Agreement between corneal diameter measurements obtained with an optical biometer and a Placido-based topographer / Acordo de medições do diâmetro da córnea obtidas por um biômetro óptico e um topógrafo com base em Plácido

ABSTRACT Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the white-to-white distance measurements of two devices (IOL Master 500 and Atlas corneal topographer) commonly used in clinical practice to determine if they were interchangeable. Providing information on instrument interchangeability could eliminate several unnecessary tests and consequently reduce the economic burden for the patient and society. Methods: In this prospective, comparative case series, the white-to-white distance was measured by independent examiners using the Atlas topographer (Carl Zeiss Meditec) and the IOL Master 500 (Carl Zeiss Meditec). One eye each of 184 patients was tested. Statistical analyses were performed using a paired t-test, Pearson correlation analysis, and Bland-Altman analysis to compare the measurement methods. Results: The mean white-to-white distance measurements with the Atlas topographer and the IOL Master 500 were 12.20 ± 0.44 mm and 12.12 ± 0.41 mm, respectively (p<0.001). The mean white-to-white difference between the two devices was 0.07 mm (95% confidence interval of mean difference: 0.04-0.11 mm). The Pearson correlation coefficient between the two devices was 0.85 (p<0.0001). The 95% limits of agreement between the two devices were -0.38 mm to 0.53 mm. Conclusions: The Atlas topographer and IOL Master 500 can be used interchangeably with respect to white-to-white distance measurements, as the range of differences is unlikely to affect clinical practice and decision making.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo é comparar as medições de diâmetro corneano de dois dispositivos normalmente utilizados na prática clínica (IOL Master 500 e Atlas topógrafo corneal) para ver se são permutáveis. O fornecimento de informações sobre a permutabilidade de instrumentos poderia eliminar vários testes desnecessários e, consequentemente, reduzir a carga econômica para o paciente e para a sociedade. Métodos: Nesta série de casos prospectivos e comparativos, a distância do diâmetro corneano foi medida por examinadores independentes utilizando o Topógrafo Atlas (Carl Zeiss Meditec) e o IOL Master 500 (Carl Zeiss Meditec), em um olho de 184 pacientes. A análise estatística foi realizada utilizando o teste t pareado, a correlação Pearson e a análise Bland-Altman para comparar os métodos de medição. Resultados: As medições médias da distância do diâmetro corneano com o topógrafo Atlas e o IOL Master 500 foram de 12,20 ± 0,44 mm e 12,12 ± 0,41 mm, respectivamente (p<0,001). A diferença média de WTW entre os dois dispositivos foi de 0,07 mm (intervalo de confiança de 95% da diferença média: 0,04 - 0,11 mm). O coeficiente de correlação Pearson entre os dois dispositivos foi de 0,85, p<0,0001. Os limites de concordância de 95% entre os dois dispositivos foram de -0,38 mm a 0,53 mm. Conclusões: O Atlas topographer e o IOL Master 500 podem ser utilizados permutavelmente em relação à medição do diâmetro corneano, uma vez que a gama de diferenças encontradas é pouco susceptível de afetar a prática clínica e a tomada de decisões.

Morphologic and molecular study on the lens anterior capsule in systemic sclerosis / Relato sobre estudo morfológico e molecular da cápsula anterior do cristalino na esclerose sistêmica

ABSTRACT This study aimed to analyze the anterior lens capsule specimens from both eyes of a patient with systemic sclerosis and compare them to the eyes of a control patient. No significant differences between systemic sclerosis and control eyes were observed in the results from the hematoxylin-eosin and picrosirius staining. In the samples obtained from both systemic sclerosis and control eyes, there were expressions of caspase, a molecule expressed in cell death by apoptosis. Heparanase was overexpressed in the systemic sclerosis sample compared to the control sample. Therefore, the anterior lens capsule of the patient with systemic sclerosis is probably affected by the disease since it showed marked expression of heparanase 1.(AU)

