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Purpose: To investigate the relationship of inflammatory biomarkers with corneal epithelial quantifiable metrics in patients with keratoconus and in healthy eyes. Design: Prospective observational comparative study. Participants: This study included 100 eyes of 100 patients: 48 eyes of 48 patients with keratoconus and 52 healthy eyes of 52 healthy controls. Methods: The concentrations of tear cytokines were investigated in both groups: interleukin (IL) 1B, IL6, IL8, IL10, IL12p70, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) were obtained by capillary flow and measured using flow cytometer. Cortisol concentrations were determined in both groups from the most proximal hair segment as an index of cumulative secretion and measured by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry. Epithelial variables were obtained with OCT. Pearson correlation (r) was used to measure linear dependence between 2 different variables. Main Outcome Measures: Investigating the existence, strength, and significance of any correlation between inflammatory biomarkers (IL1B, IL6, IL8, IL10, IL12p70, TNFα, and hair cortisol concentration) and OCT corneal epithelial quantifiable variables such as minimum and maximum epithelial thickness of the map, difference between the minimum and maximum (Epithelial Min-Max) and standard deviation of the epithelial thickness of the map (Epithelial Std Dev), and average epithelial thickness of the superior and inferior regions of the map. Results: Eyes with keratoconus presented statistically significantly higher levels of IL1b (P = 0.02), IL6 (P < 0.0001), IL8 (P < 0.0001), and TNFα (P < 0.0001) and hair cortisol concentration (P = 0.01) compared with healthy controls.There was a significant correlation between IL6 and measurement Epithelium Min-Max [Pearson = −0.59 (−0.69, −0.47); P

Purpose: To evaluate measures of corneal epithelium in eyes that showed documented signs of keratoconus (KC) progression and compare with stable eyes and healthy controls. Also, to determine the correlation of these epithelial parameters with maximum keratometry (K max) and pachymetry. Design: Prospective, observational, comparative study. Participants: One-hundred and fifty eyes from 150 patients. The study included 50 eyes from patients with documented KC progression, 50 eyes with stable KC, and 50 clinically normal eyes to serve as controls. Methods: A spectral–domain (SD)-OCT imaging was obtained in all eyes, and mean values were compared between the groups. The correlation of epithelial parameters with K max and thinnest pachymetry was also investigated. Main Outcome Measures: For the purposes of this study, the epithelial measures maximum, minimum, superior, and inferior values as well as the difference between the minimum and maximum (min–max) and epithelial standard deviation were considered, obtained from SD-OCT and compared between groups. Measurements of the thinnest point and min–max in pachymetry were also recorded. Results: The only epithelial parameter that presented a statistically significant difference between stable and progressive KC was epithelium min–max. Although stable KC presented epithelium min–max mean values of −18.2 ± 6.6, progressive KC eyes presented mean values of −23.4 ± 10.3 (P < 0.0001). Epithelial maximum (P = 0.16), minimum (P = 0.25), superior (P = 0.28), inferior (P = 0.23), and standard deviation (P = 0.25) values were not significantly different between stable and progressive eyes. Difference min–max pachymetry points in stable (−108.3 ± 33.5) and progressive KC (−115.2 ± 56.0) were not significantly different (P = 0.723). There was no significant correlation between epithelium min–max with corneal thinning (P = 0.39) or K max (P = 0.09) regardless of disease progression. Conclusions: Epithelial measures are useful to identify KC eyes that are progressing; the parameters that measure the difference between min–max epithelium points were significantly different between stable and progressive groups, unlike this difference in pachymetry. Finally, this epithelial parameter seems to be independent of corneal thinning and K max. Financial Disclosure(s): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Abstract Purpose: To determine the impact of neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser posterior capsulotomy on quality of life and visual acuity in adults. Methods: A prospective study that included patients over 65 years old with clinical indications for Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy. On the day of the procedure, corrected distance visual acuity tests, slit-lamp examination and posterior capsule opacification (PCO) photo documentation were performed, followed by application of the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ-25). The PCO rate was evaluated with Evaluation of Posterior Capsule opacification (EPCO 2000) software. Four weeks after the posterior capsulotomy, corrected distance visual acuity was measured, and the NEI-VFQ-25 was applied again. Complications were also reported. Results : Sixty eyes from 45 patients were enrolled in the study. The mean age was 71.51 ± 6.38 years (65 to 93). Comparing the results before and after the Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy, there was a statistically significant improvement in quality of life according to the NEI-VFQ-25 (p

ABSTRACT Purpose: This study set out to examine the impact of surgical treatment of senile cataract on visual acuity and quality of life in patients operated in a public teaching hospital. Methods: Prospective study including patients aged over 60 years with clinical indications for cataract surgery treated at a medical residency service. The National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 was applied. Corrected distance visual acuity was measured before and after cataract surgery. Correlations between National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 scores and corrected distance visual acuity were investigated. Surgeons in charge, and surgical complications were also reported. Results: A total of 69 patients (89 eyes) were enrolled in this study. Patients were submitted to unilateral (52) or bilateral (17) surgery. Mean patient age was 70.8 ± 7.3 (52 to 95) years. Mean preoperative and postoperative National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 scores were 77.4 ± 15.3 (25.7 to 98.2) and 89.7 ± 14.0 (28.2 to 100) respectively. The larger differences in National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire 25 subscale scores were associated with general vision (from 34.4 to 48.6). Mean preoperative and postoperative corrected distance visual acuity were 0.7 ± 0.39 (0.3 to 1.3) LogMAR and 0.24 ± 0.19 (0.1 to 1.0) LogMAR respectively. Comparative analysis of preoperative and postoperative findings revealed significant (p

OBJECTIVES: To compare the amount of ultrasound energy and irrigation volume in conventional phacoemulsification cataract surgery versus femtosecond laser-assisted phacoemulsification at different nuclear-cortical cataract grades. METHOD: This was a prospective, consecutive, investigator-masked nonrandomized parallel cohort study. Patients were divided into 4 groups (Phaco1, Phaco2, Femto1 and Femto2) according to the surgical technique (conventional phacoemulsification [Group Phaco] or femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery [Group Femto]) and the Lens Opacity Classification System III (LOCS) grade (LOCS

