Dropless cataract surgery: modernizing perioperative medical therapy to improve outcomes and patient satisfaction

Dexamethasone Intracanalicular Insert versus Standard Topical Steroids for the Prophylaxis of Inflammation after Cataract Surgery

PURPOSE

To compare the efficacy of an intracanalicular dexamethasone intracanalicular insert (DII) to a topical prednisolone acetate 1% taper for preventing breakthrough inflammation (iritis or cystoid macular edema) during the first post-operative month (POM1) after cataract surgery DESIGN: Retrospective, non-randomized comparative interventional study METHODS: Patients received either DII or topical prednisolone acetate 1% eyedrops (control) during POM1. Exclusion criteria included history of iritis, glaucoma, intraoperative posterior capsular rupture or vitreous prolapse, immediate postoperative anterior chamber inflammation requiring treatment, or less than 1 month follow up post-operatively. Outcomes included development of breakthrough inflammation after >3 days postoperatively necessitating additional anti-inflammatory drops, cystoid macular edema, and increased intraocular pressure at POM1.

RESULTS

266 eyes of 174 patients were included in the DII group, and 258 eyes of 167 patients in the control group. Demographics, comorbidities, and baseline IOP were comparable between groups. The breakthrough inflammation rate was significantly higher in the DII group compared to control (9.0% vs 3.1%; p < .01); cystoid macular edema rates were similar between groups (4.9% vs 4.3%; p = .75). There were no cases of increased IOP >10mmHg at POM1 compared to baseline in either group.

CONCLUSION

After cataract surgery, DII demonstrated a higher rate of breakthrough inflammation than a standard topical steroid regimen with no significant differences in CME rate or IOP increase; however, overall, the rate of postoperative complications was low. DII can be a safe and effective alternative to topical corticosteroid therapy after cataract surgery.

Early Real-World Patient and Staff Experience with an Intracanalicular Dexamethasone Insert

Purpose

To evaluate both the early experience of real-world patients treated with dexamethasone ophthalmic insert (0.4 mg; DEXTENZA®), hereafter referred to as DEX, after cataract surgery as well as staff/practice integration of DEX relative to eyedrops.

Patients and Methods

This was a cross-sectional survey study of 23 cataract practices in the United States. Respondents were patients and practice staff who had experience with DEX following cataract surgery. Both patients and practice staff completed an online survey. Descriptive statistics summarized the survey responses to portray the experience of the respondents.

Results

Surveys were completed by 62 patients and 19 practice staff. Almost all patients (93%) were satisfied or extremely satisfied with DEX. Patients highly preferred DEX (93%) to topical steroid drops (7%) based on past experiences with topical steroid drops. Most practice staff (95%) were satisfied or highly satisfied with DEX, reporting a 45% reduction in time spent educating patients on postoperative drop use and a 46% decrease in time spent addressing calls from pharmacies regarding postoperative medications.

Conclusion

Incorporating the DEX insert into clinical practice in cataract surgery practices can improve patient adherence, while potentially providing significant savings to practices in terms of time spent educating patients and responding to patient and pharmacy call-backs.

New Approaches to Overcoming Antimicrobial Resistance in Endophthalmitis

Endophthalmitis is a rare but vision-threatening infection characterized by marked inflammation of intraocular fluids and tissues, uncommonly seen following surgery and intravitreal injection. Antimicrobials are used worldwide in the prophylaxis and treatment of bacterial and fungal infections of the eye and are standard treatment in the preoperative and postoperative care of surgical patients. However, antimicrobials are reported to be overprescribed in many parts of the world, which contributes to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). AMR complicates the prophylaxis and treatment of endophthalmitis. This article examines the prevalence and mechanisms of AMR in ocular microorganisms, emphasizing the importance of understanding AMR patterns for tailored treatments. It also explores prophylaxis and management strategies for endophthalmitis, with a discussion on the use of intracameral antibiotic administration. The use of prophylactic intracameral antibiotics during cataract surgery is common in many parts of the world but is still controversial in some locations, especially in the US. Finally, it highlights the role of stewardship in ophthalmology and its benefits in the treatment of endophthalmitis.

A Preservative-Free Approach - Effects on Dry Eye Signs and Symptoms After Cataract Surgery

Purpose

To compare the effect of treatment with preservative-free dexamethasone, NSAIDs and trehalose/hyaluronic acid eye drops with the preservative benzalkonium chloride containing dexamethasone and NSAIDs after cataract surgery in dry versus non-dry eyes.

