[Phacosurgery features in keratoconus]

The review summarizes the results of surgical treatment of cataracts in patients with keratoconus. The major challenges of phacosurgery in keratoconus are associated with intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation, choice of the most appropriate IOL model and additional interventions required to stabilize keratectasia and reduce corneal irregularity.

[Distinctive features of phacoemulsification in previously vitrectomized eyes]

The review presents the main pathogenetic mechanisms of cataract development in an avitic eye as well as anatomical and functional changes of the eye in the state of avitria. The authors have also analyzed distinctive behavior of such eyes during phacoemulsification and surgical techniques used to answer specific avitreal phenomena.

[Intraocular correction of ametropia in patients with keratoconus]

This review was conducted due to the growing number of patients with keratoconus requiring cataract surgery and the complexity of surgical planning. The article reviews preoperative planning, intraoperative options, and postoperative management, which can help obtain high functional results. Treatment of cataracts in keratoconic eyes requires a multifaceted approach. In some cases, in the preoperative period, interventions such as crosslinking and implantation of intrastromal segments or corneal ring may be required to ensure stable keratometry values for accurate intraocular lens (IOL) calculations. The use of stabilizing procedures prior to optical biometrics can assist in preoperative lens selection and provide predictable surgical outcomes. To achieve targeted refraction and reduce unwanted optical effects, it is necessary to take a critical approach when choosing the type of lens (toric, monofocal). This is due to the appearance of aberrations of different order after preliminary surgical interventions on the cornea. The intraoperative decision plays important role in choosing the position of the corneal incisions, how to use sutures for wound adaptation, choosing scleral approaches to minimize possible postoperative complications. In the postoperative period, the degree of irregular astigmatism and the need for rigid gas-permeable or scleral lenses should be assessed.

Long-term refractive outcomes in patients with cataracts and keratoconus after phacoemulsification with toric intraocular lens implant

PURPOSE

To determine the refractive stability of patients with keratoconus and cataracts after the implantation of a toric intraocular lens.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional, retrospectivestudy. Clinical records from patients with non-progressive keratoconus and cataracts that underwent non-complicated phacoemulsification with toric IOL implantation were reviewed. Mean keratometry (Km), refractive cylinder (RC), spherical equivalent (SE), steeper keratometry (K), and axis were evaluated at the 1-month, 6-month, 12-month, and 24-month follow-up visits.

RESULTS

Fifty-four eyes from 41 patients were included. Thirty-seven (68.5%) female and 17 (31.5%) male patients, with a mean age of 67.52 ± 8.22. Refractive cylinder at postoperative 30 days was -1.61 ± 1.23, 6-month -1.22 ± 0.80, 12-month -1.10 ± 0.83 and 24-month visit after surgery was -1.37 ± 0.77(p = 0.290). SE at the 30-day visit was -0.82 ± 1.90, 6-month -0.64 ± 1.23, 12-month -0.78 ± 1.91 and at 24-month postoperative visit -1.02 ± 1.87 (p = 0.210). Km value at the 1-month visit was 47.23 ± 1.95, 6-month 47.87 ± 1.61, 12-month 46.39 ± 2.52 and 24-month postoperative visit 46.92 ± 1.26 (p = 0.877). The steeper K axis in the 30-day control was 78.53 ± 30.12, 6-month 77.29± 37.68, 1-year 93.13 ± 62.42, 24-month 67.31 ± 38.49 (p = 0.632).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings suggest a low variation in the refractive outcome for patients with mild and moderate keratoconus and cataracts, without evident progression signals, a demonstrated keratoconus clinical stability. No statistically significant postoperative changes in the refractive cylinder, SE, mean K, and steeper K axis were observed, which suggests good predictability for toric IOL implant.

XEN gel implant with or without phacoemulsification for glaucoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

XEN gel implant is an alternative method of treating glaucoma by connecting the anterior chamber and the subconjunctival space. The efficacy of the XEN gel implant and whether to combine with phacoemulsification is what most concerned. This review aims to test the efficacy and safety of the XEN gel implant compared with trabeculectomy and to test the efficacy between XEN combined with phacoemulsification and XEN alone.

