Suture-related complications after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty for keratoconus.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence of suture-related complications, their risk factors, and effects on the clinical outcomes after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) for keratoconus. METHODS: In this retrospective, comparative, interventional study, the records of consecutive patients with keratoconus who underwent DALK were reviewed for suture-related complications. Univariate analyses were used to identify risk factors for suture complications. We compared groups with and without suture-related complications to evaluate the effects of these complications on clinical outcomes after DALK. RESULTS: Of the 633 DALKs, 438 eyes (69.2%) developed suture complications including loose sutures (32.7%), spontaneous suture rupture (30%), sterile suture abscesses (22.8%), suture tract vascularization (16.4%), suture erosion (10.3%), and suture cheese wiring (6.8%). Vernal keratoconjunctivitis increased the incidence of sterile suture infiltration, premature suture loosening, and suture tract vascularization. Loose suture was observed more commonly in larger graft size, while spontaneous suture rupture was associated with late suture removal. There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative outcomes including visual acuity, refraction, graft rejection, and failure in eyes with and without suture complications. However, suture-related complications were directly associated with sight-threatening ocular morbidities, including graft rejection (39 eyes), ulcer (1 eye), and failure (2 eyes). CONCLUSION: Suture-related complications frequently occurred after DALK for keratoconus. Ocular surface inflammation, large grafts, and late suture removal increased the risk of suture-related complications. While these complications had no negative impact on clinical outcomes in the majority of cases, some of them led to sight-threatening morbidity, underlining the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

Laser in situ keratomileusis versus Artisan lens implantation in correcting ametropia after penetrating keratoplasty for keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To compare the long-term safety and efficacy of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) with Artisan phakic intraocular lens implantation to correct refractive errors after penetrating keratoplasty (PK) for keratoconus. METHODS: This retrospective comparative interventional case series included a total of 33 consecutive keratoconus eyes that had previous PK and received subsequent LASIK (n = 16) or Artisan lens implantation (n = 17) were included in this study. Outcome measures were uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), refractive error, and complications. RESULTS: Postoperatively, the UDVA of ≥20/40 was achieved in none of the LASIK group compared to 62.5% of eyes in the Artisan group (P < 0.001); the respective values for CDVA of ≥20/40 were 87.5 and 94.1% (P = 0.51). Spherical equivalent refraction decreased from - 6.97 ± 1.50 D preoperatively to - 4.20 ± 2.05 D postoperatively in the LASIK group (P < 0.001) and from - 10.79 ± 2.15 D preoperatively to - 2.13 ± 1.23 D postoperatively in the Artisan group (P < 0.001). There was no significant change in the refractive astigmatism in LASIK group (P = 0.30) or Artisan group (P = 0.11). The efficacy and safety indices were significantly better for Artisan (0.82 ± 0.34 and 1.13 ± 0.30, respectively) than for LASIK (0.22 ± 0.17 and 0.85 ± 0.24, respectively, P ≤ 0.006 for both comparisons). While refractive error changed significantly from postoperative year 3 to the final visit in the LASIK group, it remained stable in the Artisan group through follow-up period. No significant complications were observed in any group. CONCLUSION: Artisan lens implantation provided superior and stable visual outcomes compared to LASIK for the management of post PK refractive errors in keratoconus eyes.

Lately Diagnosed Acanthamoeba Keratitis Manifesting as an Intrastromal Corneal Abscess: A Case Report.

ABSTRACT: A 42-year-old female contact lens wearer presented to a local emergency department with a 3-day history of decreased vision and ocular discomfort in her right eye. She was started on topical fluorometholone and oral acyclovir with initial diagnosis of herpes simplex keratitis. After 3 weeks of worsening symptoms, she was diagnosed with bacterial corneal ulcer and treated with levofloxacin eye drops every 2 hr. After 14 days of no improvement, she was referred to our clinic for further workup. Slitlamp examination demonstrated a solitary dense 3×3-mm infiltration involving anterior and central corneal stroma. The overlying epithelium was intact, and there was no subepithelial infiltration, radial perineuritis, keratic precipitates, or anterior chamber reaction. Corneal sensation was normal. Confocal microscopy and corneal biopsy were definitive for Acanthamoeba infection. The patient received polyhexamethylene biguanide 0.02% every 2 hr and oral ketoconazole 200 mg twice a day, which resulted in improvement in her signs and symptoms within 10 days. The medications were gradually tapered off over 5 months per clinical response. At the 9-month follow-up visit, the best-corrected visual acuity was 5/10 with a superficial central stromal scar at slitlamp examination. Acanthamoeba infection should be considered in contact lens wearers who present with intrastromal corneal abscess.