Pediatric cataract is the most common treatable cause of blindness in children. Prevalence, etiology and morphology vary with the socioeconomic development. The treatment goal is to reduce amblyopia, being difficult management especially in unilateral cases. The decision on aphakia or primary intraocular lens should be individualized as well as correction with contact lens or spectacles. The intraocular lens single-piece hydrophobic acrylic are the most implanted in children and the preferably is in the capsular bag. The Sanders-Retzlaff-Kraff theoretic (SRK/T) stressing that is described as more predictable, following Holladay I and SRK II and the recommendation is to under correction +6.0 or +8.0 dioptrias expecting the growth of the eye. The posterior capsule opacity is the most frequent complication and varies with the material choice of the lens. Glaucoma is the most serious postoperative complication and depends on the timing of the surgery, primary lens implantation and time of post surgical follow-up. The adherence to occlusion therapy with patching is critical to the visual prognosis and is determined by the child’s age and laterality of the cataract. There was significant improvement in the surgery and in IOLs, however the final visual prognosis is still not desirable.

O edema macular cistoide é uma das principais causas de baixa de visão após cirurgia de catarata. O processo inflamatório parece ser o principal fator causal do edema. São considerados fatores de risco complicações cirúrgicas, doenças retinianas prévias, diabetes, uveítes e uso de colírios de prostaglandinas. O diagnóstico é feito clinicamente, mas a angiografia fluoresceínica e a tomografia de coerência óptica também são ferramentas importantes para detectar o edema e auxiliar no diagnóstico diferencial. Apesar da profilaxia pré-operatória não ter evidência científica, ela é preconizada especialmente nos casos com fatores de risco. O tratamento inicial é realizado com associação de corticoide e anti-inflamatório não hormonais tópicos. Os casos crônicos e refratários têm diversas alternativas de tratamento, sendo o uso de triancinolona e antiangiogênicos intravítreos as mais utilizadas. Este artigo se propõe a discutir diversos aspectos do edema macular cistoide pseudofácico.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar as urgências oftalmológicas em um hospital público de referência de Pernambuco. Métodos: Estudo transversal e retrospectivo, com 26.358 pacientes atendidos na emergência oftalmológica da Fundação Altino Ventura , no período janeiro a junho de 2013. Os dados foram coletados por meio de protocolos baseados nas fichas de cadastro eletrônicas da emergência oftalmológica. Resultados: Observou-se que 52,5% dos indivíduos eram do gênero masculino e 42,5% encontravam-se na faixa etária de 21 a 40 anos; 90,8% eram provenientes da região Metropolitana do Recife e 55% dos casos foram classificados como de baixa gravidade. Os diagnósticos mais frequentes foram conjuntivite (35,17%) e trauma ocular (19,25%). Conclusão: Houve prevalência de pacientes do gênero masculino, na faixa etária de 21 a 40 anos, proveniente da região Metropolitana do Recife, classificado como baixa gravidade, atendidos no mês de janeiro, na segunda-feira, com o diagnóstico de conjuntivite, seguida por trauma ocular.

Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito preemptivo com nepafenaco 0,1% em pacientes submetidos à fotocoagulação da retina para tratamento da retinopatia diabética proliferativa. Métodos: Trinta pacientes foram submetidos à fotocoagulação com laser de argônio em ambos os olhos. O olho contralateral de cada paciente foi o controle. O nepafenaco e o placebo foram utilizados 30 minutos antes da aplicação do laser. Ambos os olhos foram fotocoagulados no mesmo dia. A intensidade da dor foi avaliada por meio da escala analógica visual e da escala descritiva de dor. Resultados: A análise da interação instilação versus nepafenaco mostrou que os pacientes do grupo placebo apresentaram níveis de dor semelhantes em ambos os olhos, e os do grupo nepafenaco apresentaram redução importante do nível de dor no olho em que foi instilado a suspensão de 0,1% quando comparado ao olho contralateral que recebeu placebo (p=0,023). Conclusão: Este estudo sugere que a suspensão de 0,1% de nepafenaco foi útil na analgesia preemptiva de pacientes submetidos à fotocoagulação de retina quando comparada ao placebo.

Objetivo: Comparar as características de citação entre relatos de caso / séries de casos versus demais desenhos de estudos publicados nos periódicos brasileiros de oftalmologia indexados no Science Citation Index Expanded (SCIE). Métodos: Artigos originais foram identificados a partir da revisão dos documentos publicados nos "Arquivos Brasileiros de Oftalmologia" ou "Revista Brasileira de Oftalmologia". Todos os documentos listados no SCIE, de 01/01/2008 a 31/12/2009, foram incluídos, exceto: "editoriais"; "correções"; "cartas"; e "biografias". Os desfechos foram as distribuições, número de citações, média do número de citações e probabilidade de citação. Resultados: A pesquisa revelou 382 artigos. A distribuição dos artigos segundo desenho do estudo foram relatos de caso 106, séries de casos 50, estudos transversais 92, ensaios clínicos fase I / fase II 40, ensaios clínicos fase III / fase IV 29, revisões não-sistemáticas 33 e estudos experimentais 32. A média do número de citações foi menor (p

OBJECTIVE:This study sought to describe and analyze ocular findings associated with nonocular surgery in patients who underwent general anesthesia.METHODS:The authors retrospectively collected a series of 39,431 surgeries using standardized data forms.RESULTS:Ocular findings were reported in 9 cases (2.3:10,000), which involved patients with a mean age of 58.9±19.5 years. These cases involved patients classified as ASA I (33%), ASA II (55%) or ASA III (11%). General anesthesia with propofol and remifentanil was used in 4 cases, balanced general anesthesia was used in 4 cases, and regional block was used in combination with balanced general anesthesia in one case. Five patients (55%) underwent surgery in the supine position, one patient (11%) underwent surgery in the lithotomy position, two patients (22%) underwent surgery in the prone position, and one patient (11%) underwent surgery in the lateral position. Ocular hyperemia was detected in most (77%) of the 9 cases with ocular findings; pain/burning of the eyes, visual impairment, eye discharge and photophobia were observed in 55%, 11%, 11% and 11%, respectively, of these 9 cases. No cases involved permanent ocular injury or vision loss.CONCLUSION:Ophthalmological findings after surgeries were uncommon, and most of the included patients were relatively healthy. Minor complications, such as dehydration or superficial ocular trauma, should be prevented by following systematic protocols that provide appropriate ocular occlusion with a lubricating ointment and protect the eye with an acrylic occluder. These procedures will refine the quality of anesthesia services and avoid discomfort among patients, surgeons and anesthesia staff.

