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Purpose To quantitatively characterize the retinal vascular network in healthy and pathological cases using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) images. Methods The study included 56 eyes of 28 patients as follows: 26 healthy, 20 with diabetic retinopathy (DR), 6 with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and 4 with retinal vein occlusion (RVO). For 33 eyes (16 healthy and 17 with DR), vessel density maps were provided by the OCTA machine. An automatic algorithm classified the image (as healthy, DR, AMD, or RVO) and provided quantitative information obtained from the angiograms, including global vessel density, global fractal dimension, and fovea avascular zone (FAZ) area. Classification results were compared with the diagnosis made by a retina specialist. The quantitative values were compared with the literature and to values provided by the OCTA machine. Results The success rate of classification was 83.9%. Vessel densities obtained by our algorithm (in healthy and DR cases) were significantly lower than the values reported in previous studies using OCTA. Similarly, they were much lower than the values provided by the OCTA machine. However, vessel densities in the healthy cases were similar to or higher than (depending on the retinal layer) the recently published values that may be considered as gold standard. Our values of fractal dimension were similar to those previously reported. Conclusions Our algorithm provides significantly improved vessel density values compared with previous studies. We believe our algorithm successfully omits false vessels. Translational relevance Accurately assessing retinal vessel density enables better evaluation of retinal disorders.

This work examined the antibacterial and physical effects of a novel Zn-CuO nanocoating applied on a silicone hydrogel contact lens. Zn-CuO coating of PureVision balafilcon-A soft contact lenses (Bausch&Lomb, Rochester, NY) was performed by sonochemical deposition using a high-intensity ultrasonic horn. Non-coated PureVision lenses served as a control in all experiments. Adhesion assays for P. aerueginosa and S. epidermidis to the coated lenses were performed to identify the minimal coating concentration which still possessed antibacterial activity. Lens water content, oxygen transfer light transfer, leaching, and electron microscopy studies were performed using this concentration. Coated lenses showed 3–5 log reductions in adhesion of both species. The lowest tested coating concentration of 0.02 wt% led to a log reduction of 3.25 ± 1.25 of P. aeruginosa CFU/lens (P = 0.007) and a log reduction of 4.37 ± 0.75 of S. epidermidis (p = 0.0007). Using this coating concentration, water content (36%, 33.6%), oxygen transfer (87.22 ± 10.96, 92.18 ± 2.38, × 10−11(cm2/s)(mlO2)/(ml × mmHg)), p = 0.12), and light transfer properties did not differ significantly between the coated and the control contact lenses. In the range of 380–780 nm wavelength, the coated lenses transmitted 96.47 ± 1.52% while the control lenses transmitted 97.36 ± 1.35%. The corresponding values for the range of 300–380 nm wavelength were 79.343 ± 8.754 and 80.169 ± 1.35. Leaching studies for 0.5 mM coated lenses have demonstrated the excellent stability of the coating with the release of only 0.005% of the coating after 1 week of exposure to the test solution. Sonochemical-assisted nanocoating of contact lenses showed significant and consistent antibacterial activity while preserving the basic properties of a silicone hydrogel contact lens.

AimTo evaluate the outcomes of ultrathin Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (UT-DSAEK) performed in eyes after failure of primary Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK).MethodsThis was a retrospective, non-comparative interventional case series done in a tertiary care hospital. The study group included 21 eyes of patients which underwent UT-DSAEK following the failure of primary DMEK. Outcome measures included best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) and endothelial cell density (ECD) both recorded 6 and 12 months postoperatively as well as central graft thickness (CGT) measured 6 months after UT-DSAEK.ResultsWhen considering only eyes without comorbidities (17 of 21), 12 months after UT-DSAEK, BSCVA was ≥20/25 in 12/13 (92%) eyes and ≥20/20 in 4/13 (30%) eyes. Mean ECD loss rate was 38.9% at 12 months postoperatively (range 8%–57%). Six months postoperatively, CGT averaged at 81±34 µm (range 34–131 µm). No intraoperative complications were recorded. Postoperatively, one patient (no. 8) had graft wrinkles that were fixed 2 days following UT-DSAEK. Four patients have developed intraocular lens (IOL) opacification, and two of them underwent IOL exchange. No other postoperative complications were recorded.ConclusionsUT-DSAEK is instrumental in the management of primary DMEK graft failure, allowing visual rehabilitation which is comparable with that of repeat DMEK.

