Comparison of Two Presbyopia-Correcting Trifocal Intraocular Lenses: A Prospective Study.

Objectives: To evaluate the clinical results of a new trifocal intraocular lens (IOL) with sinusoidal design by comparing with a traditional trifocal IOL. Materials and Methods: A total of 79 patients undergoing uneventful microincisional cataract surgery with bilateral implantation of one of two types of trifocal IOLs, the Acriva Trinova IOL (VSY) or Acrysof IQ PanOptix IOL (Alcon), were enrolled in this prospective study. Visual and refractive outcomes, contrast sensitivity (CS), and defocus curve were assessed at 3 months after surgery. Patient satisfaction and incidence of photic phenomena were also evaluated. Results: The number of patients/eyes were 48/96 in the Trinova group and 31/62 in the PanOptix group. There were no significant differences between the groups for monocular and binocular corrected/uncorrected distance or intermediate (at 60 cm) and near visual acuities (VA) postoperatively. The Trinova group had statistically significantly better intermediate VA at 80 cm than the PanOptix group (p<0.05). The CS results of both groups were within the normal limits. In the binocular defocus curve of both IOLs, we observed a peak of good VA at 0.0 diopters defocus and a useful wide range for intermediate distances. The incidence of photic phenomena in the Trinova group was lower at postoperative 1 month (p<0.05) but this difference disappeared at 3 months. A total of 47 patients (97.9%) in the Trinova group and 30 patients (96.7%) in the PanOptix group stated that they would recommend the same IOL. Conclusion: Both trifocal IOLs provide good visual quality outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Evaluation of the Cataract Surgery 2018 Survey in Terms of Achieving Refractive Cataract Surgery Targets.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to show at what rate the technological equipment used in cataract surgery by Turkish ophthalmologists and their knowledge are reflected in practice and how up to date they are. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire conducted using SurveyMonkey was used to evaluate the answers to 17 questions from 823 members of the Turkish Ophthalmological Association. Results were evaluated in subgroups according to the participants' age, occupational status, institutions, and whether they conducted relevant academic activities, and the data were compared as inadequate, standard, and contemporary approaches according to the determined criteria. Results: Optical biometry devices were used at rates of 77.7% and 67.3% for intraocular lens (IOL) power calculations and keratometric measurements in preparation for cataract surgery, respectively. For IOL power calculation, third-generation formulas, especially the SRK-T, were used most commonly (46.2%), followed by second-generation formulas (21.9%), and fourth/fifth-generation formulas and multiple evaluations for different axial lengths (31.9%). The most common incision size was 2.8 mm (51.6%), while the percentage of 2.2 mm and shorter incisions considered to be neutral in terms of surgically induced astigmatism was 18.8%. When selecting incision location, approaches to reduce corneal astigmatism were reported by 28.9%, neutral approaches by 26.2%, and insensitive approaches by 44.9%. Additionally, 55.6% of participants never implanted toric IOLs and 50.7% did not use presbyopia-correcting IOLs. The proportion of surgeons who have experience with femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery was 10.3% and the rate of intracameral antibiotic injection at the end of the operation was 89.4%. Conclusion: It was seen that Turkish cataract surgeons were able to use high technology for surgical preparation and surgery at high rates, but this was not reflected in practice at same rate in terms of achieving contemporary standards of refractive cataract surgery.

Clinical outcomes and optical performance of four differentmultifocal intraocular lenses.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate clinical outcomes and optical performance of 4 different multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety eyes of 51 patients who received Reviol MFM 611, Reviol MFM 625, Acri.LISA, and ReSTOR SN6AD3 multifocal IOLs after cataract surgery were retrospectively evaluated. The patients were similar in terms of age, sex, cataract hardness and axial length. The mean outcome measures were uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuity (UDVA, CDVA), distance-corrected intermediate and near visual acuity (DCIVA, DCNVA), intra or postoperative complications, and contrast sensitivity (CS) results under mesopic conditions. The mean follow up period was 10.5 months (range: 6-12 months). RESULTS: All cases were within ± 0.75 D of emmetropia. Postoperative increase in UDVA and DCNVA was statistically significant in all groups. The Acri.LISA group showed slightly lower DCIVA compared with the other IOLs. CS was clinically similar between the groups. None of the patients developed any early or late postoperative complication or neuroadaptation problem, which necessitated explantation of the lens. CONCLUSION: All four multifocal lens designs provided satisfactory visual functions and CS results in patients who fulfilled the criteria for multifocal lens implantation.