Objetivo: Avaliar as características dos pacientes atendidos no pronto socorro de oftalmologia, a fim de identificar medidas que melhorem a eficácia do atendimento e nortear o aprimoramento de outros serviços de urgência. Métodos: Estudo transversal e observacional, com 300 pacientes, atendidos no Hospital Municipal de Santo André (SP), de 15 a 22 de agosto de 2011. Os dados foram coletados por meio de avaliação clínica e de entrevistas com pacientes baseadas em um questionário. Resultados: Observou-se que 73,7% residiam a uma distância de até 20 km do hospital, 71,6% das urgências verdadeiras e 61,3% das urgências falsas procuraram atendimento em até uma semana do início dos sintomas. Conclusão: Considera-se a necessidade de disponibilizar para a população informações a respeito do tipo e da gravidade de urgências oculares, com ênfase na prevenção e na importância das doenças mais prevalentes, como corpo estranho corneano e úlcera de córnea, além de políticas de saúde direcionadas à criação de centros de atendimento especializados regionais, a fim de minimizar barreiras para acesso e aumentar a rapidez no tratamento de urgências oculares.

OBJETIVO: Comparar a performance visual dos pacientes submetidos ao implante das lentes intraoculares multifocais difrativas Tecnis® MF ZM900, Acrysof® Restor® SN60D3, Acrysof® SN60WF e Acrysof® SN60AT. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo comparativo, não randomizado, que incluiu 142 olhos de 71 pacientes com catarata, provenientes do ambulatório de oftalmologia do HC-FMUSP. A avaliação oftalmológica contou com medida da acuidade visual para longa, intermediária e curta distância, sem correção e com a melhor correção óptica, teste de sensibilidade ao contraste, pupilometria e análise de frente de onda por meio do aberrômetro. Todos os exames foram realizados com seis meses de pós-operatório. RESULTADOS: A média de idade dos pacientes foi de 60,7±6,6 anos no grupo Tecnis, 63,1±4,4 anos no grupo Restor e 63,7±4,2 anos no grupo monofocal (SN60AT no olho contralateral SN60WF). A acuidade visual para perto não corrigida e corrigida para longe foi estatisticamente superior nos grupos multifocal Restor e multifocal Tecnis em comparação ao grupo monofocal SN60AT/SN60WF (p

PURPOSE: To analyze emotional reactions related to cataract surgery in two groups of patients (monocular vision - Group 1; binocular vision - Group 2). METHODS: A transversal comparative study was performed using a structured questionnaire from a previous exploratory study before cataract surgery. RESULTS: 206 patients were enrolled in the study, 96 individuals in Group 1 (69.3 ± 10.4 years) and 110 in Group 2 (68.2 ± 10.2 years). Most patients in group 1 (40.6%) and 22.7% of group 2, reported fear of surgery (p

OBJETIVO: Comparar custos da cirurgia de catarata em larga escala para um hospital público, para o governo e para a sociedade, pelas técnicas de facoemulsificação (FACO) e extração extracapsular (EECP). MÉTODOS: Foi realizada revisão baseada principalmente em diversos estudos clínicos realizados entre 2002 e 2010, no Centro Cirúrgico Ambulatorial do Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo. RESULTADOS: Os gastos estimados com os insumos utilizados para as cirurgias foram de R$ 468,92 no grupo FACO e R$ 259,96 no grupo EECP. As despesas hospitalares com o acompanhamento pós-operatório foram em média de R$ 16,40 (42%) menores no grupo FACO. Com relação ao gasto estimado para a Previdência Social, o grupo EECP custou em média, US$ 44,58 por paciente a mais que o grupo FACO. CONCLUSÃO: O incentivo e o investimento governamental para a realização da FACO no SUS são socialmente justificados, deve-se considerar também a economia dos pacientes e do sistema empresarial, bem como as vantagens clínicas para os pacientes e vantagens econômicas para os hospitais.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to report the type and frequency of ocular manifestations in Brazilian psoriatic arthritis patients. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study in a Brazilian tertiary hospital. The test group included 40 patients who had psoriatic arthritis according to the Classification Criteria for Psoriatic Arthritis. A control group of 40 individuals was matched for age and gender. All of the patients underwent ophthalmic evaluation, which included best-corrected visual acuity, slit lamp and fundus examinations, and dry eye diagnostic tests (Schirmer I, tear breakup time and rose bengal). Demographic parameters were also evaluated. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 53.9±13.1 years; the mean disease duration was 8±10.5 years. Most of the patients were women (60%), and the majority had polyarticular disease (57.5%). Several ocular abnormalities were found, including punctate keratitis, pinguecula, blepharitis, pterygium, cataract, glaucoma, uveitis, and retinal microvascular abnormalities. There were no significant differences in the rates of these abnormalities compared with the control group, however. The Keratoconjunctivitis sicca and dry eye diagnostic tests were more often positive in the patients with psoriatic arthritis than in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, keratoconjunctivitis sicca was the most common ocular finding related to psoriatic arthritis. Therefore, we recommend early ophthalmologic evaluations for all psoriatic arthritis patients who complain of eye symptoms.

