Pain perception enhancement in consecutive secondeye phacoemulsification cataract surgeries under topical anesthesia

Cataract is the main cause of visual impairment and blindness worldwide while the only effective cure for cataract is still surgery.Consecutive phacoemulsification under topical anesthesia has been the routine procedure for cataract surgery.However,patients often grumbled that they felt more painful during the second-eye surgery compared to the first-eye surgery.The intraoperative pain experience has negative influence on satisfaction and willingness for second-eye cataract surgery of patients with bilateral cataracts.Intraoperative ocular pain is a complicated process induced by the nociceptors activation in the peripheral nervous system.Immunological,neuropsychological,and pharmacological factors work together in the enhancement of intraoperative pain.Accumulating published literatures have focused on the pain enhancement during the secondeye phacoemulsification surgeries.In this review,we searched PubMed database for articles associated with pain perception differences between consecutive cataract surgeries published up to Feb.1,2024.We summarized the recent research progress in mechanisms and interventions for pain perception enhancement in consecutive secondeye phacoemulsification cataract surgeries.This review aimed to provide novel insights into strategies for improving patients’intraoperative experience in second-eye cataract surgeries.

Utility of real-time 3D visualization system in the early stage of phacoemulsification training

●AIM:To determine the teaching effects of a real-time three dimensional(3D)visualization system in the operating room for early-stage phacoemulsification training.●METHODS:A total of 10 ophthalmology residents of the first-year postgraduate were included.All the residents were novices to cataract surgery.Real-time cataract surgical observations were performed using a custom-built 3D visualization system.The training lasted 4wk(32h)in all.A modified International Council of Ophthalmology’s Ophthalmology Surgical Competency Assessment Rubric(ICO-OSCAR)containing 4 specific steps of cataract surgery was applied.The self-assessment(self)and expert-assessment(expert)were performed through the microsurgical attempts in the wet lab for each participant.●RESULTS:Compared with pre-training assessments(self 3.2±0.8,expert 2.5±0.6),the overall mean scores of posttraining(self 5.2±0.4,expert 4.7±0.6)were significantly improved after real-time observation training of 3D visualization system(P<0.05).Scores of 4 surgical items were significantly improved both self and expert assessment after training(P<0.05).●CONCLUSION:The 3D observation training provides novice ophthalmic residents with a better understanding of intraocular microsurgical techniques.It is a useful tool to improve teaching efficiency of surgical education.

Effect of capsule treatment on visual acuity and quality after phacoemulsification lens implantation in myopic patients with cataract

BACKGROUND Cataracts pose a significant clinical burden due to their complex pathogenesis.In recent years,an increase in cataracts coexisting with myopia has heightened the incidence of retinopathy and posterior vitreous detachment.Additionally,symptoms of ocular axis elongation,lens nucleus hardening,and vitreous liquefaction have become more prevalent.While conventional extracapsular cataract extraction is commonly employed,it often yields suboptimal visual outcomes.Subsequent advancements in cataract phacoemulsification and lens implantation surgeries have gained widespread acceptance for their ability to improve refraction and significantly improve uncorrected visual acuity.AIM To investigate the effect of capsular treatment after phacoemulsification lens implantation in myopic patients with cataract.METHODS We selected 110 patients(with 134 eyes)with myopia and cataracts treated.These patients were categorized into two groups:an observation group(57 patients with 70 eyes)and a control group(53 patients with 64 eyes).The control group underwent cataract phacoemulsification and lens implantation,while the observation group received a refined capsular treatment based on the control group’s procedure.We assessed the differences in visual acuity and quality between the two groups before and after surgery.RESULTS At six months post-operation,the observation group exhibited significantly improved far vision,intermediate vision,near vision,lower objective scattering index,higher Modulation transfer function cut-off frequency,and overall vision metrics at different contrast levels(100%,20%and 9%)compared to the control group(P<0.05).The total score of the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire in the observation group at 6 months after operation was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).No significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions was observed between the observation group and control group(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Capsular treatment demonstrates efficacy in improving visual acuity and quality after phacoemulsification lens implantation in myopic patients with cataracts,warranting its clinical application.

