[ARTIFICIAL CORNEA: FROM THE BEGINNING TO THE FUTURE]

INTRODUCTION

Corneal disease is among the leading reversible causes of blindness worldwide. Corneal transplantation is a successful and curative treatment for most of these cases. However, in certain indications it is not amendable for standard corneal transplantation, the only available option to restore functional vision is keratoprosthesis (KPro) implantation. KPros may also offer an alternative to the global shortage of donor corneas, limiting the access to transplantations. However, current KPros face many challenges, including surgical complexity that requires skilled surgeons and vast resources as well as unique surgical and post-operative complications. Although several artificial corneas have been proposed over the years, two implants are mostly used in the clinical setting today. The first, the Boston KPro, consists of a front plate with an optical stem and a back plate snapped together with donor corneal tissue in-between, which is then sutured to the patient's cornea. The second, the Osteo-odonto-keratoprosthesis (OOKP), uses biological tissue of the alveolar bone to support an optical cylinder within the eye. The indications, surgical techniques, and complication profile of the two procedures are different and will be discussed in this review. Extensive research continues to improve the accessibility and technological developments of KPros in the search for a potential breakthrough in the treatment of these difficult cases.

The effect of patient age on some new and older IOL power calculation formulas

PURPOSE

To assess the accuracy of intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation in different age groups using various IOL calculation formulas.

METHODS

Data from 421 eyes of 421 patients ≥60 years old (ages: 60-69, n = 131; 70-74, n = 105; 75-84, n = 158 and ≥85, n = 27), who underwent uneventful cataract surgery with SN60WF IOL implantation at John A. Moran Eye Center, Salt Lake City, USA, were retrospectively obtained. The SD of the prediction error (PE), median and mean absolute PEs and the percentage of eyes within ±0.25, ±0.50, ±0.75 and ±1.00 D were calculated after constant optimizations for the following formulas: Barrett Universal II (BUII), Emmetropia Verifying Optical (EVO) 2.0, Haigis, Hoffer Q, Hoffer QST, Holladay 1, Kane, Radial Basis Function (RBF) 3.0 and SRK/T. Results were compared between the different age groups.

RESULTS

Predictability rates within 0.25D were lower for the eldest age group compared with the other groups using the EVO 2.0 (33% vs. 37%-53%, p = 0.045), Kane (26% vs. 35%-50%, p = 0.034) and SRK/T (22% vs. 31%-49%, p = 0.002). Higher median absolute refractive errors for all formulas were observed in the oldest group [range: 0.39 D (Haigis, Hoffer QSR)-0.48 D (Kane)], followed by the youngest group [range: 0.30 D (RBF 3.0)-0.39 D (Holladay 1, SRK/T)] but did not reach statistical significance. No significant differences between the groups in the distribution parameter were seen.

CONCLUSION

Current IOL power calculation formulas may have variable accuracy for different age groups. This should be taken into account when planning cataract surgery to improve refractive outcomes.

Anatomical and Functional Outcomes with Prompt versus Delayed Initiation of Anti-VEGF in Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration

PURPOSE

To investigate the correlation between time from diagnosis of treatment-naïve exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) to the introduction of anti-VEGF treatment and anatomical and functional outcomes.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

METHODS

Included were treatment-naïve exudative AMD patients who presented to a single tertiary medical center between 2012 and 2018. All patients were treated within the first 30 days of their diagnosis with three monthly intravitreal injections of bevacizumab. Patients were divided into three groups: group 1 (prompt anti-VEGF) were injected with bevacizumab within ten days, group 2 (intermediate anti-VEGF) within 11-20 days, and group 3 (delayed anti-VEGF) within 21-30 days from diagnosis. Baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes were compared up to two years from treatment.

RESULTS

146 eyes of 146 patients were included. Sixty-eight patients were in the prompt anti-VEGF group, 31 in the intermediate anti-VEGF group, and 47 in the delayed anti-VEGF group. Following the induction phase of three intravitreal bevacizumab injections, the mean central subfield macular thickness (328.0 ± 115.4 µm vs. 364.6 ± 127.2 µm vs. 337.7 ± 150.1 µm, p = 0.432) and the best-corrected visual acuity (0.47 ± 0.38 vs. 0.59 ± 0.48 vs. 0.47 ± 0.44 logMAR units, p = 0.458) were comparable between the prompt, intermediate and delayed anti-VEGF groups. Anatomical and functional outcomes, treatment burden, number of relapses and eyes with second-line anti-VEGF therapy were comparable between the groups at both 1-year and 2-year timepoints.

CONCLUSIONS

Our real-world evidence data emphasize that even if anti-VEGF induction cannot be initiated promptly within ten days from diagnosis of naïve exudative AMD, the visual and anatomical prognosis of the patients may not worsen if the treatment is started within one month of diagnosis.

