Cataract surgery in patients with pseudoex-foliation syndrome: current updates

Pseudoexfoliative Syndrome in Cataract Surgery-A Quality Register Study and Health Economic Analysis in the Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia

PURPOSE

To investigate the impact of pseudoexfoliation (PEX) syndrome on intraoperative phacoemulsification (PHACO) parameters and assess the economic cost of PHACO surgery for cataracts in patients with and without PEX syndrome.

METHODS

This was a retrospective quality register study on 5889 patients (6236 eyes) who underwent PHACO cataract surgery in the Eye Clinic, Clinical Hospital Centre Split, Croatia, over a 7-year period (May 2015 to December 2022), in accordance with the Guidelines of the Helsinki Declaration and approval from the Research Ethics Committee of the University Hospital Centre Split, Croatia. Inclusion criteria were patients with either presenile or senile cataract or cataract related to PEX syndrome who undertook PHACO procedure by the same experienced surgeon using the same PHACO device (Infiniti Vision System, Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, TX, USA). Eyes were categorized according to PEX presence- (PEX group) or absence (Group without PEX). The following recorded data about intraoperative PHACO parameters were collected: Cumulative Dissipated Energy (CDE), Ultrasound total time, PHACO time, torsional time, aspiration time, estimated fluid used, and duration of the surgical procedure. In the economic analysis, all PHACO parameters were considered, with a specific focus on the duration of the surgical procedure, costs associated with additional medical materials and devices, complications during surgery, and surgery procedure Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) codes.

RESULTS

A total of 4535 cases were eligible for inclusion in the study, 278 (6.13%) were diagnosed with PEX and 4257 (93.87%) had no PEX. Significantly higher PHACO parameters were observed in the PEX group. Similarly, a statistically significant increase in the values of all PHACO parameters was observed with the increase in nuclear lens density. Intraoperative complications were more frequent in the PEX group. Zonular weakness requiring the use of a capsular tension ring (CTR) and posterior capsular rupture occurred 30 and 13 times more often, respectively, in the PEX group. The expected cost of the PHACO procedure was found to be 1.4 times higher in patients with PEX, compared to those without PEX, for all types of nuclear cataract.

CONCLUSIONS

All PHACO parameters are significantly higher in patients with PEX. The costs associated with PHACO surgery for cataracts are greater for patients with PEX and are not covered by the present DRG codes, which highlights the need to accordingly adjust the DRGs for PHACO procedures in PEX patients, in order to maintain the quality of healthcare provided for these vulnerable patients.

Long-Term Evaluation of Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome Post-Cataract Extraction

The study aimed to examine the effect of cataract extraction on ophthalmologists' ability to detect pseudoexfoliation (PXF) syndrome. A total of 31 patients admitted for elective cataract surgery were enrolled in this prospective comparative study. Prior to surgery, patients underwent slit-lamp examination and gonioscopy conducted by experienced glaucoma specialists. Subsequently, patients were re-examined by a different glaucoma specialist and comprehensive ophthalmologists. Pre-operatively, 12 patients were diagnosed with PXF on the basis of a Sampaolesi line (100%), anterior capsular deposits (83%), and pupillary ruff deposits (50%). The remaining 19 patients acted as controls. All patients were re-examined 10-46 months post-operatively. Of the 12 patients with PXF, 10 (83%) were correctly diagnosed post-operatively by glaucoma specialists and 8 (66%) by comprehensive ophthalmologists. There was no statistically significant difference in PXF diagnosis. However, detection of anterior capsular deposits (p = 0.02), Sampaolesi lines (p = 0.04), and pupillary ruff deposits (p = 0.01) were significantly lower post-operatively. Diagnosis of PXF is challenging in pseudophakic patients as the anterior capsule is removed during cataract extraction. Therefore, PXF diagnosis in pseudophakic patients relies mainly on the presence of deposits at other anatomical sites, and careful attention to these signs is required. Glaucoma specialists may be more likely than comprehensive ophthalmologists to detect PXF in pseudophakic patients.

