Management of band keratopathy with excimer phototherapeutic keratectomy: visual, refractive, and symptomatic outcome.

PURPOSE: To report on the outcome of excimer phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) in the management of band keratopathy. METHODS: Analysis was performed on patients undergoing PTK for band keratopathy between January 1996 and December 1999. Patients were assessed as to whether the indication for PTK was for visual rehabilitation (visual group) or for ocular surface improvement (nonvisual group). Further data including pre- and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity, pre- and postoperative spherical equivalent (SE), and associated or previous ocular pathology were collected. RESULTS: A total of 45 eyes of 33 patients underwent PTK for band keratopathy. In the visual group, there were 33 eyes of 22 patients, and in the nonvisual group 12 eyes of 11 patients. The visual acuity was improved or unchanged in 18/33 eyes (55%) of the visual group, while there was loss of one or more lines of acuity in 15/33 (45%). Loss of acuity was attributed to other factors in 11/15 eyes. There was a significant myopic shift (P<0.5) from the mean preoperative SE of +1.42 D (SD+/-3.21 D) to the mean postoperative SE of +0.32 (SD+/-3.26 D). Of the eyes in the nonvisual group, 10/12 (83%) had significant improvement of symptoms. CONCLUSION: Excimer PTK is an effective procedure in the management of band keratopathy whether it is performed for visual rehabilitation or for ocular surface improvement to prevent erosions. Concurrent pathology is common and may limit the extent of visual improvement postoperatively. Factors associated with the myopic shift seen in this series may be epithelial remodelling, concurrent ocular pathology, or inaccuracy of preoperative refractive data.

Visual and symptomatic outcome of excimer phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) for corneal dystrophies.

PURPOSE: To determine the visual results and outcome of excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) for corneal dystrophies. METHODS: Twenty-nine eyes of 19 patients who underwent excimer PTK for recurrent erosions and reduced vision due to corneal dystrophies, between February 1996 and July 1999, were reviewed. Data regarding the preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), change in spherical equivalent (SE), depth of excimer laser ablation, symptomatic relief, and incidence of recurrence were analysed by a retrospective chart review. RESULSTS: The range of follow-up was 12-48 months. Twenty-seven out of 29 eyes (93%) maintained or improved BCVA. All patients (17/17) were free of symptoms of recurrent erosions although two eyes needed repeat treatment to achieve this. In those eyes undergoing PTK for reduced vision, there was a trend towards a hyperopic shift postoperatively but this was not statistically significant. Five eyes showed recurrence of the dystrophy (Reis-Bücklers (one eye), Lattice (two eyes), and Granular (two eyes)) that required repeat treatment. Two of these eyes required a single repeat PTK procedure, and three eyes underwent three repeat treatments. There were no major complications during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Excimer PTK is a safe and effective procedure for relieving symptoms of recurrent erosions and improving visual acuity in patients with corneal dystrophies. Optimal visual results are achieved when treating more anterior disease. Multiple treatments are possible without significant detrimental effects for those patients with recurrence of their dystrophy.

The use of subtenon ropivacaine in managing strabismus with adjustable sutures.

BACKGROUND: Squint angle alterations with the use of adjustable sutures after strabismus surgery can be painful. Ropivacaine is a long-acting local anesthetic that, at low doses, produces sensory block with limited nonprogressive motor block. METHOD: We performed a double-blind, randomized, pilot study using subtenon ropivacaine or placebo at the time of surgery in patients undergoing adjustable suture surgery. Surgery was performed by the same surgeon in each case. Later in the day, the same surgeon adjusted the sutures. At the time of adjustment, the patient recorded pain using a linear pain score, and the surgeon recorded ease of adjustment using a linear score. The results of surgery were noted at 4 weeks. RESULTS: Ten patients were randomized to receive ropivacaine and 11 to receive placebo. All 10 of the ropivacaine group and 9 of the placebo group had suture adjustment. In the ropivacaine group, there was a significantly lower pain score (P <.05, Mann-Whitney U test) but no significant difference in ease of adjustment. There appeared to be no demonstrable difference in the results of surgery between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Ropivacaine appears to reduce the pain of postoperative suture adjustment without adversely affecting the final outcome, although it does not appear to ease the adjustment itself. This small pilot study shows promising results in postoperative analgesia in these patients, although further larger trials are recommended.

What factors influence cataract waiting list time?

AIMS: To determine whether there were any specific factors that influenced waiting list time (WLT) for patients undergoing cataract surgery. METHODS: 70 preoperative cataract patients were interviewed by one of the authors using a questionnaire to score visual acuity, coexisting ocular pathology and disabilities, threat to independent living/employment, and perceived visual handicap for detailed, gross, and driving vision. Individuals were analysed separately according to whether it was their first or second cataract operation. RESULTS: The median WLT for first eye surgery was 9 months (n = 31) and 13 months for second eye surgery (n = 36). The WLT ranged from 2 to 25 months for first eyes and 0.25-18 months for second eyes. Where there was a perceived threat to independent living or employment the WLT was found to be significantly shorter than the median. A high overall score correlated with a shorter WLT. Surgical priority was also given to individuals with anisometropia >3 dioptres. CONCLUSION: This study has demonstrated that there are specific factors that influence clinicians when prioritising patients for cataract surgery.