Results of an Extended Depth-of-Focus Intraocular Lens Implantation in the Second Eye of Monofocal Pseudophakic Patients: A Pilot Study

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the visual results and patient satisfaction after implantation of an extended depth-of-focus (EDOF) intraocular lens (IOL) in the second eye of patients implanted previously with a monofocal IOL in the first eye.

METHODS

The medical records and self-reported questionnaires from patients who were implanted with monofocal IOLs in the first eye and EDOF IOLs in the second eye (group A) and from patients implanted bilaterally with EDOF IOLs (group B) were compared for visual acuity (VA), spectacle independence, patient satisfaction, and photic phenomena.

RESULTS

Group A (23 eyes of 23 patients) had similar distance uncorrected VA and intermediate uncorrected VA compared with group B (72 eyes of 36 patients) (0.03±0.05 vs. 0.04±0.16; P =0.136 and 0.660, respectively). There was a tendency toward a better near uncorrected VA in group A compared with group B (0.15±0.14 vs. 0.23±0.17; P =0.074). Patients' perception of their VA was similar between groups. Spectacle independence for distance vision was reported by 16/17 (94.1%) and 35/36 (97.2%) patients ( P =0.543), 13/17 (76.5%) and 32/36 (88.9%) patients ( P =0.252) for intermediate vision, and 4/17 (23.6%) and 22/36 (61.1%) patients for near vision ( P =0.011), in groups A and B, respectively. There was no difference in complaints of photic phenomena between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients previously implanted with a monofocal IOL in 1 eye who are interested in improving their spectacle independence can be considered for an EDOF IOL implantation in the second eye and may have similar results to those implanted bilaterally with EDOF IOLs.

Comparison of the Barrett toric calculator using measured and predicted posterior corneal astigmatism and the Kane and Abulafia-Koch calculators

PURPOSE

To compare the accuracy of the Barrett toric calculator with measured and predicted posterior corneal astigmatism (MPCA and PPCA, respectively), the Abulafia-Koch (AK) formula, and the toric Kane formula.

SETTING

Ein-Tal Eye Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort.

METHODS

Consecutive cases of patients who underwent uneventful cataract extraction surgery with implantation of a toric intraocular lens between March 2015 and July 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. 1 eligible eye from each patient was included. The predicted postoperative refractive astigmatism was calculated using each method and compared with the postoperative refractive astigmatism to give the prediction error.

RESULTS

80 eyes of 80 patients were included in this study. The mean centroid and the mean and median absolute prediction errors using Kane (0.25 diopters [D] ± 0.54 @ 6 degrees, 0.50 D ± 0.31 and 0.45 D, respectively) were significantly different compared with MPCA (0.12 D ± 0.52 @ 16 degrees, P < .001, .44 D ± 0.28 and 0.36 D, P = .027, respectively), PPCA (0.09 D ± 0.49 @ 12 degrees, P < .001, .41 D ± 0.27 and 0.35 D, P < .001, respectively), and AK (0.11 D ± 0.49 @ 11 degrees, P < .001, .42 D ± 0.27 and 0.35 D, P = .004, respectively). No significant differences were found between the calculators in the predictability rates within ±0.25 D, ±0.50 D, ±0.75 D, and ±1.00 D.

CONCLUSIONS

The measured posterior corneal curvature in the Barrett calculator yielded comparable outcomes to its prediction by the Barrett and AK formulas. The Kane calculator showed a slight against-the-rule prediction error compared with the other methods, resulting in a small higher median absolute error with marginal clinical importance.

Evaluating Changes in Apparent Chord Mu after Pharmacological Pupil Dilatation

INTRODUCTION

Preoperative measurements of apparent chord mu length above 0.6 mm have been associated with higher risks for photic phenomena after cataract surgery with multifocal intraocular lenses (MFIOLs).

METHODS

This retrospective study evaluated patients scheduled for elective cataract surgery at a single tertiary medical center between 2021 and 2022. Pupil diameter and apparent chord mu length were analyzed for eyes with biometry measurements from IOLMaster 700 (Carl Zeiss Meditec, AG) under photopic light conditions, before and after pharmacological pupil dilatation. Exclusion criteria were visual acuity worse than 20/100, prior intraocular surgery, refractive surgery, iris-related procedures, or pupil abnormalities affecting dilatation. Apparent chord mu lengths before and after pupil dilatation were compared. In addition, multivariate linear regression analysis, using a stepwise method, was conducted to assess possible predictors of apparent chord values.

RESULTS

Included were 87 eyes of 87 patients. Mean chord mu length increased after pupillary dilatation from 0.32 ± 0.17 mm to 0.41 ± 0.17 mm for right eyes (p < 0.001) and from 0.29 ± 0.16 mm to 0.40 ± 0.22 mm for left eyes (p < 0.001). Seven eyes (8.0%) had an apparent chord mu of 0.6 mm and above pre-dilatation. Fourteen eyes (16.1%) with an apparent chord mu under 0.6 mm pre-dilatation had apparent chord mu of 0.6 mm or above post-dilatation.

