[Retroiridal implantation of a Verisyse™ iris claw lens: refractive outcome and individualized intraocular lens constants]. / Retroiridale Implantation einer Verisyse(TM) Irisklauenlinse : Refraktive Treffsicherheit und Anpassung der Kunstlinsenkonstanten.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of refractive predictability with retroiridal implantation of a Verisyse(TM) iris-claw lens (AMO) and optimization of the IOL-constants recommended by the manufacturer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study after retroiridal iris-claw lens implantation in the years 2007-2012 including 52 eyes of 50 patients with a lack of capsular support was carried out. Follow-up data was recorded on average 5 weeks after surgery. Demographic data, indications, accompanying diseases, biometrical data and refractive outcome were analysed and an individualization of the intraocular lens constants for the SRK/T-, Holladay-1, Hoffer-Q and Haigis-formula was carried out. RESULT: Indications for retroiridal implantation of a Verisyse(TM) lens were IOL luxation (32.7 %), complicated primary cataract surgery (25.0 %), secondary IOL Implantation (19.2 %), lens exchange (19.2 %) and luxation of the crystalline lens (3.8 %). Accompanying diseases were pancreatic diabetes (21.2 %), rheumatic diseases (7.7 %), homocystinuria (1.9 %), pseudoexfoliation of lens capsule (23.1 %), traumata (23.1 %), secondary glaucoma (23.1 %), proliferative diabetic retinopathy (9.6 %) and age related macular degeneration (5.8 %). Optimized IOL constants were an A-constant of 116.8 for the SRK/T formula, a surgeon factor (Holladay1) of 0.8, a pACD (HofferQ) of 4,4 and an a0 constant of 0,49 for the Haigis formula. Postoperative deviation of target refraction was within ± 2 D in 84.6 % of the eyes. CONCLUSION: The retroiridal Verisyse(TM) intraocular lens shows a broad spectrum of indications and achieves a good visual outcome. The previously published IOL constants show optimization potential due to the small number of cases.

[Correlation between microbial growth in conjunctival swabs of corneal donors and contamination of organ culture media]. / Korrelation zwischen mikrobiellem Wachstum in Bindehautabstrichen von Hornhautspendern und Kontamination des Organkulturmediums.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to determine the rate of contamination in conjunctival swabs from corneal donors by microbiological investigations and to correlate this with microbial contamination of the culture medium. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Contamination of conjunctival swabs and culture media was analyzed retrospectively for the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 at the LIONS corneal bank of Saar-Lor-Lux Trier/Westpfalz at the Saarland University Medical Center. The total annual number of conjunctival swabs was 316 in 2009, 341 in 2010 and 381 in 2011. Conjunctival swabs were taken prior to 1.25% povidone-iodine application. After disinfection donor corneas were harvested by in situ corneoscleral disc excision in all cases. The correlation between positive conjunctival swabs and microbial contamination of the culture medium was analyzed. RESULTS: In every year examined the contamination rate of the culture medium was significantly higher in cases of contaminated conjunctival swabs (p < 0.05 in 2009, p < 0.001 in 2010 and p = 0.004 in 2011). Of the conjunctival swabs 38.3% (2009), 53.7% (2010) and 55.6% (2011), respectively exhibited microbial growth. The principal microorganisms detected in the conjunctival swabs were coagulase negative staphylococci, gram negative rods and Staphylococcus aureus. Extending the exposure time to povidone-iodine prior to removal of the corneoscleral disc from 3 min in the year 2009 to 5 min since the year 2010 resulted in a highly statistically significant (p < 0.001) reduction in contamination frequency of the medium from 10.8% (2009) to 7.0% (2010) and 4.5% (2011) was observed. In 2009, 2010 and 2011 the culture medium was contaminated in 16.5%, 11.5% and 7.6% of the donated corneas with positive conjunctival swabs and in 7.2%, 1.9% and 0.6% in donated corneas with negative conjunctival swabs, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A positive correlation was found between contamination of the culture medium and microbial colonization of the conjunctival swabs, Nevertheless, microbial colonization of the conjunctiva was high and contamination of the culture medium was relatively low. For the microbial contamination rate of the donated corneas in the medium, conjunctival disinfection time with iodine solution before explantation of the corneoscleral disc and the addition of antibiotics to the culture medium seem to play a protective role.

[Keratoconus lenses: the small correction miracle]. / Keratokonuslinse: Das kleine Korrektionswunder.

