[Diagnostics, clinical aspects and genetics of congenital corneal opacities]. / Diagnostik, Klinik und Genetik kongenitaler Hornhauttrübungen.

BACKGROUND: Congenital corneal opacities are comparatively rare diseases with high amblyogenic potential. PURPOSE: The present work provides an overview of the diagnostics, clinical aspects and genetics of congenital corneal opacities. METHODS: A literature search was carried out to compile an overview and illustration with own clinical case examples. RESULTS: Differentiated diagnostics are of high importance in the treatment of patients with congenital corneal opacities. A close cooperation between the medical departments involved and also the parents is absolutely essential. The structured classification of congenital corneal opacities provides the basis for a targeted treatment. DISCUSSION: The causes and the clinical symptoms of congenital corneal opacities are manifold. The correct diagnosis should be made early and in an interdisciplinary manner. Based on this, conservative and surgical treatment measures can be planned and an impending development of amblyopia can be specifically counteracted.

Predictability of success and open conjunctival revision rates in the subsequent eye after XEN45 Gel Stent implantation according to lens status.

PURPOSE: To determine the predictability of success and the risk of open conjunctival revision in the subsequent eye after XEN45 Gel Stent implantation according to lens status. METHODS: This was a retrospective single-centre study involving 132 eyes of 66 participants who had undergone intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering XEN45 Gel Stent implantation, either as a standalone procedure in phakic and pseudophakic eyes or in combination with phacoemulsification. Successful surgery was defined by three scores: IOP at follow-up < 21 mmHg (score A) or < 18 mmHg (score B) and an IOP reduction > 20% or IOP ≤ 15 mmHg and an IOP reduction ≥ 40% (score C). In all scores, one open conjunctival revision was allowed, and additional repeat surgery was considered a failure. The predictability of success and revision rate depending on the outcome of the first eye were calculated using Bayes' theorem. RESULTS: IOP-lowering did not differ significantly between the first and second eyes. Success rates of standalone surgery in the second eye after successful surgery in the first eye significantly exceed rates after prior failure. For the combined procedure, the rates did not differ significantly. For score A, we determined a 76.6% chance of success following a prior success and a 57.9% chance, if prior surgery failed. The corresponding probabilities were 75% and 59.1% for score B, while 66.7% and 15.7% for score C, respectively. We calculated a 60% risk for revision surgery in the standalone phakic group. If the first eye was not revised, the risk of revision in the subsequent eye was 20%. The corresponding risks were 72.7% and 5% for the standalone procedure in pseudophakic patients and 38.4% and 41.7% for the combined procedure, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results of our study offer a tool to predict the outcome of subsequent eye surgeries based on either the outcome in the initial eye and the type of surgery performed, owing to the high predictive potential.

Graft survival of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) in corneal endothelial decompensation after glaucoma surgery.

PURPOSE: This study aims to assess the results, rebubbling rate, and graft survival after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) with regard to the number and type of previous glaucoma surgeries. METHODS: This is a clinical retrospective review of 1845 consecutive DMEK surgeries between 07/2011 and 08/2017 at the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Cologne. Sixty-six eyes were included: group 1 (eyes with previous glaucoma drainage devices (GDD); n = 27) and group 2 (eyes with previous trabeculectomy (TE); n = 39). Endothelial cell loss (ECL), central corneal thickness, graft failure, rebubbling rate, and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) up to 3 years after DMEK were compared between subgroups of patients with different numbers of and the two most common types of glaucoma surgeries either GDD or TE or both. RESULTS: Re-DMEK rate due to secondary graft failure was 55.6% (15/27) in group 1 and 35.9% in group 2. The mean graft survival time in group 1 was 25 ± 11 months and 31.3 ± 8.6 months in group 2 (p = 0.009). ECL in surviving grafts in group 1 was 35% (n = 13) at 6 months, 36% at 12 months (n = 8), and 27% (n = 4) at 2 years postoperatively. In group 2, ECL in surviving grafts was 41% (n = 10) at 6 months, 36% (n = 9) at 12 months, and 38% (n = 8) at 2 years postoperatively. Rebubbling rate in group 1 was 18.5% (5/27) and 35.9% (14/39) in group 2 (p = 0.079). CONCLUSION: Eyes with previous GDD had no higher risk for an increased rebubbling rate but a higher risk for a re-DMEK due to secondary graft failure with a mean transplant survival time of about 2 years. Compared to eyes with preexisting glaucoma drainage device, eyes after trabeculectomy had less secondary graft failures and a longer mean graft survival rate.

