New surgical maneuver to position the graft in a descemet stripping with automated endothelial keratoplasty surgery / Nova manobra cirúrgica para posicionar o enxerto em cirurgia de ceratoplastia endotelial com desnudamento automatizado da Descemet

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe a new surgical maneuver to position the graft in a Descemet Stripping with Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK) surgery. Methods: Case series. Results: This technique allows a correct repositioning of the graft in a minimally invasive way. Conclusion: This new surgical maneuver was successful in manipulating the graft in DSAEK surgery and therefore might be effective and safe.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever uma nova manobra cirúrgica para posicionar o enxerto em uma cirurgia de ceratoplastia endotelial automatizada com desnudamento da Descemet. Métodos: Série de casos. Resultados: A técnica permitiu o correto reposicionamento do enxerto de forma minimamente invasiva. Conclusão: Esta nova manobra cirúrgica foi bem-sucedida para manipular o enxerto na cirurgia ceratoplastia endotelial automatizada com desnudamento da Descemet e, portanto, pode ser eficaz e segura.

Effects of atracurium besylate on corneal endothelium of chickens: in vitro study / Avaliação dos efeitos do besilato de atracúrio no endotélio corneano de galinhas: estudo in vitro

The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of atracurium besylate on cellular damage in corneal endothelium of chickens. Twenty healthy chicken eyes were assigned to the following groups: Group 1 (G1), experimental group (n=10); and Group 2 (G2), control (n=10). Excised corneoscleral buttons were immediately placed on glass microscopy slides with endothelial region faced up. Corneal endothelium of eyes in G1 were covered with AB (0.2mL, 10mg/mL) for 3 min and then rinsed with balanced salt solution (BSS), while the corneal endothelium of eyes in G2 were covered with BBS for 3 min. Corneas from both groups were stained with alizarin red/trypan blue and visualized by light microscopy. Ten random photographs were taken from each cornea. The area of cellular damage was measured by software in all samples and cell loss of each group was averaged and compared. Endothelial area of denudation and Descemet's membrane exposure were higher in G1 than G2. In conclusion, atracurium besylate induced an acute damage on corneal endothelium of chickens.(AU)'

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos agudos do besilato de atracúrio sobre o endotélio corneano de galinhas. Vinte olhos saudáveis de galinhas foram aleatoriamente separados em dois grupos com 10 olhos cada, sendo G1 o grupo controle e G2 o grupo tratamento. Imediatamente após a excisão dos botões corneoesclerais estes foram colocados em lâminas de microscopia de vidro com o lado endotelial voltado para cima. No Grupo 1, o endotélio corneano foi recoberto com 0,2ml de besilato de atracúrio (10mg/ml) durante 3 minutos e depois lavado com solução salina balanceada. No Grupo 2, o endotélio corneano foi recoberto apenas com solução salina balanceada durante 3 min. As córneas de ambos os grupos foram coradas com vermelho de alizarina e azul de tripano e visualizadas com microscópio óptico. Foram obtidas dez fotografias aleatórias de cada amostra. As imagens foram analisadas e com auxílio de um software as áreas com ausência de células endoteliais calculadas. A perda celular endotelial foi significativamente maior no grupo tratamento comparativamente ao grupo controle. Com base nos resultados apresentados foi possível concluir que o besilato de atracúrio induziu dano agudo nas células do endotélio da córnea de galinhas.(AU)

Short-term Clinical Outcomes of Scleral Fixation of Intraocular Lenses Using a Scleral Tunnel and Groove

PURPOSE: We evaluated the short-term clinical outcomes of patients who underwent modified scleral fixation of an intraocular lens (IOL) using a scleral tunnel and groove. METHODS: From June 2016 to May 2017, 34 eyes of 34 patients who underwent modified scleral fixation of an IOL using a scleral tunnel and groove were retrospectively studied. We evaluated the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), corneal endothelial cell density, intraocular pressure (IOP), spherical equivalent, and postoperative complications at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: The BCVA was 0.85 ± 0.83 logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) before surgery and 0.38 ± 0.61 logMAR at 6 months (p = 0.001). The corneal endothelial cell count was 1,955.12 ± 217/mm2 and 1,852.59 ± 190/mm2, before and after surgery, respectively, which was not significantly different (p = 0.186). Postoperative complications occurred in eight eyes (23.5%); IOP elevation in one eye (2.9%), IOL tilt or decentration in two eyes (5.7%), optic capture in four eyes (11.4%), and cystic macular edema in one eye (2.9%). The spherical equivalent showed myopic changes after surgery and decreased significantly over time (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Modified scleral fixation of the IOL using a scleral tunnel and groove improved the BCVA, but did not significantly affect corneal endothelial cell loss. This procedure can be a good alternative to conventional scleral fixation of an IOL, which has advantages in shortened surgical time and easy surgical manipulation.

Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK): intraoperative and postoperative complications and clinical results / Queratoplastia endotelial da membrana de Descemet (DMEK): complicações intraoperatórias e pós-operatórias com resultados clínicos

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the complications and clinical results of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) in patients with endothelial failure that occurred during the learning curve of a surgeon. Methods: Fifty eyes of 50 patients with DMEK and ≥6 months of follow-up were included. The patients were divided into the first 25 (group 1) and the second 25 (group 2) procedures performed by the surgeon. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central corneal thickness (CCT), unfolding time of the Descemet membrane (DM) graft, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were compared between groups. Results: The differences in postoperative increase of BCVA (p=0.595) and decrease of CCT (p=0.725) in the two groups were not significant. The unfolding time of the DM was longer in group 1 than in group 2 (p=0.001). Primary graft failure occurred in three patients in group 1 and none in group 2. At the last visit, 42 (85.7%) of patients' corneas were clear, with significant difference between groups (p=0.584). A patient in group 1 with a history of pars plana vitrectomy, inferior iridectomy, and fluid as a tamponade experienced drop of the DM graft into the iridectomy space. All other intraoperative complications occurred in group 1. Conclusions: Occurrence of intraoperative and postoperative complications was increased in patients with coexisting ocular pathology or complicated endothelial dysfunction and during the surgeon's learning curve of DM endothelial keratoplasty procedures.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar as complicações e os resultados clínicos da queratoplastia endotelial da membrana de Descemet (DMEK) em indivíduos com insuficiência endotelial, durante a curva de aprendizado de um cirurgião. Métodos: Cinquenta olhos de 50 pacientes submetidos ao procedimento queratoplastia endotelial da membrana de Descemet com pelo menos 6 meses de acompanhamento foram incluídos neste estudo. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: como os primeiros 25 casos do cirurgião (grupo 1) e como os 25 casos seguintes (grupo 2). A melhor acuidade visual corrigida (MAVC), a espessura corneana central (ECC), o tempo de desdobramento do enxerto da membrana de Descemet (MD), as complicações intraoperatórias e pós-operatórias foram apresentadas e comparadas entre os grupos. Resultados: Os grupos não diferiram estatisticamente em relação ao aumento pós-operatório de melhor acuidade visual corrigida (p=0,595) ou à diminuição da espessura corneana central (p=0,725). O tempo de desdobramento dos enxertos de membrana de Descemet no grupo 1 foi maior do que no grupo 2 (p=0,001). Falha do enxerto primário foi observada em 3 pacientes do grupo 1 e em nenhum do grupo 2. Na última visita, 42 (85,7%) das córneas dos pacientes estavam claras e não foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os grupos (p=0,584). Na cirurgia de um paciente do grupo 1, com história de vitrectomia pars plana (PPV) com iridectomia inferior e fluido como tamponamento, observou-se queda do enxerto de membrana de Descemet no local da iridectomia. Além disso, todas as demais complicações intraoperatórias ocorreram no grupo 1. Conclusões: As complicações intraoperatórias e pós-operatórias foram maiores em pacientes com coexistência de outra patologia ocular ou com disfunção endotelial complicada durante as curvas de aprendizado dos cirurgiões no procedimento queratoplastia endotelial da membrana de Descemet.

