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Ababneh OH, Alzagareet YM, Al-Zoubi RM, Ahmad DT, Atieh RW, Odeh AE, Alkhaled FA, Alryalat SA. The Minimally Important Difference (MID) in Visual Acuity That Represents Changes in Patients' Quality of Life. Cureus 2024; 16:e65503. [PMID: 39188422 PMCID: PMC11346132 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.65503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024] Open
Abstract
To assess the minimal change in visual acuity perceived by patients as important in different eye-related interventions. PubMed was utilized to search articles on each of the four major interventions: cataract surgery, keratoplasty, different glaucoma treatments, and refractive eye surgery, each combined with quality of life (QoL) and visual acuity keywords. The search was narrowed to articles between 2000 and 2023. Seventy-four major articles were thus reviewed. Of these, 27 studies reviewed the results of cataract surgery, 20 studies discussed the effect of keratoplasty interventions on the vision-related QoL (VRQoL), most showing that VRQoL improved significantly after keratoplasty, 11 studies investigated the effect of different glaucoma interventions on patients' visual acuity and the QoL, 16 studies reviewed refractive surgery, where they showed an improved QoL in most of the cases, although some of the studies showed a slight superiority of one intervention over the other in the short term. The minimally important difference (MID) perceived in visual acuity depends mainly on the type of surgical intervention (keratoplasty, glaucoma, or refractive surgery), and the impact on QoL on improved visual acuity differs depending on the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osama H Ababneh
- Ophthalmology, Jordan University Hospital, The University of Jordan, Amman, JOR
| | | | | | | | | | - Aya E Odeh
- Ophthalmology, The University of Jordan, Amman, JOR
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Madsen MBM, Ivarsen A, Hjortdal J. Visual function after ultrathin Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty or Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty combined with cataract surgery: a randomised controlled clinical trial. Br J Ophthalmol 2024; 108:654-661. [PMID: 37290822 DOI: 10.1136/bjo-2023-323304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To compare best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), contrast sensitivity and endothelial cell density (ECD) after ultrathin Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (UT-DSAEK) and Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). METHODS A randomised, single-blinded, single-centre design was used. 72 patients with Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy and cataract were randomised to UT-DSAEK or DMEK combined with phacoemulsification and lens implantation. 27 patients with cataract were included in a control group and treated with phacoemulsification and lens implantation. The primary outcome was BCVA at 12 months. RESULTS Compared with UT-DSAEK, DMEK resulted in better BCVA with mean differences of 6.1 early treatment diabetic retinopathy study (ETDRS) (p=0.001) after 3 months, 7.4 ETDRS (p<0.001) after 6 months and 5.7 ETDRS (p<0.001) after 12 months. The control group obtained significantly better BCVA with a mean difference of 5.2 ETDRS (p<0.001) compared with DMEK 12 months postoperatively. Compared with UT-DSAEK, contrast sensitivity was significantly better 3 months after DMEK with a mean difference of 0.10 LogCS (p=0.03). However, our study found no effect after 12 months (p=0.08). ECD was significantly lower after UT-DSAEK compared with DMEK with mean differences of 332 cells/mm2 (p<0.01) after 3 months, 296 cells/mm2 (p<0.01) after 6 months and 227 cells/mm2 (p=0.03) after 12 months. CONCLUSIONS Compared with UT-DSAEK, DMEK resulted in better BCVA 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Twelve months postoperatively, DMEK had a higher ECD than UT-DSAEK; however, no difference in contrast sensitivity was found. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04417959.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anders Ivarsen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Jesper Hjortdal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
