Evaluation of a new method of irrigation and aspiration for removal of ophthalmic viscoelastic device during cataract surgery in a porcine model.

BACKGROUND: To determine if a method for irrigation and aspiration (I/A) during cataract surgery provides effective removal of ophthalmic viscoelastic device (OVD). METHODS: Japanese porcine eyes were used to evaluate I/A performance with Technique 1 (the I/A tip placed on the center of the anterior surface of the IOL), Technique 2 (the I/A tip alternately pressed near the edge of the IOL optic anterior surface on one side and then the other to tilt the IOL back and forth), and Technique 3 (the I/A tip inserted behind the IOL optic, between it and the posterior capsule). Techniques 1 and 2 were compared using the Miyake-Apple posterior view video technique to visualize the flow of irrigation fluid containing triamcinolone acetonide particles behind the IOL. To check the efficacy of OVD removal from behind the IOL for of all three I/A techniques, OVD with fluorescein beads were inserted inside the lens capsule before implantation of the IOL. After each I/A technique, eyes were prepared for Miyake-Apple viewing and pictures of the lens capsule were taken using fluorescent microscopy. Residual fluorescein beads in the capsular bag were analyzed. RESULTS: Technique 1 resulted in a straight flow of fluid behind the IOL, while Technique 2 resulted in a vortex flow. The average amount of OVD retained inside the capsule after using Technique 2 or 3 was significantly lower than after using Technique 1 (p <0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Technique 2 proved to remove more effectively fluorescein bead-labelled OVD under the IOL than Technique 1.

Ocular penetration and efficacy of levofloxacin using different drug-delivery techniques for the prevention of endophthalmitis in rabbit eyes with posterior capsule rupture.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of different drug-delivery techniques for levofloxacin (LVFX) in ocular penetration and the prevention of endophthalmitis using an aphakic rabbit model with posterior capsule rupture (PCR). METHODS: LVFX was administered to aphakic rabbit eyes with or without PCR using eye drops (EDs), subconjunctival injection (SCI), or intracameral (IC) injection. The concentration of the drug in the vitreous and aqueous humors was estimated at 2 h after injection. In another study, aphakic rabbit eyes with PCR were inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis, immediately followed by 0.5% LVFX ED, 0.5% moxifloxacin (MFLX) ED, LVFX IC (500 µg/0.1 mL), or IC saline. EDs were administered 0, 3, and 6 h after surgery. Changes on electroretinography (ERG) and intraocular bacterial growth were determined sequentially until 48 h after inoculation. RESULTS: The concentrations of LVFX at 2 h after IC were higher in the aqueous humor and the vitreous cavity of eyes with or without PCR, compared with EDs or SCI. Eyes treated with LVFX ED, MFLX ED, or IC saline showed a significantly greater reduction in b-wave amplitude on ERG at 48 h compared with eyes treated with LVFX IC. The number of bacteria recovered from the vitreous humor in eyes treated with IC LVFX at 48 h was significantly less than from eyes that received other treatments. CONCLUSION: The LVFX IC was effective at suppressing endophthalmitis caused by E. faecalis in eyes with a PCR.

Moxifloxacin as postoperative prophylaxis for Enterococcus faecalis-induced endophthalmitis after cataract surgery in aphakic rabbits.

PURPOSE: The development of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery often results in significant vision loss. Inhibition of bacterial proliferation in the anterior chamber using antibiotic eye drops is important to prevent endophthalmitis after cataract surgery. We aimed to determine the sensitivity of fluoroquinolones against Enterococcus faecalis ocular isolates and the efficacy of fluoroquinolones to prevent E. faecalis-induced endophthalmitis in aphakic rabbits. METHODS: The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of moxifloxacin (MFLX) and levofloxacin (LVFX) used in ophthalmic solutions for 13 E. faecalis isolates obtained from the conjunctival sac or endophthalmitis cases were determined. Eye drops containing MFLX (0.5%), LVFX (0.5%), or saline were administered to aphakic rabbits with endophthalmitis induced by E. faecalis. The eye drops were administered immediately after lensectomy and at 3 and 6 h after cataract surgery (early instillation group) or immediately after lensectomy and at 12 and 15 h after cataract surgery (delayed instillation group). Bacterial growth, electroretinography (ERG), and slit-lamp examination (SLE) were determined throughout the course of infection. RESULTS: In vitro susceptibility testing revealed that the MICs of MFLX for E. faecalis isolates were lower than those of LVFX. In the early ocular instillation groups, MFLX significantly improved SLE scores, ERG, and viable bacterial counts compared with LVFX and saline (all, P<0.05). There were no significant differences in any parameter between MFLX and saline in the delayed ocular instillation groups. CONCLUSIONS: Early ocular instillation of MFLX delays retinal damage compared with LVFX when used to treat E. faecalis-induced endophthalmitis after cataract surgery.