The Effect of Bevacizumab versus Ranibizumab in the Treatment of Corneal Neovascularization: A Preliminary Study

PURPOSE: To compare the short term effects of bevacizumab and ranibizumab injections on the regression of corneal neovascularization (NV). METHODS: Sixteen eyes of 16 patients with corneal NV were randomly assigned for an injection with 2.5 mg of bevacizumab (group 1, n = 8) or 1 mg of ranibizumab (group 2, n = 8) through subconjunctival and intrastromal routes. The patients were prospectively followed-up for one month after the injections. Corneal NV areas, as shown on corneal slit-lamp photographs stored in JPEG format, were calculated using Image J software before the injection, one week after the injection, and one month after the injection. The corneal NV areas were compared before and after the injections. RESULTS: Seven women and nine men, with an average age of 51 years, presented with corneal NV secondary to herpetic keratitis (7 cases), graft rejection (6), chemical burn (1), pemphigoid (1), and recurrent ulcer (1). In group I, the preoperative corneal NV area (8.75 +/- 4.33%) was significantly decreased to 5.62 +/- 3.86% one week after the injection and to 6.35 +/- 3.02% one month after the injection (p = 0.012, 0.012, respectively). The corneal NV area in group 2 also exhibited a significant change, from 7.37 +/- 4.33% to 6.72 +/- 4.16% one week after the injection (p = 0.012). However, no significant change was observed one month after the injection. The mean decrease in corneal NV area one month after injection in group 1 (28.4 +/- 9.01%) was significantly higher than in group 2 (4.51 +/- 11.64%, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Bevacizumab injection resulted in a more effective and stable regression of corneal NV compared to the ranibizumab injection. The potency and dose of these two drugs for the regression of corneal NV require further investigation.

The Effects of Conjunctival Shield on Pain Alleviation During Cataract Surgery in Conjunctivochalasis Patients

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of conjunctival shield on pain alleviation during cataract surgery in conjunctivochalasis patients for conjunctiva drawn into speculum suction holes during cataract surgery. METHODS: Forty patients with conjunctivochalasis undergoing cataract surgery using un aspirating speculum were evaluated in the present study. A thin piece of surgical wipe (conjunctival shield) was inserted between the lid and bulbar conjunctiva to shield the conjunctiva from the suction hole and thereby prevent it from being sucked into the hole. Additionally, patients were asked to rank pain following speculum placement both before and after conjunctiva shield insertion by visual analogue scale. RESULTS: The pain scores were 2.50 +/- 0.78 points before conjunctival shield insertion, and 1.25 +/- 0.66 points after conjunctival shield insertion, which was a significant decrease (p = 0.01). In addition, the results showed a 70% reduction in pain following shield insertion. CONCLUSIONS: Conjunctivochalasis causes pain during cataract surgery when using an aspirating speculum. The conjunctival shield insertion is a safe and simple method for pain-free cataract surgery in conjunctivochalasis patients.

Changes in Higher Order Aberration After Implantable Contact Lens Implantation

PURPOSE: To evaluate the changes in higher-order aberrations (HOAs) after implantation of an ICL (implantable contact lens). METHODS: Twenty-six eyes that had undergone ICL implantation between February 2008 and October 2009 were included. Ocular higher-order aberrations of all the eyes were measured using the Hartmann-Shack aberrometer (KR9000PW). Examinations were performed preoperatively, as well as one week, one month, and three months after ICL implantation. Changes in ocular total higher-order aberrations, total spherical aberration, coma aberration, trefoil aberration, and S3 and S4 calculated in the central 4-mm zone and expressed as root mean square (RMS) values were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 25.4 years, and the mean preoperative spherical equivalent was -6.40 diopters(D). The mean postoperative spherical equivalents were 0.00 +/- 0.13D, 0.03 +/- 0.21D, -0.013 +/- 0.12D at one week, one month,and three months, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in ocular higher-order aberration RMS,including spherical, coma, or trefoil aberration, at one week, one month, or three months postoperative or between preoperative and postoperative measurements. CONCLUSIONS: There is no significant change of ocular higher order aberration in the central 4-mm zone after ICL implantation.

