Advances in interdisciplinary medical and engineering research of intraocular lens surface modifications to prevent posterior capsule opacification / 中南大学学报(医学版)

Posterior capsule opacification (PCO), a common complication after cataract surgery, impacts a patient's long-term visual quality to various degrees. Although a neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser posterior capsulotomy is a very effective treatment, it may lead to a serial of complications. Accordingly, the search for simple, safe, and effective methods to prevent PCO has received widespread attention. Various researchers are committed to the interdisciplinary collaboration between medicine and engineering fields, such as functionalizing the surface of the intraocular lens (IOL) via supercritical fluid impregnation, coating the surface of the IOL, high-concentration drug immersion, and application of a drug delivery system, to effectively reduce the incidence and severity of PCO.

A case of late-onset capsular block syndrome and its surgical treatment / Um caso de síndrome de bloqueio capsular tardio e uma abordagem cirúrgica

ABSTRACT - Capsular block syndrome is a rare complication of phacoemulsification surgery with continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis and intraocular lens implantation. Here, we report a case of very late-onset capsular block syndrome that developed 13 years after cataract extraction and present the surgical approach used for its successful treatment.

RESUMO - Síndrome do bloqueio capsular é uma complicação incomum da cirurgia de facoemulsificação com capsulorrexis curvilínea contínua e implante de lente intraocular. Nós relatamos um caso de síndrome de bloqueio capsular de início tardio que se desenvolveu após 13 anos da extração da catarata e apresenta a abordagem cirúrgica utilizada para o sucesso do tratamento.

Síndrome do bloqueio capsular tardio - relato de dois casos / Capsular block syndrome - report of two cases

Relato de dois casos de síndrome do bloqueio capsular, de ocorrência tardia, nove e cinco anos após facoemulsificação, respectivamente, em um olho com pseudoexfoliação capsular e outro operado de glaucoma, com bolha funcionante. A condição se constituiu na retenção de grande quantidade de líquido esbranquiçado, atrás da lente intraocular, o que levou à redução da AV, de quatro linhas de Snellen, nos dois casos. Houve pronta resolução do quadro com mínima capsulotomia posterior.

Two cases of late capsular block syndrome are reported. They were observed nine and five years after facoemulsification, in one eye with pseudoexfoliation syndrome and the other operated on for glaucoma with a functioning bleb. There was a large amount of milky material behind the intraocular lens, and reduction of the visual acuity (four lines of the Snellen chart in both cases). The condition was promptly resolved through minimal YAG laser posterior capsulotomy.

Introduction of Lens-angle Reconstruction Surgery in Rabbit Eyes

PURPOSE: In this study, we examined the stability of the lens-angle supporter (LAS) for accommodation restoration by comparing intraocular lens (IOL) location, after-cataract and ciliary body damage after cataract surgery in rabbits. METHODS: Eight rabbits were divided into experimental and control groups of four rabbits each. Phacoemulsification and irrigation and aspiration were performed in all rabbits. This was followed by an LAS and IOL insertion in the four experimental rabbits. In the four control rabbits, only an IOL insertion was performed. Six months after the surgery, the location of the IOL, the conditions of the lens capsule and ciliary body were evaluated using a slitl-amp examination and Miyake-Apple view. RESULTS: For the experimental group, the ultrasound biomicroscope results showed normal LAS and IOL positioning in all four cases. According to the slitlamp examination and Miyake-Apple view, the IOL was positioned at the center, with less after-cataract and damage to the ciliary body. For the control group, ultrasound biomicroscope results indicated a higher IOL position than normal, as well as a single case of IOL decentering. According to the slit-lamp examination and Miyake-Apple view, the IOL was decentered with more severe after-cataract and ciliary body damage. CONCLUSIONS: The LAS has the potential to maintain a stable IOL position while producing less after-cataract when used in lens-angle reconstruction for correction of presbyopia. Moreover, LAS implantation incurs less damage to the ciliary body.

