German claims data analysis to assess impact of different intraocular lenses on posterior capsule opacification and related healthcare costs

Type 1 and type 2 diabetes predisposed to higher Nd:YAG capsulotomy rates following cataract surgery: analysis of 53,471 consecutive cases

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of diabetes type on Nd:YAG capsulotomy rates following cataract surgery.

DESIGN

A retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

All patients who underwent cataract extraction at the Department of Ophthalmology, Bristol Eye Hospital, Bristol, UK, between 2003 and 2017 were included. The Nd:YAG capsulotomy rate following cataract surgery was assessed and compared between nondiabetic, type 1 diabetes (T1D), and type 2 diabetes (T2D) patients. Multivariate Cox regression analysis controlling for age and sex was used to estimate hazard ratios for Nd:YAG laser capsulotomies.

RESULTS

Included were 53,471 consecutive cataract surgeries. Overall, 42,651 eyes (79.8%) were in nondiabetic patients, 823 eyes (1.5%) were in T1D patients, and 9,997 eyes (18.7%) were in T2D patients. The mean follow-up time was 6.8 ± 4.2 years. In univariate analysis, the eyes of T1D patients (p < 0.001) and T2D patients (p = 0.003) had significantly higher Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy rates than the eyes of nondiabetic patients. In Cox regression analysis adjusted for the patient's age and sex, DM1 (HR 1.692, 95%CI 1.390-2.059, P<0.001) and DM2 (HR 1.157, 95%CI 1.075-1.244, P<0.001) remained significantly predictive for higher Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy rates.

CONCLUSION

In our large cohort study, patients with T1D and T2D were predisposed to high risk for Nd:YAG capsulotomy following cataract surgery. This study may be beneficial and raise awareness regarding the assessment of posterior capsular opacification development in pseudophakic diabetic patients, particularly those with T1D. The significance of ophthalmology screening for diabetes individuals is further supported by this issue.

Micro-Computed Tomography (µCT) as a Tool for High-Resolution 3D Imaging and Analysis of Intraocular Lenses: Feasibility and Proof of the Methodology to Evaluate YAG Pits

INTRODUCTION

Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is the most frequent late sequelae after successful cataract surgery. Neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy is considered the gold standard and a well-accepted, safe, and effective measure in treating PCO. However, iatrogenic damage of the intraocular lens (IOL) due to inappropriate focusing is a quite common side effect. These permanent defects (YAG pits) can critically affect overall optical quality.

METHODS

In this laboratory study, we used the micro-computed tomography (µCT) technique to obtain high-resolution 3D images of the lens and the YAG pits.

RESULTS

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first description of a detailed analysis of IOLs with µCT technology. This non-destructive technique seems to be ideal for comparative studies, measuring dimensions of the damage, and visualizing shooting channels within the material.

CONCLUSION

µCT is excellently suited to examine an IOL in detail, analyze optics and haptics in three dimensions, and to describe all kinds of changes within the IOL without damaging it.

Evaluating impact of Nd: YAG laser associated defects on optical quality of hydrophilic and hydrophobic intraocular lenses using visualization of light propagation and USAF test targets

BACKGROUND

Neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy is a well-accepted, safe, and effective measure in the treatment of posterior capsule opacification. However, iatrogenic intraocular lens damage is a relatively common side effect that happens due to inappropriate focusing during the procedure. This experimental study analyzes the impact of YAG-pits to obtain qualitative information.

METHODS

Acrylic, monofocal hydrophilic and hydrophobic intraocular lenses (IOLs) with 6.0 mm optic and the with the same power (21D) were studied. First, all measurements were done with unmodified IOLs. Damage was intentionally created, performing YAG-pits (n = 5) in the central area of the lens optic (3.0 mm) using a photodisruption laser with the same energy level of 1.8 mJ. To simulate the cruciate pattern, the 5 defects were created in a cross shape within the 3.0 mm optical zone. Afterwards, all laboratory measurements were repeated: These included the United States Air Force (USAF) resolution test chart to study the imaging performance of the IOL, light field measurements to show the course of the rays behind the IOL and the modulation transfer function (MTF) measurements were analyzed.

RESULTS

Evaluating USAF showed that unmodified lenses produced a sharper image. Damaged lenses led to a more blurred image and to the impression of a lower contrast with a kind of halo/glare effect. The light field measurement showed that YAG-pits led to a kind of dispersion and scattering effect, which was higher in hydrophobic IOLs. MTF showed a deterioration in damaged hydrophilic and hydrophobic IOLs, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our experimental study confirms that YAG-pits can reduce imaging quality of intraocular lenses. These defects behave as a new Huygens source, distribute a spherical wave that additionally illuminate the background of the USAF target. It can be assumed that material properties of the IOL (water content, refractive index) play an important role and affect results. The impact level is strongly dependent on the number, size and position of YAG-pits within the optic.

