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This study evaluated the biomechanical E-staging in progressive keratoconus (KC) corneas before and after epithelium-off accelerated corneal cross-linking (CXL, 9 mW/cm2, 10 min, 5.4 J/cm2).German university-based retrospective longitudinal cohort study.The biomechanical E-staging for ectatic corneal diseases was applied retrospectively on 49 progressive KC corneas of 41 patients who underwent CXL. Main outcome parameters included the Corvis Biomechanical Factor (CBiF, the linearized Corvis Biomechanical Index), the biomechanical E-staging (E1 to E4 result of dividing the CBiF value range into 5 groups), maximal anterior keratometry (Kmax), anterior radius of curvature (ARC), and thinnest corneal thickness (TCT). They were evaluated at 2.1±2.0 months preoperatively (n=49 corneas, 41 patients) and postoperatively after 5.4±1.4, 11.3±1.8, and 23.4±1.6 months.The CBiF decreased (5.1±0.5 | 5.0±0.5, P=0.0338) and the E-staging increased significantly (2.4±0.9 | 2.6±0.8, P=0.0035) from preoperatively to the first postoperative follow-up. The difference was not significant after 11 months and there were same values after 23 months. Kmax, ARC, and TCT slightly decreased (Kmax: 56.9±6.3, 54.3±5.1, 56.2±6.6, 54.0±5.2; ARC: 49.8±3.5, 48.9±3.2, 50.8±5.6, 49.0±3.7; TCT: 470±34, 454±36, 459±35, 466±39; preoperatively and 5, 11, and 23 months postoperatively). A postoperatively decreased TCT was associated with an increased E-stage, whereas an equal or increased TCT measurement after CXL was associated with equal or lower E-staging results.The biomechanical E-staging in KC corneas is influenced by TCT measurements and increases within the first postoperative months after CXL. On the long term, it indicates a postoperative KC stabilization, with comparable E-values to preoperatively at 11 and 23 months after CXL.

The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence and severity of corneal guttata (CG) in grafts after penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) and to determine its clinical significance.This retrospective study included 1758 PKP performed in 1522 patients. In total, 6662 postoperative endothelial images revealed the prevalence and severity of CG (divided into categories G0 without CG and G1-G3 with increasing severity). Origin of the graft, postoperative corneal thickness, visual acuity, pleomorphism, polymegethism, and endothelial cell density (ECD) were analyzed.CG was detected in 14.9% of the grafts within 9 months after PKP, most of them were low-grade G1 (13.6%). Grafts from Homburg/Saar showed significantly less CG cases compared with other eye banks ( P = 0.034). The mean corrected distance visual acuity (logMAR) did not differ between G1 (0.45 ± 0.31) and G0 (0.46 ± 0.31). The mean ECD was lower in G1 compared with G0 ( P0.001). The mean corneal thickness was higher in G3 (597 ± 101 μm) compared with G0 (541 ± 65 μm) ( P0.001). Pleomorphism and polymegethism were correlated with CG ( P0.001). A progression of CG severity was detected in 13.5% of the cases during a follow-up time of 25.0 ± 19.9 months.Our study suggested that CG are transplanted in 14.9% of PKP, most of which are low-grade CG not affecting the visual acuity but already leading to an increase in corneal thickness, loss of ECD, and alteration of endothelial cell morphology. In 13.5% of the cases, a progression was demonstrated in the postoperative course.

Keratoconus (KC) is a progressive cone-shaped corneal protrusion that causes paracentral thinning at the apex of the cone and typically occurs asymmetrically on both sides. After a careful anamnesis and classification of the degree of severity a targeted treatment appropriate to the stage of the disease is available. If the visual acuity is no longer sufficient, rigid gas-permeable contact lenses (CL) are fitted by a specialist. Riboflavin UVA cross-linking (CXL) is recommended in cases of progression and visual acuity that is still useful for the patient. Intracorneal ring segments (ICRS) are indicated for CL intolerance in cases of reduced visual acuity and a clear central cornea. If the stage is more advanced, deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) or penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) is recommended. A PKP is contraindicated in acute KC but deep stromal sutures for readaptation of the Descemet tear with gas filling of the anterior chamber can considerably shorten the course. Almost no other eye disease is nowadays as easily accessible for an early instrument-based diagnosis and stage-appropriate treatment as KC.Der Keratokonus (KK) ist eine progrediente kegelförmige Hornhautvorwölbung, die eine parazentrale Verdünnung an der Kegelspitze verursacht und typischerweise beidseitig asymmetrisch auftritt. Nach einer sorgfältigen Anamnese und Einstufung des Schweregrades steht heute eine gezielte stadiengerechte Therapie zur Verfügung. Ist der Brillenvisus nicht mehr ausreichend, werden von einem Spezialisten formstabile sauerstoffdurchlässige Kontaktlinsen (KL) angepasst. Bei Progression und für den Patienten im Alltag nutzbarem Visus empfiehlt sich das Riboflavin-UVA-Crosslinking (CXL), bei herabgesetztem Visus und klarer zentraler Hornhaut sind bei KL-Intoleranz intrastromale Ringsegmente (ICRS) indiziert. Ist das Stadium weiter fortgeschritten, empfiehlt sich die tiefe anteriore lamelläre (DALK) oder perforierende Keratoplastik (PKP). Bei einem akuten Keratokonus ist die PKP kontraindiziert, allerdings verkürzen tiefstromale Nähte zur Readaptation des Descemet-Risses mit Gasfüllung der Vorderkammer den Verlauf erheblich. Fast keine andere Augenerkrankung ist heutzutage einer frühen apparativen Diagnose und stadiengerechten Therapie so gut zugänglich wie der KK.

