Corneal Collagen Cross-linking in Advanced Keratoconus: A 4-Year Follow-up Study.

PURPOSE: To analyze the safety and efficacy of standard corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) in advanced cases of progressive keratoconus after 4 years of follow-up. METHODS: A retrospective case series of patients with advanced progressive keratoconus (stages 3 and 4 of Amsler-Krumeich classification) underwent standard CXL treatment. The parameters examined were changes in uncorrected visual acuity (UDVA), corrected visual acuity (CDVA), keratometry values (mean, flat, steep, and apical), pachymetry, and endothelial cell count at the baseline and at 12, 24, and 48 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Forty eyes of 40 patients were enrolled in the study. The mean patient age was 22.5 years (range: 15 to 37 years). Both mean UDVA and CDVA remained stable during the time points; no statistically significant change was noted. Although a slight reduction was observed in all keratometric readings, a statistically significant reduction was only reached in the apical keratometry (P = .037) at 4 years after CXL. A significant reduction in the corneal thickness was also found (ultrasonic: 388 ± 49 to 379 ± 48 µm; slit-scanning: 362 ± 48 to 353 ± 51 µm); however, this change was likely not clinically meaningful. Endothelial cell count was not significantly different at the end of the study. Treatment failure or progression was noted in two patients (5%) over the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Standard CXL treatment was safe and able to stabilize both visual acuity and topographic parameters at 4 years of follow-up in eyes with advanced keratoconus. [J Refract Surg. 2016;32(7):459-464.].

Ocular risk management in patients undergoing general anesthesia: an analysis of 39,431 surgeries.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to describe and analyze ocular findings associated with nonocular surgery in patients who underwent general anesthesia. METHODS: The authors retrospectively collected a series of 39,431 surgeries using standardized data forms. RESULTS: Ocular findings were reported in 9 cases (2.3:10,000), which involved patients with a mean age of 58.9±19.5 years. These cases involved patients classified as ASA I (33%), ASA II (55%) or ASA III (11%). General anesthesia with propofol and remifentanil was used in 4 cases, balanced general anesthesia was used in 4 cases, and regional block was used in combination with balanced general anesthesia in one case. Five patients (55%) underwent surgery in the supine position, one patient (11%) underwent surgery in the lithotomy position, two patients (22%) underwent surgery in the prone position, and one patient (11%) underwent surgery in the lateral position. Ocular hyperemia was detected in most (77%) of the 9 cases with ocular findings; pain/burning of the eyes, visual impairment, eye discharge and photophobia were observed in 55%, 11%, 11% and 11%, respectively, of these 9 cases. No cases involved permanent ocular injury or vision loss. CONCLUSION: Ophthalmological findings after surgeries were uncommon, and most of the included patients were relatively healthy. Minor complications, such as dehydration or superficial ocular trauma, should be prevented by following systematic protocols that provide appropriate ocular occlusion with a lubricating ointment and protect the eye with an acrylic occluder. These procedures will refine the quality of anesthesia services and avoid discomfort among patients, surgeons and anesthesia staff.

Ocular risk management in patients undergoing general anesthesia: an analysis of 39,431 surgeries

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to describe and analyze ocular findings associated with nonocular surgery in patients who underwent general anesthesia. METHODS: The authors retrospectively collected a series of 39,431 surgeries using standardized data forms. RESULTS: Ocular findings were reported in 9 cases (2.3:10,000), which involved patients with a mean age of 58.9±19.5 years. These cases involved patients classified as ASA I (33%), ASA II (55%) or ASA III (11%). General anesthesia with propofol and remifentanil was used in 4 cases, balanced general anesthesia was used in 4 cases, and regional block was used in combination with balanced general anesthesia in one case. Five patients (55%) underwent surgery in the supine position, one patient (11%) underwent surgery in the lithotomy position, two patients (22%) underwent surgery in the prone position, and one patient (11%) underwent surgery in the lateral position. Ocular hyperemia was detected in most (77%) of the 9 cases with ocular findings; pain/burning of the eyes, visual impairment, eye discharge and photophobia were observed in 55%, 11%, 11% and 11%, respectively, of these 9 cases. No cases involved permanent ocular injury or vision loss. CONCLUSION: Ophthalmological findings after surgeries were uncommon, and most of the included patients were relatively healthy. Minor complications, such as dehydration or superficial ocular trauma, should be prevented by following systematic protocols that provide appropriate ocular occlusion with a lubricating ointment and protect the eye with an acrylic occluder. These procedures will refine the quality of anesthesia services and avoid discomfort among patients, surgeons and anesthesia staff. .

