IC3D Classification of Corneal Dystrophies-Edition 3

PURPOSE

The International Committee for the Classification of Corneal Dystrophies (IC3D) was created in 2005 to develop a new classification system integrating current information on phenotype, histopathology, and genetic analysis. This update is the third edition of the IC3D nomenclature.

METHODS

Peer-reviewed publications from 2014 to 2023 were evaluated. The new information was used to update the anatomic classification and each of the 22 standardized templates including the level of evidence for being a corneal dystrophy [from category 1 (most evidence) to category 4 (least evidence)].

RESULTS

Epithelial recurrent erosion dystrophies now include epithelial recurrent erosion dystrophy, category 1 ( COL17A1 mutations, chromosome 10). Signs and symptoms are similar to Franceschetti corneal dystrophy, dystrophia Smolandiensis, and dystrophia Helsinglandica, category 4. Lisch epithelial corneal dystrophy, previously reported as X-linked, has been discovered to be autosomal dominant ( MCOLN1 mutations, chromosome 19). Classic lattice corneal dystrophy (LCD) results from TGFBI R124C mutation. The LCD variant group has over 80 dystrophies with non-R124C TGFBI mutations, amyloid deposition, and often similar phenotypes to classic LCD. We propose a new nomenclature for specific LCD pathogenic variants by appending the mutation using 1-letter amino acid abbreviations to LCD. Pre-Descemet corneal dystrophies include category 1, autosomal dominant, punctiform and polychromatic pre-Descemet corneal dystrophy (PPPCD) ( PRDX3 mutations, chromosome 10). Typically asymptomatic, it can be distinguished phenotypically from pre-Descemet corneal dystrophy, category 4. We include a corneal dystrophy management table.

CONCLUSIONS

The IC3D third edition provides a current summary of corneal dystrophy information. The article is available online at https://corneasociety.org/publications/ic3d .

Comparison of optical aberrations in keratoconus with scleral versus rigid gas permeable lenses

PURPOSE

to assess optical aberrations under scleral (SL) versus rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses in patients with keratoconus.

METHODS

A prospective study including 25 eyes of 14 patients. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) with corrective glasses, RGP and SL, stage of keratoconus (Amsler-Krumeich classification), minimum pachymetry, maximum keratometry, and corneal higher-order aberrations (i.e, total HOAs, coma, and trefoil) with RGP and with SL were collected. Aberrometry was performed using iTrace® aberrometer (Tracey Technologies, USA).

RESULTS

80% of the included keratoconus patients were stage 4, with a mean age of 34.3 years (±8.8). There were no significant differences in mean BCVA (logMAR) between SL and RGP. The mean BCVAs were significantly better both with SL (p < 0.0001) and RGP (p < 0.0001) compared with corrective glasses. Total HOAs (p = 0.01), coma (p = 0.003) and trefoil (p = 0.008) were significantly lower with SL compared with RGP. The BCVA decreased with the stage of keratoconus in SL (p = 0.01) and RGP (p = 0.02). The BCVA decreased with decreasing minimum pachymetry in SL (p = 0.02) and RGP (p = 0.002), and with increasing maximum keratometry in SL (p = 0.02) and RGP (p = 0.01). Significant correlations were found between BCVA, total HOAs (p = 0.008), and coma (p = 0.02) in SL.

CONCLUSION

For the same keratoconus patients, total higher order, coma and trefoil optical aberrations were reduced with scleral lenses compared to rigid gas permeable lenses.

Infectious keratitis following corneal transplantation: A long-term cohort study

BACKGROUND

To assess the long-term incidence and risk factors for post-keratoplasty infectious keratitis (IK), associated ocular pathogens, and antibiotic resistance profiles.

METHODS

Cohort study including 2553 consecutive penetrating, endothelial, and anterior lamellar keratoplasties performed between 1992 and 2020. Medical and microbiological records of patients clinically diagnosed with IK were retrospectively reviewed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

cumulative incidence of IK, infectious agent species, and antibiotics resistance profiles.

RESULTS

The average follow-up time after transplantation was 112 ± 96 months. Eighty-nine IK episodes were recorded; microbiological tests were positive in 55/89 (62%). The cumulated incidence of postoperative IK was 5.50%/10.25% at 10/20 years. The occurrence of at least one episode of IK after transplantation was associated with lower graft survival in the long term (p < 0.0001). Rejection risk (adjusted Hazard Ratio, 2.29) and postoperative epithelial complications (HR, 3.44) were significantly and independently associated with a higher incidence of postoperative IK. Infectious agents included 41 bacteria, 10 HSV, 6 fungi, and 1 Acanthamoeba. The rate of antibiotic resistance was 0% for vancomycin, 13% for fluoroquinolones, 20% for rifamycin, 59% for aminoglycosides, and 73% for ticarcillin. In 41% of cases, patients were under prophylactic topical antibiotics before the infectious episode. Topical antibiotics were significantly associated with increased resistance to penicillin, carbapenems, and aminoglycosides.

CONCLUSION

IK (mainly bacterial) is a frequent complication of corneal transplantation in the long term. Vancomycin and fluoroquinolones can be considered as first-line treatments. Prolonged postoperative antibiotic preventive treatment is not advisable as it may increase antibiotic resistance.

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of pars plana vitrectomy with irido-zonulo-hyaloidotomy for malignant glaucoma

PURPOSE

To assess the efficacy and safety of pars plana vitrectomy with irido-zonulo-hyaloidotomy (IZH) for fluid misdirection syndrome (FMS) in pseudophakic eyes.

METHODS

This was a retrospective case series study of patients treated with pars plana vitrectomy with IZH for FMS between February 2017 and March 2020. Complete success was defined as central anterior chamber (AC) deepening with an intraocular pressure (IOP) of 21mmHg or less (on 2 consecutive visits at least 1 week apart) without topical or systemic glaucoma medications. Qualified success was defined as central AC deepening with an IOP of 21mmHg or less (on 2 consecutive visits at least 1 week apart) with topical or systemic glaucoma medications.

