Volume 60 · Issue 08 · 2024

This issue focuses on the research progress of presbyopia correction. The responsible editorial committee responsible for the planning, composition and review of this issue is Professor Zhang Fengju.

With the population aging, the increasing number of presbyopia patients and the growing demand for correction have become pressing visual challenges. In recent years, presbyopia correction surgery has been a clinical focus, with ongoing innovations in surgical mechanisms and methods, but significant issues remain unresolved. This article explores the advancements and challenges in various presbyopia correction procedures, identifies key future trends and directions, and aims to provide guidance for improving the safety, efficacy, practicality, and longevity of these procedures in line with natural aging processes.

Presbyopia refers to a phenomenon in which the ability of the eye to accommodate is insufficient to meet the daily demand for proximity due to age. In modern society, more and more patients over 40 years old want to solve visual problems caused by presbyopia and refractive errors, which poses new challenges for clinical laser corneal refractive surgery, and a variety of combined presbyopia correction technologies and programs have emerged. However, whether laser corneal refractive surgery combined with presbyopia correction technology could treat presbyopia deserves clinical attention. Based on the mechanism of laser corneal refractive surgery and various presbyopia correction techniques, this article deeply analyzes the purpose and effect of laser corneal refractive surgery combined with presbyopia correction technology. It is proposed that this surgical treatment could only play a role in correcting presbyopia at present and should be performed accordingly.

With the increasing incidence of myopia year by year and the continuous progress of various treatment techniques, laser corneal refractive surgery has become one of the important ways to correct refractive errors. The rational drug use in the perioperative period is important for the success of surgery and reduction of complications. In 2019, based on the development of laser corneal refractive surgery in China, experts from the Refractive Surgery Experts Group of Ocular Microcirculation Branch of Chinese Society of Microcirculation and the Ophthalmology Branch in the Chinese Medical Association formed the "Chinese Expert Consensus on the Perioperative Medication in Laser Corneal Refractive Surgery (2019)". To further promote the expansion of new clinical technologies and surgical methods, and to improve surgical efficacy, the Refractive Surgery Experts Group of Ocular Microcirculation Branch of Chinese Society of Microcirculation, according to the latest domestic and foreign research results, has recently updated the consensus after a collective discussion.

To evaluate clinical outcomes and visual quality after femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) performed with the Q-value-guided optimized monocular vision protocol (Custom-Q) for correction of low-to-moderate myopia and compensation for age-related accommodation deficiency.

A prospective study was performed based on patients with myopia and age-related accommodation deficiency, who underwent Custom-Q FS-LASIK in the Peking University Third Hospital from October 2022 to October 2023. Monocular and binocular distance, intermediate, and near visual acuities, simulated whole-course visual acuity (binocular defocus curve), objective and subjective refractions, anterior corneal Q factor, anterior corneal higher-order aberrations and a subjective questionnaire assessing near visual acuity and visual quality were evaluated at 3 months postoperatively. Visual acuity was recorded using the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution. The data were analyzed using the t-test and the Wilcoxon rank-sum test.

A total of 45 patients (90 eyes) who met the inclusion criteria and completed the 3-month follow-up were included in the study. The mean age of the 21 men (42 eyes) and 24 women (48 eyes) was (42.82±2.72) years. During the 3-month follow-up, all the patients achieved binocular uncorrected distance visual acuity not less than 0.00 and uncorrected near visual acuity not less than 0.20. Defocus curves revealed better results at 3 months postoperatively [0.00 (-0.08, 0.00), -0.08 (-0.08, 0.00)] at intermediate and near vergence (-1.50 to -1.00 D) compared to the preoperative values [0.00 (-0.08, 0.05), -0.08 (-0.08, 0.00)] (P<0.05). All the 45 patients maintained 0.10 or better vision at the defocus range from -2.50 to 0.00 D. The Q value in the dominant eyes was more positive postoperatively (0.01±0.26 vs.-0.15±0.14, P<0.05), while in the nondominant eyes, the Q value and corneal spherical aberration coefficient became more negative than those before surgery (-0.27±0.32 vs.-0.14±0.11, P<0.05; 0.08±0.05 vs. 0.12±0.03, P<0.05). The questionnaire demonstrated 42 (93.3%) patients were satisfied with near vision. The three most commonly reported visual discomforts after surgery were blurred vision, glare and halos. These symptoms were all mild to moderate in severity and did not interfere with daily life.

