Risk Factors in Post-LASIK Corneal Ectasia

Progress of corneal morphological examination combined with biomechanical examination in preoperative screening for keratorefractive surgery

Although corneal refractive surgery has been proven to be excellent in terms of safety and effectiveness, the reduction of postoperative corneal ectasia remains one of the most concerned topics for surgeons. Forme fruste keratoconus (FFKC) is the most important factor that leads to postoperative corneal ectasia, and common preoperative screenings of the condition include corneal morphology examination and corneal biomechanical examination. However, there are limitations to the single morphological examination or biomechanical examination, and the advantages of the combination of the two have been gradually emerging. The combined examination is more accurate in the diagnosis of FFKC and can provide a basis for determining suspected keratoconus. It allows one to measure the true intraocular pressure (IOP) before and after surgery and is recommended for older patients and those with allergic conjunctivitis. This article aims to discuss the application, advantages, and disadvantages of single examination and combined examination in the preoperative screening of refractive surgery, so as to provide a certain reference value for choosing suitable patients for surgery, improving surgical safety, and reducing the risk of postoperative ectasia.

Sex Hormones, Growth Hormone, and the Cornea

The growth and maintenance of nearly every tissue in the body is influenced by systemic hormones during embryonic development through puberty and into adulthood. Of the ~130 different hormones expressed in the human body, steroid hormones and peptide hormones are highly abundant in circulation and are known to regulate anabolic processes and wound healing in a tissue-dependent manner. Of interest, differential levels of sex hormones have been associated with ocular pathologies, including dry eye disease and keratoconus. In this review, we discuss key studies that have revealed a role for androgens and estrogens in the cornea with focus on ocular surface homeostasis, wound healing, and stromal thickness. We also review studies of human growth hormone and insulin growth factor-1 in influencing ocular growth and epithelial regeneration. While it is unclear if endogenous hormones contribute to differential corneal wound healing in common animal models, the abundance of evidence suggests that systemic hormone levels, as a function of age, should be considered as an experimental variable in studies of corneal health and disease.

Ectasia After Corneal Refractive Surgery: A Systematic Review

INTRODUCTION

The incidence of ectasia following refractive surgery is unclear. This review sought to determine the worldwide rates of ectasia after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), and small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) based on reports in the literature.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted according to modified Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Publications were identified by a search of eight electronic databases for relevant terms between 1984 and 2021. Patient characteristics and preoperative values including manifest refractive spherical refractive equivalent (MRSE), central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior keratometry, postoperative residual stromal bed (RSB), and percent tissue altered (PTA) were summarized. In addition, annual rates of each refractive surgery were determined, and incidence of post-refractive ectasia for each type was calculated using the number of ectatic eyes identified in the literature.

RESULTS

In total, 57 eyes (70 eyes including those with preoperative risk factors for ectasia) were identified to have post-PRK ectasia, while 1453 eyes (1681 eyes including risk factors) had post-LASIK ectasia, and 11 eyes (19 eyes including risk factors) had post-SMILE ectasia. Cases of refractive surgery performed annually were estimated as 283,920 for PRK, 1,608,880 for LASIK, and 96,750 for SMILE. Reported post-refractive ectasia in eyes without preoperative identifiable risk factors occurred with the following incidences: 20 per 100,000 eyes in PRK, 90 per 100,000 eyes in LASIK, and 11 per 100,000 eyes in SMILE. The rate of ectasia in LASIK was found to be 4.5 times higher than that of PRK.

CONCLUSION

Post-refractive ectasia occurs at lower rates in eyes undergoing PRK than LASIK. Although SMILE appears to have the lowest rate of ectasia, the number of cases already reported since its recent approval suggests that post-SMILE ectasia may become a concern. Considering that keratoconus is a spectrum of disease, pre-existing keratoconus may play a larger role in postoperative ectasia than previously accounted for in the literature.

Lipidomics Analysis of the Tears in the Patients Receiving LASIK, FS-LASIK, or SBK Surgery

Purpose: Tear film lipid layer (TFLL) plays a vital role in maintaining the tear film stability and, thus, the lipid composition of the tears could greatly affect the physiological function and biophysical integrity of the tear film. The objective of this study is to assess the tear lipid composition of the patients receiving laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), femtosecond LASIK (FS-LASIK), or sub-Bowman's keratomileusis (SBK) surgery preoperatively and postoperatively.

Methods: Tear samples were collected from the left eye of the patient who receiving LASIK (n = 10), FS-LASIK (n = 10), or SBK (n = 10) surgery in week 0, week 1, week 4, and week 52. A rapid direct injection shotgun lipidomics workflow, MS/MS^ALL (<2 min/sample), was applied to examine the tear lipidome.

Results: In week 52, the SBK group demonstrated a similar lipidome profile compared to week 0, while the FS-LASIK and LASIK groups shifted away from week 0. Two lipids, ganglioside (GD3) 27:4 and triacylglycerol (TAG) 59:3, were found to be associated with the lipidome changes preoperatively and postoperatively. No statistical significance was found in the overall lipid classes from the FS-LASIK group. The LASIK group showed significant alteration in the phospholipid and sphingolipid over time, while the SBK group demonstrated a significant difference in the (O-acyl)-ω-hydroxy fatty acid (OAHFA) and phospholipid.