The effect of systemic erythropoietin and oral prednisolone on recent-onset non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effect of systemic erythropoietin, as well as oral steroids, in the management of recent-onset non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). METHOD: Patients diagnosed with NAION within 5 days were randomized into group A (systemic erythropoietin), group B (oral steroids), and group C (control). Group A received 10,000 units of erythropoietin twice a day for 3 days. Group B received oral prednisone 75 mg daily tapered off in 6 weeks. RESULTS: The mean best-corrected visual acuity (± SD) at the time of presentation was 1 ± 0.56, 1.01 ± 0.6, and 0.94 ± 0.47 logMAR in groups A, B, and C, respectively (P = 0.140); corresponding values at 6-month follow-up were 0.70 ± 0.44, 0.73 ± 0.35, and 0.75 ± 0.39 logMAR, respectively (P = 0.597). Fifty-five percent of patients in group A versus 34.3% in group B and 31.2% in group C had an improvement of at least 3 lines in the best-corrected visual acuity values at the 6th month of follow-up visit (P = 0.04). Peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layers at presentation were 189 ± 58, 193 ± 64, and 199 ± 62 micrometers, respectively (P = 0.779), which decreased to 88 ± 12, 74 ± 25, and 71 ± 18, respectively at 6-month follow-up (P = 0.041). CONCLUSION: The findings of our study indicate the beneficial effects of systemic erythropoietin in preserving the function and structure of the optic nerve in recent-onset NAION. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical registration number: IR.SBMU.ORC.REC.1397.18.

Five-year clinical outcomes of combined phacoemulsification and trabectome surgery at a single glaucoma center.

PURPOSE: To analyze the 5-year results of trabectome ab interno trabeculectomy of a single glaucoma center. METHOD: In this retrospective interventional single-center case series, data of 93 patients undergoing ab interno trabeculotomy between September 2010, and December 2012 were included. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed using success criteria defined as postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤ 21 mmHg, and > 20% reduction from preoperative IOP, and no need for further glaucoma surgery. Risk factors for failure were identified using Cox proportional hazards ratio (HR). RESULTS: The retention rate for 5-year follow-up was 66%. The cumulative probability of success at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years was 82.6%, 76.7%, 73.9%, 72.3%, and 67.5%. Risk factors for failure were lower baseline IOP (HR = 0.27, P = 0.001), younger age (HR = 0.25, P = 0.02), and higher central corneal thickness (HR = 0.18, P = 0.01). Exfoliative glaucoma was associated with a higher success rate (HR = 0.39, P = 0.02). IOP was decreased significantly from 20.0 ± 5.6 mmHg at baseline to 15.6 ± 4.6 mmHg at 5-year follow-up (P = 0.001). The baseline number of glaucoma medications was 1.8 ± 1.2, which decreased to 1.0 ± 1.2 medications at 5 years. CONCLUSION: Trabectome surgery was associated with a good long-term efficacy and safety profile in this single-center case series with a high retention rate.

Outflow facility and extent of angle closure in a porcine model.

PURPOSE: To establish the extent of anterior chamber angle circumference needed to maintain a physiological outflow facility (C). This could create a model to investigate focal outflow regulation. METHODS: Twenty anterior segments of porcine eyes were assigned to five groups, each with a different degree of cyanoacrylate-mediated angle closure: 90° (n = 4), 180° (n = 4), 270° (n = 4), 360° (n = 4), and four unoccluded control eyes. The outflow facility was measured at baseline, 3, 12, 24, and 36 h after angle closure. Outflow patterns were evaluated with canalograms and the histomorphology was compared. RESULTS: Baseline outflow facilities of the five groups were similar (F = 0.922, p = 0.477). Occlusion of 360° induced a significant decrease in facility from baseline at all time-points (p ≤ 0.023 at 3, 12, 24, and 36 h). However, no difference from baseline was found in any of the partially occluded (0-270°) groups (F ≥ 0.067, p ≥ 0.296 at 3, 12, 24, and 36 h). The canalograms confirmed the extent of occlusion with flow through the unblocked regions. Histology revealed no adverse effects of blockage on the TM or aqueous plexus in the unoccluded angle portions. The unoccluded TM appeared normal. CONCLUSION: Cyanoacrylate-mediated angle occlusion created a reproducible angle closure model. Ninety degrees of unoccluded anterior chamber angle circumference was sufficient to maintain physiological outflow. This model may help understand how outflow can be regulated in healthy, nonglaucomatous TM.

