[Disease-related knowledge acquisition through structured patient information in rheumatoid arthritis (StruPI-RA) : First results of the StruPI-RA study in Germany]

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

The structured patient information for rheumatoid arthritis (StruPi-RA) program was the first standardized outpatient education program in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Germany. The main objective of the study was to determine the efficacy of the StruPi-RA program concerning disease-specific knowledge acquisition in patients with early stage RA or after changing the treatment regimen.

METHODS

A total of 61 patients were included in a control group design, 32 in the intervention group (IG) and 29 in the control group (CG). Patients of the IG attended 3 modules of 90 min in a structured patient information program (StruPI-RA) including the topics of diagnostics, treatment and living with RA. Patients in the CG only received information material from the German Rheumatism League. The primary target criterion was the disease-related acquisition of knowledge, measured with the patient knowledge questionnaire (PKQ). Data were collected before and after participation in StruPI-RA.

RESULTS

The improvement in knowledge in the IG attending the StruPI-RA compared to the CG was significant in time and group comparisons. No influence of disease duration or educational level was observed. The subscale treatment alone showed a significant difference in the group and time comparison.

CONCLUSION

Participation in the StruPI-RA program in early RA was associated with a significant increase in disease-specific knowledge compared to the control group of patients. This leads to better decision-making in terms of treatment, a more beneficial doctor-patient communication and better self-management. In the long term an improvement in treatment adherence and quality of life is expected.

[Eye changes in space : New insights into clinical aspects, pathogenesis and prevention]

BACKGROUND

More than ever research into changes in the eye caused by long-term space flight is becoming the focus of the international and national space agencies National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), European Space Agency (ESA) and German Aerospace Center (DLR). In addition to space radiation-induced cataract formation considerable eye changes, summarized under space flight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS), can occur.

OBJECTIVE

This article gives an overview of the current state of research and future directions in the field of research concerned with ocular alterations in SANS and presents the relevance for terrestrial ophthalmological research.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

An analysis of existing publications on SANS in PubMed and reports on the risk of SANS published by the NASA of the USA was carried out.

RESULTS

The reasons for the development of the eye changes in space have not been clarified. Factors such as the increase in intracranial pressure, fluid shifts, hypercapnia and genetic factors are the subject of intensive research efforts. A terrestrial model for the induction of papilledema could be established (bed rest studies with -6° head-down tilt as a space analogue). Countermeasures for the development of eye changes, such as intermittent artificial gravity, are the subject of current research studies.

CONCLUSION

Research into SANS as part of bed rest studies will provide further important insights in the future for space research and also for terrestrial research. Clinical research projects can be derived from space research.

[Web-based electronic patient record as an instrument for quality assurance within an integrated care concept]

OBJECTIVE

A prerequisite for integrated care programmes is the implementation of a communication network meeting quality assurance standards. Against this background the main objective of the integrated care project between the University Eye Hospital Erlangen and the health insurance company AOK Bayern was to evaluate the potential and the acceptance of a web-based electronic patient record in the context of cataract and retinal surgery.

METHODS

Standardised modules for capturing pre-, intra- and post-operative data on the basis of clinical pathway guidelines for cataract- and retinal surgery have been developed. There are 6 data sets recorded per patient (1 pre-operative, 1 operative, 4-6 post-operative). For data collection, a web-based communication system (Soarian Integrated Care) has been chosen which meets the high requirements in data security, as well as being easy to handle. This teleconsultation system and the embedded electronic patient record are independent of the software used by respective offices and hospitals. Data transmission and storage were carried out in real-time.

RESULTS

At present, 101 private ophthalmologists are taking part in the IGV contract with the University Eye Hospital Erlangen. This corresponds to 52% of all private ophthalmologists in the region. During the period from January 1st 2006 to December 31st 2006, 1844 patients were entered. Complete documentation was achieved in 1390 (75%) of all surgical procedures. For evaluation of this data, a multidimensional report and analysis tool (Cognos) was used. The deviation from target refraction as one quality indicator was in the mean 0.09 diopter.