Pérdida celular endotelial corneal asociada a facoemulsificación y experiencia del oftalmólogo: análisis prospectivo de datos secundarios individuales / Corneal endothelial cell loss associated to phacoemulsification and ophthalmologist experience: prospective analysis of individual secondary data

Resumen Introducción La facoéresis es el procedimiento en que se extrae quirúrgicamente el cristalino para tratar las cataratas. La pérdida endotelial corneal es una complicación reconocida. Si bien se han descrito diversos factores asociados a este daño, la experiencia del cirujano ha sido poco explorada. Objetivos Evaluar la asociación entre la experiencia del cirujano y otras variables asociadas a la pérdida celular endotelial en el contexto de la facoéresis. Métodos Se analizaron registros clínicos de 198 cirugías de cataratas, evaluando el efecto de la experiencia del cirujano y otras variables asociadas: energía disipada acumulada, tipo de viscoelástico empleado, uso de azul tripán, cantidad de fluídica, tiempo de ultrasonido, energía de facoemulsificación combinada y recuento celular endotelial pre y postoperatorio. Resultados No se observaron diferencias en el conteo postoperatorio de células endoteliales. Los oftalmólogos con más de cinco años de experiencia presentaron menor uso de azul tripán pero mayor cantidad de energía disipada acumulada en cada procedimiento, mientras que los oftalmólogos con menor experiencia utilizaron mayor cantidad de fluídica. Conclusiones Aunque hubo diferencias en el manejo de algunos factores influyentes sobre la pérdida endotelial cornal según la experiencia de los oftalmólogos, no se hallaron diferencias en relación a dicha pérdida como resultado final.

Abstract Introduction Phacoeresis is the procedure through which the lens is surgically removed to treat cataracts. A corneal endothelial loss is a recognized sequel. Although several factors associated with this harm have been described, the surgeon's prior experience has been scarcely evaluated. Objectives To assess the association between the surgeon's experience and other variables associated with a corneal endothelial cell loss in the context of phacoeresis. Methods Clinical records of 198 patients undergoing cataract operations were prospectively reviewed. The experience of the surgeon and other variables were recorded, including cumulative dissipated energy, viscoelastic type, the use of trypan blue, amount of fluidics, ultrasound time, combined phacoemulsification energy, and pre- and postoperative corneal endothelial cell counts. Results No differences were observed in the postoperative corneal endothelial cell count between surgeons with more or less than five years of experience. Nevertheless, ophthalmologists with more than five years' experience used less trypan blue, but more cumulative dissipated energy in each procedure, while less experienced ophthalmologists used less fluidics. Conclusions Although there were differences in the surgical management regarding the surgeons' experience in factors known to influence corneal endothelial cell loss, no differences in endothelial cell loss were observed as an outcome.

Corneal endothelial cell density and pterygium: a cross-sectional study / Contagem de células endoteliais e pterígio: um estudo transversal

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate the effects of pterygium on corneal endothelial cell density in patients with unilateral pterygium. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of data from patients with unilateral pterygium who were selected from September 1, 2015 to July 31, 2016 at Hospital de Base do Distrito Federal to assess the corneal endothelial cell density, coefficient of variation in the cell area, hexagonality, and corneal pa­chymetric results. In all patients, noncontact specular microscopy was performed in both eyes and a minimum endothelial cell count of 75 cells/mm2 was required for inclusion in the study. The contralateral eye served as the control. Results: Sixty-one patients were included in the study. Twenty-nine (47.5%) patients were men and 32 (52.5%) were women (mean age, 50.84 ± 13.8). The percentage of pterygium that invaded the cornea ranged from 4.87% to 24.59% (median, 9.70% ± 4.99%). The mean corneal endothelial cell density (cells/mm) was lower in the pterygium eyes than in the controls (2451.83 ± 284.96 vs. 2549.95 ± 268.94, respectively; p=0.04). No differences in the mean coefficients of variation of cell size, hexagonality, and corneal pachymetric results were observed between the patients and controls. The Pearson correlation test showed a significant negative linear relationship between pterygium invasion and endothelial cell density [p<0.001, n=61, r=-0.553 (95% CI, -0.34 to -0.73)]. Conclusion: Compared with the contralateral eyes, those of patients with unilateral pterygium were associated with a decrease in corneal endothelial cell density.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar os efeitos do pterígio na densidade de células endoteliais cor­neanas em pacientes com pterígio unilateral. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo do tipo transversal envolvendo pacientes com pterígio unilateral selecionados entre 1 de setembro de 2015 a 31 de julho de 2016 no Hospital de Base do Distrito Federal para avaliar a densidade de células endoteliais corneanas, coeficiente de variação da área celular, hexagonalidade, e paquimetria corneana. Em todos os pacientes foram realizadas microscopias especulares de não-contato em ambos os olhos, sendo necessário obter uma contagem endotelial mínima de 75 células/mm2 para que o paciente fosse incluído no estudo. O olho contralateral funcionou como grupo controle. Resultados: Um total de 61 pacientes foram incluídos no estudo. Vinte e nove (47,5%) eram homens e 32 (52,5%) mulheres. A média de idade era de 50,84 ±13,8. O percentual de invasão do pterígio na córnea variou entre 4,87% a 24,59%, com uma mediana de 9,70% ± 4,99%. A media de densidade de células endoteliais corneanas foi menor nos olhos com pterígio quando comparados ao grupo controle (2451,83 ± 284,96 vs 2549,95 ± 268,94; p=0,04). Não foram encontradas diferenças entre os casos e controles em relação à média do coeficiente de variação da área celular, hexagonalidade, e paquimetria. Teste de correlação de Pearson mostrou uma relação linear negativa entre a invasão do pterígio e a densidade de células endoteliais corneanas [p<0,001, n=61, r=-0,553 (95% CI -0,34 a -0,73)]. Conclusão: Em pacientes com pterígio unilateral, o olho com pterígio está asso­ciado a uma menor densidade de células endoteliais corneanas quando comparado ao olho contralateral.

