Discriminant prediction equation using an optical biometer for identifying post-myopic laser vision correction eyes.

PURPOSE: To create an equation for identifying post-myopic laser vision correction (M-LVC) eyes by using corneal shape parameters in swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) biometer and verify its accuracy. SETTING: Nagoya eye clinic, Nagoya, Japan. DESIGN: Retrospective evaluation of a screening approach. METHODS: The control participants were selected retrospectively from patients who visited our clinic for cataract surgery or refractive surgery. M-LVC patients were selected retrospectively from patients who visited our clinic for cataract surgery or M-LVC postoperative checkups. The control and post-M-LVC patients with keratometric values between 39 diopters (D) and 43 D were included in the final analysis. Patients were randomly assigned to equation-creation and validation groups in a 2:1 ratio. To discriminate post-M-LVC patients from control participants, multiple logistic regression analysis was performed with the corneal shape parameters from the optical biometer as independent variables. RESULTS: The M-LVC and control groups consisted of 90 eyes from 90 patients and 97 eyes from 97 patients, respectively. The average keratometry (Ave-K) values did not differ significantly between the control and M-LVC groups (p=0.187). The multiple logistic analysis identified the asymmetry component (regression coefficient, 5.357; odds ratio, 212.158) and corneal eccentricity index (regression coefficient, -5.088; odds ratio, 0.006) as explanatory variables. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve in the predictive equation-creation group was 0.946. The sensitivity and specificity in the validation group were 93.3% and 87.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The M-LVC discriminant prediction equation with the topography-equipped SS-OCT biometer was effective in detecting post-M-LVC eyes with high accuracy.

Effects of Custom-Designed Soft Contact Lenses on Irregular Astigmatism Correction in Patients with Keratoconus.

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of YOUSOFT soft contact lenses in correcting irregular astigmatism and prescription results of patients with keratoconus. Patients and Methods: The retrospective observational study included 55 eyes (mean age, 32.2 ± 10.6 years; 36 men and 6 women) of 42 patients with keratoconus who tried YOUSOFT for rigid gas permeable (RGP) lens intolerance. Average keratometry, corneal astigmatism, and maximum keratometry were 49.4 ± 5.2 diopters (D), 3.7 ± 2.1 D, and 57.3 ± 8.2 D, respectively. Patients were divided into YOUSOFT prescription and non-prescription cases, wherein the prescription rates were calculated. YOUSOFT visual acuity was compared with spectacle-corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) and RGP lens-CDVA. Results: YOUSOFT was prescribed to 28 out of 42 patients (prescription rate 67%). In the YOUSOFT prescription cases, YOUSOFT-CDVA (logMAR -0.04; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.08 to 0.00) was significantly better than spectacle-CDVA (logMAR 0.23; 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.38; P < 0.0001), whereas YOUSOFT-CDVA (logMAR -0.03; 95% CI: -0.08 to 0.03) did not significantly differ from the RGP lens-CDVA (logMAR -0.02; 95% CI: -0.08 to 0.04; P = 0.856). Conclusion: YOUSOFT was effective in correcting irregular corneal astigmatism, suggesting that it is highly effective in patients with RGP lens intolerance.

Evaluation of implantable collamer lens sizing developed by reviewing the horizontal compression-vault coefficient.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the implantable collamer lens (ICL)-sizing method using the partial regression coefficient of the implanted ICL size to review the conventional horizontal compression coefficient and match the results of clinical observation. SETTING: Nagoya Eye Clinic, Nagoya, Japan. DESIGN: Interventional case series. METHODS: Patients who underwent ICL V4c implantation to correct myopia and myopic astigmatism were enrolled. The stepwise multiple regression analysis used achieved vault as a dependent variable and preoperative biometric parameters as explanatory variables. The partial regression coefficient of the implanted ICL size was obtained to develop the optimal ICL-sizing formula, the Nakamura-Kojima formula version 3 (NK-formula V3). 85 eyes of 45 patients were implanted with an ICL size recommended by the NK-formula V3. At 3 months postoperatively, the achieved vault was measured using anterior segment optical coherence tomography to validate the NK-formula V3. RESULTS: The study enrolled 174 patients (174 eyes). The partial regression coefficient of the implanted ICL size adopted as the compression-vault coefficient in the multiple regression equation predicting the vault was 0.729. To validate the NK-formula V3, 77 (90.6%), 7 (8.2%), and 1 (1.2%) eyes were in the moderate-vault, low-vault, and high-vault categories, respectively. The mean difference between the achieved and predicted vaults was 0.064 ± 0.190 (range: -0.264 to 0.742) mm for the NK-formula V3 and 0.176 ± 0.217 (range: -0.254 to 0.907) mm for the NK-formula V2. CONCLUSIONS: As in vivo coefficient measurement experiments are not possible, the partial regression coefficient is the best option for developing a formula to predict the optimal ICL size.