RESUMO Analisamos as amostras das cápsulas anteriores do cristalino de uma paciente com esclerose sistêmica e comparamos com as de um paciente controle. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas entre esclerose sistêmica e controle nos resultados da coloração com hematoxilina-eosina e picrosirius. Nas amostras obtidas da esclerose sistêmica e do controle, obtivemos expressão de caspase, uma molécula expressa na morte celular por apoptose. A heparinase foi expressa de forma mais marcante na amostra de esclerose sistêmica quando comparada ao controle. Portanto, a cápsula anterior do cristalino da paciente com esclerose sistêmica provavelmente foi afetada pela doença, uma vez que mostrou expressão aumentada de heparinase 1.(AU)

Posterior capsule opacification after cataract surgery in children over five years of age with square-edge hydrophobic versus hydrophilic acrylic intraocular lenses: a prospective randomized study

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of hydrophobic and hydrophilic materials in square-edged acrylic intraocular lenses (IOLs) on the development of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) after pediatric cataract surgery. METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned to group 1 (hydrophobic acrylic square-edged IOLs; 13 eyes) or group 2 (hydrophilic acrylic square-edged IOLs; 13 eyes). The study evaluated PCO rates using Evaluation of Posterior Capsule Opacification (EPCO) 2000 software at one, three, six and 12 months postoperatively. Postoperative measurements also included corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), neodymium:yttrium‐aluminum‐garnet (Nd:YAG) capsulotomy and postoperative complications other than PCO. RESULTS: Both groups had significant increases in PCO rates after one year. Comparison of the groups showed no significant differences in the EPCO scores at three (group 1, 0.007±0.016 vs group 2, 0.008±0.014; p=0.830), six (group 1, 0.062±0.103 vs group 2, 0.021±0.023; p=0.184), or twelve months postoperatively (group 1, 0.200±0.193 vs group 2, 0.192±0.138; p=0.902). We also found no significant group differences regarding the change (delta, Δ) in EPCO scores between three and six months (group 1, 0.055±0.09 vs group 2, 0.013±0.02; p=0.113) or between six and twelve months postoperatively (group 1, 0.139±0.14 vs group 2, 0.171±0.14; p=0.567). Twenty-three percent of patients required Nd:YAG capsulotomy at the twelve-month visit. CONCLUSIONS: No differences in PCO rates were found between hydrophobic and hydrophilic acrylic square-edged IOLs in children between five and twelve years of age at one year of follow-up.

Prevalence of corneal astigmatism in cataract surgery candidates at a public hospital in Brazil / Prevalência de astigmatismo corneano em candidatos a facectomia em hospital público no Brasil

ABSTRACT Purpose: To assess the frequency of corneal astigmatism before cataract surgery in a Brazilian sample. Methods: This clinic-based cross-sectional study was conducted at the Bonsucesso Federal Hospital, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Charts of patients who underwent cataract surgery over a two-year period were retrospectively reviewed, and preoperative keratometric measurements were collected and analyzed. Results: A total of 1707 eyes of 1045 patients were enrolled. The corneal astigmatism was less than 1.0 D in 971 eyes (56.9%), 1.0-1.99 D in 496 eyes (29.1%), 2.0-2.99 D in 157 eyes (9.2%), and more than 3.0 D in 83 eyes (4.9%). The mean corneal astigmatism was 0.92 ± (SD) 0.96 D (range 0 - 10.25 D). Conclusion: Over 40% of the patients undergoing cataract surgery enrolled in this study had more than 1.0 D of corneal astigmatism and may benefit from the use of toric intraocular lenses. These data can be useful for planning to make this technology available for patients.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência do astigmatismo corneano antes da cirurgia de catarata em pacientes brasileiros. Métodos: Este estudo transversal de base clínica foi realizado no Hospital Federal de Bonsucesso, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Os prontuários de pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de catarata durante um período de dois anos foram revisados retrospectivamente, e as medidas ceratométricas pré-operatórias foram coletadas e analisadas. Resultados: Um total de 1.707 olhos de 1045 pacientes foram incluídos. O astigmatismo corneano foi menor que 1,0 D em 971 olhos (56,9%), 1,0-1,99 D em 496 olhos (29,1%), 2,0-2,99 D em 157 olhos (9,2%) e mais de 3,0 D em 83 olhos (4,9%). A média do astigmatismo corneano foi de 0,92 ± (SD) 0,96 D (intervalo 0-10,25 D). Conclusão: Mais de 40% dos pacientes estudados submetidos à cirurgia de catarata incluídos neste estudo tinham mais de 1,0 D de astigmatismo corneano e podem se beneficiar do uso de lentes intraoculares tóricas. Esses dados podem ser úteis no planejar a disponibilização dessa tecnologia para os pacientes.

