Posterior capsular opacification and Nd:YAG capsulotomy rates with the iMics Y-60H and Micro AY intra-ocular lenses: 3-year results of a randomized clinical trial

TGFβ overcomes FGF-induced transinhibition of EGFR in lens cells to enable fibrotic secondary cataract

To cause vision-disrupting fibrotic secondary cataract (PCO), lens epithelial cells that survive cataract surgery must migrate to the posterior of the lens capsule and differentiate into myofibroblasts. During this process, the cells become exposed to the FGF that diffuses out of the vitreous body. In normal development, such relatively high levels of FGF induce lens epithelial cells to differentiate into lens fiber cells. It has been a mystery as to how lens cells could instead undergo a mutually exclusive cell fate, namely epithelial to myofibroblast transition, in the FGF-rich environment of the posterior capsule. We and others have reported that the ability of TGFβ to induce lens cell fibrosis requires the activity of endogenous ErbBs. We show here that lens fiber-promoting levels of FGF induce desensitization of ErbB1 (EGFR) that involves its phosphorylation on threonine 669 mediated by both ERK and p38 activity. Transinhibition of ErbB1 by FGF is overcome by a time-dependent increase in ErbB1 levels induced by TGFβ, the activation of which is increased after cataract surgery. Our studies provide a rationale for why TGFβ upregulates ErbB1 in lens cells and further support the receptor as a therapeutic target for PCO.

Objective quantification of posterior capsule opacification after cataract surgery with swept-source optical coherence tomography

PURPOSE

To evaluate the application of swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) and pentacam scheimpflug tomography in posterior capsule opacification (PCO) severity assessment.

METHODS

The posterior capsule image region segmentation and adaptive threshold algorithm are used to process the SS-OCT scanned image to obtain the posterior capsule thickness (PCT). Scheimpflug tomography reconstructed and analysized by image J software can obtain the average gray value and evaluate the effectiveness with the two methods.

RESULT

One hundred sixty-two IOL eyes of 101 patients were divided into two groups, laser group (65 eyes) with the mean PCT was 8.0 ± 2.7 pixel unit and the mean gray value of the eyes was 66 ± 33 pixel unit. However, these figures in the control group (97 eyes) were 5.0 ± 0.9 and 11 ± 17. The sensitivity, specificity and area under curve(AUC) of SS-OCT PCT were 85%, 74% and 0.942,the sensitivity, specificity and AUC of Pentacam gray value were 91%, 76% and 0.947, respectively. After using the multivariable model of generalized estimation equation to corrected the dependence of subjects' eyes, it was found that SS-OCT PCT, Pentacam gray value, low vision quality of life questionnaire (LVQ questionnaire) for distance vision, and mobility and lighting dimension were significantly correlated with the PCO score (P = 0.012, P = 0.001, P = 0.005, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The region segmentation and adaptive threshold algorithm of posterior capsule image will accurately quantify the posterior capsule. Computer aided quantifications of posterior capsule are of great significance in the early surgical decision-making of PCO. The average occurrence time of most PCO was around 34 months, and the severity of PCO worsened with increasing postoperative time.

Uveal and capsular biocompatibility of a new hydrophobic acrylic microincision intraocular lens

PURPOSE

To evaluate uveal biocompatibility and capsular bag opacification of a new hydrophobic acrylic microincision intraocular lens (IOL) in comparison with a commercially available 1-piece hydrophobic acrylic IOL.

SETTING

John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.

DESIGN

Experimental study.

METHODS

Eight New Zealand rabbits underwent bilateral phacoemulsification and implantation of the preloaded Nanex multiSert IOL in one eye and a commercially available preloaded lens (AcrySof IQ in UltraSert, model AU00T0) in the contralateral eye. A slitlamp examination was performed weekly for 4 weeks. The rabbits were then killed humanely and their globes enucleated. Capsular bag opacification was assessed from the Miyake-Apple view, and the eyes were subjected to histopathologic evaluation.

RESULTS

Postoperative inflammatory reactions were similar between the test and control eyes in the 8 New Zealand rabbits. The mean postmortem central posterior capsule opacification (PCO) was 0.93 ± 0.73 in the test group and 1.19 ± 0.53 in the control group. The mean postmortem peripheral PCO was 1.75 ± 0.92 in the test group and 2.06 ± 0.77 in the control group. Central and peripheral PCO scores were not statistically different between the test and control groups (P = .41 and P = .35, respectively, 2-tailed t test: paired 2-sample for means).