Relationship between Brachial-Ankle Pulse Wave Velocity and Fundus Arteriolar Area Calculated Using a Deep-Learning Algorithm.

PURPOSE: Retinal vessels reflect alterations related to hypertension and arteriosclerosis in the physical status. Previously, we had reported a deep-learning algorithm for automatically detecting retinal vessels and measuring the total retinal vascular area in fundus photographs (VAFP). Herein, we investigated the relationship between VAFP and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), which is the gold standard for arterial stiffness assessment in clinical practice. METHODS: Retinal photographs (n = 696) obtained from 372 individuals who visited the Keijinkai Maruyama Clinic for regular health checkups were used to analyze VAFP. Additionally, the baPWV was measured for each patient. Automatic retinal-vessel segmentation was performed using our deep-learning algorithm, and the total arteriolar area (AA) and total venular area (VA) were measured. Correlations between baPWV and several parameters, including AA and VA, were assessed. RESULTS: The baPWV was negatively correlated with AA (R = -0.40, n = 696, P < 2.2e-16) and VA (R = -0.36, n = 696, P < 2.2e-16). Independent variables (AA, sex, age, and systolic blood pressure) selected using the stepwise method showed a significant correlation with baPWV. The estimated baPWV, calculated using a regression equation with variables including AA, showed a better correlation with the measured baPWV (R = 0.70, n = 696, P < 2.2e-16) than the estimated value without AA (R = 0.68, n = 696, P < 2.2e-16). CONCLUSIONS: AA and VA were significantly correlated with baPWV. Moreover, baPWV estimated using AA correlated well with the actual baPWV. VAFP may serve as an alternative biomarker for evaluating systemic arterial stiffness.

Evaluation of the Relationship Between the Changes in the Corneal Biomechanical Properties and Changes in the Anterior Segment OCT Parameters Following Customized Corneal Cross-Linking.

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between changes in corneal biomechanical properties and changes in anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) parameters preoperatively and following customized corneal cross-linking (C-CXL) in eyes with progressive keratoconus. Patients and Methods: This study included 44 eyes of 44 patients (33 men, 11 women; average age 22.8 ± 6.4 years) who underwent C-CXL for progressive keratoconus. Scheimpflug-based tonometer (SBT) and AS-OCT findings were evaluated preoperatively and 3 months following CXL. Parameters related to changes in SBT parameters were examined by multiple regression analysis using the stepwise method. Results: Regarding SBT parameters, significant changes were observed in the integrated area under the curve of the inverse concave radius (pre, 12.19 ± 1.95/mm; post, 11.26 ± 1.89/mm; p < 0.0001), maximum inverse radius (pre, 0.24 ± 0.04/mm; post, 0.23 ± 0.04/mm; p = 0.0053), deformation amplitude ratio max 2 mm (pre, 5.53 ± 0.81; post, 5.29 ± 0.71; p = 0.0048), and stress-strain index (pre, 0.74 ± 0.16; post, 0.84 ± 0.20; p < 0.0001), pre and post C-CXL. Regarding AS-OCT parameters, significant changes were observed in average keratometry (pre, 47.87 ± 3.61 D; post, 47.56 ± 3.29 D, p = 0.0104), steep keratometry (pre, 49.61 ± 4.01 D; post, 49.25 ± 3.59 D; p = 0.0115), maximum keratometry (pre, 55.44 ± 6.22 D; post, 54.68 ± 5.56 D; p = 0.0061), and thinnest corneal thickness (pre, 450.43 ± 41.74 µm; post, 444.00 ± 39.35 µm; p < 0.0001), pre and post C-CXL. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that when the change in the deformation amplitude (DA) ratio max (2 mm) was the dependent variable, age, change in average keratometry, and change in the thinnest corneal thickness were selected as explanatory variables. When changes in the stiffness parameter at applanation 1 and stress-strain index were the dependent variables, change in the intraocular pressure (IOP) was selected as the explanatory variable. Conclusion: Change in the SBT parameters following C-CXL could be related to the age, change in the IOP value, change in average keratometry, and thinnest corneal thickness.