RESULTS

Twelve eyes of 12 patients with a diagnosis of FMS were included. The mean age of the population was 73.6±15.4 years [39-90] with a majority of women (58.3%). Prior surgeries at the time of FMS diagnosis were trabeculectomy (4 eyes) and non-perforating deep sclerectomy (2 eyes). At presentation, mean IOP was 38.2±9.8mmHg, which decreased to 17.9±7.7mmHg (P<0.0001) at final follow-up (mean follow-up of 4.9±4.3 months). Complete success was achieved in 6 eyes (50%) and qualified success in 10 eyes (83%), with two eyes failing treatment. There was no statistical significant relationship between demographic data and clinical success (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Pars plana vitrectomy combined with IZH appears to be a safe and effective technique for the treatment of FMS in pseudophakic patients.

Long-term outcomes of deep anterior lamellar versus penetrating keratoplasty for keratoconus

AIMS

To compare the long-term outcomes of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) with penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in keratoconus.

METHODS

Retrospective comparative case series (228 DALKs and 274 PKs). A biphasic linear model was used to describe the postoperative outcome of the endothelial cell density (ECD). Visual acuity, specular microscopy, corneal topography and optical coherence tomography findings were recorded.

RESULTS

Graft survival of the 502 keratoconus eyes was 96.7 at 10 years and 95.6% at 20 years. Visual acuity improved from 20/378±5.1 lines preoperatively to 20/32±2.1 lines at 30 months. The corneal ECD decreased from 2494±382 cells/mm2 to 1521±659 cells/mm2 at 10 years. The mean simulated keratometry increased from 44.88±2.54 D at 1 year to 46.60±3.0 D at 3 years. The mean follow-up was 103.4 months for DALKs and 106.1 months for PKs. The cumulated incidence of postoperative ocular hypertension requiring treatment was significantly higher in PKs than in DALKs. The early- and late-phase rates of ECD loss were significantly lower in DALKs than in PKs. These figures in DALKs were 50% of those observed in PKs. The simulated mean keratometry was significantly higher in DALKs than in PKs in the mid but not in the long term. No significant differences in visual acuity were observed between both groups. Manual dissection-DALK featured slower visual recovery than PK and big bubble-DALK, whereas big bubble-DALK and PK featured similar visual recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

DALK featuring higher endothelial survival and lower risk of postoperative ocular hypertension may be superior to PK when indicated for keratoconus.

Freeze-dried amniotic membrane graft with a spongy layer in bilateral peripheral ulcerative keratitis: a case report

BACKGROUND

Peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK) is a group of inflammatory corneal ulcers with stromal thinning and peripheral localization. Amniotic membranes (AM) are used for their anti-inflammatory and healing properties. A freeze-drying process now allows maintaining the AM viable for a long time at room temperature without altering its physical, biological, and morphologic characteristics. The effectiveness of spongy freeze-dried amniotic membrane (FD-AM) graft with multimodal imaging in the management of severe corneal thinning PUK has not been reported.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 67-year-old Caribbean man histologically diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, was referred to our tertiary eye care center for a deep nasal juxtalimbal ulcer of the left eye. He was treated with topical steroids and antibiotics, methylprednisolone pulses, and oral prednisone. Due to continuous stromal thinning with 100 μm of residual corneal thickness, the decision was made to perform surgery. Conjunctival resection, inlay and overlay spongy FD-AM (Visio Amtrix® S, Tissue Bank of France, FR) were performed to preserve globe integrity. Despite tapering off oral steroids, PUK developed in the fellow eye on the 2 months follow-up. Treatment with human monoclonal antibody against tumor necrosis factor-alpha was initiated to control the active underlying inflammation. Six months following surgery, the ulcer was healed and corneal thickness in front of the former ulceration was measured at 525 μm on anterior segment-optical coherence tomography. Confocal microscopy confirmed the integration of the amniotic membrane between the corneal epithelium and the anterior stroma.

CONCLUSION

Transplantation of FD-AM with a spongy layer was associated with restoration of normal corneal thickness in the PUK area. It seems to be a safe, effective, and easily accessible solution for the surgical management of PUK with impending perforation.

Efficacy, Safety, and Outcomes following Accelerated and Iontophoresis Corneal Crosslinking in Progressive Keratoconus

PURPOSE

To investigate the outcomes of accelerated (A-CXL) and iontophoresis (I-CXL) corneal crosslinking in a large retrospective cohort with progressive keratoconus.

METHODS

This retrospective observational cohort study included consecutive patients treated by A-CXL (9 mW/5.4 J/cm²) or I-CXL with a minimal follow-up of 12 months. Visual acuity, manifest refraction, topography, specular microscopy, and corneal optical coherence tomography (OCT) were evaluated at baseline and at the last visit. Progression was defined as an increase in the maximum topographic keratometry (Kmax) of 1D.

RESULTS

302 eyes of 241 patients with a mean age of 25.2 ± 7.5 years were included from 2012 to 2019: 231 and 71 eyes in the A-CXL and I-CXL groups, respectively. The mean follow-up was 27.2 ± 13.2 months (maximum: 85.7 months). Preoperatively, the mean Kmax was 51.8 ± 4.0D, with no differences between groups. Mean topographic measurements and spherical equivalent remained stable during the follow-up. At the last visit, CXL failure was reported in 60 eyes (19.9%): 40 (14.7%) versus 20 (28.2%) in A-CXL versus I-CXL, respectively, p = 0.005. The likelihood of progression after CXL was significantly higher following I-CXL: RR = 1.62, CI95 = [1.02 to 2.59], p = 0.04. Demarcation line presence at 1 month was positively correlated with higher efficacy of CXL, p = 0.03. No endothelial damage was reported, especially in 51 thin corneas (range = 342-399 µm).

CONCLUSIONS

A-CXL seems more effective than I-CXL in stabilizing keratoconus; this is to be taken into account when a therapeutic indication is posed according to the aggressiveness of the keratoconus.

