Correlation of Measures From the OCULUS Keratograph and Clinical Assessments of Dry Eye Disease in the Dry Eye Assessment and Management Study.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare objective, noninvasive assessments of tear function using the OCULUS Keratograph with the corresponding clinical assessments [tear break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer test, and bulbar erythema] among patients with moderate-to-severe dry eye disease. METHODS: Participants in the Dry Eye Assessment and Management study at centers having an OCULUS Keratograph were assessed using standardized procedures. Associations between the assessments from the Keratograph [noninvasive keratograph break-up time (NIKBUT), tear meniscus height (TMH), and bulbar redness (BR)] and clinical examination (TBUT, Schirmer test, and bulbar erythema) and between these test results and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores were summarized with Spearman correlation coefficients (r s ); 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) accounted for intereye correlation. RESULTS: Among 288 patients (576 eyes), the mean (standard deviation) age was 56.6 (13.8) years, 78.1% were female, and the mean baseline OSDI score was 44.3 (14.0). The mean was 2.9 (1.5) seconds for TBUT and 8.2 (5.7) seconds for NIKBUT (their correlation r s = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.09-0.28). The mean was 10.6 (7.6) mm for the Schirmer test and 0.3 (0.2) mm for TMH (r s = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.04-0.25). The median clinical grade redness was mild, and the mean BR score was 1.1 (0.5) (r s = 0.25, 95% CI = 0.15-0.35). Correlation between results of each of the 6 tests and OSDI scores was low (r s from -0.07 to 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In the Dry Eye Assessment and Management study, NIKBUT, TMH, and BR were weakly correlated with their clinical counterparts. No measurements were correlated with the OSDI score.

Unilateral retinopathy post perilesional interferon α2b injections for ocular surface squamous cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical course of a patient presenting with unilateral retinopathy after perilesional interferon alpha injections for treatment of ocular surface squamous cell carcinoma. OBSERVATIONS: A patient, who was being treated with interferon alpha for ocular squamous cell carcinoma, presented with new onset decreased vision in her left eye. Upon examination, she was found to have cotton wool spots and retinal hemorrhages in the affected eye. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: Retinopathy is a well-documented side effect of systemic usage of interferon alpha. However, retinopathy has not been well discussed in the scenario of perilesional injections of interferon. It is important for clinicians to monitor for such pathology when using interferon alpha not only systemically, but also locally.

Graft survival of diabetic versus nondiabetic donor tissue after initial keratoplasty.

PURPOSE: To compare corneal graft survival using tissue from diabetic and nondiabetic donors in patients undergoing initial Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) or penetrating keratoplasty (PKP). METHODS: A retrospective chart review of pseudophakic eyes that underwent DSAEK or PKP was performed. The primary outcome measure was graft failure. Cox proportional hazard regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were used to compare diabetic versus nondiabetic donor tissue for all keratoplasty cases. RESULTS: A total of 183 eyes (136 DSAEK, 47 PKP) were included in the statistical analysis. Among 24 procedures performed using diabetic donor tissue, there were 4 cases (16.7%) of graft failure (3 DSAEK, 1 PKP), and among 159 procedures performed using nondiabetic donor tissue, there were 18 cases (11.3%) of graft failure (12 DSAEK, 6 PKP). Cox proportional hazard ratio of graft failure for all cases comparing diabetic with nondiabetic donor tissue was 1.69, but this difference was not statistically significant (95% confidence interval, 0.56-5.06; P = 0.348). There were no significant differences in Kaplan-Meier curves comparing diabetic with nondiabetic donor tissue for all cases (P = 0.380). Statistical analysis of graft failure by donor diabetes status within each procedure type was not possible because of the small number of graft failure events involving diabetic tissue. CONCLUSIONS: We found similar rates of graft failure in all keratoplasty cases when comparing tissue from diabetic and nondiabetic donors, but further investigation is needed to determine whether diabetic donor tissue results in different graft failure rates after DSAEK compared with PKP.

IC3D classification of corneal dystrophies--edition 2.