Early Lensectomy in Patients With Pseudoexfoliation: Long-Term Effectiveness and Safety Outcomes

PRCIS

Early lensectomy in patients presenting pseudoexfoliation (PXF) in an asymmetric clinical stage resulted in effective, safe, and predictable long-term results. Good intraocular pressure (IOP) was found, thus it might be considered as a possible surgical approach in these patients.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to assess the long-term effectiveness, predictability, and safety of cataract surgery performed in patients with capsular PXF at an early stage of the disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective, comparative study included PXF patients who underwent phacoemulsification with hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lens implantation in both eyes with a postoperative follow-up ≥5 years. Patients were classified in 2 groups: symmetric PXF (n=102) and asymmetric PXF (n=59). Preoperative and postoperative uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity, manifest refraction, IOP, number of hypotensive drugs, visual field mean deviation, and the incidence of complications were registered.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up time was 8.5±2.8 years. Six months after cataract surgery, monocular uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity were 0.3±0.4 and 0.1±0.3 logMAR, respectively, for the symmetric PXF, and 0.2±0.2 and 0.1±0.2 logMAR, respectively, for the asymmetric group. Total 95% and 96% of eyes were within ±1.00D in symmetric and asymmetric groups, respectively. At the final follow-up, IOP decreased only in the asymmetric group (P=0.004), with a reduction in the number of medications in both eyes (P<0.001). Mean deviation changed from -8.8 to -11.6 dB in the symmetric group (P<0.001), and from -5.0±6.2 to -7.9±10.6 dB (P=0.42) in the asymmetric group. Intraoperative complications were only registered in the symmetric group: 7 (3.4%; P=0.04). Ten cases (4.9%) of late intraocular lens dislocation were found, all from the symmetric group (P=0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Early lensectomy in patients with PXF before its symmetric presentation resulted in effective, safe, and predictable long-term results.

Outcome of Cataract Surgery in Patients With Retinitis Pigmentosa

PURPOSE

To assess the visual outcome of cataract surgery in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP).

DESIGN

Retrospective, noncomparative clinical study.

METHODS

Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data of patients with RP who were undergoing cataract surgery were collected from several expertise centers across Europe.

RESULTS

In total, 295 eyes of 226 patients were included in the study. The mean age at surgery of the first eye was 56.1 ± 17.9 years. Following surgery, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved significantly from 1.03 to 0.81 logMAR (ie, 20/214 to 20/129 Snellen) in the first treated eye (-0.22 logMAR; 95% CI = -0.31 to -0.13; P < .001) and from 0.80 to 0.56 logMAR (ie, 20/126 to 20/73 Snellen) in the second treated eye (-0.24 logMAR; 95% CI = -0.32 to -0.15; P < .001). Marked BCVA improvements (postoperative change in BCVA of ≥0.3 logMAR) were observed in 87 of 226 patients (39%). Greater odds for marked visual improvements were observed in patients with moderate visual impairment or worse. The most common complications were zonular dialysis (n = 15; 5%) and (exacerbation of) cystoid macular edema (n = 14; 5%), respectively. Postoperative posterior capsular opacifications were present in 111 of 295 eyes (38%).

CONCLUSION

Significant improvements in BCVA are observed in most patients with RP following cataract surgery. Baseline BCVA is a predictor of visual outcome. Preoperative evaluation should include the assessment of potential zonular insufficiency and the presence of CME, as they are relatively common and may increase the risk of complications.

[Modern approaches to the treatment of anterior capsule contraction syndrome]

Anterior capsule contraction syndrome is a specific complication of continuous circular capsulorhexis in various phacoemulsification techniques. Surgical, laser and combined methods have been proposed for its treatment. All approaches in the treatment of anterior capsule contraction syndrome have some advantages, as well as certain problems and difficulties. This review presents the current state of this problem of cataract surgery and possible prospects for improving the treatment.

Pupillary response to chromatic light stimuli as a possible biomarker at the early stage of glaucoma: a review

Glaucoma is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disease of the optic nerve currently considered a severe health problem because of its high prevalence, being the primary cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. The most common type corresponds to Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma. Glaucoma produces, among other alterations, a progressive loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGC) and its axons which are the key contributors to generate action potentials that reach the visual cortex to create the visual image. Glaucoma is characterized by Visual Field loss whose main feature is to be painless and therefore makes early detection difficult, causing a late diagnosis and a delayed treatment indication that slows down its progression. Intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells, which represent a subgroup of RGCs are characterized by their response to short-wave light stimulation close to 480 nm, their non-visual function, and their role in the generation of the pupillary reflex. Currently, the sensitivity of clinical examinations correlates to RGC damage; however, the need for an early damage biomarker is still relevant. It is an urgent task to create new diagnostic approaches to detect an early stage of glaucoma in a prompt, quick, and economical manner. We summarize the pathology of glaucoma and its current clinical detection methods, and we suggest evaluating the pupillary response to chromatic light as a potential biomarker of disease, due to its diagnostic benefit and its cost-effectiveness in clinical practice in order to reduce irreversible damage caused by glaucoma.

