Comparison of Keratoconus Specific to Standard IOL Formulas in Patients With Keratoconus Undergoing Cataract Surgery.

PURPOSE: To assess the performance of multiple intraocular lens (IOL) formulas in eyes with keratoconus. METHODS: Eyes with stable keratoconus scheduled for cataract surgery with biometry measurements on the Lenstar LS900 (Haag-Streit) were included. Prediction errors were calculated using 11 different formulas, including two with keratoconus modifiers. Primary outcomes compared standard deviations, mean and median numerical errors, and percentage of eyes within diopter (D) ranges across all eyes with subgroup analysis according to anterior keratometric values. RESULTS: Sixty-eight eyes from 44 patients were identified. In eyes with keratometric values less than 50.00 D, prediction error standard deviations ranged from 0.680 to 0.857 D. Percentages of eyes within ±0.50 D of target ranged from 57.89% to 73.68% with no statistical differences among formulas. In eyes with a keratometric value of more than 50.00 D, prediction error standard deviations ranged from 1.849 to 2.349 D and were not statistically different with heteroscedastic analysis; percentages of eyes within ±0.50 D of target ranged from 0% to 18.18% with no statistical differences among formulas. Only keratoconus-specific formulas (Barrett-KC and Kane-KC) and the Wang-Koch axial length adjustment version of SRK/T resulted in median numerical errors not significantly different than 0, regardless of keratometric values. CONCLUSIONS: In keratoconic eyes, IOL formulas are less accurate than in normal eyes and result in hyperopic refractive outcomes that increase with steeper keratometric values. Using keratoconus-specific formulas and the Wang-Koch axial length adjustment version of SRK/T for axial lengths of 25.2 mm or greater improved IOL power prediction accuracy compared to other formulas. [J Refract Surg. 2023;39(4):242-248.].

Association of optical cataract indices with cataract severity and visual function.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine the correlation between subjective and optical measurements used during cataract evaluation, including the iTrace Dysfunctional Lens Index (DLI), the HD Analyzer Objective Scatter Index (OSI), Lens Opacities Classification System III (LOCS III), Visual Function-14 Questionnaire (VF-14), and the Pelli-Robson Contrast Sensitivity Chart (PRCSC). METHODS: Seventy eyes from 70 patients were enrolled, including all stages of age-related nuclear cataracts. The LOCS III-NO with a cutoff of 3.2 was chosen to divide the population into two groups. Eyes with corneal or retinal pathology were excluded. All patients were evaluated with the iTrace's DLI, HD Analyzer's OSI, LOCS III, VF-14, and the PRCSC during each follow-up visit. Correlation analyses were performed using Stata software, version 14.0, StataCorp. RESULTS: The LOCS III-NO, DLI, OSI, and VF-14 questionnaire each correlated moderately with the BCVA with a Spearman rho value of 0.37, - 0.45, 0.40, and - 0.35, respectively. The DLI correlated moderately with LOCS III-NO with a rho value of - 0.37 and with the VF-14 questionnaire with a rho value of 0.35. The OSI correlated with both the contrast sensitivity and DLI with a rho value of - 0.35 and - 0.55, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The DLI correlated with cataract symptoms (measured by the VF-14 questionnaire) in addition to BCVA. The OSI correlated moderately with contrast sensitivity and BCVA. The highest correlation was between DLI and OSI.

Persistent opioid use in cataract surgery pain management and the role of nonopioid alternatives.

Cataracts are a leading cause of preventable blindness globally. Although care varies between developing and industrialized countries, surgery is the single effective approach to treating cataracts. From the earliest documented primitive cataract removals to today's advanced techniques, cataract surgery has evolved dramatically. As surgical techniques have developed, so have approaches to surgical pain management. With current cataract surgical procedures and advanced technology, anesthesia and intraoperative pain management have shifted to topical/intracameral anesthetics, with or without low-dose systemic analgesia and anxiolysis. Despite this, pain and discomfort persist in some patients and are underappreciated in modern cataract surgery. Although pain management has progressed, opioids remain a mainstay intraoperatively and, to a lesser extent, postoperatively. This article discusses the evolution of pain management in cataract surgery, particularly the use of opioids and the associated risks as well as how ophthalmology can have a positive impact on the opioid crisis.