Methods

The PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched through July 8, 2020. Studies comparing XEN and trabeculectomy or comparing XEN + phacoemulsification and XEN alone were included. The standard mean differences (SMD) were calculated to analyze the lowered intraocular pressure (IOP) and the number of anti-glaucoma medications. All data were measured from baseline to endpoint. The I2 statistic quantified heterogeneity ranged from 0% to 100%, and a random effects model was used in this meta-analysis. Review Manager 5.3 performed all analyses. The t-test calculated all P values, and P values were regarded as statistically significant at P<0.05. The methodological index for non-randomized studies was used to find and test bias in the literature.

Results

Twelve studies with 1,602 eyes were included. Five studies compared the XEN gel implant with trabeculectomy. Eight compared XEN + phacoemulsification with XEN alone. There was no significant correlation between XEN and trabeculectomy groups in lowering IOP (SMD 0.30, 95% CI, 0.00 to 0.60, I²=60%) and reduced the number of IOP lowering drugs (SMD 0.01, 95% CI, –0.16 to 0.17, I²=0%). There was a significant difference between XEN + phacoemulsification and XEN alone in lowering IOP (1,034 eyes, SMD 0.22, 95% CI, 0.05 to 0.40, I²=38%) and reducing the number of medications (729 eyes, SMD 0.20, 95% CI, –0.06 to 0.46, I²=62%).

Conclusions

XEN gel implant, although not effective as trabeculectomy, is a safe operation for open-angle and some other types of glaucoma. Meanwhile, XEN alone is more effective than XEN combined with phacoemulsification within 1 week after operations. After three months, the two groups are similar in lowering IOP. More extensive, better-designed, strictly blinded, multicenter randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm our findings.

Characterization of postoperative "fibrin web" formation after canine cataract surgery

PURPOSE

To describe the occurrence and associated factors for "fibrin web" (FW) formation following phacoemulsification in dogs.

METHODS

A retrospective review of medical records of all dogs undergoing phacoemulsification (MU-Veterinary Health Center, 2014-2018) was conducted to associate FW formation with signalment, systemic co-morbidities, cataract stage, surgeon (resident vs faculty), phacoemulsification time, IOL, and intracameral injections including viscoelastic type. Both univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed to evaluate associations among variables with FW formation.

RESULTS

Data from 398 eyes on 201 dogs were included; 4 left eyes (4 dogs) developed presumptive endophthalmitis and were excluded from further analysis. Forty-eight eyes did not have cataract surgery. Hence, 350 eyes on 201 dogs were included in the analyses. Among these, 84 eyes (59 dogs) developed a FW. Univariate analyses showed that the odds of FW increased with age and phacoemulsification time. Additionally, FW web was associated lens type, lens brand, and viscoelastic type. Multivariate analyses showed that when comparing lens types in combination with a particular viscoelastic, viscoelastic impacted the estimated prevalence of FW formation the most. In contrast, when the data were analyzed by lens brand, lens brand impacted prevalence more than viscoelastic type. Diabetes mellitus was not associated with FW formation.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the available data, intraocular lens implantation, viscoelastic type, dog age, and phacoemulsification time were associated with FW formation. Diabetes mellitus, gender, cataract stage, surgeon, intracameral injections other than viscoeleastic, and intra- and postoperative complications were not associated with FW formation.

Decoding fluid droplet generation during phacoemulsification and pars plana procedures in the COVID-19 era-An experimental study

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate fluid droplet spray generation during phacoemulsification (PE), pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), and fragmatome lensectomy (FL) and assess factors affecting these.

Methods

This is an experimental study. PE through 2.2 and 2.8 mm incisions was performed in six goat eyes and four simulator eyes using both continuous and interrupted ultrasound (U/S). PPV and FL were performed in three goat eyes. Generation of visible fluid droplet spray was analyzed from video recordings through the microscope camera and an external digital camera. Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) was applied over the incision site during PE and FL.

Results

When PE was performed through both incision sizes, there was no visible fluid droplet spray if the phaco tip was centered in the incision, without sleeve compression. When there was phaco tip movement with the phaco sleeve sandwiched between the tip and the incision wall, there was visible fluid droplet spray generation. It was more difficult to induce fluid droplet spray with 2.8 mm incision, and spray was lesser with interrupted U/S. During PPV, there was no droplet spray. During FL, fluid droplet spray was only seen when U/S was delivered with the fragmatome tip close to the sclerotomy. HPMC impeded droplet spray.