PURPOSE: To update the 2008 International Classification of Corneal Dystrophies (IC3D) incorporating new clinical, histopathologic, and genetic information. METHODS: The IC3D reviewed worldwide peer-reviewed articles for new information on corneal dystrophies published between 2008 and 2014. Using this information, corneal dystrophy templates and anatomic classification were updated. New clinical, histopathologic, and confocal photographs were added. RESULTS: On the basis of revisiting the cellular origin of corneal dystrophy, a modified anatomic classification is proposed consisting of (1) epithelial and subepithelial dystrophies, (2) epithelial-stromal TGFBI dystrophies, (3) stromal dystrophies, and (4) endothelial dystrophies. Most of the dystrophy templates are updated. The entity "Epithelial recurrent erosion dystrophies" actually includes a number of potentially distinct epithelial dystrophies (Franceschetti corneal dystrophy, Dystrophia Smolandiensis, and Dystrophia Helsinglandica) but must be differentiated from dystrophies such as TGFBI-induced dystrophies, which are also often associated with recurrent epithelial erosions. The chromosome locus of Thiel-Behnke corneal dystrophy is only located on 5q31. The entity previously designated as a variant of Thiel-Behnke corneal dystrophy on chromosome 10q24 may represent a novel corneal dystrophy. Congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy (CHED, formerly CHED2) is most likely only an autosomal recessive disorder. The so-called autosomal dominant inherited CHED (formerly CHED1) is insufficiently distinct to continue to be considered a unique corneal dystrophy. On review of almost all of the published cases, the description appeared most similar to a type of posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy linked to the same chromosome 20 locus (PPCD1). Confocal microscopy also has emerged as a helpful tool to reveal in vivo features of several corneal dystrophies that previously required histopathologic examination to definitively diagnose. CONCLUSIONS: This revision of the IC3D classification includes an updated anatomic classification of corneal dystrophies more accurately classifying TGFBI dystrophies that affect multiple layers rather than are confined to one corneal layer. Typical histopathologic and confocal images have been added to the corneal dystrophy templates.

Treatment of acanthamoeba keratitis with intravenous pentamidine before therapeutic keratoplasty.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of pretreatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis with intravenous pentamidine (IVP) before therapeutic keratoplasty (TKP). METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed of the medical records of every patient treated with IVP before TKP for Acanthamoeba keratitis at a single, tertiary care eye center between January 1, 2002, and December 31, 2012. The main outcome measures were microbiological cure, graft survival, and visual outcome. RESULTS: Eight eyes of 7 patients met the inclusion criteria. Preoperatively, all 8 eyes had failed traditional antiamoebic therapy, including 5 eyes with recurrent infections after previous TKP. The patients were treated with IVP (190-400 mg/d) for a median of 14 days (range, 7-26 days). After 8 TKP, a microbiological cure was achieved, and a clear graft was maintained in 5 (62.5%) eyes during a mean follow-up interval of 31.2 months (range, 1.0-95.7 months). Repeat TKP in 3 eyes with recurrent Acanthamoeba keratitis resulted in 2 additional microbiological cures and 1 more clear graft. The final best-corrected visual acuity was ≥20/40 in 5 (62.5%) eyes and worse than 20/200 in 3 eyes. Overall, the final vision was improved in 6 (75.0%) eyes, remained the same in 1 (12.5%) eye, and was worse in 1 (12.5%) eye. CONCLUSIONS: The adjunctive use of IVP before TKP may assist with the achievement of microbiological cure, clear graft, and good visual outcome in a majority of eyes with Acanthamoeba keratitis.

Graft survival versus glaucoma treatment after penetrating or Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess and compare the association of glaucoma therapy with graft survival after performing penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) and Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK). METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed of cases: primary PKP from January 1, 2003, to December 31, 2005, or primary DSAEK from January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2008. Eyes with a surgical indication of pseudophakic corneal edema were included in the statistical analysis. Eyes were stratified by glaucoma treatment into those with (1) no glaucoma treatment, (2) medical therapy only, or (3) surgical intervention. The main outcome measure was graft survival. RESULTS: Fifty-seven PKP-operated and 156 DSAEK-operated eyes met the inclusion criteria. After PKP and DSAEK, respectively, the 5-year Kaplan-Meier graft survival was 94.7% and 93.8% in eyes with no glaucoma treatment (P > 0.99), 93.8% and 96.3% in eyes with medical therapy only (P > 0.99), and 56.8% and 50% in eyes with surgical intervention (P > 0.99). After both procedures were performed, graft survival was significantly worse in eyes with surgical intervention compared with that in eyes with no glaucoma treatment (P < 0.0001) or in eyes with medical therapy alone (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: PKP and DSAEK have comparable graft survival in eyes without glaucoma management and in those with comparable glaucoma management.

Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty for acanthamoeba keratitis complicating the use of Boston scleral lens.