Impact of failed ab-interno trabeculectomy (trabectome) on subsequent XEN45 gel stent implantation in pseudophakic eyes.

PURPOSE: To determine the impact of failed ab-interno trabeculectomy on the postoperative outcome of subsequent XEN45 gel stent (Allergan, CA, USA) implantation in pseudophakic eyes. METHODS: In this retrospective single-center study, we included 60 pseudophakic eyes from 60 participants who underwent XEN45 gel stent implantation. Thirty eyes each underwent primary stent implantation (control group) or had previously undergone a failed ab-interno trabeculectomy (trabectome group). The groups were matched at a 1:1 ratio based on the following criteria: preoperative and maximum Intraocular pressure (IOP), preoperative medication score, cup/disk-ratio, follow-up time, best-corrected visual acuity at baseline, age, and the proportion of patients classified as primary open angle glaucoma or exfoliation glaucoma. We defined a successful surgery by the following three scores: an IOP reduction > 20% and IOP at the longest follow-up < 21 mmHg (Score A) or < 18 mmHg (Score B) or IOP ≤ 15 mmHg and an IOP reduction ≥ 40% (Score C). One open conjunctival revision was allowed in all scores, and a repeat surgery was considered a failure. RESULTS: Following an average follow-up period of 22 ± 12 months, we observed a mean IOP reduction of 38%, from 23.5 ± 5.2-14.5 ± 5.0 mmHg. Comparative analyses between the groups did not reveal a significant difference in the postoperative IOP, postoperative medication score, side effects, revision rate, repeat surgery rate, or success rate. CONCLUSIONS: Trabectome is a viable first-line procedure for medically uncontrolled glaucoma before filtering ab-interno microstent surgery is considered.

Eye changes in space : New insights into clinical aspects, pathogenesis, and prevention.

BACKGROUND: More than ever research into changes in the eye caused by long-term space flight is becoming the focus of the international and national space agencies National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), European Space Agency (ESA) and German Aerospace Center (DLR). In addition to space radiation-induced cataract formation considerable eye changes, summarized under space flight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS), can occur. OBJECTIVE: This article gives an overview of the current state of research and future directions in the field of research concerned with ocular alterations in SANS and presents the relevance for terrestrial ophthalmological research. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An analysis of existing publications on SANS in PubMed and reports on the risk of SANS published by the NASA of the USA was carried out. RESULTS: The reasons for the development of the eye changes in space have not been clarified. Factors such as the increase in intracranial pressure, fluid shifts, hypercapnia and genetic factors are the subject of intensive research efforts. A terrestrial model for the induction of papilledema could be established (bed rest studies with -6° head-down tilt as a space analogue). Countermeasures for the development of eye changes, such as intermittent artificial gravity, are the subject of current research studies. CONCLUSION: Research into SANS as part of bed rest studies will provide further important insights in the future for space research and also for terrestrial research. Clinical research projects can be derived from space research.

[Dependency of intraocular pressure on body posture in glaucoma patients : New approaches to pathogenesis and treatment]. / Lageabhängigkeit des Augeninnendruckes bei Glaukompatienten : Neue Ansätze zur Pathogenese und Therapie.

BACKROUND: Human intraocular pressure (IOP) depends on the position of the head in relation to the body in space. Physiologically, the IOP increases in a lying position compared to an upright posture. Microgravity in space also appears to cause an increase in intraocular pressure, accompanied by other ophthalmological changes, which are summarized under the term spaceflight associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS). Bed rest studies are being carried out to investigate the effects of weightlessness on the human body. So here there is an intersection between research into SANS and glaucoma. Increased intraocular pressure remains the most important risk factor for glaucoma development and progression that can be influenced by treatment. The influence of position-dependent IOP fluctuations on glaucoma is still not sufficiently understood. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was carried in PubMed on the subject of IOP fluctuations related to posture. Analysis and evaluation of the published study results and a summary of available clinical data. RESULTS: The increase in IOP when changing from a seated to a lying body position is greater in glaucoma patients with an increase of up to 8.6 mm Hg compared to healthy subjects with an increase up to 5 mm Hg. In small pilot studies the increase in lying IOP in some glaucoma patients and healthy volunteers could be attenuated by elevation of the head by 30%. A lower compartmental pressure in the subarachnoid space has been associated with glaucoma and may represent a risk factor for glaucoma development. Not only the level of IOP but also IOP fluctuations were associated with an increased risk of disease progression. CONCLUSION: The clinical significance of IOP peaks during sleep on glaucoma is still not sufficiently understood. New methods for continuous IOP measurement offer promising opportunities for further research into the importance of IOP fluctuations related to changes of body and head posture.

