Search

Helga P Sandoval,1 Richard Potvin,2 Kerry D Solomon1 1Carolina Eyecare Physicians / US Eye, Mt. Pleasant, SC, USA; 2Science in Vision, Frisco, TX, USACorrespondence: Kerry D Solomon, Carolina Eyecare Physicians, LLC, 1101 Clarity Road, Suite 100, Mt. Pleasant, SC, 29464, USA, Email ksolomon@cepmd.comPurpose: To evaluate relative visual performance and subjective outcomes after implantation of the TECNIS Eyhance™ intraocular lens (IOL) targeted for bilateral emmetropia or monovision.Methods: This was a prospective, single-center randomized, patient-masked trial. Patients were implanted with the enhanced IOL targeted for bilateral emmetropia or slight monovision (− 0.75 D in the non-dominant eye). At 3 months the binocular visual acuity (VA) was measured at distance, intermediate and near, along with low contrast VA in photopic and mesopic conditions, and the distance corrected defocus curve. Questionnaires related to spectacle independence, satisfaction, visual symptoms, and functional vision were administered.Results: Data from 71 subjects (34 Emmetropia, 37 Monovision) were analyzed. There was no difference in the mean uncorrected distance VA (p = 0.11), but uncorrected intermediate and near VAs were one line better in the Monovision group (p = 0.02 and 0.01, respectively). Mesopic and photopic low contrast VA were similar between groups. There was a trend for less difficulty and higher satisfaction with near and intermediate vision in the Monovision group, but no significant differences in any of the subjective questionnaires. Difficulty reading was the most reported concern in both groups, though 93% of all subjects reported “little” or “no” difficulty with daily activities. Overall, 82% of subjects were “completely” or “very” happy with their lens choice.Conclusion: Using this enhanced IOL with slight monovision in the non-dominant eye increased intermediate and near VA with no apparent effect on low contrast distance VA, subjective visual quality, or satisfaction.Keywords: Tecnis Eyhance, enhanced monofocal, monofocal plus, monovision

Joaquin O De Rojas,1 Helga P Sandoval,2 Richard Potvin,3 Kerry D Solomon2 1Center for Sight/US Eye, Sarasota, FL, USA; 2Carolina Eyecare Physicians/US Eye, Mt. Pleasant, SC, USA; 3Science in Vision, Bend, OR, USACorrespondence: Joaquin O De Rojas, Center for Sight, PL, 2601 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL, 34239, USA, Email jderojas@centerforsight.netPurpose: To evaluate vision, visual quality, patient satisfaction and spectacle independence after bilateral implantation of the TECNIS Synergy™ intraocular lens.Setting: Two clinical practices in the USA.Design: Ambispective unmasked non-randomized clinical trial.Methods: Patients with a history of uneventful bilateral femtosecond laser assisted cataract surgery with the study IOL implanted, targeted for emmetropia, at least 3 months prior to the study visit were enrolled. Monocular and binocular visual acuity (VA) were measured at distance, intermediate and near, along with binocular mesopic VA. Low contrast binocular VA and reading speed in mesopic and photopic conditions were also measured. Patient satisfaction, spectacle independence, visual symptoms, and functional vision questionnaires were completed.Results: Results from 52 subjects were available for analysis. Mean binocular unaided visual acuity was ~0.1 logMAR (20/20) from distance to 33 cm, with 81% of subjects having 0.2 logMAR (20/25) vision or better at all test distances and 92% reporting never needing glasses at any distance. Average reading speed at 40 cm was only 10 words/minute slower in dim light (p = 0.03). Mesopic and low contrast acuity appeared good. Halos were the most frequent and bothersome visual disturbances, with the greatest effect on driving at night. Eighty-eight percent of subjects reported being “completely” or “mostly” satisfied with their overall unaided vision.Conclusion: This hybrid technology IOL provided a range of binocular visual acuity from distance to 33 cm and good functional vision, even in dim light. Patients should be advised of the likelihood of visual disturbances, particularly halos.Keywords: synergy, multifocal IOL, diffractive, hybrid technology

Helga P Sandoval,1 Richard Potvin,2 Kerry D Solomon1 1Carolina Eyecare Physicians, LLC, Mt. Pleasant, SC, USA; 2Science in Vision, Bend, OR, USACorrespondence: Kerry D Solomon, Carolina Eyecare Physicians, LLC, 1101 Clarity Road, Suite 100, Mt Pleasant, SC, 29464, USA, Email ksolomon@cepmd.comPurpose: To objectively determine if angle kappa materially influenced clinical outcomes or patient-reported satisfaction and visual quality of patients implanted with a trifocal intraocular lens (IOL).Methods: This was a non-interventional study of clinical outcomes. Subjects were patients choosing to be bilaterally implanted with a trifocal IOL (PanOptix®) who were then evaluated 3 months postoperative. Angle kappa (AK) was measured before surgery and at the 3-month visit. The 3-month visit included a manifest refraction, and measurement of uncorrected and distance corrected acuity at 4 m, 60 cm and 40 cm. Visual quality and satisfaction questionnaires were also administered.Results: Data from 56 eyes of 28 subjects were analyzed; 26 eyes had an AK magnitude < 0.3 mm, 14 had an AK from 0.3 mm to less than 4 mm and 16 had an AK ≥ 0.4 mm. Neither visual disturbances (eg, glare, halos, starbursts), satisfaction nor spectacle dependence were correlated to the magnitude of angle kappa. The magnitude of postoperative AK was significantly lower than preoperative (0.24 ± 0.12 mm vs 0.30 ± 0.16 mm, p < 0.01).Conclusion: The magnitude of preoperative Angle Kappa had no apparent effect on the refractive, visual acuity or subjective (visual disturbances, quality of vision, satisfaction) clinical outcomes with this trifocal IOL. The magnitude of angle kappa was significantly lower after surgery.Keywords: angle kappa, trifocal IOL, cataract surgery

Helga P Sandoval,1 Richard Potvin,2 Kerry D Solomon1 1Carolina Eyecare Physicians, LLC, Mt. Pleasant, SC, USA; 2Science in Vision, Bend, OR, USACorrespondence: Kerry D SolomonCarolina Eyecare Physicians, LLC, 1101 Clarity Road, Suite 100, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, USAEmail kerry.solomon@carolinaeyecare.comPurpose: To evaluate the vision, defocus curve, reading speed and patient satisfaction after implantation of an extended depth of focus (EDOF) IOL in one eye and a diffractive multifocal in the fellow eye.Setting: One clinical practice in the USA.Design: Prospective unmasked non-randomized clinical trial.Methods: Subjects presenting for routine cataract surgery interested in reducing their dependence on spectacles were enrolled. Study endpoints included uncorrected and distance-corrected binocular distance (4 m), intermediate (66 cm) and near (40 cm) visual acuity at 3 months. Additional endpoints included the residual refraction, spectacle independence, overall satisfaction with vision, visual symptoms, reading speed and defocus curve.Results: With a best distance correction, 77% (30/39) of subjects had 20/25 or better VA at distance, intermediate and near and nearly all subjects had 20/32 or better VA at all three distances. Defocus curve results showed mean continuous vision of 20/25 or better from plano to − 2.50 D. Nearly 80% (31/39) of subjects had 20/25 visual acuity from 0.00 D to − 2.50 D. The critical print size was between 0.3 and 0.4 logMAR (20/40 to 20/50 Snellen Equivalent). Spectacle independence was 100% at distance, 95% at intermediate and approximately 70% at near. The percentage of subjects who were “not at all” or “slightly” bothered by visual disturbances ranged from 64% (16/25) for Halos to 88% (22/25) for Starbursts.Conclusions: EDOF/bifocal IOL blended implantation results in at least 20/25 mean visual acuity from distance to near with good spectacle independence and low reports of severe visual disturbances.Keywords: extended depth of focus, EDOF, blended, presbyopia correction

