Association of Blue Light-Filtering Intraocular Lenses With All-Cause and Traffic Accident-Related Injuries Among Patients Undergoing Bilateral Cataract Surgery in Finland.

Importance: Blue light-filtering (BLF) intraocular lenses (IOLs) have been widely used in clinical practice for more than 20 years and have been implanted in millions of patients with cataracts worldwide. However, little evidence on the association of BLF IOLs with injuries is available. Objective: To assess the association of BLF IOLs with all-cause and traffic accident-related injuries and quality of vision while driving after bilateral cataract surgery. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective registry-based cohort study included patients who underwent bilateral cataract surgery between September 3, 2007, and December 14, 2018, and were followed until December 14, 2021. Surgery was performed at the Department of Ophthalmology, Kymenlaakso Central Hospital, Kotka, Finland. The 4986 participants received non-BLF IOLs (n = 2609) or BLF IOLs (n = 2377) in both eyes. Patients undergoing bilateral surgery between 2015 to 2016 with non-BLF IOLs (n = 102) or BLF IOLs (n = 91) and currently driving a car were interviewed using a structured questionnaire for visual performance while driving. Exposures: Follow-up for a mean (SD) of 2166 (1110) days after second eye surgery. Main Outcomes and Measures: Kaplan-Meier and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analyses for the risk of all-cause and traffic accident-related injuries after surgery in the second eye obtained from the patient medical records were assessed. To improve follow-up precision, both death and the end of the follow-up were used as censoring events. Results: A total of 4986 patients were included in the analysis (1707 [34.2%] men and 3279 [65.8%] women; mean [SD] age, 73.2 [8.6] years at the first surgery and 74.3 [8.8] years at the second). Injury-free survival rates preceding the first eye surgery were comparable between the non-BLF and BLF IOL groups (hazard ratio adjusted for age and sex, 0.95 [95% CI, 0.81-1.13; P = .57]). In multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis controlling for age and sex, the use of BLF IOLs showed no advantage in overall injuries compared with the use of non-BLF IOLs (hazard ratio, 0.99 [95% CI, 0.88-1.11]; P = .85) or in any injury subtype. Subjective visual performance parameters for driving were all comparable between the non-BLF and BLF IOL groups except for glare when driving in the dark (evening or night), which occurred among 9 of 80 patients with BLF IOLs compared with 0 of 83 non-BLF IOLs (P < .001). Conclusions and Relevance: The findings of this cohort study suggest that use of BLF IOLs was not associated with reduced risk of injuries, whereas glare during nighttime driving was significantly worse in the BLF IOL group with pseudophakia.

The Effect of Blue-Light Filtering Intraocular Lenses on the Development and Progression of Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of blue-light filtering (BLF) intraocular lenses (IOLs) on the prevention of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) after cataract surgery. DESIGN: Cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: Patients who underwent uneventful cataract surgery between 2007 and 2018 at the Ophthalmology Unit of Kymenlaakso Central Hospital, Kotka, Finland. METHODS: Subsequent nAMD rates were compared between patients who received BLF IOLs and those who received non-BLF IOLs. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses for the overall risk of nAMD developing were assessed. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), foveal thickness, treatment interval, and total number of intravitreal injections were secondary outcomes. A separate analysis was performed on patients with pre-existing nAMD to assess the effect of BLF IOLs on nAMD progression. A single eye of each patient was included. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Neovascular age-related macular degeneration-free survival. RESULTS: Included were 11 397 eyes of 11 397 patients with a mean age of 75.4 ± 8.3 years (62.5% women). The BLF IOL was used in 5425 eyes (47.6%), and the non-BLF IOL was used in 5972 eyes (52.4%). During follow-up (BLF IOL group, 55.2 ± 34.1 months; non-BLF IOL group, 50.5 ± 30.1 months; P < 0.001), 164 cases of new-onset nAMD were recorded (BLF group, n = 88; non-BLF group, n = 76). The nAMD-free survival was similar between the groups (P = 0.465, log-rank test). In a Cox regression analysis controlling for age, gender, and a documented diagnosis of macular degeneration, the use of a BLF IOL was not predictive of nAMD development (hazard ratio [HR], 1.075; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.79-1.47; P = 0.652). In nAMD patients, secondary clinical outcomes at 1 year were comparable for BCVA (0.57 ± 0.4 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution vs. 0.45 ± 0.4 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution; P = 0.136), foveal thickness (285 ± 109 µm vs. 299 ± 103µm; P = 0.527), number of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections (6.5 ± 2.5 vs. 6.2 ± 2.7; P = 0.548), and treatment interval (7.5 ± 2.4 weeks vs. 8.1 ± 2.4 weeks; P = 0.271) for BLF and non-BLF IOLs, respectively. Similarly to patients in whom nAMD developed after the surgery, among patients with nAMD before surgery (BLF, n = 71; non-BLF, n = 74), the clinical outcomes again were comparable (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In a large cohort of patients who underwent cataract surgery, the use of a BLF IOL resulted in no apparent advantage over a non-BLF IOL in the incidence of nAMD or its progression, nor in clinical variables related to nAMD severity.

