Prelamellar Dissection Donor Corneal Thickness Is Associated With Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty Operative Complications in the Cornea Preservation Time Study Purpose: To identify donor and recipient factors, including eye bank tissue observations, predictive of operative complications in the Cornea Preservation Time Study. Methods: One thousand three hundred thirty study eyes undergoing Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty for Fuchs dystrophy or pseudophakic/aphakic corneal edema were randomized to receive a donor cornea with preservation time (PT) of 0 to 7 days (N = 675) or 8 to 14 days (N = 655). Donor factors included demographics, prelamellar corneal and postlamellar lenticule dissection thickness, central endothelial cell density, and tissue processing time. Recipient factors included demographics, intraocular pressure, and glaucoma medications or surgery (trabeculectomy, laser trabeculoplasty). Eye bank observations included donor tissue folds, pleomorphism/polymegethism, and endothelial cell abnormalities. Possible tissue-related operative complications were recorded including difficult donor lenticule unfolding and positioning. Multivariable logistic regression with backward selection was used to identify statistically significant (P < 0.01) associations between factors and operative complications. Results: The only factor predictive of operative complications [58 (4.4%) of 1330 surgeries] was prelamellar dissection donor corneal thickness (P = 0.002). For every 50 μm of donor corneal thickness prior to lamellar dissection, operative complication odds increased by 40% (odds ratio [99% confidence interval (CI)]: 1.40 [1.06–1.83]) adjusting for PT and whether the epithelium was on or off. The estimated mean prelamellar dissection donor corneal thickness for PT 0 to 7 days was 537 μm (99% CI: 516 μm–558 μm) compared with 567 μm (99% CI: 546 μm–588 μm) for PT 8 to 14 days (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Thicker donor tissue (prelamellar dissection) is associated with operative complications and should be considered in tissue selection for Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty lenticule preparation.

Comparison of Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty and Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty in the Treatment of Failed Penetrating Keratoplasty Purpose: To compare the outcomes of Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) with Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) for the treatment of failed penetrating keratoplasty (PKP). Methods: This is a retrospective chart review of patients with failed PKP who underwent DMEK or DSAEK. The median follow-up time for both groups was 28 months (range 6–116 months). Data collection included demographic characteristics, number of previous corneal transplants, previous glaucoma surgeries, best-corrected visual acuity, endothelial cell density, graft detachment and rebubble rate, rejection episodes, and graft failure. Results: Twenty-eight eyes in the DMEK group and 24 eyes in the DSAEK group were included in the analysis. Forty-three percent of eyes in the DMEK group and 50% of eyes in the DSAEK group had to be regrafted because of failure (P = 0.80). The most common reason for failure was persistent graft detachment (58%) in the DMEK group and secondary failure (58%) in the DSAEK group; hence, the time between endothelial keratoplasty and graft failure differed significantly between the groups (P = 0.02). Six eyes (21%) in the DMEK group and 7 eyes (29%) in the DSAEK group developed graft rejection (P = 0.39). Rejection was the cause of failure in 67% and 71% in the DMEK and DSAEK groups, respectively. The best-corrected visual acuity 6 months after surgery was better in the DMEK group compared with the DSAEK group (P = 0.051). Conclusions: Both DSAEK and DMEK have a role in treating PKP failure. Primary failure due to persistent graft detachment was significantly higher in the DMEK group, although the overall failure rate in the medium term was similar.

