A prospective, comparative study between endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation and the Ahmed drainage implant in refractory glaucoma. Corneal wavefront errors 24 months after deep lamellar endothelial keratoplasty and penetrating keratoplasty. Randomized prospective comparison of visian toric implantable collamer lens and conventional photorefractive keratectomy for moderate to high myopic astigmatism. Photorefractive keratectomy with mitomycin C versus LASIK in custom surgeries for myopia: a bilateral prospective randomized clinical trial. Surgery for hemorrhagic choroidal neovascular lesions of age-related macular degeneration: ophthalmic findings: SST report no. 13. Treatment of acute pseudophakic cystoid macular edema: Diclofenac versus ketorolac. 5-fluorouracil in combined trabeculectomy and clear-cornea phacoemulsification with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation. A one-year randomized, controlled clinical trial. Double-blind comparison of two corticosteroid regimens plus mycophenolate mofetil and cyclosporine for prevention of acute renal allograft rejection. A prospective, contralateral comparison of photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) versus thin-flap LASIK: assessment of visual function.
To compare endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation (ECP) and the Ahmed drainage implant in the treatment of refractory glaucoma.
                Sixty-eight eyes of 68 patients with refractory glaucoma were prospectively assigned to either ECP or Ahmed tube shunt implantation. All procedures were performed by a single surgeon. Eyes that were included were pseudophakic with a history of at least one trabeculectomy with antimetabolite, an intraocular pressure (IOP) equal to or above 35 mm Hg on maximum tolerated medical therapy, and a visual acuity better than light perception. Exclusion criteria included eyes that had had previous glaucoma drainage device implantation or a cyclodestructive procedure. Success was defined as an IOP more than 6 mm Hg and less than 21 mm Hg, with or without topical anti-hypertensive therapy.
                The mean follow-up was 19.82 +/- 8.35 months and 21.29 +/- 6.42 months, for the Ahmed and ECP groups, respectively (P = 0.4). The preoperative IOP, 41.32 +/- 3.03 mm Hg (Ahmed) and 41.61 +/- 3.42 mm Hg (ECP) (P = 0.5), and the mean postoperative IOP, at 24 months follow-up, 14.73 +/- 6.44 mm Hg (Ahmed) and 14.07 +/- 7.21 mm Hg (ECP) (P = 0.7), were significantly different from baseline in both groups (P < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed a probability of success at 24 months of 70.59% and 73.53% for the Ahmed and ECP groups, respectively (P = 0.7). Complications included choroidal detachment (Ahmed 17.64%, ECP 2.94%), shallow anterior chamber (Ahmed 17.64%, ECP 0.0%), and hyphema (Ahmed 14.7%, ECP 17.64%).
                There was no difference in the success rate between the Ahmed Glaucoma Valve and ECP in refractory glaucoma. The eyes that underwent Ahmed tube shunt implantation had more complications than those treated with ECP. To evaluate high-order aberrations (HOA) induced by the anterior corneal surface after deep lamellar endothelial keratoplasty (DLEK) and penetrating keratoplasty (PK).
                Prospective, randomized clinical trial.
                Twenty-eight eyes of 25 patients with corneal edema resulting from Fuchs dystrophy underwent DLEK with a 9- to 10-mm incision (n = 13) or PK with double-running sutures (n = 15) at the Cornea Service, Mayo Clinic Department of Ophthalmology, Rochester, Minnesota. The main outcome measures were HOA from the anterior corneal surface calculated from corneal topography and decomposed into Zernike polynomials to the sixth order, high- and low-contrast visual acuity (VA), and contrast sensitivity. Variables after surgery were compared with those before surgery and between treatments by using generalized estimating equation models with Bonferroni adjustment.
                Total HOA through 24 months (0.48 +/- 0.15 microm) after DLEK was similar to total aberration before surgery (0.44 +/- 0.23 microm; P = .10). After PK, total HOA remained elevated through 24 months (1.68 +/- 0.58 microm) compared with that before surgery (0.49 +/- 0.27 microm; P < .005) and compared with that after DLEK (P < .006). At 24 months after PK, corneas with sutures removed had greater total HOAs than corneas with sutures intact (1.90 +/- 0.52 microm vs 1.18 +/- 0.33 microm; P = .001). High- and low-contrast VA and contrast sensitivity at 24 months after PK did not correlate with any HOA.