Capsulorrexe em duplo anel: estudo clínico patológico / Double ring capsulorhexis: clinic opathologic study

Apresentamos caso de capsulorrexe em duplo anel em paciente feminina de 81 anos. O espécime cirúrgico foi submetido a estudo anatomopatológico que evidenciou os achados típicos da capsulorrexe em duplo anel. Comentamos a possível relação com a exfoliação capsular verdadeira. Salientamos que é possível realizar a cirurgia com bom resultado mesmo que o duplo anel não seja completo - como no caso apresentado - , porém desde que os folhetos capsulares estejam fundidos de forma contínua.

We present a case of double ring capsulorhexis in a 81 year-old female patient. Surgical specimen was submitted to histopathologic study resulting in typical double ring capsulorhexis findings. We discuss the questioned relation to true capsular exfoliation. We call attention to the fact that it is possible to obtain a good surgical result even when the double ring is not complete - as the case presented - , since both capsular flaps are fused in a continuous form.

Trasplante autólogo de células límbicas y recubrimiento con membrana amniótica / Limbic cell autologous transplantation and coating with amniotic membrane

Se trata de una paciente con antecedentes de quemadura corneal en el ojo izquierdo desde hacía un trienio, a quien además de haberle realizado una queratoplastia terapéutica, la extracción extracapsular del cristalino y la colocación de una lente intraocular un año después, evolucionó con insuficiencia de células límbicas, conjuntivalización de la córnea y simbléfaron. Luego de un trasplante autólogo de las mencionadas células y recubrimiento con membrana amniótica (primer caso informado en la provincia), mejoró considerablemente a los 6 meses de seguimiento clínico, después de lo cual se le realizó una queratoplastia penetrante con finalidad óptica.

This is a patient with history of cornea burn in the left eye for three years. After having performed a therapeutic keratoplasty, extracapsular lens extraction and intraocular lens implantation a year later she progressed with limbic cell failure, cornea conjunctivalization and symblepharon. Once autologous transplantation of these cells and coating with amniotic membrane (first case informed in the province) were performed, the patient improved significantly at 6 months of clinical follow-up, after which she underwent penetrating keratoplasty with optical purposes.

Outcome of in-the-bag implanted square-edge polymethyl methacrylate intraocular lenses with and without primary posterior capsulotomy in pediatric traumatic cataract.

Purpose: To study the outcome of in-the-bag implanted square-edge polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) intraocular lenses (IOL) with and without primary posterior capsulotomy in pediatric traumatic cataract. Materials and Methods: The study was undertaken in a tertiary care center. Thirty eyes of 30 children ranging in age from 4 to 16 years with traumatic cataract which underwent cataract extraction with capsular bag implantation of IOL were prospectively evaluated. Group A included 15 eyes of 15 children where primary posterior capsulotomy (PPC) and anterior vitrectomy with capsular bag implantation of square-edge PMMA IOL (Aurolab SQ3602, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India) was performed. Group B comprised 15 eyes of 15 children in which the posterior capsule was left intact. Postoperative visual acuity, visual axis opacification (VAO) and possible complications were analyzed. Results: Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/40 or better was achieved in 12 of 15 eyes in both groups. Amblyopia was the cause of no improvement in visual acuity in the remaining eyes. Visual axis opacification was significantly high in Group B as compared to Group A (P=0.001). Postoperative fibrinous uveitis occurred in most of the eyes in both groups. Pupillary capture was observed in one eye in each group. Conclusion: Primary posterior capsulotomy and anterior vitrectomy with capsular bag implantation of square-edge PMMA significantly helps to maintain a clear visual axis in children with traumatic cataract.

New technique to demonstrate corneal magnification using trypan blue in cataract surgery / Nova técnica para demonstrar a magnificação corneana utilizando azul de tripan na cirurgia de catarata

PURPOSE: To demonstrate the corneal magnification using trypan blue in cataract surgery. METHODS: Eight eyes of eight patients undergoing phacoemulsification with an intraocular lens implantation were enrolled in this study. After staining the anterior capsule with Trypan Blue 0.1 percent and performing the capsulorhexis, the excised anterior capsule was placed on the corneal surface. By observing and measuring the relationship between the border of the excised anterior capsule and the intracameral capsulorhexis opening, the effect of corneal magnification was clearly demonstrated and calculated by linear method. RESULTS: The average magnification of the cornea was 20.88 percent using linear method with an average area magnification of 47.53 percent. CONCLUSION: The capsulorhexis stained by trypan blue is useful to demonstrate the magnification provided by the cornea helping to design an intended opening size.