Keratoconus is a non-inflammatory corneal disease associated with a cone-shaped protrusion and progressive corneal thinning. Apart from progression control and stabilizing interventions, correcting the optical error induced by a mostly highly irregular corneal surface is of paramount importance with respect to quality of life and ability to work. This goal can be achieved efficiently by contact lenses with only rare adverse conditions. This article provides a current overview on contact lens fitting in keratoconus and presents own associated results.

[Treatment of pediatric cataracts. Part 2: IOL implantation, postoperative complications, aphakia management and postoperative development]. / Behandlung der kindlichen Katarakte. Teil 2: IOL-Implantation - postoperative Komplikationen - Aphakiemanagement und postoperative Entwicklung.

There is a lot of uncertainty concerning intraocular lens (IOL) implantation for pediatric cataracts. The appropriate age which ocular abnormalities are contraindications and according to which formula IOL should be calculated are controversial. In addition to the imperative of identifying postoperative complications, such as secondary cataract formation and secondary glaucoma in a sufficiently timely manner, a modern management of aphakia with refractive compensation and occlusion is necessary. Some easy rules can help prevent pitfalls.

[Testosterone reduces the expression of keratinization-promoting genes in murine Meibomian glands]. / Reduzierung von Testosteron durch Expression Keratinisierung-fördernder Gene in der Meibom-Drüse der Maus.

BACKGROUND: Extensive keratinization appears to play a major role in the dysfunction of the Meibomian gland. This article presents the potential impact of androgens on limiting keratinization in this tissue, thus, contributing to normal Meibomian gland function and a healthy ocular surface. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Orchidectomized mice were systemically treated with either testosterone or placebo for 2 weeks. The mRNA was then extracted from the Meibomian glands and differential gene expression was investigated by microarray hybridization and evaluation with GeneSifter software as well as gene ontology information from the Gene Ontology (GO) Consortium. RESULTS: By z-score calculations, keratinization was the most significantly gene ontology term influenced by testosterone based on down-regulated genes in the mouse Meibomian gland. In particular, under the influence of testosterone the genes coding for small proline-rich protein (Sprr) 2a, Sprr 2b, Sprr 3, keratins 6a and 17 and periplakin were significantly down-regulated, while Sprr 1a and Sprr 2f were significantly up-regulated. CONCLUSIONS: Testosterone down-regulates the expression of genes promoting keratinization in the Meibomian gland. This may help to prevent Meibomian gland dysfunction by limiting excessive keratinization of this tissue and the adjacent lid margins. The findings elucidate, at least in part, the beneficial impact of androgens on Meibomian gland function and thus on th e health of the ocular surface.

[Delayed course of Acanthamoeba keratitis]. / Protrahierter Verlauf einer Akanthamöbenkeratitis.

A 35-year-old male presented with corneal ulceration on the left eye with a history of treatment over several months. At the first visit in our department we saw an elliptically shaped ulcerative stromal keratitis with circular peripheral neovascularization. There was organized hypopyon with hyphemia. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was light perception. The patient had used contact lenses for many years. Under the suspicion of herpetic keratitis due to a positive "dendrite" the patient had undergone antiviral therapy for 6 months in a different department. Our diagnosis was Acanthamoeba keratitis. We performed penetrating excimer laser keratoplasty-à-chaud (8.0 × 7.0 mm/8.1 × 7.1 mm) with simultaneous cryotherapy of the mid-peripheral cornea. The topical therapy was polyhexamethylene biguanide, propamidine isoethionate, neomycin and steroids in intervals. A repeat penetrating excimer laser keratoplasty (8.5 × 7.5 mm/8.6 × 7.6 mm) with simultaneous amniotic membrane patch and lateral tarsorrhaphy was performed 2 months later due to melting of the graft with positive Seidel test. After successful surgery of the mature cataract the BCVA was 20/25. In a patient with a positive contact lens history acanthamoeba keratitis should always be considered as a differential diagnosis to herpes simplex keratitis in the early course of the disease.

Results of excimer laser penetrating keratoplasty in aphakic eyes.