Accelerated Corneal Collagen Cross-linking for Postoperative LASIK Ectasia: Two-Year Outcomes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking for postoperative LASIK ectasia after 2 years. METHODS: A prospective, single-center case series was performed with patients treated for postoperative LASIK ectasia. All eyes underwent accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking (CCL-Vario Crosslinking; Peschke Meditrade GmbH, Zurich, Switzerland) at 9 mW/cm(2) for 10 minutes. The main outcome measures were changes in uncorrected distance visual acuity, corrected distance visual acuity, central corneal thickness, corneal topography, and endothelial cell density. These parameters were assessed at baseline and at the 6-month and 1- and 2-year follow-up visit. RESULTS: The study enrolled 40 eyes of 24 patients (15 male and 9 female) with a mean age of 33.8 ± 7.5 years (range: 24 to 52 years) that attained at least 2 years of follow-up. The surgical procedure was uneventful in all cases. All eyes stabilized after treatment without any further signs of progression and no statistically significant changes in the mean uncorrected distance visual acuity (P = .649), corrected distance visual acuity (P = .616), mean keratometry (P =.837), steep keratometry (P = .956), ultrasonic pachymetry (P = .135), slit-scanning pachymetry (P = .276), and endothelial cell density (P = .523). In addition, 72.5% of the patients presented stable or gains of Snellen lines over time. CONCLUSIONS: Accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking seems to be safe and effective in halting postoperative LASIK ectasia progression after 2 years of follow-up. However, a longer follow-up period with a larger cohort is needed to validate these findings.

Comparação prospectiva e randomizada entre DisCo Visc e hidroxipropilmetilcelulose 2(porcento) durante a facoemulsificação / Prospective randomized comparison of DisCoVisc and 2(porcento) hydroxypropylmethilcellulose in phacoemulsification

INTRODUÇÃO: Comparar duas soluções viscoelásticas, ácido hialurônico 1,6%/sulfato de condroitina 4% (DisCoVisc®, Alcon Laboratórios, EUA) e hidroxipropilmetilcelulose 2% (HPMC, Ophthalmos, Brasil), com relação ao desempenho durante a facoemulsificação (FACO) e o implante de lente intraocular. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um ensaio clínico randomizado, envolvendo 78 olhos (39 pacientes) submetidos à FACO bilateral, por um único cirurgião. Os pacientes foram randomizados para receber DisCoVisc ou HPMC no primeiro olho. O olho contralateral foi operado mais tarde recebendo a outra solução viscoelástica em todas as etapas da cirurgia. Examinadores mascarados realizaram as avaliações pré e pósoperatórias (5, 24 e 48 horas; 7 e 14 dias; 3 e 6 meses), incluindo a medida da pressão intraocular (PIO), espessura cornena central (ECC) e acuidade visual corrigida. A densidade endotelial foi realizada no pré-operatório e ao final do seguimento (6 meses). Variáveis intraoperatórias incluíram medidas da quantidade total de solução viscoelástica, tempo de ultrassom durante a FACO e tempo para a retirada completa da solução do olho. RESULTADOS: A densidade endotelial foi estatisticamente superior com DisCoVisc (2.214 ± 372 cel/mm2) do que com HPMC (2.032 ± 460 cel/mm2) ao final do seguimento (p = 0,001). Uma redução média de 7% e de 15%, respectivamente. Não houve diferença estatística entre as soluções viscoelásticas com relação a densidade da catarata (p = 0,363) e o tempo de ultrassom (p = 0,456). O tempo de aspiração da HPMC (0,22 ± 0,09 min) foi significativamente maior que o DisCoVisc (0,17 ± 0,06 min) (p = 0,001) e a quantidade de viscoelástico utilizada foi maior com a HPMC (1,35 ± 0,20 ml) do que com DisCoVisc (0,89 ± 0,11 ml) (p < 0,001). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre as soluções quanto a ECC e a PIO durante o seguimento. CONCLUSÕES: A densidade endotelial ao final do estudo foi significativamente maior com o uso de DisCoVisc, o que pode...