Cataract Surgery Considerations for Diabetic Patients.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Given the epidemiology and demographic trends of diabetes mellitus and cataracts, ophthalmologists are likely to encounter patients with both comorbidities at an increasing frequency. Patients with diabetes represent a higher risk population than healthy patients for cataract surgery. In this review, we discuss key risks and risk-mitigation practices when performing cataract surgery on these patients. RECENT FINDINGS: Patients with diabetes continue to represent a high-risk surgical population: Nagar et al. suggest a dose-dependent relationship may exist between number of intravitreal injections and likelihood of posterior capsular rupture. However, novel treatments are improving outcomes for patients with diabetes. Several studies have reported intracameral phenylephrine/ketorolac may reduce the incidence of post-operative cystoid macular edema while others have discussed the efficacy of pre-treatment and post-treatment with intravitreal bevacizumab on improving cataract surgery outcomes in patients with diabetic retinopathy. Pre-operatively, ophthalmologists should perform an enhanced evaluation, consider timing and lens selection decisions, and complete any appropriate pre-operative treatment. Peri-operatively, surgeons should be aware of pupillary dilation adjustments, combination surgery options, and potential complications. Post-operatively, clinicians should address pseudophakic cystoid macular edema, diabetic macular edema, diabetic retinopathy, and posterior capsular opacification.

Accuracy of intraocular lens calculation formulas for flanged intrascleral intraocular lens fixation with double-needle technique.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the refractive prediction error (RPE) of intraocular lens (IOL) calculation formulas in eyes that have undergone the Yamane technique for scleral fixation of IOLs. SETTING: Alkek Eye Center, Cullen Eye Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas. DESIGN: Retrospective case series from electronic chart review. METHODS: Patients who had undergone scleral fixation of secondary IOLs were selected. The IOL RPEs for 4 IOL prediction formulas-Barrett Universal II, Holladay 1, Hoffer Q, and SRK/T formulas-were obtained by subtracting the predicted spherical equivalent from the postoperative spherical equivalent. The arithmetic mean RPE, mean absolute error (MAE), and percentages of eyes with prediction error of 0.50 diopter (D) or lesser and 1.00 D or lesser were calculated and compared. RESULTS: Forty eyes of 40 patients met inclusion criteria. All formulas produced hyperopic mean arithmetic RPE. MAE values were 0.73 D for Holladay 1, 0.76 D for Barrett Universal II, 0.80 D for SRK/T, and 0.86 D for Hoffer Q formulas. The percentage of eyes with prediction error of 0.50 D or lesser and 1.00 D or lesser with these formulas were 45% (18 eyes) and 75% (30 eyes) for Holladay 1, 38.5% (15 eyes) and 77% (30 eyes) for Barrett Universal II, 32.5% (13 eyes) and 67.5% (27 eyes) for SRK/T, and 27.5% (11 eyes) and 62.5% (25 eyes) for Hoffer Q formulas. There were no statistically significant differences in prediction errors between the 4 formulas. CONCLUSIONS: Refractive outcomes of the Yamane technique were less predictable than those of standard cataract surgery. Arithmetic RPE ranged from hyperopic to predicted values for all formulas tested.

Comparative postoperative topography pattern recognition analysis using axial vs tangential curvature maps.

PURPOSE: To determine prediction accuracy of patient refractive surgery status by novice reviewers based on topography pattern analysis using axial or tangential anterior curvature maps. SETTING: Four U.S. academic centers. DESIGN: Prospective case-control study. METHODS: Image evaluation was performed by novice reviewers (n = 52) at 4 academic institutions. Participants were shown 60 total images from 30 eyes presenting for cataract surgery evaluation with known refractive surgery status, including 12 eyes imaged with Placido-based topography and 18 eyes imaged with Scheimpflug-based tomography. There were 12 eyes with myopic ablations, 12 eyes with hyperopic ablations, and 6 eyes with no previous refractive surgery performed. Each eye was shown in both axial and tangential curvature from either device, reviewed as a single image at a time, and masked to the map type (axial vs tangential). RESULTS: For the 52 novice reviewers included, accuracy of pattern identification was 82.9% (517 of 624) for tangential vs 55.0% (343 of 624) for axial maps for eyes with myopic ablation (P < .00001), 90.9% (567 of 624) for tangential vs 58.3% (364 of 624) for axial maps for eyes with hyperopic ablation (P < .00001), and 15.4% (48 of 312) for tangential vs 62.8% (196 of 312) for axial maps for eyes with no ablation (P < .00001). There were no significant differences between Placido and Scheimpflug devices and no significant differences across groups based on year of training. CONCLUSIONS: Tangential curvature maps yielded significantly better pattern recognition accuracy compared with axial maps after myopic and hyperopic corneal refractive surgery ablations for novice reviewers. Using tangential curvature maps, especially for challenging cases, should benefit post-LASIK intraocular lens (IOL) calculator selection and, thereby, improve IOL power calculation accuracy.