Intraocular Lens Power, Myopia, and the Risk of Nd:YAG Capsulotomy after 15,375 Cataract Surgeries.

The present study estimated the 5-year cumulative probability of Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy according to the diopter power of implanted hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lenses (IOLs). Data were retrospectively collected of 15,375 eyes having cataract surgery and in-the-bag implantation of hydrophobic acrylic monofocal IOLs at the Ophthalmology Unit of Kymenlaakso Central Hospital, Kotka, Finland between the years 2007 and 2016. The cumulative probability of Nd:YAG capsulotomy was calculated by Kaplan-Meier estimates, and potential risk factors were analyzed using the Cox proportional hazards model. The 5-year cumulative probability of Nd:YAG capsulotomy after cataract surgery was 27.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) 22.9-32.6%) for low-diopter (5-16.5 D) IOLs, 14.6% (13.8-15.5%) for mid-diopter (17-24.5 D) IOLs, and 13.6% (11.7-15.6%) for high-diopter (25-30 D) IOLs. A multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that low-diopter IOLs (HR 1.76; 95% CI 1.38-2.25; p < 0.001) were associated with an increased risk of Nd:YAG capsulotomy compared to mid-diopter IOLs over the follow-up period after accounting for other predictors. Real-world evidence shows that low-diopter IOLs are associated with significantly higher risk of Nd:YAG capsulotomy within five years following implantation. Estimation should help in evaluating the risks of cataract surgery in myopic eyes.

Anti-inflammatory Medication After Cataract Surgery and Posterior Capsular Opacification.

PURPOSE: To assess the role of anti-inflammatory medication following cataract surgery on the formation of posterior capsular opacification. DESIGN: Cohort study. METHODS: A retrospective registry analysis of 25,818 consecutive patients who underwent cataract surgery between the years 2014 and 2018 at Helsinki University Hospital in Finland. Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy rates were compared between patients treated postoperatively with topical steroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), or their combination. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were used. A single eye of each patient was included. Main outcomes were confirmed against a second independent dataset. RESULTS: A total of 13,368 patients were included in the analysis, with a mean age of 73.2 ± 9.7 years; 61.7% were female. Pseudoexfoliation was noted in 10.1% of cases. The mean follow-up time was 22.8 ± 15.7 months. Patients were treated with steroid monotherapy (28.9% of cases), NSAID monotherapy (62.2%), or a combination of both (8.9%). Treatment with steroids resulted in significantly lower Nd:YAG capsulotomy rates compared to NSAIDs (hazard ratio [HR] 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.62-0.93, P = .009). Treatment with combination therapy of steroids and NSAIDs showed no added benefit over steroid monotherapy (HR 1.11, 95% CI 0.68-1.80, P = .674). Cox regression analysis adjusted for patients' age, sex, pseudoexfoliation, and risk stratification remained significantly predictive for lower capsulotomy rates with steroid treatment over NSAIDs (HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.52-0.88, P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative treatment with steroids among patients undergoing uncomplicated cataract surgery was associated with lower rates of clinically significant posterior capsule opacification compared to treatment with NSAIDs alone. Combination therapy of steroids and NSAIDs had no added benefit over steroids alone.

