Pre-Surgical Ocular Surface Treatment With Intracanalicular Dexamethasone Insert And Effect On Intraocular Lens Measurement Accuracy

Overview

This prospective study will use a self controlled design for 35 eyes. Patients scheduled to undergo routine cataract surgery in at least one of their eyes will have their pre-surgical measurements performed, IOL calculated and surgery planned. Then they will receive insertion of an intracanalicular dexamethasone insert into the inferior punctum. At 2 weeks (+/- 2 days) post-insertion, patients will return for an identical set of measurements. The IOL will be calculated and the surgery planned based on post-insert data. The insert will be removed if present (manually or via saline irrigation). This self controlled design allows for greater control of potential confounders tied to participants' systemic and ocular health.

Ocular surface optimization is a pre-operative necessity. In cataract surgery patients, an unstable tear film reduces the quality of corneal reflections and therefore can compromise K readings, which in turn can affect the accuracy of IOL calculations and result in suboptimum refractive results. To obtain accurate measurements, patients are routinely pre-treated with a variety of medications and therapies. However, these therapies can take time, which may lead to surgical delays. Steroids can positively impact the stability of the tear film by inhibiting and preventing ocular surface inflammation. Punctal plugs are also widely used for the treatment of dry eye manifestations, by blocking the tear drainage, increasing tear film and eye moisture. Dextenza is a sustained-release dexamethasone intracanalicular insert recently approved by the FDA for pain and inflammation post ophthalmic surgery. It is placed into the canaliculus via the lower punctum and is designed to release steroid medication for 30 days. Previous studies have demonstrated that ocular surface disease affects the reliability of IOL calculations, potentially affecting outcomes. The insert of a punctal plug that can deliver a sustained release of dexamethasone to the eye 2 weeks (+/- 2 days) prior to final preoperative measurements may provide adequate therapy, improving the ocular surface status and, therefore, improve the reliability of IOL selection in patients undergoing cataract surgery, in a comparatively short amount of time, without introducing patient compliance barriers. Pre-surgical measurements, IOL calculations, and surgical plans prior to the insertion of the insert will be compared to measurements, IOL calculations, and surgical plans at 2 weeks following intracanalicular dexamethasone insertion. Surgery will proceed with data from the post-insert measurements. Final refractive outcomes at one month from the second eye surgery will be compared to pre-insert data to determine refractive accuracy.