Prediction of the trabecular iris angle after posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens implantation.

PURPOSE: To create an equation for predicting the trabecular iris angle (TIA) and to verify its accuracy after implantable collamer lens (ICL) implantation. SETTING: Nagoya Eye Clinic, Nagoya, Japan. DESIGN: Retrospective evaluation of a screening approach. METHODS: 174 eyes (174 patients) that underwent ICL implantation were included. Patients were randomly assigned to the prediction equation group (116 eyes) or verification group (58 eyes). Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) (CASIA2 TOMEY) was performed before and 3 months after ICL surgery. For the prediction group, a prediction equation was created with the preoperative AS-OCT parameters and ICL size as independent variables and the postoperative anterior chamber depth (ACD) as the dependent variable. Then, by applying the predicted post-ACD and preoperative AS-OCT parameters as independent variables and TIA after ICL surgery as the dependent variable, a prediction equation was created to predict the postoperative TIA (post-TIA) after ICL surgery. Each prediction equation was created using stepwise multiple regression analysis, and its accuracy was verified by a Bland-Altman plot in the verification group. RESULTS: The explanatory variables (standardized partial regression coefficient) selected in the post-TIA prediction equation were post-ACD (0.629), TIA750 (0.563), iris curvature (0.353), pupil diameter (-0.281), iris area (-0.249), and trabecular iris space area 250 (-0.171) (R2 = 0.646) (n = 116). There were no clinically significant systematic errors between measured and predictive post-TIA values in the verification group (n = 58). The mean absolute prediction error was 3.43 ± 2.22 degrees. CONCLUSIONS: Post-TIA was accurately predicted from the predicted post-ACD and other preoperative AS-OCT parameters.

Screening of Keratoconus Using Autokeratometer and Keratometer Keratoconus Index.

The keratometer keratoconus index (KKI) is a diagnostic index for the risk of keratoconus calculated from autokeratometer test values. We partially modified the KKI equation and assessed it without limiting the target age and severity of keratoconus. This retrospective study included 179 eyes of 99 patients with keratoconus and 468 eyes from 235 normal controls. In the modified KKI, oblique astigmatism or against-the-rule astigmatism was defined as ≥1D astigmatism. KKI diagnostic power was analyzed in subgroups of <50 and ≥50-year-old patients, and at different keratoconus stages. Although the sensitivity of modified KKI was comparable with that of original KKI (92.7% vs. 95.5%), modified KKI specificity was significantly higher (79.7% vs. 68.6%) (p = 0.0001). Using the modified KKI, sensitivity reached 100% (4/4) and specificity, 63.5% (33/52), in ≥50-year-old patients, while overall sensitivity in keratoconus ≥stage 2 was 100% (30/30). In conclusion, the modified KKI proved to be effective in keratoconus screening at all stages. However, it should be noted that false-positive frequency is higher in ≥50-year-old patients.

A Deep Learning Architecture for Vascular Area Measurement in Fundus Images.

Purpose: To develop a novel evaluation system for retinal vessel alterations caused by hypertension using a deep learning algorithm. Design: Retrospective study. Participants: Fundus photographs (n = 10 571) of health-check participants (n = 5598). Methods: The participants were analyzed using a fully automatic architecture assisted by a deep learning system, and the total area of retinal arterioles and venules was assessed separately. The retinal vessels were extracted automatically from each photograph and categorized as arterioles or venules. Subsequently, the total arteriolar area (AA) and total venular area (VA) were measured. The correlations among AA, VA, age, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure were analyzed. Six ophthalmologists manually evaluated the arteriovenous ratio (AVR) in fundus images (n = 102), and the correlation between the SBP and AVR was evaluated manually. Main Outcome Measures: Total arteriolar area and VA. Results: The deep learning algorithm demonstrated favorable properties of vessel segmentation and arteriovenous classification, comparable with pre-existing techniques. Using the algorithm, a significant positive correlation was found between AA and VA. Both AA and VA demonstrated negative correlations with age and blood pressure. Furthermore, the SBP showed a higher negative correlation with AA measured by the algorithm than with AVR. Conclusions: The current data demonstrated that the retinal vascular area measured with the deep learning system could be a novel index of hypertension-related vascular changes.

