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PurposeTo assess the effect of antiviral treatment on corneal graft survival following penetrating keratoplasty for herpetic keratitis.MethodsRetrospective cohort study of 454 patients receiving primary penetrating keratoplasties (PKs) for viral infection reported to NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) between April 1999 and June 2005. Follow-up data were available on 403 PKs. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were used to determine graft survival for the three treatment groups: no medication, topical antiviral, and oral antiviral medication. A Cox regression model was used to investigate the combined effects of all additional factors on graft failure. The model was fitted using all pre-operative factors first and then post-operative factors including type of antiviral medication were included.ResultsPatients who received oral antiviral medication post-operatively had consistently better graft survival than those receiving no medication or only topical medication. Patients receiving oral antivirals were less than a third as likely to have a failed graft at 5 years compared with those on no antiviral medication (relative risk (RR) 0.3, CI: 0.2-0.7, P=0.002). Other factors that were found to influence the risk of graft failure were the presence of deep corneal vascularisation (P=0.009), PK performed for therapeutic reasons (P=0.03), large diameter grafts (P=0.04), and experiencing a rejection episode (P=0.003).ConclusionOral antiviral treatment reduces the risk of graft failure in patients undergoing primary PK for herpetic keratitis and should be routinely used in this group of patients post-operatively unless contra-indicated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Calculation of intraocular lens (IOL) power for implantation during cataract surgery depends on ocular biometric measurements. The aim of this study was to characterise the normal range of intra- and interindividual variation in axial length (AL) and corneal power (K) when IOLMaster measurements were possible and to derive recommendations as to which outlying measurements merit verification before acceptance. Methods: The Medisoft electronic patient database contains prospectively collected data conforming to the United Kingdom (UK) Cataract National Dataset on 55,567 cataract operations. From this AL and K information on the 32,556 eyes (14,016 paired) of patients older than 25 years, without corneal pathology, history of intraocular surgery and who had all biometric measurements taken with the Zeiss IOLMaster (Carl Zeiss Meditec) were extracted. R 2.8.1 (R Foundation for Statistical Computing) was used for statistical analysis. Results: Mean age was 76.4 years and 62.0% were female. Mean (95% confidence interval) values for AL, mean K and corneal astigmatism were 23.40 (21.27-26.59) mm, 43.90 (40.94-47.01) D and 1.04 (<2.50) D. Nearly all astigmatism was either with or against the rule. Differences between paired eyes were not statistically significant. 95% individuals had asymmetry of AL and mean K<0.70 mm and 0.92 D, respectively. Conclusions: On the basis of approximation of the 95% CI above, it is suggested that AL, mean K and keratometric astigmatism measurements outside the ranges 21.30-26.60 mm, 41.00-47.00 D and >2.50 D, respectively, and intraindividual asymmetry of AL >0.70 mm or mean K>0.90 D should be verified before acceptance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeThe aim of this study was to investigate the visual and refractive outcome of combined penetrating keratoplasty, cataract extraction, and intraocular lens insertion (triple procedure) compared with cataract surgery following penetrating keratoplasty (sequential surgery).MethodsRetrospective cohort study of 1256 first penetrating keratoplasty for Fuchs' dystrophy performed between April 1999 and December 2005. In all, 1202 triple and 54 sequential procedures were reviewed. At 1 year, refractive outcomes were available for 499 triple procedure and 26 sequential surgery eyes. At 2 years, data were available for 264 triple procedure and 10 sequential surgery eyes. At 1 and 2 years postoperatively, graft survival, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), spherical equivalent, and cylindrical error were recorded. χ2-Tests were used to compare visual outcomes between the two groups.ResultsAt 1 year after triple procedure surgery, 61% of eyes attained BCVA of 6/12, with 47% of eyes within±2 D of emmetropia. After sequential surgery, 59% achieved BCVA of 6/12 with 67% of eyes within±2 D of emmetropia (=0.05). Mean spherical equivalent (MSE) at 1 and 2 years after triple procedure was +1.20 D (SD 5.45) and +0.15 D (SD 3.58), respectively. MSE following sequential surgery at 1 and 2 years was +0.08 D (SD 3.06) and −1.50 D (SD 3.14), respectively. Mean refractive cylinder after combined surgery was +4.16 D (SD 5.11) and +3.91 D (SD 2.79) at 1 and 2 years, respectively, compared with +3.65 D (SD 2.24) and +3.70 D (SD 2.06) after sequential surgery. In all, 29% of