OBJETIVO: Conhecer características e dificuldades de acesso aos pacientes selecionados para cirurgia de transplante de córnea em projetos comunitários realizados em um hospital universitário de São Paulo. MÉTODOS: Foi aplicado um questionário a pacientes em duas campanhas realizadas pelo hospital.Analisaram-se as seguintes variáveis: sexo, idade, renda mensal, escolaridade, número de oftalmologistas previamente consultados, acuidade visual corrigida no melhor olho, diagnóstico, indicação prévia, conhecimento sobre o procedimento, doença ocular, sobre a existência de limitações no estilo de vida, possíveis complicações após a cirurgia e expectativa de reabilitação, dentre outras. RESULTADOS: Dos 99 pacientes entrevistados, 57,8% havia abandonado o trabalho devido à dificuldade visual e dependiam da ajuda de terceiros para atividades cotidianas. Dos 90 pacientes que já apresentavam indicação prévia de transplante de córnea (91,0%), metade sequer havia conseguido ingressar na lista de bancos de olhos. Dos pacientes com indicação prévia de transplante, 18,9% desconheciam qual era o seu problema ocular, 27,8% não sabiam o que era o procedimento, 18,7% não estavam cientes de prováveis complicações per e pós-operatórias e 32,2% ignoravam a existência de limitações no estilo de vida após a cirurgia. CONCLUSÃO: Foi observado desconhecimento dos pacientes sobre a sua condição e tratamento. É importante salientar que para um resultado cirúrgico satisfatório há necessidade de uma seleção adequada de pacientes e orientação sobre seu problema ocular, a cirurgia proposta, cuidados e riscos per e pós-operatórios, e perspectivas de reabilitação visual.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the frequency and characteristics of ocular manifestations in outpatients with systemic sclerosis. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 45 patients with systemic sclerosis were enrolled. Data regarding demographics, disease duration and subtype, age at diagnosis, nailfold capillaroscopic pattern and autoantibody profile were collected, and a full ophthalmic examination was conducted. Parametric (Student's t-test) and nonparametric (Mann-Whitney U test) tests were used to compare continuous variables. Fisher's exact test was used to compare categorical data. P values < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: Twenty-three subjects (51.1%) had eyelid skin changes; 22 (48.9%) had keratoconjunctivitis sicca, 19 (42.2%) had cataracts, 13 (28.9%) had retinal microvascular abnormalities and 6 (13.3%) had glaucoma. Eyelid skin changes were more frequent in patients with the diffuse subtype of systemic sclerosis and were associated with a younger age and an earlier age at diagnosis. Cataracts were presumed to be age-related and secondary to corticosteroid treatment. There was no association between demographic, clinical or serological data and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. The retinal microvascular abnormalities were indistinguishable from those related to systemic hypertension and were associated with an older age and a severe capillaroscopic pattern. CONCLUSIONS: Eyelid skin abnormalities and keratoconjunctivitis sicca were the most common ocular findings related to systemic sclerosis. Some demographic and clinical data were associated with some ophthalmic features and not with others, showing that the ocular manifestations of systemic sclerosis are characterized by heterogeneity and reflect the differences in the implicated pathophysiological mechanisms.

Purpose: Evaluate the magnitude of cyclotorsion during cataract surgery in patients with indication for intraocular toric lenses comparing the results after peribulbar and after topical anesthesia. Methods: This prospective study comprised 112 eyes that underwent cataract surgery with implantation of toric intraocular lens by topical anesthesia or peribulbar block. We estimated how many degrees of cyclotorsion occurred after topical anesthesia and peribulbar block with the patient in supine position. A tag was performed in the position of 180 degrees of the right eye and zero degrees of the left eye, with the patient seated. Afterwards, it was requested a change to the supine position and then a new dial in 180 and zero degrees respectively from right and left eye were made. Results: The current study demonstrated that patients submitted to cataract surgery with implantation of toriclens under local anesthesia showed approximately 6.89 degrees of incyclotorsion (82 eyes) and 6.93 degrees of excyclotorsion (38 eyes) and a mean of cyclotorsion of 6.91 degrees. Patients undergoing peribulbar block showed 5.68 degrees of incyclotorsion (73 eyes) and 4.81 degrees of excyclotorsion (47 eyes) and a mean of cyclotorsion of 4.92 degrees. Conclusion: Through the study we can see that the movement of incyclotorsion in patients undergoing peribulbar anesthesia was lower when compared to topical anesthesia. This is relevant since the greater the incyclotorsion, the lower the predictability of the surgery and the lower the chance of obtaining excellent results in the final refractometric.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a frequência de complicações nas cirurgias de catarata realizada por residentes de um hospital universitário (segundo e terceiro anos), comparado com as realizadas por cirurgiões experientes (assistentes). MÉTODOS: Análise retrospectiva dos prontuários de todos pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de catarata realizadas nas primeiras quinzenas de março (época do início do aprendizado da técnica cirúrgica) e de novembro (meados do aprendizado da técnica). Foram analisados a época da realização da cirurgia; graduação do cirurgião (residente ou médico assistente); técnica cirúrgica empregada (extração extracapsular ou facoemulsificação) e a ocorrência de complicações per-operatórias e pós-operatórias. RESULTADOS: Foram analisadas 481 cirurgias, destas, 194 (40%) foram realizadas pelos residentes do terceiro ano, 165 (34%) pelos residentes do segundo ano e 116 (26%) pelos assistentes. A complicação mais frequentemente encontrada em todas as cirurgias foi a rotura de cápsula posterior (4,8%). Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa de complicações entre as cirurgias realizadas em março e novembro (p=0,97), bem como entre os residentes sob supervisão e os assistentes (p=0,08). CONCLUSÃO: A rotura de cápsula posterior continua sendo a complicação mais frequentemente encontrada nas cirurgias de residentes em treinamento. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre as taxas de complicação destes residentes e os assistentes, o que demonstra o importante papel de uma supervisão adequada.PURPOSE: To evaluate the complication's rate of cataract surgery performed by ophthalmology residents (second and third-year) and experienced surgeons at a public teaching hospital. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of all patients who had cataract surgery between March (begin of the technique practice) and November (end of the technique practice) was conducted. RESULTS: In 481 cataracts surgeries, 194 (40%) was performed by third-year residents, 165 (34%) by second-year residents and 116 (26%) by experienced surgeons. The most frequent complication in all surgeries was the posterior capsule rupture (4,8%). No statistical diference was found between the residents and experienced surgeons complication's rates (p=0,08). CONCLUSION: The posterior capsule rupture remains the most frequent complication during the cataract surgery learning curve. In this study there was no statistical difference between residents and experienced surgeons, which demonstrates the important role of adequate supervision of the surgeires.