Wavefront Analysis of Successful Treatment of Monocular Triplopia After Cataract Extraction: Report of 2 Cases

PURPOSE: To report wavefront analysis of successful treatment of monocular triplopia after cataract extraction. CASE SUMMARY: (Case 1) A 59-year-old man visited our clinic for a monocular triplopia in his left eye of five years in duration. The best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) was 1.0 in the left eye, and the patient had a mild cortical cataract. The ocular spherical aberration (0.126 micrometer for the 4-mm pupil, 0.351 micrometer for the 6-mm pupil) measured by a Hartmann-Shack aberrometer increased preoperatively, while the corneal spherical aberration was normal. After cataract surgery, the monocular triplopia disappeared, and the ocular spherical aberration decreased. (Case 2) A 38-year-old man visited our clinic for a monocular triplopia in his left eye of a two-year duration. The best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) was 0.3 in the left eye, and the patient had a mild nuclear cataract. The ocular spherical aberration (-0.356 micrometer, -1.343 micrometer) and trefoil aberration (0.199 micrometer, 0.252 micrometer) increased preoperatively, while the corneal spherical and trefoil aberrations were normal. After cataract surgery, the monocular triplopia disappeared and the ocular spherical and trefoil aberrations decreased.

The Clinical Results of Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segment Implantation Using a Femtosecond Laser in Keratectasia

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical results of intrastromal ring segment (Keraring(R)) implantation using a femtosecond laser in patients with keratectasia. METHODS: Twenty eyes of 19 keratectatic patients (15 eyes of keratoconus and five eyes of post-LASIK keratectasia) who completed at least three months of postoperative follow-up were included in this study. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), spherical equivalent, keratometric value, corneal astigmatism, corneal higher order aberrations (HOA) and specular microscopy were determined or performed before and after surgery. In addition, intraoperative and postoperative adverse complications were recorded. RESULTS: UCVA improved in 13 out of 20 eyes (65%), and BSCVA improved in 16 out of 20 eyes (80%). At the postoperative examination there was no statistically significant reduction in the spherical equivalent with that observed at the examination before implantation. Conversely, there were statistically significant reductions in topographic mean K value and Sim K astigmatism, corneal total and coma-like HOA (p<0.05). On specular microscopy, there was no statistically significant difference between preoperative and postoperative endothelial cell density. There was one case of partial Descemet membrane detachment and one case of microperforation as a complication during surgery, which recovered over time without any treatment. CONCLUSION: Keraring(R) implantation appears to be an effective and safe procedure for improving visual acuity and stabilizing corneal refractive power in keratectactic patients.

Central Corneal Thickness Measured by Four Different Methods in Normal and Post-Femtosecond Laser-Assisted LASIK Eyes

PURPOSE: To compare corneal pachymetry assessment using four measurement methods in normal and post-femtosecond laserassisted LASIK eyes. METHODS: Central corneal thickness was measured sequentially using Orbscan II, Pentacam, Galilei and ultrasonic pachymetry in 30 normal, non-surgical eyes (Group I), 30 eyes one to six months after femtosecond laser-assisted LASIK (Group II), and 30 eyes six months or longer after femtosecond laser-assisted LASIK (Group III). RESULTS: In Group I, corneal thickness measurements were similar for all four methods (P=0.202, one way ANOVA). In Groups II and III, corneal thickness measurements were significantly different (P=0.000, respectively, one way ANOVA). Compared to the Pentacam, Galilei and ultrasonic pachymetry, Orbscan significantly underestimated the corneal thicknesses in Groups II and III (P<0.005, respectively, one way ANOVA). CONCLUSIONS: Central corneal thicknesses of normal eyes were similar for all four measurements, therefore corneal thickness measurements before refractive surgery using all four measurements is suitable. However measurements obtained with the Orbscan II were thinner than those obtained with the Pentacam, Galilei or ultrasonic pachymetry in post femtosecond laserassisted LASIK eyes. Further studies are needed to determine which instrument is more accurate in measuring central corneal thickness before and after refractive surgery.

Comparison of Aberrations in Korean Normal Eyes Measured With Two Different Aberrometers

PURPOSE: To compare ocular higher order aberrations measured by two different aberrometers in a sample of normal eyes. METHODS: We included 41 normal eyes of Koreans in this study. Ocular aberration data were obtained through three measurements per eye using Zywave and OPD-Scan devices. Spherical equivalent and higher order aberrations calculated in the central 6 mm zone and expressed as root mean square (RMS) values were analyzed. RESULTS: A comparison of measurements between the Zywave and OPD-Scan devices demonstrated no statistically significant differences in the RMS values of total higher order aberration (p=0.11), but significant differences were detected in the RMS values of total spherical aberration, total coma and total trefoil (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The two different aberrometers that we tested are suitable for taking repeated measurements and are internally consistent, but not interchangeable.