Conclusion: LASIK showed the greatest impact on the tear lipidome changes over time, while SBK demonstrated minimal impact among the three types of refractive surgeries after 1 year.

Controversy and Consideration of Refractive Surgery in Patients with Heritable Disorders of Connective Tissue

Heritable Disorders of Connective Tissue (HDCTs) are syndromes that disrupt connective tissue integrity. They include Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI), Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Marfan Syndrome (MFS), Loeys-Dietz Syndrome (LDS), Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), Stickler Syndrome (STL), Wagner Syndrome, and Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum (PXE). Because many patients with HDCTs have ocular symptoms, commonly myopia, they will often present to the clinic seeking refractive surgery. Currently, corrective measures are limited, as the FDA contraindicates laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in EDS and discourages the procedure in OI and MFS due to a theoretically increased risk of post-LASIK ectasia, poor wound healing, poor refractive predictability, underlying keratoconus, and globe rupture. While these disorders present with a wide range of ocular manifestations that are associated with an increased risk of post-LASIK complications (e.g., thinned corneas, ocular fragility, keratoconus, glaucoma, ectopia lentis, retinal detachment, angioid streaks, and ocular surface disease), their occurrence and severity are highly variable among patients. Therefore, an HDCT diagnosis should not warrant an immediate disqualification for refractive surgery. Patients with minimal ocular manifestations can consider LASIK. In contrast, those with preoperative signs of corneal thinning and ocular fragility may find the combination of collagen cross-linking (CXL) with either photorefractive keratotomy (PRK), small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) or a phakic intraocular lens (pIOL) implant to be more suitable options. However, evidence of refractive surgery performed on patients with HDCTs is limited, and surgeons must fully inform patients of the unknown risks and complications before proceeding. This paper serves as a guideline for future studies to evaluate refractive surgery outcomes in patients with HDCTs.

The Percent Volume Altered in Correction of Myopia and Myopic Astigmatism With PRK, LASIK, and SMILE

PURPOSE

To determine the volumes altered during photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), and small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) correction of myopia and myopic astigmatism.

METHODS

The volumes of stromal tissue affected by surgical correction of pure and astigmatic myopia were calculated in this theoretical study for PRK, LASIK, and SMILE treatments. These results were then used to calculate representative values for percent volume altered (PVA) restricted to stromal corneal tissue.

RESULTS

For the same spherical equivalent, there were remarkable differences between the amount of tissue removed between pure and compound myopic corrections. The PVA of LASIK procedures was the largest, whereas the PVA was comparable between PRK and SMILE. PRK had the lowest PVA for low myopic and compound astigmatic corrections and SMILE had the lowest PVA for high myopic and compound myopic astigmatism procedures.

CONCLUSIONS

The comparison of volumes of tissue removed and PVA values of different treatment modalities provided in this study may give clinicians an improved understanding about the potential influence of geometrical parameters of those methods on the biomechanics of the cornea. [J Refract Surg. 2020;36(12):844-850.].

Factors associated with changes in posterior corneal surface following photorefractive keratectomy

PURPOSE

To identify factors associated with changes in the posterior cornea curvature following laser refractive surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included myopic astigmatic eyes that underwent PRK between January 2013 and December 2013 at Care-Vision Laser Centers, Tel-Aviv, Israel. The average posterior K was measured with the Sirius device at a radius of 3 mm from the center. The correlations between the surgical induced change in average posterior k and preoperative parameters such as central corneal thickness (CCT), refraction, Baiocchi Calossi Versaci index (BCV), ablation depth, percent tissue altered (PTA), and residual stroma bed (RSB) were analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 280 eyes with a mean age of 24.9 ± 6.1 years (range, 18-47 years were included in this study. The mean PTA was 14.8 ± 6.0%. A greater change in posterior K was found in females (p = 0.01), smaller treatment zones of 6.0 mm (p = 0.02) and PTA > 20% (p < 0.001). A lower CCT (r =  - 0.24, p < 0.001), higher myopia (r =  - 0.34, p < 0.001), higher astigmatism (r =  - 0.17, p < 0.001), higher total BCV (r = 0.13, p = 0.03), lower back BCV (r =  - 0.12, p = 0.05), higher front BCV (r = 0.16, p = 0.01), higher posterior I-S ratio (r = 0.16, p = 0.01), and a lower RSB (r =  - 0.42, p < 0.001) were all significantly correlated with percentage of change in mean posterior K. In ranked stepwise multiple regression analysis, 26.2% of the variance of change in posterior K could be explained by the examined factors. The factors that remained significant were PTA (p < 0.001), CCT (p = 0.001), and posterior I-S ratio (p = 0.001). PTA alone accounted for 15% of the variance in posterior K changes in multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Understanding of factors affecting a change in posterior cornea after refractive surgery may have an important practical value for the prevention of iatrogenic keratectasia. Preoperative CCT, posterior I-S ratio, and PTA were significantly associated with changes in posterior K after PRK. PTA was the strongest predictor of posterior corneal changes (p < 0.001).

Myopic regression and recurrent Salzmann nodule degeneration after laser in situ keratomileusis in Ehlers Danlos Syndrome

PURPOSE

We describe the first case of Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS) reported in the English language ophthalmic literature to have undergone Laser In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery.