To report the indications and outcomes of penetrating keratoplasties with a graft diameter 8.5 mm in severe corneal diseases at the Department of Ophthalmology at Saarland University Medical Centre.Retrospective (6 years), descriptive, and observational.Thirty-five large-diameter penetrating keratoplasties (LDPKPs) in 27 patients (mean age, 62 ± 22 years) were performed from March 2010 to December 2016. The indication for surgery, number of previous corneal transplantations, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) before surgery, intraocular pressure, graft status, and BCVA at last follow-up were recorded.Infectious keratitis represented 83% of the indications (of those, 45% fungal). The mean corneal graft diameter was 10.8 ± 1.7 (min 8.75, max 15.0) mm. Twenty-three eyes (65% absolute) had at least one previous penetrating keratoplasty (mean graft size, 9.2 ± 1.6 mm). The mean pre-surgery BCVA was 1.96 ± 0.23 logMAR. With a mean follow-up period of 20.2 ± 13.4 months, the mean BCVA was 1.57 ± 0.57 logMAR at last follow-up. Overall, 12 grafts (35%) remained clear until the last follow-up, and in 23 grafts (65%), the primary disease recurred, or corneal decompensation developed. Up to the last follow-up, 6 eyes (17%) had to be enucleated.In complex cases of infectious keratitis requiring a LDPKP to remove the complete pathology and preserve eye integrity, the visual outcomes are generally expected to be poor, not only because of the well-known risks of LDPKP but also because of the consequences of the infectious disease itself. This knowledge is important for adequate counselling of the patient preoperatively.ZIEL: Bericht über Indikationen und Ergebnisse von perforierenden Keratoplastiken mit Transplantatdurchmesser 8,5 mm bei schweren Hornhauterkrankungen an der Klinik für Augenheilkunde des Universitätsklinikums des Saarlandes.Retrospektive (6 Jahre) und deskriptive Beobachtungsstudie.Von März 2010 bis Dezember 2016 wurden 35 „Large-Diameter perforierende Keratoplastiken“ (LDPKPs) bei 27 Patienten (mittleres Alter 62 ± 22 Jahre) durchgeführt. Erfasst wurden die Indikation zur Operation, die Anzahl der vorausgegangenen Hornhauttransplantationen, der bestkorrigierte Visus (BCVA) vor der Operation, der Augeninnendruck, der Transplantatstatus und der BCVA beim letzten Follow-up.Die infektiöse Keratitis machte 83% der Indikationen aus (davon 45% Pilzkeratitis). Der mittlere Durchmesser des Hornhauttransplantats betrug 10,8 ± 1,7 mm (mind. 8,75, max. 15,0 mm). 21 Augen (65% absolut) hatten mindestens eine vorangegangene perforierende Keratoplastik (mittlere Transplantatgröße 9,2 ± 1,6 mm). Der mittlere BCVA vor der Operation betrug 1,96 ± 0,23 logMAR. Bei einer mittleren Nachbeobachtungszeit von 20,2 ± 13,4 Monaten betrug der mittlere BCVA beim letzten Follow-up 1,57 ± 0,57 logMAR. Insgesamt blieben 12 Transplantate (35%) bis zur letzten Nachuntersuchung klar und bei 23 Transplantaten (65%) trat die primäre Erkrankung erneut auf oder es entwickelte sich eine Hornhautdekompensation. Bis zum Ende des Beobachtungszeitraums mussten 6 Augen (17%) enukleiert werden.Bei komplexen Fällen von infektiöser Keratitis, die eine LDPKP erfordern, um die gesamte Pathologie zu entfernen und die Integrität des Auges zu erhalten, sind die zu erwartenden Visusergebnisse im Allgemeinen eher ungünstig, nicht nur wegen der bekannten Risiken der LDPKP, sondern auch wegen der Folgen der Infektionskrankheit selbst. Dieses Wissen ist wichtig für eine adäquate Beratung und Aufklärung der Patienten präoperativ.

PURPOSE To point out the biomechanical changes of the topographically and tomographically normal partner eye (NPE) in patients with very asymmetrical corneal ectasia. SETTING Department of Ophthalmology, Saarland University Medical Center in Homburg/Saar, Germany. DESIGN Retrospective study. METHODS The topographical and tomographical results of the NPE were assessed using the Pentacam HR and the biomechanical corneal properties using the Ocular Response Analyzer (keratoconus match index [KMI], corneal hysteresis [CH], and corneal resistance factor [CRF]) and the Corvis ST (topographic biomechanical index [TBI] and Corvis biomechanical index) and compared those results with a normal control group (CG). RESULTS The clinical records of 26 patients recruited from the Homburg Keratoconus Center diagnosed with a very asymmetrical corneal ectasia were reviewed. The NPE (8.5 ± 1.5 mm Hg) showed a significantly more pathological CH (P < .001) compared with the CG. The CRF was also significantly more pathological (P = .04) for the NPE (8.3 ± 1.5 mm Hg) compared with the CG. The NPE (0.62 ± 0.32) showed a nonsignificant (P = .08) more pathological KMI compared with the CG. Nineteen (73.1%) of 26 NPE had a KMI less than 0.72 and were considered pathological. Compared with the CG, the TBI of the NPE (0.19 ± 0.25) did not differ significantly overall (P = .57). However, 5 (19.2%) of 26 eyes had a TBI more than 0.29 and were considered pathological. CONCLUSIONS Topographically and tomographically NPEs in very asymmetrical corneal ectasia frequently showed biomechanical changes. This should be considered before planning any type of refractive corneal surgery in such patients.