Clinical efficacy of femtosecond laser-assisted phacoemulsification in diabetic cataract patients

BACKGROUND Diabetic patients with cataracts encounter specific difficulties during cataract surgery due to alterations in microcirculation,blood supply,metabolism,and the microenvironment.Traditional phacoemulsification may not fully tackle these issues,especially in instances with substantial preoperative astigmatism.The utilization of femtosecond laser-assisted phacoemulsification,in conjunction with Toric intraocular lens(IOL)implantation,offers a potentially more efficient strategy.This research seeks to evaluate the efficacy and possible complications of this approach in diabetic cataract patients.AIM To investigate the clinical efficacy and complications of femtosecond laser-assisted phacoemulsification combined with Toric IOL implantation in diabetic cataract patients,comparing it with traditional phacoemulsification methods.METHODS This retrospective study enrolled 120 patients with diabetes cataract from May 2019 to May 2021.The patients were divided into two groups:the control group underwent traditional phacoemulsification and Toric IOL implantation,while the treatment group received Len Sx femtosecond laser-assisted treatment.Outcome measures included naked eye vision,astigmatism,high-level ocular phase difference detection,clinical efficacy,and complication.RESULTS There were no significant preoperative differences in astigmatism or naked eyesight between the two groups.However,postoperative improvements were observed in both groups,with the treatment group showing greater enhancements in naked eye vision and astigmatism six months after the procedure.High-level corneal phase difference tests also indicated significant differences in favor of the treatment group.CONCLUSION This study suggests that femtosecond laser-assisted phacoemulsification combined with Toric IOL implantation appears to be more effective in enhancing postoperative vision in diabetic cataract patients compared to traditional methods offering valuable insights for clinical practice.

Efficacy of Combined Phacoemulsification and Goniosynechialysis in the Treatment of Patients with Primary Angle Closure Disease and Concomitant Cataract at Preah Ang Duong Hospital in Cambodia

Background: Goniosynechialysis is a surgical procedure that has been shown to slow the progression of glaucoma in oriental eyes with chronic angle closure glaucoma. This procedure was successful in 80% of cases, and the peripheral anterior syenchiae did not exist until one year later. Nonetheless, there is little evidence of its efficacy in our context. Our study aims to investigate the efficacy of goniosynechialysis during phacoemulsification in patients with primary angle closure disease and concomitant cataract. Methods: This was an observational, prospective study. The intra-ocular pressure, need for anti-glaucoma drugs, visual acuity, the extent of synechiae, anterior chamber depth, surgical success rate, and other indicators were monitored for at least three months following surgery. Results: This study included 114 patients (118 eyes), 61 with chronic angle closure glaucoma (51.69%), 33 with primary angle closure (27.97%), and 24 with acute attack angle closure (20.34%), who were surgically treated with phacoemulsification and goniosynechialysis (Phaco-GSL). The mean intra-ocular pressure had significantly decreased three months after surgery (pre- vs post-op: 22.04 ± 10.86 vs 15.41 ± 6.06 mmHg, p-value p-value p-value p-value p-value Conclusion: Regardless of the type of glaucoma, combined phacoemulsification-goniosynechialysis is effective in lowering pressure, restoring vision, reducing the need for anti-glaucoma drugs, and preventing the synechial recurrence. Success was higher in eyes with less extensive synechiae. Phaco-GSL is safe and effective in the treatment of primary angle closure diseases with co-existing cataract.

Determination of the time of refractive stability after uneventful phacoemulsification in Indian eyes

BACKGROUND Knowledge about refractive stabilization and the accuracy of postoperative refractive error measurements are crucial for improved patient outcomes after phacoemulsification.Existing guidelines typically recommend waiting 4-6 wk before prescribing corrective lenses.Our research focused on identifying factors that influence refractive errors in the early stages of post-cataract surgery,thus contributing to the existing literature on this topic.AIM To investigate the time required for refraction stability after uneventful phacoemulsification surgery.METHODS We compared the variation and statistical significance of the difference in spherical,cylindrical components,and the spherical equivalent between the 1-and 6-wk follow-up period in a group of 257 eyes that underwent uneventful phacoemulsification with foldable intraocular lens implantation,all performed by a single experienced surgeon.The Wilcoxon-Signed Rank Test was utilized to assess the magnitude of the change and determine its statistical significance.The refractive stability was defined as the point at which the change in spherical equivalent was within±0.5 dioptres for two consecutive visits.RESULTS The average age of the patients was 64.9±8.9 yr.The differences observed in both the visits in spherical power(0.1±0.2),cylinder power(0.3±0.4),and spherical equivalent(0.2±0.2)were minimal and not statistically significant.The majority of eyes(93.4%)achieved refractive stability within 6 wk after the surgery.The cylindrical power differed between age groups at the 6th wk post-operative and the difference was statistically significant(P value 0.013).There were no significant differences in refractive stability when considering sex and axial length.CONCLUSION Phacoemulsification with foldable intraocular lens implantation results in no significant changes in refraction for the majority of cases during the 6-wk follow-up period.Therefore,a spectacle prescription can be given at the completion of 1 wk.