Evaluation of the Macular Choroidal Thickness Using Spectral Optical Coherence Tomography in Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the choroidal thickness (CT) in pseudoexfoliative (PEX) glaucoma and age-matched healthy subjects using spectral optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, 32 eyes of 32 PEX glaucoma patients and 30 eyes of 30 age-matched healthy subjects were enrolled. The CT is measured perpendicularly (from the outer edge of the hyperreflective retinal pigment epithelium to the inner sclera) at the fovea, and 1.5 mm temporal, 3.0 mm temporal, 1.5 mm nasal, and 3.0 mm nasal to the fovea using SD-OCT (RTVue-100). RESULTS: The groups were similar regarding the mean age and axial length values (both, P>0.05). The CT measurements were 182.12 ± 39.88 and 201.56 ± 32.00 µm at 1.5 mm nasal to the fovea (P=0.039), and 126.47 ± 32.12 and 146.60 ± 31.37 µm at 3.0 mm nasal to the fovea (P=0.015) in the PEX glaucoma and control groups, respectively. There were no significant differences in the subfoveal and temporal CT measurements among the 2 groups (all, P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study indicate that PEX glaucoma causes significant thinning in the nasal choroid. Thus, measuring the CT with SD-OCT may be the way of better clarification of the relationship between PEX and glaucomatous optic neuropathy.

Comparison of central corneal thickness measurements with three new optical devices and a standard ultrasonic pachymeter.

AIM: To compare the RTVue spectral optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), Sirius Scheimpflug-Placido topographer, Lenstar optical low coherence reflectometry (OLCR) and ultrasound pachymetry (USP) devices in terms of their agreement and repeatability of measuring central corneal thickness (CCT). METHODS: In this prospective study, 50 eyes of 50 patients were included. Three repeated measures were obtained using SD-OCT, Scheimpflug-Placido topographer and USP and five measurements were determined with the OLCR. Bland-Altman plots were used to assess agreement among the instruments, and 95% limits of agreement (LoA) for each comparison were calculated. Intra-examiner repeatability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). RESULTS: The mean CCT by SD-OCT, Scheimpflug-Placido topographer, OLCR, and USP were 525.90±34.08 µm, 525.92±34.10 µm, 530.30±35.62 µm, and 543.50±37.11 µm respectively. All 4 modalities of CCT measurements correlated closely with each other, with Pearson correlation coefficients ranging from 0.977 to 0.995. The mean differences (and upper/lower LoA) for CCT measurements were -0.05±6.77 µm (13.3/-13.3) between SD-OCT and Scheimpflug-Placido topographer, 4.38±3.79 µm (11.8/-3.1) between OLCR and SD-OCT, 4.38±6.03 µm (16.2/-7.5) between OLCR and Scheimpflug-Placido topographer, 13.20±6.46 µm (25.9/0.5) between USP and OLCR, 17.59±6.76 µm (30.8/4.3) between USP and SD-OCT, and 17.58±8.13 µm (33.5/1.6) between USP and Scheimpflug-Placido topographer. Intra-examiner repeatability was excellent for all devices with ICCs>0.98. CONCLUSION: For most practical purposes, CCT measurements with the RTVue, Sirius and Lenstar can be used interchangeably. Although highly correlated, CCT measurement differences between USP and these 3 optical instruments can be significant depending on the clinical situation.

