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Purpose To compare the outcomes and complications of the partial-thickness scleral flap technique to the long scleral tunnel technique in patients who underwent mitomycin C (MMC)-augmented Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation. Patients and Methods In this retrospective study, we reviewed 139 eyes of 137 patients with refractory glaucoma who underwent AGV-Model FP7 implantation. The eyes were divided into the scleral flap group (n = 74) and the scleral tunnel group (n = 65). Results The mean follow-up was 57.91 ± 18.18 months for the flap and 61.18 ± 15.13 months for the tunnel group (p = 0.2499). The postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) at 1 to 6 years was significantly lower than the baseline IOP in each group (p Conclusions Both MMC-augmented AGV tube implantation methods lowered IOP. The flap technique was associated with higher rates of postoperative serious complications and more reoperations than the tunnel technique. Previous glaucoma surgery and the technique used to implant the surgical tube proved to be significant risk factors for conjunctival erosion.

To investigate changes of corneal thickness spatial profile (CTSP), corneal volume (CV) distribution, and total corneal refractive power (TCRP) over a course of 60 months after uneventful Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK).In our prospective, comparative study, sixty DMEK cases without intraoperative and postoperative complications and with complete 60-month follow-up were included (group 1). CTSP at corneal apex (CCT) and at 2 mm, 4 mm, 6 mm, and 8 mm rings, CV in 3 mm, 5 mm, 7 mm, and 10 mm zones, and TCRF in 2 mm, 4 mm 6 mm, and 8 mm zones were evaluated preoperatively and at 3, 6, 12, 24, and 60 months postoperatively. The 60-month results were compared to an age-matched group of uncomplicated pseudophakic eyes (group 2; n = 20).The CCT and CTSP at 2, 4, and 6 mm increased significantly at 60 months compared to 3-month outcomes (P 0.001). Similarly, CV increased significantly in 3 mm, 5 mm, and 7 mm zones at 60 months compared to 3 months outcomes (P 0.001). The TCRP showed in all zones a significant decrease at 3 months (P 0.001) followed by a continuous and significant increase at 60 months (P 0.001). The 60-month CCT and CTSP at 2 mm were similar to group 2 (P ≥ 0.094).Sixty months after uneventful DMEK, CT within the central 2 mm zone and CV at 3 mm zone were similar to uncomplicated pseudophakic eyes. A continuous and statistically significant increase of TCRP was observed in all measured zones after the 3-month examination.

Purpose: To investigate the safety and effectiveness of small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) in patients who have hyperopia with or without astigmatism. Methods: This was a prospective multicenter trial including 374 eyes of 199 patients treated by SMILE for hyperopia using the VisuMax femtosecond laser (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG). Inclusion criteria were sphere up to +6.00 diopters (D), cylinder up to 5.00 D, and maximum hyperopic meridian up to +7.00 D, with preoperative corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) of 20/25 or better. The optical zone was 6.3 mm with a transition zone of 2 mm. The minimum lenticule thickness was set at 25 µm in the center and at 10 µm at the edge. Patients were examined at 1 day, 1 week, and 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after surgery. Standard refractive surgery outcomes analysis was performed. Results: The preoperative spherical equivalent was +3.20 ± 1.48 D (range: +0.25 to +6.50 D). At the 12-month follow-up visit, 81% of eyes treated were within ±0.50 D and 93% of eyes were within ±1.00 D of intended correction. A total of 1.2% of eyes lost two or more lines of CDVA at the 12-month follow-up visit, and 83% were at least 20/20, corresponding to a safety index of 1.005 at 12 months. Of the 219 eyes with plano target, 68.8% had an uncorrected distance visual acuity of 20/20 or better and 88% were at least 20/25 uncorrected at 12 months. There were no statistically significant changes in contrast sensitivity. Conclusions: SMILE was found to be an effective treatment method for the correction of compound hyperopic astigmatism, demonstrating a high level of efficacy, predictability, safety, and stability. [ J Refract Surg . 2022;38(12):760–769.]

Introduction To investigate nighttime symptoms in patients with myopic anisometropia after monocular small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery. Methods Thirty-six patients who had undergone monocular SMILE more than 6 months previously were recruited at the Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University. The average age at surgery was 25.4 ± 6.1 years. Preoperative spherical equivalent (SE) was −3.77 ± 1.56 D in SMILE-treated eyes and −0.08 ± 0.66 D in unoperated eyes. Main measurements included uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity, manifest refraction, halo radius, contrast sensitivity, nighttime symptoms, and patient satisfaction. Results The mean follow-up time was 13.9 ± 3.4 months. The efficacy and safety indexes were 1.18 and 1.28, respectively. The halo radius was not significantly different between SMILE-treated and unoperated eyes under luminance conditions of 1, 5, and 100 cd/m2 (P = 0.055). No significant differences were observed in contrast sensitivity at all spatial frequencies between eyes under both uncorrected and corrected conditions (all P > 0.05). None of the patients reported moderate or severe symptoms at night. Mild symptoms (glare, halo, starburst) were reported and binocularly equal in 13 patients, whereas four patients reported better night vision in SMILE-treated eyes than unoperated eyes, and one of them experienced mild night vision disturbance. The overall satisfaction score was 9.39 ± 0.80. Conclusions The disk halo size and contrast sensitivity in SMILE-treated eyes were similar to those in unoperated eyes, and nighttime symptoms almost completely resolved after SMILE.

A 36-year-old woman was referred to our clinic in October 2021 with suboptimal vision at intermediate and near distances and halos and photophobia after a small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) in December 2019. The patient needs to increase font size of her computer to 150% to read text, but images still appear blurred. She indicates that sunglasses seem to improve her contrast. Preoperatively, her refractive error was -2.5 diopters (D) and -2.25 D for right and left eyes. The optical zone size of the SMILE procedure was 6.8 mm. There is no further information available on the peroperative course of the SMILE procedure. Her uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) is 20/20 in both eyes and does not improve with correction. The Schirmer tear test is 14 to 13 mm. Slitlamp biomicroscopy of the right eye and the left eye reveals hyperreflective small opacities in the anterior one-third of the corneal stroma ( Figures 1 and 2JOURNAL/jcrs/04.03/02158034-202209000-00021/figure1/v/2022-08-29T115553Z/r/image-tiffJOURNAL/jcrs/04.03/02158034-202209000-00021/figure2/v/2022-08-29T115553Z/r/image-tiff ). No other abnormalities are seen. The scotopic pupil sizes are 6.41 and 6.73 mm. Straylight measurements are within normal limits. Higher-order aberrations (HOAs) measure for the right eye (6.03 mm pupil) 0.818 μm and for the left eye (6.17 mm pupil) 0.560 μm. The corneal Scheimpflug tomography quad maps for both eyes are shown in Supplemental Figures 1 and 2 ( http://links.lww.com/JRS/A663 , http://links.lww.com/JRS/A664 ). What is your diagnosis or are additional diagnostic methodologies needed to establish a diagnosis? What is your treatment advice for this patient?

