Comparison of postoperative intraocular pressure changes between 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy and conventional 20-gauge vitrectomy

Purpose

To compare the intraocular pressure (IOP) after 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy (TSV) and conventional 20-gauge vitrectomy for various vitreoretinal diseases.

Methods

This was a retrospective interventional case series including 338 cases of 23-gauge TSV and 476 cases of 20-gauge vitrectomy with minimum follow-up period of 1 month. Postoperative 1 day, 1 week and 1 month IOPs were compared. Multiple regression analysis to assess the actual effect of gauge of vitrectomy on postoperative IOP was performed including intraoperative and postoperative factors influencing postoperative IOP as covariates.

Results

The mean IOP of 20-gauge vitrectomy was significantly higher than that of 23-gauge TSV (20.6±8.02 mm Hg vs12.8±4.48 mm Hg, P<0.001) at postoperative day 1, but the differences were not significant at postoperative 1 week and 1 month. The IOP pattern of 23-gauge TSV demonstrated more stable course than that of 20-gauge vitrectomy. At 1 day post vitrectomy, the incidence of hypertony was higher in 20-gauge, whereas that of hypotony was higher in 23-gauge. Among risk factors, the 20-gauge vitrectomy showed the strongest association with postoperative 1 day IOP rise.

Conclusion

Twenty-three-gauge TSV has stable and lower IOP in the early postoperative period than the 20-gauge vitrectomy. In patients whose retina and optic nerves are vulnerable to higher or fluctuating IOP, 23-gauge TSV may be more beneficial.     

Suture Fixation Technique for a Single-piece Foldable Closed-loop Intraocular Lens

Purpose

We describe a suture fixation technique for a single-piece foldable acrylic closed-loop intraocular lens (IOL) (C-flex™, Rayner).

Methods

In our experimental model analyzing the stability of acrylic haptics, we confirmed that the IOL could be in counterpoise without tilt using only a two-point fixation. This new surgical technique was performed in seven patients.

Results

The unique haptic design allows easy and secure suture fixation. The clinical outcomes were encouraging.

Conclusions

It is conceivable that better stabilization can be achieved by the broad arc of distal haptic-tissue contact, in addition to suture fixation, using our surgical technique with the C-flex™ IOL.     

23-gauge vitrectomy with intraocular foreign body removal via the limbus: An alternative approach for select cases

Purpose:

To study the outcome of removal of retained intraocular foreign bodies (RIOFBs) via limbus using 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy (TSV).

Materials and Methods:

In this prospective, non-comparative interventional case series, fourteen eyes of 14 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled. They underwent 23-gauge TSV for management of posterior segment RIOFB and reviewed at 1 day, 7 days, 6 weeks, 3, 6 and 12 months. Eyes with penetrating eye injury involving cornea or limbus (corneal injury not so severe to hinder vitrectomy), cataract associated with anterior and/or posterior capsular tear requiring cataract surgery and posterior segment RIOFB with minimal posterior segment involvement were included. Main outcome measures include success in removal of RIOFB without enlarging sclerotomy, ability to preserve capsular support, improvement in visual acuity and complications, if any.

Results:

All eyes underwent the successful RIOFB removal through limbal port without enlarging scleral ports. None of the eyes required suturing of the sclera, cornea or conjunctiva. Anterior capsular rim could be preserved in all eyes except one. Postoperatively follow up ranged from one year in 8, 6 months in 4 and 3 months in 2 eyes. The mean logMAR visual acuity at 3, 6, and 12 months showed significant improvement. There were no intraoperative complications. Postoperative complications include microscopic hyphema and loose blood in vitreous cavity in one eye.

Conclusion:

The advantages of 23-gauge TSV for removal of RIOFB may be passed on to select cases. RIOFB removal through limbal route obviated the need for scleral port enlargement and preserved capsular support for early visual rehabilitation.     

Macular hole in retinitis pigmentosa patients: microincision vitrectomy with polydimethylsiloxane as possible treatment

Purpose

To investigate long-term retinal changes after microincision pars plana vitrectomy surgery (MIVS) for macular hole (MH) in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patients—retrospective and observational study.