Evaluation of optic nerve head vessels density changes after phacoemulsification cataract surgery using optical coherence tomography angiography

·AIM:To evaluate optic nerve head(ONH)vessel density(VD)changes after cataract surgery using optical coherence tomography angiography(OCTA).·METHODS:This was a prospective observational study.Thirty-four eyes with mild/moderate cataracts were included.ONH scans were obtained before and 3mo after cataract surgery using OCTA.Radial peripapillary capillary(RPC)density,all VD,large VD and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness(RNFLT)in total disc,inside disc,and different peripapillary sectors were assessed and analyzed.Image quality score(QS),fundus photography grading and bestcorrected visual acuity(BCVA)were also collected,and correlation analyses were performed between VD change and these parameters.·RESULTS:Compared with baseline,both RPC and all VD increased in inside disc area 3mo postoperatively(from 47.5%±5.3%to 50.2%±3.7%,and from 57.87%±4.30%to 60.47%±3.10%,all P<0.001),but no differences were observed in peripapillary area.However,large VD increased from 5.63%±0.77%to 6.47%±0.72%in peripapillary ONH region(P<0.001).RPC decreased in inferior and superior peripapillary ONH parts(P=0.019,<0.001 respectively).There were obvious negative correlations between RPC change and large VD change in inside disc,superior-hemi,and inferior-hemi(r=-0.419,-0.370,and-0.439,P=0.017,0.044,and 0.015,respectively).No correlations were found between VD change and other parameters including QS change,fundus photography grading,postoperative BCVA,and postoperative peripapillary RNFLT.·CONCLUSION:RPC density and all VD in the inside disc ONH region increase 3mo after surgery in patients with mild to moderate cataract.No obvious VD changes are found in peripapillary area postoperatively.

Corneal endothelial cells and acoustic cavitation in phacoemulsification

Postoperative complications of phacoemulsification,such as corneal edema caused by human corneal endothelial cell(CEC)injury,are still a matter of concern.Although several factors are known to cause CEC damage,the influence of ultrasound on the formation of free radicals during surgery should be considered.Ultrasound in aqueous humor induces cavitation and promotes the formation of hydroxyl radicals or reactive oxygen species(ROS).ROS-induced apoptosis and autophagy in phacoemulsification have been suggested to significantly promote CEC injury.CEC cannot regenerate after injury,and measures must be taken to prevent the loss of CEC after phacoemulsification or other CEC injuries.Antioxidants can reduce the oxidative stress injury of CEC during phacoemulsification.Evidence from rabbit eye studies shows that ascorbic acid infusion during operation or local application of ascorbic acid during phacoemulsification has a protective effect by scavenging free radicals or reducing oxidative stress.Both in experiments and clinical practice,hydrogen dissolved in the irrigating solution can also prevent CEC damage during phacoemulsification surgery.Astaxanthin(AST)can inhibit oxidative damage,thereby protecting different cells from most pathological conditions,such as myocardial cells,luteinized granulosa cells of the ovary,umbilical vascular endothelial cells,and human retina pigment epithelium cell line(ARPE-19).However,existing research has not focused on the application of AST to prevent oxidative stress during phacoemulsification,and the related mechanisms need to be studied.The Rho related helical coil kinase inhibitor Y-27632 can inhibit CEC apoptosis after phacoemulsification.Rigorous experiments are required to confirm whether its effect is realized through improving the ROS clearance ability of CEC.

