Clinical spectrum and surgical outcomes in spherophakia: a prospective interventional study

Congenital anomalies of lens shape

The crystalline lens is an important structure in the eye that starts to develop as early as the 22nd day of gestation, with further differentiation that continues after the induction. Congenital anomalies of the lens may involve the size, shape, and position of the lens. They may sometimes be associated with anterior segment dysgenesis or persistence of the tunica vasculosa lentis and hyperplastic vitreous and hyaloid system. Manifestations of anomalies of the lens shape are usually seen in early or late childhood however may sometimes be delayed into adulthood based on the level of visual impairment or the presence or absence of any syndromic associations. While lens coloboma has more often been reported in isolation, the more commonly implicated genes include the PAX6 gene, lenticonus in particular anterior is often part of Alport syndrome with extra-ocular manifestations in the kidneys and hearing abnormalities due to mutations in the alpha 5 chain of the Type IV collagen gene. Recognition of these manifestations and obtaining a genetic diagnosis is an important step in the management. The level of visual impairment and amblyopia dictates the outcomes in patients managed either conservatively with optical correction as well as surgically where deemed necessary. This review discusses the various anomalies of the lens shape with its related genetics and the management involved in these conditions.

Outcomes of lensectomy with glued intraocular lens and factors associated with failure in eyes with spherophakia and glaucoma

Purpose

To evaluate the outcomes of lensectomy with a glued intraocular lens (IOL) in spherophakic eyes with secondary glaucoma and assess factors associated with failure.

Methods

We prospectively evaluated outcomes of lensectomy with glued IOL in 19 eyes with spherophakia and secondary glaucoma (intraocular pressure (IOP) ≥22 mm Hg and/or glaucomatous optic disc damage) between 2016 and 2018. The vision, refractive error, IOP, antiglaucoma medications (AGMs), optic disc changes, need for glaucoma surgery, and complications were assessed. Success was defined as complete when IOP was ≥5 and ≤21 mmHg without AGMs; qualified success as similar IOP with up to 3 AGM; the need for >3AGM/additional surgery for IOP control was considered a failure.

Results

Preoperatively, the median (interquartile range: IQR) age was 18 (13.5-30) years. IOP was 16 (14-22.5) mmHg on a median of 3 (2,3) AGMs. Median postoperative follow up was 27.7 months (11.9, 39.7). Postsurgery, most patients achieved emmetropia, with significantly decreased refractive error from a median spherical equivalent of -12.5D to + 0.5D, P < 0.0002. The complete success probability was 47% (95% confidence intervals (CIs): 29-76%) at 3 months and was 21% (8 - 50%) at 1 year and 3 years. The qualified success probability was 93% (82-100%) at 1 year, which reduced to 79% (60-100%) in 3 years. None of the eyes had any retinal complications. The higher number of preoperative AGM was found to be a significant risk factor (p < 0.02) for the failure of complete success.

Conclusion

One-third of the eyes had IOP control without the need for AGM postlensectomy with glued IOL. Surgery resulted in significant improvement in visual acuity. The higher number of preoperative AGM was associated with poor glaucoma control after glued IOL surgery.

Early lens aspiration with posterior chamber intraocular lens and capsular tension ring in microspherophakia to avoid lens-induced complications

PURPOSE

To report the surgical outcome of early lens aspiration, posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC IOL), and capsular tension ring (CTR) in a case series of microspherophakia (MSP) and secondary glaucoma.

METHODS

Case series of 18 eyes of MSP cases presented with lenticular myopia and secondary glaucoma that underwent early lens aspiration, PC IOL and CTR by one ophthalmologist. Baseline, long-term postoperative outcomes and complications were documented.

RESULTS

All cases underwent successful surgery with lens aspiration PC IOL implantation and CTR insertion without intraoperative complications. One of the 18 cases was a delayed referral which had broad anterior synechiae and following lens aspiration developed corneal decompensation. In one eye, CTR implantation was not possible hence, lens aspiration with scleral fixation (SF) of 3 piece IOL was performed (excluded from the analysis). Overall there was an improvement in visual acuity (from 0.3 ± 0.1 to 0.2 ± 0.2 LogMar, P = 0.006), intraocular pressure (IOP), and most notably, deepening of the anterior chamber. Some cases required subsequent glaucoma surgery to control IOP. After a long duration of follow-up, all cases had stable capsular lens complex and no capsular phimosis.

CONCLUSION

Early Lens aspiration with CTR and PCIOL alone in MSP with lens subluxation has a significant impact on the patient's quality of vision, deepening the anterior chamber and preventing complications or poor outcomes. In addition, good capsular-lens complex stability and absence of capsular phimosis or phacodonesis on long-term follow-up were obtained.