Short-term surgical outcomes of twin-site combined phaco-emulsification and mitomycin-C augmented trabeculectomy in pseudo-exfoliation glaucoma versus primary open-angle glaucoma

Purpose

To compare the short-term outcomes of combined phaco-emulsification with posterior chamber intra-ocular lens and mitomycin augmented trabeculectomy in patients with pseudo-exfoliation glaucoma (PXFG) versus primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

Methods

A total of 144 eyes of 144 patients were enrolled in this prospective interventional comparative study, 72 each of which had PXFG and POAG, respectively. All patients underwent twin-site combined phaco-trabeculectomy at a tertiary eye center in India between December 2017 and December 2018 and were followed up for a period of 12 months. The main outcome measures were intra-ocular pressure (IOP), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), total surgical time, rate of intra-operative and post-operative complications, and the number of ocular hypotensive medications needed. Success rates were determined via Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.

Results

The mean age was 63.9 ± 7.9 years in the POAG group and 66.4 ± 6.8 years in the PXFG group (P - 0.04). The baseline BCVA, IOP, and cup-disc ratio were comparable between two groups. Intra-operative complications and post-operative outcomes were comparable between the two groups. There was a significant drop in anti-glaucoma medications in both groups. Six patients, three (4.2%) in each group, were lost to follow-up after 6 months. Three patients (4.2%) in PXFG needed additional glaucoma intervention for controlling IOP, one patient needed a non-valved glaucoma drainage device, and two patients required diode cyclo-photocoagulation within the follow-up period.

Conclusion

Patients with PXFG had a longer surgical time than POAG. Similar success and complication rates were observed following combined twin-site phaco-trabeculectomy in both POAG and PXFG at 1 year. Combined glaucoma surgery resulted in good IOP control, improvement in BCVA, and lower requirement of ocular hypotensives in both the groups.

Clinical Characteristics and Stage at Presentation of Glaucoma Patients in Sub-Saharan Africa

PURPOSE

To explore regional variations in the presentation of newly diagnosed glaucoma in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA).

METHODOLOGY

This was a multi-centre, cross-sectional study in which newly diagnosed, consecutive, glaucoma patients aged ≥18 years were recruited from 27 eye clinics in 10 countries throughout SSA. Demographic and ophthalmic examination data were collected. Glaucoma severity was based on optic nerve head and visual field assessment. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA version 14.0.

RESULTS

Among 1214 enrolled patients with newly diagnosed glaucoma from Western, Eastern and Southern Africa, the overall mean (standard deviation) age was 59.9 (17.1) years. More than half of all patients (716/1178; 60.8%) presented with severe glaucoma in the worse eye, and one third (36.9%) had severe glaucoma in both eyes. Primary open-angle glaucoma was the commonest form of glaucoma in all regions (77.4%). A family history of blindness (260/1204, 21.6%) was common. Patients from Western Africa had lower mean presenting IOP (26.4 [11.1] mmHg, P <0.001), but had worse glaucoma in the better eye based on mean cup-disc ratio (0.8; P <0.001) and mean visual field mean deviation [10.4 (8.4)] dB, P =0.016) compared to other regions. Exfoliation glaucoma was more common in Eastern Africa (30/170=17.7%, P <0.001) compared to other regions.

CONCLUSION

The initial presentation of glaucoma varies meaningfully across SSA. A comprehensive strategy with regional customization based on local differences is needed to reduce glaucoma blindness in SSA.

3D Modeling of the Crystalline Lens Complex under Pseudoexfoliation

Pseudoexfoliation, one of the most frequent crystalline lens complex disorders, is prevalent in up to 30% of individuals older than 60 years old. This disease can lead to severe conditions, such as subluxation or dislocation of the lens, due to the weakening of the zonules. The goal for the present study was to understand the relevant biomechanical features that can lead to the worsening of an individual’s visual capacity under pseudoexfoliation. To this end, finite element models based on a 62-year-old lens complex were developed, composed by the capsular bag, cortex, nucleus, anterior, equatorial, and posterior zonular fibers. Healthy and pseudoexfoliative conditions were simulated, varying the location of the zonulopathy (inferior/superior) and the degenerated layer. The accommodative capacity of the models with inferior dialysis of the zonular fibers was, on average, 4.7% greater than for the cases with superior dialysis. If the three sets of zonules were disrupted, this discrepancy increased to 14.9%. The present work provides relevant data to be further analyzed in clinical scenarios, as these models (and their future extension to a wider age range) can help in identifying the most influential regions for the reduction of the visual capacity of the lens.

