Biomedical subjects

Stefan Sacu

Publications and source records attributed to Stefan Sacu.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

PubMed2005

Optical biometry of the anterior eye segment: interexaminer and intraexaminer reliability of ACMaster.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the interexaminer and intraexaminer reliability of corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth (ACD), and crystalline lens thickness measurements using a commercially available anterior segment optical biometry instrument (ACMaster, Carl Zeiss Meditec) based on partial coherence interferometry (PCI). SETTING: Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. METHODS: Interexaminer reliability and intraexaminer reliability were evaluated in 10 eyes of 10 young volunteers and 11 eyes of 11 cataract patients. The measurements of the interexaminer reliability were taken by 3 examiners. Corneal thickness, ACD, and lens thickness of the intraexaminer reliability were measured twice in all eyes by 1 examiner. To evaluate the effect of cycloplegia on the variability, the measurements were performed on 5 volunteers under cyclopentolate 1%. Measurements were performed using the prototype of the ACMaster based on PCI. RESULTS: The interexaminer/intraexaminer reliabilities were 99.9% for corneal thickness and ACD. The reliability of lens thickness could not be estimated because of a large number of missing values in the cataract patient group. The median interexaminer variability (SD) was 1.9 microm for corneal thickness, 7.5 microm for ACD, and 10.6 microm for lens thickness. The median intraexaminer variability (SD) was 1.6 microm for corneal thickness, 10.8 microm for ACD, and 8.7 microm for lens thickness. With cycloplegia, both the interexaminer variability and intraexaminer variability were smaller than without cycloplegia. CONCLUSIONS: Partial coherence interferometry measurements of anterior chamber distances (corneal thickness, ACD, lens thickness) using the prototype of ACMaster were highly reliable, allowing examiner-independent measurements. However, lens thickness measurements in cataract eyes were often difficult.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Long-term changes in the morphology of posterior capsule opacification.

PURPOSE: To classify the morphologic appearance of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) and to observe and document the changes over longer periods of time. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. METHODS: Eighty-one pseudophakic eyes of 53 patients with PCO of varying degrees were included in this prospective study. Digital retroillumination images of the posterior capsule were taken in a standardized fashion 1, 2, and 3 years after cataract surgery. The PCO morphology was classified, and changes among the 3 follow-up images were analyzed. RESULTS: At 1, 2, and 3 years, pearls occurred in 16 (20%), 41 (51%), and 57 (63%) eyes. Pearls increased in size and number. Cases with thin layers of PCO decreased from 53 to 33 to 16 eyes. Conversely, cases with thick layers increased from 18 to 45 and 64 eyes. "Cheese holes" appeared most frequently as the predominant structure (range 47% to 51%), followed by plates (range 28% to 31%), islands (range 15% to 20%), and traces of PCO (range 1% to 5%). Changes in expansion of the PCO area were observed in 61 eyes (75%) during period 1 (1 to 2 years) and period 2 (2 to 3 years). Regions of expansion and regression in the same eye occurred in periods 1 and 2 in 11 eyes (14%) and 9 eyes (11%), respectively. The phenomenon of thinning bridges, a regression of syncytial extensions of PCO, occurred in 22 eyes (27%) and 32 eyes (40%), respectively. An overlapping growth of 2 layers was observed in 18 eyes (22%). CONCLUSIONS: The morphology of PCO is multifaceted. Apart from the Elschnig pearls, categories such as cheese holes, plates, islands, and traces of PCO were distinguished. Over the years, pearls increased in frequency, size, and number. Expansion and regression occurred simultaneously in some cases. Two or more layers grew on top of each other in some eyes.

