Secondary Endothelial Keratoplasty-A Narrative Review of the Outcomes of Secondary Corneal Endothelial Allografts.

BACKGROUND: We review the literature on the efficacy and safety outcomes of secondary Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) and Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). METHODS: Literature search of English-written publications up to September 27, 2020 in PubMed database, using the terms "endothelial keratoplasty" in combination with keywords "secondary" or "repeat." In addition, we manually searched the references of the primary articles. RESULTS: Twenty-seven studies (n = 651 eyes) were retained and reviewed, including 10 studies on repeat DSEK, 8 studies on repeat DMEK, 6 studies of DMEK following DSEK, and 3 studies of DSEK after failed DMEK. All studies reported significant improvement in visual acuity after secondary endothelial keratoplasty (EK). Twelve studies compared visual outcomes between primary and secondary EK, reporting conflicting findings. Sixteen studies reported endothelial cell loss rates after secondary EK, and only 1 study reported significantly increased endothelial cell loss rates compared with primary EK. Allograft rejection episodes occurred in 1.8% of eyes (range, 0%-50%). Six studies compared complication rates between primary and secondary EK eyes, and only 1 study found a higher median number of complications. However, 2 studies reported higher regraft failure rates compared with primary EK eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Secondary EK is surgically feasible and renders significant visual improvement after failed primary EK, although it is not clear whether visual outcomes and allograft survival are comparable with primary EK, raising the question of whether secondary EK eyes are "low risk" as primary EK eyes. Further larger, prospective studies are encouraged to obtain additional quality data on secondary corneal endothelial allotransplantation.

Repeat Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty for Failed Primary Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty at a Referral Center for Keratoplasty in Spain: DIMOEK Study.

PURPOSE: To analyze the clinical results of repeat Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (re-DMEK) for failed primary DMEK graft at a referral center for keratoplasty in Spain. DESIGN: Retrospective, interventional, comparative case series. METHODS: From a single-center, single-surgeon series of 189 consecutive DMEK surgeries, 14 (7.41%) were re-DMEK eyes. The primary outcome was best-corrected visual acuity change (ΔBCVA, logarithm of minimal angle of resolution [logMAR]) from baseline (before first DMEK) to last follow-up. Secondary outcomes were ΔBCVA from baseline at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, endothelial cell loss (%ECL), rebubbling rate, and re-DMEK graft failure. Outcomes were compared with an age-matched control group of 18 successful primary DMEK eyes. RESULTS: After re-DMEK (median follow-up time 14.5 [42.5] months), mean BCVA improved from 0.55 (0.42) logMAR (Snellen 20/71 [20/53]) at baseline to 0.09 (0.26) logMAR (Snellen 20/25 [20/36]; P = .037). ΔBCVA from baseline was statistically significant at months 3 (P = .028), 6 (P = .023), and 12 (P = .012), and ΔBCVA was significant observed between months 6 and 12 (P = .028). BCVA differences between patient groups were statistically nonsignificant at 3 (P = .397), 6 (P = .468), and 12 months (P = .647). Mean %ECL in re-DMEK eyes with follow-up ≥12 months was 48.2 (15.1%), and the rebubbling rate was 28.6%; differences between groups were statistically nonsignificant for both variables (P = .580 and P = .669, respectively). Three re-DMEK eyes developed graft failure, all achieving final BCVA ≤0.30 logMAR (Snellen ≥20/40) after tertiary keratoplasty. CONCLUSIONS: Repeat DMEK produces significant, continuous visual improvement after failed primary DMEK. Although visual outcomes and %ECL were comparable to primary DMEK, there was a relatively high rate of graft failure after re-DMEK.

Transitional conic toric intraocular lens for the management of corneal astigmatism in cataract surgery.

