Phaco-Chop versus Divide-and-Conquer in Patients Who Underwent Cataract Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Cataract surgery is one of the most frequently performed eye surgeries worldwide, and among several techniques, phacoemulsification has become the standard of care due to its safety and efficiency. We evaluated the advantages and disadvantages of two phacoemulsification techniques: phaco-chop and divide-and-conquer. Methods: PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Science databases were queried for randomized controlled trial (RCT), prospective and retrospective studies that compared the phaco-chop technique over the divide-and-conquer technique and reported the outcomes of (1) Endothelial cell count change (ECC); (2) Ultrasound time (UST); (3) Cumulated dissipated energy (CDE); (4) Surgery time; and (5) Phacoemulsification time (PT). Heterogeneity was examined with I2 statistics. A random-effects model was used for outcomes with high heterogeneity. Results: Nine final studies, (6 prospective RCTs and 3 observational), comprising 837 patients undergoing phacoemulsification. 435 (51.9%) underwent the phaco-chop technique, and 405 (48.1%) underwent divide-and-conquer. Overall, the phaco-chop technique was associated with several advantages: a significant difference in ECC change postoperatively (Mean Difference [MD] -221.67 Cell/mm2; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] -401.68 to -41.66; p < 0.02; I2=73%); a shorter UST (MD -51.16 sec; 95% CI -99.4 to -2.79; p = 0.04; I2=98%); reduced CDE (MD -8.68 units; 95% CI -12.76 to -4.60; p < 0.01; I2=84%); a lower PT (MD -55.09 sec; 95% CI -99.29 to -12.90; p = 0.01; I2=100). There were no significant differences in surgery time (MD -3.86 min; 95% CI -9.55 to 1.83; p = 0.18; I2=99%). Conclusion: The phaco-chop technique proved to cause fewer hazards to the corneal endothelium, with less delivered intraocular ultrasound energy when compared to the divide-and-conquer technique.

Ocular complications in adults with psoriasis: a cross-sectional study in a referral center in Brazil.

PURPOSE: There is limited literature on the ocular manifestations in patients with psoriasis. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the prevalence of and factors associated with ocular manifestations in adults with psoriasis. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included Brazilian adults with psoriasis. The dermatological evaluation included diagnosis, clinical form, Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) measurement, and location of the lesions. Patients underwent a full ophthalmological examination, including the Schirmer I test, Rose Bengala staining, and tear breakup time tests. The results were analyzed using chi-square and Pearson's linear correlation tests. RESULTS: Of the 130 patients assessed, 118 (90.8%) exhibited ocular abnormalities, with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) being the most prevalent (59.2%), followed by dry eye disease (DED) (56.2%). A significant correlation was observed between MGD and PASI (p = 0.05), and between MGD and certain treatment modalities. DED was significantly associated with PASI (p < 0.05). Concurrent use of acitretin was identified as an independent predictor of MGD (odds ratio [OR] = 3.5, p < 0.05), whereas PASI was a protective factor against DED (OR = 0.39, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Given the high prevalence of eye disease among individuals with psoriasis, routine ophthalmological assessments are recommended to prevent possible ocular complications.

A Morphometric Study of the Pars Plana of the Ciliary Body in Human Cadaver Eyes.

This study aimed to determine the pars plana length in postmortem human eyes using advanced morphometric techniques and correlate demographics to ocular metrics such as age, sex, ethnicity, and axial length. Between February and July 2005, we conducted a cross-sectional observational study on 46 human cadaver eyes deemed unsuitable for transplant by the SBO Eye Bank. The morphometric analysis was performed on projected images using a surgical microscope and a video-microscopy system with a 20.5:1 correction factor. The pars plana length was measured three times per quadrant, with the final value being the mean of these measurements. Of the 46 eyes collected, 9 were unsuitable for the study due to technical constraints in conducting intraocular measurements. Overall, the average axial length was 25.20 mm. The average pars plana length was 3.8 mm in all quadrants, with no measurements below 2.8 mm or above 4.9 mm. There were no statistically significant variations across quadrants or with age, sex, axial length, or laterality. Accurately defining the pars plana dimensions is crucial for safely accessing the posterior segment of the eye and minimizing complications during intraocular procedures, such as intravitreal injections and vitreoretinal surgeries.

Corneal Collagen Crosslinking for Ectasia After Refractive Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: Corneal ectasia leads to progressive irregular corneal curvature and reduced visual acuity. Objective: To assess the safety and effectiveness of corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) for managing corneal ectasia resulting from refractive laser surgery (RSL). Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were realized according to PRISMA guidelines. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases for studies on CXL in patients with ectasia after RLS. The outcomes of interest included visual acuity, refractive outcomes, topographic parameters (Kmax, index surface variance (ISV), index of Vertical Asymmetry (IVA), keratoconus index (KI), central keratoconus index (CKI), index of height asymmetry (IHA), index of height decentration (IHD) and Rmin (minimum sagittal curvature)), central corneal thickness, endothelial cell count, and possible adverse events. Statistical analysis was performed using the R software (version 4.2.3, R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria). Results: 15 studies encompassing 421 patients (512 eyes) were included. The mean age was 32.03 ± 4.4 years. The pooled results showed a stable uncorrected visual acuity post-CXL, with a significant improvement in corrected distance visual acuity (SMD = 0.09; 95% CI: -0.07 to 0.26). The spherical equivalent decreased significantly (SMD = -0.09; 95% CI: -0.35, -0.02). The topographic parameter Kmax decreased significantly (SMD = 0.15; 95% CI:0.01 to 0.28); however, the other parameters, ISV, IVA, KI, CKI, IHA, IHD, and Rmin, did not change significantly. Central corneal thickness decreased significantly (SMD = 0.24; 95% CI:0.07 to 0.41), and the endothelial cell count remained stable The complications were rare. Conclusion: CXL is a safe and effective technique for managing corneal ectasia after RLS.