For myopic patients with age-related accommodation deficiency, the Custom-Q algorithm proved to be a safe and effective way to achieve acceptable near vision and visual quality without compromising distance vision.

To investigate the postoperative outcomes and visual quality following laser blended vision (LBV) surgery for the correction of myopia with presbyopia.

This is a prospective study. A total of 50 patients (100 eyes) who underwent LBV surgery for myopia with presbyopia at Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, between August 2021 and March 2022 were included. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA), best-corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA), manifest refraction spherical equivalent (MRSE) were measured preoperatively and at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively for the dominant eye, non-dominant eye, and both eyes. Effectiveness Index (EI) and Safety Index (SI) were calculated to evaluate refractive outcomes. Accommodation function and contrast sensitivity were assessed to evaluate functional vision. Objective visual quality was assessed using higher-order aberrations (HOAs) and a dual-channel visual quality analysis system. Subjective visual quality was evaluated using a questionnaire.

At 24 months postoperatively, the EI and SI for the dominant eye were 1.04±0.23 and 1.14±0.14, respectively, while for the non-dominant eye, they were 0.85±0.21 and 1.06±0.08, respectively. Although there were statistically significant differences in UNVA between the eyes at 1 and 3 months postoperatively (all P<0.05), no significant differences were observed from 6 months onward (all P>0.05). At 6 months postoperatively, the UNVA for the dominant and non-dominant eyes were 0.07±0.13 and 0.03±0.13, respectively, with no significant difference (P>0.05). MRSE showed no significant differences at any follow-up time points up to 24 months. Accommodation function did not decrease compared to preoperative levels at any postoperative follow-up. Increases in HOAs were primarily due to spherical aberrations, and there were no significant differences in objective visual quality before and after surgery. Contrast sensitivity improved significantly at 24 months postoperatively compared to preoperative levels. At 24 months postoperatively, 11 out of 12 patients reported good visual quality in the questionnaire.

LBV surgery gradually achieves good binocular blended vision within 6 months postoperatively and demonstrates good safety, efficacy, and stability at 24 months. It maintains good functional vision and visual quality with high postoperative patient satisfaction.

To explore the corrective effects of a personalized corneal refractive surgery design that retains mild myopia in patients over 40 years old with refractive errors and presbyopia.

A retrospective case series study was conducted, including 60 patients (120 eyes) over 40 years old who underwent corneal refractive surgery at Peking Union Medical College Hospital l from January 2023 to December 2023. The patients were divided into two groups based on their preference: Group A (retained mild myopia) and Group B (fully corrected), with 30 patients (60 eyes) in each group. Preoperative and postoperative visual acuity, subjective refraction, slit-lamp examination, corneal topography, and intraocular pressure were assessed at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months after surgery. The effectiveness and safety indices were calculated based on visual acuity before and after surgery. The National Eye Institute Refractive Quality of Life questionnaire was used to evaluate patient satisfaction and postoperative visual symptoms.

There were no significant differences in preoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), spherical equivalent (SE), corneal thickness, and intraocular pressure between the two groups (all P>0.05). At the final follow-up, the proportions of eyes with UDVA≥0.8 and≥1.0 were 93.3% (56/60) and 60.0% (36/60) in Group A, and 100% (60/60) and 83.3% (50/60) in Group B, respectively. The SE was significantly different between Group A [(-0.35±0.52) D] and Group B [(-0.07±0.55) D] (P<0.05). Near visual acuity was better in Group A than in Group B (P<0.05). The effectiveness indices were 0.96±0.23 and 0.99±0.12, and the safety indices were 1.02±0.11 and 1.02±0.07 for Groups A and B, respectively. Both groups had high overall satisfaction, but Group A had higher scores for near vision, reading, and computer screen viewing.