OBJETIVO: Demonstrar a magnificação corneana utilizando o azul de tripan na cirurgia de catarata. MÉTODOS: Oito olhos de oito pacientes submetidos à facoemulsificação com implante de lente intraocular foram envolvidos neste estudo. Após corar a cápsula anterior do cristalino com azul de tripan 0,1 por cento e realizar a capsulotomia circular contínua, a cápsula excisada foi colocada sobre a superfície corneana. Após observar e aferir a relação entre a borda da cápsula anterior excisada e a abertura da cápsula intracameral, o efeito da magnificação corneana foi claramente demonstrada e calculada através do método linear. RESULTADOS: A média estimada da magnificação corneana foi de 20,88 por cento com uma média de magnificação de área de 47,53 por cento. CONCLUSÃO: A capsulorrexis corada pelo azul de tripan é útil na demonstração da magnificação corneana, auxiliando assim na correta confecção do seu tamanho.

Perception of difficulties with vision-related activities of daily living among patients undergoing unilateral posterior capsulotomy

OBJECTIVES: To assess the influence of Nd:YAG (neodymium: yttrium-aluminum- garnet) laser unilateral posterior capsulotomy on visual acuity and patients' perception of difficulties with vision-related activities of daily life. METHODS: We conducted an interventional survey that included 48 patients between 40 and 80 years of age with uni- or bilateral pseudophakia, posterior capsule opacification, and visual acuity <0.30 (logMAR) in one eye who were seen at a Brazilian university hospital. All patients underwent posterior capsulotomy using an Nd:YAG laser. Before and after the intervention, patients were asked to complete a questionnaire that was developed in an exploratory study. RESULTS: Before posterior capsulotomy, the median visual acuity (logMAR) of the included patients was 0.52 (range 0.30-1.60). After posterior capsulotomy, the median visual acuity of the included patients improved to 0.10 (range 0.0-0.52). According to the subjects' perceptions, their ability to perform most of their daily life activities improved after the intervention (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: After patients underwent posterior capsulotomy with an Nd:YAG laser, a significant improvement in the visual acuity of the treated eye was observed. Additionally, subjects felt that they experienced less difficulty performing most of their vision-dependent activities of daily living.

Estrategias de prevención de la opacidad de la cápsula posterior / Strategies for the prevention of the posterior capsule opacification

La opacidad de la cápsula posterior es actualmente el aspecto más importante en la cirugía de catarata de los tiempos modernos. Sigue siendo la complicación posoperatoria tardía más frecuente tras la cirugía de catarata asociada con disminución de la agudeza visual, deterioro de la sensibilidad al contraste y problemas de deslumbramiento que conllevan importantes repercusiones sociales, médicas y económicas. La capsulotomía láser aunque es un proceder efectivo para el tratamiento de esta complicación dista mucho de ser el método ideal puesto que se puede asociar a múltiples complicaciones. Debido a esto las investigaciones recientemente han dirigido su atención a estrategias de prevención de la opacidad de la cápsula posterior. Estas incluyen el diseño de los lentes intraoculares, técnicas quirúrgicas modificadas y/o mejoradas, implantes adicionales, empleo de fármacos y agentes citotóxicos así como el uso de nuevas tecnologías. La terapia génica, entre las novedosas intervenciones en estudio, parece ser una estrategia prometedora en este campo. No existe hasta ahora un método único que evite de modo definitivo la aparición de la opacidad capsular. El oftalmólogo debe usar la combinación de todos aquellos métodos que están a su alcance y han demostrada probada efectividad en la reducción de la opacidad de la cápsula posterior. Obtener excelentes resultados visuales a largo plazo es el objetivo de la cirugía moderna de la catarata así como abrir el camino a intervenciones quirúrgicas novedosas para el tratamiento de la presbicia en pacientes mayores de 40 años. Para lograrlo resulta fundamental impedir que la cápsula posterior se opacifique, aún más con el uso de lentes multifocales y acomodativos, que son más vulnerables a la opacidad que los lentes monofocales. Es por ello que nos atrevemos a decir que el mayor salto en la cirugía de la catarata moderna aún está por dar: la erradicación definitiva de la opacidad del saco capsular

The posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is the most important aspect in the cataract surgery nowadays. It continues being the more frequent late postoperative complication after cataract surgery associated with decrease of the visual acuity and other visual problems that lead to important social, economical and medical impacts. The laser capsulotomy is an effective procedure for the treatment of this complication but it is far from being the ideal method since it can be associated to considerable complications. This is the reason why several research studies recently have directed their attention to PCO-preventing strategies such as the design of intraocular lenses, modified and/or improved surgical techniques, additional implants, use of cytotoxic agents and drugs as well as new technologies. The gene therapy, among the novel interventions in study, seems to be a promising strategy in this field. Up to the present, there is not a unique method that avoids in a definitive way the development of the capsular opacification. The ophthalmologists should use the combination of all these methods available which have demonstrated a proved effectiveness in the reduction of PCO. Attaining long-term excellent visual result is the main purpose of the modern cataract surgery as well as paving the road towards novel surgical interventions for the treatment of presbyopia in patients older than 40 years. In order to achieve that goal, it is essential to avoid the opacification of the posterior capsule, even more with the use of multifocal and accommodative lenses that are more vulnerable to the opacity than the monofocal lenses. Therefore, we may dare to say that the biggest breakthrough in the modern cataract surgery is still awaiting: the definitive eradication of posterior capsule opacification

Results of intraocular lens implantation with capsular tension ring in subluxated crystalline or cataractous lenses in children.

Purpose: To evaluate the outcome of intraocular lens (IOL) implantation using capsular tension ring (CTR) in subluxated crystalline or cataractous lenses in children. Setting: Tertiary care setting Materials and Methods: We prospectively studied 18 eyes of 15 children with subluxation of crystalline or cataractous lenses between 90° up to 210° after phacoemulsification, CTR and IOL implantation. Each child was examined for IOL centration, zonular dehiscence and posterior capsular opacification (PCO). Results: Age of the patient ranged between five to 15 years. Out of 18 eyes, seven had traumatic and 11 had spontaneous subluxation of crystalline or cataractous lens. Phacoemulsification was successfully performed with CTR implantation in the capsular bag. Intraoperative zonular dialysis occurred in two eyes. Anterior vitrectomy was performed in six eyes to manage vitreous prolapse. IOL implanted was polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) in eight eyes, hydrophobic acrylic in seven and hydrophilic acrylic in three. Follow-up ranged from 24 months to 72 months. Sixteen eyes had a best corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better. Nine eyes developed significant PCO and were managed with Neodymium Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd:YAG) laser posterior capsulotomy. One eye with acrylic IOL in the capsular bag had IOL dislocation after two years which was managed with vitrectomy and secondary trans-scleral fixation of IOL. Conclusions: Phacoaspiration with CTR implantation makes capsular bag IOL fixation possible in most of the eyes with subluxated crystalline or cataractous lenses. PCO still remains a challenge in children with successful phacoaspiration with CTR implantation

Capsulotomy and hydroprocedures for nucleus prolapse in manual small incision cataract surgery.

Manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS) involves the manual removal of nucleus through a scleral tunnel. To achieve 100% success every time, one has to do a good capsulotomy and should master the technique to prolapse the nucleus into anterior chamber. During conversion from extracapsular cataract surgery to MSICS, one can perform a can-opener capsulotomy and prolapse the nucleus. However, it is safer and better to perform a capsulorrhexis and hydroprolapse the nucleus, as it makes the rest of the steps of MSICS comfortable. Use of trypan blue in white and brown cataracts makes the capsulorrhexis and prolapse simple and safe. Extra caution should be taken in cases with hypermature cataracts with weak zonules and subluxated cataracts.