Cataract↗

PubMed2005

Effect of anterior capsule polishing on posterior capsule opacification and neodymium:YAG capsulotomy rates: three-year randomized trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the long-term effect of extensive polishing and nonpolishing of the anterior lens capsule on posterior capsule opacification (PCO) and neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) capsulotomy rates. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. METHODS: This prospective randomized bilateral double-masked study included 108 eyes of 54 consecutive patients with age-related cataract. Following phacoemulsification, 3-piece intraocular lenses (IOLs) with round-edged silicone optics were implanted. Patients received an Allergan SI-40 IOL with a truncated, round optic edge or a Domilens Silens6 IOL with a fully round optic edge. Patients were randomly assigned to have extensive anterior capsule polishing with the Menapace aspiration curette or no treatment in the first eye; the second eye received the opposite treatment. Digital retroillumination images were taken at 1 week, 1 year, and 3 years, and Nd:YAG capsulotomy rates were evaluated. Posterior capsule opacification was objectively scored using automated image analysis software (AQUA) or estimated based on clearly defined assumptions if a capsulotomy had been performed. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients (78 eyes) concluded the study. Three-year PCO scores after polishing did not differ significantly (P>.05). However, 21 polished eyes (53.8%) required Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy compared with 14 nonpolished eyes (35.9%). The mismatch between PCO scores and Nd:YAG rates resulted from a change in PCO morphology that is not detected by scoring methods based on retroillumination photography but is visually disturbing to patients. CONCLUSIONS: Polishing the anterior capsule was effective in reducing fibrotic opacification but ineffective in reducing regeneratory opacification. Changes in regeneratory PCO morphology not picked up by retroillumination photography increased the need for Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy.

Cataract↗

PubMed2005

Effect of optic material on posterior capsule opacification in intraocular lenses with sharp-edge optics: randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Comparison of the intensity of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) between a silicone intraocular lens (IOL) and a hydrophobic acrylic IOL, both of them 3-piece and open-loop and having truncated optics with sharp edges. DESIGN: Randomized, controlled, patient- and examiner-masked trial with intrapatient comparison. PARTICIPANTS AND CONTROLS: One hundred six eyes of 53 patients with age-related bilateral cataract. METHODS: Each patient had cataract surgery in both eyes and received a silicone IOL in one eye and a hydrophobic acrylic IOL in the fellow eye. Follow-up examinations were at 1 and 3 years after surgery. The patients were examined at the slit lamp, visual acuity (VA) was assessed, and standardized high-resolution digital retroillumination images of the posterior capsule were taken. The amount of PCO was assessed subjectively at the slit lamp and objectively using automated image analysis software. Data of 56 eyes of 28 patients, who were examined at each follow-up, were analyzed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Posterior capsule opacification intensity at 3 years as measured with automated image analysis. RESULTS: At 1 and 3 years after surgery, PCO did not differ between the silicone (1.6 and 1.9 [image analysis scores, 0-10 scale], respectively) and acrylic IOLs (1.7 and 2.2) (P > 0.24). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in best-corrected VA, rhexis/IOL overlap, capsular folds, and amount of anterior capsule opacification during the follow-up period. In each group, one neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) laser capsulotomy was performed during the entire study duration. CONCLUSION: Silicone and hydrophobic acrylic are similarly effective in inducing the PCO-inhibiting effect of a rectangular, sharp optic edge. Three years after surgery, the PCO intensity and the YAG rate were low with both IOL models.

Acrylic Resins↗

PubMed2005

Natural course of intraocular pressure after cataract surgery with sodium chondroitin sulfate 4%-sodium hyaluronate 3% (Viscoat).

PURPOSE: To investigate the natural course of intraocular pressure (IOP) and its peak after small-incision cataract surgery with chondroitin sulfate 4%-sodium hyaluronate 3% (Viscoat, Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, TX). DESIGN: Observational case series. PARTICIPANTS: This prospective study comprised 40 eyes of 40 consecutive cataract patients scheduled for small-incision cataract surgery. METHODS: Cataract surgery was performed with sodium chondroitin sulfate 4%-sodium hyaluronate 3% as the ophthalmic viscosurgical device, which was removed as completely as possible from the eye at the end of surgery. The IOP was measured preoperatively and 30 minutes; 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 20 to 24 hours; and 1 week postoperatively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Postoperative IOP increase. RESULTS: The mean IOP increased significantly at all observation times during the first 20 to 24 hours, with a peak increase of 13.4+/-9.4 mmHg after 1 hour (P<0.05). In all, 28 eyes (70%) had an IOP spike to 30 mmHg or higher. Sixty-eight percent of these spikes occurred at 30 minutes as well as at 1 hour and 2 hours postoperatively. At 20 to 24 hours, no eye had an IOP spike to 30 mmHg or higher. CONCLUSIONS: Significant IOP increases were found during the first 24 hours, peaking at 1 hour after surgery. With a single postoperative IOP measurement, between 30 minutes and 2 hours after surgery, two thirds of these IOP spikes could be detected. To detect all IOP spikes, a second measurement between 4 and 6 hours after surgery would be necessary.