Comparison of two different treat-and-extend protocols with aflibercept in wet age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE: To optimize the aflibercept treat-and-extend protocol in wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD). METHODS: A prospective randomized clinical trial consisting of 52 eyes from 52 patients with treatment-naïve wAMD. Patients received three monthly aflibercept injections and were then randomized 1:1 to two different dosing protocols. In treat-and-extend protocol with moderate extensions (T&Em), after the loading phase the treatment interval was extended 1 week at a time up to 12 weeks and then by 2 weeks up to 16 weeks. In treat-and-extend protocol with rapid extensions (T&Er), the interval was first extended to 8 weeks and then by 2 weeks at a time up to 16 weeks. Main outcome measure was the number of given aflibercept injections. RESULTS: Fifty (96%) patients completed the 1-year follow-up. Patient and ophthalmic baseline variables were comparable between the study groups. At 1 year, central subfield macular thickness reduced by 194.3 ± 153.6 µm in T&Em protocol, compared with 194.2 ± 176.6 µm in T&Er (p = 0.997). Eyes with T&Em gained 10.3 ± 11.5 letters from baseline and eyes with T&Er 11.4 ± 10.6 letters (p = 0.434), and dry macula was observed in 72% of eyes with T&Em compared to 68% with T&Er (p = 0.758). At 1 year, the treatment interval was 8.5 ± 2.2 weeks in T&Em and 10.3 ± 2.8 weeks in T&Er (p = 0.017), and the total number of injections 8.64 ± 1.58 and 6.96 ± 0.79, respectively (p < 0.001). In the rapid extensions protocol, 48% of eyes reached a 12-week treatment interval or beyond at 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: At one year, the anatomical and functional responses were comparable between the moderate and rapid extensions protocols, with fewer aflibercept injections in the rapid extension protocol.

Five-Year Cumulative Incidence and Risk Factors of Nd:YAG Capsulotomy in 10 044 Hydrophobic Acrylic 1-Piece and 3-Piece Intraocular Lenses.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the 5-year cumulative incidence and risk factors of Nd:YAG capsulotomy between hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lenses (IOLs). DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study. METHODS: A review of the registry of operations between the years 2007 and 2016 was carried out at the Ophthalmology Unit of Kymenlaakso Central Hospital, Kotka, Finland. A total of 10 044 eyes having cataract surgery and in-the-bag implantation of ZCB00 (Abbott Medical Optics Johnson & Johnson Vision, Inc, Abbott Park, Illinois, USA), SN60WF (Alcon Laboratories, Inc, Fort Worth, Texas, USA), or ZA9003 (Abbott Medical Optics Johnson & Johnson Vision, Inc) IOLs were included in the study. The cumulative incidence of Nd:YAG capsulotomy was estimated with competing risks methodology. Competing risks regression modeling was used to evaluate potential risk factors, including the patient's age, sex, type of IOL, dioptric power of IOL, and operating surgeon's seniority. RESULTS: The 5-year cumulative incidence of Nd:YAG capsulotomy after cataract surgery was 13.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 12.5%-14.0%) for all eyes and 18.1% (16.5%-20.0%), 11.5% (10.5%-12.6%), and 9.6% (8.2%-11.4%) for ZCB00, SN60WF, and ZA9003 IOLs, respectively. Implantation of SN60WF and ZA9003 IOLs was associated with a 38% and 47% subhazard reduction (SHR), respectively, compared to ZCB00, after accounting for other predictors (SHR = 0.62; 95% CI 0.54-0.71; P < .001 and SHR = 0.53; 95% CI 0.43-0.64; P < .001). Increased risk of Nd:YAG capsulotomy was associated with eyes of patients aged younger than 60 years, female sex, and eyes implanted with an IOL of <22.5 diopters power. CONCLUSION: Real-world evidence suggests that the cumulative incidence of Nd:YAG capsulotomy is significantly lower in eyes receiving SN60WF or ZA9003 IOLs compared to ZCB00.

Anatomical and functional response after conversion to aflibercept using the treat-and-extend regimen protocol in bevacizumab treatment-resistant wet age-related macular degeneration.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the functional and anatomical response after the switch from bevacizumab to aflibercept in treatment-resistant wet age-related macular degeneration (wAMD) using the treat-and-extend regimen protocol. DESIGN: A retrospective single-center study. PARTICIPANTS: The registry consisted of 576 patients with wAMD. Of these, a total of 41 eyes of 37 patients met the study inclusion criteria with a minimum of three prior bevacizumab injections and at least 1-year follow-up after the switch to aflibercept injections for the treatment of wAMD. METHODS: Central retinal thickness (CRT) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were recorded before and after bevacizumab loading phase, before the switch to aflibercept, after aflibercept loading phase, and after the last injection or at the study end point at a minimum of 1 year from the switch. RESULTS: At the switch to aflibercept injections, the mean CRT was 361.1±117.7 µm (mean±SD) and BCVA was 0.29±0.19 decimals. The switch to aflibercept resulted in mean CRT resolution by 59.9±80.2 µm after the loading phase and by 61.3±102.9 µm at the study end point. Anatomical response to aflibercept switch was found in 34 of 41 eyes (83%) after the loading phase, and in 32 of 41 eyes (78%) at the study end point. BCVA improvement was 0.08±0.13 decimals in 26 of 41 eyes (63%) after the loading phase, and 0.04±0.17 decimals in 17 of 41 eyes (41%) at the study end point. The mean treatment interval of aflibercept was 8.0±2.2 weeks at the study end point. CONCLUSION: Regardless of impressive anatomical outcomes of aflibercept switch, functional response was modest for most of the study eyes at long term.

