Expression of placental growth factor, neuropilin-1, and neuropilin-2 in primary pterygium tissue.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of placental growth factor (PLGF), neuropilin-1 (NP-1), and neuropilin-2 (NP-2) molecules in primary pterygium tissue compared with normal conjunctival tissue. METHODS: The records of 42 patients who underwent excision surgery with autografts for primary pterygium (pterygium group) and 20 patients who underwent conjunctival nevus excision surgery (control group) in the same period were reviewed retrospectively. The samples obtained from the pterygium tissues in the pterygium group and the clean conjunctival tissues adjacent to the nevus in the control group were collected from the archive. Immunohistochemical stains of the primary antibodies-1/100 diluted PLGF, NP-1, and NP-2 (Abcam Cambridge Science Park, UK)-were applied to all groups. Staining intensities and the percentage of positive cells in epithelial, endothelial, stromal, and inflammatory cells were analyzed by an experienced pathologist. RESULTS: The positivity rates of PLGF and NP-2 expression in epithelial, endothelial, stromal, and inflammatory cells were found to be higher in the pterygium group than in the control group (PLGF: p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively; NP-2: p < 0.001 for all). Staining intensities for PLGF and NP-2 were higher in the pterygium group than in the control group (PLGF: p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.005, and p < 0.001, respectively; NP-2: p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). However, no significant differences were found in any cell type in terms of NP-1 expression positivity rates (p = 0.730, p = 0.121, p = 0.524, and p = 0.624, respectively) or staining intensity (p = 0.716, p = 0.147, p = 0.147, and p = 0.780, respectively). CONCLUSION: PLGF and NP-2 levels were found to be higher in pterygium tissue, while there was no difference in NP-1. These results indicate the possible roles of NP-2 and PLGF in primary pterygium.

A Rare Pediatric Case of Neurobrucellosis With Cerebral Salt Wasting.

The central nervous system involvement is a serious complication of brucellosis, which is known as neurobrucellosis, although rare. Here we report a 14-year-old case who developed neurobrucellosis and presented with cerebral salt wasting. As far as we know, our case is the first pediatric case of cerebral salt wasting caused by neurobrucellosis. Clinical manifestations of our patient have completely improved with treatment for Brucella.

Quantitative assessment of the effect of SARS-CoV-2 on the corneal sub-basal nerve plexus of post-COVID-19 patients using in vivo confocal microscopy.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether SARS-CoV-2 causes morphological changes in the corneal sub-basal nerve plexus (CSNP) of post-COVID-19 patients using in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM). METHODS: A total of 70 participants were included in the study and were divided into three groups. Post-COVID-19 patients with neurological manifestations were considered Group 1 (n = 24), and post-COVID-19 patients without neurological manifestations were considered Group 2 (n = 24). Healthy control participants were considered Group 3 (n = 22). The parameters of the CSNP, including nerve fibre density (NFD), nerve branch density (NBD), and nerve fibre length (NFL), were investigated in all participants using IVCM. Additionally, corneal sensitivity was tested by corneal esthesiometry. RESULTS: The mean NFD, NBD, and NFL values of Group 1 (16.12 ± 4.84 fibre/mm2, 27.97 ± 9.62 branch/mm2, and 11.60 ± 2.89 mm/mm2) were significantly lower than those of Group 2 (19.55 ± 3.01 fibre/mm2, 40.44 ± 7.16 branch/mm2, and 15.92 ± 2.08 mm/mm2) and Group 3 (25.24 ± 3.75 fibre/mm2, 44.61 ± 11.80 branch/mm2, and 17.76 ± 3.32 mm/mm2) (p < 0.05 for all). Except the mean NFD value (p < 0.001), there were no significant differences in terms of the mean NBD and NFL values between Group 2 and Group 3 (p = 0.445, p = 0.085). The value of the mean corneal sensitivity was significantly higher in Group 3 (59.09 ± 1.97 mm) compared to Group 1 (55.21 ± 1.02 mm) and Group 2 (55.28 ± 1.18 mm) (p < 0.001, p < 0.001) but there was no significant difference between Group 1 and Group 2 (p = 1.000). CONCLUSION: In post-COVID-19 patients, the mean parameters of CSNP were lower than in the control group. These differences were more pronounced in patients who had neurological manifestations of COVID-19.