Femtosecond Laser Combined with Double-Flange Polypropylene Suture Capsular Tension Ring Suspension for the Treatment of Subluxation of Lens in Marfan Syndrome

Purpose

To evaluate the use of femtosecond laser combined with double-flange polypropylene suture capsular tension ring (CTR) suspension to treat subluxation of lens in Marfan syndrome. The objective is to provide safer and more effective surgical procedures for patients. Setting. Eye Hospital, Aier Eye Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China

Methods

In this retrospective study, we observed sixteen patients (16 eyes) with Marfan syndrome who had undergone this operation. Femtosecond laser incision was performed on the anterior capsule with the lens as the center. The suspending CTR was clipped to anterior capsule to support it, which was secured to the sclera with a double-flange polypropylene suture. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), tilt, and decentration of the intraocular lens (IOL) and postoperative complications were evaluated.

Results

All 16 patients were successfully implanted with suspended CTR and IOL after femtosecond laser assisted surgery. Visual acuity improved significantly after surgery (p < 0.01). At 1 month, 3 months and 6 months postoperatively, the tilt of the IOL was 2.70 ± 0.934, 2.65 ± 0.897, and 2.66 ± 0.781, and the decentration of the IOL was 0.30 ± 0.770, 0.30 ± 0.682, and 0.29 ± 0.737; both had no statistically significant difference between the three groups. After the operation, 4 patients had hyphema and 2 patients experienced a temporary postoperative IOP increase. Only one flange was exposed one month after operation and recovered right after secondary adjustment.

Conclusion

Femtosecond laser combined with double-flange polypropylene suture CTR suspension was effective in fixing the lens capsule to the scleral wall in cases of subluxation of lens seen in Marfan syndrome during our short-term observation. The long-term efficacy of this operation needs further observation and follow-up.

Factors Related to Visual Outcomes after Lens Surgery in Isolated Microspherophakia

Purpose. To evaluate the main factors influencing visual performance after lens subluxation surgery in subjects with isolated MSP. Design. Retrospective study. Methods. In this study, 38 eyes of subjects with isolated MSP (microspherophakia) were included and divided into two groups based on preoperative IOP (intraocular pressure), IOP <21 mmHg, or IOP ≧21 mmHg. Phacoemulsification and scleral-fixated modified capsular tension ring implantation were performed with or without goniosynechialysis according to the IOP. Some ocular biometric parameters, such as corneal curvature, corneal pachymetry, endothelial cell count (ECC), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and axial length, were evaluated. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and IOP of these subjects were measured before the surgery and during <1 month and 3- to 6-month postoperative follow-ups. Results. Compared with the high IOP group, the normal IOP group was significantly younger and had better preoperative BCVA, a higher ECC, deeper ACD, a lower postoperative IOP, and flatter total corneal refractive power K1. The multivariable analysis revealed that preoperative ACD (b = −0.113, t = −2.070, $P=0.047$ ) and preoperative BCVA (b = 0.153, t = 2.562, $P=0.015$ ) were significantly associated with postoperative BCVA at 3–6 months. A preoperative ACD of 1.86 mm was found to be the optimal cut-off point for 3- to 6-month postoperative BCVA of ≧20/63 (≤0.52 logMAR). Conclusions. In addition to the effect of normal IOP, better preoperative BCVA and deeper ACD also correlated with better visual outcomes after lens surgery. Preoperative ACD served as a warning for isolated MSP subjects, especially for the risk of irreversible loss of postoperative vision. This trial is registered with “ChiCTR2000039132.”

Phacoemulsification Combined With Supra-Capsular and Scleral-Fixated Intraocular Lens Implantation in Microspherophakia: A Retrospective Comparative Study

Background

Microspherophakia (MSP) is a rare ocular condition, the lens surgery of which is complicated by both insufficient zonules and undersized capsule.

Methods

This study included MSP eyes managed with phacoemulsification combined with supra-capsular and scleral-fixated intraocular lens implantation (SCSF-IOL) and made the comparison with those treated by transscleral-fixated modified capsular tension ring and in-the-bag intraocular lens implantation (MCTR-IOL).

Results

A total of 20 MSP patients underwent SCSF-IOL, and 17 patients received MCTR-IOL. The postoperative best corrected visual acuity was significantly improved in both groups (P &lt; 0.001), but no difference was found between the groups (P = 0.326). The IOL tilt was also comparable (P = 0.216). Prophylactic Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy was performed 1 week to 1 month after the SCSF-IOL procedure. In the SCSF-IOL group, two eyes (10.00%) needed repeated laser treatment and one eye (5.00%) had a decentered capsule opening. Posterior capsule opacification was the most common complication (6, 35.29%) in the MCTR group. No IOL dislocation, secondary glaucoma, or retinal detachment was observed during follow-up.

