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.

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.

Resolution of myopic macular schisis following cataract phacoemulsification

Dear Editor,We write to introduce a case of high myopia who had bilateral macular schisis along with cataracts.During the following-up period from 2014 to 2021,the severity of macular schisis gradually worsened.However,following cataract surgery,there was a gradual improvement in the macular schisis,ultimately leading to near-complete resolution.We obtained the written informed consent from the patient,and this case study adhered to the principles in the Declaration of Helsinki.

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.

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.

Outcomes of 1.8-3.0 mm incision phacoemulsification combined with trabeculectomy for primary angle-closure glaucoma with cataract

●AIM:To compare efficacy of coaxial microincisions(1.8 mm,2.2 mm)and small incisions(3.0 mm)on phacoemulsification combined with trabeculectomy for primary angle-closure glaucoma(PACG)with cataract.●METHODS:Ninety-six patients(96 eyes)with PACG and cataract were recruited and randomly divided into three groups between January 2015 and June 2017.Group A(3.0 mm incision),B(2.2 mm incision),and C(1.8 mm incision)comprised 30,34 and 32 eyes respectively.All cases were treated with clear corneal incision phacoemulsification combined with trabeculectomy.Data including best corrected visual acuity(BCVA),corneal astigmatism,corneal endothelial cell counts(CECC),intraocular pressure(IOP),and complications were collected before the operation,and at postoperative 1 d,1 and 3 mo.●RESULTS:All the patients were successfully treated with surgery.The BCVA of groups B and C were significantly improved as compared to group A at postoperative 1 d,1 and 3 mo(all P<0.05),but there was no difference between groups B and C at each time interval(all P>0.05).The corneal astigmatism of group A was statistically higher than that of group B(P=0.026);corneal astigmatism of group B was statistically higher than that of group C at postoperative 1 d(P=0.006).The corneal astigmatism of group A at postoperative 3 mo was significantly higher than that before operation(P=0.003).At postoperative 1 and 3 mo,corneal astigmatism of groups B and C were significantly lower than that of group A(all P<0.05).The CECC in group B was significantly higher than that of group A(P=0.020),and CECC in group C was significantly higher than that of group B(P=0.034)at postoperative 1 d.At postoperative 1 and 3 mo,CECC of groups B and C were significantly higher than that of group A(all P<0.05).In each group,postoperative mean IOP at each time interval was significantly lower than preoperative IOP(all P<0.05).●CONCLUSION:Coaxial microincision phacoemulsification combined with trabeculectomy for PACG with cataract has better curative efficacy in reducing postoperative corneal astigmatism and corneal endothelial cell injury than traditional small incision combined surgery,and the 1.8 mm microincision has better curative efficacy than 2.2 mm microincision in the early postoperative period.

Phacoemulsification versus small incision cataract surgery in patients with uveitis

AIMTo compare the safety and efficacy of phacoemulsification and small incision cataract surgery (SICS) in patients with uveitic cataract.METHODSIn a prospective, randomized multi-centric study, consecutive patients with uveitic cataract were randomized to receive phacoemulsification or manual SICS by either of two surgeons well versed with both the techniques. A minimum inflammation free period of 3mo (defined as less than 5 cells per high power field in anterior chamber) was a pre-requisite for eligibility for surgery. Superior scleral tunnel incisions were used for both techniques. Improvement in visual acuity post-operatively was the primary outcome measure and the rate of post-operative complications and surgical time were secondary outcome measures, respectively. Means of groups were compared using t-tests. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used when there were more than two groups. Chi-square tests were used for proportions. Kaplan Meyer survival analysis was done and means for survival time was estimated at 95% confidence interval (CI). A P value of &#x0003c;0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTSOne hundred and twenty-six of 139 patients (90.6%) completed the 6-month follow-up. Seven patients were lost in follow up and another six excluded due to either follow-up less than six months (n=1) or inability implant an intraocular lens (IOL) because of insufficient capsular support following posterior capsule rupture (n=5). There was significant improvement in vision after both the procedures (paired t-test; P&#x0003c;0.001). On first postoperative day, uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) was 20/63 or better in 31 (47%) patients in Phaco group and 26 (43.3%) patients in SICS group (P=0.384). The mean surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) was 0.86&#x000b1;0.34 dioptres (D) in the phacoemulsification group and 1.16&#x000b1;0.28 D in SICS group. The difference between the groups was significant (t-test, P=0.002). At 6mo, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) was 20/60 or better in 60 (90.9%) patients in Phaco group and 53 (88.3%) in the manual SICS group (P=0.478). The mean surgical time was significantly shorter in the manual SICS group (10.8&#x000b1;2.9 versus 13.2&#x000b1;2.6min) (P&#x0003c;0.001). Oral prednisolone, 1 mg/kg body weight was given 7d prior to surgery, continued post-operatively and tapered according to the inflammatory response over 4-6wk in patients with previously documented macular edema, recurrent uveitis, chronic anterior uveitis and intermediate uveitis. Rate of complications like macular edema (Chi-square, P=0.459), persistent uveitis (Chi-square, P=0.289) and posterior capsule opacification (Chi-square, P=0.474) were comparable between both the groups.CONCLUSIONManual SICS and phacoemulsification do not differ significantly in complication rates and final CDVA outcomes. However, manual SICS is significantly faster. It may be the preferred technique in settings where surgical volume is high and access to phacoemulsification is limited, such as in eye camps. It may also be the appropriate technique for uveitic cataract under such circumstances.