SYNOPSIS: Transitional toric intraocular lens (IOL) was developed to improve refractive outcomes in cataract surgery. We report refractive, vectorial outcomes, and stability of spherical equivalent over 12 months after implantation of this IOL. PURPOSE: To evaluate visual and refractive outcomes of a transitional conic toric intraocular lens (IOL) (Precizon®) for the correction of corneal astigmatism in patients undergoing cataract surgery. SETTING: The Ocular Microsurgery Institute (IMO), a private practice in Barcelona, Spain. DESIGN: This is a retrospective, non-randomized study. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of 156 patients with preoperative regular corneal astigmatism >0.75 diopters (D) who underwent consecutive phacoemulsification and Precizon toric IOL implantation between January 2014 and December 2015 was performed. Two groups were divided according to attempted residual refraction: group 1 with emmetropia and group 2 with mild myopia for monovision. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), and manifest refraction were analyzed preoperatively and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Precizon toric IOL was implanted in 97 eyes of 61 patients. Six months postoperatively, none of the eyes lost any line of CDVA. In all, 98% of the eyes were within ±1.00 D of attempted spherical correction. The mean preoperative keratometric cylinder was 1.92 ± 1.04 D (range 0.75-6.78), and the mean postoperative refractive cylinder was 0.77 ± 0.50 D (range 0-2.25), with 81% of the eyes with ≤1.00 D of residual cylinder. Two IOLs required realignment due to intra-operative positioning error. Eleven eyes required enhancement with corneal refractive surgery. CONCLUSION: Preexisting regular corneal astigmatism was effectively and safely corrected by the implantation of the transitional conic toric IOL in patients undergoing cataract surgery.

Unilateral Iris-Claw Intraocular Lens Implantation for Aphakia: A Paired-Eye Comparison.

PURPOSE: To perform a paired-eye comparison of secondary iris-claw intraocular lens (IOL) implantation for aphakia. METHODS: Retrospective, comparative, nonrandomized interventional case series of aphakic eyes, which underwent secondary iris-claw Artisan IOL (Ophtec BV) implantation for aphakia in one eye and no surgery (group 1) or cataract surgery (group 2) in the fellow eye. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), spherical equivalent, central endothelial cell count (cECC), and complications were evaluated before surgery, and at yearly intervals up to 5 years. RESULTS: Thirty aphakic eyes implanted with the Artisan were included, and the fellow eyes served as controls. In group 1, postoperative logMAR UDVA and CDVA was significantly higher in the Artisan-implanted eyes (P < 0.01). In group 2, no differences were found in postoperative UDVA and postoperative CDVA between the Artisan-implanted eyes and the eyes that underwent cataract surgery throughout the follow-up (P ≥ 0.05). No statistically significant differences were found in postoperative spherical equivalent between the Artisan-implanted eyes and unoperated eyes or eyes that underwent cataract surgery (P ≥ 0.05). In group 1, cECC was significantly lower in the Artisan-implanted eyes [1973 ± 822 vs. 2616 ± 481 cells per square millimeter at 2 years (P < 0.01)] throughout the follow-up (P < 0.01). In group 2, cECC was not significantly lower in the Artisan-implanted eyes (P ≥ 0.05) [1934 ± 689 vs. 2058 ± 818 cells per square millimeter at 2 years (P = 0.67)]. CONCLUSIONS: Visual rehabilitation with secondary iris-claw IOL implantation in aphakic eyes without capsular support seems to be an effective and safe procedure. As expected, uncomplicated cataract surgery with posterior chamber IOL implantation showed lower endothelial cell count loss. Close monitoring of the corneal endothelium is mandatory.

Paired-eye comparison of corneal endothelial cell counts after unilateral iris-claw phakic intraocular lens implantation.