Helga P Sandoval,1 Stephen Lane,2 Stephen Slade,3 Eric D Donnenfeld,4 Richard Potvin,5 Kerry D Solomon1 1Carolina Eyecare Physicians, LLC, Mt. Pleasant, SC, USA; 2Associated Eye Care, Stillwater, MN, USA; 3Slade & Baker Vision, Houston, TX, USA; 4Ophthalmic Consultants of Long Island, Long Island, NY, USA; 5Science in Vision, Bend, OR, USACorrespondence: Kerry D SolomonCarolina Eyecare Physicians, LLC, 1101 Clarity Road, Suite 100, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, USAEmail kerry.solomon@carolinaeyecare.comPurpose: To evaluate the rotational stability of a toric extended depth of focus (EDOF) intraocular lens (IOL), using either slit lamp evaluation or image-processing software.Setting: Three clinical practices in the USA.Design: Prospective unmasked randomized clinical trial.Methods: Subjects presenting for routine cataract surgery that were interested in improved near vision received toric EDOF lenses (TECNIS Symfony® Toric) in both eyes. The measures of interest in the current analysis were the change in orientation of the IOL between 1 day, 1 month and 3 months postoperative. Orientation was measured at the microscope on the day of surgery, and with the slit lamp at all other visits. Day 1, 1-month and 3-month images of the lens orientation were captured with a slit lamp camera. Differences in orientation were recorded and analyzed.Results: A total of 150 eyes had IOL orientation data available. Image analysis showed mean absolute lens orientation changes from 1 day to 1 month and 3 months of less than 2 degrees. The percentage of lenses exhibiting rotation of ≤ 5 degrees between any measured time points was 97% or higher. Results were similar, but significantly more variable, when IOL orientation was measured at the slit lamp.Conclusion: The toric EDOF lens evaluated here demonstrated rotational stability that exceeded the prior ANSI standard. The best method to determine IOL orientation changes was through image analysis.  Keywords: TECNIS symfony toric, toric IOL, rotational stability

Kerry D Solomon,1 Helga P Sandoval,1 Richard Potvin2 1Carolina Eyecare Physicians, Mt Pleasant, SC, USA; 2Science in Vision, Bend, OR, USACorrespondence: Kerry D SolomonCarolina Eyecare Physicians, LLC, 1101 Clarity Road, Suite 100, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, USAEmail kerry.solomon@carolinaeyecare.comPurpose: To evaluate the efficacy of a combined steroid/antibiotic/non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drop relative to a regimen of multiple drops after cataract surgery.Setting: Single clinical practice in the USA.Design: Prospective randomized contralateral eye study.Methods: Subjects presenting for bilateral cataract surgery were enrolled with contralateral eyes randomly assigned to one of the two groups. Test eyes received a combination therapy (prednisolone acetate 1%, gatifloxacin 0.5%, and bromfenac sodium 0.075%) while control eyes received the same medications in separate drops (bromfenac sodium was 0.07%). Subjects were examined 1, 15 and 30 days after surgery. Visual acuities were measured, along with the refraction, intraocular pressure, patient pain and satisfaction, macular thickness and corneal pachymetry. The primary measure of interest was the change in macular thickness from baseline to the 15- and 30-day visits. The frequency and severity of reported ocular adverse events were tabulated for each group and compared.Results: Thirty-three subjects completed the study. Changes in central macular thickness were similar between groups, with only one control eye exhibiting significant macular edema. No differences in visual acuity, corneal edema, cells or flare were observed between groups. There were eight mild adverse events reported for all eyes of all subjects; the difference in the number of eyes experiencing adverse events was not statistically significantly different between groups (p ≥ 0.05 for all comparisons). While subjective symptoms were similar, all subjects indicated that they preferred the combination drop.Conclusion: A combination drop showed similar efficacy to multiple drops and was overwhelmingly preferred by subjects.Keywords: bromfenac sodium, gatifloxacin, prednisolone acetate, combination drop

Helga P Sandoval,1 Stephen Lane,2 Stephen G Slade,3 Eric D Donnenfeld,4 Richard Potvin,5 Kerry D Solomon1 1Carolina Eyecare Physicians, LLC, Mt. Pleasant, SC, USA; 2Associated Eye Care, Stillwater, MN, USA; 3Slade & Baker Vision, Houston, TX, USA; 4Ophthalmic Consultants of Long Island, Long Island, NY, USA; 5Science in Vision, Akron, NY, USACorrespondence: Kerry D SolomonCarolina Eyecare Physicians, LLC, 1101 Clarity Road, Suite 100, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, USAEmail kerry.solomon@carolinaeyecare.comPurpose: To evaluate the defocus curve and patient satisfaction after implantation of an extended depth of focus (EDOF) toric IOL when both eyes were targeted for emmetropia and when the non-dominant eye was targeted for mini monovision (− 0.50D).Methods: A prospective unmasked randomized clinical trial in three clinical practices in the USA. Subjects presenting for routine cataract surgery were assigned to one of two groups, both receiving bilateral toric EDOF lenses. One group had the non-dominant eye targeted for slight myopia (− 0.50D). Measures of interest were the postoperative defocus curve and reported patient satisfaction and visual disturbances.Results: Questionnaire and defocus curve data were available from 37 subjects in the Emmetropia group, while the mini monovision group included questionnaire data from 39 subjects and valid defocus curve data from 14 subjects. Mini monovision subjects had significantly better VA (a half line to a line better, p < 0.05), from a defocus of − 1.50 D to − 3.00 D. Reported spectacle wear and satisfaction were not significantly different between groups at any distance, but more patients in the mini monovision group reported the ability to function comfortably without glasses at near and overall (near p = 0.02, overall p < 0.01). Halos and starbursts were the two phenomena reported most often for both groups, with reported starbursts slightly more common in the mini monovision group.Conclusions: A slightly myopic correction in the non-dominant eye improved binocular near vision by 0.5 to 1.0 lines based on defocus curve data. Patients reported better functional vision, but with a slight increase in reported starbursts in the mini monovision group.Keywords: symfony, extended depth of focus, intraocular lens, cataract surgery, monovision

Purpose: To evaluate subjective and objective outcomes after combined implantation of an extended depth-of-focus (EDOF) intraocular lens (IOL) and a combined technology multifocal lens (CT-IOL)., Setting: 2 clinical practices (Carolina Eyecare Physicians, Center For Sight) in the United States., Design: Prospective, unmasked, multicenter, nonrandomized bilateral eye study., Methods: Patients interested in reducing their dependence on spectacles were implanted with an EDOF IOL in the dominant eye and a CT-IOL in the nondominant eye. Refractive and visual acuity (VA) data at various distances (4 m, 66 cm, 40 cm, and 33 cm) were collected 3 months postsurgery, along with the distance-corrected binocular defocus curve and responses to questionnaires related to spectacle independence, visual disturbances, and overall visual function., Results: Data from 37 participants were analyzed. The distance-corrected binocular defocus curve showed a mean VA better than 0.1 logMAR (20/25) at all vergences from +1.00 to -2.50 diopters (D). 36 participants (97%) had an uncorrected binocular VA of 0.3 logMAR or better, at all test distances. 70% of participants (26/37) reported never wearing spectacles at any distance, and 84% (31/37) were "completely" or "mostly" satisfied with their overall vision after surgery. Halos were the disturbance reported most frequently and reported as most bothersome, with difficulty driving at night the most common visual function issue. Difficulty reading was the next most reported issue. Overall eyesight was rated as "excellent" or "good" by 92% (34/37) of participants., Conclusions: This combined EDOF/CT-IOL approach was well-tolerated by participants and provided some potential benefits relative to bilateral implantation of either lens., (Copyright © 2024 Published by Wolters Kluwer on behalf of ASCRS and ESCRS.)

