Ghost-image analysis in phakic intraocular lenses with central hole as a potential cause of dysphotopsia.

PURPOSE: To analyse the optical effect of an artificial hole in the optic centre of posterior chamber phakic intraocular lenses. SETTING: Institute of Experimental Ophthalmology, Saarland University, Homburg/Saar, Germany. DESIGN: Experimental simulation study. METHODS: Four eye models with an ametropia of -4 D, -8 D, +4 D, and +8 D were created in the ray tracing software ASAP. Refractive correction of these models was implemented with a model of an Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL). Each eye was set up twice with 1 eye receiving a conventional ICL without a central hole and the second an ICL with a central hole. Ray bundles were traced for lateral visual field angles from 0 to 60 degrees in steps of 1 degree. Ray propagation and retinal illumination were then compared between the 2 ICL models. RESULTS: All eye models showed ghost images originating from the anterior surface of the ICL. Eye models with the ICL with central hole showed additional light spots in the peripheral areas of the retina originating from reflections at the cylindrical wall of the central hole in the ICL. The average intensity of ghost images in the temporal retinal hemisphere was between 30 and 40 dB less than the maximum intensity of the primary image. CONCLUSION: A central hole within a posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens may cause stray light and ghost images (positive dysphotopsia) although the on-axis visual quality of the eye with the ICL is mostly unaffected. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: The authors have no financial interest in any of the material presented in this paper.

Excimer versus Femtosecond Laser Assisted Penetrating Keratoplasty in Keratoconus and Fuchs Dystrophy: Intraoperative Pitfalls.

Purpose. To assess the intraoperative results comparing two non-mechanical laser assisted penetrating keratoplasty approaches in keratoconus and Fuchs dystrophy. Patients and Methods. 68 patients (age 18 to 87 years) with keratoconus or Fuchs dystrophy were randomly distributed to 4 groups. 35 eyes with keratoconus and 33 eyes with Fuchs dystrophy were treated with either excimer laser ([Exc] groups I and II) or femtosecond laser-assisted ([FLAK] groups III and IV) penetrating keratoplasty. Main intraoperative outcome measures included intraoperative decentration, need for additional interrupted sutures, alignment of orientation markers, and intraocular positive pressure (vis a tergo). Results. Intraoperative recipient decentration occurred in 4 eyes of groups III/IV but in none of groups I/II. Additional interrupted sutures were not necessary in groups I/II but in 5 eyes of groups III/IV. Orientation markers were all aligned in groups I/II but were partly misaligned in 8 eyes of groups III/IV. Intraocular positive pressure grade was recognized in 12 eyes of groups I/II and in 19 eyes of groups III/IV. In particular, in group III, severe vis a tergo occurred in 8 eyes. Conclusions. Intraoperative decentration, misalignment of the donor in the recipient bed, and need for additional interrupted sutures as well as high percentage of severe intraocular positive pressure were predominantly present in the femtosecond laser in keratoconus eyes.