Influence of Preoperative Corneal Endothelial Status on Postoperative Corneal Endothelium Density after Cataract Surgery

PURPOSE: To analyze the influence of preoperative corneal endothelial status on postoperative corneal endothelium density after cataract surgery. METHODS: We evaluated 228 eyes of 158 patients who underwent cataract surgery. Corneal endothelial status and central corneal thickness were measured before surgery and 1 day, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after surgery. Patients were classified by preoperative endothelial cell density (three groups) and their coefficients of variation and hexagonality (two groups). Clinical parameters, including corneal endothelial cell losses, visual acuity, intraocular pressure, spherical equivalent refraction and central corneal thickness were measured to compare the intergroup indices. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in corneal endothelial cell losses at 1 day, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after surgery in any of the groups based on corneal endothelial cell density. There were increases in corneal thickness at 1 day and 1 month after surgery that were significantly higher in the low-endothelial cell density group than the 2,000-2,500 cells/mm² cell density group (p < 0.05), but there were no differences after the 3-month time point. There were no significant differences in clinical parameters for the coefficient of variation and hexagonality groups until 6 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: We observed reversible corneal edema in the low endothelial group; however, there were no significant intergroup differences in corneal endothelial cell loss due to preoperative corneal endothelial status. Our results suggest that cataract surgery is relatively safe for patients with morphologically abnormal corneal endothelium and/or low endothelial density; the safety is primarily due to improved equipment and surgery techniques.

Effects of Cataract Surgery on Endothelium in Transplanted Corneal Grafts: Comparison of Extracapsular Cataract Extraction and Phacoemulsification for Complicated Cataract after Penetrating Keratoplasty / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>The endothelium should be carefully evaluated when choosing a surgical technique for cataract removal. Therefore, we aimed to study the effects of different cataract surgery techniques on endothelial cell loss in transplanted corneal grafts.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 54 patients who received complicated cataract surgery in post-penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) eyes at the Shandong Eye Institute between February 2001 and June 2014 were included, and clinical records were reviewed. Baseline demographic details, clinical characteristics, endothelial cell density (ECD), and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were recorded. Wilcoxon rank-sum test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used to test the equality of medians. A regression model was constructed to compare the reduced rate of ECD.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Of the 54 eyes included in this study, extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) was performed in 34 eyes of 33 patients (ECCE group) whereas phacoemulsification was performed in 20 eyes of 20 patients (phacoemulsification group). There was no significant difference in the median age (P = 0.081) or preoperative ECD (P = 0.585) between the two groups. At 6 months after cataract surgery, ECD in ECCE group was significantly higher than that in phacoemulsification group (P = 0.043). In addition, the endothelial cell loss rate in ECCE group was significantly lower than that in phacoemulsification group at 2 months (P = 0.018), 4 months (P < 0.001), and 6 months (P < 0.001) after cataract surgery. Endothelial cell loss rate after cataract surgery increased over the 6-month study duration in both ECCE group (P < 0.001) and phacoemulsification group (P < 0.001), but phacoemulsification resulted in a greater reduction in ECD than that of ECCE in transplanted corneal grafts (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in postoperative BCVA between the two groups (P = 0.065).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>ECCE is more suitable than phacoemulsification in cataract surgery in complicated cataract after PKP.</p>

