Autologous Platelet-rich Plasma Eye Drops in the Treatment of Recurrent Corneal Erosions

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) eye drops in the treatment of recurrent corneal erosions (RCE). METHODS: A total of 47 eyes were included in this retrospective study. Clinical records of 20 consecutive patients with RCE who had been treated with conventional lubricant eye drops (conventional treatment group) from June 2006 to December 2008 and 27 consecutive patients treated with autologous PRP eye drops in addition to lubricant eye drops (PRP eye drops treated group) from January 2009 to September 2014 were reviewed. Major and minor recurrences were recorded and compared between two groups. RESULTS: This study included 31 men and 16 women. The mean age was 44.5 ± 14.5 years (range, 19 to 86 years), and the mean follow-up duration was 14.9 ± 14.4 months (range, 6 to 64 months). Of the 27 cases in the PRP eye drops treated group, there were seven major recurrences in six eyes (22.2%) and ten minor recurrences in seven eyes (25.9%). In contrast, 16 eyes (80.0%) from the 20 patients in the conventional lubricant eye drops treated group had major recurrences, and all patients in this group reported minor recurrences. The mean frequency of recurrence was 0.06 ± 0.08 per month in the PRP eye drops treated group and 0.39 ± 0.24 per month in the conventional treatment group (p = 0.003). No side effects were noted in any of the patients over the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: The use of PRP eye drops for the treatment of RCE was shown to be effective in reducing the recurrence rate without any significant complications.

Clinical Outcomes of Diffractive Trifocal Intraocular Lens in Both Eyes: A 6-Month Follow-Up

PURPOSE: To evaluate clinical outcomes after cataract surgery with bilateral implantation of the diffractive trifocal intraocular lens (IOL). METHODS: Forty-four eyes of 22 patients were analyzed in the present study from July 2014 to December 2014. Phacoemulsification with bilateral implantation of an AT Lisa tri 839 MP IOL (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Germany) was performed. Over a 6-month follow-up, the main outcome measures were uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), uncorrected intermediate visual acuity (UIVA) at 80 cm, uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA) at 40 cm, and spherical equivalent refraction. Visual quality and patient satisfaction were evaluated using a Quality of Vision questionnaire. Finally, the defocus curve was measured. RESULTS: The mean monocular UNVA, UIVA, and UDVA were 0.23, 0.22, and 0.02 log MAR at 1 month, 0.21, 0.20, and 0.01 log MAR at 3 months and 0.20, 0.22, and 0.01 log MAR at 6 months postoperatively, respectively. The mean binocular UNVA, UIVA, and UDVA were 0.16, 0.12, and 0.0 log MAR at 1 month, 0.15, 0.11, and 0.0 log MAR at 3 months and 0.15, 0.13, and 0.0 log MAR at 6 months postoperatively, respectively. Twelve patients reported glare and 17 patients reported halo. Defocus curve showed best visual acuity results at 0.0 D and second peak at - 2.5 D. The intermediate-vision values were stable. CONCLUSIONS: Diffractive trifocal IOL provided excellent distance, intermediate, and near visual outcomes.

A Case of Double Descemet's Membrane after Penetrating Keratoplasty Converted from Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty

PURPOSE: To report a case of double Descemet's membrane in a patient who had penetrating keratoplasty after rupture of Descemet's membrane during deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK). CASE SUMMARY: A 24-year-old female had keratoconus in her right eye and underwent DALK for treatment. Descemet's membrane was ruptured while separating the corneal stroma from Descemet's membrane with the big bubble technique. The operation method was changed from DALK to penetrating keratoplasty. Detached Descemet's membrane was observed in the anterior chamber after suturing. Sterile air was injected into the anterior chamber to attach the Descemet's membrane. Five days after the surgery, Descemet's membrane was detached and a second air injection was performed. Corneal edema was improved but Descemet's membrane was re-detached. Double Descemet's membrane was observed by anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT). The detached Descemet's membrane originated from the recipient's cornea and not from the donor's cornea. Detached Descemet's membrane was removed successfully. Patient's cornea was clear and best corrected visual acuity was 20/25. CONCLUSIONS: When penetrating keratoplasty is performed instead of DALK, the surgeon should completely remove the remnant corneal stroma and Descemet's membrane. Remnant Descemet's membrane can be disregarded as it comes from the donor cornea. Unnecessary anterior chamber air injection causes endothelial damage. Anterior segment OCT is a useful tool to identify anatomical structures of transplanted cornea.