OBSERVATIONS

We review our patient's specific postoperative complications of myopic regression, Salzmann nodular degeneration, and dry eye syndrome, as well as the risks and consequences of performing LASIK on patients with this collagen disorder.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE

Refractive errors may prompt EDS patients to seek laser vision correction, placing them at increased risk for complications such as myopic regression, keratectasia, and dry eye syndrome. Aberrant wound healing and collagen dysfunction may have influenced our patient's myopic regression and Salzmann nodule degeneration post-LASIK. Currently, EDS is considered a relative contraindication in LASIK due to a presumed higher risk of postoperative keratectasia; however, we believe it is possible that not all forms of EDS need to be an absolute contraindication to LASIK. More research is warranted to determine preoperative risk stratification for laser vision surgery in each subtype of EDS.

Simulation of the biomechanical effects induced by laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for different levels of ablation in normal corneas

PURPOSE

To employ a finite element (FE) stress model to simulate laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery and its biomechanical consequences.

METHODS

The basic geometrical model we used for the cornea was patient-specific on which we manually incorporated seven simulations: three simulations evaluating the effect of a 120, 140 and 180 μm flap (without ablation); three simulations evaluating ablation depths of 40, 80 and 120 μm (with a 120 μm flap); and one control model, without any simulated surgical intervention.

RESULTS

In all simulations, stress values were greatest in the centre of the cornea. Furthermore, when comparing the different treatments, stress values were highest in the cornea with the deepest ablation, and were lowest in the non-treated cornea. Specifically, peak effective stresses were 0.031, 0.028 and 0.025 MPa in 120, 80 and 40 µm ablation depths, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In our model, the depth of tissue penetration using ablation or flap creation was correlated with tissue loads-the thinner the residual stromal bed is, the greater are the stresses occurring as a result of the same IOP.

RELEVANCE

We based our model geometry on patient specific scans, allowing for customisation of the treatment to the patient's corneal structure.

Ectasia after keratorefractive surgery: Analysis of risk factors and treatment outcomes in the Indian population

Purpose:

To analyze the risk factors in eyes developing ectasia following keratorefractive procedures. In addition, the study assessed visual outcomes following various treatment modalities for ectasia.

Methods:

In this retrospective study, data of patients who underwent keratorefractive procedures, presenting to the refractive services of a tertiary eye care hospital in South India between January 2016 and May 2019 was analyzed. Of these, the eyes that developed ectasia were noted and the possible risk factors were determined. Visual outcomes following treatment with corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) with or without intracorneal ring segment implantation (ICRS) or topography-guided corneal ablation (T-PRK) were analyzed.

Results:

Forty eyes of 26 patients developed ectasia following keratorefractive procedures, with a mean interval of 73.1± 45.4 months between primary procedure and ectasia development. Of these, 14 patients had bilateral presentation. Identifiable risk factors included ablation depth >75 μm (59.25%), percentage of tissue altered (PTA) >40% (48.14%), residual stromal bed <300 μm (22.22%), mean refractive spherical equivalent >8 D (25.92%), inferior–superior (I–S) asymmetry >1.4D (7.40%), central corneal thickness (CCT) <500 μm (7.40%), Belin Ambrosio Display (BAD) >2.5 (7.40%), posterior float elevation maximum ≥18 μm (3.70%), and pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD; 3.70%).

Conclusion:

Our study shows that only 70% of the eyes demonstrated an identifiable risk factor for the development of ectasia. Ablation depth of >75 μm and the PTA >40% were the most common risk factors. Treatment following CXL with ICRS or T-PRK demonstrated significantly better visual outcomes in comparison with CXL alone.

Review of Laser Vision Correction (LASIK, PRK and SMILE) with Simultaneous Accelerated Corneal Crosslinking - Long-term Results

Purpose: Laser in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK), photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) are safe and effective refractive surgical procedures. However, complications include regression of treatment and iatrogenic keratectasia which can be severe and sight-threatening. In order to reduce these complications, simultaneous corneal cross-linking (CXL) is currently being added to these refractive procedures. This review analyses current long-term literature (≥ 1 year follow-up) on refractive surgery and simultaneous CXL (LASIK Xtra, PRK Xtra and SMILE Xtra) to determine its overall safety and efficacy.Methods: A comprehensive literature search of various electronic databases (PubMed, PubMed Central and MEDLINE) was performed up to 9^th February 2019. Efficacy and safety indices are calculated where possible.Results: Ten relevant studies were found for LASIK Xtra, 4 for PRK Xtra and 1 for SMILE Xtra. The total number of eyes included in this review was 1,189: 347 eyes for LASIK Xtra, 300 eyes for LASIK-only, 298 for PRK Xtra, 204 for PRK-only, 40 for SMILE Xtra and none for SMILE-only. Current studies show that refractive surgery and simultaneous CXL produces comparable or better results in terms of refractive and keratometric stability than refractive surgery alone. However, case reports of complications such as corneal ectasia, diffuse lamellar keratitis and central toxic keratopathy have also recently been published.Conclusions: Simultaneous accelerated CXL and refractive surgery is effective for the treatment of myopia. However, it is as yet unclear if the additional CXL step reduces the incidence of iatrogenic keratectasia. Further long-term comparative studies would be useful in evaluating safety and efficacy of this procedure. More research should also be performed to titrate the UV-A irradiation settings for an optimal outcome.