Comparison of different surgical approaches for pediatric cataracts: complications and rates of additional surgery during long-term follow-up

OBJECTIVES: To compare long-term postoperative complications of pediatric cataract surgery with primary intraocular lens (IOL) implantation associated with posterior capsulotomy (PC) and anterior vitrectomy (AV) between patients treated with a corneal or pars plicata/pars plana approach. METHODS: Children who underwent cataract surgery with in-the-bag primary IOL implantation were divided into two groups according to PC and AV surgical approach: a corneal approach (group 1) and a pars plicata/pars plana approach (group 2). Only patients with a follow-up duration of more than two years were included. Long-term surgical outcomes were retrospectively reported. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 10.00±3.13 years. No cases of glaucoma or retinal detachment were reported. The mean age at surgery was 34.57±22.66 months. Forty-six children were included (27 eyes in group 1 and 29 eyes in group 2). The most frequent postoperative complication was corectopia, followed by visual axis opacification. Both complications occurred more frequently in group 1 (p<0.001). After cataract surgery, the rate of additional surgeries in group 1 was 51.9%, while in group 2, the rate was 27.6% (p=0.1132). CONCLUSION: The pars plicata/pars plana approach with PC and vitrectomy with primary in-the-bag IOL implantation for pediatric cataracts is a safe procedure.

Assessment of eye drop instillation technique in glaucoma patients / Técnica de instilação de colírio em pacientes com glaucoma

ABSTRACT Purpose: To study the technique of eye drop instillation in glaucoma patients and identify independent factors that may influence their performance. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 71 consecutive patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension, self-administering topical anti-glaucoma medications for ≥6 months were evaluated. All patients instilled a tear substitute into the eye with the worst eyesight using the technique normally used at home. The following parameters were evaluated: age, number of years receiving treatment with ocular hypotensive eye drops, time spent to instill the first drop, number of drops instilled, correct location of the eye drops, contact of the bottle with the eye, closing of the eyelids or occlusion of the tear punctum, and asepsis of the hands. Results: The mean age of the patients was 66 ± 10.8 years, and patients were on ocular hypotensive drugs for 11.3 ± 7.3 (range, 2-35) years. Only 28% of the patients were able to correctly instill the eye drops (squeeze out 1 drop and instill it into the conjunctival sac without bottle tip contact). Touching the tip of the bottle to the globe or periocular tissue occurred in 62% of the patients. In 49% of the patients, the eye drops fell on the eyelids or cheek. Two or more drops were squeezed by 27% of the patients. Conclusions: The majority of glaucoma patients were unable to correctly instill eye drops. Age was an independent factor associated with eye drop instillation performance.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a técnica de instilação de colírio em portadores de glaucoma e identificar fatores independentes que pode influenciar o desempenho. Métodos: Neste estudo transversal 71 pacientes consecutivos com glaucoma ou hipertensão ocular que auto instilam seus colírios há pelo menos 6 meses, foram avaliados. Todos os pacientes instilaram um colírio lubrificante no olho de pior visão utilizando a mesma técnica de instilação de colírio que utilizam rotineiramente em casa. Foram avaliados parâmetros como: idade, número de anos em tratamento com colírios hipotensores oculares, tempo gasto para instilação da primeira gota, número de gotas instiladas, localização correta do colírio, contato do frasco com o olho, fechamento de pálpebras ou oclusão do ponto lacrimal e assepsia das mãos. Resultados: A idade média dos pacientes foi de 66 ± 10,8 anos. Os pacientes esta vam em tratamento com colírios hipotensores oculares por, em média, 11,3 ± 7,3 anos (variando de 2 a 35 anos). Apenas 28% dos pacientes foram capazes de instilar corretamente o colírio (instilação de 1 gota em saco conjuntival sem contato com a ponta do frasco). Contato da ponta do frasco com o olho ou tecido periocular ocorreu em 62% dos pacientes. Em 49% dos casos, o colírio caiu nas pálpebras ou fora do saco lacrimal na primeira tentativa. Duas ou mais gotas foram instiladas por 27% dos pacientes. Conclusão: A maioria dos pacientes com glaucoma é incapaz de instilar o colírio corretamente. A idade é um fator independente que influencia o desempenho da instilação de colírio.