Methods

Three RP patients suffering from MH were evaluated by means of best corrected visual acuity, anterior and posterior binocular examination, spectralis high-resolution optical coherence tomography, MP-1 microperimetry (MP-1), and full-field electroretinogram (ERG), before MIVS and during the 36-month follow-up. Patients underwent simultaneous MIVS and microincision cataract surgery; IOL was positioned in capsular bag. Patients were hospitalised for 2 days after the surgery. Surgical procedure was performed according the following schedule: surgical removal of crystalline lens, MIVS with 23-gauge sutureless system trocars, core vitreous body removal, peeling of the inner limiting membrane, and balanced sterile saline solution-air-micro-structured polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) exchange. PDMS tamponade, after 6 months starting from MIVS, was removed.

Results

In all patients visual acuity increased after vitrectomy as a consequence of complete MH closure and restoration of retinal architecture. None of the patients developed ocular hypertension, or re-opening of MH during the 3-year follow-up. MP-1 bivariate contour ellipse area was reduced in its dimensions and improved in all patients demonstrating a better fixation.

Conclusions

MIVS could be an effective treatment in RP patients with MH if medical therapy is not applicable or not sufficient. Finally more studies will be needed to improve knowledge about this genetic disease.     

Combined 23-gauge sutureless vitrectomy and clear corneal phacoemulsification for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair

AIM: To assess the outcomes of combined 23-gauge sutureless vitrectomy and clear corneal phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) repair. METHODS: This was a retrospective, consecutive, non-comparative, interventional case series of 30 eyes of 30 patients who underwent combined sutureless vitrectomy and clear corneal cataract surgery for the repair of RRD. The principal outcome measures were primary anatomical success rate, reasons for redetachment, final visual acuity, and surgical complications. RESULTS: Primary reattachment was achieved in 27 eyes (90.0%). The reasons for redetachment (3 eyes, 10%) were incomplete laser retinopexy, persistent chronic subretinal fluid, and proliferative vitreoretinopathy, respectively. The logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity (mean±SD) improved from 0.76±0.74 preoperatively to 0.21±0.37 6 months’ postoperatively (P<0.0001). Postoperative hypotony was not detected, but 1 eye (3.3%) had increased intraocular pressure (30mmHg) with spontaneous resolution. No endophthalmitis developed during follow-up. Macular pucker was detected in 3 eyes (10.0%). CONCLUSION: Combined 23-gauge sutureless vitrectomy and clear corneal phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation for RRD repair was proven safe and effective. It may provide not only the known advantages of conventional combined surgery, but also additional advantages such as less conjunctival fibrosis and the maintenance of stable intraocular pressure with low risks of postoperative hypotony and intraocular pressure elevation.     

Comparision of surgical outcomes of intraocular lens refixation and intraocular lens exchange with perfluorocarbon liquid and fibrin glue-assisted sutureless scleral fixation

Aim

The purpose of this study was to compare the surgical outcomes of intraocular lens (IOL) refixation with intraocular lens exchange using perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) and fibrin glue-assisted sutureless scleral fixation surgery in patients with dislocation of the IOL.

Methods

Twenty-five eyes of 25 patients who underwent surgery for dislocated IOLs with PFCL and fibrin glue-assisted scleral fixation were studied; 13 eyes experienced IOL refixation (in-the-bag and out-of-the-bag), and 12 eyes experienced IOL exchange. Preoperative and postoperative clinical features from patient charts and 25 eyes with >6 months'' follow-up information were reviewed and analyzed.

Results

At postoperative 6 months, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and spherical equivalent of IOL refixation and exchange were significantly improved (P=0.042, P=0.001), and endothelial cell density was significantly decreased in the two groups with no significant difference between them. Surgically induced astigmatism of IOL refixation improved from 0.90±0.47 to 0.61±0.37 (P=0.012), and IOL exchange improved from 1.17±0.64 to 0.73±0.37 (P=0.037) at postoperative 6 months, with no significant difference between the two groups. Complications occurred in four eyes in the IOL refixation group and in three eyes in the IOL exchange group.