Corneal Densitometry After Secondary Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty Purpose: To evaluate Scheimpflug corneal densitometry (CD) in patients undergoing secondary Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) after previous Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty or DMEK surgery. Methods: This was a retrospective institutional case series of 37 eyes of 37 patients. Two secondary DMEK groups, group 1A (n = 12 DMEK after Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty), group 1B (n = 11 repeat DMEK), and group 2 (n = 14 primary DMEK for Fuchs endothelial dystrophy) were formed. CD was obtained preoperatively, 1, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. In addition, corrected distance visual acuity, central corneal thickness, and endothelial cell density were assessed. Results: A significant decrease in grayscale units was observed in the 0- to 2-mm and 2- to 6-mm zones in all groups. For the 0- to 2-mm zone, values decreased from 49.11 ± 17.96 preoperatively to 22.87 ± 5.24 at 12 months (group 1A), from 45.16 ± 9.22 to 24.53 ± 14.21 (group 1B), and from 27.90 ± 8.30 to 16.64 ± 1.51 (group 2) (P < 0.01). Group 2 showed significantly lower grayscale units than groups 1A and 1B preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively in the 0- to 2-mm and 2- to 6-mm zones. Significant correlations of CD and corrected distance visual acuity were found in groups 1A and 1B in the 0- to 2-mm zone at 12 months. There were no significant correlations between CD and central corneal thickness postoperatively. Conclusions: A decrease in CD could be demonstrated in secondary DMEK. Nevertheless, CD values remained significantly higher than in controls. This might point out the relevance of secondary corneal structural changes.

Increasing Povidone-Iodine Exposure in Endothelial Keratoplasty Tissue Processing and Fungal Infection Impact Purpose: To evaluate the effect on donor rim cultures and postoperative infections of doubling the povidone-iodine exposure time during corneal tissue recovery before its use in keratoplasty. Methods: Consecutive donor cornea recoveries were evaluated for positive donor corneal rim cultures and postoperative infections before and after a protocol change of doubling the exposure time of povidone-iodine during donor preparation. Results: In 631 consecutive cornea donor recoveries, 18 (2.9%) had positive fungal rim cultures and 41 (6.5%) had positive bacterial rim cultures. Three (0.48%) developed postoperative fungal infections, and no bacterial infections occurred. After doubling the povidone-iodine exposure time during the recovery process, 725 consecutive corneas were reviewed. Four (0.6%) had positive fungal rim cultures, and 29 (4.0%) had positive bacterial rim cultures. No postoperative fungal or bacterial infections occurred. No noticeable increase in epithelial toxicity developed between the 2 groups. Conclusions: Increasing the povidone-iodine exposure time during the donor cornea recovery process decreased the rate of positive donor corneal rim fungal cultures (P = 0.001), positive donor corneal rim bacterial cultures (P = 0.04), and postoperative fungal infections (P = 0.06).

Analysis of Intrasession Repeatability of Ocular Aberrometric Measurements and Validation of Keratometry Provided by a New Integrated System in Mild to Moderate Keratoconus Purpose: To evaluate the intrasession repeatability and validity of corneal curvature measurements provided by a new multifunctional device and to assess the intrasession repeatability of its ocular aberrometric measures. Methods: This prospective study comprises 37 mild to moderate keratoconus eyes of 37 patients. In all cases, 3 repeated measures of corneal topography and ocular aberrometry were performed with the iDesign 2 system (iD2; Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Inc, Jacksonville, FL) and one keratometric measurement was performed with the intraocular lens-(IOL) Master 500 (Carl Zeiss Meditec Inc, Dublin, CA) and Sirius (CSO) (SIR) systems. Results: The within-subject SD (Sw) was <0.50 D for all iD2 keratometric measurements, with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) >0.980. Sw and ICC for the keratometric axis were 2.60 degrees and 0.992, respectively. Concerning aberrations, all Sw values for high-order Zernike terms were ≤0.11 μm (ICC > 0.900), and all Sw values for refraction data were <0.75 D (ICC > 0.95), except for J45. No statistically significant differences were found between the devices in any keratometric parameter evaluated (P ≥ 0.222), but the limits of agreement between the devices were clinically relevant. The magnitude of K readings and astigmatism correlated significantly with the difference in these parameters between iD2 and SIR (0.432 ≤ r ≤ 0.489, P ≤ 0.041). Conclusions: The iD2 system provides consistent measures of keratometry and ocular aberrometry in eyes with mild to moderate keratoconus. Keratometric data obtained with this system in these eyes cannot be considered as interchangeable with data provided by intraocular lens-Master 500 and SIR.