A Case of Pupillary Block and Increased Intraocular Pressure after Nd:YAG Laser Posterior Capsulotomy

PURPOSE: To report a case of pupillary block and increased intraocular pressure caused by vitreous prolapse after Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy. CASE SUMMARY: A 70-year-old male visited the hospital for decreasing visual acuity and ocular pain in the left eye. Two days earlier, he had undergone Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy in the left eye. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.63 in the right eye and FC 60 cm in the left eye. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was 14 mm Hg in the right eye and 64 mm Hg in the left eye. Slit-lamp examination revealed diffuse corneal stromal edema and iris bombe with vitreous prolapse in the anterior chamber. Gonioscopy confirmed a closed angle. Pupillary block and increased intraocular pressure were diagnosed. A Nd:YAG laser iridotomy was performed. Three days after the iridotomy, BCVA was 0.2 and IOP was 11 mm Hg in the treated eye. Slit-lamp examination revealed reduced vitreous prolapse in the anterior chamber. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of pupillary block and increased IOP caused by vitreous prolapse after Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy in Korea. Physicians should be aware that pupillary block could be caused by prolapsed vitreous after Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy and Nd:YAG laser iridotomy could be performed effectively in such cases.

Long-Term Results of LASIK for Presbyopia Correction in Myopic Patients Using Aspheric Micro-Monovision

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy, safety, and satisfaction of patients who underwent LASIK for presbyopia correction in myopic patients using aspheric micro-monovision. METHODS: LASIK for presbyopic correction using aspheric micro-monovision was performed in 18 patients between December 2010 and December 2011. Distance, intermediate, and near visual acuity, refractive change, and patient's satisfaction were evaluated for at least 12 months after the surgery. RESULTS: Among dominant eyes, 100% achieved uncorrected distance and intermediate visual acuity of 0.8 or better and 100% of the eyes achieved 0.8 or better binocularly. In the non-dominant eyes, 83% achieved uncorrected near visual acuity of J3 or better, and 94% of the eyes achieved J3 or better binocularly. Postoperatively, the mean manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE) of the dominant eyes were -0.09 +/- 0.35D, -0.17 +/- 0.42D, and -0.17 +/- 0.47D at 1, 6 and 12 months, respectively. The MRSE of the non-dominant eyes were -0.94 +/- 0.53D, -1.03 +/- 0.56D, and -1.02 +/- 0.50D at postoperative 1, 6, and 12 months, respectively, without significant regression. After surgery, the patient's overall satisfaction score was good (4.2 out of 5). CONCLUSIONS: The aspheric micro-monovision protocol showed good distance, intermediate, and near visual outcomes, and was a well-tolerated, stable, and effective procedure for treating patients with myopic presbyopia.

Efficacy and Safety of Topical Unpreserved 0.1% Fluorometholone Ophthalmic Solution on Dry Eye Syndrome

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical unpreserved 0.1% fluorometholone (FML) ophthalmic solution in patients with dry eye syndrome. METHODS: Patients with mild to moderate dry eye syndrome were divided into the control group (Group I), topical unpreserved 0.1% FML group (Group II), and topical preserved 0.1% FML group (Group III). Intraocular pressure (IOP), Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), tear film break-up time (TF-BUT), Oxford stain score (OSS), and tear osmolarity (Tosm) were evaluated at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks (Trial 1). Patients with severe dry eye syndrome were divided into 1% methylprednisolone (MP) group (Group I) and 0.1% unpreserved FML group (Group II). Same parameters were evaluated in both groups (Trial 2). RESULTS: In clinical trial I, OSS scores of Group II were lower than other groups (p < 0.05). For severe dry eye patients in clinical trial 2, there were no significant differences in all parameters between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: Topical unpreserved 0.1% fluorometholone was shown to be an effective and relatively safe treatment in patients with dry eye syndrome.

Comparison of Balanced Salt Solution and Ophthalmic Viscosurgical Device to Maintain Optical Clarity During Phacoemulsification

PURPOSE: To compare the corneal wetting properties of balanced salt solution (BSS) and ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD) during cataract surgery. METHODS: The patients with senile cataract were randomly assigned to receive either BSS or viscous dispersive OVD for maintaining optical clarity during phacoemulsification. Intraoperative factors (VAS pain score, occurrence of corneal punctate epithelial erosions (PEE)) and postoperative factors (visual acuity, Oxford staining score, changes in endothelial cell counts, corneal thickness and volume) were compared. RESULTS: Twenty-two eyes were assigned to the BSS group and; 33 eyes were assigned to the OVD group. There were no significant differences in demographic variable between the 2 groups. Intraoperative PEE was observed in 6 eyes in the BSS group and in 2 eyes in the OVD group. The incidence of PEE in the OVD group was significantly lower than in the BSS group (p = 0.045). There were no significant differences in other parameters (VAS pain score, postoperative factors). CONCLUSIONS: Corneal wetting with OVD (Discovisc(R)) provides better surgical view and reduces mechanical damage to the corneal surface without additional material or cost than BSS.