Intraocular lens implantation performed first to protect the posterior capsule in Morgagnian cataracts during phacoemulsification

This study evaluated the safety of a modified method to implant an intraocular lens (IOL) into the capsular bag immediately after capsulorhexis with a whole or partial nucleus to protect the posterior capsule (PC) during phacoemulsification in a series of 12 Morgagnian cataracts. For 3 cases of hypermature cataracts with smaller and rigid nuclei, after a complete capsulorhexis, an IOL was directly inserted into the capsular bag, which protected the PC during the subsequent phacoemulsification process in the iris plate. For the other 9 cases with larger and softer nuclei, after the nucleus was partially emulsified, the IOL was inserted into the bag. Even with an obvious surge for some cases, the surgeries were uneventful in all 12 cases, with no PC rent or vitreous loss. IOL implantation into the capsular bag with a whole or partial nucleus can provide effective protection for the PC for hypermature cataract during phacoemulsification.

Evaluation of early results of quick-chop phacoemulsification in the patients with high myopic cataract

AIM:To assess the early surgical outcomes of quickchop phacoemulsification technique in patients with high myopia.METHODS:The data of patients with high myopia who underwent quick-chop phacoemulsification were reviewed retrospectively. There were 42 eyes of 31 patients. The axial length was more than 26 mm in all eyes. All eyes underwent quick-chop phacoemulsification surgery with the placement of an intraocular lens(IOL) in the capsular bag. Postoperative visits were performed at 1, 3d; 2wk,1mo. Early postoperative best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), preoperative and postoperative corneal endothelial cell density(ECD), central corneal thickness(CCT) and postoperative complications were assessed.Paired sample t-test or Wilcoxon tests were used to compare data between preoperative and postoperative data.· RESULTS:There was no statistically significant difference between preoperative and postoperative ECD and CCT. Retinal detachment was developed in one eye at postoperative first day. There was an iris prolapsus from side port insicion.· CONCLUSION:Quick-chop phacoemulsification technique is a safe surgical technique. However we can encounter some complications in high myopic eyes due to histopathological differences. Both side port and clear corneal tunnel insicion size is crucial for preventing postoperative complications. If any persistent leakage is noticed, suture should be placed.

Incidence of endophthalmitis after phacoemulsification cataract surgery:a Meta-analysis

AIM:To evaluate the overall endophthalmitis incidence and the effectiveness of potential prophylaxis measures following phacoemulsification cataract surgery(PCS).METHODS:The Pub Med and Web of Science databases were searched from inception to April 30^(th),2021.We included studies that reported on the incidence of endophthalmitis following PCS.The quality of the included studies was critically evaluated with the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale.The random effect or the fixed-effects model was used to evaluated the pooled incidence based on the heterogeneity.The publication bias was assessed by Egger’s linear regression and Begg’s rank correlation tests.RESULTS:A total of 39 studies containing 5 878 114 eyes were included and critically appraised in the Meta-analysis.For overall incidence of endophthalmitis after PCS,the Meta-analysis yielded a pooled estimate of 0.092%(95%CI:0.083%-0.101%).The incidence appeared to decrease with time(before 2000:0.097%,95%CI:0.060%-0.135%;2000 to 2010:0.089%,95%CI:0.076%-0.101%;after 2010:0.063%,95%CI:0.050%-0.077%).Compared with typical povidone-iodine solution(0.178%,95%CI:0.071%-0.285%) and antibiotics subconjunctival injections(0.047%,95%CI:0.001%-0.095%),the use of intracameral antibiotics significantly reduced the incidence of endophthalmitis after PCS(0.045%,95%CI:0.034%-0.055%,RR:7.942,95%CI:4.510-13.985).CONCLUSION:Due to the advancement of phacoemulsification technology and the widespread use of intracameral antibiotics,the incidence of endophthalmitis following PCS shows a decreasing trend over time.The use of intracameral antibiotics administration will significantly reduce the risk of endophthalmitis.