Corneal Endothelial Cell Loss after Tube Shunt Surgery in Fuch's Heterochromic Iridocyclitis

PURPOSE: To report a case of corneal failure after implantation of the Ahmed glaucoma valve occurring in a patient diagnosed with Fuchs' heterochromic iridocyclitis. CASE SUMMARY: A 53-year-old male who complained of ocular pain and suddenly decreased visual acuity in his right eye visited our clinic. His visual acuity was 0.15 and intraocular pressure (IOP) was 55 mm Hg. The slit-lamp examination revealed edematous cornea, fine round or stellate keratic precipitates connected with fine filaments on the endothelium and depigmentation of the iris. The corneal endothelial cell density was 2,958 cells/mm2. There was no specific finding in his left eye. The IOP did not improve with medical treatment, therefore, an Ahmed glaucoma valve was implanted in his right eye. At every follow-up exam the tube was well positioned and the IOP was maintained between 8 and 13 mm Hg. Eight months postoperatively, the patient complained of decreased visual acuity and the cell density was decreased to 1,408 cells/mm2. Posterior subcapsular cataract opacity was observed as well as progression of depigmentation and distortion of the iris. Seventeen months after the surgery, the cell density was 700 cells/mm2. On follow-up examination, his visual acuity was decreased to FC10 cm with the cataract progressing, therefore cataract surgery was performed. One month postoperatively, his vision improved to 0.1. However, the visual acuity deteriorated due to progression of the corneal edema and penetrating keratoplasty was performed. CONCLUSIONS: Aggravation of the corneal complication after Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation should be considered in patients with Fuchs' heterochromic iridocyclitis-induced glaucoma.

Técnica de refixação escleral via pars plana de háptica luxada para o vítreo em paciente com transplante de córnea / Scleral re-fixation technique with pars plana approach for luxated haptica into the vitreous cavity in patient with keratoplasty

O objetivo deste relato de caso é descrever uma nova técnica de refixação escleral, unilateral, de uma háptica cuja sutura escleral prévia rompeu-se, levando ao deslocamento da lente intraocular para o vítreo. Trata-se de um olho submetido anteriormente a dois transplantes de córnea, em que se buscou minimizar a manipulação intraocular e o trauma cirúrgico. Esta técnica consiste em realizar o procedimento em olho fechado, utilizando a mesma lente de fixação, sem a necessidade de externalizar as hápticas ou do uso de instrumentos cirúrgicos especiais. A perda de células endoteliais após o procedimento foi similar à observada após a facoemulsificação em pacientes com ceratoplastia penetrante. A técnica mostrou-se simples, segura, e, portanto, reprodutível, além de ser menos invasiva do que os métodos já descritos, permitindo a reabilitação visual precoce do paciente.

The purpose of this case report is to describe a new technique to re-establish a scleral fixation of one luxated haptic, which previous suture ruptured, causing the fall of the intraocular lens into the vitreous cavity. Considering that the patient underwent two penetrant keratoplasty surgeries, there was a major concern to cause minimal intraocular manipulation and less surgical trauma. This technique consists in a closed eye procedure using the fixation lens, without exposing the haptics or using special surgical instruments. The endothelial cell loss after the surgery was similar to that observed after phacoemulsification in eyes with penetrating keratoplasty. The technique proved to be simple, safe, and therefore reproducible, less invasive than the previously published methods and promoted the patient's early visual rehabilitation.