Purpose To evaluate the effectiveness of epithelium-off (epi-off) accelerated corneal crosslinking (A-CXL, 9 mW/cm2, 10 min) in adult keratoconus (KC) patients. Methods The study included 151 KC corneas (124 patients) after A-CXL. The parameters best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and the tomographic readings (Pentacam HR, Oculus, Germany) were analysed at 24, 12 and 6 months preoperatively, prior to surgery; and 6 weeks, 6 months, 1, 2 and >2 years postoperatively. The demarcation line was assessed by anterior segment optical coherence tomography (Tomey SS-1000, CASIA 2 (Tomey, Nagoya, Japan)). Results Comparing pre- to postoperative findings 6 weeks after A-CXL with paired t-test, the anterior steep (46.8 ± 4.0|47.1 ± 4.1), flat (50.2 ± 4.3|50.6 ± 4.6) and maximal keratometry (57.6 ± 6.8|58.3 ± 6.8) increased (p 2 years; p 2 years; p 2 years after A-CXL (MANOVA; steep, p = 0.008; flat, p = 0.027; mean, p = 0.007). The mean depth of the demarcation line was 242 ± 62 µm (53.6%). The preoperative logMAR BCVA (0.35 ± 0.02) decreased 6 weeks after A-CXL (0.39 ± 0.03) followed by a continuous improvement until the latest follow-up (0.18 ± 0.04). Conclusion A-CXL constitutes a successful method for KC stabilization. Signs of KC progression occur within the first 6 weeks postoperatively (“pseudoprogression”), but this is not indicative of the long-term effect.

Purpose To determine the changes of corneal thickness and curvature of human corneal grafts in organ culture medium II, containing dextran T500 6%, before keratoplasty. Methods We examined the tomography of 24 corneas from our eye bank transferred from medium I into medium II. Images were repeated hourly during 24 hours using an anterior segment optical coherence tomography. The central corneal thickness (CCT) was measured with the manual measurement tool of the anterior segment optical coherence tomography. The radii of curvature (anterior flat and steep and posterior flat and steep) were measured with a MATLAB self-programmed software for "sterile donor tomography." Results The mean CCT (±SD) at baseline (T0) was 727 ± 156 μm. It reached 581 ± 103, 506 ± 84, 472 ± 79, and 456±7 μm after 6, 12, 18, and 24 hours, respectively. After 12 hours, 83% of the final deswelling was achieved. The radii of curvature (±SD) at baseline (T0) were (posterior flat, posterior steep, anterior flat, and anterior steep) 6.6 ± 0.5, 6.2 ± 0.5, 7.7 ± 0.4, and 7.4 ± 0.4 mm, respectively. After 24 hours, the radii of curvature reached 6.8 ± 0.1, 6.6 ± 0.3, 7.6 ± 0.1, and 7.4 ± 0.2 mm, respectively. Conclusions The kinetics of the deswelling process in medium II follow a hyperbolic curve. Considering a CCT of 506 μm at T12, we assume that a time interval of 12 hours in medium II might be enough for clinical purposes. This result might help to keep storage in medium II as short as possible to escape potential toxic effects of dextran in medium II. The radius of curvature does not seem to change within 24 hours for all measured surfaces.

ZusammenfassungKontaktlinsenassoziierte Keratitiden werden immer häufiger. Die mykotische Keratitis ist ein relativ seltenes, aber sehr ernst zu nehmendes Krankheitsbild. Meist wird im Frühstadium eine falsche Diagnose gestellt und dadurch die adäquate Therapie verzögert. Bei der therapierefraktären kontaktlinsenassoziierten mykotischen Keratitis können nicht selten auch Koinfektionen oder Superinfektionen bestehen. Wir stellen 2 Patienten mit initial unklarer Keratitis vor, bei denen eine Mischinfektion der mykotischen Keratitis mit Pseudomonas aeruginosa bzw. Akanthamöben nachgewiesen werden konnte. In beiden Fällen war die zeitnahe perforierende Excimerlaser-Keratoplastik mit Einzelknüpfnähten und adäquater Lokaltherapie über 8 Wochen therapeutisch erfolgreich.

To evaluate the reliability and efficiency of sterile pachymetric measurements of donor corneas based on tomographic data using two different methods: a “manual” and a “(semi-)automated” method. Twenty-five (25) donor corneas (50%) stored in MI and 25 (50%) in MII were imaged 5 times consecutively using an anterior segment OCT (AS-OCT). The central corneal thickness (CCT) was measured both with the manual measurement tool of the AS-OCT (= CCTm) and with a MATLAB self-programmed software allowing (semi-)automated analysis (= CCTa). We analyzed the reliability of CCTm and CCTa using Cronbach´s alpha (α) and Wilcoxon signed-Rank Test. Concerning CCTm, 68 measurements (54.4%) in MI and 46 (36.8%) in MII presented distortions in the imaged 3D-volumes and were discarded. Concerning CCTa, 5 (4%) in MI and 1 (0.8%) in MII were not analyzable. The mean (± SD) CCTm was 1129 ± 6.8 in MI and 820 ± 5.1 µm in MII. The mean CCTa was 1149 ± 2.7 and 811 ± 2.4 µm, respectively. Both methods showed a high reliability with a Cronbach´s α for CCTm of 1.0 (MI/MII) and for CCTa of 0.99 (MI) and 1.0 (MII). Nevertheless, the mean SD of the 5 measurements was significantly higher for CCTm compared to CCTa in MI (p = 0.03), but not in MII (p = 0.92). Sterile donor tomography proves to be highly reliable for assessment of CCT with both methods. However, due to frequent distortions regarding the manual method, the (semi-)automated method is more efficient and should be preferred.