Repeatability of aberrometric measurements in normal and keratoconus eyes using a new Scheimpflug-Placido topographer.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the repeatability of the anterior and posterior corneal wavefront aberrations using the Sirius Scheimpflug-Placido topographer in normal eyes and keratoconus eyes. SETTING: Bozok University Faculty of Medicine, Yozgat, Turkey. DESIGN: Evaluation of diagnostic test. METHODS: In eyes of healthy subjects and eyes of keratoconus patients, 3 repeated measurements were obtained using the Scheimpflug-Placido topographer. Repeatability of the corneal aberrometric data using a 7th-order Zernike expansion (6.0 mm pupil) and central corneal power (3.0 mm zone) in the anterior and posterior corneal surfaces were analyzed. The within-subject standard deviation (Sw) and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated. RESULTS: For all modal pairs, the Sw was 0.08 µm or less for anterior and posterior corneal aberrations in both groups. The ICC of the anterior corneal surface ranged from 0.607 (pentafoil) to 0.988 (primary coma) in keratoconus eyes (n = 41) and from 0.568 (quadrifoil) to 0.856 (primary coma) in normal eyes (n = 30). The ICCs for posterior corneal surface aberrometry were 0.656 to 0.873 and 0.592 to 0.824, respectively. For anterior and posterior corneal curvatures, the Sw was 0.12 or lower and the ICC values were more than 0.93 in all cases except the posterior corneal surface reading at the 3.0 mm corneal area in keratoconus eyes (ICC 0.875). CONCLUSIONS: The intraexaminer repeatability of most anterior corneal aberrations with the Scheimpflug-Placido system was moderate to high in normal eyes and keratoconus eyes. The system showed moderate repeatability for the posterior corneal surface. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Differentiation of optic disc edema from optic nerve head drusen with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography.

BACKGROUND: To assess the efficacy of quantitative analysis of the optic nerve head and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) with the spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in differentiating optic disc edema (ODE) from optic nerve head drusen (ONHD). METHODS: Prospective clinical study. Twenty-five eyes of 25 ODE patients (group 1), 25 eyes of 25 ONHD patients (group 2), and 25 eyes of 25 healthy subjects were included. The thickness of the peripapillary RNFL, the thickness of the subretinal hyporeflective space (SHYPS), the area of the SHYPS, the horizontal length of the optic nerve head, and the angle between the temporal RNFL and the optic nerve head (α-angle) were evaluated with SD-OCT. RESULTS: The mean RNFL thickness was significantly greater in group 1 when compared with group 2 and control group (P < 0.001). The receiver operating characteristic curve areas for temporal and nasal RNFL thicknesses in differentiating group 1 and group 2 were 0.819 and 0.851, respectively (for temporal RNFL thickness >101.5 µm: sensitivity 92%, specificity 65%; for nasal RNFL thickness >74.5 µm: sensitivity 92%, specificity 47%). The mean SHYPS thickness, SHYPS area, and degree of the α-angle were greater in group 1 when compared with group 2 (P < 0.05). For the SHYPS thickness >464 µm: 85% sensitivity and 60% specificity; for the SHYPS area >811 µm: 85% sensitivity and 89% specificity; and for the α-angle >141°: 77% sensitivity and 95% specificity were obtained. CONCLUSION: The quantitative analysis of the optic nerve head and peripapillary RNFL with SD-OCT can provide useful data in differentiating ODE from ONHD.

Comparison of tear osmolarity and ocular comfort between daily disposable contact lenses: hilafilcon B hydrogel versus narafilcon A silicone hydrogel.

The aim of this study was to evaluate tear osmolarity and ocular comfort with two different types of hydrogel daily disposable lenses. The right eyes of 15 first-time contact lens users were included in this prospective study. All eyes wore hilafilcon B silicone hydrogel contact lenses for 8 h (group 1). After 1 week without contact lenses, all eyes wore narafilcon A silicone hydrogel contact lenses for 8 h (group 2). Tear osmolarity measurement was performed before and after 4 and 8 h of each contact lens wear. Ocular comfort was assessed after 4 and 8 h of each contact lens wear. In group 1, the mean baseline, 4- and 8-h tear osmolarity values were 293 ± 10.57, 303.00 ± 10.5 mOsm/L (p = 0.023), and 295.0 ± 1.4 mOsm/L (p > 0.05), respectively. In group 2, the mean baseline, 4- and 8-h tear osmolarity values were 294 ± 13.65, 300.9 ± 11.3 mOsm/L (p = 0.007), and 298.80 ± 7.2 mOsm/L (p > 0.05), respectively. In group 1, the mean comfort score was 7.20 ± 0.45 and 8.60 ± 0.45 at 4 and 8 h, respectively (p = 0.038). In group 2, the mean comfort score significantly decreased from 9.80 ± 0.45 to 7.80 ± 0.84 at 4 h (p = 0.039). Both hydrogel and silicone hydrogel daily disposable contact lenses elevated tear osmolarity during 8 h of contact lens wear. The increase in tear osmolarity with both contact lenses was below the cut-off value for dry eye and was not associated with ocular comfort.