Purpose: To evaluate vision, satisfaction, and spectacle independence of the AcrySof IQ Vivity intraocular lens when the nondominant eye is targeted for slight myopia., Setting: 1 clinical practice in the United States., Design: Prospective unmasked nonrandomized clinical trial., Methods: Patients presenting for cataract surgery interested in reducing their dependence on spectacles were enrolled, with the dominant eye targeted for emmetropia and the nondominant eye targeted for slight monovision (-0.50 diopters [D]). Visual disturbances, satisfaction, and spectacle independence were evaluated. Visual acuity (VA) was tested at distance (4 m), intermediate (66 cm), and near (40 cm) at 3 months postoperatively when uncorrected, with both eyes corrected to emmetropia and with 1 eye adjusted for monovision. 2 binocular defocus curves were also collected under the latter 2 conditions., Results: Data from 31 patients were analyzed. The mean refractive spherical equivalent was 0.45 D more myopic in the nondominant eye, resulting in worse uncorrected VA at distance but better uncorrected VA at near. The binocular defocus curve with monovision showed significantly better VA from -2.0 to -3.0 D, and patients reported less need for spectacles (and better vision) at near than reported with binocular emmetropia. Glare, blurred vision, and starbursts were the most reported visual disturbances. Although not correlated with the difference in refraction, glare and blurred vision were significantly correlated with overall satisfaction., Conclusions: Implanting this IOL with a target of slight myopia in the nondominant eye appears to be a viable way to improve near vision, although with an increased potential for visual disturbances., (Copyright © 2023 Published by Wolters Kluwer on behalf of ASCRS and ESCRS.)

Purpose: To objectively determine which formula/keratometry combination was best for calculating intraocular lens (IOL) sphere power in eyes with a history of myopic laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK)., Setting: One practice in the United States., Design: Retrospective, unmasked, nonrandomized chart review., Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing cataract surgery after previous myopic LASIK were included. Eyes had to have a postoperative refraction at least 3 weeks postoperatively. IOL power was calculated with the ASCRS online postrefractive IOL calculator using anterior keratometry and recalculated using total corneal power (TK). The accuracy of treatment was calculated and compared between different formulas and keratometry methods including intraoperative aberrometry (IA)., Results: Data from 101 eyes, 44 of which had TK available, were analyzed. Using TK, the Wang-Koch-Maloney formula had the highest percentages of eyes with expected spherical equivalent refractive errors within 0.50 diopter (D) and 1.00 D of plano (57% and 87%, respectively). With anterior keratometry, the Barrett True-K formula had the highest percentages (64% and 92%, respectively) but was not significantly better than the Wang-Koch-Maloney formula, with expected errors within ±0.50 and ±1.00 D (P > .2, McNemar test). Expected sphere results based on IA were not significantly different than for Barrett True-K within ±0.50 D or within ±1.00 D (P > .2, McNemar test)., Conclusions: Using TK in existing post-LASIK formulas did not seem beneficial. The formulas might have to be optimized for use with TK. The best expected results were obtained with the Barrett True-K and Haigis-L formulas using anterior keratometry. IA did not seem to materially improve results., (Copyright © 2021 Published by Wolters Kluwer on behalf of ASCRS and ESCRS.)

Purpose: To retrospectively review toric intraocular lens (IOL) outcomes and compare actual results to those expected from preoperative calculations and intraoperative aberrometry (IA) in normal eyes., Setting: Carolina Eyecare Physicians, Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, USA., Design: Retrospective data review of earlier clinical trial data., Methods: Toric IOL planning data and results were obtained from two previous clinical studies of normal eyes receiving toric IOL implants. Back-calculation techniques were used to estimate expected residual refractive sphere and cylinder for preoperative and IA calculations., Results: Toric IOL planning data and clinical outcomes for 132 eyes receiving two different toric IOLs were analyzed. The mean spherical equivalent refractions expected with preoperative planning and IA were not statistically significantly different (P = .44), but a higher percentage of eyes within ±0.50 D of the intended spherical refraction was expected with preoperative calculations (P = .05). The mean expected residual refractive astigmatism based on preoperative calculations was significantly lower than for IA (P < .001), with more eyes expected to have 0.50 D or less of residual refractive astigmatism., Conclusion: The use of current-generation formulas for sphere power and toric IOL planning in normal eyes seems sufficient to produce clinical outcomes with toric IOLs that are as good or better than those achieved using IA., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Purpose: To compare the visual and refractive outcomes with a diffractive toric extended depth-of-focus (EDOF) intraocular lens (IOL) when both eyes are targeted for emmetropia and the nondominant eye is targeted for slight myopia., Setting: Three clinical practices, United States., Design: Prospective case series., Methods: Patients having routine cataract surgery with bilateral Tecnis Symfony toric EDOF IOL implantation were assigned to 1 of 2 groups. In 1 group, the nondominant eye was targeted for -0.50 diopter (D) (mini-monovision). Assessments included uncorrected monocular and binocular visual acuities (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution) at distance (4 m), intermediate (66 cm), and near (40 cm) and the postoperative residual refractive error., Results: Forty patients were enrolled in each group, with 1 dropout. The mean postoperative residual refractive astigmatism was 0.25 D in both groups, with no statistically significant difference. The mean residual refractive astigmatism was 0.50 D or lower in 92% of eyes (72/78) in the mini-monovision group and 95% of eyes (74/78) in the emmetropia group 3 months postoperatively. The mini-monovision group had slightly worse uncorrected visual acuity at 4 m than the emmetropia group (0.16 versus 0.09; P = .002) but better uncorrected acuity at 40 cm (0.25 versus 0.34; P < .001). Binocular uncorrected acuity was not statistically significantly different between groups at 4 m (-0.03 versus -0.01; P = .33) or 66 cm (0.06 versus 0.04; P = .34) but was statistically significant at 40 cm (0.25 versus 0.19; P = .03)., Conclusions: The EDOF toric IOL provided functional distance, intermediate, and near vision. A slight monovision approach appears to improve near visual acuity., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Purpose: To compare the outcomes of the combination of an image-guided system and intraoperative aberrometer with the surgeon's standard of care in correcting astigmatism using toric intraocular lenses (IOLs) or corneal incisions., Setting: Single site in United States., Design: Prospective case series., Methods: Contralateral eyes of patients having uncomplicated bilateral cataract surgery and astigmatism correction were randomly assigned to Group A or Group B. Group A received the surgeon's preferred standard of care. Group B had preoperative planning using an image-guidance system (VERION), intraoperative aberrometry (ORA System with VerifEye+), and femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery. The primary endpoint was the residual refractive astigmatism at 3 months., Results: Thirty-eight eyes were treated with toric IOLs and 40 eyes with corneal astigmatic incisions. On average, toric IOLs resulted in almost 0.25 diopter (D) less cylinder than corneal astigmatic incisions (P < .01), with no difference between groups (P = .41). There was no statistically significant difference in the mean spherical equivalent refraction by group (P = .51). At 3 months, the IOL in 4 eyes (11%) (2 in Group A and Group B each) was more than 10 degrees of absolute orientation from the intended orientation. The mean keratometry was 0.16 D higher with the image-guided system compared with optical biometry (Lenstar). The vector difference between the 2 measurements was 0.5 D or lower in all eyes., Conclusions: The combined use of an image-guided system and intraoperative aberrometer did not significantly improve outcomes compared with the surgeon's standard of care. Based on keratometry, there was good agreement in corneal astigmatism measurements between the image-guided system and the optical biometer., (Copyright © 2018 ASCRS and ESCRS. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Unlabelled: Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) articles published between 2008 and 2015 that contain clinical outcomes data were reviewed and graded for quality, impression, and potential bias. All 97 relevant articles (representing 67 893 eyes) provided a positive or neutral impression of LASIK. Industry bias was not evident. The aggregate loss of 2 or more lines of corrected distance visual acuity was 0.61% (359/58 653). The overall percentage of eyes with uncorrected distance visual acuity better than 20/40 was 99.5% (59 503/59 825). The spherical equivalent refraction was within ±1.0 diopter (D) of the target refraction in 98.6% (59 476/60 329) of eyes, with 90.9% (59 954/65 974) within ±0.5 D. In studies reporting patient satisfaction, 1.2% (129/9726) of patients were dissatisfied with LASIK. Aggregate outcomes appear better than those reported in summaries of the safety and effectiveness of earlier laser refractive surgery systems approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Modern results support the safety, efficacy, and patient satisfaction of the procedure., Financial Disclosure: Proprietary or commercial disclosures are listed after the references., (Copyright © 2016 ASCRS and ESCRS. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To determine and compare the incidence of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) and neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy after implantation of 3 intraocular lens types (IOLs)., Setting: Storm Eye Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA., Methods: This retrospective chart review comprised eyes having uneventful phacoemulsification and implantation of 1 of 3 AcrySof IOLs: ReSTOR SN60D3 (multifocal spherical group), Natural SN60AT (monofocal spherical group), or IQ SN60WF (monofocal aspheric group). Eyes were matched by age, sex, and follow-up. The PCO rate, Nd:YAG capsulotomy rate, time from surgery to PCO diagnosis, and time from surgery to Nd:YAG capsulotomy were assessed., Results: Charts of 225 eyes (75 in each group) with a mean follow-up of 15.9 months +/- 6.5 (SD) were evaluated. The PCO rate was 42.7% in the multifocal spherical group, 28.0% in the monofocal spherical group, and 14.7% in the monofocal aspheric group. The Nd:YAG capsulotomy rate was 25.3%, 17.3%, and 4.0%, respectively. The difference in the Nd:YAG rate was statistically significantly higher in the multifocal and monofocal spherical groups than in the monofocal aspheric group (P<.001 and P<.008, respectively) but was not significantly different between the 2 spherical IOL groups (P = .232). The time from surgery to PCO documentation was not significantly different between the 3 groups., Conclusions: Intraocular lens configuration may have contributed to the difference in the PCO rate between the 2 spherical IOLs and the aspheric IOL. Based on the Nd:YAG rate as an indicator for visual significance, PCO may be less visually significant in eyes with the aspheric IOL than in eyes with 1 of the spherical IOLs.