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and severity of cornea guttata (CG) in grafts after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) and to investigate its impact on various clinical parameters during follow-up.This retrospective study included 664 operations (DMEK and triple-DMEK) on 466 patients. The prevalence and progression of CG after the operation were examined using endothelial specular microscopy images. The severity grade of CG was classified into four grades: G0 without CG, G1 - G3 with increasing severity of CG. Clinical parameters such as central corneal thickness (CCT), visual acuity (VA), endothelial cell density (ECD), pleomorphism and polymegalism were examined during a postoperative follow-up time of 19.6 ± 15.8 months.Cornea guttata (CG) appeared postoperatively in 124 (18.7%) eyes. 112 (16.9%) could be classified as G1, 9 (1.4%) as G2 and only 3 (0.5%) as G3. The examination of clinical parameters showed significant differences between healthy and low-grade CG (G0/G1) and high-grade CG (G2/G3). A significant deterioration was found in the corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) (p = 0.02). CCT showed an increase between G0 (534 ± 58 μm) and G2 (549 ± 71 μm)/G3 (558 ± 56 μm) with a p-value of 0.02. Additionally, a significant increase in pleomorphism (p = 0.003) and polymegalism (p = 0.04) was detected.Cornea guttata (CG) prevalence after DMEK and triple-DMEK was found to be 18.7%, although most of these cases were classified as low-grade CG and showed no clinical significance. Around 1.9% were classified as high-grade CG and significantly affected several clinical parameters during the follow-up.

Background and objective Since 1986 Naumann and Lang have developed and optimized the technique of nonmechanical corneal trephination using a 193-nm excimer laser along metal masks for penetrating keratoplasty (PKP). The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the technique of excimer laser-assisted keratoplasty. Methods After beginning with elliptical transplants a major improvement resulted in the introduction of eight "orientation cogs/notches" at the edges of round metal masks for reduction of "horizontal torsion". For noncontact donor trephination from the epithelial side an artificial anterior chamber is used. The surgical technique is demonstrated in detail and in almost full length in a video of the operation, which is available online. Results Prospective clinical studies have shown that the technique of noncontact excimer laser PKP improves donor and recipient misalignment, reduces "vertical tilt" and "horizontal torsion" of the graft in the recipient bed. This results in significantly less keratometric astigmatism, greater regularity of the topography and better spectacle-corrected visual acuity after removal of the sutures. Besides less perioperative disturbance of the blood-intraocular fluid barrier, excimer laser trephination does not induce enhanced cataract formation and does not impair the graft endothelium. Likewise, the rate of immune reactions is not adversely affected by the excimer laser. Furthermore, trephination of an unstable cornea, such as (nearly) perforated corneal ulcers or after radial keratotomy or LASIK is facilitated. Conclusion Because of the undisputed clinical advantages, especially in eyes with advanced keratoconus, excimer laser trephination with orientation cogs/notches is currently favored in the routine daily practice in Homburg/Saar.

We report a case of congenital strabismus and glaucoma associated with severe Haab striae, endothelial decompensation, and corticonuclear cataract that was treated successfully with Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) combined with phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation (triple DMEK). In this case, a 60-year-old woman presented with progressive decreased visual acuity and increased cloudiness, especially in the morning, in both eyes (left > right). She had goniotomy and strabismus surgery in 1957 when she was 6 months old. Six months after the triple DMEK procedure was performed in the left eye, the corrected distance visual acuity was 20/40, the intraocular pressure was 14 mm Hg, and the central corneal thickness was 452 μm. Slitlamp biomicroscopy showed a clear cornea with no signs of graft rejection. In conclusion, severe Haab striae caused by long-standing congenital glaucoma can be treated successfully with the new triple DMEK procedure.