Comparison of three fundus inspection methods during phacoemulsification in diabetic white cataract

AIM:To investigate whether Wild Field Imaging System(WFIS SW-8000),25G endoilluminator,and intraoperative optical coherence tomography(iOCT)can perform realtime screening and diagnosing in patients with suspicious diabetic retinopathy(DR)during phacoemulsification,especially in cases of white cataract.METHODS:A cross-sectional study was carried out.A total of 204 dense diabetic cataractous eyes of 204 patients with suspected DR treated from April 2020 to March 2021 were included.Phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens implantation was performed.Following the removal of the lens opacity,the 25G endoilluminator,fundus photography,and iOCT were performed successively.Optical coherence tomography(OCT)and/or fundus fluorescein angiography(FFA)were used to verify the fundus findings postoperatively.Intraoperative and postoperative results were compared to verify the accuracy of intraoperative diagnosis in each group.RESULTS:Intraoperative and postoperative examinations revealed 58 and 62 eyes with DR,respectively(positive rate,28.43%and 30.39%,respectively).During the phacoemulsification,WFIS SW-8000 detected 44 eyes with DR(the detection rate,70.97%);25G endo-illuminator found 56 eyes with DR(the detection rate,90.32%);iOCT found 46 eyes with DR(the detection rate,74.19%);and 58 eyes with DR were found by combining the three methods(the detection rate,93.55%).There were statistically significant differences in the diagnostic sensitivity for DR among the methods(χ^(2)=16.36,P=0.001).CONCLUSION:WFIS SW-8000,25G endo-illuminator,iOCT,and especially their combination can be used to inspect the fundus and detect DR intraoperatively;they are helpful for the timely diagnosis and treatment of DR in patients with dense cataract.

“Capsule drape wrap”——a new technology for iridoschisis management during phacoemulsification

·AIM: To introduce a new technique for iridoschisis management during phacoemulsification: “capsule drape wrap”.·METHODS: “Capsule drape wrap” technique was used for an 80-year-old man with idiopathic iridoschisis in the right eye during phacoemulsification. The inserted flexible nylon iris hooks to hold anterior capsule in place, the margin of the anterior capsule could act as drape wrap, tracking the fibrillary iris strands firmly from free floating and stabilizing the capsular bags simultaneously. ·RESULTS: The eye with iridoschisis was successfully treated. Iris fibrils remained immobile during the procedure, and despite the severity of iridoschisis, there were no intraoperative complications such as tear of the iris, hyphema, iris prolapse, loss of mydriasis, or rupture of the posterior lens capsule during phacoemulsification. The bestcorrected visual acuity was increased by 0.1(log MAR) 6mo after the surgery.·CONCLUSION: “Capsule drape wrap” for iridoschisis is easily manageable, prevents further disruption to the loose iris fibers and ensures the stability of capsule–iris complex simultaneously, consequently minimizing the risk of surgical complications in phacoemulsification.

Clinical study of acupuncture combined with surface anesthesia using proparacaine in geriatric cataract phacoemulsification

BACKGROUND During anesthesia administration for cataract surgery,low pH of proparacaine may induce pain or complications such as corneal damage and poor wound healing,with the use of additional drops intraoperatively increasing the risk of complications.Accordingly,there is a clinical need for adjuncts to local anesthesia needs to improve the efficiency of anesthesia and reduce the required amount of intraoperative proparacaine.AIM To identify a method of anesthesia for geriatric cataract phacoemulsification that provides more efficient analgesia and improves clinical efficacy.METHODS A total of 130 geriatric patients with cataracts who attended Hebei Eye Hospital from December 2020 to December 2022 were included in the present study.Patients were divided into the proparacaine surface anesthesia(SA)group(65 cases)and the compound acupuncture-medicine anesthesia group(CAMA group,65 cases).Patients in the CAMA group were provided acupuncture analgesia in addition to SA.Preoperative anxiety[Self-Rating Anxiety Scale(SAS)score and state anxiety inventory(SAI)score],intraoperative stress,vital signs,analgesia,and cooperation,as well as postoperative adverse events,were compared between groups.RESULTS More marked reductions in anxiety were observed among patients in the CAMA group,with corresponding reductions in SAS and SAI scores.During the operation,no change in the secretion of E,NE,or Cor group compared to the preoperative period was observed in the CAMA,which was markedly lower than that in the SA group.Heart rate,blood pressure,and respiratory rate were more stable intraoperatively in the CAMA group.In addition,the incidence of intraoperative pain and the number of additional doses of anesthesia required in the CAMA group were markedly lower than in the SA group.Accordingly,patients in the CAMA group were able to avoid eye movements and eyelid closing leading to greater cooperation with surgeons during surgery.Furthermore,marked reductions in intraoperative adverse effects were observed in the CAMA group,indicating greater overall safety.CONCLUSION Proparacaine SA combined with acupuncture as an analgesic provides improved analgesia with greater safety compared to surface anesthesia with proparacaine during geriatric cataract phacoemulsification.