Phacoemulsification With 3.0 and 2.0 mm Opposite Clear Corneal Incisions for Correction of Corneal Astigmatism Purpose: To compare the effect of 3.0 and 2.0 mm opposite clear corneal incisions (OCCIs) in phacoemulsification on reduction of preexisting corneal astigmatism, and their impact on corneal aberrations. Methods: This study is a prospective randomized controlled study that included 140 patients with age-related cataract and regular corneal astigmatism ≥0.75 diopter (D). Phacoemulsification was performed using on-meridian 3.0 or 2.0 mm corneal incision with or without an OCCI. Cases were divided into 4 groups: 3.0 mm OCCIs, 3.0 mm single clear corneal incision (3.0 mm SCCI), 2.0 mm OCCIs, and 2.0 mm SCCI. Keratometry and topography were performed at 3 months postoperatively. The variations in corneal astigmatism and aberrations were recorded. Surgically induced astigmatism was calculated using vector analysis. Results: The corneal astigmatism reduction was 0.61 ± 0.38 D in the 3.0 mm OCCIs group, significantly higher than the other groups (P ≤ 0.004); and 0.29 ± 0.29 D in the 2.0 mm OCCIs group. The mean surgically induced astigmatism was 1.07 ± 0.51 D in the 3.0 mm OCCIs group, higher than 0.61 ± 0.35 D in the 2.0 mm OCCIs group (P = 0.001). The root mean square values of corneal trefoil, spherical aberration, and total higher order aberrations increased at 3 months postoperatively, but there were no significant differences between OCCI and SCCI groups. Conclusions: On-meridian 3.0 mm OCCIs are effective for correcting mild-to-moderate corneal astigmatism during cataract surgery, exerting no additional impact on corneal aberration compared with SCCI.

Posterior Segment Complications and Impact on Long-Term Visual Outcomes in Eyes With a Type 1 Boston Keratoprosthesis Purpose: To determine the spectrum of retinal complications (RCs) in a cohort of eyes with a type 1 Boston keratoprosthesis (KPro). Methods: All patients (36 eyes of 31 patients) who received a type 1 Boston KPro from January 2004 to December 2015 at the University of California, Davis, were included. Electronic medical records were reviewed for relevant clinical data. Demographic information, initial corneal diagnosis, postoperative course, posterior segment complications, preoperative and final visual acuity were tabulated and analyzed. Results: Posterior segment complications after type 1 Boston KPro were identified in 56% of eyes (n = 20). They included retinal detachment (n = 11; 31%), retroprosthetic membrane (n = 10; 28%), endophthalmitis (n = 7; 19%), cystoid macular edema (n = 5; 14%), epiretinal membrane (n = 4; 11%), vitreous hemorrhage (n = 2; 6%), choroidal detachment (n = 2; 6%), retinal vein occlusion (n = 1; 3%), and macular hole (n = 1; 3%). During the average follow-up period of 53.8 months (median, 57.1 months; range, 1.8–108.7 months) after type 1 Boston KPro, final best-corrected visual acuity improved by a mean of 0.12 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (LogMAR) units (range, −2.26 to +2.26) overall. The proportion of eyes with final best-corrected visual acuity better than 20/200 was 2 of 20 (10%) in the group with RCs, in contrast to 7 of 16 eyes (44%) noted among eyes without RCs. Conclusions: Long-term visual outcomes in eyes after type 1 Boston KPro may depend, in part, on maintaining a healthy posterior pole. Retinal detachment, in particular, may represent a threat to ultimate visual functioning. Regular examination of the peripheral fundus is recommended.