Aged↗

PubMed2005

Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide in patients with macular oedema due to central retinal vein occlusion.

PURPOSE: To evaluate treatment of macular oedema due to central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) with intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide. METHODS: In a prospective case series, 13 patients with macular oedema due to non-ischaemic CRVO received an intravitreal injection of 4 mg triamcinolone acetonide. Examination included assessment of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) for distance and reading, measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP), fluorescein angiography and high resolution imaging by optical coherence tomography, preoperatively and 1 week, 1 month, 3, 6 and 9 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Preoperative mean BCVA was 0.9 +/- 0.4 for distance vision and 1.0 +/- 0.3 for reading acuity, respectively. A significant improvement in distance VA (0.5 +/- 0.3, p < 0.001) and reading acuity (0.7 +/- 0.3, p = 0.03) was observed until 3 months and 6 months, respectively. Mean macular thickness was significantly reduced until 9 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide led to a significant improvement in mean VA in patients with macular oedema due to CRVO. However, the significant effect was not permanent and persisted for a maximum of 6 months.

Fluorescein Angiography↗

PubMed2005

Clinical outcomes of phacoemulsification cataract surgery in diabetes patients: visual function (VF-14), visual acuity and patient satisfaction.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the visual outcomes (visual acuity [VA] and visual function) after phacoemulsification cataract surgery in patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR), and assess patient satisfaction with final surgical outcome. METHODS: This prospective study comprised 74 eyes of 74 patients with different stages of DR. One surgeon (AW) performed all cataract surgery in a standardized fashion. Patients were assessed using the VF-14 (Visual Function-14) questionnaire. The following groups of patients were compared: those with no apparent retinopathy; those with mild non-proliferative DR (NPDR); those with severe NPDR, and those with proliferative DR (PDR). Visual acuity and visual function questionnaire (VF-14) responses were recorded preoperatively and 3 months postoperatively, during which the non-operated fellow eye showed no progression in retinopathy. RESULTS: Improvements in visual outcomes were significantly higher in groups 1 and 2 compared to groups 3 and 4 (Tukey-Kramer, p < 0.001). Comparisons between groups 1, 2 and 3, 4 showed significant differences in improvements in VA (Tukey-Kramer, p < 0.01), yet no statistically significant differences in functional (VF-14) improvements emerged between these groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with more advanced levels of DR showed no functional improvements despite improvements in VA. This emphasizes the relevance of patient education prior to surgery. In particular, it should be explained to patients with more advanced DR that, although surgery may be required, their functional improvement may be limited.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Photocoagulation for diabetic retinopathy: determinants of patient satisfaction and the patient-provider relationship.

PURPOSE: To assess satisfaction with photocoagulation treatment in diabetes patients and to investigate how it relates to patient-related characteristics and patients' visual ability. Further, to observe the interaction between physician and patient and suggest ways to improve the patient-provider relationship and, thereby, treatment satisfaction. METHODS: This open longitudinal study included 123 diabetes patients undergoing first photocoagulation treatment for diabetic maculopathy or proliferative retinopathy. The Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire (DTSQ) was completed by all patients. Communication, scheduling and adherence scores were defined for each physician-patient pair. Outcome measures were: the patient's overall satisfaction with laser treatment; the patient's degree of satisfaction in relation to visual results; communication, scheduling and adherence scores, and visual acuity results. RESULTS: The level of satisfaction after initial photocoagulation treatment was high; 46.4% of patients with proliferative retinopathy and 53.1% with maculopathy scored 31 or higher. Although 69.5% of all patients reported that their expectations of treatment corresponded to their final 9-month visual results, only 8.7% of these patients reported an improvement in visual acuity after 9 months. The number of unwanted actions performed by the patients during treatment were significantly related to the number of unclear instructions given by the physician (Fisher's exact test P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: A high level of satisfaction was observed, despite the minimal improvements in visual acuity. Attempts to further improve patient satisfaction might focus on improved education of patients on the possible benefits of laser treatment, greater care in communicating information during treatment, additional nursing support, and additional clerical time to communicate with patients before each appointment.