A global genetic epidemiological review of pseudoexfoliation syndrome

Pseudoexfoliation (PXF) syndrome is an important public health concern requiring individual population level analysis. Disease prevalence differs by geographic location and ethnicity, and has environmental, demographic, genetic, and molecular risk factors have been demonstrated. Epidemiological factors that have been associated with PXF include age, sex, environmental factors, and diet. Genetic and molecular components have also been identified that are associated with PXF. Underserved populations are often understudied within scientific research, including research about eye disease such as PXF, contributing to the persistence of health disparities within these populations. In each population, PXF needs may be different, and by having research that identifies individual population needs about PXF, the resources in that population can be more efficiently utilized. Otherwise, PXF intervention and care management based only on the broadest level of understanding may continue to exacerbate health disparities in populations disproportionally burdened by PXF.

Dynamic volume-rendered optical coherence tomography pupillometry

PURPOSE

To assess intrapupillary space (IPS) changes in healthy subjects with regard to decreased iris motility in patients with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEXG) or non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) in a feasibility study in a clinical environment.

METHODS

Scotopic and photopic IPS measurements using three-dimensionally rendered swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) data were obtained and compared for all subjects. Intrapupillary space (IPS) parameters were evaluated such as absolute volumetric differences, relative light response for volumetric ratios and pupillary ejection fraction (PEF) for functional contraction measurements.

RESULTS

From a total of 122 IPS from 66 subjects, 106 IPS were eligible for comparison providing values for 72 normal, 30 PEXG and 4 NAION eyes. In healthy, PEXG and NAION subjects, scotopic overall mean IPS was 8.90, 3.45 and 4.16 mm³ , and photopic overall mean IPS was 0.87, 0.74 and 1.13 mm³ , respectively. Three-dimensional contractility showed a mean absolute difference of 8.03 mm³ for normals (defined as 100% contractility), 2.72 mm³ for PEXG (33.88% of normal) and 3.03 mm³ for NAION (38.50% of normal) with a relative light response ratio between scotopic and photopic volumes of 10.26 (100%), 4.69 (45.70%) and 3.67 (35.78%), respectively. Pupillary ejection fraction (PEF) showed a contractile pupillary emptying of 88.11% for normals, 76.92% for PEXG and 70.91% for NAION patients.

CONCLUSION

This 3D pupillometry OCT assessment allows for quantitative measurements of pupil function, contractility and response to light. More specifically, PEF is presented as a potential (neuro)-pupillary outcome measure that could be useful in the monitoring of ophthalmic disorders that affect pupillary function.

CYSTOID MACULAR EDEMA AFTER FOUR-POINT SCLERAL FIXATION OF INTRAOCULAR LENS

PURPOSE

To assess the incidence of cystoid macular edema (CME) associated with 4-point Gore-Tex suture intraocular lens (IOL) scleral fixation, before and after institution of routine intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide prophylaxis and long-term topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug usage.

METHODS

Consecutive patients were included after IOL implantation with concurrent pars plana vitrectomy for spontaneous IOL dislocation due to pseudoexfoliation syndrome. We compared short-term prophylactic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs only (Group A) to prophylactic intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide and long-term nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Group B).

RESULTS

Twenty-six eyes of 26 patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome and spontaneous IOL dislocation were studied. Mean logMAR visual acuity improved from 1.27 ± 0.80 (20/375 Snellen equivalent) preoperatively to 0.46 ± 0.39 (Snellen 20/43) postoperatively (P < 0.001). Visual outcomes were similar for Groups A and B. In Group A, 10/16 eyes had CME, 4/16 had chronic CME longer than 6 months, and 1 longer than 12 months. In Group B, 1/10 had CME (which was both chronic and refractory).

CONCLUSION

In eyes with pseudoexfoliation syndrome and spontaneous IOL dislocation, 4-point Gore-Tex suture IOL ab externo fixation yielded good visual outcomes, although CME was observed more than reported elsewhere. Prophylactic intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide and long-term nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs seem to reduce the risk of postoperative CME.

