Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on eye strain and dry eye symptoms.

PURPOSE: Among adult individuals with dry eye, assess the self-reported impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on (1) dry eye-related visual function, (2) reading efficiency, and (3) dry eye treatments used. METHODS: In June-July 2020, we conducted an online survey of adults with dry eye who spent at least somewhat more time at home during the pandemic than before. Consistent with TFOS DEWS II guidelines, we categorized respondents into mild, moderate, or severe dry eye based on treatment usage. RESULTS: We included 388 respondents: 97 respondents (25%) with mild, 80 (21%) with moderate, and 211 (54%) with severe dry eye. In all three groups, screen/reading time generally doubled during the pandemic. Reduced work-related efficiency was noted by a considerable proportion of respondents (moderate dry eye: 51%, mild: 39%, and severe: 38%). Compared with respondents with mild dry eye, respondents with moderate dry eye were considerably more likely to note worsening symptoms: eye pain (OR = 2.57, 95% CI 1.22-5.41), headache from eye symptoms (OR = 2.34, 95% CI 1.11-4.90), and difficulty concentrating because of eye symptoms (OR = 2.79, 95% CI 1.37-5.66). Respondents with moderate dry eye with Sjögren's syndrome were most likely to note these. Respondents with severe dry eye were more likely than respondents with mild dry eye to report losing access to dry eye-related treatments (OR = 2.62, 95% CI 1.36-5.03). CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 pandemic-related eye strain may be impacting symptoms, performance, and ultimately employment, especially for those with moderate dry eye. This may be compounding the already-high dry eye-related societal burden.

Age-Stratified Analysis of Diabetes and Pseudophakia Effects on Corneal Endothelial Cell Density: A Retrospective Eye Bank Study.

PURPOSE: To perform an age-stratified analysis of the effect of diabetes and pseudophakia on corneal endothelial cell density (ECD). METHODS: This is a comparative analysis of donor characteristics from data supplied by the Lions Eye Institute for Transplant and Research on tissue harvested from July 1, 2007, through May 23, 2014. The mixed-effects model was used to compare age-adjusted mean corneal ECD between donors with and without diabetes. RESULTS: A total of 20,026 nondiabetic donor eyes and 13,617 diabetic donor eyes were included in this study. ECD was 2604 cells per square millimeter in nondiabetic corneas and 2576 cells per square millimeter in diabetic corneas (P < 0.001). Among phakic patients, diabetic ECD was significantly less in the middle-age subgroups: -33 cells per square millimeter in the 21-to-40-year-old subgroup (P = 0.048) and -25 cells per square millimeter in the 41-to-60-year-old subgroup (P = 0.009). Among pseudophakic patients, diabetic ECD was significantly less only in the subgroup 61 years or older: -56 cells per square millimeter (P = 0.026). The magnitude of difference in ECD between phakic and pseudophakic donors was greater in patients with diabetes in the subgroup 61 years or older (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Donor eyes with a history of diabetes had a slightly lower ECD (-29 cells/mm) than eyes without a history of diabetes. Although this statistical relationship is consistent with our pathophysiologic understanding of diabetes and the corneal endothelium, such a minor difference in ECD would be expected to have minimal clinical impact on overall corneal endothelial function.

Cornea donors who have had prior refractive surgery: data from the Eye Bank Association of America.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Millions of Americans have undergone refractive surgeries, including radial keratotomy, photorefractive keratectomy, and laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis. Eye Bank Association of America medical standards do not permit corneas from patients who have undergone refractive procedures to be used in penetrating keratoplasty, anterior lamellar keratoplasty, or tectonic grafting procedures. Such corneas, can, however, be used for endothelial corneal transplantation. The objective of this article is to provide an update on current trends for the screening and usage of corneas that have undergone refractive surgery. RECENT FINDINGS: Several case reports have highlighted the difficulty in using postrefractive surgery corneas in penetrating keratoplasty. However, tissue with anterior stromal flaws, including a history of refractive surgery, has been used in endothelial keratoplasty with equivalent outcomes in topography, endothelial cell count, and visual acuity. Many modalities for proper identification of postmortem donor corneas that have undergone refractive surgery have been studied. SUMMARY: Corneas with a history of refractive surgery have found use in endothelial keratoplasty. Multiple objective methods of tissue identification have been investigated to avoid the use of these corneas in penetrating or anterior keratoplasty surgeries.

Cicatricial keratoconjunctivitis associated with lichen planus.

PURPOSE: To describe a case of cicatricial keratoconjunctivitis associated with lichen planus. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: To our knowledge, this is the sixth reported case of cicatricial keratoconjunctivitis associated with lichen planus. A 73-year-old woman had persistent cicatricial keratoconjunctivitis. Histopathologic studies of the buccal mucosa biopsy specimen revealed lichen planus. CONCLUSION: Lichen planus is a possible cause of cicatricial keratoconjunctivitis. Topical cyclosporine may stabilize the ocular surface, and additional systemic immunosuppression may be needed in severe cases. A correct diagnosis through biopsy is essential to start aggressive anti-inflammatory treatment to avoid vision loss.