Comparison of Corneal Biomechanical Properties and Corneal Tomography Between Customized and Accelerated Corneal Crosslinking in Eyes with Keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To compare the changes in corneal biomechanical properties and corneal tomography between transepithelial customized corneal crosslinking (C-CXL) and epithelium-off accelerated corneal crosslinking (A-CXL) in eyes with keratoconus. METHODS: Twenty eyes in 20 consecutive patients who underwent C-CXL (C-CXL group) and 20 eyes in 20 patients who underwent A-CXL (A-CXL group) were included in this retrospective comparative study. The corneal biomechanical properties were analyzed using a Scheimpflug-based tonometer, and all corneas were examined by anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) before and 3 months after surgery. The corneal biomechanical parameters analyzed were the maximum inverse radius, deformation amplitude (DA) ratio max (2 mm), stiffness parameter at applanation 1, and integrated radius. The AS-OCT parameters analyzed included average keratometry, corneal astigmatism, maximum keratometry reading (Kmax), higher-order irregularity, and asymmetry. RESULTS: In the C-CXL group, there were significant improvements in biomechanical parameters, including the maximum inverse radius, the DA ratio max (2 mm), and the integrated radius after surgery (P = 0.037, P = 0.002, and P = 0.003, respectively). In the C-CXL group, there was a significant decrease in the Kmax, higher-order irregularity, and asymmetry components (P = 0.014, P = 0.008, and P = 0.016, respectively). The biomechanical properties and AS-OCT parameters did not change significantly in the A-CXL group after surgery. According to multiple regression analyses, C-CXL had a greater effect than A-CXL in improving the maximum inverse radius, DA ratio max (2 mm), integrated radius, Kmax, asymmetry component, and higher-order irregularity component. CONCLUSIONS: C-CXL might improve the biomechanical properties and irregular shape of the cornea from the early postoperative period to a greater extent than A-CXL.

Long-term In Vivo Stability of Posterior Chamber Phakic Intraocular Lens: Properties and Light Transmission Characteristics of Explants.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the in vivo durability of the surface and optical properties of the implantable Collamer lens (ICL). DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: We included patients who developed cataracts after having undergone ICL implantation from March 2003 to May 2014 and underwent ICL explantation followed by cataract surgery from March 2017 to December 2019 at the Nagoya Eye Clinic. ICL explants were submitted to Chukyo Medical Co, Ltd (Nagoya City, Japan) for laboratory analysis using ultraviolet-visible light spectroscopy, light microscopy (LM), and scanning electron microscopy. Patients' demographic and clinical data were collected and reviewed. RESULTS: Thirteen eyes from 10 patients were studied. The average age at ICL explantation was 50.5 ± 8.5 years (range, 34.5-66.3 years). The average length of ICL stay in the eye (from implantation to explantation) was 10.5 ± 2.7 years (range, 4.4-13.7 years). No opacification or coloring of the ICL explants was observed by LM. The ICL explants showed almost the same light transmittance as that of unused ICLs. Scanning electron microscopy revealed no irregularities at the surface of the center and periphery of the optic and haptic footplate. The positioning holes did not show any deposition. CONCLUSION: The ICLs remained in-eye for >10 years without any deterioration in the surface and optical properties of the ICL, despite their contact with the ciliary body and iris tissues and the continuous interaction with the aqueous humor components. The present study shows long-term in vivo stability of the ICL.

Optimization of implantable collamer lens sizing based on swept-source anterior segment optical coherence tomography.