INTRODUCTION: To compare two ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVDs), 1.6% hyaluronic acid/4% chondroitin sulfate (DisCoVisc®, Alcon Lab., USA) and 2% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC, Ophthalmos, Brazil), in terms of their overall performance during phacoemulsification (PHACO) and intraocular lens implantation. METHODS: This prospective, randomized clinical trial comprised 78 eyes (39 patients) that underwent PHACO by the same surgeon. Patients were randomly assigned to receive DisCoVisc or HPMC on the first eye. The other eye was treated later and received the other OVD. Masked examiners measured intraocular pressure (IOP), central corneal thickness (CCT) and best-corrected visual acuity. The corneal endothelial cell density was measured at baseline and at 6 months postoperatively. Intraoperative variables include the total amount of the OVD, ultrasound and washout times. RESULTS: Corneal endothelial cell density was significantly higher with DisCoVisc (2.214 ± 372 cell/mm2) than HPMC (2.032 ± 460 cell/mm2) at the end of follow-up (p = 0.001). A mean reduction of 7% and 15%, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences between OVDs in terms of cataract density (p = 0.363) or ultrasound time (p = 0.456). Regarding washout time, it took longer to remove HPMC (0.22 ± 0.09 min) than DisCoVisc (0.17 ± 0.06 min) (p = 0.001), and the amount of viscoelastic material used was greater with HPMC (1.35 ± 0.20 ml) than DisCoVisc (0.89 ± 0.11 ml) (p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences between the two OVDs regarding CCT or IOP measurements at any point in time. CONCLUSION: The corneal endothelial cell loss was significantly less with DisCoVisc than HPMC, which can improve corneal endothelium protection. DisCoVisc was easier to remove after IOL implantation and fewer amounts were necessary during PHACO.

Influence of aspheric intraocular lens on frequency doubling technology and contrast sensitivity: a fellow eye study / Influência da lente intraocular asférica na perimetria de frequência dupla e sensibilidade ao contraste: estudo contralateral

Purpose: To evaluate whether implantation of an aspheric intraocular lens (IOL) results in reduced ocular aberrations and improved contrast sensitivity after cataract surgery and, therefore, changes on frequency-doubling technology (FDT) testing. Methods: The present prospective clinical study enrolled 25 patients with bilateral cataract (50 eyes), who randomly received either an aspheric (Akreos AO) or a spherical (Akreos Fit) IOL in one eye and the other IOL in the second eye. Assessment 12 months postoperatively included photopic and mesopic contrast sensitivity testing. Higher-order aberrations (HOAs) were computed. FDT testing was divided into four areas to evaluate the variation of the values at different points. The median values of the local pattern thresholds (median area contrast sensitivity [MACS]) obtained with that division were calculated. Results: The Akreos AO group obtained statistically significantly lower values of HOAs and spherical aberration compared with the Akreos Fit group. There was a statistically significant between-group difference in contrast sensitivity under mesopic conditions at all spatial frequencies. No statistically significant differences were observed in mean deviation and pattern standard deviation. The aspheric IOL exhibited higher MACS in all areas, although a statistically significant difference was reached only in the 20-degree field area (P=0.043). Conclusion: Aspheric IOLs significantly reduced spherical aberration and HOAs, improving mesopic contrast sensitivity. Although there was a trend toward slightly improved FDT in the aspheric IOL group, it was not statistically significant. .

Objetivo: Avaliar se o implante de uma lente intraocular (LIO) asférica reduz a aberração ocular (alta ordem e esférica), melhora a sensibilidade ao contraste e consequentemente, provoca mudanças nos valores da perimetria de frequência dupla (FDT ). Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo prospectivo envolvendo 25 pacientes com catarata bilateral (50 olhos) que foram randomizados para receberem uma LIO asférica (Akreos AO) em um olho e uma LIO esfércia (Akreos Fit) no olho contralateral. Com 12 meses de pós-operatório a sensibilidade ao contraste (condições fotópicas e mesópicas) e a aberração de alta ordem foram computados. A FDT foi dividida em 4 áreas para análise da variação dos valores em diferentes localizações. Os valores médios dos limiares locais (área média de sensibilidade ao contraste [MACS]) obtidos com essa divisão foram calculados. Resultados: O grupo da Akreos AO apresentou menores valores de aberração de alta ordem e aberração esférica. Houve diferença estatisticamente significativa na sensibilidade ao contraste em condições mesópicas em todas frequências. Não houve diferença estatística nos valores do mean deviation e pattern standard deviation da FDT. A LIO asférica apresentou maiores MACS em todas as áreas, embora diferença estatística foi encontrada apenas na área de 20 graus de campo visual (P=0,043). Conclusões: A lente asférica reduziu significativamente a quantidade de aberração de alta ordem e esférica, melhorando a sensibilidade ao contraste em condições mesópicas. Embora houve uma melhora nos valores da FDT no grupo da LIO asférica, essa diferença não foi estatisticamente significativa. .