Ocular Surface in Patients With Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: Evaluation of Clinical Parameters and Impression Cytology.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) on the ocular surface and conjunctival cytology and the relationship between the findings and disease severity. METHODS: One hundred six eyes of 106 patients (77 patients with OSAS and 29 control subjects) were included in the study. Twenty-three patients with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 5 to 15 were classified as mild OSAS (group 1), 27 patients with an AHI of 15 to 30 were classified as moderate OSAS (group 2), and 27 patients with an AHI≥30 were classified as severe OSAS (group 3). The following tests were used to evaluate the ocular surface: tear break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer I test, ocular surface disease index (OSDI), and conjunctival impression cytology (CIC). The results obtained from the tests were analyzed and compared between the groups. RESULTS: The mean value of the Schirmer I test was 15.03±10.16 (1-35) mm in the control group, whereas it was found as 13.39±8.80 (3-35) mm, 9.85±7.81 (1-30) mm, and 9.41±7.53 (2-35) mm in the mild, moderate, and severe OSAS groups, respectively, and the difference between the groups was significant ( P =0.002). Although the mean TBUT score was 9.83±5.03 (3-23) seconds in the control group, it was 11.04±6.22 (3-20), 6.26±3.48 (1-16), and 5.44±3.09 (1-10) in the mild, moderate, and severe OSAS groups, respectively, and the difference between the groups was significant ( P <0.001). Although the mean OSDI score was 12.76±14.84 (range, 0-41.65) in the control group, it was 11.52±12.95 (range, 0-44.40), 25.06±19.45 (range, 0-75), and 20.31±19.87 (range, 0-77.70) in the mild, moderate, and severe OSAS groups, respectively, and the difference between the groups was significant ( P =0.015). Although the mean CIC stage was 0.47±0.60 (0-2) in the control group, it was 0.89±0.74 (0-2), 1.52±0.75 (0-3), and 1.83±0.69 (1-3) in the mild, moderate, and severe OSAS groups, respectively, and the difference between groups was significant ( P <0.001). CONCLUSION: In addition to decreased tear production and TBUT, cytological changes including squamous metaplasia were detected between patients with OSAS and the control group.

Impact of unilateral trigeminal neuralgia on bilateral ocular surface alterations.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate ocular surface alterations in both eyes of patients with unilateral trigeminal neuralgia (TN) compared with controls. BACKGROUND: Corneal nerves mainly originate from the trigeminal nerve, and neurosensory abnormalities are important factors in ocular surface alterations and dry eye etiopathogenesis. METHODS: Twenty-four patients with idiopathic unilateral TN and 24 healthy controls with similar sex and age distributions were included in this cross-sectional study conducted from February 15 to September 15, 2021. The eyes on the affected sides of the patients with TN were treated as Group 1, their contralateral eyes as Group 2, and the right eyes of the controls as Group 3. All participants were evaluated for tear film and ocular surface using the Schirmer 1 test, tear breakup time (TBUT), Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score, and conjunctival impression cytology grading. RESULTS: The mean (SD) ages of the patients with TN (17 of 24 females, 70.8%) and controls (15 of 24 females, 62.5%) were 49.7 (11.7) and 48.5 (9. 6) years, respectively. The median [25th, 75th percentile] Schirmer 1 test results in Groups 1, 2, and 3 were 5.0 [4.0, 14.0], 7.0 [3.2, 11.7], and 10.0 [6.0, 15.7] mm, respectively, with no statistically significant differences between Groups 1 and 2 (p = 0.697), Groups 1 and 3 (p = 0.133), or Groups 2 and 3 (p = 0.129). The median TBUT scores in Groups 1, 2, and 3 were 7.0 [5.0, 10.0], 8.0 [5.2, 10.0], and 12.5 [8.0, 13.0] s, respectively, showing reduced times for both Groups 1 and 2 versus Group 3 (median difference = -3.0 [95% CI: -5.0, -1.0], p = 0.001, and median difference = -3.0 [95% CI: -5.0, -2.0], p = 0.001, respectively). Conjunctival impression cytology grades were significantly higher in Groups 1 and 2 versus Group 3 (median difference = 2.0 [95% CI: 1.0, 2.0], p < 0.001, and median difference = 1.0 [95% CI: 1.0, 2.0], p < 0.001, respectively). The median OSDI score in TN patients (30.2 [25.0, 34.9]) was significantly higher than in the controls (8.3 [0.0, 18.7]), with a median difference of 20.8 (95% CI: 14.7, 27.1), p < 0.001. CONCLUSION: Even if pain is unilateral in patients with TN, there are significant abnormalities in conjunctival cytology and tear functions in both eyes. There seem to be various pathophysiological mechanisms of TN that affect the bilateral ocular surface and lead to significant alterations.