                HOAs from the anterior corneal surface were higher after PK compared with after DLEK but did not correlate with visual function after PK. To compare the Visian Toric Implantable Collamer Lens (TICL), a toric phakic intraocular lens (IOL), and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) in the correction of moderate to high myopic astigmatism.
                This prospective, randomized study consisted of 43 eyes implanted with the TICL (20 bilateral cases) and 45 eyes receiving PRK with mitomycin C (22 bilateral cases) with moderate to high myopia (-6.00 to -20.00 diopters [D] sphere) measured at the spectacle plane and 1.00 to 4.00 D of astigmatism. All patient treatment and follow-up occurred at the Naval Medical Center San Diego. Study follow-up was 1 day, 1 week, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperative.
                Mean best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), change in BSCVA, proportion of cases with improvement of 1 or more lines of BSCVA, proportion of cases with BSCVA and uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) 20/12.5 or better, proportion of cases with BSCVA and UCVA 20/16 or better (6 months, 88% vs 54%, P=.002), and predictability +/-1.00 D (6 months, 100% vs 67%, P<.001) were all significantly better in the TICL group than the PRK group at all time periods studied postoperatively. Similarly, contrast sensitivity, tested at both the 5% photopic level and the 25% mesopic level, was significantly better at all postoperative time points in the TICL group. Mean spherical equivalent refraction was closer to emmetropia (0.28+/-0.41 vs 0.76+/-0.86, P=.005), and predictability +/-0.50 D and stability of manifest refraction (+/-0.50 D and +/-1.00 D) were significantly better in the TICL group at all postoperative visits through 6 months. Mean astigmatism correction at 6 months was not significantly different between the two groups (0.52+/-0.33 vs 0.46+/-0.35, P=.450).
                The TICL performed better than PRK in all measures of safety (BSCVA), efficacy (UCVA), predictability, and stability in this comparison, supporting the TICL as a viable alternative to existing refractive surgical treatments. To compare photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) with prophylactic use of mitomycin C (MMC) and LASIK in custom surgeries for myopic astigmatism.
                Eighty-eight eyes of 44 patients with a minimum estimated ablation depth of 50 microm were randomized to receive PRK with MMC 0.002% for 1 minute in one eye and LASIK in the fellow eye. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), cycloplegic refraction, slit-lamp microscopy, contrast sensitivity, specular microscopy, aberrometry, and a subjective questionnaire were evaluated. Forty-two patients completed 6-month follow-up.
                Mean spherical equivalent refraction error before surgery and mean ablation depth were -3.99+/-1.20 diopters (D) and 73.09+/-14.55 microm in LASIK eyes, and -3.85+/-1.12 D and 70.7+/-14.07 microm in PRK with MMC eyes, respectively. Uncorrected visual acuity was significantly better in PRK with MMC eyes 3 months (P=.04) and 6 months (P=.01) after surgery. Best spectacle-corrected visual acuity and spherical equivalent refraction did not differ significantly in the groups during follow-up (P>.05). Significant haze was not observed in any PRK with MMC eye. Mean higher order aberration was lower in PRK with MMC eyes postoperatively compared with LASIK eyes (P=.01). Better contrast sensitivity was observed in PRK with MMC eyes than LASIK eyes (P<.05). The endothelial cell count did not differ significantly between groups (P=.65). In terms of visual satisfaction, PRK with MMC eyes were better rated.
                Photorefractive keratectomy with MMC appears to be more effective than LASIK in custom surgery for moderate myopia. During 6-month follow-up, no toxic effects of MMC were evident. Long-term follow-up is necessary to attest its safety. To present best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) findings and other clinical outcomes from eyes of patients enrolled in one of the Submacular Surgery Trials (SST) evaluating surgical removal versus observation of predominantly hemorrhagic subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) associated with age-related macular degeneration.
                Randomized clinical trial (SST Group B Trial).
                Eligible patients had subfoveal choroidal neovascular lesions greater than 3.5 disk areas (8.9 mm2) composed of at least 50% blood (either blood or CNV underlying the center of the foveal avascular zone) and BCVA of 20/100 to light perception in the study eye.
