Visual outcomes and corneal biomechanics after V4c implantable collamer lens implantation in subclinical keratoconus

Meridional analysis for calculation of the toric power of phakic IOLs

PURPOSE

To present a reproducible method to calculate the toricity needed at the intraocular lens (IOL) plane with toric phakic IOLs (ICL, Staar Surgical) and compare its results with those obtained with the online calculator provided by the manufacturer.

DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

SETTING

Private practice, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

METHODS

The formula originally described by Holladay to calculate the IOL power in phakic eyes was used to calculate the required spherical power along the less refractive meridian and along the more refractive meridian. Meridional analysis was applied to calculate the required toricity at the IOL plane and the surgically induced corneal astigmatism was incorporated into the calculations. The refractive cylinder predicted by this method and by the online calculator of the manufacturer were compared to the postoperative refractive cylinder by means of vector analysis. The possible changes in the ratio of toricity in patients with different amounts of astigmatism and anterior chamber depth are assessed in a theoretical section.

RESULTS

In 35 eyes, the measured mean postoperative refractive cylinder was 0.09 D @ 99°, the mean predicted postoperative refractive astigmatism was 0.04 D @ 102° according to the manufacturer's online calculator and 0.09 D @100° according to our method. With both methods, 91.43% of eyes had an absolute cylinder prediction error within ±0.50 diopters.

CONCLUSIONS

The method described in this article to calculate the toricity of phakic IOLs has a refractive accuracy similar to that of the original calculator developed by the manufacturer.

Bibliometric and visualized analysis of posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens research between 2003 and 2023

Introduction

Myopia is causing a major public health concern, with its prevalence increasing globally. This study aimed to discuss posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens (pIOL) research publication trends and hotspots over the past 20 years.

Methods

Bibliometric analysis was performed using the Web Science Core Collection to investigate posterior-chamber pIOL research publication trends. The extracted records were analyzed, and a knowledge map was built using VOSviewer v.1.6.20. The analysis included visualizing the annual publication count, countries/regions distribution, international and institutional collaborations, author productivity, and journal contribution, in addition to identifying knowledge bases and hotspots. Burst keywords were extracted using CiteSpace v.6.1.R.

Results

In total, 791 articles on posterior chamber pIOLs published between 2003 and 2023 were retrieved. China had the highest number of publications, whereas Japanese papers received the most citations. Fudan University had the highest number of publications, with articles from Kitasato University having the highest number of citations. Regarding individual research, Xingtao Zhou has published the most significant number of articles, and Shimizu Kimiya had the highest number of citations. The top productive/influential journal was 'Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery'. The top cited references primarily focused on reporting the clinical outcomes of implantable collamer lens (ICL) for individuals with moderate to high myopia. The keywords primarily formed four clusters: posterior chamber pIOL clinical outcomes for myopic astigmatism correction, posterior chamber pIOL implantation complications, ICL size selection and postoperative vault predictions, and postoperative visual quality following posterior chamber pIOL implantation.

Conclusion

This study presents the first bibliometric analysis of research trends in posterior chamber pIOL over the past two decades. We investigated the current state and emerging trends of global collaboration and research focal points in this field, offering fresh insights and guidance for researchers.

The comparison of corneal higher-order aberration and surgically induced astigmatism between the clear corneal incision and the limbus tunnel incision of posterior chamber implantable collamer lens implantation

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to compare the corneal high-order aberrations and surgically induced astigmatism between the clear corneal incision and limbus tunnel incision for posterior chamber implantable collamer lens (ICL/TICL) implantation.

METHODS

A total of 127 eyes from 73 myopic patients underwent ICL V4c implantation, with 70 eyes receiving clear corneal incisions and 57 eyes receiving limbus tunnel incisions. The anterior and back corneal surfaces were measured and the Root Mean Square of all activated aberrations (TRMS) was calculated, including higher-order aberration (HOA RMS), spherical aberration Z40, coma coefficients (Coma RMS) Z3-1 Z31, and surgically induced astigmatism (SIA). The measurements were taken preoperatively and postoperatively at 1 day, 1 week, and 1, 3, and 6 months. In this study, the corneal higher-order aberration was estimated as the Zernike coefficient calculated up to 5th order. The measurements were taken at a maximum diameter of 6.5 mm using Pentacam.

