Evaluation of retinal vascular structure after epiretinal membrane surgery by optical coherence tomography angiography.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the retinal vascular structure before and after the epiretinal membrane (ERM) surgery by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). METHODS: Twenty-two eyes with ERM (study eyes) had been evaluated by OCTA for superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) vessel density (VD) at foveal and parafoveal regions and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) before and after ERM removal surgery. Twenty-two fellow eyes were selected as control group. RESULTS: Preoperative VD of SCP and DCP were significantly lower in ERM eyes than in controls in both foveal and parafoveal areas (p < 0.05, for all). The difference regressed in SCP (fovea: 18.04 ± 3.1 vs 19.98 ± 18 p = 0.002 and parafovea: 47.33 ± 3.54 vs 49.71 ± 28 p = 0.001), but persisted in DCP (fovea: 17.25 ± 3.52 vs 17.57 ± 4.01 p = 0.856 and parafovea: 50.12 ± 4.35 vs 50.93 ± 3.24 p = 0.791) in study eyes, postoperatively. Superficial and deep FAZ areas were significantly smaller in study eyes than controls. Postoperatively, superficial FAZ area enlarged (0.288 ± 0.10 vs 0.307 ± 0.08 p = 0.012), whereas deep FAZ area did not (0.324 ± 0.09 vs 0.338 ± 0.07 p = 0.435). FAZ area was correlated with the best-corrected visual acuity in ERM eyes. CONCLUSION: Vascular damage in SCP and DCP was demonstrated by OCTA in eyes with ERM. ERM removal surgery mainly improves superficial changes caused by ERM. Changes in deep retinal flow may be associated with visual outcomes after ERM removal surgery.

Vision outcomes with a new monofocal IOL.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the distance, intermediate, and near visual performance of a new IOL (ICB00, Eyhance, Tecnis) and classic monofocal IOL (SN60WF IQ AcrySof, Alcon) after unilateral implantation. METHODS: Sixty-three patients were unilaterally implanted with the ICB00 Eyhance IOL (study group) and 65 patients with the SN60WF IQ AcrySof (control group). Visual performance was assessed with monocular corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) and uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) at 4 m, corrected intermediate visual acuity (CIVA) and uncorrected intermediate visual acuity (UIVA) at 60 cm, and corrected near visual acuity (CNVA) and uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA) at 40 cm. RESULTS: CDVA, UDVA, CNVA, and UNVA values did not differ significantly between the study and control groups (0.02 ± 0.02 vs. 0.03 ± 0.02, p = 0.523; 0.05 ± 0.13 vs. 0.05 ± 0.15, p = 0.637; 0.46 ± 0.17 vs. 0.46 ± 0.15, p = 0.821; and 0.47 ± 0.21 vs. 0.49 ± 0.25, p = 0.612; respectively), whereas the study group showed significantly better results for CIVA (0.28 ± 0.12 vs. 0.38 ± 0.13, p = 0.001) and UIVA (0.31 ± 0.16 vs. 0.41 ± 0.12, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The Eyhance IOL, which features a new optical design based on a continuous power profile, was determined to be superior to a classic monofocal IOL for intermediate visual acuity and not inferior for corrected and uncorrected distance and near visual acuity.

Comparison of wavefront aberrations in eyes with multifocal and monofocal iols before and after Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy for posterior capsule opacification.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare wavefront aberrations before and after Nd:YAG capsulotomy in multifocal intraocular lens (MfIOL) and monofocal (MoIOL) pseudophakic eyes with posterior capsule opacification (PCO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wavefront aberrations were measured using a ARK-10000 topographer before and after Nd:YAG capsulotomy in eyes that underwent MfIOL or MoIOL implantation and developed PCO. Total and higher-order aberrations (HOAs) values were evaluated as root mean square (RMS). RESULTS: The study included 64 eyes with MfIOLs (64 patients) and 72 with MoIOLs (72 patients) that developed PCO. Total RMS values before and 1 month after Nd:YAG capsulotomy were 0.863 ± 0.27 and 0.504 ± 0.24 in the MFIOL group and 0.862 ± 0.31 and 0.466 ± 0.26 in the MoIOL group, respectively. Total RMS values did not differ significantly between the groups before (p = 0.914) or 1 month after Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy (p = 0.357), but decreased significantly after Nd:YAG capsulotomy compared to baseline in both the MfIOL (p = 0.027) and MoIOL (p = 0.012) groups. HOA values before and 1 month after Nd:YAG capsulotomy were 0.546 ± 0.23 and 0.364 ± 0.19 in the MfIOL group and 0.500 ± 0.21 and 0.346 ± 0.18 in the MoIOL group, respectively. HOA values did not differ significantly before (p = 0.828) or after Nd:YAG capsulotomy (p = 0.111), while both groups showed significant reduction in HOAs after Nd:YAG capsulotomy (MfIOL: p = 0.021, MoIOL: p = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: Nd:YAG capsulotomy reduces total and HOAs to the same extent in eyes with both MfIOLs and MoIOLs, with no significant impact of the IOL design.