Cornea guttata may not be recognized in the eye bank and recent studies have displayed that guttae are transplanted in about 15% of cases in varying severities. The purpose of this study was to establish semiquantitative criteria for the detection of cornea guttata in donor corneas in the eye bank.In this retrospective cohort study, preoperative endothelial pictures of donor corneas were collected and classified according to the post-penetrating keratoplasty cornea guttata grade into three distinct groups: group 1 consists of healthy corneas with no guttae (guttata grade 0); group 2 constitutes corneas with mild asymptomatic cornea guttata (guttata grade +); and group 3 comprises corneas with advanced widespread cornea guttata (guttata grade ++/+++/++++). The preoperative pictures of each group were then individually analyzed using the following five semiquantitative criteria: The number and the area of the cell-depleted surfaces, the presence of less than 50% of the cells having a hexagonal or a circular shape, the presence of cell membrane defects and interruptions, the presence of blebs in the cell membrane, and the presence of groups of cells with a distinct whitish color.In total, 262 patients were included in this study, with a total number of 1582 preoperative donor corneal endothelial pictures. Out of those pictures, groups 1, 2, and 3 encompassed 995 (62.9%), 411 (26.0%), and 176 (11.1%) pictures, respectively. Three out of the five eye bank criteria were found to correlate with postoperative cornea guttata with a highly significant p value of 0.001. These three criteria are the presence of less than 50% of the cells having a hexagonal or a circular shape, the presence of cell membrane defects and interruptions and, the presence of blebs. The presence of groups of cells with a distinct whitish color was only a weak predictive factor for cornea guttata (p = 0.069). There was no statistically significant correlation between the number and the area of cell-depleted surfaces and postoperative cornea guttata with a p = 0.181.Three semiquantitative criteria that can be detected in the eye bank using inverted light microscopy seem to correlate with postoperative cornea guttata: The presence of blebs, the presence of cell membrane defects and interruptions, as well as endothelial pictures with less than 50% of the cells having a hexagonal of circular shape. The presence of groups of cells with a distinct whitish color appears to be a weak predictor of cornea guttata.Cornea guttata wird in der Hornhautbank möglicherweise nicht erkannt und neuere Studien haben gezeigt, dass Cornea guttata in etwa 15% der Fälle in unterschiedlichen Schweregraden transplantiert werden. Ziel dieser Studie war es, semiquantitative Kriterien für den Nachweis von Cornea guttata in Spenderhornhäuten in der Hornhautbank zu etablieren.In dieser retrospektiven Kohortenstudie wurden präoperative Endothelbilder von Spenderhornhäuten gesammelt und entsprechend dem Grad der Cornea guttata nach perforierender Keratoplastik in 3 verschiedene Gruppen eingeteilt: Gruppe 1 besteht aus gesunden Hornhäuten ohne Cornea guttata (Cornea-guttata-Grad 0), Gruppe 2 aus Hornhäuten mit leichter, asymptomatischer Cornea guttata (Cornea-guttata-Grad +) und Gruppe 3 umfasst Hornhäute mit fortgeschrittener, ausgedehnter Cornea guttata (Cornea-guttata-Grad ++/+++/++++). Die präoperativen Bilder jeder Gruppe wurden dann einzeln anhand der folgenden 5 semiquantitativen Kriterien analysiert: die Anzahl und die Fläche der zelldepletierten Flächen, das Vorhandensein von weniger als 50% der Zellen, die eine hexagonale oder kreisförmige Form haben, das Vorhandensein von Zellmembrandefekten und -unterbrechungen, das Vorhandensein von Blebs in der Zellmembran und das Vorhandensein von Zellgruppen mit einer deutlichen weißlichen Farbe.Insgesamt wurden 262 Patienten in diese Studie eingeschlossen, mit einer Gesamtzahl von 1582 präoperativen Spenderhornhaut-Endothelbildern. Von diesen Bildern umfassten die Gruppen 1, 2 und 3 jeweils 995 (62,9%), 411 (26,0%) und 176 (11,1%) Bilder. Es wurde festgestellt, dass 3 der 5 Kriterien der Hornhautbank mit postoperativen Cornea guttata mit einem hochsignifikanten p-Wert von 0,001 korreliert sind. Diese 3 Kriterien sind: das Vorhandensein von weniger als 50% der Zellen, die eine hexagonale oder kreisförmige Form haben, das Vorhandensein von Zellmembrandefekten und -unterbrechungen und das Vorhandensein von Blebs. Das Vorhandensein einer Gruppe von Zellen mit einer deutlichen weißlichen Farbe war nur ein schwacher prädiktiver Faktor für Cornea guttata (p = 0,069). Es bestand kein statistisch signifikanter Zusammenhang zwischen der Anzahl und der Fläche der zelldepletierten Flächen und der postoperativen Cornea guttata mit p = 0,181.Drei semiquantitative Kriterien, die in der Hornhautbank mittels inverser Lichtmikroskopie detektiert werden können, scheinen mit postoperativer Cornea guttata zu korrelieren: das Vorhandensein von Blebs, das Vorhandensein von Zellmembrandefekten und -unterbrechungen sowie Endothelbilder, bei denen weniger als 50% der Zellen eine hexagonale oder zirkuläre Form aufweisen. Das Vorhandensein von Zellgruppen mit einer deutlichen weißlichen Farbe scheint ein schwacher Prädiktor für Cornea guttata zu sein.

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund und Ziel Intrakorneale Ringsegmente (ICRS) sollen die Progression des Keratokonus (KK) aufhalten. Diese Aussage zur Progression erfordert jedoch Kenntnisse über die Reproduzierbarkeit der angewendeten Messverfahren. Ziel dieser Studie war es, die Reproduzierbarkeit tomographischer Parameter in Augen mit Keratokonus (KK) nach femtosekundenlasergestützter INTACS-Implantation (fs-INTACS) zwischen 2 Hornhauttomographen zu vergleichen. Patienten und Methoden 19 KK-Augen wurden eingeschlossen. 5 Messungen wurden mit dem Scheimpflug-Tomographen Pentacam HR und dem optischen Kohärenztomographen (VA-OCT) Casia 2 durchgeführt. Zielgrößen waren die Reproduzierbarkeit und die Vergleichbarkeit der Messungen von (1) keratometrischem Brechwert der Hornhautvorder- und (2) -rückfläche, (3) maximalem keratometrischem Brechwert, (4) zentraler Hornhautdicke und (5) Hornhautdicke an der dünnsten Stelle zwischen beiden Geräten. Ergebnisse Die mittlere Differenz (Pentacam minus VA-OCT) von (1), (2), (3), (4) und (5) lag bei 0,67 dpt, 0,41 dpt, 3,4 dpt, 1,5 µm und 11,8 µm. Die mittlere SD der 5 Wiederholungen für (1), (2), (3), (4) und (5) lag bei 0,20 dpt/0,20 dpt, 0,10 dpt/0,07 dpt, 0,75 dpt/0,5 dpt, 6,5/2,4 µm (p = 0,007) und 7,3 µm/1,9 µm (p = 0,001) für Pentacam/Casia 2. Cronbach’s α war für alle Geräte und Parameter besser als 0,98. Schlussfolgerung Casia 2 und Pentacam ermöglichen beide eine zuverlässige Beurteilung der Hornhautbrechkraft bei KK nach fs-INTACS-Implantation. Die Reproduzierbarkeit war nur für die Hornhautdickenmessung mit Casia 2 signifikant besser. Pentacam zeigte signifikant höhere Werte für die Brechkraft der Hornhautvorder- und Rückfläche und misst signifikant dicker an der dünnsten Stelle im Vergleich zu Casia 2.