Pseudoexfoliation and Cataract Syndrome Associated with Genetic and Epidemiological Factors in a Mayan Cohort of Guatemala

The Mayan population of Guatemala is understudied within eye and vision research. Studying an observational homogenous, geographically isolated population of individuals seeking eye care may identify unique clinical, demographic, environmental and genetic risk factors for blinding eye disease that can inform targeted and effective screening strategies to achieve better and improved health care distribution. This study served to: (a) identify the ocular health needs within this population; and (b) identify any possible modifiable risk factors contributing to disease pathophysiology within this population. We conducted a cross-sectional study with 126 participants. Each participant completed a comprehensive eye examination, provided a blood sample for genetic analysis, and received a structured core baseline interview for a standardized epidemiological questionnaire at the Salama Lions Club Eye Hospital in Salama, Guatemala. Interpreters were available for translation to the patients’ native dialect, to assist participants during their visit. We performed a genome-wide association study for ocular disease association on the blood samples using Illumina’s HumanOmni2.5-8 chip to examine single nucleotide polymorphism SNPs in this population. After implementing quality control measures, we performed adjusted logistic regression analysis to determine which genetic and epidemiological factors were associated with eye disease. We found that the most prevalent eye conditions were cataracts (54.8%) followed by pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXF) (24.6%). The population with both conditions was 22.2%. In our epidemiological analysis, we found that eye disease was significantly associated with advanced age. Cataracts were significantly more common among those living in the 10 districts with the least resources. Furthermore, having cataracts was associated with a greater likelihood of PXF after adjusting for both age and sex. In our genetic analysis, the SNP most nominally significantly associated with PXF lay within the gene KSR2 (p < 1 × 10⁻⁵). Several SNPs were associated with cataracts at genome-wide significance after adjusting for covariates (p < 5 × 10⁻⁸). About seventy five percent of the 33 cataract-associated SNPs lie within 13 genes, with the majority of genes having only one significant SNP (5 × 10⁻⁸). Using bioinformatic tools including PhenGenI, the Ensembl genome browser and literature review, these SNPs and genes have not previously been associated with PXF or cataracts, separately or in combination. This study can aid in understanding the prevalence of eye conditions in this population to better help inform public health planning and the delivery of quality, accessible, and relevant health and preventative care within Salama, Guatemala.

Lessons From Management: Perioperative Phacoemulsification Planning Following Resolution of Acute Angle Closure

Patients with loose zonular apparatus after acute angle closure may require phacoemulsification cataract surgery. The authors' experience from management of such patients provides excellent instruction on the surgical intervention for their cataracts. This is because patients who have recovered from acute angle closure glaucoma may not have evident zonular laxity preoperatively, as the iris may be taut secondary to the effects of associated ischaemia. If the surgeon’s preoperative planning is directed to the possibility of loose zonular apparatus, then appropriate preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative planning and management can be effected. This may permit preoperative patient counselling regarding the potentially increased complexity of the case. Intraoperatively, deliberately gentle capsulorrhexis, the use of iris hooks or a pupil expander to dilate the pupil, iris hooks to support the capsular bag, and the employment of a capsular tension ring may be helpful. Postoperatively, due to the previous ocular ischaemia, intraocular pressure elevation may ensue, and should be actively managed. The authors provide a summary of factors that require consideration in patients undergoing cataract surgery following acute angle closure.

Management of cataract in a case of retinitis pigmentosa with bilateral pseudoexfoliation syndrome

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patients are at higher risk for macular oedema, anterior capsular phimosis and spontaneous dislocation of the implanted lens after cataract surgery. A 70-year-old hypertensive woman presented with diminution of vision in her left eye since 2 years. She had history of cataract surgery in the right eye 1 year ago. Her visual acuity was 20/200 in right eye and hand movements in left eye. Slit-lamp examination showed anterior capsular phimosis with intraocular lens in the right eye and pseudoexfoliation in both the eyes. Fundus examination revealed features of RP in both the eyes. Optical coherence tomography showed bilateral foveal atrophy. The patient underwent phacoemulsification cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation in left eye and Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy in right eye. Postoperative best corrected distance visual acuity was 20/125 in right eye and 20/80 in left eye. This case highlights a rare coincidence of pseudoexfoliation syndrome in a patient with RP and the precautions undertaken during cataract surgery for an optimal visual outcome.

Current Challenges in the Postoperative Management of Cataract Surgery

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Comparative Analysis of Pupil Diameters in Light and Dark Conditions After Instillation of 0.15% Brimonidine Drops in Eyes With and Without Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to compare pupil diameters in light and dark conditions after instillation of 0.15% brimonidine drops in eyes with and without pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PES).