Corneal Safety and Stability in Cases of Small Incision Lenticule Extraction with Collagen Cross-Linking (SMILE Xtra)

Purpose

To assess the safety and stability in cases of small incision lenticule extraction with collagen cross-linking (SMILE Xtra).

Methods

This study was a retrospective interventional comparative study that included 60 eyes of 30 patients divided equally into two groups: SMILE Xtra and SMILE alone. The inclusion criteria were patients >18 years of age, myopic error >6 D, thinner cornea <520 microns, and abnormal corneal topography. Outcome data were recorded including uncorrected distance visual acuity and corrected distance visual acuity (UDVA and CDVA), manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE), central corneal thickness, average keratometry, endothelial cell density, corneal resistance factor (CRF), and corneal densitometry. The follow-up period was 24 months.

Results

There was a significant difference between the 2 groups regarding UDVA, CDVA, and MRSE at 1 month. In the SMILE Xtra group, 90% of eyes had postoperative UDVA of 20/20 and 97% had UDVA of 20/30 at 24 months. At 24 months, 26 eyes (87%) vs. 25 eyes (84%) were within ±0.50 D of attempted correction in SMILE Xtra and SMILE groups, respectively. Regarding stability, both groups showed improvement of MRSE at 1^st month postoperatively and remained stable along the 24 months of follow-up. CRF and corneal densitometry were higher in the SMILE Xtra group along the whole follow-up period (p=0.001).

Conclusion

Combining corneal cross-linking with SMILE procedure (SMILE Xtra) is a promising tool to prevent ectasia in high-risk patients. It is a safe and simple procedure that can be offered to patients undergoing SMILE with risk for ectasia. Trial registration no: PACTR201810577524718.

Long-term safety of laser in situ keratomileusis in eyes with thin corneas: 5-year follow-up

AIM

To investigate the long term (≥5y) efficacy, predictability, and safety of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in eyes with thin corneas [central corneal thickness (CCT) <500 µm].

METHODS

A total of 339 patients met the criteria of this study. Finally, 175 eyes of 89 patients who had thin corneas and underwent LASIK≥5y ago returned to our clinic and included in this study. Preoperative parameters recorded included uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), manifest refraction, CCT and corneal topography. At returning visits, in addition to visual acuity and manifest refraction, ultrasound CCT and corneal topography were performed. Optical coherence tomography was used to measure the CCT, LASIK flap thickness, and residual stromal bed thickness (RSBT). Safety index, efficacy index, percentage of eyes within ±0.5 D and ±1.0 D of refraction, percent tissue altered (PTA), and percentage stromal bed thickness (PSBT) were calculated.

RESULTS

The safety index was 1.09 and efficacy index was 0.99. The percentages of eyes within ±0.5 D and ±1.0 D were 71.2% and 87.7%, respectively. The mean PTA was 40%±6% (range 20% to 55%); 76 eyes (43.4%) had PTA <40% and 99 eyes (56.6%) had PTA≥40%. The mean RSBT was 303±27 µm (range 240 to 390 µm), and 2 eyes had RSBT<250 µm. The mean PSBT was 61%±9% (range 51% to 85%). No eyes developed ectasia.

CONCLUSION

In this cohort with the PSBT of 50% or more, LASIK is safe with follow-up for at least 5y.

Comparison of Corneal Deformation Parameters in Keratoconic and Normal Eyes Using a Non-contact Tonometer With a Dynamic Ultra-High-Speed Scheimpflug Camera

PURPOSE

To evaluate and compare biomechanical properties in normal and keratoconic eyes using a dynamic ultra-high-speed Scheimpflug camera equipped with a non-contact tonometer (Corvis ST; Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany).

METHODS

This retrospective study evaluated 89 eyes (47 normal, 42 keratoconic) and a validation arm of 72 eyes (33 normal, 39 keratoconic) using the Corvis ST. A diagnosis of keratoconus was established by clinical findings confirmed by topography and tomography. Dynamic corneal response parameters collected by the Corvis ST (A1 velocity, deformation amplitude [DA], DA Ratio Max 1mm, and Max Inverse Radius) and a stiffness parameter at first applanation (SP-A1) were incorporated into a novel logistic regression equation (DCR index). Area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) was used to assess the sensitivity and specificity of the DCR index.

RESULTS

DA, DA Ratio Max 1mm, Max Inverse Radius, and SP-A1 were each found to be statistically significantly different between normal and keratoconic eyes (Mann-Whitney test [independent samples]; P = .0077, < .0001, < .0001, and < .0001, respectively; significance level: P < .05). DCR index demonstrated high sensitivity, specificity, and overall correct detection rate (92.9%, 95.7%, and 94.4%, respectively; AUC = 98.5). The sensitivity and overall correct detection rate improved when eyes with Topographical Keratoconus Classification grades (TKC) greater than 0 were reevaluated (from 92.9% to 96.6% and from 94.4% to 96.1%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Combining multiple biomechanical parameters (A1 velocity, DA, DA Ratio Max 1mm, Max Inverse Radius, and SP-A1) into a logistic regression equation allows for high sensitivity and specificity for distinguishing keratoconic from normal eyes. [J Refract Surg. 2017;33(9):625-631.].