Hintergrund: Im letzten Jahrzehnt ist die Anzahl der Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) Prozeduren bei Endotheliopathien in Deutschland sowie weltweit exponentiell angestiegen. Wir berichten über den Herpesnachweis als Ursache eines rezidivierenden DMEK-Versagens. Methoden: Ein[zum vollständigen Text gelangen Sie über die oben angegebene URL], 92. Versammlung des Vereins Rhein-Mainischer Augenärzte

BACKGROUND This study assesses the reliability of successive corneal biomechanical response measurements by the Corneal Visualization Scheimpflug Technology (CST, Corvis ST® , Oculus Optikgerate, Wetzlar, Germany) in different keratoconus (KC) stages. METHODS A total of 173 eyes (15 controls: 15 eyes, and 112 KC patients: stages 1|1-2|2|2-3|3|3-4|4, n = 26|16|36|18|31|26|5 according to Topographical KC Classification, TKC) were repeatedly examined five times with the CST, each after repositioning the patient's head and re-adjusting the device. Tomographical analysis (Pentacam HR® ; Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany) was performed once before and once after CST measurements. Outcome measures included (1) A1 velocity, (2) deformation amplitude (DA) ratio 2 mm, (3) integrated radius, (4) stiffness parameter A1 and (5) Ambrosio relational thickness to the horizontal profile (ARTh). The Corvis Biomechanical Index (CBI) is reported to be extracted out of these parameters. Mean values of the five measurements and Cronbach's α were calculated as a measure for reliability. RESULTS Ambrosio relational thickness to the horizontal profile and SPA1 were significantly higher in controls (534|123) compared to TKC1 (384|88), TKC2 (232|66), TKC3 (152|55) and TKC4 (71|27; p

Background Explanted corneae are highly needed for the surgical management of patients with severe corneal diseases. The aim of this study was to determine whether the body donors from the Institute of Anatomy are a suitable source of donor corneae. Methods At the Institute of Anatomy at Saarland University Medical Center in Homburg, corneae are prelevated from body donors who had consented to the removal of tissues for transplantation purposes during their lifetime. Following the report of death, the LIONS Eye Bank is informed and the contraindications of corneal explantation are clarified. Obtaining a blood sample within 24 h postmortem is mandatory. Results The Institute of Anatomy had 150 body donors in the time period from January 2018 to June 2019. Out of these, 68 (45.3%) were reported to the Eye Bank. The age of the donors (median 82 years (range: 57–96)) is not critical since the quality of the corneae depends on the number of endothelial cells (mean: 2109 ± 67 cells/mm2 (range: 511–2944 cells/mm2)). Contraindications were present in 19 (12.6%) cases. The corneae were extracted from 49 (32.7%) body donors. Out of these 98 corneae, 46 (46.9%) were successfully transplanted. Of all non-transplanted corneae, 6 (6.1%) were microbiologically contaminated, 10 (10.2%) had a positive serology, 22 (22.5%) had an endothelial cell count

In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) is a non-invasive imaging technique that allows morphological analysis as a diagnostic approach of the cornea in real time, thus providing a suspected diagnosis of fungal or amoebic keratitis immediately, whereas culture or PCR require several days or even weeks. Since these infections are rare, it is difficult for ophthalmologists to gain the experience necessary to differentiate infection from normal findings or artefacts. The purpose of this project was to establish a simulator, on which physicians could practice as well as acquiring a database of IVCM images of fungal or amoebic keratitis and respective analyses.An IVCM simulator was set up with cadaver human corneas, infected with either acanthamoeba, candida or aspergillus. Twenty-one ophthalmologists were trained in IVC microscopy first in a Dry Lab, then practically on the simulator. For evaluation, the participants were asked to fill out a standardized questionnaire, with a pre- and post-course self-assessment.The self-assessed theoretical and practical skills in differentiating infectious from non-infectious keratitis in IVCM significantly increased (A very simple protocol based on a model of ex vivo corneal mycotic and amoebic infections can be used to train novices in the structured approach and diagnostic use of IVCM for corneal infections.

PURPOSE To report the indications and outcomes of 8.5/8.6-mm excimer laser-assisted penetrating keratoplasties (PKPs) at a tertiary corneal subspecialty referral center. METHODS This retrospective, descriptive, observational study included 107 PKPs performed in 96 patients (mean age, 53 ± 12 years). The patients' indications for surgery, best-corrected visual acuity, surface regularity index, surface asymmetry index, topographic astigmatism, central endothelial cell density, central corneal thickness, and graft status were recorded preoperatively, 6 weeks postoperatively, and before (12 ± 2 months) and after (19 ± 4 months) the suture removal. RESULTS The surgeries included 48 primary PKPs and 59 repeat PKPs. The main indications were corneal ectatic disorders (50%), severe corneal keratitis (21%), and corneal scars (16%) in the primary PKP group and highly irregular astigmatism after PKP (51%) and previous graft decompensation (37%) in the repeat PKP group. From preoperative measurements to the last follow-up visit without sutures, we found significant improvements (P < 0.001 for all) in visual acuity (0.7 ± 0.3 LogMAR to 0.3 ± 0.2 LogMAR), surface regularity index (1.5-1.0), and surface asymmetry index (2.59-1.1). At the last follow-up, the mean outcome measurements did not significantly differ between the primary and repeat PKP groups. Overall, 89 grafts (83%) remained clear at the last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS In cases of ectatic disorders and highly irregular astigmatism after keratoplasty, 8.5/8.6-mm excimer laser-assisted PKP seems to be an excellent treatment option, achieving a significant improvement in visual acuity.