PURPOSE: To optimize the implantable collamer lens (ICL) sizing method using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). SETTING: Nagoya Eye Clinic, Nagoya, Japan. DESIGN: Interventional case series. METHODS: A stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed using the optimal ICL size as a dependent variable and preoperative AS-OCT parameters as explanatory variables for 81 eyes of 41 patients, and the NK-formula version 2 (NK-formula V2) was obtained. Thereafter, 68 eyes of 42 patients were implanted with the ICLs selected as closest to the optimal ICL size calculated by the NK-formula V2. At 3 months postoperatively, the achieved vault was measured by AS-OCT to evaluate the optimization of the sizing method. RESULTS: The anterior chamber width (ACW) and crystalline lens rise were selected as significant parameters for the regression model (R = 0.61, P < .001), as with the previous NK-formula. Of the 68 eyes, 36 patients/62 eyes (91.2%), 5 patients/5 eyes (7.3%), and 1 patient/1 eye (1.5%) were in the moderate, high, and low vault categories, respectively. In the 68 eyes, the vault showed no correlation with the optimal ICL size (R = 0.0185, P = .269), whereas the vault showed a negative correlation with the optimal ICL size in both the 12.6 mm ICL subgroup (R = -0.409, P = .0088) and the 13.2 mm ICL subgroup (R = -0.818, P = .0013). CONCLUSIONS: This optimization approach showed excellent ability to select an appropriate ICL to be implanted regardless of the value of other ocular parameters and age, except ACW.

Evaluation of Biomechanically Corrected Intraocular Pressure Measurements in Keratoconus and Forme Fruste Keratoconus.

INTRODUCTION: Although biomechanically corrected intraocular pressure (bIOP) is available, the effectiveness of intraocular pressure (IOP) correction in keratoconus and forme fruste keratoconus (FFK) eyes has not been investigated. OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of bIOP measurements in eyes with keratoconus and FFK. METHODS: Forty-two eyes in 21 patients with keratoconus in one eye and FFK in the fellow eye were examined (KC/FFK group; mean age 24.62 ± 8.6 years; 16 males and 5 females). The control group consisted of 62 eyes in 31 unaffected subjects (mean age 26.26 ± 3.64 years; 15 males and 16 females). The bIOP was determined using a Scheimpflug-based tonometer (Corvis Scheimpflug Technology [Corvis ST®]) after measuring the IOP with a conventional non-contact tonometer (NIOP). The agreement between NIOP and bIOP values was examined using the Bland-Altman plot. The difference between NIOP and bIOP (bIOP correction amount) was compared between keratoconus and FFK eyes. RESULTS: In the control group, there were no significant differences between right and left eyes in both NIOP and bIOP values (p = 0.975 and p = 0.224, respectively). In the KC/FFK group, NIOP values were significantly lower in the keratoconus eyes (9.93 ± 1.96 mm Hg) than in the FFK eyes (12.23 ± 3.03 mm Hg; p = 0.0003). There was no significant difference in bIOP values between the right and left eyes of the KC/FFK group (p = 0.168). The bIOP correction amount was significantly increased in keratoconus eyes (3.58 ± 2.12 mm Hg) compared to in FFK eyes (1.80 ± 3.32 mm Hg; p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: For eyes with keratoconus and FFK, the bIOP method is effective to adjust IOP measurements based on corneal biomechanical properties.

Posterior Chamber Phakic Intraocular Lens Implantation for the Correction of Myopia and Myopic Astigmatism: A Retrospective 10-Year Follow-up Study.

PURPOSE: To assess the 10-year clinical outcomes of implantable collamer lens (ICL) implantation for myopia and astigmatism. DESIGN: Retrospective observational case series. METHODS: This study included 114 eyes of 61 patients who underwent ICL implantation for correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism. We assessed the safety, efficacy, predictability, stability, and adverse events preoperatively, at 6 months (106 eyes) and 1 (94 eyes), 3 (58 eyes), 5 (65 eyes), 8 (89 eyes), and 10 (70 eyes) years postoperatively. Only the eyes with clinical data available at each follow-up time were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean logMAR uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuities were -0.01 ± 0.24 and -0.18 ± 0.07 at 10 years postsurgery. The mean indices for safety and efficacy were 0.88 ± 0.15 and 0.66 ± 0.26, respectively. At 10 years postsurgery, 71.4% and 87.1% of the eyes were within 0.5 and 1.0 diopters (D), respectively, of the attempted spherical equivalent correction. The mean intraocular pressure was 13.1 ± 2.4 mmHg preoperatively and 13.1 ± 2.9 mmHg at 10 years postoperatively. The mean endothelial cell loss was 5.3% at 10 years postsurgery. Twelve of 114 eyes (10.5%) developed anterior subcapsular cataract during 5-10 years' follow-up; among these, 4 eyes (3.5%) were symptomatic and ICL explantation and phacoemulsification surgery were performed. No vision-threatening complications occurred during the observation period. CONCLUSION: ICL implantation offered good overall outcomes in all measures of safety, efficacy, predictability, and stability for the correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism throughout a long-term follow-up period of 10 years.