Corneal Biomechanical Properties after FS-LASIK with Residual Bed Thickness Less Than 50% of the Original Corneal Thickness

Background

The changes in corneal biomechanical properties after LASIK remain an unknown but important topic for surgical design and prognostic evaluation. This study aims to observe the postoperative corneal biomechanical properties one month after LASIK with amount of corneal cutting (ACC) greater than 50% of the central corneal thickness (CCT).

Methods

FS-LASIK was performed in 10 left rabbit eyes with ACC being 60% (L60) and 65% (L65) of the CCT, while the right eyes (R) were the control. After 4 weeks, rabbits were executed and corneal strip samples were prepared for uniaxial tensile tests.

Results

At the same strain, the stresses of L65 and L60 were larger than those of R. The elastic moduli of L60 and L65 were larger than those of R when the stress was 0.02 MPa, while they began to be less than those of R when stress exceeds the low-stress region. After 10 s relaxation, the stress of specimens L65, L60, and R increased in turn.

Conclusion

The elastic moduli of the cornea after FS-LASIK with ACC greater than 50% of the CCT do not become less under normal rabbit IOP. The limit stress grows with the rise of ACC when relaxation becomes stable.

Keratectasia after laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy for myopia: A case report

RATIONALE

Recently, some ophthalmologists performed PRK or LASEK surgeries in FFKC suspicious patients, which is supposed to prevent FFKC evolvement via fibrotic scar formation. Our report indicates that keratectasia can occur after LASEK in FFKC suspicious patients, highlighting the importance of stricter regulation of patient recruitment before the procedure and postoperative follow-up.

PATIENT CONCERNS

This is a report of a 25-year-old man with poor corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) 6 years after LASEK. Preoperatively, central corneal thickness was 532 μm in right eye and 528 μm in leftt eye; corneal keratometry was 42.0/40.3diopters (D) in the right eye and 42.5/40.6D in the left eye; the CDVA was 2/50 in both eyes with the CDVA being 20/20 with -6.00DS/-2.00DC×30 in the right eye and -8.00DS/-2.00DCx150 in the left eye. Six years after LASEK, the CDVA was 20/50 with -5.75DS/-1.75DC×170 in the right eye and 10/50 with -15.00DS/-5.00DC ×155 in the left eye.

DIAGNOSES

Bilateral keratectasia.

INTERVENTIONS

Slit lamp examination, postoperative and in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) were performed in both eyes.

OUTCOMES

Examination under the slit lamp showed thinning and protrusion of the central cornea. Corneal topography showed significant inferior steepening with an irregular astigmatism, the corneal thickness at the thinnest point was 376μm and 350 μm and anterior surface keratometry was 43.1/41.2 D and 50.0/48.4 D in the right eye and left eye, respectively (right eye maximum K, 52.1 D; left eye maximum K, 65.6 D). Thin and irregular bands and hyper-reflective deposits in the Bowman's layer were found in IVCM images.

LESSONS

The case indicates that ectasia can occur after LASEK in pre-existing forme fruste keratoconus (FFKC) suspicious patients, highlighting the importance of a stringent preoperative workup on patients before the procedure and proper postoperative follow-up.

Corneal hysteresis and corneal resistance factor in pellucid marginal degeneration

Purpose

To evaluate and compare corneal hysteresis (CH) and corneal resistance factor (CRF) in pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD), keratoconus (KCN), and normal eyes using the Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA).

Methods

In this retrospective study, corneal biomechanical parameters were measured in patients with PMD (n = 102) and KCN (n = 202) and normal subjects (n = 208) using the ORA. Data, including full patient history as well as the results of refraction, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, Pentacam HR (Oculus), and ORA (Reichert; Buffalo, New York, USA), were collected from medical records. Also, the data of only one eye per individual were selected for the analysis. The inclusion criteria for PMD and KCN groups were a reliable diagnosis of these ectatic disorders based on the clinical and corneal tomographic findings. CH, CRF, CH–CRF, intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements were assessed for each subject. Data were analyzed with SPSS and MedCalc using the ANOVA, Pearson Correlation, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results

The mean CH was 8.91 mmHg ± 1.05 [standard deviation (SD)], 8.43 ± 0.78, and 10.89 ± 1.08 in the PMD, KCN, and normal group, respectively. Also, the mean CRF was 8.21 ± 1.35, 7.19 ± 1.11, and 10.69 ± 1.41 in the PMD, KCN, and normal group, respectively. ANOVA showed differences in the mean CH, CRF, and CH–CRF between three groups (P < 0.001). Also, ROC curve analysis showed the cut-off points ≤9.5, ≤9.5, and >1.3 mmHg for CH, CRF, and CH–CRF in the PMD group, respectively. For biomechanical parameters in PMD eyes, CRF had the highest sensitivity (75.49%) while the greatest area under the ROC curve (AUC) was seen for CH (0.903). Moreover, central corneal thickness (CCT) showed no correlation with CH (P = 0.30, r = −0.104) or CRF (P = 0.75, r = 0.033) in the PMD group.

