Untoward events associated with aberrant fluid infusion during cataract surgery: Laboratory study with corroborative clinical observations.

PURPOSE: To determine the relationship between untoward events noted during phacoemulsification surgery associated with aberrant infusion misdirection and their causal relationship to current infusion sleeve design. SETTING: The New York Eye & Ear Infirmary of Mt. Sinai, New York, New York, USA. DESIGN: Retrospective case reports and experimental study. METHODS: Observations of live cataract surgery were documented with high-definition videography using 3 commercial phacoemulsification platforms. Laboratory studies using a Photron MC2 high-speed camera and the Kitaro cataract surgical system were used to simulate surgical maneuvers and assess flow patterns and visualize the dynamics of fluid movement in the anterior chamber. Color-flow Doppler ultrasound studies were used to demonstrate the effect of infusion fluid on the iris during surgery. RESULTS: Misdirected infusion and floppy-iris leaflets were determined to be secondary to a fulcrum effect at the corneal wound that constrained movement of the standard silicone sleeves. The phacoemulsification needles could therefore decenter independently of the infusion sleeve, attenuating infusion volume down 1 side of the sleeve and, as a result, obstructing fluid exiting the ipsilateral port. CONCLUSIONS: Untoward events associated with aberrant fluid infusion during phacoemulsification surgery were secondary to a fulcrum effect at the corneal wound. Complications included misdirected infusion that facilitated the transport of retained nuclear fragments to the vitreous, inconsistent lens followability during phacoemulsification, and exaggerated movements of the iris particularly consistent with intraoperative floppy-iris syndrome and pseudoexfoliation. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: None of the authors has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Facilitating cortical aspiration after insertion of a capsular tension ring.

UNLABELLED: We describe a simple, effective technique to prevent the cortical entrapment that can occur after a capsular tension ring (CTR) is implanted during phacoemulsification. Before the epinucleus has been removed, the blunt tip of an ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD) cannula is burrowed centrally in the cortical/epinuclear plate and OVD is injected as the cannula is advanced. The cannula is turned superiorly and dissection continued to the lens equator. The cleavage plane is extended for approximately 2 clock hours in the direction of the intended CTR insertion. The CTR is then inserted below the cortical/epinuclear plate. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: None of the authors has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty after failed penetrating keratoplasty.

PURPOSE: To report the rate of graft dislocation, surgical anatomic success, and postsurgical complications associated with Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) after previous primary failed penetrating keratoplasty (PK). METHODS: Institutional review board-approved, single-center, retrospective chart review study of 30 eyes of 30 patients with prior failed PK who underwent DSAEK with a minimum of 3 months follow-up. Primary outcomes measured included rates of anatomic success and failure, postoperative complications, lenticle size, visual acuity, intraocular pressure change, and a report of external factors that may affect success. RESULTS: Thirty eyes of 30 patients were identified. The primary dislocation rate was 16.7%. Five primary DSAEKs detached; 1 was successfully rebubbled in the office, 2 had repeat successful DSAEKs, and 2 failed on a second attempt and had a subsequent PK. Despite successful anatomic attachment, 1 eye had primary graft failure, 3 that cleared initially failed within 6 months, and 1 that successfully cleared had subsequent graft rejection resulting in failure at 6 months. The 2 eyes requiring PK were excluded from the visual outcomes analysis, leaving 28 eyes with successfully attached lenticles. At 3 months postoperatively, of the 28 eyes, 19 showed an improvement in visual acuity, 6 had no change in vision from preoperative data, and 1 had worsening of vision (anatomic attachment but endothelial failure). Two of the 28 eyes had no data at that time point. CONCLUSIONS: DSAEK eyes after failed PK demonstrated improved vision with a low complication rate in a majority of patients. The graft dislocation rate and postoperative complications rates are comparable with the primary DSAEK dislocation rates in our own published series and in the literature.

Removal of epithelial ingrowth via central perforating wound tract 6 years post LASIK.