CONCLUSIONS

The web-based patient record used in this project was highly accepted by the private ophthalmologists. However there are still general concerns against the exchange of medical data via the internet. Nevertheless, the web-based patient record is an essential tool for a functional integration between the ambulatory and stationary health-care units. In addition to the telemedicine functions of the system, we achieved the export of the data to a data warehouse system in order to provide a flexible and powerful tool for quality assurance analysis and reporting.

[Quality management in ophthalmology. Putting it into practice in the clinical routine]

Though quality assurance has been an integral part of modern patient care for many years, this topic has gained in importance in German health policy. The introduction of a new reimbursement system for inpatients according to diagnosis-related groups (DRG) as well as the continuous cutbacks in public financial resources in the German health system raise concern that the quality of patient care will decline. To prevent this, comprehensive quality assurance measures as well as the implementation of professional quality management systems in German healthcare organizations are required by law (Section 135-137 SGB V). In the following, generally accepted concepts and methods of quality management are described.

[Microsurgical quality assurance exemplified by cataract surgery]

BACKGROUND

The new German laws demand comprehensive quality assurance in all hospitals. The prerequisite for this in ophthalmic microsurgery is the complete documentation of all relevant surgical details including patient comorbidity.

METHODS

Since 1989 we have documented all microsurgical procedures using a computer-based surgery recording system. To analyze the changing spectrum of cataract surgery in a university eye hospital, we evaluated 12,653 consecutive cataract extractions divided into 5 periods between 1990 and 1999.

RESULTS

Within these periods the patients' age changed significantly (p < 0.001), whereas the gender showed no significant change (p = 0.34). Furthermore, there was an increase in the number of simultaneous surgical procedures (p < 0.01) as well as the frequency of the pseudoexfoliation syndrome (p < 0.001). In addition the mean duration of cataract procedures decreased (p < 0.001) and the occurrence of vitreous loss also decreased (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term documentation of all relevant patient data enables valid evaluation of the patient spectrum. Furthermore, this monitoring helps to manage the challenge of quality assurance in ophthalmology.

[Quality management according to DIN EN ISO 9001 at a university eye hospital]

BACKGROUND

Quality assurance is an integral part of modern microsurgical ophthalmology. Health care laws also mandate overall quality management.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In recent years we have standardized the preexisting features of quality management according DIN EN ISO 9001 and have integrated previously missing features.

RESULTS

Establishing quality management according to ISO 9001 is possible even at a university eye hospital and department of ophthalmology. Certification according to ISO 9001 specifications was granted in April 1999. The major difficulty was in translating industrial norms to the context of an eye hospital. It was also difficult to overcome skepticism towards quality-assurance measures that lie beyond ophthalmological quality control.

CONCLUSION

It is useful and feasible to establish a quality management system at German university eye hospitals and departments of ophthalmology. Certification according to ISO 9001 is one possibility to make a quality management system transparent and evaluable both inside and outside the hospital.

[Mid- and long-term results after trabeculectomy in patients with juvenile and late-juvenile open-angle glaucoma]

BACKGROUND

To determine success rate of trabeculotomy in patients with juvenile and late-juvenile glaucoma in a retrospective study.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

46 eyes of 41 juvenile glaucoma-patients (24 female, 17 male) were submitted to trabeculotomy during the period of 1980-1997. Patients age at the time of surgery was 30.2 +/- 10.5 years (11-49 years, median 21 years). Follow-up time was 35 +/- 46 months (1-155 months).

RESULTS

Median preoperative visual acuity was 1.0 (range 0.002 to 1.25), postoperative visual acuity at the end of the follow up period was 0.8 (median) with a range from 0.002 to 1.2. In all patients preoperative intraocular pressure was elevated and a glaucomatous configuration of the optic disc was noticed. Preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) ranged from 30.5 +/- 13.2 mm Hg, after surgery IOP was 16.2 +/- 5 mm Hg. Mean decrease of the IOP postoperatively was 54.4%. In 37% of the eyes IOP was lower than 23 mm Hg without additional medication, in 47% of the eyes IOP was lower than 23 mm Hg with additional medication. In 8 eyes additional antiglaucoma-surgery was necessary. After a follow-up time of 60 months 81% of the patients (n = 37 eyes) had an IOP below 23 mm Hg, after 120 months in 80% of the patients (n = 29 eyes) IOP was below 23 mm Hg.

