Mechanical testing of lid speculae and relationship to postoperative ptosis

Complications of XEN gel stent implantation for the treatment of glaucoma: a systematic review

Aim

This study was aimed to summarize the complications and their management associated with XEN gel stent implantation.

Methods

A systematic review of literature was conducted using Medline (via PubMed), EMBASE, the Cochrane Library databases, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure, from their inception to February 1, 2024.

Results

A total of 48 studies published between 2017 and 2024 were identified and included in the systematic review, including 16 original studies (retrospective or prospective clinical studies), 28 case reports, and 4 case series, which followed patients for up to 5 years. Early postoperative complications of XEN gel stent implantation include hypotony maculopathy (1.9-4.6%), occlusion (3.9-8.8%), suprachoroidal hemorrhage (SCH), choroidal detachment (0-15%), conjunctival erosion, and exposure of the XEN gel stent (1.1-2.3%), wound and bleb leaks (2.1%) and malignant glaucoma (MG) (2.2%). Mid-postoperative complications of XEN gel stent implantation included migration of XEN (1.5%), ptosis (1.2%), endophthalmitis (0.4-3%), macular edema (1.5-4.3%), hypertrophic bleb (8.8%) and subconjunctival XEN gel stent fragmentation (reported in 2 cases). Late postoperative complications reported in cases included spontaneous dislocation and intraocular degradation.

Conclusion

XEN gel stent implantation is a minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) procedure for glaucoma, known for its potential to minimize tissue damage and reduce surgical duration. However, it is crucial to note that despite these advantages, there remains a risk of severe complications, including endophthalmitis, SCH, and MG. Therefore, postoperative follow-up and early recognition of severe complications are essential for surgical management.

Incidence of Blepharoptosis After Pars Plana Baerveldt 350 Glaucoma Implant Surgery by a Single Surgeon

PURPOSE

To investigate the incidence of postoperative blepharoptosis and clinical risk factors for blepharoptosis after pars plana Baerveldt 350 glaucoma implantation (BGI) by a single surgeon for refractory glaucoma.

METHODS

Twenty-four patients (30 eyes) who underwent pars plana BGI for refractory glaucoma at Toyama University Hospital between November 2019 and February 2021 were included. Patients with a preoperative margin reflex distance-1 (MRD-1) of ≥2 mm were included in the study, and a decrease in MRD-1 of ≥2 mm at 6 months postoperatively was defined as blepharoptosis.

RESULTS

The mean MRD-1 decreased significantly from 3.2 ± 0.6 mm preoperatively to 2.4 ± 1.1 postoperatively ( p < 0.01). Postoperative ptosis developed in 8 eyes (26.7%). A comparison of the ptosis (n = 8) and nonptosis (n = 22) groups showed a significant difference in the history and number of previous filtration surgeries ( p = 0.02 and p = 0.03, respectively). Those with previous filtration surgery had a higher risk of blepharoptosis after pars plana BGI compared with those without previous filtration surgery (OR: 6.43; 95% confidence interval: 1.03-40.26; p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

Pars plana BGI is a risk factor for postoperative blepharoptosis. Particular attention should be paid to eyes that have undergone previous filtration surgery.

Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma with cavernous sinus involvement presenting as third nerve palsy

Purpose

Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma is a tumor of the salivary glands that typically localizes within the oral cavity. We present a case of isolated third cranial nerve palsy as the initial presentation of polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma involving the left cavernous sinus in a patient status post glaucoma surgery.

Observations

A 68-year-old woman status post glaucoma drainage device implantation in her left eye presented with an isolated left third nerve palsy ten weeks postoperatively. Differential diagnoses included microvascular ischemic neuropathy, postoperative ptosis, and compressive mass. MRI revealed a left cavernous sinus mass, and subsequent excisional biopsy revealed a diagnosis of polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma.

Conclusions

There are few cases reporting polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma originating from and extending beyond the nasopharynx. This report emphasizes an unexpected neuro-ophthalmic manifestation of this salivary gland tumor.

Lower eyelid involutional entropion following cataract surgery

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether cataract surgery is associated with an increased risk of subsequent lower eyelid entropion and evaluate potential associated factors.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included consecutive patients undergoing first eye cataract surgery over a 10-year period at a single institution (n = 14,574). The fellow phakic eye served as control. Patient records were evaluated up until either the time of second eye cataract surgery or any other intraocular or adnexal surgery. The primary outcome was the rate of entropion repair in both the pseudophakic (exposed) group and the phakic control group. Groups were compared using relative risk and Kaplan-Meier analysis. Multivariate logistic regression was used to compare pre-specified characteristics of those patients that underwent entropion repair in their pseudophakic eye with those that did not.

