Capsule contraction syndrome with haptic deformation and flexion.

We report a case series of capsule contraction syndrome in 5 eyes of 4 patients and describe a previously unreported complication: full flexion of the haptics onto the anterior surface of the optic. Haptics have been reported to slide anterior to the optic while remaining in their original coronal plane. As surgeons move to the use of preloaded injectable IOLs, it is important to scrutinize haptic-optic junction design and IOL material in the light of this complication.

Diabetic retinopathy: more patients, less laser: a longitudinal population-based study in Tayside, Scotland.

OBJECTIVE: We aim to correlate the incidence of diabetic retinopathy and maculopathy requiring laser treatment with the control of risk factors in the diabetic population of Tayside, Scotland, for the years 2001-2006. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Retinal laser treatment, retinal screening, and diabetes care databases were linked for calendar years 2001-2006. Primary end points were the numbers of patients undergoing first or any laser treatment for diabetic retinopathy or maculopathy. Mean A1C and blood pressure and retinal screening rates were followed over the study period. RESULTS: Over 6 years, the number of patients with diabetes in Tayside increased from 9,694 to 15,207 (57% increase). The number of patients receiving laser treatment decreased from 222 to 138 and first laser treatments decreased from 100 (1.03% of diabetic population) to 56 (0.37%). The number of patients with type 2 diabetes treated for maculopathy decreased from 180 in 2001 to 103 in 2006 (43% reduction, P = 0.03). Mean A1C decreased for type 1 and type 2 diabetic populations (P < 0.01) and a reduction in blood pressure was observed in type 2 diabetic patients (P < 0.01). The number of patients attending annual digital photographic retinopathy screening increased from 3,012 to 11,932. CONCLUSIONS: Laser treatment for diabetic maculopathy in type 2 diabetic patients has decreased in Tayside over a six-year period, despite an increased prevalence of diabetes and increased screening effort. We propose that earlier identification of type 2 diabetes and improved risk factor control has reduced the incidence of maculopathy severe enough to require laser treatment.

Effect of volume used in sub-Tenon's anaesthesia on efficacy and intraocular pressure: a randomized clinical trial of 3 mL versus 5 mL.

PURPOSE: To compare the effect of volume used in sub-Tenon's anaesthesia on efficacy and intraocular pressure (IOP). METHODS: A prospective, randomised clinical trial was conducted on 52 eyes of 52 consecutive patients undergoing sub-Tenon's anaesthetic for cataract surgery. Eyes were randomly assigned to either 3 mL or 5 mL volume of anaesthetic solution (0.5% bupivacaine/2% lidocaine in a 50:50 mixture). The main outcome measures were akinesia 5 min post-administration of anaesthetic, changes in IOP immediately after and 5 min after anaesthetic administration, and patient pain perception during procedure. RESULTS: The level of kinesia was greater in the 3 mL group (n = 25) compared to the 5 mL group (n = 27) (P = 0.001, Mann-;Whitney U-test). There was no significant difference in pain perception between the two groups (P = 0.464, student t-test). Although there was great variation in IOP changes following sub-Tenon's anaesthetic, there was a trend for a larger rise in mean IOP immediately after anaesthetic administration in the 5 mL group (mean +/- SD +5.6 +/- 4.2 mmHg) compared to the 3 mL group (+4.3 +/- 3.8 mmHg), but this did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.25, student t-test). CONCLUSIONS: A 5 mL volume of anaesthetic provides akinesia superior to a 3 mL volume in sub-Tenon's anaesthesia for cataract surgery.

Cataract surgery and consent; recall, anxiety, and attitude toward trainee surgeons preoperatively and postoperatively.

PURPOSE: To assess patients' recall of information, anxiety, and attitude toward trainee surgeons immediately after providing consent for cataract surgery and 1 month postoperatively. SETTING: Cataract Clinic, Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, Edinburgh, Scotland. METHODS: A questionnaire was administered to 51 patients immediately after their consent was obtained at the preassessment clinic and 1 month postoperatively (50 patients). Anxiety, attitude toward trainee surgeons, and difficulty understanding the cataract surgery consent and information form were assessed using visual analog scales. RESULTS: Nine postconsent patients (18%) and 2 postoperative patients (4%) recalled the risk for major complications. All postconsent and 40 of 47 postoperative patients (85%) who remembered signing the consent form said they believed they were adequately informed. Patients reported little anxiety about surgery; the consent process had no effect on this. Five of 17 postconsent patients (29%) and 7 of 23 postoperative patients (31%) who could not recall being told a trainee might perform their procedure were unhappy; 1 patient in each group (3% and 4%, respectively) who could recall such a discussion were unhappy. CONCLUSIONS: Patient recall of specific details related to cataract surgery was poor immediately after consent was obtained and deteriorated postoperatively. Despite this, most patients reported they were well informed about surgery and had little anxiety. Patients accept the need for surgical training if they recall a discussion of this at the time of consent. If they do not, many are very unhappy regardless of surgical outcome. These findings strongly support an explicit discussion of surgical training as part of the consent process.

Effect of the Honan intraocular pressure reducer in sub-Tenon's anesthesia.

PURPOSE: To ascertain whether the Honan intraocular pressure reducer (HIPR) has an effect on the preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), surgeon's assessment of anesthesia, and patients' analgesic experience when sub-Tenon's anesthesia is used for routine cataract surgery. SETTING: Princess Alexandra Eye Pavilion, Edinburgh, Scotland. METHOD: Forty-five eyes of 45 patients having routine phacoemulsification cataract surgery were randomized to receive 10 minutes of ocular compression using the HIPR or no compression after administration of sub-Tenon's anesthesia. The IOP was measured immediately before and immediately and 10 minutes after sub-Tenon's anesthesia administration using a standard technique. One surgeon who was masked to the randomization process performed all injections and completed a questionnaire on aspects of the anesthetic block. Patients scored their level of analgesia during surgery. RESULTS: The mean rise in IOP immediately after administration of sub-Tenon's anesthesia was 1.39 mm Hg +/- 3.91 (SD) (95% confidence interval +0.22 to 2.57; P =.021). In the 22 patients who received compression, there was a mean IOP reduction of 4.20 +/- 2.74 mm Hg at 10 minutes. The mean difference between the compression and no-compression groups at 10 minutes was 4.99 mm Hg (P<.0001). There was no difference in the surgeon's scores for any aspect of the sub-Tenon's anesthesia (P>.05). All patients reported good levels of analgesia. CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant reduction in IOP after compression using the HIPR. However, the rise in IOP after administration of sub-Tenon's anesthesia was small and the use of the HIPR did not make a significant difference in the effectiveness of the anesthesia to the surgeon or patients.