Adult↗

PubMed2005

Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide in patients with macular oedema due to branch retinal vein occlusion: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate treatment of macular oedema due to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) with intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide. METHODS: In a prospective case series, nine patients with macular oedema due to BRVO received an intravitreal injection of 4 mg triamcinolone acetonide. Examination included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) for distance and reading, intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement, fluorescein angiography and high resolution imaging by optical coherence tomography, preoperatively and at 1 week, 1 month, 3 and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Preoperative mean BCVAs were 1.3 +/- 0.8 for distance vision, and 1.1 +/- 0.3 for reading acuity, respectively. A significant improvement in reading acuity was observed until 1 month (0.7 +/- 0.4, p = 0.02). No significant reduction in mean macular thickness was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide led to a significant improvement in mean VA in patients with macular oedema due to BRVO. However, the significant effect was not permanent and persisted for only 1 month.

Aged↗

PubMed2005

Impairment of visual acuity and reading performance and the relationship with cataract type and density.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the association between the density of nuclear, cortical, and posterior subcapsular lens opacities and visual impairment in patients with cataract. METHODS: In 80 patients, visual acuity and reading performance were evaluated 1 day before and 4 weeks after cataract surgery. Cataracts were categorized and graded according to the Lens Opacities Classification System (LOCS) III of nuclear color (NC), nuclear opalescence (NO), cortical (C), and posterior subcapsular cataract (P). A multiple linear regression analysis and partial correlation coefficients were calculated. Data were also checked for significant pre- and postoperative differences in visual performance related to cataract grading. RESULTS: In the multiple linear regression analysis, significant associations were found between the improvement in visual acuity and reading performance after cataract surgery and the NC, NO, and P scores (P < 0.001); no significant association was found for the C score (P > 0.05). High partial correlation coefficients were found between the P score and the preoperative visual acuity (r = 0.6; P < 0.001), reading acuity (r = 0.74; P < 0.001), and maximum reading speed (MRS; r = -0.77; P < 0.001). Significant but lower partial correlation coefficients were found for the NO score. No significant partial correlation coefficients were found for the NC and C score. Significant pre- and postoperative differences in MRS were found in patients with P scores > or =3 or NO and NC scores > or =5, representing functionally relevant impairment. CONCLUSIONS: A strong association was found between visual impairment in patients with cataract and the severity of posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC) and nuclear opacity. Particularly in patients with PSC, deficits in reading performance significantly increased. The functionally relevant deficits in patients with P scores > or =3 or NO and NC scores > or =5, should be carefully considered for planning cataract surgery or visual rehabilitation.

Aged↗

PubMed2005

Three-dimensional ultrahigh-resolution optical coherence tomography of macular diseases.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate a new generation of three-dimensional (3-D) ultrahigh-resolution optical coherence tomography (UHR OCT) technology for visualization of macular diseases. METHODS: One hundred forty eyes with a distinct disease in each of the posterior pole compartments were examined with 3-D UHR OCT. 3-D imaging was performed with a high axial resolution of 3 mum with a compact, commercially available, ultra-broad-bandwidth (160 nm) titanium:sapphire laser at a video rate of up to 25 B-scans/s. Each tomogram consisted of 1024 x 1024 pixels, resulting in 25 megavoxels/s. RESULTS: 3-D UHR OCT offers high-precision 3-D visualization of macular diseases at all structural levels. The UHR modality allows identification of the contour of the hyaloid membrane, tractive forces of epiretinal membranes, and changes within the inner limiting membrane. The system provides quality 3-D images of the topographic dynamics of traction lines from the retinal surface down to the level of the photoreceptor segments. Intraretinal diseases are identified by their specific location in different layers of the neurosensory ultrastructure. Photoreceptor inner and outer segments are clearly delineated in configuration and size, with a characteristic peak in the subfoveal area. The microarchitecture of choroidal neovascularization is distinctly imaged, related leakage can be identified, and the volume can be quantified. CONCLUSIONS: High-speed UHR OCT offers unprecedented, realistic, 3-D imaging of ocular diseases at all epi-, intra- and subretinal levels. A complete 3-D data set of the macular layers allows a comprehensive analysis of focal and diffuse diseases, as well as identification of dynamic pathomechanisms.