Influence of aspheric intraocular lens on frequency doubling technology and contrast sensitivity: a fellow eye study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether implantation of an aspheric intraocular lens (IOL) results in reduced ocular aberrations and improved contrast sensitivity after cataract surgery and, therefore, changes on frequency-doubling technology (FDT) testing. METHODS: The present prospective clinical study enrolled 25 patients with bilateral cataract (50 eyes), who randomly received either an aspheric (Akreos AO) or a spherical (Akreos Fit) IOL in one eye and the other IOL in the second eye. Assessment 12 months postoperatively included photopic and mesopic contrast sensitivity testing. Higher-order aberrations (HOAs) were computed. FDT testing was divided into four areas to evaluate the variation of the values at different points. The median values of the local pattern thresholds (median area contrast sensitivity [MACS]) obtained with that division were calculated. RESULTS: The Akreos AO group obtained statistically significantly lower values of HOAs and spherical aberration compared with the Akreos Fit group. There was a statistically significant between-group difference in contrast sensitivity under mesopic conditions at all spatial frequencies. No statistically significant differences were observed in mean deviation and pattern standard deviation. The aspheric IOL exhibited higher MACS in all areas, although a statistically significant difference was reached only in the 20-degree field area (P=0.043). CONCLUSION: Aspheric IOLs significantly reduced spherical aberration and HOAs, improving mesopic contrast sensitivity. Although there was a trend toward slightly improved FDT in the aspheric IOL group, it was not statistically significant.

[Brazilian trends in refractive surgery]. / Censo Brasileiro de cirurgia refrativa.

PURPOSE: To determine preferences and practices of refractive surgeons in Brazil. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted based on the data collected from a questionnaire applied during the VI Brazilian Congress of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and by e-mail sent to all members of that society. Refractive surgery techniques, use of emerging technologies, surgical volume, type of excimer laser and microkeratomes, mitomycin C, postoperative medications were analyzed among others questions. RESULTS: Two hundred ninety-two surgeons replied to the questions. The majority has a surgical volume between 2 and 4 eyes per week (57.60%). Most of the surgeons (64.50%) perform corneal tomography routinely and 22.00% of them do never customize their surgeries. The laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is the main technique performed and when the photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is applied; most of the surgeons uses mitomycin C (52.60%) in these patients. The excimer laser of choice was the Nidek (26.12%). CONCLUSION: LASIK is the preferred surgical procedure and the majority customizes their refractive surgeries. When photorefractive keratectomy is performed, mitomycin C is used by most of the surgeons (52.60%). Bilateral surgery is routinely performed and the femtosecond laser is still used by few refractive surgeons.

Censo Brasileiro de Cirurgia Refrativa / Brazilian Trends in Refractive Surgery

OBJETIVO: Determinar preferências e práticas dos cirurgiões refrativos do Brasil. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo transversal baseado na coleta de dados de um questionário aplicado durante o VI Congresso Brasileiro de Catarata e Cirurgia Refrativa em 2011. As questões também foram enviadas por e-mail aos membros dessa sociedade. Perguntas sobre preferências de técnicas, uso de novas tecnologias, volume cirúrgico, tipo de excimer laser, microcerátomo e topógrafos mais utilizados, uso de mitomicina C, colírios pós-operatórios, dentre outras, foram analisados. RESULTADOS: No total, 292 cirurgiões responderam a pesquisa. A maioria possui um volume mensal entre 2 a 4 olhos por semana (57,60%). Grande parte (64,50%) realiza tomografia de córnea de rotina e apenas 22,00% dos analisados não personalizam suas cirurgias. A técnica de ceratomileusis in situ a laser (LASIK) é a mais realizada e quando a ceratectomia fotorrefrativa (PRK) é utilizada, a maioria dos cirurgiões aplica a mitomicina C (52,60%) nesses pacientes. A marca de excimer laser mais utilizada até o momento é a Nidek (26,12%). CONCLUSÃO: A técnica de LASIK é mais realizada pelos cirurgiões, sendo que a maioria personaliza parte de suas cirurgias e quando a ceratectomia fotorrefrativa é realizada, a mitomicina C é empregada pela maior parte dos entrevistados. A cirurgia bilateral é rotineiramente realizada pela maioria dos cirurgiões e o laser de femtosegundo ainda é empregado apenas por uma minoria dos cirurgiões.

PURPOSE: To determine preferences and practices of refractive surgeons in Brazil. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted based on the data collected from a questionnaire applied during the VI Brazilian Congress of Cataract and Refractive Surgery and by e-mail sent to all members of that society. Refractive surgery techniques, use of emerging technologies, surgical volume, type of excimer laser and microkeratomes, mitomycin C, postoperative medications were analyzed among others questions. RESULTS: Two hundred ninety-two surgeons replied to the questions. The majority has a surgical volume between 2 and 4 eyes per week (57.60%). Most of the surgeons (64.50%) perform corneal tomography routinely and 22.00% of them do never customize their surgeries. The laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) is the main technique performed and when the photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is applied; most of the surgeons uses mitomycin C (52.60%) in these patients. The excimer laser of choice was the Nidek (26.12%). CONCLUSION: LASIK is the preferred surgical procedure and the majority customizes their refractive surgeries. When photorefractive keratectomy is performed, mitomycin C is used by most of the surgeons (52.60%). Bilateral surgery is routinely performed and the femtosecond laser is still used by few refractive surgeons.

