Biometry and Intraocular Lens Power Calculation by Combined Scheimpflug-Placido Disc versus Optical Interferometry Devices

Purpose: To compare the results of the current gold standard, laser interferometry, and keratometry by the IOL-Master, with a newly developed Galilei G6 using raytracing software Okulix for intraocular lens (IOL) power calculations. Methods: For comparison of the IOL-power calculation of both devices, we analyzed the difference between the actual one-month postoperative subjective refraction and the theoretically calculated target refraction before cataract surgery. The IOL was selected according to the IOL Master recommendation aiming for emmetropia after surgery. We analyzed the differences of the measurements of the basic biometric data in 205 healthy eyes by each device. Results: Our study included 205 healthy, unoperated eyes from 117 patients (61 women, 56 men) aged 20 to 75 years. Twenty-two eyes of cataract patients were also included in this retrospective study design. The mean difference between the prediction of the postoperative refraction and the refraction actually achieved was 0.03 D for the IOL Master and –0.23 D for the Galilei G6. The difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.059). The difference between the IOL power calculation of the IOL Master and the calculation of the G6 was not statistically significant (P = 0.064). The difference between the predicted refraction of the G6 and the refraction achieved after one month was also not statistically significant (P = 0.12) and neither was the difference between the predicted refraction of the IOL Master and the achieved refraction (P = 0.39). The mean axial length was calculated as 24.21 ± 0.80 mm using the IOL Master and 24.27 ± 0.82 mm using the Galilei G6 device. The mean value regarding anterior chamber depth (ACD) of the IOL master was 3.46 ± 0.23 mm and for the Galilei was G6 3.51 ± 0.25 mm. When comparing the white to white (WTW) values of the IOL master, it showed mean values of 12.32 ± 0.31 and Galilei showed mean values of G6 12.21 ± 0.28. All of these differences (between Galileo and IOL Master measurements) were statistically significant (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Both the laser interferometry/keratometry performed by the IOL Master and the interferometry/raytracing biometry strategy performed by the Galilei G6 demonstrated equal results when executing the IOL power calculation before cataract surgery in eyes with no prior ocular surgery

Safety and Precision of Two Different Flap-morphologies Created During Low Energy Femtosecond Laser-assisted LASIK

Purpose: Currently, two major principles exist to create LASIK flaps: firstly, a strictly horizontal (2D) cut similar to the microkeratome-cut and secondly an angled cut with a “step-like” edge (3D). The strictly horizontal (2D) cut method can be performed using apparatus such as the low-energy FEMTO LDV Z8 laser and its predecessors which are specific to this type. Alternatively, the low-energy FEMTO LDV Z8 laser’s 3D flap design creates an interlocking flap-interface surface which potentially contributes toward flap stability. In addition, the FEMTO LDV Z8 offers flap-position adjustments after docking (before flap-creation). The current study analyzed precision, safety, efficacy, as well as patient self-reported pain and comfort levels after applying two different types of LASIK flap morphologies which were created with a low-energy, high-frequency femtosecond (fs) laser device. Methods: A prospective, interventional, randomized, contralateral eye, single-center comparison study was conducted from November 2019 to March 2020 at the Hamburg vision clinic/ zentrumsehstärke, Hamburg, Germany. Eleven patients and 22 eyes received low-energy fs LASIK treatment for myopia or myopic astigmatism in both eyes. Before the treatment, the eyes were randomized (one eye was treated with the 2D, the other eye with the 3D method). Results: The mean central flap thickness one month after surgery was 110.7 ± 1.6 μm (2D) and 111.2 ± 1.7 μm (3D); P = 0.365 (2D vs 3D). Flap thickness measured at 13 different points resulted in no statistically significant differences between any of the measurement points within/between both groups; demonstrating good planarity of the flap was achieved using both methods. Despite not being statistically significant, the surgeons recognized an increase in the presence of an opaque bubble layer in the 3D flap eyes during surgery and some patients reported higher, yet not statistically significant, pain scores in the 3D flap eyes during the first hours after the treatment. Overall, safety- and efficacy indices were 1.03 and 1.03, respectively. Conclusion: In this prospective, randomized, contralateral eye study, the low-energy fs laser yielded predictable lamellar flap thicknesses and geometry at one-month followup. Based on these results, efficacy and safety of the corresponding laser application, that is, 2D vs 3D, are equivalen

PACK-CXL for severe keratitis in a young patient with ichthyosis

Presented is an eleven-year-old girl suffering from therapy-resistent keratitis because of lagophthalmus and ectropion because of lamellar ichthyosis. We performed a corneal crosslinking and in consequence to that the visual acuity improved and the slit lamp evaluation proved an epithelial closure. The lamellar ichthyosis is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder which leads to hyperkeratosis, painful fissures and a dysregulated vitamine D metabolism. The ocular manifestations in the majority of the cases lid ectropions or exposition keratopathy

Results From the German Fungal Keratitis Registry: Significant Differences Between Cases With and Without a History of Contact Lens Use

Purpose: Fungal keratitis (FK) is a serious ophthalmic disease with a potentially devastating outcome that seems to be increasing in recent years. The use of contact lenses (CLs) was evaluated as a risk factor for FK to determine possible differences in course and outcome. Methods: Data from 173 cases reported in the German FK registry until August 2019 were evaluated regarding CL behavior, other ophthalmological and general risk factors, age, sex, identified pathogens, conservative and surgical therapy, visual acuity, and findings at admission and follow-up. Results: One hundred seventy-four eyes from 173 patients between 2000 and 2019 were included [64.4% women, median age 54 (39; 72) years]; 49.7% wore CL, of which 81.3% were soft CL, and 50.3% had no history of contact lens use (NCL). CL users were significantly more often women and otherwise healthy (CL: 80.2% vs. NCL: 48.9%; P < 0.0001). The spectrum of pathogens among CL users showed a significantly higher proportion of infections with filamentous pathogens, in particular Fusarium sp. (total filament: CL 69.8% vs. NCL 27.3%; P = 0.0001; Fusarium sp.: CL 50.0% vs. NCL 14.8%; P < 0.0001). Overall, 54.6% required keratoplasty and 8.6% enucleation. Conclusions: CLS are the most important risk factor for FK in Germany. With CLs, typically, the infection is caused by molds, and patients are comparably younger and otherwise healthy. Often, extensive surgery is needed. To evaluate changes in the pathogen and resistance spectrum and to further monitor possible CL-related risk factors, a consistent collection of data remains paramount