Conclusion

Fluid droplet generation during PE can be minimized to a large extent by keeping the phaco tip centered within the incision, avoiding sleeve compression. Smaller incision and continuous U/S were more prone to droplet generation. FL should be performed away from sclerotomy. HPMC over incision is recommended.

Endocapsular hematoma as an uncommon early postoperative complication of phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation surgery

Herein we describe a 55-year-old woman presented with a chief complaint of visual loss in the right eye of 3 days duration. The patient underwent uncomplicated phacoemulsification cataract surgery on the right eye 1 week ago. Slit lamp examination revealed accumulation of blood in the capsular bag behind the intraocular lens with blood level. The patient was diagnosed as endocapsular hematoma. Neodymium-doped: yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser posterior capsulotomy was performed. The patient's vision improved completely.

Association between preoperative gonioscopic status and postoperative glaucoma after phacoemulsification in dogs: A retrospective cohort study of 505 eyes

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether preoperative gonioscopy status is associated with the development of postoperative glaucoma after phacoemulsification.

PROCEDURE

Eligible dogs and eyes were selected from medical records (2007-2017), and each eye was classified as having normal or abnormal gonioscopy status. Records were examined for postoperative glaucoma, and data were collected for baseline variables including patient signalment, surgical factors, and pre, intra, and postoperative medications.

RESULTS

Of 305 dogs (505 eyes) selected for review in this study, 111 dogs (163 eyes) had abnormal gonioscopy findings, and 194 dogs (342 eyes) had normal gonioscopy findings. Postoperative glaucoma occurred in 24% (39/163) of eyes with abnormal gonioscopy and in 14% (49/342) eyes with normal gonioscopy. Eyes with abnormal gonioscopy status were at higher risk of postoperative glaucoma compared to normal eyes (P = .025). There was no important confounding due to the numerous baseline variables summarised above. Regardless of gonioscopy status, the risk of glaucoma was highest during the first 2 months after surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Eyes with abnormal gonioscopy findings are at increased risk of postoperative glaucoma compared with eyes with normal gonioscopy findings. Gonioscopy is recommended as a part of presurgical assessment in all dogs prior to phacoemulsification. Further study is needed to assess whether the incidence of postoperative glaucoma can be reduced by increased monitoring or altered treatment protocols in cases that are known to have abnormal gonioscopy findings prior to cataract surgery.

Perceived Surgeon Stress During No-Sedation Topical Phacoemulsification

Purpose

To determine the patient-related factors that contribute to surgeon stress during phacoemulsification cataract extraction (PCE) performed under unassisted topical anesthesia.

Methods

This is a prospective study of perceived surgeon stress during phacoemulsification by a single surgeon of consecutive patients undergoing PCE. At the conclusion of each procedure, the surgeon recorded the perceived stress according to the following three indices: surgeon score, qualitative score (yes or no), and total score (sum of itemized causes of stress). Patient variables included in the analysis included gender, age, diabetes mellitus, morbid obesity, intake of oral alpha blockers, floppy iris, laterality, pseudo-exfoliation, intraocular lens power, and initial visual acuity.

Results

During the 10-year study, 1097 eyes underwent surgery. The following patient variables were seen frequently: floppy iris syndrome (92), pseudo-exfoliation (72), and morbid obesity (36). Surgeon identified stress was reported after 250 procedures. On multivariable analysis, the following patient characteristics were associated with surgeon stress: age >80 years; morbid obesity; floppy iris syndrome; severe nuclear sclerosis; and poor baseline distance corrected visual acuity.

Conclusion

Several ocular and systemic patient-related characteristics contribute to surgeon stress during PCE.