The personalized corneal refractive surgery design that retains mild myopia provides good corrective effects for patients over 40 years old with refractive errors, improving patient satisfaction and quality of life.

To evaluate the efficacy of optimized monovision correction using small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) in myopic patients with presbyopia and to assess the corneal epithelial remodeling following these procedures.

A prospective study was conducted. Thirty-two patients (64 eyes) with myopia and presbyopia who underwent surgical correction at Chongqing Bai Ji Eye Clinic from August 2021 to April 2023 were continuously included. There were 9 males and 23 females, with an average age of (44.25±2.96) years. The dominant eyes (32 eyes) underwent SMILE, while the non-dominant eyes (32 eyes) underwent FS-LASIK with mild myopia and partial negative spherical aberration induction. Data on visual acuity and refraction were collected preoperatively and at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively. Total ocular aberrations were measured using the iProfiler Plus, and the corneal epithelial thickness in different regions was assessed using anterior segment optical coherence tomography. Safety and efficacy indices were calculated based on visual acuity, the defocus and contrast sensitivity were measured using the Binoptometer 4P binocular vision tester, and a patient satisfaction survey was performed.

At 1 week postoperatively, the uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) of dominant eyes significantly improved compared to preoperative values. At 3 months postoperatively, the uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA) of non-dominant eyes showed significant improvement (P<0.05), 96.9% (31 eyes) of the dominant eyes achieved UDVA of 1.0 or better, and 93.8% (30 eyes) of the non-dominant eyes achieved UNVA of 0.8 or better. The safety index for distance vision was 1.15±0.09, and the efficacy index was 1.15±0.11. At 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively, the proportion of dominant eyes with a spherical equivalent (SE) deviation within ±0.50 D of the target was 90.6% (29 eyes), 90.6% (29 eyes), 93.8% (30 eyes), and 96.2% (31 eyes), respectively; for non-dominant eyes, the corresponding proportions were 81.3% (26 eyes), 87.5% (28 eyes), 93.8% (30 eyes), and 96.2% (31 eyes). The postoperative spherical aberration was (0.11±0.03) μm for dominant eyes and (-0.01±0.04) μm for non-dominant eyes, showing a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). At 1 week and 1 month postoperatively, the central corneal epithelial thickness of non-dominant eyes was significantly higher than that of dominant eyes [(71.34±21.69) μm vs. (51.97±6.33) μm at 1 week, and (61.34±15.85) μm vs. (52.72±6.32) μm at 1 month; P<0.05]. Patient satisfaction was high, with 96.9% (31 patients) rating their satisfaction as "satisfactory" or higher.

The combined use of SMILE and FS-LASIK for optimized monovision correction in myopic patients with presbyopia is both safe and effective, achieving high postoperative satisfaction. The SMILE procedure reduces the extent of corneal epithelial remodeling compared to FS-LASIK.

To compare the accuracy of intraocular lens (IOL) power calculations using total keratometry (TK) versus standard keratometry (K) in post-corneal refractive surgery cataract patients.

This retrospective case series study included 30 patients (36 eyes) with a history of laser corneal refractive surgery who underwent cataract extraction and IOL implantation at Qingdao Eye Hospital, Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, from September 2022 to December 2023. The cohort comprised 16 males and 14 females, with an average age of (53.6±8.1) years. IOL power was calculated using the K-based Haigis-L and Barrett True-K formulas, as well as the TK-based Haigis and Barrett Universal Ⅱ formulas. Postoperative objective refraction was performed to obtain the actual refractive status of the operated eyes. The refractive prediction error (RPE) was defined as the difference between the actual spherical equivalent and the predicted refraction. The absolute value of the RPE was taken as the refractive absolute error (RAE). Differences in errors calculated by the four formulas were compared.

TK showed good consistency with K, with TK being on average 0.50 D lower than K. Analysis of variance revealed statistically significant differences in RPE among the four formulas (P<0.001). The RPE for the TK-based Haigis formula was (0.17±0.09) D, and for the Barrett Universal Ⅱ formula, it was (0.21±0.11) D, both significantly better than the K-based Haigis-L formula (-0.61±0.12) D and Barrett True-K formula (-0.57±0.11) D (all P<0.001). The percentage of eyes with postoperative RPE<±1.00 D was higher for the TK-based Haigis (92%, 33 eyes) and Barrett Universal Ⅱ (86%, 31 eyes) formulas compared to the TK-based Barrett True-K (75%, 27 eyes) and Haigis-L formulas (67%, 24 eyes), with statistically significant differences (P<0.05).