RESULTS

A fourfold higher relative risk of undergoing entropion repair was observed in eyes that had undergone cataract surgery compared with the fellow unoperated eye (95% confidence interval 1.6-9.8; P < 0.001) with an increased risk at all timepoints between 1 and 12 years according to Kaplan-Meier analysis (P = 0.001). Median time to entropion repair after cataract surgery was 58 months (range 3-124). Documented intraoperative patient factors such as patient or eye movement, eyelid squeezing, pain or anxiety were an independent risk factor for subsequent entropion (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

Cataract surgery is associated with an increased risk of subsequent lower eyelid entropion. Surgeons should be aware of this risk in the pre- and post-operative assessment of patients undergoing cataract surgery.

Use of Simultaneous Bilateral Cataract Surgery (SBCS) to Optimize Parameters Affecting the Subjective Perception of the Procedure

Introduction

Simultaneous Bilateral Cataract Surgery (SBCS) is still a relatively controversial procedure. The main objection is the risk of bilateral endophthalmitis or bilateral refractive error. However, SBCS has also some advantages (faster visual rehabilitation, lower risk of nosocomial infection, and lower cost). Performing surgery on both eyes in one session has one additional advantage which has not yet been described in the literature (according to the information available to authors). It allows surgeons to distinguish the effect of minor differences in the surgical protocol on the subjective perception of the procedure more accurately, which is a more suitable method than comparing two independent groups of patients.

Purpose

To compare the effect of minor changes in the surgical protocol during SBCS on intraindividual subjective perception of surgery (pain, pressure, glare, and perception of the duration of the surgery).

Methods

During the surgery of the right and left eyes of one patient, we randomly changed one surgical parameter (use of intracameral anesthesia, light intensity of the operating microscope, type of eyelid speculum, creation of the posterior circular capsulorhexis, and communication with the patient during surgery). Patients immediately after both surgeries subjectively evaluated the perception of pain (on the scale 0–10), pressure, and glare (on the scale 0–5) and estimated the duration of the surgery, separately for each eye. Each change was evaluated in a group of 50 patients.

Results

In the control group with no parameters changed, we noted no difference in subjective perception of the first and second surgery. In subgroups, where we changed the protocol, we detected only minor differences in subjective perception of pain, pressure, glare, and duration of the surgery. Only one statistically significant difference in subjective pain perception was in the subgroup where we used eye intracameral anesthesia (0.34 eyes with intracameral anesthesia, 0.44 eyes with only topical anesthesia). We did not note any statistically significant differences in the perception of the time of surgery.

Conclusion

SBCS can be used to optimize the parameters of cataract surgery. In our study, we noted a positive effect of intracameral anesthesia on subjective perception of surgery.

Iatrogenic Dry Eye Disease: Dealing with the Conundrum of Post-Cataract Discomfort. A P.I.C.A.S.S.O. Board Narrative Review

The incidence and prevalence of dry eye disease (DED) after cataract surgery is greatly underestimated. The severity of dry eye symptoms has been reported to peak 7 days after cataract surgery and may persist for months, significantly affecting patients' quality of life (QoL). The importance of considering surgical outcomes not only in terms of visual acuity, but also in terms of the patients' QoL, necessitates the assessment and evaluation of the ocular surface by the cataract surgeon prior to the procedure. This narrative review, drafted by the P.I.C.A.S.S.O. (Italian Partners for the Correction of Ocular Surface Alterations) board, analyses the physiopathology of post-cataract surgery DED and highlights the pre-, intra- and postoperative risk factors that may alter ocular surface homeostasis; it proposes a practical comprehensive algorithm for the prevention, treatment and management of DED associated with cataract surgery. Particular attention needs to be paid to the pre- and intraoperative risk factors to reduce the incidence of postoperative dry eye and to improve cataract surgery outcome.

Postoperative blepharoptosis after trabeculectomy versus ahmed glaucoma valve implantation

Purpose:

To investigate the frequency of persistent postoperative ptosis (PP) following trabeculectomy or Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation and to analyze the associated factors.

Methods:

It is a prospective observational study on glaucoma patients who underwent trabeculectomy or AGV implantation from October 2015 to June 2017 in a tertiary center. Margin reflex distance 1 and 2 (MRD1 and 2) and levator function were measured before and at least 6 months, postoperatively. Clinically significant ptosis was defined as ≥2 mm drop of MRD1.

Results:

One hundred and fourteen patients (124 eyelids) including 76 patients (87 eyelids) with trabeculectomy and 35 patients (37 eyelids) with AGV implantation were included. The mean age was 55.50 (standard deviation = 17.54) years. Most of the surgeries were performed under general anesthesia (87.9%, 109/124) between 30 and 60 min (53.2%, 66/124) by residents (39.5%, 49/124). Trabeculectomy and AGV groups did not differ in terms of pre, intra, and postoperative variables (0.1≤ P ≤0.9) except duration of surgery (P = 0.01) and sex (P = 0.04). Clinically significant persistent PP was observed in 12.9% (16/124) in total, 13.7% (12/87) in the trabeculectomy group, and 10.8% (4/37) in the AGV group (P = 0.6). Male gender (ß coefficient = 2.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 4.76–0.36, P = 0.02) and a higher preoperative MRD1 (ß coefficient = 1.24, 95% CI = 0.52–1.95, P = 0.001) were the only factors affecting the frequency of clinically significant PP.