Patients and Methods

In this prospective randomized intervention study, dry eye tests were performed before and 6 weeks after cataract surgery. Patients were considered as having dry eye, SDE (sign of dry eye), if at least one of the following dry eye tests were abnormal; corneal fluorescein staining (CFS), non-invasive keratograph breakup time (NIKBUT) or tear osmolarity. Patients with SDE were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Group 1 patients were treated with dexamethasone and bromfenac eye drops with the preservative benzalkonium chloride (BAC). Group 2 patients were treated with preservative-free dexamethasone and preservative-free diclofenac, as well as a preservative-free lubricant with trehalose and hyaluronic acid both before and after surgery. Patients with normal tear film status acted as the control group (group 3) and received same treatment as group 1.

Results

A total of 215 patients were enrolled six weeks after surgery, the number of patients with SDE decreased significantly in groups 1 and 2 (p <0.001). Subjective symptoms and objective measures including osmolarity, NIKBUT, CFS, and tear film thickness (TFT) improved after surgery, tear production remained unchanged, while corneal sensitivity and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) parameters worsened. In the control group with normal tear-film status, SDE increased significantly after the surgery (p <0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in tear film parameters between the three groups after surgery.

Conclusion

After cataract surgery, patients with mild to moderate dry eyes may experience improved tear film status and reduced symptoms. However, we found no additional beneficial effect on dry eye parameters with treatment with preservative-free dexamethasone, NSAIDs, and lubricants compared to preservative-containing eye drops.

Steroid Response Following Dropless Cataract Surgery Using Subconjunctival Triamcinolone

Purpose

To assess the rates of postoperative steroid response following dropless cataract surgery using a subconjunctival depot of triamcinolone versus conventional cataract surgery using topical prednisolone.

Patients and Methods

We reviewed consecutive cataract surgery cases performed by a single surgeon to determine the likelihood of steroid response, defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) 50% above baseline or IOP > 24 mmHg postoperatively, excluding the first 72 hours. Logistic regression models were performed including baseline characteristics as exposures in the model and steroid response as the outcome. Main outcome measures were the proportion of eyes developing steroid response, risk factors for developing steroid response, and duration of steroid response.

Results

Of the 150 dropless and 218 conventional cases, 26 eyes developed steroid response (15 dropless and 11 conventional cases [10% vs 5%, P=0.096]). Risk factors for steroid response included dropless surgery (OR=2.43, 95% CI=1.03-6.02], P=0.046) and prior diagnosis of glaucoma (OR=7.18, 95% CI=2.66-19.22], P<0.001). Baseline IOP, age, sex, race, and axial length did not increase risk for steroid response. Of the eyes with steroid response, more dropless cases had an IOP elevation ≥30 days (9/15 eyes vs 1/11 eyes; P=0.008), including one patient with refractory IOP elevation in the dropless group who required urgent bilateral trabeculectomy for IOP control.

Conclusion

Dropless cataract surgery increases the risk of prolonged steroid response postoperatively. Patients with glaucoma have an increased risk of steroid response and may not be good candidates for dropless cataract surgery with subconjunctival triamcinolone.

Use and Cost of Sustained-Release Corticosteroids for Cataract Surgery Under the Medicare Pass-Through Program

Importance

Sustained-release corticosteroids offer the potential of improved compliance and greater patient convenience for anti-inflammatory treatment after cataract surgery. However, they are substantially more expensive than postoperative corticosteroid eye drops, which have historically been standard care.

Objective

To examine the use and cost of sustained-release corticosteroids in patients with Medicare who underwent cataract surgery in the US during the temporary pass-through reimbursement program period.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study examined Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) claims from beneficiaries with at least 12 continuous months of Medicare enrollment who underwent at least 1 cataract surgery from March 2019 through December 2021. Patients younger than 65 years, those with missing demographic information, those who had more than 1 cataract surgery on each eye, and those who received more than 1 corticosteroid on the day of surgery were excluded. Cataract surgeries with concurrent use of dexamethasone intraocular suspension 9% or dexamethasone ophthalmic insert were identified. Information on surgeon demographic characteristics and costs of surgery and drugs were extracted. Data were analyzed from June 15 to December 4, 2022.