CONCLUSION

The success rate of trabeculotomy (defined as the ability to lower intraocular pressure lower than 23 mm Hg with or without antiglaucoma medication) in our patients is 84%. After second operation, success rate is 89%. Trabeculotomy for patients with juvenile open angle glaucoma is a safe procedure and avoids problems and complications of filtering procedures.

Anterior chamber depth and complications during cataract surgery in eyes with pseudoexfoliation syndrome

PURPOSE

To look for associations of preoperative A-scan ultrasound ocular dimensions with complications during phacoemulsification in eyes with pseudoexfoliation.

METHODS

A total of 174 eyes with pseudoexfoliation of 135 patients undergoing planned cataract surgery were included in a prognostic study based on the review of a clinical database. Preoperatively, A-scan ultrasound examination with measurement of anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, and total axial length was performed. Phacoemulsification with implantation of a posterior chamber intraocular lens was performed by a total of five surgeons. Intraoperative complications (zonular dialysis and/or vitreous loss) were correlated with preoperative findings including ultrasound dimensions. Multivariate logistic regression analysis with a generalized estimating equations method was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Intraoperative complications occurred in 12 eyes (6.9%) of 11 patients. The anterior chamber was significantly shallower in eyes with than in eyes without complications (mean, 2.36 +/- 0.44 mm vs 2.74 +/- 0.52 mm; P =.013). The differences in lens thickness (4.93 +/- 0.55 mm vs 4.72 +/- 0.54 mm; P =.30) and the differences in axial length (22.92 +/- 1.09 mm vs 23.66 +/- 1.36 mm; P =.07) between the two groups did not reach statistical significance. In eyes with pseudoexfoliation, an anterior chamber depth of less than 2.5 mm was associated with a risk of 13.4% for intraoperative complications compared with an overall incidence of intraoperative complications of 6.9% and an incidence of 2.8% for an anterior chamber depth of 2.5 mm or more.

CONCLUSIONS

A small anterior chamber depth may indicate zonular instability in eyes with pseudoexfoliation syndrome and should alert the cataract surgeon to the possibility of intraoperative complications.

[Expulsive hemorrhage in perforating keratoplasty--incidence and risk factors]

BACKGROUND

Expulsive hemorrhage is a severe complication of intraocular surgery. In a retrospective study we looked up surgical records of all penetrating keratoplasties (PK) performed in our department between 1989 and 1998. In all patients suffering from expulsive or preexpulsive choroidal hemorrhage we intended to find out possible risk factors and to report on the final outcome of these eyes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 1989 and November 1998 a total of 2421 PKs were performed. Nine preexpulsive and three expulsive hemorrhages occurred. The group of patients with preexpulsive hemorrhage consists of four females and five males (mean age 57 +/- 6.5 years). Three patients (one female, 2 males; mean age 67 +/- 8.5 years) suffered from expulsive hemorrhage.

RESULTS

Incidence of expulsive hemorrhage was 0.1% (preexpulsive hemorrhage 0.4%). All twelve operations were performed under general anesthesia. Risk factors for preexpulsive hemorrhage were: previous ocular surgery (three patients), ocular trauma (2 patients) and internal diseases (five patients): arterial hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetes. Preoperative visual acuity was light perception to 4/20, visual acuity at the last postoperative examination after a mean follow-up of 41.0 +/- 22.6 months ranged from light perception to 12/20. Risk-factors for expulsive hemorrhage were: previous ocular surgery (two patients), primary open angle glaucoma (two patients), coronary heart disease (one patient) und asthma bronchiale (one patient). One of the patients awoke from general anesthesia during the "open-sky" situation. Preoperative visual acuity was light perception to 2/400, visual acuity at the last postoperative examination (mean follow-up 14.0 +/- 1.0 months) was light perception in all eyes.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of an expulsive hemorrhage was 0.1% in 2412 Pks. Risk factors are ocular and internal predispositions which can hardly be controlled, although arterial blood pressure was not significantly elevated during opening of the globe.