Comparison of clinical outcomes with 2 small-incision diffractive multifocal intraocular lenses.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the clinical results of 2 diffractive multifocal small-incision intraocular lenses (IOLs) implanted after biaxial microincision cataract surgery (MICS). SETTING: Atatürk Training and Research Hospital, 2nd Ophthalmology Department, Ankara, Turkey. DESIGN: Comparative case series. METHODS: Eyes that had biaxial MICS with implantation of an Acri.Lisa 366D IOL (Group 1) or Acriva Reviol MFM 611 IOL (Group 2) were followed for at least 6 months postoperatively. Uncorrected distance (UDVA), intermediate (UIVA), and near (UNVA) visual acuities; corrected distance visual acuity; distance-corrected intermediate and near visual acuities; and contrast sensitivity measurements with and without glare were determined. Early and late complications and subjective complaints were recorded and evaluated. RESULTS: The study enrolled 60 eyes of 32 patients. The preoperative and intraoperative data were comparable in the 2 IOL groups. There were no statistically significant postoperative differences in the mean spherical equivalent (Group 1, -0.30 diopter (D) ± 0.30 [SD]; Group 2, -0.26 ± 0.28 D; P=.584), mean UDVA (0.80 ± 0.14 and 0.86 ± 0.17, respectively; P=.158), and mean Jaeger UNVA (1.46 ± 0.73 and J 1.23 ± 0.50, respectively; P=.155). However, there was a significant difference in mean Jaeger UIVA (3.06 ± 0.90 and 2.23 ± 0.72, respectively; P=.000). Mesopic contrast sensitivity and the incidence of complications and dysphotopsia symptoms were not significantly different between the 2 IOL groups. CONCLUSIONS: Both IOLs provided excellent distance and near visual acuity and contrast sensitivity. The Group 2 IOL gave better intermediate distance results.

Comparison of corneal aberrations after biaxial microincision and microcoaxial cataract surgeries: a prospective study.

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of biaxial microincision cataract surgery (B-MICS) and microcoaxial cataract surgery (C-MICS) techniques on corneal optical quality. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, 40 eyes underwent B-MICS and 40 eyes C-MICS. Corneal aberrations were derived from conversion of the corneal elevation profile into corneal wavefront data with 6.0 mm aperture diameter using Zernike polynomials by corneal topography preoperatively and 1 month postoperatively. Both magnitude and axes of surgically induced corneal aberrations were calculated. RESULTS: Mean final incision widths were 1.80 ± 0.09 mm and 1.89 ± 0.11 mm (p = 0.062) in B-MICS and C-MICS groups, respectively. There were no significant changes in total and higher order root mean square in both groups postoperatively. In B-MICS group, all aberration terms were similar, before and after surgery. However, vertical coma (p = 0.002), vertical trefoil (p < 0.001) and primary trefoil (p = 0.042) significantly increased postoperatively in the C-MICS group. Except surgically induced trefoil (p = 0.047), there was no significant difference in all surgically induced corneal aberrations between groups. The axes of the induced trefoil were found to be mostly related and close to the incision site in both groups which was more prominent in the C-MICS group. CONCLUSIONS: Microincision cataract surgery techniques performed through sub-1.9 mm clear corneal incisions do not generally degrade optical quality of the cornea while only small amount of higher order aberrations seem to be induced with C-MICS technique.

Tear meniscus analysis with Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography in keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To measure the lower tear meniscus dynamics with Fourier domain-optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT) in keratoconus patients without dry eye findings to evaluate the effects of the corneal ectasia on lower tear meniscus parameters, and to determine the most affected meniscus variable from the corneal ectasia in keratoconus. METHODS: Prospective, clinical study. Forty-one eyes of 25 keratoconus patients without dry eye and 40 eyes of 20 healthy subjects were included. The lower tear meniscus analysis with FD-OCT, and corneal topography, keratometry, and pachymetry measurements were performed in all eyes. The main outcomes, including the lower tear meniscus height (TMH), depth (TMD), area (TMA), and angle between cornea and the tear meniscus (α-angle), were assessed. The results were compared between the patients and the control subjects. RESULTS: The average keratometric power was 53.94 ± 5.76 D (between 44.46 to 63.75 D) in keratoconic eyes. It was 43 ± 0.8 D (between 40.50 to 45.94 D) in the controls. The average TMH, TMD, and TMA values did not show any statistically significant difference between the patients and the controls (p = 0.39, p = 0.824, p = 0.516, respectively). However, the average value of the α-angle was significantly higher in keratoconic eyes when compared to controls (p = 0.031). It was positively correlated with the keratometric power (r = 0.577, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The TMH, TMD, and TMA did not show any change with the corneal protrusion; however, the α-angle had positive correlation with the keratometric power in keratoconic eyes.