[Eye changes in space : New insights into clinical aspects, pathogenesis and prevention]. / Augenveränderungen im All : Aktuelles zu Klinik, Pathogenese und Prävention.

BACKGROUND: More than ever research into changes in the eye caused by long-term space flight is becoming the focus of the international and national space agencies National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), European Space Agency (ESA) and German Aerospace Center (DLR). In addition to space radiation-induced cataract formation considerable eye changes, summarized under space flight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS), can occur. OBJECTIVE: This article gives an overview of the current state of research and future directions in the field of research concerned with ocular alterations in SANS and presents the relevance for terrestrial ophthalmological research. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An analysis of existing publications on SANS in PubMed and reports on the risk of SANS published by the NASA of the USA was carried out. RESULTS: The reasons for the development of the eye changes in space have not been clarified. Factors such as the increase in intracranial pressure, fluid shifts, hypercapnia and genetic factors are the subject of intensive research efforts. A terrestrial model for the induction of papilledema could be established (bed rest studies with -6° head-down tilt as a space analogue). Countermeasures for the development of eye changes, such as intermittent artificial gravity, are the subject of current research studies. CONCLUSION: Research into SANS as part of bed rest studies will provide further important insights in the future for space research and also for terrestrial research. Clinical research projects can be derived from space research.

[Glaucoma and nanophthalmos]. / Glaukom und Nanophthalmus.

The term nanophthalmos refers to a clinically small eye that appears morphologically normal. A nanophthalmos is characterized by hyperopia but can also be associated with various secondary pathologies, such as angle-closure glaucoma. In particular, the perioperative risks associated with a nanophthalmic eye necessitate examination of the anatomical characteristics, which can result from the disproportional size of intraocular tissues despite structural normality. These include a small anterior chamber depth, scleral thickening and anomalies of the vein plexus, which are predisposing factors for the formation of angle-closure glaucoma. The resulting therapeutic challenges in the nanophthalmic eye can be countered with iridectomy, lensectomy, vitrectomy and cyclophotocoagulation. The definition, genetics and clinical findings of nanophthalmos are discussed with a focus on the complication of glaucoma and its treatment.

[Microscope-integrated intraoperative optical coherence tomography in examination of pediatric patients under anesthesia]. / Mikroskopintegrierte intraoperative optische Kohärenztomographie bei der Narkoseuntersuchung von pädiatrischen Patienten.

BACKGROUND: The therapeutic principle of examinations of children under general anaesthesia using microscope-integrated optical coherence tomography (MI-OCT) is presented. The aim was to assess novel indications as well as limitations for MI-OCT to enhance ophthalmological examinations of neonates and children under general anesthesia. METHODS: The study was based on a review of the literature from google.scholar.com and PubMed and our own data from a prospective study (Department for Ophthalmology, University of Cologne) of 14 children with anterior and posterior segment anomalies undergoing examinations under anesthesia. Patients were examined using a commercially available MI-OCT device. The study analyzed the general feasibility of MI-OCT for ophthalmological examination of children under general anesthesia for the anterior and posterior eye segments and the benefits of indications and intraoperative findings. RESULTS: The MI-OCT significantly enriched the examinations of children under general anesthesia and delivered additional information not visible with the surgical microscope. Even in situations with a limited anterior chamber view MI-OCT enabled estimation of distances, such as corneal thickness. In addition to influencing therapeutic decisions, in 12/14 children MI-OCT also enabled examination of the thickness of the nerve fibre layer of the optic nerve disc and the retina. CONCLUSION: The data presented here underline the benefit of the intraoperative MI-OCT in ophthalmological examinations of children under general anesthesia. In particular MI-OCT enables examinations of children with corneal opacification, if an ophthalmological examination under general anesthesia becomes necessary.

[Management of anticoagulants in ophthalmic surgery-a survey among ophthalmic surgeons in Germany]. / Umgang mit gerinnungshemmenden Substanzen in der Ophthalmochirurgie ­ eine Umfrage unter Ophthalmochirurgen in Deutschland.