OBJETIVO: Comparar os custos sociais pós-operatórios da cirurgia de catarata segundo as técnicas de facoemulsificação (Faco) e extração extracapsular (EECP). MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo, intervencionista e randomizado com 205 pacientes: 101 submetidos à Faco e 104 à EECP, no sistema público em São Paulo, SP, em 2002. Para avaliação do impacto socioeconômico dessas cirurgias, foi considerado o custo no período pós-operatório para os pacientes, empregadores e Sistema Previdenciário. As comparações entre os grupos foram feitas pelo teste do qui-quadrado ou por Mann-Whitman, quando apropriado. O nível de significância estabelecido foi de 5%. RESULTADOS: Considerando os gastos com os retornos hospitalares e aquisição de lentes corretivas (óculos), o paciente submetido à Faco obteve uma economia média de US$ 16,74, comparado ao paciente submetido à EECP. Quanto aos custos com licença médica, na primeira quinzena de afastamento do paciente, e os gastos com a ausência no trabalho do acompanhante, nos retornos pós-operatórios, o sistema empresarial obteve uma economia média de US$ 0,18 no grupo dos pacientes submetidos à Faco em relação ao grupo submetido à EECP. O gasto do Sistema Previdenciário por paciente foi estimado em US$ 6,57 no grupo Faco e US$ 51,15 no grupo EECP. CONCLUSÕES: A técnica de Faco representou economia média de US$ 61,5 para empregadores, pacientes, acompanhantes e Sistema Previdenciário, quando comparada à técnica de EECP.OBJETIVO: Comparar los costos sociales postoperatorios de la cirugía de catarata según las técnicas de facoemulsificación (Faco) y extracción extracapsular (EECP). MÉTODOS: Estudio prospectivo, intervencionista y aleatorio con 205 pacientes: 101 sometidos a Faco y 104 a EECP, en el sistema público en Sao Paulo, Sudeste de Brasil, en 2002. Para evaluación del impacto socioeconómico de dichas cirugías, fue considerado el costo en el período postoperatorio para los pacientes, empleadores y Sistema Pensionista. Las comparaciones entre los grupos fueron hechas por la prueba de Chi-cuadrado o por Mann-Whitman, según lo apropiado. El nivel de significancia establecido fue de 5%. RESULTADOS: Considerando los gastos con los retornos hospitalarios y adquisición de lentes correctivos, el paciente sometido a Faco obtuvo una economía promedio de US$ 16,74, comparado con el paciente sometido a EECP. Con relación a los costos con licencia médica, en la primera quincena de permiso del paciente, y los gastos con la ausencia en el trabajo del acompañante, en los retornos postoperatorios, el sistema empresarial obtuvo una economía promedio de US$ 0,18 en el grupo de pacientes sometidos a Faco con relación al grupo sometido a EECP. El gasto del Sistema de Pensiones del paciente fue estimado en US$ 6,57 en el grupo Faco y US$ 51,15 en el grupo EECP. CONCLUSIONES: La técnica de Faco representó economía promedio de US$ 61,5 para empleadores, pacientes, acompañantes y Sistema de Pensiones, al compararse con la técnica de EECP.OBJECTIVE: To compare postoperative social costs of two cataract surgical techniques, phacoemulsification (PHACO) and extracapsular extraction (ECCE). METHODS: Prospective randomized intervention study including 205 patients, of which 101 underwent PHACO and 104 ECCE in the public service, in the city of São Paulo, Southeastern Brazil, in 2002. The socioeconomic impact of these surgical procedures was assessed based on postoperative costs for patients, employers and social security. Comparisons between the two groups studied were performed using the chi-square test or Mann-Whitney test, when appropriate. A 5% significance level was set. RESULTS: Hospital and eyeglasses costs for PHACO were lower than for ECCE patients, with a mean difference of US$ 16.74. Costs to employers related to medical leave for the first 15 days of absence and costs of caregivers in the form of absence from work to attend postoperative follow-up visits were on average US$ 0.18 lower in PHACO compared to ECCE group. The estimated Social Security expenditure per patient undergoing surgery was US$ 6.57 and US$ 51.15 in PHACO and ECCE groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The average saving with PHACO compared to ECCE technique was US$ 61.50 for employers, patients, caregivers and Social Security.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the governmental costs of patients undergoing phacoemulsification and extracapsular cataract extraction at a public hospital in a developing country. METHODS: A prospective study was conduced with 205 patients. The subjects were randomized for cataract surgery using either phacoemulsification or extracapsular cataract extraction techniques. RESULTS: Of the 205 patients, 101 patients were submitted to phacoemulsificationand 104 patients were submitted to extracapsular cataract extraction. Brazilian Health Care System expenditures for the surgery and the postoperative period were US$ 95.49 more in the phacoemulsification group than in the extracapsular cataract extractiongroup. If we take into account Social Security expenditures, then we estimate that the average difference for the total direct cost for the government for the surgery and the postoperative period for both procedures was US$ 50.91 or approximately half of the initial difference in cost for the phacoemulsification surgery. The total cost of cataract surgery for the government (excluding social security) was estimated at US$ 258.79 for extracapsular cataract extraction and US$ 309.70 for phacoemulsification per patient. Focusing only on working patients, the total cost was US$ 342.21 for phacoemulsification and US$ 587.71 for extracapsular cataract extraction, a difference of US$ 245.50. This difference can be considered monetarily and socially justifiable when the benefits of the surgical technique are evaluated. CONCLUSION: Under the conditions of this study, we observed that phacoemulsification was an efficient procedure with regard to the impact on public health care system, when all costs are assessed comprehensively, mainly for subjects with regular jobs.