CONCLUSIONS

A new 1-piece hydrophobic acrylic microincision IOL incorporating an ultraviolet-ozone treatment on the posterior surface performed similarly to a commercially available 1-piece hydrophobic acrylic IOL in terms of uveal and capsular biocompatibility in the rabbit model. To our knowledge, this is the first hydrophobic acrylic microincision IOL to demonstrate similar PCO performance when compared with a conventional, commercially available IOL.

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.

Impact of primary posterior capsulorhexis on regeneratory after-cataract and YAG laser rates with an acrylic micro-incision intraocular lens with plate haptics: 1-year and 3-year results

Purpose

To evaluate the posterior capsule opacification (PCO) and YAG laser capsulotomy (YAG‐LCT) rates with a plate‐haptic acrylic micro‐incision intraocular lens (IOL) and the impact of primary posterior capsulorhexis.

Methods

A total of 97 patients scheduled for immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery underwent a randomized, prospective intraindividual comparison with the ZEISS Asphina 409MV plate‐haptic acrylic IOL with the eyes receiving an additional primary posterior capsulorhexis (PPCR) or not. YAG‐LCT and PCO rates were evaluated at 1 and 3 years. Three‐year PCO rates were calculated with a 3‐scenario method for eyes that underwent YAG‐LCT between 1 and 3 years.

Results

A total of 56 patients were seen at 1 year, and 57 at 3 years. For the eyes without and with PPCR, YAG‐LCT rates were 14.3% and 0% at 1 year, and 59.7% and 3.5% at 3 years, respectively. Opacification rates at 1 year were 0.55 ± 0.99 and 0.05 ± 0.21 for the central 2‐mm optic zone. A total of 42 patients completed both the 1‐ and 3‐year follow‐up. Three‐year opacification rates for the group without PPCR were 1.99 ± 2.20, 2.26 ± 2.66 and 3.66 ± 3.61 for the central 2‐mm zone and 2.57 ± 2.07, 3.13 ± 3.03 and 4.09 ± 3.34 for the 4.5‐mm zone for the best, extrapolated and worst‐case scenarios, respectively.

Conclusion

The ZEISS Asphina 409MV plate‐haptic acrylic IOL exhibited unusually high YAG‐LCT and PCO rates with standard in‐the‐bag implantation. PPCR was safe and effective in preventing central opacification and the need for YAG laser treatment.

Application of Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography to Objectively Evaluate Posterior Capsular Opacity In Vivo

Objectives

To objectively evaluate posterior capsular opacification (PCO) with RTVue-100 spectral domain-OCT and assess the agreement with the Pentacam system.

Methods

Sixty-seven eyes diagnosed with PCO were included. RTVue-100 SD-OCT was used to scan the IOL outline and PCO at horizontal and vertical meridians. PCO was also imaged with a Pentacam and slit-lamp photography system. With RTVue-100 SD-OCT, the PCO area, thickness, density, and objective scores were recorded and used to evaluate the severity of PCO at 3 mm and 5 mm diameter ranges of the IOL optic region. We assessed the correlation of visual acuity, PCO characteristics, and PCO scores. PCO scores acquired from RTVue-100 SD-OCT images were also compared with those from the Pentacam. Differences between pear-type and fibrosis-type PCOs were also compared using RTVue-100 SD-OCT cross-sectional images.

Results

The cross-sectional images of PCO acquired with RTVue-100 SD-OCT corresponded well to Pentacam and slit-lamp retroillumination images. IOL-posterior capsular space, area, thickness, and density of the proliferated and accumulated LECs could be clearly visualized and quantified with RTVue-100 SD-OCT. PCO scores were correlated with decreased visual acuity, which was in line with the outcomes using the Pentacam. Differences between the pear-type and fibrosis-type PCO were statistically significant; pear-type PCOs showed a wider and thicker opacification region with lower density compared with fibrosis-type PCOs.

Conclusion

RTVue-100 SD-OCT could be a powerful tool in PCO objective evaluation and classification. OCT could be used to visualize the morphology and outline of PCO. Thus, it could discriminate and quantify differences between different types of PCO. PCO scores seem to be a useful factor that could reliably reflect PCO severity.