Lentes intraoculares fácicas de câmara posterior / Phakic posterior chamber intraocular lenses

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo foi reunir estudos que reportam resultados disponíveis na literatura científica, considerando a previsibilidade, segurança, eficácia, e estabilidade das lentes intraoculares fácicas de câmara posterior. E relatar as complicações documentadas para estas lentes. A revisão criteriosa dos estudos publicados na literatura ate o momento revelam resultado satisfatórios quanto à eficácia, elevada previsibilidade, estabilidade e segurança do implante de lente intraocular de câmara posterior, para correção das miopia, hipermetropia e astigmatismo.

Abstract The objective of this article was to gather studies that report results available in the scientific literature, considering the predictability, safety, efficacy, and stability of posterior chamber phakic intraocular lenses. And report the documented complications for these lenses.

Cross-linking da cornea: protocolo padrão / Corneal Crosslinking: The Standard Protocol

RESUMO O objetivo desta revisão é de determinar as indicações e eficácia da cirurgia que promove novas ligações covalentes entre as fibras de colágeno da córnea, conhecida como Cross-Linking (CXL), assim como esclarecer seus objetivos. O ceratocone é uma doença ectasica da córnea, bilateral, assimétrica, que, principalmente, cursa com encurvamento e afinamentos progressivo, e se inicia em geral na segunda década de vida. O uso primário do CXL tem sido na interrupção da progressão do Ceratocone. Apesar do conhecido encurvamento no estroma da córnea ocorrer nesses pacientes, a fisiopatologia por trás do ceratocone ainda é desconhecida e parece ser multifatorial. Pela evidencia literária disponível até o momento, o CXL da córnea esta, portanto indicado nos pacientes com doença em progressão. Concluímos que existe evidencia suficiente para afirmar que o CXL da córnea é eficaz na estabilização da doença ectásica da cornea.

ABSTRACT The purpose of this review is to determine the indications and efficacy of the surgery that promotes new covalent bonds between the collagen fibers of the cornea, known as Cross-Linking (CXL), as well as to clarify its objectives. Keratoconus is a bilateral, asymmetric ectasic disease of the cornea that mainly courses with steepening and progressive thinning, and usually begins in the second decade of life. The primary use of CXL has been in discontinuing the progression of keratoconus. Although known corneal stromal remodeling occurs in these patients, the pathophysiology behind keratoconus is still unknown and appears to be multifactorial. By the literary evidence available to date, the CXL of the cornea is safely indicated in patients with progressing disease. We conclude that there is sufficient evidence to affirm that cornea CXL is effective in stabilizing corneal ectasic disease.

Aplicação da mitomicina C na cirurgia refrativa / Mitomycin C application in refractive surgery

RESUMO A mitomicina C teve seu uso profilático e terapêutico estabelecido, ao longo dos anos, para diminuir o haze depois da ablação superficial. A mitomicina C é segura e eficaz como uma terapia adjuvante aplicada após um procedimento primário de ceratectomia fotorrefrativa ou após um retratamento com ceratectomia fotorrefrativa após o laser in situ keratomileusis LASIK. A mitomicina age modulando a cicatrização após a cirurgia. Constitui-se num potente inibidor de mitose, bloqueia a ativação e a profliferação dos fibroblastos e a diferenciação dos miofibroblastos. Embora existam muitos estudos apontando a segurança da mitomicina nas doses ultilizadas, ainda persistem dúvidas quanto à segurança, a longo prazo, do uso da mitomicina. Quando as córneas são examinadas com microscópios confocal, após depleção inicial dos ceratócitos, a densidade celular parece retornar ao normal seis a 12 meses após o uso de mitomicina C . A maioria dos estudos clínicos não encontrou diferença significativa entre a densidade endotelial celular préoperatória e pós-operatória quando a mitomicina C 0.02% foi aplicada durante a cirurgia com um tempo de exposição de 2 minutos ou menos. Em aproximadamente 14 anos, a mitomicina C mostrou-se eficaz na prevenção e tratamento do haze corneano.