Conclusions

SCSF-IOL is a viable option for managing MSP and is comparable with the MCTR-IOL. Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy was necessary to prevent residual capsule complications after the SCSF-IOL procedure.

Fibrillin-1 gene mutations in a Chinese cohort with congenital ectopia lentis: spectrum and genotype-phenotype analysis

AIMS

To identify the mutation spectrum and genotype-phenotype correlations of fibrillin-1 (FBN1) mutations in a Chinese cohort with congenital ectopia lentis (EL).

METHODS

Patients clinically suspected of congenital zonulopathy were screened using panel-based next-generation sequencing followed by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification. All the probands were subjected to thorough ocular examinations. Molecular and clinical data were integrated in pursuit of genotype-phenotype correlation.

RESULTS

A total of 131 probands of FBN1 mutations from unrelated families were recruited. Around 65% of the probands were children younger than 9 years old. Overall, 110 distinct FBN1 mutations were identified, including 39 novel ones. The most at-risk regions were exons 13, 2, 6, 15, 24 and 33 in descending order of mutation frequency. The most prevalent mutation was c.184C>T (seven, 5.34%) in the coding sequence and c.5788+5G>A (three, 2.29%) in introns. Missense mutations were the most frequent type (103, 78.63%); half of which were distributed in the N-terminal regions (53, 51.46%). The majority of missense mutations were detected in one of the calcium-binding epidermal growth factor-like domains (62, 60.19%), and 39 (62.90%) of them were substitutions of conserved cysteine residues. Microspherophakia (MSP) was found in 15 patients (11.45%). Mutations in the middle region (exons 22-42), especially exon 26, had higher risks of combined MSP (OR, 5.51 (95% CI 1.364 to 22.274), p=0.017).

CONCLUSIONS

This study extended the knowledge of the FBN1 mutation spectrum and provided novel insights into its clinical correlation regarding EL and MSP in the Chinese population.

Need of additional iridotomies despite lens extraction in spherophakes

Spherophakes are known to have irregular anterior chamber (AC) depths due to their poorly supported zonules. This irregularity leads to an unstable AC, often resulting in angle closure glaucoma from anterior subluxation of globular lenses. A peripheral iridotomy may be helpful to encourage aqueous drainage in initial stages, however, is not often required once lens is extracted. But, we have observed persistent instability of AC in spherophakic eyes despite lens extraction, leading to frequent iridocorneal contact locally over some quadrants. The presumed aetiology in such scenarios could be constant anteroposterior instability of IOL-bag complex due to generalised zonulopathy and hence localised iris bombe in areas with previous iridocorneal contact. Timely identification and performing additional iridotomies during surgery at such sectors even after lens extraction facilitated symmetric deepening of the AC. Hence, we recommend use of additional iridotomies at areas with persistent iridocorneal contact even after lens extraction.

Peripheral iridectomy for preventing iris-related complications in glued intraocular lens surgery in children

Purpose

To assess the role of surgical peripheral iridectomy (PI) in preventing iris-related complications associated with glued intraocular lens (GIOL) surgery in children with bilateral ectopia lentis.

Methods

Nonrandomized interventional case series of 34 eyes of 17 children (<15 years of age) who underwent pars plana lensectomy (PPL) and GIOL surgery between January 2013 and December 2016. Eyes with surgical PI (January 2013-June 2015) were compared with those without surgical PI (July 2015-December 2016). The primary outcome measure of the role of surgical PI in GIOL surgery was to account for complications such as optic capture, secondary glaucoma, intraocular lens (IOL) dislocation, or repeat surgery. The secondary outcomes were changes in the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA).

Results

The mean age at surgery was 8.8 years (range: 3.5-15 years). Surgical PI was conducted in 15 eyes. Among the 19 eyes without PI, 9 eyes had complications (optic capture -6; rise in IOP -4; IOL subluxation -4; repeat surgery -5). The complications were significantly less in the PI group, P = 0.02. There was a statistically significant improvement in BCVA (P = 0.0001) in all the patients. The mean presenting BCVA was 0.99 (±0.79) logMAR (Snellen ≈ 20/200) and post BCVA was 0.40 (±0.50) (Snellen ≈ 20/50). The mean preoperative refraction was - 9 D (±8D) (range: -5 D to -23D) and postoperative was -1 (±1.15) D. The mean follow-up was 25.4 months.

Conclusion

Surgical PI along with GIOL surgery in children undergoing PPL is shown to reduce optic-capture-related complications.

Sutureless Scleral-Fixated Intraocular Lens Implantation for Refractive Rehabilitation in Eyes With Spherophakia

PURPOSE

Spherophakia is a rare, debilitating congenital ocular disorder.