Background: There is a lack of consensus on the use of intravitreal corticosteroid therapies in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) and prior vitrectomized eyes in clinical practice. Methods: Retro-IDEAL was a 3-year retrospective, multicenter study in patients with chronic DME (i.e. DME that persists or recurs despite treatment) treated with ILUVIEN® (0.2 µg daily fluocinolone acetonide intravitreal implant), who had suboptimal outcomes with first-line vascular endothelial growth-factor inhibitors and other DME therapies. Results: A total of 81 eyes (63 patients) were included of which 39 eyes had undergone prior vitrectomy (PV group) while 42 eyes had not undergone prior vitrectomy (NPV). Baseline characteristics were balanced; however, more patients had proliferative diabetic retinopathy in the PV group vs. the NPV group (21.62% vs 9.38%, respectively). Over 36 months, mean visual acuity (VA) increased in both groups with a tendency for more ETDRS letters being gained in the NPV group (+5.33) vs. the PV group (+2.42). By month 36, central retinal thickness was reduced to ⩽300 µm in two-thirds of the eyes in both groups and the mean change from baseline in intraocular pressure was similar in both groups (+0.50 mmHg −0.75 mmHg; NPV and PV group). Conclusions: These long-term data suggest that the 0.2 μg/day FAc implant is effective in both vitrectomized and non-vitrectomized patients, with a manageable safety profile, and improved VA and reduced supplemental therapies for patients with a suboptimal response to first-line DME therapies. Clinicians may consider utilizing the FAc implant earlier in the DME disease process.

PURPOSE To evaluate and compare the predictability of intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation after small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) for myopia and myopic astigmatism. SETTING Department of Ophthalmology, Philipps University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany. DESIGN Retrospective comparative case series. METHODS Preoperative evaluation included optical biometry using IOLMaster 500 and corneal tomography using Pentacam HR. The corneal tomography measurements were repeated at 3 months postoperatively. The change of spherical equivalent due to SMILE was calculated by the manifest refraction at corneal plane (SMILE-Dif). A theoretical model, involving the virtual implantation of the same IOL before and after SMILE, was used, and the IOL power calculations were performed using ray tracing (OKULIX, version 9.06) and third- (Hoffer Q, Holladay 1, and SRK/T) and fourth-generation (Haigis-L and Haigis) formulas. The difference between the IOL-induced refractive error at corneal plane before and after SMILE (IOL-Dif) was compared with SMILE-Dif. The prediction error (PE) was calculated as the difference between SMILE-Dif-IOL-Dif. RESULTS The study included 204 eyes that underwent SMILE. The PE with ray tracing was -0.06 ± 0.40 diopter (D); Haigis-L, -0.39 ± 0.62 D; Haigis, 0.70 ± 0.48 D; Hoffer Q, 0.84 ± 0.47 D; Holladay 1, 1.21 ± 0.51 D; and SRK/T, 1.46 ± 0.54 D. The PE with ray tracing was significantly smaller compared with that of all formulas (P ≤ .001). The PE variance with ray tracing was σ2 = 0.159, being significantly more homogenous compared with that of all formulas (P ≤ .011, F ≥ 6.549). Ray tracing resulted in an absolute PE of 0.5 D or lesser in 81.9% of the cases, followed by Haigis-L (53.4%), Haigis (35.3%), Hoffer Q (25.5%), Holladay 1 (6.4%), and SRK/T (2.9%) formulas. CONCLUSIONS Ray tracing was the most accurate approach for IOL power calculation after myopic SMILE.

Small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE), with over 5 million procedures globally performed, will challenge ophthalmologists in the foreseeable future with accurate intraocular lens power calculation in an ageing population. After more than one decade since the introduction of SMILE, only one case report of cataract surgery with IOL implantation after SMILE is present in the peer-reviewed literature. Hence, the scope of the present multicenter study was to compare the IOL power calculation accuracy in post-SMILE eyes between ray tracing and a range of empirically optimized formulae available in the ASCRS post-keratorefractive surgery IOL power online calculator. In our study of 11 post-SMILE eyes undergoing cataract surgery, ray tracing showed the smallest mean absolute error (0.40D) and yielded the largest percentage of eyes within ± 0.50/±1.00D (82/91%). The next best conventional formula was the Potvin-Hill formula with a mean absolute error of 0.66D and an ± 0.50/±1.00D accuracy of 45% and 73%, respectively. Analyzing this first cohort of post-SMILE eyes undergoing cataract surgery and IOL implantation, ray tracing showed superior predictability in IOL power calculation over empirically optimized IOL power calculation formulae that were originally intended for use after Excimer-based keratorefractive procedures.

Berichtet wird der Fall einer schwer verlaufenden, therapierefraktaren, infektiosen Keratitis. Ein Keimnachweis war in mehrfachen Hornhaut- und Vorderkammerproben zunachst nicht moglich. Schlussendlich gelang die Isolation eines 4‑MRGN (multiresistente gramnegative Stabchen) Pseudomonas aeruginosa, der unter antibiogrammgerechter Lokaltherapie mit Tobramycin und Amikacin erfolgreich behandelt wurde. Bei klinischem Verdacht sind mehrfache Probenentnahmen und die differenzialdiagnostische Erwagung multiresistenter Erreger in Betracht zu ziehen.

PURPOSE: To assess patient satisfaction and quality of life after refractive lens exchange with a trifocal intraocular lens (IOL). METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent refractive lens exchange with the AT LISA tri or AT LISA tri toric IOL (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG) at one of five surgical centers were surveyed for their quality of life and satisfaction after surgery using a standardized questionnaire. Patient responses were compared to patient characteristics such as age, sex, axial lengths, and preoperative refraction. RESULTS: A total of 102 patients with 204 treated eyes were included in the analysis. The mean age was 54.6 ± 5.2 years. A total of 172 eyes were hypermetropic, 3 were emmetropic, and 25 were myopic, with a mean preoperative refractive error of 0.93 ± 2.17 diopters. Reported postoperative satisfaction was as follows: 81.4% stated that their expectations were completely met and 17.6% stated that they were partially met. Self-reported refractive error quality of life improved significantly in all queried areas of life. Most frequently reported postoperative limitations were driving at night and driving in bad weather conditions. Halos were reported by 91 (90.1%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Patient satisfaction and self-reported quality of life after refractive lens exchange with the AT LISA tri or AT LISA tri toric IOL was high. Glare and halos remain the only significant drawback of the procedure, leading to 40% of patients experiencing difficulties in night driving. Preoperative communication of these drawbacks is obligatory to avoid postoperative disappointment. [ J Refract Surg . 2021;37(11):768–774.]

PURPOSE: To evaluate the 10-year results of femtosecond lenticule extraction (FLEx) for treatment of myopia and myopic astigmatism. METHODS: This long-term follow-up of a prospective clinical trial was conducted at HELIOS Klinikum Erfurt and Phillips University of Marburg, Germany. In 2006, 108 eyes underwent the FLEx procedure. All patients were invited for reexamination 10 years after FLEx treatment for myopia and astigmatism. Visual acuity, objective and manifest refraction, intraocular pressure, and slit-lamp examination and side effects were documented. Main outcome measures were uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuity, objective and manifest refraction, and slit-lamp examination and side effects. RESULTS: A total of 77 eyes of 40 patients of the original treatment group volunteered for a reexamination 10 years after surgery. The mean age of the patients was 45.9 years; 26 were women and 14 were men. UDVA was 0.09 ± 0.19 logMAR and CDVA was stable at −0.1 ± 0.09 logMAR. More than half of the eyes gained one or two Snellen lines, and none of the eyes lost two or more lines. Over the 10-year period, regression was 0.18 D. CONCLUSIONS: FLEx has stable results 10 years after treatment for myopia and astigmatism. [ J Refract Surg . 2019;35(11):707–711.]