LIMITATION

Only monofocal IOLs have been investigated so far, further tests with various IOL optics have to follow. In addition, simulating the circular pattern of YAG capsulotomy is necessary.

Costs and Healthcare Resource Utilization Associated with Posterior Capsule Opacification After Cataract Surgery with Five Different Intraocular Lenses: An Economic Analysis for Spain

Purpose

Materials and Methods

Results

Conclusion

Nd:YAG Capsulotomy Rates with Two Multifocal Intraocular Lenses

Purpose

To investigate the incidence of Nd:YAG capsulotomy after implantation of two types of multifocal intraocular lenses (MIOLs).

Methods

This retrospective analysis included patients who had undergone cataract extraction and implanted diffractive MIOL (Acri. LISA tri 839M) or asymmetric refractive MIOL (SBL-3) from May 2016 to September 2018. They were followed up for at least 3 years. During the follow-up period, the relevant data of patients were kept by special person in the hospital. The rates of Nd:YAG capsulotomy and the Kaplan-Meier survival curve were used to analyze the two groups.

Results

The Asymmetric Refractive MIOL group was comprised of 98 patients (121 eyes), while the Diffractive MIOL group was comprised of 99 patients (120 eyes). There were no significant differences in age, sex, or IOL power between the two groups. The Nd:YAG rate of the asymmetric refractive MIOL group and the diffractive MIOL group was 3.3% and 7.5% respectively (P = 0.15) in the first year, 14.88% and 22.5% respectively (P = 0.129) in the second year, and 21.49% and 34.17% respectively (P = 0.028) in the third year. In the first 7 months of follow-up, the two groups showed the same performance in the Nd:YAG rate. After that, there was a difference between the two groups, and the difference gradually increased. Until the 27th month of follow-up, the difference was significant (P < 0.05). What is more, there were significant differences in survival (without Nd:YAG capsulotomy)/failure (with Nd:YAG capsulotomy) functions (P = 0.0035).

Conclusion

The incidence of Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy in patients with diffractive MIOLs was higher than that in patients with asymmetric refractive MIOLs.

Anterior segment OCT application in quantifying posterior capsule opacification severity with varied intraocular lens designs

AIM

To evaluate the application of anterior segment-optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) in posterior capsule opacification (PCO) severity assessment and analyse the relationship between PCO severity and intraocular lens (IOL) characters.

METHODS

PCO patients were prospectively recruited. Cross-sectional images of the anterior segment at horizontal and vertical meridians were acquired with AS-OCT. The area of the IOL-PC (posterior capsular) space and PCO severity (area, thickness, and density at 3 mm and 5 mm IOL optic regions) were measured. The relationship between PCO severity and visual acuity, comparisons of PCO severity and IOL-PC space using varied IOL designs were analysed.

RESULTS

One hundred PCO eyes were enrolled. IOL-PC space, PCO thickness and area were positively correlated with axial length. In addition, PCO area and thickness were positively correlated with visual acuity when it was ≤0.52 logMAR. The cut-off level of visual acuity should be 0.52 logMAR. With varied IOL designs, 3-piece C haptic IOL showed a smaller PCO area and thickness than the 1-piece 3 haptic IOL and 1-piece 4 haptic IOL. PCO area and thickness values for an IOL with a diameter ≤11.0 mm was greater than for an IOL with a diameter of 12.5 mm, and the differences were statistically significant. PCO area and thickness increased when IOL haptic angulation increased (from 0 to 12 degrees).

CONCLUSION

In PCO eyes, cut-off level of visual acuity is 0.52 logMAR. With more severe PCO, visual acuity maybe not enough to describe the visual function impairment. PCO severity and IOL-PC space are significantly correlated with axial length and IOL design and material.