Factors associated with lamina cribrosa displacement after trabeculectomy measured by optical coherence tomography in advanced primary open-angle glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship of lamina cribrosa displacement to corneal biomechanical properties and visual function after mitomycin C-augmented trabeculectomy. METHOD: Eighty-one primary open-angle eyes were imaged before and after trabeculectomy using an enhanced depth spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SDOCT). Corneal biomechanical properties were measured with the ocular response analyzer before the surgery. The anterior lamina cribrosa (LC) was marked at several points in each of the six radial scans to evaluate LC displacement in response to intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction. A Humphrey visual field test (HVF) was performed before the surgery as well as 3 and 6 months, postoperatively. RESULTS: Factors associated with a deeper baseline anterior lamina cribrosa depth (ALD) were cup-disc ratio (P = 0.04), baseline IOP (P = 0.01), corneal hysteresis (P = 0.001), and corneal resistance factor (P = 0.001). After the surgery, the position of LC became more anterior (negative), posterior (positive), or remained unchanged. The mean LC displacement was - 42 µm (P = 0.001) and was positively correlated with the magnitude of IOP reduction (regression coefficient = 0.251, P = 0.02) and negatively correlated with age (regression coefficient = - 0.224, P = 0.04) as well as baseline cup-disk ratio (Regression coefficient = - 0.212, P = 0.05). Eyes with a larger negative LC displacement were more likely to experience an HVF improvement of more than a 3 dB gain in mean deviation (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: A larger IOP reduction and younger age was correlated with a larger negative LC displacement and improving HVF. The correlation between lower SDOCT cup-disc ratio and postoperative negative LC displacement was borderline (P = 0.05). Corneal biomechanics did not predict LC displacement.

Low iris and anterior chamber volume is associated with deepening after laser peripheral iridotomy in primary angle closure suspects.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the association between baseline ocular variables and the widening of the anterior chamber angle by laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) in primary angle closure suspects (PACS) using a new Fourier-domain swept-source anterior segment optical coherence tomography (FD-ASOCT). METHOD: Sixty-six PACS eyes of 41 individuals were enrolled in this prospective interventional case series. An FD-ASOCT (Casia SS-1000 OCT; Tomey, Nagoya, Japan) was used to measure biometric baseline variables and at 1 month after the LPI. Paired t test was used to compare the difference between pre-and post-LPI measurements. Multivariate regression analysis was used to test for an association between baseline iris thickness and volume, anterior chamber depth and volume, and lens vault with a widening of the angle after an LPI. Changes in trabecular iris space area and angle opening distance after the LPI were main outcome measures. RESULTS: The mean age of participants was 58.6 ± 8.7 years, 68.2% of whom were female. The angle opening distance, recess area, and trabecular iris surface area at 500 µm increased by 48 to 73% (all P < 0.001). Lens vault and iris volume did not change. A low anterior chamber volume and low iris volume were associated with angle greater deepening by LPI. CONCLUSION: Eyes with a shallow anterior chamber and thinner irises are more likely to experience angle opening from an LPI.

