Cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of a digital technology-driven hierarchical healthcare screening pattern in China

Utilization of digital technologies for cataract screening in primary care is a potential solution for addressing the dilemma between the growing aging population and unequally distributed resources. Here, we propose a digital technology-driven hierarchical screening (DH screening) pattern implemented in China to promote the equity and accessibility of healthcare. It consists of home-based mobile artificial intelligence (AI) screening, community-based AI diagnosis, and referral to hospitals. We utilize decision-analytic Markov models to evaluate the cost-effectiveness and cost-utility of different cataract screening strategies (no screening, telescreening, AI screening and DH screening). A simulated cohort of 100,000 individuals from age 50 is built through a total of 30 1-year Markov cycles. The primary outcomes are incremental cost-effectiveness ratio and incremental cost-utility ratio. The results show that DH screening dominates no screening, telescreening and AI screening in urban and rural China. Annual DH screening emerges as the most economically effective strategy with 341 (338 to 344) and 1326 (1312 to 1340) years of blindness avoided compared with telescreening, and 37 (35 to 39) and 140 (131 to 148) years compared with AI screening in urban and rural settings, respectively. The findings remain robust across all sensitivity analyses conducted. Here, we report that DH screening is cost-effective in urban and rural China, and the annual screening proves to be the most cost-effective option, providing an economic rationale for policymakers promoting public eye health in low- and middle-income countries.

Effectiveness of toric intraocular lens implantation for correcting irregular corneal astigmatism in cataract eyes

A retrospective cohort study was conducted to observe the correction effect of Toric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in cataract eyes with specific types of irregular corneal astigmatism. Thirty-four eyes with either the "asymmetric bow-tie" pattern (Type I) or the "angled bow-tie" pattern (Type II) were included. Corneal topography was assessed using Pentacam HR, and changes in preoperative corneal astigmatism, visual acuity, manifest refraction, and objective visual quality were measured and compared. The average uncorrected distance visual acuity improved significantly from 0.86 ± 0.40 logMAR to 0.22 ± 0.15 logMAR (P < 0.001). Preoperative corneal astigmatism of 2.05 ± 0.90 D was corrected to a postoperative residual astigmatism of 0.78 ± 0.57 D (P < 0.001), with 32% of eyes within 0.50 D. The residual astigmatism prediction errors in Type I and Type II cases were (0.97 ± 0.68 D) and (0.66 ± 0.37 D), respectively (P = 0.100). The mean spherical equivalent prediction error in Type II cases (0.07 ± 0.36 D) was significantly smaller than that in Type I cases (- 0.29 ± 0.52 D) (P = 0.030). This study concludes that Toric IOL implantation effectively corrects specific types of irregular corneal astigmatism in cataract surgery. Eyes with the "angled bow-tie" pattern show higher accuracy in refractive predictions compared to eyes with the "asymmetric bow-tie" pattern.

Visual outcomes and patient satisfaction after implantations of three types of presbyopia-correcting intraocular lenses that have undergone corneal refractive surgery

This prospective, non-randomized, comparative study aimed to compare the visual outcomes and patient satisfaction after implantations of three presbyopia-correcting intraocular lenses (IOLs) after myopic refractive surgery. It was conducted from January 2020 to December 2021 in Shanghai Heping Eye Hospital. Patients were divided into three groups based on the type of IOL implanted. The visual acuity, refractive stability, high-order aberrations, objective visual quality, spectacle independence, and visual function index 14 questionnaire scores of the three groups were compared. This study included 78 eyes of 39 patients: 26 eyes with 839MP, 26 eyes with MF30, and 26 eyes with ZXR00. Uncorrected distance visual acuity improved significantly for all three groups. For a pupil diameter of 4.0 mm, the spherical aberrations of the three groups were 0.33 ± 0.16 μ, 0.50 ± 0.08 μ, and 0.39 ± 0.10 μ, respectively. The spectacle independence for distance vision was over 90% in each group; for near vision, it was only 25% for the ZXR00 group. All three types of presbyopia-correcting IOLs improved visual quality in post-LASIK or PRK patients. However, the high incidence of photic phenomena after presbyopia-correcting IOL implantation in patients who have undergone myopic LASIK should not be neglected.

Evaluation of a telemedicine-enabled universal eye health delivery model in rural southern India

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the accuracy of tele-ophthalmic examination (TOE) for common ocular conditions in comparison with the gold-standard in-person examination (IPE) for diagnosis and treatment advice.

METHODS

In a prospective, diagnostic accuracy validation study, we recruited 339 consecutive new patients, aged ≥16 years, visiting a vision centre (VC) associated with Aravind Eye Hospital in south India during January and February, 2020. All participants underwent the TOE, followed by IPE on the same visit. The in-person ophthalmologist was masked to the TOE diagnosis and treatment advice. Data were analysed via the sensitivity specificity of TOE versus the gold-standard IPE.

RESULTS

TOE achieved high sensitivity and specificity for identifying normal eyes with 87.4% and 93.5%, respectively. TOE had high sensitivity for cataracts (91.7%), infective conjunctivitis (72.2%), and moderate sensitivity for pterygium (62.5%), DR (57.1%), non-serious injury (41.7%), but low sensitivity for glaucoma (12.5%). TOE had high specificity ranging from 93.5% to 99.8% for all diagnoses. The sensitivity for treatment advice ranged from 58.1% to 77.2% and specificity from 96.9% to 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

The TOE in VCs has acceptable accuracy to an IPE by an ophthalmologist for correctly identifying and treating major eye ailments. Through providing universal eye care to rural populations, this model may contribute to work toward achieving Universal Health Coverage, which is a linchpin of the health-related U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

Uric acid-driven NLRP3 inflammasome activation triggers lens epithelial cell senescence and cataract formation

Excessive uric acid (UA) is associated with age-related cataract. A previous study showed that a high UA level in the aqueous humor stimulated the senescence of lens epithelial cells (LECs), leading to cataract progression. To better understand the underlying mechanisms, we investigated UA-driven senescence in human lens tissue samples obtained during surgery, rat lens organ cultures, and in vivo experiments, using senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining, electronic microscopy, Western blotting, and histological analyses. Initially, we identified markedly higher expressions of NLRP3 and caspase-1 in the lens capsules of hyper-uricemic patients compared to normo-uricemic patients. This increase was accompanied by a significant rise in the SA-β-gal positive rate. We next built a cataract model in which rat lenses in an organ culture system were treated with an increasing dosage of UA. Notably, opacification was apparent in the lenses treated with 800 μM of UA starting on the fifth day. Mechanistically, UA treatment not only significantly induced the expression of NLRP3, caspase-1, and IL-1β, but also upregulated the levels of SA-β-gal and the senescence regulators p53 and p21. These effects were fully reversed, and lens opacification was ameliorated by the addition of MCC950, a selective NLRP3 antagonist. Moreover, an in vivo model showed that intravitreal UA injection rapidly induced cataract phenotypes within 21 days, an effect significantly mitigated by co-injection with MCC950. Together, our findings suggest that targeting the UA-induced NLRP3 inflammasome with MCC950 could be a promising strategy for preventing cataract formation associated with inflammageing.