Conclusions

This study presented the values of corneal biomechanics for PMD using the ORA. The results of the ORA were markedly different between PMD, KCN, and normal eyes.

Double-Pass Retina Point Imaging for the Evaluation of Optical Light Scatter, Retinal Image Quality, and Staging of Keratoconus

PURPOSE

To measure retinal image quality using point spread function (PSF) analysis by double-pass retina point imaging in patients with keratoconus and to correlate visual quality with disease severity.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed as having keratoconus by clinical examination, topography, and tomography and normal eyes were included in this study. A commercially available double-pass retina point imaging instrument (OQAS 108 II AcuTarget HD; Visiometrics S.L., Terrassa, Spain) was used to collect Objective Scatter Index (OSI) values in 21 keratoconic and 22 normal eyes. Eyes were also subjected to corneal topography and tomography, and staged using the Keratoconus Severity Score (KSS) and Amsler-Krumeich (AK) scales.

RESULTS

The OSI was increased in keratoconic eyes (5.85 ± 0.98) versus control eyes (0.83 ± 0.12; mean ± SEM), in AK stages 1 to 4, and KSS stages 3 and 4. Receiver-operator characteristic analysis obtained an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.859 when evaluating the OSI as a unimodal diagnostic indicator for any KSS stage and 0.993 for KSS stages 3 and higher. An AUC of 0.949 was obtained in comparing eyes with lower severity topographic aberrations (KSS 1 and 2) versus mild to moderate keratoconus (KSS 3 and 4). Increasing corneal steepening patterns on tomography and topography were associated with PSF broadening and increased OSI.

CONCLUSIONS

Double-pass retina point imaging is useful in correlating retinal image quality with keratoconus severity. The OSI may represent a clinically significant parameter for staging keratoconus with a unique ability to directly evaluate quality of vision in this population. [J Refract Surg. 2016;32(11):760-765.].

Risk profiles of ectasia after keratorefractive surgery

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To identify and evaluate the risk factors of iatrogenic ectasia after refractive surgery.

RECENT FINDINGS

We reviewed recently published papers that identified various risk factors associated with ectasia after LASIK, photorefractive keratectomy, small incision lenticule extraction, and other refractive surgical procedures. We also attempted to evaluate the relative contributions of these factors to the development of ectasia following refractive surgery. Forme fruste keratoconus, genetic predisposition to keratoconus, low residual stromal bed thickness (through high myopia, thin preoperative cornea, or thick LASIK flap), and irregular corneal topography have been identified as risk factors for keratectasia development after refractive surgical procedures. A newly proposed metric, percentage tissue altered, has been reported to be a robust indicator for post LASIK ectasia risk calculation. Several cases of keratectasia have also been reported 6 to 12 months following minimally invasive small incision lenticule extraction procedure. Other risk factors associated with iatrogenic ectasia include eye rubbing, young age, and pregnancy.

SUMMARY

Ectasia after refractive surgery is a relatively rare complication which can lead to sight-threatening complications if not detected and treated in time. It is important to continue our quest to improve our methods of identifying absolute and relative risk factors of ectasia and their cut-off values following various keratorefractive surgical procedures.

Effects of ablation depth and repair time on the corneal elastic modulus after laser in situ keratomileusis

BACKGROUND

The biomechanical properties of the cornea should be taken into account in the refractive procedure in order to perform refractive surgery more accurately. The effects of the ablation depth and repair time on the elastic modulus of the rabbit cornea after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) are still unclear.

METHODS

In this study, LASIK was performed on New Zealand rabbits with different ablation depth (only typical LASIK flaps were created; residual stroma bed was 50 or 30% of the whole cornea thickness respectively). The animals without any treatment were served as normal controls. The corneal thickness was measured by ultrasonic pachymetry before animals were humanly killed after 7 or 28 days post-operatively. The corneal elastic modulus was measured by uniaxial tensile testing. A mathematical procedure considering the actual geometrics of the cornea was created to analyze the corneal elastic modulus.

RESULTS

There were no obvious differences among all groups in the elastic modulus on after 7 days post-operatively. However, after 28th days post-operatively, there was a significant increase in the elastic modulus with 50 and 30% residual stroma bed; only the elastic modulus of the cornea with 30% residual stroma bed was significantly higher than that of 7 days.

CONCLUSIONS

Changes in elastic modulus after LASIK suggest that this biomechanical effect may correlate with the ablation depth and repair time.

Factors Predicting the Need for Retreatment After Laser Refractive Surgery

PURPOSE

To identify the potential risk factors that increase the likelihood of requiring retreatment after refractive surgery.

METHODS

This retrospective study included patients who underwent laser in situ keratomileusis or photorefractive keratectomy between January 2005 and December 2012 at the Care-Vision Laser Centers, Tel-Aviv, Israel. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to whether they underwent additional refractive surgery (retreatment) during the study period.

