Exploring the Quality of Life Related to Health and Vision in a Group of Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy.

(1) Background: Visual impairment of people with diabetic retinopathy (DR) and its high impact on different dimensions of their lives can cause a significant deterioration in the quality of life. The aim of this study was to examine the association and relationship between quality of life related to vision and the relevant clinical and sociodemographic variables in a group of patients with DR in Spain. (2) Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in all patients with DR over 18 years under follow-up in the Retina Service of the University Hospital of Burgos (HUBU), recruited during the months of January and February 2020. The main study variable was quality of life related to health and vision, obtained using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 (NEI-VFQ-25). (3) Results: In total 87 participants made up the sample, and significant differences were found in the NEI-VFQ-25 according to gender, type of diabetes, episodes of decompensated diabetes and high blood pressure (HBP) (p < 0.05). Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was also correlated with the NEI-VFQ-25 (p < 0.05). (4) Conclusions: These data could facilitate the design of action protocols focused on the well-being of the patient, in addition to considering the clinical characteristics. Further studies are needed to help understand the causal relationship between variables and that includes a wider variety of factors.

Laser in Situ Keratomileusis and Surface Ablation in Breastfeeding Patients.

PURPOSE: Our objectives were to determine the anatomical and functional (visual and refractive) outcomes of corneal refractive surgery during breastfeeding and to compare the results with those of women who stopped breastfeeding at least 3 months before the procedure. We also evaluated predictability, safety, and efficacy indexes; number of retreatments; and adverse effects reported in babies. METHODS: We performed a multicenter, retrospective, interventional case series review of patients who were breastfeeding and who underwent laser in situ keratomileusis or surface ablation (photorefractive keratectomy) from September 11, 2002 to December 12, 2017 (group 1, n = 142 eyes in the case group). Patients were compared with women who stopped breastfeeding at least 3 months before the procedure from September 11, 2002 to December 12, 2017 (group 2, n = 95 eyes in the control group). A total of 168 women (237 eyes) were included. Patients were incorporated consecutively. Functional (visual and refractive) and anatomical outcomes are described. RESULTS: No significant intraoperative or postoperative complications were recorded. There were no significant differences between the groups in visual acuity, postoperative spherical equivalent, efficacy index, predictability, safety index, or retreatments. No infants experienced adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, laser in situ keratomileusis and photorefractive keratectomy can be performed effectively and safely in breastfeeding women.

Visual outcomes in adult amblyopic eyes with moderate myopia after corneal laser surgery versus copolymer phakic intraocular lens implant.

PURPOSE: To assess visual acuity and refractive correction in moderately myopic adult eyes with suboptimal preoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) or insertion of a posterior chamber Implantable Collamer Lens phakic intraocular lens (pIOL). SETTING: Clínica Baviera, Instituto Oftalmológico Europeo, Torrevieja Hospital, Madrid, Spain. DESIGN: Retrospective study. METHODS: The study sample included 1310 eyes that had LASIK and 94 that had insertion of a pIOL from July 2002 to September 2013. Suboptimal preoperative CDVA was defined as equal to logMAR 0.15 or below and moderate myopia as a spherical equivalent of -5.0 to -10.0 diopters (D). RESULTS: The preoperative mean CDVA was 0.22 logMAR ± 0.09 (SD) in the LASIK group and 0.23 ± 0.09 logMAR in the pIOL group. Postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) was 0.13 ± 0.12 logMAR in the laser group and 0.12 ± 0.09 logMAR in the pIOL group, with a postoperative CDVA of 0.11 ± 0.10 logMAR and 0.08 ± 0.07 logMAR, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with preoperative values, amblyopic eyes with moderate myopia having LASIK or implantation of a pIOL demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in UDVA and CDVA (P < .001). The pIOL group performed significantly better than the LASIK group in terms of safety and efficiency. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.