INTRODUCTION: As our population ages and comorbidities rise, ophthalmic surgeons are increasingly faced with patients on anticoagulant therapy or with clotting disorders. The ophthalmic surgeon has to weigh the perioperative risk of haemorrhage when anticoagulation continues against the risk of thromboembolism caused by discontinuation or changing the patient's medication (bridging, switching, cessation). There are currently no guidelines or recommendations. METHODS: A survey was sent to the DOG (German Ophthalmologic Society) divisions and associated surgical organizations to determine the status quo. A questionnaire was sent out and filled out by the different groups of specialists. RESULTS: All four divisions of the DOG and four associated organizations returned completed questionnaires. Surgical interventions were listed that are carried out during anticoagulant therapy without exceptions, as well as interventions that were classified to require medical adjustment. Although the assessments varied, general consensus was achieved regarding interventions not requiring adjustments due to anticoagulants (i. e., intravitreal injection, cataract surgery, laser and corneal operations, simple muscle surgery), and those interventions requiring adjustments in medications (glaucoma operations, complex retina surgery, eye socket surgery, complex surgery of the lid). CONCLUSION: Main result of this survey was the specification of serious bleeding complications which are permanent vision loss and re-operation. They could serve as endpoint parameters for essential future investigations. Nevertheless, this survey makes clear that the decision about an adjustment of anticoagulant medication in ophthalmic surgery is currently made individually and not based on established standards.

Bruch's membrane opening-based optical coherence tomography of the optic nerve head: a useful diagnostic tool to detect glaucoma in macrodiscs.

PurposeTo compare Bruch's membrane opening (BMO)-based spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and margin based confocal scanning laser tomography (CSLT) of the optic nerve head (ONH) to visual field function in large optic discs (macrodiscs) and to assess performance for glaucoma detection.MethodsIn a case-control, cross-sectional study, 125 eyes of 125 patients with disc size >2.45 mm2, thereof 44 glaucoma and 11 ocular hypertension (OHT) patients and 70 healthy controls underwent SD-OCT and CSLT examination, visual field testing and clinical evaluation. Mean outcome measures BMO-based minimum rim width (BMO-MRW), retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT) in SD-OCT, and rim area measured in CSLT were compared and correlated to visual field function.ResultsAll participants had a mean disc area of 2.91±0.38 mm2 in CSLT and a BMO area of 2.45±0.39 mm2 (r=0.76;P<0.001). In glaucoma patients, visual field mean deviation was -10.0±6.1 dB. Global BMO-MRW correlated better to visual field function (Spearman's Rho (ρ)=0.71; P<0.001) than RNFLT (ρ=0.52;P<0.001) and CSLT rim area (ρ=0.63; P<0.001). BMO-MRW was significantly decreased with higher visual field loss (P<0.001). In ROC analysis, diagnostic power to differentiate glaucoma patients and healthy controls was highest for BMO-MRW (Area under curve, AUC=0.96; sensitivity at 95% specificity=82%). Rim area in CSLT (AUC=0.91; sensitivity=61.0%; P=0.04) and RNFLT (AUC=0.89; sensitivity=61%; P=0.01) were significantly less powerful.ConclusionsIn macrodiscs, BMO-MRW has the best diagnostic power to discriminate glaucoma patients from normal controls compared to RNFLT and rim area in CSLT. Additionally, BMO-MRW seems to reflect the structure-function relationship better than the other two parameters.

[Early atrophy of the conjunctiva after trabeculectomy with mitomycin C and collagen matrix implant]. / Frühe Bindehautatrophie nach Trabekulektomie mit Mitomycin-C-Applikation und Kollagen-Matrix-Implantation.

Complete atrophy of the filtration bleb is a very rare complication after trabeculectomy with mitomycin C and collagen matrix implant (Ologen®, Aeon Astron Corporation, Taipei, Taiwan). Clinically, the atrophy can present similar to blebitis. We report the case of a 71-year-old woman, in whom we resected the atrophic conjunctiva and reconstructed a filtration bleb using an amniotic membrane.

[Vision Loss after Silicone Oil Surgery]. / Visusverlust nach Silikonölchirurgie.

Silicone oil is an intraocular tamponade that is essential for the treatment of complicated retinal detachment. As a long-term tamponade, it improves retinal reattachment and visual outcome. Unexpectedly, surgery with silicone oil tamponade may result in irreversible visual loss of unknown origin. In this report, we provide a general overview of unexplained visual loss after surgery with silicone oil. The frequency of such reports has increased continuously in recent years. The German Retina Society - supported by Retinanet (http://retina-net.uni-koeln.de) - has initiated data collection to gather information about such cases, in cooperation with Cologne University Eye Hospital. Ophthalmologists can provide data about cases of unexplained visual loss anonymously via the "Cologne Clinical Trials Centre" or via augenklinik-silikonoel@uk-koeln.de.

[Surgical options before and after trabectome surgery : Impact of previous surgeries, possibilities of revision surgery and complication management]. / Chirurgische Optionen vor und nach Trabektomchirurgie : Einfluss von Voroperationen, Möglichkeiten der Revisionschirurgie und Komplikationsmanagement.