Cataract surgery: emotional reactions of patients with monocular versus binocular vision / Cirurgia de catarata: aspectos emocionais de pacientes com visão monocular versus binocular

PURPOSE: To analyze emotional reactions related to cataract surgery in two groups of patients (monocular vision - Group 1; binocular vision - Group 2). METHODS: A transversal comparative study was performed using a structured questionnaire from a previous exploratory study before cataract surgery. RESULTS: 206 patients were enrolled in the study, 96 individuals in Group 1 (69.3 ± 10.4 years) and 110 in Group 2 (68.2 ± 10.2 years). Most patients in group 1 (40.6%) and 22.7% of group 2, reported fear of surgery (p<0.001). The most important causes of fear were: possibility of blindness, ocular complications and death during surgery. The most prevalent feelings among the groups were doubts about good results and nervousness. CONCLUSION: Patients with monocular vision reported more fear and doubts related to surgical outcomes. Thus, it is necessary that phisycians considers such emotional reactions and invest more time than usual explaining the risks and the benefits of cataract surgery.Ouvir.

OBJETIVO: Verificar reações emocionais relacionadas à cirurgia de catarata entre pacientes com visão monocular (Grupo 1) e binocular (Grupo 2). MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo tranversal, comparativo por meio de um questionário estruturado respondido por pacientes antes da cirurgia de catarata. RESULTADOS: A amostra foi composta de 96 pacientes no Grupo 1 (69.3 ± 10.4 anos) e 110 no Grupo 2 (68.2 ± 10.2 anos). Consideravam apresentar medo da cirugia 40.6% do Grupo 1 e 22.7% do Grupo 2 (p<0.001) e entre as principais causas do medo, a possibilidade de perda da visão, complicações cirúrgicas e a morte durante o procedimento foram apontadas. Os sentimentos mais comuns entre os dois grupos foram dúvidas a cerca dos resultados da cirurgia e o nervosismo diante do procedimento. CONCLUSÃO: Pacientes com visão monocular apresentaram mais medo e dúvidas relacionadas à cirurgia de catarata comparados com aqueles com visão binocular. Portanto, é necessário que os médicos considerem estas reações emocionais e invistam mais tempo para esclarecer os riscos e benefícios da cirurgia de catarata.

Effect of aspherical and yellow tinted intraocular lens on blue-on-yellow perimetry / Efeito das lentes intraoculares asféricas e com pigmentação amarela na campimetria azul-amarelo

PURPOSE: To investigate the possible effect of aspherical or yellow tinted intraocular lens (IOL) on contrast sensitivity and blue-on-yellow perimetry. METHODS: This prospective randomized bilateral double-masked clinical study included 52 patients with visually significant bilateral cataracts divided in two groups; 25 patients (50 eyes) received aspherical intraocular lens in one eye and spherical intraocular lens in the fellow eye; and 27 patients (54 eyes) received ultraviolet and blue light filter (yellow tinted) IOL implantation in one eye and acrylic ultraviolet filter IOL in the fellow eye. The primary outcome measures were contrast sensitivity and blue-on-yellow perimetry values (mean deviation [MD] and pattern standard deviation [PSD]) investigated two years after surgery. The results were compared intra-individually. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant between-group (aspherical and spherical intraocular lens) difference in contrast sensitivity under photopic conditions at 12 cycles per degree and under mesopic conditions at all spatial frequencies. There were no between-group significant differences (yellow tinted and clear intraocular lens) under photopic or mesopic conditions. There was no statistically significant difference between all intraocular lens in MD or PSD. CONCLUSION: Contrast sensitivity was better under mesopic conditions with aspherical intraocular lens. Blue-on-yellow perimetry did not appear to be affected by aspherical or yellow tinted intraocular lens. Further studies with a larger sample should be carried out to confirm or not that hypotheses.