CONCLUSION

Apparent chord mu length significantly increases after pharmacological pupillary dilatation. Pupil size and dilatation status should always be considered during patient selection for a planned MFIOL using apparent chord mu length as a reference marker.

The first-in-human implantation of the CorNeat keratoprosthesis

OBJECTIVES

To describe the first clinical implantation of the CorNeat™ keratoprosthesis, which utilizes a polymeric scaffold for biointegration within ocular tissue.

METHODS

The CorNeat keratoprosthesis was implanted in the right eye of a patient with bilateral corneal opacification and neovascularization secondary to multiple failed grafts. The following surgical technique was used: 360 degree peritomy; epithelial scraping and corneal marking; pre-placement of three corneo-scleral sutures through the implant; central trephination using a 7 mm trephine and host cornea removal; keratoprosthesis placement and sutures tightening while fitting the corneal edge into the posterior groove of the CorNeat keratoprosthesis; and repositioning of the conjunctiva over the implant skirt and fixation with sutures and Fibrin sealant.

RESULTS

Twelve months postoperatively visual acuity improved to 1/16 from hand movement. The keratoprosthesis was properly positioned. Tactile intraocular pressure was assessed as normal. Regional, mostly nasal, conjunctival retraction of 4-5 mm over the nano-fibre skirt was seen throughout follow-up. The anterior chamber was quiet and well-formed. No other postoperative complications were observed.

CONCLUSION

This initial case may imply a potential breakthrough in the treatment of corneal disease not amenable to standard corneal transplant. Long follow-up and additional implantations are desired to prove the long-term safety and efficacy of this device.

Toric Intraocular Lens Calculations With the Barrett Calculator: A Comparison of the Calculator With and Without the Integrated K Method

PURPOSE

To compare the accuracy of the Barrett Integrated K (IK) toric calculator with the standard Barrett toric calculator.

METHODS

Consecutive patients who underwent cataract extraction with implantation of a toric intraocular lens at the Rabin Medical Center, Israel, were reviewed. Errors in predicted postoperative refractive astigmatism were calculated for the Barrett toric calculator using biometry measurements only and with the IK tool using biometry and tomography. Both methods were assessed with predicted and measured posterior corneal astigmatism (PPCA and MPCA, respectively).

RESULTS

The study included 73 eyes of 59 patients. The mean centroid prediction error using PPCA (0.08 ± 0.80 D @ 78°) was significantly different compared with MPCA (0.07 ± 0.80 D @ 48°, P = .016). In addition, a significant difference between IK-PPCA (0.06 ± 0.80 D @ 80°) and IK-MPCA (0.05 ± 0.80 D @ 38°) was found (P = .023). The median absolute prediction error ranged from 0.55 D using IK-PPCA to 0.60 D using PPCA, with no significant differences between the four calculation versions. No significant differences were found between the calculators in the predictability rates within ±0.50, ±0.75, and ±1.00 D. Analysis of one eye of each patient showed similar results.

CONCLUSIONS

The IK calculator yielded comparable outcomes to the standard Barrett calculator. Although differences in the mean centroid errors were found, they were clinically insignificant and predominantly seen in the axis of the predicted astigmatism error. These minor differences were mainly attributed to the incorporation of the MPCA in the calculation. [J Refract Surg. 2022;38(9):565-571.].

Deviation from the planned axis of three toric intraocular lenses

In this study, we retrospectively evaluated the deviation from the planned axis of 3 Toric intraocular lenses (TIOL). Included in the study 190 eyes, operated by two surgeons using two different manual marking techniques. The patients were implanted with either AcrySof IQ Toric SN6AT (Alcon) (n = 90), POD FT (PhysIOL) (n = 50), or TECNIS Symfony Toric (J&J) (n = 50). At least 1 month postoperatively, the IOL was photographed, and the axis was measured using a designed software. The difference between the planned and actual axis was defined as axis deviation. The effect of IOL type, astigmatism direction, and marking techniques on the average degree and direction of the IOL deviation were evaluated and compared. There was no significant difference in the average deviation between the IOLs (TECNIS Symfony: 4.03° ± 4.34, POD FT: 3.52° ± 3.38, and SN6AT: 4.24° ± 4.10), and its direction (55.8%, 39.0%, and 56.6% clockwise (CW) deviation, respectively). With the rule, astigmatism had significantly more CW deviation compared with against the rule and oblique astigmatism (64.3%, 43.8%, and 41.7%, respectively, P = 0.027), but the average deviation was similar. The marking techniques did not influence the degree or direction of the deviation.

Intravitreal Tissue Plasminogen Activator Injection for the Treatment of Proliferative Vitreoretinopathy in a Rabbit Model

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of intravitreal injection of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) on proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR).