Effect of neuroprotective citicoline eye drops on macular microcirculation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To use optical coherence tomography (OCTA) examination of the retinal microvascular structures to evaluate the effect of neuroprotective eye drops (citicoline, OMK1®) administered for laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study included 45 patients treated with citicoline after LASIK and 48 patients not treated with citicoline after LASIK as a control group. In both groups, the foveal avascular zone (FAZ), retinal superficial vascular density (SVD), and deep vascular density (DVD) in the foveal and parafoveal areas were measured preoperatively and at 1 and 3 months postoperatively using OCTA. RESULTS: No significant difference was detected between the groups in terms of preoperative SVD or DVD in the foveal and parafoveal zones and all quadrants (superior, inferior, temporal, and nasal) (P > 0.05). Similarly, no significant difference was detected between the citicoline group and control group in terms of SVD or DVD in the foveal and parafoveal zones at 1 and 3 months after LASIK (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Despite their neuroprotective effect, topical citicoline drops had no significant effect on the superficial and deep microvascular structures of the retina or choriocapillaris.

INTRAVITREAL DEXAMETHASONE IMPLANT IN RETINITIS PIGMENTOSA-RELATED CYSTOID MACULAR EDEMA.

PURPOSE: To report the clinical outcome after intravitreal dexamethasone implant in patients with retinitis pigmentosa and cystoid macular edema. METHODS: Multicenter retrospective case series of eyes with retinitis pigmentosa and cystoid macular edema that underwent intravitreal dexamethasone implant. Primary outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity in LogMAR and central macular thickness. Statistical analyses used two-tailed comparison with Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS: There were a total of 45 eyes from 34 patients with a mean age of 32.7 years (range 16-57) and mean follow-up of 15.5 ± 13.0 months. At Month 3 after the first injection, mean initial best-corrected visual acuity improved from 0.61 ± 0.38 (20/81) to 0.37 ± 0.16 (20/47) (P = 0.012), whereas mean central macular thickness (µm) decreased from 506 ± 288 µm to 311.7 ± 71.6 µm (P < 0.001) and mean intraocular pressure increased from 15.7 ± 2.3 mmHg to 19.8 ± 11.0 mmHg (P = 0.01). Fourteen eyes had multiple injections (1-7 reinjections) at a mean interval of 6 months. Treatment effect was durable with multiple injections, but with seven eyes developing visually significant cataracts. CONCLUSION: Best-corrected visual acuity improved up to 4 months in around half of the eyes. Eyes that benefited the most were pseudophakic, steroid nonresponsive, with large initial central macular thickness, and profuse fluorescein dye leakage.

Which parameters affect long-term mortality in older adults: is comprehensive geriatric assessment a predictor of mortality?