PURPOSE: To evaluate the 10-year results of refractive lenticule extraction using the small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) technique for treatment of myopia and myopic astigmatism. METHODS: In 2008–2009, the first 91 eyes were treated using a novel surgical technique (SMILE), in which a refractive lenticule of intrastromal corneal tissue is removed through a small incision, completely eliminating flap cutting. A total of 56 of 91 eyes of the original treatment group volunteered for reexamination 10 years after surgery, including uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity, objective and manifest refraction, and evaluation of the interface and corneal surface by slit-lamp examination. Late side effects such as corneal scarring, corneal ectasia, persistent dry eye symptoms, or cataract were documented. RESULTS: At 10 years postoperatively, there was no significant change from the 6-month results. Spherical equivalent was −0.35 ± 0.66 diopters and therefore close to target refraction. Sixteen of the 56 eyes (29%) had gained one to two Snellen lines. There was no loss of two or more lines in the long term. Regression was −0.35 ± 0.66 diopters over the 10-year period. CONCLUSIONS: This 10-year long-term study demonstrates SMILE to be an effective, stable, and safe procedure for the treatment of myopia and myopic astigmatism. [ J Refract Surg. 2019;35(10):618–623.]

Both trabeculotomy (TE) as well as transscleral endodiode laser cyclophotocoagulation (CPC) are common approaches in glaucoma surgery. The purpose of this study was to perform an intraindividual comparison of these procedures carried out by the same surgeon in the same patient on the same day. An observational monocentric retrospective cohort study was conducted. Patients with a bilateral refractory open-angle glaucoma who underwent trabeculectomy in one eye and transscleral endodiode laser cyclophotocoagulation in the fellow eye simultaneously were included and followed up with over the course of 1 year. Eighty-two eyes of 41 patients were included. Seventeen patients (41.5%) were men and 24 (58.5%) women. The mean age was 68.7 ± 9.5 years. The diagnosis comprised 33 (80.5%) patients with a primary open-angle glaucoma, five (12.2%) patients with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma, and three (7.3%) patients with pigment dispersion glaucoma. A reduction in intraocular pressure (IOP) was seen in both after TE (from 26.2 ± 13.2 to 10.6 ± 4.1 mmHg, 52 weeks post-treatment) as well as CPC (from 24.2 ± 9.9 to 15.0 ± 5.4 mmHg, 52 weeks post-treatment). In comparison to each other, TE was significantly more effective in lowering the IOP (10.6 ± 4.1 vs. 13.4 ± 5.0; p = 0.0030, 52 weeks post-treatment) and needed antiglaucomatous medications (0.45 ± 0.80 vs. 1.24 ± 1.13; p = 0.0009, 52 weeks post-treatment). Consistently, the achievement rate of an IOP ≤ 16 mmHg without antiglaucomatous medications was significantly higher in TE-treated eyes (65.8% vs. 31.6%; p = 0.0019). Re-interventions, including 10 secondary TEs, were commonly required in those eyes undergoing CPC, especially in younger patients. Trabeculectomy was demonstrated to be more effective in reducing IOP in comparison to fellow eyes receiving CPC. In particular, in younger patients, an additional TE in the CPC-treated eyes was necessary. The outcome of those secondary TEs however was comparable to the primarily performed TEs. Our study thus supports the use of CPC as tool to control IOP, especially in the context of bilateral refractive glaucoma.

Purpose To examine vision-related quality of life in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) treated with intravitreal aflibercept (EYLEA, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Tarrytown, NY). Design AQUA was a multicenter, open-label, single-arm, phase 4 study. Participants Adults 18 years of age or older with type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus and DME. Methods Patients received intravitreal aflibercept 2 mg every 8 weeks for 52 weeks, after 5 initial doses every 4 weeks. Main Outcome Measures The primary outcome was the change in 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) total score from baseline to week 52. Secondary outcomes included the change in NEI VFQ-25 near and distant activities subscale scores, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA; Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study [ETDRS] letters), and central retinal thickness (CRT) from baseline to week 52. Change in NEI VFQ-25 score at week 52 for better-seeing eyes (BSEs) and worse-seeing eyes (WSEs) also was evaluated. Results A total of 553 patients comprised the full analysis set, and 560 patients comprised the safety analysis set. At baseline, the mean NEI VFQ-25 total score was 70.12, mean BCVA was 61.5 ETDRS letters, and mean CRT was 464.81 μm. A mean of 8.8 injections were administered over 52 weeks. At week 52, the mean improvement from baseline in the NEI VFQ-25 total score was +6.11 (standard deviation [SD], 11.46); the corresponding improvements in near and distant activities were +11.37 (SD, 18.01) and +7.33 (SD, 17.32), respectively. Similarly, improvements in patients whose BSE and WSE were treated were 7.74 (SD, 13.59) and 5.48 (SD, 9.70), respectively. At week 52, mean change in BCVA was +10.0 ETDRS letters (SD, 8.0 ETDRS letters), and mean change in CRT was –175.38 μm (SD, 132.62 μm). Overall, 53.6% of patients reported treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), of whom 26.8% experienced an ocular TEAE in the study eye. The most common serious ocular TEAE was endophthalmitis (0.5% [n = 3]). Five deaths (0.9%) were reported, but were not considered treatment related. Conclusions Intravitreal aflibercept was associated with clinically meaningful improvements in NEI VFQ-25 total score over 52 weeks in patients with DME; these were even more pronounced for near than for distant activities. Adverse events were consistent with the known safety profile of intravitreal aflibercept.

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes of enhancement after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) using surface ablation versus the VisuMax CIRCLE option (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Jena, Germany), which converts the SMILE cap into a femtosecond laser–assisted laser in situ keratomileusis flap. METHODS: The databases of the SMILE Eyes centers in Munich, Marburg, and Cologne, Germany, and Linz, Austria, were screened for eyes that had undergone enhancement using surface ablation with mitomycin C or CIRCLE. Eyes from both enhancement methods suitable for a retrospective matched analysis were identified based on pre-SMILE and pre-enhancement mean refractive spherical equivalent (MRSE), astigmatism, age, and corrected and uncorrected distance visual acuity (CDVA/UDVA). Refractive and functional outcomes were compared after a follow-up of 3 months. RESULTS: After the application of the matching criteria on 2,803 SMILE procedures, 24 eyes (12 in each group) with a follow-up of 3 months or longer were available for analysis. Enhancement was performed after a mean 9.7 ± 7.2 (surface ablation) and 11.0 ± 4.4 (CIRCLE) months for a residual MRSE of −0.91 ± 0.55 (surface ablation) and −0.90 ± 0.61 (CIRCLE) diopters. At 3 months, residual MRSE showed comparable accuracy with −0.07 ± 0.19 (surface ablation) and 0.04 ± 0.22 (CIRCLE) diopters ( P = .18). UDVA improvement was similar to a final value of 0.02 ± 0.10 (surface ablation) versus 0.03 ± 0.07 (CIRCLE) logMAR ( P = .78). Only one eye in the surface ablation group and no eye in the CIRCLE group lost one line of CDVA. At 3 months, the safety (surface ablation: 1.00, CIRCLE: 1.06; P = .36) and efficacy (surface ablation: 0.95, CIRCLE: 1.03; P = .36) indices were equivalent. In terms of speed of visual recovery, at week 1 UDVA and CDVA were significantly better after CIRCLE than surface ablation ( P = .008 and .002, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In this first study directly comparing surface ablation versus CIRCLE enhancement after SMILE, both methods yielded comparable results at 3 months. However, CIRCLE re-treated eyes showed a markedly increased speed of recovery concerning UDVA and CDVA compared to surface ablation. [ J Refract Surg . 2019;35(5):294–300.]