METHODS

Forty eyes of 40 patients in whom 0.15% brimonidine drops were instilled to their right eyes between March 2019 and June 2019 were analyzed in this study. Study groups included 20 subjects without PES (group 1) and 20 patients with PES (group 2). Pupil diameters before and 30 and 90 min after brimonidine application were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

In group 1, the mean pupil diameters before brimonidine drop instillation were 4.8±1.2 mm and 5.8±1.2 mm in light and dark conditions, respectively, while those in group 2 were 4.4±1.2 mm and 4.9±1.3 mm, respectively. At 30 min after brimonidine drop instillation, the pupil diameters in light and dark conditions were 4.3±1.1 mm and 5.3±1.0 mm in group 1 and 4.1±1.1 mm and 4.5±1 mm in group 2, respectively. In group 1, the mean pupil diameters at 90 min were 4.2±1.1 mm and 5.1±1.1 mm in light and dark, respectively, and in group 2, they were 4.0±1.1 mm and 4.4±1.2 mm, respectively. In the dark, the pupil diameters before drop instillation were significantly smaller in group 2 than in group 1 (p≤0.05). A significant difference was found between the groups with respect to the measurements in the dark at 30 min (p≤0.05). When the differences at 30 and 90 min and the initial pupil diameters in light condition were compared between the groups, the change in the pupil diameter at 30 min was statistically significant (p≤0.05). At 90 min, differences in both light and dark measurements were statistically significant (p≤0.05).

CONCLUSION

Brimonidine causes significant miosis in eyes with PES compared with eyes without PES. Brimonidine may have positive effects on spherical aberrations, glares, and halos. However, inadequate pupillary dilation may make it more difficult to perform cataract surgery and may further increase the complication rate.

Predicting zonular strength based on maximum pupillary mydriasis in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome

Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome (PXFS) is considered a systemic disorder with significant ocular manifestations ranging from corneal decompensation, non-dilating pupil, zonular weakness, subluxated lens, and glaucoma. PXFS may lead to increased complications during routine cataract surgery. Zonular dialysis is a common complication during or after cataract surgery in such patients. However, not all patients with pseudoexfoliation are at a higher risk. We hypothesize that there is an inverse correlation between the maximum pupillary dilation and the degree of zonular disintegration. Available evidence supporting the hypothesis is discussed. We propose a new clinical classification for predicting the zonular strength based on the maximum pupillary dilation so that it can serve as a guide to identify PXFS patients who are at high risk of complications during or after cataract surgery.

The role of lens extraction in glaucoma management

Cataract extraction has become a much safer procedure with the development of phacoemulsification, extending its application in ocular conditions such as glaucoma for better disease control. This review aims at summarizing the effect of lens extraction with or without combined glaucoma surgeries in different types of glaucoma and describing the intraoperative techniques and changes of glaucoma care postoperatively. A comprehensive literature search was performed through Medline and PubMed, and 67 studies were selected for this review. In primary angle closure (PAC) diseases, studies have revealed significant intraocular pressure (IOP) and medication requirement reduction after lens extraction. Fewer studies described its application in primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT), but literature available suggests that it can also lead to better disease control. Likewise, lower postoperative IOP and pressure fluctuations have been shown in normal tension glaucoma (NTG). Advanced glaucoma, shallow anterior chamber and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PXG) are three difficult scenarios that are commonly encountered in cataract operations. Special techniques in preventing complications such as wipe out phenomenon are depicted. Goniosynechialysis, endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation and trabecular microbypass stents are a few of the popular choices of glaucoma procedures that can be performed concomitantly with phacoemulsification but evidence of their efficacy needs to be further verified. Cataract operation can improve visual field and retinal nerve fiber layer examination parameters and it is advised to set new baselines after the surgery for subsequent progression monitoring. Clearance of an optically significant cataract results in better quality of life, and with detailed and thorough explanation of the indications, expectations and risks of the surgery, cataract extraction could be considered even in cases of advanced glaucoma.

Effect of capsular tension ring on refractive results in cases with pseudoexfoliation syndrome

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of capsular tension rings (CTRs) on postoperative refractive results in patients with pseudoexfoliation (PSX) syndrome.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty-nine patients with PSX syndrome who had uncomplicated cataract surgery between March 2016 and February 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups. The 35 patients in Group 1 received CTRs prior to intraocular lens implantation during cataract surgery, and the 34 patients in Group 2 had cataract surgery without CTRs. Significant zonular weakness, uncontrolled glaucoma, and ocular pathologies causing low visual acuity were excluded. The preoperative and postoperative keratometry and autorefraction measurements, preoperative expected refractive values, and absolute refractive error were recorded.