Anterior Chamber Depth Changes in Narrow Iridocorneal Angles after Phacoemulsification

Background: The burden of cataract and glaucoma has been increasing. Primary angle closure occurs as a result of crowded anterior segment anatomy causing appositional contact between peripheral iris and trabecular meshwork. Lens extraction has been proposed as a method of deepening anterior chamber and managing intraocular pressure. Purpose: To assess changes in anterior chamber depth after phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation in narrow angle eyes. Design: Prospective controlled trial (before-after) study. Method: The study was conducted from March 2015 to August 2017 among the patients of department of Ophthalmology of BSMMU who were diagnosed as cataract with narrow angles. Anterior chamber angle grading of 2 or less (Shaffer grading) in 3 or more quadrants was considered narrow angle (NA). The purposive type sampling technique was applied to collect sample from the study population, as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. Complete clinical evaluation including history, physical examination, relevant ocular examinations and systemic examinations were performed. In this prospective study, subjects underwent phacoemulsification with foldable lens implantation. A scan ultrasonography was performed preoperatively and 10th and 30th postoperative days of surgery. Results: Thirty eyes of 29 patients included in the study, male: female ratio was 1:1, with an overall mean age of 62.03 ± 8.95 years. The mean preoperative central ACD was 2.95 ± 0.35 mm. At 10th and 30th POD mean central ACD were 3.94 ± 0.32, and 3.92 ± 0.28 mm respectively. Mean of increase in central ACD at final follow-up was 0.96 mm (p Conclusion: Phacoemulsification with posterior chamber in bag lens implantation can deepen the anterior chamber depth in patients with narrow angles. Based on these findings, it is concluded that phacoemulsification with foldable intraocular lens implantation is an effective tool in deepening the anterior chamber.

A Meta-Analysis: Safety and Efficacy of Phacoemulsification with Goniosynechialysis versus Trabeculectomy for Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma in China

Aim: The aim is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of phacoemulsification with goniosynechialysis versus trabeculectomy in the treatment of acute angle closure glaucoma (AACG) systematically. Methods: From January 1, 2000 to August 31, 2022, we searched PubMed, Science Citation Index Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Database for pertinent material about the treatment of AACG with various operations. The imported literature was carefully vetted using the inclusion and exclusion criteria, assessed for quality, and the raw data were retrieved and integrated into EndNoteX9. For the meta-analysis, STATA 16.0 and RevMan 5.3 were used as the tools. Results: The meta-analysis includes 20 clinical investigations in all, involving 1463 eyes. The quality of the literature was rated as excellent and the data homogeneity among the studies was excellent based on the various study types that were included in the literature. According to a meta-analysis, phacoemulsification with goniosynechialysis is superior to trabeculectomy for treating acute angle-closure glaucoma because it results in improved postoperative visual acuity, lower intraocular pressure, a broader anterior chamber depth, and fewer complications. Conclusion: If conditions allow, phacoemulsification in conjunction with goniosynechialysis performs better than trabeculectomy in terms of visual acuity, intraocular pressure, anterior chamber depth, and comorbidities.

A Meta-Analysis: Safety and Efficacy of Phacoemulsification with Goniosynechialysis versus Trabeculectomy for Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma in China

Aim: The aim is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of phacoemulsification with goniosynechialysis versus trabeculectomy in the treatment of acute angle closure glaucoma (AACG) systematically. Methods: From January 1, 2000 to August 31, 2022, we searched PubMed, Science Citation Index Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Database for pertinent material about the treatment of AACG with various operations. The imported literature was carefully vetted using the inclusion and exclusion criteria, assessed for quality, and the raw data were retrieved and integrated into EndNoteX9. For the meta-analysis, STATA 16.0 and RevMan 5.3 were used as the tools. Results: The meta-analysis includes 20 clinical investigations in all, involving 1463 eyes. The quality of the literature was rated as excellent and the data homogeneity among the studies was excellent based on the various study types that were included in the literature. According to a meta-analysis, phacoemulsification with goniosynechialysis is superior to trabeculectomy for treating acute angle-closure glaucoma because it results in improved postoperative visual acuity, lower intraocular pressure, a broader anterior chamber depth, and fewer complications. Conclusion: If conditions allow, phacoemulsification in conjunction with goniosynechialysis performs better than trabeculectomy in terms of visual acuity, intraocular pressure, anterior chamber depth, and comorbidities.

