Outcomes after cataract surgery can be compromised by dry eye disease. Researchers at the American Society of Cataract & Refractive Surgery (ASCRS) annual meeting explored whether biologic corneal bandages can sufficiently stabilize the ocular surface to improve accuracy of intraocular lens calculations and ultimately postoperative outcomes for patients with moderate to severe dry eye disease.

In this video courtesy of Ophthalmology Times, lead author Jeff Wongs, MD, from Olathe Health of the University of Kansas Health System, discussed this study.

Following is a transcript of his remarks:

Hi, my name is Jeff Wongs and I’m a cornea specialist in the Kansas City metro area. The title of our study is “Ocular Surface Optimization, With Cryopreserved Amniotic Membrane Prior to Cataract Surgery.” The objective of our prospective, single-center, single-surgeon study is to assess the benefits of cryopreserved amniotic membrane prior to cataract surgery to restore the ocular surface and improve the accuracy of pre-op biometric readings.

In our study, patients all had visually significant cataracts with moderate to severe Dry Eye Disease. This was defined as a SPEED [Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness] score greater than 10 and an NEI [National Eye Institute] corneal staining score greater than 4 prior to cataract surgery. All of these patients were refractory to conservative measures using artificial tears, ointments, steroid drops, lifitegrast eyedrops, as well as cyclosporine eyedrops.

The cryopreserved amniotic tissue that we used for the study was Prokera Slim by BioTissue. Biometry, corneal topography, corneal staining of SPEED scores, and best-corrected visual acuity were all measured prior to the Prokera placement. The Prokera was then placed after the cataract evaluation, and these parameters were remeasured at 1 week after the Prokera was removed.

Two weeks after the Prokera was removed, the same measurements were obtained. IOLs [intraocular lenses] were then chosen based on the IOL master that was done closest to the time of surgery. Cataract surgery was done in all patients within 2 to 4 weeks after the removal of the amniotic tissue. The study enrolled 11 eyes of eight patients. The estimated total enrollment for the study is 64 eyes. So these are preliminary results.

Two weeks after amniotic membrane ring removal, the SPEED scores and NEI scores were all improved. At 1 month post surgery, all eyes had 20/20 best-corrected visual acuity. Emmetropia was also achieved in 91% of patients. The mean deviation from refractive target was 0.24 diopters.

So in conclusion, this is a very exciting study that quantifies the benefits of using cryopreserved amniotic tissue, specifically Prokera, in the study to obtain excellent results in cataract surgery patients with moderate to Severe Dry Eye disease.