triple procedure and 27% sequential surgery eyes had an astigmatic error 5.0 D after 1 year (P=0.64), which increased to 34 and 30%, respectively, by the second year. The 5-year graft survival was 85% in both groups. There were no differences in graft survival, visual or refractive outcomes between triple procedure, and sequential surgery techniques.ConclusionsThis analysis provided no evidence of improved visual or refractive outcome after sequential surgery compared with triple procedure.Eye (2009) 23, 1295–1301; doi:10.1038/eye.2008.301; published online 3 October 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AimsTo compare the quality of referrals and listing rates of direct optometric referrals vstraditional GP referrals for cataract surgery.MethodsA retrospective cohort of 124 patients referred for cataract surgery was identified (62 via optometric pathway and 62 via GP pathway). The quality of the referral was assessed by establishing if it contained adequate information relating to the College of Optometrists' referral framework document. Age, sex, drug history, listing rate, operative rate, and visual acuity (best corrected) at referral and at the postoperative visit were recorded and compared between the two referral pathways using the Fisher's exact test.ResultsOptometric referrals, relative to GP referrals, were more likely to include information relating to objective visual loss (100 vs87%, P=0.0061) and to counsel the patient (97 vs18%, P=0.0001). GP referrals, relative to optometric referrals, were more likely to comment on personal circumstances (32 vs3%, P=0.0001), past medical history (95 vs68%, P=0.0001), and drug history (94 vs69%, P=0.0009). Operative rates were higher for the optometric direct referrals relative to GP referrals (87 vs69%, P=0.0284). There was no difference in the visual acuity before or after surgery between the pathways.ConclusionsOptometric direct cataract referrals provide better information on objectively measured vision and better delivery of preoperative counselling. Traditional GP referrals contain better medical history, drug information, and details of personal circumstances. Rates of surgery were slightly higher with optometric referrals.Eye (2009) 23, 309–313; doi:10.1038/sj.eye.6703075; published online 8 February 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The primary aim of this study was to detail anaesthetic techniques and complications for cataract surgery in the UK. Methods: The Cataract National Dataset was extracted from 12 National Health Service Trusts that used the same electronic patient record system between November 2001 and July 2006 on a total of 55,567 cataract operations. Results: Anaesthesia was administered by an ophthalmologist in 56.7% of the cases, a career anaesthetist in 42.1% of the cases, a clinical assistant anaesthetist in 0.3% of the cases, and staff were not recorded in 0.9% of the cases. Local anaesthesia (LA) was used in 95.5%, with topical anaesthesia alone in 22.3% (range by site, 0-99.8%), topical and intracameral in 4.7% (range, 0-24.1%), subtenons in 46.9% (range, 0-81.8%), peribulbar in 19.5% (range, 0-63.4%), and retrobulbar in 0.5% (range, 0-5.3%). One or more minor complications occurred in 4.3% of 38,058 local blocks administered by either sharp needle or subtenons (blunt) cannula. Minor complications were 2.3 times more common with subtenons blocks (P<0.001). Serious complications, defined as sight or life threatening occurred in 25 eyes, 0.066%, undergoing sharp needle or subtenons cannula blocks. Sharp needle techniques had a 2.5-fold increased risk of serious complications compared with subtenons cannula techniques (P=0.026). Conclusion: Subtenons anaesthesia was the most widely used anaesthetic technique for cataract surgery but wide variation existed by site. There was a low rate of reported LA complications. There was a statistically significant increased risk of serious complications with sharp needle anaesthesia compared with subtenons technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To pilot the use of the Cataract National Dataset (CND) using multi-centre data from Electronic Patient Record (EPR) systems and to demonstrate the ability of the CND to deliver certain of its intended benefits, including detailed preoperative profiling of cataract surgery patients and updating of benchmark standards of care in the NHS and beyond. Methods: NHS departments using EPR systems to collect a minimum preoperative, anaesthetic, operative and postoperative data set, the CND, were invited to submit data, which were remotely extracted, anonymised, assessed for conformity and completeness, and analysed. Results: Four-hundred and six surgeons from 12 NHS Trusts submitted data on 55,567 cataract operations between November 2001 and July 2006 (86% from January 2004). Mean age (SD) was 75.4 (10.4) years, 62.0% female. Surgery was for first eyes in 58.5%, under local anaesthesia in 95.5% and by phacoemulsification in 99.7%. Trainees performed 33.9% of operations. Preoperative visual acuity (VA) was 6/12 or better