Retrospective Analyses of Potential Risk Factors for Posterior Capsule Opacification after Cataract Surgery

PURPOSE

To evaluate the potential risk factors of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) after cataract surgery.

METHODS

Data on PCO patients diagnosed from September 2015 to May 2017 were obtained from the Department of Ophthalmology at Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, China. The factors associated with PCO were assessed using Pearson's χ2 test for univariate analyses and logistic regression for multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

Eyes (652) from 550 patients were enrolled in this study. All patients were diagnosed with PCO/non-PCO and had <3 years of follow-up after surgery. The numbers of PCO and non-PCO were 108 eyes and 544 eyes, respectively. Statistically significant associations with PCO were found for age at the time of surgery (χ2 = 78.504; p < 0.001), diabetes (χ2 = 4.829; p=0.028), immune diseases (χ2 = 4.234; p=0.004), high myopia (χ2 = 5.753; p=0.016), lens nucleus hardness (χ2 = 11.046; p=0.026), surgery type (χ2 = 11.354; p=0.001), a history of vitrectomy (χ2 = 4.212; p=0.004), ocular inflammation (χ2 = 6.01; p=0.009), and the intraocular lens (IOL) type (χ2 = 8.696; p=0.003). Multivariable data analyses using logistic regression analyses of the variables showed that age at the time of surgery <60 years, diabetes, lens nucleus hardness of III-V, extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE), postvitrectomy, and hydrophilic IOLs were significant independent risk factors associated with PCO.

CONCLUSIONS

Age <60 years, diabetes, lens nucleus hardness of III-V, ECCE, postvitrectomy, and a hydrophilic IOL were significantly associated with the formation of PCO. Estimation of the incidence of and risk factors for PCO should help in patients counseling and in the design of treatment protocols to reduce or prevent its development.

Further Enhancement of Intraocular Open-Capsule Devices for Prevention of Posterior Capsule Opacification

Purpose

We improve the intraocular open-capsule devices (IOCD) for the prevention of posterior capsule opacification (PCO).

Methods

A total of 45 New Zealand rabbit eyes were divided into six similar groups after crystalline lens evacuation. Each group was implanted with a hydrophilic intraocular lens (IOL) and a hydrophilic IOCD of different designs. In the first experiment (Part A), a square design ring with and without large apertures was compared to a round design ring without apertures. In the second experiment (Part B), a square design ring with large apertures was compared to square design IOCDs with small apertures of high and low density. PCO and Soemmering's ring were evaluated clinically, by the Miyake Apple view, and histologically. The results were compared to a control group of eyes implanted with a hydrophilic IOL only.

Results

All devices showed significant prevention of PCO and Soemmering's ring compared to the control group. Part A: the square design with apertures had the lowest level of peripheral lens epithelial cells proliferation (protrusions). Part B: modifying the size and density of the apertures had no influence on those protrusions.

Conclusions

The IOCD significantly reduced the rate of PCO and its precursor, Soemmering's ring. The rings with the square edges and apertures produced the best results. The study was underpowered to determine the influence of the apertures design.

Translational Relevance

The IOCD has the potential to prevent up to 80% of the PCO cases; the most common complication after cataract surgery. The design of the ring is important for its success.

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

Aim

Cataract extraction is one of the most frequent surgeries in Germany. In most cases, the clouded natural lens is replaced by a hydrophobic or hydrophilic acrylic intraocular lens (IOL) implant. The most common long-term complication after cataract surgery is the development of a posterior capsule opacification (PCO). Although no precise real world data are available, published evidence suggests a lower risk for PCO development for hydrophobic acrylic IOLs compared to hydrophilic acrylic IOLs. Therefore, in the present study we assessed real world data on the impact of different IOL material types on the incidence of post-operative PCO treatment.

Subject and methods

In this retrospective study, we included 3,025 patients who underwent cataract extraction and implantation of either an acrylic hydrophobic or hydrophilic IOL in 2010. We assessed clinical outcomes and direct costs in a 4-year follow-up period after cataract surgery from a statutory health insurance (SHI) perspective in Germany.