Impact of same-session trabectome surgery on Ahmed glaucoma valve outcomes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and survival rates of same session ab interno trabeculectomy with the trabectome and Ahmed glaucoma valve implant (AT) in comparison to the Ahmed glaucoma valve alone (A). METHOD: A total of 107 eyes undergoing primary glaucoma surgery were enrolled in this retrospective comparative case series, including 48 eyes which underwent AT and 59 eyes which received A alone. Participants were identified using the procedural terminology codes, and their medical records were reviewed. The primary outcome measure was success defined as IOP > 5 mmHg, ≤ 21 mmHg and ≥ 20% reduction of IOP from baseline at two consecutive visits after 3 months, and no need for glaucoma reoperation. Secondary outcome measures were IOP, the number of glaucoma medications, incidence of a hypertensive phase, and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). RESULTS: The cumulative probability of success at 1 year was 70% in AT, and 65% in A (p = 0.85). IOP decreased significantly from 26.6 ± 10.1 mmHg at baseline to 14.7 ± 3.3 mmHg at the final follow-up in AT (p = 0.001). The corresponding numbers for A were 27.8 ± 10.2 and 16.7 ± 4.9, respectively (p = 0.001). The final IOP was significantly lower in AT (p = 0.022). The number of medications at baseline was comparable in both groups (2.6 ± 1.2 in AT and 2.5 ± 1.3 in A, p = 0.851). Corresponding number at 1 year visit was 1.2 ± 2 in AT and 2.8 ± 1.8 in A (p = 0.001). The incidence of a hypertensive phase was 18.7% in AT and 35.5% in A (p = 0.05). HP resolved in only 30% of eyes. The criteria for HP resolution were fulfilled in 9 eyes (30%). There was no difference in the rate of resolution of the hypertensive phase between AT and A (33.3 and 28.5%, respectively, p = 0.67). CONCLUSION: Ahmed glaucoma valve implant with same session trabectome surgery significantly decreased the rate of the hypertensive phase and postoperative IOP as well as the number of glaucoma medications.

Outflow enhancement by three different ab interno trabeculectomy procedures in a porcine anterior segment model.

PURPOSE: To evaluate three different microincisional ab interno trabeculectomy procedures in a porcine eye perfusion model. METHODS: In perfused porcine anterior segments, 90° of trabecular meshwork (TM) was ablated using the Trabectome (T; n = 8), Goniotome (G; n = 8), or Kahook device (K; n = 8). After 24 h, additional 90° of TM was removed. Intraocular pressure (IOP) and outflow facility were measured at 5 and 10 µl/min perfusion to simulate an elevated IOP. Structure and function were assessed with canalograms and histology. RESULTS: At 5 µl/min infusion rate, T resulted in a greater IOP reduction than G or K from baseline (76.12% decrease versus 48.19% and 47.96%, P = 0.013). IOP reduction between G and K was similar (P = 0.420). Removing another 90° of TM caused an additional IOP reduction only in T and G but not in K. Similarly, T resulted in the largest increase in outflow facility at 5 µl/min compared with G and K (first ablation, 3.41 times increase versus 1.95 and 1.87; second ablation, 4.60 versus 2.50 and 1.74) with similar results at 10 µl/min (first ablation, 3.28 versus 2.29 and 1.90 (P = 0.001); second ablation, 4.10 versus 3.01 and 2.01 (P = 0.001)). Canalograms indicated circumferential flow beyond the ablation endpoints. CONCLUSIONS: T, G, and K significantly increased the outflow facility. In this model, T had a larger effect than G and K.

Effects of Intravitreal Silicone Oil on Subfoveal Choroidal Thickness.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of intravitreal silicone oil (SO) on subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT). METHODS: A total of 60 patients with unilateral pseudophakic macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment were treated with a three-port pars plana vitrectomy and a 5,700-cSt SO endo-tamponade and subsequent SO removal. SFCT was measured before and 3 months after SO removal. The main outcome measure was the difference between the SFCT of operated eyes and the fellow eyes. RESULTS: Before SO removal, the mean SFCT differences in group 1 (3-6 months' duration of SO), group 2 (6-9 months' duration of SO), and group 3 (9-18 months' duration of SO) were -14.8, -25.5, and -62.1 µm, respectively (p = 0.002, r = 0.398). Three months after SO removal, the mean SFCT differences in group 1, group 2, and group 3 were -13.4, -23.3, and -59.0 µm, respectively (p = 0.002, r = 0.393). CONCLUSION: SFCT decreased significantly in eyes with long-term (≥6 months) intravitreal SO tamponade. Choroidal thinning did not improve after SO removal.

Management of sulcus-fixated single-piece intraocular lens-induced pigmentary glaucoma with 3-piece IOL exchange.