Anterior segment optical coherence tomography evaluation and comparison of main clear corneal incisions in microcoaxial and biaxial cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: To use Fourier-domain anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT)) to evaluate the main clear corneal incisions (CCIs) in microcoaxial and biaxial cataract surgery, the effects of incision enlargement, and the probable reasons for problematic healing. SETTING: Atatürk Training and Research Hospital, 2nd Ophthalmology Department, Ankara, Turkey. DESIGN: Cohort study. METHODS: Eyes that had microcoaxial cataract surgery through a 1.8 mm CCI or biaxial cataract surgery through a 1.2 to 1.4 mm trapezoidal CCI were divided into 2 equal subgroups based on incision enlargement. All surgeries were completed by stromal hydration. Incisions were evaluated 1, 8, and 30 days postoperatively. RESULTS: The CCIs in the microcoaxial group were longer, thinner, and more slanted than those in the biaxial group, with no statistical difference. The microcoaxial incisions had significantly more arcuate configuration at 1 day (P=.003); however, the configuration became linear in the following days in both groups. The endothelial gap rates were less and Descemet membrane detachment rates greater than reported in the literature. In eyes with enlarged CCIs, the endothelial gap rate was higher in the microcoaxial group and the Descemet membrane detachment rate was higher in the biaxial group (both P=.05). At 1 day, the intraocular pressure (IOP) was significantly lower in Descemet membrane detachment and endothelial gap cases (P=.006 and P<.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Although closure was reliable in both groups, the microcoaxial group had slightly fewer undesirable effects on the incision site. Low postoperative IOP seemed to be a significant factor in problematic healing.

Ocular surface and dry eye in Graves' disease.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the tear function tests and the ocular surface damage in Graves' disease (GD) patients either with or without thyroid associated orbitopathy (TAO). METHODS: Forty-two eyes of 21 randomly selected patients with GD, and 30 eyes of 15 healthy subjects were included in this prospective study. The presence of TAO was evaluated clinically. The palpebral fissure height, degree of proptosis, ocular surface disease index (OSDI), Schirmer tear test, tear break-up time (TBUT), and conjunctival impression cytology were assessed. The results were first compared between the patient and the control groups. Results were then compared between the patients with TAO (group I) and without TAO (group II). RESULTS: The mean OSDI score in the patient group was 44.79 ± 11.83 and it was 21.17 ± 9.89 in the control group (p = 0.001). The mean Schirmer tear test score was 14.4 ± 8.32 mm and 24.9 ± 3.57 mm in the patient and control group, respectively (p = 0.001). The mean TBUT in the patient group was 7.1 sec. In the control group it was significantly increased to 10 sec (p = 0.003). The mean proptosis and interpalpebral distance did not show any difference between the GD patients and controls (p > 0.05). The patients with GD showed significant ocular surface damage in which 75.71% had grade 2-3 squamous metaplasia in temporal interpalpebral conjunctiva. Twenty-four (57%) eyes composed group I. There were no differences in the mean OSDI score, Schirmer tear test score, TBUT, and the amount of ocular surface damage between group I and group II (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Dry eye findings and the ocular surface damage in GD were most likely associated with the ocular surface inflammation. Before the development of the classic findings of TAO, ocular surface inflammation can be the only presenting clinical sign in GD.