Diagnostic Techniques, Ophthalmological↗

PubMed2004

The effect of intravitreal triamcinolone on diabetic macular oedema.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic macular oedema is a frequent cause of visual loss in patients with diabetic retinopathy. The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide in reducing diabetic macular oedema and improving visual acuity. METHODS: In this prospective study 12 eyes of 12 patients with diabetic macular oedema unresponsive to prior laser treatment received an intravitreal injection of 4 mg triamcinolone acetonide. Examinations were performed 1 day preoperatively and at 1 week and 1, 3, 6, and 9 months after surgery and included slit-lamp examination, measurement of IOP, assessment of distance as well as reading visual acuity and assessment of macular thickness using optical coherence tomography (OCT). RESULTS: Mean age of the patients (mean+/-SD) was 66.6+/-8.6 years. Mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) for distance (LogMAR using ETDRS charts) improved from 1.0+/-0.4 preoperatively to 0.9+/-0.4 (p=0.01) 1 week and to 0.9+/-0.4 (p=0.02) 1 month postoperatively. Mean BCVA for reading vision (LogRAD using Radner Reading Charts) improved from 1.1+/-0.4 preoperatively to 0.9+/-0.4 (p=0.002) 1 month postoperatively. Mean macular thickness decreased from 450+/-190 (microm) preoperatively to 305+/-153 (p=0.02) 1 month postoperatively. No significant improvement in VA and no significant reduction of macular thickness could be observed 3, 6, and 9 months postoperatively. Mean intraocular pressure significantly increased from 14.7+/-2.7 mmHg preoperatively to 16.9+/-3.0 mmHg at 1 month (p=0.02). CONCLUSION: A single intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide led to a significant improvement in mean VA in patients with diabetic macular oedema. However, the significant effect was not permanent and persisted for only 1 month.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

Influence of optic edge design and anterior capsule polishing on posterior capsule fibrosis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of posterior optic edge design and the effect of anterior capsule polishing on peripheral fibrotic posterior capsule opacification (PCO). SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. METHODS: This randomized prospective study comprised 144 eyes of 72 patients with bilateral age-related cataract. Each patient had standardized cataract surgery in both eyes by the same surgeon. Group 1 (46 patients) received a round-edged hydrophobic acrylic IOL (AMO Sensar AR40) in 1 eye and a sharp-edged hydrophobic acrylic IOL (AMO Sensar OptiEdge AR40e) in the other eye. Group 2 (26 patients) received a silicone IOL (Pharmacia CeeOn 911A) with a truncated optic in both eyes. In this group, the anterior capsule was extensively polished in 1 eye and was left unpolished in the other eye. Digital slitlamp photographs were taken 1 year postoperatively using a standardized photographic technique for fibrotic PCO. The intensity of PCO was subjectively graded (score 0 to 4) by 2 masked examiners. RESULTS: Subjective PCO scores correlated well between the 2 examiners (r = 0.88). In Group 1, the mean PCO score was 0.26 for the OptiEdge AR40e IOL and 0.90 for the AR40 IOL (P<.01). In Group 2, the mean PCO score was 0.24 in eyes with a polished capsule and 0.17 in eyes in which the capsule was not polished (P =.31). CONCLUSIONS: The sharp-edged OptiEdge AR40e IOL led to significantly less peripheral fibrotic PCO 1 year postoperatively than the round-edged AR40 IOL. In eyes with the sharp-edged silicone 911A IOL, anterior capsule polishing caused no significant difference in fibrotic PCO.

Acrylic Resins↗

PubMed2004

Reading performance depending on the type of cataract and its predictability on the visual outcome.

PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of various types of cataract on reading performance in a standardized reading test setting. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. METHODS: The reading performance of 94 eyes with age-related cataract and normal macular function was evaluated with the Radner Reading Charts preoperatively and 4 weeks after cataract surgery. Distance visual acuity was tested with the ETDRS charts. Cataracts were graded using the Lens Opacities Classification System (LOCS) III, on which NO is nuclear opalescence and NC is nuclear color. RESULTS: Patients with pure nuclear cataracts (LOCS III: NO/NC 2.1-5) achieved a normally high MRS (99.84% +/- 7.65% of their postoperative MRS): preoperative MRS(1): 190.6 +/- 30.74 words per minute (wpm); postoperative MRS(2): 191.21 +/- 29.36 wpm. Patients with mixed nuclear-cortical cataracts (LOCS III: NO/NC 2.1-5; C>2) preoperatively achieved 96.96% +/- 5.6% of their postoperative MRS (MRS(1): 175.77 +/- 31.54 wpm; MRS(2): 181.34 +/- 30.56 wpm). In dense nuclear cataracts (LOCS III: NO/NC>5), the MRS was significantly reduced, achieving only 72.64 +/- 19.19% of the postoperative MRS (MRS(1): 133.06 +/- 39.43 wpm; MRS(2): 185.76 +/- 40.18 wpm). In posterior subcapsular cataracts, the preoperative MRS (134.1 +/- 33.72 wpm) was significantly lower than postoperatively (191.14 +/- 27.08 wpm). CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to dense nuclear cataracts and posterior subcapsular cataracts, the preoperative reading speed of patients with pure nuclear or nuclear-cortical cataracts was normal at large print sizes. The preoperative evaluation of reading acuity and speed with standardized reading tests can therefore be used to estimate the postoperative reading performance in the latter 2 types of cataract.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

Functional vision with cataracts of different morphologies: comparative study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of cataract morphology on the functional vision of patients with age-related cataract and normal macular function and compare subjectively perceived functional impairments to distance visual acuity, reading acuity, and maximum reading speed between cataract types. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. METHODS: Seventy-five patients awaiting first-eye cataract surgery were asked to characterize their visual difficulties in everyday life using a German version of the VF-14 questionnaire. Cataracts were categorized and graded using the Lens Opacities Classification System III. Monocular and binocular visual acuity and reading performance were determined in randomized order. RESULTS: There were significant differences in functional vision between nuclear cataracts and posterior subcapsular cataracts (PSC); the VF-14 score and the self-reported visual satisfaction were significantly lower in PSC patients (P<.05). Posterior subcapsular cataracts significantly increased self-reported impairment in distance and near vision, although the visual acuity was comparable to that in the other groups (P =.9). Significant differences in functional vision were also seen between PSC and nuclear-cortical cataracts (P<.05). No significant differences in functional vision were found between nuclear cataracts and nuclear-cortical cataracts (P>.05). CONCLUSIONS: The VF-14 questionnaire reliably evaluated functional differences caused by different cataract morphologies; these differences were underestimated when only visual acuity was measured. Patients with PSC had increased functional impairment, indicating that cataract surgical intervention is indicated at an earlier stage in these patients. The significant differences between the morphological types of cataract should be taken into consideration when the benefit of cataract surgery is to be measured on the basis of functional improvement.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed2004

Effect of intraocular lens optic edge design and material on fibrotic capsule opacification and capsulorhexis contraction.

PURPOSE: To examine the influence of intraocular lens (IOL) optic edge design and optic material on fibrosis of the anterior and peripheral posterior capsules and on capsulorhexis contraction. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. METHODS: This randomized controlled patient- and examiner-masked study comprised 210 eyes of 105 patients with bilateral age-related cataract. In Group 1 (n = 53), the Sensar OptiEdge AR40e hydrophobic acrylic IOL with a sharp posterior optic edge was compared with the AR40 acrylic IOL with a round edge. In Group 2 (n = 52), the ClariFlex OptiEdge silicone IOL with a sharp posterior optic edge was compared with the PhacoFlex SI-40 silicone IOL with a round edge All IOLs were manufactured by Advanced Medical Optics, Inc. Standardized digital slitlamp images of anterior capsule opacification (ACO) and fibrotic posterior capsule opacification (PCO) were taken 1 year postoperatively, and digital retroillumination images were taken at 1 week and 1 year. The intensity of fibrotic PCO was graded subjectively (score 0 to 4), ACO was graded objectively (score 0% to 100%), and the capsulorhexis area (mm(2)) was determined objectively. RESULTS: One year after surgery, the mean ACO score was 32% in eyes with the sharp-edged acrylic IOL and 29% in eyes with the round-edged acrylic IOL (P<.05). In the silicone group, the mean was 31% and 26%, respectively (P<.05). The mean fibrotic PCO score was lower in eyes with a sharp-edged acrylic IOL than in eyes with a round-edged acrylic IOL (0.26 and 0.93, respectively; P<.05) and in eyes with a sharp-edged silicone IOL than in eyes with a round-edged silicone IOL (0.24 and 0.82, respectively; P<.001). At 1 year, the mean capsulorhexis area was statistically significantly smaller in eyes with a sharp-edged silicone IOL than in eyes with a round-edged silicone IOL (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Acrylic and silicone IOLs with the sharp OptiEdge design led to significantly less fibrotic PCO but more ACO than round-edged acrylic and silicone IOLs. The sharp-edged silicone IOL caused significantly more capsulorhexis contraction than the round-edged silicone IOL and both acrylic IOLs.