PURPOSE: To describe our experience with exchanging sulcus-fixated single-piece intraocular lens (IOL) with 3-piece IOLs for management of pigmentary glaucoma. METHOD: In this retrospective study, records of patients who underwent sulcus-fixated single-piece IOL exchanged with 3-piece IOLs were retrieved, and demographic and baseline data of patients, type of IOL, pre- and post-IOL exchange BCVA, IOP, number of anti-glaucoma medications, and optic nerve head examination were documented. Baseline and final examinations were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 59 ± 10 years, and 5 (41.6%) were female. Mean interval between primary cataract extraction operation and IOL exchange was 17 ± 5 months. Nine patients received in sulcus implantation of Alcon SA60AT, and three patients had SN60WF model at the end of primary surgery. BCVA changed insignificantly from 0.06 ± 0.06 logMAR to 0.06 ± 0.06 after IOL exchange. (P = 0.22) IOP was controlled in 8 cases (66.6%), but four cases (33.3%) needed glaucoma surgery to further control glaucoma condition. IOP decreased significantly from preoperative 17 ± 3 to 14 ± 1 mmHg postoperatively. Patients with advanced age and higher baseline IOP were more likely to undergo glaucoma surgery after IOL exchange. (P = 0.07 and 0.00, respectively). CONCLUSION: single-piece IOL exchange with 3-piece IOL dramatically decreases pigment release and reduces IOP. Those with advanced age and higher IOP are less likely to respond to IOL exchange and may need glaucoma surgery to control high intraocular pressure.

The Ocular Hypotensive Efficacy of Topical Fasudil, a Rho-Associated Protein Kinase Inhibitor, in Patients With End-Stage Glaucoma.

To investigate the effects of topical administration of a selective Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, fasudil 0.5% and 1.2% in glaucomatous patients. In this interventional case series study, 4 eyes of 4 patients with unilateral end-stage primary open-angle glaucoma and no light perception vision were assigned to receive topical fasudil 0.5% (in 3 eyes) or 1.2% (in 1 eye) ophthalmic solution twice daily for 8 weeks. At weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8, intraocular pressure (IOP) and adverse events were evaluated. Baseline mean IOP was 53.5 ± 3.4 mm Hg and mean IOP reductions of the last visit were -8.25 ± 1.2 mm Hg at 2 hours and -8.75 ± 2.2 mm Hg at 4 hours. Mean IOP reductions were clinically and statistically significant with 0.5% and 1.2% fasudil and peak effects occurred 2-4 hours after application (P = 0.0002). The largest IOP reductions were produced by 1.2% fasudil (up to -12 mm Hg). Conjunctival hyperemia was found in 1 patient with 1.2% fasudil. Topical administration of fasudil in end-stage primary open-angle glaucoma patients, caused reduction in IOP and was well tolerated. ROCK inhibitors could be considered as a candidate for glaucoma therapy in future.

Visual outcomes after lensectomy and iris claw artisan intraocular lens implantation in patients with Marfan syndrome.

PURPOSE: To review our experience with crystalline lens extraction and iris claw Artisan IOL implantation in patients with lens subluxation secondary to Marfan syndrome. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 12 eyes of 9 patients with lens subluxation due to Marfan syndrome who underwent crystalline lens removal and Artisan IOL (Ophtec, Groningen, Netherlands) implantation. A questionnaire of pre- and post-operative data, including demographics, pre- and postoperative comorbidities and complications was completed. Patients were evaluated for visual outcome and occurrence of complications. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and spherical equivalents (SE) were compared before and after lens extraction and IOL insertion. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 30.03 ± 15.02 years, and mean post-operative follow-up time was 44.5 ± 16.4 months. Mean BCVA also showed a significant improvement from 0.5 ± 0.3 at the baseline to 0.2 ± 0.2 post-operatively (P = 0.006). SE changed significantly from -11.38 ± 1.99 preoperatively to -0.45 ± 1.65 post-operatively (P = 0.003). All eyes had the IOL implanted at desired position. Post-operative complications were retinal detachment in one case and IOL dislocation in another patient. No other complication such as ocular hypertension, angle abnormalities, clinical cystoids macular edema, and corneal decompensation was observed during the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: Artisan IOL implantation after lens extraction appears to be an attractive alternative for optical correction in cases of Marfan syndrome with ectopia lentis. It confers a significant improvement in visual acuity with reasonable risk profile.