Dry eye disease and ocular surface characteristics in patients with keratoconus.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the ocular surface alterations in patients with mild or severe keratoconus (KC). METHODS: A total of 80 participants were included in the study. The corneal topography was performed on each participant using Pentacam and the grouping was done accordingly. The patients with Kmax ≥52.0 D (severe KC) were considered Group 1 (n = 28), the patients with Kmax ≥47.2 and <52.0 D (mild KC) were considered Group 2 (n = 30). Healthy control participants with Kmax <47.2 D were considered Group 3 (n = 22). Tear breakup time (TBUT), Schirmer-I test, ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire, and conjunctival impression cytology (CIC) were evaluated among the groups. RESULTS: The mean values of TBUT and Schirmer-I test were significantly lower (P = 0.012, P = 0.012) and the mean scores of OSDI and CIC were significantly higher (P = 0.006, P < 0.001) in Group 1 and Group 2 than in Group 3. The mean values of TBUT and Schirmer-I test were lower and the mean scores of OSDI and CIC were higher in Group 1 than in Group 2 but the differences were insignificant (P > 0.05 for all). CONCLUSION: These results indicated that the tests associated with dry eye disease are correlated with KC. Tear film alterations and goblet cell loss are higher in severe KC.

The ocular surface findings in alopecia areata patients: clinical parameters and impression cytology.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to examine the effects of alopecia areata (AA) on the ocular surface and conjunctival cytology. METHODS: A total of 48 subjects were included in the present study. Twenty-three subjects were assigned to group 1 as the patient group, and 25 healthy individuals were included in group 2 as the control group. The ocular surface examination was performed, and the right eyes of all participants were included in the analysis. Both groups underwent the following tests for evaluation of ocular surface: tear break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer I test, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), and conjunctival impression cytology (CIC). Results obtained from the tests were then analyzed and compared between the groups. RESULTS: The mean TBUT value was significantly lower in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (4.96 ± 3.4 vs 10.52 ± 4.8 s) (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between Group 1 and Group 2 in terms of the mean Schirmer I test score (p = 0.129). The mean OSDI score was higher in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (15.48 ± 10.4 vs 9.61 ± 13.4), but the difference between both groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.1). The mean CIC score was statistically significantly higher in Group 1 than in Group 2 (1.65 ± 0.7 vs 0.52 ± 0.5) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that AA was correlated with significant disturbances in conjunctival cytology and the tear function.

