Posters

Biomechanical changes and improved visual performance after a new presbyopia therapy: laser scleral microporation

Poster Details

First Author: L.Gualdi ITALY

Co Author(s):    A. Hipsley   S. Shah   R. Ang   M. Jackson   M. Rau   E. Hsiao     

Abstract Details

Purpose:

To evaluate the visual outcomes as well as biomechanical and physiological changes in the eye following bilateral Laser Scleral Microporation (LSM) therapy for restoring accommodation function in presbyopes.

Setting:

Khmer Sight Foundation

Methods:

Twelve eyes of six patients aged > 40 years who showed loss of accommodative ability and near visual acuity of 20/50 or worse were treated with LSM. An Er:YAG laser was used in 4 quadrants on the sclera to rejuvenate age-related ocular rigidity in 5 critical zones of anatomical and functional significance to improve pliability & biomechanical efficiency of the ciliary muscles. Visual outcomes were assessed using the Early Diabetic Retinopathy Study (EDTRS) logMAR charts and intraocular pressure (IOP) was evaluated using a pneumatic tonometer for up to 1 month postoperatively.

Results:

Binocular uncorrected visual acuities at near (40cm; UNVA), intermediate (60cm; UIVA), and distance (4m; UDVA) improved from +0.60 ± 0.14 (logMAR), +0.47 ± 0.20 (logMAR), +0.14 ± 0.12 (logMAR) respectively preoperatively, to +0.14 ± 0.17 (logMAR) (p=0.00010), +0.08 ± 0.19 (logMAR) (p=0.0087), +0.00 ± 0.00 (logMAR) (p=0.020) respectively at 1 month postoperatively. At 1 month postoperatively, binocular UNVA showed a median improvement of 5 lines (range 2-7) from preoperative UNVA.

Conclusions:

Preliminary results indicated that LSM performed using the Er:Yag laser appears to be a safe and effective procedure for restoring visual performance in all ranges of vision including near, intermediate, and distance. The mechanism of action of LSM is still being studied but early results are compelling. Ongoing studies are being pursued.

Financial Disclosure:

gains financially from product or procedure presented, is employed by a for-profit company with an interest in the subject of the presentation, has significant investment interest in a company producing, developing or supplying product or procedure presented