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of a technical modification to reduce the incidence of traumatic cataract induced by Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) performed in phakic eyes. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study. The records of all patients with a clear crystalline lens and endothelial failure that underwent modified DSAEK at our insitution were reviewed. In this modification, in order to avoid inadvertent touch of the insertion forceps against the exposed crystalline lens while passing across the anterior chamber, the incision sites were shifted from the standard 9 and 3 o’clock positions, superiorly to the 10 and 2 o’clock position respectively. Formation of typically traumatic, anterior subcapsular cataract in these patients was compared to that observed in a cohort including all the patients with a clear crystalline lens and endothelial failure that underwent conventional DSAEK at our institution. RESULTS: The study group included 49 eyes following modified DSAEK and the control group included 35 eyes following DSAEK with conventional incision sites. Anterior subcapsular cataract occurring 4mo or less postoperatively was identified in 2 of 49 (4%) eyes in the study group and 7 of 35 (20%) eyes in the control group. The rates of traumatic cataract were significantly higher in the control group in comparison to the study group (P=0.03, RR=4.9, 95%CI 1.08-22.1). CONCLUSION: Traumatic cataract formation following phakic DSAEK may be avoided with a simple modification to the position of the incision sites.

Purpose To design and validate the efficacy of three-dimensional (3D) printed smart storage glide (SSG) which is capable of preserving and delivering posterior lenticules for Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK). Methods Laboratory investigation (A) was followed by clinical validation (B). Unsuitable corneas for transplantation (n=20) were used for study A. These tissues were cut using a standard microkeratome, punched and loaded into the SSG and preserved for 7 days in transport media. Endothelial cell density (ECD), Trypan blue and Alizarin red staining for endothelial morphology, thickness measurements and glucose uptake, cell apoptosis and immunostaining post preservation were analysed. For study B, clinical grade corneas (n=14) were preloaded in SSG and grafted in patients with indications of Fuchs’ dystrophy (n=8), pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (n=3), posterior polymorphous dystrophy (n=2), and previous DSAEK failure (n=1). Standard DSAEK included descemetorhexis under air and bimanual delivery of the tissue under infusion of buffered saline solution through an anterior chamber maintainer placed at the 12 o’clock position. Main outcome measures for study B were less surgical time, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), speed of visual recovery, and ECD. Results For study A, an average ECD loss was 2.30±3.21%, thickness increased by 30.80±20.85% and one-third of glucose was utilised during the preservation phase. Alizarin red showed hexagonality of the cells. Cell apoptosis was not observed and expression of ZO-1 was noted on the preserved tissues. In study B, 25% ECD loss was observed after 6 months. BSCVA improved to 20/25 or better within 3 months after DSAEK. Mean surgical time recorded was 21 min. Conclusions This paper describes the development, design, laboratory and clinical validation of a 3D printed SSG which helps to store and deliver posterior lenticules, therefore allowing transportation of quality-controlled precut tissues.