METHODS

PVR was induced in a rabbit model by intraocular injection of dispase (0.05 U/0.1 mL). Progression of PVR was followed by indirect ophthalmic examination. Following 6 weeks, 5 animals received intravitreal injection of 25 µg/0.1 mL tPA and four were injected with balanced salt solution (BSS). Animals were euthanized at 48 h following tPA/BSS injection, and eyes were enucleated for histological evaluation and staining with α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) and Sirius Red.

RESULTS

Following tPA injection, one eye had a reduction in PVR from grade 2 to 1 and three eyes remained stable. Following BSS, PVR grade was unchanged in three eyes. In one eye in each group, the severity of PVR could not be assessed due to limited view. Staining with αSMA showed reduced presence of fibroblasts in eyes injected with tPA compared with those injected with BSS. Collagen type I and III, demonstrated by Sirius Red staining, was reduced in the tPA group in comparison with controls.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that intravitreally injected tPA may show an inhibitory effect on PVR progression. Further exploration in clinical trials is desired.

Comparison of the Barrett Universal II formula to previous generation formulae for paediatric cataract surgery

PURPOSE

To compare the accuracy of the Barrett Universal II (BUII) five-variable formula to previous generation formulae in calculating intraocular lens (IOL) power following paediatric cataract extraction.

METHODS

Retrospective study of consecutive paediatric patients who underwent uneventful cataract extraction surgery along with in-the-bag IOL implantation between 2012 and 2018 in the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The accuracy of five different IOL formulae, including the BUII, Sanders-Retzlaff-Kraff Theoretical (SRK/T), Holladay I, Hoffer Q and Haigis, was evaluated. Constant optimization was performed for each IOL and for each formula separately. Mean prediction error (PE) and the mean and median absolute PE (APE) were calculated for the five different IOL formulae investigated.

RESULTS

Sixty-six eyes of 66 children (59% males) with a median age at surgery of 6.2 years (IQR, 3.2-9.2 years) were included in the study. The mean IOL power that was implanted was 23.3 ± 5.1 D (range; 12.0-39.0 D). Overall, the BUII had a comparable median APE to the Hoffer Q, Holladay I, SRK/T and Haigis formulae (BUII: 0.49D versus 0.48D, 0.61D, 0.74D and 0.58D respectively; p = 0.205). The BUII, together with Hoffer Q, produced better predictability within 0.5D from target refraction compared with the SRK/T formula (BUII:51.5%, Hoffer Q:51.5% versus SRK/T:31.8%, p = 0.002 for both).

CONCLUSION

The BUII formula had comparable accuracy to other tested formulae and outperformed the SRK/T formula, when calculating IOL power within the 0.5D range from target refraction in paediatric eyes undergoing cataract surgery with in-the-bag IOL implantation.

Toric IOL Calculation in Eyes With High Posterior Corneal Astigmatism

PURPOSE

To evaluate different calculation approaches for toric intraocular lens (IOL) calculation in cases with high posterior corneal astigmatism (PCA).

METHODS

Consecutive patients who underwent cataract extraction with implantation of toric IOLs by a single surgeon were reviewed. Eyes with measured PCA of 0.80 diopters (D) or greater were included. Errors in the predicted postoperative refractive astigmatism were calculated for the Abulafia-Koch formula, vector summation of anterior keratometry with posterior tomography, and the Barrett toric calculator using predicted and measured PCA.

RESULTS

One hundred seventy-three consecutive cases of toric IOL implantation were reviewed. Seventeen eyes (10%) had PCA of 0.80 D or greater and were investigated. The mean absolute error was the lowest with Barrett's measured PCA (0.55 ± 0.38) followed by Barrett's predicted PCA mean absolute error (0.65 ± 0.31), vector summation (0.69 ± 0.33), and the Abulafia-Koch formula (0.80 ± 0.36). The rate of eyes with prediction errors within 0.25 D or less was the highest for Barrett's measured PCA (29.4%) followed by Barrett's predicted PCA (5.9%) and no eyes for the Abulafia-Koch formula and vector summation. The mean centroid prediction errors were lowest for Barrett's measured PCA and Barrett's predicted PCA (0.14 ± 0.66 @70, 0.14 ± 0.73 @179, respectively), followed by vector summation (0.35 ± 0.70 @5), and the Abulafia-Koch formula (0.39 ± 0.80 @179).

CONCLUSIONS

The results suggest that in cases of high PCA, the Barrett toric calculator using direct measurements of PCA may have a potential advantage over predicted PCA in toric IOL calculations and vector summation of the anterior and posterior corneal astigmatism. [J Refract Surg. 2020;36(12):820-825.].

Transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy on the same day of the initial consultation for the correction of myopia

PURPOSE

To examine the clinical outcomes, efficacy, safety, and predictability of transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (Trans-PRK) operations performed on the day of the first screening visit in comparison with operations scheduled at a following appointment.

METHODS

Data of consecutive patients with myopia of various degrees, who underwent Trans-PRK, were retrospectively analyzed. Findings were compared between patients who underwent Trans-PRK on the same day of first consultation to patients that underwent surgery at subsequent visits, following initial consultation on a different day.