PURPOSE: To compare the corneal endothelial cell density (ECD) after unilateral iris-claw phakic intraocular lens (pIOL) implantation. SETTING: Instituto de Microcirugia Ocular, Barcelona, Spain. DESIGN: Retrospective interventional nonrandomized paired-eye comparison. METHODS: Patients who had pIOL implantation in 1 eye and corneal refractive surgery (Group 1) or no surgery in the fellow eye (Group 2) between 1998 and 2010 were included. The main outcome measures were central corneal ECD and the percentage of corneal endothelial cell loss. Secondary outcome measures were uncorrected distance visual acuity, corrected distance visual acuity, manifest refraction, and complications. Outcome measures were analyzed 1, 5, and 10 years postoperatively. RESULTS: Both groups comprised 29 patients. Ten years after surgery, the mean endothelial cell loss was 6.41% ± 8.02% (SD) (Group 1, iris-claw pIOLs), 5.59% ± 5.98% (Group 1, corneal refractive surgery), 7.84% ± 6.83% (Group 2, iris-claw pIOLs), and 6.74% ± 3.97% (Group 2, no surgery). No significant endothelial cell loss was observed after pIOL implantation or corneal refractive surgery at any timepoint (P > .05). No significant differences were observed in the percentage of endothelial cell loss between the groups (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Iris-claw pIOL implantation did not produce significant corneal endothelial cell loss up to 10 years after surgery compared with corneal refractive surgery and unoperated eyes when strict inclusion criteria were met. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: Dr. Güell is a consultant to Ophtec BV and Carl Zeiss Meditec AG. No other author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

SMILE Procedures With Four Different Cap Thicknesses for the Correction of Myopia and Myopic Astigmatism.

PURPOSE: To study the feasibility of performing myopic femtosecond small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) with four different cap thicknesses (130, 140, 150, and 160 µm). METHODS: In this retrospective, comparative, non-randomized clinical trial, a refractive lenticule of intrastromal corneal tissue was cut with the VisuMax femtosecond laser system (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Jena, Germany) using different depths of the non-refractive lenticule cut. Manifest refraction, uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), and Objective Scattering Index (OSI) were evaluated. Minimum follow-up time was 1 year. RESULTS: Ninety-four eyes of 47 patients with myopia with (14 patients) and without (33 patients) astigmatism were treated. One year after the surgery, mean log-MAR UDVA, logMAR CDVA, SE, and OSI were 0.07 ± 0.12, 0.01 ± 0.37, 0.07 ± 0.57, and 0.88 ± 0.17, respectively (P < .05). There were no significant statistical differences in logMAR UDVA, logMAR CDVA, SE, or OSI (P > .05) variables when the different groups were compared for the same periods of time. CONCLUSIONS: No differences in visual acuity, refractive outcomes in optical visual quality, or complications were observed when using SMILE at four different depths.

Comparison of Sulfur Hexafluoride 20% versus Air Tamponade in Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty.

PURPOSE: To compare clinical outcomes using 20% sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) versus 100% air as a tamponade for graft attachment in Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). DESIGN: Retrospective, comparative, interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: Pseudophakic patients with Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy or pseudophakic bullous keratopathy that underwent DMEK using either 20% SF6 (group 1; 42 eyes) or 100% air (group 2; 39 eyes) tamponade between April 2010 and August 2011. METHODS: A bimanual infusion technique was used to introduce and position the donor endothelium-Descemet membrane graft tissue. Outcome measures were analyzed at the following time points: before surgery, 3 and 6 months after surgery, and at yearly intervals up to at least 3 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), manifest refraction, pachymetry, central endothelial cell count (cECC), complications, and rebubbling rates. RESULTS: Three years after surgery, mean CDVA improved from 0.48±0.45 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) to 0.04±0.23 in group 1 (P < 0.001) and from 0.67±0.45 logMAR to 0.09±0.13 logMAR in group 2 (P < 0.001). The percentage of eyes with CDVA of 20/25 or more was 85.71% (36/42 eyes) in group 1 and 82.05% (32/39 eyes) in group 2 (P = 0.43). Mean preoperative cECCs and at last follow-up were: group 1, 2525±338 cells/mm(2) and 1758 ± 398 cells/mm(2) (mean cell loss, 30±11%; P = 0.008); and group 2, 2492±204 cells/mm(2) and 1678±373 cells/mm(2) (mean cell loss, 32±13%; P = 0.008). Endothelial cell loss was similar in both groups (P = 0.65). Intracameral air reinjection was needed in 1 patient in group 1 (2.38%) and in 5 patients in group 2 (12.8%). The rebubbling rate was significantly higher in group 2 (P = 0.004). No episodes of immunologic graft rejection were documented. CONCLUSIONS: Although clinical outcomes and corneal endothelial cell loss were similar in both groups, tamponade with 20% SF6 yielded a significantly lower incidence of graft detachments that may warrant its routine use in DMEK. Longer-term, randomized studies are needed to recommend this approach fully.