Objetivo: Identificar e analisar criticamente o perfil dos pacientes com ceratopatia bolhosa atendidos em um hospital municipal. Métodos: Foi realizada análise retrospectiva de 35 olhos de 35 pacientes em acompanhamento no setor de córnea e doenças externas do Hospital da Piedade, que apresentavam ceratopatia bolhosa pós-facectomia. Foram excluídos aqueles onde não se conseguiu determinar características pré e per-operatórias fundamentais em nossa pesquisa. Esta seleção de pacientes foi realizada durante o período de janeiro de 2007 a junho de 2007. Resultados: Como principais resultadosobservou-se que a ceratopatia bolhosa ocorreu em 22.86 % (8 olhos) dos casos pós-facectomia extracapsular (FEC) e 74.28 % (26 olhos) pós- facoemulsificação. Em 25.71 % (9 olhos) foi documentado rotura de cápsula posterior (RCP) com perda vítrea. Em 94.29 % (33 olhos) a lente intraocular se localizava na câmara posterior, e dois pacientes estavam afácicos. A acuidade visual de todos os pacientes era pior que 20/200. O tempo médio de evolução entre a facectomia e o diagnostico de ceratopatia bolhosa foi 11,93 meses (1 - 44 meses). Conclusão: A análise adequada do endotélio corneano é condição essencial para o sucesso da cirurgia de catarata com transparência corneal, e que a ceratopatia bolhosa parece estar mais associada à facoemulsificação. Esta informação deve ser interpretada com cautela, já que esta relação pode vir do maior numero de facoemulsificações realizadas no Hospital onde foi realizado o estudo e muitas destas por cirurgiões em treinamento.Objective: Analyze and identify critically the profile of patients with aphakic/pseudophakic bullous keratopathy attended at a public hospital. Methods: Retrospective analysis of 35 eyes of 35 patients with diagnosis of bullous keratopathy, which has been followed in the department of cornea and external diseases of Hospital da Piedade. The one whose pre and per operative data we did not find were excluded. This selection of patients was done from January to June of 2007. Results: As main results we found that bullous keratopathy occurred in 22.86 % (8 eyes) of cases after extracapsular phakectomy and 74.28 % (26 eyes) after phacoemulsification. Rupture of posterior capsule and vitreous loss was documented in 25.71% (9 eyes). In 94.29% (33eyes) the intraocular lenses was in posterior chamber, and two patients were aphakic. The visual acuity of all patients was worse than 20/200. The mean time from phakectomy to diagnosis of bullous keratopathy was 11.93 months (1-44 months). Conclusion: Adequate analysis of corneal endothelium is an essential condition to obtain success of cataract surgery with corneal transparency, and bullous keratopathy seems to be more related to phacoemulsification. That should be read with caution since this relation may occur because of the higher number of phacoemulsifications that are practiced in that Hospital where the study was conducted and many of them was performed by training surgeons.

PURPOSE: To compare the intraoperative safety of two techniques of capsulorhexis for intumescent white cataracts: traditional one-stage continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis and two-stage continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis. METHODS: This prospective comparative randomized study included two groups: the 1-CCC group (11 patients) received traditional one-stage continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis with 5-6 mm diameter, and the 2-CCC (13 patients) group received a deliberately small continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis that was secondarily enlarged, or a two-stage continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis. Patients were stratified according to cataract subset, which was characterized echographically. Six patients were considered as type 1, fifteen as type 2 and three as type 3. Type 1 included intumescent white cataracts with cortex liquefaction and extensive internal acoustic reflections, type 2 included white cataracts with voluminous nuclei, a small amount of whitish solid cortex, and minimal internal acoustic reflections, and type 3 included white cataracts with fibrous anterior capsules and few internal echo spikes. RESULTS: With the one-stage technique, 46.15% of patients had leakage of the liquefied cortex; in addition, the surgeon perceived high intracapsular pressure in 61.53% of cases. Anterior capsule tears occurred in 23.07% of cases, discontinuity of capsulorhexis in 30.79% of cases and no posterior capsular rupture occurred. With the two-stage technique, leakage of the liquefied cortex occurred in 45.45% of cases; additionally, the surgeon perceived high intracapsular pressure in 36.36% of cases. No anterior capsule tears, discontinuity of capsulorhexis or posterior capsular rupture occurred. Considering each cataract subset, there was a higher incidence of leakage for type 2 as compared to types 1 and 3. CONCLUSIONS: Two-stage continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis helps prevent unexpected radial tears of the initial capsulotomy from high intracapsular pressure, sudden radialization of the CCC and other intraoperative complications due to high intracapsular pressure, thus providing a safe cataract surgery in cases of white cataracts. These findings were supported by ultrasonography.

OBJETIVO: Verificar a influência de alguns tipos de opacidade lenticular no teste da tela de Amsler entre portadores de catarata senil. MÉTODOS:Foram avaliados 200 pacientes portadores de catarata senil através da aplicação da tela de Amsler, antes e após a cirurgia. O estudo foi feito em um único centro, simples cego, randomizado e prospectivo. Os pacientes foram submetidos a exame de acuidade visual (AV) corrigida, para longe e perto, biomicroscopia do segmento anterior e da região macular. RESULTADOS:A acuidade visual média pré-operatória para longe dos 200 pacientes foi de 0,5 logMAR (20/60 Tabela de Snellen). Após a cirurgia, dos 11 pacientes que haviam apresentado alteração na tela de Amsler pré-operatória, dez não tiveram alteração no exame de reavaliação da tela. Os 10 indivíduos apresentaram acuidade visual pós-operatória, com a melhor correção óptica, para distância de 20/20 e para perto de J1. No presente estudo foi constatado 5,5% com alteração na tela de Amsler antes da cirurgia, em 5% dos pacientes estas alterações estavam diretamente relacionados a opacidade do cristalino e 0,5% relacionados a opacidade vítrea. CONCLUSÃO: Conclui-se que a alteração no exame da tela de Amsler pode ser diretamente relacionada à catarata, na ausência de alterações maculares clínicas.PURPOSE: To assess the influence of some forms of lenticular opacification in the Amsler grid test among patients suffering from senile cataract. METHODS: Randomized, prospective interventional trial. Two hundred patients with senile cataract were evaluated with Amsler grid, measurement of best corrected visual acuity for near distance and far distance, biomicroscopy of the anterior segment and macular region. RESULTS: With a two months minimum of follow-up, the average visual acuity after surgery for far distance among the 200 patients was 0.48 logMAR, 11 (5.5%) had changes in the Amsler grid test before surgery. After surgery, from the 11 subjects with changes in the preoperative Amsler grid test, 10 had no more changes in the Amsler grid. These 10 subjects had postoperative best corrected visual acuity of 20/20, and Jaeger 1, no abnormalities of the fundus having been detected. Under this study conditions, the prevalence of changes in the Amsler grid test was 5.5%, and in 5% of the patients these changes were likely related to cataract whereas in 0.5% they were related to vitreous opacification. CONCLUSION: Some patient with cataract showed changes in the Amsler grid test that can be directly related to cataract, in the absence of clinically detected macular disorders.