Conclusion

PFCL and fibrin glue-assisted IOL sutureless scleral refixation or exchanged fixation was an effective surgical treatment for IOL dislocation. Also, because postoperative BCVA, surgical outcomes, and complications did not differ significantly between IOL refixation and exchange surgery, if IOL exchange surgery is not indicated, IOL refixation surgical techniques should be considered.     

Glued intraocular lens implantation for eyes with defective capsules: A retrospective analysis of anatomical and functional outcome

Purpose

To analyze the anatomical and functional outcome of glued intra ocular lens (IOL) implantation technique and its modifications.

Design

Retrospective observational case series.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of the patients who underwent glued intra ocular lens implantation from December 2007 to August 2010. Post operative uncorrected vision, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intra ocular pressure, IOL position, endothelial cells and anterior chamber reaction at their last follow up are analyzed from their concerned case sheets documentation. Subjective changes are analyzed via individual questionnaire. Immediate and late postoperative complications are also evaluated. Surgical modifications and the difference in the operated eyes are analyzed.

Results

Total 210 glued IOL eyes have been reviewed. Out of this 210, there are 152 (PMMA glued IOL), 21 (three piece foldable IOL), 5 (multifocal foldable IOL), 12 (pediatric glued IOL), 5 (20G sutureless vitrectomy), 2 (glued iris prosthesis) and 3 (transposition of posterior chamber IOL into anterior chamber). In combined surgeries there are, 5 (optical penetrating keratoplasty), 2 (descemet’s stripping endothelial keratoplasty) and 3 (iridoplasty). The modifications in glued IOL are handshake technique, injectable or foldable glued IOL, Multifocal glued IOL and intraoperative 23/25G trocar cannula infusion. Decentration (1.97%), macular edema (1.97%) and optic capture (2.63%) are the post operative complications encountered in rigid glued IOL. Good patient satisfaction is seen in the eyes with IOL repositioning, IOL exchange and multifocal glued IOL. There is significant improvement in BCVA in PMMA IOL (p = 1.35 × 10⁻⁵) and foldable IOL (p = 0.000).

Conclusion

Glued IOL seems to be a good alternative in IOL implantation in eyes with deficient capsules. The modifications in the existing technique decrease the learning time and risk for complications.     

Outcomes of 23- and 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomies for dislocated intraocular lenses

Purpose

To compare the outcome of 23-gauge as compared with 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy (TSV) in the management of dislocated intraocular lenses (IOLs).

Design

Retrospective, non-consecutive, comparative, interventional case series.

Participants

Patients with dislocated intraocular lens who underwent sutureless PPV using either 23-gauge or 25-gauge instruments.

Methods

The patients who presented with a dislocated IOL, underwent TSV with repositioning of the intraocular lens, either in the sulcus or scleral-fixated sutured/glued.

Results

Of the total 61 eyes, 33 (54.09%) underwent 23-gauge TSV and 28 (45.90%) underwent 25-gauge TSV. The mean logMAR BCVA at baseline and 6 months after surgery was 0.8 and 0.46 in the 23-gauge group, and 0.82 and 0.47 in the 25-gauge group. There was no significant difference in logMAR BCVA values between the two groups at any time point of time during the follow-up. The mean postoperative IOP on postoperative day 1 was 14.76 ± 5.4 in 23-gauge group and 17.57 ± 7.9 in the 25-gauge group (p = 0.10). Retinal break was noticed intraoperatively in two cases in 23-gauge group and in three cases in 25-gauge group (p = 0.509). Postoperative complications included IOL decentration in one case of 23-gauge vitrectomy and two cases in 25-gauge group (p = 0.5), cystoid macular edema in four patients in 23-gauge group and six cases of 25-gauge group (p = 0.3) and retinal detachment in one case in each group (p = 0.9).

Conclusions

25-gauge appears to be as safe and as effective as 23-gauge TSV in the management of dislocated intraocular lenses.

