.05). CONCLUSION: Laser in situ keratomileusis for residual ametropia after apodized diffractive multifocal IOL implantation was predictable, effective, and safe.

Comparison of the corneal response to laser in situ keratomileusis with flap creation using the FS15 and FS30 femtosecond lasers: clinical and confocal microscopy findings.

PURPOSE: To compare the response of the cornea to laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) with flap creation using the IntraLase FS15 or FS30 femtosecond laser (IntraLase Corp.). SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA. METHODS: Twenty‐three patients (31 eyes) who had LASIK with flap creation using the FS15 or FS30 laser were assessed by clinical examination and confocal microscopy in a nonrandomized parallel treatment group comparative trial. Eight FS15 patients (15 eyes) were examined preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively, and 14 FS30 patients (15 eyes) were examined 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: No patient in either group had clinically significant flap interface haze. One FS15 eye and 1 FS30 eye had significant keratocyte activation at the flap interface. The mean difference between the actual flap thickness and intended flap thickness was 16.8 μm ± 11.1 (SD) and 13.9 ± 7.1 μm in the FS15 group and FS30 group, respectively (P = .49). The mean measured interface reflectivity was 156.4 ± 88.6 confocal backscatter units (CBU) and 104.8 ± 91.2 CBU, respectively (P = .15). The mean density of interface particles was 21.4 ± 14.8 particles/mm2 in the FS15 group and 11.0 ± 7.1 particles/mm2 in the FS30 group (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both the FS15 and FS30 lasers provided more reproducible flap thickness and fewer interface particles than previously observed using microkeratomes. The response of corneal keratocytes to intra‐LASIK was reduced compared with previous results in which higher raster energies were used. Compared with the FS15, there was an apparent reduction in overall interface reflectivity and fewer interface particles with the FS30 laser.

Comparison of photorefractive keratectomy and laser in situ keratomileusis for the treatment of compound hyperopic astigmatism

Purpose: To compare photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for compound hyperopic astigmatism. Setting: University laser center. Methods: This prospective nonrandomized study evaluated 41 consecutive eyes (27 patients) that had PRK and 24 consecutive eyes (15 patients) that had LASIK to correct compound hyperopic astigmatism. Results: The mean preoperative error was +3.06 diopters of sphere (DS) ±1.73 (SD)/+1.31 ± 0.60 diopters of cylinder (DC) in the PRK eyes and +2.86 ±1.28 DS/+1.55 ± 0.96 DC in the LASIK eyes. The mean maximal pain score in PRK eyes was 1.95 ± 1.19 (range 0.0 to 3.0) in PRK eyes and 0.84 ±1.12 in LASIK eyes (P=.0014). The uncorrected visual acuity was 20/20 or better in 7.7% of the PRK eyes and 58.3% of the LASIK eyes at 1 month (P<.001) and 57.9% and 66.7%, respectively, at 9 months (P=.586). The mean postoperative spherical error was −0.95 ± 0.92 D in PRK eyes and +0.33 ± 0.56 D in LASIK eyes at 1 month (P<.001) and +0.64 ± 1.01 D and +0.44 ± 0.57 D, respectively, at 9 months (P=.375). There was no statistically significant between‐group difference in the mean residual astigmatic error. Mild peripheral haze (grade 0.5 to 1.0) occurred in 19.5% of PRK eyes and no LASIK eye. No eye in either group lost more than 2 lines of best spectacle‐corrected visual acuity. Conclusions: Photorefractive keratectomy was more painful than LASIK and led to a slower visual recovery, a higher incidence of peripheral haze, and an initial myopic overcorrection, which self‐corrected by 3 to 6 months. Efficacy and stability of the astigmatic correction were similar in both groups. Long‐term stability of both procedures requires further study.