Three-Year Outcomes of Cross-Linking PLUS (Combined Cross-Linking with Femtosecond Laser Intracorneal Ring Segments Implantation) for Management of Keratoconus

Purpose. To analyze the results of three-year outcomes of combined epithelium-on cross-linking with femtosecond laser ICRS (cross-linking PLUS) for keratoconus management. Design. A retrospective multicenter clinical study. Methods. 43 eyes of 38 patients were subjected to preoperative and postoperative UCVA, BCVA, refraction, Pentacam pachymetry, and keratometry examinations at 3-, 6-, 12-, 24-, and 36-month follow-up period. Results. The preoperative and postoperative mean UCVA was 1.30 ± 0.48 (logMAR ± SD) and 0.82 ± 0.22 respectively. The preoperative and postoperative mean BCVA was 0.90 ± 0.40 and 0.60 ± 0.30, respectively. The preoperative and postoperative mean K average was 50.63 ± 0.87 (D ± SD) and 45.56 ± 0.98, respectively. The preoperative and postoperative mean pachymetry was 471 ± 92.36 (μm ± SD) and 423 ± 39.58, respectively. The preoperative and postoperative mean astigmatism was 7.55 ± 1.75 and 3.39 ± 1.26, respectively. One eye showed ICRS edge exposure while 6 eyes showed progression of keratoconus. Conclusion. CXL PLUS was proved to be a successful procedure to halt progression (mainly by CXL) and to correct the refractive status of the keratoconic eye (mainly by ICRS). CXL PLUS performed a synergistic action correcting and maintaining the correction of both myopic and astigmatic components of keratoconus

The efficacy of Alahmady ring implantation in the management of neovascular glaucoma

Alahmady H Alsmman, Gamal Radwan, Mohammed Elagouz, Usama Ali Mohammed The Department of Ophthalmology, Sohag Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Alahmady ring implantation in the management of neovascular glaucoma.Methods: A total of 15 eyes of 15 patients with intractable neovascular glaucoma with intraocular pressure (IOP) ≥28 mmHg not responding to medical treatment were retrospectively analyzed. All patients had poor visual acuity and underwent Alahmady ring implantation. The ring was designed from fenestrated silicon tube used in lacrimal surgeries and was implanted subsclerally after passing it through the anterior chamber. Patients were followed up for at least 24 months. Success in this study was defined based on IOP ≥8 mmHg and <21 mmHg, with not more than 1 glaucoma drug, and improvement of patient symptoms and signs with maximum use of beta blocker as antiglaucoma drug.Results: A total of 15 eyes of 15 patients (9 males [60%] and 6 females [40%]) were analyzed in this study. The mean IOP before surgery was 38.6 mmHg (standard deviation [SD]: 6.98) and it was 14.05 mmHg (SD =7.57) after surgery. The follow-up range was 24–36 months. Success of silicon drainage device was defined as an IOP <21 mmHg on the last follow-up visit. Medications included only beta-blockers and topical steroids for those who were without severe complications or for those who were not in a condition to undergo a further glaucoma surgery.Conclusion: Alahmady ring implantation proves to be a good surgical option for neovascular glaucoma; however, a longer follow-up period is recommended. Keywords: refractory glaucoma, glaucoma device, failed trabeculectom

Uveal effusion syndrome

The terms uveal effusion, choroidal effusion, ciliochoroidal effusion, ciliochoroidal detachment, and choroidal detachment have been used interchangeably in the literature. These labels all describe an abnormal collection of fluid that expands the suprachoroidal space, producing internal elevation of the choroidal. There are various inflammatory and hydrostatic conditions that can cause uveal effusion, but in some cases no obvious cause exists. In this setting, patients are thought to have a distinct, primary abnormality of the choroid or sclera, called uveal effusion syndrome (UES). UES may be idiopathic, or associated with hypermetropia, and should be considered a diagnosis of exclusion. Histological studies show amorphous glycosaminoglycan-like material filling the interfibrillary spaces of excised scleral tissue, with disruption of collagen fibers. In some patients there may be reduced macromolecular diffusion that interferes with the normal transscleral egress of albumin out of the eye, perhaps causing choroidal fluid retention due to altered osmotic forces. An alternative, and perhaps complementary hypothesis, is that swollen sclera compresses the transscleral vessels with resulting fluid retention. Patients with UES are most typically middle-aged men who have a relapsing remitting clinical course. There is often co-existing, shifting subretinal fluid that may involve the macula. Chronic disease may lead to secondary retinal pigment epithelial (leopard spot) changes and permanently reduced visual acuity. Treatment with systemic steroids does not appear to be effective. Surgical decompression of the vortex veins as they pass through the sclera has been described, but the most common treatment is full-thickness sclerectomies to provide an exit for choroidal fluid. The largest case series suggests that this produces an anatomic improvement in approximately 83% of treated eyes after a single procedure and in about 96% after one or two procedures. Final visual acuity improves by two or more lines in 56% of the eyes, is stable in 35%, and worsens in 9%. Although extremely rare, UES is a serious condition that is difficult to treat and can lead to severe and permanent visual loss in both eyes

Air Bubble Technique for Fundus Visualization during Vitrectomy in Aphakia

Purpose. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of air bubble technique for vitrectomy in aphakia. Study Design. Prospective interventional uncontrolled case series. Methods. This study included 53 eyes of 53 patients who are phakic and indicated for phacovitrectomy (7 eyes, group 1), aphakic and indicated for vitrectomy (22 eyes, group 2), or underwent unplanned vitrectomy for immediate management of a phacoemulsification surgery complicated by rupture posterior capsule with dropped nucleus, fragments, or IOL (24 eyes, group 3). Cases with complicated vitreoretinal pathology were not included in this study. All vitrectomy surgeries were conducted by the air bubble technique in the anterior chamber. Main outcomes included anatomical success, visual acuity, and intraoperative and postoperative complications. Results. The surgical success was achieved in 50 eyes (94.3%). Conversion to BIOM viewing system was needed in the retinal detachment cases of groups 1 and 2. The mean overall LogMAR visual acuity was significantly improved from 1.29 ± 0.58 preoperatively to 0.56 ± 0.19 at the final visit, 6 months postoperatively (P<0.001). Conclusion. The air bubble technique as visualization method for vitrectomy in aphakia is an effective and cheap technique for immediate management of complications of phacoemulsification surgery. This trial is registered with Pan African Clinical Trial Registry PACTR201709002466296