Trabeculectomy with Ologen implant versus trabeculectomy with P 50 Ex-PRESS shunt in primary open-angle glaucoma.

Background: This is the first randomized controlled trial of trabeculectomy with Ex-Press Shunt versus Ologen implant in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in Indian eyes. Methods: A prospective randomized controlled trial of patients of POAG treated with two different methods of augmented trabeculectomy. Group A with Ex-PRESS shunt (P50 model) and Group B with Ologen implant. Surgical success was defined as intraocular pressure of 21 mm Hg or lower at 6 months postoperative. Results: N = 40 eyes of 33 patients. Baseline IOP in Group A was 23.70 ± 4.6 mm Hg (Range 22-36 mm Hg), and Group B was 26.00 ± 4.0 mm Hg (Range 23-36 mm Hg). Surgical success was achieved in 85% of patients in both Groups. Change in IOP from baseline was statistically significant in both groups at 1, 4, 8, 12 weeks, and 6 months postoperative. No statistically significant difference in the change in IOP between the two groups. Postoperative complications were lesser in Group A compared to Group B, in both early (35% vs 50%) and late stage (20% vs 30%). The drop in visual acuity became statistically insignificant at 4 weeks in Group A and 8 weeks in Group B. Conclusions: There is no difference between the surgical success rates of trabeculectomy with Ex-PRESS Shunt versus Ologen. However, the Ex-PRESS shunt fares better with lower complication rates and faster visual recovery than the Ologen group.

Modified inexpensive needle for suprachoroidal triamcinolone acetonide injections in pseudophakic cystoid macular edema.

Pseudophakic cystoid macular edema (PCME) is one of the leading causes of reduced vision, after cataract surgery. Topical steroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drops are frequently used in the management; however, intravitreal injections may be required for chronic cases. Suprachoroidal injection of preservative free Triamcinolone acetonide is a recent addition to the therapeutic armamentarium of ophthalmologists for treatment of cystoid macular edema of varied etiology. Though the drug is commercially available at a reasonable cost, the microneedle is not commonly available. We modified a 26 G needle for safe and cost-effective delivery of preservative-free suprachoroidal triamcinolone acetonide (SCT). In the current series of three patients with non-resolving PCME, macular edema resolved and vision improved over 3 months.

Optical Coherence Tomography and ImageJ Software for objective assessment of optical density of anterior chamber iris cyst.

Aim: To report the optical characteristics of the fluid in an anterior chamber iris cyst. Method: A 26-year-old male presented with blurring of vision in his right eye for two months, without any other associated ocular complaints. His visual acuity was 6/ 9 on Snellen's chart. On slit lamp examination, a small translucent pigmented cyst was noted inferiorly in the anterior chamber, struck on to the cornea at 6 o'clock periphery, without any feeder vessel. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT) revealed a cystic lesion with hyperreflective walls and hypo reflective lumen attached to the cornea, compressing the endothelium. Results: The optical density (OD) of the cyst fluid was determined using ImageJ, an open code Java-based image processing software. The OD of cyst fluid was found comparable to the anterior chamber fluid. Conclusion: Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) and OCT are useful tools for the diagnosis of cystic lesions of the anterior segment. The innovative use of an OCT image and the ImageJ software to determine the optical density of the iris cyst may aid in the diagnosis and follow-up of such cases.

Differential optical density of fluid in capsular bag distension syndrome.

Capsular bag distension syndrome (CBDS) is a rare complication of cataract surgery due to collection of fluid behind the intraocular lens (IOL). Nd:Yag laser capsulotomy is commonly performed to release the fluid collection; however, the potential risk of infection and inflammation has led to adaptation of numerous surgical procedures. Clinical examination in an established case of CBDS reveals opalescent fluid behind the IOL with ballooning of the posterior capsule, which has different reflectivity on optical coherence tomography. However, the exact optical properties of this fluid are still unknown. A case of delayed CBDS with induced myopia due to change in IOL position because of fluid collection behind the IOL is presented.

MORPHOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE LENS NUCLEUS.

438 eyes of 365 patients undergoing Extra-Capsular Catarct Extraction were included in this study. Preoperatively the age of the patients, colour of the nucleus and grading on the Wilmer System were recorded. Postoperatively the diameter, width and hardness of the nucleus were recorded. Statistical analysis revealed a strong correlation between the age, depth of colour and grading on the Wilmer system and the size and hardness of the nucleus. The size and hardness of the nucleus can be predicted preoperatively by proper assessment of the age, colour, and grading on the Wilmer System. This would help the Surgeon in evolving a proper surgical plan for each patient and thus bringing down the complication rate and difficulties faced during the surgery especially during Phacoemulsification surgeries.