Vincenzo Maurino

Risk factors for development of post-trabeculectomy endophthalmitis

BACKGROUND/AIMS Although adjunctive use of antiproliferative agents improves the success rate of glaucoma filtration surgery it profoundly alters the morphology of the filtering bleb. In view of these structural changes, which have been suggested to predispose to bleb infection, the relative importance of potential risk factors in the development of post-trabeculectomy endophthalmitis was investigated. METHODS A case-control study was performed on patients with post-trabeculectomy endophthalmitis presenting to a single academic centre over a 6½ year period. Cases were diagnosed by the combination of vitreous and aqueous inflammation occurring 4 or more weeks postoperatively with control patients chosen by selecting the three patients undergoing trabeculectomy immediately following each index case. RESULTS Analysis of these data, derived from 23 cases and 69 controls, demonstrated that an episode of blebitis and the presence of diabetes mellitus were statistically significantly associated with subsequent endophthalmitis (odds ratios (OR) 11.8, 95% CI: 2.21–88.31, p = 0.003 and OR 4.51, 95 % CI 1.02–20.29, p = 0.04 respectively). The data also suggest an association exists between antiproliferative use and endophthalmitis (OR 3.3, 95% CI 0.95–15.19, p = 0.07) as the time interval between filtration surgery and development of endophthalmitis was significantly shorter in patients treated with antiproliferative agents (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS These results provide strong evidence of an increased risk of late endophthalmitis in patients who have diabetes mellitus or have had an episode of blebitis and suggest antiproliferative agents may also have an important role.

Fixed dilated pupil (Urrets-Zavalia syndrome) after air/gas injection after deep lamellar keratoplasty for keratoconus.

PURPOSE To describe three cases of fixed dilated pupil and presumed iris ischemia (Urrets-Zavalia syndrome) after anterior chamber air/gas injection after deep lamellar keratoplasty for keratoconus. METHODS Interventional case series. Three eyes of three patients with keratoconus underwent deep lamellar keratoplasty and intraoperative or postoperative injection of air/gas in the anterior chamber to appose the host-donor lamellar graft interface. RESULTS Urrets-Zavalia syndrome was diagnosed on clinical grounds in three cases and was associated with the Descemet membrane microperforation intraoperatively and introduction of air/gas into the anterior chamber intraoperatively or postoperatively. CONCLUSION A fixed dilated pupil is an uncommon complication of penetrating keratoplasty for keratoconus that can also develop after deep lamellar keratoplasty. Leaving an air or gas bubble in the anterior chamber of a phakic eye after deep lamellar keratoplasty is a risk factor and should therefore be avoided.

Surgically induced astigmatism after phacoemulsification in eyes with mild to moderate corneal astigmatism: temporal versus on-axis clear corneal incisions.

PURPOSE: To determine whether there is a difference in surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) and postoperative uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) between 2 types of clear corneal incisions used in phacoemulsification: the temporal and the on‐axis (ie, on the steeper corneal meridian) clear corneal incision (CCTI and CCOI, respectively). SETTING: Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom. METHODS: In a prospective randomized controlled trial (pilot study), 61 eyes with cataract and mild to moderate corneal astigmatism (<2.58 diopters [D] on corneal topography) having phacoemulsification (single surgeon, 3.2 mm incision) were randomized to receive CCTI or CCOI. Main outcome measures included postoperative BCVA and corneal astigmatism and SIA (calculated using the Holladay vector analysis formula). Measurements were repeated postoperatively at 3 weeks in all eyes, whereas only 46 eyes made it to the final assessment at 8 weeks. Continuous variables between groups were compared by Student t test. The power of the study was calculated. RESULTS: At the first follow‐up, the difference in SIA between the 2 incision types was 0.15 D and it was not statistically significant (0.65 D in CCOI; 0.50 D in CCTI). At the second follow‐up, the difference was 0.29 D and it was statistically significant (0.63 D in CCOI; 0.34 D in CCTI; P = .0004). There was no statistically significant difference in the final postoperative visual acuity. The power of the pilot study was 72%. CONCLUSION: Seven weeks after small‐incision phacoemulsification, the CCTI induced less SIA than the CCOI; however, there were no significant differences in the final UCVA and BCVA.