[Results of implantation of transsclerally sutured posterior chamber lenses in combination with penetrating keratoplasty]

Implantation of transsclerally sutured posterior chamber lenses is one possibility of surgical visual rehabilitation of eyes with pseudophacic or aphacic bullous keratopathy without zonular-capsular support. We analyzed the results and complications of the surgical procedures performed in our institution.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Out of 1567 penetrating keratoplasties and 220 transsclerally sutured posterior chamber lenses that were performed at our institution between 1991 and 1996, patients that underwent penetrating keratoplasty and sutured posterior chamber lens implantation in whom sufficient clinical information was available were selected and analyzed in a retrospective, nonselective study. Surgery was performed by a total of four surgeons and included anterior vitrectomy, inside-out suturing and synechiolysis if necessary. Detailed pre- and intraoperative data, postoperative course and complications were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

A total of 96 eyes were analyzed (patient age 17-92 years, 49 male, 46 female). Penetrating keratoplasty was performed for pseudophacic (63) oder aphacic (15) bullous keratopathy or for corneal scars following penetrating injury (18). Mean follow-up was 22 months. In 82 of 96 eyes, visual acuity improved following surgery. Complications included rhegmatogenous retinal detachment in 4 eyes, graft rejection in 5 eyes, secondary angle-closure glaucoma caused by preexisting anterior synechiae in 7 eyes, and persisting cystoid macular edema in 19 eyes. Luxation or subluxation of the IOL and endophthalmitis were not observed in any of the patients.

CONCLUSION

Implantation of transsclerally sutured posterior chamber lenses appears to be a safe procedure and is considered by us to be the procedure of choice to correct aphacia during penetrating keratoplasty in eyes with absent zonular-capsular support. The majority of postoperative complications is apparently caused by preexisting problems related to previous surgery and/or trauma, such as peripheral anterior synechiae, vitreous incarceration or cystoid macular edema.

Cataract extraction in eyes with diabetic iris neovascularization

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Iris neovascularization used to be considered a strict contraindication to intraocular surgery, especially intraocular lens implantation. In this study, the authors analyzed whether cataract extraction and posterior chamber lens implantation is associated with unacceptable intraoperative and early postoperative complications in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy and rubeosis iridis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Using a computerized data retrieval system, the authors identified all the patients with manifest iris neovascularization and proliferative diabetic retinopathy who underwent cataract extraction in their institution between 1989 and 1995. The preoperative, intraoperative, and early postoperative data were analyzed retrospectively with regard to complications and visual results.

RESULTS

Thirty-nine eyes of 33 patients (mean age 64.6 +/- 10.9 years) with manifest pupillary rubeosis iridis were analyzed. All but 3 of the eyes had undergone previous retinal laser treatment, with dense cataracts preventing additional photocoagulation. Additional chamber angle neovascularization was present in 11 eyes. Posterior chamber intraocular lenses were implanted in 35 eyes. Intraoperatively, iris hemorrhage was noted in 10 eyes and was significantly more frequent in eyes that underwent nuclear expression (50%) than in those that underwent phacoemulsification (12%; P = .019). Postoperatively, spontaneously resolving hyphema was observed in 7 eyes as well as reversible fibrin formation in 6 eyes. No severe sight-threatening complications occurred. Visual acuity improved in 33 (85%) of the eyes.

CONCLUSION

Cataract extraction with posterior chamber lens implantation does not appear to be associated with unacceptable intraoperative or early postoperative complications. However, adequate treatment of underlying diabetic retinopathy prior to cataract extraction (and if necessary, postoperatively) is essential to prevent the progression of retinal and iris neovascularization.