Outcomes of Scleral Contact Lens Use in Veteran Population.

OBJECTIVES: To document outcomes associated with use of scleral contact lenses (SL) in the veteran population and analyze the medical and demographic factors that affect these outcomes, specifically those involved in contact lens discontinuation. METHODS: A retrospective study of consecutive patients first fitted with Jupiter Scleral lenses at the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center between 2010 and 2018. The primary outcome was continuation of SL use at 1 year. Demographic factors and variables such as presence of comorbid diseases, improvement in visual acuity, and daily lens wear time were compared. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine which factors were associated with SL discontinuation. RESULTS: One hundred twenty patients with a mean age of 56.7±15.1 years were fitted with SL during the study period. The most common diagnosis was corneal ectasia (55.8%). Sixty-six (55.0%) patients had difficulty with wear, the most common being ocular irritation (20.0%) and mid-day fogging or bubbles (15.8%). Forty-one patients (34.2%) discontinued SL use with a median time from fitting to discontinuation of 5.2 months. The most common reason for SL discontinuation was difficulty with insertion and removal (53.7%). Comorbid neurologic disease had a statistically significant association with discontinuation (odds ratio 4.6, 95% confidence interval 1.3-17, P=0.022). There were statistically significant differences in mean visual acuity improvement (P=0.003) and daily wear time (P<0.001) but not age (P=0.70) between patients who continued and discontinued lens use. CONCLUSIONS: Scleral contact lenses are effective for treating a wide variety of ocular diseases and have positive outcomes in veterans. This study aids in understanding patient factors that affect outcomes of SL use in veterans. Further prospective studies are needed to make formal recommendations regarding candidate selection.

Distinguishing Highly Asymmetric Keratoconus Eyes Using Dual Scheimpflug/Placido Analysis.

PURPOSE: To identify the best metrics or combination of metrics that provide the highest predictive power between normal eyes and the clinically unaffected eye of patients with highly asymmetric keratoconus using data from a Dual Scheimpflug/Placido device. DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. METHODS: Combined Dual Scheimpflug/Placido imaging was obtained from the Galilei G4 device (Ziemer Ophthalmic Systems AG, Port, Switzerland) in 31 clinically unaffected eyes with highly asymmetric keratoconus and 178 eyes from 178 patients with bilaterally normal corneal examinations that underwent uneventful LASIK with at least 1 year follow-up. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated to determine area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity for 87 metrics, and logistic regression modeling was used to determine optimal variable combinations. RESULTS: No individual metric achieved an AUC greater than 0.79. A combined model consisting of 9 metrics yielded an AUC of 0.96, with 90.3% sensitivity and 92.6% specificity. Among those 9 metrics included, 5 related to corneal pachymetry: Opposite Sector Index and Anterior Height BFS Z from the anterior surface, Asphericity and Asymmetry Index, Posterior Height BFS Z, and Posterior Height BFS X from the posterior surface. The strongest variable in the model was the thinnest point location on the horizontal (x) axis. CONCLUSION: While individual metrics performed poorly, using a combination of metrics from the combined Dual Scheimpflug/Placido device provided a useful model for differentiating normal corneas from the clinically normal eyes of patients with highly asymmetric keratoconus. Pachymetry values were the most impactful metrics.

Comparative Functional Outcomes After Corneal Crosslinking Using Standard, Accelerated, and Accelerated With Higher Total Fluence Protocols.