Acrylic Resins↗

PubMed2004

Effect of a silicone intraocular lens with a sharp posterior optic edge on posterior capsule opacification.

PURPOSE: To compare the inhibiting effect on posterior capsule opacification (PCO) of a silicone intraocular lens (IOL) with a sharp posterior optic edge (ClariFlex OptiEdge, Advanced Medical Optics) and a silicone IOL with a round optic edge (PhacoFlex SI-40, Advanced Medical Optics). SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. METHODS: This prospective randomized patient- and examiner-masked study comprised 104 eyes of 52 patients with bilateral age-related cataract. All patients had cataract surgery in both eyes and received a sharp-edged IOL in 1 eye and a round-edged IOL in the other eye. Postoperative examinations were at 1 week, 1 and 6 months, and 1 year. Digital slitlamp and retroillumination images were taken of each eye. The amount of PCO was assessed subjectively at the slitlamp and objectively using Automated Quantification of After-Cataract (AQUA) automated-image analysis software. RESULTS: The sharp-edged IOL group had significantly less regeneratory and fibrotic PCO 1 month, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery. The mean AQUA PCO score (scale 0 to 10) was 0.71 in the sharp-edged IOL group and 1.40 in the round-edged IOL group (P<.001). The sharp-edged IOL group had less peripheral fibrotic PCO. There was no significant difference between the 2 IOL groups in patient reports of edge glare. CONCLUSION: The sharp-edged design of the ClariFlex OptiEdge silicone IOL led to significantly less PCO than the round-edged PhacoFlex SI-40 IOL 1 year postoperatively.

Aged↗

PubMed2004

Effect of anterior capsule polishing on fibrotic capsule opacification: three-year results.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term effect of anterior capsule polishing on anterior capsule opacification (ACO) and peripheral fibrotic posterior capsule opacification (PCO). SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. METHODS: This randomized double-blind study comprised 104 eyes of 52 patients with bilateral age-related cataract. All patients received round-edged intraocular lenses (IOLs); 26 received an SI-40 IOL (Advanced Medical Optics Inc.) in both eyes, and 26 received a Silens6 IOL (Domilens) in both eyes. Both IOLs consist of different silicone material and have different haptic angulation. The SI-40 IOL has 13.0 mm open-loop poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) haptics angulated by 10 degrees. The Silens6 IOL has 12.5 mm open-loop PMMA haptics with no angulation. In 1 eye, the anterior capsule was extensively polished. The anterior capsule was left unpolished in the contralateral eye, which acted as a control. Digital slitlamp photographs of the ACO and fibrotic PCO were taken with a standardized technique for 3 years postoperatively. The intensity of ACO was measured objectively (score 0% to 100%) using Adobe Photoshop software. Fibrotic PCO was graded subjectively (score 0 to 4). RESULTS: The mean ACO was 17% in the polished eyes and 26% in the control eyes (P = .0001). The mean fibrotic PCO score was 0.5 and 1.0, respectively (P = .0007). The mean ACO was 15% in the polished SI-40 eyes and 26% in the control SI-40 eyes (P = .01). It was 19% in the polished Silens6 eyes and 26% in the control Silens6 eyes (P = .003). The mean fibrotic PCO score was 0.4 in the polished SI-40 eyes and 1.1 in the control SI-40 eyes (P = .0006). It was 0.6 in the polished Silens6 eyes and 0.9 in the control Silens6 eyes (P = .08). CONCLUSIONS: Three years after surgery, eyes in which the anterior capsule was extensively polished had less ACO and fibrotic PCO with both round-edged silicone IOLs. In eyes with Silens6 IOLs, however, the reduction in fibrotic PCO was not significant.

Aged↗