PURPOSE To evaluate the results of microkeratome-assisted ultrathin Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (UT-DSAEK) using a nomogram developed for the single-pass technique. METHODS A retrospective study of eyes operated between September 2014 and March 2015 at Villa Serena-Villa Igea Private Hospitals (Forli, Italy) by a single surgeon (M.B.). Study eyes underwent UT-DSAEK performed using a linear microkeratome-assisted lamellar dissection with disposable heads of different sizes (Moria ALTK system; Moria SA) chosen according to a pachymetry-based nomogram developed at our department. The main outcome measure was the graft thickness as assessed by means of anterior segment optical coherence tomography, measured between 1 and 3 months postoperatively. RESULTS Forty-two eyes were included in this study. Mean follow-up time was 5.0 ± 1.8 months (range 1.2-6.9 months). No perforation or other complication occurred during graft preparation. Mean postoperative central thickness of donor grafts was 63 ± 29 μm. Thickness ranged between 23 and 177 μm, and the second thickest graft measured 116 μm. By 3 months postoperatively, 41/42 (97%) of the grafts were of thickness ≤130 μm and 38/42 (90%) of the grafts were of central thickness ≤100 μm. The mean nasal-to-temporal absolute thickness difference at the graft's central 3-mm zone was 5 ± 7 μm at the last available measurement. CONCLUSIONS The nomogram developed at our institution allowed reliable single-pass microkeratome-assisted dissection of donor tissue, creating consistently thin and symmetric grafts without loss of tissue. The results obtained compare favorably with those reported in the past for double-pass microkeratome-assisted dissection of UT-DSAEK.

Objective To assess the use of lacrimal stenting for chronic papillary conjunctivitis associated with epiphora in young adults with little or no atopic background. Methods A retrospective interventional case series of 21 consecutive patients (36 eyes) treated for epiphora and chronic papillary conjunctivitis at a tertiary university-affiliated medical center between January 2014 and August 2015 by the same oculoplastic surgeon (I.A). Data were collected by retrospective file review. Patients with a history of ocular disease were excluded from the study. Treatment modalities included lacrimal stenting, punctoplasty, and conservative topical medication. The main outcome measure was post-treatment presence of epiphora and conjunctivitis. Results Mean patient age was 40 ± 11 years; 86% of patients were female. Fifteen (72%) had bilateral disease. Mean follow-up time was 3.9 ± 1.7 months. Delayed tear clearance as well as a patent lacrimal apparatus were noted in all eyes. No apparent cause of the symptoms was found in any of the eyes. In 12 of the 13 patients (92%) who underwent tube or stent placement, the conjunctivitis and epiphora resolved. In the remainder, symptoms resolved bilaterally in only 1 of 4 patients (25%) who underwent punctoplasty and in only 1 of 4 patients (25%) treated conservatively. Conclusion Recalcitrant papillary conjunctivitis improves following nasolacrimal stenting. Further studies are needed using a prospective controlled design and longer follow-up time.

In this study, we examined a novel variant of 'big-bubble' deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty using trypan-blue-stained viscoelastic device for the creation of a pre-descemetic bubble.Ten corneoscleral rims were mounted on an artificial anterior chamber (AC). The AC was filled with air through a limbal paracentesis. A Melles' triangulated spatula was inserted through the paracentesis, with its tip penetrating the AC, was then slightly retracted and pushed into the deep stroma above the roof of the paracentesis. A mixture of trypan blue and viscoelastic device (Healon, Abbott Medical Optics, Abbott Park, Illinois) was injected into this intra-stromal pocket using a 27-G cannula to create a pre-descemetic separation bubble. Bubble type and visualization of dyed viscoelastic device were noted. The method was later employed in three cases.In all 10 corneoscleral rims, the technique successfully created a visible pre-descemetic (type 1) bubble that could be expanded up to the predicted diameter of trephination. Subsequent trephination and the removal of corneal stroma were uneventful. In two out of four clinical cases, a type 1 bubble was created, while in two others, visco-dissection failed and dyed viscoelastic was seen in the AC.The presented technique holds promise of being a relatively easy to perform, predictable and well-controlled alternative for achieving a type 1 bubble during deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty surgery. The trypan-blue-stained viscoelastic device facilitates proper visualization and control of the separation bubble and assists in identifying the penetrance to the separation bubble prior to removal of the stromal cap.