Effects of Topical Prostaglandin Analog on Macular Thickness Following Cataract Surgery with Postoperative Topical Bromfenac Treatment

Purpose: To evaluate changes in macular thickness in patients continuing prostaglandin analog (PGA) treatment during the perioperative period involving bromfenac treatment. Methods: Patients with glaucoma who were using a topical PGA were randomly assigned to two groups in this randomized controlled trial: PGA continuing study group and PGA discontinued glaucoma control group. Patients without ocular diseases other than cataract were enrolled into the non-glaucomatous group. After the cataract surgery, the patients used bromfenac twice per day for 4 weeks. Optical coherence tomography was performed in all patients preoperatively and at 1 month postoperatively. Changes in macular thickness were compared among the three groups. Results: There were 32 eyes in the study group, 33 eyes in the glaucoma control group, and 58 eyes in the non-glaucomatous group. We found statistically significant postoperative changes in central macular thickness in all groups (4.30 ± 8.01 μm in the PGA continuing group, 9.20 ± 13.88 μm in the PGA discontinued group, and 7.06 ± 7.02 μm in the non-glaucomatous group, all p < 0.008), but no significant difference among the three groups (p = 0.161). Cystoid macular edema occurred in only one patient in the non-glaucomatous group (p = 0.568). Conclusions: Continuous use of PGAs during the perioperative period was not significantly associated with increased macular thickness after uncomplicated cataract surgery. In the absence of other risk factors (e.g., capsular rupture, uveitis, or diabetic retinopathy), discontinuing PGAs for the prevention of macular edema after cataract surgery with postoperative bromfenac treatment is unnecessary in patients with glaucoma.

Epithelial Remodeling Following Phacoemulsification in Diabetic Patients Using Anterior-Segment Optical Coherence Tomography: A Comparative Study

Purpose

To compare the effect of phacoemulsification on corneal epithelial thickness in diabetic and nondiabetic cataract patients.

Methods

Fifty eyes with cataracts were enrolled in a prospective comparative interventional study. They were divided into two groups: group A (diabetics) and group B (nondiabetics) and underwent uneventful phacoemulsification. Epithelial thickness was assessed in the central, paracentral, and peripheral cornea on the first day and at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively using spectral-domain ocular coherence tomography.

Results

A significant increase in the first-day postoperative central epithelial thickness was noticed in both groups (57.16±3.5 µm and 55.96±2.81 µm in groups A and B, respectively), with increased baseline epithelial thickness of 3.8±2.1 µm and 3.4±2.14 µm in groups A and B, respectively (P<0.001). A significant decrease in epithelial thickness was noticed in both groups after 1 week (−2.40±3.1 µm and −2.76±2.71 µm in group A and B, respectively). No further significant change was noticed in the nondiabetic group at 1 month; however, significant reductions in for central epithelial thickness were found in the diabetic group up to the first month (−0.80±1.9 µm, P=0.05). Central corneal thickness followed the same pattern of change as the epithelium. A nonsignificant delay in visual acuity improvement was noticed in diabetic patients.

Conclusion

Phacoemulsification induces a temporary increase in corneal and epithelial thickness that should resolve by the first week postoperatively. However, diabetic patients had slower epithelial recovery that took up to 1 month, which could be reflected in delayed visual recovery with no effect on the final visual outcome.

Effects of the first month of lockdown for COVID-19 in Italy: A preliminary analysis on the eyecare system from six centers

Purpose:

To compare the number of eye surgical procedures performed in Italy during the first month of lockdown with those performed in the same period in 2019.

Methods:

Review of the surgical procedures performed from 10 March to 9 April 2019 and from 10 March to 9 April 2020 (the first month of lockdown because of the COVID-19 outbreak) at six academic institutional centers of Italy. A distinction was made between urgent procedures: any trauma repairment, trabeculectomy/drainage implant for glaucoma, any operation for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair, pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for vitreous hemorrhage (VH), macular hole, or retained lens fragments; elective procedures: corneal transplant, phacoemulsification for cataract extraction, silicone oil removal, and PPV for epiretinal membrane; and intravitreal injections (either anti-vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] or dexamethasone) to treat exudative maculopathies. The main outcome measure was the rate of reduction in urgent and elective surgeries performed.

Results:

Overall, 3624 and 844 surgical procedures were performed from 10 March to 9 April 2019 and from 10 March to 10 April 2020, respectively (−76.7% in 2020 compared to 2019, p < 0.0001). Urgent and elective surgical procedures and intravitreal injections of anti-VEGF drugs or dexamethasone reduced significantly in 2020 in comparison to 2019 (p < 0.0001 for urgent and elective surgeries and 0.01 for intravitreal injections).