BACKGROUND: The purpose was to report a case of a novel approach for the removal of central interface epithelial ingrowth caused by a perforating corneal injury 6 years after laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). METHODS: Access to a large central area of epithelial ingrowth under a LASIK flap was achieved through the wound tract from a perforating corneal injury. Suturing of the central LASIK flap in a similar manner commonly carried out peripherally was then performed to prevent recurrent epithelial ingrowth. RESULTS: The offending epithelial ingrowth was removed with no recurrence over a 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: This is, to our knowledge, the first reported case of central epithelial ingrowth removal from a LASIK interface by a perforating injury wound tract.

Flap lift and repair of postoperative laser in situ keratomileusis complications at the slitlamp.

UNLABELLED: We describe a technique to treat flap complications after laser in situ keratomileusis while seated at the slitlamp biomicroscope. After topical anesthesia is applied to the cornea, a blunt corneal spatula is used to reflect the flap only to the extent necessary for epithelial debridement. A corneal rake or spatula is then used to remove retained epithelial cells from the stromal bed and underside of the flap. The epithelium is then debrided 1.0 mm to 2.0 mm outside the flap gutter. The increased depth perception with a slit beam greatly improves visualization and identification of the presence of residual epithelial cells or leftover debris after scraping. The slit beam also aids in proper repositioning of the flap after the procedure. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Endophthalmitis after descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty with concave-oriented dislocation on slit-lamp optical coherence topography.

PURPOSE: To present the first reported case of Descemet membrane stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK)-associated endophthalmitis with concave dislocation on slit-lamp optical coherence topography (SL-OCT). METHODS: An 86-year-old man underwent DSEK for corneal decompensation secondary to prior surgery. On all postoperative visits, a slit-lamp examination and SL-OCT were performed. RESULTS: On the first postoperative day, the lenticle was dislocated in a concave configuration as imaged with the SL-OCT. On the second postoperative day, the patient had eye pain, nausea, and increased intraocular pressure. On SL-OCT imaging, the concave configuration and fibrin stranding were imaged. With intraocular pressure lowering, the patient's pain subsided, and he was scheduled for a lenticle refloat the following day. The next day, endophthalmitis was diagnosed secondary to exuberant purulent inflammation. At surgery, the lenticle was removed, cultures were obtained, and pars plana vitrectomy and intravitreal injections were administered. Intraoperative cultures were positive for heavy growth of Streptococcus pneumoniae. CONCLUSIONS: Endophthalmitis is a potential complication for any intraocular procedure including DSEK. SL-OCT imaging postoperatively may reveal concave lenticle configuration and subtle anterior chamber fibrin stranding may be early sign of endophthalmitis.

In situ nuclear disassembly: efficient phacoemulsification without nuclear rotation using lateral sweep sculpting and in situ cracking techniques.

We describe an in situ nuclear disassembly technique using a simplified form of sculpting and cracking, enhanced by phacoemulsification technology with a Kelman-style tip. The technique does not require mobilization or rotation of the nucleus within the capsular bag, and hydrodissection is optional. The technique requires a Kelman-style curved tip and Kuglen hook and takes advantage of the versatility of the curved phacoemulsification needle for sculpting and cracking. Since in situ nuclear disassembly requires no rotation of the nucleus for extraction, it is useful in cases in which zonules are compromised or the surgeon suspects posterior lenticonus and the potential for loss of integrity of the posterior capsule.

The prevalence and pathogenicity of Propionibacterium acnes keratitis.