Comparison of visual performance between diffractive bifocal and diffractive trifocal intraocular lenses

To evaluate the visual performance of a diffractive bifocal intraocular lens (IOL) with + 4.0 D near addition (ZMB00) and a diffractive trifocal IOL with + 2.17 D and + 3.25 D near addition (AcrySof IQ PanOptix TFNT00), we investigated the 10-week postoperative parameters after cataract surgery in which ZMB00 or TFNT00 lenses were implanted bilaterally from 2011 to 2020 (with a 3-month interval between implantation of the right and left lenses). The study included 1448 eyes of 724 patients. The diffractive bifocal group comprised 1326 eyes of 663 patients (aged 67.0 ± 7.8 years; females/males, 518/145), and the diffractive trifocal group comprised 122 eyes of 61 patients (aged 66.6 ± 7.3 years; females/males, 35/26). A linear mixed-effects model using data for both eyes, with strict adjustments for sex, age, subjective refraction spherical equivalent, subjective refraction cylinder, corneal astigmatism, axial length, corneal higher-order aberrations, and pupil diameter, ensured statistical validity. Uncorrected near visual acuity and higher-order aberrations (ocular/internal, scaled to a pupil size of 4 mm) (Wavefront_4mm_postoperative_Ocular/Internal_Spherical) were significantly better in the bifocal group (p < 0.00068, Wald test). Uncorrected intermediate visual acuity, contrast sensitivity (6.3/4.0/2.5/1.6/1.0/0.7 degrees), and contrast sensitivity with glare (4.0/1.6/1.0/0.7 degrees) were significantly better in the trifocal group (p < 0.00068, Wald test).

Glutamate is effective in decreasing opacity formed in galactose-induced cataract model

Although cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide, the detailed pathogenesis of cataract remains unclear, and clinically useful drug treatments are still lacking. In this study, we examined the effects of glutamate using an ex vivo model in which rat lens is cultured in a galactose-containing medium to induce opacity formation. After inducing lens opacity formation in galactose medium, glutamate was added, and the opacity decreased when the culture was continued. Next, microarray analysis was performed using samples in which the opacity was reduced by glutamate, and genes whose expression increased with galactose culture and decreased with the addition of glutamate were extracted. Subsequently, STRING analysis was performed on a group of genes that showed variation as a result of quantitative measurement of gene expression by RT-qPCR. The results suggest that apoptosis, oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, cell proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cytoskeleton, and histones are involved in the formation and reduction of opacity. Therefore, glutamate may reduce opacity by inhibiting oxidative stress and its downstream functions, and by regulating the cytoskeleton and cell proliferation.

Clinical prospective intra-individual comparison after mix-and-match implantation of a monofocal EDOF and a diffractive trifocal IOL

OBJECTIVES

To assess intra-individually visual acuity (VA) and subjective outcome after mix-and-match implantation of a monofocal EDOF IOL and a diffractive trifocal IOL.

METHODS

The monofocal EDOF Isopure IOL was implanted in the dominant eye and the trifocal FineVision HP IOL in the non-dominant eye. Postoperative evaluation included VA at various distances, contrast acuity, monocular defocus curves, decentration and tilt, wavefront aberrometry, VF-7 questionnaire and a halo and glare simulator.

RESULTS

50 eyes of 25 subjects were enroled. The trifocal IOL performed better at monocular DCNVA (p < 0.01) and at defocus levels of -1.5D to -4.0D (p < 0.01), the monofocal EDOF IOL was better at -0.5D (p = 0.013). No differences in monocular BCDVA, DCIVA, contrast acuity, decentration or tilt were observed (p > 0.05). Wavefront analysis revealed lower HOAs in the trifocal group at 5 mm (p < 0.01) and no difference (p = 0.107) at 3 mm pupil aperture. The monofocal EDOF IOL displayed increased negative SA at 5 mm (p < 0.01) and 3 mm (p < 0.01) pupil diameter. Low values of optical phenomena and satisfying results of the VF-7 questionnaire were obtained.

CONCLUSION

Excellent visual performance and low rates of optical phenomena were achieved after mix-and-match implantation of the monofocal EDOF Isopure IOL and the trifocal FineVision HP IOL. Trifocal IOL implantation in the non-dominant eye may decrease optical disturbing phenomena. Similar results were observed for monocular distance, intermediate and contrast VA. The trifocal IOL provided better monocular near VA. Decentration and tilt and HOAs were low.

Risk factors affecting visual outcomes following dropped nucleus after cataract surgery

BACKGROUND/ AIMS

To describe the visual outcomes in eyes with dropped nucleus during phacoemulsification surgery.

SETTING

Singapore National Eye Centre (SNEC).

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review of prospectively reported cases of dropped nucleus.

METHODS

The clinical charts of all cases of dropped nucleus (Jan 2001 to Dec 2016) were retrospectively reviewed for patient demographics, surgeon type, stage of surgery, timing of pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), and complications. Visual success was defined as best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ≥ 20/40 at last review. Final risk factors affecting visual success were identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Incidence of dropped nucleus following cataract surgery was 0.17% (n = 292). Duration of follow-up was 25.5 months (mean), 18.5 months (median). There was a statistically significant difference in dropped nucleus rate between Residents (0.3%) and Faculty (0.14%) (x2 = 38.2, P < 0.001), but ensuing major complications rates were similar. PPV was performed in 251 eyes (87.2%). At final examination, 202 cases (85.2%) achieved BCVA 20/40 or better, after excluding patients with co-existing ocular pathology. Timing of vitrectomy (delayed vs same-day) did not influence the final visual success (x2 = 0.969, p = 0.51). Risk factors for poor visual outcomes included age >70 years, absence of intraocular lens (IOL) implant, and presence of major complications.

CONCLUSION

Overall incidence of dropped nucleus in SNEC was 0.17%, with BCVA of 20/40 or better in 85.2% cases. Visual prognosis was influenced by patient's age, presence of IOL implant or additional major complications.

Factors associated with progressive anisometropia after bilateral intraocular lens implantation in patients with pediatric cataract

OBJECTIVES

To identify factors associated with progressive anisometropia after bilateral intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in patients with pediatric cataract.

METHODS

Clinical and standardized questionnaire data were collected for Sixty-eight patients with pediatric cataract (136 eyes) who underwent bilateral IOL implantation and at least 1 year of follow-up. Univariate and multivariate linear regression models were used to identify factors associated with postoperative anisometropia.

RESULTS

The median age at IOL implantation was 3.2 years (range: 1-12.4 years), and median follow-up time was 5.7 years (range: 1.1-14 years). At 1 month postoperatively and at the last follow-up, there were 19 (27%) and 31 (46%) cases of anisometropia ≥1 D, 9 (13%) and 15 (22%) cases of anisometropia ≥2 D, and 2 (3%) and 9 (13%) cases of anisometropia ≥3 D, respectively. Compared with 1 month postoperatively, the amount of anisometropia increased in 45 (67%) patients. Greater anisometropia one year or more after bilateral IOL implantation was associated with larger intereye difference in IOL power (P = 0.032, 95%CI 0.013 to 0.285), intereye difference in preoperative axial length (P = 0.018, 95%CI -1.247 to -0.123), presence of strabismus (P = 0.017, 95%CI 0.063-0.601), anisometropia at 1 month postoperatively (P = 0.001, 95%CI 0.126-0.478), and intereye difference in axial length at the last follow-up (P = 0.047, 95%CI 0.005-0.627).

CONCLUSION

Anisometropia might progress after bilateral IOL implantation in patients with pediatric cataract. Greater intereye difference in IOL power, presence of strabismus might increase the potential of progressive anisometropia.

A meta-analysis of sutureless scleral-fixated intraocular lens versus retropupillary iris claw intraocular lens for the management of aphakia

This study compared the visual outcomes and complications between sutureless scleral-fixated intraocular lens and iris claw intraocular lens implantation in aphakia without adequate capsule and/or zonule support. Studies comparing the clinical outcomes of scleral-fixated intraocular lens and iris claw intraocular lens implantation published until April 2022 were retrieved from the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases. The outcomes included postoperative final visual acuity, surgical time, surgery-induced astigmatism, and complications. The weighted mean difference and odds ratio were calculated. Two randomized controlled trials and five cohort studies, including 244 and 290 eyes in the scleral-fixated intraocular lens group and iris claw group, respectively, were included. Scleral-fixated intraocular lens implantation results in a better postoperative final corrected distance visual acuity compared with iris claw intraocular lens implantation; however, it is more time-consuming. Scleral-fixated intraocular lens implantation seems to have lesser incidences of surgery-induced astigmatism. Furthermore, both procedures have a similar complication rate. Therefore, based on current best evidence, these two procedures should be considered according to patient's conditions.