Exposure

Use of dexamethasone intraocular suspension 9% or dexamethasone ophthalmic insert during cataract surgery.

Main Outcome Measures

Utilization rate and cost of dexamethasone intraocular suspension 9% and dexamethasone ophthalmic insert among Medicare FFS beneficiaries who underwent cataract surgery.

Results

A total of 4 252 532 cataract surgeries in Medicare FFS beneficiaries (mean [SD] age, 74.8 [5.8] years; 1 730 811 male [40.7%] and 2 521 721 female [59.3%]) were performed by 12 284 ophthalmologists (8876 male [72.3%], 2877 female [23.4%], and 531 sex unknown [4.3%]). In all, 34 627 beneficiaries (0.8%) received dexamethasone intraocular suspension 9% and 73 430 (1.7%) received a dexamethasone ophthalmic insert; the use of both drugs increased over the study period. The mean (SD) Medicare allowed charges for dexamethasone intraocular suspension 9% and dexamethasone ophthalmic insert were $531.47 ($141.52) and $538.49 ($63.79), respectively.

Conclusions and Relevance

Despite offering the potential of improved compliance and greater patient convenience, findings of this study suggest that sustained-release corticosteroid use during cataract surgery was low and associated with cost increases to the health care system vs conventional postoperative eye drops. As these new products must be priced high enough to qualify for the Medicare pass-through program, unreasonable cost may have been a deterrent to their use, suggesting that the current Medicare reimbursement rules may not be appropriate for sustained-release postoperative corticosteroids in cataract surgery.

A Randomized, Prospective, Observer-Masked Study Comparing Dropless Treatment Regimen Using Intracanalicular Dexamethasone Insert, Intracameral Ketorolac, and Intracameral Moxifloxacin versus Conventional Topical Therapy to Control Postoperative Pain and Inflammation in Cataract Surgery

Purpose

To evaluate clinical efficacy and patient preference for a dropless treatment regimen compared to conventional topical therapy in patients undergoing cataract surgery.

Patients and Methods

In this prospective, contralateral eye study, patients with bilateral cataract were randomized to receive either intracanalicular dexamethasone insert, intracameral phenylephrine 1%/ketorolac 0.3%, and intracameral moxifloxacin (50 µg) (study group) or topical moxifloxacin 0.5%, ketorolac 0.5%, and prednisolone acetate 1.0% QID (control group). The second eye underwent cataract surgery 2 weeks later and was treated with the opposite treatment. All patients were evaluated at Days 1, 7, 14, 28, and 3 months. The primary outcome measure was postoperative ocular pain. Secondary outcomes included summed ocular inflammation score (SOIS; the sum of the mean anterior chamber cells and anterior flare score), the patient preference for medication protocol between the two eyes, and patient out-of-pocket cost of medications. Safety outcome measures included CDVA, intraocular pressure, central retinal thickness (CRT), and the incidence of reported AEs.

Results

The proportion of patients with no pain was similar in both groups at all postoperative visits (p>0.05). No statistically significant difference in SOIS score was observed between the two groups at any visit. A strong majority of the patients (94.7%) preferred the study eye's dropless regimen over the control eye's conventional topical therapy regimen. No statistically significant difference in mean intraocular pressure (IOP) was observed at any postoperative visit, except at Week 1. The mean CDVA was also similar in both groups at all postoperative visits (p>0.05). The postoperative mean CRT was comparable between the two groups.

Conclusion

A dropless treatment regimen is as effective as topical eyedrop administration. A higher proportion of patients who underwent bilateral cataract surgery preferred the dropless treatment regimen over the patient-administered eye drop regimen.

Efficacy and safety of 'dropless vitrectomy surgery' and comparison of outcomes to standard of care topical therapy

Objective/Background

To compare the effectiveness of intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide/moxifloxacin (Tri-Moxi) with the standard eye drop regimen for controlling postoperative inflammation, intraocular pressure, infections, macular thickness, and visual acuity (VA) in patients undergoing pars plana vitrectomy for various retinal disorders.

Subject/Methods

In this retrospective longitudinal study, patients who underwent vitrectomy using intravitreal Tri-Moxi at the end of surgery (Group 1) were compared with those who received standard topical steroid antibiotics (Group 2) in terms of intraocular inflammation, intraocular pressure, macular thickness based on optical coherence tomography, and visual acuity.