PURPOSE: To compare the relative 12-month corneal crosslinking (CXL) functional outcomes using standard protocol and accelerated protocols in patients with progressive keratoconus. METHODS: CXL was performed using 3 epithelium-off protocols: standard [3 mW/cm for 30 minutes, 5.4 J/cm (S3/30-CXL)], accelerated with equivalent total irradiance [9 mW/cm for 10 minutes, 5.4 J/cm (A9/10-CXL)], and accelerated with increased total irradiance [30 mW/cm for 4 minutes, 7.2 J/cm (A30/4-CXL)]. Efficacy measurements were evaluated 12 months after treatment with Scheimpflug imaging (Pentacam HR) and included change in maximum keratometry (K Max), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), other keratometric variables, pachymetry, keratoconus indices, astigmatism, asphericity, manifest refraction, and higher order aberrations. RESULTS: Ninety-three eyes (67 patients) were evaluated: 35 eyes (26 patients) with S3/30-CXL, 29 eyes (19 patients) with A9/10-CXL, and 29 eyes (22 patients) with A30/4-CXL. Mean [INCREMENT]K Max was -1.53 ± 2.1 diopter (D) for S3/30-CXL, -0.71 ± 1.3 D for A9/10-CXL, and -0.70 ± 2.3 D for A30/4-CXL (P = 0.37). Mean [INCREMENT]CDVA(logMAR) was -0.18 ± 0.2 for S3/30-CXL, -0.13 ± 0.2 for A9/10-CXL, and -0.18 ± 0.2 for A30/4-CXL (P = 0.79). [INCREMENT]K Mean (r = -0.29 to -0.46), anterior asphericity (r = -0.34 to -0.40), and central keratoconus index (r = -0.18 to -0.38) best correlated with [INCREMENT]CDVA. S3/30-CXL had greater changes in index of surface variance, index of vertical asymmetry, keratoconus index, and regularization index compared to A9/10-CXL and A30/4-CXL. There were no other differences between protocols. CONCLUSIONS: All 3 protocols showed improvements in K Max, CDVA, and other variables, with similar functional outcomes for each despite greater change in keratoconus indices after S3/30-CXL. Correlations between change in measured variables and CDVA were poor overall; however, K Mean, central keratoconus index, and anterior asphericity were better correlated with CDVA than K Max.

Effectiveness of multifocal and monofocal intraocular lenses for cataract surgery and lens replacement: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) offer the possibility of spectacle-free vision following cataract surgery compared to standard IOLs. Existing systematic reviews have generally concluded that multifocal IOLs result in better uncorrected near vision and greater spectacle independence, but more unwanted visual phenomena such as glare and halos, compared to monofocal IOLs. However, the certainty of evidence has been low for most outcomes, and pooled analyses have grouped together technologically obsolete lenses with newer lenses, potentially obscuring differences in performance across different lens types. METHODS: We performed a systematic review searching for RCTs of a multifocal IOL to a standard IOL or monovision that reported spectacle independence, visual acuity, or quality of life. Databases were searched from 1/1/2006-4/30/2017. Existing reviews were used to identify older studies. Title/abstract screening and data extraction were done in duplicate. Where possible, random effects meta-analysis was performed to synthesize results. In addition to comparing multifocal IOLs as a group to monofocal IOLs, we also compared newer diffractive lenses to obsolete or refractive lenses. RESULTS: Twenty-five eligible studies were identified. There was no difference in pooled estimates of corrected or uncorrected distance vision between multifocal and standard IOLs. Compared to monofocal IOLs, multifocal IOLs had statistically significantly better pooled results for the outcome of near vision (10 studies, 1025 patients, mean difference in logMAR of -0.26 (95% CI -0.37, -0.15)); spectacle dependence (12 studies, 1237 patients, relative risk of 0.27 (95% CI 0.20, 0.38)) and borderline significantly better quality of vision (6 studies, 596 patients, standardized mean difference of -0.54, (95% CI -1.12, 0.04)). Compared to monofocal IOLs, multifocal IOLs had statistically significantly worse pooled results for the outcomes of glare (9 studies, 847 patients, risk ratio of 1.36 (95% CI 1.15, 1.61) and halos (7 studies, 754 patients, risk ratio of 3.14 (95% CI 1.63, 6.08). Newer multifocal lenses had statistically significantly better outcomes than older diffractive lenses or refractive lenses, when compared to monofocal IOLs, in near vision, quality of vision, and risk of halos. CONCLUSIONS: Multifocal IOLs compared to standard IOLs or monovision result in better uncorrected near vision and a higher proportion of patients who achieve spectacle independence, but greater risk of unwanted visual phenomena. Newer diffractive lenses may be better than refractive lenses in near vision and quality of vision outcomes, with less risk of halos than older diffractive lenses and refractive lenses. (PROSPERO registration CRD42017069949).

