Prevalence of laser vision correction in ophthalmologists who perform refractive surgery

Stereopsis after corneal refractive surgeries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To systematically review the published manuscripts on stereopsis after corneal refractive surgery.

METHODS

The Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Clinical Key, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched for relevant articles published until August 2020. The fixed- or random-effects models were used to estimate the Weighted mean difference (WMD) or Relative risk (RR) and 95% Confidence interval (CI) for postoperative stereopsis changes and incidence when applicable. Meta-regression was conducted for adjusting the effects of potential confounders.

RESULTS

Seven studies (1266 eyes) in adults and ten studies in pediatrics (259 eyes) were included. In adults, stereopsis improved significantly compared to the preoperative state (WMD = - 27.4, 95% CI = - 40.0, - 14.7; I² = 97.8%; P < 0.001). In pediatrics, proportion of patients with stereoacuity postoperatively was 2.18 times compared to preoperative evaluation. (RR = 2.18, 95% CI = 1.2, 3.9; I² = 68.6%, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Stereopsis improves after corneal refractive surgery in adults and pediatrics.

Assessment of Scleral Contour Changes in High Myopia by Optical Coherence Tomography

Purpose

This study aimed to establish and validate optical coherence tomography (OCT) based diagnostic criteria of high myopia.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study including 100 eyes of high myopia with axial length larger than 26.5 mm and 100 control eyes, which were examined by spectral-domain OCT. Vertical and horizontal OCT of 9 mm scanning across fovea were analyzed. OCT characteristics including mirror artifact, scleral sink due to steep inclination of posterior sclera, scleral visibility, abnormality of outer retinal layer, foveoschisis, and dome-shaped macula were assessed in each group.

Results

The mean axial length was 28.65 ± 2.07 mm (range, 26.51–34.59 mm) in high myopia group and 23.79 ± 0.99 mm (range, 21.26–25.94 mm) in control group. Among the OCT characteristics noted at high frequency in the eyes with high myopia, three criteria achieving high sensitivity and specificity were determined: scleral sink over 500 μm, scleral visibility over 100 μm, and dome-shaped macula. Under conditions of presence of any of three criteria in either horizontal or vertical OCT scanning, the diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for high myopia were found to be 95.0%, 98.0%, 98.0%, and 95.1%, respectively. In a new set of OCT images from 50 eyes with high myopia and 50 eyes of nonhigh myopia cases, the OCT-based criteria also proved similar level of diagnostic validity.

Conclusions

The OCT-based criteria, which directly addressed posterior scleral contour changes, may lead to an intuitive and accurate diagnosis of high myopia. Also, the criteria may contribute to early detection and monitoring of eyes that cannot be defined as high myopia but can progress. OCT may be useful for monitoring high myopia patients as OCT can detect myopia-associated retinal pathologies as well as scleral contour changes.

Deep learning models for screening of high myopia using optical coherence tomography

This study aimed to validate and evaluate deep learning (DL) models for screening of high myopia using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). This retrospective cross-sectional study included 690 eyes in 492 patients with OCT images and axial length measurement. Eyes were divided into three groups based on axial length: a “normal group,” a “high myopia group,” and an “other retinal disease” group. The researchers trained and validated three DL models to classify the three groups based on horizontal and vertical OCT images of the 600 eyes. For evaluation, OCT images of 90 eyes were used. Diagnostic agreements of human doctors and DL models were analyzed. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the three DL models was evaluated. Absolute agreement of retina specialists was 99.11% (range: 97.78–100%). Absolute agreement of the DL models with multiple-column model was 100.0% (ResNet 50), 90.0% (Inception V3), and 72.22% (VGG 16). Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of the DL models with multiple-column model were 0.99 (ResNet 50), 0.97 (Inception V3), and 0.86 (VGG 16). The DL model based on ResNet 50 showed comparable diagnostic performance with retinal specialists. The DL model using OCT images demonstrated reliable diagnostic performance to identify high myopia.