Conclusion:

A significant reduction in the rate of urgent and elective surgeries and intravitreal injections was recorded during the first month of lockdown compared to the same period in 2019. With this analysis, the authors hope to provide some preliminary insights about the consequences of lockdown for the eyecare system in Italy.

Visual outcome and prognostic factors in cataract surgery in ocular tuberculosis

Purpose:

To analyze the outcome of cataract surgery in patients with ocular tuberculosis (OTB).

Methods:

Medical records of patients with OTB who underwent cataract surgery between 2005 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The primary outcome measure was corrected distant visual acuity (CDVA), and a good outcome was defined as CDVA 20/40 or better.

Results:

There were 35 patients (41 eyes), of whom 13 (37.1%) were males and 22 (62.9%) were females. The mean age was 41.6 ± 13.8 (range 18–65) years. Anterior uveitis was present in 24 (58.5%) eyes, intermediate uveitis in 5 (12.2%) eyes, posterior uveitis in 6 (14.6%) eyes, and panuveitis in 6 (14.6%) eyes. Posterior sub-capsular cataract (51.2%) was the most common type of cataract. Total cataract was present in 9 (22%) eyes. The two most common ocular comorbidities were small pupil (85.4%) and glaucoma (17.1%). Phacoemulsification was performed in 36 (87.8%) eyes and ECCE was performed in 5 (12.2%) eyes. Intraoperatively the pupil was mechanically dilated in 36 (87.8%) eyes. Overall 26 (63.4%) and 23 (56.1%) eyes achieved CDVA 20/40 or better at 1- and 6-month follow-up visit, respectively. The mean preoperative LogMAR CDVA significantly improved from 1.28 ± 0.57 to 0.38 ± 0.36 at 1-month (P < 0.0001). One eye had fibrinous anterior chamber reaction and 24 (58.5%) eyes had 1 or more episodes of reactivation of uveitis in the follow-up period. The three commonest complications were glaucoma (26.8%), posterior capsule opacification (19.5%), and epiretinal membrane (17.1%). Postoperative posterior segment complications like epiretinal membrane formation, vitreous inflammation and cystoid macular edema affected final visual acuity (P < 0.002).

Conclusion:

The visual outcome after cataract surgery in OTB was satisfactory as significant number of patients achieved a good final visual acuity.

Intraocular pressure variation after conventional extracapsular cataract extraction, manual small incision cataract surgery and phacoemulsification in an indigenous black population

Introduction

intraocular pressure changes have been reported following the various cataract surgical technique. This study aims to compare the intra-ocular pressure (IOP) variation following conventional extra-capsular cataract extraction (ECCE), manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS) and phacoemulsification in an indigenous black population.

Methods

a comparative cross-sectional study of adult patients aged 40 years and above who had pressure was measured with Goldman’s applanation tonometer pre-operatively and 1^st day, 1^st week, 1^st month as well as 3^rd month post-operative periods and recorded. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21. Mean IOP changes between study groups were compared using ANOVA. P-value of < 0.05 was taken as statistically significant.

Results

total of 82 patients consisting of 20(24.4%) ECCE, 32(39%) MSICS and 30(36.6%) phacoemulsification with mean preoperative 13.4mmHg, 13.5mmHg and 14.1 mmHg (p = 0.657) respectively was studied. Mean IOP increased from baseline at 1st day post-operative period in the ECCE and MSICS groups (13.4 ± 3.0mmHg to 13.7 ± 4.5mmHg (p = 0.84) and 13.5 ± 3.1mmHg to 15.3 ± 5.1mmHg (P = 0.48) respectively), and decrease in the phacoemulsification group (14.1 ± 2.6mmHg to 13.9 ± 3.5mmHg (p = 0.378). There was a decline in IOP in all the 3 study groups by one week post-operative period; the difference was significant only in the ECCE group (p = 0.032). By 3^rd month postoperatively, there was a reduction in mean IOP when compared with pre-operative IOP the difference being greatest in the ECCE group.