Ophthalmic Conditions Associated with Inpatient Falls among Veterans.

SIGNIFICANCE: Efforts to describe the relationship between pathological visual impairment and fall risk are typically confined to community dwellers. Among admitted patients, however, the associations are less understood. Fall risk assessment tools are used in some clinical settings, but most do not capture the suspected importance of ophthalmic pathologies in predicting the likelihood of an inpatient fall. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the association between ophthalmic conditions and inpatient falls at the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center (MEDVAMC), where vision and ophthalmic conditions are not considered when assessing fall risk. METHODS: This is a population-based, retrospective case-control study of 805 patients admitted to the MEDVAMC in January 2014 who had also visited the MEDVAMC Eye Clinic within 1 year of admission. The patients' eye examinations, ophthalmic diagnoses, and other indicators of constitutive health were compared between 60 patients who experienced an inpatient fall ("cases") and 749 patients who did not ("controls"). Significant differences between the cases and the controls were determined using logistic regression models. RESULTS: Baseline demographics were similar among the two groups. Ophthalmic conditions associated with an increased incidence of inpatient falls included age-related macular degeneration (odds ratio, 3.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.5 to 9.9; P = .008) and a presenting visual acuity of worse than 20/40 in the better-seeing eye (odds ratio, 2.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.0 to 4.1; P = .04). Those without falls demonstrated a better mean presenting visual acuity in the better-seeing eye compared with those who fell (logMAR, 0.12 ± 0.23 vs. 0.28 ± 0.49, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: In this population, age-related macular degeneration and poor presenting visual acuity in the better-seeing eye are associated with increased incidence of inpatient falls. An assessment of visual function and ophthalmic diagnoses may be warranted upon admission to the hospital for increased prevention of inpatient falls.

Repeatability of central corneal thickness measurements of donor corneas in preservation chamber using Fourier-domain anterior segment optical coherence tomography.

To evaluate the repeatability of central corneal thickness (CCT) measurements in donor corneas using optical coherence tomography (OCT, RTVue-Optovue, Inc., Fremont, CA). Consecutive corneas were measured by a single observer using the RTVue. All corneas were preserved in the Transend chamber and Life4 °C media (Numedis, Inc., Isanti, MN/USA) and stored at 4 °C. The repeatability was evaluated using a pooled within-subject standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variation (CoV), and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). To investigate inter-observer repeatability, a second observer independently measured the CCT for each image scan. CCT was measured in 32 eyes from 18 donors. Measurements were independently repeated by a second observer. The corneas had a mean CCT of 490.99 µm ± 65.95 (381-642) as measured by Observer 1. For observer 1, the SD value for the CCT was 2.94 µm, the CoV value was 0.597%, and the ICC value was 0.998 (95% CI 0.996, 0.999). For observer 2, the SD value was 5.91 µm, the CoV value was 1.21%, and the ICC value was 0.992 (95% CI 0.985, 0.996). The Kappa statistic 21.88% with a p value < 0.001. The Bland-Altman plot shows that the average CCT measurements between the two observers were within 20 µm of each other. The CCT measurements of donor corneas in the preservation chamber using Fourier domain OCT is highly repeatable.

Sequential traumatic corneal open globe rupture in a patient with osteogenesis imperfecta type I.