Torque and flattening effects of clear corneal temporal and on-axis incisions for phacoemulsification.

PURPOSE: To compare the torque and flattening effect induced by temporal or on‐axis clear corneal incisions (CCIs) for phacoemulsification. SETTING: Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, United Kingdom. METHODS: Randomized controlled clinical trial on 62 eyes with cataract and mild to moderate corneal astigmatism (<2.60 diopters [D]) having phacoemulsification with a temporal CCI (temporal group) or on‐axis CCI (on‐axis group). Corneal astigmatism was assessed by corneal topography preoperatively and 3 weeks after surgery. The meridian of the incisions was marked on the cornea before local anesthesia was given to avoid anesthesia‐related cyclotorsion. The surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) vector, torque, flattening effect, and accuracy of incision placement were analyzed in the 2 groups and compared with a paired t test. RESULTS: Three weeks after surgery, the on‐axis CCI induced slightly more flattening of the meridian of the incision (mean −0.63 ± 0.57 D [SD]) than the temporal CCI (mean −0.50 ± 0.44 D); however, the differences were not statistically significant (P = .31). Simple algebraic difference showed a mean increase in astigmatism magnitude of 0.12 ± 0.52 D in the temporal group and a mean reduction of 0.21 ± 0.53 D in the on‐axis group (P = .02). The mean absolute torque was 0.28 ± 0.27 D and 0.53 ± 0.37 D, respectively (P<.005). The absolute angle of error of incision placement (α) was greater after on‐axis CCIs (mean 25.9 ± 20.1 degrees) than after temporal CCIs (mean 14.5 ± 14.3 degrees) (P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: In eyes with preoperative astigmatism less than 2.60 D, on‐axis CCI phacoemulsification induced slightly more flattening along the incision meridian than temporal CCI phacoemulsification, although the differences were not significant. The on‐axis CCI was associated with significantly greater absolute torque and angle of error than the temporal CCI. These factors could limit the benefit of placing the incision on axis when the aim is to reduce preoperative astigmatism in phacoemulsification.

Ocular motility disturbances after surgery for retinal detachment

PURPOSE Relatively little has been published on the management of motility problems after surgery for retinal detachment. We report a large series with the aim of describing clinical features, management, and outcome. METHODS The charts of 68 of 86 consecutive patients referred to one of us between 1989 and 1995 were retrieved and analyzed. Sixty-two had unilateral and 6 bilateral surgery for retinal detachment. In 45 cases the macula was detached at surgery. The visual acuity of the affected eyes ranged from hand motions to 6/6. Sensory testing suggested potential binocular function in 39.7%. Fifty-nine patients had combined vertical and horizontal strabismus, 8 horizontal alone, and 1 vertical only. The average vertical deviation measured 10.2 PD and the average horizontal 19 PD. RESULTS Twelve patients underwent strabismus surgery, 26 were treated with botulinum toxin, 21 were managed conservatively with prisms or occlusion, and 8 refused or did not require treatment. Forty-seven percent of the group regained binocularity (20.5% cured with surgery or botulinum toxin, 26.5% controlled with prisms or intermittent injection with botulinum toxin). A total of 20.7% gained improvement in appearance, 19.1% were managed with permanent occlusion, and 13.2% either refused or did not require treatment. CONCLUSION Macula off retinal detachment, poor visual acuity plus or minus distortion, and multiple procedures for retinal reattachment are associated with a poor prognosis for restoration of binocular vision and a good outcome. In our hands, botulinum toxin treatment is the method of choice, with surgery used in selected cases.

Quality of vision after bilateral multifocal intraocular lens implantation: a randomized trial--AT LISA 809M versus AcrySof ReSTOR SN6AD1.

