Comparison of novel digital microscope using integrated intraoperative OCT with Ngenuity 3D visualization system in phacoemulsification

At A time when the pharmaceutical industry and researchers are being charged with undermining the unbiased exchange of scientific information, 1 it is heartening to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Alcon Research Institute, Fort Worth. This organization, clearly an interaction between the pharmaceutical industry and academic medicine, has retained an enviable degree of independence, objectivity, balance, and scientific rigor. The Alcon Research Institute quietly came into existence in 1982, held its first scientific symposium in 1983, and has evolved during the past decade. It had its inception in the minds of three visionary executives at Alcon Laboratories Inc, Fort Worth: George Leone, Dilip Raval, PhD, and Edgar Schollmaier, who believed that advances in the diagnosis and treatment of ocular disease are dependent on basic research carried out by independent investigators in institutions throughout the world. They discussed this conviction with Steven Podos, MD, chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology

To analyze the optical quality of aspheric toric intraocular lenses (IOLs) at different degrees of decentering. Wavefront aberrations of Acrysof IQ Toric IOLs (SN6AT3, SN6AT4, and SN6AT5; Alcon Laboratories Inc, Fort Worth, TX, USA) for different powers (15.00, 20.00 and 23.50 diopters [D]) and for different degrees of decentering (diagonal, horizontal, and vertical decentering of 0.3 and 0.6mm) were measured in vitro at 3- and 5-mm pupils. The Zernike coefficients of trefoil, coma, tetrafoil, secondary astigmatism, and spherical aberration were evaluated. The point spread functions (PSFs) and modulation transfer function (MTF) of each IOL evaluated were calculated from the wavefront aberrations. Coma aberration increased significantly with IOL decentration. Statistically significant differences were found between centered and all decentered positions in coma aberration (p < 0.05). Although, we only found visible differences between centered and decentered positions in PSF images and MTF curves for horizontal and vertical 0.6mm of decentering at 3- and 5-mm pupil. Despite the coma increment, these values were clinically negligible and have no effect on visual performance, except for vertical and horizontal 0.6mm of decentering, which could have a negative effect on visual quality.

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of custom topographic neutralizing technique in treating highly aberrated eyes using the WaveLight ALLEGRETTO WAVE Excimer Laser. A retrospective consecutive case series of 67 eyes with decentered ablations and 48 eyes with symptomatic small optical zones after previous LASIK underwent topography-guided retreatment with the ALLEGRETTO WAVE. Sixteen keratoconus eyes underwent topographic neutralizing technique photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). The study assessed preoperative and 6-month and 1-year postoperative results regarding best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), topography, and predictability. Sixty-seven eyes with previously decentered optical zones had an improvement of centration from 0.92 mm preoperatively to 0.30 mm postoperatively relative to pupil center (P<.01). Twenty-nine percent of these eyes gained 1 or more lines of BSCVA, whereas 71% had no change in BSCVA. Forty-eight eyes with previously small optical zones had an increase of the central monodioptric optical zone from 3.9 mm to 5.6 mm (P<.01). Nineteen percent of eyes had an improvement of at least 1 line, whereas 75% had no change in BSCVA and 6% lost 1 line. Sixteen keratoconus eyes had custom topographic neutralizing technique PRK as an alternative to penetrating keratoplasty. All eyes had improvement of astigmatism up to 5.00 diopters (D), with a mean change of 1.68+/-1.62 D. Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity was unchanged in 8 (50%) eyes, with 4 (25%) eyes gaining 1 line, 2 (12%) eyes gaining 2 lines, and 2 (12%) eyes losing 1 line of BSCVA at 6 months. Management of some highly aberrated eyes is now possible with topography-guided ablation using the WaveLight ALLEGRETTO platform and custom topographic neutralizing technique. Safety was acceptable for small optical zone and decentered ablation retreatments. The topography-guided ablation could be an alternative treatment for keratoconus patients if keratoplasty is otherwise indicated. The algorithms for custom topographic neutralizing technique need further refinement.