Results

In total, 162 consecutive eyes (group 1 [81 eyes]; group 2 [82 eyes]) were included. VA improved by two lines in both groups at 90 days. In Group 1, preoperative VA (logMAR) was 0.92 (0.66) compared to 0.92 (0.75) in Group 2 (p = 1), while at 3 months, it was 0.61 (0.3) and 0.57 (0.3), respectively (p = 0.46). Group 1 showed superior outcomes concerning central foveal thickness. The average central foveal thickness CFT (µm) in group 2 preoperatively was 423 (95) and 348 (63) at 3 months compared to group 1 526 (109) and 306 (108) preoperatively and 3 months, respectively (p = 0.042). There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of elevated intraocular pressure between the two groups or anterior chamber cell reaction severity, and no cases of endophthalmitis were observed in either group.

Conclusions

Tri-Moxi is effective after vitrectomy and is not inferior to standard postoperative topical therapy.

Modified-dropless protocol (nil intraocular) for micro-incision vitrectomy surgery (MIVS): a retrospective pilot study

BACKGROUND

Perioperative infection and inflammation prophylaxis after ocular surgery has evolved over the years along with improvements in surgical equipment and a growing interest in alternatives to the standard topical eye drops. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of a novel, modified-dropless protocol for 23-gauge (23-G), 25-gauge (25-G) and 27-gauge (27-G) micro-incision vitrectomy surgery (MIVS) that omits any intraocular injections of antibiotics or steroids.

METHODS

This Institutional Review Board-approved, single-surgeon retrospective study reviewed MIVS post-surgical outcomes in patients who received a modified-dropless protocol from February 2020 to March 2021. A total of 158 charts were reviewed, of which 150 eyes met the eligibility criteria. After each case, patients were administered a 0.5 cc subconjunctival injection of a 1:1 Cefazolin (50 mg/cc):Dexamethasone (10 mg/cc) in the inferior fornix and 0.5 cc of posterior Sub-Tenon's Kenalog (STK). No intravitreal injections were administered, and no pre- or postoperative antibiotic or steroid eye drops were prescribed. For patients allergic to penicillin, separate subconjunctival injections of 0.25 cc each of Vancomycin (10 mg/cc) and Dexamethasone (10 mg/cc) were administered. The primary safety parameter was postoperative cases of endophthalmitis. Secondary endpoints consisted of Best-Corrected Distance Visual Acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and postoperative complications (retinal detachments, inflammation, need for additional surgery) within three months of surgery. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square (χ²) tests for categorical values, and a Student's t-test to compare continuous outcomes.

RESULTS

The majority of surgeries (96%) were performed with the 27G MIVS platform. There were no cases of postoperative endophthalmitis. Mean logMAR BCVA improved from 0.71 (± 0.67) to 0.61 (± 0.60) post-operatively (p = 0.02). Excluding patients who had silicone oil tamponade, postoperative BCVA improved from 0.67 (± 0.66) to 0.54 (± 0.55) (p = 0.003). Mean IOP increased from 14.6 (± 3.8) to 15.3 (± 4.1) (p = 0.05). Ten patients required further medication therapy for an increase in IOP, one had inflammatory signs, and 14 required a second surgical intervention mostly due to recurrences of initial surgical indication.

CONCLUSION

A modified-dropless postoperative protocol involving subconjunctival and posterior sub-Tenon's injections only may be a safe and convenient alternative to topical eye drops for patients undergoing MIVS, but additional and larger studies are needed.

Hyaluronic acid - PVA films for the simultaneous delivery of dexamethasone and levofloxacin to ocular tissues

Ocular drug delivery is challenging due to the poor drug penetration across ocular barriers and short retention time of the formulation at the application site. Films, applied as inserts or implants, can be used to increase residence time while controlling drug release. In this work, hydrophilic films made of hyaluronic acid and two kinds of PVA were loaded with dexamethasone (included as hydroxypropylcyclodextrin complex) and levofloxacin. This association represents one of the main treatments for the post cataract surgery management, and it is also promising for eye infections whith pain and inflammation. Films were characterized in terms of swelling and drug release and were then applied to porcine eye bulbs and isolated ocular tissues. Film swelling leads to the formation of either a gel (3D swelling) or a larger film (2D swelling) depending on the type of PVA used. Films, prepared in an easy and scalable method, demonstrated high loading capacity, controlled drug release and the capability to deliver dexamethasone and levofloxacin to the cornea and across the sclera, to potentially target also the posterior eye segment. Overall, this device can be considered a multipurpose delivery platform intended for the concomitant release of lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs.