[Cataract surgery in nanophthalmic eyes with an axial length of less than 20.5 mm]

BACKGROUND

Aim of this study was to analyze the results of cataract surgery in nanophthalmic eyes with axial length of less than 20.5 mm.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

From 1991 to 1996 extracapsular cataract extraction with posterior chamber lens implantation was performed in 20 eyes of 19 patients (mean age 70.2 +/- 12.7 years, 4 male, 16 female) with axial length of less than 20.5 mm. Mean preoperative visual acuity was 0.16 +/- 0.15, refractive error +5.1 +/- 3.8 dpt and intraocular pressure 18.7 +/- 10.3 mm Hg. The mean follow-up was 24.4 months. Patient data were collected prospectively with standardized "Erlanger Augenblätter" and the computer-aided automatized operation record system "OPERA". These data together with the biometrical data were analized in a retrolective manner.

RESULTS

Preoperatively 6 of 20 eyes had angle closure situation, 7 of 20 eyes had undergone intraocular surgery previously (5 x iridotomy, 1 x surgical iridectomy, 1 x filtration procedure). Pseudoexfoliation syndrome was present in 3 eyes. The posterior chamber lens (mean refractive power 31.7 +/- 3.0 dpt, optic diameter 6.5 and 7.0 mm) was positioned 18 x intracapsular, 2 x into the sulcus and 1 x by scleral fixation due to capsular rupture without vitreous loss. In 16 of 20 eyes iris surgery was performed additionally, in one eye an anterior sclerotomy was necessary. Intraoperatively "vis a tergo" occurred in 10 eyes and anterior chamber hemorrhage in one eye. Visual acuity improved in 16 of 20 eyes. The mean visual acuity was 0.3 +/- 0.2. At the end of follow-up 13 eyes had an improvement of visual acuity. Mean intraocular pressure was 16.5 +/- 3.3 mm Hg, refractive error was +0.47 +/- 2.9 dpt and differed by -0.49 +/- 1.8 dpt from the preoperatively calculated refraction. Postoperatively angle closure glaucoma developed in one eye, a ciliopseudophakic angle closure glaucoma and recurrent iris bombata in one eye. Reoperations included cyclokryokoagulation in two eyes, pars plana vitrectomy in one eye and repeated Nd-YAG iridotomies in one eye.

CONCLUSION

Regarding the special anatomic situation, the surgical procedure has to be planned individually, including the determination of sclera thickness, corneal diameter and lens volume/eye volume ratio.

[Pseudoexfoliation syndrome in patients with retinal vein branch and central vein thrombosis]

BACKGROUND

Pseudoexfoliation syndrome is a frequent cause of secondary open-angle glaucoma due to deposition and in situ-production of abnormal extracellular matrix proteins in the trabecular meshwork. Glaucomas itself are a known risk factor for retinal vein thrombosis. In this retrospective study the prevalence of pseudoexfoliation syndrome in patients with branch and central retinal vein thrombosis was investigated.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The records of 332 unselected patients with branch retinal vein thrombosis and 159 with central retinal vein thrombosis, which were seen in our laser out-patient clinic between January 1990 and July 1996, were analysed retrospectively.

RESULTS

6.0% of patients with branch and 6.9% of patients with central retinal vein thrombosis revealed pseudoexfoliation syndrome. The full picture of pseudoexfoliation syndrome was seen in 4.2% of patients with branch and in 4.4% of patients with central retinal vein thrombosis. The prevalence of pseudoexfoliation syndrome increased with age. Twenty percent of patients with branch and 27% of patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome and branch or central retinal vein thrombosis. The branch retinal vein thrombosis was significantly more often localised at the disk in patients with glaucoma and in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

Pseudoexfoliation syndrome is a risk factor for retinal vein thrombosis. Pathogenetically the secondary open-angle glaucoma caused by pseudoexfoliation syndrome could be causative for the venous thrombosis.