Introduction: The Retro-IDEAL (ILUVIEN Implant for chronic DiabEtic MAcuLar edema) study is a retrospective study designed to assess real-world outcomes achieved with the ILUVIEN® (0.19 mg fluocinolone acetonide (FAc)) in patients with chronic diabetic macular edema (DME) in clinical practices in Germany. Methods: This study was conducted across 16 sites in Germany and involved 81 eyes (63 patients) with persistent or recurrent DME and a prior suboptimal response to a first-line intravitreal therapy (primarily anti-VEGF intravitreal therapies). Results: Patients were followed-up for 30.8 ± 11.3 months (mean ± standard deviation) and had a mean age of 68.0 ± 10.4 years. Best-recorded visual acuity (BRVA) improved by +5.5 letters at month 9 (P ⩽ 0.005, n=56; from a baseline of 49 letters) and this was maintained through to month 30 (P ⩽ 0.05, n = 42). There was a concurrent improvement in central macular thickness with a reduction from 502 µm at baseline to 338 µm at year 1 (P ⩽ 0.0001, n = 43). This effect was sustained to year 3 (i.e. 318 µm; P ⩽ 0.0001, n = 29). Mean intraocular pressure (IOP) remained constant between baseline and year 3 with a peak change of 1.9 mm Hg occurring at year 1. Elevated IOP was observed in a similar percentage of patients prior to (22.2% of cases) and following (27.2%) treatment with the FAc implant. In the majority of cases, these elevations were managed effectively with IOP medications. Conclusions: Despite substantial amounts of prior intravitreal treatments – primarily with anti–vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs – this real-world study showed that sustained structural and functional improvements can last for up to 3 years with a single FAc implant.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to analyze the course of corneal densitometry (CD), endothelial cell density (ECD), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and central corneal thickness (CCT) 5 years after uneventful Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK). METHODS Sixty uneventful cases (51 patients) with a minimum follow-up of 5 years were included. CD of various corneal layers (anterior, central, posterior, and total layer) and zones (0-2 mm, 2-6 mm, and 6-10 mm) were measured with Scheimpflug tomography. ECD, BCVA, and CCT were also evaluated. RESULTS Total CD at 0 to 2 mm and 2 to 6 mm zones significantly decreased from 33 ± 10 and 27.8 ± 8 grayscale units (GSU) preoperatively to 21.8 ± 3.1 and 22.2 ± 4.2 GSU at 5 years, respectively (P < 0.001). On the contrary, total CD at the 6 to 10 mm zone significantly increased from 30 ± 8.3 GSU preoperatively to 34.6 ± 7.8 GSU at 5 years (P < 0.001). ECD significantly decreased from 2496 ± 267 cells/mm2 preoperatively to 1063 ± 470 cells/mm2 at 5 years (P < 0.001). Similarly, CCT significantly decreased from 686 ± 109 μm preoperatively to 557 ± 37 μm at 5 years (P < 0.001). Postoperative BCVA was significantly better after DMEK for every examination time point. CONCLUSIONS Despite a slight CD increase at all layers of all corneal zones from the second to the fifth postoperative year, the excellent visual outcome was maintained throughout 5-year follow-up. Thus, DMEK seems to effectively treat corneal endothelial disease in the long term.

Purpose To evaluate the short- and mid-term changes of corneal thickness spatial profile (CTSP), corneal volume distribution (CVD), and corneal asphericity after small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) for correction of myopia and astigmatism and compare the results with femtosecond laser-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK). Method Thirty eyes of 18 patients who underwent SMILE were compared with a group of 30 eyes of 16 patients who underwent FS-LASIK. The groups were matched for preoperative central corneal thickness and lenticule thickness/ablation depth. Scheimpflug corneal tomography was performed preoperatively and postoperatively at 2 months and 3 years. The CTSP was evaluated on 4 concentric rings (2, 4, 6, and 8 mm). The CVD was evaluated at 3 concentric zones (3, 5, and 7 mm). Changes in the anterior and posterior asphericity at a 6-mm zone were also evaluated. Results Between the 2-month and 3-year examination, the CTSP showed a similar increase for both groups at all measured points and rings (P ≥ 0.168). The CVD also showed a similar increase for both groups at all measured zones (P ≥ 0.278). The anterior corneal asphericity remained stable after SMILE (2-mo Q = 0.46 ± 0.27; 3-yr Q = 0.45 ± 0.27; P = 0.711) but decreased significantly after FS-LASIK (2-mo Q = 0.52 ± 0.47; 3-yr Q = 0.47 ± 0.44; P = 0.028). Similarly, the posterior corneal asphericity remained stable after SMILE (2-mo Q = -0.11 ± 0.15; 3-yr Q = -0.11 ± 0.13; P = 0.902) but decreased significantly after FS-LASIK (2-mo Q = -0.13 ± 0.14; 3-yr Q = -0.16 ± 0.15; P = 0.034). Conclusions CTSP and CVD between the 2-month and 3-year examination showed a similar increase after SMILE and FS-LASIK. During the postoperative course, the anterior and posterior corneal asphericity remained more stable after SMILE compared with FS-LASIK.

To report the outcomes of secondary Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) performed for failed primary DMEK. The medical records of all patients undergoing secondary DMEK due to failure of primary DMEK were reviewed. Reasons for failure were sought and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), endothelial cell density (ECD) and complications of secondary DMEK were evaluated. A total of 10 cases undergoing secondary DMEK following failed primary DMEK were identified. Presumed reasons for failure included donor ECD ≤ 2300 cells/mm2 (n = 4), difficulty during graft preparation (n = 2), graft detachment (n = 2), acute angle closure due to retroiridal air dislocation (n = 1), inverse graft positioning (n = 1) and phacoemulsification (n = 1). Eyes with low visual potential were not excluded from the study group. We should note that one patient (case no7) had both low ECD and graft detachment as reasons for failure and as a result he is counted twice. Median BCVA (decimal fraction) increased from 0.1 (range, 0.01; 0.3) to 0.5 (0.05; 1.0) at one month and remained stable thereafter. A BCVA of 0.5 or higher was achieved in 7 cases at the final follow-up. Mean ECD fell from 2628 ± 284 cells/mm2 to 1391 ± 252cells/mm2 at 6 months (47% reduction) and 959 ± 225cells/mm2 at 24 months (64% reduction) (P ≤ 0.028). Complications included the incomplete removal of the primary graft and mild iris bleeding, decompensation of a preexisting primary open-angle glaucoma and retroiridal air dislocation. Apart from low donor ECD, surgical challenges, i.e., difficulty with graft preparation, inverse graft positioning, and retroiridal air dislocation, were main reasons for failure of primary DMEK. Secondary DMEK showed a good safety profile and reasonable visual outcomes.

Purpose We present a challenging case of a 9-year-old patient with refractory neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) who was successfully treated with cenegermin eye drops. Methods A 7-year-old boy developed an ocular infection after a visit to a public swimming pool. After having been unsuccessfully treated for 2 years with antibiotics, steroids, and artificial tears, the patient presented to our clinic with a therapy-refractory NK. We initiated treatment with autologous serum eye drops that showed only weak response. Therefore, treatment with cenegermin eye drops was started. Results After cenegermin therapy, a complete restoration of the corneal surface and an increase in visual acuity were achieved. Conclusions The use of cenegermin is effective in treating pediatric NK.