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Flockerzi E, Turner C, Seitz B, Collaborators GSG. Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty is the predominant keratoplasty procedure in Germany since 2016: a report of the DOG-section cornea and its keratoplasty registry. Br J Ophthalmol 2024; 108:646-653. [PMID: 37586835 PMCID: PMC11137454 DOI: 10.1136/bjo-2022-323162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS This retrospective multicentric panel study provides absolute numbers, types of and indications for corneal transplantation in Germany from 2011 to 2021 and sets them into the international context. METHODS A questionnaire was sent to the 104 German ophthalmologic surgery departments and 93 (89%) provided their data. RESULTS The number of reported keratoplasties more than doubled from 2011 (n=4474) to 2021 (n=8998). Lamellar keratoplasties (49% posterior (n=2883), 4% anterior (n=231)) surpassed penetrating keratoplasty (PKP, 47%, n=2721) for the first time in 2014. Since 2016, Descemet's membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) has become the predominant keratoplasty procedure in Germany. Its number increased by 1.5-fold from 3850 (2016) to 5812 (2021). Main indications in 2021 were Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD, 43%), pseudophakic corneal decompensation (12%), repeated keratoplasty (11%), infections (7%), keratoconus (6%) and corneal scarring (4%, others: 9%). The PKP percentage decreased from 70.2% in 2011 (n=3141) to 31.7% in 2021 (n=2853). Descemet's stripping (automated) endothelial keratoplasties (DSAEKs) decreased to 1% in 2021 (n=74). 98.6% of all posterior lamellar keratoplasties were DMEKs in Germany in 2021. The number of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasties (DALKs) remained comparable from 2011 (n=269) to 2021 (n=251, 2.8%). CONCLUSION Main indications for corneal transplantation in Germany (2021) were FECD and pseudophakic corneal decompensation. DMEK is by far the predominant corneal transplantation procedure since 2016 followed by PKP, whose absolute number decreased only slightly during the decade from 2011 to 2021. DALK proportions remain low, but stable, whereas DSAEK decreased annually and plays a minor role in Germany. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03381794.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Flockerzi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Saarland University Hospital and Saarland University Faculty of Medicine, Homburg, Saarland, Germany
| | - Christina Turner
- Department of Ophthalmology, Saarland University Hospital and Saarland University Faculty of Medicine, Homburg, Saarland, Germany
| | - Berthold Seitz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Saarland University Hospital and Saarland University Faculty of Medicine, Homburg, Saarland, Germany
| | - GeKeR Study Group Collaborators
- Department of Ophthalmology, Saarland University Hospital and Saarland University Faculty of Medicine, Homburg, Saarland, Germany
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van der Zee C, Muijzer MB, van den Biggelaar FJHM, Nuijts RMMA, Delbeke H, Dickman MM, Imhof SM, Wisse RPL. Cost-effectiveness of the ADVISE trial: An intraoperative OCT protocol in DMEK surgery. Acta Ophthalmol 2024; 102:254-262. [PMID: 37340731 DOI: 10.1111/aos.15729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
The intraoperative optical coherence tomography (iOCT) is recently introduced in Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) surgery, which aims to increase clinical performance and surgery safety. However, the acquisition of this modality is a substantial investment. The objective of this paper is to report on the cost-effectiveness of an iOCT-protocol in DMEK surgery with the Advanced Visualization in Corneal Surgery Evaluation (ADVISE) trial. This cost-effectiveness analysis uses data 6 months postoperatively from the multicentre prospective randomized clinical ADVISE trial. Sixty-five patients were randomized to usual care (n = 33) or the iOCT-protocol (n = 32). Quality-Adjusted Life Years (EQ-5D-5L), Vision-related Quality of Life (NEI-VFQ-25) and self-administered resources questionnaires were administered. Main outcome is the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) and sensitivity analyses. The iOCT protocol reports no statistical difference in ICER. For the usual care group compared with the iOCT protocol, respectively, the mean societal costs are €5027 compared with €4920 (Δ€107). The sensitivity analyses report the highest variability on time variables. This economic evaluation learned that there is no added value in quality of life or cost-effectiveness in using the iOCT protocol in DMEK surgery. The variability of cost variables depends on the characteristics of an eye clinic. The added value of iOCT could gain incrementally by increasing surgical efficiency, and aiding in surgical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casper van der Zee