A Randomized, Prospective Clinical Comparison of the Efficacy and Safety of Topical Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics in Ophthalmologic Microsurgery

PURPOSE: To report the results of a clinical comparison study of a prophylactic new generation fluoroquinolone (FQs; levofloxacin 0.5%, gatifloxacin 0.3% and moxifloxacin 0.5%) topical antibiotic regimen administered prior to intraocular microsurgery. METHODS: From May 2007 to April 2010, Trial 1, 214 eyes of 211 patients scheduled for intravitreal injection were randomized into one of three FQ-treated groups or the control (non-treated) group. Patients who were randomized into FQ-treated groups were treated with eye drops containing one of three FQ antibiotics (levofloxacin 0.5%, gatifloxacin 0.3% and moxifloxacin 0.5%) preoperatively four times a day for three days before surgery. The rate of positive bacterial cultures from conjunctival scrapings were assessed and compared. Trial 2, 159 eyes of 159 patients scheduled for cataract surgery were randomized into one of three FQ-treated groups, and treated with eye drops as same method in trial 1. The concentration of antibiotics in the anterior chamber of the eye were measured and compared. RESULTS: The positive bacterial culture rates of trial 1 were 48.9%, 38.3%, 23.4% in the levofloxacin-treated group, the gatifloxacin- group, and the moxifloxacin-treated group, respectively. These rates were all significantly lower than the 70.2% positivity rate observed in the control group. Average antibiotic residue concentrations in the aqueous humor measured in trial 2 were 0.37 +/- 0.49 microg/ml in the levofloxacin-treated group, 0.31 +/- 0.37 microg/ml in the gatifloxacin-treated group and 0.59 +/- 0.72 microg/ml in the moxifloxacin-treated group. These concentrations were not significantly different. There were no reported side effects during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Eye drops containing new generation FQ antibiotics instilled three days before microscopic ophthalmic surgery can be used safely and effectively for the prevention of postoperative endophthalmitis.

Neovascular Glaucoma after Vitrectomy for Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy and the Ahmed Valve Implantation

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical features of neovascular glaucoma after vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy and the effect of Ahmed valve implantation. METHODS: The medical records of 217 eyes of 178 patients who had undergone pars plana vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy were reviewed. The clinical data on preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors of these patients were compared with that of those who developed neovascular glaucoma (20 eyes of 18 patients) after vitrectomy. The effect and complications of Ahmed valve implantation were also reviewed. RESULTS: The type 1 diabetes, the presence of NVD, grade of NVE, grade of preoperative PRP, presence of postoperative vitreous hemorrhage, and postoperative tractional retinal detachment were significantly correlated with the development of neovascular glaucoma. Ahmed valve implantation in these patients was effective in controlling intraocular pressure and improving visual acuity. Complications of the Ahmed valve implantation were hyphema, tube exposure, recurrent vitreous hemorrhage, hypotony, and choroidal effusion. CONCLUSIONS: The risk factors for the development of neovascular glaucoma after vitrectomy for proliferative diabetic retinopathy were evaluated. Ahmed valve implantation in these patients is considered an effective treatment for controlling intraocular pressure.

The Development of Biodegradable Intrascleral Implant for Slow Releasing of Triamcinolone Acetonide

PURPOSE: In order to treat inflammatory and proliferative disorders of the posterior segment of the eye, the authors evaluated the use of a biodegradable intrascleral implant for slow release of triamcinolone acetonide (TA). METHODS: The intrascleral implant (1 mm thick and 3 mm in diameter) was made of alginic acid and PLA (poly (D, L-lactide)) containing 4 mg of TA. In vitro release of TA was evaluated by HPLC. To evaluate in vivo release of TA, the implant was placed into a scleral pocket in 18 rabbit eyes and the concentrations of TA in the aqueous humor, vitreous, and retina-choroid-sclera were measured by HPLC at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after implantation. The toxicity and biocompatibility of the implant were evaluated by slit lamp examination, IOP, electroretinogram, and light microscopy. RESULTS: In vitro study demonstrated that the implant released TA in controlled manner for at least 8 months. The TA detected in the vitreous after 8 to 12 weeks and was not detected in retina-choroid-sclera at 8 weeks after implantation. The TA was not detected in aqueous humor. No significant toxicity to the retina was observed. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the intrascleral implant of TA could be a promising system for the delivery of steroids to the posterior segment of eye in cases of inflammatory or proliferative disorders of posterior segment.

Choroidal Detachment in a Patient with Myelodysplastic Syndrome

PURPOSE: After myelodysplastic syndrome is transformed to acute leukemia, the patient condition worsens rapidly. The authors experienced a case of choroidal detachment in a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome and report this case with literature review. METHODS: A 59-year-old man with myelodysplastic syndrome was admitted because of systemic illness. After examination, he was diagnosed with acute leukemia transformation. During admission, he experienced visual acuity decrease in the right eye. Ophthalmic examination showed annular choroidal detachment, exudative retinal detachment, and narrow anterior chamber angle. Orbital CT showed anterior rotation of the lens-iris diaphragm, thickened choroids, and slightly enhanced ocular soft tissue. RESULTS: Despite medical treatment including carbonic anhydrase inhibitor for about 2 weeks, the ophthalmic finding was not quite subsided, so surgical treatment was arranged. However, the systemic illness aggrevated abruptly, and the patient died about 1 month after medical treatment.