Purpose To identify risk factors associated with postoperative graft detachment after Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK). Methods In this retrospective institutional cohort study, the study group included all consecutive eyes that underwent primary DSAEK between January 2005 and October 2015 at Villa Serena-Villa Igea private hospitals (Forli, Italy) and developed postoperative graft detachment (n = 45). The control group included all eyes that underwent primary DSAEK during the same period and did not develop graft detachment (n = 1167). The main outcome measure was whether or not postoperative graft detachment occurred. Results Main indications for surgery included Fuchs endothelial dystrophy (525/1212 = 41%), pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (422/1212 = 35%), and a failed penetrating keratoplasty (PK) graft (190/1212 = 16%). Postoperative graft detachment occurred in 45 of 1212 (3.7%) eyes. Medically treated glaucoma, previous trabeculectomy, previous aqueous shunt procedure, and failed PK were all associated with an increased risk for graft detachment in univariate analysis. No particular lens status at the time of graft implantation was significantly associated with graft detachment, including the presence of an anterior chamber intraocular lens [odds ratio (OR), 1.5; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.35-6.46, P = 0.58] or aphakia at the time of graft transplantation (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 0.41-4.57, P = 0.74). Cataract removal during surgery was not associated with an increased risk for detachment (OR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.39-1.5, P = 0.47). Previous trabeculectomy (OR, 4.21; 95% CI, 1.53-11.56, P = 0.005) and a previous failed PK graft (OR, 3.04; 95% CI, 1.6-5.78, P = 0.001) were the only independent risk factors for graft detachment in multivariate analyses. Conclusions Previous PK and trabeculectomy are independent risk factors for postoperative graft detachment in primary DSAEK.

To examine the visual outcome of anterior visual pathway meningioma (AVPM) patients followed for at least one year.Data were collected on demographics, clinical course and management. Visual disability was classified at the first and last examination as follows: I--no visual disability; II--mild visual defect in one eye; III--mild visual defect in both eyes; IV--loss of driver's license; V--legally blind.Eight-one AVPM patients had their tumor originate in the clinoid process in 23 (28%), sphenoid-wing area in 18 (22%), cavernous sinus in 15 (19%), tuberculum sellae in 8 (10%), and mixed in 17 (21%). On last examination, 46 patients (57%) had good visual acuity in one or both eyes (Class I or II) and 17 (21%) were mildly affected in both eyes. The rate of Class IV disability was 16%, and Class V disability was 6%.Attention needs to be addressed to the considerable proportion of patients with AVPM (22% in this study) who may lose their driver's license or become legally blind. Occupational therapists should play an important role in the multidisciplinary management of those patients to help them adapt to their new physical and social situation.Anterior visual pathway meningiomas (AVPMs) are commonly not life-threatening but they can lead to profound visual disability, especially when the tumor originates in the tuberculum sellae and cavernous sinus. Particular attention should be paid to visual acuity and visual field deficits, as these can profoundly affect the patient's quality of life including ability to drive and activities of daily living. The interdisciplinary management of patients with AVPM should include the neurosurgeon, neuro-ophthalmologist and occupational therapist. Also, early intervention by the occupational therapist can help patients adapt to their current physical and social situation and return to everyday tasks more rapidly.

Purpose To report the use of Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) for treatment of sterile corneal perforations accompanying endothelial decompensation. Methods In this multicenter interventional case series, we reviewed the medical records of all tectonic DSAEK surgeries performed at Villa Serena-Villa Igea private Hospitals (Forli, Italy) and Rabin Medical Center (Petach Tikva, Israel) between January 2014 and March 2016. Results Three patients with endothelial decompensation and sterile corneal perforation (n = 2) or impending corneal perforation (n = 1) underwent DSAEK between 2014 and 2015 at Villa Igea Hospital, Forli, Italy, and Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva, Israel. All 3 surgeries were performed in eyes with a history of progressive stromal thinning without signs of infection, using the standard DSAEK technique. In 1 eye, surgery was complicated by bleeding into the graft-recipient interface that resolved after intraoperative interface washout. The other 2 procedures were uneventful. In all cases, the graft formed an airtight and watertight barrier, restoring the globe's mechanical integrity. All grafts remained clear throughout follow-up. One eye underwent deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK on DSAEK) with resulting improvement of visual acuity. Conclusions Standard DSAEK can be performed in the presence of corneal perforation. Surgery can be a simple technique for closure of sterile corneal perforations while treating endothelial decompensation. Internal tamponade by a lamellar graft can possibly be used in cases of corneal perforations in eyes with a healthy endothelium.