Epithelial ingrowth after LASIK: visual and refractive results after cleaning the interface and suturing the lenticule.

PURPOSE: The aim was to study the visual and refractive results in patients with epithelization in the corneal interface after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) who were treated by cleaning the corneal interface (epithelial cyst extraction) and suturing the corneal flap. METHODS: This is a retrospective, noncomparative interventional case series. The main outcome measures were uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), refractive cylinder (CYL), spherical equivalent (SE), recurrence of epithelial ingrowth, and complications. RESULTS: From a total of 7520 LASIK refractive eyes, 13 eyes with epithelial ingrowth were treated. The mean age was 46.9 years. The mean preoperative logMAR UDVA was 0.34 (SD, 0.19). At 2 months, the mean postoperative logMAR UDVA was 0.18 (SD, 0.17) and at 1 year was 0.12 (SD, 0.18) (P = 0.01). The mean logMAR CDVA before surgery was 0.16 (SD, 0.16). Two months and 1 year postoperatively, the mean logMAR CDVA was 0.05 (SD, 0.08) and 0.03 (SD, 0.06), respectively (P = 0.03). The mean SE before surgery was 0.30 D (SD, 1.09). The mean SE 2 months and 1 year after surgery was -0.07 (SD, 0.53) and -0.004 (SD, 0.18), respectively (P = 0.04). The mean CYL before surgery was -0.92 D (SD, 1.09); and the mean CYL 2 months and 1 year after surgery was -0.60 (SD, 0.84) and -0.18 (SD, 0.75), respectively (P = 0.26). No epithelial ingrowth recurrence was observed up to 1 year after epithelial removal. CONCLUSIONS: Cleaning the corneal interface and suturing the corneal flap was effective and appeared safe in treating epithelial ingrowth after LASIK, with an extremely low rate of regrowth. However, further prospective controlled studies with a longer follow-up are needed.

Secondary iris-claw anterior chamber lens implantation in patients with aphakia without capsular support.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy, predictability, safety and complications of secondary iris-claw intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in aphakic eyes without capsular support. METHODS: Retrospective, non-comparative, interventional case series of 128 aphakic eyes, which consecutively underwent secondary iris-claw Artisan IOL (Ophtec BV) implantation, were included. Manifest refraction, uncorrected visual acuity, best-spectacle corrected visual acuity, biomicroscopy, tonometry, funduscopy and central endothelial cell count (cECC) were evaluated before surgery, and at yearly intervals up to 5 years. Minimum follow-up time was 1 year. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-eight eyes were treated. Mean age was 54.55 years (range, 1-98 years). Mean follow-up was 41.8 months (SD 23.63). Mean preoperative logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution BSCVA and spherical equivalent (SE) were 0.67 ((SD) 0.53) and 9.63 D (SD 5.50), respectively. One year postoperatively, mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution best-spectacle corrected visual acuity improved to 0.52 (SD 0.46) (p<0.05), and remained stable up to 5 years. One year postoperatively, mean SE was -0.52 (SD 2.21) (p<0.05). Mean SE progressively decreased during the 1st year, and remained stable thereafter (p<0.05). Mean preoperative cECC was 2237.47 (SD 793.33) cells/mm(2). cECC showed a slight, though statistically significant, decrease over the years (p=0.05). Main complications were: 2 pupillary block; 3 transient increase in intraocular pressure; 1 IOL replacement; 2 penetrating keratoplasty and 4 cystoid macular oedema. CONCLUSIONS: Iris-claw IOL implantation in aphakic eyes is an effective, predictable and safe procedure in the first 5 years of follow-up. However, a longer follow-up is required to demonstrate its long-term safety.

Bimanual technique for insertion and positioning of endothelium-Descemet membrane graft in Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty.