- Utrecht Cornea Research Group, Ophthalmology Department, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marc B Muijzer
- Utrecht Cornea Research Group, Ophthalmology Department, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Rudy M M A Nuijts
- University Eye Clinic, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Heleen Delbeke
- Ophthalmology Department, University Hospital Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Biomedical Sciences Group, Department of Neurosciences, Research Group Ophthalmology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mor M Dickman
- University Eye Clinic, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia M Imhof
- Utrecht Cornea Research Group, Ophthalmology Department, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Robert P L Wisse
- Utrecht Cornea Research Group, Ophthalmology Department, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Ballesteros-Sánchez A, Peraza-Nieves J, Casablanca-Piñera A, Rodríguez-Calvo-De-Mora M, Catalán-Coronado S, Torras-Sanvicens J, Borroni D, Sánchez-González JM, Rocha-De-Lossada C. Scheimpflug Corneal Densitometry Patterns at the Graft-Host Interface in DMEK and DSAEK: A 12-Month Longitudinal Comparative Study. J Clin Med 2023; 12:7133. [PMID: 38002744 PMCID: PMC10672394 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12227133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To compare corneal densitometry (CD) patterns at the graft-host interface between Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) and Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK). Corneal densitometry is a quantitative assessment that objectively evaluates corneal clarity and optical quality by measuring the light backscatter from the cornea. METHODS Fifty-one eyes that received DMEK or DSAEK surgery for corneal endothelium dysfunction were evaluated. The primary endpoint included CD patterns at the graft-host interface, which were assessed by the Pentacam HR device at the center point of the corneal horizontal meridian (CDcentral), and at six points on the central circumference of the cornea (with a total diameter of 4 mm) (CDI,II,III,IV,V,VI). Secondary endpoints included the best-corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA), central corneal thickness (CCT), and graft thickness (GT). All of the evaluations were performed at follow-up appointments one, three, six and twelve months after the procedure. RESULTS DMEK showed a significant overall CD reduction of -7.9 ± 8.5 grayscale unit (GSU) compared to DSAEK (p < 0.001). In addition, the DMEK group showed significantly lower CDCentral,I,II,III,IV,V,VI values at follow-up appointments one, three, six and twelve months after the procedure compared to the DSAEK group (p < 0.001). BCDVA, CCT and GT were in favor of the DMEK group with a mean value of 0.39 ± 0.35 LogMar, 552.2 ± 71.1 µm and 11.03 ± 1.4 µm, respectively (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS CD patterns at the graft-host interface seem to be different depending on the endothelial keratoplasty procedure. This provides specific insight into CD changes in this critical region of surgery, which may provide a better understanding of the postoperative evolution of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Ballesteros-Sánchez
- Department of Physics of Condensed Matter, Optics Area, University of Seville, 41004 Seville, Spain
- Department of Ophthalmology, Novovision Ophthalmologic Clinic, 30008 Murcia, Spain
| | - Jorge Peraza-Nieves
- Anterior Segment Department, Institut Clinic D’Oftalmologia, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (J.P.-N.); (A.C.-P.); (S.C.-C.); (J.T.-S.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Castellar Clinic, 08017 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Casablanca-Piñera
- Anterior Segment Department, Institut Clinic D’Oftalmologia, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (J.P.-N.); (A.C.-P.); (S.C.-C.); (J.T.-S.)
| | - Marina Rodríguez-Calvo-De-Mora
- Qvision, Ophthalmology Department, VITHAS Almeria Hospital, 04120 Almeria, Spain; (M.R.-C.-D.-M.); (C.R.-D.-L.)