Purpose: To analyze the patient reported outcome of satisfaction after LASIK surgery., Design: Systematic review., Participants: Patient data from previously reported studies., Methods: A literature search conducted for the years 1988 to 2008 that included pertinent LASIK surgery information from the review of 2915 retrieved citations. All abstracts from these citations were reviewed and 1581 were deemed to be relevant for review. Complete copies of each of these relevant (1581) articles were obtained, and after thorough analysis each was rated based on the strength of the study design and weight of evidence. A level I rating was assigned to properly conducted, well-designed, randomized clinical trials; a level II rating to well-designed cohort and case-control studies; and a level III rating to case series, case reports, and poorly designed prospective and retrospective studies. Level I and II rated, peer-reviewed articles were entered into a database, and level III articles were eliminated. A total of 309 articles were incorporated into this database, representing level I and level II well-controlled studies of primary LASIK surgery., Main Outcome Measures: Patients' satisfaction rates and factors associated with dissatisfaction., Results: Nineteen of the 309 database articles (6.1%) reported on both patient quality of life and satisfaction and together encompassed a total of 2198 subjects. The procedures from these 19 articles took place between 1995 and 2003. The overall patient satisfaction rate after primary LASIK surgery was 95.4% (2097 of 2198 subjects; range of patient satisfaction for the 19 articles was 87.2%-100%). The patient satisfaction rate after myopic LASIK was 95.3% (1811 of 1901 patients), and after hyperopic LASIK was 96.3% (286 of 297 subjects)., Conclusions: Based on this review, worldwide, an average 95.4% of patients were satisfied with their outcome after LASIK surgery. With 16.3 million procedures performed worldwide, and more than a decade of clinical studies and technological innovation, LASIK surgery should be considered among the most successful elective procedures. LASIK surgery compares more favorably with other elective surgical procedures in terms of generally higher satisfaction rates.

Purpose: To identify factors associated with intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) in patients undergoing routine phacoemulsification., Design: Comparative case series., Participants: Analysis of 899 eyes of 660 patients undergoing routine cataract surgery., Methods: All routine cases of cataract extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation between September 1, 2005, and August 31, 2006, were documented. Pertinent patient information, including age, gender, race, medical history, and current medication use (including tamsulosin [Flomax, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Ingelheim, Germany], other alpha(1)-antagonists, angiotensin antagonists, anticholinergics, cholinergic agonists, muscle relaxants, nitric oxide donors, and saw palmetto), were collected at the time of surgery. A telephone survey was used to determine previous use of tamsulosin, other alpha(1)-antagonists, and saw palmetto. Cases were identified intraoperatively as IFIS or non-IFIS following the triad of criteria developed by Chang and Campbell., Main Outcome Measures: Presence of IFIS associated with medication use and medical history., Results: Analysis showed IFIS in 27 patients (4.1%) representing 33 eyes (3.7%). Tamsulosin use (P<0.001) and history of alpha(1)-antagonist use other than tamsulosin (P = 0.01) were shown to strongly correlate with IFIS in our study. Hypertension was noted to be a significant variable via multivariable generalized estimating equations analysis (P = 0.04) with a prevalence of 75.8% in patients with IFIS versus 56.4% in patients without IFIS. Saw palmetto showed a slight, but statistically insignificant, trend that current use or history of use may be associated with IFIS. There were no cases of posterior capsular rupture or vitreous loss., Conclusions: Exposure to tamsulosin highly correlates with IFIS. Use of other alpha(1)-antagonists is also associated with IFIS. Several patients in our series were identified to have IFIS with no history of alpha(1)-antagonist use, indicating that other etiologic factors, or a combination of factors, can also elicit this response. Multivariable regression analysis shows no proven relationship between IFIS and individual use of angiotensin antagonists, anticholinergics, cholinergic agonists, muscle relaxants, nitric oxide donors, or saw palmetto, and diabetes or congestive heart failure.

Purpose: To determine vision quality when testing two acrylic intraocular lenses (IOLs), AcrysofIQ and AcrysofSingle-Piece, after routine cataract extraction and IOL implantation.SettingStorm Eye Institute and Magill Research Center for Vision Correction, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA., Methods: Prospective, randomized, double-masked study that included 53 eyes of 27 patients who underwent bilateral cataract extraction and IOL implantation. Patients were randomly divided into two groups depending on the type of IOL implanted: AcrysofIQ or AcrysofSingle-Piece. Preoperative, 1- and 3-month postoperative evaluations included ETDRS visual acuity, photopic contrast sensitivity, pupil size, wavefront testing, and a subjective questionnaire. Comparisons between the two groups and comparisons to baseline were made at each visit. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant., Results: Preoperative, statistically significant differences were evident in response to the subjective questionnaire (near activities, driving dimensions, and overall score) between the two groups. Postoperatively there was a greater increase in contrast sensitivity at 1 and 3 months in the AcrysofIQ group when compared to baseline. Patients with AcrysofIQ IOL had a significant reduction in total high-order aberrations (HOA) and spherical aberration (SA) when compared to those patients with AcrysofSingle-Piece at 1 and 3 months and to baseline. Postoperative patient satisfaction showed no difference among the groups., Conclusion: The use of a new aspheric acrylic IOL may improve the quality of vision as a result of the reduction of total HOA and SA.