Ocular surface parameter changes in the untreated fellow eye after unilateral cataract surgery with short-term administration of anti-inflammatory eye drops

This study aimed to investigate the changes in clinical parameters of dry eye disease and meibomian gland dysfunction in both the operated and untreated fellow eyes of patients who underwent unilateral cataract surgery with the short-term administration of anti-inflammatory eye drops in the surgical eye. The medical charts of 57 consecutive patients who underwent unilateral cataract surgery and received 1% prednisolone acetate and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID, 0.1% bromfenac sodium) eye drops were reviewed. The preoperative ocular surface disease index questionnaire score (38.9 ± 20.5) decreased significantly to 15.2 ± 16.4 at post-surgical 1 week and further to 12.8 ± 11.4 after 1 month. Although meibum quality grade increased and corneal sensitivity decreased at 1 week in operated eyes, corneal erosion scores and Sjogren's International Collaborative Clinical Alliance ocular staining scores even improved over a month in the untreated fellow eyes. The tear matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 grade decreased in both operated eyes and untreated fellow eyes after 1 month from surgery. In conclusion, the short-term topical anti-inflammatory treatment using steroid and NSAID eye drops in the operated eye after cataract surgery decreased subjective ocular surface discomfort and improved ocular surface staining scores and tear MMP-9 expression in the untreated fellow eyes.

Attitudes and understanding of premium intraocular lenses in cataract surgery: a public health sector patient survey

OBJECTIVES

To investigate patient understanding of, and attitudes to, premium (toric, extended depth of focus/multifocal) intraocular lenses (premIOLs) in public health sector patients undergoing cataract surgery (CS) in the UK.

METHODS

A 12 question survey with Likert scale questions was designed, to assess patient attitudes to post-operative spectacle dependence, refractive target and desirability of spectacle independence whilst considering possible complications of dysphotopsias and need for premIOL exchange/adjustment.

RESULTS

360 surveys were collected. CS had not been performed in 66.5%. Separate spectacles were worn for reading and distance in 28.8%, 19.2% had varifocals, 11.2% bifocals, 22.9% reading glasses only and 1.6% computer glasses only. Contact lenses were not worn in 95.7%. Only 41.6% were drivers. Most patients (85.8%) did not mind wearing glasses after CS, with 78.9% preferring reading glasses, compared with 29.7% preferring distance glasses. Most patients (75.3%) were not familiar with premIOLs, with 58.9% not willing to consider them in the context of a 2% risk of debilitating dysphotopsia and 54.2% rejecting a 5% risk of second surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

There is a lack of awareness of premIOLs in public health sector (NHS) patients in the UK, suggesting limitations in the "fully informed" consent process for CS. Most NHS CS patients are currently willing to wear spectacles after CS, especially reading glasses. There is reluctance in such patients to consider premIOLs on a background of small risks of debilitating dysphotopsias and increased risks of a second operation.

The predictive accuracy of Barrett toric calculator using measured posterior corneal astigmatism derived from swept source-OCT and Scheimpflug camera

PURPOSE

To compare the performance of Barrett toric calculator incorporated with measured posterior corneal astigmatism (PCA) derived from IOL Master 700 and Pentacam HR versus predicted PCA.

METHODS

The predicted residual astigmatism using Barrett toric IOL calculator with predicted PCA, measured PCA from IOL Master 700 and measured PCA from Pentacam were calculated with the preoperative keratometry and intended IOL axis with modification. The vector analysis was performed to calculate the mean absolute prediction error (MAE), the centroid of the prediction error and the percentage of eyes with a prediction error within ±0.50 D, ±0.75 D, and ±1.00 D.

RESULTS

In 57 eyes of 57 patients with mean age of 70.42 ± 10.75 years, the MAE among the three calculation methods were 0.59 ± 0.38 D (Predicted PCA), 0.60 ± 0.38 D (Measured PCA from IOL Master 700) and 0.60 ± 0.36 D (Measured PCA from Pentacam) with no significant difference, either in the whole sample, the WTR eyes and the ATR eyes (F = 0.078, 0.306 and 0.083, p = 0.925, 0.739 and 0.920, respectively). Measured PCA obtained from IOL Master 700 resulted in one level reduction (from Tn to Tn-1) in 49.12% eyes in cylindrical model selection, while measured PCA obtained from Pentacam resulted in one level reduction of toric model selection in 18.18% eyes.

CONCLUSION

The present study suggested that the incorporation of measured PCA values derived from IOL Master 700 and Pentacam produce comparable clinical outcome with the predicted PCA mode in Barrett toric calculator.

Annual trends of ophthalmic surgeries in Japan's super-aged society, 2014-2020: a national claims database study

This study aimed to analyze the trends and factors influencing the number of ophthalmic surgeries in Japan using the open data from the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups of Japan published by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. We calculated the number of cataract, glaucoma, and vitreoretinal surgeries, categorized by sex, age, and surgical type, for the fiscal years (FY) 2014 to 2020. The number of cataract surgeries remained stable at approximately 1.45 million cases from FY 2014 to 2018, increased to nearly 1.6 million cases in FY 2019, and decreased to 1.45 million cases in FY 2020. Among glaucoma surgeries, surgical treatments were increased 1.8 times over 7 years, from 33,000 to 60,000 cases. Laser treatment remained steady at around 55,000 cases from FY 2014 to 2017 and then increased to approximately 60,000 cases. The number of vitreoretinal surgeries was increased 1.2 times from FY 2014 to 2019, from 120,000 to 140,000, and decreased to 130,000 by FY 2020. Trends in ophthalmic surgeries over the past 7 years may be influenced by population aging, minimally invasive surgery, and the coronavirus disease pandemic. These findings have implications on surgical decision-making and resource allocation.

A deep network DeepOpacityNet for detection of cataracts from color fundus photographs

BACKGROUND

Cataract diagnosis typically requires in-person evaluation by an ophthalmologist. However, color fundus photography (CFP) is widely performed outside ophthalmology clinics, which could be exploited to increase the accessibility of cataract screening by automated detection.

METHODS

DeepOpacityNet was developed to detect cataracts from CFP and highlight the most relevant CFP features associated with cataracts. We used 17,514 CFPs from 2573 AREDS2 participants curated from the Age-Related Eye Diseases Study 2 (AREDS2) dataset, of which 8681 CFPs were labeled with cataracts. The ground truth labels were transferred from slit-lamp examination of nuclear cataracts and reading center grading of anterior segment photographs for cortical and posterior subcapsular cataracts. DeepOpacityNet was internally validated on an independent test set (20%), compared to three ophthalmologists on a subset of the test set (100 CFPs), externally validated on three datasets obtained from the Singapore Epidemiology of Eye Diseases study (SEED), and visualized to highlight important features.

RESULTS

Internally, DeepOpacityNet achieved a superior accuracy of 0.66 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.64-0.68) and an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.72 (95% CI: 0.70-0.74), compared to that of other state-of-the-art methods. DeepOpacityNet achieved an accuracy of 0.75, compared to an accuracy of 0.67 for the ophthalmologist with the highest performance. Externally, DeepOpacityNet achieved AUC scores of 0.86, 0.88, and 0.89 on SEED datasets, demonstrating the generalizability of our proposed method. Visualizations show that the visibility of blood vessels could be characteristic of cataract absence while blurred regions could be characteristic of cataract presence.