RESULTS

The study included 599 eyes treated on the initial visit day and 1936 eyes treated on a subsequent visit. Mean final spherical equivalent was close to emmetropia in both groups (p = 0.183). Efficacy indices were 0.928 ± 0.192 in the initial-visit group and 0.945 ± 0.163 in the second-visit group (p = 0.152). Safety indices were 0.954 ± 0.156 and 0.955 ± 0.151 (p = 0.707), respectively. No differences between the groups were seen in uncorrected visual acuity (UDVA) of ⩾20/20, ⩾20/25, and ⩾20/32. Only the sub-analysis of patients reaching UDVA of 20/40 or better was slightly lower in the first-visit (95.5%) compared with the second-visit group (97.9%, p = 0.001). Results of attempted correction within ±0.50 D were: 63.3% and 69.0%, respectively (p = 0.009). Complications profiles in the two groups were comparable.

CONCLUSIONS

Trans-PRK completed on the day of the first screening appointment demonstrated a similar safety outcome compared with subsequent-visits procedures, and slightly lower, yet comparable, results regarding efficacy and predictability.

Global Academic Productivity in the Field of Internal Medicine and Its Correlation to National Economic Indicators: A Bibliometric Analysis of 24 Years

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have demonstrated a correlation between national economic indicators and academic productivity. However, such a relationship has not been studied in the field of internal medicine (IM).

METHODS

The number of documents published, number of citable documents, number of citations, citations per document and the h index between 1996 and 2019 in the field of IM among the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries were analysed. Data were derived from the The Scimago Journal and Country rank source. We analysed the correlation between these indicators to the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, health spending as percent of GDP and gross domestic expenditure on research and development as percent of GDP (GERD). Economic data were collected from the OECD websites.

RESULTS

A significant correlation was found between health expenditure and h index (r = 0.75, P < 0.001), number of citations (r = 0.72, P < 0.001), number of documents (r = 0.62, P < 0.001) and number of citable documents (r = 0.61, P < 0.001); between GERD and number of citations (r = 0.6, P < 0.001), h index (r = 0.6, P < 0.001), number of documents published (r = 0.53, P = 0.001) and citable documents (r = 0.51, P = 0.001); between the GDP per capita and number of citations (r = 0.46, P = 0.005), citations per document (r = 0.54, P = 0.001) and h index (r = 0.5, P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated a positive correlation between academic productivity in the field of IM and economic indicators of the OECD countries, mainly health expenditure, implying the advantage of domestic investment in health.

Scientific Productivity in Rheumatology Among Countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and Its Correlation to National Economic Indicators

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation between research productivity in the field of rheumatology and various updated economic indicators of Countries of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

METHODS

The number of documents published, number of citable documents, number of citations, citations per document, and the H-index for the 36 OECD countries in the field of rheumatology between 1996 and 2017 were obtained from the The Scimago Journal and Country rank source. The recent data regarding gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, total health spending as percent of GDP, and the gross domestic expenditure on research and development as percent of GDP were collected from the World Bank, OECD, and United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization Web sites, accordingly. The relationship between economic indicators and scientific productivity for each of the OECD countries was analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 132,314 documents were analyzed. A moderate to strong significance correlation was found between health expenditure and the number of documents published (r = 0.67, p < 0.001), number of citable documents (r = 0.68, p < 0.001), number of citation (r = 0.76, p < 0.001), and H-index (r = 0.77, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a current highlight on the relationship between academic productivity in rheumatology and economic indicators of OECD countries. We showed a positive moderate to strong significant correlation between total health expenditure as percent of GDP and different bibliometric indicators, implying another possible advantage of national investment in this filed.

Femtosecond laser assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) yields better results than transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (Trans-PRK) for correction of low to moderate grade myopia

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (Trans-PRK) with femtosecond laser assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) for the correction of low to moderate myopia.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study design was used. The study group included patients with myopia less than -6.0 D, with or without concomitant astigmatism under 2.0 D, who were treated with FS-LASIK or Trans-PRK in 2013 through 2014. Background, clinical and outcome data were collected from the patient files. A comparison between eyes treated with FS-LASIK or Trans-PRK was performed.

RESULTS

The Trans-PRK group was comprised of 1793 eyes and the FS-LASIK group of 666 eyes. Mean ± SD spherical equivalent (SE) refraction prior to surgery was -3.43 ± 1.27 D in the Trans-PRK group and -3.18 ± 1.34 D in the FS-LASIK group (p < 0.001). Efficacy index values were 0.95 ± 0.14 in the Trans-PRK group and 0.98 ± 0.12 in the FS-LASIK group (p < 0.001), and corresponding safety index values were 0.96 ± 0.13 and 0.99 ± 0.12 (p < 0.001). Distance from target refraction was 0.45 ± 0.42 D in Trans-PRK group and 0.43 ± 0.38 D in the FS-LASIK group (p = 0.537); 71.6% and 74.2% of eyes were within ±0.5 D of attempted correction, respectively (p = 0.193).