Iberoamerican Ophthalmologists IOL Selection for Use on Themselves: Survey Results

Purpose

To determine the preferred type of intraocular lens (IOL) that ophthalmologists would choose for themselves in case of cataract surgery.

Design

Prospective convenience questionnaire study.

Materials and Methods

We developed an electronic survey with seven (7) questions, combining multiple and open options. The following categories were established: monofocal (MonoIOL) without monovision (MonoIOL-SM) and with monovision (MonoIOL-CM) and multifocal (MultiIOL) that could be either a bifocal (MultiIOL-B), trifocal (MultiIOL-T) or extended focus (MultiIOL-E). The link for the survey was sent to ophthalmologists from Latin America and Spain through different ways. The 1209 responses were analyzed statistically.

Results

We received 1209 responses from 14 countries. The average age was 47.977 years (SD 11.711 years). Gender distribution was 839 males (72.8%) and 313 females (27.2%). Overall preference was MonoIOL-SM 23.90% (289), MonoIOL-CM 12.16% (147), MultiIOL-B 4.63% (56), MultiIOL-T 34.99% (423), MultiIOL-E 15.22% (110), and unsure 9.10% (110). Ophthalmologists that implant IOLs showed a greater preference for MultiIOL (64%) than those who did not implant IOLs (32.3%). Although all ophthalmologists preferred MultiIOL, anterior segment specialists chose them more frequently (59.1%) than posterior segment specialists (41%).

Conclusion

Ophthalmologists would prefer to receive a multifocal IOL implantation despite the lower frequency of multifocal IOL implantation observed in the general population. The frequency was greater among ophthalmologists who implant IOLs compared to those who do not implant them. It was also greater among those who identified themselves as anterior segment specialists compared to posterior segment specialists.

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Prevalence of laser refractive surgery among ophthalmologists in Saudi Arabia

PURPOSE:

The primary aims of this study are to assess the prevalence of excimer laser refractive surgery among ophthalmologists in Saudi Arabia, evaluates the satisfaction rates among ophthalmologists who have undergone laser refractive surgery and whether they would recommend the procedure to their immediate family members.

METHODS:

A cross-sectional study surveyed ophthalmologist irrespective of specialty or subspecialty in Saudi Arabia. A self-reported survey tool has been used for data collection. Candidates were contacted by email and WhatsApp messages that introduced the nature of the study and an online link to a survey was included. For those who did not respond to the digital contact, direct survey interviews were conducted at an Ophthalmology conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 2018.

RESULTS:

The final study sample was comprised of 183 ophthalmologists. Most of them 107 (58%) reported that they currently are performing laser refractive surgery.There were 73 (39.89%) ophthalmologist who self-reported that they are emmetropic, 110 (60.11%) self-reported themselves as ametropic, not including presbyopia.Of the 110 ophthalmologists with refractive errors, 52 (47.27%) were candidate for laser refractive surgery for myopia, hyperopia or astigmatism. Most of non- candidates attributed the non-candidacy to non- specific reasons and dry eye. Of the 52 participants who reported themselves as candidates for laser refractive surgery, 20 (38.46%) reported that they had undergone laser refractive surgery, and 32 (61.54%) had not. Most of them (50%) reported that they “like to wear glasses or contact lenses. In general, 14 (70%) reported complete satisfaction with the postoperative outcome.Of all ophthalmologists participated in the study, 94% would advise laser refractive surgery to their first-degree relatives.

CONCLUSION:

Excimer laser vision correction among ophthalmologists in Saudi is much higher than the market penetration in the general population reported in other countries. Most of the ophthalmologists who underwent the procedure were satisfied with the outcome.

Quality of life and satisfaction among physicians after wavefront-optimized vs topography-guided laser vision correction

PURPOSE

To assess satisfaction, quality of life, occupational impact, and clinical outcomes of physicians who have undergone laser vision correction (LVC) using either wavefront-optimized (WFO) or topography-guided (TG) excimer laser ablation profile with femtosecond laser flap creation.

SETTING

Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.

DESIGN

Retrospective survey study.