PURPOSE: To describe a new bimanual technique for insertion and positioning of endothelium-Descemet membrane (EDM) grafts in Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). METHODS: Prospective, noncomparative, consecutive interventional case series, including 15 pseudophakic eyes of 15 patients treated with DMEK at the Instituto de Microcirugia Ocular, Barcelona, Spain. A bimanual infusion technique was used to introduce and position donor's EDM. Partial tamponade was achieved with 20% sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). Intraocular manipulation time of EDM grafts, rebubbling rate, and endothelial cell density were evaluated. RESULTS: Six months postoperatively, mean uncorrected visual acuity and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) improved from 20/100 to 20/50 and from 20/80 to 20/25, respectively (P < 0.001). Six eyes (40%) had ≥ 20/20 BSCVA, and 13 (86%) eyes had ≥ 20/30 BSCVA. Mean donor cell density decreased from 2690 ± 302 to 1998 ± 621 cells per square millimeter, representing a mean cell loss of 26% ± 20%. EDM was stripped successfully in all cases. Mean intraocular manipulation time of donor's EDM (interval between main incision closure and final EDM positioning) was 4.10 ± 0.5 minutes. Intracameral air reinjection was needed in 1 case (6.6%) with a partial peripheral graft detachment. No episodes of immunologic graft rejection were documented. CONCLUSIONS: Insertion and positioning of EDM grafts in DMEK was successfully achieved using this bimanual infusion technique and 20% SF6 partial tamponade, with a low intraocular manipulation time and very low postoperative rebubbling rates, regardless of the preservation method and the donor's age. However, prospective comparative studies are required to demonstrate the long-term safety compared with other approaches.

Accuracy of refractive outcomes in myopic and hyperopic laser in situ keratomileusis: Manifest versus aberrometric refraction.

PURPOSE: To compare the achieved refractive accuracy of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) performed based on manifest refraction with the predicted accuracy that would have been achieved using WASCA aberrometric refraction with and without Seidel correction factor for sphere. SETTING: London Vision Clinic, London, United Kingdom. DESIGN: Comparative case series. METHODS: Myopic eyes and hyperopic eyes had LASIK based on manifest refraction. Two aberrometric refractions were obtained preoperatively: Seidel, which includes spherical aberration in the sphere calculation, and non-Seidel. Bland-Altman plots were used to show the agreement between aberrometric and manifest refractions. Predicted LASIK outcomes had aberrometric refraction been used were modeled by shifting the postoperative manifest refraction by the vector difference between the preoperative manifest and aberrometric refractions. RESULTS: This study included 869 myopic eyes and 413 hyperopic eyes. The mean differences (manifest minus aberrometric) in spherical equivalent were +0.03 diopters (D) ± 0.48 (SD) (Seidel aberrometric) and +0.45 ± 0.42 D (non-Seidel aberrometric) for myopia and -0.20 ± 0.39 D and +0.39 ± 0.34 D, respectively, for hyperopia. The mean differences in cylinder magnitude were -0.10 ± 0.27 D and 0.00 ± 0.25 D, respectively. The percentage of eyes within ±0.50 D of the attempted correction was 81% (manifest), 70% (Seidel), and 67% (non-Seidel) for myopia and 71% (manifest), 61% (Seidel), and 64% (non-Seidel) for hyperopia. CONCLUSIONS: The achieved refractive accuracy by manifest refraction was better than the predicted accuracy had Seidel or non-Seidel aberrometric refractions been used for surgical planning. Using the Seidel method improved the accuracy in myopic eyes but not in hyperopic eyes. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: Dr. Reinstein is a consultant to Carl Zeiss Meditec AG and has a proprietary interest in the Artemis technology (Arcscan Inc., Morrison, Colorado, USA) through patents administered by the Cornell Center for Technology Enterprise and Commercialization, Ithaca, New York. No other author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Treatment of symptomatic bullous keratopathy with poor visual prognosis using a modified Gundersen conjunctival flap and amniotic membrane.