CONCLUSIONS

DeepOpacityNet could detect cataracts from CFPs in AREDS2 with performance superior to that of ophthalmologists and generate interpretable results. The code and models are available at https://github.com/ncbi/DeepOpacityNet ( https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10127002 ).

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists' National Ophthalmology Database study of cataract surgery: report 16, influence of remuneration model on choice of intraocular lens in the UK

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Cataract surgery with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation is one of the most commonly performed surgeries worldwide. Within the UK, publicly funded cataract surgery is remunerated by two models: (1) "block contract" (BC), which commissions organisations to deliver whole service pathways without considering specific activity items; or (2) "payment by results" (PbR), which pays a tariff price for each procedure. This study aimed to examine the association between remuneration model and the cost and types of IOL used.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Cataract operations recorded on the Royal College of Ophthalmologists' National Ophthalmology Database were included, with additional data collected for remuneration model from NHS England and cost of IOL from the NHS Spend Comparison Service.

RESULTS

We included 907,052 cataract operations from 87 centres. The majority of operations were performed in PbR centres (456 198, 50.3%), followed by BC centres (240 641, 26.5%) and mixed models centres (210 213, 23.2%). The mean price of hydrophobic (n = 7) and hydrophilic IOLs (n = 5) were £45.72 and £42.86, respectively. Hydrophobic IOLs were predominantly used (650 633, 71.7%) and were significantly more commonly used in centres remunerated by BC (96.5% vs. 3.5%) than those by PbR (65.7% vs. 34.3%) when compared to hydrophilic IOLs (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that the IOL choice may be perversely incentivised by the IOL cost and remuneration model. Although hydrophobic IOLs are more expensive at the point of surgery, their potential longer-term cost-effectiveness due to reduced requirement for YAG capsulotomy should be considered.

A Bayesian network meta-analysis on comparisons of intraocular lens power calculation methods for paediatric cataract eyes

The study aimed to compare and rank the accuracy of formulas for calculating intraocular lens (IOL) power in paediatric eyes in a systematic way. A literature search was conducted in Pubmed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE by December 2021. Combined with traditional and network meta-analysis, we analysed the percentages of paediatric eyes with prediction error (PE) within ±0.50 dioptres (D) and ±1.00 D as the outcome measurements among different formulas. Subgroup analyses stratified by age were also undertaken. Thirteen studies with 1781 eyes comparing 8 calculation formulas were included. For the traditional meta-analysis results, Sanders-Retzlaff-Kraff theoretical (SRK/T) (risk ratios (RR), 1.15; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.03-1.30) performed significantly better than the SRKII formula for the percentage of eyes with PE within ±0.50 D. In addition, SRK/T (RR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.02-1.18) and Holladay 1(RR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.01-1.30) both performed significantly better than the SRKII formula for the percentage of eyes with PE within ±1.00 D. Considering the ranking based on the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) by Bayesian method, the top four formulas were Barrett Universal II (UII), Haigis, Holladay 1, and SRK/T on the percentage of PE within ±0.50 D, whereas the top four formulas were Barrett UII, Holladay 1, SRK/T, and Hoffer Q formulas on the percentage of PE within ±1.00D. Concerning both outcome measurements of rank probabilities, the top three Barrett UII, SRK/T, and Holladay 1 formulas were considered to provide more accuracy for IOL power calculation in paediatric cataract eyes, and Barrett UII tends to perform better in older children.

Fruit and vegetable intake and the risk of cataract: insights from the UK Biobank study

PURPOSE

A prospective cohort study to investigate the association between fruit and vegetable (F&V) intake and the risk of cataract.

METHODS

We included 72,160 participants who were free of cataract at baseline from the UK Biobank. Frequency and type of F&V intake were assessed using a web-based 24 h dietary questionnaire from 2009 to 2012. Development of cataract during the follow-up was defined by self-report or hospital inpatient records up to 2021. Cox proportional regression models were used to estimate the association between F&V intake and incident cataract.

RESULTS

During a mean follow-up of 9.1 years, 5753 participants developed cataract with a corresponding incidence of 8.0%. After adjusting for multiple demographic, medical and lifestyle covariates, higher intake of F&V were associated with a lower risk of cataract (≥6.5 vs. <2 servings/week: hazards ratio [HR]: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.76 to 0.89; P < 0.0001). Regarding specific types, significant reduced risk of cataract was found for higher intake of legumes (P = 0.0016), tomatoes (≥5.2 vs. <1.8 servings/week: HR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.88 to 1.00), and apple and pear (>7 vs. <3.5 servings/week: 0.89, 95% CI: 0.83 to 0.94; P < 0.0001), but not for cruciferous vegetables, green leafy vegetables, berry, citrus fruit or melon. Smokers were found to benefit more from F&V intake than former and never smokers. Men also could benefit more from higher vegetable intake than women.

CONCLUSIONS

More F&V intake, especially legumes, tomatoes, apple, and pear, was associated with a lower risk of cataract in this UK Biobank cohort.

A validated test has been developed for assessment of manual small incision cataract surgery skills using virtual reality simulation

This study investigates the validity evidence of metrics used for the assessment of surgical skills for Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery (MSICS) in a virtual reality simulator. MSICS surgery is a low-cost, low-technology cataract surgery technique, which is widely used in low- and middle-income countries. However, there is a lack of cataract surgeons globally, and efficient and evidence-based training of new surgeons is needed. In order to investigate the validity of simulator metrics, we included three groups of participants: (1) MSICS novices who were ophthalmologists with no cataract surgery experience, (2) MSICS novices who were experienced phacoemulsification cataract surgeons, but with no MSICS experience, and (3) experienced phacoemulsification and MSICS surgeons. The evaluation included 11 steps of the MSICS procedure, and all simulator metrics for those steps were reviewed. Of the 55 initial metrics, 30 showed high positive discriminative ability. A test passing score of 20 out of 30 was established, and one of 15 novices with no MSICS experience (mean score 15.5) and 7 out of 10 experienced MSICS surgeons (mean score 22.7) passed the test. We have developed and established validity evidence for a test for MSICS skills in a virtual reality simulator for future use in proficiency-based training and evidence-based testing of training interventions.

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists' National Ophthalmology Database study of cataract surgery: Report 9, Risk factors for posterior capsule opacification

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Posterior Capsule Opacification (PCO) is the most common long-term post-operative adverse occurrence after cataract surgery often requiring treatment with YAG laser posterior capsulotomy. This study aimed to identify potential risk factors, known at the time of cataract surgery, that influence the development of PCO.

SUBJECT/METHODS

A retrospective study of publicly funded cataract surgery from The Royal College of Ophthalmologists' National Ophthalmology Database. Eligible for analysis were 500,872 cataract operations performed in 41 participating centres.

RESULTS

The 500,872 operations were performed on 243,167 (48.5%) left eyes and 257,705 (51.5%) right eyes from 373,579 patients by 2196 surgeons. Post-cataract PCO was recorded for 61,778 (12.3%) eyes and the six month, one, three, five and nine year observed rates of PCO were 2.3%, 4.4%, 19.7%, 34.0% and 46.9% respectively. Different PCO profiles were observed between IOL materials and the identified risk factors that increased the risk of developing PCO included hydrophilic IOL material, axial length >26 mm, the presence of high myopia and implantation of lower IOL powers and previous vitrectomy surgery, along with younger age and female gender.

CONCLUSIONS

Many factors influence the development of PCO relating to the patient, the eye, the lens and the surgery. Some factors are modifiable such as IOL material, therefore the opportunity exists to attempt to reduce PCO rates, benefitting patients and the UK NHS.

The effect of hypotensive drugs on intraocular lenses clarity

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effect of hypotensive drugs on light absorbance, discoloration, opacification and precipitate formation of IOLs.