BACKGROUND: Determining predictors of mortality among older adults might help identify high-risk patients and enable timely intervention. AIMS: The aim of the study was to identify which variables predict geriatric outpatient mortality, using routine geriatric assessment tools. METHODS: We analyzed the data of 1141 patients who were admitted to the geriatric medicine outpatient clinic between 2001 and 2004. Comprehensive geriatric assessment was performed by an interdisciplinary geriatric team. Mortality rate was determined in 2015. The parameters predicting survival were examined. RESULTS: Median age of the patients (415 male, 726 female) was 71.7 years (53-95 years). Mean survival time was 12.2 years (95 % CI; 12-12.4 years). In multivariate analysis, age (OR: 1.16, 95 % CI: 1.09-1.23, p < 0.001), smoking (OR: 2.51, 95 % CI: 1.18-5.35, p = 0.017) and metabolic syndrome (OR: 2.20, 95 % CI: 1.05-4.64, p = 0.038) were found to be independent risk factors for mortality. MNA-SF scores (OR: 0.84, 95 % CI: 0.71-1.00, p = 0.050) and free T3 levels (OR: 0.70, 95 % CI: 0.49-1.00, p = 0.052) had borderline significance. DISCUSSION: The present study showed that the risk conferred by metabolic syndrome is beyond its individual components. Our findings confirm previous studies on the prognostic role of nutritional status, as reflected by MNA-SF. Serum fT3, a simple laboratory test, may also be used in geriatric outpatient clinics to identify individuals at risk. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study demonstrated the need for addressing modifiable risk factors such as smoking, metabolic syndrome, and undernutrition in older adults.

The effect of caffeine on choroidal thickness in young healthy subjects.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the effect of oral caffeine intake on choroidal thickness using optical coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS: Eighteen otherwise healthy caffeine users and 18 controls were enrolled. All participants underwent OCT scanning with high-speed and resolution spectral-domain OCT device (3D OCT 2000, Topcon, Japan) at baseline, and 1 and 3 h following 200-mg oral caffeine intake in the study and after oral placebo in the control group. The measurements were taken in the morning (10-12 am) to avoid diurnal fluctuation. RESULTS: The median choroidal thickness at the fovea prior to oral caffeine intake was 337.00 (IQR 83.75) µm, which decreased to 311.00 (IQR 79.25) µm at 1 h and 311.00 (IQR 75.00) µm at 3 h following oral caffeine intake (p = 0.001, 0.002, respectively). The median choroidal thickness was also significantly decreased following oral caffeine intake at other five extrafoveal points (p < 0.05 for all). The difference in choroidal thickness was not statistically significant between 1 and 3 h of caffeine intake at all six points. In the control group, the median baseline choroidal thickness at the fovea was 330.00 (IQR 88.75) µm, which was 330.50 (IQR 80.75) µm at 1 h and 330.50 (IQR 90.75) µm at 3 h (p = 0.552, 0.704, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Caffeine causes a significant decrease in choroidal thickness following oral intake. This decrease might be a result of reduced ocular blood flow due to its vasoconstrictive effect.

Choroidal thickness changes in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome.

To evaluate the choroidal thickness using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXS) and to compare them with healthy controls. This observational comparative study consisted of 35 PXS patients and 35 age- and sex-matched control cases. The control cases had neither systemic nor ocular disease. All 70 patients underwent a complete ophthalmic examination as well as choroidal thickness measurement using a high speed and high resolution SD-OCT device (Topcon 3D OCT-2000, Japan). There was no significant difference with respect to mean refractive error and intraocular pressure measurement between patients with PXS and controls (p = 0.237 and 0.433, respectively). The mean choroidal thickness was found as 206.6 ± 37.6 µm in the PXS group and 215.9 ± 47.3 µm in controls, respectively. The mean choroidal thickness was not significant between the PXS patients and the control cases (p = 0.362). Although PXS patients had lower mean choroidal thickness than controls, our results did not reach any statistical significance.

Corneal sensitivity and ocular surface health in patients undergoing femtosecond LASIK retreatment for residual refraction.