     

Combined 23-gauge microincisonal vitrectomy surgery and phacoemulsification with AcrySof toric intraocular lens implantation: a comparative study

Aim

To compare AcrySof toric intraocular lens (IOL) and non-toric IOL in patients who had combined 23-gauge microincisional vitrectomy surgery (MIVS) and phacoemulsification for vitreoretinal diseases and cataract with pre-existing corneal astigmatism.

Methods

This is a prospective comparative study comprised of 30 patients (30 eyes) who had combined 23-gauge MIVS and phacoemulsification for vitreoretinal diseases and cataract with pre-existing regular corneal astigmatism greater than 1 diopters (D). In all, 15 eyes had AcrySof toric IOL (Alcon Laboratories) and 15 eyes had non-toric IOL (Akreos AO MI60; Bausch & Lomb) implantation. Main outcome measures were uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), refractive cylinder, surgically induced astigmatism (SIA), and IOL misalignment during 6 months.

Results

The mean UCVA of the toric IOL group was better than the non-toric IOL group at postoperative months 1, 3, and 6 (P<0.001, respectively). The mean absolute residual refractive cylinder of the toric IOL group at postoperative week 1, and months 1, 3, and 6 was less than the non-toric IOL group (P=0.008, <0.001, <0.001, and <0.001, respectively). There was no difference in the mean SIA between the two groups (P>0.05, respectively). The mean toric IOL axis rotation was 3.52±2.75°, which was within 5° in 66.7% of the toric IOL group and within 10° in 100%.

Conclusions

Combined 23-gauge MIVS and phacoemulsification with AcrySof toric IOL implantation is an effective method of correcting vitreoretinal diseases and cataract and pre-existing corneal astigmatism, and the toric IOL showed good rotational stability, even in vitrectomized eyes for 6 months.     

In-the-bag scleral suturing of intraocular lens in eyes with severe zonular dehiscence

Purpose

To compare the degree of tilt and decentration of an intraocular lens (IOL), refractive status, and prediction error between eyes that underwent trans-scleral suturing of the IOL within the capsular bag (in-the-bag scleral suturing) and eyes that underwent scleral suturing outside of the bag (out-of-the-bag scleral suturing) because of severe zonular dehiscence.

Patients and methods

Thirty eyes that underwent in-the-bag scleral suturing of an IOL and 38 eyes that underwent out-of-the-bag scleral suturing were recruited sequentially. The tilt and decentration of the IOL, anterior chamber depth, manifest refractive spherical equivalent (MRSE), prediction error, and incidence of complications were examined.

Results

The mean tilt angle and the decentration length of the IOL of the in-the-bag suturing group were significantly less than those of the out-of-the-bag suturing group (P=0.0003 in tilt and P=0.0391 in decentration), although the anterior chamber depth was similar. The mean MRSE and prediction error of the in-the-bag suturing group were less than those of the out-of-the-bag suturing group (P=0.0006 in MRSE and P=0.0034 in error). The incidence of vitreous loss was less in the in-the-bag suturing group than in the out-of-the-bag suturing group (20% vs63.2%, P=0.0009).

Conclusions

The tilt and decentration of the IOL after in-the-bag scleral suturing are significantly less than those after out-of-the-bag scleral suturing, which may lead to less MRSE and less prediction error. As the incidence of vitreous loss is less after in-the-bag scleral suturing, in-the-bag suturing is advantageous for eyes of younger patients and of less complicated cases.     

Simultaneous correction of post-traumatic aphakia and aniridia with the use of artificial iris and IOL implantation

Background

Combined post-traumatic aniridia and aphakia demand extensive and complex reconstructive surgery. We present our approach for simultaneous correction of this surgical situation with the use of the ArtificialIris (Dr. Schmidt Intraocularlinsen GmbH, Germany) with a foldable acrylic IOL Lentis L-313 (Oculentis, GmbH, Germany) sutured to its surface. The novelty (our first operation was on June 2010) of this surgical technique is based on the combined use of foldable (with closed haptics) IOL and Artificialiris to correct post-traumatic aniridia and aphakia.