Purpose: To compare the efficiency of the Infiniti vision system and the Series 20,000 Legacy system phacoemulsification units during routine cataract extraction., Methods: Thirty-nine eyes of 39 patients were randomized to have their cataract removed using either the Infiniti or the Legacy system, both using the Neosonix handpiece. System settings were standardized. Ultrasound time, amount of balanced salt solution (BSS) used intraoperatively, and postoperative visual acuity at postoperative days 1, 7 and 30 were evaluated., Results: Preoperatively, best corrected visual acuity was significantly worse in the Infiniti group compared to the Legacy group (0.38 +/- 0.23 and 0.21 +/- 0.16, respectively; p = 0.012). The mean phacoemulsification time was 39.6 +/- 22.9 s (range 6.0-102.0) for the Legacy group and 18.3 +/-19.1 s (range 1.0-80.0) for the Infiniti group (p = 0.001). The mean amounts of intraoperative BSS used were 117 +/- 37.7 ml (range 70-195) in the Legacy group and 85.3 +/- 38.9 ml (range 40-200) in the Infiniti group (p = 0.005). No differences in postoperative visual acuity were found., Conclusion: The ability to use higher flow rates and vacuum settings with the Infiniti vision system allowed for cataract removal with less phacoemulsification time than when using the Legacy system., (Copyright 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) ketorolac tromethamine 0.4% ophthalmic solution, a recent reformulation containing 20% less active ingredient that the original formulation, is indicated for the reduction of ocular pain and burning/stinging following corneal refractive surgery. Clinical studies have shown ketorolac tromethamine 0.4% to be as effective as ketorolac tromethamine 0.5% to control inflammation after cataract surgery including prevention of cystoid macular edema (CME). Its efficacy to inhibit miosis during cataract surgery as well as its role in the treatment of dry eye has been reported. The purpose of this paper is to review the use of ketorolac tromethamine 0.4% in the treatment of post-surgical inflammation following cataract and refractive surgery.

An 8-year-old boy sustained avulsion of his upper right maxillary central incisor and lateral luxation of his upper left maxillary incisors. Subsequently, the upper right maxillary central incisor developed replacement resorption, and both upper left maxillary incisors developed pulpal canal obliteration. In the ankylosed tooth, decoronation procedure was performed, and in the 44-month follow-up period the involved alveolar site showed vertical apposition of bone and continuing replacement resorption. Decoronation is a surgical procedure that allows preservation of the bone volume for the future, avoiding aesthetic disturbances and more aggressive treatments in cases where other therapeutic alternatives are not feasible.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine which preoperative factors are associated with the presence of high-order aberrations., Methods: A total of 93 eyes of 52 subjects were evaluated preoperatively between 1 January and 31 March 2003, using a Hartmann-Shack-based aberrometer. Age, gender, cycloplegic refraction, pupil size, keratometry readings, anterior chamber depth, white-to-white tests, intraocular pressure and basic secretion tests were evaluated., Results: Factors associated with high-order aberrations included age > or = 40 years (mean 4.39 +/- 2.95 microm; p = 0.03, Mann-Whitney test), higher keratometry values (44.96 +/- 1.57 D) (r = 0.447, p < 0.001, Spearman's correlation coefficient), higher degrees of myopia (> or = - 6.1 D) (p < 0.001, Kruskall-Wallis test) and increasing pupil size (p < 0.001, anova). Other factors including anterior chamber depth, white-to-white results, intraocular pressure and basic secretion test results did not correlate with the presence of high-order aberrations preoperatively., Conclusions: Ocular wavefront aberrations varied greatly from subject to subject. Treatment should be customized for each laser based on patient characteristics in order to ensure the optimal treatment profile for the aberration.

Purpose: To assess the endothelial cell loss after cataract extraction using a fluid-based system and compare it with conventional ultrasound., Methods: A total of 46 eyes of 23 patients with up to 3+ bilateral cataract were included. The first eye was randomized to either fluid-based system or conventional ultrasound, and the fellow eye received the alternate system. Visual acuity and ultrasound pachymetry were measured preoperatively and at 1 day, 1 week, and 1 and 3 months postoperatively. Specular microscopy was performed preoperatively and 3 months after the surgery. Data was analyzed using the paired t test and Wilcoxon signed rank test. A P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant., Results: Postoperatively, no significant differences were found among the groups. However, there was a significant difference (P < 0.01, analysis of variance with Tukey as posttest) in corneal pachymetry at day 1 after the surgery compared with baseline in both groups. There was a 6.3% and 7.9% loss of endothelial cells in the fluid-based system and ultrasound group, respectively., Conclusion: Visual acuity, pachymetry, and endothelial cell loss after cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation using a fluid-based system is similar to conventional ultrasound.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness and patient tolerance of 0.4% ketorolac tromethamine ophthalmic solution and 0.5% ketorolac tromethamine ophthalmic solution after routine phacoemulsification and lens implantation., Setting: The setting for this study was the Storm Eye Institute and Magill Research Center for Vision Correction, Medical University of South Carolina (Charleston, SC)., Methods: This work was a prospective, double-masked study that included 40 eyes of 40 patients randomly assigned to receive topical treatment with 0.4% ketorolac or 0.5% ketorolac, starting 15 min prior to routine phacoemulsification and foldable posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation. Following the procedure, patients were instructed to use the assigned treatment agent 4 times a day after surgery for 1 week and twice a day for 3 weeks, when drops were discontinued. Slit-lamp examination, intraocular pressure (IOP), laser cell and flare measurements, and subjective patient tolerance were evaluated postoperatively at 1, 7, and 30 d. Comparisons between the 2 groups were made at each visit, as well as comparisons to baseline. A P=value less than .05 was considered statistically significant., Results: At day 1, a higher percentage of patients (70% vs. 40%) reported symptoms (mainly foreign body sensation and stinging/burning) in the 0.5% ketorolac group, compared to the 0.4% ketorolac group. No significant differences were found between the 2 groups over time regarding best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), IOP, slit-lamp assessment of cells, and cell and flare measured using the laser cell/flare meter., Conclusions: Treatment with 0.4% ketorolac tromethamine ophthalmic solution is as effective as 0.5% ketorolac tromethamine ophthalmic solution in reducing inflammation after routine cataract surgery. Patients reported less discomfort using 0.4% ketorolac.

Purpose: To report a case of cicatrizing conjunctivitis as the initial manifestation of a bronchogenic squamous cell carcinoma., Methods: Case report of a 57-year-old patient with bilateral history of ocular pain, redness, and discharge, with no apparent predisposing factors. Examination revealed chemosis, pseudomembrane, and symblepharon formation, and multiple ulcerated pustular and vesicular periocular and perioral lesions literature review., Results: Skin biopsy was compatible with bullous pemphigoid. Two months later he developed respiratory symptoms, and a squamous cell carcinoma was diagnosed., Conclusions: This case demonstrates cicatrizing conjunctivitis as a possible paraneoplastic syndrome associated with squamous cell lung carcinoma.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the prophylactic use of 0.3% gatifloxacin drops to prevent endophthalmitis in a rabbit model., Methods: Forty (40) New Zealand white rabbits were randomly placed into group A (20 rabbits) where they received 1 drop of 0.3% gatifloxacin in their right eye every 15 min (0, 15, 30, and 45 min), or group B (20 rabbits) where they received 1 drop of balanced salt solution (BSS) in their right eye every 15 min (0, 15, 30, and 45 min). Following this treatment regimen, the anterior chamber of each rabbit was injected with 0.025 mL of saline containing 5 x 10(5) colonyforming units of a clinical isolate of Staphylococcus aureus (vancomycin-sensitive). After the inoculum injection, the treatment regimen continued: group A (1 drop of 0.3% gatifloxacin) or group B (1 drop of BSS) immediately postinjection, 6, 12, 18, and 24 h, at which time the animals were examined in a masked fashion, photographed, anesthetized, euthanized, and the aqueous and vitreous humors collected to determine the number of viable bacteria., Results: The median clinical scores for the gatifloxacin group were significantly lower than the control group (P < 0.05). Bacterial recovery of S. aureus was significantly higher in the control group in both the aqueous and vitreous humor (P < 0.05)., Conclusions: Gatifloxacin-treated eyes demonstrated significantly less inflammation, infection, and culture-positive endophthalmitis (P < 0.05), compared to the control animals. It is important to further investigate the clinical implications from this prophylatic study.