Real-World Treatment Persistence with Biologic Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs Among German Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis-A Retrospective Database Study

INTRODUCTION

To investigate drug survival for biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) in a real-world cohort of German adult biologic-naïve patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

METHODS

Claims data for patients with a diagnosis of PsA, a bDMARD claims record (index date) between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2017, and no bDMARD prescription for 365 days before the index date were retrospectively analyzed. The primary outcomes were the overall and individual bDMARD persistence rates over 12 months. Nonpersistence was defined as a treatment gap exceeding the days of supply plus 60 days or switching to a bDMARD other than the index therapy. Sensitivity analysis was performed, wherein the treatment gap was found to vary depending on the bDMARD regimen. Kaplan-Meier curves were plotted to determine persistence; the log-rank test was used to evaluate differences in the persistence rate. Factors associated with treatment discontinuation were evaluated using Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

Among 10,954 patients with a PsA diagnosis, 348 were eligible. The overall bDMARD persistence rate was 57.5%; individual bDMARD persistence rates were 81.3% for ustekinumab, 66.7% for infliximab, and 60.0% for golimumab. The mean (SD) overall persistence with bDMARDs was 289 (103) days; the mean persistence was 334 (72) days for ustekinumab, 309 (82) days for golimumab, and 305 (92) days for infliximab. The main reasons for nonpersistence were switching to another bDMARD (15.8%) and treatment discontinuation (26.7%). Male gender was significantly associated with a lower risk of treatment discontinuation (hazard ratio 0.54, 95% confidence interval 0.39-0.77; P < 0.001). The sensitivity analysis yielded similar results.

CONCLUSION

The one-year persistence rate for bDMARDs in German PsA patients is modest, although the persistence rate depends on the bDMARD considered.

[Influence of models of hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lenses on the development of posterior lens capsule opacifications (preliminary results)]

The search for optimal design and material of the intraocular lens (IOL) that would prevent posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is still a relevant problem.

PURPOSE

To compare the influence of three models of hydrophobic acrylic IOLs on the development of PCO within one year after phaco surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 72 patients (91 eyes) who were followed up for 12 months after implantation of one of three models of posterior chamber hydrophobic acrylic IOLs: MIOL-2 (Reper-NN, Russia, 24 eyes, 1^st group), SA60AT and US60MP (Alcon, USA, 41 and 26 eyes, 2^nd and 3^rd groups, respectively). Posterior capsule images were taken and then processed with the EPCO 2000 (Evaluation of Posterior Capsular Opacification) software. The area of posterior capsule adjacent to the center of IOL's optic of 4.0 mm in diameter was estimated. PCO score was calculated as the weighted sum of opacification areas multiplied by the degree (from 0 to 4).

RESULTS

Within 1 year of the follow-up, mean visual acuity was at least 1.0 (20/20). Significant PCO progression was observed as early as 3 months after surgery. Despite that, opacification density in all three groups at every follow-up visit did not exceed grade 2; maximal PCO score (0.0315, median) was seen 12 month after surgery in the 1^st group. At the same time, differences in PCO score between the groups were not significant. Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy was performed only in one patient from the 1^st group 12 month after surgery. Difference in the percentage of clear posterior capsules was significant only 12 month after surgery between the 1^st and 3^rd groups (p=0.024).

CONCLUSION

All three models of hydrophobic acrylic IOLs showed comparably high vision outcomess during 12 months of the follow-up with somewhat better PCO score and percentage of clear posterior capsules in eyes with US60MP.

Analysis of YAG Laser-Induced Damage in Intraocular Lenses: Characterization of Optical and Surface Properties of YAG Shots

PURPOSE

To assess differences in neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG)-induced defects in hydrophilic and hydrophobic intraocular lenses (IOLs) and describe optical and surface properties of YAG shots/pitting. Describing and measuring the iatrogenic produced defects should achieve higher awareness on this topic and change the mindset of such a trivial procedure to be proceeded with more caution and calmness in the future.

MATERIALS

Twelve IOLs from different manufacturers made of hydrophilic and hydrophobic materials were evaluated before and after treatment with the Nd:YAG laser. Microscopy and environmental scanning electron microscopic (ESEM) images were used to visually analyze the defects. Additionally, wavefront measurements were taken for power mapping and Raman spectroscopy was performed. Vertical and horizontal dimensions of the defects were analyzed and compared, and Raman line scans assessed the changes in the chemical structure in the defect area of the IOL.

RESULTS

Microscopically, pitting of the surface could be observed in both lens types. Defects in hydrophobic lenses appeared bigger and were visible with less magnification than in hydrophilic lenses. Similar results were obtained with ESEM images where the defects in hydrophobic IOLs seemed to be frayed while defects in hydrophilic IOLs were of circular shape. Raman spectroscopy revealed deeper defects in hydrophobic lenses. Vertical dimensions of the defects were statistically significant (p = 0.036) and greater in hydrophobic materials while horizontal dimensions did not reach significance (p = 0.056). The area of chemical changes was greater than the visible defect area and smaller in hydrophilic than that in hydrophobic materials.