Conclusions:

Postoperative blepharoptosis occurred in 12.9% of eyes after glaucoma procedures. Male gender and higher preoperative MRD1 were significantly associated with a higher frequency of postglaucoma surgery blepharoptosis.

Clinical efficacy of eyelid hygiene in blepharitis and meibomian gland dysfunction after cataract surgery: a randomized controlled pilot trial

The purpose of this randomized clinical trial is to evaluate the effect of eyelid hygiene on subjective symptoms, anterior blepharitis, and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) after cataract surgery. Subjects with obstructive MGD who underwent cataract surgery were randomly divided into two groups. In the eyelid hygiene group, eyelid hygiene was performed twice a day for 10 days from 3 days before to 1 week after cataract surgery. The control group did not perform eyelid hygiene. A subjective symptom questionnaire of SPEED, anterior blepharitis grade, and meibum quality and quantity was evaluated at baseline and at postoperative 1 and 4 weeks. The eyelid hygiene group (n = 36) showed decreased SPEED score after cataract surgery and the control group (n = 33) did not. Anterior blepharitis grade was worse 1 week after surgery in the control group but not in the eyelid hygiene group. The control group had significantly decreased meibum quality and quantity in both the upper and lower eyelids after cataract surgery, but the eyelid hygiene group did not. Eyelid hygiene before/after cataract surgery improved postoperative subjective symptoms and prevented postoperative exacerbation of anterior blepharitis and MGD. Thus, perioperative eyelid hygiene is recommended for patients with obstructive MGD who undergo cataract surgery.

Postoperative Blepharoptosis After Modern Phacoemulsification Procedure

PURPOSE

To investigate the frequency of transient (1 month) and persistent (at least 6 months) postoperative ptosis following clear corneal sutureless phacoemulsification and to analyze the factors affecting them.

DESIGN

Cohort study.

METHODS

Patients who underwent phacoemulsification cataract surgery from October 2016 to June 2018 in a tertiary center were enrolled. Margin reflex distance 1 (MRD1), MRD2, and levator function were measured and facial photography was taken before, 1 month, and at least 6 months after the surgery. Clinical ptosis was defined as any postoperative drop of MRD1 and clinically significant ptosis as MRD1 drop of ≥2 mm. Photo-based ptosis was assessed by a masked oculofacial plastic surgeon at the end of the study.

RESULTS

A total of 234 patients (313 eyelids) were included. The majority of surgeries were performed by senior residents (65.5%, 205/313) and under topical anesthesia (78.0%, 244/313). Persistent clinical, clinically significant, and photo-based ptosis were 25.4% (71/279), 3.2% (9/279), and 3.3% (9/276). Eyelids with persistent postoperative ptosis showed a significantly (P = .03) lower preoperative levator function (13.9 vs 15.8 mm). No other factor was significantly different between the eyelids with and without postoperative ptosis.

CONCLUSION

Persistent clinically significant ptosis was observed in more than 3% of patients undergoing clear corneal sutureless phacoemulsification cataract surgery. It should be counseled preoperatively. Lower preoperative levator function was significantly associated with a higher frequency of postoperative ptosis. Duration of surgery, level of surgeons, and other variables did not have any significant effect on the frequency of postoperative ptosis.

Case Series of Combined XEN Implantation and Phacoemulsification in Chinese Eyes: One-Year Outcomes

PURPOSE

The outcome of XEN implantation in Chinese eyes has not been previously reported. The purpose of our study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined cataract surgery and XEN implantation in Chinese eyes with glaucoma.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective study of 31 consecutive Chinese patients who underwent combined phacoemulsification and XEN implantation at the National University Hospital (Singapore) in this study. Patients were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively on days 1 and 7, and months 1, 3, 6, and 12. The intraocular pressure (IOP), glaucoma medication use, Snellen visual acuity (VA), and complications were assessed at each visit. The Wilcoxon signed rank test for non-parametric data was used for the analysis of IOP and glaucoma medications at baseline versus 12 months after the procedure.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 70 ± 7.9 years and 48.4% were male. Twelve patients (38.7%) were diagnosed with primary open angle glaucoma and 19 patients (61.3%) were diagnosed with primary angle closure glaucoma. There was a significant decrease in IOP at 12 months (12.1 ± 2.6 mmHg) compared with preoperative medicated (15.6 ± 2.7 mmHg, p < 0.0001) and unmedicated IOP (22.1 ± 3.6 mmHg, p < 0.001). as well as a significant reduction in the number of glaucoma medications (1.4 ± 0.6 vs 0.1 ± 0.4, p < 0.0001). The most common complications were transient hypotony (12.9%) and ptosis (12.9%) and there were no sight-threatening intraoperative or postoperative complications. One patient required additional glaucoma surgery for uncontrolled IOP at 8 months after combined phacoemulsification and XEN implantation.