ABSTRACT Over the years, mitomycin C has been used by refractive surgeons to prophylactically decrease haze after surface ablation procedures and therapeutically in the treatment of preexisting haze. Development of mitomycin C treatments has had a significant role in the revival of surface ablation techniques. We reviewed the literature regarding mechanism of action of mitomycin C, its role in modulating wound healing after refractive surgery, and its safety and efficacy as adjuvant therapy applied after primary photorefractive keratectomy surgery or after photorefractive keratectomy re-treatment after laser in situ keratomileusis and other corneal surgeries and disorders. The drug is a potent mitotic inhibitor that effectively blocks keratocyte activation, proliferation, and myofibroblast differentiation. Many studies have suggested that mitomycin C is safe and effective in doses used by anterior surface surgeons, although there continue to be concerns regarding long-term safety. After initial depletion of anterior keratocytes, keratocyte density seems to return to normal 6 to12 months after the use of mitomycin C when corneas are examined with the confocal microscope. Most clinical studies found no difference between preoperative and postoperative corneal endothelial cell densities when mitomycin C 0.02% was applied during refractive surgery,with exposure time of 2 minutes or less. After approximately 14 years of use, mitomycin C has been found to be effective when used for prevention and treatment of corneal haze.

Safety of warfarin therapy during cataract surgery under topical anesthesia / Segurança da terapia com varfarina durante cirurgia de catarata com anestesia tópica

ABSTRACT Purpose: To analyze the safety of warfarin therapy during cataract surgery under topical anesthesia. Methods: This was a prospective nonrandomized comparative study of 60 eyes of 60 patients treated with or without concurrent oral warfarin anticoagulant therapy, referred for cataract surgery under topical anesthesia. The sample included a treatment (n=30) and a control (n=30) group. Results: There were no records of intraoperative or postoperative intracameral bleeding complications in both the groups. At 1-month postoperative follow-up, 90.0% of patients presented spectacle-corrected visual acuity of at least 20/40. Conclusion: Cataract surgery by phacoemulsification with topical anesthesia can be successfully conducted without discontinuing warfarin. .

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a segurança da cirurgia de catarata com anestesia tópica em pacientes em uso de varfarina. Métodos: Estudo comparativo não aleatorizado, prospectivo de 30 olhos de 30 indivíduos sob terapia anticoagulante por via oral com Varfarina que se submeteram à cirurgia de catarata com anestesia tópica. O grupo controle foi composto por 30 olhos de 30 pacientes, com indicação de cirurgia de catarata, que não faziam uso de terapia anticoagulante. Resultados: Não houve registro de complicações hemorrágicas intracamerais transoperatórias ou pós-operatórias em ambos os grupos. Na visita pós-operatória de 30 dias, 90,0% dos pacientes apresentavam acuidade visual corrigida por óculos de pelo menos 20/40. Conclusão: A cirurgia de catarata por facoemulsificação com anestesia tópica pode ser realizada com sucesso sem interrupção da terapia com varfarina. .

Influence of aspheric intraocular lens on frequency doubling technology and contrast sensitivity: a fellow eye study / Influência da lente intraocular asférica na perimetria de frequência dupla e sensibilidade ao contraste: estudo contralateral

Purpose: To evaluate whether implantation of an aspheric intraocular lens (IOL) results in reduced ocular aberrations and improved contrast sensitivity after cataract surgery and, therefore, changes on frequency-doubling technology (FDT) testing. Methods: The present prospective clinical study enrolled 25 patients with bilateral cataract (50 eyes), who randomly received either an aspheric (Akreos AO) or a spherical (Akreos Fit) IOL in one eye and the other IOL in the second eye. Assessment 12 months postoperatively included photopic and mesopic contrast sensitivity testing. Higher-order aberrations (HOAs) were computed. FDT testing was divided into four areas to evaluate the variation of the values at different points. The median values of the local pattern thresholds (median area contrast sensitivity [MACS]) obtained with that division were calculated. Results: The Akreos AO group obtained statistically significantly lower values of HOAs and spherical aberration compared with the Akreos Fit group. There was a statistically significant between-group difference in contrast sensitivity under mesopic conditions at all spatial frequencies. No statistically significant differences were observed in mean deviation and pattern standard deviation. The aspheric IOL exhibited higher MACS in all areas, although a statistically significant difference was reached only in the 20-degree field area (P=0.043). Conclusion: Aspheric IOLs significantly reduced spherical aberration and HOAs, improving mesopic contrast sensitivity. Although there was a trend toward slightly improved FDT in the aspheric IOL group, it was not statistically significant. .