Intraocular Lens Calcification After Pseudophakic Endothelial Keratoplasty

PURPOSE

To determine the incidence and to document risk factors for intraocular lens (IOL) calcification after pseudophakic endothelial keratoplasty.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied 2700 consecutive penetrating, anterior lamellar and endothelial keratoplasties carried out between December 1992 and June 2022 at the National Eye Hospital, Paris, France.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

RESULTS

All IOL calcification cases were associated with endothelial keratoplasty. Out of 588 endothelial keratoplasty procedures, 576 eyes were pseudophakic at the end of surgery. Fourteen cases of IOL calcification were observed during follow-up. The cumulative incidence of IOL calcification after endothelial keratoplasty was 4.5%±1.3% at 60 months. Hydrophilic acrylic IOL material (P < .001) and use of SF₆ for anterior chamber tamponade (P = .001) were significantly and independently associated with the cumulative incidence of IOL calcification.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of IOL calcifications seems to be around 5%. Ophthalmologists should avoid hydrophilic acrylic IOLs in patients with endothelial disorders. When the patient already has a hydrophilic IOL, SF₆ should be avoided. The only effective treatment is IOL exchange.

Corneal neurotization in the management of neurotrophic keratopathy: A review of the literature

Neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) is a rare degenerative disease in which damage to the corneal nerves leads to corneal hypoesthesia or anesthesia. Neurotrophic corneal ulcers are notoriously difficult to treat and can lead to blindness. Corneal neurotization (CN) is a recent surgical technique aimed at restoring corneal sensation and may offer a definitive treatment in the wake of NK. Herein, we review the surgical techniques utilized in direct and indirect CN. Technical considerations, outcomes, current limitations and future perspectives are also discussed. This article highlights the key points of this promising procedure and biological aspects that will help provide the best treatment options for patients with severe NK.

Corneal Epithelial Thickness Mapping in the Diagnosis of Ocular Surface Disorders Involving the Corneal Epithelium: A Comparative Study

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to analyze the role of corneal epithelial thickness (ET) mapping provided by spectral domain optical coherence tomography in the diagnosis of ocular surface disorders (OSDs) involving the corneal epithelium.

DESIGN

This was a retrospective comparative study.

METHODS

Institutional settings are as follows. Study population includes 303 eyes with an OSD and 55 normal eyes (controls). Observation procedures include spectral domain optical coherence tomography with epithelial mapping in the central 6 mm. Main outcome measures include ET map classification (normal, doughnut, spoke-wheel, localized/diffuse, and thinning/thickening patterns) and ET data and statistics (minimum, maximum, and SD). A quantitative threshold was determined with receiver operating curves to distinguish pathological from normal corneas. Sensitivity and specificity of classification and quantitative data were calculated using all eyes to assess the ability to distinguish corneas with a given corneal disorder from other conditions.

RESULTS

Classification of full agreement between 3 readers was obtained in 75.4% to 99.4% of cases. Main OSD features were keratoconus (135 eyes), doughnut pattern (sensitivity/specificity = 56/94%), and max-min ET ≥ 13 μm (84/43%); limbal deficiency (56 eyes), spoke-wheel pattern (66/98%), and max-min ET ≥ 14 μm (91/59%); epithelial basement membrane dystrophy (55 eyes), inferior thickening pattern (55/92%), and central ET > 56 μm (53/81%); dry eye (21 eyes), superior thinning pattern (67/88%), and minimal ET ≤ 44 μm (86/48%); pterygium (10 eyes), nasal thickening pattern (100/86%), and nasal ET > 56 μm (80/71%); and in situ carcinoma (11 eyes), max ET > 60 μm (91/60%), and ET SD >5 μm (100/58%).

CONCLUSIONS

The epithelial map pattern recognition combined with quantitative analysis of ET is relevant for the diagnosis of OSDs and for distinguishing various OSDs from each other. Deep learning analysis of big data could lead to the fully automated diagnosis of these disorders.

Orbital in juries in wartime: Historical study from Paul Tessier's work in Iran

INTRODUCTION

Paul Tessier was a leading French oculoplastic surgeon who took part in several surgical missions in Iran to manage victims of the Iraq-Iran conflict in the late 1980's and early 1990's.

METHODS

We collected the records of 322 patients who underwent surgical procedures for the management of wartime injuries by Paul Tessier's team in Iran from 1990 to 1993. We also report one of the most representative cases of orbital reconstruction performed by Tessier.

RESULTS

Mean age at the time of trauma was 20.65±7.04 years (range: 2--62). Craniofacial CT-scans were available for 54 patients. The bones of the upper third of the face and the orbital contents were affected in 124/322 patients (38.50%). Soft-tissue lesions of the upper third included 13 frontal lacerations (4.04%), 60 orbital injuries (18.63%) and 95 uni- or bilateral enucleations (29.50%). Thirty-nine uni- or bilateral lid injuries (12.11%) and 8 tear duct injuries (2.48%) were reported. A specific case of orbital reconstruction using antero-internal and posterior iliac bone grafts was reported as a representative example of Tessier's techniques.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the challenges of orbital reconstruction in wartime injuries and provides insights on the work of one of the most renowned surgeons in this field.

Update on fungal keratitis in France: a case-control study

PURPOSE

To report an epidemiological update of documented fungal keratitis (FK) in a French tertiary ophthalmological centre from 2014 to 2018 in comparison with a previous period from 1993 to 2008.

METHODS

Sixty-two consecutive FK documented by microbiological corneal scrapings were compared with the 64 FK of the previous study. Amphotericin B and voriconazole eye drops were administered hourly. Population characteristics, clinical findings, aetiological organisms and treatments were analysed.

RESULTS

The most frequently identified fungi were Fusarium (61%), Aspergillus (6.5%) and Candida (5%). Thirty out of 44 cases examined with in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) presented filaments. Ten required conventional cross-linking, 9 therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty, and 2 enucleation. Risk factors significantly associated with the absence of response to medical treatment were patient age (p = 0.01), presence of a deep stromal infiltrate at presentation (p = 0.04) and high numbers of filaments in IVCM images (p = 0.01). The two populations were comparable in age, but not in sex ratio males/females (18/44 versus 37/26 in the previous study; p = 0.001). The frequency of contact lens-associated infection increased from 35.5% to 71% (p = 0.0001) between the two periods. Since then, filamentous FK increased from 69% (44/64) to 95% (59/62) (p = 0.0001). A history of keratoplasty was less frequently reported during the last period (3.2% (2/62) versus 17% (11/64) of cases (p = 0.01)). A clear decrease in the frequency of therapeutic keratoplasty was noted from 39% (25/64) to 14% (9/62) (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

The frequency of filamentous keratomycosis is currently increasing. Elderly patients and the presence of numerous filaments in IVCM are associated with poor clinical outcomes.