Results of Extensive Surgical Treatment of Seven Consecutive Cases of Postoperative Fungal Endophthalmitis

PURPOSE: Postoperative endophthalmitis is a dreaded outcome of any intraocular surgery. Fungal endophthalmitis is a particularly severe complication that poses a significant threat of blindness. We experienced seven consecutive cases of postoperative fungal endophthalmitis stemming from a single local clinic in which extensive early intervention resulted in favorable final visual acuity. METHODS: The present study is retrospective observational case series of fungal endophthalmitis. The initial case, as diagnosed by fungal culture, resulted in blindness. In the ensuing eight months, seven consecutive cases were referred to our institution. All were presumed to be fungal endophthalmitis as the cases possessed similar inflammatory findings to the preceding case and occurred in the same environment. Extensive surgical and antifungal treatment was immediately administered, including complete vitrectomy with removal of the intraocular lens and lens capsule and Amphotericin B injections. RESULTS: Retinal infiltration was identified in three cases and the lesion site was photocoagulated with an endolaser. All cases were confirmed fungal endophthalmitis by culture (4 cases: Candida parapsilosis, one case each: Fusarium, Acremonium, Candida tropicalis) and five cases required secondary intraocular lens implantation. Final corrected visual acuity ranged from 20/20 to 40/200 by the Snellen chart. CONCLUSIONS: Early extensive surgical intervention and antifungal agent administration may result in favorable visual outcomes in patients with fungal endophthalmitis following cataract surgery.

Mini-rhexis for white intumescent cataracts

PURPOSE: To compare the intraoperative safety of two techniques of capsulorhexis for intumescent white cataracts: traditional one-stage continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis and two-stage continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis. METHODS: This prospective comparative randomized study included two groups: the 1-CCC group (11 patients) received traditional one-stage continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis with 5-6 mm diameter, and the 2-CCC (13 patients) group received a deliberately small continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis that was secondarily enlarged, or a two-stage continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis. Patients were stratified according to cataract subset, which was characterized echographically. Six patients were considered as type 1, fifteen as type 2 and three as type 3. Type 1 included intumescent white cataracts with cortex liquefaction and extensive internal acoustic reflections, type 2 included white cataracts with voluminous nuclei, a small amount of whitish solid cortex, and minimal internal acoustic reflections, and type 3 included white cataracts with fibrous anterior capsules and few internal echo spikes. RESULTS: With the one-stage technique, 46.15 percent of patients had leakage of the liquefied cortex; in addition, the surgeon perceived high intracapsular pressure in 61.53 percent of cases. Anterior capsule tears occurred in 23.07 percent of cases, discontinuity of capsulorhexis in 30.79 percent of cases and no posterior capsular rupture occurred. With the two-stage technique, leakage of the liquefied cortex occurred in 45.45 percent of cases; additionally, the surgeon perceived high intracapsular pressure in 36.36 percent of cases. No anterior capsule tears, discontinuity of capsulorhexis or posterior capsular rupture occurred. Considering each cataract subset, there was a higher incidence of leakage for type 2 as compared to types 1 and 3. CONCLUSIONS: Two-stage continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis helps prevent unexpected ...

Eficácia de hipotensores oculares tópicos após capsulotomia posterior / Efficacy of topic ocular hipotensive agents after posterior capsulotomy