Objetivo: Avaliar se o implante de uma lente intraocular (LIO) asférica reduz a aberração ocular (alta ordem e esférica), melhora a sensibilidade ao contraste e consequentemente, provoca mudanças nos valores da perimetria de frequência dupla (FDT ). Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo prospectivo envolvendo 25 pacientes com catarata bilateral (50 olhos) que foram randomizados para receberem uma LIO asférica (Akreos AO) em um olho e uma LIO esfércia (Akreos Fit) no olho contralateral. Com 12 meses de pós-operatório a sensibilidade ao contraste (condições fotópicas e mesópicas) e a aberração de alta ordem foram computados. A FDT foi dividida em 4 áreas para análise da variação dos valores em diferentes localizações. Os valores médios dos limiares locais (área média de sensibilidade ao contraste [MACS]) obtidos com essa divisão foram calculados. Resultados: O grupo da Akreos AO apresentou menores valores de aberração de alta ordem e aberração esférica. Houve diferença estatisticamente significativa na sensibilidade ao contraste em condições mesópicas em todas frequências. Não houve diferença estatística nos valores do mean deviation e pattern standard deviation da FDT. A LIO asférica apresentou maiores MACS em todas as áreas, embora diferença estatística foi encontrada apenas na área de 20 graus de campo visual (P=0,043). Conclusões: A lente asférica reduziu significativamente a quantidade de aberração de alta ordem e esférica, melhorando a sensibilidade ao contraste em condições mesópicas. Embora houve uma melhora nos valores da FDT no grupo da LIO asférica, essa diferença não foi estatisticamente significativa. .

A clinical comparison between DisCoVisc and 2% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose in phacoemulsification: a fellow eye study

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to compare the effects and outcomes of two ophthalmic viscosurgical devices, 1.6% hyaluronic acid/4.0% chondroitin sulfate and 2.0% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, during phacoemulsification. METHODS: This prospective, randomized clinical trial comprised 78 eyes (39 patients) that received phacoemulsification performed by the same surgeon using a standardized technique. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either 1.6% hyaluronic acid/4.0% chondroitin sulfate or 2.0% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose on the first eye. The other eye was treated later and received the other viscoelastic agent. Preoperative and postoperative examinations (5, 24 and 48 hours; 7 and 14 days; 3 and 6 months) included measurements of the total volume of the ophthalmic viscosurgical device, ultrasound and washout times to completely remove the ophthalmic viscosurgical device, intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness and best-corrected visual acuity. The corneal endothelial cell count was measured at baseline and at six months postoperatively. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01387620. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between groups in terms of cataract density or ultrasound time. However, it took longer to remove 2.0% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose than 1.6% hyaluronic acid/ 4.0% chondroitin sulfate, and the amount of viscoelastic material used was greater in the 2.0% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose group. In addition, the best-corrected visual acuity was significantly better in the hyaluronic acid/ chondroitin sulfate group, but this preferable outcome was only observed at 24 hours after the operation. There were no statistically significant differences between the two ophthalmic viscosurgical devices regarding the central corneal thickness or intraocular pressure measurements at any point in time. The corneal endothelial cell count was significantly higher in the hyaluronic acid/chondroitin sulfate group. CONCLUSION: The ophthalmic viscosurgical device consisting of 1.6% hyaluronic acid/4.0% chondroitin sulfate was more efficient during phacoemulsification and was easier to remove after IOL implantation than 2.0% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose. In addition, the corneal endothelial cell count was significantly higher following the use of hyaluronic acid/chondroitin sulfate than with hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, which promoted an improved level of corneal endothelium protection.