Surgically Induced Astigmatism and Corneal Higher Order Aberrations in Microcoaxial and Conventional Cataract Surgery

PURPOSE: To compare surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) and some corneal higher order aberrations in patients who underwent microcoaxial cataract surgery (MCCS) or conventional cataract surgery. METHODS: A prospective randomized study included 60 eyes of 55 patients. Thirty eyes received MCCS using a 2.2mm clear corneal incision (group 1), and 30 eyes received conventional cataract surgery using a 2.8 mm clear corneal incision (group 2). SIA and corneal higher order aberrations were measured with a Keratometer (Humphrey, Zeiss) and i-Trace (Tracey Technologies) preoperatively, and at 1 and 3 months after cataract surgery. SIA was analyzed vectorially using the Alpins method. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in preoperative UCVA or BCVA between the two groups. At 1 month and 3 months after surgery, SIA in group 1 was less than that in group 2, but this difference was not significant. There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative change of corneal higher order aberrations in each group at 1 month or 3 months after surgery, and there was no statistically significant difference in corneal higher order aberrations between the two groups preoperatively, at 1 month, or 3 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in SIA and corneal higher order aberrations between the two groups.

A Case Report of Fungal Keratitis Diagnosed by Femtosecond Laser Assisted Corneal Biopsy

PURPOSE: To describe femtosecond laser-assisted corneal biopsy and its use in assessing the causative organism in a case of fungal keratitis that occurred 8 months after penetrating keratoplasty. CASE SUMMARY: A 27-year-old man who had undergone penetrating keratoplasty 8 months prior showed atypical diffuse corneal haze and erosion. Diagnostic corneal biopsy using a femtosecond laser was performed because of repeated negative test results for an infectious organism and a lack of improvement, despite steroid and empirical antibiotic therapy. A corneal flap 200 micrometer in depth and 3 mm in diameter was obtained. The biopsy showed pseudohyphae, which led to a diagnosis of Candidal keratitis. No complications occurred during the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Femtosecond laser-assisted corneal biopsy enabled identification of the infectious pathogen. This technique is easy, safe, and rapid, and it yields a biopsy specimen with a uniform depth and precise size. Femtosecond laser-assisted corneal biopsy can be used as an accurate diagnostic method in uncertain cases of corneal ulcers.

Three Cases of Urrets-Zavalia Syndrome Following Deep Lamellar Keratoplasty (DLKP)

PURPOSE: To report three cases of Urrets-Zavalia syndrome after deep lamellar keratoplasty. CASE SUMMARY: A retrospective chart analysis of two men who underwent deep lamellar keraplasty after corneal chemical burns and one woman who was treated with deep lamellar keratoplasty due to lattice dystrophy was performed. To maintain the anterior chamber depth and prevent formation of a double anterior chamber after deep lamellar keratoplasty, air or gas (C3F8) was injected into the anterior chamber for all three cases. After injections of air or gas (C3F8) into the anterior chamber, pupillary blocks occurred and intraocular pressures increased. Afterwards, intraocular pressures were well-controlled, but the pupil remained irreversibly fixed and dilated despite the use of miotics. CONCLUSIONS: Urrets-Zavalia syndrome, a postoperative complication, was first reported in a patient who underwent penetrating keratoplasty for keratoconus. This syndrome can also occur after deep lamellar keratoplasty on rare occasions.

The Effect of Anti-TNF-alpha on Refractory Uveitis

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of Anti-TNF-alpha (infliximab, Remicade(R), Shering-Plough) on refractory uveitis. METHODS: A retrospective observational survey was conducted on 12 eyes of 10 patients with refractory uveitis. These patients had no response to immunosuppresants or systemic steroid therapy and were intolerable due to drug toxicity. After an intravenous injection of Anti-TNF-alpha, best corrected visulal acuity was measured. Improvement in inflammation was then observed at the first, third and last month of follow-up. RESULTS: Patients were observed for a mean period of 15 months. They received anti-TNF-alpha intravenously, ranging from one to eleven infusions. After infusion with Anti-TNF-alpha, remission of intraocular inflammation was evident in all patients within 9.7 days. Best corrected visual acuity also improved at the first, third, and last month of follow-up. Two patients were infected by tuberculosis and mumps respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There was an effect on refractory uveitis with anti-TNF-alpha therapy. Many participants may also require further evaluation after treatment.