PURPOSE To compare postoperative visual symptoms and spectacle freedom after bilateral implantation of the AT LISA 809M (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Germany) versus the AcrySof ReSTOR SN6AD1 (Alcon Laboratories, Irvine, CA) multifocal intraocular lens (IOL). DESIGN Double-masked, prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS A total of 188 patients undergoing bilateral sequential cataract surgery or bilateral refractive lens exchange. METHODS Patients were preoperatively randomized (allocation ratio 1:1) to bilateral implantation with the AT LISA 809M IOL or ReSTOR SN6AD1 IOL. Postoperative outcomes were assessed 4 to 8 months after second eye surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was visual symptoms evaluated with the Quality of Vision (QoV) questionnaire. Secondary outcomes included other questionnaire data (CatQuest-9SF, spectacle independence, vision satisfaction, and dysphotopsia) and visual function measures (near, intermediate, and distance visual acuity, binocular reading speed [International Reading Speed Texts], contrast sensitivity, and forward light scatter). Adverse events, including intraoperative and postoperative complications, also were evaluated. RESULTS There was no significant difference between IOL groups in Rasch-adjusted QoV scores for frequency (P = 0.95), severity (P = 0.56), and bothersomeness (P = 0.34) of visual symptoms; median (interquartile) scores for these QoV subscales were 29 (15-37), 22 (13-27), and 14 (0-29) for the AT LISA 809M IOL group, respectively, and 32 (15-37), 22 (13-30), and 14 (0-29) for the ReSTOR SN6AD1 IOL group, respectively. Halo was the most prominent dysphotopsia symptom, with 6% in both IOL groups reporting halo symptoms as very bothersome. Complete spectacle independence was achieved in 69 of 84 (82.1%) AT LISA 809M recipients and 66 of 85 (77.6%) ReSTOR SN6AD1 recipients (P = 0.57). Preferred reading distance was slightly nearer for the AT LISA 809M IOL. There were no statistically significant differences in any of the other secondary outcome measures. CONCLUSIONS Visual symptoms were similar after bilateral implantation of the AT LISA 809M and ReSTOR SN6AD1 IOLs. Both these diffractive bifocal IOLs produce high levels of spectacle independence and patient satisfaction. However, a small but clinically significant minority of patients remained symptomatic and dissatisfied with visual results 4 to 8 months after surgery.

What is the role of botulinum toxin in the treatment of dysthyroid strabismus

BACKGROUND Botulinum toxin A has been used in the treatment of dysthyroid strabismus primarily as a temporary measure during the active phase of the disease. We report on our experience with 65 patients. METHOD We review the records of 65 patients with dysthyroid strabismus who were treated with botulinum toxin A at Moorfields Eye Hospital between 1984 and 1996. CONCLUSIONS Patients with a short duration of relatively mild dysthyroid strabismus have a chance of long-term benefit with botulinum toxin A. There is little use for botulinum toxin A in cases of severe dysthyroid disease.

Posterior capsule opacification and capsular bag performance of a microincision intraocular lens