This is a report of two cases in which tissue that had undergone radial keratotomy (RK) was utilized for double-pass ultrathin Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (UT-DSAEK). Postoperative slit-lamp examination, visual acuity, anterior segment optical coherence tomography, and specular microscopy were available 30 months after surgery. Both corneas from a donor, who had undergone RK several years before his demise, and were otherwise suitable for endothelial keratoplasty were prepared for UT-DSAEK using double-pass dissection using first a 300 mm microkeratome head and then a 130μm microkeratome head (ALTK system, Moria, Antony, France). After the second cut, the tissue was punched to 9.0 mm and transplanted in two eyes with endothelial decompensation according to standard technique. As early as 3 months after surgery, both patients had 20/25 best-corrected visual acuity, which remained stable for the following 27 months. Postoperative endothelial cell loss was 34% and 57% at 2.5 years. In conclusion, post-RK donor tissue can be used for UT-DSAEK.

To evaluate whether a discrepancy between the orientation of graft and recipient collagen lamellae can significantly limit the visual acuity after Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK).A multicenter cohort study of eyes that underwent DSAEK for Fuchs endothelial dystrophy or pseudophakic bullous keratopathy at Villa Serena-Villa Igea private Hospitals (Forlì, Italy) and at Santa Maria Nuova public hospital (Reggio Emilia, Italy), which were scheduled for a postoperative examination between July and September 2014. We have included eyes with a distance-corrected visual acuity of 8/10 or better, no ocular comorbidities, and a clear cornea. The main outcome measure was graft-recipient axis discrepancy of lamellar orientation around the visual axis as assessed by polarimetric interferometry.Twelve eyes were included in this study. Eight eyes had a spectacle-corrected distance visual acuity of 8/10, 3 eyes had 9/10, and 1 eye had 10/10. In 8/12 (66.7%) eyes, 2 discernible axes of collagen lamellar orientation were identified and were all 30 degrees or more apart (range 30-90). In 2 eyes, only 1 axis was identified and in another 2 eyes, 2 axes 20 and 17 degrees apart were identified. The eye with 10/10 visual acuity presented a discrepancy of 17 degrees between lamellar axes.A discrepancy between the lamellar orientation of the graft and the recipient is compatible with excellent visual acuity after DSAEK.

