Refractive and cataract surgery beyond VISION2020

Ophthalmic surgeons have been overwhelmed by the influx of multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) options in recent years, with close to 100 IOLs on the market in 2020. This practical and technical update on a representative group of established as well as newly launched multifocal IOLs on the market focuses on multifocal IOLs, including extended depth-of-focus lenses. We also describe the optical basis of lens platforms used and thorough preoperative planning to aid decision making. This allows the surgeon the knowledge base to deliver the required relative customized spectacle independence with the least photic phenomenon and loss of contrast possible while achieving high individual patient satisfaction. Data of reviewed IOLs displayed in tabular format include mean monocular uncorrected distance, intermediate, and near visual acuities (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution), with standard deviations and ranges where available. The range of vision targeted, pupil dependence, toric availability, as well as type of optical platform, are provided as a practical guide to demystify existing terminology on the market that may create interest around a seemingly new design that is actually not novel at all. Halos and glare experienced, levels of patient satisfaction, and spectacle independence achieved also are summarized. A wide range of multifocal IOLs options are available on the market to surgeons. Comprehensive patient selection and examination, combined with knowledge of the most recent options and adequate patient counseling, including neuroadaptation, can avoid dissatisfaction. Many recently available IOLs are awaiting formal results, but the methods by which we label and compare these types of IOLs must also be standardized.

A link between cataract surgery and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) has long been considered. Indeed, pseudophakic retinal detachment (PPRD) forms a substantial and increasing proportion of RRD. We reviewed the literature to answer the following questions: what is the incidence of PPRD in eyes following phacoemulsification cataract surgery and how does its risk change over time following surgery? We also sought to assess how the risk is modified by intraoperative factors (operative complications, surgeon grade, subsequent laser capsulotomy), intrinsic eye-related factors (laterality, myopia, previous RRD, previous trauma, previous PVD) and patient factors (sex, age, ethnicity, affluence, systemic comorbidities). Secondarily we asked how the incidence of PPRD after phacoemulsification compares with the RRD incidence in the general population and how identified risk factors contribute to the pathophysiology of PPRD. A search of the Medline and Ovid databases was conducted for relevant publications from 1990 onwards using defined search terms with pre planned inclusion and exclusion criteria. The 10-year PPRD incidence after phacoemulsification was identified as being between 0.36 and 2.9%. This decreases over time to 0.1–0.2% annually but remains above the general population. The PPRD risk is further elevated by (in order of decreasing effect) intraoperative vitreous loss, increasing axial length, younger age, male sex and trainee operating surgeons. The PPRD risk after phacoemulsification is approximately ten times the general population’s RRD risk. This risk is modified by the interplay of a hierarchy of risk factors, of which intraoperative vitreous loss, myopia, age and sex have the biggest effect.

Visual impairment from corneal stromal disease affects millions worldwide. We describe a cell-free engineered corneal tissue, bioengineered porcine construct, double crosslinked (BPCDX) and a minimally invasive surgical method for its implantation. In a pilot feasibility study in India and Iran (clinicaltrials.gov no. NCT04653922), we implanted BPCDX in 20 advanced keratoconus subjects to reshape the native corneal stroma without removing existing tissue or using sutures. During 24 months of follow-up, no adverse event was observed. We document improvements in corneal thickness (mean increase of 209 ± 18 µm in India, 285 ± 99 µm in Iran), maximum keratometry (mean decrease of 13.9 ± 7.9 D in India and 11.2 ± 8.9 D in Iran) and visual acuity (to a mean contact-lens-corrected acuity of 20/26 in India and spectacle-corrected acuity of 20/58 in Iran). Fourteen of 14 initially blind subjects had a final mean best-corrected vision (spectacle or contact lens) of 20/36 and restored tolerance to contact lens wear. This work demonstrates restoration of vision using an approach that is potentially equally effective, safer, simpler and more broadly available than donor cornea transplantation.