Conjunctival impression cytology and tear film parameters in patients with multiple sclerosis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate conjunctival impression cytology (CIC) findings and tear film parameters in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) compared with controls. METHODS: Thirty-three patients with MS (MS group) and 33 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects (control group) were included in this cross-sectional comparative study. CIC grades, tear break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer 1 test results, and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores were compared between the two groups, and correlations between CIC grade, TBUT, Schirmer 1 test result, OSDI score, Expanded Disability Status Scale score, and disease duration were analyzed. RESULTS: Mean CIC grade was higher in the MS group than in the control group (1.48 ± 0.71 and 0.39 ± 0.56, respectively; p < 0.001). In the MS group, CIC of the 14 participants (42.4%) was grade 2-3. In the control group, CIC of the only one participant (3.3%) was grade 2, and none of them was grade 3. TBUT (8.12 ± 3.16, 13.06 ± 4.23 s in MS and control groups, respectively; p < 0.001) and Schirmer 1 test results (8.45 ± 5.75, 17.36 ± 10.89 mm in MS and control groups, respectively; p < 0.001) were lower, and OSDI score (36.36 ± 19.19, 13.70 ± 15.36 in MS and control groups, respectively; p < 0.001) was higher in the MS group compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: In patients with MS, objective findings of dry eye, subjective symptoms related to dry eye, and CIC abnormalities, including high grades of conjunctival squamous metaplasia and goblet cell loss, are more common. Patients with MS should be monitored for ocular surface alterations and dry eye disease.

Evaluation of inflammatory biomarkers in patients with keratoconus.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the monocyte-to-HDL-cholesterol ratio (MHR), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), eosinophil-to-lymphocytes ratio (ELR), platelet distribution width (PDW), red blood cell distribution width (RDW), mean platelet volume (MPV), MPV to platelet count ratio (MPV/PC), and RDW to platelet ratio (RPR) that are accepted as inflammatory markers in patients with keratoconus. METHODS: In this study, 43 patients with keratoconus and 43 healthy individuals as the control group were retrospectively evaluated. High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), lymphocyte, neutrophil, eosinophil, monocyte, platelet, MPV, PDW, and RDW values were obtained with complete blood count performed on the peripheral blood samples. RESULTS: Absolute monocyte (593 ± 182 vs 492 ± 177; p < 0.05) and neutrophil (4860 ± 1553 vs 3954 ± 1297; p < 0.01) counts were statistically significantly higher in the keratoconus groups compared to the control group. MHR (13.18 ± 5.02 vs 9.88 ± 4.45; p < 0.01) and NLR (2.30 ± 0.87 vs 1.77 ± 0.61; p < 0.01) were statistically significantly higher and LMR (4.07 ± 1.67 vs 5.18 ± 2.06; p < 0.01) was significantly lower in the keratoconus group. As a result of univariate logistic regression analysis, it was observed that MHR and NLR were statistically significant relationship with keratoconus (p = 0.02 and p = 0.021) (Odds ratio = 5.41 (95% CI: 1.169-6.669) and Odds ratio:5.28 (95% CI: 1.024-6.321); respectively). No statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of PLR, ELR, RDW, MPV, PDW, MPV/PC, and RPR. Adjusting for age and gender, multivariate regression analysis revealed that MHR was the most significant parameter to demonstrate relationship with keratoconus (p = 0.025) (Odds ratio = 4.99 (95% CI: 1.019-6.332)). CONCLUSION: MHR and NLR values considered as inflammatory markers were statistically significantly higher and LMR value was significantly lower in the keratoconus group. Among these values, MHR was the most reliable parameter.

Tear Function Alterations and Conjunctival Impression Cytology Findings in Patients With Gout.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the tear functions and conjunctival impression cytology (CIC) findings of patients with gout and compare them with healthy controls. METHODS: Thirty-four patients with gout (group 1) and 32 age-matched and gender-matched healthy individuals (group 2) were included in this cross-sectional study. Schirmer 1 test, tear breakup time (TBUT), Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score, and CIC grade were evaluated and compared between the groups. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups in gender and age (P=0.923 and P=0.078, respectively). The mean of Schirmer 1 test result was significantly lower in group 1 (9.74±6.03 mm) than that in group 2 (17.16±9.33 mm) (P<0.001). The TBUT was also significantly lower in group 1 (7.00±2.09 seconds) than that in group 2 (12.75±5.25 seconds) (P<0.001). The OSDI score (20.04±12.92) was significantly higher in group 1 than that in group 2 (6.19±10.07) (P<0.001). Although 10 patients (29.4%) in group 1 had the CIC grade of 2 to 3, none of the controls had CIC grade 2 to 3. The mean CIC grade in group 1 (1.15±0.89) was significantly higher than that in group 2 (0.47±0.51) (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that ocular surface alterations assessed by CIC and tear function abnormalities are more common in patients with gout.