PURPOSE: To report a case of sequential open globe rupture in a young patient with osteogenesis imperfecta type I following minor accidental blunt injury. This represented the patient's sole clinical manifestation of connective tissue disease, leading to a diagnosis of osteogenesis imperfecta type I at the age of 12 years old. OBSERVATIONS: A 12-year-old male presented with right eye pain following accidental blunt trauma at school while wearing protective lenses. One year ago, he required surgical repair of a left open globe following blunt trauma during a middle school basketball game. His exam was significant for a full-thickness corneal laceration, necessitating open globe repair of his right eye, which was remarkably difficult given the poor tissue constitution of the cornea and sclera. He was referred to a genetics specialist, where he was found to have a pathogenic heterozygous splice site variant in the COL1A1 gene, consistent with osteogenesis imperfecta type I. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: Connective tissue disease should be considered in any case of open globe rupture following minor trauma, even in the absence of other clinical manifestations of the disease. The surgical management of these patients is particularly challenging due to the fragility of the connective tissue. Early diagnosis of connective tissue disease is important to preserve visual acuity and prevent further damage to the eyes.

Preoperative Prediction of the Optimal Toric Intraocular Lens Alignment Meridian.

PURPOSE: To determine whether any of three keratometry devices is superior to the others in predicting the ideal toric intraocular lens (IOL) alignment meridian. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed to identify patients who underwent cataract phacoemulsification with toric IOL implantation from November 2014 to November 2016 at a single academic institution. For each patient, corneal measurements were performed with an optical low-coherence reflectometer/autokeratometer (OLCR), a dual Scheimpflug/Placido analyzer, and a color light-emitting diode (LED) topographer. Postoperatively, the ideal toric IOL alignment meridian that would have resulted in the least amount of residual astigmatism was determined using the online Berdhal & Hardten Toric Results Analyzer (BHTRA). To determine the prediction error, this ideal alignment meridian was compared to the corneal meridian with the highest refractive power, as provided by the three devices. RESULTS: Fifty-six eyes of 56 patients were included in the study. The mean absolute errors in the toric IOL alignment meridians of the color LED topographer, dual Scheimpflug/Placido analyzer, and OLCR were 5.2° ± 5.2°, 7.6° ± 5.7°, and 5.4° ± 5.1°, respectively. There was no significant difference in the ability of each device to predict the ideal alignment meridian as determined by the BHTRA. CONCLUSIONS: The color LED topographer, dual Scheimpflug/Placido analyzer, and OLCR may all be used to preoperatively determine the best alignment meridian for toric IOL placement. Surgeons should use their best judgment in determining which device to use in preoperative planning for individual patients. [J Refract Surg. 2018;34(8):515-520.].

Phacoemulsification of the rock-hard dense nuclear cataract: Options and recommendations.

We describe the essential steps in the successful phacoemulsification of the rock-hard, dense cataract. Appropriate and directed preoperative history, physical examination, and diagnostics allow the surgeon to select the best incision, anesthesia, and intended surgical technique for a given dense nuclear challenge. Hard nucleus-specific approaches for hydrodissection, pupil management, and zonular protection then allow the surgeon to approach the rock-hard nucleus with maximum safety. Dense nuclear dismantling options are then discussed in detail along with fluidic and power modulation considerations. Various specific phacoemusification machine settings for rock-hard cataracts from the authors representing several different phaco systems are then presented. The combination of these steps and considerations allow a more successful dense cataract removal and potential restoration of vision for patients. This paper represents the collective experience and advice of the Challenging and Complex Cataract Surgery Subcommittee.