METHODS

In this laboratory study, four types of IOLs (two hydrophilic-acrylic-L1 and L2, and two hydrophobic-acrylic-B1 and B2) were soaked in solutions containing Timolol-maleate 0.5%, Dorzolamide 2%, Brimonidine-tartrate 0.2%, Latanoprost 0.005%, Brimonidine-tartrate/Timolol-maleate 0.2%/0.5% and Dorzolamide/Timolol-maleate 2%/0.5%. Non-treated IOLs and IOLs soaked in balanced salt solution (BSS) served as controls. All Treated lenses were sealed in containers and placed in an oven at 82 degrees Celsius for 120 days. Each IOL was examined using four different techniques: light microscopy imaging, light absorbance measurements at 550 nanometers through the optic's center, assessment of by a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and energy dispersive Xray spectrometry (EDX).

RESULTS

Ninety-eight IOLs were included. All BSS-soaked IOLs appeared clear with no significant discoloration or precipitate-formation. Light absorbance in these lenses was comparable to that of non-soaked, non-heated IOLs. No calcium or phosphate were detected in either of these groups. Light absorbance differed significantly between the four treated IOL types. The drops most affecting light absorbance differed between IOLs. Gross examination revealed brown and yellow discoloration of all IOLs soaked in Dorzolamide and Brimonidine-tartrate solutions, respectively. SEM demonstrated precipitates that differed in size, morphology and distribution, between different IOL-solution combinations. EDX's demonstrated the presence calcium and phosphor in the majority of precipitates and the presence of sulfur in brown discolored IOLs.

CONCLUSIONS

In vitro, interactions between hypotensive drugs and IOLs induce changes in light absorbance, discoloration and precipitate formation.

Influence of decentration and tilt of Tecnis ZCB00 on visual acuity and higher order aberrations

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

To determine the influence of decentration and tilt of a pseudophakic aspheric intraocular lens (IOL) on visual acuity (VA) and higher-order aberrations (HOAs), and to analyze the agreement between pupil center/axis and iridocorneal angles center/axis when assessing IOL decentration and tilt.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

A prospective interventional case series study including thirty-three patients undergoing Tecnis ZCB00 (Abbott Medical Optics) implantation. IOL decentration and tilt with respect to two reference systems (pupil and iridocorneal angles centers/axes), in cartesian (X,Y) and polar (radius/tilt, polar angle/azimuth) coordinates, were assessed with optical coherence tomography. VA and internal and ocular HOAs were evaluated. Multiple linear regression models and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were computed.

RESULTS

IOL decentration only showed a significant effect on internal HOAs for [Formula: see text] (R2 = 0.20, P = 0.04). IOL decentration with respect to the pupil center showed a significant effect on ocular [Formula: see text] (R2 = 0.18, P = 0.05), [Formula: see text] (R2 = 0.36, P = 0.001) and [Formula: see text] (R2 = 0.24, P = 0.02); and with respect to the center of iridocorneal angles, on ocular [Formula: see text] (R2 = 0.21, P = 0.03), [Formula: see text] (R2 = 0.32, P = 0.003), primary coma (R2 = 0.41, P < 0.001), and coma-like (R2 = 0.40, P = 0.001). Poor agreement between both reference systems was found for IOL decentration measurements (ICC ≤ 0.41), except for the polar angle coordinate (ICC = 0.83). Tilt measurements showed good agreement (ICC ≥ 0.75).

CONCLUSIONS

Tecnis ZCB00 decentration and tilt values after uneventful implantation appear not to have influence on VA, and their effect on HOAs are not high enough to clinically affect quality of vision. Pupil and iridocorneal angles used as reference systems may be interchangeable for IOL tilt measurements, but not for decentration.

Temperature-controlled porcine eye holder for observing intraocular temperature during cataract surgery

During cataract surgery, the intraocular temperature changes when irrigating low-temperature fluid and ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVDs) are inserted in the anterior chamber, and such a temperature variation affects the unfolding of the intraocular lens (IOL). A porcine eye holder was developed for simulating temperature conditions in clinical surgery by maintaining the ocular temperature close to the body temperature. An aluminum holder was designed to fit porcine eyes and maintain the ocular temperature at approximately 36 °C, while surgery was performed at a room temperature of 20 °C. Intraocular temperature was monitored using a thermocouple sensor placed close to the posterior capsule in the vitreous cavity. Temperatures and microscopic image of the anterior chamber were simultaneously recorded. With the use of the eye holder system, the intraocular temperature unstable during surgery was observed, and there were significant reductions during hydrodissection, irrigation and aspiration, OVD insertion in the capsule, and OVD removal after IOL implantation.

Experimental analysis of recommended corneal incision sizes in cataract surgery using 13 intraocular lens injector systems

Smaller corneal incisions in cataract surgery are linked with a better visual outcome and less frequent postoperative endophthalmitis. The insertion of intraocular lens (IOL) injector systems into the anterior chamber of the eye to implant an IOL is associated with incision enlargement (IE) impeding these positive effects. The aim of this study was to compare manufacturers' recommended incision sizes (IS) of 13 different intraocular lens injector systems in regard of intraoperative IE and postoperative IS. In total, 499 corneal incisions in ex vivo porcine eyes were analyzed. The preoperative ISs depended on the recommended IS of the examined injector system. The IS was measured right before and after IOL injector insertion with an incision gauge set. There was intraoperative IE in 87% of the incisions with a mean IE of 0.26 ± 0.18 mm. IE was often significantly larger in small IS compared to larger IS concerning an injector system (P < 0.05). Five injector systems needed to have a significantly larger IS than the manufacturers' recommended IS with an average difference of 0.3 mm when applying study criteria (P < 0.05). Thus, the present study shows that IS recommendations require to be critically analyzed by ophthalmic surgeons to enable evidence-based practice.

Effect of capsular bend on the rotational stability of toric intraocular lens

PURPOSE

To assess the effect of capsular bend and axial length on the rotational stability of toric IOL.

METHODS

The prospective study included patients with preexisting astigmatism that were implanted with Acrysof IQ Toric IOL. According to the pre‑operative axial length, all patients were divided into 2 groups: high myopia (AL ≥ 26 mm) group, and emmetropia or low to moderate myopia group (AL <26 mm). High-speed Swept-source Optical Coherence Tomography (SS-OCT) radial scanning was performed after pupil dilation to obtain the toric IOL axial orientation and capsular bending index (CBI) at 1-day, 1-week, 1-month and 3-month intervals postoperatively. The correlation between the rotation of toric intraocular lens and the axial length or CBI was subsequently analyzed.

RESULTS

68 eyes of 57 patients were included in the research. The rotation of toric IOL within the high myopia group was greater than the control group (P = 0.001, 1month postoperative). Capsular contact with the IOL was delayed in highly myopic eyes, although the results were not statistically significant (P = 0.094, 1-month postoperatively). There was a positive correlation between the degree of rotation and axial length at the interval found between 1-week and 1-month after the operation (r = 0.333, P = 0.005). There was a significant negative correlation between the IOL rotational speed and CBI (P < 0.001). The regression equation was Y = -0.441*X + 1.712 (R2 = 0.323, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

There was a significant negative correlation between the IOL rotation speed and the CBI, while the influence of the axial length and capsular bending mainly occurred between one week and one month after the operation.

"Comparing outcomes of advanced nurse practitioners to ophthalmologists performing posterior YAG capsulotomy, a six-year study of 6308 eyes"

PURPOSE

To primarily report the baseline characteristics and visual acuity (VA) outcomes of advanced nurse practitioners (ANP) compared to ophthalmologists following YAG posterior capsulotomy (YAGPC). We secondarily looked to characterise the risk factors that lead to a repeated YAGPC.

METHOD

Retrospective consecutive case series of 6,308 eyes attending the Birmingham and Midlands Eye Centre.