Conclusion

ECCE, MSICS, and Phacoemulsification cause a decline in IOP below preoperative levels at 3^rd month postoperatively in the MSICS group.

Grating Visual Acuity in phakic, aphakic, and pseudophakic Poodles

OBJECTIVE

To compare the grating visual acuity (VA) measured by visual evoked potentials (VEP) in phakic, aphakic, and pseudophakic Poodles.

ANIMALS STUDIED

Thirty-six Poodle dogs aged from 4 to 14 years.

PROCEDURES

Animals were allocated into three different groups according to their lens status: phakic group (n = 12), aphakic group (n = 12), and pseudophakic group (n = 12). Grating VA was measured in cycles/degree (cpd) in all animals using the electrodiagnosis system Roland RETIport^® in a dark room without using any mydriatic, sedative, or anesthetic drugs.

RESULTS

The mean grating VA in the phakic, aphakic, and pseudophakic groups was 5.9 ± 1.0 cpd (20/102-Snellen equivalent), 2.6 ± 0.7 cpd (20/231), and 5.2 ± 1.1 cpd (20/116), respectively. The VA from aphakic eyes was significantly lower when compared to the phakic and pseudophakic eyes (P < .05). There was no significant difference in VA between phakic and pseudophakic eyes.

CONCLUSIONS

The VEP is a useful tool for the evaluation of grating visual acuity in canines. The study showed that IOL implantation following phacoemulsification results in improved VA as measured by VEP compared to that of the aphakic eye and resulted in VA that was similar to that of the normal eye.

Effect of intracameral epinephrine on heart rate, post-operative ocular hypertension, and long-term outcome following canine phacoemulsification

PURPOSE

To determine the effect of intrsacameral epinephrine on heart rate, blood pressure, post-operative ocular hypertension, and complications following canine phacoemulsification.

PROCEDURES

A prospective, double-blinded, controlled trial was carried out using 30 client-owned dogs undergoing phacoemulsification. Eyes were randomly assigned to a treatment group receiving intracameral (IC) epinephrine (n = 31) or balanced salt solution (n = 25) at the beginning of surgery. Heart rate, post-operative intraocular pressures, and outcomes were compared between treatment groups.

RESULTS

No adverse reactions to IC epinephrine or saline were observed. Post-operative ocular hypertension developed at the 2 and/or 4 hours pressure reading in 35% and 46% in the epinephrine and saline groups, respectively (P = .5072). There were 9.7% and 23.1% eyes that developed complications in the IC epinephrine and saline groups, respectively (P = .2373).

CONCLUSIONS

Intracameral epinephrine is safe to use, and non-significant decreases in post-operative ocular hypertension and long-term complications were observed.

[Comparative evaluation of positional stability of the «capsular bag + intraocular lens» complex in patients with lens subluxation]

Prevention of decentration and dislocation of the "capsular bag + intraocular lens" (IOL) complex in the late postoperative period is an actual problem of surgical treatment of patients with pronounced lens subluxation.

PURPOSE

To conduct a comparative clinical study of positional stability of the "capsular bag + IOL" complex in the late postoperative period after application of a combined technique of capsular bag fixation in patients with subluxation of the lens.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Phacoemulsification (PE) with in-the-bag IOL implantation and postoperative observation was performed in 213 patients (234 eyes) with cataract and pronounced lens subluxation. The 1^st group consisting of 138 patients (153 eyes) underwent capsular bag fixation of the combined technique with simultaneous use of 4 modified iris-retractors and one or two capsular tension rings (CTRs). The 2^nd group included 75 patients (81 eyes) who in the course of PE had their capsular bag fixed beyond the edge of capsulorhexis with only 4 modified iris-retractors. Preoperative state of the lens and the evaluation of the frequency and degree of decentration of the «capsular bag + IOL» complex in the postoperative period were performed using data acquired with ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM).

RESULTS

Significant (more than 1 mm according to UBM) IOL's optic decentration was observed in the 1^st group after applying the combined capsular bag fixation technique in 12 (7.8%) cases, and in the 2^nd group after isolated use of modified iris-retractors in 48 (59.3%) cases.

