OCT-Angiography of deep and superficial retinal vascular density changes in diabetes without diabetic retinopathy.

PURPOSE: To analyze the vascular density values (VD) in the superficial and the deep retinal network and in all perimacular sectors of diabetic eyes without clinical retinopathy, comparing them to that of healthy, nondiabetic control eyes. We investigated the factors that may influence these values. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study including diabetics without diabetic retinopathy and healthy control subjects. All subjects underwent OCTA examination (RTVue-XR Avanti; Optovue, Fremont, CA, USA). The scanned area was 3×3mm and centered on the fovea. In the superficial and deep capillary plexus, we evaluated the total VD, parafoveal, temporal, nasal, superior and inferior sectors, as well as the superior and inferior hemi-sector VD. The sectors with the greatest area under the curve (AUC) were determined. We evaluated the correlation between certain risk factors and VD values. RESULTS: VD values in all sectors of the superficial capillary plexus layer and deep capillary plexus layer in the diabetic group were significantly lower than in the control group. Among all the parameters, the superficial total VD and superficial parafoveal VD had the greatest AUC (0.992 and 0.991 respectively). The sector with the greatest AUC was the temporal sector in both the SCP (0.990) and DCP (0.976). Age, creatinine clearance and hyperlipemia correlated with vascular density. CONCLUSIONS: Superficial and deep retinal VD are both decreased in diabetic patients without diabetic retinopathy. Our results suggest that OCTA might be a promising tool for diabetic retinopathy screening. Quantitative microvascular changes might precede clinical damage.

Relationship between OSDI score and biomicroscopic ocular surface damages in glaucomatous patients treated with preserved antiglaucomatous eye drops.

PURPOSE: Our goal was to identify factors that may influence the OSDI score, in particular, ocular surface damage in patients on preserved glaucoma eye drops. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of 155 glaucoma patients treated with preserved glaucoma eye drops. They all completed the "Ocular Surface Disease Index" (OSDI) questionnaire and underwent complete ophthalmological examination with precise evaluation of the status of the ocular surface. The assessment included Shirmer I testing, tear break up time (TBUT), eyelid, conjunctival and corneal examination with fluorescein and lissamine green staining. We analyzed factors that may influence the OSDI score and its relationship with the biomicroscopic signs. RESULTS: Benzalkonium chloride (BAK) was used in 80% of cases. The OSDI score was≥13 in 61.3% of cases and classified as severe in 22.6% of cases. The biomicroscopic signs of ocular surface disease were at least minimal in 87.1% of cases. The severity of the OSDI score was statistically associated with patient age (P<0.001), treatment duration (P<0.001), multiple medications (P=0.011), and use of BAK (P=0.004). Blepharitis (P=0.013), Meibomian gland dysfunction (P=0.039), corneal neovascularization (P=0.025) and superficial punctate keratitis (SPK) (P=0.044) were retained as predictors of a pathological OSDI score. A disparity between the severity of symptoms and biomicroscopic signs was noted. CONCLUSION: Symptoms and clinical signs are complementary for assessment of the various aspects of ocular surface disease. OSDI score is correlated with ethnicity, glaucoma treatment duration, number of medications, BAK use and clinical ocular surface changes, especially SPK.

Headache associated with refractive errors: Characteristics and risk factors.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of our work was to study the characteristics of Headache associated with refractive errors (HARE)1, and to search for the correlation between headaches characteristics and some risk factors. We aimed also to assess the impact of these headaches on the quality of life of patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional, retrospective, comparative study including 90 patients followed between August 2019 and January 2020. These patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 including patients presenting headaches due to uncorrected ametropia, and group 2 including control subjects. We studied HARE characteristics, the influence of certain risk factors (profession, triggers factors, characteristics of ametropia, and orthoptic abnormalities) on them, their evolution after one month of treatment, and their impact on patients' quality of life with the HIT-6 score. RESULTS: Headaches due to ametropia were mainly chronic (20.9±15.76 months on average) progressive (100% of cases), daily (90% of cases) predominantly during the second half of the day (82% of cases). They were moderate (64% of cases), with a fronto-orbital topography in 52% of cases. Headaches were compression-type in 36% of cases (18 patients) and pressure-type in 64% (32 patients). The multivariate study retained prolonged screen working (P=0.013), combined ametropias (P=0.001), moderate hyperopia (P=0.01) and astigmatism (P=0.03) to be risk factors of HARE. Headaches induced a substantial to major impact on the quality of life in 68% (34 patients had a score greater than 55), the latter is significantly influenced by the presence of high myopia. After optical correction and orthoptic treatment, we noted an improvement in headache in 100% of cases. The multivariate analysis did not identify any independent factor that impact the evolution of headache at one month. CONCLUSION: HARE may influence life quality; it needs an appropriate treatment based on risk factor management. A healthy lifestyle in addition to adequate refractive error correction is essential in children and, sometimes in adults. Oculomotor abnormalities treatment leads to improve long term results.

The effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on diabetic retinopathy: A preliminary study.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to prospectively assess the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on diabetic retinopathy lesions and macular edema in patients undergoing the treatment for diabetic foot ulcers. METHODS: We compared two groups: a first group including 25 patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy treated by HBOT for foot ulcers, and a second group (control group) composed of 25 patients with diabetic retinopathy who did not receive HBOT. The HBOT protocol performed for the patients in the first group was: 30 sessions of 90 minutes each at 2.5 ATA with a mean frequency of five sessions per week. All patients had an ophthalmological exam at baseline (visual acuity, intraocular pressure, fundus exam), fundus photography and an OCT exam. A follow-up exam was performed at the conclusion of the HBOT. RESULTS: Compared to the control group, patients treated with HBOT showed a regression or stabilization of diabetic retinopathy lesions and a decrease in central macular thickness (CMT). CONCLUSION: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may improve diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema. This therapy may serve as an adjunctive treatment in the management of retinal ischemia and capillary hyperpermeability in diabetic retinopathy.