CONCLUSION

Nd:YAG seems to have greater impact on hydrophobic IOL materials as that damage was greater and more frayed than that in hydrophilic materials. Moreover, there seems to be larger, distinctive damage area in IOLs (with chemical changes in the material) than that is visually recognizable. Therefore, a very cautious approach is recommended when performing capsulotomy, as defects in the surface structure can occur. This might come along with problems in quality of vision in monofocal and primarily premium IOLs (multifocal, enhanced depth of focus, and toric IOLs), dependent on the size, dimension, and position in the IOL. YAG capsulotomy should not be considered trivial but should be carried out with precision and without time pressure, just like surgery itself.

Evaluation of Nd:YAG Laser Capsulotomy Rates in a Real-Life Population

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the rate of posterior capsule opacification (PCO), under “real-life” conditions, as measured by rates of Nd:YAG laser intervention, rather than from a controlled study from which patients with conditions predisposing to PCO have been excluded.

Methods and Analysis

This was a retrospective, multicenter study in an unselected consecutive cohort of patients undergoing surgery for senile cataract. Patients aged 18 years and older, previously implanted with the CT LUCIA 611P IOL, were contacted at 12, 18 and 24 months to ascertain if they had received Nd:YAG laser treatment. There was an additional assessment at 36 months at the Austrian centre.

Results

A total of 200 patients were recruited at two centers. Laser capsulotomy rates were 4.5% at 1 year and 10% by year 2 and 12% by year 3. Three Nd:YAG capsulotomies, carried out at other external centers, were performed for reasons other than PCO, including astigmatism, epiretinal membrane and ARMD. If these patients are excluded, the true rate of Nd:YAG carried out for PCO at 1 year was 3.5% and at 2 years was 8.5%.

Conclusion

It is critical to ensure that Nd:YAG capsulotomies are being performed only for the correct clinical reason. Carrying out unnecessary procedures places the patient at risk of adverse events, is a cost to the healthcare system, and is likely to have no direct visual benefit for the patient. In PCO studies, it should be a requirement to document the fibrosis grade to confirm that Nd:YAG capsulotomy was correctly indicated.

PMMA Intraocular Lenses Changes after Treatment with Nd:Yag Laser: A Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-ray Spectrometry Study

Neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser may cause intraocular lenses (IOLs) damages. Therefore, the effects of Nd:YAG laser on IOLs were evaluated. Twenty-four IOLs (copolymer of 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate and 2-ethoxyethylmethacrylate) were used. For scanning electron microscope (SEM), twelve IOLs were divided into three groups: Group 1, controls; Group 2, IOLs treated with two laser spots (YC-1800 Nidek Nd:YAG laser set at 1.2 mJ); and Group 3, IOLs treated with six laser spots. All IOLs were critical point dried in CO2 and viewed in a Zeiss EVO LS10 SEM. For Energy Dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX), four IOLs of each group were examined with a Jeol JMC-6000 SEM. With SEM, Group 1 IOLs showed well-preserved size, shape and surface. Group 2 IOLs exhibited normal shape and margins, a peripheral furrow with irregular blebs, straight clefts and holes on the wrinkled surface. Group 3 IOLs were swollen and broken into two or three parts. With SEM and EDX, Group 1 and the undamaged surfaces of Groups 2 and 3 showed evident carbon and oxygen peaks, while, in the damaged areas, both atoms were significantly reduced. Nd:YAG laser induced evident changes in IOLs morphology and organic alterations in their chemistry: great care during posterior capsule opacification treatment is required.

Anti-inflammatory Medication After Cataract Surgery and Posterior Capsular Opacification

PURPOSE

To assess the role of anti-inflammatory medication following cataract surgery on the formation of posterior capsular opacification.

DESIGN

Cohort study.

METHODS

A retrospective registry analysis of 25,818 consecutive patients who underwent cataract surgery between the years 2014 and 2018 at Helsinki University Hospital in Finland. Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy rates were compared between patients treated postoperatively with topical steroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), or their combination. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were used. A single eye of each patient was included. Main outcomes were confirmed against a second independent dataset.

