The presbyopic demographic is large and growing, with a high level of interest in spectacle independence. There is currently no other effective solutions for presbyopes who desire good uncorrected vision at all distances without the risks of intraocular surgery or the visual compromises of monovision. Additional research is needed, but the future for corneal inlay technology is bright.

The amniotic membrane (AM) has a long history of use in the treatment of various diseases of the ocular surface. It contains pluripotent cells, highly organized collagen, anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory cytokines, immune-modulators, growth factors, and matrix proteins. It is used to promote corneal healing in severely damaged eyes. Recently, AM extract and AM extract eye drops have been successfully used in clinical applications, including dry eye and chemical burns. We provide an overview on the recent progress in the preparation, mechanisms of action, and use of AM extract/AM extract eye drops for corneal and external eye diseases.

PurposeFour cases of corneal ectasia after small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) have been reported. In this review, we provide an overview of the published literature on corneal ectasia after SMILE and risk factors associated with this complication.MethodsCase reports were identified by a search of seven electronic databases for pertinent heading terms between 2011 and July 2017. We identified patient characteristics and surgical details including preoperative topography, central corneal thickness, and anterior keratometry (Km). Residual stromal bed (RSB) values not reported were computed using VisuMax ReLEx SMILE software Version 2.10.10. Preoperative ectasia risk was measured using the Randleman Ectasia Risk Score System (ERSS). Percent tissue alteration was calculated for each patient as described by Santhiago et al.ResultsSeven eyes of four patients developed corneal ectasia post SMILE. Two patients had abnormal topography in both eyes. One patient had abnormal topography in one eye. Only one patient was noted to have normal topography in both eyes and later developed ectasia in one eye in the absence of any known risk factors. The mean Randleman ectasia risk score was 4±3 (range: 1–8). The mean calculated percent tissue altered (PTA) was 38%±6% (range: 30%–47%).ConclusionA majority of reported ectasia cases occurred in patients with subclinical keratoconus. These conditions may be exacerbated by SMILE and should be considered absolute contraindications to the procedure. Three patients were identified to have high risk based on the ERSS, and one patient exhibited a PTA ≥40%. We formulated a modification to the current calculation of PTA that takes into account the differences in tissue altered between SMILE and laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). More studies are needed to fully quantify the risk of ectasia. For now, we propose adopting the same exclusion criteria used for LASIK in the SMILE procedure until more specific metrics have been validated.

The new method of calculating IOL power after LASIK provided excellent results and the most accurate and precise results to date.

The corneal endothelium plays an integral role in regulating corneal hydration and clarity. Endotheliitis, defined as inflammation of the corneal endothelium, may disrupt endothelial function and cause subsequent visual changes. Corneal endotheliitis is characterized by corneal edema, the presence of keratic precipitates, anterior chamber inflammation, and occasionally limbal injection, neovascularization, and co-existing or superimposed uveitis. The disorder is classified into four subgroups: linear, sectoral, disciform, and diffuse. Its etiology is extensive and, although commonly viral, may be medication-related, procedural, fungal, zoological, environmental, or systemic. Not all cases of endothelial dysfunction leading to corneal edema are inflammatory in nature. Therefore, it is imperative that practitioners consider a broad differential for patients presenting with possible endotheliitis, as well as familiarize themselves with appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic modalities.