PURPOSE: To study the prevalence, pathogenicity, and virulence of Propionibacterium acnes keratitis. METHODS: All cases of infectious keratitis submitted to the microbiologic laboratory of the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary between January 1, 2003, and April 6, 2006, were reviewed. Those cases in which P. acnes was recovered from culture were collected, and the medical records studied in depth. RESULTS: Of 1555 cultures submitted to the microbiology laboratory, 1329 (85.5%) were positive for growth. One hundred twenty four (9.3%) of the 1329 cases yielded P. acnes in at least 1 culture medium. Seventy eight (62.9%) of 124 cases had not been pretreated with antibiotics before culture, and 66.7% of the nonpretreated ulcers were monomicrobial (P. acnes only). Fifty one (65.4%) of 78 cases of the nonpretreated corneal ulcers presented with a cellular reaction in anterior chamber, 12 (15.4%) with a hypopyon (6 were monomicrobial), 21 (26.9%) had stromal thinning (12 of which were monomicrobial), and 2 (2.6%) progressed to perforation (both polymicrobial). Corneal ulcers associated with P. acnes tended to be small (66.7%) and were widely distributed: central (n = 17, 21.8%), paracentral (n = 44, 56.4%), and peripheral (n = 17, 21.8%). The most common risk factors were contact lens wear and previous history of ocular surgery. Three of the 78 nonpretreated patients were unresponsive to medical treatment and required surgery for keratitis. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence that P. acnes is a frequent cause of bacterial keratitis and may cause significant morbidity.

Incidence and clinical characteristics of enterococcus keratitis.

PURPOSE: To study the incidence, clinically relevant factors, and antibiotic sensitivity profile of cases of enterococcal keratitis presenting at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary between January 1, 1996, and December 31, 2005. METHODS: The records of all corneal cultures submitted to the Microbiology Laboratory of the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary between January 1, 1996, and December 31, 2005, were reviewed. All cases that were positive for Enterococcus species were identified, and the corresponding patients' medical records were obtained and studied. RESULTS: There were 15 cases of enterococcal keratitis identified during the study period, and all were E. faecalis species. The age of the patients ranged from 17 to 98 years (mean age, 57.5 years). Twelve of the patients were women. Two patients developed keratitis in existing corneal grafts. Two patients were on topical steroid medications, with 1 having an existing corneal graft. Fourteen of the 15 had abnormalities of the ocular surface or wore contact lenses. Eight (53%) of the patients were soft contact lens wearers. Only 1 case was directly attributable to trauma. Fourteen (93%) of the bacterial isolates were sensitive to vancomycin. One case had intermediate sensitivity. Eleven cases resolved with topical antibiotics, 3 cases required penetrating keratoplasty, and in 1 case, the outcome is unknown. CONCLUSIONS: Enterococcus faecalis keratitis is associated with abnormalities of the corneal surface and contact lens wear. Most of the isolates were sensitive to vancomycin, although 1 was of intermediate sensitivity, the importance of which is not known.

Efficacy and safety of voriconazole as an additive in Optisol GS: a preservation medium for corneal donor tissue.

PURPOSE: To assess the endothelial toxicity and the microbiological efficacy of voriconazole (100 microg/mL) as an antimicrobial additive to Optisol GS. METHODS: A total of 533 donor rims were studied. One half of each donor rim was placed in standard Optisol GS and the other half rim in Optisol GS fortified with voriconazole (100 microg/mL). All rims were refrigerated for 24 hours at 3 degrees C and placed in thioglycolate broth and incubated at 37 degrees C for 7 days. A pair of donor buttons not used in transplantation was stored for 2 days in each solution and examined for endothelial changes with electron microscopy (EM). A second pair of cornea buttons was examined for toxicity by endothelial staining with 0.3% trypan blue and 0.2% alizarin red. RESULTS: Seven of 533 corneal rim cultures were positive for fungal organisms in the Optisol GS group. No rims were positive for fungal growth in the voriconazole-fortified Optisol GS medium. The difference was statistically significant (P = 0.015; Fisher exact test). There was no difference in the cellular morphology of the button stored in voriconazole fortified Optisol GS compared with Optisol GS using EM. In the bioassay, the percentage of nonviable cells in the voriconazole-fortified medium compared with the control medium was nonsignificant (P < 0.05, Student t test). CONCLUSIONS: Voriconazole seems to be safe as a fortifying agent for cornea storage medium. It significantly reduces the rate of positive fungal rim cultures and shows no signs of endothelial cytotoxicity as viewed by EM and by a bioassay of trypan blue and alizarin red.