BACKGROUND: Trabectome surgery is a new method to lower intraocular pressure through ablation of the trabecular meshwork. Technically, it is an ab interno trabeculotomy. The goal of this review is to investigate the options after failed trabectome surgery and evaluate the possibilities of trabectome surgery after failed previous glaucoma surgery. OBJECTIVES: A literature review was performed to answer the following questions: (1) Is trabectome surgery an option after failed glaucoma surgery? (2) Is trabeculectomy an option after failed trabectome surgery? (3) Which postoperative constellations require early revision surgery after trabectome surgery? RESULTS: Trabectome surgery is an option after failed trabeculectomy or failed tube surgery. Performing a trabeculectomy after failed trabectome surgery did not show disadvantages. Hypotony or hyphema is rare and self-limiting and, therefore, does not require further surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Due to a lack of randomized studies, recommendations should be taken with caution.

[Intraoperative optical coherence tomography in corneal and glaucoma surgical procedures]. / Intraoperative optische Kohärenztomographie bei hornhaut- und glaukomchirurgischen Eingriffen.

BACKGROUND: Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is the clinical gold standard for anterior and posterior segment imaging. Since OCT devices have been integrated into surgical microscopes, this technique is also available intraoperatively in anterior segment surgery. OCT is well established in imaging very thin or transparent structures as they appear in corneal or glaucoma surgery. Therefore, intraoperative OCT can deliver important information for the surgeon which is superior to the normal surgical microscope. OBJECTIVES: In the present work, an overview about the opportunities of intraoperative OCT in cornea and glaucoma surgery are presented. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The recent literature (PubMed) and our own experience at the Center for Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Cologne are analysed. RESULTS: Intraoperative OCT enables real-time imaging during corneal and glaucoma surgery. Several clinical studies exist, indicating its benefit, e. g. in DMEK, DALK, DSAEK, Boston Keratoprosthesis, canaloplasty or trabectome surgery. Several structures, not visible in the surgical microscope, can be visualized using intraoperative OCT. CONCLUSIONS: As a real-time and high-resolution imaging device, intraoperative online OCT delivers additional information in glaucoma and corneal surgery, compared to the normal operating microscope. Nonetheless one of the main problems is the shadowing produced by surgical instruments. Today the main limitation is the lack of randomized-controlled clinical trials, evaluating the benefit of microscope-integrated intraoperative OCT, compared to the microscope.

[Revision surgery in episcleral glaucoma drainage devices]. / Revisionschirurgie bei episkleralen Glaukomdrainageimplantaten.

Episcleral glaucoma drainage devices (e.g., Ahmed or Baerveldt drainage device) are often used at a late stage in the care of glaucoma patients. At this stage other surgical techniques, such as trabeculectomy or viscocanaloplasty, have failed. However, the trend towards earlier implant surgery is supported by large randomized trials. Physicians should be aware of typical complications and, if possible, these should already be avoided by careful surgical technique. In this review article, we focus on postoperative hypotension, postoperative pressure increases, implant exposure, and possible corneal decompensation.

[Intraoperative optical coherence tomography for examination of newborns and infants under general anesthesia]. / Intraoperative optische Kohärenztomographie bei Narkoseuntersuchungen von Säuglingen und Kleinkindern.

BACKGROUND: Examination of newborn and children under general anesthesia is essential to prevent amblyopia and blindness; however, the validity was often limited due to a lack of state of the art diagnostic tools in the intraoperative set-up, e. g. optical coherence tomography (OCT). Since OCT devices have been integrated into surgical microscopes, this technique is also available for examination with patients under general anesthesia. OBJECTIVE: To give an overview about the possibilities of intraoperative OCT (iOCT) during examination of newborn and infant children under general anesthesia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis of recent literature (PubMed) and initial experiences at the Center for Ophthalmology of the University Hospital of Cologne. RESULTS: The use of iOCT enables real-time high-resolution imaging during examinations of children under general anesthesia. All relevant structures of the anterior eye segment (including cornea, lens, chamber angle and iris) can be visualized. Especially when the anterior chamber view is limited due to corneal opacifications, iOCT can deliver important information in addition to that obtained using a surgical microscope. This information is important for the further therapy of the patients. CONCLUSION: Online iOCT is a useful extension of the normal surgical microscope, especially for examination of children under general anesthesia and limited view into the anterior chamber. In our experience it also makes sense to transfer this technique to anomalies of the posterior pole because high-resolution imaging of the macula and optic nerve head is possible.