PURPOSE To compare the results of repeat Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) with those of primary DSAEK. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective study consisted of all consecutive eyes that underwent one or more repeat DSAEK surgeries after primary DSAEK performed at Villa Serena-Villa Igea Private Hospitals (Forli, Italy) between January 2005 and June 2015. A paired comparison between the outcomes of primary and the second DSAEK was performed. Main outcome measures included best recorded best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), postoperative endothelial cell loss (ECL), and refractive error. RESULTS Of 1413 procedures, 51 eyes were included in the final analysis. Indications for primary DSAEK included pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (n = 21), Fuchs endothelial dystrophy (n = 20), failed penetrating keratoplasty (n = 9), and trauma (n = 1). Indications for repeat DSAEK were slowly progressive ECL (n = 35), endothelial rejection (n = 15), and host-graft interface abnormalities (n = 1). Preoperative BSCVA (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution 1.23 ± 0.8 vs. 1.38 ± 0.6, P = 0.29) and best postoperative BSCVA (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution 0.32 ± 0.44 vs. 0.34 ± 0.49, P = 0.70) did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. ECLs for primary and repeat DSAEK at 1 (46% ± 16% vs. 40% ± 18%, P = 0.22) and 2 years (50% ± 18% vs. 44% ± 2%, P = 0.33) were also similar. The mean postoperative spherical equivalent did not differ significantly between the 2 groups (-0.01 ± 1.9 vs. -0.5 ± 1.6, P = 0.08) nor did the absolute astigmatic error (1.6 ± 1 vs. 1.8 ± 1.2, respectively, P = 0.17). CONCLUSIONS After the failure of a primary DSAEK graft, a subsequent DSAEK can yield visual outcomes and ECL rates that are comparable with those of primary DSAEK.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine whether a eutectic mixture of local anesthetics (EMLA) cream reduce the pain experienced by newborns and young infants undergoing suprapubic aspiration (SPA). Methods: A single-center, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, prospective study including 52 infants 1 to 60 days of age undergoing SPA to obtain urine for culture. Twenty-four infants were randomly assigned to receive 1-g EMLA cream 1 hour before the procedure, whereas 28 were randomly assigned to receive placebo cream 1 hour before the planned procedure. Pain symptoms were measured using the Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP). Results: The mean PIPP scores were significantly lower in the EMLA group compared with the placebo group (8.90 ± 3.04 vs. 10.46 ± 2.29; P = 0.038). There were significantly fewer patients in the EMLA group who were scored as having some degree of pain (defined as PIPP score > 6) in comparison with the placebo group (70% vs. 96%; P = 0.025). Discussion: Newborns and infants undergoing SPA experience pain during the procedure. Application of EMLA cream 1 hour before SPA is effective in reducing the pain associated with SPA. In situations in which an SPA is not emergent, strong consideration should be given to the use of EMLA.

Purpose To identify the risk factors predicting the need for graft exchange after Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK). Methods This is a retrospective cohort study. The study group included all 117 eyes that underwent or necessitated repeat DSAEK performed between January 2005 and June 2014 at Villa Serena-Villa Igea private hospitals (Forli, Italy). The control group consisted of 1033 eyes that underwent only primary DSAEK during the same period. Demographic details, indications for primary surgery, ocular preoperative status and comorbidities, donor endothelial cell density (ECD), and postoperative complications were compared between the groups using univariate and multivariate analyses. Results The prevalence of graft failure necessitating graft exchange was 10.2% (117 of 1150 eyes). In univariate analysis, a diagnosis of Fuchs endothelial dystrophy was a protective factor against the risk of repeat DSAEK. Prior trabeculectomy or aqueous shunt implantation, postoperative graft detachment, lower donor ECD, and a rejection episode were all associated with a significantly higher risk of requiring repeat DSAEK. The presence of buphthalmos, anterior chamber intraocular lens, aphakia, or prior penetrating keratoplasty were not risk factors for the failure of DSAEK. Of these variables, multivariate analysis showed that only prior aqueous shunt implantation [odds ratio (OR) = 5.5, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.4-22.2], lower donor ECD (OR = 0.99, 95% CI, 0.997-0.999), and a documented postoperative rejection episode (OR = 18.2, 95% CI, 7.9-45.0) predicted the need for repeat DSAEK. Conclusions DSAEK grafts have similarly good long-term survival regardless of the indication for surgery, lens status, or ocular comorbidities, with the only exception being the presence of an aqueous shunt.

Aim To evaluate the prevalence of guttae in donor grafts following corneal transplantation and to examine the possible effect of guttae on postoperative results. Methods Retrospective cohort study. We reviewed the medical records of all keratoplasties performed at the Villa Serena-Villa Igea private hospitals (Forli, Italy) between January 2005 and July 2014. Endothelial specular microscopy images were examined to identify the presence of guttae. Donor9s age, patient9s age, indication for surgery, surgical procedure, postoperative visual acuity, and endothelial cell density were also noted. Results A total of 11 068 postoperative specular microscopy pictures were available for 1116 of 2332 eyes (47.9%) that underwent keratoplasty at our institution. Guttae were identified in 42 of 946 eyes (4.44%) following penetrating or endothelial keratoplasty, and in 3 of 170 eyes (1.76%) following anterior lamellar keratoplasty. Twenty-seven of these photos demonstrated a few isolated scattered guttae, nine showed widespread guttae with small patches, and nine demonstrated large patches of guttae. Last documented best spectacle-corrected visual acuity did not differ between patients with or without guttae (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) 0.22±0.24 (approximately 20/32) vs 0.29±0.45 (approximately 20/40), p=0.25) nor did the groups differ in their 24-month postoperative endothelial cell density (1633±427 vs 1555±454 cells/mm 2 , p=0.56). No graft with postoperative guttae failed during the follow-up period of this study. Conclusions Guttae can be found in approximately 4% of post-keratoplasty grafts. At least for the initial two postoperative years, they do not negatively affect vision, endothelial cell density or graft survival.