Comparative clinical outcomes of Tecnis toric IOL implantation in femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery and conventional phacoemulsification surgery

AIM: To compare the short-term visual outcomes, residual refractive cylinder, and rotation stability after Tecnis toric intraocular lens(IOL) implantation during femtosecond laserassisted cataract surgery(Femto phaco) and conventional phacoemulsification surgery(Conventional phaco).METHODS: In a prospective cohort study, Conventional phaco and Femto phaco(anterior capsulotomy and lens fragmentation by a femtosecond laser) with Tecnis toric IOL implantation were performed in 40 eyes from 36 patients and 37 eyes from 33 patients, respectively. The uncorrected distance visual acuity(UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity(CDVA), and manifest refraction were assessed during 1 d, 1 wk, and 1 mo follow-ups. The orientation of the Tecnis Toric IOL was evaluated during 1 wk and 1 mo follow-ups.RESULTS: There were no significant differences in UDCA or CDVA between two groups at 1 mo postoperatively, though relatively more subjects had UDVA values of 20/25 or better in Femto phaco group than in the Conventional group(P>0.05). A lower but not significantly lower rate of having more than 5° of IOL rotation was observed in Femto phaco group at the 1-month follow-up, while a significant lower rate of residual astigmatism of ≤1 D was observed in Femto phaco group.CONCLUSION: The Femto phaco group has significantly more subjects with the residual astigmatism of ≤1 D, but there are no significant differences in rotation stability and visual outcomes as compared with the Conventional phaco group after the application of the Tecnis toric IOL in this cohort.

Comparison of perioperative parameters in one-handed rotational phacoemulsification versus conventional phacoemulsification and femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery

AIM:To compare perioperative parameters of one-handed rotational phacoemulsification technique(one-handed phaco-roll)with each of other two techniques,“Divide et Conquer”and femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery(FLACS)METHODS:In this retrospective and comparative cohort study,eyes with uncomplicated cataract(nuclear density grade 2 to 3)treated routinely with one-handed phacoroll(n=23;Group 1)or“Divide et Conquer”(n=23;Group 2)or FLACS(n=23;Group 3)were enrolled.Intraoperative parameters including effective phaco-time(EPt),ultrasound time(USt),aspiration time,surgical time,phacoemulsification(phaco)-power,balanced salt solution(BSS)use,cumulative dissipated energy(CDE)were recorded and compared.Clinical outcomes including best corrected visual acuity(BCVA),corneal endothelial cell density(ECD),endothelial cell loss(ECL),central corneal thickness(CCT)and central macular thickness(CMT),were assessed and compared pre-operatively and at 1mo after surgery.RESULTS:Aspiration and surgical time,and BSS used were lower in Group 1(P<0.01)than other groups.EPt,phaco-power and CDE were lower in Group 1(P<0.05)than Group 2 but not significantly different from Group 3.In Group 1,USt was lower(P<0.05)than Group 2 but higher(P<0.05)than Group 3.BCVA improved in all groups without significant difference between Group 1 and the other ones.No significant differences regarding all post-operative morphologic outcomes(ECD,ECL,CCT,CMT)were reported.No clinical complications occurred.CONCLUSION:One-handed phaco-roll seems to be less time-consuming than“Divide et Conquer”and FLACS and less energy-consuming than“Divide et Conquer”.Furthermore,one-handed phaco-roll seems to have an equal safety profile compared to the other two techniques.

Phacoemulsification versus combined phacotrabeculectomy in the treatment of primary angle-closure glaucoma with cataract: a Meta-analysis

AIM： To compare the efficacy and safety of phacoemulsification（Phaco） against combined phacotrabeculectomy（Phacotrabe） in primary angle-closure glaucoma（PACG） with coexisting cataract.·METHODS： By searching electronically the Pub Med,EMBASE, Scientific Citation Index and Cochrane Library published up from inception to January 2014, all randomized controlled trials that matched the predefined criteria were included. The quality of included trials was evaluated according to the guidelines developed by the cochrane collaboration. And the outcomes estimating efficacy and safety of two different surgical treatments were measured and synthesised by Rev Man 5.0.· RESULTS： Five randomized controlled trials were selected and included in Meta-analysis with a total of468 patients（468 eyes） with both PACG and cataract. We found that Phacotrabe had a greater intraocular pressure（IOP） lowing effect [preoperative IOP： weighted mean difference（WMD）=0.58, 95% confidence intervals（95% CI,-0.53 to 1.69）, P =0.31; postoperative IOP： WMD =1.37,95% CI（0.45 to 2.28）, P =0.003], a lower number of antiglaucoma medications [risk ratio（RR）=0.05, 95% CI（0.02 to 0.18）, P 〈0.00001] needed postoperatively and less serious damage of optic nerve [RR =0.48, 95% CI（0.21 to 1.07）, P =0.07], but a higher risk of complications[odds ratio（OR）=0.04, 95% CI（0.01 to 0.16）, P 〈0.00001]compared with Phaco. The rest studies indicated that there had no significantly difference between the two surgical methods for postoperative best-corrected visual acuity（BCVA） [WMD =-0.05, 95% CI（-0.14 to 0.05）, P =0.32] and loss of visual field [RR=1.06, 95% CI（0.61 to1.83）, P =0.83].·CONCLUSION： Phaco alone compared with Phacotrabe had a better effect in IOP reduction, whereas the securitydecline. Considering the number of sample size, our results remains to be further studied.