BACKGROUND: This is the first reported case of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) in a Boston scleral lens user. Consequently, the risk factors and treatment for AK need to be addressed in this unique case. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective case study of a 45-year-old man using Boston scleral lens diagnosed with AK. Risk factors for infection and management of the condition were assessed. RESULTS: This 45-year old Boston scleral lens user's risk factors for developing AK included dry eye syndrome, autologous serum tear use, potential tap water exposure, and long-term systemic corticosteroid use. His infection was refractory to medical management and required deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty for curative treatment. CONCLUSION: Ophthalmologists should have a higher level of suspicion for AK in all scleral lens users and consider the use of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty for refractory cases.

Outcomes of treatment of fungal keratitis at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics: a 10-year retrospective analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of medical and surgical management of fungal keratitis at a tertiary care eye center. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of the medical records of all patients with a diagnosis of microbiologically or histopathologically confirmed fungal keratitis at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics from July 1, 2001, through June 30, 2011. The main outcome measure was a microbiological cure with either medical therapy alone or medical therapy combined with therapeutic keratoplasty (TKP). The secondary outcome measures were graft survival of the TKPs and subsequent optical keratoplasties (OKPs) and visual outcome. RESULTS: Seventy-three eyes met the inclusion criteria. A microbiological cure was achieved in 72 eyes (98.6%). Forty-one eyes (56.2%) were treated with medical therapy alone, and 32 (43.8%) eyes required 1 TKP (29 eyes) or 2 TKPs (3 eyes). Among the 32 eyes treated with TKP, 17 (53.1%) maintained a clear graft. Among 15 eyes with failed grafts, 12 eyes ultimately achieved clear grafts after a total of 19 OKP procedures. Among 41 eyes treated with medical therapy alone, all 3 eyes treated with OKP remained clear. The final median best-corrected visual acuity was 20/30 in the medical therapy group and 20/40 in the TKP group. CONCLUSIONS: A high microbiological cure rate can be achieved in eyes with fungal keratitis; however, TKP is often needed to achieve this objective. A good final visual outcome can be achieved in most cases, but multiple keratoplasty procedures may be required.

Photorefractive keratectomy modification of postkeratoplasty anisometropic refractive errors.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy, refractive predictability and stability, and complications of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) with adjunctive mitomycin C (MMC) in patients with postkeratoplasty anisometropia. METHODS: A retrospective review was carried out of all cases of PRK performed for postkeratoplasty anisometropia with the VISX Star S4 excimer laser with MMC between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2008. The main outcome measures were best spectacle-corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) and patient tolerance of full spectacle refractive correction. Secondary outcome measures were uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), refractive accuracy and stability, and complications. RESULTS: Twenty cases met the inclusion criteria. At 6 months, the spectacle CDVA had improved from a preoperative mean of 20/50 to 20/30 (P = 0.01). Ten eyes (50%) gained 2 or more lines of CDVA. Eighteen eyes (90%) had a CDVA of 20/40 or better. All 20 patients (100%) were subjectively satisfied with full binocular spectacle correction. There was an improvement in UDVA from a preoperative mean of 20/282 to 20/52 (P < 0.001). Thirteen patients (65%) had an UDVA of 20/40 or better. There was a reduction in the mean refractive spherical equivalent from -5.2 to -0.9 diopters (D), in myopia from -7.6 to -1.8 D, and in astigmatism from 4.9 to 2.0 D. No significant change in visual acuity or refractive error occurred between 3 and 12 months. No sight-threatening complications occurred. One eye (5%) lost 2 lines of CDVA. CONCLUSIONS: PRK with adjunctive MMC is an effective method of reducing postkeratoplasty anisometropia and providing satisfactory spectacle rehabilitation.

Impact of eye bank lamellar tissue cutting for endothelial keratoplasty on bacterial and fungal corneoscleral donor rim cultures after corneal transplantation.