CONCLUSION

The use of the combined capsular bag fixation technique not only improves the conditions for carrying out PE with in-the-bag IOL implantation in patients with pronounced lens subluxation, but also contributes to a substantial (an average of 8 times) reduction in the incidence of significant decentration of the «capsular bag + IOL» complex in the late postoperative period.

Evaluation of skills transfer in short-term phacoemulsification surgery training program by International Council of Ophthalmology -Ophthalmology Surgical Competency Assessment Rubrics (ICO-OSCAR) and assessment of efficacy of ICO-OSCAR for objective evaluation of skills transfer

Purpose

To evaluate skills transfer in short-term phacoemulsification surgery training program by International Council of Ophthalmology -Ophthalmology Surgical Competency Assessment Rubrics (ICO-OSCAR) and assessment of efficacy of ICO-OSCAR for objective evaluation of skills transfer.

Methods

Prospective analysis of total 1300 phacoemulsification surgeries performed by 52 phacoemulsification trainees divided into three groups based on the previous cataract surgical experience. The pretraining and posttraining average mean scores, independent completion rates (ICR), and complication rates among the groups were calculated and statistically analyzed.

Results

Mean age of trainees (N = 52) was found to be 30.98 ± 2.44 years. Mean pretraining scores in the three groups were 42.8 ± 0.2, 46.6 ± 0.2, and 50.1 ± 0.1, respectively, and posttraining mean scores of the groups were 88.4 ± 0.2, 92.3 ± 0.2, and 94.3 ± 0.2, respectively, out of 100. Pretraining independent completion rates (%) were 22.1 ± 2.5, 52.1 ± 2.5, and 62 ± 3.7, respectively, and posttraining independent completion rates (%) were 74.8 ± 3, 79.7 ± 3, and 90.6 ± 3.5, respectively. Learning curves of all groups were noted to be steep. Rate of complications was within acceptable range, overall complication rate being 12.30% (160 out of 1300 cases). OSCAR scores correlate significantly (P = 0.0004) with ICR.

Conclusion

Steep learning curve for phacoemulsification can be made easy by the use of standardized rubrics, proper techniques, expert guidance, and adequate surgical volume. The previous SICS experience provides smoother learning curve. ICO-OSCAR is indicator of proficiency and provides constructive feedback and objective evaluation immediately after surgery as well as at the end of training. Short-term (1 Month) training program is an effective, efficient, and safe approach to progressively master phacoemulsification skills for trainees with SICS experience.

Comparing the safety and efficacy of three different doses of atracurium in facilitating the insertion of laryngeal mask airway in patients undergoing phacoemulsification cataract surgery: A randomized clinical trial

Background

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of three different doses of atracurium on conditions of laryngeal mask airway (LMA) insertion, first-try success rate, and possible complications.

Materials and Methods

A total of 120 patient's ≥18 years old were randomly divided into three groups of 40. The study groups received fentanyl 2 μg/kg thiopental 5 mg/kg and atracurium in doses 0.2 mg/kg, 0.4 mg/kg, and 0.6 mg/kg, respectively, based on the patient group. The conditions of LMA insertion, hemodynamic responses, and complications were evaluated and compared in the groups.

Results

In the study groups, the LMA placement was difficult in 15%, 7.5%, and 2.5%, respectively (P = 0.13). There was no statistically significant difference among the groups regarding the success rate in the first attempt to the insertion of LMA. Of the three groups, 5%, 2.5%, and 2.5% had bleeding at the place of mask insertion (P = 0.77). 17.5%, 7.5%, and12.5% had sore throat, respectively (P = 0.4). No patient experienced laryngospasm during the study. Furthermore, changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation were not significant in the three groups.

Conclusion

All three doses of atracurium have similar effects on the condition of LMA insertion. Atracurium 0.4 mg/kg accompanied by higher success on LMA insertion in the first attempt and lower airway complications (bleeding and sore throat), increasing this dose had no significant effect on the success rate of LMA insertion.

Gonioscopic iridocorneal angle morphology and incidence of postoperative ocular hypertension and glaucoma in dogs following cataract surgery

PURPOSE

To investigate the relationship between gonioscopic iridocorneal angle (ICA) morphology and the incidence of postoperative ocular hypertension (POH) and postoperative glaucoma in dogs undergoing cataract surgery.