To evaluate visual quality differences among intraocular lenses (IOLs) in patients with previous hyperopic laser ablations and to assess the impact of decentration and tilt of IOLs on visual quality. An adaptive optics visual simulator was used to simulate the wavefront aberration pattern of one aberration-correcting IOL (AcrySof IQ SN60WF, Alcon Laboratories Inc) and two spherical IOLs with different amounts of positive spherical aberration (Akreos Adapt [Bausch & Lomb] and Triplato [AJL Ophthalmic]) in five situations-centered, 0.2 mm and 0.4 mm of decentration, and 2° and 4° of tilt-in two groups: simulated low hyperopic laser corneal ablation (low hyperopia group) and high hyperopic laser corneal ablation (high hyperopia group). Monocular distance visual acuity at 100%, 50%, and 10% contrast were measured. Ten eyes were evaluated. When the IOLs were centered, all IOLs obtained comparable results for the low hyperopia group, whereas for the high hyperopia group, the Akreos Adapt and AcrySof IQ SN60WF showed better visual acuity than the Triplato. When the IOLs were misaligned, for the low hyperopia group, the best visual acuity results were obtained with the Akreos Adapt and the most critical situation was at 0.4 mm of decentration. For the high hyperopia group, misalignments decreased visual acuity in a higher amount than for the low hyperopia group. Our results suggest that the IOLs studied offer good visual quality when they are centered for both groups. However, tilt and decentration of monofocal IOLs have an impact on visual function in patients with hyperopic ablations. For these patients, the Akreos Adapt is the most robust to misalignments.

To compare the optical performance of rigid spherical polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), foldable spherical, and foldable aspheric intraocular lenses (IOLs). Measurements were obtained monocularly from pseudophakic patients with a PMMA IOL (Ophtec PC265y or Rayner 105U), spherical AcrySof MA30 IOL (Alcon Laboratories Inc), or aspheric Tecnis ZA9003 IOL (Abbott Medical Optics). Contrast sensitivity was measured using the Holladay automated contrast sensitivity test with 5.0-mm artificial pupil at 3 and 6 cycles per degree at optimal focus and at several defocus levels. The myopic shift (shift of the optimal focus toward more myopic values at lower spatial frequencies) and depth of focus were determined. Wavefront aberrations were assessed with a Hartmann-Shack wavefront analyzer; straylight was measured using the C-Quant meter (Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH). Nine patients with a spherical rigid PMMA IOL, 19 patients with a spherical foldable IOL, and 24 patients with an aspheric foldable IOL met the inclusion criteria. Eyes with an aspheric IOL showed less spherical aberration than eyes with other IOLs; no differences were found in overall higher order aberrations. No differences in contrast sensitivity at optimal focus and in straylight were found among the IOLs. Eyes with a PMMA IOL showed a larger depth of focus compared to eyes with an aspheric IOL. Eyes with an aspheric IOL had a smaller myopic shift than eyes with other IOLs. Optical performance differences among the IOLs in this study are small, concurring with similar higher order aberrations found in the three groups. Reduction in myopic shift appears to be the most obvious effect of aspheric IOLs.

To evaluate the efficacy of 2 ceruminolytic products, Cerumenex Eardrops (Purdue Frederick Company, Norwalk, Conn) and Murine Ear Drops (Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, Ill), in subjects with partial or complete occlusion of the ear canal due to cerumen. Randomized, subject- and observer-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial. Corporate research clinic. From among 230 volunteers screened, 74 subjects (age, 22-66 [mean, 45] years) were enrolled in the study. Participants had baseline occlusion levels of mild (n = 10), moderate (n = 26), or complete (n = 38) impairment of tympanic membrane visualization. Subjects were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: Cerumenex (10% triethanolamine polypeptide oleate-condensate), Murine (6.5% carbamide peroxide), and a placebo, BSS Sterile Irrigating Solution (Alcon Laboratories Inc, Ft Worth, Tex). The test medication was instilled into 1 occluded ear for up to two 15-minute applications. Following the treatment, the subject's ear was irrigated with 50 mL of lukewarm water delivered at low pressure via a WaterPik irrigator equipped with a Grossan irrigator tip. Main Outcome Measure The degree of occlusion, measured against a previously established 4-point scale, was assessed and recorded at baseline and after each instillation and irrigation procedure. Neither Cerumenex nor Murine was superior to saline placebo. By the end of treatment, 29.2%, 15.4%, and 41.7% of subjects treated with Cerumenex, Murine, and placebo, respectively, experienced resolution of cerumen occlusion. These values were not statistically significantly different from one another. The currently marketed ceruminolytic products, Cerumenex and Murine, are no more effective than a saline placebo in removing earwax.