To provide insight into the clinical anatomy of Tenon's capsule and to describe a technique to manage sclerocorneal defects using autologous Tenon's tissue. A thin layer of Tenon's capsule harvested from the patient's own eye is used to seal the defect and act as a scaffold. The Tenon's flap is spread over the defect and held in place by Vicryl sutures. A bandage contact lens is then placed on the eye. Tenon's capsule is composed of thick fibrous tissue with smooth muscle fibers and a thin posterior capsule of orbital fat. It is rich in fibroblasts, which can accelerate wound healing and eventually lead to robust scarring without risk of immunogenicity and without cost. Tenonplasty uses easily-available autologous Tenon's tissue in patients with sclerocorneal defects to preserve globe morphology. The technique is a feasible alternative not limited by the availability of graft tissue. Clin. Anat. 31:72-76, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Use of Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) has been limited because of problems with donor preparation, i.e. tearing of the Descemet membrane and difficulties in unfolding the Endothelium-Descemet-Membrane-Layer (EDML) in the anterior chamber (AC). The purpose of this work was to describe a novel approach to teaching anatomy-based donor and recipient preparation in a DMEK-Wetlab. We teach successful mono-manual donor preparation of human corneas in organ culture not suitable for transplantation, including peripheral markers for orientation. We also teach safe recipient preparation in a freshly-enucleated pig eye in organ culture preservation medium for atraumatic introduction of the EDML roll into the AC, reliable orientation of the EDML during surgery, and stepwise unfolding within the AC. Twenty-two candidates in the 1. Homburg Cornea Curriculum HCC 2015 who practiced both preparations using three human donor corneas and three pig eyes assessed the procedure as follows: (1) overall grade of the Wetlab 1.4 (median 1, range 1 to 2 - on a scale from 1 (excellent) to 6 (terrible); (2) most participants and tutors stated that the Wetlab is most effective for colleagues who have some previous experience with corneal microsurgery. Our novel anatomy-based approach to simulating donor preparation and graft implantation for DMEK seems to meet the expectations and requirements of colleagues with previous experience in corneal microsurgery and will help to reduce the rate of complications for incipient DMEK surgeons in the future. Clin. Anat. 31:16-27, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

We analysed histologically two Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) eyes with anterior and posterior segment inflammation and blindness. Two enucleated eyes of 2 patients (age 45 and 51y) with AK (PCR of epithelial abrasion positive) were analysed. Histological analysis was performed using hematoxylin-eosin, periodic acid-Schiff and Gomori-methenamine silver staining. We could not observe Acanthamoeba trophozoites or cysts neither in the cornea nor in other ocular tissues. Meanwhile, we found uveitis, retinal vasculitis and scleritis in these eyes, due to the long-standing, recalcitrant AK. So in this stage of AK, systemic immune suppression may be necessary for a longer time period.

Since 1986 Naumann and Lang have developed and optimized the technique of nonmechanical corneal trephination using a 193-nm excimer laser along metal masks for penetrating keratoplasty (PKP). The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the technique of excimer laser-assisted keratoplasty.After beginning with elliptical transplants a major improvement resulted in the introduction of eight "orientation cogs/notches" at the edges of round metal masks for reduction of "horizontal torsion". For noncontact donor trephination from the epithelial side an artificial anterior chamber is used. The surgical technique is demonstrated in detail and in almost full length in a video of the operation, which is available online.Prospective clinical studies have shown that the technique of noncontact excimer laser PKP improves donor and recipient misalignment, reduces "vertical tilt" and "horizontal torsion" of the graft in the recipient bed. This results in significantly less keratometric astigmatism, greater regularity of the topography and better spectacle-corrected visual acuity after removal of the sutures. Besides less perioperative disturbance of the blood-intraocular fluid barrier, excimer laser trephination does not induce enhanced cataract formation and does not impair the graft endothelium. Likewise, the rate of immune reactions is not adversely affected by the excimer laser. Furthermore, trephination of an unstable cornea, such as (nearly) perforated corneal ulcers or after radial keratotomy or LASIK is facilitated.Because of the undisputed clinical advantages, especially in eyes with advanced keratoconus, excimer laser trephination with orientation cogs/notches is currently favored in the routine daily practice in Homburg/Saar.

BACKGROUND Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) allows visualizing slightest alterations within the corneal subbasal nerve plexus (SNP). Recent CCM studies based on the analysis of three-five CCM images per eye assumed a reduced corneal nerve fibre length (CNFL) in keratoconus (KC). METHODS The SNP of KC patients (n = 23, 13 contact lens wearing, 10 noncontact lens wearing) and patients without KC (n = 16) was examined by 10 CCM images of one eye per patient. The CNFL per frame area was calculated, and the SNP tortuosity was quantified by measuring (a) the amplitude of the curves and (b) the area under the curve (AUC) formed by the SNP. RESULTS Analysing 390 non-overlapping confocal images revealed the CNFL (mm/mm2 ) to be significantly lower in KC (16.4 ± 1.9 mm/mm2 ) than in healthy corneae (23.8 ± 3.3 mm/mm2 , p

Purpose: To summarize actual literature data on clinical signs, differential diagnosis, and treatment of acanthamoeba keratitis. Methods: Review of literature. Results: Clinical signs of acanthamoeba keratitis are in early stages grey-dirty epithelium, pseudodendritiformic epitheliopathy, perineuritis, multifocal stromal infiltrates, ring infiltrate and in later stages scleritis, iris atrophy, anterior synechiae, secondary glaucoma, mature cataract, and chorioretinitis. As conservative treatment, we use up to one year triple-topical therapy (polyhexamethylene-biguanide, propamidine-isethionate, neomycin). In therapy resistant cases, surgical treatment options such as corneal cryotherapy, amniotic membrane transplantation, riboflavin-UVA cross-linking, and penetrating keratoplasty are applied. Conclusion: With early diagnosis and conservative or surgical treatment, acanthamoeba keratitis heals in most cases. Keywords: Acanthamoeba, Keratitis, Cornea, Contact lens