Effects of a Novel Push-through Technique Using the Implantable Collamer Lens Injector System for Graft Delivery during Endothelial Keratoplasty

PURPOSE: To investigate effects of a new push-through insertion method for donor lenticules using an injector system on endothelial viability ex vivo and in a clinical case series of endothelial keratoplasty. METHODS: An ex vivo delivery model was used with porcine corneoscleral rims. We compared the endothelial viability in a new push-through insertion method using the Visian Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) injector versus that of standard forceps-assisted insertion for lenticule delivery. Twenty porcine corneal lenticules were divided into four groups by insertion method and wound size. Vital dye staining was performed and devitalized areas were semi-quantitatively assessed by digital imaging. In the clinical case series, Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) using the push-through method was performed in seven patients and endothelial outcome was determined six months postoperatively. RESULTS: Mean devitalized areas for the push-through method were significantly lower than for forceps-assisted insertion through 3.2 mm incision (23.99 +/- 2.17% vs. 50.48 +/- 5.07%, p = 0.009) in the ex vivo model. Average endothelial cell counts of donor tissues of patients who underwent DSEK were 26.4% lower six months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Push-through delivery of donor lenticules using the Visian ICL injector system appears to be less harmful to endothelial cells than conventional forceps-assisted delivery.

Effects of a Novel Push-through Technique Using the Implantable Collamer Lens Injector System for Graft Delivery during Endothelial Keratoplasty

PURPOSE: To investigate effects of a new push-through insertion method for donor lenticules using an injector system on endothelial viability ex vivo and in a clinical case series of endothelial keratoplasty. METHODS: An ex vivo delivery model was used with porcine corneoscleral rims. We compared the endothelial viability in a new push-through insertion method using the Visian Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) injector versus that of standard forceps-assisted insertion for lenticule delivery. Twenty porcine corneal lenticules were divided into four groups by insertion method and wound size. Vital dye staining was performed and devitalized areas were semi-quantitatively assessed by digital imaging. In the clinical case series, Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) using the push-through method was performed in seven patients and endothelial outcome was determined six months postoperatively. RESULTS: Mean devitalized areas for the push-through method were significantly lower than for forceps-assisted insertion through 3.2 mm incision (23.99 +/- 2.17% vs. 50.48 +/- 5.07%, p = 0.009) in the ex vivo model. Average endothelial cell counts of donor tissues of patients who underwent DSEK were 26.4% lower six months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Push-through delivery of donor lenticules using the Visian ICL injector system appears to be less harmful to endothelial cells than conventional forceps-assisted delivery.

Efficacy and Intraoperative Characteristics of DisCoVisc for Cataract Surgery

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and intraoperative characteristics of DisCoVisc with those of Hyal 2000 (sodium hyaluronate 1.0%) in cataract surgery. METHODS: Cataract surgery was performed on 60 eyes in 49 patients who were diagnosed with moderate cataracts. 30 eyes were performed with DisCoVisc and a control group with 30 eyes using Hyal 2000 (sodium hyaluronate 1.0%). Phacodynamics was evaluated including ultrasound (US) time, mean US intensity, cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), and amount of used balanced salt solution. Corneal endothelium and corneal thickness were measured preoperatively and 1 day and 1 month and 2 months postoperatively. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in phacodynamic parameters in the two groups. The central corneal thickness change from preoperatively to postoperatively in the DisCoVisc group was +0.07 +/- 2.44 microm and Hyal 2000 group +0.84 +/- 2.93 microm (p = 0.032) at 2 months. Corneal endothelial cell loss (ECL)(%) at 2 months was 7.67 +/- 8.01% in DisCoVisc group and 13.23 +/- 15.5% in the Hyal 2000 group (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: There was signicant difference between DisCoVisc and Hyal 2000 in the changes of CCT, ECD (Endothelial cell density). (DisCoVisc is effective and provides advantages both cohesive OVDs and dispersive OVDs).

simple way to clear the media for vitrectomy in eyes with corneal edema

Herein we introduce a simple approach for clearing an edematous cornea during vitreoretinal surgery in eyes with decompensated corneal endothelium, allowing the surgeon to postpone penetrating keratoplasty. This technique was performed in 3 eyes by filling the anterior chambers with air or silicone oil, and sufficiently cleared the media for completion of vitrectomy. This simple technique enables completion of the vitrectomy without a temporary keratoprosthesis and penetrating keratoplasty in eyes with corneal edema due to endothelial decompensation