CONCLUSIONS

Both Trans-PRK and FS-LASIK demonstrated excellent results, mostly comparable with the current literature. FS-LASIK achieved better results than Trans-PRK surgery in the efficacy and safety parameters.

Refractive outcomes of high-magnitude astigmatism correction using femtosecond LASIK versus transepithelial PRK

PURPOSE

To compare the outcomes of femtosecond laser assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) with transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (T-PRK) for the correction of high-grade astigmatism.

METHODS

Medical records of patients with astigmatism of 2 diopters (D) or higher, who were treated with FS-LASIK or T-PRK in 2013 through 2014 at a private practice laser clinic, were retrospectively analyzed. Efficacy, safety, predictability and vector analysis of astigmatism correction were compared between the treatment groups.

RESULTS

The study included 93 eyes treated with FS-LASIK and 186 eyes treated with T-PRK. No significant differences in postoperative spherical equivalent (-0.10 ± 0.7 D and -0.11 ± 0.7 D, respectively, p = 0.958) and postoperative refractive astigmatism (0.79 ± 0.54 D and 0.82 ± 0.63 D, respectively, p = 0.685) were demonstrated. A significant advantage of FS-LASIK over T-PRK was seen for the efficacy (1.00 ± 0.18 and 0.86 ± 0.22, respectively, p < 0.001) and safety (1.03 ± 0.17 and 0.89 ± 0.21, respectively, p < 0.001) indices. Results remain statistically significant in a multivariate analysis model. Vector analysis for the astigmatism correction showed no significant difference between the surgery methods in the surgically induced astigmatism, difference vector, correction index and index of success.

CONCLUSION

Both procedures demonstrated desirable post-operative SE outcomes for high-grade astigmatism correction. However, FS-LASIK achieved better results than T-PRK in the efficacy and safety parameters.

Visual Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction for Trifocal, Extended Depth of Focus and Monofocal Intraocular Lenses

PURPOSE

To assess visual outcomes and patient satisfaction for trifocal and extended depth of focus (EDOF) intraocular lenses (IOLs) compared to monofocal IOLs with and without monovision.

METHODS

Consecutive patients underwent bilateral cataract extraction surgery and implantation of either monofocal IOLs, monofocal IOLs using monovision, EDOF IOLs, or trifocal IOLs. Patients with preoperative biometric data, postoperative refraction, and visual acuity who completed a questionnaire regarding satisfaction and side effects were included. Visual outcome, spectacle independence, patient satisfaction, and subjective photic phenomena were assessed.

RESULTS

Each group comprised 50 patients (100 eyes). The mean postoperative uncorrected distance, intermediate, and near visual acuities (logMAR) were: 0.17 ± 0.14 (Snellen 20/30), not applicable, and not applicable for monofocal; 0.08 ± 0.12 (Snellen 20/24), not applicable, and 0.07 ± 0.12 (Snellen 20/23) for monovision; 0.03 ± 0.08 (Snellen 20/21), 0.08 ± 0.12 (Snellen 20/24), and 0.23 ± 0.17 (Snellen 20/34) for EDOF; 0.07 ± 0.09 (Snellen 20/23), 0.08 ± 0.11 (Snellen 20/24), and 0.02 ± 0.06 (Snellen 20/21) for trifocal. Spectacle independence was reported by 36%, 70%, 74%, and 92% of patients, respectively. Postoperative halos and/or glare were experienced by 2%, 6%, 14%, and 38%, respectively, of which 2%, 0%, 6%, and 10%, respectively, were functionally disturbing. A total of 64%, 72%, 78%, and 76%, respectively, would choose the same IOL again.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient satisfaction rates were high in all groups. Trifocal IOLs were more effective in improving unaided whole range of vision, but were associated with a higher rate of photic phenomena. The EDOF IOL and monovision provided partial spectacle independence with less photic phenomena. [J Refract Surg. 2019;35(7):434-440.].

Research productivity across different ophthalmic subspecialties in the United States

Background

The purpose of this study was to compare the h-index, and subsequently the research productivity, among different ophthalmic subspecialties in the United States.

Methods

A cohort of over 15,000 academic ophthalmologists residing in the United States (US) was identified out of the physician list of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Of them, 1000 ophthalmologists with at least one publication were randomly retrieved, 100 in each of the following 10 subspecialties: cataract, cornea/external disease, glaucoma, medical retina, neuro-ophthalmology, pediatric ophthalmology, plastic/reconstructive ophthalmology, refractive surgery, retina/vitreous surgery and uveitis. Data collected included: number of published papers, h-index score, annual increase in h-index and the mean number of authors on each paper.