To describe the outcomes of the first 285 eyes receiving LASIK or photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) using an optimized ablation profile at a refractive surgery practice experienced with customized ablation. A retrospective chart review was performed on all patients who underwent refractive treatments using the ALLEGRETTO WAVE Eye-Q platform (Alcon Laboratories Inc) between September 2008 and July 2009. Patients were divided into LASIK and PRK treatments, then further subdivided based on pre- and targeted postoperative refraction. Pre- and postoperative measures of uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity, manifest refraction, keratometry, and wavefront values were taken and compared, and the average changes in keratometry and higher order aberrations were calculated. At 3 months postoperative, 92% of myopes and 63% of hyperopes undergoing LASIK with a target of emmetropia achieved UDVA of 20/20. Of PRK eyes targeted for emmetropia, 80% of myopic eyes achieved UDVA of 20/20 (the hyperopic subgroup was too small to analyze). In both LASIK and PRK subgroups, total wavefront aberrations decreased, as did some higher order aberrations. This group of patients, who all achieved excellent postoperative UDVA, represents our initial surgical experience with the ALLEGRETTO WAVE, using only a standard (global surgeon) nomogram. These results may serve as an estimate of what a practice could expect in terms of initial outcomes with this system.

To evaluate retinal straylight and patient complaint scores 18 months after implantation with the AcrySof ReSTOR diffractive multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) (Alcon Laboratories Inc). Retinal straylight was measured with the C-Quant (Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH) system in 40 eyes implanted with the AcrySof ReSTOR IOL (SA60D3) and in 40 eyes implanted with the AcrySof SA60AT monofocal IOL. Complaint scores were assessed by a questionnaire in both groups of patients at three different lighting conditions--day light, dimmed light, and at night. Seventy-five percent of eyes (30/40) of the ReSTOR group and 80% of eyes (32/40) of the SA60AT control group showed a retinal straylight value within or better than the normal range. No statistically significant differences between groups were found (P = .790). Patients of the ReSTOR group showed significantly more complaint scores at all assessed lighting conditions: increasing factors were 1.53, 2.02, and 2.66, for day light, dimmed light, and night, respectively (P < .0001). Comparing the amount of straylight, the multifocal group had 20% more straylight, albeit not significant at the 1% level. The AcrySof ReSTOR IOL showed similar retinal straylight values compared to the monofocal IOL. Subjectively, patients with the diffractive IOL claimed significantly more glare for all light conditions, especially at night.

To describe a case of a 52-year-old man with severe keratoconus who underwent femtosecond laser-assisted keratoplasty with the WaveLight FS200 femtosecond laser (Alcon Laboratories Inc). The donor and recipient corneas were cut in a mushroom-shaped pattern. The laser parameters used on this platform for the donor and recipient corneas are described. Corrected distance visual acuity improved by 3 weeks postoperatively. Mean keratometry decreased from 60.00 to 46.00 diopters. This patient underwent a mushroom-shaped keratoplasty with the femtosecond laser to maximize preservation of his own endothelium. Increased energy and/or decreased spot line separation may be required depending on the degree of corneal edema or scarring involved.