Comparison of Laser Epithelial Keratomileusis Versus Epipolis-Laser in Situ Keratomileusis for Moderate to High Myopia

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical visual results and complications of laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK) and epipolis laser in situ keratomileusis (Epi-LASIK). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of a case series of eyes treated with LASEK or Epi-LASIK with a follow-up of six months was performed. Twenty-two eyes were treated with LASEK, and 20 eyes were treated using Epi-LASIK. The main outcome measures were uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), and manifest refraction at one week, one month, three months, and six months after refractive surgery, and the presence of any complications. RESULTS: There was no significant difference of UCVA and mean postoperative spherical equivalent (SE) between the eyes treated with LASEK or Epi-LASIK at one week, three months, and six months. However at one month there was significant difference of UCVA. Additionally, in a comparison between moderate and serve myopia, there was no significant difference of UCVA and mean postoperative spherical equivalent (SE) between groups treated with LASEK or Epi-LASIK at one week, one month, three months, and six months. Seven eyes treated with LASEK and two eyes treated with Epi-LASIK showed persistent epithelial erosion less than one week. Two eyes treated with LASEK exhibited newly-developed corneal opacity, which persisted-through the last visit. CONCLUSIONS: Epi-LASIK showed clinical visual results and complications comparable to LASEK and showed better epithelial healing.

Change in Proptosis Following Extraocular Muscle Recession in Thyroid-Related Orbitopathy

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of strabismus surgery on proptosis in thyroid-related orbitopathy METHODS: The medical records of 22 consecutive patients (38 eyes) undergoing strabismus surgery were reviewed. Data pertaining to number of muscles operated, the length of muscle recession, prior orbital decompression, and exophthalmometry (by either Hertel or Naugle devices) were evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty-eight eyes in 22 patients with thyroid-related orbitopathy were studied before and after the muscle surgery. The mean change in exophthalmometry for all eyes was an increase of 0.6 mm (p<0.01). Eyes with prior decompression averaged a 0.9 mm increase following strabismus surgery (p<0.01); those without decompression averaged a 0.2 mm decrease, although not statistically significant. For eyes with multiple muscles operated on a given eye averaged 1.2 mm increase; in those with one muscle operated the average increase was 0.2 mm. In cases where the inferior rectus muscle was operated on, the average increase was 0.9 mm. When the total length of muscle recession was less than or equal to 5 mm, the mean exophthalmometric change was a increase of 0.3 mm. If more than 5 mm, the mean was an increase of 0.8 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Strabismus surgery on patients with thyroid-related orbitopathy can worsen proptosis, especially those with prior decompression. When planning for orbital decompression, the surgeon should consider this effect. Patients should be made aware of possible changes to their appearance.

Intravitreal Injection of Triamcinolone Acetonide on Refractory Uveitis

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide (4 mg) on refractory uveitis with cystoid macular edema (CME). METHODS: A retrospective observation survey was conducted on 21 eyes of 15 patients with refractory uveitis that had no response to immunosuppresants or systemic steroid therapy. Seven eyes were injected with triamcinolone acetonide intravitreally only, and fourteen eyes were injected during pars plana vitrectomy. At 3 and 12 months after triamcinolone acetonide injection, best corrected visual acuity and thickness of macula were measured by OCT. RESULTS: The average pre-treatment best corrected visual acuity was 0.18+/-0.08, and the average macular thickness was 534+/-132 micrometer. At 3 months after injection, the results for the same parameters were 0.45+/-0.18, 345+/-125 micrometer respectively. At 12 months after injection, they were 0.30+/-0.09, 498+/-133 micrometer respectively. Thus, best corrected visual acuity had improved and macular thickness had decreased at 3 months post-injection for the groups with intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide and intravitreal injection during pars plana vitrectomy. However, these changes in best corrected visual acuity and macular thickness were not observed 12 months after injection. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide had a temporary effect on refractory uveitis with cystoid macular edema (CME). However, a study that includes more participants will be necessary for conclusive evaluation.