[Transplant reaction after keratoplasty for keratoconus. Frequency and risk factors]

BACKGROUND

Graft rejection is a leading cause of graft failure in keratoplasty for keratoconus.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A consecutive series of 274 keratoplasties performed between 1980 and 1991, for keratoconus was studied, some cases retrospective and others prospectively with postoperative monitoring up to 1993. Excluded from the study were 22 eyes with previous intraocular surgery, simultaneous cataract operations, or eccentric grafts. The mean follow-up was 26.3 months.

RESULTS

Endothelial graft rejection was seen in 19 of the 274 eyes (6.9%), and in 4 of these eyes (1.4%) the graft failed. After 1 year the rejection-free transplant survival rate (Kaplan-Meier survival analysis) was 93.9% ( +/- 1.5% standard error) and after 4 years, 89.3 +/- 2.9%. Younger age of recipient and loosening of the suture were significant risk factors (p < 0.05 for each) for graft rejection episodes. Suture loosening was significantly more frequent in younger recipients (p < 0.001). Recipient's age was not a risk factor in eyes in which suture loosening did not occur.

CONCLUSION

Younger patients are at greater risk of graft rejection in keratoconus, not only because of their more "active" immune system but also because of a higher risk of suture problems. More attention must be paid to suture problems, especially in younger patients, to decrease the risk of graft rejection in keratoconus patients.

[Results of laser coagulation of retinal branch vein occlusions]

BACKGROUND

The benefit of laser treatment in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) is established in the literature. We investigated the relationship of morphological and fluorescein angiographic findings with the results of laser treatment.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Of 211 examined patients with BRVO argon-laser coagulation was performed in 121 (57%). Laser treatment was done in all patients with preretinal neovascularization and in patients with macular edema 3 months or more after the onset of occlusion with visual acuity < or = 20/40. Follow up examinations were performed in 3 months intervals with the last examination 11.7 months on average after treatment. Statistical analysis was done by Wilcoxon-test.

RESULTS

Mean visual acuity before laser coagulation was 20/60, after laser treatment 20/50. Visual acuity in all patients improved significantly after laser treatment (p = 0.0001). A significant improvement occurred when treatment was performed within 3 to 4 months after onset (p < 0.0001), in patients with macular edema in the ischemic (p = 0.0005) and non ischemic type (p = 0.036), in patients without preretinal neovascularization (p < 0.0001) and without vitreous hemorrhage (p = 0.0001), in patients between 51 and 60 years (p = 0.0001) and between 41 and 50 years of age (p = 0.0086), in vein occlusions with intraretinal hemorrhages ++ (p = 0.0001), with hard exsudates + (p = 0.0047) in vein occlusions of the temporal superior (p = 0.0016) and the temporal inferior branch (p = 0.028) and in patients with diffuse dye leakage + (p = 0.0036) and ++ (p = 0.007). No significant visual improvement was found in patients with ischemic maculopathy, hard exsudates ++, preretinal neovascularization and vitreous hemorrhage, diffuse intraretinal dye leakage , dye leakage ++ and from retinal vessels and in patients < or = 40 and > 60 years of age.

CONCLUSIONS

Laser treatment in BRVO according to the criteria of the study is beneficial and results in significant visual improvement.

[Clinical and fluorescein angiography changes in patients with central retinal vein occlusion. A unicenter study of 125 patients]

Between January 1986 and December 1989 we prospectively studied 125 patients with central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). Documented by fundus photography and fluorescein angiography clinical and angiographic findings were analysed. The age of the patients was between 22 and 89 years with a mean of 60 years. 74 (59%) were male and 51 (41%) female. 63 (50.4%) right and 62 (49.6%) left eyes were affected. Arterial hypertension was found in 34 (37.2%) and diabetes mellitus in 18 (14.4%) of the patients. Glaucoma was present in 14 (11.2%). 11 (8.8%) patients had bilateral CRVO. Preretinal neovascularisation was found in 5 (4%), vitreous hemorrhage in 6 (4.8%) and a retinal detachment in 2 (1.6%) patients. Iris neovascularisation at time of first presentation was found in 8 (6.4%) of all patients, related to the number of ischemic type of CRVO in 17.7%. Cystoid macular edema was found in 77 (61.6%), ischemic maculopathy in 24 (19.2%) patients, and a combination of cystoid and ischemic maculopathy in 11 (8.8%). Mean visual acuity was 20/100. A non ischemic type was present in 80 (64%) an ischemic in 45 (36%) of patients. Mean visual acuity in the non ischemic type was 20/60 and highly significant better (p < 0.0001) than in the ischemic type with a mean visual acuity of 20/400 (Mann-Whitney test). The density of intraretinal hemorrhages (p = 0.0005) and type of maculopathy (p < 0.0001) were highly significant related to the ischemia type (chi-square method).