Control-matched comparison of refractive and visual outcomes between small incision lenticule extraction and femtosecond laser-assisted LASIK.

PURPOSE: This retrospective case-matched study aimed to compare visual and refractive outcomes between small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and LASIK. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent SMILE (34 eyes of 23 patients) or LASIK (34 eyes of 24 patients) were enrolled and matched according to preoperative manifest refractive spherical equivalents. The mean preoperative manifest refractive spherical equivalent was -4.69±0.6 and -4.67±0.64 D in the SMILE and LASIK groups, respectively. The safety, efficacy, and predictability were compared 3 months after surgery. Changes in corneal refractive power from the center to peripheral points and their maintenance ratios were analyzed and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: In the SMILE and LASIK groups, 82.4% and 85.3% of patients, respectively, achieved 20/13 or better uncorrected distance visual acuity (p=1.00). There were no eyes that lost two or more lines of corrected distance visual acuity in either group. The maintenance ratios of corneal refractive power changes at the peripheral points in the SMILE group were significantly higher than those in the LASIK group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Both groups achieved similar high efficacy and safety. SMILE surgery resulted in higher refractive power correction in the peripheral cornea than LASIK surgery.

Implantable Collamer Lens Sizing Method Based on Swept-Source Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography.

PURPOSE: To develop and evaluate the accuracy of a size-determination formula using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) parameters. DESIGN: Interventional case series. METHODS: This study included 46 eyes of 23 patients with implantable collamer lens (ICL). Preoperatively, the anterior segment parameters were measured using high-frequency ultrasound biomicroscopy and AS-OCT. Three months postoperatively, the vaults were measured and the optimal ICL size was calculated using a previously published method. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed using the optimal ICL size as a dependent variable; the NK-formula was obtained. Thereafter, 35 eyes of 18 patients were implanted with ICL after the size was calculated using the NK-formula. Vaults measured at 3 months postoperatively were used to evaluate the accuracy of the NK-formula. RESULTS: The distance between scleral spurs (ACW) and crystalline lens rise (CLR) were selected as significant parameters for the regression model (R2 = 0.68, P < .05). There were 25 (71%), 8 (23%), and 2 (6%) eyes in the moderate, high, and low vault categories, respectively. Using the STAAR nomogram for ICL sizing, 24 eyes (69%) were fitted in the moderate vault. The mean absolute error of the predicted vault was significantly lower with the NK-formula (0.190 ± 0.129 mm) than with the STAAR nomogram (0.331 ± 0.235 mm, P = .002, paired t test). CONCLUSION: AS-OCT is useful for ICL size determination, because it calculates the anterior segment parameters using automatic analysis. The NK-formula shows higher accuracy for predicting vault than the STAAR nomogram.

Five-Year PROSE Treatment for Aniridic Keratopathy.