Purpose Whether Bowman's layer is contributing to corneal biomechanics is subject to controversy: surgical techniques such as Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) and Bowman's layer transplantation suggest a role, whereas experimental studies performed on whole-thickness corneas failed to show a role. Here, the elastic modulus of thin corneal lamellae was measured, so that the potential relative biomechanical contribution of Bowman's layer would be greater. Setting Center for Applied Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine, University of Zurich, Switzerland; ELZA-Institute, Dietikon, Switzerland; Department of Ophthalmology, Philipps University of Marburg, Germany. Design Prospective experimental laboratory study. Methods Twenty-six healthy human corneas were stripped of Descemet's membrane and the endothelium for DMEK. Following epithelium removal, corneas were divided into two groups. In group 1, Bowman's layer was ablated with an excimer laser (20μm-thick,10mmOZ). In group 2, Bowman's layer was left intact. Then, a lamella was cut from the anterior cornea with an automated microkeratome. Elastic-viscoelastic material properties were analyzed by 2D-stress-strain extensometry between 0.03-0.70N. Results Mean lamella thickness was 160±37 μm in corneas with Bowman's layer, and 155±22 μm in corneas without. No significant differences between flaps with and without Bowman's layer were observed in the tangential E-modulus between 5-20% strain (11.5±2.9 vs 10.8±3.7kPa, p>0.278). Conclusions The presence or absence of Bowman's layer did not reveal a measurable difference in corneal stiffness. This may indicate that the removal of Bowman's layer during photorefractive keratotomy (PRK) does not represent a disadvantage to corneal biomechanics.

Pars plana vitrectomy (ppV) combined with silicone oil tamponade is a standard technique in the treatment of complicated retinal detachment. There are still recurrent cases of retinal detachment after silicone oil removal or redetachment with in situ oil tamponade.The aim was to identify possible risk factors for retinal redetachment and to use the knowledge for optimizing treatment.Analysis of data from patients who were treated with ppV and silicone oil tamponade in the University Department of Ophthalmology in Marburg during 2010-2015 and who had a retinal redetachment during this period. The results were divided into two groups, redetachment with oil in situ and redetachment after oil removal.A total of 43 cases (15.6%) had a redetachment, which included 22/43 cases (50%) with a redetachment after oil removal and 21/43 cases (50%) with redetachment with oil in situ. The cause for the renewed detachment was given as proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) in 90.6% (39/43) of the cases, new foramina in 20.9% (9/43) and persisting foramina in 25.5% (11/43).Vitreoretinal scar formation (PVR reaction) was the main risk factor for renewed retinal detachment. Persisting foramina were also named as a frequent cause. Recurrent retinal detachment represents a significant challenge for vitreoretinal surgeons and for the patients considering the economic and emotional burden due to multiple interventions.HINTERGRUND: Trotz einer Silikonölendotamponade kann es bei einer komplizierten Netzhautablösung zu einem Rezidiv noch unter Öl oder unmittelbar nach Entfernung der Öltamponade kommen.Ziel dieser Studie ist es, Risikofaktoren für eine rezidivierende Ablösung zu benennen sowie die funktionellen und anatomischen Ergebnisse zu untersuchen.Retrospektive Analyse von Patienten mit primärer Ablatio retinae, die an der Universitäts-Augenklinik Marburg zwischen 2010 und 2015 eine Pars-plana-Vitrektomie (ppV) mit Silikonöltamponade erhalten und im weiteren Verlauf eine Reablatio erlitten haben. Dabei wurden 2 Gruppen gebildet: Gruppe 1 hatte eine Reablatio unter Öl, Gruppe 2 eine Reablatio direkt nach Ölentfernung.Es wurden insgesamt 43 (15,6 %) Fälle identifiziert, in 22/43 Fällen (50 %) zu einer Reablatio nach Ölentfernung und in 21/43 Fällen (7,6 %) zu einer Reablatio unter Silikonöltamponade. Als Ursache für erneute Ablatio wurde in 90,6 % (39/43) der Fälle eine proliferative Vitreoretinopathie (PVR) angegeben, neue Foramina wurden in 20,9 % (9/43), persistierende Foramina in 25,5 % (11/43) ermittelt.Die vitreoretinale Narbenbildung (PVR-Reaktionen) waren der Hauptrisikofaktor für eine erneute Netzhautablösung. Auch persistierende Foramina wurden als häufigerer Grund benannt. Eine erneute Netzhautablösung stellt eine bedeutende Herausforderung sowohl für Patienten als auch vitreoretinale Chirurgen unter Berücksichtigung der wirtschaftlichen und emotionalen Belastung durch mehrfache Eingriffe dar.

Purpose: Quasi-static optical coherence elastography (OCE) is an emerging technology to investigate corneal biomechanical behavior in situations similar to physiological stress conditions. Herein OCE was applied to evaluate previously inaccessible biomechanical characteristics of human corneal tissue and to study the role of Bowman's layer in corneal biomechanics. Methods: Human corneal donor buttons (n = 23) were obtained and Descemet's membrane and endothelium were removed. In 11 corneas, Bowman's layer was ablated by a 20 µm stromal excimer laser ablation. Buttons were mounted on an artificial anterior chamber and subjected to a pressure modulation from 10 to 30 mm Hg, and back to 10 mm Hg, in steps of 1 mm Hg. At each step, a spectral-domain optical coherence tomography scan was obtained. Displacements were analyzed by optical flow tracking, and strain over the entire stromal depth was retrieved from the phase gradient of the complex interference signal. Results: During pressure increase, corneal tissue moved upward (486–585 nm/mm Hg) but did not fully recover (Δ= 2.63 to 8.64 µm) after pressure decrease. Vertical corneal strain distribution was negative in the anterior and positive in the posterior cornea, indicating simultaneous corneal compression and expansion, respectively. Bowman's layer caused minor localized differences in corneal strain distribution. Conclusions: Corneal strain distribution is more complex than previously assumed, with a fundamental difference in mechanical response between the anterior and posterior stroma. Clinically, OCE technology might be used to monitor the progression of corneal ectatic diseases and to determine the success of corneal cross-linking., Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 61 (6), ISSN:0146-0404

This article reports a case of severe, treatment refractory infectious keratitis. Multiple samples of the cornea and the anterior chamber were taken without detection of any pathogens. Ultimately a multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated and successfully treated with tobramycin and amikacin, according to its antibiotic sensitivity. If there is a clinical suspicion multiple samples should be taken and multidrug-resistant pathogens considered as a differential diagnosis.Berichtet wird der Fall einer schwer verlaufenden, therapierefraktären, infektiösen Keratitis. Ein Keimnachweis war in mehrfachen Hornhaut- und Vorderkammerproben zunächst nicht möglich. Schlussendlich gelang die Isolation eines 4‑MRGN (multiresistente gramnegative Stäbchen) Pseudomonas aeruginosa, der unter antibiogrammgerechter Lokaltherapie mit Tobramycin und Amikacin erfolgreich behandelt wurde. Bei klinischem Verdacht sind mehrfache Probenentnahmen und die differenzialdiagnostische Erwägung multiresistenter Erreger in Betracht zu ziehen.

