We describe a variation of the big-bubble deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) technique using the femtosecond laser zigzag incision. This technique allows precise depth visualization for air-needle placement in the posterior stroma based on the lamellar and posterior laser cuts, thus minimizing the risk for perforation of Descemet membrane. The matching donor and host tissue zigzag cut allows more precise tissue apposition and greater surface area for healing. The angled anterior donor and host junction allows a smooth transition for improved visual outcomes. If the big-bubble- Descemet membrane dissection fails, the surgeon can convert to a full-thickness graft while retaining the benefits of the femtosecond laser incision.

A look at the recent advances in corneal transplantation surgery using the femtosecond laser technology. The femtosecond laser uses near-infrared light to create photodisruption, a process that allows corneal tissue to be cut at precise depths and in various patterns. Penetrating keratoplasty as well as disease targeted lamellar corneal surgery have been performed using this technology in order to improve surgical outcomes and wound healing. It is now possible to create customized trephination patterns, including 'zig-zag' and 'top-hat', which demonstrate more rapid visual recovery and decreased amounts of astigmatism as compared with conventional blade trephination penetrating keratoplasty. The benefits of these cuts have been extended into the deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty surgery in order to maintain the benefits of the customized cut, whereas preserving the endothelial layer in ectatic and stromal diseases of the cornea. Femtosecond laser-assisted corneal surgery is improving traditional outcomes in transplantation. Continued studies using this ultrafast laser may continue to yield new and exciting possibilities in the treatment of corneal disease.

To investigate the preoperative characteristics and updated patient selection criteria for presbyopic patients undergoing laser refractive surgery for monovision. The role of age, sex, ocular dominance, amount of monovision, and hyperopic versus myopic treatments is reviewed and reported. The presbyopic female patient is less likely to reject monovision. Patients with a strong sighting preference do less well due to reduced interocular blur suppression. Although myopes represent the majority of monovision patients, laser-corrected monovision in hyperopes is a viable and satisfactory option. Refractive surgery monovision correction represents an increasingly popular method for the presbyopic patient. Patient selection based on multiple preoperative characteristics is vitally important to the overall success and patient satisfaction.

To evaluate the rate of recurrence after pterygium excision with conjunctival autograft (CAG) using Tisseel fibrin tissue adhesive versus absorbable sutures. Forty-seven eyes of 42 patients who had undergone primary pterygium excision surgery with CAG were retrospectively reviewed. The study group, CAG adhered using Tisseel tissue adhesive (n = 27), were compared with the control group, CAG adhered using absorbable sutures (n = 20). Postoperative courses were followed for 22-36 months after surgery. Rates of recurrence were compared using logistic regression. Recurrence was defined as regrowth of fibrovascular tissue 1 mm past the corneoscleral limbus. The recurrence rate in the Tisseel group was 3.7% compared with 20% in the sutured group (P = 0.035). Recurrence rate in the Tisseel group was comparable to previously reported rates for CAG with sutures in the literature. There was a significant inverse relationship between age and rate of recurrence overall (P = 0.025). There was no difference in time to recurrence between the groups -- with an average time to recurrence of 3.13 months. In a predominantly Southern California population where there is an overall higher rate of pterygium recurrence, Tisseel tissue adhesive may improve surgical outcomes with equal to or lower long-term recurrence rates than previously reported.

Purpose: To obtain consensus on Demodex blepharitis (DB) treatment using a modified Delphi panel process. Methods: Literature search identified gaps in knowledge surrounding treatment of DB. Twelve ocular surface disease experts comprised the Demodex Expert Panel on Treatment and Eyelid Health (DEPTH). They completed a live roundtable discussion in addition to 3 surveys consisting of scaled, open-ended, true/false, and multiple-choice questions pertaining to the treatment of DB. Consensus for scaled questions using a 1 to 9 Likert scale was predefined as median scores of 7– 9 and 1– 3. For other question types, consensus was achieved when 8 of 12 panelists agreed. Results: The experts agreed that an effective therapeutic agent for treatment of DB would likely decrease the necessity of mechanical intervention, such as lid scrubs or blepharoexfoliation (Median = 8.5; Range 2– 9). When treating DB, panelists believed that collarettes serve as a surrogate for mites, and that eliminating or reducing collarettes should be the main clinical goal of treatment (Median = 8; Range 7– 9). The panelists would treat patients with at least 10 collarettes, regardless of other signs or symptoms and agreed that DB can be cured, but there is always the possibility for a reinfestation (n = 12). There was also consensus that collarettes, and therefore mites, are the primary treatment target and the way by which clinicians can monitor patient response to therapy (Median = 8; Range 7– 9). Conclusion: Expert panelists achieved consensus on key facets of DB treatment. Specifically, there was consensus that collarettes are pathognomonic for DB, that DB patients with > 10 collarettes should be treated even in the absence of symptoms, and that treatment efficacy can be tracked by collarette resolution. By increasing awareness about DB, understanding the goals of and monitoring treatment efficacy, patients will receive better care and, ultimately, better clinical outcomes.