METHODS

A 12-question survey was sent to all physicians who underwent laser in situ keratomileusis or photorefractive keratectomy at the Cole Eye Institute between 2011 and 2018 on the WaveLight Allegretto Wave Eye-Q Laser (Alcon Laboratories, Inc.). Visual outcomes were obtained from patient charts.

RESULTS

Two hundred thirty-five physicians (454 eyes) met the study's inclusion criteria, including 181 physicians (353 eyes) who underwent WFO LVC and 54 physicians (101 eyes) who underwent TG LVC. One hundred seventeen physicians (49.8%) responded to the survey and reported an overall satisfaction rate of 98.3% among all physicians receiving LVC with 96.6% reporting they would have the procedure again. Visual outcomes showed a high level of surgical predictability, efficacy, and safety among WFO and TG eyes, with a higher percentage of eyes that received TG ablation achieving 20/10 vision (22% vs 4%, P < .0001) and 20/15 vision (87% vs 69%, P < .01) when compared with WFO eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

Physicians who had undergone LVC with either WFO or TG excimer laser ablation reported high satisfaction and quality-of-life improvements. Both groups achieved excellent visual outcomes, with a higher percentage of TG eyes achieving 20/10 and 20/15 vision.

Canadian Opinions on Refractive Surgery and Approaches to Presbyopia Correction

Purpose:

To explore the opinions of Canadian ophthalmologists on refractive and presbyopia-correcting surgeries.

Methods:

We distributed an online survey to the Canadian Ophthalmological Society members, covering laser refractive surgery (LRS), femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS), lenticular refractive surgery (lenRS) that includes cataract refractive surgery (CRS) with premium intraocular lens (IOL) implantation, and presbyopia correction.

Results:

There were 68 (7.6%) total respondents. Most respondents would not consider LRS (62.5%) nor FLACS (73.9%) for themselves. Male sex and performance of LRS or FLACS was significantly associated with consideration of these procedures for self. Most respondents (59.3%) would consider lenRS for themselves. The top method of personal presbyopia correction was spectacles, chosen by 52.5%.

Conclusions:

When surveying the wide body of Canadian ophthalmologists, most respondents preferred spectacle correction of presbyopia and would consider lenRS, but not LRS or FLACS for themselves. Surgeons performing these procedures were more likely to consider them for self.

Modern laser in situ keratomileusis outcomes

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.

Opinions on corrective refractive surgery

OBJECTIVE

To investigate public perception that ophthalmologists are hesitant to undergo refractive surgery by determining the personal opinions of ophthalmologists on different surgical options.

DESIGN

Prospective cross-sectional survey.

PARTICIPANTS

Members of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery electronic mailing list.

METHODS

An online survey administered from July to August 2014.

RESULTS

There were 396 (5.7%) respondents: 204 (51.5%) would undergo laser refractive surgery (LRS) and 192 (48.5%) would not. Of the 228 (57.6%) with refractive error, 121 (53.1%) would have LRS, with 83 (36.4%) already having had the procedure done. Top reasons against LRS include existing contraindications, worry about intolerable side effects, and worry about complications. 179 (45.3%) would undergo lenticular refractive surgery (lenRS), with 22 (12.3%) having already had this done. Among those who said yes, most preferred a monofocal intraocular lens (IOL; 59 [33.0%]), whereas those who said no thought Toric IOLs to be superior (82 [38.0%]). 184 (46.6%) would undergo femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS); the main reason against FLACS was concern regarding efficacy, followed by safety. Pearson χ² analysis found that younger age and higher number of LRS procedures performed were associated with increased willingness to undergo LRS. Furthermore, willingness to undergo LRS was positively correlated with willingness to undergo lenRS.

CONCLUSIONS

Ophthalmologists indeed are willing to undergo corrective refractive procedures. There is an approximately 50-50 divide on whether or not they would undergo LRS. Slightly less than half of ophthalmologists would personally undergo lenticular surgery, which includes cataract refractive surgery and FLACS.