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to evaluate the visual outcomes and graft survival rate after therapeutic keratoplasty performed for interface infection after Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK). METHODS This is a retrospective, interventional case series. The study population comprised 7 patients who developed unilateral post-DSAEK interface infection unresponsive to conservative treatment, with or without graft exchange, and were treated with penetrating keratoplasty (PK), 9 to 9.5 mm in diameter, with en bloc excision of the recipient cornea and DSAEK graft. The main outcome measures included best spectacle-corrected visual acuity, refractive error, histological examination, reinfection, and rejection and graft survival rates. RESULTS Interface infection was diagnosed in 10 (0.92%) of 1088 eyes that underwent DSAEK at our institution between 2005 and 2013. Seven of 10 eyes (0.64% of the total) were unresponsive to conservative treatment and underwent therapeutic keratoplasty. Candida and Staphylococcus species were identified in 3 cases each, and Nocardia species was identified in 1 case. With a mean post-PK follow-up of 25.4 months (range 4-60 months), no recurrence of infection was seen in any eye, and 5 of 7 PK grafts remained clear. Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity was 20/20 in 2 eyes, better than 20/50 in 4 eyes, and 20/100 or worse in 3 eyes, in 2 of which the graft had failed within 1 year of performing the PK. CONCLUSIONS Therapeutic keratoplasty is instrumental in eliminating interface infection after DSAEK, possibly leading to excellent visual outcomes with a relatively high graft survival rate.

Purpose To evaluate the clinical outcomes of combined phakic intraocular lens (phakic IOL) explantation, phacoemulsification, posterior chamber intraocular lens (PCIOL) implantation, and Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) performed for phakic IOL–related endothelial decompensation. Design Retrospective, interventional case series. Methods setting: Private hospital. study population: Ten eyes of 7 patients who developed endothelial decompensation after phakic IOL implantation and were treated with a combined procedure of phakic IOL explantation, phacoemulsification, PCIOL implantation, and DSAEK. main outcome measures: Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), manifest refractive error, endothelial cell count, and intraoperative and postoperative complications. Results Mean postoperative follow-up was 25.2 ± 28.6 months (range 3–84 months). BSCVA at last visit was 7/10 or better in 6 eyes, 4/10 in 1 eye, and 2/10 or worse in 3 eyes, of which all had myopic maculopathy or deep amblyopia. Mean postoperative spherical equivalent was −3.4 ± 1.2 diopters. Mean endothelial cell loss in comparison to preoperative donor endothelial cell density was 21.3% ± 7.7%. Minor PCIOL decentration was seen in 1 patient, and IOL exchange was required in another patient owing to high postoperative refractive error. One graft rejection leading to graft failure was seen and was excluded from endothelial cell loss calculation. Conclusion An operation combining phakic IOL removal, DSAEK, cataract removal, and PCIOL implantation can offer fast visual rehabilitation with good visual results and graft survival.