RESULTS

ANPs performed 33.1% of YAGPC compared to 66.9% ophthalmologists. Compared to ophthalmologists, ANPs performed YAGPC in lower proportion of patients with ocular co-morbidities (p < 0.001) and had lower proportion of patients requiring further YAGPC compared to ophthalmologists (p < 0.001). Median pre, post-operative and LogMAR gain in VA of 0.48 (IQR 0.30-0.78), 0.18 (IQR 0.10-0.40) and 0.30 (0.08-0.48) LogMAR units, respectively. Multivariate regression showed that ANPs had a significantly lower rate of repeat YAGPC compared to ophthalmologists even when adjusting for age, ethnicity, training grade and ocular co-morbidities. No difference in visual outcomes was found between operator grade and ethnicity on multivariate analysis.

CONCLUSION

YAGPC leads to excellent visual outcomes. ANPs can deliver safe and effective YAGPC.

Comparison of clinical outcomes between cystotome-assisted prechop phacoemulsification surgery and femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery for hard nucleus cataracts

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

To compare the safety and efficacy of cystotome-assisted prechop phacoemulsification surgery (CAPPS) and femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) in patients with hard nucleus cataract.

SUBJECTS/METHODS

Ninety-six eyes of 64 patients with grade IV hard nucleus cataract were assigned to 1 of the 2 groups (49 CAPPS and 47 FLACS). Follow-up visits were performed at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year, and the outcome measures comprised ultrasound power, effective phacoemulsification time (EPT), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), endothelial cell density (ECD), corneal endothelium cell loss rate (ECL), central corneal thickness (CCT), and intraoperative and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

The ultrasound power and EPT were lower in the CAPPS group (p = 0.03 and <0.0001, respectively). Patients in both groups gained better CDVA postoperatively. The ECD value decreased at each follow-up visit and did not return to the preoperative level; FLACS resulted in greater endothelial cell loss compared to CAPPS. CCT increased immediately after the surgery and decreased thereafter. The mean CCT value returned to the preoperative level 3 months postoperatively in the CAPPS group, while in the FLACS group, CCT value took 6 months to return to the preoperative level. Miosis was more likely to occur in the FLACS group.

CONCLUSIONS

Due to its efficacy and cost-effectiveness, CAPPS is worth promoting and applying to clinical work in the future.

Non-technical skills simulation-based training model for managing intraoperative posterior capsule rupture during cataract surgery

OBJECTIVES

To develop and implement a simulation-based training model for the management of posterior capsule rupture (PCR) from a non-technical skills (NTS) perspective, and analyse changes in participant's NTS and technical skills (TS).

METHODS

The simulation-based training model consisted of two identical PCR simulations with NTS stressors applied, separated by a predominantly NTS focussed training intervention. Participants' TS and NTS were evaluated by two blinded assessors using the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skill (OSATS) global rating scale and the HUman Factors in intraoperative Ophthalmic Emergencies Scoring System (HUFOES) respectively. Paired t-tests were used to establish the difference in mean HUFOES and OSATS scores between initial and repeat simulations; p < 0.05 indicated statistical significance. McGaghie's model of translational outcomes for simulation-based learning was used to establish the simulation model's educational status.

RESULTS

Seventeen cataract surgeons of varying training grades participated in the simulation-based training model. NTS improved with statistical significance; mean HUFOES scores increased from 48.7 ± 16.6 to 59.2 ± 14.8 (p < 0.001). Mean OSATS scores increased without statistical significance from 16.0 ± 7.3 to 17.9 ± 8.3 (p = 0.07). This simulation model achieved Level 1 (internal acceptability) and Level 2 (contained effects) according to McGaghie's model.

CONCLUSIONS

This novel simulation-based training model was designed to improve the NTS required for managing intraoperative PCR, through the provision of an interactive training session. Statistically significant improvements in participants' NTS in combination with statistically insignificant improvements in TS demonstrate that the simulation-based training model has specificity within the NTS domain.

Characterization of diffractive bifocal intraocular lenses

Multifocal intraocular lenses incorporate a variety of design considerations, including dimensioning of the base monofocal shape and the diffraction grating. While studying three different lens models, we present a practical approach for mathematical modelling and evaluation of these geometries. Contrary to typical lens measurement methods, non-contact measurements were performed on the Alcon SN6AD1, HumanOptics MS 612 DAY and the AMO ZMA00 lenses using a confocal microscope. Subsequent data processing includes centering, tilting correction, filtering and an algorithmic decomposition into a conic and polynomial part and the diffraction grating. Lastly, evaluation of fitting parameters and grating shape is done to allow for inferences about further optical properties. Results and analysis show the confocal microscope to be a suitable imaging method for lens measurements. The processing of this data enables the reconstruction of the annular diffraction grating over the complete lens diameter. Apodization, near addition and diffraction efficiency characteristics are found utilizing the grating shape. Additionally, near-optical axis curvature, asphericity and higher order polynomials are identified qualitatively from the reconstruction of the monofocal base form. Derived properties also include the lens optical base and addition power. By making use of the surface geometries, as well as the lens' material and thickness, a full lens model can be created for further studies. In summary, our analytical approach enables the insight to various intraocular lens design decisions. Furthermore, this procedure is suitable for lens model creation for research and simulation.

Use of ellipsoid zone width for predicting visual prognosis after cataract surgery in patients with retinitis pigmentosa

OBJECTIVE

To predict the visual prognosis of cataract surgery in patients with retinitis pigmentosa by measuring ellipsoid zone (EZ) width using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography.

METHODS

This retrospective study included patients with retinitis pigmentosa who underwent uncomplicated cataract surgery between December 2017 and June 2020. Preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and the best postoperative BCVA during follow-up were collected. EZ width was measured on preoperative cross-sectional optical coherence tomography images along the horizontal/vertical meridian through the fovea.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight eyes of 38 patients (22 female; mean [±standard deviation] age, 62.1 ± 11.8 years) were included. The median preoperative logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution BCVA of 0.52 (range, 0.00-3.00) significantly improved to 0.07 (range, -0.18-3.00) after surgery (P < 0.001). On preoperative spectral-domain optical coherence tomography images, the median horizontal, vertical, and average EZ widths were 783 (range, 0-9837), 761 (range, 0-10 250), and 769 (range, 0-10 043) μm, respectively. Postoperative BCVA significantly correlated with the horizontal (r = -0.784, P < 0.001), vertical (r = -0.777, P < 0.001), and average EZ widths (r = -0.777, P < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the ability of the horizontal, vertical, and average EZ widths to discriminate eyes with and without postoperative BCVA ≤ 0.3 was 0.971, 0.960, and 0.963, respectively, with best cut-off values of 513, 608, and 515 μm, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

EZ width measurement can help predict the visual prognosis of cataract surgery in patients with retinitis pigmentosa. A preferable visual acuity prognosis can be expected in patients with an EZ width of approximately 600 μm.

Comparison of the Barrett Universal II, Kane and VRF-G formulas with existing intraocular lens calculation formulas in eyes with short axial lengths

BACKGROUND

To compare the accuracy of recently developed modern intraocular lens (IOL) power formulas (Barrett Universal II, Kane and VRF-G) with existing IOL power formulas in eyes with an axial length (AL) ≤ 22 mm.

METHODS

This analysis comprised 172 eyes of 172 patients operated on by one surgeon (LT) with one IQ SN60WF (Alcon Labs, Fort Worth, TX, USA) hydrophobic lens. Ten IOL formulas were evaluated: Barrett Universal II (BUII), Haigis, Hoffer Q, Holladay 1, Holladay 2, Kane, SRK/T, T2, VRF and VRF-G. The median absolute error (MedAE), mean absolute error (MAE), standard deviation (SD) and all descriptive statistics were evaluated. Percentages of eyes with a prediction error within ±0.25 D, ±0.50 D, ±0.75 D and ±1.00 D were calculated using standard optimised constants for the entire range of axial lengths.