Ocular-symptoms-related Google Search Trends during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Europe.

PURPOSE: To investigate the correlation between the daily relative search volume (RSV) of keywords related to coronavirus and ocular symptoms, and the numbers of the daily coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) new cases and new deaths in Europe using Google Trends (GT). METHODS: The RSVs of the selected keywords related to coronavirus and ocular symptoms between 24 January and 1 June 2020 in the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Germany and Turkey were accessed from GT. The numbers of daily COVID-19 new cases and new deaths in the same time interval in the aforementioned countries were compared with the RSVs of the keywords and terms. RESULTS: The United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Germany, and Turkey were the most affected countries from the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe. In these countries, statistically significant and strong correlations were found between the daily RSVs of most keywords related to coronavirus and ocular symptoms, and the daily numbers of COVID-19 new cases and new deaths ranging from 0.175 to 0.807. CONCLUSIONS: Ocular symptoms are not the frequent signs of COVID-19, but the ocular surface is a possible route for the transmission of COVID-19. The preliminary outcomes of this study demonstrated that there are significant correlations with the ocular symptoms and COVID-19. The news about the relation of eye and COVID-19 in the mass media may have influenced the Google internet search activity of the public for ocular symptoms.

Evaluation of the Systemic Inflammation in Patients with Pterygium: Monocyte-to- High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio and Hematologic Indexes of Inflammation.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate systemic inflammation in patients with pterygium using the monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) and hematologic indexes of inflammation. METHODS: Thirty-one patients with primary pterygium and 31 age-and sex-matched healthy participants were enrolled in this retrospective study. The MHR, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, eosinophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, monocyte-to-eosinophil ratio, mean platelet volume-to-platelet count ratio, platelet distribution width, and red cell distribution width were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There was not a statistically significant difference in terms of the MHR between the pterygium group and the control group (P = 0.693). The NLR was higher in the pterygium group than in the control group (P = 0.028). In the other hematologic indexes, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups (P > 0.05 for all). CONCLUSION: The MHR is not associated with the presence of pterygium. An increased NLR in patients with pterygium may be an indicator of systemic inflammation.

Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty in Toxic Anterior Segment Syndrome: A Case Series.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) in patients with toxic anterior segment syndrome (TASS). METHODS: Thirteen eyes of 13 patients who underwent DMEK for endothelial decompensation secondary to TASS were retrospectively reviewed. A comprehensive ocular examination including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), slitlamp biomicroscopy, intraocular pressure measurement, fundus evaluation, and measurement of central corneal thickness were performed in all patients at preoperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS: There were 8 men and 5 women, with an average age of 56 ± 19 years. The mean follow-up was 8.7 ± 3.5 months. The time interval between the onset of TASS and DMEK was 4.9.±6.6 months (range, 1.5-26 months). Twelve of 13 grafts were clear at last visit. The mean preoperative BCVA was 20/666 (range, hand motion to 20/200), and the mean BCVA was 20/36 (range, hand motion to 20/20) at the postoperative last visit (P = 0.003). The decrease in mean pachymetry from preoperative (768 ± 69 µm) to postoperative last visit (523 ± 71 µm) was statistically significant (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: DMEK seems to be a safe and an effective treatment option in eyes with TASS-related endothelial decompensation.

Subclinical inner retinal layer thickness changes in the fellow eyes of patients with unilateral central retinal artery occlusion: a pilot study.