Postoperative management in cataract surgery: nepafenac and preservative-free diclofenac compared.

PURPOSE: Current cataract surgery guidelines recommend routine use of topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in preventing pseudophakic cystoid macular oedema (PCME). Here, we compare the clinical efficacy and tolerability of two potent NSAIDs, nepafenac and preservative-free diclofenac following cataract surgery. METHODS: Randomized, double-blind, prospective single-centre study. Ninety-six eyes of 95 patients undergoing routine cataract surgery were randomized 1:1 either to nepafenac (Nevanac, 1 mg/ml) or diclofenac (Dicloabak, 1 mg/ml) for 3 weeks. Seventy-three patients accounting for 73 eyes completed the entire follow-up. Aqueous flare and central retinal thickness (CRT) analysis were conducted preoperatively and at control visits 28 days and 3 months after surgery. A structured home questionnaire and interview were used to record any adverse effects of the topical medications, subjective visual recovery and the dispenser's ease of use. RESULTS: No differences were observed between the groups for aqueous flare, CRT, speed of recovery or visual acuity gain. Seven patients (16%) on nepafenac and 20 patients (48%) on preservative-free diclofenac reported symptoms related to topical use of NSAID medications (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: No differences in clinical efficacy were found between potent NSAIDs, while tolerability might be an issue.

Improving eye care services with a lean approach.

PURPOSE: Effective provision of eye care services in government-financed hospitals is essential to balance the discrepancy between growing demand and limited resources. We aimed to improve efficiency of the treatment protocol for Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy. Predetermined quality targets were a patient-oriented and patient-safe approach and the development of a clinical care process with purposeful use of competences. METHODS: We utilized a lean process improvement methodology to develop a streamlined Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy treatment protocol. A total of 206 patient visits were evaluated, where the lean-oriented treatment protocol was utilized in 158 of the visits and the conventional (CONV) protocol was followed in 48 of the visits. RESULTS: All baseline variables were comparable between the study groups. Compared to the CONV protocol, implementation of new operational principles shortened the total reception time per patient from 55:36 ± 30:23; 12-136 min to 44:40 ± 4:49; 37-54 min (mean ± SD; range, p = 0.040). The per hour number of patients and eyes treated in the operation room improved from 4.7 ± 1.6; 2.6-8.4 patients and 5.5 ± 2.0; 3.5-11.3 eyes to 16.3 ± 2.3; 14.3-19.4 patients (p < 0.001) and 18.0 ± 1.6; 16.8-20.4 eyes (p < 0.001). The time spent by the operating physician reduced from 8:19 ± 3:06; 3:57-14:30 min to 3:01 ± 1:00; 1:34-6:38 min in unilateral procedure (p < 0.001) and from 8:45 ± 3:55; 5:52-14:10 min to 4:40 ± 2:03; 2:38-10:14 min in bilateral procedure (p < 0.006). Furthermore, the overall patient satisfaction grade improved from 17.3 ± 1.04; 15-18 points to 17.8 ± 0.61; 15-18 points (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The lean approach improved the treatment protocol for Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy with substantial reductions in lead times without compromising patient satisfaction.

Anti-inflammatory medication following cataract surgery: a randomized trial between preservative-free dexamethasone, diclofenac and their combination.