RESULTS

The mean ages of patients were 73.54 ± 9.78 years in Group 1 and 72.23 ± 6.72 years in Group 2 (p = 0.521). There was no statistically significant difference between Group 1 and Group 2 in terms of expected preoperative refraction values (-0.52 ± 0.12,-0.56 ± 0.08, respectively, p = 0.118). There was a statistically significant difference in postoperative spherical equivalent values between Group 1 and Group 2 (-0.05 ± 0.97 and -0.92 ± 0.57, respectively, p < 0.01). A statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of absolute refractive error (0.46 ± 0.74 in Group 1 and -0.34 ± 0.59 in Group 2 p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

CTR implantation causes hyperopic shift, which should be taken into consideration when calculating the lens power of intraocular lens in patients with PSX syndrome.

[Comparative evaluation of positional stability of the «capsular bag + intraocular lens» complex in patients with lens subluxation]

Prevention of decentration and dislocation of the "capsular bag + intraocular lens" (IOL) complex in the late postoperative period is an actual problem of surgical treatment of patients with pronounced lens subluxation.

PURPOSE

To conduct a comparative clinical study of positional stability of the "capsular bag + IOL" complex in the late postoperative period after application of a combined technique of capsular bag fixation in patients with subluxation of the lens.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Phacoemulsification (PE) with in-the-bag IOL implantation and postoperative observation was performed in 213 patients (234 eyes) with cataract and pronounced lens subluxation. The 1^st group consisting of 138 patients (153 eyes) underwent capsular bag fixation of the combined technique with simultaneous use of 4 modified iris-retractors and one or two capsular tension rings (CTRs). The 2^nd group included 75 patients (81 eyes) who in the course of PE had their capsular bag fixed beyond the edge of capsulorhexis with only 4 modified iris-retractors. Preoperative state of the lens and the evaluation of the frequency and degree of decentration of the «capsular bag + IOL» complex in the postoperative period were performed using data acquired with ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM).

RESULTS

Significant (more than 1 mm according to UBM) IOL's optic decentration was observed in the 1^st group after applying the combined capsular bag fixation technique in 12 (7.8%) cases, and in the 2^nd group after isolated use of modified iris-retractors in 48 (59.3%) cases.

CONCLUSION

The use of the combined capsular bag fixation technique not only improves the conditions for carrying out PE with in-the-bag IOL implantation in patients with pronounced lens subluxation, but also contributes to a substantial (an average of 8 times) reduction in the incidence of significant decentration of the «capsular bag + IOL» complex in the late postoperative period.

Lysyl Oxidase Like 1: Biological roles and regulation

Lysyl Oxidase Like 1 (LOXL1) is a gene that encodes for the LOXL1 enzyme. This enzyme is required for elastin biogenesis and collagen cross-linking, polymerising tropoelastin monomers into elastin polymers. Its main role is in elastin homeostasis and matrix remodelling during injury, fibrosis and cancer development. Because of its vast range of biological functions, abnormalities in LOXL1 underlie many disease processes. Decreased LOXL1 expression is observed in disorders of elastin such as Cutis Laxa and increased expression is reported in fibrotic disease such as Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. LOXL1 is also downregulated in the lamina cribrosa in pseudoexfoliation glaucoma and genetic variants in the LOXL1 gene have been linked with an increased risk of developing pseudoexfoliation glaucoma and pseudoexfoliation syndrome. However the two major risk alleles are reversed in certain ethnic groups and are present in a large proportion of the normal population, implying complex genetic and environmental regulation is involved in disease pathogenesis. It also appears that the non-coding variants in intron 1 of LOXL1 may be involved in the regulation of LOXL1 expression. Gene alteration may occur via a number of epigenetic and post translational mechanisms such as DNA methylation, long non-coding RNAs and microRNAs. These may represent future therapeutic targets for disease. Environmental factors such as hypoxia, oxidative stress and ultraviolet radiation exposure alter LOXL1 expression, and it is likely a combination of these genetic and environmental factors that influence disease development and progression. In this review, we discuss LOXL1 properties, biological roles and regulation in detail with a focus on pseudoexfoliation syndrome and glaucoma.