OBJETIVO: Investigar a possibilidade de efeitos na sensibilidade ao contraste e nos resultados da campimetria azul-amarelo com implante de uma lente intraocular (LIO) asférica ou de pigmentação amarela. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo prospectivo, randomizado, duplo-mascarado, envolvendo 52 pacientes portadores de catarata senil bilateral, divididos em dois grupos; 25 pacientes (50 olhos) receberam uma LIO asférica em um olho e uma esférica no olho contralateral; e 27 pacientes (54 olhos) com implante de uma LIO de pigmentação amarela e uma LIO convencional no olho contralateral. O principal resultado do estudo foi a sensibilidade ao contraste e os dados da perimetria azul-amarelo ("mean deviation" [MD] e "pattern standard deviation" [PSD]). Os resultados foram analisados interindividualmente. RESULTADOS: Houve diferença estatística entre os grupos (lentes asféricas e esféricas) na sensibilidade ao contraste em condições fotópicas (12 ciclos por grau) e em condições mesópicas (todas frequências). Não houve diferença estatística na sensibilidade ao contraste entre as lentes de pigmentação amarela e convencionais. Não houve diferença estatística nos valores de MD e PSD entre os grupos. CONCLUSÃO: A sensibilidade ao contraste foi melhor em condições mesópicas com as lentes asféricas. A campimetria azul-amarelo parece não ser influenciada por LIOs asféricas e com pigmentação amarela. Mais estudos com uma amostra maior são necessários para confirmar ou afastar essa hipótese.

Cancelamento de cirurgias de catarata em um hospital público de referência / Cancellation of cataract surgery in a public hospital

OBJETIVO: Analisar a incidência e causas de cancelamento de cirurgias de catarata em um hospital público de referência. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo em que foram analisados o número de cancelamentos de facectomias durante o ano de 2009. Foram analisados sexo, idade, tipo de procedimento suspenso (facoemulsificação ou extração extracapsular do cristalino), tipo de anestesia, convênio (Sistema Único de Saúde ou convênio/particular) e motivo de suspensão da cirurgia (causas clínicas, institucionais ou pessoais). RESULTADOS: Foram agendadas no período 2.965 cirurgias de catarata, havendo 650 cancelamentos (21,92%). Dentre as principais razões para a suspensão do procedimento destacaram-se as causas clínicas (86,90%). Os meses de inverno apresentaram os maiores índices de suspensão de cirurgias de catarata. CONCLUSÃO: A taxa de cancelamento de cirurgia de catarata em serviços públicos parece ser a mesma que há 10 anos. A principal causa de suspensão deve-se por condições clínicas (hipertensão, diabetes, falta de exames, etc.).

PURPOSE: To report the incidence and causes of cataract surgery cancellations in a public hospital. METHODS: This is a retrospective study, which examined the number of cancellations of cataract surgery during 2009. We analyzed the type of procedure suspended (phacoemulsification or extracapsular extraction), type of anesthesia, gender, age, covenant (public/private) and the main reasons for suspension of the surgeries (clinical causes, institutional or personal). RESULTS: We analyzed 2,965 scheduled cataract surgeries, with 650 cancellations (21.92%). The main reason for the suspension of the procedure was clinical causes (86.90%). The winter months had the highest suspension rates of cataract surgery. CONCLUSION: The cancellation rate of cataract surgery in Brazilian public system seems to be the same as 10 years ago. The main cause of the suspension should be in clinical conditions (hypertension, diabetes, lack of exams, etc.).

A clinical comparison between DisCoVisc and 2% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose in phacoemulsification: a fellow eye study.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to compare the effects and outcomes of two ophthalmic viscosurgical devices, 1.6% hyaluronic acid/4.0% chondroitin sulfate and 2.0% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, during phacoemulsification. METHODS: This prospective, randomized clinical trial comprised 78 eyes (39 patients) that received phacoemulsification performed by the same surgeon using a standardized technique. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either 1.6% hyaluronic acid/4.0% chondroitin sulfate or 2.0% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose on the first eye. The other eye was treated later and received the other viscoelastic agent. Preoperative and postoperative examinations (5, 24 and 48 hours; 7 and 14 days; 3 and 6 months) included measurements of the total volume of the ophthalmic viscosurgical device, ultrasound and washout times to completely remove the ophthalmic viscosurgical device, intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness and best-corrected visual acuity. The corneal endothelial cell count was measured at baseline and at six months postoperatively. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01387620. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between groups in terms of cataract density or ultrasound time. However, it took longer to remove 2.0% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose than 1.6% hyaluronic acid/ 4.0% chondroitin sulfate, and the amount of viscoelastic material used was greater in the 2.0% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose group. In addition, the best-corrected visual acuity was significantly better in the hyaluronic acid/ chondroitin sulfate group, but this preferable outcome was only observed at 24 hours after the operation. There were no statistically significant differences between the two ophthalmic viscosurgical devices regarding the central corneal thickness or intraocular pressure measurements at any point in time. The corneal endothelial cell count was significantly higher in the hyaluronic acid/chondroitin sulfate group. CONCLUSION: The ophthalmic viscosurgical device consisting of 1.6% hyaluronic acid/4.0% chondroitin sulfate was more efficient during phacoemulsification and was easier to remove after IOL implantation than 2.0% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose. In addition, the corneal endothelial cell count was significantly higher following the use of hyaluronic acid/chondroitin sulfate than with hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, which promoted an improved level of corneal endothelium protection.