[Results of pseudophakic retinal detachment surgery]

Between 8/81 and 9/89 2658 patients underwent retinal detachment surgery at the university eye hospital Erlangen/Nürnberg. From this number there were 30 (= 1.1%) pseudophakic retinal detachments consisting of 14 males and 16 females. Minimal age was 48, maximal 89 years, average age was 70.9 years. There were 4479 extracapsular cataract extractions with implantation of a posterior chamber lens performed in the same interval at our eye hospital. Out of this 4479 extracapsular cataract extractions we found 9 patients (= 0.2%) with pseudophakic retinal detachment. In our investigated group we found preoperative risk factors resulting in a pseudophakic retinal detachment consisting out of myopia, latticelike degeneration of the retina and contusion bulbi. Intraoperative risk factors are the rupture of the posterior capsule and vitreous prolapse. A postoperative risk factor is YAG-laser-capsulotomy. We observed a pseudophakic retinal detachment with patients undergoing YAG-laser-capsulotomy after minimal 30, maximal 880 and 372 days in average. Out of 30 patients 17 (= 66.6%) were treated successfully with the first operation. The success rate summed up to 83.2% after one re-operation. With 17 out of 30 patients we had to apply extensive endoophthalmic vitreous and retinal surgical techniques (cerclage, pars-plana-vitrectomy, silicone oil instillation).

[Simultaneous penetrating keratoplasty, cataract extraction and artificial lens implantation ("triple procedure") 1981-1987]

Between June 1981 and March 1987, the authors performed simultaneous penetrating keratoplasty, cataract extraction, and intraocular lens implantation in 90 eyes. The main indications were Fuchs's corneal endothelial dystrophy (38 cases), corneal cicatrization (33 cases) and corneal or scleral perforation (7 cases). Extracapsular cataract extraction with posterior chamber lens implantation was performed in 82 patients. The posterior capsule ruptured in nine eyes, necessitating an anterior vitrectomy in four of them. The corneal transplant was rejected in nine eyes (10%). The mean preoperative visual acuity of 9/100 in 89 patients improved to 39/100 six months after surgery in 59 patients who were followed up and to 50/100 in the 29 patients with Fuchs's corneal dystrophy. The authors believe that in cases presenting with both cataract and medically uncontrollable corneal disease, simultaneous penetrating keratoplasty with extracapsular cataract extraction and implantation of a posterior chamber lens represents the treatment of choice.

[Perforating keratoplasty in pseudophakia]

Between July 1980 and March 1987 the authors performed pseudophakic penetrating keratoplasty in 56 eyes with bullous keratopathy following implantation of an intraocular lens. The postoperative results in 50 eyes (47 patients) are reported in this retrospective study. Average duration of follow-up after keratoplasty was 8.1 months. The intraocular lenses were either iris-supported (31), anterior chamber lenses (12), or posterior chamber lenses (7). The interval between implantation of the lens and performance of the keratoplasty ranged from three to 451 months (average 69.9 months). It varied considerably, depending on the type of lens used. Vision after penetrating keratoplasty improved in 44 of the 50 eyes and was unchanged in three. In ten eyes, improvement in vision was limited by persistent cystoid maculopathy (CMP). Postoperative complications occurred in five eyes and traumatic wound dehiscence in two. However, none of the transplants showed any signs of rejection during the follow-up period. The prognosis for penetrating keratoplasty following intraocular lens implantation is generally good; impaired vision is due to extracorneal factors, in particular CMP.