Illumination levels in commonly used ophthalmic devices

Pupil diameter is a key parameter for corneal and multifocal intraocular lens surgery. Many devices are dedicated to measure the pupil size, but do not specify the illumination during capture. The aim of this study was to present illumination levels in routinely used ophthalmic devices which present pupil sizes. To obtain measurements, the lux meter was placed in the chin rest in the corneal plane and the room was completely dimmed. Ten measurements were taken for each device. The illumination levels for white and red Placido disk corneal topographers were 1253.1 ± 0.2 and 329.0 ± 0.2 lux, respectively (both photopic conditions). Scheimpflug corneal tomography should be considered as a mesopic measurement (14.5 ± 0.1 lux). Optical coherence tomography and autorefractometry are scotopic measurements (0.4-0.6 lux). We postulate that producers should provide illumination levels of their devices measuring pupil size. Moreover, when mentioning a pupil size, one should consider presenting to what lighting conditions it refers to.

Effect of brimonidine tartrate 0.2% ophthalmic solution on visual quality after implantable collamer lens implantation with a central hole

PURPOSE

To investigate the effect of brimonidine tartrate 0.2% on visual quality after implantable collamer lens with a central hole (ICL V4c).

METHODS

This study comprised 59 consecutive patients implanted with an ICL V4c. Brimonidine was administered randomly into one eye of the patients with symptomatic glare or halos 1 week postoperatively and the contralateral eye with artificial tears as the control group. Visual quality (measured by a optical quality analysis system), pupil size and refraction under scotopic light conditions were measured before and 0.5, 1.5, 3 and 6 h after administration of brimonidine. A symptom questionnaire was also evaluated.

RESULTS

The visual quality improved and reached its maximum value, and the scotopic pupil size reached its minimum value 1.5 h after brimonidine administration, with a statistically significant difference seen from 0.5 to 3 h compared to baseline. No changes in refraction were seen after brimonidine. The questionnaire showed that symptoms of glare or halos could be eliminated after brimonidine in 58% of patients, be alleviated in 37% of patients and be unchanged in 5% of patient. However, 10% of patients experienced conjunctival congestion and some patients experienced reduced drug efficacy 1 month after treatment.

CONCLUSION

Brimonidine can be used to improve night visual quality in early postoperative period after ICL V4c implantation. It helps patients to quickly adapt to the glare or halos.