PURPOSE: To assess corneal sensitivity and the ocular surface in patients undergoing primary femtosecond laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK) and those undergoing FS-LASIK retreatment under the same flap due to residual refractive error. SETTING: Ekol Eye Hospital, Izmir, Turkey. DESIGN: Prospective case series. METHODS: Nineteen patients with previous FS-LASIK who had myopic and astigmatic refractive error were included in the study group, and 19 age- and sex-matched patients undergoing FS-LASIK for the first time as the control group. Corneal sensitivity, Schirmer test, tear film break-up time (TBUT), Oxford grading scheme for ocular surface staining, and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) were measured preoperatively and at postoperative 1 week and 1, 3, and 6 months. RESULTS: The mean refractive correction in the study and control groups respectively was 2.18±0.78 D (range: 1.00-3.50) and 2.76±1.20 D (range: 1.00-4.50; p=0.07). Corneal esthesiometry results in the study and control groups respectively were 6.10±12.55 vs. 9.90±11.50 mm at 1 week (p=0.001), 41.95±6.98 vs. 45.09±5.88 mm at 1 month (p=0.004), 56.09±3.37 vs. 56.19±2.52 mm at 3 months (p=0.8), and 58.60±2.01 vs. 58.80±1.39 mm at 6 months (p=0.5). Significant difference between the two groups in Schirmer test score that disappeared at postoperative 3 months and in TBUT and ocular surface staining that disappeared at 6 months, whereas the statistically significant difference in OSDI score persisted at 6 months (p=0.03) was detected. CONCLUSION: Corneal surface sensitivity and ocular surface health are more impaired in patients undergoing FS-LASIK retreatment due to residual refractive error.

Influence of Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy on toric intraocular lens rotation and change in cylinder power.

PURPOSE: To investigate toric monofocal intraocular lens (TIOL) rotation and associated changes in cylinder power caused by Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy performed due to posterior capsule opacification (PCO). SETTING: Ekol Eye Hospital, Izmir, Turkey. DESIGN: Prospective case series. METHODS: 41 eyes of 20 women and 21 men were included in the study. Before and 1 month after Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy, TIOL tilt and decentration were determined with Scheimpflug camera, and TIOL axial rotation and the change in cylinder power induced by this rotation were measured by ray tracing aberrometry. The time interval between cataract surgery and Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy was noted. RESULTS: Rotational misalignment of the TIOL was measured as 4.65 ± 2.75 degrees (range 0 to 11 degrees) before vs 6.97 ± 2.92 degrees (range 0 to 13 degrees) after capsulotomy, and absolute rotation was 2.75 ± 1.94 degrees (range 0 to 7 degrees, P = .028). Before and after Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy, cylinder power was 0.24 ± 0.70 diopter (D) (range 0.00 to 0.63 D) vs 0.56 ± 0.77 D (range 0.02 to 0.91 D), respectively, with an absolute change in cylinder power of 0.34 ± 0.22 D (range 0.01 to 0.90 D, P = .001). After capsulotomy, there was a significant decrease in IOL tilt in the horizontal and vertical planes and an increase in decentration ( P < .05). Time interval (33.02 ± 12.9 months) and IOL horizontal decentration were independent factors affecting IOL rotation after capsulotomy ( P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy may cause TIOL rotation as well as tilt and decentration, resulting in a change in the TIOL's corrective effect on corneal astigmatism. Although this change was clinically insignificant, it may be beneficial to consider that TIOL rotational misalignment may occur in patients undergoing early capsulotomy.

A confusing case: pulmonary lesions including cavities, isolated left heart endocarditis and inferior vena cava thrombosis in a patient with perforated diverticulitis.

There are numerous causes of pulmonary cavitary lesions as infection (bacterial, parasitic and invasive fungal), Wegener granulomatosis (WG) and other vasculitis, sarcoidosis, malignancy, septic thromboembolism, airways disease (cystic bronchiectasis and bullae), pneumatoceles and traumatic parenchymal laceration. Herein, we present a case with perforated diverticulitis causing pulmonary cavitary lesions and a septic thrombus in the neighboring inferior vena cava.

Alzheimer's disease is associated with a low prevalence of hypertension.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Dementia is one of the most common health problems in the world. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. The relation between blood pressure (BP) and dementia has been the subject of numerous epidemiological studies, and midlife hypertension (HT) is a risk factor for AD. The association between BP and risk of dementia is lower in the older population. The aim of this study was to examine the association between the prevalence of HT and AD in elderly individuals. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 193 patients with AD and 1,860 patients with normal cognitive function were evaluated. RESULTS: The prevalence of HT was lower in the AD group (60.6 vs. 70.5%; p = 0.005). In multivariate analysis, AD was found to be negatively correlated with HT (OR = 0.649; 95% CI 0.461-0.916). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of HT was lower in patients with AD compared to subjects without AD. Physicians who deal with AD patients must keep in mind that the need for antihypertensive medication may decline during the dementia process.