PURPOSE: To investigate microstructural changes in the macular inner retinal layers over time in the fellow eyes of patients with unilateral central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO). METHODS: Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography scans of 16 patients with CRAO were performed at initial examination (1st day), at 1st month, at 3rd month, at 6th month, and the central macular thickness (CMT) and inner retinal layer thicknesses in the fellow eyes of the patients were compared between each visit. The thicknesses of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell layer (GCL), inner plexiform layer (IPL), and inner nuclear layer (INL) were calculated in 9 quadrants according to the definition by the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study. RESULTS: CMT decreased over a 6-month period, but the difference was insignificant among visits (p = 0.072). Also, there were no significant differences in the thicknesses of RNFL and GCL among visits (p > 0.05 for all quadrants). But there was thinning in the parafoveal superior and perifoveal superior quadrants of the IPL (p = 0.007, p = 0.01) and in the parafoveal temporal quadrant of the INL (p = 0.033) within 6 months of follow-up in the fellow eyes of the patients with CRAO. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated subclinical alterations of the macular inner retinal layers over time in the fellow eyes of CRAO patients.

May Monocyte/HDL Cholesterol Ratio (MHR) and Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) Be an Indicator of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Patients with Keratoconus?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate monocyte/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients with keratoconus (KC). METHODS: Thirty-one patients with KC (group 1) and 31 healthy control subjects (group 2) were included in the study. All participants' ocular examination findings, clinical and laboratory parameters were obtained from file records and laboratory archives. RESULTS: When group 1 was compared with group 2, MHR (13.7 ± 5.0 vs. 9.1 ± 3.7; p < .001) and NLR (2.3 ± 0.8 vs. 1.7 ± 0.6; p < .001) were statistically significantly higher in group 1. Optimal MHR cutoff value for KC was calculated as 10.2 with 77.4% sensitivity and 64.5% specificity, and optimal NLR cut-off value for KC was found as 1.9 with 71.4% sensitivity and 55% specificity. CONCLUSION: MHR and NLR values recognized as indicators of oxidative stress and systemic inflammation were significantly higher in patients with KC compared to the control group.

Assessment of Ocular Surface in Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical findings and ocular surface changes in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). METHODS: This prospective study involved 45 patients with AS (group 1) and 28 healthy subjects (group 2). Patients in group 1 were in the inactive period. The study subjects underwent a complete ophthalmic examination. The right eyes of the subjects in each group were tested for the study including slit-lamp examination, Schirmer I test, tear break-up time (TBUT), conjunctival impression cytology (CIC), and ocular surface disease index (OSDI). Results between the two groups were compared. RESULTS: The mean Schirmer I test result was found as 12.2±8 mm in group 1 and 20.3±9.9 mm in group 2 (P<0.001), whereas the mean TBUT value was found as 3.8±1.9 sec in group 1 and 10.1±4.8 sec in group 2 (P<0.001). The OSDI scores were significantly higher in group 1 (36.5±19.4) than in group 2 (9.1±12.9, P<0.001). The CIC scores were significantly higher in group 1 (2.12±0.7) than in group 2 (0.57±0.6, P<0.001). Notably, none of the patients in group 1 showed grade 0 differentiation, and none of the patients in group 2 showed grade 2 or 3 differentiation. The CIC scores were significantly higher in group 1 (2.12±0.7) than in group 2 (0.57±0.6, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Ocular surface changes, including squamous metaplasia in the bulbar conjunctiva, can be observed in patients with AS.

Monocyte/HDL Ratio and Lymphocyte/Monocyte Ratio in Patients with Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome.

Purpose: To evaluate the association between monocyte count/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio (MHR) and lymphocyte count/monocyte count ratio (LMR) with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEXS) and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEXG).Materials and Methods: A total of 63 participants included in the study. Participants were divided into three groups. Twenty-one patients with PEXS regarded as group 1, 21 patients with PEXG regarded as group 2 and 21 participants without PEXS or PEXG regarded as the control group. Blood parameters were accessed from file records and database retrospectively.Results: The mean MHRs were significantly higher in group 1 and group 2 (p = 0.003, p = 0.036) than the control group, whereas there was no difference between group 1 and group 2 (p = 0.686). The mean LMRs were lower in group 1 and group 2 than the control group but the difference was insignificant (p = 0.232).Conclusion: We found that there is an association between higher MHR and lower LMR with PEXS.

Assessment of Monocyte/HDL Ratio in Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion.