RESULTS

Overall, 41,504 eyes (n = 21,313) were included in the final analysis of this study. Throughout the study period, there was a significant reduction in the 2-year annual retreatment rates with a decline from 4.52% for primary surgeries done in 2005 to 0.18% for surgeries performed in 2012 (quadratic R = 0.96, P < 0.001). The retreatment group had significantly higher preoperative age, maximum keratometric power, sphere, cylinder, and better best-corrected visual acuity. They were more likely to have preoperative hyperopia, photorefractive keratectomy as opposed to laser in situ keratomileusis, intraoperative higher humidity conditions and lower temperature, and higher ablation depths. Significant differences in retreatment rates were found between the 5 high-volume surgeons (>1500 procedures performed) ranging from 0.48 to 3.14% (P < 0.0001). Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that age, astigmatism, hyperopia, temperature, and surgeon's experience all significantly affected the need for retreatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The following factors significantly increase the need for refractive retreatment: older preoperative age, higher degrees of astigmatism, hyperopia, colder operating room temperature, and less surgeon experience. Some of these factors may be incorporated into nomograms to reduce future retreatment rates.

Effect of femtosecond and microkeratome flaps creation on the cornea biomechanics during laser in situ keratomileusis: one year follow-up

AIM

To compare the corneal biomechanical outcomes at one year after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) with the flaps created by Ziemer and Moria M2 microkeratome with 110 head and -20 blade.

METHODS

Totally 100 eyes of 50 consecutive patients were enrolled in this prospective study and divided into two groups for corneal flaps created by ZiemerFemto LDV and Moria M2 microkeratome with 110 head and -20 blade. Corneal biomechanical properties including cornea resistance factor (CRF) and cornea hysteresis (CH) were measured before and 1, 3, 6, 12mo after surgery by ocular response analyzer. Central cornea thickness and corneal flap thickness were measured by optical coherence tomography.

RESULTS

The ablation depth (P=0.693), residual corneal thickness (P=0.453), and postoperative corneal curvature (P=0.264) were not significant different between Ziemer group and Moria 110-20 group after surgery. The residual stromal bed thickness, corneal flap thickness, CH and CRF at 12mo after surgery were significant different between Ziemer group and Moria 110-20 group (P<0.01);Ziemer group gained better corneal biomechanical results. The CRF and CH increased gradually from 1 to 12mo after surgery in Ziemer group, increased from 1 to 6mo but decreased from 6 to 12mo in Moria 110-20 group. Both CRF and CH at one year after surgery increased with the increasing of residual cornea thickness; pre-LASIK CRF, CRF also increased with residual stromal bed thickness, while CH decreased with the increasing of pre-LASIK intraocular pressure and cornea flap thickness (P<0.01).

CONCLUSION

In one year follow-up, femtosecond laser can provide better cornea flaps with stable cornea biomechanics than mechanical microkeratome.

Effect of fibrin glue on corneal lamellar healing and how it correlates to biomechanical properties: biomechanical wavefront analysis and confocal study

Background

To evaluate, using a rabbit model, the influence of the wound healing process at the flap edge on corneal biomechanics after sutured, glued, and non-augmented microkeratome flaps.

Methods

Unilateral 160 μm thick laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) flaps using a mechanical microkeratome were performed on the corneas of the left eyes of 36 rabbits. Animals were then divided into 3 groups of 12 rabbits each: A: the flaps were glued with human fibrin tissue adhesive (Tisseel); B: the flaps were sutured; and C: the flaps were allowed to heal without the use of sutures or glue (non-augmented). The contralateral eyes served as controls. Reichert ocular response analyzer (ORA) was used to measure corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), Goldmann-correlated intraocular pressure (IOPg) and cornea-compensated IOP (IOPcc) at 6 weeks and 3 months postoperatively. In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) was also used to study the corneal wound healing process in all groups.

Results

Both mean CH and mean CRF were significantly higher in sutured and glued groups compared with the non-augmented group at 6 weeks and 3 months postoperatively (P  < 0.0001). No statistically significant difference in corneal biomechanics was found between controls and groups A and B at any time points. Activated keratocytes were detected at the wound edge and peripheral flap interface in sutured and glued groups.

Conclusion

The healing process at the wound edge is critical for optimal corneal integrity. Fibrin glue may serve as a safe and effective substitute to sutures in enhancing the corneal flap edge healing response and in increasing its mechanical strength.

Screening for Keratoconus With New Dynamic Biomechanical In Vivo Scheimpflug Analyses

PURPOSE

To improve keratoconus (KC) screening with new in vivo biomechanical Scheimpflug analyses.

METHODS

After adjusting for intraocular pressure and corneal thickness, predefined static and new dynamic Scheimpflug curve analyses [Pentacam HR and Corvis ST (CST); Oculus] of 87 normal eyes, 27 subclinical KC eyes, 42 suspected KC, and 65 manifest KC eyes were reviewed retrospectively. A t test (for a normal distribution), Wilcoxon matched-pairs test (if not normally distributed), and receiver operating characteristics were used to test for statistically significant differences between these groups. In addition, new dynamic curve analyses were performed to analyze corneal dynamics throughout the entire response to the CST air puff impulse.

RESULTS

Comparing normal and KC-suspect eyes, the parameters A1 length, A2 length, radius of the inward-bended cornea, and deflection length at the highest concavity revealed statistically significant differences. In addition, the newly calculated "applanation length level" and "deflection length level" demonstrated consistently increasing differences with increasing statistical significance between normal eyes and those with advancing KC stages. However, when comparing normal and subclinical KC eyes, none of the analyzed parameters demonstrated statistically significant differences.