To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of tectonic epikeratoplasty with use of ethanol-preserved corneal grafts for the management of perforated corneal melts. The present retrospective case series includes 10 eyes which underwent tectonic epikeratoplasty for perforated corneal melts. The stromal remainders of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) and Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) graft preparation were stored in 95% ethanol and used as emergency tectonic grafts for restoring globe integrity after sterile and infectious perforated corneal melts. In 6 cases with subtotal corneal melt, DMEK remainders (endothelium-denuded corneoscleral buttons) were used for 'limbus to limbus' tectonic epikeratoplasty and in 4 cases DSAEK remainders (anterior stroma) were used to seal focal perforated melts. Graft storage time was 5.1 ± 4.9 (ranging from 0.5 to 17) months. The surgeries were successful in all cases with restitution of the globe integrity. During the postoperative course 4 cases developed a graft melt (corneoscleral button for limbus to limbus tectonic epikeratoplasty, n = 3; lamellar patch, n = 1) within 2-6 months after the initial procedure. Three patients underwent successful repeat tectonic epikeratoplasty. In the fourth case of graft melt the globe was enucleated due to underlying expulsive haemorrhage and severe pain. The short-term results of the present case series suggest that the use of ethanol-stored stromal remainder of donor corneas after endothelial keratoplasty is an efficient temporary measure for tectonic restoration of perforated corneas.

PURPOSE: To investigate the biomechanical properties of the ex vivo human cornea after flap-based versus cap-based laser refractive surgery in the same donor. METHODS: In this experimental study, 11 pairs of human corneas unsuitable for transplantation were equally divided into two groups. Corneas from the right eye were treated with femtosecond laser–assisted LASIK (FSLASIK) and corneas from the left eye with small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). Pachymetry was measured in each eye directly before laser refractive surgery. All corneas were subjected to a refractive correction of −10.00 diopters (D) sphere and −0.75 D cylinder at 0° with a 7-mm zone, using either a 110- μ m flap (FS-LASIK) or 130- μ m cap (SMILE). For two-dimensional biomechanical measurements, corneoscleral buttons underwent two testing cycles (preconditioning stress-strain curve from 0.03 to 9.0 N and stress-relaxation at 9.0 N during 120 sec) to analyze the elastic and viscoelastic material properties. The effective elastic modulus was calculated. Statistical analysis was performed with a confidence interval of 95%. RESULTS: In stress-strain measurements, the effective elastic modulus was 1.47 times higher ( P = .003) after SMILE (median = 8.22 [interquartile range = 4.76] MPa) compared to FS-LASIK (median = 5.59 [inter-quartile range = 2.77] MPa). The effect size was large ( r = 0.83). No significant differences ( P = .658) were observed among stress-relaxation measurements, with a mean remaining stress of 181 ± 31 kPa after SMILE and 177 ± 26 kPa after FS-LASIK after relaxation. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to a flap-based procedure such as FS-LASIK, the SMILE technique can be considered superior in terms of biomechanical stability, when measured experimentally in ex vivo human fellow eye corneas. [ J Refract Surg. 2018;34(6):419–423.]

PURPOSE To evaluate the long-term changes in anterior and posterior corneal irregular astigmatism and curvatures after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). METHODS Fifty eyes of 28 patients underwent SMILE for myopic astigmatism. All procedures were performed using the VisuMax® femtosecond laser. A Scheimpflug camera was used for preoperative and 3-year postoperative tomography. Anterior and posterior corneal Fourier parameters (spherical component, regular astigmatism, asymmetry, and irregularity) and curvature data were evaluated and compared within 2 subgroups according to the magnitude of the refractive correction (low myopia group: spherical equivalent (SEQ) ≥ -6 D; high myopia group: (SEQ) < -6 D). Associations between all studied parameters were examined. RESULTS Three years postoperatively, an increase in anterior corneal curvatures and Fourier parameters was detected and the results were strongly correlated with the preoperative SEQ, lenticule thickness, and volume. At the posterior cornea, the flattest radius, corneal astigmatism, spherical component, regular astigmatism, and irregularity decreased only in the high myopia group. A correlation was found between changes in posterior astigmatism and changes in anterior radii (R = 0.349, P = 0.014), SEQ (R = 0.396, P = 0.0049), and lenticule thickness (R = -0.414, P = 0.0031). Moreover, changes in posterior corneal irregularity correlated with the changes in anterior and posterior radii (R = -0.3, P = 0.034, and R = 0.449, P = 0.0012, respectively), changes in preoperative SEQ (R = 0.284, P = 0.0477), and lenticule thickness (R = -0.311, P = 0.0298). CONCLUSIONS Three years after SMILE, there was a reduction of posterior astigmatism in high refractive corrections. This could result in undercorrection in high refractive treatments. Total irregularities increased despite the compensatory effect of the posterior corneal surface.

To describe the outcomes of endothelial keratoplasty (EK) for bullous keratopathy in eyes with a retained angle-supported anterior chamber intraocular lens (acIOL). Among 263 consecutive EK procedures, 7 DMEK and 11 DSAEK procedures were identified in eyes with an acIOL and included in the present retrospective case series. Pre- and postoperative status including ocular history, anatomical outcome and complications as well as best-corrected visual acuity was evaluated. Ocular history included complicated cataract surgery (n = 11), ocular trauma (n = 4) and primary intracapsular cataract extraction (n = 3). Surgery-related complications included primary graft failure (n = 1), graft detachment (n = 1), endophthalmitis (n = 1) and allograft rejection (n = 1). A clear cornea at the final examination (14 ± 4 months) was observed in 14/18 (78%), while the visual outcome was limited due to significant ocular comorbidity in 9 out of 14 uncomplicated procedures. The presented short-term outcomes suggest that both DMEK and DSAEK are feasible in eyes with an angle-supported acIOL yielding an acceptable graft survival rate in the first postoperative year.

To compare the course of Scheimpflug corneal densitometry (CD) after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) versus Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK).Fifty-four DMEK and 25 DSAEK cases without previous corneal surgery, complicated intraoperative or postoperative course, or vision-limiting ocular comorbidities were included. Pseudophakic eyes of age-matched subjects were recruited as controls (n = 20). Scheimpflug CD of the optically relevant zones (0-2 and 2-6 mm), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), endothelial cell density, and central corneal thickness were evaluated preoperatively and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively.CD of the optical zone decreased from 34.4 ± 9.4 grayscale units (GSU) before to 19.2 ± 2.7 GSU at 24 months after DMEK. Respectively, CD decreased from 34.0 ± 13.4 GSU before to 21.2 ± 2.5 GSU at 24 months after DSAEK. Mean central CD in group 3 was 18.1 ± 1.3 GSU. Compared with DSAEK, DMEK cases showed lower central CD at 3 and 6 months (P ≤ 0.012) but not at 12 and 24 months postoperatively. DSAEK showed higher CD values throughout the postoperative period compared with healthy controls (P0.001). DMEK showed higher CD compared with controls at 3, 6, and 12 but not at 24 months after surgery (P = 0.152). Postoperative BCVA was significantly better after DMEK for every examination time point. No difference in endothelial cell density was found between DMEK and DSAEK at any time point.DMEK showed lower CD and better BCVA compared with DSAEK in the first 6 postoperative months. Notably, although CD reached similar levels in the midterm after both DMEK and DSAEK, BCVA remained significantly better after DMEK.