Evaluation of retinal and choroidal microvascular changes in patients who received hydroxychloroquine by optical coherence tomography angiography.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study is to evaluate the retinal and choroidal microvascular changes via optical coherence tomography angiography in patients who received hydroxy-chloroquine. METHODS: In total, 28 eyes of 28 patients (24 females, and 4 males) receiving treatment with hydroxy-chloroquine were assessed in this cross-sectional cohort study (hydroxychloroquine group). The high-and low-risk groups consisted of patients receiving hydroxychloroquine for ≥5 years (14 eyes of 28 patients) and <5 years (14 eyes of 28 patients), respectively. A total of 28 age- and gender-matched volunteers were enrolled as the control group. The macular flow area (superficial, deep, and choriocapillaris), superficial and deep vessel density, foveal avascular zone area, central foveal thickness, and subfoveal choroidal thickness parameters were measured by optical coherence tomography angiography. RESULTS: The mean age of the 28 patients who received hydroxychloroquine and the 28 age-matched controls was 45.5 ± 11.1 years (range: 29-70 years) and 44.5 ± 13.9 years (range: 28-70 years), respectively. In patients who received hydroxychloroquine, the values for the superficial, deep, and choriocapillaris macular flow areas were 13.578 ± 0.30, 13.196 ± 0.31, and 17.617 ± 0.42, respectively. In controls, these values were 16.407 ± 0.95, 13.857 ± 0.31, and 18.975 ± 0.76, respectively (p<0.05 for all). The superficial, deep, and cho-riocapillaris flow areas were significantly smaller in patients who received hydroxychloroquine than those in controls (p<0.05 for all). Superficial and deep vessel densities were significantly reduced in patients who received hydroxychlo-roquine in all regions (i.e., foveal, parafoveal, temporal, superior, nasal, and inferior) (p<0.05 for all). Moreover, significant difference was observed between the groups in the foveal avascular zone area (superficial and deep), central foveal thickness, and subfoveal choroidal thickness (p<0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: Retinochoroidal microvascular flow and vessel density of the macular area were significantly decreased in patients who received hydroxychloroquine. Hy-droxychloroquine may damage the retinochoroidal mi-cro-vascular architecture. Optical coherence tomography angiography may contribute to the early detection of hy-dro-xychloroquine-induced retinal toxicity.

Subretinal Coapplication of Tissue Plasminogen Activator and Bevacizumab with Concurrent Pneumatic Displacement for Submacular Hemorrhages Secondary to Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Objectives: To evaluate the functional and morphological outcomes of vitrectomy in combination with intravitreal 5% C3F8 tamponade and subretinal injections of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) in patients with submacular hemorrhage (SMH) and to investigate the preoperative prognostic factors. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 30 patients (16 women, 14 men) diagnosed with SMH secondary to neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Preoperative SMH thickness and area, ellipsoid zone integrity, and postoperative reduction in the amount of subfoveal blood on optical coherence tomography and fundus photographs were assessed. Furthermore, visual acuity (VA), hemorrhage duration, and the need for additional intravitreal anti-VEGF injections were recorded. Results: The patients' mean age was 73.33±8.23 years. Mean VA improved from logMAR 2.11±0.84 at baseline to logMAR 1.32±0.91, 0.94±0.66, 1.13±0.84, and 1.00±0.70 at postoperative month 1, 2, 3, and 6, respectively. A significant negative correlation was found between hemorrhage duration and postoperative VA at month 2 (p=0.005), month 3 (p=0.019), and month 6 (p=0.012). The mean preoperative SMH duration was significantly shorter in patients who achieved total resolution of the hemorrhage compared with the subtotal resolution group (p<0.001). The mean SMH area was smaller in the patients with continuous ellipsoid zone. Conclusion: Vitrectomy and submacular tPA and anti-VEGF injections with concurrent C3F8 tamponade appears to provide adequate displacement of the hemorrhage, resulting in significant VA improvement in patients with hemorrhagic neovascular AMD. Timing of the surgery appears to be the most important factor determining the final VA.