A modified Gundersen conjunctival flap combined with amniotic membrane to treat symptomatic bullous keratopathy and poor visual prognosis is described. A 360° conjunctival peritomy was performed 2 mm from the limbus. After complete epithelial removal of the corneo-conjunctival surface, an amniotic membrane graft was sutured at the peripheral cornea with a running 10-0 nylon suture. Single 9-0 polyglactin sutures attached the edges of the amniotic membrane with the peritomized conjunctiva, which lay over the amniotic membrane. Five eyes were treated. Epithelialization, resolution of the pain, presence of ocular surface inflammation, and reinterventions were assessed. All eyes showed immediate resolution of the pain and minimal inflammation. In 1 eye, the amniotic membrane was reabsorbed before complete epithelialization. No reinterventions were required. All eyes were asymptomatic for at least 16 months. This technique provided sustained relief of symptomatic bullous keratopathy while significantly reducing the conjunctival manipulation and the anatomical distortion associated with classic sliding conjunctival flaps.

Ocular adverse events of systemic inhibitors of the epidermal growth factor receptor: report of 5 cases.

PURPOSE: To describe the ocular effects associated with the administration of the systemic epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors panitumumab and erlotinib. DESIGN: Retrospective, noncomparative interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: Ten eyes of 5 patients in treatment with systemic EGFR inhibitors, 4 patients with erlotinib for end-stage lung carcinoma, and 1 patient with panitumumab for end-stage colorectal cancer. METHODS: Data collected from charts included gender, age at presentation, systemic disease, and clinical presentation in each eye. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Demographics on presentation and clinical findings. RESULTS: Multiple epithelial defects were observed in all 10 eyes, corneal melting and thinning were observed in 3 eyes of 2 patients, 2 eyes of 1 patient presented with lower lid ectropion, and 2 eyes of 2 patients presented with corneal perforation, both requiring a penetrating keratoplasty. CONCLUSIONS: Severe ocular side effects, including corneal perforation, may be associated with the use of the EGFR inhibitors panitumumab and erlotinib.

Transient myopic shift after phakic intraocular lens implantation.

UNLABELLED: Three patients presented with spontaneous myopic shift 6 weeks to 6 months after implantation of the Artiflex phakic intraocular lens (pIOL). The corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) was maintained in all cases. Cyclopentolate drops successfully reverted the myopic shift in all cases; however, 2 cases required surgical reenclavation of the pIOL haptics to achieve long-term refractive stability. At the last follow-up, all patients had returned to emmetropia, with uncorrected distance visual acuities of 20/20. A slight decrease in objective optical quality was observed. No eye lost a line of CDVA. In 1 eye, optical coherence tomography scans showed slight posterior positioning of the pIOL. These cases show that spontaneous myopic shift is a potential complication of iris-claw pIOL implantation. That cyclopentolate drops and/or reenclavation of the haptics were effective in reverting the situation suggests a mechanical mechanism related to iris and ciliary body dynamics. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: Dr. Güell is a consultant to Ophtec. No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Collagen crosslinking and toric iris-claw phakic intraocular lens for myopic astigmatism in progressive mild to moderate keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To report the long-term results of combined collagen crosslinking (CXL) and toric phakic intraocular lens (pIOL) implantation to correct myopic astigmatism in patients with progressive mild to moderate keratoconus. SETTING: Instituto de Microcirugia Ocular, Barcelona, Spain. DESIGN: Case series. METHODS: From November 2006 to July 2009, CXL was performed in eyes with proven progressive keratoconus. Once refraction and topography stabilized, toric Artiflex/Artisan pIOL implantation was performed to correct residual myopic astigmatism. A complete ophthalmologic examination, including manifest refraction, uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuities, biomicroscopy, tonometry, fundoscopy, keratometry, corneal tomography, and central endothelial cell count (ECC), was performed before each procedure and postoperatively at 3 months and at yearly intervals up to 5 years. Main outcome measures were accuracy and stability of the spherical equivalent (SE) and cylinder, keratometry, UDVA (efficacy), CDVA (safety), central ECC, and complications. RESULTS: The median follow-up in the 9 patients (17 eyes) was 36.9 months ± 15.0 (SD). The median interval between CXL and pIOL implantation was 3.9 ± 0.7 months. Fourteen eyes (82%) were within ± 0.50 diopter (D) of the attempted SE correction and 13 eyes (76%) were within ± 1.00 D of the attempted cylinder correction. The mean difference in simulated keratometry between preoperatively and the last follow-up was 0.17 ± 0.45 D (range -0.55 to 1.45 D). The postoperative UDVA was 20/40 or better in 16 eyes (94%). No eye lost lines of CDVA. No significant decrease in central ECC occurred (P>.05). CONCLUSION: Combined CXL and toric iris-claw pIOL implantation effectively and safely corrected myopic astigmatism in progressive mild to moderate keratoconus. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: Dr. Güell is a consultant to Ophtec. No other author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or methods mentioned.