                Patients were assigned randomly at time of enrollment to observation or surgical removal of blood and any associated CNV.
                A successful outcome was defined a priori as either improvement in visual acuity (VA), no change in VA, or a decline in VA of no more than 1 line (7 letters) from baseline to the 24-month examination based on an intent-to-treat analysis.
                Of 336 patients enrolled, 168 were assigned to each treatment arm; treatment arms were balanced by baseline characteristics. Of 1501 expected examinations 3 months through 36 months after baseline, 1370 (91%) were performed. Loss of > or =2 lines (> or =8 letters) of VA occurred in 56% of surgery eyes, versus 59% of observation eyes examined at 24 months. Although severe loss of VA was not the primary outcome of interest, surgery more often prevented such loss: 36% in the observation arm versus 21% in the surgery arm at the 24-month examination (chi2 P = 0.004). Of initially phakic eyes, the cumulative percentage that had undergone cataract surgery by 24 months was 44% in the surgery arm, compared with 6% in the observation arm. Twenty-seven eyes (16%) in the surgical arm, compared with 3 eyes (2%) in the observation arm, had a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD).
                Submacular surgery as performed in the SST Group B Trial did not increase the chance of stable or improved VA (the primary outcome of interest) and was associated with a high risk of rhegmatogenous RD, but did reduce the risk of severe VA loss in comparison with observation. This article contains additional online-only material available at http://www.ophsource.com/periodicals/ophtha. To investigate whether topical diclofenac sodium 0.1% solution (Voltaren Ophthalmic) is as efficacious as topical ketorolac tromethamine 0.5% solution (Acular) in the treatment of established, chronic cystoid macular edema (CME) after uneventful phacoemulsification cataract extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.
                Referral-based vitreoretinal private practice.
                This randomized prospective study comprised 34 consecutive patients with clinical CME after uneventful phacoemulsification cataract extraction with posterior chamber IOL implantation who were referred to a private vitreoretinal practice for evaluation and management. Exclusion criteria included a history of previous intraocular surgery, vitreous loss during cataract surgery, CME, uveitis, and vitreoretinal pathology. The eye with CME was treated with 1 drop 4 times daily of diclofenac sodium 0.1% solution or ketorolac tromethamine 0.5% solution. Outcomes were measured by observing for improvement in CME and visual acuity.
                Both treatment methods resulted in a significant reduction in CME and a significant improvement in visual acuity. Within 26 weeks, diclofenac reduced CME in 16 patients (89%) and ketorolac, in 14 patients (88%) (P =.92, confidence interval [CI] 95%). Within 26 weeks, diclofenac eliminated CME in 14 patients (78%) and ketorolac, in 12 patients (75%) (P =.86, CI 95%). The mean time to initial CME reduction was 7.5 weeks with diclofenac and 8.0 weeks with ketorolac (P =.41, CI 95%). The mean time to CME resolution was 13.6 weeks with diclofenac and 12.8 weeks with ketorolac (P =.49, CI 95%).
                Diclofenac sodium 0.1% solution and ketorolac tromethamine 0.5% topical ophthalmic solution eyedrops were equally effective in reducing the severity and duration of CME after uneventful phacoemulsification with posterior chamber IOL implantation. Either solution may be considered for CME after cataract surgery, especially in patients who may not tolerate corticosteroid treatment. To test the effect of postoperative subconjunctival 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on the pressure outcome in combined procedure (limbus-based trabeculectomy + clear-cornea phacoemulsification).
                Prospective randomized, controlled clinical trial; n = 24 eyes (24 patients) with concurrent open-angle glaucoma and cataract; 12 eyes per treatment group; sample size adjusted for a minimal expected difference in the event rate between the 2 treatment groups = 50%, control rate = 20%; type I error = 0.05; power = 95%. Uncomplicated limbus-based trabeculectomy + uncomplicated clear-cornea phacoemulsification + posterior chamber intraocular lens. The 5-FU group = five subconjunctival injections of 5 mg 5-FU, starting from day 8 after surgery, one injection per week. Control group = no injections. The groups were matched for age, preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), duration of preoperative antiglaucoma treatment, preoperative pilocarpine and adrenergics, preoperative laser trabeculoplasty, and beta-blockers in the fellow eye. The IOP less than or equal to 15 mmHg without treatment 1 year after surgery (IOP = average of the two highest values measured in the diurnal curve, 8 AM to 6 PM, one reading every 2 hours).
