Effect of brimonidine tartrate 0.2% ophthalmic solution on visual quality after implantable collamer lens implantation with a central hole.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of brimonidine tartrate 0.2% on visual quality after implantable collamer lens with a central hole (ICL V4c). METHODS: This study comprised 59 consecutive patients implanted with an ICL V4c. Brimonidine was administered randomly into one eye of the patients with symptomatic glare or halos 1 week postoperatively and the contralateral eye with artificial tears as the control group. Visual quality (measured by a optical quality analysis system), pupil size and refraction under scotopic light conditions were measured before and 0.5, 1.5, 3 and 6 h after administration of brimonidine. A symptom questionnaire was also evaluated. RESULTS: The visual quality improved and reached its maximum value, and the scotopic pupil size reached its minimum value 1.5 h after brimonidine administration, with a statistically significant difference seen from 0.5 to 3 h compared to baseline. No changes in refraction were seen after brimonidine. The questionnaire showed that symptoms of glare or halos could be eliminated after brimonidine in 58% of patients, be alleviated in 37% of patients and be unchanged in 5% of patient. However, 10% of patients experienced conjunctival congestion and some patients experienced reduced drug efficacy 1 month after treatment. CONCLUSION: Brimonidine can be used to improve night visual quality in early postoperative period after ICL V4c implantation. It helps patients to quickly adapt to the glare or halos.

Correction to: Thickness profiles of the corneal epithelium along the steep and flat meridians of astigmatic corneas after orthokeratology.

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.

Thickness profiles of the corneal epithelium along the steep and flat meridians of astigmatic corneas after orthokeratology.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in corneal epithelial thickness along the principle meridians of astigmatic corneas after six months of overnight spherical myopic orthokeratology (OK) lens wear. METHODS: This is a prospective study. Fifty-seven subjects with up to 1.50 diopters (D) of corneal toricity wore spherical OK lenses for 6 months. Evaluations of OK lens fit, visual acuity, refractions and corneal toricity (CT) were performed. Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) was conducted to measure the corneal epithelial thickness (ET) along the principle meridians of corneal toricity over a diameter of 6 mm. The means of △ET of the same diameter at individual meridians (△ETSm and △ETFm) were calculated and compared. RESULTS: Visual acuity and refraction improved significantly after OK lens wear. △ETFm thinned more than △ETSm (P = 0.027) at 1.5 mm in radius. △ETSm thickened more than △ETFm at 2.5 mm (P = 0.019) and 3.0 mm (P = 0.036).∣△ETSm - △ETFm∣ were significantly correlated with the baseline central CT at 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm and 3.0 mm. ∣△ETSm - △ETFm∣was significantly correlated with the baseline peripheral CT at 2.5 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Overnight wear of spherical OK lenses resulted in differential changes in the thickness profiles of the corneal epithelium between the steep and flat meridians in eyes with corneal toricity.

Comparison of efficacy and visual outcomes after SMILE and FS-LASIK for the correction of high myopia with the sum of myopia and astigmatism from -10.00 to -14.00 dioptres.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and visual outcomes after femtosecond laser small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and femtosecond laser-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) in correcting high myopia. METHODS: This prospective, randomized study included patients who underwent SMILE or FS-LASIK for the correction of high myopia [the sum of spherical and cylindrical error from -10.00 to -14.00 dioptres (D)]. Preoperative, 1-month (P1m), 3-months (P3m) and 6-months (P6m) postoperative outcomes were analysed and compared between the two procedures. RESULTS: Ninety-six right eyes of 96 patients (SMILE: n = 51, FS-LASIK: n = 45) were included. Both the (Attempted - achieved) sphere and the (attempted - achieved) spherical equivalent (SEQ) were greater in the FS-LASIK group at all three postoperative time-points (p < 0.001). The postoperative vector means of astigmatism were smaller in the SMILE group than in the FS-LASIK group. The differences between the optical zone of tissue removal (ROZ) during surgery and the postoperative functional optical zone (FOZ; ROZ-FOZ) were smaller in the SMILE group than in the FS-LASIK group. No significant difference was found between the two procedures in the delta-root mean square (RMS) of aberrations, except for delta-spherical aberration (SA) at P3m. CONCLUSIONS: Both SMILE and FS-LASIK are effective in correcting high myopia. SMILE resulted in less under-correction, less regression, a smaller decrease in the FOZ and a smaller increase in SA when compared to FS-LASIK, resulting in better visual outcomes with SMILE.