in 42.9% eyes overall, in 35.3% first eyes and in 55.3% second eyes. Complication rates included the following: posterior capsule rupture and/or vitreous loss of 1.92%, simple zonule dialysis of 0.46% and retained lens fragments of 0.18%. Postoperative VA of 6/12 or better (and 6/6 or better) was achieved for 91.0% (45.9%) of all eyes, 94.7% (51.0%) of eyes with no co-pathologies and 79.9% (30.2%) of eyes with one or more co-pathologies respectively. Conclusions: The CND is fit for purpose, is able to deliver useful benefits and can be collected as part of routine clinical care via EPR systems. This survey confirms shifts in practice since the 1997-1998 UK National Survey with full conversion to phacoemulsification, better preoperative acuity, a halving of the surgical 'index' benchmark complication of posterior capsule rupture and/or vitreous loss, and improved VA outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AimsTo pilot the use of the Cataract National Dataset (CND) using multi-centre data from Electronic Patient Record (EPR) systems and to demonstrate the ability of the CND to deliver certain of its intended benefits, including detailed preoperative profiling of cataract surgery patients and updating of benchmark standards of care in the NHS and beyond.MethodsNHS departments using EPR systems to collect a minimum preoperative, anaesthetic, operative and postoperative data set, the CND, were invited to submit data, which were remotely extracted, anonymised, assessed for conformity and completeness, and analysed.ResultsFour-hundred and six surgeons from 12 NHS Trusts submitted data on 55 567 cataract operations between November 2001 and July 2006 (86% from January 2004). Mean age (SD) was 75.4 (10.4) years, 62.0% female. Surgery was for first eyes in 58.5%, under local anaesthesia in 95.5% and by phacoemulsification in 99.7%. Trainees performed 33.9% of operations. Preoperative visual acuity (VA) was 6/12 or better in 42.9% eyes overall, in 35.3% first eyes and in 55.3% second eyes. Complication rates included the following: posterior capsule rupture and/or vitreous loss of 1.92%, simple zonule dialysis of 0.46% and retained lens fragments of 0.18%. Postoperative VA of 6/12 or better (and 6/6 or better) was achieved for 91.0% (45.9%) of all eyes, 94.7% (51.0%) of eyes with no co-pathologies and 79.9% (30.2%) of eyes with one or more co-pathologies respectively.ConclusionsThe CND is fit for purpose, is able to deliver useful benefits and can be collected as part of routine clinical care via EPR systems. This survey confirms shifts in practice since the 1997–1998 UK National Survey with full conversion to phacoemulsification, better preoperative acuity, a halving of the surgical ‘index’ benchmark complication of posterior capsule rupture and/or vitreous loss, and improved VA outcomes.Eye (2009) 23, 38–49; doi:10.1038/sj.eye.6703015; published online 23 November 2007 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PurposeThe primary aim of this study was to detail anaesthetic techniques and complications for cataract surgery in the UK.Methods The Cataract National Dataset was extracted from 12 National Health Service Trusts that used the same electronic patient record system between November 2001 and July 2006 on a total of 55 567 cataract operations.ResultsAnaesthesia was administered by an ophthalmologist in 56.7% of the cases, a career anaesthetist in 42.1% of the cases, a clinical assistant anaesthetist in 0.3% of the cases, and staff were not recorded in 0.9% of the cases. Local anaesthesia (LA) was used in 95.5%, with topical anaesthesia alone in 22.3% (range by site, 0–99.8%), topical and intracameral in 4.7% (range, 0–24.1%), subtenons in 46.9% (range, 0–81.8%), peribulbar in 19.5% (range, 0–63.4%), and retrobulbar in 0.5% (range, 0–5.3%). One or more minor complications occurred in 4.3% of 38 058 local blocks administered by either sharp needle or subtenons (blunt) cannula. Minor complications were 2.3 times more common with subtenons blocks (P<0.001). Serious complications, defined as sight or life threatening occurred in 25 eyes, 0.066%, undergoing sharp needle or subtenons cannula blocks. Sharp needle techniques had a 2.5-fold increased risk of serious complications compared with subtenons cannula techniques (P=0.026).ConclusionSubtenons anaesthesia was the most widely used anaesthetic technique for cataract surgery but wide variation existed by site. There was a low rate of reported LA complications. There was a statistically significant increased risk of serious complications with sharp needle anaesthesia compared with subtenons technique.Eye (2009) 23, 50–55; doi:10.1038/sj.eye.6703031; published online 14 March 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AimsTo identify and quantify risk factors for posterior capsule rupture or vitreous loss or both (PCR or VL or both) during cataract surgery and provide a method of composite risk assessment for individual operations.MethodsThe Cataract National Dataset was extracted on 55 567 operations from 12 National Health Service (NHS) Trusts