Objective To study in patients with cystoid macular edema (CME) the correlation between macular volumetric parameters on ocular coherence tomography (OCT) and visual acuity (VA). Design A retrospective consecutive cohort design was used. Participants The sample included 167 examinations of 92 consecutive patients (130 eyes). Methods Patients underwent spectral-domain OCT for CME from the years 2008 to 2010 at a tertiary medical centre. Background and VA data were recorded from the files. The custom-developed Cystometer software was used to calculate volumetric parameters from the OCT videos. Results In univariate analyses, VA correlated best with cystoid macular volume (CMVol; R 2 = 8.57) and total macular volume (TMV; R 2 = 7.46). By underlying disease, the strongest correlation was found with CMVol ( R 2 = 8.47) in patients with diabetic CME (n = 91) and with TMV ( R 2 = 22.18) in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion (n = 46). In multiple regression analyses, TMV, age, and CMVol/TMV accounted for 17.57% of the variation in VA. In the diabetic CME group, CMVol/TMV and age accounted for 15.34% of the variation; in the branch retinal vein occlusion group, TMV accounted for 22.18% of the variation. Conclusions Macular volumetric parameters measured by OCT and Cystometer software significantly correlate with VA in patients with CME, with variations by underlying CME causative factor.

In posterior lamellar keratoplasty procedures such as Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty and Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty, the lamellar graft is manipulated directly or by injecting an air bubble. This preliminary study sought to evaluate the feasibility of guiding lamellar corneal grafts by generating a magnetic field.Rabbit and porcine Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty and Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty grafts were manually produced and immersed in a ferromagnetic solution containing nanomagnetic particles conjugated to streptavidin or in gadoteric acid. For the feasibility study, grafts were transferred to an artificial anterior chamber or plastic test tube and a magnetic field was generated with a handheld NdFeB disc magnet. The presence and the sustainability of graft motion were documented under various conditions. For the semiquantitative study, whole or partial grafts were transferred to a plastic test tube after immersion, and the amount of tissue retraction induced by the remote magnet was graded.The grafts were successfully manipulated in all directions by the magnet, from a distance of up to 7 mm. They remained ferromagnetic more than 24 hours after immersion in the ferromagnetic solutions. The degree of retraction was affected by graft size, immersion time, time from immersion, and immersion solution.Posterior lamellar corneal grafts may be made ferromagnetic and remotely manipulated by creation of a magnetic field. The ferromagnetic properties are adjustable. This technique holds promise in attaching and repositioning grafts during keratoplasty. Further research is needed to assess the possible effects of ferromagnetic solutions on corneal endothelial cells and on lamellar graft clarity.

Vascular insufficiency is considered to play an important role in the pathogenesis of normal-tension glaucoma (NTG). Autoregulation of blood flow in the eye has been shown to be impaired in NTG, resulting in the inability to compensate for changes in intraocular pressure or blood pressure in order to maintain adequate perfusion.To evaluate the occurrence of combined bradycardia-hypotension during 24 hour monitoring of blood pressure and heart rate in patients with NTG.Eleven NTG patients participated in the study. All had episodic symptoms of dizziness or lightheadedness, but were confirmed as not having a diagnosis of orthostatic hypotension. Twenty-four hour monitoring was performed with systemic blood pressure and heart rate automatically measured every 20 minutes during daytime and every hour during the night. The cardiac diastolic and systolic double products (dDP and sDP) at each reading were calculated by multiplying the heart rate by the respective blood pressure. dDP3600 and sDP5400 (corresponding to a heart rate of 60 beats/min and a blood pressure of 60 and 90 mmHg, respectively) were considered abnormally low, and dDP2500 and sDP4000 (corresponding to a heart rate 50 beats/min and a blood pressure of 50 and 80 mmHg, respectively) were considered severely abnormal.dDP was abnormally low in all 11 NTG patients on at least one occasion, the majority occurring during the nighttime hours, while abnormally low sDP was present in 8 of the 11 patients. The mean cumulative duration of low dDP readings was 4.2 +/- 3.2 hours. Severely low dDP readings were observed in six patients.Abnormally low dDP was recorded in all NTG patients, lasting more than an hour in the majority of cases. Abnormally decreased dDP may represent a state of cardiovascular autonomic dysregulation, resulting in low ocular perfusion in certain NTG patients.

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