Femtosecond laser-assisted enhancements after laser in situ keratomileusis.

UNLABELLED: We describe a technique of femtosecond laser-assisted enhancement after primary LASIK with a mechanical microkeratome-created flap. The vertical side-cut incision by the femtosecond laser creates a wound configuration that decreases mechanical trauma to the epithelium and prevents epithelial cell migration. These factors may decrease the risk for post-LASIK enhancement epithelial ingrowth. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned. Additional disclosures are found in the footnotes.

Phakic intraocular lenses: part 2: results and complications.

The second part of a review of phakic intraocular lenses (pIOLs) addresses results and complications with current pIOL models. Phakic IOLs demonstrate reversibility, high optical quality, potential gain in visual acuity in myopic patients due to retinal magnification; correction is not limited by corneal thickness or topography. With proper anatomical conditions, pIOLs also show good results in hyperopic patients. Toric pIOL designs enable spherocylindrical correction. Complications are rare and primarily related to pIOL position and type. The main complications of angle-supported anterior chamber pIOLs are glare and halos, pupil ovalization, and corneal endothelial cell loss; of iris-fixated anterior chamber pIOLs, chronic subclinical inflammation, corneal endothelial cell loss, and dislocation or pupillary block glaucoma; and of posterior chamber pIOLs, anterior subcapsular cataract formation, pigment dispersion, and luxation or pupillary block glaucoma. No causative relationship between pIOL implantation (of any pIOL type) and retinal detachment has been established.

Phakic intraocular lenses part 1: historical overview, current models, selection criteria, and surgical techniques.

In this 2-part overview, the current status of phakic intraocular lens (pIOL) surgery to correct refractive errors is reviewed. Three types of pIOLs, categorized by their intraocular position, are included: angle-supported anterior chamber, iris-fixated anterior chamber, and posterior chamber (usually fixated in the ciliary sulcus). Part 1 reviews the main models of each pIOL type, the selection criteria, and the surgical techniques, with emphasis on currently available pIOLs. Bioptics, adjustable refractive surgery, and enhancements are addressed, and applications of the new anterior segment imaging techniques are reviewed.

Intrastromal corneal ring segments to correct low myopia in eyes with irregular or abnormal topography including forme fruste keratoconus: 4-year follow-up.

PURPOSE: To report the 4-year outcomes after Intacs intrastromal corneal ring segment (ICRS) implantation to correct low myopia in patients with abnormal topography. SETTING: Instituto de Microcirugia Ocular, Barcelona, Spain. METHODS: This retrospective consecutive interventional case series included eyes with myopia lower than -4.50 diopters (D) and abnormal topography that excluded excimer laser surgery. Evaluation was performed preoperatively and at yearly intervals up to 4 years postoperatively. The 4-year outcomes measures were uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuities, predictability and stability of refractive correction, the efficacy and safety indices, and complications. RESULTS: After ICRS implantation, 82.05% of 39 eyes (21 patients) were within +/-1.00 diopter (D) of emmetropia and 46.15% were within +/-0.50 D. Refractive correction improved during the first 6 months and remained stable up to 4 years. The UDVA was 20/40 or better in all eyes and 20/20 or better in 38.46% of eyes. Seven eyes (17.95%) lost 1 line of CDVA, and no eye lost 2 or more lines. No intraoperative complications occurred. The ICRS were exchanged for thicker ICRS in 7 eyes (17.9%) because of undercorrection. One patient requested ICRS removal due to unsatisfactory refractive results. CONCLUSIONS: The 4-year results indicate that ICRS implantation is effective and safe in the correction of low myopia in patients for whom excimer laser surgery is contraindicated because of abnormal topography, including forme fruste keratoconus. The achieved refractive correction remained stable throughout the follow-up. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.