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of a superior or nasal hinge location on corneal sensation and dry eye after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK)., Setting: Magill Research Center for Vision Correction, Storm Eye Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA., Methods: This prospective randomized masked study included 47 patients having bilateral myopic LASIK surgery. The first eye was randomly assigned to have a nasal or superior hinge flap; the fellow eye had the alternate location. Visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, corneal sensation, basic secretion test, tear film breakup time, conjunctival and corneal staining, and a subjective questionnaire were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively at 1 week and 1, 3, and 6 months. The Wilcoxon signed rank test and paired t test were used for comparison., Results: Dry eye occurred with the same frequency in both groups. However, eyes with the nasal hinge had significantly better nasal sensation than those with the superior hinge (P<.05) at 1 month., Conclusion: Better nasal corneal sensation was found at 1 month in the nasal hinge group but there was no difference in any other parameters measured.

Purpose: To report suspected donor-to-host transmission of Cryptococcus albidus after penetrating keratoplasty., Methods: Review of the literature and a case report of a 69-year-old woman who underwent penetrating keratoplasty for Fuchs corneal dystrophy and developed persistent corneal infiltrates 7 months postoperatively are presented., Results: Cryptococcus albidus was cultured from the original donor tissue at the time of the repeat keratoplasty., Conclusion: This case demonstrates an unusual case of cryptococcal keratitis after keratoplasty suspected to be a donor-to-host transmission.

To determine the refractive surgery (RS) preferences of ophthalmologists worldwide, questionnaires were sent to 8897 members of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. A total of 1053 questionnaires were returned by the deadline. The practice distribution included 29.5% cataract surgeons, 48.8% comprehensive ophthalmologists, 11.6% RS specialists, 5.1% cornea and external disease specialists, 1.9% glaucoma specialists, 1.1% retina specialists, and <1.0% oculoplastics/pediatrics/researchers/retired. Results were compared with those in the 2003 survey and demonstrate that refractive surgery continues to develop and change.

Purpose: To compare the endothelial cell damage after lens removal using a fluid-based system to conventional ultrasound., Methods: Twenty human cadaver eyes were randomized to undergo phacoemulsification using either a fluid-based system or conventional ultrasound. After surgery, each corneoscleral button was removed, stained and damaged endothelial cells per square millimeter were assessed using light microscopy., Results: Fluid-based system mean damaged endothelial cells/mm was 60.2 +/- 24.1 compared with 60.4 +/- 42.6 when using conventional ultrasound (P = 0.248)., Conclusion: The fluid-based system is as safe for the corneal endothelium as conventional ultrasound during cataract removal in human cadaver eyes.

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and analgesic efficacy of ketorolac tromethamine 0.4% ophthalmic solution in postoperative photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) patients., Setting: Fifteen clinical sites in the eastern and southern United States., Methods: This pooled analysis of 2 multicenter, randomized, double-masked, vehicle-controlled, parallel-group studies comprised 313 patients having unilateral PRK. After surgery, patients were treated with 1 drop of ketorolac tromethamine 0.4% ophthalmic solution (Acular(R) LS) (n = 156) or vehicle (n = 157) 4 times daily for up to 4 days. Pain intensity, pain relief, use of escape medication, and severity of ocular symptoms were assessed. Adverse events, epithelial healing, and visual acuity were recorded., Results: There was significantly less pain intensity experienced by patients in the ketorolac group (P<.001). During the first 12 hours post PRK, 50% fewer patients in the ketorolac group than in the vehicle group had severe to intolerable pain (41.6% [64/154] and 84.5% [131/155], respectively). The median time to no pain was 30 hours in the ketorolac group and 54 hours in the vehicle group (P<.001, survival analysis). Ketorolac patients reported significantly greater pain relief than vehicle patients throughout the study (P<.001). Ketorolac patients used significantly less escape medication than vehicle patients for 48 hours post PRK (P< or =.008). Treatment-related adverse events occurred in 2.6% (4/156) of ketorolac patients and 6.4% (10/157) of vehicle patients., Conclusion: Ketorolac 0.4% ophthalmic solution is safe and effective in reducing ocular pain when used 4 times daily for up to 4 days post PRK.

To determine the refractive surgery preferences of ophthalmologists worldwide, questionnaires were sent to 8920 members of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery. A total of 1174 questionnaires was returned by the deadline. The practice distribution included 30.0% cataract surgeons, 47.3% comprehensive ophthalmologists, 14.4% refractive surgery (RS) specialists, 4.5% corneal/external disease specialists, 1.9% glaucoma specialists, and < 1% retinal/oculoplastics/pediatrics/neurophthalmologists/researchers/retired. Responses were compared with those in the 2001 and 2002 surveys and demonstrate that RS practice patterns continue to evolve.

Wavefront measurement is an emerging technology that can evaluate low-order and high-order aberrations. This review compiles the different wavefront sensing devices and compares the most popular Hartmann-Shack aberrometers.

Purpose: To determine the flap thickness accuracy of 6 microkeratome models and determine factors that might affect flap thickness., Setting: Magill Research Center for Vision Correction, Storm Eye Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA., Methods: This multicenter prospective study involved 18 surgeons. Six microkeratomes were evaluated: AMO Amadeus, Bausch & Lomb Hansatome, Moria Carriazo-Barraquer, Moria M2, Nidek MK2000, and Alcon Summit Krumeich-Barraquer. Eyes of 1061 consecutive patients who had laser in situ keratomileusis were included. Age, sex, surgical order (first or second cut), keratometry (flattest, steepest, and mean), white-to-white measurement, laser used, plate thickness, head serial number, blade lot number, and occurrence of epithelial defects were recorded. Intraoperative pachymetry was obtained just before the microkeratome was placed on the eye. Residual bed pachymetry was measured after the microkeratome cut had been created and the flap lifted. The estimated flap thickness was determined by subtraction (ie, mean preoperative pachymetry measurement minus mean residual bed pachymetry)., Results: A total of 1634 eyes were reviewed. Sex distribution was 54.3% women and 45.7% men, and the mean age was 39.4 years +/- 10.6 (SD). In addition, 54.5% of the procedures were in first eyes and 45.5%, in second eyes. The mean preoperative pachymetry measurement was 547 +/- 34 microm. The mean keratometry was 43.6 +/- 1.6 diopters (D) in the flattest axis and 44.6 +/-1.5 D in the steepest axis. The mean white-to-white measurement was 11.7 +/- 0.4 mm. The mean flap thickness created by the devices varied between head designs, and microkeratome heads had significant differences (P<.05). Factors that explained 78.4% of the variability included microkeratome model, plate thickness, mean preoperative pachymetry, Kmin, surgery order, head serial number, blade lot number, and surgeon. Factors such as age, sex, Kmax, Kaverage, white to white, and laser had no significant correlation to flap thickness., Conclusions: The results demonstrated variability between the 6 microkeratome models. Device labeling did not necessarily represent the mean flap thickness obtained, nor was it uniform or consistent. Thinner corneas were associated with thinner flaps and thicker corneas with thicker flaps. In addition, first cuts were generally associated with thicker flaps when compared to second cuts in bilateral procedures.