Effect of 1%brinzolamide and 0.5%timolol fixed combination on intraocular pressure after cataract surgery with phacoemulsification

AIM:To evaluate the effect of brinzolamide-timolol fixed combination on intraocular pressure(IOP)after cataract surgery.METHODS:The study included 92 eyes of 87 patients who underwent cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantation.Patients scheduled for phacoemulsification were assigned to 1 of 2 groups.The treatment group received 1 drop of brinzolamide-timolol fixed combination immediately after surgery,and the control group received no treatment.The IOP was measured preoperatively and at 2h and 24h postoperatively.RESULTS:The mean IOP change was lower in the treatment group than in the control group at 2h postoperatively.The difference between the mean IOP values of the two groups at 2h postoperatively was found to be statistically significant.Twenty-four hours after the surgery,the mean IOP change was still higher in the control group when compared to the treatment group.CONCLUSION:The fixed combination brinzolamidetimolol can effectively reduce IOP after cataract surgery.

Combined phacoemulsification and goniosynechialysis with or without endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation in the treatment of PACG with cataract

AIM:To investigate the efficacy and safety of combined phacoemulsification and goniosynechialysis with or without endoscopic cyclophotocoagulation(PGE group and PG group)for the treatment of patients with coexisting primary angle-closure glaucoma(PACG)and cataracts.METHODS:The clinical data of patients with PACG and cataract were retrospectively reviewed.There was a total of 88 eyes in the study and were divided into two groups,42 eyes in PGE group and 46 eyes in PG group.Surgery success cumulative survival,preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressure(IOP),number of IOPlowering medications,best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)in the two groups were observed for more than 12 mo and compared within each group and between two groups.RESULTS:The mean IOP in PGE group declined from24.9 mm Hg preoperatively to 14.1 mm Hg at the first month after operation(P<0.001)and at the last visit 16.2 mm Hg(P<0.001).Meanwhile PG group also showed significant decrease,from 24.1 mm Hg preoperatively to 13.0 mm Hg at Imo after operation(P<0.001)and 15.3 mm Hg at the last visit(P=0.004).The mean medications reliance reduced in both groups,in PGE group was reduced from 1.62 preoperatively to 0.13 at the last visit(P<0.001),in PG group from 0.87 to 0.10(P<0.001).At the last visit,BCVA increased from 0.21 to 0.60 in PGE group(P<0.001)and from 0.24 to 0.67 in PG group(P<0.001).The success rate of PGE group at 1 mo was95.2%,then decreased to 70.7%at the last visit,whereas in PG group,the success rate at 1 mo was 100%,at the last visit was 73.4%.CONCLUSION:PGE shows promise for PACG patients with cataracts to reduce IOP,lighten the medication burden and improve visual acuity,and PG still has its value in specific patients.

Optimal incision sites to reduce corneal aberration variations after small incision phacoemulsification cataract surgery

AIM： To analyze the effect of steep meridian small incision phacoemulsification cataract surgery on anterior,posterior and total corneal wavefront aberration.· METHODS： Steep meridian small incision phacoemulsification cataract surgery was performed in age-related cataract patients which were divided into three groups according to the incision site： 12 o＇clock, 9o＇clock and between 9 and 12 o＇clock（BENT） incision groups. The preoperative and 3-month postoperative root mean square（RMS） values of anterior, posterior and total corneal wavefront aberration including coma,spherical aberration, and total higher-order aberrations（HOAs）, were measured by Pentacam scheimpflug imaging. The mean preoperative and postoperative corneal wavefront aberrations were documented.·RESULTS： Total corneal aberration and total lower-order aberrations decreased significantly in three groups after operation. RMS value of total HOAs decreased significantly postoperatively in the 12 o＇clock incision group（P 〈0.001）. Corneal spherical aberration was statistically significantly lower after steep meridian small incision phacoemulsification cataract surgery in BENT incision group（P 〈0.05） and Pearson correlation analysisindicated that spherical aberration changes had no significant relationship with total astigmatism changes in all three corneal incision location.·CONCLUSION： Corneal incision of phacoemulsification cataract surgery can affect corneal wavefront aberration.The 12 o＇clock corneal incision eliminated more HOAs and the spherical aberrations decreased in BENT incision group obviously when we selected steep meridian small incision. Cataract lens replacement using wavefront-corrected intraocular lens combined with optimized corneal incision site would improve ocular aberration results.

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.

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.

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.