Anterior chamber fibrin reaction during Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty

Purpose

To report a series of five cases of intraoperative spontaneous anterior chamber fibrin reaction during Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK).

Methods

We retrospectively collected demographic data and data for ocular disease history for each patient. Donor age, preoperative graft endothelial density, surgical complications on surgery and intraoperative OCT videos, intraoperative management and outcome were assessed. The same standardized DMEK technique was used for all patients.

Results

We report intraoperative fibrin formation in five eyes subjected to DMEK. Three pseudophakic eyes underwent single DMEK, and the other two underwent combined DMEK and cataract surgery. In one case, a fibrin filament was observed before graft insertion, with multiplication during surgery, whereas, in the other four cases, strands of fibrin from the iris appeared after graft insertion. This complication resulted in graft failure in four cases (80%). No recipient- or donor-related risk factor was identified.

Conclusions and importance

The anterior chamber fibrin reaction is a very uncommon complication of DMEK. The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain unknown, but analyses of surgical videos and intraoperative OCT suggest iris involvement. This phenomenon may be induced by chronic subclinical anterior chamber inflammation, due to a blood-aqueous barrier breakdown associated with acute iris trauma during surgery. Thus, intraoperative microtraumatism of the iris should be avoided.

Early corneal pachymetry maps after cataract surgery and influence of 3D digital visualization system in minimizing corneal oedema

PURPOSE

To describe the early topography of corneal swelling occurring after cataract surgery and to evaluate the impact of the three-dimensional (3D) digital visualization system in minimizing corneal oedema.

METHODS

Prospective observational, single-centre, consecutive case series of 134 patients undergoing cataract surgery performed by the same surgeon, with either 3D or conventional visualization systems. Eyes were assigned to two groups based on their anterior chamber depth (group ACD ≤3 mm and group ACD >3 mm). Optical coherence tomography was performed to evaluate postoperative corneal swelling.

RESULTS

Three corneal swelling profiles were identified on the first postoperative day type 1, limited corneal oedema near peripheral corneal incisions; type 2, dome-shaped corneal swelling spreading from the principal corneal incision and reaching the paracentral cornea; type 3, continuous oedema spreading from the principal incision to central cornea, with a generalized oedema predominating in the upper part of the cornea. On the first day after surgery, in group ACD ≤3 mm, visual acuity was significantly better in patients undergoing surgery with 3D visualization (0.023 vs 0.072 logMar, p = 0.014) with reduced central corneal thickening 17.3 µm (±3.2) in comparison with conventional visualization 44.0 µm (±9.3) (p = 0.0082). In group ACD >3 mm, no significant association was found between the use of the 3D system and pachymetry changes and early visual rehabilitation. On day 21 after surgery, no significant differences in corneal pachymetry values were observed between the two surgical approaches in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

We describe early postoperative corneal map profiles providing insight into the pathogenesis of postoperative corneal swelling and possible prevention strategies. By improving visualization of the narrow surgical space in patients with shallow anterior chambers, the 3D system could help to minimize postoperative corneal oedema.

Comparative Study of Asymmetric Versus Non-asymmetric Intrastromal Corneal Ring Segments for the Management of Keratoconus

PURPOSE

To compare the outcomes obtained with models of asymmetric and non-asymmetric intracorneal ring segments (ICRS) in keratoconic eyes with asymmetric topo-graphic patterns.

METHODS

In this prospective observational study, ICRS were implanted alternately in patients with the same tomographic patterns of keratoconus assigned to four groups. Patients with the "duck" phenotype received one asymmetric or non-asymmetric ICRS and patients with the "snowman" pheno-type received two asymmetric or non-asymmetric ICRS. Visual, refractive, astigmatism, keratometric, and corneal aberrometry changes were evaluated over a 6-month follow-up period.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight eyes were analyzed. No significant difference was observed between the use of one asymmetric and one non-asymmetric ICRS in duck phenotypes. In snowman keratoconus, the inferior-superior index decreased significantly (P = .03) with asymmetric but not with non-asymmetric ICRS implantation. Total corneal higher order aberrations and coma rates were lower, but not significantly so, after the implantation of two asymmetric ICRS in snowman phenotypes (2.85 ± 0.89 to 2.60 ± 0.91 µm, P = .20 and 2.64 ± 0.93 to 2.39 ± 0.98 µm, P = .21), and significantly higher after the implantation of two non-asymmetric ICRS (2.56 ± 1.28 to 3.08 ± 1.62 µm, P = .02 and 2.34 ± 1.27 to 2.84 ± 1.62 µm, P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

Asymmetric ICRS did not improve the outcomes of ICRS implantation in duck keratoconus. However, the implantation of two asymmetric ICRS was more effective than that of two non-asymmetric ICRS for decreasing vertical asymmetry and preventing increases in corneal aberration in the snowman phenotype of keratoconus. [J Refract Surg. 2021;37(8):552-561.].

Postoperative Corneal Epithelial Remodeling After Intracorneal Ring Segment Procedures for Keratoconus: An Optical Coherence Tomography Study

PURPOSE

To assess epithelial corneal remodeling by anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) after intracorneal ring segments (ICRS) implantation in keratoconic eyes.

METHODS

This prospective observational study included patients with keratoconus receiving ICRS of different arc lengths according to their tomographic pattern. AS-OCT and corneal topography (Scheimpflug camera) were performed before and 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. Corneal pachymetry mapping was performed and total corneal and epithelial thicknesses (3-mm central and 16 points on 6-mm zone) were measured over the pupil center using AS-OCT. Topographic parameters were also assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 68 keratoconic eyes were analyzed (Amsler-Krumeich stages 1 to 4) in four groups of 17 eyes: 210° ICRS, 320° ICRS, double 160° ICRS, and single 160° ICRS. Corneal pachymetry mapping revealed that epithelial thickness increased significantly in the internal zones juxtaposed to the ICRS without smoothing during the postoperative period (P < .05). Mean maximum epithelial thickness increased from 67 ± 6 to 79 ± 7 µm for 210° ICRS, 66 ± 9 to 82 ± 4 µm for 320° ICRS, 63 ± 6 to 78 ± 7 µm for double 160° ICRS, and 62 ± 5 to 77 ± 5 µm for single 160° ICRS (P < .0001). Significant epithelial thickening at the apex of the cone was observed in all groups (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Significant epithelial thickening occurs after ICRS implantation adjacent to the ICRS to compensate for the ridge created with a thickening of epithelium over the cone due to regularization of the stromal surface. [J Refract Surg. 2021;37(6):404-413.].