Results

The mean h-index amongst all subspecialties was 9.87 ± 13.90, and the mean average annual increase in h-index was 0.22 ± 0.21. The mean number of papers published was 37.20 ± 80.08 and the mean number of authors on each paper was 3.39 ± 0.84. Uveitis was the most prolific subspecialty in mean number of papers (74.78 ± 131.37), in mean h-index (16.69 ± 20.00) and in mean annual increase in h-index (0.35 ± 0.28). The least fertile subspecialty with regards to research was cataract with 11.06 ± 27.65 mean number of papers, a mean h-index of 3.89 ± 5.84, and a mean annual increase in h-index of 0.11 ± 0.11.

Conclusions

This study describes the research productivity in each ophthalmic subspecialty in the US, thus providing information on the research performance of each field and on the expected academic accomplishments within it.

The ESC ACCA EAPCI EORP acute coronary syndrome ST-elevation myocardial infarction registry

Aims 

The Acute Cardiac Care Association (ACCA)–European Association of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (EAPCI) Registry on ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) of the EurObservational programme (EORP) of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) registry aimed to determine the current state of the use of reperfusion therapy in ESC member and ESC affiliated countries and the adherence to ESC STEMI guidelines in patients with STEMI.

Methods and results 

Between 1 January 2015 and 31 March 2018, a total of 11 462 patients admitted with an initial diagnosis of STEMI according to the 2012 ESC STEMI guidelines were enrolled. Individual patient data were collected across 196 centres and 29 countries. Among the centres, there were 136 percutaneous coronary intervention centres and 91 with cardiac surgery on-site. The majority of centres (129/196) were part of a STEMI network. The main objective of this study was to describe the demographic, clinical, and angiographic characteristics of patients with STEMI. Other objectives include to assess management patterns and in particular the current use of reperfusion therapies and to evaluate how recommendations of most recent STEMI European guidelines regarding reperfusion therapies and adjunctive pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments are adopted in clinical practice and how their application can impact on patients’ outcomes. Patients will be followed for 1 year after admission.

Conclusion 

The ESC ACCA-EAPCI EORP ACS STEMI registry is an international registry of care and outcomes of patients hospitalized with STEMI. It will provide insights into the contemporary patient profile, management patterns, and 1-year outcome of patients with STEMI.

The Effect of Prednisone on Tuberculin Skin Test Reaction in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

OBJECTIVES

To assess the correlation between prednisone and methotrexate (MTX) treatment duration and dosage with the TST induration diameter of the TST reaction among rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

METHOD

We retrospectively analyzed consecutive cases of RA patients who were TNF-i therapy candidates. TST measurements, prednisone and methotrexate dosages, and treatment durations were recorded. A control group was randomly selected from healthy subjects. We compared TST reaction size between the following three groups: RA patients with current prednisone treatment, RA prednisone naïve patients, and healthy individuals.

RESULTS

Our study sample comprised 43 RA patients with prednisone treatment, 22 prednisone naïve patients, and 195 healthy subjects. There was no significant difference in mean TST between the groups (5.3±6.6, 7.8±6.2, and 7.6±7.0, respectively, p=0.149). No correlation was noted between TST size and prednisone u-y (r=0.229, p=0.140) or methotrexate u-y in patients with and without prednisone therapy (r=0.219, p=0.158; and r=-0.293, p=0.186, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that the TST reaction size among RA patients may not be affected by prednisone therapy. In addition, the TST reaction of RA patients may present similarly to that of healthy individuals. Therefore, we suggest that the criterion of a TST reaction of 5 mm to define latent TB infection in our population should be reevaluated.

Intraocular Lens Power Calculation in Eyes After Laser In Situ Keratomileusis or Photorefractive Keratectomy for Myopia

Intraocular power calculation is challenging for patients who have previously undergone corneal refractive surgery. The sources of prediction errors for these eyes are well known; however, the numerous formulas and methods available for calculating intraocular lens power in these cases are eloquent testimony to the absence of a definitive solution. This review discusses some of the available methods for improving the accuracy for predicting the refractive outcome for these patients. It focuses mainly on the methods available on the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) online calculator and provides some practical guidelines for cataract surgeons who encounter these challenging cases.

Effect of posterior corneal astigmatism on power calculation and alignment of toric intraocular lenses: Comparison of methodologies

PURPOSE

To compare the accuracy of different methods that consider posterior corneal curvature in toric intraocular lens (IOL) calculations.

SETTING

Ein-Tal Eye Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel.

DESIGN

Retrospective comparative case series.

METHODS

Consecutive cases of toric IOL implantation and preoperative measurements by optical biometry with optical low-coherence reflectometry (OLCR) (Lenstar LS 900) and a Scheimpflug camera (Pentacam) were retrospectively reviewed. Five methods of toric IOL calculation were compared as follows: (1) anterior corneal astigmatism using OLCR, (2) application of the Baylor nomogram, (3) posterior tomography combined with anterior corneal measurements using vector summation, (4) the Scheimpflug camera's true net power, and (5) total corneal refractive power. Toric IOL astigmatic power and axis, aiming for the lowest residual astigmatism, were selected according to these methods. Simulated residual refraction was calculated for each method based on manifest refraction and measured IOL alignment more than 3 weeks after surgery.