PURPOSE To investigate early visual and refractive outcomes, corneal stability and optical quality after femtosecond laser small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) for treating myopia and myopic astigmatism over -10 D. METHODS Thirty eyes (30 patients) with myopia and myopic astigmatism of over -10 D were treated with VisuMax® femtosecond laser (version 3.0; Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Jena, Germany). Six months postoperative safety, efficacy and predictability were evaluated. Corneal Scheimpflug topography was measured preoperatively, 1 day, 3 months and 6 months postoperatively. Wavefront aberrations were measured preoperatively, 3 months and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS Six months postoperatively, LogMAR uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) were -0.013 ± 0.086 and -0.073 ± 0.069, respectively. 73% (97%) of eyes were within 0.5 (1) D of target refraction. No eyes lost CDVA, 43% (13 eyes) gained one line and 7% (two eyes) gained two lines. Mean corneal back curvature (KMB) and posterior central elevation (PCE) did not change significantly comparing preoperative and 6 months postoperative data (p = 0.91 and 0.77, respectively). Comparing 1 day with 6 months postoperative data, central corneal thickness (CCT), mean corneal front curvature (KMF), KMB and PCE did not change significantly (p = 0.27, 0.07, 0.52, 0.71, respectively). Total higher-order aberration (HOA), spherical aberration and coma increased significantly (p

To assess the efficacy of intravitreally injected tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA, Alteplase [Actilyse®]) to induce posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) in eyes with recent onset of retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Retrospective patient chart analysis. Nine eyes were included thereof 4 eyes (44%) with central (CRVO) and 5 eyes (56%) with branch RVO (BRVO). One week after injection none of the eyes treated showed PVD formation. After 12 months one patient (17%) developed partial PVD and two patients (33%) demonstrated complete PVD. All eyes developing (partial) PVD after one year suffered from BRVO. Mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) increased from 0.35 to 0.45 after one week (p = 0.401) and further to 1.0 after 12 months (p = 0.042). There was an overall significant gain in mean BCVA development after 12 months (p = 0.015). Mean central retinal thickness decreased from 572 to 485 µm after one week (p = 0.374) and further to 299 µm after 12 months (p = 0.345). There was an overall significant decrease in CRT development from injection until month 12 (p = 0.030). Intravitreally injected Actilyse® might have the potential to induce PVD in eyes with recent onset of RVO and might favorably impact standard treatment regimens. A prospective and randomized clinical trial is needed to prove this hypothesis.

PURPOSE: To report the feasibility and outcomes of surface ablation after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). METHODS: In this retrospective evaluation of 1,963 SMILE procedures, 43 eyes (2.2%) were re-treated at three separate clinics. Of these, 40 eyes of 28 patients with a follow-up of at least 3 months were included in the analysis. During surface ablation, mitomycin C was applied for haze prevention. RESULTS: Spherical equivalent was −6.35 ± 1.31 diopters (D) before SMILE and −0.86 ± 0.43 D before surface ablation. Surface ablation was performed after a mean of 9.82 ± 5.27 months and resulted in a spherical equivalent of 0.03 ± 0.57 D at 3 months ( P < .0001). The number of patients within ±0.50 and ±1.00 D of target refraction increased from 22.5% to 80% and from 72.5% to 92.5%, respectively. Mean uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) improved from 0.23 ± 0.20 to 0.08 ± 0.15 logMAR ( P < .0001); 65% of patients gained at least one line. Corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) remained unchanged with 0.01 ± 0.07 logMAR before versus −0.01 ± 0.05 logMAR after re-treatment ( P = .99). Six eyes (15.0%) lost one line of CDVA, but final CDVA was 0.00 logMAR in four and 0.10 logMAR in two of these cases. The safety and efficacy indices were 1.06 and 0.90 at 3 months, respectively. Three of the four surface ablation profiles (Triple-A, tissue-saving algorithm, and topography-guided) resulted in equally good results, whereas enhancement with the aspherically optimized profile (ASA), used in two eyes, resulted in overcorrection (+1.38 and +1.75 D). CONCLUSIONS: Combined with the intraoperative application of mitomycin C, surface ablation seems to be a safe and effective method of secondary enhancement after SMILE. Due to the usually low residual myopia, the ASA profile is not recommended in these cases. [ J Refract Surg. 2017;33(8):513–518.]

PURPOSE To evaluate the impact of the vitreoretinal interface architecture, in specific the angle between the posterior vitreous cortex and the internal limiting membrane, on vitreomacular traction (VMT) resolution in eyes treated with intravitreally injected ocriplasmin (Jetrea). METHODS Retrospective, multicenter cohort study and exploratory data analysis. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography assessments were performed before scheduled ocriplasmin injections. General (age and sex) as well as ocular variables (lens status, presence of epiretinal membrane formations, horizontal diameter of VMT, central retinal thickness, and in particular various prespecified angles between the posterior vitreous cortex and internal limiting membrane) were analyzed to evaluate their impact on successful VMT resolution. RESULTS Fifty-nine eyes of 59 patients were included. Univariate analysis of age (odds ratio [OR]: 0.881; 95% CI: [0.812-0.955]; P = 0.0022) and lens status (OR: 11.03; 95% CI: [2.23-54.57]; P = 0.0033) had a significant impact on successful VMT resolution, whereas sex (OR: 0.668; 95% CI: [0.126-2.065]; P = 0.4906), epiretinal membrane formation (OR: 0.581; 95% CI: [0.168-2.006]; P = 0.3903), horizontal diameter of VMT (OR: 0.99930; 95% CI: [0.99825-1.00035]; P = 0.1886), and central retinal thickness (OR: 0.9985; 95% CI: [0.9934-1.00436]; P = 0.56) failed. The angle at 500 μm apart from the fovea centralis, irrespective if measured nasally (OR: 1.135; 95% CI: [1.013-1.272]; P = 0.0289) or temporally (OR: 1.099; 95% CI: [1.001-1.208]; P = 0.0485), showed a significant correlation with VMT resolution. CONCLUSION The angle between the posterior vitreous cortex and the internal limiting membrane 500 μm apart from the fovea centralis correlates with VMT resolution and may be a clinically useful marker for selection of patients to be treated with ocriplasmin. This observation needs to be proven in a prospective confirmatory investigation.

PURPOSE To evaluate the effect of ultraviolet A radiation on retinal function and structure after the corneal collagen crosslinking procedure. METHODS In the present prospective, single-center cohort study 17 eyes of 17 patients who underwent collagen crosslinking (Dresden protocol) for the treatment of corneal ectasia were examined preoperatively and at 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively with multifocal electroretinogram and optical coherence tomography. The P1 amplitude density (P1-AD) of the central retinal response was documented in 5 concentric rings, with ring 1 (R1) representing the foveal response and rings 2 to 5 (R2-R5) corresponding to successive annuli of stimulation. Visual acuity, corneal densitometry at the 0 to 2 mm zone and at the 2 to 6 mm annulus, and macular thickness (MT; central, 1 mm, 3 mm, and 5 mm zones) were recorded. RESULTS The preoperative values of P1-AD were R1 = 109.96 ± 28.96, R2 = 49.8 ± 14.46, R3 = 29.85 ± 8.9, R4 = 19.33 ± 6.3, and R5 = 16.39 ± 5.48 nV/deg. At 2 weeks, these values were R1 = 77.54 ± 24.47, R2 = 36.55 ± 12.53, R3 = 21.53 ± 7.71, R4 = 15.3 ± 6.13, and R5 = 13.32 ± 5.48, showing a significant reduction for R1-R4 (P ≤ 0.026). The 6-week P1-AD was R1 = 99.8 ± 31.23, R2 = 40.67 ± 16.39, R3 = 24.98 ± 7.13, R4 = 16.35 ± 4.84, and R5 = 13.76 ± 3.98, showing no significant differences compared with preoperative values (P ≥ 0.054). Corneal densitometry increased significantly at 2 weeks (P < 0.001) and remained increased at 6 weeks (P < 0.001), showing statistically insignificant correlations with 2-week P1-AD (P ≥ 0.553). The central MT increased (P = 0.787), whereas MT at 1 mm (P = 0.444), 3 mm (P = 0.039), and 5 mm (P < 0.001) zones decreased. CONCLUSIONS The return of P1-AD to preoperative (physiologic) values at 6 weeks confirms the safety standards of the duration and intensity of ultraviolet A radiation, as proposed by the Dresden protocol. However, temporary postoperative retinal dysfunction cannot be excluded.