Purpose: To investigate corneal endothelial cell loss in fresh phakic human autopsy cadaver eyes after phacoemulsification (PE) with a conventional handpiece or a new oscillatory handpiece., Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, Storm Eye Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA., Methods: Twenty fresh phakic human autopsy globes were randomized to PE with a conventional handpiece (n = 10) or an oscillatory handpiece (n = 10). The main parameters evaluated were age, nucleus density, amount of ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD) used, and mean PE time and ultrasound (US) power. After surgery, the corneas were excised and the endothelia were vitally stained with trypan blue and alizarin red. Light microscopy was used to assess the endothelial cell loss., Results: The mean age, density of the nucleus, OVD used, and US power were similar between the groups. The mean PE time was less with the NeoSoniX handpiece (0.71 minutes +/- 0.39 [SD]) than with the conventional handpiece (1.05 +/- 0.53 minutes). The mean number of dead endothelial cells was significantly lower in the oscillatory handpiece group (31.3 +/- 24.2 cells/mm(2)) than in the conventional handpiece group (60.4 +/- 46.8 cells/mm(2)) (P<.001, Mann-Whitney rank sum test)., Conclusions: Less corneal endothelial cell loss occurred after PE with an oscillatory handpiece than with a conventional handpiece. Further randomized clinical trials are recommended to validate this study.

Purpose: To investigate preoperative and postoperative prophylactic treatment with different pharmacological agents before flap cutting and exposure to a diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) causative agent., Setting: Magill Research Center for Vision Correction, Storm Eye Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA., Methods: The study comprised 48 eyes of 24 Dutch-belted rabbits. Three days before a corneal flap was cut and the corneal interface was exposed to Pseudomonas aeruginosa lipopolysaccharide endotoxin, a DLK causative agent, the eyes were randomly assigned to treatment with a mast-cell stabilizer, a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID), or a corticosteroid or left without treatment as controls. The treatment was maintained throughout the 1-week follow-up. Slitlamp examinations and photographs were performed at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days; DLK was graded by a masked observer from 0 (no DLK) to IV. Corneal interface scrapings were performed in selected eyes on day 7., Results: At the end of the follow-up, 36 eyes were available for evaluation. At 1 week, 100% of the control eyes and the eyes treated with the mast-cell stabilizer developed DLK; in the NSAID-treated and corticosteroid-treated eyes, the DLK rate was 86% and 70%, respectively. At 1 day, the severity of DLK was significantly lower in eyes treated with the mast-cell stabilizer (0.44) and at 7 days, it was significantly lower in corticosteroid-treated eyes (0.3) than in the control group (1.5 and 1.4, respectively) (P<.05, Wilcoxon test). Corneal interface scraping from an eye with grade III DLK showed numerous inflammatory cells., Conclusions: Preoperative and postoperative treatment with corticosteroids significantly reduced the severity of DLK compared to the untreated control eyes in this animal model. Treatment with a mast-cell stabilizer and an NSAID had less effect on the postoperative course of DLK.

Purpose: To compare cycloplegic refractions to preoperative wavefront-derived refractions from three Hartmann-Shack-based wavefront devices., Methods: Ninety-nine eyes of 55 subjects were evaluated preoperatively using the LADARWave, WaveScan, and Zywave aberrometers. With cycloplegic refraction as the standard, the spherical equivalent refraction, sphere, and cylinder were compared to the wavefront-derived refractions using the three wavefront devices., Results: The LADARWave unit showed the highest correlation between wavefront-derived sphere and mean spherical equivalent refraction values relative to cycloplegic refraction, followed by Zywave and WaveScan. The WaveScan unit exhibited higher variability than the LADARWave or Zywave. Although Alcon Laboratories (LADARWave) and Bausch & Lomb Surgical (Zywave) recommend dilation, VISX specifically recommends against dilation in their WaveScan unit. All devices showed high cylinder error vectors when the cycloplegic cylinder was greater than 1.00 D., Conclusion: Although wavefront-derived refractions appeared to correlate well to cycloplegic refractions, further research is required to reduce variability and improve the calculation of cylinder terms.

Purpose: To determine whether residual cleaner could be detected in the rinse solution of surgical instruments after a standard cleaning protocol., Setting: Magill Research Center for Vision Correction, Storm Eye Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA., Methods: The wavelength for maximum absorbance of 5 cleaners (Endozime) [The Ruhof Corp.], Enzol/Cidezyme [Advanced Sterilization Products], and Klenzyme [Steris Co.] enzymatic detergents; Palmolive Ultra dishwashing liquid [Colgate-Palmolive Co.]; and Universal concentrated surgical instrument cleaner and lubricant [B. Graczyk, Inc.]) was determined. Identically designed stainless-steel and titanium instruments were cleaned using a standardized protocol. Water temperatures of 25 degrees C (room temperature) or 40 degrees C (warm temperature) were used to rinse the instruments. The amount of residual cleaner in each rinse solution and remaining on each instrument at the completion of the cleaning procedure as a percentage of the total cleaner was determined., Results: Residues of all cleaners were detected using a standard protocol involving rinse solutions at 25 degrees C. Increasing the temperature of the rinse solutions significantly reduced the cleaner residues (P<.05, Friedman repeated-measures analysis of variance on ranks test and Student-Newman-Keuls test) regardless of the instrument material. No significant difference was detected in the residual cleaners on stainless-steel and titanium instruments., Conclusions: Lower levels of cleaner residue were found on surgical instruments after a standard cleaning protocol using warm rinse water. Because cleaner residue has been reported to cause inflammation (eg, diffuse lamellar keratitis) after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), it is advisable to use cleaners and cleaning protocols that result in acceptable cleaning without detectable levels of cleaner residue to avoid potentially harmful effects to the cornea after LASIK.

Background: Mycobacterial keratitis is a rare complication following LASIK but can lead to an extremely unfavourable outcome. The diagnosis and treatment is often delayed due to confusion with other entities including diffuse lamellar keratitis and poor clinical outcomes with flap amputation and/or keratoplasty are often the case., Patient and Methods: We report the results of LASIK in a 51-year-old woman with subsequent early-diagnosed mycobacterial keratitis and compared this case to treatments and outcomes reported in the literature., Results: The patient presented 10 days following LASIK with a white focal infiltrate in the stromal interface. The flap was lifted and cultures from the stromal bed and the reverse of the flap were obtained and the interface irrigated. The patient was treated with topical antibiotics (ciprofloxacin 0.3%, amikacin 2.5%, clarithromycin 40 mg/ml and tobramycin 15 mg/ml) for 8 weeks and at the most recent follow-up she had a visual acuity of 1.25., Conclusion: In a large number of published cases in the literature the flap had to be amputated and/or corneal transplants were necessary. Early diagnosis and treatment however, are essential to successfully treat post-LASIK keratitis. Therefore the patients should be followed up carefully in the early postoperative period.

Purpose: To determine the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin (Visudyne; Novartis AG, Basel, Switzerland) for treatment of corneal neovascularization in a rabbit eye model., Methods: Corneal neovascularization was induced in Dutch belted rabbits by placing an intrastromal silk suture near the limbus. Verteporfin was administered by intravenous injection at a dose of 1.5 mg/kg, and the pharmacokinetics of verteporfin distribution in the anterior segment or PDT-induced (laser energy levels 17, 50, and 150 J/cm(2)) regression of corneal blood vessels were then determined. To assess PDT-induced toxicity of the anterior segment, corneal and iris/ciliary body histology, and IOP were evaluated after PDT., Results: Verteporfin accumulation in vascularized regions of the cornea and the iris/ciliary body tissue were time dependent and maximum levels achieved at 60 minutes after injection. In rabbits, PDT of corneal vessels using laser energy of 17 or 50 J/cm(2) resulted in 30% to 50% regression of corneal neovascularization; however, in these animals, a rapid regrowth of new blood vessels occurred between 3 and 5 days. In the rabbits receiving PDT using laser energies of 150 J/cm(2), the mean vessel regression was 56%. During the nine days of the laser therapy follow-up period, no vessel regrowth was observed in these rabbits. Histologic examination of the anterior segment after PDT (150 J/cm(2)) showed localized degeneration of the corneal blood vessels without observable change in other anterior segment structures., Conclusions: These results provide evidence that PDT can produce significant regression of neovascular corneal vessels with no observable toxicity to the anterior segments. However, the optimal laser energy necessary to induce long-term regression (150 J/cm(2)) was three times that used to treat choroidal neovascularization.