PURPOSE: Aniridic keratopathy is vision-threatening condition in patients with aniridia. The keratopathy occurs due to limbal stem cell deficiency. When conventional treatments fail, surgical treatments such as corneal limbal transplantation or cultivated oral mucosal epithelium transplantation are the alternatives. Here, we report our experience with the management and monitoring of the progress of a case with aniridic keratopathy treated with a scleral lens. CASE REPORT: We describe the case of a 30-year-old woman with aniridic keratopathy in both eyes. She visited our outpatient clinic for treatment of visual disturbances in her left eye, which showed a 360° invasion of the conjunctiva. Despite conventional treatment with artificial tears and autologous serum eye drops, the left eye started to suffer from recurrent corneal erosions at 19 months after the initial visit. At 50 months after the initial visit, it presented with persistent epithelial defects and decrease in vision because of the invasion of the vascularized conjunctiva with subepithelial fibrosis. Upon concluding that conventional treatment was ineffective, we tried using a scleral lens (Prosthetic Replacement of the Ocular Surface Ecosystem; PROSE). After the scleral lens treatment, the epithelial defect quickly healed, and visual acuity improved. Six years after the initial visit, the patient's right eye also started to show epithelial irregularities, which were also treated with a scleral lens. The visual acuity in the right eye too recovered, and corneal transparency was maintained until 3 years after the scleral lens treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The current case showed that long-term scleral lens treatment is a promising option to maintain a healthy ocular surface and visual function in eyes with aniridia caused by limbal stem cell deficiency. Early treatment with a scleral lens may be beneficial in preventing stromal scar formation in the cornea affected by aniridic keratopathy.

Factors affecting rotation of a posterior chamber collagen copolymer toric phakic intraocular lens.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the correlation between postoperative rotation of the toric Implantable Collamer Lens phakic intraocular lens (pIOL) and associated factors. SETTING: Nagoya Eye Clinic, Nagoya, Japan. DESIGN: Case series. METHODS: The toric pIOL axis was analyzed by calculating the ocular internal cylinder power and axis from the total refractive cylinder and corneal astigmatism using vector analysis (Jaffe and Clayman method). The correlation between the toric pIOL rotation over 6 months postoperatively and the associated factors (ie, age, preoperative manifest refractive sphere, preoperative manifest spherical equivalent, mean keratometric power, axial length, toric pIOL intraoperative fixation angle, postoperative toric pIOL vault [distance between toric pIOL and anterior surface of crystalline lens], toric pIOL spherical power) were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age of the 34 patients (58 eyes) was 35.7 years ± 6.5 (SD). The mean rotation 6 months postoperatively was 4.82 ± 6.98 degrees (range 0.0 to 47.2 degrees). The intraoperative toric pIOL fixation angle and postoperative toric pIOL rotation were significantly correlated (Spearman rank correlation: P=.0096 and R(2) = 0.1140; multiple logistic regression analysis: P=.009). In the 1 eye with significant rotation (47.2 degrees), the toric pIOL was exchanged for a larger toric pIOL. CONCLUSIONS: A small toric pIOL rotation occurred during the 6-month follow-up. One cause of rotation could be the intraoperative fixation angle of the toric pIOL. A toric pIOL with a minimum intraoperative fixation angle should be used to prevent postoperative rotation.

Astigmatism correction: Laser in situ keratomileusis versus posterior chamber collagen copolymer toric phakic intraocular lens implantation.

PURPOSE: To compare the stability and predictability of astigmatism correction between toric phakic intraocular lens (pIOL) implantation and laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). SETTING: Nagoya Eye Clinic, Nagoya, Japan. DESIGN: Comparative case series. METHODS: Consecutive patients who had Implantable Collamer Lens pIOL implantation or LASIK were divided into 3 subgroups according to the amount of refractive cylinder correction (low, 0.00 to 1.25 diopters [D]; moderate, 1.50 to 2.75 D; high, ≥ 3.00 D). Manifest refraction was measured preoperatively and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Based on these data, the predictability and stability of the refractive cylinder correction, error of the refractive cylinder correction, and error of the refractive cylinder correction axis were evaluated. RESULTS: The study comprised 338 eyes (196 patients) in the toric pIOL group and 351 eyes (202 patients) in the LASIK group. In the moderate cylinder subgroup, more eyes were corrected within ± 0.50 D of the postoperative refractive cylinder in the LASIK group (132 eyes [91%]) than in the toric pIOL group (111 eyes [79%]). In the high refractive cylinder subgroup, the error of the refractive cylinder correction in the LASIK group was significantly higher than in the toric pIOL group (P=.032). The postoperative manifest refractive cylinder did not change in either group during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: The stability of the refractive cylinder after toric pIOL implantation was as high as after LASIK. Although predictability in the LASIK group was higher than in the toric pIOL group in eyes with moderate refractive cylinder, the toric pIOL group had higher predictability than the LASIK group in eyes with high refractive cylinder.