- Ophthalmology Department, VITHAS Malaga, 29016 Malaga, Spain
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital Regional Universitario, 29011 Malaga, Spain
| | - Saray Catalán-Coronado
- Anterior Segment Department, Institut Clinic D’Oftalmologia, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (J.P.-N.); (A.C.-P.); (S.C.-C.); (J.T.-S.)
| | - Josep Torras-Sanvicens
- Anterior Segment Department, Institut Clinic D’Oftalmologia, Hospital Clinic Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (J.P.-N.); (A.C.-P.); (S.C.-C.); (J.T.-S.)
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Davide Borroni
- Department of Doctoral Studies, Riga Stradins University, LV-1007 Riga, Latvia;
- Advalia Vision, Cornea Research Unit, 20145 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Carlos Rocha-De-Lossada
- Qvision, Ophthalmology Department, VITHAS Almeria Hospital, 04120 Almeria, Spain; (M.R.-C.-D.-M.); (C.R.-D.-L.)
- Ophthalmology Department, VITHAS Malaga, 29016 Malaga, Spain
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital Regional Universitario, 29011 Malaga, Spain
- Department of Surgery, Ophthalmology Area, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain
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Sela TC, Iflah M, Muhsen K, Zahavi A. Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty compared with ultrathin Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty: a meta-analysis. BMJ Open Ophthalmol 2023; 8:e001397. [PMID: 37914389 PMCID: PMC10626808 DOI: 10.1136/bmjophth-2023-001397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS This study aims to compare the clinical outcome of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) and ultrathin Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (UT-DSAEK) in patients with corneal endothelial dysfunction due to Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy or pseudophakic bullous keratopathy. METHODS We conducted a meta-analysis using a literature search of Embase, PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, ClinicalTrials.gov and WHO ICTRP databases. We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and cohort studies that compared DMEK and UT-DSAEK (graft<130 µm), with a follow-up of ≥12 months, published until 20 February 2022. We used the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for RCTs and the Risk of Bias in Non-Randomised Studies-of Interventions system for cohort studies. RESULTS Out of 144 records, 8 studies (3 RCTs, 2 fellow-eye studies and 3 cohort studies) were included, encompassing 376 eyes, (N=187 DMEK vs N=189 UT-DSAEK). The 12-month logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was better post-DMEK (mean difference -0.06 (95% CI -0.10 to -0.02)), but with higher rebubbling risk: OR 2.76 (95% CI 1.46 to 5.22). Heterogeneity was significant I2=57%. Findings were consistent when excluding retrospective studies, including only studies with low risk of bias or RCTs only. An analysis of studies with mean DSAEK grafts <70 µm showed no significant difference in BCVA between the procedures. Publication bias was found in the BCVA analysis (Egger's test p=0.023). CONCLUSIONS Post-DMEK BCVA is superior to post-UT-DSAEK when using <130 µm grafts. DSAEK grafts <70 µm may not significantly differ from DMEK. The higher risk of rebubbling with DMEK necessitates an appropriate selection of patients. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42022340805.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tal Corina Sela
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Moti Iflah
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Khitam Muhsen
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Alon Zahavi
- Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Ophthalmology Department and Laboratory of Eye Research, Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel
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de Bruyn B, Ní Dhubhghaill S, Claerhout I, Claes K, Deconinck A, Delbeke H, Huizing M, Krolo I, Muijzer M, Oellerich S, Roels D, Termote K, Van den Bogerd B, Van Gerwen V, Verhaegen I, Wisse R, Wouters K, Consortium TBC, Duchesne B, Koppen C. Belgian Endothelial Surgical Transplant of the Cornea (BEST cornea) protocol: clinical and patient-reported outcomes of Ultra-Thin Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (UT-DSAEK) versus Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) - a multicentric, randomised, parallel group pragmatic trial in corneal endothelial decompensation. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e072333. [PMID: 37714670 PMCID: PMC10510864 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-072333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Corneal blindness is the third most frequent cause of blindness globally. Damage to the corneal endothelium is a leading indication for corneal transplantation, which is typically performed by lamellar endothelial keratoplasty. There are two conventional surgical techniques: Ultra-Thin Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (UT-DSAEK) and Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK). The purpose of this study is to compare both techniques. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The trial compares UT-DSAEK and DMEK in terms of clinical and patient reported outcomes using a pragmatic, parallel, multicentric, randomised controlled trial with 1:1 allocation with a sample size of 220 participants across 11 surgical centres. The primary outcome is the change in best-corrected visual acuity at 12 months. Secondary outcomes include corrected and uncorrected vision, refraction, proportion of high vision, quality of life (EQ-5D-5L and VFQ25), endothelial cell counts and corneal thickness at 3, 6 and 12 months follow-up appointments. Adverse events will also be compared 12 months postoperatively. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The protocol was reviewed by ethical committees of 11 participating centres with the sponsor centre issuing the final definitive approval. The results will be disseminated at clinical conferences, by patient partner groups and open access in peer-reviewed journals. GOVERNANCE OF THE TRIAL Both, trial management group and trial steering committee, are installed with representatives of all stakeholders involved including surgeons, corneal bankers, patients and external experts. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05436665.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara de Bruyn
- Ophthalmology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Sorcha Ní Dhubhghaill
- Ophthalmology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
- Ophtalmology, UZ Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Ilse Claerhout
- Ophtalmology, AZ Maria Middelares, Sint-Niklaas, Belgium
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
| | - Kim Claes
- Ophthalmology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Ann Deconinck
- Clinical Research Centre, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Heleen Delbeke
- Ophthalmology, KU Leuven University Hospitals, Leuven, Belgium
- Health Sciences, KU Leuven Biomedical Sciences Group, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Manon Huizing
- Cell and Tissue Bank, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Iva Krolo
- Ophtalmology, UZ Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Marc Muijzer
- Ophtalmology, University Medical Centre, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Silke Oellerich
- Ophthalmology, Institute for Innovative Ocular Surgery, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dimitri Roels
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium
- Ophthalmology, University Hospital Ghent, Gent, Belgium
| | - Karolien Termote
- Ophtalmology, UZ Brussel, Brussel, Belgium
- Ophthalmology, Imelda Hospital, Bonheiden, Belgium
| | | | - Veerle Van Gerwen
- Clinical Research Centre, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Iris Verhaegen
- Clinical Trial Centre, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Robert Wisse
- Ophtalmology, University Medical Centre, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Kristien Wouters
- Clinical Research Centre, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
| | | | - Bernard Duchesne
- Ophtalmology, Central University Hospital, Liege, Belgium
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
| | - Carina Koppen
- Ophthalmology, University Hospital Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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Aiello F, Gallo Afflitto G, Pocobelli G, Ponzin D, Nucci C. Effect of Covid-19 on Eye Banks and Corneal Transplantations: Current Perspectives. Clin Ophthalmol 2022; 16:4345-4354. [PMID: 36606249 PMCID: PMC9809163 DOI: 10.2147/opth.s379849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic exerted a great impact on medical practice, which was reframed according to the actual needs. Ophthalmological services and procedures including corneal transplantation did not represent an exception. The adoption and implementation of new standard operating procedures as well as of new technologies for remote consultation and smart-working reshaped daily activities of both eye bankers, physicians, researchers, and patients. Regulatory restrictions were issued redefining corneal donor eligibility criteria, as well as handling and harvesting procedures of donor ocular tissues. Surgical schedules underwent an abrupt contraction with prioritization of urgent procedures. Local lockdowns and confinement strategies resulted in both a reduction and redirection of research activities. The evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 colonization of ocular tissues, long-term corneal storage techniques, new disinfection strategies, split corneal transplants and cell-based therapies for the treatment of corneal disease peaked in the pipeline. Aim of this article is to summarizes the overall impact of the pandemic on the corneal transplantation machinery, and the current and future perspectives for the corneal transplant community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Aiello