Efficacy and safety of moxifloxacin as an additive in Optisol-GS a preservation medium for corneal donor tissue.

PURPOSE: To assess the endothelial toxicity and the microbiological efficacy of moxifloxacin (250 microg/mL) as an additive to Optisol-GS. METHODS: Five hundred nine donor rims were studied. One half of each donor rim was placed in standard Optisol-GS and the other half of the rim in Optisol-GS fortified with moxifloxacin (250 microg/mL). All rims were refrigerated for 24 hours at 3 degrees C and placed in thioglycolate broth and incubated at 37 degrees C for 7 days. One pair of donor buttons not used in transplantation stored in each solution was examined for endothelial changes by using electron microscopy (EM). A second pair of cornea buttons was examined for toxicity by endothelial staining with 0.3% trypan blue and 0.2% alizarin red. All endothelial cells that stained (nonviable cells) and nonstained cells (viable cells) were counted, and the ratio of nonviable cells was calculated. RESULTS: The rate of culture-positive donor rims in the Optisol-GS group was 11.9% (61/509) and in the moxifloxacin-fortified Optisol-GS media was 2.5% (13/509). The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01; chi test). There was no difference in the cellular morphology of the button stored in moxifloxacin-fortified Optisol-GS compared with Optisol-GS using EM. In the bioassay, the rate of nonviable cells in the moxifloxacin-fortified media compared with the control media was nonsignificant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Moxifloxacin (250 microg/mL) seems to be safe as an additive agent for cornea storage media. It significantly reduces the rate of positive rim cultures and shows no signs of endothelial cytotoxicity as viewed by EM and by a bioassay of trypan blue and alizarin red.

Fungal keratitis at the new york eye and ear infirmary.

INTRODUCTION: This study was designed to review the clinical experience at our institution with fungal keratitis during a 16-year period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review of the clinical and microbiology records of the New York Eye and Infirmary identified 61cases of fungal keratitis in 57 patients between January 1, 1987 and June 1, 2003. The medical records of all patients were retrospectively reviewed to better delineate patient demographics, risk factors, etiologic organisms, treatment, and outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 5083 positive corneal cultures were recorded'from January 1, 1987 to June 1, 2003. Sixty-one eyes in 57 patients (37 women) were positive for fungus (1.2%). Three'patients had bilateral simultaneous infections. Candida albicans accounted for 29 of 61 cases (48%). Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositivity (15 eyes), chronic ocular surface disease (14 eyes), and trauma (7 eyes) were the most commonly associated risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience with fungal keratitis in the northeastern United States appears to be different than those reported from other areas of the United States. Serologic positivity for HIV and chronic ocular surface disease were the most common associated risk factors followed by trauma, herpes simplex keratitis, and contact lens use. Candida species predominated, whereas filamentous fungi were uncommon.

Laboratory model of tissue adhesive (2-octyl cyanoacrylate) in sealing clear corneal cataract wounds.

PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy of a tissue adhesive (2-octyl cyanoacrylate with parabens; Liquid Bandage, Johnson & Johnson, Skillman, New Jersey) in sealing clear corneal cataract wounds. DESIGN: Laboratory investigation. METHODS: Seven human donor globes were prepared for Miyake video microscopy. A 3.0-mm clear corneal incision was created. A transscleral cannula was inserted and connected to a bottle of saline. The bottle height was varied to alter intraocular pressure. Droplets of India ink were placed on the wound. Main outcome measure was any influx of India ink into the anterior chamber as viewed through the Miyake system with intraocular pressure (IOP) fluctuation or with manual pressure. If India ink was present in the eye, it was irrigated out, and the experiment was repeated with IOP fluctuation and manual pressure after the application of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate to the wound. RESULTS: One eye demonstrated the presence of India ink inside the eye on IOP reduction to <5 mm Hg. Three eyes demonstrated the presence of India ink inside the eye with manual pressure. Three eyes did not leak with manual pressure or IOP variation. All seven eyes without glue leaked with exaggerated manual pressure at the wound edge. Of the seven eyes with tissue adhesive, none demonstrated influx of India ink with IOP variation or manual wound manipulation. CONCLUSIONS: Our laboratory model demonstrates that 2-octyl cyanoacrylate prevents the influx of ocular surface fluid independent of IOP and manual wound manipulation. Further investigations in clinical models are necessary to determine the future use of this adhesive barrier substance.