Ciliary muscle morphology and accommodative lag in hyperopic anisometropic children.

PURPOSE: To investigate the cross-sectional area (CSA) and thickness of the ciliary muscle and their correlation with accommodative lag in hyperopic anisometropic children. METHODS: Forty children aged between 6 and 10 years with hyperopic anisometropia were recruited. The more hyperopic eye (mean refractive power of 3.51 ± 1.70 D) was compared with the less hyperopic eye (mean refractive power of 0.78 ± 1.41 D). The thickness and CSA of the ciliary muscle were measured with anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT) images at four meridians. The differences between the eyes and the correlations between CSA, thickness, axial length and accommodative lag were accessed. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in CSA between the two groups at any meridian, except at the inferior meridian (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in ciliary muscle thickness between eyes at any meridian, except on the temporal and the nasal meridians (P < 0.05). There was a significant difference in the ratio of CSA to axial length at all meridians between the two groups (all P < 0.05). Accommodative lag was 1.65 ± 0.55 D and 0.93 ± 0.45 D in the more and less hyperopic eyes, respectively, which was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between the CSA with the axial length and the accommodative lag. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated a greater degree of accommodative lag in the more hyperopic eye of anisometropic children. There was no correlation among accommodative lag, axial length and CSA of the ciliary muscle with the degree of hyperopia.

Three-dimensional finite element analysis of silk protein rod implantation after core decompression for osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

BACKGROUND: Several methods are available for the treatment of early-stage osteonecrosis of the femoral head. Core decompression with implantation is a widely-used treatment. However, no single implant is recognized as the most effective way to prevent disease progression. Silk has high strength and resiliency. This study explored the possibility of a strong and resilient silk protein biomaterial as a new alternative implant. METHODS: We investigated the biomechanical properties of the silk protein material by regular compression, torsion, and three-point bending tests. We established three-dimensional finite element models of different degrees of femoral head osteonecrosis following simple core decompression, fibula implantation, porous tantalum rod implantation, and silk protein rod implantation. Finally, we compared the differences in displacement and surface stress under load at the femoral head weight-bearing areas between these models. RESULTS: The elastic modulus and shear modulus of the silk protein material was 0.49GPa and 0.66GPa, respectively. Three-dimensional finite element analyses demonstrated less displacement and surface stress at the femoral head weight-bearing areas following silk protein rod implantation compared to simple core decompression (p < 0.05), regardless of the extent of osteonecrosis. No differences were noted in the surface deformation or surface stress of the femoral head weight-bearing areas following silk protein rod, fibula or tantalum rod implantation (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: When compared with simple core decompression, silk protein rod implantation demonstrated less displacement and surface stress at the femoral head weight-bearing area, but more than fibula or tantalum rod implantation. Similar effects on the surface stress of the femoral head between the silk rod, fibula and tantalum rod implantations, combined with additional modifiable properties support the use of silk protein as a suitable biomaterial in osteonecrosis surgery.