PURPOSE: To determine if the lamellar cut of donor tissue for endothelial keratoplasty (EK) by an eye bank facility is associated with a change in the prevalence of positive bacterial or fungal donor rim cultures after corneal transplantation. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of bacterial and fungal cultures of donor rims used for corneal transplantation at a tertiary eye care center from January 1, 2003, to December 31, 2008, with tissue provided by a single eye bank. The cases were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 ("no-cut") included keratoplasty procedures in which a lamellar cut was not performed. Group 2 ("precut") included EK procedures in which a 4-hour period of prewarming of tissue followed by a lamellar cut was performed in the eye bank before tissue delivery to the operating surgeon. RESULTS: There were 351 donor rim cultures in group 1 and 278 in group 2. Bacterial cultures were positive in 30 donor rims (8.5%) in group 1 and 13 (4.7%) in group 2 (P = 0.058). Positive bacterial cultures were not associated with any postoperative infections. Fungal cultures were positive in 8 donor rims (2.3%) in group 1 and 7 (2.5%) in group 2 (P = 1.0). Positive fungal cultures were associated with 2 cases (13.3%) of postoperative fungal infections. CONCLUSIONS: Corneal donor tissue can be precut for EK by trained eye bank personnel without an increased risk of bacterial or fungal contamination.

Glaucoma therapy escalation in eyes with pseudophakic corneal edema after penetrating keratoplasty and Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty.

The purpose of this study was to determine and compare the prevalence of glaucoma therapy escalation (GTE) after penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) and Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) in eyes with a surgical indication of pseudophakic corneal edema. A retrospective review was conducted of the medical records of all patients who underwent PKP or DSAEK to treat pseudophakic corneal edema at a tertiary eye care center from January 1 2003 to December 31, 2006. Eyes that were treated with PKP from January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2004 and with DSAEK from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2006 were included in the statistical analysis. Inclusion criteria included satisfactory preoperative control of intraocular pressure (IOP) and follow-up of at least 12 months. The main outcome measure was GTE, which was defined as a sustained requirement for escalation of topical medical therapy or the need to provide surgical intervention to maintain a satisfactory postoperative IOP. Among 54 eyes that met the inclusion criteria, GTE occurred in 7 (35.0%) of 20 eyes after PKP and in 14 (41.2%) of 34 eyes after DSAEK (P = 0.78) during a mean follow-up period of 27.6 and 28.6 months, respectively. Surgical escalation occurred in 2 (10.0%) eyes after PKP and 2 (5.9%) eyes after DSAEK (P = 0.62), and was associated with late-onset endothelial graft failure in all four eyes. Glaucoma therapy escalation is relatively common and occurs with comparable frequency in eyes with pseudophakic corneal edema after PKP and DSAEK.

Comparison of outcomes of penetrating keratoplasty versus Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty for penetrating keratoplasty graft failure due to corneal edema.

To evaluate the outcomes of repeat corneal transplantation, either penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) or Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK), for penetrating keratoplasty grafts which failed due to corneal edema. The charts of 24 eyes with failed PKP grafts, due to corneal edema, which underwent a repeat corneal transplant (PKP in 17 eyes [Group 1] and DSAEK in seven eyes [Group 2]) between 2003 and 2007 were retrospectively reviewed. There was no statistically significant difference in the median postoperative visual acuity between the two groups at 1, 2, or 3 years. In Group 1, two (18%) eyes had a final visual acuity ≥ 20/40, in contrast to four (80%) eyes in Group 2, which was statistically significant (P = 0.038). Seven (41%) of the Group 1 eyes developed postoperative complications compared to only one (14%) eye in Group 2. Eleven (65%) of the Group 1 eyes and five (71%) of Group 2 eyes had clear grafts on the last examination. There was no statistically significant difference in the graft survival rate for Group 1 versus Group 2 at 3 years (57.9% vs 68.6%, P = 0.507). There was a trend towards better postoperative visual acuity, a lower postoperative complication rate, and a higher graft survival rate in eyes that underwent DSAEK rather than repeat PKP for graft failure secondary to corneal edema. Given this small, retrospective study, future studies comparing repeat PKP with DSAEK are warranted to determine which procedure allows for improved outcomes.

Treatment of ocular surface squamous cell intraepithelial neoplasia with and without mitomycin C.

PURPOSE: To analyze the outcome of excisional biopsy of ocular surface (conjunctival and corneal) squamous cell intraepithelial (in situ) neoplasia with and without the adjunctive use of intraoperative and postoperative mitomycin C. METHODS: A retrospective case review was conducted on 34 consecutive patients with histopathologically proven ocular surface squamous cell intraepithelial neoplasia who were treated from January 1, 1980, to December 31, 2008, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Eyes in which a minimum follow-up period of 3 months was available were included in the statistical analysis. RESULTS: Of 34 eyes, 32 met the inclusion criteria. Adjunctive therapy was provided with mitomycin C in 17 eyes, including 13 that had only postoperative treatment and 4 that had only intraoperative treatment. The adjunctive use of mitomycin C was associated with a significantly reduced prevalence of recurrence (5.9% vs. 66.7%; P = 0.0005). When the surgical margins were positive, the use of adjunctive mitomycin C was associated with a reduced prevalence of tumor recurrence (12.5% vs. 55.6%), but this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.13). When surgical margins were negative, the adjunctive use of mitomycin C was significantly associated with a reduced prevalence of recurrence (0% vs. 83.3%; P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The adjunctive use of mitomycin C is significantly associated with a reduction in the prevalence of postoperative recurrences of ocular surface squamous cell intraepithelial neoplasia and should be considered as an adjunctive therapy even when surgical margins are negative.