RESULTS

One week after the operation, the corneal back Z31 of the clear corneal incision group was 0.06 ± 0.06, while the limbus tunnel incision group showed a measurement of 0.05 ± 0.06 (p = 0.031). The corneal back Z40 of the clear corneal incision group was -0.02 ± 0.25, compared to -0.04 ± 0.21 in the limbus tunnel incision group (p = 0.01). One month after the operation, the corneal back SIA of the clear corneal incision group was 0.11 ± 0.11, compared to 0.08 ± 0.11of the limbus tunnel incision group (p = 0.013), the corneal total SIA of the clear corneal incision group was 0.33 ± 0.30, compared to 0.15 ± 0.16 in the limbus tunnel incision group (p = 0.004); the clear corneal incision group exhibited higher levels of back astigmatism and total SIA than the limbus tunnel incision in the post-operation one month period. During the 6- month post-operative follow-up period, no significant difference in Z31, Z40, and other HOA RMS data was observed between the two groups. The total SIA of the corneal incision group and the limbus tunnel incision group were 0.24 ± 0.14 and 0.33 ± 0.32, respectively (p = 0.393), showing no significant difference between the two groups 6 months after the operation.

CONCLUSION

Our data showed no significant difference in the high-order aberration and SIA between clear corneal incision and limbus tunnel incision up to 6 months after ICL-V4c implantation.

Refractive surgical correction and treatment of keratoconus

Keratoconus is an ectatic corneal disorder that causes severe vision loss. Surgical options allow us to correct, partially or totally, the induced refractive error. Intracorneal ring segments (ICRS) implantation represents a minimally invasive surgical option that improves visual acuity, with a high success rate and a low overall complication rate. Corneal allogenic ICRS consists of ring segments derived from allogenic eye bank-processed donor corneas. Selective topography-guided transepithelial photorefractive or phototherapeutic keratectomy combined with CXL is another way in selected cases to improve spectacles corrected distance visual acuity. The microphotoablative remodeling of the central corneal profile is generally planned by optimizing the optical zones and minimizing tissue consumption. Phakic intraocular lens (PIOL) implant is considered in patients with stable disease and acceptable anatomical requirements. The two types of pIOLs, depending on their implantation inside the eye, are anterior chamber-pIOLs, which fixate to the anterior surface of the iris by using a polymethomethacrolate claw at the two haptics, and posterior chamber-pIOLs. In patients with both cataracts and keratoconus, the correct IOL power is difficult to obtain due to the irregular corneal shape and K values. Toric IOL is recommended, but carefully judging the topography and the possible need of subsequent keratoplasties.

Artificial intelligence-based refractive error prediction and EVO-implantable collamer lens power calculation for myopia correction

BACKGROUND

Implantable collamer lens (ICL) has been widely accepted for its excellent visual outcomes for myopia correction. It is a new challenge in phakic IOL power calculation, especially for those with low and moderate myopia. This study aimed to establish a novel stacking machine learning (ML) model for predicting postoperative refraction errors and calculating EVO-ICL lens power.

METHODS

We enrolled 2767 eyes of 1678 patients (age: 27.5 ± 6.33 years, 18-54 years) who underwent non-toric (NT)-ICL or toric-ICL (TICL) implantation during 2014 to 2021. The postoperative spherical equivalent (SE) and sphere were predicted using stacking ML models [support vector regression (SVR), LASSO, random forest, and XGBoost] and training based on ocular dimensional parameters from NT-ICL and TICL cases, respectively. The accuracy of the stacking ML models was compared with that of the modified vergence formula (MVF) based on the mean absolute error (MAE), median absolute error (MedAE), and percentages of eyes within ± 0.25, ± 0.50, and ± 0.75 diopters (D) and Bland-Altman analyses. In addition, the recommended spheric lens power was calculated with 0.25 D intervals and targeting emmetropia.