Background and purpose In September 2011 the cornea section of the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG) established the first German Acanthamoeba keratitis registry. The data of this multicenter survey are being collected, compiled and evaluated at the Department of Ophthalmology at the Saarland University. The aim of this article is to present an intermediate report. Patients and methods Data from 172 eyes with Acanthamoeba keratitis were collected during the last 10 years. For this interim report we actually evaluated 121 eyes (60.2 % female patients, average age 41.3 years) and collected the following data: date of onset of symptoms, date and method of diagnosis, initial diagnosis, anamnestic data, clinical symptoms and signs at diagnosis and during follow-up, conservative and surgical therapy. Criteria for inclusion in the Acanthamoeba registry was the established diagnosis of an Acanthamoeba keratitis with at least one of the methods described in this article. Results Acanthamoeba keratitis could be histologically proven in 55.3 % of the cases, via PCR in 25.6 %, with confocal microscopy in 20.4 % and using in vitro cultivation in 15.5 %. Clinical symptoms and signs in Acanthamoeba keratitis were pain in 67.0 %, ring infiltrates in 53.4 %, pseudodendritiform epitheliopathy in 11.7 % and keratoneuritis in 5.8 %. In 47.6 % of the cases the initial diagnosis was herpes simplex virus keratitis followed by bacterial keratitis in 25.2 % and fungal keratitis in 3.9 %. Acanthamoeba keratitis was the correct initial diagnosis in only 23.2 % of cases. The average time period between first symptoms and diagnosis was 2.8 ± 4.0 months (range 0-23 months). A triple therapy with Brolene® Lavasept® and antibiotic eye drops at least 5 ×/day was used in 54.5 % of eyes (n = 66). Penetrating keratoplasty was performed in 40.4 %, in 18 cases in combination with cryotherapy of the cornea. The mean graft diameter was 7.9 ± 1.1 mm (range 3.5-11.0 mm). The final visual acuity (Snellen visual acuity chart at 5 m) was comparable in the two groups of eyes with (5/40 ± 5/25) and without (5/32 ± 5/25) keratoplasty. Conclusion Acanthamoeba keratitis is a rare and often very late diagnosed disease and two thirds of the cases were initially misdiagnosed. The early recognition of the typical symptoms is crucial for the prognosis of the disease. All ophthalmological departments in Germany are invited to submit further data of all confirmed cases (berthold.seitz@uks.eu), whether retrospectively or prospectively in order to generate an adequate standardized diagnostic and therapeutic approach for this potentially devastating disease.

Cystinosis is an autosomal recessive inherited lysosomal storage disease with an incidence of 1:100.000 up to 1:200.000 caused by a gene mutation of a lysosomal transport protein resulting in deposition of cystine in lysosomes in all cells and tissues. In the cornea, crystalline, gold-dust deposition of cystine leads to visual impairment, recurrent erosions, photophobia, epiphora and blepharospasmus. Standard therapy is topical and systemic application of cysteamine which may resolve the accumulated cystine crystals. This is a case report of a thirty-one-year-old patient who already underwent renal transplantation because of nephropathic cystinosis. Visual impairment by cystine crystal deposition was aggravated by a central avascular pannus formation in his right eye. Penetrating keratoplasty was performed in intention to improve the patient’s visual acuity and life quality. After penetrating keratoplasty in the right eye, there was only a slight visual improvement. OCT scans of the macula revealed intraretinal cystine crystals and a cystoid macular edema, which was treated with a bevacizumab injection. Transmission electron microscopy of the excised cornea revealed spiky intracorneal inclusions and confocal in vivo microscopy of the left eye allowed detailed visualization of the cystine crystal deposition. There is a variability of ocular manifestations of nephropathic cystinosis. Ophthalmologists have a central role in the early diagnosis of cystinosis as mostly the first manifestation are cystine crystals in the cornea. Penetrating keratoplasty may be one of the therapeutical options. Nevertheless, the patient has to be informed about the limited prognosis because of the persisting underlying disease.

PURPOSE: To examine the microstructure of the cornea after excimer and femtosecond laser-assisted penetrating keratoplasty (ELAK and FLAK) in eyes with Fuchs’ dystrophy and keratoconus. METHODS: Fifty-seven patients were divided into four groups according to corneal disease and surgical technique: Fuchs’ dystrophy and ELAK (n = 9; mean age: 70.4 ± 10.6 years); Fuchs’ dystrophy and FLAK (n = 13; mean age: 64.3 ± 11.2 years); keratoconus and ELAK (n = 9; mean age: 47.4 ± 13.9 years); and keratoconus and FLAK (n = 9; mean age: 43.5 ± 13.8 years). The control group comprised individuals without ocular disease (n = 17; mean age: 39.9 ± 17.3 years). In vivo investigation of the corneal graft and graft–host junction zone was performed with confocal corneal microscopy. RESULTS: All corneal grafts were transparent and no rejection reaction could be observed during the follow-up period. Confocal microscopy revealed no difference in basal epithelial cell density compared to controls. Anterior keratocyte density was lower than in the control group (818 ± 131 cells/mm 2 ) in all four treatment groups (596 ± 174, 586 ± 113, 529 ± 75, 552 ± 91 cells/mm 2 ). Langerhans cells could barely be seen; there was no difference in the cutting edge configuration and wound integrity. CONCLUSIONS: In vivo confocal microscopy provided evidence that good alignment of graft–host junction could be created with both techniques. The excimer laser was not inferior to the femtosecond laser in performing corneal cuts. The low density of Langerhans cells revealed well-controlled cellular immunological response and sustained corneal integrity in both laser groups. [ J Refract Surg. 2015;31(9):620–626.]