OBJETIVO: Analisar e comparar os efeitos dos agentes hipotensores tópicos, sobre a pressão intra-ocular (PIO), após capsulotomia posterior com laser Nd:YAG em olhos pseudofácicos de indivíduos não-portadores de glaucoma. MÉTODOS: Cento e quarenta e cinco olhos pseudofácicos foram submetidos à capsulotomia por laser Nd:YAG. Antes da capsulotomia, foram instilados hipotensores: apraclonidina 1 por cento (n=21), brimonidina 0,2 por cento (n=20), dorzolamida 2 por cento (n=23), latanoprosta 0,005 por cento (n=20), pilocarpina 2 por cento (n=20) e timolol 0,50 por cento (n=20). Grupo controle (n=21) recebeu placebo. A PIO foi medida de forma mascarada, 1 hora antes da capsulotomia, 1 e 2 horas após o procedimento. Caso a pressão estivesse maior que 20 mmHg, seria medida após 4 e 24 horas. A capsulotomia foi executada com lente de Abraham, anestesia tópica e com YAG laser. A PIO foi medida com tonômetro de aplanação de Goldmann. Seria considerado hipertensão ocular se o aumento da pressão intra-ocular estivesse acima de 4 mmHg quando comparada aos valores do período de pré-procedimento a laser. A energia média empregada foi de 2,1 ± 1 mJ. RESULTADOS: A PIO pré-procedimento não diferiu estatisticamente entre os grupos. A PIO média de 1h (11,9 ± 3,8) e 2 horas (11,5 ± 3,0) do grupo tratado foi estatisticamente significante inferior à do grupo controle (12,6 ± 2,8) (p=0,001). Para as demais medidas não foram observadas diferenças significantes. Após 2 horas, houve aumento porcentual médio ( por cento) de PIO de 8,7 ± 19,1 por cento (13,5 ± 3,2 mmHg) no grupo controle e de 1,2 ± 26,3 por cento (12,5 ± 3,6 mmHg) no grupo pilocarpina. Para os demais grupos, às 2 horas, observou-se redução porcentual de PIO, nos grupos tratados com apraclonidina de -24,7 ± 15,5 por cento (9,8 ± 2,6 mmHg), brimonidina de -8,9 ± 15,5 por cento (10,1 ± 1,7 mmHg), dorzolamida de -6,9 ± 20,3 por cento (12,1 ± 2,8 mmHg), latanoprosta de -0,4 ± 25,9 por cento (12,1 ± 2,9 mmHg)...

PURPOSE: To analyze and compare the effects on intraocular pressure (IOP) of several topic hypotensive agents after posterior capsulotomy with Nd:YAG laser in non glaucoma patients. METHODS: 145 pseudophakic eyes underwent to Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy. Before capsulotomy. 21 were treated with apraclonidine, 20 with brimonidine, 23 with dorzolamide, 20 with latanoprost, 20 with pilocarpine, and 20 with timolol. Controls (21 eyes) received placebo. IOP measurements (Goldmann applanation tonometry) were taken under masked conditions 1 hour before procedure and after 1 and 2 hours. If postoperative PIO was above 20 mmHg its measurements were extended to 4 and 24 hours. Capsulotomy was performed with Abraham lens, under topic anesthetic, using Nd:YAG laser. Ocular hypertension would be considered if the IOP had suffered an increase of 4 mmHg above the initial. Mean total energy used was 2.1 ± 1 mJ. RESULTS: The preoperative IOP did not differ statistically among groups. Mean IOPs of treated eyes 1h (11.9 ± 3.8) and 2h (11.5 ± 3.0) were statistically lower than IOP compared with control group (12,6 ± 2,8) (p=0.001). There were no statistically significant differences for the other measurements. Control and pilocarpine had a percentual IOP increase after 2 hours of 8.7 ± 19.1 percent (13.5 ± 3.2 mmHg) and 1.2 ± 26.3 percent (12.5 ± 3.6 mmHg) respectively. Mean percentual postoperative IOP reduction was detected in the apraclonidine group -24.7 ± 15.5 percent (9.8 ± 2.6 mmHg), in the brimonidine group -8.9 ± 15.5 percent (10.1 ± 1.7 mmHg), in the dorzolamide group -6.9 ± 20.3 percent (12.1 ± 2.8 mmHg), in the latanoprost group -0.4 ± 25.9 percent (12.1 ± 2.9 mmHg) and in timolol group -16.2 ± 14.1 percent (10.3 ± 1.7 mmHg). These differences were statistically significant (p=0.001). There was no significant difference between frequencies of hypertension (p=0.148). CONCLUSION: Apraclonidine caused higher hypotensive effect after capsulotomy...

Exfoliação capsular verdadeira: relato de dois casos / True capsular exfoliation: report of two cases

Relatamos dois casos de exfoliação verdadeira da cápsula, acontecendo em pacientes idosos sem história de exposição prolongada a altas temperaturas ou passado de inflamação intra-ocular. Os aspectos biomicroscópicos, anátomo-patológicos e possíveis implicações cirúrgicas são comentados.

We report two cases of true capsular exfoliation occurring in elderly patients with no known history of prolonged heat exposure or intraocular inflammation. The biomicroscopic aspects, histopathologic findings and possible surgical implications are discussed.