RESULTS

A total of 13,368 patients were included in the analysis, with a mean age of 73.2 ± 9.7 years; 61.7% were female. Pseudoexfoliation was noted in 10.1% of cases. The mean follow-up time was 22.8 ± 15.7 months. Patients were treated with steroid monotherapy (28.9% of cases), NSAID monotherapy (62.2%), or a combination of both (8.9%). Treatment with steroids resulted in significantly lower Nd:YAG capsulotomy rates compared to NSAIDs (hazard ratio [HR] 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.62-0.93, P = .009). Treatment with combination therapy of steroids and NSAIDs showed no added benefit over steroid monotherapy (HR 1.11, 95% CI 0.68-1.80, P = .674). Cox regression analysis adjusted for patients' age, sex, pseudoexfoliation, and risk stratification remained significantly predictive for lower capsulotomy rates with steroid treatment over NSAIDs (HR 0.70, 95% CI 0.52-0.88, P = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Postoperative treatment with steroids among patients undergoing uncomplicated cataract surgery was associated with lower rates of clinically significant posterior capsule opacification compared to treatment with NSAIDs alone. Combination therapy of steroids and NSAIDs had no added benefit over steroids alone.

Budget impact analysis of lens material on the posterior capsule opacification (PCO) as a complication after the cataract surgery

Background

Over 300,000 cataract operations are performed in Poland every year, and the most common, late complication of cataract removal surgery is posterior capsule opacification (PCO). The risk of PCO depends on the lens material. Hydrophobic acrylic lenses cause PCO less frequently as lymphatic endothelial cells show lower affinity for the surface of the lens made of silicone. The objective of this study is to assess the economic impact of using hydrophobic acrylic lenses compared to using hydrophilic acrylic lenses for cataract treatment in the Polish inpatient and outpatient settings.

Methods

A budget impact analysis (BIA) compared the economic outcomes associated with using hydrophobic acrylic lenses versus using hydrophilic lenses for patients undergoing cataract surgery. The BIA predicted annual expenses in the following scenarios: performing Nd:YAG to treat PCO within 2 and 3 years after implantation of hydrophobic or hydrophilic acrylic lenses for different lens structure. Data used to assess the frequency of PCO was determined in systematic literature review. Costs of current and predicted interventions were estimated based on average data from 19 Polish hospitals. Prices of health services were taken from official public tariff lists.

Results

The use of a hydrophobic lens significantly limits the number of complications after cataract surgery relative to a hydrophilic lens. As hydrophobic lenses have a higher unit price their use increases the cost of treatment which currently is not reflected by adequate difference in price of the service. Total annual National Health Fund (NHF) expenses for 3-year follow-up model range from 139.1 million EUR to 143.1 million EUR depending on the lens structure, due to the cost of complications.

Conclusions

BIA indicates the possibility of introducing surcharge for the use of hydrophobic lenses, which could increase the frequency of their use and reduce the number of complications after cataract surgery. It was estimated that total NHF expenses reach the minimum value for the surcharge at the level of 9 EUR. The surcharge of 14 EUR is the maximum value that does not increase the initial NHF expenses.

5 year incidence of YAG capsulotomy and PCO after cataract surgery with single-piece monofocal intraocular lenses: a real-world evidence study of 20,763 eyes

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the 3- and 5-year incidence of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) and neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet (Nd:YAG) capsulotomy in patients following cataract surgery, comparing results for different single-piece acrylic hydrophilic and hydrophobic monofocal intraocular lens (IOL) models and other patient factors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Electronic medical record data collected from seven United Kingdom (UK) National Health Service (NHS) ophthalmology clinics for routine, age-related (≥65 years) cataract surgeries that implanted single-piece acrylic monofocal IOLs during 2010-2013 were used to calculate 3- and 5-year incidence of Nd:YAG and PCO. IOL models of Alcon Acrysof, AMO Tecnis, Bausch & Lomb (B & L) Akreos, LenStec Softec, and Rayner Flex were analyzed. Pairwise comparisons were conducted between AcrySof IOLs and other IOLs using Bonferroni adjustment for multiplicity. Multivariate analyses were conducted adjusting for known confounders.

RESULTS

The incidence of Nd:YAG capsulotomy ranged between 2.4-12.6% at 3 years and 5.8-19.3% at 5 years post-cataract surgery. Similarly, the incidence of PCO ranged between 4.7-18.6% at 3 years and 7.1-22.6% at 5 years. When comparing all of the single-piece IOLs, AcrySof demonstrated the lowest incidence rates for both PCO and Nd:YAG (P < 0.001 for each comparison). From adjusted logistic regression analysis, AcrySof were associated with lower 3- and 5-year odds of Nd:YAG and PCO incidence.

CONCLUSIONS

Following cataract surgery with single-piece monofocal IOLs different incidence rates of PCO were observed with different IOLs. AcrySof IOLs were associated with significantly lower incidence of PCO requiring Nd:YAG treatment over periods of 3 and 5 years.