RESULTS

The VRF-G, Haigis and Kane produced the smallest MedAE among all formulas (0.242 D, 0.247 D and 0.263 D, respectively) and had the highest percentage of eyes with a PE within ±0.50 D (75.67%, 73.84% and 75.16%, respectively). The Barrett was less accurate (0.298 D and 68.02%, respectively). Statistically significant differences were found predominantly between the VRF-G (P < 0.05), Kane (P < 0.05) and Haigis (P < 0.05) and all other formulas. The percentage of eyes with a PE within ±0.50 D ranged from 66.28% to 75.67%.

CONCLUSIONS

In eyes with AL ≤ 22.0 mm, the VRF-G, Haigis and Kane were the most accurate predictors of postoperative refraction, and the Barrett formula was less predictable.

Cataract progression following lens-sparing pars plana vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment

Lens-sparing pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) is often followed by cataract development. However, there have been few prospective studies evaluating the timing of cataract progression and potential associated factors. This was an observational study conducted at the Ophthalmology Unit of the University Hospital of Parma (Parma, Italy). Patients presenting with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), who underwent PPV with preservation of the lens, were examined according to a scheduled follow-up (3, 6 and 12 months after PPV) and then preoperatively when cataract extraction surgery (CES) was indicated, or at the end of the study follow-up period (May 2021). The primary outcome was the interval between PPV and CES indication (based on predefined refractive criteria). A total of 36 eyes of 36 patients (mean age: 52 ± 10 years) were included in the study. Nineteen eyes (53%) were indicated for CES a median of 14.5 months (IQR: 12.0-24.8) after PPV. The nuclear and posterior subcapsular forms of cataract progressed significantly starting at 6 months after PPV. Older age at the time of PPV, silicone oil tamponade and RRD without macular involvement were significantly and independently associated with an earlier indication for CES. Patient age and the use of silicone oil tamponade must be taken into consideration when evaluating the risk of cataract development after PPV.

Real world outcomes of sutureless and glueless sclerally fixated intraocular lens implantation

PURPOSE

To report the outcomes of sutureless intrascleral fixation of a 3-piece intraocular lens in the ciliary sulcus, in a large cohort of patients with aphakia of various aetiology METHODS: Retrospective, non-comparative, single centre interventional study of 250 aphakic eyes of various causes, which underwent sutureless and glueless intrascleral fixation of 3-piece intraocular lens (IOL). All patients were required to have at least 3 months of follow up post procedure to be included in the study. Anatomical and functional outcomes obtained were statistically analysed for significance.

RESULTS

A total of 250 eyes of 246 patients were included in the study population. The average age was 56.5 years ± 16.4 (range 6-86 years). The mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) significantly improved from 0.74 ± 0.6 logMAR (approx. Snellen equivalent 20/110) to 0.48 ± 0.36 logMAR (approx. Snellen equivalent 20/60), (p < 0.001) following surgery. Early postoperative complication (<2 weeks) included hypotony (n = 10, 4%), ocular hypertension (n = 38,15.2%) and vitreous haemorrhage (n = 50, 20%). Late complications included retinal detachment (n = 14, 5.6%%), cystoid macular oedema (n = 24, 9.6%), scleral erosion (n = 1, 0.4%), haptic extrusion to subconjunctival space (n = 3, 1.2%) and IOL subluxation or dislocation (n = 5, 2%) CONCLUSION: This cost-effective and easier technique of sutureless scleral fixated 3-piece IOL implantation provided good visual acuity outcomes in a large cohort of patients and was well tolerated.

Age-related visual outcomes in eyes with diffractive multifocal intraocular lenses

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

To assess the influence of patient age on visual outcomes in eyes with diffractive multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) SUBJECTS/METHODS: Based on age, we classified eyes with diffractive multifocal IOL into four groups: u50 (under 50 years old), 50s (50-59 years), 60s, and 70s. Corrected distance (CD), distance-corrected near (DCN) visual acuity (VA), and defocus curve were measured postoperatively. Using an "area-of-focus" metric, the distant, intermediate, and near area-of-focus (AoF) were also measured. These postoperative results were compared between the age groups.

RESULTS

At 3 months after surgery, the CDVA in the u50, 50s, 60s, and 70s groups were -0.18, -0.16, -0.14, and -0.10 logMAR, respectively. The 70s CDVA was significantly worse than the u50 and 50s groups (P = 0.002, P = 0.049). The DCNVA in the u50, 50s, 60s, and 70s were 0.01, 0.03, 0.03, and 0.08 logMAR. DCNVA in the 70s group was significantly worse than that in the u50 and 60s groups (P = 0.008 and P = 0.019, respectively). The near AoF was smaller in the 70s than in the u50 and 50s groups (P = 0.040, P = 0.047). In both the intermediate and distant AoFs, there was no significant difference between the four age groups. A steep decline in near AoF was observed in patients over 60 years of age.

CONCLUSIONS

The CDVA, DCNVA, and near AoF declined with patient age in eyes with diffractive multifocal IOL. The near AoF showed a drastic decline over 60 years.

Alcohol use patterns and risk of incident cataract surgery: a large scale case-control study in Japan

To examine the risk of incident cataract surgery associated with alcohol use patterns among Japanese adults. This was a case-control study evaluating 14,861 patients with incident cataract surgery and 14,861 matched controls. Subjects admitted to any of the 34 hospitals in Japan and aged between 40 and 69 years were included. Drinking patterns (drinking frequency, daily average drinks, and total amount of lifetime drinking), smoking history, lifestyle-related comorbidities, and occupational factors were surveyed by trained interviewers. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using conditional logistic regression models. For drinking frequency, ORs in the 1-3 days/week and 4-7 days/week groups were 1.10 (95% CI 1.03-1.17) and 1.30 (1.21-1.40), respectively. For average drinks, ORs in > 0-2 drinks/day, > 2-4 drinks/day, and > 4 drinks/day were 1.13 (1.06-1.20), 1.23 (1.12-1.35), and 1.16 (1.03-1.31), respectively. Both men and women had an increased risk of incident cataract surgery with increased total lifetime drinking, with a significant increase in risk occurring at > 90 drink-years for men and > 40 drink-years for women. A positive dose-response relationship was observed between alcohol consumption and cataract. Restricted drinking may help to reduce the progression of cataracts.

Visual outcomes and subjective experience with three intraocular lenses based presbyopia correcting strategies in cataract patients

To compare the visual outcomes and subjective experience of three intraocular lenses (IOL) implant strategies. Retrospective comparative study. This study comprised patients who underwent phacoemulsification and bilateral implantation of extended depth of focus (EDOF) IOL (ZXR00; EDOF group), blended implantation of EDOF and bifocal IOL (ZXR00/ZLB00; blended group), and bilateral implantation of trifocal IOL (AT LISA tri 839MP; trifocal group). The outcomes included visual acuity (VA), visual defocus curve, contrast sensitivity, visual quality, quality of life, spectacle independence, and patient satisfaction. Follow-up was performed 3 months after the surgery. This study included 114 eyes of 57 patients (20 in EDOF group; 16 in blended group; 21 in trifocal group). Patients in the three groups had high quality of life, patient satisfaction, and good contrast sensitivity. The EDOF group had the worst near VA, but the visual quality was the best. The blended group had good VA and slight photic disturbance. The trifocal group obtained the best whole range of VA, but the photic disturbance was significantly severe than the EDOF group. Both the blended and trifocal groups achieved high spectacle independence, but some patients in the EDOF group need spectacle when dealing with close-range tasks.