Compared with K, TK improves the accuracy of IOL power calculation in post-corneal refractive surgery patients. Both the TK-based Barrett Universal Ⅱ and Haigis formulas demonstrate high accuracy.

A 40-year-old man presented with recurrent ocular surface masses in his left eye persisting for over a year. Despite undergoing resection of the conjunctival mass and receiving anti-inflammatory treatment at another hospital, the mass reappeared within a week post-surgery. Over the past 6 months, the mass gradually increased in size, accompanied by a decline in vision. Following conjunctival mass excision combined with amniotic membrane transplantation at Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, histopathological examination revealed a fungal infection of the conjunctiva, resulting in a diagnosis of fungal conjunctivitis and conjunctival granuloma in the left eye. The patient received systemic antifungal medications and local therapy, resulting in a stable condition with no recurrence of the mass.

A 63-year-old female patient presented with "flashes of light in both eyes accompanied by decreased visual acuity for one year." Visual field examination revealed partial defects in the central 30° of the visual field in both eyes. Scanning laser ophthalmoscopy showed extensive atrophic lesions across the entire posterior pole of the retina in both eyes. Optical coherence tomography revealed atrophy and thinning of the retina in the macular regions, with significant atrophy of the photoreceptor inner segment and outer segment layer in the areas corresponding to the visual field defects. Fluorescein fundus angiography demonstrated thinning of the retinal arterioles. Early-phase imaging showed large window-like defects in the posterior retina with background fluorescence from choroidal macrovessels. In the late phase, patchy fluorescence staining with a circumferential hyperfluorescent area was observed. Pattern visual evoked potential and pattern electroretinography tests revealed a significant decrease in the P100 amplitude in both eyes. The patient was diagnosed with acute regional occult outer layer retinopathy in both eyes.

With the extensive application of targeted drugs, the survival rate of cancer patients has been significantly improved. However, adverse reactions to the drugs have also become apparent, especially those affecting the ocular surface, which can severely impact patients′ vision and quality of life. The article systematically analyzes a variety of targeted drugs, including epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 inhibitors, fibroblast growth factor receptor inhibitors, selective estrogen receptor modulators, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor inhibitors, aromatase inhibitors, proteasome inhibitors, antibody-drug conjugates, Bruton′s tyrosine kinase inhibitors, FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 inhibitors, and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, and discusses their adverse reactions on the ocular surface. The review emphasizes the role of clinicians in monitoring and managing patients′ ocular surface health and the importance of early diagnosis and intervention to ensure that patients receive optimal visual protection while undergoing antitumor treatment.

With the continuous promotion of implantable Collamer lens (ICL) implantation in clinical practice, accurate prediction of postoperative ICL arch height has become a clinical focus. Artificial intelligence technology has shown advantages in ICL arch height prediction, diameter selection and diopter estimation. This paper expounds the application of ICL arch height prediction and diameter selection model, ICL diopter prediction model, intraoperative coherence optical tomography (OCT) arch height prediction and adjustment model, ICL arch height OCT automatic measurement model, and introduces and analyzes the application status, existing problems and model application mode, so as to provide reference for clinical related work.

Founder of Chinese ophthalmology public health, outstanding leader of Chinese ophthalmology and international ophthalmology, ophthalmology educator, member of the Communist Party of China, former director of the Department of Ophthalmology of Peking Union Medical College Hospital, former director of the Ophthalmology Research Center of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, former chairman of the Ophthalmology Branch of Chinese Medical Association, former editor-in-chief of the editorial board of Chinese Journal of Ophthalmology, the first Chinese academician of the International Academy of Ophthalmology, and the first vice chairman of the International Academy of Ophthalmology in China, Professor Zhao Jialiang (Figure 1), died of illness on June 23, 2024 at the age of 79.