We report the results of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in a 51-year-old woman with subsequent mycobacterial keratitis diagnosed by staining with acid-fast and fluorochrome methods, a technique known to have good sensitivity and specificity for mycobacteria. A rapid diagnosis was made without waiting for cultures, and treatment was instituted, including tapering of topical steroids and appropriate antibiotic therapy. The result was preservation of the LASIK flap and a favorable visual outcome at 6 months.

Purpose: To induce diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) and investigate a prophylactic treatment with pharmacological agents., Setting: Magill Research Center for Vision Correction, Storm Eye Institute, Charleston, South Carolina, USA., Methods: In 100 eyes of 50 Dutch Belted rabbits, a nasal corneal flap was cut and the interface inoculated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa lipopolysaccharide endotoxin (n = 50) or Palmolive Ultra soap (n = 50). The eyes were randomly assigned to treatment with a mast-cell stabilizer, a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID), a fluoroquinolone antibiotic agent, a corticosteroid, or left without treatment as a control. Slitlamp examinations and photographs were performed 1, 3, 5, and 7 days postoperatively, and DLK was graded by a masked observer from 0 (no DLK) to stage 4., Results: At the end of the study, 80 eyes were available for evaluation. Ninety-four percent of the untreated eyes developed DLK compared to 56% of eyes treated with NSAIDs and 63% of eyes treated with steroids (P<.05, Fisher exact test). The DLK rates with the mast-cell stabilizer and fluoroquinolone antibiotic agent were 86% and 76%, respectively. The DLK incidence in the latter 2 groups was not significantly different from that in the control eyes (P>.05, Fisher exact test)., Conclusions: Postoperative prophylactic treatment with NSAIDs and corticosteroids led to a statistically significantly lower incidence of postoperative DLK. The study demonstrated that corticosteroids and NSAIDs can be used to treat DLK after LASIK. While steroids are a generally accepted treatment for DLK, NSAIDS may offer an additional potent modality.

Purpose: To report the outcome, learning curve, and complication rates of an experimental animal model for corneal flaps in refractive surgery., Setting: Magill Research Center for Vision Correction, Storm Eye Institute, Charleston, South Carolina, USA., Methods: Corneal flaps with a nasal or a temporal hinge were created in 190 eyes of 95 Dutch Belted rabbits using the Automated Corneal Shaper microkeratome (Bausch & Lomb Surgical). Diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) was induced by inoculating the corneal interfaces with 1 of 7 substances. Postoperatively, the eyes were examined with a slitlamp. Special emphasis was placed on corneal flap complications and the relationship between slipped flaps and hinge position and/or inoculation agent., Results: A good corneal flap was achieved in 174 eyes (92%). The eyes with a nasal hinge had a lower incidence of slipped flaps (14%) than eyes with a temporal hinge (37%) (P =.02)., Conclusion: With the animal model described, corneal flaps were created in a precise and reproducible way in more than 90% of eyes. Nasal hinged flaps showed less postoperative displacements than temporal hinged flaps and are adequate for further study.

Purpose: To induce diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) and investigate the potential causative agents in an animal model., Setting: Magill Research Center for Vision Correction, Storm Eye Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA., Methods: In 70 eyes of 35 Dutch Belted rabbits, a corneal flap was cut and the interface randomly exposed to 1 of 7 substances: Pseudomonas aeruginosa endotoxin, 1 of 2 Staphylococcus aureus exotoxins, meibomian gland secretion, povidone-iodine 10%, Palmolive Ultra soap, and Klenzyme soap. Slitlamp examinations were performed 1, 3, 5, and 7 days postoperatively. The DLK was staged from 1 to 4. On day 7, the rabbits were killed and the eyes enucleated and processed for histopathologic examination., Results: At the end of the study, 54 eyes (46 exposed, 8 control) were available for evaluation. The 8 eyes studied concurrently in the control group remained clear and did not show interface inflammation. Thirty-one of 46 eyes (67%) treated with the various test substances developed DLK. The highest DLK rates were found with the cleaning soap Palmolive Ultra (100%; P =.022) and P. aeruginosa lipopolysaccharide endotoxin (90%; P =.026)., Conclusions: Interface inflammation was consistently induced in the animal model. All 7 agents caused DLK in at least some eyes. The histopathologic evaluation showed the morphologic profile of the marked inflammatory cellular reaction that occurred in almost all the specimens.

Purpose: The objective of this study is to evaluate the use of a topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug in the treatment of induced diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) in an animal model., Materials and Methods: A corneal flap was created in 40 eyes of 20 Dutch-belted rabbits using the ASC microkeratome. The interface was inoculated with either Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxin or Ultra Palmolive liquid dish washer. The rabbits were divided in two groups: Group I (n=20) treated with ketorolac tromethamine ophthalmic solution 0.5% 4 times a day and the group II (n=20) used as control. The rabbits were examined at the slit lamp at day 1, 3, 5 and 7 postoperatively. DLK was graded from I-IV., Results: At the end of the study 31 eyes were available for evaluation. 28 eyes (90%) developed DLK: 86% of the treated group and 94% of the control group during the follow-up. The treated group showed a lower rate of DLK as well as a lower severity. However, no statistically significant difference was found when comparing both groups (P>0.05)., Conclusion: Pseudomonas aeruginosa LPS endotoxin and Palmolive Ultra can induce DLK in rabbit eyes. The postoperative prophylactic treatment with a topical non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug showed a tendency towards a lower DLK rate as well as the severity of the disease.

Purpose: The aim of this experimental ani-mal study was to induce diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK), and investigate a prophylactic treatment with corticosteroids., Materials and Methods: A corneal flap was cut in 40 eyes from 20 Dutch-belted rabbits and the interface inoculated with either Pseudomonas aeruginosa lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxin ( n=21) or Palmolive Ultra soap ( n=19). Half of the eyes were treated with topical corticosteroids and the other half remained untreated. Slitlamp examinations were performed 1, 3, 5 and 7 days postoperatively and DLK was graded from I-IV., Results: At the end of the study 33 eyes were available for evaluation and 94% of the non-treated eyes developed DLK. Out of those eyes treated with steroids 19% developed DLK during the 1 week follow-up period. This was statistically significantly lower ( P=0.018) when compared to the untreated group., Conclusion: Pseudomonas aeruginosa LPS endotoxin as well as Palmolive((R)) Ultra caused a very high rate of DLK in rabbit eyes. The postoperative prophylactic treatment with corticosteroids showed a statistically significant lower DLK rate in this rabbit eye model.

In February 2001, a questionnaire on the practice of refractive surgery was sent worldwide to all 8196 members of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery; 1511 responses (18.4%) were received. Although laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) was the most common refractive procedure reported, phakic intraocular lenses, clear lens extraction, and photorefractive keratectomy were also widespread. Nineteen percent of the respondents said they had had refractive surgery, and that group reported performing significantly more procedures than those who had not had a refractive procedure (P < .0001). The most common complication of LASIK was dry eyes, occurring in more than half of the cases in one fourth of the practices; however, only 30% of surgeons said they perform a Schirmer test before surgery. High-volume surgeons reported seeing fewer cases of flap striae (P = .002) and slipped flaps (P = .02) than low-volume surgeons. Seventy-seven percent said that wavefront LASIK ablation will increase the quality of vision and of those already performing wavefront ablation, 92% stated they believe it will improve outcomes.