Analysis of Factors Affecting Corneal Endothelial Cell Loss after Penetrating Keratoplasty

PURPOSE: To evaluate the factors affecting corneal endothelial cell loss after penetrating keratoplasty in a long-term follow-up. METHODS: Donor age, post-mortem time, storage time, underlying disease, elevation of IOP after surgery, underlying glaucoma, and trephine size were analyzed in 76 eyes. Postoperative corneal endothelial density was measured after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Patients who experienced graft rejection were excluded. RESULTS: Donor age and endothelial loss were correlated in all patients (t-value = 1.98); however, post-mortem time and storage time were not statistically significant (t 2 < 2). Endothelial cell loss was more severe in the bullous keratopathy patient group than it was in the keratoconus patient group, but this difference was not statistically significant (p-value = 0.154). The number of anti-glaucomatous eye drops showed positive correlation with the declining rate of endothelial cells (t-value = 1.975). Existence of glaucoma diagnosed before surgery did not statistically influence endothelial cell loss. Additionally, in the bullous keratopathy patient group, an inverse correlation between endothelial cell loss and trephine diameter was observed (t-value = -2.859). CONCLUSIONS: Old donor age, small trephine size in bullous keratopathy, and post-operative IOP elevation are risk factors for increased endothelial cell loss following penetrating keratoplasty.

The Change in Corneal Endothelial Cell Density after Pars Plana Vitrectomy

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of pars plana vitrectomy and gas tamponade on corneal endothelial cell density. METHODS: The corneal endothelial cell density in 145 eyes that underwent pars plana vitrectomy was examined with a noncontact specular microscope 3 months pre- and post-operation. The subjects were divided as follows: Group 1 (32 eyes) underwent pars plana vitrectomy, group 2 (26 eyes) underwent pars plana vitrectomy combined with gas tamponade, group 3 (34 eyes) underwent pars plana vitrectomy combined with phacoemulsification and group 4 (48 eyes) underwent pars plana vitrectomy combined with phacoemulsification and gas tamponade. The changes in corneal endothelial cell density between groups was compared. RESULTS: The mean endothelial cell loss was more significant in group 2 than in group 1 (p = 0.012), and there was no difference between groups 3 and 4 (p = 0.063). However, after excluding 6 eyes that had blood in the center of the corneal endothelium as a result of being in the prone position following gas tamponade, the mean endothelial cell loss in group 2 was not less than in group 1. In eyes with blood in the corneal endothelium, endothelial cell loss significantly increased (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that ophthalmic surgeons should attempt to carefully control bleeding and sufficiently irrigate the vitreous during pars plana vitrectomy combined with gas tamponade.

The Effect of Intraocular Lens Insertion Sequence during the Triple Procedure on Corneal Endothelial Cell Survival

PURPOSE: To evaluate the differences in corneal endothelial cell density in patients undergoing intraocular lens insertion at 2 different sequences during the triple procedure. METHODS: The present retrospective study divided 37 eyes of 37 patients and into 2 groups: trephination, phacoemulsification and intraocular insertion, followed by graft suturing (20 eyes, Group I), and trephination, phacoemulsification, graft suturing leaving 3 mm gap, followed by intraocular lens insertion and suturing of the gap (17 eyes, Group II). Intraocular pressure, corneal thickness, and endothelial cell density were measured for 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS: No significant difference in intraocular pressure between the 2 groups (p = 0.14) was observed. However in Group II, the mean corneal thickness showed a greater decrease (p = 0.02) during the 3 months following surgery, and the mean corneal endothelial cell density in this group was higher at 1, 2, and 3 months postoperatively than that of Group I (p = 0.01, 0.02 and 0.04 respectively). There were no significant difference in the rate of endothelial cell loss during the postoperative period between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: The anterior chamber formation before intraocular lens insertion in the triple procedure is hypothesized to decrease corneal endothelial cell loss by minimizing mechanical contact with intraocular structures or intraocular lenses during surgery.