PURPOSE: To examine the anti-inflammatory efficacy and tolerance between preservative-free dexamethasone (DEX) and diclofenac (DICL) eye drops, and their combination following cataract surgery. METHODS: A randomized, double-blind, prospective single-centre study with 189 eyes of 180 patients undergoing routine cataract surgery. Laser flare meter measurement and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography imaging were conducted before surgery and at the 28-day postoperative visit. Clinical characteristics, surgical parameters and assessment of postoperative symptoms were recorded. RESULTS: Preoperative flare was 9.0 ± 0.6 pu/ms and central retinal thickness (CRT) 269.6 ± 1.9 µm (mean ± SEM). On day 28, flare was 22.1 ± 2.9 pu/ms for DEX, 17.4 ± 2.5 pu/ms for DICL and 13.0 ± 1.6 pu/ms (p < 0.05) for their combination. Central retinal thickness (CRT) increase was 31.5 ± 8.8 µm for DEX, 6.0 ± 0.8 µm (p = 0.001) for DICL, and 3.5 ± 0.5 µm (p < 0.001) for their combination. The incidence of ocular symptoms related to the eye drops was 11% for DEX, 37% for DICL and 34% for their combination (p < 0.001). Clinically significant pseudophakic cystoid macular oedema (PCME) was observed in seven eyes which were all treated with DEX (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Diclofenac (DICL), as well as the combination of DEX and DICL, were superior to DEX monotherapy in minimizing CRT change and the incidence of PCME. Combination medication showed no added value compared to DICL monotherapy in uneventful cataract surgery.

Poor glycemic control as a risk factor for pseudophakic cystoid macular edema in patients with diabetes.

PURPOSE: To specify the risk factors for pseudophakic cystoid macular edema (CME) in patients with diabetes. SETTING: Kymenlaakso Central Hospital, Unit of Ophthalmology, Kotka, Finland. DESIGN: Prospective case series. METHODS: Patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes having routine cataract surgery were evaluated. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography imaging was performed before surgery and 1 month postoperatively. RESULTS: The study comprised 93 patients (95 eyes). The central retinal thickness increase was 9.7 µm ± 1.7 (SEM) in diabetic patients with no retinopathy, 22.7 ± 8.6 µm in those who had nonproliferative retinopathy, and 73.8 ± 37.4 µm in those who had proliferative retinopathy (P < .001). The central retinal thickness increase was greater in the eyes of diabetic patients with insulin dependence than in eyes of patients using noninsulin medication (21.9 ± 5.9 µm versus 8.3 ± 1.8 µm, P = .017). Serum hemoglobin A1c concentration and inversely, patient age, were associated with central retinal thickness increase, even after adjustment for confounding factors (r = 0.607, P < .001 and r = 0.417, P = .001, respectively). The central retinal thickness change was smaller in the eyes of patients who had a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) as their postoperative antiinflammatory medication than in eyes of patients who were not prescribed NSAID medication when retinopathy was analyzed as a covariant (8.2 ± 3.6 µm versus 13.6 ± 2.9 µm, P = .016). CONCLUSIONS: Young patient age and poor glycemic control were risk factors for postoperative central retinal thickness increase. This study showed it is necessary to identify, effectively treat, and follow-up with patients with diabetes who are at a greater risk for pseudophakic CME.

Intravitreal bevacizumab injections versus dexamethasone implant for treatment-naïve retinal vein occlusion related macular edema.

PURPOSE: To compare the short-term effects of three monthly intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injections to single dexamethasone (DEX) implantation in treatment-naïve patients with cystoid macular edema (CME) secondary to branch (BRVO) and central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). DESIGN: A retrospective single-center study. SUBJECTS: A total of 135 eyes of 135 patients with BRVO (n=83) and CRVO (n=52). METHODS: Changes in clinical parameters were recorded before treatment and at the first and third month after commencement of IVB (n=121) and DEX (n=14). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Central retinal thickness (CRT), intraocular pressure (IOP), and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). RESULTS: The baseline parameters were comparable between IVB and DEX groups. After the first month, CRT decreased by 131.3±42.9 µm in IVB and by 266.9±48.3 µm in DEX (mean ± SEM; p=0.047). IOP change was -0.29±0.39 mmHg in IVB and +3.70±2.34 mmHg in DEX (p=0.005). IOP elevation to ≥25 mmHg and ≥5 mmHg from the baseline was observed in two of the DEX- and in none of the IVB-treated eyes (p=0.010). After the third month, no differences regarding CRT and IOP were observed between the treatment modalities. Moreover, BCVA gain was comparable between IVB (0.37±0.05 logarithm of minimum angle of resolution [logMAR] units) and DEX (0.33±0.30 logMAR units) groups. CONCLUSION: DEX was associated with faster resolution of CME, but had greater probability for short-term IOP elevation when compared to IVB. After the third month, treatments were comparably effective. Anatomical outcomes and adverse drug reactions of IVB versus DEX should be considered case specifically in patients having CME secondary to BRVO/CRVO.