CONCLUSIONS

In vivo biomechanical analyses (CST) at their current state only marginally improve KC screening protocols. Newly generated parameters such as the applanation length level and deflection length level might further improve early KC screening.

Detection of the early keratoconus based on corneal biomechanical properties in the refractive surgery candidates

Context:

Subclinical keratoconus is contraindication to refractive surgery. The currently used methods of preoperative screening do not always allow differentiating between healthy eyes and those with subclinical keratoconus.

Aim:

To evaluate biomechanical parameters of the cornea, waveform score (WS), and intraocular pressure (IOP) as potentially useful adjuncts to the diagnostic algorithm for precise detection of the early keratoconus stages and selection of refractive surgery candidates.

Settings and Design:

Department of Ophthalmology and prospective cross-sectional study.

Patients and Methods:

Patients enrolled in the study were diagnosed with refractive disorders. We assessed parameters of corneal biomechanics such as corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), Goldman-correlated IOP (IOPg), corneal compensated IOP, WS, and keratoconus match index (KMI). They were classified into one of three groups based on the predefined KMI range: Group 1 (from 0.352 to 0.757) – 45 eyes, Group 2 (from −0.08 to 0.313) – 52 eyes, and Group 0 - control group (from 0.761 to 1.642) – 80 eyes.

Results:

In both study groups, IOPg, CRF, and CH were decreased when compared to control (P < 0.0001). In control group, there was positive correlation between CH and KMI (P < 0.05), with no correlations in any of the two study groups. CRF correlated positively with KMI in control (P < 0.0001) and in Group 2 (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

CH and CRF, together with WS and IOPg, consist a clinically useful adjunct to detect subclinical keratoconus in patients referred for refractive surgery when based on KMI staging.

Posterior Corneal Surface Stability after Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Keratomileusis

The purpose of this study was to evaluate posterior corneal surface variation after femtosecond laser-assisted keratomileusis in patients with myopia and myopic astigmatism. Patients were evaluated by corneal tomography preoperatively and at 1, 6, and 12 months. We analyzed changes in the posterior corneal curvature, posterior corneal elevation, and anterior chamber depth. Moreover, we explored correlation between corneal ablation depth, residual corneal thickness, percentage of ablated corneal tissue, and preoperative corneal thickness. During follow-up, the posterior corneal surface did not have a significant forward corneal shift: no significant linear relationships emerged between the anterior displacement of the posterior corneal surface and corneal ablation depth, residual corneal thickness, or percentage of ablated corneal tissue.

Comparison of two different scheimpflug devices in the detection of keratoconus, regular astigmatism, and healthy corneas

Aim. The aim of this study was to determine the intra- and interobserver variability of two Scheimpflug based camera systems, Pentacam and Sirius. In addition, the comparability of the measurements was tested in healthy subjects, subjects with regular astigmatism, and keratoconus patients. Methods. Intra- and interobserver variability were assessed in 20 healthy corneas. Pachymetry values were also compared with ultrasound pachymetry as a reference measurement. To detect possible differences between the two devices, 82 eyes with clinically established keratoconus, 30 eyes with regular astigmatism (>1.5 D), and 60 eyes without corneal pathologies were included in this prospective study. Results. Pachymetry and keratometry showed good intra- and interobserver variability for both devices. Pachymetry values obtained with the Sirius system (579 ± 58 μm) were significantly higher compared to the Pentacam system (551 ± 40 μm, P < 0.001) and to ultrasound pachymetry (550 ± 43 μm, P < 0.001). Significant interdevice differences were found regarding the majority of the detected keratometry parameters. Conclusions. Both devices show almost perfect reproducibility in healthy subjects. However, pachymetry and keratometry values of the two devices should not be used interchangeably.

Evaluation of corneal biomechanical properties modification after small incision lenticule extraction using Scheimpflug-based noncontact tonometer

PURPOSE

To quantify the effect of small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) on the corneal biomechanics using Scheimpflug noncontact tonometer (Corvis ST).

METHODS

Twenty eyes of twenty patients, evaluated as eligible for surgery, with high myopia and/or moderate myopic astigmatism, underwent small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). All patients underwent Corvis ST preoperatively and postoperatively after 1 week, and 1 and 3 months to observe alterations of corneal biomechanical properties. The main outcome measures were Deformation Amplitude, 1st-AT, and 2nd-AT. The relationship between the amount of stroma removed and the percentage variation of the measured parameters from baseline was evaluated with generalized linear model from each time point. For completeness also intraocular pressure (IOP), central corneal thickness (CCT), and their variations after surgery were evaluated.

RESULTS

The ratio between the amount of removed refractive error and, respectively, changes of Deformation Amplitude, 1st-AT, and 2nd-AT were significantly modified at the 1st week after surgery (P = 0.005; P = 0.001; P = 0.024). At 1 and 3 months these values did not show statistically significant alterations. Intraocular pressure and central corneal thickness showed statistically significant changes during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

No significant modifications in biomechanical properties were observed after SMILE so this procedure could induce only minimal transient alterations of corneal biomechanics.