Identifying and addressing common contributors to nonadherence with ophthalmic medical therapy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To discuss common reasons for nonadherence and review existing and emerging options to reduce nonadherence with ocular medical therapy and optimize therapeutic outcomes.

RECENT FINDINGS

Nonadherence can arise from patient-related issues (e.g. physical, cognitive) and healthcare-related issues (e.g. cost, access to care). Multiple strategies have been developed and evaluated to overcome these barriers to adherence. Identifying nonadherence and its cause(s) facilitates the development of strategies to overcome it.

SUMMARY

Many common causes of nonadherence can be mitigated through a variety of strategies presented.

Management of inflammation after the cataract surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review most recent studies and clinical trials regarding pathogenesis, treatment, and prevention of inflammation after the cataract surgery.

RECENT FINDINGS

FLACS gave opportunity to evaluate inflammatory cytokines in the aqueous humour right after the laser procedure, which led to acknowledging the inflammation pathogenesis during the phacoemulsification. Although there is still a lack of evidence, which would prove the long-term benefit of NSAIDs, they are indicated and effective when risk factors for PCME are present. PREMED studies showed that combination of NSAID and steroids after the surgery for healthy subjects is cost-effective. The triamcinolone injection together with topical steroids and NSAIDs for diabetic patients after the cataract surgery was the most cost-effective in preventing PCME according to the PREMED. Dropless cataract surgery is another emerging topic: dexamethasone implants and suspensions look promising as we await more clinical trials with drug-loaded IOLs.

SUMMARY

Inflammation after the cataract surgery can be prevented, and these methods are one of the most essential topics with growing phacoemulsification rate. Topical NSAIDs are cost-effective not only for patients with risk factors for PCME but also for healthy subjects. New dropless techniques are being successfully introduced in the clinical practice.

Prospective, Randomized, Fellow Eye-Controlled Study of Postoperative Pain and Inflammation Control with an Intracanalicular Dexamethasone 0.4 mg Ophthalmic Insert Following Small Incision Lenticule Extraction

Purpose

To compare postoperative anterior chamber inflammation, pain, and patient preference following small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) in eyes treated with a dexamethasone 0.4 mg intracanalicular insert (DEX) or topical prednisolone acetate (PRED).

Patients and Methods

In this prospective, randomized, fellow eye-controlled trial, 20 patients underwent same-day, bilateral SMILE. One randomly-selected eye of each patient received DEX placed immediately postoperatively, and the fellow eye received topical PRED tapered over 2 weeks. Postoperative evaluations were performed on day 1, week 1, month 1, and month 3. Primary outcomes included postoperative pain, incidence of anterior chamber cell and flare, and patient preference of steroid therapy.

Results

No eyes in either group had any clinically evident cell or flare at any postoperative time point. Mean pain scores (0-10 by subjective report) and incidence of any pain were statistically similar at all postoperative visits. Uncorrected distance visual acuity improved in all eyes, 91% of which achieved 20/25 or better. No eyes lost any lines of corrected distance visual acuity. Three eyes developed a steroid-related rise in intraocular pressure, all of which resolved with 2 of the 3 eyes requiring topical therapy. At 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months, 70%, 65%, and 53% of patients preferred DEX over PRED therapy, respectively.

Conclusion

The DEX insert was preferred by more patients and controlled postoperative inflammation and pain comparably to topical PRED in eyes undergoing SMILE. There were no statistically significant differences in visual outcomes between the two groups.