Results

PCO that required capsulotomies occurred significantly (p < 0.0001) less frequent in patients who had received a hydrophobic IOL (31.57% of 2,078 patients) compared to the group with hydrophilic IOL implants (56.6% of 947 patients) and costs per patient for postoperative treatment in a 4-year follow-up were 50.03 € vs. 87.81 € (i.e. 75% higher in the latter group, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Considering the high prevalence of cataract, the economic burden associated with adverse effects of cataract extraction is of great relevance for the German SHI. Hydrophobic lenses seem to be superior regarding both medical and economic results.

Nd:YAG Capsulotomy Rates With Two Trifocal Intraocular Lenses

PURPOSE

To compare Nd:YAG capsulotomy rates following implantation of two diffractive trifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs).

METHODS

This multi-center retrospective analysis included patients who underwent uncomplicated lens phacoemulsification and were implanted with a diffractive trifocal IOL: FineVision MicroF (PhysIOL, Liège, Belgium) or AT Lisa tri 839MP (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Germany). All surgeries were performed during the same period. The postoperative follow-up period was at least 1 year. Chi-square and Kaplan-Meier tests analyzed non-parametric estimates for survival/failure functions. The Wilcoxon (Breslow) test compared Nd:YAG capsulotomy rates between the two groups.

RESULTS

Of 5,130 eyes included, 3,387 were implanted with the FineVision MicroF IOL and 1,743 with the AT Lisa tri 839MP IOL. There were no statistical differences in age, axial length, or IOL power between groups. Nd:YAG capsulotomies were necessary in 330 eyes (9%) in the FineVision group and 408 eyes (23%) in the AT Lisa tri group (P < .001). The probability of having Nd:YAG capsulotomy up to 9 months postoperatively was equal for both lenses. Beyond 9 months, the Nd:YAG capsulotomy rate increased significantly more in the AT Lisa tri group, reaching a probability of 35% for eyes with a follow-up of 34 to 44 months, whereas in the FineVision group the probability was 14% after a follow-up of 37 to 47 months. The differences in survival (without Nd:YAG capsulotomy)/failure (with Nd:YAG capsulotomy) functions were significant (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Eyes implanted with the FineVision MicroF IOL required significantly fewer Nd:YAG laser capsulotomies than those with the AT Lisa tri 839MP IOL during the first years after implantation. The design of the IOL platforms could account for these differences. [J Refract Surg. 2016;32(11):748-752.].

Comparison of 1.8-mm incision versus 2.75-mm incision cataract surgery in combined phacoemulsification and 23-gauge vitrectomy

PURPOSE

To compare 1.8 mm micro-incision and 2.75 mm standard incision in coaxial cataract surgery combined with 23-Gauge (23G) vitrectomy with respect to intraoperative and postoperative complications and outcomes.

METHODS

In this prospective study 30 eyes of 30 patients planned for combined phacoemulsification and 23G vitrectomy were enrolled, and randomized to undergo either Standard 2.75 mm Incision Cataract Surgery (SICS, 15 eyes) or Coaxial 1.8 mm Micro-Incision Cataract Surgery (C-MICS, 15 eyes) followed by vitrectomy. Inclusion criteria were cataract and macular disorders including macular hole, epiretinal membrane and vitreomacular traction. Data were collected at preoperative evaluation and 1 and 12 months or more after surgery.

RESULTS

Incision leakage occurred in two eyes (7%: one per group), retinal break in nine (30%: four in C-MICS, five in SICS). Fibrin in anterior chamber (AC) occurred day 1 in three eyes (10%: two C- and one SICS). Posterior capsule opacification developed in 22 eyes (78%: 13 MICS, nine SICS, p = 0.1). A myopic shift of -0.63 ± 0.7 was noted (-0.59 ± 0.8 MICS, -0.68 ± 0.6 SICS, p = 0.74). Surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) was significantly smaller in C-MICS group (ΔKP, -0.019 ± 0.095 versus -0.141 ± 0.219, p = 0.0038) at 1 month but not at final follow-up (ΔKP, 0.0005 ± 0.16 in C-MICS versus -0.057 ± 0.12, p = 0.3 CONCLUSIONS: Both techniques were equally safe with respect to intraoperative and postoperative findings. Coaxial micro-incision cataract surgery (C-MICS) was associated with less surgically-induced astigmatism (SIA) 1 month after surgery but differences were not statistically significant at final follow-up indicating a faster refractive recovery with C-MICS than with SICS.