[Intracorneal ring segments in keratoconus management]

Intracorneal ring segments (ICRS), used in the management of keratoconus since the 2000s, have enjoyed significant technological development. Various types of ICRS exist, whose arc length, thickness, and diameter can be chosen according to the desired effect on the spherical equivalent, keratometry and asphericity. Individualized implantation strategies, based on each patient's topographic and tomographic pattern, are constantly evolving. The surgical procedure is standardized, and complications remain very rare. Combined procedures (corneal collagen cross-linking and refractive photokeratectomy±topo-guided, phakic and pseudophakic intraocular lenses) are increasingly used and require a good knowledge of the effect of ICRS alone on the keratoconic cornea. The objective of this review is to summarize clinical practices used in the visual rehabilitation of keratoconic patients using the ICRS+- combined procedures.

Anterior chamber tap cytology in acute postoperative endophthalmitis: a case-control study

AIMS

To determine anterior chamber tap cytology characteristics in acute postoperative bacterial endophthalmitis.

METHODS

488 eyes of 488 patients were included in this retrospective case-control study. The study group included 93 eyes with bacteriologically documented endophthalmitis and 85 eyes with clinical endophthalmitis. The control group included 33 eyes with non-infectious postoperative inflammation, 116 eyes with acute uveitis and 161 cataract surgery eyes with no ocular inflammation. Cytological analysis, direct examination and microbiological cultures were performed in aqueous humour (AqH) samples. Inclusion criteria for the study group were the following: suspected endophthalmitis within 30 days following cataract surgery by phacoemulsification, secondary lens implantation, pars plana vitrectomy or intravitreal injection; best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) <20/400; hypopyon or cyclitic membrane; absence of visibility of the retina; vitritis at a slit-lamp examination or in ultrasound B-scan.

RESULTS

Cell line counts (mainly polymorphonuclear neutrophils) were significantly higher in the two endophthalmitis study subgroups than in the three control subgroups. The study group showed a predominance of polymorphonuclear neutrophils as opposed to the three control subgroups including uveitis (p<0.00001). The best sensitivity/specificity was obtained using a polymorphonuclear neutrophil threshold of 10 per field (sensitivity, 0.90; specificity, 0.75). The sensitivity of the bacterial culture was 32% in the AqH. High neutrophil count was associated with poorer initial BCVA (r_s=0.62; p<0.00001) and higher risk of retinal detachment during (p=0.04) and after (p<0.001) hospitalisation.

CONCLUSION

Anterior chamber tap cytology is a quick and accessible tool complementary to culture and PCR for the management of acute postoperative endophthalmitis.

Prevention of infection after corneal refractive surgery: a French survey

PURPOSE

To report the French refractive surgeons' real-life practices for preventing infection after corneal refractive surgery (photorefractive keratotomy [PRK], laser in situ keratomileusis [LASIK], and small-incision lenticule extraction).

SETTING

France.

DESIGN

Anonymous practice survey.

METHODS

The questionnaire was sent in a single email invitation to 400 declared refractive surgeons. The following information was recorded between December 2019 and April 2020, before the coronavirus pandemic: demographics data, preoperative evaluation and preparation of the patient, surgical management, immediate and postoperative protocol, and infections reported after corneal refractive surgery.

RESULTS

Eighty-three of 400 surgeons (20.75%) responded to the questionnaire; 55 (66.0%) performed more than 50 corneal refractive surgeries a year, and 25 (30.1%) performed more than 200 procedures a year. Thirty-six (43.4%) surgeons wore 3 protective items, 37 (44.6%) 2, 5 (6.0%) 1, and 5 (6.0%) zero. Seventy-seven (92.8%) surgeons used povidone-iodine for skin area disinfection and 54 (65%) for conjunctival fornix disinfection. The contact time of povidone-iodine was less than 3 minutes for 71 (85.0%) surgeons. Twenty surgeons (24.1%) reported at least 1 postrefractive surgery infection. Twenty percent of surgeons who wore sterile gloves for PRK reported postoperative infections compared with 62.5% for those who did not (P = .008). These figures were, respectively, 8.7% and 66.7% for the use of sterile gloves during LASIK (P = .002); 8.9% of surgeons who wore surgical masks for LASIK reported postoperative infections compared with 50.0% for those who did not (P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Practices are variable among French refractive surgeons. Wearing a surgical mask and sterile gloves during corneal refractive surgery appears to be advisable.

Excimer laser programming of refractive astigmatism vs. anterior corneal astigmatism in the case of ocular residual astigmatism (ORA)

PURPOSE

To determine whether manifest refractive astigmatism (RA) or anterior corneal astigmatism (CA) is the best value for excimer laser programming in cases of ocular residual astigmatism (ORA).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients who had undergone LASIK surgery with a disagreement between manifest refractive and corneal cylinder (ocular residual astigmatism ORA)>0.75 D were included retrospectively in this study. We calculated target induced astigmatism vector (TIA), surgically induced astigmatism vector (SIA), difference vector between the astigmatism correction programmed in the excimer laser and refractive astigmatism (DVRA), difference vector between the astigmatism correction programmed in the excimer laser and corneal astigmatism (DVCA) and difference vector between TIA and SIA (DV), by the Alpins method. Vectorial differences between DV and DVRA, and between DV and DVCA, were then calculated to determine whether RA or CA was closest to the ideal cylinder for laser programming.