Perioperative nuances of cataract surgery in ocular surface disorders

Ocular surface disorders (OSDs) constitute a varied spectrum of conditions that could be associated with dryness, compromised limbal status, varying grades of forniceal obliteration, corneal scars, and a possible underlying immune etiology. These associations adversely impact surgical outcomes in the eye. One of the treatable causes of decreased vision in these eyes is cataracts which could be secondary to the disease, its treatment, or age-related. The compromised ocular surface status can interfere with decision-making regarding the technique of cataract surgery, preoperative biometry for intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation, and intraoperative visibility, increasing the possibility of complications and compromising the final visual outcome. The postoperative course can be affected by complications, including melt and infection. Stabilization of the ocular surface by medical or surgical means, and appropriate management of underlying immune etiology, if any, helps improve and maintain a healthy ocular surface, optimizing cataract outcomes. With the help of pre, intra, and postoperative tools and means, such as punctal occlusion, ocular surface reconstruction, systemic immunosuppression, illuminators, capsule staining dyes, optical iridectomy, prosthetic replacement of the ocular surface ecosystem (PROSE) lenses, and others, the visual outcome post-cataract surgery in these eyes can be maximized. This article highlights the nuances of performing cataract surgery in various OSDs and the need to have a comprehensive stepwise approach is emphasized.

Impact of Global Optimization of Lens Constants on Absolute Prediction Error for Final IOL Power Selection When Using Intraoperative Aberrometry

Purpose

To evaluate absolute prediction errors following phacoemulsification with implantation of a multifocal toric intraocular lens (IOL) using intraoperative aberrometry for IOL power selection and to compare findings with the globally optimized and manufacturer’s recommended lens constants and regression coefficients.

Methods

Data from the Optiwave Refractive Analysis (ORA SYSTEM) were analyzed retrospectively. Absolute prediction errors from surgeries performed before and after the first optimization of the manufacturer’s recommended lens constant and non-optimized regression coefficients for the multifocal toric IOL (SND1T3-6) were compared. Optimization was based on outcomes of procedures performed using the ORA SYSTEM and archived in its database (AnalyzOR). Outcome measures included the proportion of eyes with absolute ORA SYSTEM prediction errors ≤0.25 D and ≤0.5 D and the mean and median absolute prediction errors.

Results

The pre-optimization group included 1027 eyes operated on by 184 surgeons, and the optimized group included 419 eyes operated on by 143 surgeons. The proportions of eyes achieving absolute ORA SYSTEM prediction errors ≤0.25 D (52.5% vs 35.0%, p < 0.0001) and ≤0.50 D (83.1% vs 66.2%, p < 0.0001) were significantly higher in the optimized than in the pre-optimization group. The mean ± standard deviation (0.30 ± 0.25 D vs 0.43 ± 0.32 D, p < 0.0001) and median (0.24 D vs 0.36 D, p < 0.0001) absolute ORA SYSTEM prediction errors were significantly lower after than before optimization. Prediction errors following optimization were reduced more in eyes of average than of long and short axial lengths.

Conclusion

Global optimization of the manufacturer’s IOL lens constants and regression coefficients resulted in lower absolute prediction errors when compared with the initial manufacturer labeled lens constants and non-optimized regression coefficients. Reductions in absolute prediction error can result in lower postoperative residual refractive error, which can improve post-operative uncorrected visual acuity and provide the potential for greater patient satisfaction following cataract surgery.

Intracanalicular Dexamethasone Insert or Topical Prednisolone Following iStent and Hydrus Surgery for Glaucoma

PRCIS

Using an intracanalicular dexamethasone insert or topical prednisolone following iStent and Hydrus surgery provided similar short-term control of postoperative inflammation.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to compare postoperative inflammation in patients who received an intracanalicular dexamethasone insert or topical prednisolone after iStent or Hydrus insertion during cataract surgery.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients receiving a dexamethasone insert after iStent or Hydrus insertion were included and compared with age-matched controls who received topical prednisolone. Preoperative data were recorded. Postoperative inflammatory cell and the proportion of patients with zero anterior chamber cells was recorded at month 1. Postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) and rate of cystoid macular edema were recorded at months 1 and 3.

RESULTS

Forty eyes receiving topical prednisolone were compared with 35 eyes receiving a dexamethasone insert after iStent or Hydrus insertion. The mean postoperative inflammatory cell for the topical group at month 1 was 0.2±0.3, and the dexamethasone group, 0.3±0.5 ( P =0.816). Overall, 70% of patients in the topical group had zero anterior chamber cell at postoperative month 1 compared with 75.8% in the dexamethasone group ( P =0.583). The mean preoperative IOP for the topical group was 18.8±5.5 and the dexamethasone group was 17.1±4.1 ( P =0.064). Mean postoperative IOP for the topical group at months 1 and 3 was 17.6±6.4 and 15.1±3.1, respectively and the dexamethasone group, 17.5±4.8 and 15.0±3.4, respectively ( P =0.772 and 0.884). One patient developed cystoid macular edema in each group.