RESULTS

After NT-ICL implantation, the random forest model demonstrated the lowest MAE (0.339 D) for predicting SE. Contrarily, the SVR model showed the lowest MAE (0.386 D) for predicting the sphere. After TICL implantation, the XGBoost model showed the lowest MAE for predicting both SE (0.325 D) and sphere (0.308 D). Compared with MVF, ML models had numerically lower values of standard deviation, MAE, and MedAE and comparable percentages of eyes within ± 0.25 D, ± 0.50 D, and ± 0.75 D prediction errors. The difference between MVF and ML models was larger in eyes with low-to-moderate myopia (preoperative SE >  - 6.00 D). Our final optimal stacking ML models showed strong agreement between the predictive values of MVF by Bland-Altman plots.

CONCLUSION

With various ocular dimensional parameters, ML models demonstrate comparable accuracy than existing MVF models and potential advantages in low-to-moderate myopia, and thus provide a novel nomogram for postoperative refractive error prediction and lens power calculation.

Intraocular Implantable Collamer Lens with a Central Hole Implantation: Safety, Efficacy, and Patient Outcomes

This review summarizes the available literature and provides updates on the efficacy, safety, and patient outcomes of phakic intraocular lens implantation using implantable collamer lens (ICL), with a focus on newer models with a central port (EVO/EVO+ Visian Implantable Collamer Lens, STAAR Surgical Inc.). All studies included in this review were identified from the PubMed database and were reviewed for relevancy of their topic. Data on hole-ICL implantation performed between October 2018 and October 2022 in 3399 eyes showed a weighted average efficacy index of 1.03 and a weighted average safety index of 1.19 within an average follow-up of 24.7 months. The incidence of complications such as elevated intraocular pressure, cataract, and corneal endothelial cell loss was low. Moreover, both quality of vision and quality of life improved after ICL implantation, confirming the benefits of this procedure. In conclusion, ICL implantation is a promising refractive surgery alternative to laser vision correction with excellent efficacy, safety, and patient outcomes.

Implantable collamer lens implantation (ICL) versus small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) in low to moderate myopia: study protocol for a randomized, non-inferiority trial

BACKGROUND

Implantable collamer lens implantation (ICL) is a form of 'foldable' posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens refractive surgery that generally does not impair cornea and natural accommodation. The potential advantages of the ICL over keratorefractive laser procedures include less induction of higher-order aberrations (HOAs) and enhanced retinal image magnification. On the other hand, small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE), currently, one of the most popular refractive surgery procedures, also offers excellent visual outcomes, particularly for eyes with low to moderate amounts of myopia. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether ICL/TICL (toric ICL) is comparable to SMILE for low to moderate myopia in terms of refractive outcomes at 3 and 18 months post-operatively.

METHODS/DESIGN

This is a prospective randomized study. A total of 300 participants will be randomized into two groups, the ICL/TICL group and SMILE group. Eligible participants with spherical equivalent (SE) less than - 6.0 diopter (D) will be recruited. Following randomization, participants will be followed at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months. The primary outcome is the refractive predictability at every postoperative point after surgery, which is the proportion of the number of eyes achieving a postoperative SE within ± 0.5 D and ± 1.0 D of the intended target. Secondary outcome parameters include visual acuity, refraction, adverse events, and quality of vision measurements.

DISCUSSION

This trial will provide information on whether ICL has comparable, if not superior, refractive outcomes compared to the established SMILE for low to moderate myopia, thus providing evidence for translation into clinical practice.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese clinical trial registry (ChiCTR) 2200055372. Registered on 08 January 2022.

Implantable collamer lens versus small incision lenticule extraction for high myopia correction: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

To compare the efficacy, safety, predictability and visual quality between implantable collamer lens (ICL) implantation and small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) for high myopia correction in adults.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. A comprehensive literature search was done based on databases including PubMed, Science Direct, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The efficacy index, safety index, changes in Snellen lines of corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), predictability (difference between post-operative and attempted spherical equivalent error, SER), incidence of halos, and change in higher-order aberrations (HOAs) were compared. Mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to estimate continuous outcomes, risk ratio (RR) and 95%CI was used to estimate categorical outcomes.