using an electronic patient record (EPR) system between November 2001 and July 2006. Risk indicators for variations in the rate of ‘PCR or VL or both’ were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were used to formulate a composite ‘bespoke’ risk for individual cases.ResultsOverall ‘PCR or VL or both’ rate was 1.92% (95% CI=1.81–2.04%). Risk indicators for this complication were increasing age, male gender, presence of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, brunescent/white cataract, no fundal view/vitreous opacities, pseudo-exfoliation/phacodonesis, reducing pupil size, axial length 26.0 mm, the use of the α-blocker doxazosin, inability to lie flat and trainee surgeons performing operations. Adjusted ORs for these variables are used to estimate overall composite risk across multiple risk indicators in the form of a predicted probability of PCR or VL or both. Predicted probability for this complication ranged from less than 0.75% to more than 75%, depending on risk profile of individual operations.ConclusionsHigher-risk cases can be predicted, thus better informing the consent process and allowing surgeons to take appropriate precautions. Case-mix is a major determinant of the probability of an intraoperative complication. A simple composite risk estimation system has been developed.Eye (2009) 23, 31–37; doi:10.1038/sj.eye.6703049; published online 7 March 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A letter to the editor is presented in response to the article on the pseudophakic anterior chamber depth measurement, published online in the January 16, 2009 issue.

A letter to the editor is presented about an inadvertent administration of Olbas oil into the eye.

A letter to the editor is presented that reports dapsone-induced hemolytic anemia in patients treated for ocular cicatricial pemphigoid.

Aims: To identify and quantify risk factors for posterior capsule rupture or vitreous loss or both (PCR or VL or both) during cataract surgery and provide a method of composite risk assessment for individual operations., Methods: The Cataract National Dataset was extracted on 55,567 operations from 12 National Health Service (NHS) Trusts using an electronic patient record (EPR) system between November 2001 and July 2006. Risk indicators for variations in the rate of 'PCR or VL or both' were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were used to formulate a composite 'bespoke' risk for individual cases., Results: Overall 'PCR or VL or both' rate was 1.92% (95% CI=1.81-2.04%). Risk indicators for this complication were increasing age, male gender, presence of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, brunescent/white cataract, no fundal view/vitreous opacities, pseudo-exfoliation/phacodonesis, reducing pupil size, axial length > or = 26.0 mm, the use of the alpha-blocker doxazosin, inability to lie flat and trainee surgeons performing operations. Adjusted ORs for these variables are used to estimate overall composite risk across multiple risk indicators in the form of a predicted probability of PCR or VL or both. Predicted probability for this complication ranged from less than 0.75% to more than 75%, depending on risk profile of individual operations., Conclusions: Higher-risk cases can be predicted, thus better informing the consent process and allowing surgeons to take appropriate precautions. Case-mix is a major determinant of the probability of an intraoperative complication. A simple composite risk estimation system has been developed.

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) compared to photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for the correction of low or moderate myopia (-0.50 to -6.00 D) at 6 months after surgery., Methods: The study population comprised a non-randomized consecutive series of 622 eyes of 392 patients who were treated with the Nidek EC-5000 excimer laser. LASIK was performed using the ACS Chiron microkeratome on 314 eyes and surface PRK on 308 eyes. All patients were treated using a standard protocol, then assessed at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively., Results: Forty-four percent of the LASIK group and 67% of the PRK group attended their 6-month examination. Eighty percent of patients (111 eyes) after LASIK and 65% (136 eyes) after PRK had an uncorrected visual acuity of 20/20 or better. Spherical equivalent refraction was within +/-0.50 D of intended refraction in 78% (109 eyes) for LASIK and 82% (170 eyes) for PRK. Loss of two more lines of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity at 6 months occurred in 1.4% (2 eyes) of the LASIK group and 1.0% (2 eyes) of the PRK group., Conclusion: At 1 month follow-up, the percentage of eyes that achieved 20/20 uncorrected visual acuity was greater in the LASIK group than in the PRK group. At 6 months, visual and refractive outcomes of LASIK and PRK were similar. Although flap related complications occurred only after LASIK, the overall risk of loss of best spectacle-corrected visual acuity was not significantly greater than for PRK.