Long-Term Outcome of Cataract Surgery in Eyes with Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome Associated with Weak Zonules: A Case Report

A cataract surgery in both eyes was scheduled for an 81-year-old female patient. However, ophthalmic examination revealed marked iridodonesis, phacodonesis and pseudoexfoliative material on the surface of the lens in both eyes indicating weak zonules caused by pseudoexfoliation syndrome, which was more pronounced in the left eye. Cataract surgery was performed initially in the left eye by phacoemulsification. Additionally, iris hooks and capsular tension ring (CTR) were used to stabilize the capsular bag, and the haptic of the intraocular lens (IOL) was sutured to the iris at the end of the surgery. The same procedure except haptic suturing was performed in the right eye after 6 months. The left eye remained stable, whereas the right eye developed considerable anterior capsular contraction 2 months postoperatively. Neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy was performed to treat the condition. Moreover, 3 years after the initial surgery, late IOL-CTR-capsular-bag complex dislocation developed in the right eye, and reposition surgery was performed. Three days after IOL-CTR-capsular-bag complex reposition surgery, endophthalmitis developed; the eye responded well to 1 mg intravitreal vancomycin treatment. IOL in the right eye remained stable 3 years postoperatively.

Monitoring and management of the patient with pseudoexfoliation syndrome: current perspectives

Pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PES) is a complex and age-related systemic disorder characterized by the progressive accumulation and granular deposition of pseudoexfoliative material in various intraocular and extraocular tissues. The diagnosis of PES is so important because it is a major risk factor for complications during cataract surgery and the most frequent cause of secondary glaucoma. In addition to ocular complications, PES is related with numerous systemic abnormalities, for which the list is growing steadily. Therefore, management and monitoring of patients with PES are crucial. The aim of this paper was to review current perspectives on monitoring patients with PES and addressing management of ocular and systemic associations of this clinically important and biologically fascinating disease.

Surgical experience with a redesigned, fully preloaded, hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lens in challenging cases of pseudoexfoliation syndrome, phacodonesis, and small pupils

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to describe our surgical experience and evaluate safety and postoperative outcomes of a fully preloaded, monofocal, hydrophobic acrylic intraocular lens (IOL) (CT LUCIA 611P) with a newly designed optic-haptic junction in severe cases of pseudoexfoliation (PXF) syndrome, phacodonesis, and small pupils.

Setting

This study was conducted in Borkenstein & Borkenstein, private practice, Privatklinik der Kreuzschwestern Graz, Austria.

Patients and methods

This study presents outcomes of 15 eyes of 15 patients implanted with CT LUCIA 611P IOL with improved optical properties and more rigid and wider optic– haptic junction. All patients had advanced cataract and PXF syndrome, of which phacodonesis was detected in 12 cases and five cases had PXF glaucoma. All eyes had small pupils with no response to mydriatic drops, and the surgery was performed with the use of Malyugin ring. All eyes were targeted for a slight postoperative myopia (−0.25 to −0.50 D). Refractive outcomes were presented for 3 months follow-up, while adverse events were followed up for to 10 months.

Results

The mean age of the study group was 78.3 years (from 68 to 86 years). Three months postoperatively, the mean manifest spherical equivalent was −0.35 D (from 0.00 to −1.00 D) and all eyes were within ±0.50 D of their preoperative target. No significant refractive shift or refractive surprise occurred during the follow-up of 10 months. Corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) improved from the mean value of 20/50 preoperatively to 20/20 postoperatively. No intraoperative adverse events were noted. Postoperatively, six eyes presented with a slight decentration or tilt, which did not significantly affect postoperative refraction, CDVA, or patients’ subjective visual symptoms.

Conclusion

The IOL provided good surgical performance, excellent refractive stability, and predictable outcomes in patients with PXF syndrome. Further studies are necessary to evaluate long-term stability.

What have we learned about exfoliation syndrome since its discovery by John Lindberg 100 years ago?

Exfoliation syndrome (XFS) is a systemic disease with significant ocular manifestations, including glaucoma and cataract. The disease impacts close to 70 million people globally and is now recognised as the most common identifiable cause of open-angle glaucoma. Since the discovery of XFS 100 years ago by Dr John G. Lindberg, there has been considerable advancement in understanding its pathogenesis and resulting clinical implications. The purpose of this paper is to summarise information regarding the epidemiology, pathophysiology, ocular manifestations and systemic associations of XFS with the objective of sharing clinical pearls to assist in early detection and enhanced management of patients.