Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery versus conventional phacoemulsification: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PURPOSE: The main purpose of our study is to compare the adverse events occurrence, complications, and postoperative outcomes of Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS) versus conventional phacoemulsification surgery (CPS) in adult patients undergoing cataract surgery. METHODS: We conducted our research using PubMed, Scopus, and MEDLINE through EBSCOhost from 2012 to July 2022 with English and Spanish language restriction, including only Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs). The PRISMA guidelines were observed for data abstraction, including a random-effects model for each outcome. RESULTS: We analyzed 4844 eyes from 23 RCTs with some low risk of bias according to RoB 2 tool. We found statistically significant differences between the FLACS and CPS groups for the mean absolute error (MD = -0.12, 95% CI:-0.22-[-0.02], p = 0.01), the circularity of capsulorhexis (MD = 0.04, 95% CI: 0.04-0.05, p ≤ 0.00001), IOL centration (D = -0.07, 95% CI:-0.09-[-0.05], p ≤ 0.00001), CDE count (MD = -1.75, 95% CI: -2.75-[-0.74], p = 0.0006), mean phacoemulsification time (MD = -12.90, 95% CI:-20.89-[-4.92], p = 0.002), EPT (MD = -0.93, 95% CI: -1.68-[-0.019], p = 0.01) and endothelial cell density loss ((MD = -0.6, 95% CI: -1-[-0.19], p = 0.004). Also, the safety analysis showed a lower incidence of posterior capsule tear (PCT) in the FLACS group (OR =0.29, 95% CI: 0.09-1, p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that FLACS might be helpful for patients with relatively dense cataracts and low preoperative endothelial cell values.

Versatility of use of fibrin glue in wound closure and vitreo-retinal surgery.

BACKGROUND: Fibrin glue is an absorbable blood-derived product, a biological tissue adhesive which imitates the final stages of the coagulation cascade, it produces a firm clot, forming a seal along the whole length of the wound, the resultant fibrin clot degrades physiologically into granulation tissue 2 weeks after the application. Biological glue has been used extensively in many forms of surgical procedures. Its use in eye surgery has grown lately as we have evidence that showed it was effective in securing conjunctival grafts in pterygium surgery, in securing wounds after glaucoma surgery and more importantly in 20G and 23G vitrectomy. PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to present our experience in the use of fibrin glue in vitreoretinal surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included 281 eyes of 221 patients who underwent vitreoretinal surgery during the period of May 2009 to July 2012, the preoperative diagnoses were as following: proliferative diabetic retinopathy, rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, macular hole, epiretinal membrane, luxation of cataratous nucleous and cortex, intraocular lens luxation, penetrating trauma, silicone extraction, phaco + IOL + vitrectomy + Ahmed valve implant, vitreous biopsy and optic nerve pit associated to macular detachment. The procedures were performed with Alcon Accurus Surgical System 20-gauge, 23-gauge or a combination of both. We used fibrin glue in all of the 20-gauge sclerotomies and leaking 23-gauge sclerotomies, scleral wound for IOL extraction, conjunctival peritomy for buckle implantation, conjunctiva in Ahmed valve implant, corneal graft in corneal perforation in trauma and leaking corneal wounds for phacoemulsification, in an optic pit, and in subretinal space in a giant retinal tear. RESULTS: We did not use any suture in any of the patients throughout the different procedures, there was no leakage in any wounds in the postoperative period, we found no inflammatory reaction, infection, and whenever we had excess amount, it was trimmed. Two patients presented a small dehiscence of the wound that was corrected in-office with a small amount of fibrin glue in the post-operative period. CONCLUSIONS: Fibrin glue reduces surgical time, it is a good sealant, safe, with minimal allergic or toxic reactions and inflammation, minimizes bleeding, easy to undo and that eventually degrades. This small series shows that fibrin glue is a viable alternative for tissue coaptation in vitreoretinal surgery. However, further studies are required before fibrin glue takes the place of sutures.

Clinical Evaluation of a Novel Electromechanical Topical Ocular Drug Delivery System: Two Phase 1 Proof of Concept Studies.

PURPOSE: Self-administration of topical ophthalmic therapies remains challenging for many patients as errors due to improper technique are common. The aim of the current studies was to evaluate a novel electromechanical topical ocular drug delivery device designed to facilitate precise dosing and accurate delivery with substantially lower drug exposure than conventional eye drops. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two randomized Phase 1 studies were performed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a single dose of a topical ophthalmic solution administered as a ~9 µL microfluid stream via the test device compared with a ~30-40 µL drop delivered via conventional dropper in healthy subjects (Trial 1) and glaucoma patients (Trial 2). In Trial 1, a 1% tropicamide/2.5% phenylephrine solution was administered via the test device in one eye and by conventional dropper in the contralateral eye. Pupil dilation was measured at 30 min intervals post-instillation and subject comfort was assessed using a visual analogue scale (range, 0-100). In Trial 2, patients were randomized to receive latanoprost 0.005% via the test device or conventional dropper. Intraocular pressure was measured at baseline and 4-8 hrs post-instillation. RESULTS: In Trial 1 (N=20), mean (SD) pupil diameter 30 mins post-instillation increased by 3.4 (0.9) and 3.5 (1.0) mm in the test and control eyes, respectively. The mean comfort score was 81.7 for the test device versus 57.3 for conventional dropper delivery. In Trial 2 (N=18), the mean change in intraocular pressure following administration of latanoprost was -5.0 (1.8) and -4.3 (3.3) mm Hg in the test and control groups, respectively. No serious adverse events were observed in either study. CONCLUSION: Administration of a single dose of topical ophthalmic therapy via an electromechanical drug delivery device resulted in comparable effects on pupil dilation and intraocular pressure with lower drug exposure and increased patient comfort compared with conventional dropper delivery.