Scleral Cross-Linking Using Glyceraldehyde for the Prevention of Axial Elongation in the Rabbit: Blocked Axial Elongation and Altered Scleral Microstructure.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to assess the efficacy of the scleral collagen cross-linking method using glyceraldehyde solution for prevention of lens-induced axial elongation in New Zealand rabbits and investigate the biochemical and microstructural changes that occur. METHODS: The right eyes of New Zealand rabbits aged seven weeks were randomly divided into three groups: the cross-linking group (n = 6), non-crosslinking group (n = 5), and untreated control group (n = 5). Eyes in cross-linking and non-crosslinking groups were treated with a -8.00 Diopter spherical lens over the course of two weeks. The cross-linking effects were achieved by a sub-Tenon's injection of 0.15 ml 0.5 M glyceraldehyde to eyes in the CL group. Ocular parameters were measured on the 1st, 7th, and 14th days. Biomechanical testing, light and electronic microscopy were used. RESULTS: Following the cross-linking treatment, eyes in the cross-linking group had a shorter axial length compared to those in the non-crosslinking group (p = 0.006). Collagen fibrils larger than 240 nm were observed in the scleral stroma of cross-linking group, which were absent in the scleral stroma of the non-crosslinking and untreated control group. The mean ultimate stress and Young's modulus was significantly greater in the cross-linking group compared to those in the non-crosslinking and untreated control group (p < 0.05). No histological damage observed in the retina or choroid. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that lens-induced axial elongation in rabbits can be effectively blocked by cross-linking using glyceraldehyde, with anatomical and mechanical modification and no deleterious effects.

The use of rigid gas permeable contact lenses in children with myopic amblyopia: A case series.

PURPOSE: To explore the safety profile and overall visual improvement over the course of RGP contact lens wear on children with unilateral or bilateral amblyopia resulting from myopia. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis case series study. Clinical records of 15 patients who were fitted with RGP contact lenses at the Shanghai Eye and EENT Hospital of Fudan University between the period of January 2009 to December 2014 were reviewed. The inclusion criteria for review included patients with myopia of -3.00DS or greater in one or both eyes and an initial best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of logMAR 0.4 or worse for 3year olds, and logMAR 0.3 or worse for 4 years old and above. One or both myopic eyes were fitted with RGP lenses. RESULTS: 15 subjects and 22 amblyopic eyes were included. The mean baseline BCVA was logMAR0.70±0.38, which improved to a VA of 0.23±0.28 at the time of review (p<0.05). Baseline myopia also increased from -8.18±2.93DS to -11.41±3.76DS (p<0.05). The final visual acuity at the time of this review was correlated with the initial refractive error (r=-0.695, p<0.05) as well as the initial BCVA (r=0.854, p<0.05). There was also a strong correlation between initial refractive error and initial BCVA (r=0.-801, p<0.05) CONCLUSION: RGP contact lens wear is a safe and effective refractive treatment option in young children with amblyopia due to myopia.

Comparison of Corneal Power and Astigmatism between Simulated Keratometry, True Net Power, and Total Corneal Refractive Power before and after SMILE Surgery.

Purpose. To compare the mean corneal power (Km) and total astigmatism (Ka) estimated by three methods: simulated keratometry (simK), true net power (TNP), and total corneal refractive power (TCRP) before and after femtosecond laser small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery. Methods. A retrospective, cross-sectional study. SimK, TNP, and TCRP from a Scheimpflug analyzer were obtained from 144 patients before and 6 months after SMILE surgery. Km and Ka were recorded as the mean of individual paracentral rings of 1.0 to 8.0 mm (R1 to R8). The surgically induced changes in Km (delta-simK, delta-TNP, and delta-TCRP) and Ka (delta-simKa, delta-TNPa, and delta-TCRPa) were compared to the changes in spherical equivalent of the cycloplegic refraction (delta-SE) and astigmatism (delta-RA). Results. Preoperatively, astigmatism values were greatest with simKa from R1 to R5 and greatest with TCRPa from R6 to R8. Astigmatism values were smallest with TNPa from R1 to R7. Postoperatively, astigmatism values were greatest with simKa from R1 to R5 and greatest with TCRPa from R6 to R8. Delta-TCRP3 and Delta-TCRP4 matched delta-SE most closely, and delta-TCRPa3 matched delta-RA most closely. Conclusions. TCRP proved to be the most accurate method in estimating corneal power and astigmatism both before and after SMILE surgery.

Factors related to axial length elongation and myopia progression in orthokeratology practice.