Updated practical intraocular lens power calculation after refractive surgery.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Since its introduction in the 1980s, more than 40 million people worldwide have undergone some form of kerato-refractive surgery. Many of these individuals are now candidates for cataract surgery and pose the challenge of attaining first-rate refractive outcomes in nonvirgin eyes. Numerous approaches have been developed to estimate intraocular lens (IOL) power in eyes postrefractive surgery. This review highlights the most practical, relevant options for accurate IOL power determination in these cases. RECENT FINDINGS: With refined techniques and advances in instrumentation, more accurate assessments of true corneal power and thus, IOL power, are possible in postrefractive eyes. Optical coherence tomography and other corneal tomography instruments have markedly improved accuracy in this process. However, when expensive, modern equipments are not readily available, and online IOL calculators such as the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) calculator have become efficient, reliable options. Recent evidence confirms the accuracy of these online calculators. SUMMARY: Emerging literature supports the use of methods that do not rely on prior refractive data in IOL power determination. Online IOL calculators provide user-friendly, efficient options that greatly facilitate accurate IOL power determination for cataract surgery in eyes that have undergone prior kerato-refractive surgery.

Corneal collagen crosslinking in refractive surgery.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To describe the development and uses of corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) in association with keratorefractive procedures as well as in the treatment of progressive keratoconus and progressive postlaser in-situ keratomileusis (post-LASIK) keratectasia. RECENT FINDINGS: CXL has been shown to be effective in slowing, halting or reversing progressive ectasia in both keratoconus and progressive post-LASIK keratectasia by means of corneal stiffening. Thus, it is the only treatment option currently available that addresses the underlying progression of ectactic conditions. Combining CXL with keratorefractive procedures, such as intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation and photorefractive keratectomy, is a promising therapeutic alternative to penetrating keratoplasty or lamellar keratoplasty that in many cases can improve visual acuity, stabilize ectasia, and delay or even prevent the need for more invasive procedures. SUMMARY: The stiffening effect of CXL has made it a promising alternative in the ophthalmologist's armamentarium for treatment of progressive keratoconus and progressive post-LASIK keratectasia. Future studies are needed to determine the long-term stability of CXL, as well as to address possible complications.

The effect of corneal anterior surface eccentricity on astigmatism after cataract surgery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of cornea eccentricity on induced astigmatism after cataract surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 125 eyes of 87 patients. Preoperative corneal astigmatism, pachymetry, and eccentricity were measured. During cataract surgery, the location of the main incision (2.8-mm clear corneal) was selected to be either superior, superior-nasal, superior-temporal, nasal, or temporal to decrease the preexisting corneal astigmatism. Aspheric intraocular lenses were implanted. Keratometry and manifest refraction were recorded 6 months after surgery. Astigmatism was calculated using vector subtraction software. RESULTS: Three parameters significantly affected postoperative astigmatism: preoperative amount of corneal astigmatism, eccentricity of anterior cornea, and location of the main incision. The mean surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) was calculated to be: superior = 0.82 diopters (D), superior-nasal = 0.50 D, superior-temporal = 0.63 D, temporal = 0.45 D, and nasal = 0.55 D. Superior incision induced the greatest SIA and temporal incision induced the smallest SIA. The eccentricity of anterior cornea showed significantly positive correlation with the amount of SIA (P < .001). The preoperative corneal cylinder power showed significantly positive correlation with the amount of SIA (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Postoperative astigmatism was affected by various factors in cataract surgery. The greatest postoperative astigmatism is expected in corneas with high anterior eccentricity, high preoperative corneal astigmatism, and superior location of the main incision.

Laser in-situ keratomileusis infection: review and update of current practices.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review new clinically relevant data regarding the prevention cause and treatment of laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) infections. RECENT FINDINGS: Many recent studies of post-LASIK infectious keratitis show the predominance of atypical mycobacteria and Gram-positive cocci and the growing number of other rare pathogens. The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery White Paper treatment paradigm remains the model for initial treatment of LASIK-associated infectious keratitis. SUMMARY: Improved understanding of the risk factor, different causes, along with a high degree of suspicion on initial presentation is crucial in order to provide the appropriate management in LASIK-associated infectious keratitis.

Refractive surgery after corneal transplant.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Ametropia and astigmatism following successful penetrating keratoplasty can seriously impact a patient's quality of vision. Similar limitations can result following anterior lamellar keratoplasty (ALK) and Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK). These patients often suffer from aniseikonia and can be intolerant of spectacles and contact lenses. Refractive surgery can correct both ametropia and astigmatism following corneal transplantation and improve a patient's final visual outcome. The same methods used to correct naturally occurring refractive errors are being used with increasing success in patients who have undergone corneal transplants. RECENT FINDINGS: Many refractive options are available to treat ametropia following penetrating keratoplasty. Incisional keratotomies have been employed to treat high amounts of astigmatism. Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) are also used to treat myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. LASIK has been shown to have an overall better outcome compared to PRK; however, the use of mitomycin-C with PRK has improved results. Phakic and pseudophakic piggyback intraocular lenses are also being used to treat high degrees of ametropia and astigmatism; however, the long-term results are somewhat limited. SUMMARY: Refractive surgery can improve the final visual outcome of patients who have undergone successful corneal transplantation. Currently available modalities provide many options for patients who are intolerant of spectacles and contact lenses. Continued advances and research will enable surgeons to optimize visual quality in postkeratoplasty patients.