A clinical comparison between DisCoVisc and 2% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose in phacoemulsification: a fellow eye study

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to compare the effects and outcomes of two ophthalmic viscosurgical devices, 1.6% hyaluronic acid/4.0% chondroitin sulfate and 2.0% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, during phacoemulsification. METHODS: This prospective, randomized clinical trial comprised 78 eyes (39 patients) that received phacoemulsification performed by the same surgeon using a standardized technique. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either 1.6% hyaluronic acid/4.0% chondroitin sulfate or 2.0% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose on the first eye. The other eye was treated later and received the other viscoelastic agent. Preoperative and postoperative examinations (5, 24 and 48 hours; 7 and 14 days; 3 and 6 months) included measurements of the total volume of the ophthalmic viscosurgical device, ultrasound and washout times to completely remove the ophthalmic viscosurgical device, intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness and best-corrected visual acuity. The corneal endothelial cell count was measured at baseline and at six months postoperatively. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01387620. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between groups in terms of cataract density or ultrasound time. However, it took longer to remove 2.0% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose than 1.6% hyaluronic acid/ 4.0% chondroitin sulfate, and the amount of viscoelastic material used was greater in the 2.0% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose group. In addition, the best-corrected visual acuity was significantly better in the hyaluronic acid/ chondroitin sulfate group, but this preferable outcome was only observed at 24 hours after the operation. There were no statistically significant differences between the two ophthalmic viscosurgical devices regarding the central corneal thickness or intraocular pressure measurements at any point in time. The corneal endothelial cell count was significantly higher in the hyaluronic acid/chondroitin sulfate group. CONCLUSION: The ophthalmic viscosurgical device consisting of 1.6% hyaluronic acid/4.0% chondroitin sulfate was more efficient during phacoemulsification and was easier to remove after IOL implantation than 2.0% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose. In addition, the corneal endothelial cell count was significantly higher following the use of hyaluronic acid/chondroitin sulfate than with hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, which promoted an improved level of corneal endothelium protection.

Facoemulsificação versus extração extracapsular no sistema público de saúde: análise de custos para o hospital, para o governo e para a sociedade / Phacoemulsification versus extracapsular extraction on public health care system: cost analysis to the hospital, to the government and to the society

OBJETIVO: Comparar custos da cirurgia de catarata em larga escala para um hospital público, para o governo e para a sociedade, pelas técnicas de facoemulsificação (FACO) e extração extracapsular (EECP). MÉTODOS: Foi realizada revisão baseada principalmente em diversos estudos clínicos realizados entre 2002 e 2010, no Centro Cirúrgico Ambulatorial do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo. RESULTADOS: Os gastos estimados com os insumos utilizados para as cirurgias foram de R$ 468,92 no grupo FACO e R$ 259,96 no grupo EECP. As despesas hospitalares com o acompanhamento pós-operatório foram em média de R$ 16,40 (42%) menores no grupo FACO. Com relação ao gasto estimado para a Previdência Social, o grupo EECP custou em média, US$ 44,58 por paciente a mais que o grupo FACO. CONCLUSÃO: O incentivo e o investimento governamental para a realização da FACO no SUS são socialmente justificados, deve-se considerar também a economia dos pacientes e do sistema empresarial, bem como as vantagens clínicas para os pacientes e vantagens econômicas para os hospitais.

PURPOSE: To compare the costs of cataract surgery for a public hospital, the government and the society between the techniques of phacoemulsification (PHACO) and extracapsular cataract extraction (EECP). METHODS: A review based on several clinical studies between 2002 and 2010 at the Ambulatorial Surgical Center of the University of São Paulo. RESULTS: The estimated expenses associated with medical supplies used for surgery were R$ 468.92 and R$ 259.96 in the PHACO and EECP groups respectivelly. The hospital expenditures in the postoperative follow-up was approximately R$ 16.40 (42%) lower in the PHACO. Regarding the estimated spending for Social Security, the EECP group cost an average, US$ 44.58 per patient more than the PHACO group.

Effect of aspherical and yellow tinted intraocular lens on blue-on-yellow perimetry.