METHODS

This institution-based, retrospective, interventional study evaluated medical records of 16 patients with spherophakia with a median age of 19.5 years. Twenty-six eyes underwent scleral-fixated intraocular lens implantation. The technique involved 2 parallel-to-limbus scleral tunnels fashioned using a microincision vitrectomy blade, followed by lensectomy, core vitrectomy, externalization of haptics through 2 separate diametrically opposite sclerotomies, and tucking in of the haptics into the tunnels. Anterior and posterior segment examination, visual acuity, and intraocular pressure (IOP) were noted at baseline and final follow-up.

RESULTS

Baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of all eyes was 0.49 ± 0.51 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) (Snellen equivalent, 6/18). BCVA of more than 6/60 was present in 28 of 32 (87.5%) eyes, and 13 of 26 (50%) eyes that were operated on had a baseline BCVA of more than 6/18. Postoperative BCVA in 26 eyes improved from 0.43 ± 0.32 logMAR to 0.19 ± 0.21 logMAR (Snellen equivalent, 6/9) (P = .002). Postoperative BCVA was more than 6/18 in 20 of 26 (76.9%) operated-on eyes (P = .046), and all eyes had a final BCVA of more than 6/60. In 20 of 26 (76.9%) eyes, BCVA improved from preoperative status. Postoperatively, spherical equivalent improved from -9.55 ± 5.17 diopters to -0.29 ± 1.45 diopters (P < .001). Apart from 2 patients with Marfan syndrome, 1 with Weill-Marchesani syndrome, and 1 with homocystinuria, the remaining patients had isolated spherophakia. Six eyes presented with an IOP greater than 21 mm Hg, and 50% of these eyes had a final IOP that decreased to less than 15 mm Hg after lensectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Lensectomy with pars plana vitrectomy and scleral-fixated intraocular lens is an effective method of refractive rehabilitation for patients with spherophakia presenting with visual disability.

Diagnosis and treatment of microspherophakia

As a rare congenital disease, microspherophakia (MSP) is characterized by small and spherically shaped crystalline lenses. The common complications of MSP include secondary glaucoma and crystalline lens dislocation or subluxation. Patients with MSP often show high lenticular myopia. The special morphological characteristics and complex complications bring challenges to the treatment of patients with MSP. Although there are some studies on MSP, most are case reports. In this article, the morphological characteristics, complications, genetic diagnosis, and treatment of MSP were systematically reviewed, providing valuable insight into the clinical diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

Spherophakia and Ectopia Lentis in a Sturge-Weber Patient: A Case Report

Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) is a rare, sporadic neurocutaneous disorder, primarily characterized by port-wine stain (PWS) over the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve (V1) territory (hallmark feature) and glaucoma (in 30-60% of cases). Other ocular manifestations include episcleral involvement of the PWS, choroidal vascular malformations, and iris heterochromia. Two previous reports also associated ectopia lentis concomitantly among these cases. However, here we report spherophakia as a novel ophthalmological finding in SWS. A 56-year-old female previously diagnosed with SWS presented to the outpatient clinic complaining of right-sided decreased visual acuity and pain after a fall. Phenotypically, the patient had a PWS around V1 territory and involvement of both eyelids. Previous relevant ocular history included retinal detachment without macular involvement, ocular hypertension, and phacodonesis. The slit-lamp examination showed anterior lens luxation and elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) of 40 mm Hg by tonometry. Prior to the surgical approach, the patient received hypotensive treatment for elevated IOP. After intracapsular lens extraction, measurements were consistent with spherophakia. Postoperatively, the patient underwent optical coherence tomography (OCT). There was cystic macular edema (CME) by OCT and a detached posterior hyaloid membrane. The patient fully recovered with topical treatment of bromfenac for CME. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of concomitant anterior lens luxation and spherophakia (novel association) in a SWS patient. Our findings supplement the differential ocular diagnoses in SWS and should be considered in the routine ocular exam, specifically of the anterior segment. CME occurred similar to otherwise healthy eyes. However, in this case, topical anti-inflammatory medications had a good response and were well-tolerated.

[Scleral-fixated intraocular lenses with Z‑suture technique for lens subluxation associated with spherophakia]

This article reports the case of a 38-year-old woman who presented with spherophakia and bilateral lens subluxation. Spherophakia patients have abnormally weak zonula fibers, whereby the lens can subluxate. The patient was treated by phacoemulsification combined with the placement of a scleral-fixated intraocular lens with the Z‑suture technique. Scleral-fixated intraocular lenses are a treatment option for spherophakia. The knotless Z‑suture technique has a low risk of suture erosion and scleral atrophy.