Liquid bandage (2-octyl cyanoacrylate) as a temporary wound barrier in clear corneal cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: To determine the feasibility and side effect profile of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate with parabens (Liquid Bandage) as an adjunct wound sealant and barrier against the inflow of ocular surface fluid after clear corneal cataract surgery. DESIGN: Prospective interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-one eyes of 51 patients undergoing clear corneal cataract surgery. METHODS: Fifty-one eyes of 51 patients who underwent cataract surgery by one surgeon (RSK) were enrolled. A 2.75-mm clear corneal, triplanar, temporal incision was used in each case, followed by routine phacoemulsification. At the conclusion of each case, the wound was dried with a cellulose sponge. A modified microsponge with 1 to 2 drops of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate with parabens was then applied in a smooth layer to the wound. All wounds were rechecked for leakage with a cellulose sponge applied at the wound lip. The following criteria were evaluated on the first 2 postoperative visits: (1) visual acuity; (2) patient complaints; (3) wound integrity; (4) presence of tissue adhesive; and (5) any adverse events, including abnormal increase in local tissue reaction to the adhesive. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Side effect profile and clinical course of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate with parabens applied to clear corneal wounds. RESULTS: All 51 eyes demonstrated intraoperative watertight wound closure after the application of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate with parabens. Forty-five eyes (88%) had tissue adhesive still completely covering the wound on postoperative day 1. Two eyes (4%) had tissue adhesive over portions of their wound, and 4 eyes (8%) had no adhesive noted on their wound. All wounds were watertight on all postoperative visits. Thirty-one of 51 patients (61%) complained of mild transient foreign body sensation on postoperative day 1. Twenty-six patients (51%) had trace diffuse bulbar conjunctival hyperemia. Five patients had trace focal conjunctival hyperemia adjacent to the wound. Nine patients (18%) had remnants of the adhesive remaining on the second postoperative visit. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates the ease of use and applicability and low side effect profile of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate with parabens as a temporary wound barrier in clear corneal cataract surgery.

Complications arising from iris-fixated posterior chamber intraocular lenses.

Iris fixation of posterior chamber intraocular lenses (IOLs) is a technique that has been recommended for patients in whom a posterior chamber IOL is indicated but there is insufficient capsular support. We present 4 cases of iris-fixated posterior chamber IOLs with complications related to the procedure. Three patients developed postoperative slippage of the IOL, and 1 patient presented with iris erosion of the haptic leading to recurrent hemorrhage. Three cases were repaired by resuturing the same IOL using iris fixation, and in the last case IOL exchange with transscleral fixation of a posterior chamber IOL was performed. Final follow-up revealed stable IOLs in all cases.

Subepithelial intracorneal hemorrhage in a soft contact lens user.

PURPOSE: To describe a case of spontaneous subepithelial hemorrhage in a soft contact lens user. METHODS: A 45-year-old man with irritation and decreased vision had four-quadrant pannus and corneal subepithelial hemorrhage in an annular pattern. RESULTS: The subepithelial hemorrhage was drained and the feeder vessel coagulated. The hemorrhage subsequently absorbed with time. CONCLUSIONS: Soft contact lens users should be monitored for the development of significant neovascularization.