Methods

Four consecutive cases of combined post-traumatic lesions of iris and lens, corrected with complex device ArtificialIris and foldable IOL. In two cases, the compound implant was sutured to the sclera in sulcus during the penetrating keratoplasty; in another case, it was positioned through a corneal incision of about 5.0 mm with transscleral fixation, and in one patient with preserved capsular support and possibility of IOL in-the-bag implantation the ArtificialIris was placed in sulcus sutureless through a clear corneal tunnel.

Results

Maximal follow-up was 6 months. The complex device was placed firmly fixed within the sulcus, including in the eye implanted without sutures, and showed a stable and centered position without any tilt or torque.

Conclusion

Management of post-traumatic aniridia combined with aphakia by haptic fixation of a foldable acrylic IOL on a foldable iris prosthesis appears to be a promising approach which gives the surgeon the possibility to correct a complex lesion with one procedure, which is less traumatic and faster. Existence of foldable materials, both iris and IOL, permits relatively small corneal incisions (4.0–5.0 mm). Moreover, the custom-tailored iris prosthesis gives a perfect aesthetic result.     

Pars plana Ahmed implantation combined with 23-gauge vitrectomy for refractory neovascular glaucoma in diabetic retinopathy

Purpose

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a pars plana Ahmed valve implantation combined with 23-gauge sutureless vitrectomy in the treatment of patients with medically uncontrolled neovascular glaucoma (NVG) in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).

Methods

The authors retrospectively reviewed the records of 11 consecutive patients with refractory NVG in PDR who underwent a 23-gauge sutureless vitrectomy combined with pars plana placement of an Ahmed valve implant. Control of intraocular pressure (IOP), pre- and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity and the development of intra- and postoperative complications were evaluated during the follow-up.

Results

The mean follow-up was 12.2 months (range, 8 to 25 months). Mean preoperative IOP was 35.9 ± 6.3 mmHg and mean postoperative IOP at the last visit was 13.3 ± 3.2 mmHg. Control of IOP (8 to 18 mmHg) was achieved in all patients, but 91% (10 of 11 patients) needed antiglaucoma medication (mean number of medications, 1.2 ± 0.6). Postoperative visual acuity improved in 11 eyes, and the logarithmically to the minimum angle of resolution mean visual acuity in these eyes improved from 1.67 ± 0.61 to 0.96 ± 0.67. The complications that occurred were transient hypotony in one case, transitory hypertension in two cases, and postoperative vitreous hemorrhage which spontaneously cleared in two cases.

Conclusions

We suggest the combination of 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy and Ahmed valve implantation is safe and effective in PDR patients with refractory NVG.     

Foldable vs rigid lenses after phacoemulsification for cataract surgery: a randomised controlled trial

Purpose

To compare the outcomes of phacoemulsification with either a 2.5-mm clear corneal incision and a foldable intraocular lens (IOL) or a 5-mm sclerocorneal tunnel incision and a rigid polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) IOL.

Methods

In a prospective, randomised clinical trial of phacoemulsification cataract surgery, 1200 patients received either a foldable hydrophilic acrylic IOL through a 2.5-mm corneal incision or an inexpensive rigid PMMA IOL via a 5-mm sclerocorneal tunnel. Intra- and post-operative data and visual acuity at discharge, 6 weeks, and 1 year follow-up were analysed.

Results

At 1 year after surgery, 996 (83.0%) patients were followed up with an uncorrected visual acuity of 6/18 or better in 90.3% of the foldable and 94.3% in the rigid IOL group (risk ratio (RR) 0.96, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.92–0.99). Poor outcome (best-corrected acuity 6/60 or worse) occurred in 1.0% and 0.4%, respectively (RR 4.28, 95% CI 0.48–38.18). The surgical cost of consumables and overall surgical time were similar in both groups; however, the cost of the foldable IOL was eight times higher than the PMMA IOL. Posterior capsule opacification was more common in the rigid IOL group at 12 months (36.1% vs 23.3%); however, this did not affect post-operative vision.

Conclusion

In the hands of experienced cataract surgeons, phacoemulsification with implantation of a foldable or a rigid IOL gives excellent results. Using an inexpensive rigid PMMA IOL will make phacoemulsification more affordable for poor patients in low- and middle-income countries.     