PURPOSE: To investigate which baseline factors are predictive for axial length growth over an average period of 2.5 years in a group of children wearing orthokeratology (OK) contact lenses. METHODS: In this retrospective study, the clinical records of 249 new OK wearers between January 2012 and December 2013 from the contact lens clinic at the Eye and ENT Hospital of Fudan University were reviewed. The primary outcome measure was axial length change from baseline to the time of review (July-August 2015). Independent variables included baseline measures of age at initiation of OK wear, gender, refractive error (spherical equivalent), astigmatism, average keratometry, corneal toricity, central corneal thickness, white-to-white corneal diameter, pupil size, corneal topography eccentricity value (e-value), intraocular pressure (IOP) and total time in follow-up (months total). The contributions of all independent variables on axial length change at the time of review were assessed using univariate and multivariable regression analyses. RESULTS: Univariate analyses of the right eyes of 249 OK patients showed that smaller increases in axial length were associated with older age at the onset of OK lens wear, greater baseline spherical equivalent myopic refractive error, less time in follow-up and a smaller e-value. Multivariable analyses of the significant right eye variables showed that the factors associated with smaller axial length growth were older age at the onset of OK lens wear (p<0.0001), greater baseline spherical equivalent myopic refractive error (p = 0.0046) and less time in follow-up (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The baseline factors demonstrating the greatest correlation with reduced axial length elongation during OK lens wear in myopic children included greater baseline spherical equivalent myopic refractive error and older age at the onset of OK lens wear.

Comparison of early changes in and factors affecting vault following posterior chamber phakic Implantable Collamer Lens implantation without and with a central hole (ICL V4 and ICL V4c).

BACKGROUND: To objectively compare the early changes in vault over time following implantation of an Implantable Collamer Lens without (ICL V4) and with (ICL V4c) a central hole and the respective factors affecting vault change in moderate to high myopia. METHODS: This prospective study comprised of 38 eyes of 38 patients implanted with ICL V4 and 39 eyes of 39 patients implanted with ICL V4c intraocular lenses. We quantitatively assessed the postoperative values of vault and pupil size at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month following implantation using a rotating Scheimpflug camera (Pentacam). We compared these postoperative values within and between the two groups and identified the factors affecting vault change. RESULTS: The mean vaults at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month following ICL V4 implantation were 303.68 ± 185.11, 517.89 ± 160.07 and 521.32 ± 155.72 µm respectively, and those following ICL V4c were 316.67 ± 186.89, 495.13 ± 180.84 and 510.77 ± 175.51 µm, respectively. There was a significant difference in vault between 1 day and 1 week postoperatively. There was a significant association between the vault change and the pupil size change in both groups from 1 day to 1 month postoperatively (Pearman correlation coefficient; ICL V4: r = 0.585, P = 0.001; ICL V4c: r = 0.588, P <0.001). The vault value 1 month after implantation of ICL V4 and ICL V4c was associated with the preoperative anterior chamber depth, horizontal corneal diameter, horizontal and vertical sulcus-to-sulcus. CONCLUSIONS: Pupil movement is a critical factor in vault change, with increasing vault observed postoperatively from 1 day to 1 week associated with the declining effects of pharmacological miosis and increasing pupil size. The anterior chamber depth, horizontal corneal diameter, horizontal and vertical sulcus-to-sulcus show some correlation with vault.

Treatment Zone Decentration During Orthokeratology on Eyes with Corneal Toricity.