                Each patient completed a 1-year follow-up. Ten of 12 eyes of the 5-FU group showed an IOP less than or equal to 15 mmHg at the end of follow-up versus 1 of 12 eyes in the control group (Fisher's exact test, P = 0.00064). The IOP range was 10 to 17 mmHg in the 5-FU group and 14 to 22 mmHg in the control group.
                Postoperative 5-FU may improve the 1-year success rate of trabeculectomy combined with clear-cornea phacoemulsification. Renal transplant recipients experience adverse events attributed to corticosteroid therapy.
                This was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, 6-month, controlled steroid dose-reduction study in renal transplant recipients with an unblinded 6-month follow-up. In the low/stop arm, corticoste. roids were given at half the dosage of control for 3 months from the date of transplantation, and then withdrawn. Both arms received mycophenolate mofetil and cyclosporine. The primary endpoint was the incidence of biopsy-proven acute rejection at 6 months posttransplantation.
                There were 248 patients in the control group and 252 in the low/stop group. At 6 months the low/stop group had more biopsy-proven acute rejection episodes than the control (23% vs. 14%; P=0.008). At 12 months this increased to 25% vs. 15%. Most rejections were Banff grade I. Twelve-month graft loss was 5% in the low/stop group vs. 4% in the control. At 6 and 12 months serum cholesterol (P<0.01, P<0.01), triglycer. ides (P<0.01, P<0.01), and systolic blood pressure (P<0.001, P<0.001) were lower in the low/stop group. Diastolic pressure was lower (P<0.01) and lumbar spine bone density was greater (P<0.01) in the low/ stop group at 12 months.
                In renal transplant recipients treated with mycophenolate mofetil and cyclosporine, reduction and early withdrawal of the prophylactic corticosteroid dose is feasible without an unacceptable increase in serious rejection episodes. This is accompanied by a significant reduction of steroid-related adverse events. To compare differences in visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, complications, and higher-order ocular aberrations (HOAs) in eyes with stable myopia undergoing either photo-refractive keratectomy (PRK) or thin-flap laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) (intended flap thickness of 90 μm) using the VISX Star S4 CustomVue excimer laser and the IntraLase FS60 femtosecond laser at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively.
                In this prospective, masked, and randomized pilot study, refractive surgery was performed contralaterally on 52 eyes: 26 with PRK and 26 with thin-flap LASIK. Primary outcome measures were uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), contrast sensitivity, and complications.
                At 6 months, mean values for UDVA (logMAR) were -0.043 ± 0.668 and -0.061 ± 0.099 in the PRK and thin-flap LASIK groups, respectively (n = 25, P = 0.466). UDVA of 20/20 or better was achieved in 96% of eyes undergoing PRK and 92% of eyes undergoing thin-flap LASIK, whereas 20/15 vision or better was achieved in 73% of eyes undergoing PRK and 72% of eyes undergoing thin-flap LASIK (P > 0.600). Significant differences were not found between treatment groups in contrast sensitivity (P ≥ 0.156) or CDVA (P = 0.800) at postoperative 6 months. Types of complications differed between groups, notably 35% of eyes in the thin-flap LASIK group experiencing complications, including microstriae and 2 flap tears.
                Under well-controlled surgical conditions, PRK and thin-flap LASIK refractive surgeries achieve similar results in visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and induction of HOAs, with differences in experienced complications.
There is no high quality evidence that EK is superior to PKP in the treatment of FED considering the studies that satisfied our primary and secondary outcome measures. One RCT demonstrated that HOAs are lower following EK and some lower quality evidence suggests that endothelial rejection episodes may be less with EK. These findings should be interpreted with caution as they are based on data with risk of biases. Further RCTs of visual and refractive outcomes needs to be performed in this field, comparing EK to PKP, with a larger sample size and at least five years of follow up. To avoid bias due to a surgeon's learning curve, procedures should be performed by experienced surgeons only. Quality of life and vision should also be evaluated. The risk of endothelial rejection will be difficult to address in the context of a RCT because of power considerations but large non-randomised comparative case series and corneal graft registry outcome data will be useful in this regard.