CONCLUSION

Combined XEN implantation with cataract surgery was effective in lowering the IOP and the number of glaucoma medications in Chinese eyes for at least 12 months, with a favorable safety profile.

An Objective Evaluation of the Upper Eyelid Position after Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery

Purpose: To objectively measure the upper eyelid position following phacoemulsification cataract surgery and to identify the determinants of postoperative transient ptosis. Methods: This is a single arm prospective study of patients who underwent cataract surgery from January to May 2017 at a tertiary Eye Hospital in Spain. Data comprised of: the type of anesthesia, the duration that the speculum remained in place and the total surgical time (duration of the procedure). The total surgical time was defined as, the time from the beginning of the paracentesis to the closure of the wounds (incision time). Digital photographs were obtained of: the face with the eye in primary gaze, looking inferiorly and superiorly, preoperatively, and 1, 30, 90 and 180 days postoperatively. Measurements for eyelid crease, levator function, and marginal reflex distance 1 (MRD1) were performed using ImageJ. Statistical analysis was performed of the difference between the preoperative and postoperative measurements. Results: The study consisted of 112 patients. The median lid crease was 9.0 mm [IQR (interquartile range) 7.5; 10.0] both preoperatively and at 180 days postoperatively (IQR 8.0; 10.8). No statistical difference was determined in the lid crease measurements between these two times (P = .17). The median levator function differed significantly preoperatively, at day 1 and 30, 60 and 180 days postoperatively (P < .01). MRD1 decreased significantly from a median of 3.01 mm preoperatively to 2.7 mm at 30 days postoperatively (P = .05) but was similar at preoperative and after 180 days (P = .7). The correlation of MRD1 to the duration of the speculum in place (P = .2) and the incision time (P = .57) was not significant. Conclusions: Ptosis, following phacoemulsification cataract surgery, is mild and transient, occurring only in the early postoperative period.

Incidence and risk of ptosis following ocular surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the incidence and risk factors of ptosis following ocular surgery.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched for articles that assessed the incidence or risk factors of ptosis following ocular surgery up to October 2017. We used a fixed effects model to calculate a pooled estimate of incidence, with subgroup analyses to evaluate the effect of different variables. The relative risks (RRs) or odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for all available factors were calculated using the fixed effects models.

RESULTS

A total of 16 studies on 2856 eyes were analyzed, including 3 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 13 cohort studies. The overall incidence of ptosis following ocular surgery was 11.4% (95% CI 10.1-12.8%). Subgroup analyses showed that the region and the surgery type were significantly associated with the incidence of postoperative ptosis. Men were less likely to get postoperative ptosis than women (OR 0.62; 95% CI 0.43-0.89). However, age (OR 0.77; 95% CI 0.48-1.23), side (OR 1.37; 95% CI 0.84-2.25), type of anesthesia (OR 0.57; 95% CI 0.16-2.05), prior surgery (OR 1.09; 95% CI 0.64-1.83), bridle suture (OR 2.04; 95% CI 0.94-4.42), or combined surgery (OR 0.95; 95% CI 0.58-1.57) did not significantly change the risk of ptosis following ocular surgery.

CONCLUSION

More than one in ten patients who undergo ocular surgery will develop ptosis. Different regions and surgery types may influence the occurrence of this abnormality. Female gender is a risk factor for development of postoperative ptosis.

Ptosis after glaucoma surgery

PURPOSE

Evaluate factors contributing to ptosis after glaucoma surgery.

METHODS

Three-year retrospective chart review from January 1, 2012, to January 1, 2015, 157 eyes, 3 surgeons, at Boston Medical Center, to determine the incidence of ptosis and the effects of each variable contributing to ptosis at 3 months after surgery. Each variable was analyzed using the chi-square or independent samples t-test analysis to determine statistical significance of ptosis compared with above variables.

RESULTS

The t-test or chi-square analysis showed that gender, steroid duration, use of mitomycin C, duration of surgery, and prior surgeries were not statistically significant factors for ptosis. There was a statistically significant association between those <70 years of age and ptosis (P<0.05), non-combined surgery and ptosis (P<0.05), shunting surgery and ptosis (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Ptotic changes occurred more often in those who have shunting (Ahmed and Baerveldt) surgeries compared with filtering (trabeculectomy and Express) surgeries.