Central Corneal Thickness and Corneal Endothelial Cell Changes Caused by Contact Lens Use in Diabetic Patients

PURPOSE: To analyze the effects of soft contact lenses on central corneal thickness and morphologic characteristics of the corneal endothelium in diabetic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ultrasound pachymetry and noncontact specular microscopy were performed on 26 diabetic patients who regularly use soft contact lenses (group 1), 27 diabetic patients who do not use soft contact lenses (group 2) and 30 normal subjects (group 3). We compared the values in each group using the Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: The central cornea was found to be thicker in diabetic patients, both those who use and do not use contact lenses, than in the normal control group. The central corneal thickness was significantly higher in group 1 (564.73 +/- 35.41 microm) and group 2 (555.76 +/- 45.96 microm) than in the control group (534.05 +/- 27.02 microm), but there was no statistically significant difference between groups 1 and 2. Endothelial cell density was significantly different between the groups, and was smallest in the group of diabetic patients using contact lenses. The coefficient of variation of cell size was significantly higher and the percentage of hexagonal cells was significantly lower in contact lens using diabetic patients than in non-contact lens using diabetic patients and in the control group. CONCLUSION: Central corneal thickness and endothelial cell density is more affected by diabetes mellitus, and corneal endothelial cell morphology is more affected by contact lens use, when compared with normal subjects.

Effect of Anterior Chamber Depth on Corneal Endothelial Change After Phacoemulsification

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of preoperative and postoperative parameters, particularly anterior chamber depth, on corneal endothelial cell loss during cataract surgery. METHODS: Eighty-two eyes of 82 patients who underwent cataract surgery by the same surgeon using the same technique were selected for the present study. Various preoperative and postoperative parameters including age, anterior chamber depth, duration and power of phacoemulsification, preoperative endothelial cell density, coefficient of variation, hexagonality, and grade of nucleosclerosis were evaluated. Endothelial cell densities were recorded preoperatively and at two months postoperatively using a noncontact specular microscope. RESULTS: After two months, the mean central endothelial cell loss in all eyes was 8.77%. Among the pre- and post-operative parameters, patient' age, anterior chamber depth, duration, power, and energy of phacoemulsification and grade of nucleosclerosis showed significant correlation with endothelial cell loss. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis identified age, nucleosclerosis, anterior chamber depth, and phacoemulsification time as independent predictors for endothelial cell loss. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of endothelial cell loss increased with increases in patient' age, nucleosclerosis, and phacoemulsification time. However, eyes with a deep anterior chamber showed a significantly lower risk of endothelial cell loss.

Anterior Segment Parameters Using Pentacam and Prediction of Corneal Endothelial Cell Loss after Cataract Surgery

PURPOSE: We evaluated various preoperative anterior segment parameters measured with a Pentacam rotating Scheimpflug camera and compared them with those of conventional methods. We also evaluated the effect of different parameters on corneal endothelial cells after cataract surgery. METHODS: Pentacam examination was performed in 88 eyes from 88 patients to evaluate central anterior chamber depth (ACD(pentacam)), nuclear density (Densitometry(pentacam)), anterior chamber volume (ACV), and lens thickness (LT(pentacam)). We compared values of ACD(pentacam) with those of ultrasound (ACD(sono)) and also compared Densitometry(pentacam) values with those of Lens Opacities Classification System (LOCS III) classification. We evaluated the effect of the following preoperative values measured with Pentacam on postoperative endothelial cell loss: pupil size measured both preoperatively and before capsulorrhexsis (Pupil(CCC)), amount of viscoelastics, and LT measured by ultrasound (LT(sono)). RESULTS: A significant concordance was found between the two grading methods of nuclear opacity: Densitometry(pentacam) and LOCS III classification (tau(b) = 0.414, p = 0.000). We also found a positive correlation between ACD(pentacam) and ACD(sono) (r = 0.823, p = 0.000) and between ACD(pentacam) and ACV (r = 0.650, p = 0.000). There were significant differences between the results of LT(pentacam) and LT(sono). The final regression model identified Densitometry(pentacam), viscoelastics and Pupil(CCC) as independent predictors of decreased postoperative corneal endothelial cell density (CD) at postoperative day 3, and Densitometry(pentacam), viscoelastics, and ACV as independent predictors of decreased CD two months postoperatively (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Good agreement was found between all results obtained with the Pentacam and conventional methods except LT. Analyzing anterior chamber parameters preoperatively using Pentacam could be helpful to predict postoperative endothelial cell loss.