RESULTS

Of a total of 104 eyes undergoing LASIK, 22 eyes of 12 patients (21.1%) had an ORA>0.75 D and were included. Mean ORA was 0.9±0.2 D and mean postoperative subjective cylinder was 0.45 D. The DV-DVRA difference vector was 0.57±0.2 D, and the DV-DVCA difference vector was 0.86±0.4 D (P=0.02). RA was closer than CA to the ideal astigmatism correction.

CONCLUSION

In cases of discrepancy between manifest astigmatism and corneal astigmatism, correction of manifest refractive astigmatism seems to give a better refractive result.

Multimodal imaging of Hurler syndrome-related keratopathy treated with deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty

Background

Hurler syndrome-associated keratopathy is an exceedingly rare corneal disorder that requires corneal transplantation in advanced stages. Precise assessment of the corneal condition is necessary for deciding which type of keratoplasty (i.e., deep anterior lamellar or penetrating) should be proposed. We aimed to confront the results of multimodal imaging with those of histology in a case of Hurler syndrome-associated keratopathy.

Case presentation

A 16-year-old patient with Hurler’s syndrome treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was referred for decreased vision related to advanced keratopathy. The patient was treated with deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) in both eyes with uncomplicated outcome. Visual acuity improved from 0.1 (20/200) preoperatively to 0.32 (20/63) and 0.63 (20/32) after transplantation. The corneal endothelial cell density was 2400 cells/mm² in both eyes 3 years after transplantation. In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) were performed preoperatively. The corneal buttons retrieved during keratoplasty were processed for histology. In SD-OCT scans, corneal opacities appeared as diffuse stromal hyperreflectivity associated with increased corneal thickness. IVCM showed diffuse cytoplasmic granular hyperreflectivity and rounded/ellipsoid aspects of keratocytes, presence of small intracellular vacuoles, and hyperreflective epithelial intercellular spaces. Bowman’s layer was thin and irregular. The corneal endothelium was poorly visualized but no endothelial damage was observed. Histology showed irregular orientation and organization of stromal lamellae, with the presence of macrophages whose cytoplasm appeared clear and granular. A perinuclear clear halo was visible within the epithelial basal cells. Bowman’s layer featured breaks and irregularities.

Conclusions

The observed corneal multimodal imaging features in mucopolysaccharidosis-related keratopathy were concordant with histology. Compared with standard histology, multimodal imaging allowed additional keratocyte features to be observed. It revealed both morphological and structural changes of all corneal layers but the endothelium. This information is essential for therapeutic management which should include DALK as the first-choice treatment in case of impaired visual acuity.

Tocilizumab versus Rituximab in Patients with Moderate to Severe Steroid-resistant Graves' Orbitopathy

Introduction: To describe the efficacy of tocilizumab in patients with Graves' orbitopathy resistant or dependent to steroids and compare to rituximab treated patients.Patients and Methods: Graves's orbitopathy response was considered as decrease of at least 2 points of the CAS.Results: Twenty-one patients were included, 7 patients were treated with tocilizumab and 14 with rituximab. The primary was achieved in all 7 patients (100%) on tocilizumab and 9 out of 14 patients on (64%) rituximab (p = .17). Mean change in CAS was consistent with a decrease of 3.3 ± 0.5 points in patients on tocilizumab versus 2.5 ± 1.9 in patients on rituximab (p = .07). One patient on tocilizumab (14%) and 4 patients (29%) on rituximab experienced significant relapse during the follow-up. The difference in relapse-free survival was not significant in patients on tocilizumab (10.8 ± 4 months) compared with rituximab (17.88 ± 3.66).Conclusion: We showed a significant improvement in the CAS, visual acuity, diplopia, and proptosis with both tocilizumab and rituximab.

Influence of graft thickness and regularity on vision recovery after endothelial keratoplasty

AIM

To assess the influence of graft thickness and regularity on visual recovery and postoperative wavefront aberrations after endothelial keratoplasty (EK).

METHODS

150 EKs performed in eyes with corneal endothelial disorders and no other ocular comorbidities, preoperative and postoperative assessment with spectral domain optical coherence tomography and postoperative assessment with whole eye wavefront aberrometry were retrospectively analysed. Eyes were classified into five groups: Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK), nanothin Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSAEK) (15-49 µm), ultrathin DSAEK (50-99 µm), thin DSAEK (100-149 µm) and conventional DSAEK (150-250 µm).

RESULTS

The preoperative diagnosis was Fuchs dystrophy in 139 eyes (92.7%). The graft thickness measured after graft deswelling was in average 74 µm with a mean coefficient of variation of 17%. The average follow-up time was 32 months. The mean spectacle-corrected logarithm of minimum angle of resolution visual acuity improved from 0.76 (20/116) before surgery to 0.14 (20/27) at last follow-up visit. No significant differences in final visual acuity were found between the five groups. The time to reach 20/40 vision was significantly shorter in the DMEK and nanothin DSAEK groups compared with the remaining three DSAEK groups. No significant differences in postoperative aberrometry measurements were found between the five groups. Shorter time to reach 20/40 visual acuity was associated with better preoperative visual acuity and thinner graft. Higher final vision improvement was associated with poorer preoperative visual acuity. Higher postoperative high-order aberrations were associated with poorer preoperative visual acuity.

CONCLUSION

The main advantage of DMEK and nanothin DSAEK over thicker DSAEKs was the rapidity of visual recovery. Final quality of vision was not influenced by graft thickness and regularity.

Presbyopia management with Q-factor modulation without additive monovision: One-year visual and refractive results

PURPOSE

To analyze refractive results after hyperopic presbyopia surgery by Q-factor modulation without additive monovision.

SETTING

Quinze-Vingts National Ophthalmology Hospital, Paris, France.

DESIGN

Prospective nonrandomized study.

METHODS

Forty-five hyperopic presbyopic patients not tolerating monovision were included. The target for the dominant eye was emmetropia, whereas that for the nondominant eye was emmetropia associated with a target Q factor of -0.8. The postoperative follow-up included assessments of spherical equivalent (SE) refraction, monocular and binocular corrected and uncorrected (UDVA) distance visual acuities, and binocular corrected and uncorrected (UNVA) near visual acuities. Corneal pachymetry, topography, aberrometry and an analysis of patient satisfaction were performed at the 12-month examination.

