Ten-year safety follow-up and post-explant analysis of an anterior chamber phakic IOL.

PURPOSE: To assess endothelial cell loss (ECL) rate and collect safety data in patients with AcrySof L-series Cachet phakic intraocular lens (pIOL) up to 10 years post-implantation. SETTING: Clinical settings in the United States, European Union, and Canada. DESIGN: Nonrandomized, observational, open-label safety study. METHODS: Central and peripheral endothelial cell density was evaluated and compared with 6-month post-implantation baseline. Nonlinear analysis was performed to identify factors affecting post-explantation ECL. Additional evaluations included uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), adverse device effects (ADEs), and serious adverse events (SAEs). RESULTS: The study included 1123 implanted eyes (mean age, 37.5 years). At 10 years, mean central and peripheral ECL was 16% (1.7% annualized). Explantations were performed in 10% of eyes (n = 136/1323). For eyes with pIOL explantation because of ECL (7%), annualized ECL rate post-explantation was numerically lower compared with the overall rate in eyes that underwent explantation for any reason (annualized rate, -1.65% vs -2.03%, respectively; n = 96) and compared with pre-explantation ECL. Mean ± SD CDVA and UCVA were -0.12 ± 0.11 and 0.03 ± 0.22 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution, respectively. Common ocular ADEs included ECL (10%), pIOL extraction (9%), iris adhesion (7%), and pupillary deformity (2%). Common SAEs included pIOL extraction (11%), ECL (9%), and iris adhesions (8%). CONCLUSIONS: Cachet pIOLs were associated with long-term ECL in some cases. Overall, only 10% of all implanted eyes underwent explantation during 10-year follow-up. In patients requiring explantation because of ECL, the annualized ECL rates decreased post-explantation in some eyes. Continued monitoring of patients regardless of explantation is recommended.

Long-term safety follow-up of an anterior chamber angle-supported phakic intraocular lens.

PURPOSE: To report adverse device effects and annualized endothelial cell loss rate for up to 10 years after implantation of the Acrysof L-series Cachet phakic intraocular lens (pIOL). SETTING: Clinical centers in the United States, European Union, and Canada. DESIGN: Nonrandomized clinical trial. METHODS: After implantation of the pIOL, the endothelial cell density (ECD) at follow-up evaluations was compared with the 6-month postoperative baseline. Adverse device effects were assessed. RESULTS: This study assessed 638 patients (1087 eyes) from previous clinical trials. The mean central ECD change from baseline was -9.6% ± 8.3% (SD) (-1.7% annualized; 623 eyes) and -11.0% ± 9.9% (-1.7% annualized; 703 eyes) at 6 years and 7 years, respectively. The mean peripheral ECD change from baseline was -10.8% ± 8.7% (-2.0% annualized; 615 eyes) and -11.9% ± 10.0% (-1.8% annualized; 680 eyes), respectively. Endothelial cell loss greater than 30% from the preoperative baseline at any time after implantation affected 8.0% of all eyes. An ECD of 1500 cells/mm2 or less at any time after implantation affected 2.7% of all eyes. The most common adverse device effects were peripheral iris adhesions (57 eyes [5.2%]), corneal endothelial cell loss (42 eyes [3.9%]), and pIOL explantation (37 eyes [3.4%]). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term evaluation of the pIOL showed a persistent ECD decrease in some eyes that was numerically larger than the annual rate expected with aging. Endothelial cell loss resulted in explantation in 3.1% of all eyes with the pIOL. Patients had no permanent vision loss. The manufacturer recommends that patients continue to be monitored and their corneal endothelium evaluated semiannually.

Randomized, placebo-controlled evaluation of Cerumenex and Murine earwax removal products.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of 2 ceruminolytic products, Cerumenex Eardrops (Purdue Frederick Company, Norwalk, Conn) and Murine Ear Drops (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Ill), in subjects with partial or complete occlusion of the ear canal due to cerumen. DESIGN: Randomized, subject- and observer-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. SETTING: Corporate research clinic. PARTICIPANTS: From among 230 volunteers screened, 74 subjects (age, 22-66 [mean, 45] years) were enrolled in the study. Participants had baseline occlusion levels of mild (n = 10), moderate (n = 26), or complete (n = 38) impairment of tympanic membrane visualization. INTERVENTIONS: Subjects were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: Cerumenex (10% triethanolamine polypeptide oleate-condensate), Murine (6.5% carbamide peroxide), and a placebo, BSS Sterile Irrigating Solution (Alcon Laboratories Inc, Ft Worth, Tex). The test medication was instilled into 1 occluded ear for up to two 15-minute applications. Following the treatment, the subject's ear was irrigated with 50 mL of lukewarm water delivered at low pressure via a WaterPik irrigator equipped with a Grossan irrigator tip. Main Outcome Measure The degree of occlusion, measured against a previously established 4-point scale, was assessed and recorded at baseline and after each instillation and irrigation procedure. RESULTS: Neither Cerumenex nor Murine was superior to saline placebo. By the end of treatment, 29.2%, 15.4%, and 41.7% of subjects treated with Cerumenex, Murine, and placebo, respectively, experienced resolution of cerumen occlusion. These values were not statistically significantly different from one another. CONCLUSION: The currently marketed ceruminolytic products, Cerumenex and Murine, are no more effective than a saline placebo in removing earwax.