Initial resident refractive surgical experience: outcomes of PRK and LASIK for myopia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the outcome of initial resident surgical experience with photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and LASIK. METHODS: Retrospective review of all cases performed with the VISX Star S4 platform (Abbott Medical Optics) between July 1, 2003 and June 30, 2007. Inclusion criteria were spherical equivalent of -0.50 to -10.00 diopters (D), refractive astigmatic error of ≤3.00 D, intention to provide full distance correction, and minimum 3-month postoperative follow-up after initial ablation or retreatment (if performed). RESULTS: A total of 153 cases performed by 20 different residents met the inclusion criteria; 38 eyes underwent PRK and 115 eyes had LASIK. After initial treatment, mean Snellen uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) after PRK was 20/17.3 and after LASIK was 20/19.5. Photorefractive keratectomy was associated with a significantly better approximation between preoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) and postoperative UDVA (ΔlogMAR 0.009 vs 0.091; P=.004) and a greater percentage of eyes that achieved UDVA of 20/20 or better (94.7% vs 78.3%; P=.02) or 20/30 or better (100% vs 87.8%; P=.02). There was a higher prevalence of retreatment in eyes that underwent LASIK (7.0% vs 0%; P=.20). One (0.9%) eye lost 2 lines of CDVA after LASIK. CONCLUSIONS: Supervised refractive surgery residents can achieve excellent visual outcomes in patients operated during their initial refractive experience. Photorefractive keratectomy was associated with better visual outcome than LASIK.

Comparison of bifold forceps and cartridge injector suture pull-through insertion techniques for Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty.

PURPOSE: To compare the outcome of bifold forceps and cartridge injector suture pull-through insertion techniques for Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK). METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of the medical records of all patients treated with DSAEK at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics from January 1, 2005 to July 1, 2007. The main outcome measures (endothelial cell loss, graft survival, and visual acuity) were evaluated postoperatively at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. RESULTS: Of 179 DSAEK procedures carried out during the study period, the bifold forceps insertion technique was used in 143 cases and the cartridge injector suture pull-through insertion technique was performed in 36 cases. The mean follow-up was 17.4 ± 9.5 months and 19.1 ± 11.0 months for the 2 groups, respectively. No significant differences were detected in postoperative complications, endothelial cell loss, visual acuity, or graft survival between the 2 groups. At 12 months postoperatively, the forceps and pull-through insertion groups had a mean endothelial cell loss of 42.5% ± 23.0% and 51.4% ± 26.1%, respectively. After 1 postoperative year, the mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution vision values were 0.171 ± 0.015 (Snellen equivalent = 20/30) in the forceps group and 0.253 ± 0.039 (Snellen equivalent = 20/36) in the pull-through group. At the most recent examination, 136 (95.1%) forceps insertion and 35 (97.2%) pull-through insertion grafts were clear. CONCLUSIONS: Bifold forceps and suture pull-through insertion techniques are associated with similar surgical outcomes after DSAEK.

Phakic descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty: prevalence and prognostic impact of postoperative cataracts.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence and risk factors for the development of visually significant cataracts after phakic Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) and the impact of this complication on the final outcome. METHODS: A retrospective case review was conducted of 12 consecutive eyes with corneal decompensation secondary to Fuchs endothelial dystrophy that had been treated with DSAEK without concomitant removal of the crystalline lens from January 1, 2005 to July 1, 2007 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Eyes in which a minimum follow-up period of 12 months was available were included in the statistical analysis. RESULTS: Of the 10 eyes that met the inclusion criteria, visually significant cataracts occurred in 4 eyes (40%) in the first postoperative year and required surgical intervention. A significant difference in the mean anterior chamber depth was detected between eyes that developed cataracts and those that did not (P = 0.005). In 3 eyes, cataract development was associated with a preoperative anterior chamber depth of less than 2.80 mm. All 3 of these eyes developed pupillary block with markedly elevated intraocular pressure during the first 24 postoperative hours. After 24 months, the 6 eyes that did not develop cataracts had a mean best spectacle-corrected visual acuity of 20/24. Among the 4 eyes that required cataract surgery, the mean best spectacle-corrected visual acuity was 20/35. One eye had developed endothelial graft failure and required repeat DSAEK. CONCLUSIONS: The development of cataracts is common after phakic DSAEK and may be associated with considerable ocular morbidity.