PURPOSE: To evaluate intraindividual visual acuity, wavefront errors and modulation transfer functions in patients implanted with two diffractive multifocal intraocular lenses. METHODS: This prospective study examined 40 eyes of 20 cataract patients who underwent phacoemulsification and implantation of a spherical multifocal ReSTOR intraocular lens in one eye and an aspheric Tecnis ZM900 multifocal intraocular lens in the other eye. The main outcome measures, over a 3-month follow-up period, were the uncorrected photopic distance and near visual acuity and the defocus curve. The visual acuity was converted to logMAR for statistical analysis and is presented in decimal scale. The wavefront error and modulation transfer function were also evaluated in both groups. RESULTS: At the 3-month postoperative visit, the mean photopic distance uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was 0.74 ± 0.20 in the ReSTOR group and 0.76 ± 0.22 in the Tecnis group (p=0.286). The mean near UCVA was 0.96 ± 0.10 in the ReSTOR group and 0.93 ± 0.14 in the Tecnis group (p=0.963). The binocular defocus curve showed measurements between the peaks better than 0.2 logMAR. The total aberration, higher-order aberration and coma aberration were not significantly different between the groups. The spherical aberration was significantly lower in the Tecnis group than in the ReSTOR group. (p=0.004). Both groups performed similarly for the modulation transfer function. CONCLUSION: The ReSTOR SN60D3 and Tecnis ZM 900 intraocular lenses provided similar photopic visual acuity at distance and near. The diffractive intraocular lenses studied provided a low value of coma and spherical aberrations, with the Tecnis intraocular lens having a statistically lower spherical aberration compared to the ReSTOR intraocular lens. In the 5 mm pupil diameter analyses, both intraocular lens groups showed similar modulation transfer functions.

OBJECTIVE: This study seeks to identify practices of self-medication in the treatment of ocular emergencies. We examine patients' use of both homemade preparations and manufactured products before seeking specialized care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analytic survey of consecutive patients seen in the ophthalmology emergency room of a teaching hospital. RESULTS: The sample included 561 subjects, 51.3% males and 48.7% females, with a mean age of 39.8 years. Prior to seeking emergency care, 40.5% reported self-medicating; 29.4% used a homemade preparation (13.9% referred to an industrialized product like boric acid as a homemade preparation), and 11.1% used a manufactured product. The most frequently used products included a boric acid solution (53.3%), a normal saline solution (35.7%), herbal infusions (6.1%) and breast milk (4.8%). Viral conjunctivitis was the most frequent diagnosis (24.4%), followed by the presence of a corneal foreign body (7.4%). No significant differences were found in the self-treatment of ocular injuries according to gender (p = 0.95), level of education (p = 0.21) or age (p = 0.14). In addition, self-medication practices were not related to the medically judged severity of the condition. CONCLUSION: Patients often attempt to treat conditions that require ophthalmologic emergency care by self-medicating with homemade or manufactured products. The most widely used products include boric acid, normal saline, leaf infusions and breast milk. This behavior occurs independently of educational level, gender, age or the nature of the ocular condition. Self-medication is a culturally driven practice that is used even in cases of acute ocular injuries.

OBJECTIVE: To verify age of first ophthalmic evaluation and optical prescription along with present optical correction among ophthalmologists of different age groups. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a nonprobabilistic sample (n = 578) of ophthalmologists and resident physicians using a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS: The first ophthalmologic exam was undergone before age 7 for 33.3% of the ophthalmologists aged between 23 and 30 years, for 25.8% of those aged from 31 to 42 , and for 15.8% of those aged from 43 to 76 years (P < 0.0005). The first ophthalmologic exam was undergone at 8 to 22 years of age for 60.7% of the ophthalmologists aged between 23 and 30, for 54.9% of those aged between 31 and 42, and for 47.4% of those aged from 43 to 76 years of age. Use of the first optical prescription (eyeglasses) between 0 and 7 years was reported by 10.0%, from 8 to 20 years of age by 59.6%, from 21 to 40 years by 18.1%, and 41 years or older by 12.3% . Present use of optical correction was reported by 69.0%. Concerning type of corrective device chosen, 63.7% wore only eyeglasses, 29.8% wore eyeglasses and contact lenses, and 6.5% wore contact lenses only. CONCLUSION: Among the sample of opthalmologists, the first ophthalmic evaluation and corresponding optical correction usually occurred relatively late (8 to 20 years of age). However, in the younger group of ophthalmologists, there was a highly significant increase in the number of subjects who had undergone an ophthalmologic exam before age 7. Eyeglasses were reported as the correction of choice by those in all age groups.OBJETIVO: Verificar em oftalmologistas de diferentes faixas etárias a idade do primeiro exame oftalmológico, dos primeiros óculos e tipos e correlação óptica em uso, a fim de substituir estudos sobre a evolução dos cuidados oftalmológicos nas últimas décadas. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado estudo transversal em amostra prontamente acessível formada por oftalmologistas e residentes (n = 578), por meio da aplicação de questionário. RESULTADOS: Submeteram-se ao primeiro exame oftalmológico até os 7 anos de idade, 33,3% dos oftalmologistas na faixa etária de 23 a 30 anos; 25,8% na faixa etária de 31 a 42 anos e 15,8% de 43 a 76 anos (teste exato de Fischer P < 0,0005). O primeiro exame oftalmológico ocorreu entre 8 e 20 anos de idade em 60,7% dos oftalmologistas na faixa etária de 23 a 30 anos; 54,9% na faixa etária de 31 a 42 anos e 47,4% na de 43 a 76 anos. Manifestaram terem usado os primeiros óculos entre 0 e 7 anos 10,0%, entre 8 e 20 anos 59,6%, entre 21 e 40, 18,1%; e de 41 anos ou mais, 12,3%. Dos 69,0% que mencionaram uso de correção óptica, 63,7% usavam apenas óculos, 29,8% intercalavam o uso de óculos e de lentes de contato e 6,5 % usavam apenas lentes de contato. CONCLUSÕES: A época do primeiro exame oftalmológico e da correção óptica ocorreu tardiamente (entre 8 e 20 anos). Porém na faixa etária mais jovem houve um aumento altamente significativo dos indivíduos submetidos a exeme oftalmológico até os 7 anos de idade. Registrou-se preferência por uso de óculos em todos os grupos etários.