Purpose: The purpose of this article was to evaluate monocyte count and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels and their ratio (monocyte/HDL ratio [MHR]) in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).Materials and Methods: A total of 50 participants were included in the study. Participants were divided into two groups: Twenty-five patients diagnosed with BRVO and 25 participants as the control group. Ocular examination findings and hematologic parameters were accessed from the file records and database, retrospectively.Results: The mean MHR was significantly higher in BRVO group compared to the control group (13.4 ± 5.2 vs. 8.1 ± 2.2, p < 0.001). In receiver operating characteristics analysis, the area under the curve for MHR was 0.862, and an MHR of >9.5 predicted BRVO with a sensitivity of 76% and specificity of 70.8%.Conclusion: The present study showed that elevated MHR is significantly associated with BRVO. Therefore, MHR may be a useful marker for the emergence of BRVO.

Efficacy of pulsed-light accelerated crosslinking in the treatment of progressive keratoconus: Two-year results.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the 2-year results of epithelium-off pulsed-light accelerated corneal collagen crosslinking treatment in progressive keratoconus using 30 mW/cm2 ultraviolet A light for 6 min with a total dose of 5.4 J/cm2. METHODS: A total of 30 eyes of 22 patients with documented progressive keratoconus and treated with epithelium-off pulsed-light accelerated corneal collagen crosslinking using the KXL® crosslinking device (Avedro Inc, Waltham, MA, USA) were included in this retrospective study. Corneal tomographic measurements and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity were compared using analysis of variance with repeated measurements between the baseline visit (before the corneal collagen crosslinking treatment), and the sixth month, first, and second year visits. RESULTS: Flat keratometry (K1), steep keratometry (K2), and mean keratometry (Km) decreased significantly at sixth month, first, and second years (p < 0.001, p = 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). Maximum keratometry (Kmax) decreased from 55.40 ± 4.90 D at baseline to 54.82 ± 4.68 D, 54.80 ± 5.12 D, and 54.65 ± 5.36 D at sixth month, first year, and second year, respectively (p = 0.007). The best spectacle-corrected visual acuity improved from 0.34 ± 0.24 logMAR at baseline to 0.25 ± 0.16 logMAR, 0.22 ± 0.15 logMAR, and 0.17 ± 0.13 logMAR at sixth month, first year, and second year, respectively (p < 0.001). At the second year visit, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity remained stable (no lines lost) with respect to the baseline in 8 eyes and increased 1 or more lines in 22 eyes. CONCLUSION: Pulsed-light accelerated corneal collagen crosslinking using 30 mW/cm2 ultraviolet A light for 6 min with a total dose of 5.4 J/cm2 is an effective treatment modality in cases with progressive keratoconus-it stops progression at 2 years also regresses some of the cases.

The Frequency and Causes of Blindness in a Rural Region of Central Anatolia of Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the frequency and primary causes of blindness in adults aged 18 years and more in Sarikaya rural region of Yozgat, Turkey, to contribute to the epidemiologic information about blindness in our country. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who were examined between October 2016 and March 2017 in Sarikaya State Hospital, Clinic of Ophthalmology, were prospectively investigated. Demographic and ophthalmic examination data, presented visual acuities (VA), primary causes of blindness, and monocular blindness were recorded. Blindness was defined as presented visual acuities (VA) definition of World Health Organization criteria. RESULTS: A total of 3423 participants, aged 18-96 years, were examined. Among them, 1887 participants (55%) were female and 1536 (45%) were male. The frequency of blindness was 1.5% (95% CI: 1.1%-2.0%); and cataract was the primary cause of blindness (42%). Age-related macular degeneration (21%) and uncorrected refractive error (13%) were the next main causes of blindness. The frequency of monocular blindness was 4% (95% CI: 3.8%-5.2%), and cataract (27%) followed by phthisis bulbi/evisceration (13%) and glaucoma (12%) were the leading causes of monocular blindness. CONCLUSION: In this rural region of Central Anatolia, the primary cause of blindness and monocular blindness was an unoperated cataract. The patterns of age-specific causes of blindness are variable, but most of them are avoidable or treatable. Thus, awareness should be increased in societies, and people should be prevented from blindness with health-care programs in rural regions of developing countries.