Penetrating keratoplasty versus deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty for the treatment of keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To compare the outcome of penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) and deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) in the surgical management of keratoconus (KC). PATIENT AND METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of the medical records of all patients treated with PKP or DALK for KC at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics from January 1, 2000, to December 31, 2006. The main outcome measures were visual outcome, graft survival, and complications. Cases with a minimum follow-up of 6 months were included in the statistical analysis. RESULTS: Of 41 eyes that met the inclusion criteria, 30 eyes were treated with PKP and 11 eyes were treated with DALK. The mean follow-up was almost identical for eyes treated with PKP or DALK (21.9 vs. 22.5 months, respectively). At the most recent examination, the mean best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) was 20/28 for the PKP group and 20/29 for the DALK group (P = 0.77). The percentage of eyes that achieved BSCVA of 20/25 or better was higher in the PKP group than in the DALK group (77.3 vs. 45.5%, respectively), but this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.72). Endothelial rejection occurred in 4 (13.3%) eyes after PKP. Visually significant interface haze occurred in the early postoperative course in 2 (18.2%) eyes after DALK. No cases of late-onset endothelial failure were found in either group. CONCLUSION: Treatment of KC with PKP or DALK is associated with similar visual outcomes, graft survival, and prevalence of sight-threatening complications.

Escalation of glaucoma therapy after deep lamellar endothelial keratoplasty.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence and risk factors for escalation of glaucoma therapy after deep lamellar endothelial keratoplasty (DLEK). METHODS: Retrospective review of every case of DLEK performed at a tertiary care facility between December 1, 2003 and January 31, 2006. RESULTS: Eighty eyes met the inclusion criteria. Escalation of glaucoma therapy occurred in 13 eyes (16.3%) during a mean follow-up period of 27.1 months. Ten eyes required additional topical medical therapy, and 3 eyes required surgical intervention. Glaucoma therapy escalation was significantly associated with preexisting glaucoma (42.9% vs. 10.6%; P = 0.008). CONCLUSION: Escalation of glaucoma therapy is not uncommon after DLEK, especially in eyes with preexisting glaucoma.

UBIAD1 mutation alters a mitochondrial prenyltransferase to cause Schnyder corneal dystrophy.

BACKGROUND: Mutations in a novel gene, UBIAD1, were recently found to cause the autosomal dominant eye disease Schnyder corneal dystrophy (SCD). SCD is characterized by an abnormal deposition of cholesterol and phospholipids in the cornea resulting in progressive corneal opacification and visual loss. We characterized lesions in the UBIAD1 gene in new SCD families and examined protein homology, localization, and structure. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We characterized five novel mutations in the UBIAD1 gene in ten SCD families, including a first SCD family of Native American ethnicity. Examination of protein homology revealed that SCD altered amino acids which were highly conserved across species. Cell lines were established from patients including keratocytes obtained after corneal transplant surgery and lymphoblastoid cell lines from Epstein-Barr virus immortalized peripheral blood mononuclear cells. These were used to determine the subcellular localization of mutant and wild type protein, and to examine cholesterol metabolite ratios. Immunohistochemistry using antibodies specific for UBIAD1 protein in keratocytes revealed that both wild type and N102S protein were localized sub-cellularly to mitochondria. Analysis of cholesterol metabolites in patient cell line extracts showed no significant alteration in the presence of mutant protein indicating a potentially novel function of the UBIAD1 protein in cholesterol biochemistry. Molecular modeling was used to develop a model of human UBIAD1 protein in a membrane and revealed potentially critical roles for amino acids mutated in SCD. Potential primary and secondary substrate binding sites were identified and docking simulations indicated likely substrates including prenyl and phenolic molecules. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Accumulating evidence from the SCD familial mutation spectrum, protein homology across species, and molecular modeling suggest that protein function is likely down-regulated by SCD mutations. Mitochondrial UBIAD1 protein appears to have a highly conserved function that, at least in humans, is involved in cholesterol metabolism in a novel manner.