An evaluation of intraoperative and postoperative outcomes of torsional mode versus longitudinal ultrasound mode phacoemulsification:a Meta-analysis

AIM： To evaluate and compare the intraoperative parameters and postoperative outcomes of torsional mode and longitudinal mode of phacoemulsification. METHODS： Pertinent studies were identified by a computerized MEDLINE search from January 2002 to September 2013. The Meta-anaiysis is composed of two parts. In the first part the intraoperative parameters were considered： ultrasound time （UST） and cumulative dissipated energy （CDE）. The intraoperative values were also distinctly considered for two categories （moderate and hard cataract group） depending on the nuclear opacity grade. In the second part of the study the postoperative outcomes as the best corrected visual acuity （BCVA） and the endothelial cell loss （ECL） were taken in consideration. RESULTS： The UST and CDE values proved statistically significant in support of torsional mode for both moderate and hard cataract group. The analysis of BCVA did not present statistically significant difference between the two surgical modalities. The ECL count was statistically significant in support of torsional mode （P〈0.001）. CONCLUSION： The Meta -analysis shows the superiority of the torsional mode for intraoperative parameters （UST, CDE） and postoperative ECL outcomes.

Changes of tear film and tear secretion after phacoemulsification in diabetic patients

Objective: To evaluate tear film stability and tear secretion in patients with diabetes after phacoemulsification. Methods: Twenty-five diabetic cataract patients and 20 age-matched non-diabetic cataract patients as control underwent pha- coemulsification. Tear film break-up time (TFBUT), Schirmer I test (SIT), corneal fluorescein staining, and dry eye symptoms were measured pre- and postoperatively. Results: Diabetics had a decreased preoperative TFBUT and SIT. TFBUT was reduced on Day 1 and recovered on Day 180 postoperatively in both groups. SIT was increased after phacoemulsification, but returned to preoperative levels by Day 180 in non-diabetics, whereas it was lower than preoperative level in diabetics. Positive corneal fluo- rescein staining was elevated in both groups, and returned to preoperative levels only in controls. Dry eye symptoms were similar to fluorescein staining in both groups. Conclusion: Tear secretion was reduced in diabetic cataract patients after phacoe- mulsification, which worsened dry eye symptoms and predisposed those patients to ocular damage.

Phacoemulsification with or without goniosynechialysis for angle-closure glaucoma: a global Meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trials

AIM: To compare the benefits and potential harms of routine phacoemulsification(phaco) alone and combined surgery with goniosynechialysis(GSL) for angle-closure glaucoma(ACG) and coexisting lens opacity, as shown in different randomized controlled trials(RCTs).METHODS: A systematic review was conducted searching several databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov from the inception to September 2018 for RCTs with data published on the effects and safety of phaco and intraocular lens implantation combined with GSL or routine cataract surgery alone. Several studies were recruited which reported data at baselines and postoperative follow-up, including the mean values of postoperative intraocular pressure(IOP) and mean numbers of antiglaucoma medications using postoperatively. The numbers of complications happening were also included. Fixedeffect and random-effect models were applied, and the quality of evidence was evaluated.RESULTS: Analysis of the seven included RCTs, with a total number of 321 participants(358 eyes) diagnosed with ACG and cataract, received a solo procedure(phaco group) or a combined surgery(phaco-GSL group) randomly, and follow-up periods ranging from 2 to 12 mo postoperatively. The involved studies showed that the mean value of IOP between the two groups at 3(four studies, one study follow-up at 2 mo postoperative was included), 6, 12 mo postoperative were not significantly different. Only two studies reported the change in IOP value at 12 mo compared with baseline but showed nosignificant differences between the two interventions. Although three studies did not have the significant difference in the number of medications using to reduce IOP at 3 mo postoperatively, two studies reported that the participants using fewer anti-glaucoma medications at 12 mo postoperative in the phaco group than in the phacoGSL surgery group.CONCLUSION: The analysis provides a low to moderatequality evidence that phaco-GSL surgery lead to an equivalent IOP-lowering effect. The phaco-GSL surgery may not help patients to reduce the consumption of antiglaucoma eyedrops in the long period. The results of this analysis suggested that additional GSL may not be necessary for primary angle closure glaucoma(PACG) patients. Further studies, especially RCTs with more participants and longer follow-up time were needed to provide more sufficient data.