Aspheric microincision intraocular lens implantation with biaxial microincision cataract surgery: efficacy and reliability.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and reliability of a microincision intraocular lens (IOL) and its use in biaxial microincision cataract surgery (MICS). SETTING: Atatürk Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. DESIGN: Prospective clinical study. METHODS: A microincision IOL (Akreos MI60) was implanted after cataract extraction by the biaxial MICS technique. Over a postoperative follow-up of 12 months or more, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, surgically induced astigmatism (SIA), corneal and ocular aberrations, and early and late complications were recorded. RESULTS: The IOLs were implanted in the capsular bag in all 100 eyes. The mean final incision size was 1.82 mm ± 0.09 (SD). Postoperatively, the mean corrected distance visual acuity was 0.06 ± 0.10 logMAR; the mean spherical equivalent, -0.48 ± 0.91 diopter (D); and the mean calculated SIA, 0.20 ± 0.22 D. Contrast sensitivity with and without glare was within normal limits. There was no statistically significant difference in the root mean square of total corneal aberrations between preoperatively and postoperatively. Ocular wavefront analysis 3 months postoperatively showed mean values of 0.15 ± 0.2 µm for spherical aberration, 0.38 ± 0.16 µm for higher-order aberrations, 0.18 ± 0.14 µm for coma, and 0.14 ± 0.08 µm for trefoil. The 4 cases (4.0%) of membranous anterior chamber reaction resolved with treatment. None of the 20 eyes (20.0%) with posterior capsule opacification required neodymium:YAG capsulotomy. All IOLs remained well centered. CONCLUSION: The aspheric microincision IOL was safely implanted through a 1.8 mm or smaller incision during biaxial MICS and gave good postoperative outcomes.

Periorbital necrotizing fasciitis caused by community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus periorbital necrotizing fasciitis.

PURPOSE: To report a case of a patient with periorbital necrotizing fasciitis caused by community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). METHODS: Case report. A previously healthy 33-year-old man was presented with pain and rapidly progressive swelling of the right upper eyelid following a minor trauma. Computed tomography scanning revealed soft tissue swelling and fracture of the anterior wall of the right frontal sinus. Oral amoxicillin + klavulanat 1 g, twice daily was started. Over the next 24 hours periorbital necrotizing fasciitis was developed. A wound swab was taken and sent for microscopic evaluation, culture, and antibiotic sensitivity. The patient was started on intravenous crystallized penicillin, third-generation cephalosporin, and metronidazol treatment. An urgent extensive necrotic tissue debridement and frontal sinus curettage were performed. RESULTS: Wound culture yielded MRSA which showed sensitivity to the given antibiotics. The patient responded to the treatment which was continued for 14 days. CONCLUSIONS: Monomicrobial MRSA should be considered in the etiology of periorbital necrotizing fasciitis. Early diagnosis and prompt surgical and medical therapy are essential in the management of periorbital necrotizing fasciitis.

Topical cyclosporine in thyroid orbitopathy-related dry eye: clinical findings, conjunctival epithelial apoptosis, and MMP-9 expression.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of topical cyclosporine A (CsA) 0.05% (Restasis) on the signs and symptoms of dry eye, on apoptosis, and on MMP-9 expression in conjunctiva epithelial cells in thyroid orbitopathy (TO)-related dry eye patients. METHODS: Prospective, clinical study. Twenty-four eyes of 12 consecutive TO patients with dry eye findings instilled CsA twice daily for 2 months. Ocular surface disease index, Schirmer tear test, tear breakup time (TBUT), conjunctival apoptosis index, and conjunctival MMP-9 expression were evaluated before and after 2 months treatment. Conjunctival biopsies were harvested from all eyes at baseline and after 2 months treatment. Apoptosis was detected by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. MMP-9 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: After 2 months of topical CsA treatment, the mean OSDI score was significantly decreased from 58.08 +/- 6.28 to 36.41 +/- 11.75 (P = 0.001). At baseline, the mean Schirmer tear test score was 8.92 +/- 5.52 mm. It was increased to 11.25 +/- 4.71 mm after treatment (P > 0.05). The mean TBUT increased significantly from 3.92 +/- 2.18 sec to 9.16 +/- 3.34 sec (P = 0.001). The mean percentage of apoptosis index at baseline was 72.10 +/- 35.82%. This was significantly decreased to 53.29 +/- 34.46% after treatment (P = 0.008). The mean percentage of MMP-9 expression of the conjunctival epithelial cells was significantly decreased from 48.12 +/- 28.58% to 26.66 +/- 25.13% following treatment (P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Topical CsA treatment appears to improve the signs and symptoms of dry eye and inhibits apoptosis and MMP-9 expression in conjunctival epithelial cells in TO-related dry eye patients after 2 months of treatment.

Coaxial, microcoaxial, and biaxial microincision cataract surgery: prospective comparative study.