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy,Correspondence: Francesco Aiello, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Via Montpellier 1, Rome, 00133, Italy, Email
| | - Gabriele Gallo Afflitto
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy,Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Giulio Pocobelli
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Diego Ponzin
- Fondazione Banca degli Occhi del Veneto, Venice, Italy
| | - Carlo Nucci
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
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Gellert A, Unterlauft JD, Rehak M, Girbardt C. Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) improves vision-related quality of life. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2022; 260:3639-3645. [PMID: 35612615 PMCID: PMC9581807 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-022-05711-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To evaluate vision-related quality of life (VRQL) before and after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). Methods The study was conducted in patients with Fuchs endothelial dystrophy or pseudophakic bullous keratopathy undergoing DMEK alone or in combination with cataract surgery (triple-DMEK) between August 2019 and March 2020 at the University of Leipzig Medical Center. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was measured. Visual acuity factor (VAF) and glare factor (GF) scores were calculated using the Visual Function and Corneal Health Status Instrument questionnaire answered by patients before surgery and 6 months thereafter. Subgroup analyses were performed for DMEK versus triple-DMEK, and for first versus second eyes, in addition to correlation analyses of scores with preoperative BCVA. Results Forty-six patients were included in this analysis. VAF score improved from 0.68 ± 0.54 to 0.02 ± 0.57 (P < 0.0001) and GF score improved from 0.53 ± 0.43 to -0.11 ± 0.39 (P < 0.0001) during follow-up. Both scores improved without significant differences after surgery in the first and in the fellow eye (P < 0.0001) and after DMEK and triple-DMEK (P < 0.0001). The improvement of scores did not correlate with preoperative BCVA (r = 0.06, P = 0.68 for VAF; r = -0.09, P = 0.54 for GF). Conclusion VRQL improves similarly after DMEK and triple-DMEK and between first and second operated eye. The extent of improvement is independent of the preoperative BCVA. The results of this study can be useful when planning DMEK by enabling a prediction of anticipated VRQL gain. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00417-022-05711-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Gellert
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Augenheilkunde, Liebigstraße 12, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jan Darius Unterlauft
- Universitätsklinik Für Augenheilkunde, Inselspital, Freiburgstrasse, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Matus Rehak
- Klinik Und Poliklinik Für Augenheilkunde, Friedrichstr. 18, 35392, Gießen, Germany
| | - Christian Girbardt
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Augenheilkunde, Liebigstraße 12, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
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Comparative Analysis of Corneal Parameters in Swept-Source Imaging between DMEK and UT-DSAEK Eyes. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10215119. [PMID: 34768639 PMCID: PMC8584974 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10215119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The need to provide a comparative analysis of corneal parameter changes compared to their preoperative values between Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) and ultrathin Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (UT-DSAEK) patients. Methods: The study included 24 eyes after UT-DSAEK and 24 eyes after DMEK. Visual acuity, endothelial cell count (ECC), central corneal thickness (CCT), mean keratometry (MK), mean astigmatism (MA), astigmatism asymmetry (AA) and higher-order aberrations (HOAs) were assessed at baseline and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after the surgery. Results: From the 3rd month post operation, ECC was higher in the DMEK eyes than in the UT-DSAEK eyes (p = 0.01). In a bivariate analysis that was adjusted for age, DMEK was associated with a smaller decrease in posterior MK at the 1-month (β = −0.49, p = 0.002), 3-month (β = −0.50, p < 0.001), 6-month (β = −0.58, p < 0.001) and 12-month (β = −0.49, p < 0.001) follow-up visits. There were no significant differences in changes in anterior or combined surface MK throughout the observation period. Accordingly, no significant differences in changes in MA, AA or HOAs compared to the baseline values were identified between the eyes after DMEK and UT-DSAEK at any follow-up time point. Conclusions: UT-DSAEK seemed to be an easier and safer technique than DMEK while maintaining similar outcomes regarding irregular astigmatism and total keratometry values.
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