Ocular findings in patients with systemic sclerosis

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency and characteristics of ocular manifestations in outpatients with systemic sclerosis. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 45 patients with systemic sclerosis were enrolled. Data regarding demographics, disease duration and subtype, age at diagnosis, nailfold capillaroscopic pattern and autoantibody profile were collected, and a full ophthalmic examination was conducted. Parametric (Student's t-test) and nonparametric (Mann-Whitney U test) tests were used to compare continuous variables. Fisher's exact test was used to compare categorical data. P values < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: Twenty-three subjects (51.1 percent) had eyelid skin changes; 22 (48.9 percent) had keratoconjunctivitis sicca, 19 (42.2 percent) had cataracts, 13 (28.9 percent) had retinal microvascular abnormalities and 6 (13.3 percent) had glaucoma. Eyelid skin changes were more frequent in patients with the diffuse subtype of systemic sclerosis and were associated with a younger age and an earlier age at diagnosis. Cataracts were presumed to be age-related and secondary to corticosteroid treatment. There was no association between demographic, clinical or serological data and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. The retinal microvascular abnormalities were indistinguishable from those related to systemic hypertension and were associated with an older age and a severe capillaroscopic pattern. CONCLUSIONS: Eyelid skin abnormalities and keratoconjunctivitis sicca were the most common ocular findings related to systemic sclerosis. Some demographic and clinical data were associated with some ophthalmic features and not with others, showing that the ocular manifestations of systemic sclerosis are characterized by heterogeneity and reflect the differences in the implicated pathophysiological mechanisms.

The effect of subconjunctival bevacizumab on corneal neovascularization, inflammation and re-epithelization in a rabbit model

PURPOSE: To evaluate the use of subconjunctival bevacizumab on corneal neovascularization in an experimental rabbit model for its effect on vessel extension, inflammation, and corneal epithelialization. METHODS: In this prospective, randomized, blinded, experimental study, 20 rabbits were submitted to a chemical trauma with sodium hydroxide and subsequently divided into two groups. The experimental group received a subconjunctival injection of bevacizumab (0.15 m; 3.75 mg), and the control group received an injection of 0.15 ml saline solution. After 14 days, two blinded digital photograph analyses were conducted to evaluate the inflammation/diameter of the vessels according to pre-established criteria. A histopathological analysis of the cornea evaluated the state of the epithelium and the number of polymorphonuclear cells. RESULTS: A concordance analysis using Kappa's statistic showed a satisfactory level of agreement between the two blinded digital photography analyses. The neovascular vessel length was greater in the control group (p<0.01) than in the study group. However, the histopathological examination revealed no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of the state of the epithelium and the number of polymorphonuclear cells. CONCLUSIONS: Subconjunctival bevacizumab inhibited neovascularization in the rabbit cornea. However, this drug was not effective at reducing inflammation. The drug did not induce persistent corneal epithelial defects.

Wavefront analysis and modulation transfer function of three multifocal intraocular lenses.

Purpose: To evaluate wavefront performance and modulation transfer function (MTF) in the human eye after the implantation of diffractive or refractive multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs). Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, interventional, comparative, nonrandomized clinical study. Uncorrected distance and near visual acuity, and wavefront analysis including MTF curves (iTrace aberrometer, Tracey Technologies, Houston, TX, USA) were measured in 60 patients after bilateral IOL implantation with 6 months of follow-up. Forty eyes received the diffractive ReSTOR (Alcon), 40 eyes received the refractive ReZoom (Advanced Medical Optics) and 40 eyes, the Tecnis ZM900 (Advanced Medical Optics). The comparison of MTF and aberration between the intraocular lenses was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by the Dunn test when necessary. Results: The mean uncorrected distance visual acuity was similar in all three groups of multifocal IOLs. The ReSTOR group provided better uncorrected near visual acuity than the ReZoom group (P < 0.001), but similar to the Tecnis group. Spherical aberration was significantly higher in the ReZoom group (P = 0.007). Similar MTF curves were found for the aspheric multifocal IOL Tecnis and the spheric multifocal IOL ReSTOR, and both performed better than the multifocal IOL ReZoom in a 5 mm pupil (P < 0.001 at all spatial frequencies). Conclusions: Diffractive IOLs studied presented similar MTF curves for a 5 mm pupil diameter. Both diffractive IOLs showed similar spherical aberration, which was significantly better with the full-diffractive IOL Tecnis than with the refractive IOL ReZoom.