PURPOSE: To investigate the possible effect of aspherical or yellow tinted intraocular lens (IOL) on contrast sensitivity and blue-on-yellow perimetry. METHODS: This prospective randomized bilateral double-masked clinical study included 52 patients with visually significant bilateral cataracts divided in two groups; 25 patients (50 eyes) received aspherical intraocular lens in one eye and spherical intraocular lens in the fellow eye; and 27 patients (54 eyes) received ultraviolet and blue light filter (yellow tinted) IOL implantation in one eye and acrylic ultraviolet filter IOL in the fellow eye. The primary outcome measures were contrast sensitivity and blue-on-yellow perimetry values (mean deviation [MD] and pattern standard deviation [PSD]) investigated two years after surgery. The results were compared intra-individually. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant between-group (aspherical and spherical intraocular lens) difference in contrast sensitivity under photopic conditions at 12 cycles per degree and under mesopic conditions at all spatial frequencies. There were no between-group significant differences (yellow tinted and clear intraocular lens) under photopic or mesopic conditions. There was no statistically significant difference between all intraocular lens in MD or PSD. CONCLUSION: Contrast sensitivity was better under mesopic conditions with aspherical intraocular lens. Blue-on-yellow perimetry did not appear to be affected by aspherical or yellow tinted intraocular lens. Further studies with a larger sample should be carried out to confirm or not that hypotheses.

[Cancellation of cataract surgery in a public hospital]. / Cancelamento de cirurgias de catarata em um hospital público de referência.

PURPOSE: To report the incidence and causes of cataract surgery cancellations in a public hospital. METHODS: This is a retrospective study, which examined the number of cancellations of cataract surgery during 2009. We analyzed the type of procedure suspended (phacoemulsification or extracapsular extraction), type of anesthesia, gender, age, covenant (public/private) and the main reasons for suspension of the surgeries (clinical causes, institutional or personal). RESULTS: We analyzed 2,965 scheduled cataract surgeries, with 650 cancellations (21.92%). The main reason for the suspension of the procedure was clinical causes (86.90%). The winter months had the highest suspension rates of cataract surgery. CONCLUSION: The cancellation rate of cataract surgery in Brazilian public system seems to be the same as 10 years ago. The main cause of the suspension should be in clinical conditions (hypertension, diabetes, lack of exams, etc.).

[Difficulties in access to treatment for patients undergoing cataract surgery in public and private health systems]. / Dificuldades de acesso ao tratamento de pacientes com indicação de cirurgia de catarata nos Sistemas de Saúde Público e Privado.

PURPOSE: To identify the difficulties in access to diagnosis and treatment of cataract in patients attended during a cataract campaign. METHODS: A questionnaire was administered to patients selected for cataract surgery. We evaluated, among others, the following variables: prior access to ophthalmologists (public or private), reason(s) for not having surgery early in the initial service, the average cost charged by cataract surgery and intraocular lens (IOL) (private services and agreements). RESULTS: A total of 627 patients was evaluated. Most of them - 595 (95%) had previously attended an ophthalmologist, and in 63% of cases (375 patients) the consultation had been held for less than a year. The last evaluation was performed by the Brazilian Public Health System (SUS) in 52% of the cases (307 patients). Regarding the reason for not having surgery in the initial service, the high cost of the surgery (R$ 2.000 - R$ 4.000) and the cost of IOLs (R$ 1.000 - R$ 1.500) was the main obstacle for most attended services and private covenants. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that the routine of ophthalmologic care in SUS at São Paulo is not prepared to answer the demand for cataract surgeries and private healthcare system still excludes a portion of the population. It is important to continue the implementation of community campaigns to serve the population that would be unable to access the surgery through conventional ways.

Effects of blue light-filtering intraocular lenses on the macula, contrast sensitivity, and color vision after a long-term follow-up.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the possible side effects and potential protection 5 years after implantation of an intraocular lens (IOL) with a blue-light filter (yellow tinted). SETTING: Ophthalmology Department, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. DESIGN: Prospective randomized clinical study. METHODS: Patients with bilateral visually significant cataract randomly received an ultraviolet (UV) and blue light-filtering IOL (Acrysof Natural SN60AT) in 1 eye and an acrylic UV light-filtering only IOL (Acrysof SA60AT) in the fellow eye. The primary outcome measures were contrast sensitivity, color vision, and macular findings 5 years after surgery. RESULTS: The study enrolled 60 eyes of 30 patients. There were no significant clinical or optical coherence tomography findings in terms of age-related macular degeneration in any eye. There were no statistically significant differences in central macular thickness between the 2 IOL groups (P=.712). There were also no significant between-group differences under photopic or scotopic conditions at any spatial frequency studied. No statistically significant differences in the color discrimination test were found between the 2 IOL groups (P=.674). CONCLUSIONS: After 5 years, there were no significant differences in color perception, scotopic contrast sensitivity, or photopic contrast sensitivity between the blue light-filtering (yellow-tinted) IOL and the IOL with a UV-light filter only (untinted). The potential advantage of the tinted IOL in providing protection to macular cells remains unclear.