RESULTS

The study included 115 eyes of 92 patients. The median simulated residual astigmatism was lower when based on vector summation of anterior and posterior astigmatisms than with calculations based on anterior corneal measurements only, application of the Baylor nomogram, true net power, and total corneal refractive power readings (0.49 diopters [D] versus 0.70 D, 0.60 D, 0.64 D, and 0.76 D, respectively) (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Residual astigmatism after toric IOL implantation can be reduced by appropriate consideration of the posterior corneal astigmatism. Using methods that take into account the effect of the posterior cornea in toric IOL calculations is suggested.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES

Drs. Assia and Kleinmann are consultants to Hanita Lenses, Israel. Dr. Abulafia received a speaker's fee from Haag-Streit AG. No other author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

In-hospital switching from clopidogrel to prasugrel following thrombolysis for ST-elevation myocardial infarction: a 3-year single center experience

BACKGROUND

Prasugrel has proved its superiority over clopidogrel for reducing ischemic events among patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing urgent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Data on switching of antiplatelet therapy in acute coronary syndrome patients in clinical practice are very limited. Importantly, the safety of in-hospital switching from clopidogrel to prasugrel following thrombolysis has not been addressed.

METHODS

We reviewed consecutive STEMI patients from February 2011 to April 2014 who were transferred to a tertiary center after receiving thrombolysis and a loading dose of clopidogrel in a non-PCI-capable center. If not contraindicated, these patients were reloaded and treated with prasugrel. A control group, three times larger, was selected from patients who underwent primary PCI and were initially treated with prasugrel. In-hospital outcomes were examined.

RESULTS

Cases (n=45, 13% female, mean age 56 years) and controls (n=135, 11% female, mean age 54 years) did not differ significantly with respect to MI location, left ventricular systolic function, and extent of coronary artery disease. Mean time from thrombolysis to prasugrel loading was 32±19 hours. No significant differences were found between cases and controls in TIMI major or minor bleeding (0% vs. 3%), overall mortality (0% vs. 1.5%), and hospitalization length (4.8 vs. 5.5 days).

CONCLUSIONS

In-hospital reloading and subsequent maintenance therapy with prasugrel in patients who received thrombolysis and a loading dose of clopidogrel appears to be as safe as in STEMI patients managed by primary PCI; however, larger studies are needed to verify these results.

Surgically induced astigmatism assessment: comparison between three corneal measuring devices

PURPOSE

To compare the findings of three corneal measuring devices for calculating surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) during cataract extraction.

METHODS

Patients' records were retrospectively reviewed to identify patients who had corneal astigmatism measurements before and at least 1 month after cataract surgery through 2.4-mm corneal incisions by all three tested devices (Lenstar LS900, Haag-Streit, Koeniz, Switzerland; IOLMaster 500, Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA; and Atlas topographer, Carl Zeiss Meditec). Vector analysis was used to calculate the SIA for each measuring device.

RESULTS

Seventy eyes of 49 patients were included. All three measuring devices had similar SIA results: the median SIAs were 0.45 diopters (D) for the Lenstar, 0.41 D for the IOLMaster, and 0.47 D for the Atlas topographer (P = .884).

CONCLUSIONS

The three evaluated anterior corneal measuring devices produced similar results in measuring SIA. [J Refract Surg. 2015;31(4):244-247.].

Rituximab-related late-onset neutropenia in patients with rheumatic diseases: successful re-challenge of the treatment

BACKGROUND

We describe here 2 patients who developed late-onset neutropenia after Rituximab treatment. While this phenomenon is well described among patients suffering from hematological malignancies, such adverse effects are rare among patients with rheumatic diseases.

CASE REPORT

Two patients, the first with rheumatoid arthritis and the second with granulomatosis with polyangiitis, were treated by Rituximab after all previous treatments failed. The patients developed late-onset neutropenia after several courses of treatment. The first patient, with symptomatic neutropenia, recovered after a single dose of granulocyte macrophage stimulating factor, and the second patient's neutrophils increased spontaneously. Both patients were retreated by rituximab in their scheduled time without further complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Our case series is unique because the same phenomenon appeared in patients with different rheumatic diseases. This case series confirms the possibility of continuing the treatment without further adverse effects.

Appearance of ANCA - associated vasculitis under Tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors treatment

BACKGROUND

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors treatment is accosiated with several side effects. The most common are injection side reactions, headache, nausea and infections. The more rare are development of systemic autoimmune diseases.

CASE REPORT

We describe two patients, who developed ANCA associated vasculitis during Tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors treatment. The diagnosis was confirmed by appropriate tissue picture, CT scan and laboratory findings.

CONCLUSIONS

Our case series are unique, because vasculitis appeared after many years of the treatment and during complete patient's remission of there main illness.