Surgically induced astigmatism in combined phacoemulsification and vitrectomy; 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy versus 20-gauge standard vitrectomy

Background

To study the surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) in combined phacoemulsification with 23-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy (TSV) versus combined phacoemulsification with 20-gauge standard vitrectomy.

Methods

This is a prospective comparative study comprised of 40 eyes from 37 consecutive patients. Twenty eyes (19 patients) underwent combined phacoemulsification and 23-gauge TSV, and 20 eyes (18 patients) underwent combined phacoemulsification and 20-gauge standard vitrectomy. Corneal topography was obtained preoperatively and postoperatively at weeks 1, 4, 8, and 12. Main outcome measurement was SIA consisting of astigmatic amplitude and axis from cross cylinder form calculated by rectangular coordinate method using the Holladay-Cravy-Koch formula.

Results

The mean SIA was 1.07?±?0.57 diopters (D) in the 23-gauge TSV group and 2.09?±?0.81 D in the 20-gauge group at postoperative week 1. SIA of both groups at weeks 4, 8, and 12 significantly decreased from the SIA at postoperative week 1 (p?<?0.0001 for all 3 weeks). SIA of the 23-gauge TSV group was significantly less than that of the 20-gauge standard vitrectomy group at each postoperative period (p?=?0.001). SIA of the gas tamponade group in the 23-gauge TSV was significantly greater than that of the non-gas tamponade group at postoperative week one (p?=?0.039). Shifts of axis to other meridians returned to preoperative meridian in 12 eyes (85.7%) for the 23-gauge group and seven eyes (43.8%) for the 20-gauge group.

Conclusion

Combined phacoemulsification and pars plana vitrectomy (23-gauge and 20-gauge) could induce significant SIA at postoperative week 1, and decrease over 3 months. However, 23-gauge TSV showed less SIA and early stabilization compared to the 20-gauge standard vitrectomy.     

Intracapsular Lens Extraction for the Treatment of Pupillary Block Glaucoma Associated with Anterior Subluxation of the Crystalline Lens

Purpose

To report a case of pupillary block glaucoma associated with spontaneous crystalline lens subluxation into the anterior chamber in a 34-year-old man.

Methods

Dry vitrectomy was performed for securing enough retrolental space, and an intracapsular lens extraction was then performed via a corneolimbal incision. Additional endothelial cell damage was avoided with an injection of viscoelastics and gentle extraction of the crystalline lens. After deepening of the anterior chamber, scleral fixation of the intraocular lens was performed with an ab externo technique.

Results

Two months after the operation, a well-fixated intraocular lens was observed and intraocular pressure was stable. The postoperative corneal astigmatism was −3.5 dpt, and the patient had a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/25. Postoperative complications included decreased endothelial cell count and sector iris paralysis near the incision site.

Conclusions

An anteriorly subluxated crystalline lens can cause pupillary block glaucoma in healthy young adults. To prevent intraoperative complications, intracapsular lens extraction with dry vitrectomy can be a good surgical option. The endothelial cell density should be closely monitored after surgery.Key words: Crystalline lens subluxation, Pupillary block glaucoma, Intracapsular lens extraction     

Unilateral Scleral Fixation of Posterior Chamber Intraocular Lenses in Pediatric Complicated Traumatic Cataracts

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the visual outcomes and complications of unilateral scleral fixation of posterior chamber intraocular lenses (SF-PCIOLs) in pediatric complicated traumatic cataracts without capsular support.

Methods

This study involved five eyes of five children who underwent unilateral SF-PCIOL. All patients had a unilateral complicated traumatic cataract associated with anterior or posterior segment injury. Visual acuity (VA), IOL position, and postoperative complications were assessed during follow-up.

Results

The mean age of patients at the time of SF-PCIOL was 90 months (range, 66-115). The mean duration of follow-up time after surgery was 22 months (range, 5-55). In all patients, the best-corrected VA was either improved or was stable at last follow-up following SF-PCIOL implantation. There were no serious complications.