RESULTS

The study comprised 90 eyes of 45 consecutive patients. The mean age at surgery was 53.8 years ± 4.99 (SD). The mean preoperative SE was +2.33 ± 1.16 diopters (D) in the dominant eyes and +2.26 ± 1.17 D in the nondominant eyes. At 12 months postoperatively, 42 patients (93%) had a binocular UDVA of Snellen 20/20 and 37 patients (82%) had a binocular UNVA of Jaeger 2 (Parinaud 3). The mean SE at 12 months was -0.22 ± 0.35 D in the dominant eyes (P < .0001) and -0.83 ± 0.50 D in the nondominant eyes (P < .0001). Two eyes required retreatment. Overall, 39 patients (87%) said that they were satisfied and would recommend the intervention.

CONCLUSION

The Q-factor modulation without additive monovision aims to compensate for presbyopia by changing the Q factor of the nondominant eye to generate a greater depth of field in hyperopic presbyopic patients who are unable to tolerate monovision. The visual outcomes and quality of vision were satisfactory, and only a few patients required additional correction.

Deep Intrastromal Arcuate Keratotomy With In Situ Keratomileusis (DIAKIK) for the Treatment of High Astigmatism After Keratoplasty: 2-Year Follow-up

PURPOSE

To describe 2-year results of deep intrastromal arcuate keratotomy with in situ keratomileusis (DIAKIK) for the treatment of high astigmatism after keratoplasty.

METHODS

This prospective study included 20 eyes from 20 patients presenting with high astigmatism after keratoplasty. All were treated by two-step femtosecond laser surgery, with two intrastromal arcuate keratotomies and a corneal flap, followed a few months later by excimer photoablation after reopening of the flap.

RESULTS

At 24 months, both uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuity had improved from 1.12 ± 0.42 logMAR (20/200 Snellen) before surgery to 0.58 ± 0.23 logMAR (20/80 Snellen) (P < .001) and from 0.31 ± 0.26 logMAR (20/40 Snellen) to 0.20 ± 0.20 logMAR (20/32 Snellen) (P = .04), respectively. The mean spherical equivalent improved from -5.01 ± 4.35 to -1.54 ± 2.42 diopters. The mean efficacy index was 0.63. The mean correction index was 0.93 ± 0.32. The mean flattening index was 1.09 ± 0.75 and the mean safety index was 1.39. No graft rejection or epithelial ingrowth was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

This two-step procedure was an effective treatment for high astigmatism after keratoplasty. The use of both femtosecond and excimer lasers helped to avoid some complications that would have jeopardized the grafts. Refractive and topographic stability was good 2 years after surgery. [J Refract Surg. 2019;35(4):239-246.].

Persistent corneal fibrosis after explantation of a small-aperture corneal inlay

The KAMRA small-aperture corneal inlay can compensate for presbyopia. A small number of complications have been reported, including glare, halos, decentration, iron deposition, compromised distance and night vision, infectious keratitis and reversal corneal haze. We describe a case of corneal fibrosis after small-aperture corneal inlay implantation and its persistence after late explantation. The postoperative period was uneventful, with good uncorrected near and distance visual acuities. Six years after implantation, the patient reported vision loss in the left eye. A slitlamp evaluation and optical coherence tomography showed stromal opacity and a stromal hyperreflective signal at the level of the small-aperture corneal inlay. The corneal inlay was removed, but persistent decreased visual acuity and fibrosis were observed even 8 months after explantation and did not respond to steroids. Long-term monitoring with multimodal imaging methods is important to detect late adverse events after small-aperture corneal inlay implantation.

Contribution of Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography to the diagnosis of keratoconus progression

PURPOSE

To determine the anatomic criteria for diagnosing keratoconus progression by corneal optical coherence tomography (OCT).

SETTING

Quinze-Vingts National Ophthalmology Hospital, Paris, France.

DESIGN

Prospective case series.

METHODS

Scanning-slit corneal topography (Orbscan II) and Fourier-domain corneal OCT (RTVue) were performed in eyes with mild to moderate keratoconus (progressive or nonprogressive [stable] ectasia) at each examination to assess the keratoconus. Disease progression was defined as an increase of at least 1.0 diopter (D) in the steepest keratometry (K) measurement over 6 months.

RESULTS

Of the 134 eyes of 134 patients with mild to moderate keratoconus, 98 had had progressive ectasia and 36 nonprogressive ectasia. The mean maximum K increased significantly in the progressive group (2.1 D ± 1.2 [SD], P < .0001) and remained constant in the stable group (-0.03 ± 0.39 D, P = .31). The mean thinnest corneal thickness increased significantly in the progressive group (-7.98 ± 9.3 μm, P < .0001) and remained constant in the stable group (-0.52 ± 4.21 μm, P = .22). The change in maximum K was significantly correlated with changes in the thinnest corneal thickness (r = -0.61, P < .0001). A cutoff value of -5 μm for the change in thinnest corneal thickness was identified on receiver operating characteristic curves as a threshold separating cases of progressive and stable keratoconus (area under the curve, 0.79; sensitivity, 68%; specificity, 89%).

CONCLUSIONS

Topographic data partly reflected the structural changes occurring during the progression of corneal ectasia. Based on the pachymetric parameters provided by OCT, corneal and epithelial thinning was correlated with corneal deformation. The use of corneal OCT might therefore improve the diagnostic sensitivity for keratoconus progression.

Bilateral infectious keratitis after small-incision lenticule extraction

We report the clinical features and management of a patient with severe bilateral infectious keratitis developing after simultaneous bilateral small-incision lenticule extraction. A 39-year-old man was referred to our emergency department 2 days after a small-incision lenticule extraction procedure for moderate myopia. He reported decreased vision, photophobia, and pain bilaterally. Visual acuity was counting fingers in the right eye and hand motion in the left eye. Slitlamp examination showed multiple white corneal infiltrates at the corneal cap-stromal bed interface. The interface was first rinsed with povidone-iodine 10.0% and then with vancomycin (50 mg/mL). Fortified antibiotics eyedrops administration was initiated. Cultures showed Streptococcus pneumonia. Anterior segment spectral-domain optical coherence tomography scans were performed daily. Once the infection was controlled 4 days later, corticosteroids eyedrops were begun. Three months postoperatively, the patient had a corrected distance visual acuity of 20/32 in the right eye and 20/25 in the left eye.

FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None of the authors has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

[Spontaneous choroidal hemorrhage associated with novel oral anticoagulants: A report of two cases and literature review]

New direct oral anticoagulants (DOAC) have been approved for treatment and prevention of some thromboembolic diseases: acute and chronic phase of thromboembolic disease, deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis in orthopedic surgery and prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. These molecules are an alternative to heparins and vitamin K antagonists. Among these, rivaroxaban (Xarelto^®, Bayer Schering Pharma) is a direct factor Xa inhibitor, and dabigatran etexilate (Pradaxa^®, Boehringer Ingelheim) is a direct free thrombin inhibitor. These molecules are almost the ideal anticoagulant: oral administration, few drug and food interactions, wide therapeutic target, and especially no lab monitoring. However, their use remains associated with hemorrhagic complications such as gastrointestinal, intracranial or urinary hemorrhages. We describe two clinical cases of spontaneous choroidal hemorrhage in patients treated with direct oral anticoagulants (rivaroxaban and dabigatran etexilate) for atrial fibrillation. These cases show that an ocular hemorrhagic risk exists with these drugs. Patients treated with DOAC should have the therapeutic dose adjusted based on creatinine clearance. Special monitoring should be performed in patients with age-related macular degeneration or with hypertension even though meta-analysis shows that the risk of intraocular bleeding is reduced by 22% compared with warfarin.

Simultaneous penetrating keratoplasty and amniotic membrane transplantation in eyes with a history of limbal stem cell deficiency

PURPOSE

To describe the outcomes of simultaneous penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) performed both as a ring-shaped graft and as a temporary patch in eyes with a history of limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD).

METHODS

Prospective observational case series including 48 simultaneous PK/AMT procedures (48 patients) in eyes with a history of partial or total LSCD. Patients with total LSCD were first treated with limbal stem cell transplantation. The preoperative indication was graft failure in 58.3% of cases. Most recipients (89.6%) were at high-risk for rejection.

RESULTS

The mean graft reepithelialization time was 29.2±30.8 days. Graft reepithelialization was achieved in 30 days in 70.8% of cases. No AMT-related adverse events were observed. The mean time from keratoplasty-to-last visit was 84.5±54.5 months. The 3-year graft survival rate was 62.5%. Recurrence of corneal epithelial defects after graft reepithelialization (47.9%) was associated with lower graft survival (P=0.004). In eyes with successful grafts at the last visit, the mean LogMAR visual acuity was 1.90 (20/1575)±5 lines before keratoplasty and 0.89 (20/155)±10 lines at 5 years. A ring of amniotic membrane was visible between the graft stroma and the corneal epithelium on slit-lamp examination and optical coherence tomography in all successful cases.

CONCLUSIONS

In this series of eyes with a history of LSCD and at high-risk of rejection, simultaneous PK and AMT were associated with satisfactory graft survival and no additional adverse events.

[Corneal collagen cross-linking to treat infectious keratitis]

Infectious keratitis are a frequent cause of ocular morbidity. Today, new treatments are necessary to combat the emergence of antibiotic resistant germs. Corneal collagen cross-linking has been suggested to treat corneal infectious (PACK-CXL). Its action would be both antimicrobial and protective for the cornea, increasing its biochemical resistence to proteolytic enzymes. In vivo, PACK-CXL might demonstrate good efficacy against bacterial keratitis, contrary to herpetic keratitis for which it is contraindicated. For fungal or amoebic keratitis, results are uncertain regarding its safety and efficacy. The purpose of this paper is to clarify the use of corneal collagen cross-linking to treat infectious keratitis.

Unilateral corneal ectasia after small-incision lenticule extraction in a 43-year-old patient

Unilateral corneal ectasia developed after small-incision lenticule extraction for mild myopia in a 43-year-old man with preoperative asymmetric astigmatism. The ectasia was diagnosed 4 years postoperatively. Preoperative data showed asymmetric astigmatism with no signs of forme fruste keratoconus. Inferior anterior curvature steepening exceeded 2.00 diopters without bulging of the posterior curvature, and pachymetric thickness exceeded 515 μm. Corneal ectasia can occur after small-incision lenticule extraction in patients older than 40 years with preoperative asymmetric astigmatism.

Conventional and Iontophoresis Corneal Cross-Linking for Keratoconus: Efficacy and Assessment by Optical Coherence Tomography and Confocal Microscopy

PURPOSE

To compare the efficacy, safety, and microstructural corneal changes during 2 years after conventional corneal collagen cross-linking (C-CXL) and transepithelial corneal CXL by iontophoresis (I-CXL) for keratoconus.

METHODS

Eighty eyes of 80 patients with progressive keratoconus were treated by C-CXL (n = 40) or I-CXL (n = 40). Patients were investigated before surgery and 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after treatment. We measured central corneal thickness and maximal simulated keratometry values (Kmax) and performed specular microscopy and in vivo confocal microscopy at each time point. The demarcation line was assessed 1 month after treatment.

RESULTS

Kmax remained stable after I-CXL during the entire study period (P = 0.56), whereas the average keratometry increased by 0.2 diopter (50.9 ± 5.6-51.1 ± 5.2). Kmax significantly decreased 1 (P = 0.02) to 2 years (P < 0.01) after C-CXL, with an average decrease of 1.1 diopters (49.9 ± 4.5-48.8 ± 4.2). The failure rate of I-CXL was 20% and that of C-CXL 7.5%. The demarcation line was superficially visible in 35% of cases after I-CXL compared with 95% of cases after C-CXL. Endothelial cell density and central corneal thickness remained stable during the entire study period. The change in Kmax 2 years after C-CXL and I-CXL and the preoperative Kmax were negatively correlated (r = 0.14, P = 0.013, and r = 0.17, P = 0.007, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

I-CXL halted progression of keratoconus less efficiently than did C-CXL after 2 years of follow-up. Longer prospective studies are still needed to ensure I-CXL efficacy.