PURPOSE Evaluation of spherical component (SC), regular astigmatism (RA), and irregular astigmatism (IA, ie, Asymmetry and Irregularities) 3 years after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and comparison to femtosecond laser-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK). METHODS Thirty-two eyes of 21 patients who underwent SMILE for myopia and astigmatism were compared with 32 eyes of 21 patients treated with FS-LASIK. Scheimpflug images were obtained preoperatively and 3 years postoperatively. Fourier analysis of keratometric-derived parameters (SC, RA, Asymmetry, and Irregularities) of the anterior, posterior, and total cornea were evaluated at 4 concentric rings (ring 1, 2 mm diameter; ring 2, 4 mm; ring 3, 6 mm; ring 4, 8 mm) and over the entire 8-mm zone. RESULTS After FS-LASIK, over the 8-mm zone, the RA and IA of the anterior cornea increased significantly (P ≤ 0.002), whereas SMILE induced an insignificant increase in RA and Asymmetry (P ≥ 0.276) and a decrease in Irregularities (P = 0.770). At the 8-mm zone of the posterior cornea, the Irregularities increased significantly (P = 0.027) after FS-LASIK, whereas SMILE induced no significant changes in the examined variables (P ≥ 0.347). RA and IA of the total cornea increased significantly after FS-LASIK (P ≤ 0.001), whereas SMILE induced an insignificant increase in RA and Asymmetry (P ≥ 0.092) and a significant decrease in Irregularities (P < 0.001). FS-LASIK induced a greater decrease in SC of the total cornea at ring 4 (P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS FS-LASIK resulted in a greater increase in RA and Irregularities and greater flattening of the midperiphery of the anterior and total cornea compared with SMILE. The posterior cornea remained unaffected after SMILE, whereas more Irregularities were induced after FS-LASIK over the 8-mm zone.

PURPOSE: To investigate the biomechanical properties of the ex vivo human paired corneas after completion of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) versus small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) in the same donor. METHODS: In this experimental study, 13 pairs of human corneas unsuitable for transplantation were equally divided into two groups. Corneal thickness was measured in each eye directly before laser refractive surgery. Corneas from the right eye were treated with PRK and corneas from the left eye with SMILE. All corneas were subjected to a refractive correction of −10.00 diopters (D) sphere and −0.75 D cylinder at 0° with a 7 mm zone, using either surface ablation (PRK) or 130 µm cap (SMILE). For two-dimensional biomechanical measurements, corneoscleral buttons underwent two testing cycles (preconditioning stress-strain curve from 0.03 to 9.0 N and stress-relaxation at 9.0 N during 120 seconds) to analyze the elastic and viscoelastic material properties. The effective elastic modulus was calculated. Statistical analysis was performed with a confidence interval of 95%. RESULTS: In stress-strain measurements, the effective elastic modulus was not significantly different ( P = .081) between SMILE (9.58 ± 4.26 MPa) and PRK (11.9 ± 4.90 MPa). The effect size was medium (Cohen's d = 0.58). In stress-relaxation measurements, the remaining stress was not significantly different ( P = .878) between SMILE (122 ± 33 kPa) and PRK (123 ± 30 kPa). CONCLUSIONS: The lenticule extraction procedure (SMILE) and the surface ablation technique (PRK) may be considered equivalent in terms of biomechanical stability when measured experimentally in ex vivo human fellow eye corneas. [ J Refract Surg. 2019;35(8):501–505.]

Purpose: To report the explantation of a detached and opaque donor disc as an alternative to secondary keratoplasty in a case of persistent graft detachment followed by spontaneous clearance of the recipient cornea after non-Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (non-DSAEK). Methods: A 57-year-old man with cataract and bullous keratopathy after herpes simplex virus endotheliitis of the right eye and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA) of 0.1 underwent simultaneous phacoemulsification and non-DSAEK. Due to early detachment of the donor disc, two additional intracameral air injections were necessary in order to achieve graft attachment. However, the donor disc gradually detached and became fibrotic while the recipient cornea anterior to the detached graft became transparent and without any edema. Therefore, a mere explantation of the DSAEK graft was performed. Results: Four months after graft explantation, BSCVA was 0.5 and endothelial cell density (ECD) was 1,221 cells/mm2. After 13 months, BSCVA was still 0.6 while ECD had fell to 800, and 2 years later, the endothelium decompensated. BSCVA was 0.3 and ECD was not measurable. Conclusions: To our knowledge this is the first report of explantation of an endothelial graft as an alternative to re-keratoplasty in a case of spontaneous corneal clearance. This minimally invasive treatment may be considered in similar cases. However, due to the ongoing loss of endothelial cells after endothelial keratoplasty, a re-keratoplasty may still be needed in the long term.

The aim of this study is to establish and to prove a new lenticule shape for the treatment of hyperopia using a 500 kHz femtosecond laser and the femtosecond lenticule extraction (ReLEx FLEx) technique. Improved lenticule shapes with a large transition zone of at least 2 mm adjusted to the 5.75 mm optical zone were designed. A prospective pilot study on nine eyes of five patients who underwent an uncomplicated FLEx using VisuMax femtosecond laser (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG) for spherical hyperopia was performed. Patients' mean age was 55.5 years, and the preoperative manifest spherical equivalent (SE) was +1.82 D (range +1.25 to +3.00 D). Because of the presbyopic age and in order to compensate for a possible regression, the treatment was aimed at low myopia (mean target SE was -0.88 D with a mean treatment refraction of +2.69 D). At the last follow-up, after 9 months, 33% were within ±0.50 D and 78% within ±1.00 D of intended correction. Thirty-three percent lost one line, and 11% gained one line corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA). On average, the centre of the optical zone was 0.34 ± 0.17 mm from the corneal vertex. No adverse effects were observed. This pilot study confirms that the improved lenticule's design with a large optical and transition zone can achieve good centration and acceptable results for spherical hyperopia using FLEx. The next steps are to extend the study to spherocylindrical hyperopic treatments and to increase the number of eyes for better assessment of refractive outcome.

Background To evaluate the 5-year results of Refractive Lenticule Extraction (ReLEx) as Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) technique for treatment of myopia and myopic astigmatism. Methods In 2008/2009, the worldwide first 91 eyes were treated using a novel surgical technique (SMILE), where a refractive lenticule of intrastromal corneal tissue is removed though a small incision completely eliminating flap-cutting. 56 out of 91 eyes of the original treatment group volunteered for re-examination 5 years after surgery. Uncorrected distance visual acuity and corrected distance visual acuity after 5 years, objective and manifest refractions as well as evaluation of the interface and corneal surface by slit-lamp examination were documented. Late side effects like corneal scars, corneal ectasia, persistent dry eye symptoms or cataract were documented. Results 5 years postoperatively, no significant change to the 6-month data was found. Spherical equivalent was −0.375 D and therefore close to target refraction (emmetropia). 32 of the 56 eyes had gained 1–2 Snellen lines. There was no loss of 2 or more lines over the 5-year period. Regression in the long term was 0.48 D. Conclusions This first long-term study demonstrates SMILE to be an effective, stable and safe procedure for treatment of myopia and myopic astigmatism. Clinical trial number DE/CA93/KP/07/001. Post-results.