Comparative visual performance of diffractive bifocal and rotationally asymmetric refractive intraocular lenses

We compared the visual performance of a diffractive bifocal intraocular lens (IOL) with + 4.0 D near addition (ZMB00 [Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision]) and a rotationally asymmetric refractive IOL with + 1.5 D near addition (LS-313 MF15 [Teleon Surgical BV]) 10 weeks after cataract patients' last surgery for bilateral ZMB00 or LS-313 MF15 implantation between 2011 and 2020, with the lenses of each eye implanted within 3 months of each other. The ZMB00 and LS-313 MF15 groups comprised 1326 eyes of 663 patients (age: 67.0 ± 7.8 years; females/males, 518/145) and 448 eyes of 224 patients (73.6 ± 7.0 years; females/males, 125/99), respectively. A linear mixed-effects model using data for both eyes, with strict adjustments for sex, age, subjective refraction spherical equivalent, subjective refraction cylinder, corneal astigmatism, axial length, corneal higher-order aberrations, and pupil diameter, ensured statistical validity. Compared to LS-313 MF15, ZMB00 achieved significantly superior uncorrected near visual acuity, reduced higher-order aberrations (ocular/internal, scaled to a 4-mm pupil; Wavefront_4_post_Ocular_Total Higher-Order Aberration/Third/Fourth/Trefoil/Coma/Tetrafoil/Spherical, Wavefront_4_post_Internal_Astigmatism/Total Higher-Order Aberration/Third/Trefoil/Coma/Tetrafoil/Spherical), and superior distance and near spectacle independence (p < 0.00068, Wald test). Contrast sensitivity, measured without (visual angle of the test target: 6.3°/4.0°/2.5°/1.6°/1.0°/0.7°) or with glare (4.0°/2.5°/1.6°/1.0°/0.7°), was significantly better in the LS-313 MF15 than the ZMB00 group (p < 0.00068, Wald test).

Prophylactic antibiotics for postcataract surgery endophthalmitis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of 6.8 million eyes

To reveal optimal antibiotic prophylactic regimen for postoperative endophthalmitis (POE), we conducted systematic review and network meta-analysis. A total of 51 eligible original articles, including two randomized controlled trials, were identified. In total, 4502 POE cases occurred in 6,809,732 eyes (0.066%). Intracameral injection of vancomycin had the best preventive effect (odds ratio [OR] 0.03, 99.6% confidence interval [CI] 0.00-0.53, corrected P-value = 0.006, P-score = 0.945) followed by intracameral injection of cefazoline (OR 0.09, 99.6% CI 0.02-0.42, corrected P-value < 0.001, P-score = 0.821), cefuroxime (OR 0.18, 99.6% CI 0.09-0.35, corrected P-value < 0.001, P-score = 0.660), and moxifloxacin (OR 0.36, 99.6% CI 0.16-0.79, corrected P-value = 0.003, P-score = 0.455). While one randomized controlled trial supported each of intracameral cefuroxime and moxifloxacin, no randomized controlled trial evaluated vancomycin and cefazoline. Sensitivity analysis focusing on the administration route revealed that only intracameral injection (OR 0.19, 99.4% CI 0.12-0.30, corrected P-value < 0.001, P-score = 0.726) significantly decreased the risk of postoperative endophthalmitis. In conclusion, intracameral injection of either vancomycin, cefazoline, cefuroxime, or moxifloxacin prevented POE.

Cost and time resourcing for ophthalmic simulation in the UK: a Royal College of Ophthalmologists' National Survey of regional Simulation Leads in 2021

INTRODUCTION

Ophthalmic simulation is cost-effective in complication prevention. However, there is no consistent resource allocation to provide the necessary time and finance to sustain such activities. We wished to identify the current support for the regional Simulation Leads in the UK.

METHODS

An online SurveyMonkey questionnaire was sent to all 26 UK ophthalmic regional Simulation Leads in February 2021 regarding current simulation activity and the degree of time and resource support available.

RESULTS

There were 22 responses within 1 month (84.6% response rate). 72.7% run regular simulation induction events for new trainees. 60% run mandatory laser simulation events. 38.1% run immersive simulation (vitreous loss fire drill). 47.6% run yearly sub-specialty events. 45.5% were required to make additional work arrangements to run simulation events. 77.3% had no job plan time allocation for simulation. 59.1% dedicated >1 hr/week to simulation. 68.2% EYESI simulators were purchased via charity/endowments. 72.7% had access to dedicated dry lab simulation (40.9% wet lab). 40.9% used deanery funds to purchase initial model eyes (supplemented by charity (36.4%) and endowments (31.8%)). 65% used unspent study leave budgets for ongoing model eyes, yet 15% reported trainees purchasing their own.

CONCLUSION

Nearly all ophthalmic simulation in the UK is undertaken via goodwill and personal commitment to excellence by the regional Simulation Leads. There is minimal allowance of time or finance for these vital activities, which is sporadic at best, and unsustainable. We call for the necessary investment and dedicated time allocation to permit ophthalmic simulation to be supported and maintained.

Progression of posterior vitreous detachment after cataract surgery

PURPOSE

To compare the progression of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) between eyes that underwent cataract surgery and eyes that did not undergo surgery in non-highly myopic patients.

METHODS

One-hundred twenty-five eyes of 125 patients scheduled for phacoemulsification and 125 eyes of 125 age-matched patients who did not undergo surgery were enrolled. PVD status was evaluated using swept-source optical coherence tomography at 2 days (baseline), and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, and classified into five stages: 0 (no), 1 (paramacular), 2 (perifoveal), 3 (peripapillary), and 4 (complete). The PVD stage and incidence of progression to complete PVD were compared between groups.

RESULTS

The mean PVD stage significantly progressed over the 12 months in the surgery group (P = 0.0004), but did not change significantly in the non-surgery group. The PVD stage did not differ significantly between groups at 2 days, or 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively, but was significantly more progressed in the surgery group than in the non-surgery group at 12 months (P = 0.0390). After adjusting for age, sex, axial length, and baseline PVD stage, the relative risk for progression to complete PVD was 7.1-fold higher in the surgery group than in the non-surgery group (P < 0.0001, 95% confidence interval 2.9-17.3).

CONCLUSION

PVD progressed significantly faster in eyes after cataract surgery compared with eyes that did not undergo surgery, and the relative risk of progression to complete PVD was approximately seven-fold higher within 1 year, indicating that the risk for PVD-related diseases is high after cataract surgery.

Geographic variation in cumulative incidence of private cataract surgery in Australia and its influencing factors: Findings from the 45 and Up Study

PURPOSE

To investigate the geographic variation in the cumulative incidence of private cataract surgery (PCS) and its association with remoteness, socioeconomic, and private health insurance coverage indexes in a large Australian population.

METHODS

A prospective population-based study of 266,896 Australian adults living in New South Wales (NSW) aged 45 years older and over were enrolled in the 45 and Up Study. PCS was identified using Medicare claims data. Participants were assigned to a Statistical Area Level 3 (SA3) based on residential postcode in NSW. Cumulative incidence of PCS (number of surgery per 100,000 population from 2006 to 2016) among 89 SA3s was calculated and standardized to the baseline population. Remoteness and socioeconomic deprivation was derived from Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). Private health insurance coverage rates were obtained from the baseline interview.

RESULTS

A total of 257,237 participants with complete data were included in the current analysis. During the study period, a total of 67,707 cataract surgeries were performed among 39,744 participants. Cumulative incidence of PCS varied from 14,897 to 37,314 per 100,000 across 89 SA3s. Multivariable adjusted regression models showed that remoteness index and private health insurance coverage rates were independently associated with cumulative incidence of PCS (all P < 0.05), while no significant association between socioeconomic deprivation and cumulative incidence of PCS was observed. Collectively, these three variables explained 52.7% of the geographic variability.

CONCLUSIONS

The geographical variation in the cumulative incidence of PCS calls for interventions targeted at individuals living in remote areas to reduce the burden of cataract-related vision impairment.