BACKGROUND: Corneal grafting in aphakic eyes is often challenging. We report about the outcome of excimer laser trephination in aphakic eyes. METHODS: We examined 17 eyes of 17 patients. Diagnosis in 11 eyes was endothelial decompensation and in six, corneal scars. We performed an excimer laser keratoplasty with intraoperative "Flieringa ring" suturing. Follow-up ranged between 3 and 41 (17.6 ± 11.7) months. Main outcome measures included: best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), topographic astigmatism, corneal refractive power (CRP), central corneal thickness (CCT) and endothelial cell density (ECD). RESULTS: Preoperative BCVA was light perception in two eyes, hand motion in seven, finger counting in one eye, under 20/400 in six eyes and 20/200 in one eye. IOP ranged between 4 and 28 (13.6 ± 5.1) mmHg. Topographic astigmatism ranged from 0.5 to 18.5 (7.0 ± 6.9) dioptres. CRP was between 38 and 59 (46 ± 9) dioptres. CCT was between 404 and 1069 (748 ± 181) µm. Postoperative BCVA was hand motion in five eyes, under 20/400 in two and ranged between 20/200 and 20/20 in ten eyes. IOP ranged between 10 and 40 (18.3 ± 8.5) mmHg. Topographic astigmatism ranged from 0.9 to 13 (5.5 ± 3.2) dioptres. CRP was between 31.9 and 46.7 (42 ± 4.1) dioptres. CCT was between 349 and 820 (552 ± 115.57) µm. ECD was between 592 and 2319 (1674 ± 553) cells/mm(2). CONCLUSIONS: Excimer laser trephination can deliver beneficial visual outcomes in most of the aphakic eyes.

[Treatment of cataracts in childhood I: clinical picture und surgical approach]. / Behandlung der kindlichen Katarakte I : Krankheitsbild und operative Versorgung.

Despite progress in microsurgical treatment, pediatric cataracts still imply potential risks for pathological unilateral or bilateral visual and binocular development. Surgical approaches have changed fundamentally over the last 30 years which are directly associated with modifications in the postoperative care. Due to these parallel developments a continuous dynamic process arises between anterior segment surgeons and pediatric ophthalmologists so that only small case series exist which try to combine both subspecialties because until now it was not possible to gather enough experience with a single linear approach. The first article of this two part series will explain the variability of the disease and surgical approaches and the second part will try to convey a linear approach for the postoperative care.

[Acanthamoeba keratitis--a rare and often late diagnosed disease]. / Die Akanthamöbenkeratitis--ein seltenes und oft spät diagnostiziertes Chamäleon.

In 83-93% of the cases of acanthamoeba keratitis the patients are contact lens wearers. Acanthamoeba keratitis is diagnosed--with descending order of sensitivity and specificity--through polymerase chain reaction (PCR), confocal biomicroscopy, in-vitro cultivation and histopathological examination. The typical clinical appearance of acanthamoeba keratitis includes pseudodendritic epitheliopathy, perineuritis, ring infiltrate or multifocal stromal infiltrates and in some cases limbitis with infiltration of the conjunctiva and/or sterile anterior uveitis. Information on reliability and efficacy of the medical/surgical therapy for acanthamoeba keratitis has only been published for case series and It has not been verified through randomised controlled clinical studies so far. By early diagnosis, using triple-topical therapy (polyhexamid, propamidinisoethionat, neomycin) acanthamoeba keratitis often heals appropriately. However, even if diagnosed early, topical therapy should be continued for 1 year. In therapy-resistant cases cryotherapy, amniotic membrane transplantation, cross-linking therapy, and therapeutic keratoplasty are performed. The prognosis of keratoplasty following acanthamoeba keratitis is more favourable when there were no signs of infection at least during the preceding 3 months.

Focal 6-o'-clock Nd: YAG-capsulotomy for the treatment of early onset incomplete capsular block syndrome.

We report on a patient who developed capsular block syndrome (CBS) in the early postoperative period with marked myopic shift in absence of anterior dislocation of the posterior-chamber intraocular lens (PC/IOL) and iris diaphragm. Treatment with focal 6-o'-clock Nd: YAG-capsulotomy resulted in complete visual acuity restoration. To the best of our knowledge this is the fist case of early onset CBS with significant myopic shift in absence of anterior PC/IOL dislocation, which was successfully treated with focal 6-o'-clock Nd: YAG-capsulotomy. The possible underlying pathophysiological mechanism is discussed.

[Meibomian glands : part III. Dysfunction - argument for a discrete disease entity and as an important cause of dry eye]. / Meibom-Drüsen : Teil III: Dysfunktion (MGD) - Plädoyer für ein eigenständiges Krankheitsbild und wichtige Ursache für das trockene Auge.