PURPOSE: To compare the intraoperative and postoperative results of 3 phacoemulsification techniques. SETTING: Atatürk Training and Research Hospital, 2nd Ophthalmology Department, Ankara, Turkey. METHODS: In this prospective randomized study, patients had standard coaxial (2.8 mm incisions), microcoaxial (2.2 mm incisions), or biaxial microincision (1.2 to 1.4 mm trapezoidal incisions) phacoemulsification. Intraoperative phaco parameters and total surgical time were measured and complications recorded. Postoperative visual acuity improvement, pachymetric differences, and surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) results were compared. RESULTS: Each group comprised 45 eyes. There were no significant differences between the 3 groups in demographic, morphologic, or preoperative surgical data. The mean effective phaco time was 2.56 seconds +/- 2.46 (SD) in the standard coaxial group, 1.98 +/- 1.91 seconds in the microcoaxial group, and 1.29 +/- 1.85 seconds in the biaxial microincision group (P<.05). The mean total surgical time was 14.48 +/- 4.21 minutes, 13.01 +/- 3.66 minutes, and 18.79 +/- 6.58 minutes, respectively (P<.01), and the mean measured final incision size was 2.83 +/- 0.11 mm, 2.26 +/- 0.07 mm, and 1.89 +/- 0.21 mm, respectively. The mean SIA 90 days postoperatively was 0.46 diopter (D), 0.24 D, and 0.13 D, respectively (P<.01). There was no statistically significant difference in the complication rate, visual acuity gain, or pachymetric change between the groups (P>.05). CONCLUSIONS: All 3 techniques were reliable, functional, and effective, yielding good visual outcomes and low phaco parameters and complication rates. Biaxial microincision surgery, with the smallest incisions, induced less astigmatism and reduced all intraoperative phaco parameters except total surgical time.

Half-moon supracapsular nucleofractis phacoemulsification technique.

Many nucleofractis techniques introduced to date have both advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, the search for the most effective, functional, and safest technique continues. The half-moon supracapsular phacoemulsification technique, which the authors define as a new method, is a hybrid technique derived from both chopping and supracapsular techniques. This technique allows the endonucleus to partially prolapse out of the capsulorhexis rim into the anterior chamber during hydrodissection, to be chopped under direct vision, and to continue the quadrant-removal stage endocapsularly after sending the heminuclei back into the capsular bag. The nucleus-splitting stage is performed in the anterior chamber, and the quadrant-removal stage continues in the capsular bag away from the corneal endothelium, which is again the safest place. The half-moon supracapsular phacoemulsification technique achieves the two stages of nucleus removal in the safest location with the most effective method and therefore may provide some advantages in terms of efficacy, safety, and functionality.

Comparison of glaucoma probability score and Moorfields regression analysis to discriminate glaucomatous and healthy eyes.

PURPOSE: To compare sensitivity and specificity values of glaucoma probability score (GPS) and Moorfields regression analysis (MRA) of Heidelberg retina tomograph (HRT) to discriminate between glaucomatous and healthy eyes. METHODS: A total of 160 eyes of 160 individuals (80 glaucoma patients and 80 healthy subjects) were enrolled in this prospective cross-sectional study. Confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy was performed with HRT. Performance of GPS and MRA were evaluated by considering borderline (BL) cases as within normal limits (WNL) or as outside normal limits (ONL). For further analysis glaucoma group was divided into two subsets: initial and moderate/severe damage group. RESULTS: There was no difference between glaucoma patients and normal subjects in terms of gender, disc area, and pachymetry (p>0.05). The GPS was higher, average visual field MD and PSD values were worse, and patients were older in glaucoma group (p=0.001). Sensitivity and specificity values were 72.5% and 93.8% respectively for MRA and 75.0% and 88.8% for GPS when BL cases considered as WNL, and when BL cases considered as ONL these values were 83.8% and 73.8% for MRA and 88.8% and 70.0% for GPS. There was no difference between sensitivity and specificity values of GPS and MRA for either situation (p>0.05). Sensitivity of GPS (76.2%) was higher than of MRA (61.9%) in initial glaucomatous eyes (p=0.317). CONCLUSIONS: Diagnostic performance of GPS was similar to MRA. It was found that GPS might differentiate between glaucomatous and healthy eyes with relatively better sensitivity but worse specificity and represent considerable advantage over MRA in early glaucoma cases.