Effect of brimonidine tartrate 0.15% on scotopic pupil size and upper eyelid position: controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effect of brimonidine tartrate 0.15% ophthalmic solution on pupil size under scotopic condition and upper eyelid position. METHODS: This study comprised 72 eyes of 36 healthy subjects. A single drop of brimonidine tartrate 0.15% ophthalmic solution was instilled in the right eye and artificial tear was instilled in the left eye. Pupil size was measured using an infra-red pupillometer under scotopic condition before and at 30 min, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 h after instillation. Measurement of margin reflex distance 1 (MRD1) was performed using a millimetre ruler before and after at 10 min after instillation. RESULTS: The mean age of the subjects was 32.19 ± 11.43 years (range 10-52 years), 17 were female and 19 were male. Before brimonidine instillation, the mean pupil size was 6.09 ± 1.03 mm in the brimonidine eyes and 6.06 ± 1.04 mm in the control eyes. There was a significant decrease in mean pupil size at 30 min (4.45 ± 1.04), 2 h (4.49 ± 1.06), 4 h (4.59 ± 1.06), 6 h (4.89 ± 1.06) and 8 h (5.38 ± 1.02) after instillation compared to before in brimonidine eyes (p < 0.001 for all). There was a significant miosis continued for at least 6 h (5.95 ± 1.03) in control eyes (p < 0.001). There was no significant change in MRD1, before and after instillation both in brimonidine and control eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Brimonidine tartrate 0.15% had a significant miosis under scotopic condition for at least 8 h after instillation and had a significant miosis on the untreated eye for at least 6 h.

Comparison of Retinal Vascular Structure in Eyes With and Without Amblyopia by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the retinal vascular structure in amblyopic eyes by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). METHODS: Thirty-seven eyes of 37 patients with anisometric amblyopia were compared with 37 eyes of 37 age- and gender-matched control subjects by OCTA in terms of superficial capillary plexus vessel density, deep capillary plexus vessel density, and foveal avascular zone. RESULTS: The mean age was 12 ± 4.2 years in patients with amblyopia and 13 ± 6.1 years in individuals without amblyopia. Foveal superficial capillary plexus vessel densities were 20.49% ± 3.27%, 19.70% ± 3.82%, and 19.96% ± 3.84%, and parafoveal superficial capillary plexus vessel densities were 48.50% ± 3.64%, 49.01% ± 3.33%, and 48.9% ± 2.98% in amblyopic, fellow, and control eyes, respectively. The foveal deep capillary plexus vessel densities were 18.95% ± 3.76%, 18.6% ± 4.50%, and 19.29% ± 4.01%, and parafoveal deep capillary plexus vessel densities were 51.0% ± 4.21%, 51.85% ± 4.12%, and 52.03% ± 3.57% in amblyopic, fellow, and control eyes, respectively. Superficial and deep capillary plexus vessel densities in the foveal and parafoveal areas were not significantly different between the groups (P > .05). The parafoveal area was evaluated in quadrants. In the superior quadrant, superficial and deep capillary plexus parafoveal densities were significantly lower in amblyopic eyes (P < .05). No significant difference was observed in the foveal avascular zone between the groups (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Although no significant vascular damage was demonstrated by OCTA in amblyopic eyes, localized defects may be specific for it. Additional studies are needed to evaluate any specific localization of vascular damage related to amblyopia. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2020;57(1):48-53.].

Retinal and Choroidal Vascular Changes in Eyes with Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome: A Comparative Study Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography

Background: Optical coherence tomography angiography allows a detailed evaluation of retinal and choroidal microvascular structures without the need for a contrast agent. Pseudoexfoliation syndrome is a condition that leads to anatomical and functional losses due to accumulation of degraded abnormal fibrillar material in the intraocular and extraocular tissues. Histopathological studies have shown that the accumulation of Pseudoexfoliation syndrome material in the vascular structures may play a role in different ocular pathologies such as retinal vein occlusion, iris hypoperfusion, anterior segment hypoxia, retinal arterial occlusion, and neovascular glaucoma. Aims: To evaluate and compare flow and vascular density in the retina and choroid in eyes with Pseudoexfoliation syndrome, fellow eyes without Pseudoexfoliation syndrome, and healthy eyes using optical coherence tomography angiography. Study Design: Case control study. Methods: The study included 35 eyes with Pseudoexfoliation syndrome of 35 Pseudoexfoliation syndrome patients, 32 fellow eyes without Pseudoexfoliation syndrome of 32 unilateral Pseudoexfoliation syndrome patients, and 35 eyes of healthy control subjects. Flow area and vascular density in the superficial capillary plexus and deep capillary plexus were measured by optical coherence tomography angiography as three separate parameters: total, parafoveal, and foveal. Choroidal thickness and foveal avascular zone area were measured for each patient. Results: There were significant differences between the Pseudoexfoliation syndrome eyes and control eyes in total, parafoveal, and foveal flow and vascular density in the superficial capillary plexus (p<0.05 for all), while there were no significant differences between these groups in any of the flow or vascular density values in the deep capillary plexus (p>0.05). None of the superficial capillary plexus and deep capillary plexus flow and vascular density values showed significant differences between Pseudoexfoliation syndrome eyes and non-Pseudoexfoliation syndrome fellow eyes or between the non-Pseudoexfoliation syndrome fellow eyes and control eyes (p>0.05). Choroidal thickness was significantly lower in Pseudoexfoliation syndrome eyes compared to control eyes. Foveal avascular zone area was significantly enlarged in Pseudoexfoliation syndrome eyes compared to control eyes in both the superficial and deep layers (p<0.05). Conclusion: Pseudoexfoliation syndrome eyes exhibit significant damage to the retinal and choroidal vascular structures.

Periorbital Emphysema After Endoscopic Nasal Polyp Surgery

Periorbital and subcutaneous emphysema after transnasal endoscopic surgery are rare. Periorbital emphysema has been reported after facial trauma, dental interventions, procedures such as endoscopic sinus surgery and rhinoplasty, and due to medications such as systemic steroids. Although very rare, it may require urgent intervention because of the risk of increased intraocular pressure and impaired blood supply to the globe. The otolaryngology department requested ophthalmology consultation for a 65-year-old male patient who had severe periorbital emphysema of the right eye the day after endoscopic nasal polypectomy due to severe coughing and straining. Crepitus was detected on skin palpation and immediate intervention was performed by passing a 21-gauge needle through the skin into the subcutaneous tissue of the upper and lower eyelids to evacuate the subcutaneous air. The patient's clinical symptoms resolved with no postoperative complications.

Neuroprotective Effect of Citicoline Eye Drops on Corneal Sensitivity After LASIK.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the accelerator role of a topically administered neuroprotective eye drop (citicoline) on the recovery of corneal sensitivity after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). METHODS: In this prospective, controlled study, 78 eyes of 78 patients (mean age: 26.8 ± 7.6 years) were enrolled in the study group and their eyes were treated with topical citicoline three times a day for 1 month postoperatively. Seventy-eight eyes of 78 patients (mean age: 26.1 ± 7.4 years) were randomly selected as the control group and their eyes were treated with lubricant hyaluronic acid (0.15%) eye drops three times a day for 1 month. Corneal sensitivity was assessed in both groups using a Cochet-Bonnet esthesiometer at baseline and 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 12 weeks after the LASIK procedure. RESULTS: Corneal sensitivity at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 weeks after LASIK was significantly better in the citicoline group than the control group (P < .05 for all). Differences between the groups at 8 and 12 weeks after LASIK were not significant (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Topically administered citicoline eye drops had beneficial effects in the early recovery of corneal sensitivity during the first 6 weeks after LASIK, suggesting that citicoline may play a significant role in accelerating corneal reinnervation. [J Refract Surg. 2019;35(12):764-770.].

The Effect of Nicotine on Macular Microcirculation in Healthy Subjects.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the acute effects of nicotine on macular microvasculature by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Non-smokers who were administered 4 mg nicotine gum (study group) or placebo gum (control group) were enrolled, 18 individuals in each group. All participants underwent OCTA at baseline and 1 hour after gum chewing. Macular flow area, macular vessel density, foveal avascular zone area, central foveal thickness, and subfoveal choroidal thickness were analyzed. RESULTS: Macular flow area, vessel density, and subfoveal choroidal thickness decreased in the nicotine group (P < .05). No statistically significant difference observed in central foveal thickness, when compared with baseline measurement (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Nicotine causes a significant decrease in macular microcirculation. Deterioration of macular microcirculation can be quantitatively detected by OCTA noninvasively. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2019;50:691-700.].