PURPOSE: To assess the axial stability and posterior capsule opacification (PCO)–inhibiting efficacy of a microincision hydrophilic intraocular lens (IOL) (Idea 613 XC) and a standard hydrophobic open‐loop acrylic IOL (Acrysof SA60AT). SETTING: Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom. DESIGN: Clinical trial. METHODS: Patients with bilateral cataract received a microincision cataract surgery (MICS) IOL in 1 eye and a small‐incision cataract surgery (SICS) IOL in the contralateral eye. Follow‐up examinations were performed immediately after surgery and postoperatively at 1 week and 3 and 24 months. Posterior capsule opacification was assessed using retroillumination photography. Anterior chamber depth (ACD) was measured using partial coherence laser interferometry, and IOL tilt and decentration were measured using a Purkinje meter. RESULTS: Seventy eyes (35 patients) were enrolled. The mean ACD at 3 months was 4.91 mm ± 0.26 (SD) in the MICS group and 4.60 ± 0.23 mm in the SICS group. The anterior IOL shift over the first 3 months was slightly smaller with the MICS IOL (81 μm) than with the SICS IOL (254 μm). The mean ACD was 0.377 ± 178 μm deeper with the MICS IOL (P<.01, paired t test). Two years postoperatively, the amount of regeneratory PCO was higher with the MICS IOL than with the SICS IOL (image analysis software score 2.6 versus 1.9; P=.005). CONCLUSIONS: Two years after surgery, the PCO rate was slightly higher with the MICS IOL. The 2 IOLs had similar performance in terms of axial stability, decentration, and tilt. Financial Disclosure: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned. Additional disclosures are found in the footnotes.

Cataract surgery in small adult eyes

Aim To evaluate the clinical outcomes of phacoemulsification cataract surgery in microphthalmos. Methods Retrospective consecutive case series of eyes with axial length <20.9 mm, and requiring a high intraocular lens (IOL) power (≥30 or ≥35 dioptres for anterior or posterior chamber fixation, respectively), with no history of previous ocular surgery, and undergoing planned phacoemulsification cataract surgery with IOL implantation at Moorfields Eye Hospital was investigated to observe the incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications. Results During a 5-year study period, 47 of 22 093 eyes were treated in two locations (0.21%). Thirty-nine eyes met the study inclusion criteria. No serious intraoperative adverse events were recorded. Severe postoperative complications (retinal detachment and chronic postoperative uveitis) occurred in two cases. The postoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) was logMAR 0.30 or better in 24 eyes (62%), and only three eyes obtained worse vision. The overall ocular comorbitidy rate was 53%; 10 microphthalmic eyes (26%) presented with associated congenital or hereditary pathology, and had worse visual outcomes (p<0.0001). Conclusions Microphthalmic eyes requiring high IOL power are rare, and their presence is often associated with other ocular congenital or acquired disorders. Overall, the clinical outcomes were satisfactory and the surgical procedure affected by a low complication rate.

Correction of postkeratoplasty ametropia in keratoconus patients using a toric implantable Collamer lens

Purpose TO evaluate the efficacy and safety of a toric implantable Collamer lens (Visian TICL®) for correction of high postkeratoplasty ametropia in patients with keratoconus. Methods Seven eyes of 7 keratoconus patients postkeratoplasty (5 M, 2 F; mean age 34.1±5.9 years, range 28–44) unable to wear glasses or contact lenses were included in the study. A foldable phakic posterior chamber Collamer toric lens was injected through a standard 3.0-mm clear corneal temporal incision. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCDVA, logMAR), best-corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA, logMAR), spherical refraction, cylindrical refraction, and refractive spherical equivalent (RSE) were measured preoperatively and postoperatively. Postoperative adverse events were recorded. Results The mean follow-up was 12.8±8.8 months (range 4–30). A significant (p<0.01) improvement was observed postoperatively in mean UCDVA (1.18±0.4 vs 0.2±0.1), spherical refraction (-5.89±3.43 vs 0.53±0.75), cylindrical refraction (-4.39±0.75 vs −1.74±0.84), and RSE (-8.09±3.77 vs −0.33±0.54). The BCDVA changes were not significant (0.09±0.11 vs 0.05±0.08). All patients gained ≥5 lines of UCDVA (average 7.6±1.9 lines). The number of patients with UCDVA ≥6/12 (0.3 logMAR) increased after surgery (0% vs 87.5%; p<0.01), while the number of patients with BCDVA ≥6/12 was unchanged (100% vs 100%; NS), with 0% (0/7) of patients losing ≥2 BCDVA lines. No complications were observed postoperatively. Conclusions Toric implantable Collamer lens was safe and effective in correcting postkeratoplasty myopia and astigmatism in keratoconus patients.