ANIMALS STUDIED

Retrospective analysis of 138 eyes of 78 canine patients who underwent phacoemulsification at North Carolina State University from December 1, 2015 through April 30, 2017.

METHODS

Medical records of all phacoemulsification patients with preoperative RetCam gonioscopic images were reviewed for preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables. Gonioscopic angle indices were calculated using a novel (ZibWest) angle grading system, and these indices were analyzed for outcome-related significance.

RESULTS

Increased surgeon experience was associated with increased probability of POH and vision loss. Higher average ZibWest Angle indices (ie, more open angles with less pectinate ligament dysplasia/ abnormality) were associated with a significantly decreased probability of medically unresponsive glaucoma. Increased patient age was significantly associated with an increased probability of both postoperative glaucoma and vision loss. Female dogs were significantly more likely to experience postoperative glaucoma compared to male dogs. Increased surgery time was significantly associated with increased probability of vision loss.

CONCLUSIONS

The ZibWest angle index may predict increased risk for developing medically unresponsive glaucoma with cataract surgery. Female sex, and increased patient age, surgical time, and surgeon experience were associated with increased postoperative morbidity.

Mandated IOL Removal for Cure of Recurrent Enterococcus Faecalis Endophthalmitis: A Case Report

With modern technology and peri-op antibiotic use, postoperative endophthalmitis is uncommon to modern cataract surgery, and its recurrence even more unusual. Enterococcal faecalis endophthalmitis is an acute type of endophthalmitis that is not only rare, but can be recurrent, and has a poor functional prognosis [1]. Since the disease is refractory to conventional therapy, this paper details our experience with treating the disease given the current lack of standard care both medically and surgically.

Phacoemulsification in vitrectomized eyes: Maintaining the stability of the anterior chamber via a new technique

Fluctuating anterior chamber depth and reverse pupillary block are the most common problems encountered during phacoemulsification following pars plana vitrectomy in cases of cataracts. The sudden deepening of the anterior chamber makes the surgical procedure more cumbersome and increases the risk of intraoperative complications. To solve this problem, we describe a method of balancing the pressure of the anterior and posterior chamber by using a syringe with a flushing needle to inject balanced salt solution into the posterior chamber via the gap between the iris and the anterior capsule of the lens. This technique is especially suitable for complicated cataracts following previous pars plana vitrectomy and high myopia-complicated cataracts. This technique yielded promising results in reducing the difficulties that occur during surgical procedures, reduced the risk of intraoperative complications and simplified the intraocular lens implantation.

Intraoperative Evaluation of Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery with and without the Use of Ophthalmic Viscosurgical Devices

PURPOSE:

The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of cataract surgery by the phacoemulsification technique with and without the use of ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVDs).

SETTING:

This study was conducted at a tertiary eye care center in a rural area of Central India.

DESIGN:

This was a prospective, randomized, observational study.

METHODS:

In this study, 220 patients underwent phacoemulsification for cataract surgery with OVDs (OVD group) or without OVDs (BSS group) (n = 110 in each group). Patients with operable, nuclear Grade 2–4 cataracts were included in the study. The study was conducted from June 2017 to September 2018. The frequency of intraoperative complications, surgical time, and ease of the surgical procedure (easy, difficult, or very difficult) were recorded.

RESULTS:

There was no statistically significant difference in the nuclear opalescence, axial length, and intraocular lens (IOL) power between the two groups. Capsulorhexis extension was seen in two eyes in the OVD group and none of the eyes in the BSS group. The problems that occurred during IOL implantation included flip (OVD group, 2; BSS group, 1), haptic breakage (OVD group, 1; BSS group, 1), sulcus implantation (OVD group, 0; BSS group, 2), and stuck haptic (OVD group, 1; BSS group, 3). The total surgical time was almost equal in the two groups (OVD group, 9.2 min ± 3; BSS group, 9.5 min ± 3.5; P = 0.521). None of the patients had iris trauma or posterior capsular rupture.

CONCLUSIONS:

OVD-less phacoemulsification surgery is a safe and effective technique for treating age-related cataracts that requires no additional instrumentation and saves the cost of the OVD.