Incidence of Dislocation of Intraocular Lenses and Pseudophakodonesis 10 Years after Cataract Surgery

This study aimed to compare ocular wavefront aberrations for pupil diameters of 4 mm and 6 mm, and contrast sensitivity, in eyes with AcrySof IQ and AcrySof Natural intraocular lenses (IOLs). Sixty eyes of 60 patients were enrolled in this prospective randomized study. After phacoemulsification the eyes received either AcrySof IQ SN60WF or AcrySof Natural SN60AT IOLs. One month after surgery, all patients underwent complete ophthalmological examination including corneal topography, wavefront analysis for pupil diameters of 4 mm and 6 mm, and contrast sensitivity measurements with the CSV 1000E instrument under photopic and mesopic conditions with and without glare. There was no statistically significant difference between groups in age, sex or other preoperative ocular characteristics (p > 0.05). Patients with AcrySof IQ IOLs had higher contrast sensitivity at 6 c.p.d. under photopic conditions, at 6 c.p.d. and 18 c.p.d. under mesopic conditions, and at 6 c.p.d., 12 c.p.d. and 18 c.p.d. under mesopic conditions with glare (p < 0.05). Corneal spherical aberration was 0.273 ± 0.074 μm in the AcrySof Natural group and 0.294 ± 0.086 μm in the AcrySof IQ group (p = 0489). Ocular spherical aberration was 0.362 ± 0.141 μm and 0.069 ± 0.043 μm (p < 0.001) for 6-mm diameter pupils and 0.143 ± 0.091 μm and 0.017 ± 0.016 μm (p < 0.001) for 4-mm diameter pupils, with AcrySof Natural and AcrySof IQ IOLs, respectively. There were no significant differences in other higher-order aberrations between the groups (p > 0.05). Aspherical AcrySof IQ IOLs significantly reduced spherical aberration for pupil diameters of both 4 mm and 6 mm and also improved contrast sensitivity more than spherical AcrySof Natural IOLs, especially in mesopic conditions.

We aimed to compare viscoanaesthesia (VisThesia) with intracameral lidocaine in cataract surgery carried out under topical anaesthesia. In this prospective study 98 patients were randomly assigned to receive VisThesia (group 1, n = 49) or 0.5 cc of 1% unpreserved lidocaine (group 2, n = 49). All surgery was carried out by one surgeon using clear corneal technique. Pachymetry, the status of the cornea and anterior chamber, and intraocular pressure (IOP) were checked pre- and postoperatively. Mean pain scores were 0.12 (maximum: 3) in group 1 and 0.37 in group 2; the difference between the groups was not statistically significant (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.003-0.487; p = 0.05). A total of 48 patients in group 1 (98%) and 49 in group 2 (100%) reported no discomfort or only mild discomfort. No significant differences in flare and cells in the anterior chamber or IOP were found between the two study groups. There was a significantly greater frequency of corneal oedema in group 1 (p = 0.001). Postoperative central corneal thickness values were also significantly higher in group 1 (95% CI 11.64-57.24; p = 0.003). Results suggest that viscoanaesthesia provides a level of comfort during cataract surgery under topical anaesthesia similar to that facilitated by intracameral lidocaine. However, patients who are given viscoanaesthesia may have increased risk for postoperative corneal oedema.

Outcomes of Bilateral Cataract Surgery in Tanzanian Children

Inferior Pseudophakic Retinal Detachment

The three-dimensional (3D) vision system was released to the medical market to improve laparoscopic outcomes. We analyzed the muscular pain and fatigue, and the performance outcomes after several laparoscopic urologic tasks were completed with the 3D vision system. A total of 49 participants with different surgical expertise levels were enrolled in the study. All the participants performed some laparoscopic urologic tasks using two-dimensional (2D) and 3D vision systems separately. A mini questionnaire survey was also completed by the participants. The duration and quality of the tasks and the muscular fatigue and pain were objectively determined. All the parameters were compared between the 2D and 3D systems. Although all the tasks were completed in significantly shorter times with the 3D vision system in each expertise level, maximal shortening was seen in the residents. The overall quality scores were significantly higher with the 3D vision system. However, a maximal increase was seen in the residents. The muscular pain of the participants was lower with 3D vision system. The overall handgrip strength significantly increased from 41.2 to 42.4 kg after the tasks with the 3D vision system, but the difference was significant in only the residents. Twenty-seven participants (56.2%) declared that the 3D system contributed to their performance, and most of the participants (83.3%) preferred the 3D system in the questionnaire survey. 3D technology may be effective for use in urologic laparoscopic training programs of novice surgeons. It may also contribute to the skills of specialists and experts, shortening the surgical time, which may decrease the surgical morbidity.