Comparing Change in Anterior Curvature After Corneal Cross-linking Using Scanning-slit and Scheimpflug Technology.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the correlation between anterior axial curvature difference maps following corneal cross-linking (CXL) for progressive keratoconus obtained from Scheimpflug-based tomography and Placido-based topography. DESIGN: Between-devices reliability analysis of randomized clinical trial data. METHODS: Corneal imaging was collected at a single-center institution preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively using Scheimpflug-based tomography (Pentacam; Oculus Inc, Lynnwood, Washington, USA) and scanning-slit, Placido-based topography (Orbscan II; Bausch & Lomb, Rochester, New York, USA) in patients with progressive keratoconus receiving standard protocol CXL (3 mW/cm2 for 30 minutes). Regularization index (RI), absolute maximum keratometry (K Max), and change in K Max (ΔK Max) were compared between the 2 devices at each time point. RESULTS: Fifty-one eyes from 36 patients were evaluated at all time points. Values were significantly different at all time points (56.01 ± 5.3 diopters [D] Scheimpflug vs 55.04 ± 5.1 D scanning-slit preoperatively [P = .003]; 54.58 ± 5.3 D Scheimpflug vs 53.12 ± 4.9 D scanning-slit at 12 months [P < .0001]) but strongly correlated between devices (r = 0.90-0.93) at all time points. The devices were not significantly different at any time point for either ΔK Max or RI but were poorly correlated at all time points (r = 0.41-0.53 for ΔK Max, r = 0.29-0.48 for RI). At 12 months, 95% limits of agreement were 7.51 D for absolute K Max, 8.61 D for ΔK Max, and 19.86 D for RI. CONCLUSIONS: Measurements using Scheimpflug and scanning-slit Placido-based technology are correlated but not interchangeable. Both devices appear reasonable for separately monitoring the cornea's response to CXL; however, caution should be used when comparing results obtained with one measuring technology to the other.

Comparison of Pterygium Recurrence Rates Among Different Races and Ethnicities After Primary Pterygium Excision by Surgeons in Training.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of race and ethnicity, surgical technique, and level of surgeon training on recurrence rates after primary pterygium excision. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients who underwent primary pterygium excision at our academic institution was performed. The surgical technique-conjunctival autografting (CAG) or amniotic membrane grafting (AMG)-was chosen at the attending surgeon's discretion, and all surgeries were performed by surgeons in training. The primary outcome measure was pterygium recurrence, defined as regrowth of fibrovascular tissue onto a clear cornea in the region of previous pterygium removal. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in age at presentation between white (64.3 ± 11.4), Hispanic (50.0 ± 13.5), black (64.8 ± 14.5), and Asian (59.3 ± 9.2) patients (P < 0.001). Average time to recurrence was 4.4 ± 3.0 months and was similar between races (P = 0.98). There was a significant difference in recurrence rates between the white (13%), Hispanic (28%), black (33%), and Asian (0%) patients (P = 0.049). Over 12 months, a significant difference in cumulative proportion with recurrence after AMG versus CAG was observed in Hispanic (75% vs. 30%; P = 0.002) and black (100% vs. 42%; P = 0.001) patients. Sex, method of graft fixation (glue, suture, or both), and level of surgeon training showed no difference in pterygium recurrence (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Hispanic and black patients are more likely to experience pterygium recurrence after AMG than CAG. White patients are less likely than Hispanic or black patients to experience recurrence regardless of the surgical technique. To reduce the likelihood of recurrence, surgeons may consider race and ethnicity when selecting their operative technique.

Outcomes of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery performed by surgeons-in-training.

PURPOSE: To compare intraoperative factors and post-operative outcomes of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) and manual cataract surgery performed by resident surgeons. METHODS: All cases of FLACS performed by resident surgeons during the 2013-2014 academic year were compared to a control group of manual cataract surgery cases with regards to pre-operative patient data, operative complications, cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), postoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), refractive prediction error (RPE), and corneal edema. RESULTS: There were no significant preoperative differences in the FLACS (n = 57) and manual (n = 68) groups. Operative complication rates were similar in cases with sufficient data and follow-up with a higher rate of posterior capsule tear in the manual group. CDE (percent-seconds) was lower in the FLACS group (FLACS: 14.5 ± 7.5; manual: 21.6 ± 11.5; p < 0.01). CDVA (LogMAR) was comparable at 1 month postoperatively (FLACS: 0.004 ± 0.08; manual: 0.024 ± 0.11; p = 0.24) and 1 year postoperatively (FLACS: 0.013 ± 0.06; manual: 0.032 ± 0.09; p = 0.37). No difference in RPE was found at 1 month postoperatively (FLACS: 0.38 ± 0.24 D; manual: 0.41 ± 0.49 D; p = 0.66) and 1 year postoperatively (FLACS: 0.49 ± 0.63 D; manual: 0.34 ± 0.26 D; p = 0.31). CONCLUSIONS: Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery is safe and effective compared to manual cataract surgery when performed by resident surgeons. Both 1-month and 1-year outcomes show no difference in refractive predictive error in FLACS compared to manual cataract surgery in surgeons in training.