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD), mainly synonymous with posterior blepharitis but typically without prominent inflammatory alterations of the lid margin, is a discrete disease entity and a frequent cause of wetting deficiencies of the ocular surface leading to dry eye disease that deserves increased recognition by clinicians. The history, classification, pathology, influencing factors, diagnostics and therapy are explained and discussed. MGD is mainly based on an obstructive mechanism caused by hyperkeratinization of the excretory duct and/or increased viscosity of the secretion (meibum) with subsequent deficiency of the tear film lipid layer. MGD is influenced by the hormonal status and by chemical and mechanical noxes as well as genetic defects and it occurs more frequently in women and generally increases with age. It results in stasis of meibum inside the glands, dilatation of the ductal system and eventually in atrophy and loss of glandular tissue (gland dropout). Careful investigation of the eyelids and lid margins with eversion, if necessary, should therefore be performed in every case of a wetting defect, notably before fitting contact lenses. Particularly important is the inspection of the meibomian orifices and diagnostic expression by mild mechanical compression of the lid.

[Sex hormones and dry eye]. / Sexualhormone und trockenes Auge.

Among ophthalmic diseases dry eye in its various forms, represents an entity with one of the highest prevalences and at the same time the lowest chance for causal therapy. Since some years there is growing evidence that sex hormones play a key role in the formation and course of the disease and thus provide potentially promising approaches for therapy. The objective of this article is to briefly outline current scientific knowledge on the relationship between androgens, estrogens,and progesterones on the one hand and the lacrimal gland and Meibomian glands respectively.

[Meibomian glands. Part II: physiology, characteristics, distribution and function of meibomian oil]. / Meibom-Drüsen. Teil II: Physiologie, Eigenschaften, Verteilung und Funktion des Meibom-Ols.

The oily secretion (meibum) of the Meibomian glands forms the superficial layer of the pre-ocular tear film and reduces evaporation of the aqueous phase. Meibum is a complex mixture of various lipids and minor protein components as well as other components of the secretory meibocytes, which form a clear liquid at body temperature. The exact composition and functions of meibum are still partly unknown, in particular the interaction of the water insoluble non-polar lipids with the polar, partly water soluble, lipids and potentially with proteins, which altogether interact to maintain the connection with the underlying aqueous tear phase. Meibum is transported within the gland by the force of secretory pressure from continuous secretion and by muscular action of the orbicularis muscle and Riolans muscles during blinking. After delivery of meibum onto the posterior lid margin the oil moves from the posterior lid margin reservoir onto the tear meniscus and is pulled as a thin layer onto the pre-ocular tear film every time the lid opens. During lid closure it is compressed and a small part is continuously renewed. Meibum also has a barrier function against the spillage of tears over the inner border of the lid and against the entry of skin lipids (sebum) from the free lid margin.

[Legal regulations to produce serum eye drops : when is it necessary, and how can it be obtained?]. / Arzneimittelrechtliche Erlaubnis bei der Herstellung von Serum-Augentropfen : Wann ist sie erforderlich und wie kann sie umgesetzt werden?*

According to European Union and German legislation, the production of medicines such as eye drops from autologous serum requires a license from an appropriate authority. However, an exemption is granted to medical doctors who produce and apply medications under their immediate responsibility. If doctors do not actually produce such medications themselves, they must select appropriate personnel to do so. These individuals have to be sufficiently qualified and reliable and must be carefully instructed on the standard quality and manufacturing procedures, although the doctors are responsible for controlling the production and quality of the final product. The treating physicians are also responsible for the appropriate application of the produced medications. To dispense medication to patients without an appropriate license is considered a criminal offense. We describe how two German hospitals have established the production of serum eye drops in full compliance with legal regulations.

[Dry eye. An update on epidemiology, diagnosis, therapy and new concepts]. / Das trockene Auge. Ein Update über Epidemiologie, Diagnose, Therapie und neue Konzepte.

Recent epidemiologic studies quote a prevalence of 5,2% to 63% for dry eye depending on definition. Many risk factors have been identified, among other things the female gender. Dry eye interferes significantly with quality of live. Measurement of the change in temperature and humidity during blinking turned out to be a reliable diagnostic tool. Videokeratoscopy explains well-known visual impairments related to dry eye and, along with lipid film interferometry, provides insight into tear film dynamics. The importance of tear film proteins is underestimated. Among therapeutics for symptomatic relief hyaluronic acid proved to be particularly useful but also the sequence of lid hygiene, warm compresses and lid massage is fundamentally important. The effectiveness of punctum plugs is ascribed considerably to a more efficient impact of essential tear film components. Topical cyclosporine A, INS365, 15(S)-HETE as well as topical androgens represent a whole new class of drugs for causal therapy of dry eye.