Results

Five observational studies involving 555 eyes were included in this review. Studies’ sample sizes (eyes) ranged from 76 to 197. Subjects’ refraction ranged from -6 diopter (D) to -12D. Study duration of most researches were 6 months or 12 months. Compared to SMILE, ICL implantation showed better efficacy index (MD=0.09, 95%CI:0.01 to 0.16) and better safety index (MD=0.08, 95%CI: 0.00 to 0.16). Compared with SMILE, more ICL-treated eyes gained one or more Snellen lines of CDVA (RR=1.54, 95%CI:1.28 to 1.86), more gained two or more lines (RR=2.09, 95%CI:1.40 to 3.13), less lost one or more lines (RR=0.17, 95%CI:0.05 to 0.63). There was no difference in predictability between two treatments, RRs of predictability of within ±0.5D and ±1D were 1.13 (95%CI: 0.94 to 1.36) and 1.00 (95%CI: 0.98 to 1.02). Compared with SMILE, ICL implantation came with a higher risk of halos [RR=1.79, 95%CI: 1.48 to 2.16] and less increase in total HOAs (MD=-0.23, 95%CI: -0.42 to -0.03).

Conclusion

Compared with SMILE, ICL implantation showed a higher risk of halos, but equal performance on SER control, and better performance on efficacy index, safety index, CDVA improvement and HOAs control. Overall, ICL implantation might be a better choice for high myopia correction in adults.

Indications for exchange or explantation of phakic implantable collamer lens with central port in patients with and without keratoconus

AIM

To evaluate the causes of phakic implantable collamer lens (ICL) exchange/explantation in patients with and without keratoconus (KC) at two tertiary hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent ICL (model V4c with central port) exchange/explantation was performed using the electronic medical record systems. All available preoperative and postoperative data were documented for each patient.

RESULTS

Over 7y, 2283 ICL implantation procedures were performed; 46 implants (2%) required exchange (21 implants)/explantation (25 implants), of which 14 cases (30.4%) were patients with KC. Indications for ICL exchange/explantation in non-KC group were vault measurement, cataract formation, increased intraocular pressure, inaccurate refraction, and patient dissatisfaction in 22 (68.75%), 4 (12.5%), 3 (9.37%), 2 (6.25%), and 1 (3.12%) case, respectively. The most common indication for ICL exchange/explantation in the KC group was inaccurate vault sizing in 11 patients (78.57%), inaccurate refraction in 2 patients (14.28%), and patient dissatisfaction postoperatively in 1 (7.14%) case.

CONCLUSION

ICL implantation results in predictable refractive outcomes over the long term with exchange/explantation rates comparable to previous literature. Improper vault size is the most common cause of ICL exchange/explantation among patients with or without KC.

Posterior Chamber Phakic Intraocular Lens Implantation for Refractive Correction in Corneal Ectatic Disorders: A Review

PURPOSE

To summarize the indications and outcomes of posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens (PIOL) implantation in corneal ectasias including keratoconus, pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD), post-refractive surgery, and post-keratoplasty ectasias.

METHODS

A review of the literature was conducted using the relevant keywords from various databases up to August 15, 2020. All pertinent studies were reviewed, and the relevant articles were studied in detail for efficacy, stability, predictability, and safety outcomes. In addition, visual quality, corneal biomechanical outcomes, complications, the role of posterior chamber PIOL in combination treatment, and comparison of posterior chamber PIOL with other PIOLs for ectasias were also evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 30 relevant studies (13 prospective, 13 retrospective, 4 case reports) on the subject were studied and summarized. All studies showed a favorable refractive outcome. Quality of vision remained unaffected and no significant complications were reported in any of the studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Posterior chamber PIOLs represent a viable option in the treatment of mild to moderate and stable corneal ectasia in patients with contact lens intolerance who have low irregular astigmatism, a clear central cornea, and good preoperative corrected distance visual acuity. [J Refract Surg. 2021;37(5):351-359.].