Conclusions

Unilateral scleral fixation of PCIOL can be a safe and effective procedure for pediatric, unilateral, complicated traumatic cataracts without capsular support in selected cases.     

Polypseudophakia for cataract surgery: 10-year follow-up on safety and stability of two poly-methyl-methacrylate (PMMA) intraocular lenses within the capsular bag

Purpose

To report the long-term follow-up (more than 10 years) of three patients who have undergone polypseudophakia phacoemulsification cataract surgery.

Methods

A case series of three patients and four procedures. Two poly-methyl-methacrylate (PMMA) intraocular lenses (IOLs) were placed within the capsular bag (P359UV, Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany). No complications occurred peri-operatively. A full ophthalmological examination was performed at 10-year follow-up, looking for decentration, tilt, and complications of interlenticular opacification (ILO) between the IOLs.

Results

Inferior ILO with Elschnig pearls was observed in only one case, and was likely to be visually insignificant. No ILO was observed in the other three eyes. In one patient, the piggyback IOL had been displaced 1–2 mm nasally, but there was no tilt of the IOLs, with the haptics remaining well aligned. There was no displacement or tilt of the piggyback IOL in the other three cases. Corneal endothelial cell count (SP-2000P, Topcon, Tokyo, Japan) was above 1000 cell/mm² in all cases.

Conclusions

With the introduction of foldable IOLs, the piggyback IOL is usually placed in the sulcus, but we have shown good long-term stability and minimal complications of dual PMMA IOLs placed within the bag.     

Non-buckled vitrectomy for retinal detachment with inferior breaks and proliferative vitreoretinophathy

AIM: To investigate the efficacy of non-buckled vitrectomy with classical endotamponade agents in the treatment of primary retinal detachment (RD) complicated by inferior breaks and proliferative vitreoretinophathy (PVR).METHODS: A retrospective, consecutive and case series study of 40 patients with inferior break RD and PVR ≥C1 was conducted. All patients underwent a standard 3-port 20-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with gas or silicone oil tamponade without supplementary scleral buckling. The vitreous and all proliferative membrane were completely removed, and retinectomy was performed when necessary. The mean follow-up was 12.5 months. The primary and final anatomic success rate, visual acuity and complications were recorded and analyzed.RESULTS: Primary anatomic success rate was achieved in 35 of 40 eyes (87.5%) and the final anatomic success rate was 100%. The most common cause of redetachment was recurrent PVR. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at final follow-up was improved in 34 eyes (85%), remained stable in 1 eye (2.5%), and worsened in 5 eyes (12.5%). The mean visual acuity at final follow-up was improved significantly (P=0.000).CONCLUSION: This retrospective study provides evidence that vitrectomy without scleral buckling seemed to be an effective treatment for inferior break RD with PVR. With complete removal of vitreous and proliferative membranes and timing of retinectomy, the inferior breaks which complicated with PVR could be closed successfully without additional scleral buckling.     

Descemet’s stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty in abnormal anterior segment: scleral indentation technique to enhance donor adherence

Background

To describe a scleral indentation technique to enhance donor adherence in Descemet’s stripping and automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) in patients with abnormal anterior segment.

Methods

In patients with visual potential, we performed transscleral fixation of a foldable intraocular lens (IOL) and DSAEK. In patients only for pain relief, we performed DSAEK without IOL implantation. During air tamponade, we injected only a medium air bubble instead of big bubble into anterior chamber and used scleral indentation technique as an aid. The position of the grafts was checked by the slit lamp and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT).

Results

Five eyes of five patients of aphakic bullous keratopathy (ABK) or pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (PBK) with anterior chamber IOL (AC IOL) were included in this non-comparative interventional case series. The grafts attached well in all patients without any graft dislocation intraoperatively and during the follow-up period. There was no pupillary block or peripheral anterior synechiae postoperatively.

Conclusions

Scleral indentation technique with or without transscleral fixation of a foldable IOL in DSAEK can facilitate the air tamponade and enhance the donor adherence in certain anterior segment abnormities.