Análise da camada de fibras nervosas pelo GDx em pacientes pseudofácicos com opacidades da cápsula posterior / Analysis of the nerve fiber layer using GDx in pseudophakic patients with posterior capsular opacification

OBJETIVO: Avaliar se a opacificação de cápsula posterior (OCP) influenciaria na análise da camada de fibras nervosas pela polarimetria "scanning laser" (GDx). MÉTODOS: Trinta e sete pacientes pseudofácicos não glaucomatosos foram submetidos a análise da camada de fibras nervosas pelo GDx antes e após a realização de capsulotomia com Nd:YAG laser. RESULTADOS: Em cinco olhos, o GDx não conseguiu imagens aceitáveis pelos parâmetros de aquisição do aparelho. Em todos os outros, não foi observada diferença significante entre os valores médios das variáveis antes e após a realização da capsulotomia posterior. CONCLUSÃO: A presença de OCP em graus moderados e/ou quando há imagens aceitáveis em pacientes pseudofácicos não influencia o resultado da análise das imagens das fibras do nervo óptico pelo GDx. Apenas intensos graus de OCP que impeçam a obtenção de imagem analisável pelo aparelho inviabilizam o exame.

PURPOSE: To evaluate if posterior capsule opacification (PCO) would alter the analysis of nerve fiber layer using the scanning laser polarimetry (GDx). METHODS: Pseudophakic non-glaucomatosous eyes (37 patients) underwent nerve fiber layer analysis using GDx before and after posterior capsulotomy with Nd:YAG Laser. RESULTS: In five eyes, GDx did not obtain acceptable images using the device's parameters of acquisition. In the others, mean variable values did not reach significant difference before and after posterior capsulotomy. CONCLUSION: Moderate degrees of PCO and/or acceptable images in pseudophakic patients do not alter the analysis of nerve fiber layer by GDx. Only intense degrees of PCO that hinder analyzable images make the examination impracticable.

Neodymium YAG Laser and Surgical Synechiolysis of Iridocapsular Adhesions

PURPOSE: Several articles have been published on the successful elimination of iridolenticular synechiae after cataract extraction with a neodymium YAG laser (Nd:YAG laser) and surgical synechiolysis during cataract surgery, but the indications recommending which method is proper to use for specific kinds of adhesions have not yet been established. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 106 patients who had undergone Nd:YAG laser or surgical synechiolysis between January 2002 and December 2007 in our clinic. Laser synechiolysis was performed in the synechiae not exceeding the extent of one clock hour and reaching only to the iris sphincter, whereas surgical synechiolysis was performed in other diffuse and/or thick synechiae. RESULTS: Surgical synechiolysis was performed in 93 eyes, and YAG laser synechiolysis was done in 21 eyes. Increases in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were observed in 61 eyes (53.51%). Intraocular pressure spikes after the procedure were present in only 4 eyes, and all of them were transient except for 1 eye, which needed additional glaucoma eyedrops. CONCLUSIONS: With suitable indications, laser or surgical synechiolysis can be performed safely, and a small rise in visual acuity may also be expected.

Lensectomy and PCIOL implantation with versus without posterior capsulotomy and anterior vitrectomy for pediatric cataracts

To compare the visual outcomes and complications of lensectomy and posterior chamber intraocular lens [PCIOL] implantation with or without posterior capsulotomy and anterior vitrectomy in older subjects with pediatric cataracts. Seventeen eyes of 12 children aged 10 to 15 years with congenital or developmental cataracts were randomly divided to two groups. Lensectomy and PCIOL [Alcon Acrysof MA60 AC] implantation was performed with [8 eyes] or without [9 eyes] posterior capsulotomy and anterior vitrectomy. Mean age at the time of surgery was 12.3 +/- 1.5 [range 10-15] years and mean follow-up period was 18.7 +/- 11.2 [range 6-36] months. Posterior capsule opacification developed in three eyes in the non-vitrectomy group; however, media opacification was mild and capsulotomy was not required in any case. All eyes in the vitrectomy group had a clear visual axis at final follow-up [P=0.2]. No significant difference was observed between the two groups in term of visual acuity [P = 0.3] or complications. Although posterior capsulotomy and anterior vitrectomy seems to be safe in pediatric cataract surgery, it may not be necessary as a routine procedure in older children