This paper focuses on reviewing the roles of optical coherence tomography (OCT) on corneal surface laser ablation procedures. OCT is an optical imaging modality that uses low-coherence interferometry to provide noninvasive cross-sectional imaging of tissue microstructure in vivo. There are two types of OCTs, each with transverse and axial spatial resolutions of a few micrometers: the time-domain and the fourier-domain OCTs. Both have been increasingly used by refractive surgeons and have specific advantages. Which of the current imaging instruments is a better choice depends on the specific application. In laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and in excimer laser phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK), OCT can be used to assess corneal characteristics and guide treatment decisions. OCT accurately measures central corneal thickness, evaluates the regularity of LASIK flaps, and quantifies flap and residual stromal bed thickness. When evaluating the ablation depth accuracy by subtracting preoperative from postoperative measurements, OCT pachymetry correlates well with laser ablation settings. In addition, OCT can be used to provide precise information on the morphology and depth of corneal pathologic abnormalities, such as corneal degenerations, dystrophies, and opacities, correlating with histopathologic findings.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficiency of long-term cataract surgery using low-cost intraocular lens implantation in community campaigns. METHODS: Fifty-eight randomly selected patients were evaluated four years after phacoemulsification and Ioflex intraocular lens implantation. Causes of low visual acuity related to the intraocular lens were evaluated, and treatment costs were calculated. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 72±10.2 years. Four years after surgery, 25 eyes (43.0%) had decreased visual acuity related to the intraocular lens: posterior capsule opacification was noted in 24 eyes (41.3%), and intraocular lens opacification was noted in one eye (1.7%). The total cost of the post-surgical complication treatments represented 6.3% of the initial budget of the entire surgical patient group. CONCLUSIONS: The efficiency of cataract surgery with low-cost Ioflex intraocular lens implantation was significantly reduced in a long-term follow-up study because postoperative complications related to intraocular lenses emerged at higher rates than when the gold-standard treatment was used.

OBJECTIVE: This study sought to compare the effects and outcomes of two ophthalmic viscosurgical devices, 1.6% hyaluronic acid/4.0% chondroitin sulfate and 2.0% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, during phacoemulsification. METHODS: This prospective, randomized clinical trial comprised 78 eyes (39 patients) that received phacoemulsification performed by the same surgeon using a standardized technique. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either 1.6% hyaluronic acid/4.0% chondroitin sulfate or 2.0% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose on the first eye. The other eye was treated later and received the other viscoelastic agent. Preoperative and postoperative examinations (5, 24 and 48 hours; 7 and 14 days; 3 and 6 months) included measurements of the total volume of the ophthalmic viscosurgical device, ultrasound and washout times to completely remove the ophthalmic viscosurgical device, intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness and best-corrected visual acuity. The corneal endothelial cell count was measured at baseline and at six months postoperatively. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01387620. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between groups in terms of cataract density or ultrasound time. However, it took longer to remove 2.0% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose than 1.6% hyaluronic acid/ 4.0% chondroitin sulfate, and the amount of viscoelastic material used was greater in the 2.0% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose group. In addition, the best-corrected visual acuity was significantly better in the hyaluronic acid/ chondroitin sulfate group, but this preferable outcome was only observed at 24 hours after the operation. There were no statistically significant differences between the two ophthalmic viscosurgical devices regarding the central corneal thickness or intraocular pressure measurements at any point in time. The corneal endothelial cell count was significantly higher in the hyaluronic acid/chondroitin sulfate group. CONCLUSION: The ophthalmic viscosurgical device consisting of 1.6% hyaluronic acid/4.0% chondroitin sulfate was more efficient during phacoemulsification and was easier to remove after IOL implantation than 2.0% hydroxypropylmethylcellulose. In addition, the corneal endothelial cell count was significantly higher following the use of hyaluronic acid/chondroitin sulfate than with hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, which promoted an improved level of corneal endothelium protection.

Resumo As doenças da córnea são responsáveis por cerca de 4 a 5% da cegueira reversível no mundo. O transplante de córnea é o tecido mais transplantado em todo o mundo e o único tratamento amplamente aceito para promover a transparência corneana e restaurar a visão. O monitoramento incorporou-se ao campo da Saúde Pública, com o objetivo de acompanhar sistematicamente a atuação das equipes e os dados de produção, por meio da criação de normas, inspeções de avaliação periódicas e acompanhamento dos indicadores de qualidade. As análises críticas dos resultados objetivam apontar falhas e riscos envolvidos no processo, e empreender ações capazes de modificar os achados negativos, a fim de aprimorar a qualidade dos serviços prestados à população. No Brasil, existem diferentes fontes de dados sobre transplantes de córnea e bancos de tecidos oculares. Nesta revisão, foi avaliada a precisão dos dados e a confiabilidade das informações divulgadas pelo Sistema Nacional de Transplantes, pela Associação Brasileira de Transplante de Órgãos e pela Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária sobre a situação do transplante de córnea no Brasil, a fim de nortear governos, gestores em saúde pública e pesquisadores.

OBJETIVO: Comparar os custos sociais pós-operatórios da cirurgia de catarata segundo as técnicas de facoemulsificação (Faco) e extração extracapsular (EECP). MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo, intervencionista e randomizado com 205 pacientes: 101 submetidos à Faco e 104 à EECP, no sistema público em São Paulo, SP, em 2002. Para avaliação do impacto socioeconômico dessas cirurgias, foi considerado o custo no período pós-operatório para os pacientes, empregadores e Sistema Previdenciário. As comparações entre os grupos foram feitas pelo teste do qui-quadrado ou por Mann-Whitman, quando apropriado. O nível de significância estabelecido foi de 5%. RESULTADOS: Considerando os gastos com os retornos hospitalares e aquisição de lentes corretivas (óculos), o paciente submetido à Faco obteve uma economia média de US$ 16,74, comparado ao paciente submetido à EECP. Quanto aos custos com licença médica, na primeira quinzena de afastamento do paciente, e os gastos com a ausência no trabalho do acompanhante, nos retornos pós-operatórios, o sistema empresarial obteve uma economia média de US$ 0,18 no grupo dos pacientes submetidos à Faco em relação ao grupo submetido à EECP. O gasto do Sistema Previdenciário por paciente foi estimado em US$ 6,57 no grupo Faco e US$ 51,15 no grupo EECP. CONCLUSÕES: A técnica de Faco representou economia média de US$ 61,5 para empregadores, pacientes, acompanhantes e Sistema Previdenciário, quando comparada à técnica de EECP.