Comparing the intraoperative complication rate of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery to traditional phacoemulsification

AIM: To compare the complication rate of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery(FLACS) and traditional phacoemulsification for the first 18 mo of FLACS use at a private surgical center in Hawaii.METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted from January 2012 to June 2013. The first 273 consecutive eyes receiving FLACS and 553 eyes receiving traditional phacoemulsification were examined.All surgeries were performed at a single surgical center in Hawaii. The presence of intraoperative complications was used as the main outcome measure. Approval was obtained from the institutional review board of the University of Hawaii.RESULTS: The overall complication rate for FLACS was 1.8%, while that of the traditional procedure was5.8%(P 【0.05). A majority of the surgeons(80%) had a lower complication rate while using FLACS.CONCLUSION: FLACS is comparable in safety, if not safer, than traditional cataract surgery when performed by qualified cataract surgeons on carefully selected patients.

Endoscope-assisted goniosynechialysis combined with phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation to manage primary angle-closure glaucoma

AIM: To describe and evaluate a new ophthalmic endoscope surgical technique combined with phacoe-mulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation to treat goniosynechialysis and manage primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG). ·METHODS: Endoscope-assisted goniosynechialysis combined with phacoemulsification and IOL implantation was performed in 32 eyes of 29 patients with PACG. Regular follow-up was performed 1 week and 1 month, 3, and 6 months after surgery to assess complications, intraocular pressure (IOP), anterior chamber depth, visual acuity, and anterior chamber angle. ·RESULTS: Preoperative mean IOP was 24.88±7.22mmHg with pharmacological treatment, and was 13.70 ±4.02, 13.06 ±3.74, 14.29 ±4.70, and 14.33 ±5.01mmHg 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery, respectively. The postoperative decrease in IOP was significant (P 【 0.05). The rate for all eyes with IOP of 21mmHg or less was 93.8% (30 eyes) at the final visit without ocular hypotensive agents. The average preoperative anterior chamber depth was 1.60 ±0.64mm, and this value significantly increased to 2.72±0.62, 2.76±0.70, 2.73±0.68, and 2.74 ±0.71mm at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months, respectively. Visual acuity was improved in 28 eyes (87.5% ) at 6 months postoperatively. The anterior chamber angle had increased in 25 eyes (78.1% ) at the final visit; it was adhesive 90°-180° in 6 eyes, 180°-270° in only 1 eye. Two eyes exhibited minimal hyphema in the early postoperative period, but it could gradually be absorbed. Fibrinous reaction was observed in five eyes and spontaneously disappeared within 7 days. No shallow anterior chamber, iridodialysis, choroidal deta-chment, or malignant glaucoma was found in any eyes.CONCLUSION:Endoscope-assisted goniosynechialysis combined with phacoemulsification and IOL implantation to manage PACG has several advantages, including optimized visualization, greater accuracy, and improved safety. Our results suggest that it has certain curative effects and clinical application value.

Combined treatment of phacoemulsification and single-port limited pars plana vitrectomy in acute angle-closure glaucoma

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of combined treatment of phacoemulsification(PE) and micro-incisional single-port transconjunctival limited pars plana vitrectomy(PPV) in acute angle-closure glaucoma(AACG).METHODS: A retrospective study included 26 patients who underwent PE diagnosed with AACG. Among them, 16 patients(16 eyes) underwent PE alone, 10 patients(10 eyes) underwent combined limited vitrectomy and PE. Then we compared intraocular pressure(IOP), anterior chamber angle, anterior chamber depth, central corneal thickness and corneal endothelial cell count before and after surgery, and effective PE time during cataract surgery.RESULTS: Effective PE time was shorter in the combined surgery group than in the single surgery group(P=0.040). There was no statistically significant difference in IOP and best-corrected visual acuity between the two groups postoperatively. At 6 mo postoperatively, there was no difference in the anterior chamber angle, anterior chamber depth, and central corneal thickness between two groups, but corneal endothelial cell count was higher in the combined surgery group than in the single surgery group(P=0.046). No complication such as vitreoretinal disease, endophthalmitis, bullous keratopathy was noted.CONCLUSION: Combined micro-incisional single-port transconjunctival limited PPV and PE are more effective and safer than PE alone because of less operation time and fewer complications for management of AACG.