CONCLUSION

There was no statistically significant difference in the proportion of patients who had zero anterior chamber cell at postoperative month 1 between groups receiving intracanalicular dexamethasone insert or topical prednisolone.

Advancements in Postoperative Care after Cataract Surgery

Cataract surgery is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures in many countries [...].

Classification Tree to Analyze Factors Connected with Post Operative Complications of Cataract Surgery in a Teaching Hospital

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming ever more frequently applied in medicine and, consequently, also in ophthalmology to improve both the quality of work for physicians and the quality of care for patients. The aim of this study is to use AI, in particular classification tree, for the evaluation of both ocular and systemic features involved in the onset of complications due to cataract surgery in a teaching hospital. Methods: The charts of 1392 eyes of 1392 patients, with a mean age of 71.3 ± 8.2 years old, were reviewed to collect the ocular and systemic data before, during and after cataract surgery, including post-operative complications. All these data were processed by a classification tree algorithm, producing more than 260 million simulations, aiming to develop a predictive model. Results: Postoperative complications were observed in 168 patients. According to the AI analysis, the pre-operative characteristics involved in the insurgence of complications were: ocular comorbidities, lower visual acuity, higher astigmatism and intra-operative complications. Conclusions: Artificial intelligence application may be an interesting tool in the physician’s hands to develop customized algorithms that can, in advance, define the post-operative complication risk. This may help in improving both the quality and the outcomes of the surgery as well as in preventing patient dissatisfaction.

Classification Tree to Analyze Factors Connected with Post Operative Complications of Cataract Surgery in a Teaching Hospital

BACKGROUND

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming ever more frequently applied in medicine and, consequently, also in ophthalmology to improve both the quality of work for physicians and the quality of care for patients. The aim of this study is to use AI, in particular classification tree, for the evaluation of both ocular and systemic features involved in the onset of complications due to cataract surgery in a teaching hospital.

METHODS

The charts of 1392 eyes of 1392 patients, with a mean age of 71.3 ± 8.2 years old, were reviewed to collect the ocular and systemic data before, during and after cataract surgery, including post-operative complications. All these data were processed by a classification tree algorithm, producing more than 260 million simulations, aiming to develop a predictive model.

RESULTS

Postoperative complications were observed in 168 patients. According to the AI analysis, the pre-operative characteristics involved in the insurgence of complications were: ocular comorbidities, lower visual acuity, higher astigmatism and intra-operative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Artificial intelligence application may be an interesting tool in the physician's hands to develop customized algorithms that can, in advance, define the post-operative complication risk. This may help in improving both the quality and the outcomes of the surgery as well as in preventing patient dissatisfaction.

Same-Day versus Next-Day Dexamethasone Intracanalicular Insert Administration for Inflammation and Pain Control Following Cataract Surgery: A Retrospective Analysis

Background

The dexamethasone 0.4mg intracanalicular insert (Dextenza, Ocular Therapeutix, Bedford, MA) is approved for control of postoperative pain and inflammation following ocular surgery. This study compared pain and inflammation resolution following phacoemulsification in eyes that received the insert immediately postoperatively versus the next day.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of existing electronic health records. Consecutive qualifying eyes were included for analysis. All patients received perioperative antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Pain and inflammation were assessed at baseline and on postoperative days 1, 7, and 30. Pain was assessed by dichotomous patient report (present/absent). Anterior chamber cell (0, 0.5+, 1–4+) and flare (0–4+) were graded using the Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature rubric.

Results

Data from 17 eyes of 17 subjects were analyzed; 8 received the insert immediately postoperative and 9 in the office the next day. In both groups, trace cell was present in all eyes at day 1 and had resolved in all but 1 eye in each group at days 7 and 30. Flare was absent in all eyes at every time point, and transient pain was reported in a single same-day eye on day 7. No insert-related adverse events were observed, and no eyes required rescue corticosteroid therapy or insert removal.

Conclusion

Similar rates of inflammation and pain resolution after phacoemulsification were observed with the dexamethasone intracanalicular insert placed either immediately postoperatively or the next day.

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