PURPOSE: To compare the magnitude of treatment zone decentration between eyes with minimally toric corneas (≤1.50 DC, LoTor group) and eyes with moderately toric corneas (1.50 to 3.50 DC, HiTor group) after a single overnight wear of spherical orthokeratology lenses. METHODS: In the LoTor group, 21 participants (9 M, 12 F, 20-40 years) were fitted using a conventional fitting approach based on the flat corneal meridian. In the HiTor group, 12 participants (5 M, 7 F, 19-45 years) were fitted using the conventional fitting method in one eye (HiTor group I) and the other eye was fitted with a lens with slightly deeper sagittal height (HiTor group II). In all groups, BE spherical orthokeratology trial contact lenses (Boston XO) were used and corneal topography data (Medmont E300) were obtained at baseline and after a single overnight wear. The magnitude of treatment zone decentration relative to vertex normal was determined from corneal topography refractive power difference maps. Treatment zone parameters including magnitude and direction of decentration were analyzed and related to baseline corneal parameters. RESULTS: After a single overnight wear, the mean magnitude of treatment zone decentration was 0.48 ± 0.20 mm in the LoTor group, 1.06 ± 0.57 mm in HiTor group I, and 0.95 ± 0.44 mm in HiTor group II. Treatment zone decentration in the LoTor group was significantly different from HiTor group I (p < 0.001), both fitted using a conventional fitting method. Treatment zone decentration was not significantly different between HiTor group I and II (p = 0.606). The magnitude of treatment zone decentration was positively correlated with the amount of baseline corneal toricity (LoTor and HiTor group I combined, p = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS: Eyes with higher amounts of corneal toricity give rise to increased amounts of treatment zone decentration in overnight orthokeratology.

Comparison of the change in posterior corneal elevation and corneal biomechanical parameters after small incision lenticule extraction and femtosecond laser-assisted LASIK for high myopia correction.

PURPOSE: To compare posterior corneal elevation (PCE) changes and corneal biomechanical changes post fematosecond laser-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) and small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) procedures using the Pentacam system and the Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA). DESIGN: Retrospective observational case series study. METHOD: 106 patients with bilateral myopia who underwent either FS-LASIK (56 patients) or SMILE (50 patients) were reviewed, only the right eye was used in the analysis. Inclusion criteria include a spherical equivalent of -6.00DS and completion of 12 months follow up. The main outcome evaluated was change in PCE at 3 months, 6 months and 12 months post-operation using the Pentacam system. Corneal biomechanical parameters were evaluated at 6 and 12 months with the ORA. RESULTS: PCE change at 3 and 6 months were not significantly different between the two procedures (p=0.064, p=0.109 respectively). At 12 months, PCE change was greater in FS-LASIK than SMILE (p=0.048). One-way ANOVA showed that for either procedure, the change in PCE did not differ at 3, 6 or 12 months post operation. CH and CRF values were reduced after both procedures, with FS-LASIK demonstrating a greater reduction in CRF than SMILE at 6 and 12 months (p=0.037 and p=0.001). Both CH and CRF reduction correlated with PCE increase at 6 and 12 months. CONCLUSION: FS-LASIK demonstrated a greater increase in PCE than SMILE only at 12 months, as well as a greater reduction of CRF than SMILE. There were no significant differences in PCE change over time within either group.

Dry Eye Disease following Refractive Surgery: A 12-Month Follow-Up of SMILE versus FS-LASIK in High Myopia.

Purpose. To compare dry eye disease following SMILE versus FS-LASIK. Design. Prospective, nonrandomised, observational study. Patients. 90 patients undergoing refractive surgery for myopia were included. 47 eyes underwent SMILE and 43 eyes underwent FS-LASIK. Methods. Evaluation of dry eye disease was conducted preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, using the Salisbury Eye Evaluation Questionnaire (SEEQ) and TBUT. Results. TBUT reduced following SMILE at 1 and 3 months (p < 0.001) and at 1, 3, and 6 months following FS-LASIK (p < 0.001). TBUT was greater following SMILE than FS-LASIK at 3, 6, and 12 months (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, and p = 0.009, resp.). SEEQ scores increased (greater symptoms) following SMILE at 1 month (p < 0.001) and 3 months (p = 0.003) and at 1, 3, and 6 months following FS-LASIK (p < 0.001). SMILE produced lower SEEQ scores (fewer symptoms) than FS-LASIK at 1, 3, and 6 months (p < 0.001). Conclusion. SMILE produces less dry eye disease than FS-LASIK at 6 months postoperatively but demonstrates similar degrees of dry eye disease at 12 months.