Schiotz Scleral Intraocular Pressure Readings Predict Goldmann Applanation Readings Better Than Rebound Tonometry Purpose: To study the agreement between scleral intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements using the Schiotz, Icare, and Icare PRO tonometers versus Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT) in eyes with nonscarred corneas. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 83 eyes of 55 subjects. The order of IOP estimation was the corneal GAT, followed by ICare, ICare PRO, and Schiotz on the corneal and temporal sclera. The agreement between different tonometers and the 95% limits of agreement (LoA) were assessed using Bland–Altman plots. The repeated measures correlation coefficient was calculated between GAT IOP and scleral Schiotz IOP, and the 95% confidence intervals were calculated by the bootstrap method. The linear mixed effects model was used (adjusted for both eyes of the subjects) to generate an equation to predict GAT IOP from scleral Schiotz IOP. The prediction model was validated with new data from 60 eyes. Statistical analyses were performed using “R” software (version 3.3.2). Results: Comparing the scleral IOP measurements, the mean IOP difference (95% LoA) was the lowest with Schiotz, underestimating by −1.21 mm Hg (7.32, −9.74). Both ICare and ICare PRO significantly overestimated GAT IOP: ICare, 24.6 mm Hg (53.2, −3.97); and ICare PRO, 21.56 mm Hg (52.9, −9.79). The correlation coefficient between scleral Schiotz and GAT IOP was 0.92 (95% bootstrap confidence interval: 0.89, 98). The derived predictive equation was JOURNAL/corne/04.02/00003226-201909000-00008/math_8MM1/v/2019-08-07T115606Z/r/image-tiff . The mean difference between the predicted GAT IOP and the actual GAT IOP was 0.96 mm Hg with narrow LoA (+1.79, −3.71), validating the prediction model. Conclusions: Among the tonometers tested, the scleral IOP measurements with Schiotz had the best agreement with the GAT although LoA were wide. The predictive equation may have great potential to predict GAT IOP from scleral IOP readings in eyes with scarred/prosthetic corneas.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Exposure Keratopathy Across Different Intensive Care Units Purpose: To determine the prevalence and risk factors of exposure keratopathy (EK) across different intensive care units (ICU) at Columbia University Medical Center, including the Pediatric ICU (PICU), Medical ICU (MICU), and Neurologic ICU (NICU). Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 65 patients were examined daily during their admission in the PICU (27 patients), MICU (15 patients), and NICU (23 patients). Data on eyelid position, conjunctival and corneal changes, Bell's and blink reflexes, medications, Glasgow Coma Scale rating, and ventilation type were collected. Results: Overall EK percentages were as follows: PICU 19%, MICU 60%, and NICU 48%. The prevalence of EK was lowest in the PICU (P = 0.013). Factors associated with EK were lagophthalmos (P < 0.001), an absent Bell's reflex (P = 0.003), an absent blink reflex (P < 0.001), conjunctival injection (P < 0.001), a low Glasgow Coma Scale score (P < 0.001), intubation (P < 0.001), surgery before examination (P < 0.001), dialysis (P = 0.002), and administration of opioid (P < 0.001), sedative (P < 0.001), and neuromuscular blocking medications (P = 0.006). Conclusions: This is the first study to examine the rates and risk factors of EK across different ICU settings. The prevalence of EK was lowest in the PICU, which may partly be explained by the increased number of PICU patients receiving noninvasive ventilation and the absence of conjunctival chemosis.

Corneal Evaluation in Patients With Parkinsonism on Long-Term Amantadine Therapy Purpose: To evaluate the progression of corneal endothelial changes in patients with Parkinson disease (PD) on long-term oral amantadine therapy. Methods: A prospective comparative longitudinal observational study of 90 patients (180 eyes) with PD on more than 6 months of oral amantadine therapy, 30 amantadine naive patients with PD, and 30 healthy controls (age and gender matched). Corneal endothelial cell parameters (endothelial cell density, percentage hexagonality of the cells, and coefficient of variation) and corneal subbasal nerve fiber layer changes were studied over a follow-up period of 1 year. Results: The amantadine patients with PD group had a statistically significant decrease in endothelial cell density (1.51% vs. 0.94% vs. 0.55%) (P = 0.04), decrease of percentage hexagonality of the cells (4.98% vs. 3.56% vs. 2.31%) (P = 0.01), and increase of coefficient of variation (6.12% vs. 4.80% vs. 3.30%) (P = 0.03) compared with amantadine naive patients with PD and controls, respectively. Analysis of changes in the patients with PD based on the daily dosage of amantadine showed greater change in endothelial parameters in patients who were on 400 mg amantadine. Conclusions: Long-term amantadine therapy seems to effect changes on corneal endothelium.