The effect of high-dose steroids, and normobaric oxygen therapy, on recent onset non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effect of high-dose intravenous steroids, as well as normobaric oxygen therapy, in the management of recent onset non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). METHOD: Ninety eyes of 90 patients diagnosed with NAION within 14 days of onset were included in this single masked randomized clinical trial. Thirty patients were randomized into each set as group 1 (control), group 2 (steroids), and group 3 (oxygen). Controls received placebo; group 2 received methylprednisolone 500 mg twice a day for 3 days followed by 2 weeks of oral prednisolone 1 mg/kg/day; group 3 received 100 % normobaric oxygen with mask, at a flow rate of 5 liters per minute for 1 hour twice a day for two weeks. Functional and structural outcomes were analyzed at 1 and 6 months following treatment. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was the main outcome measure, and mean deviation (MD) of visual field (VF) test and peripaillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (PRNFLT) were secondary outcome measures. RESULTS: The mean BCVA at the time of presentation was 1.02 ± 0.63, 1.05 ± 0.7, and 0.76 ± 0.5 LogMAR in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively (p = 0.293); corresponding values were 0.8 ± 0.45, 0.84 ± 0.45, and 0.58 ± 0.4 at month 1 (p = 0.127, 0.19, and 0.168, respectively). BCVA improved to 0.71 ± 0.46, 0.73 ± 0.36, and 0.59 ± 0.41 LogMAR at the 6-month follow-up point (p = 0.039, 0.048, and 0.195, respectively). The mean deviation (MD) at the time of presentation was 19.26 ± 7.02, 20.51 ± 4.68, and 19.3 ± 7.17 in the control, steroid, and oxygen groups, respectively (p = 0.65). Corresponding values at month 1 were 20.26 ± 8.52, 19.52 ± 7.08, and 18.3 ± 7.45, (p = 0.656); and at month 6 were 18.42 ± 8.17, 17.66 ± 6.44 and 16.53 ± 6.32, respectively (p = 0.635). PRNFLT at presentation was 166 ± 57, 184 ± 57, and 193 ± 65 micrometer in the control, steroid, and oxygen groups, respectively (p = 0.265); which decreased to 73 ± 11, 87 ± 26, and 79 ± 19 at the final foll-w up (all p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences between the three groups in terms of final visual function and structure. CONCLUSION: The lack of demonstrable improvement in the structural and functional outcomes of NAION with high-dose IV steroids, or normobaric oxygen, in this randomized controlled trial calls into question the administering of systemic steroid or normobaric oxygen in this condition.

Peripapillary RNFL Thickness Changes after Panretinal Photocoagulation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate changes in peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness as determined by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) after panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). METHODS: Forty-two eyes of 42 diabetic patients who were scheduled for PRP were enrolled in this interventional case series. Peripapillary RNFL thickness was measured using SD-OCT (OCT 1000; Topcon Co., Tokyo, Japan) at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months after PRP. RESULTS: Mean global RNFL thickness was increased significantly by 3 µm (p = 0.04) 1 month after PRP and was then decreased marginally significantly by 2.4 µm at 6 months (p = 0.054) as compared to baseline values. After 1 month, RNFL thickness was increased in all quadrants, but only changes in the temporal quadrant were significant (p = 0.009). At 6 months, progressive RNFL thinning occurred in all quadrants; however, only changes in the superior quadrant were significant (p = 0.041). Visual acuity was improved by an average of 0.02 logMAR after 6 months, but this change was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Shortly after PRP, RNFL thickness (as determined by SD-OCT) increases, but a decrease in RNFL thickness occurs at 6 months post-PRP. RNFL thickness changes based on OCT should be interpreted with caution in diabetic eyes undergoing PRP.

Biometric Changes After Trabeculectomy with Contact and Non-contact Biometry.

PURPOSE: To compare biometric changes measured with contact and noncontact methods after mitomycin-C-augmented trabeculectomy. METHODS: In this prospective study, 31 eyes from 31 glaucoma patients scheduled for primary trabeculectomy were enrolled. Biometric parameters including axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and lens thickness (LT) were measured using contact ultrasound biometry (UD-6000 Ultrasonic A/B scanner biometer; Tomey Corporation, Nagoya, Japan) and a noncontact optical biometry device (Lenstar; Haag-Streit AG, Koeniz, Switzerland). Measurements were taken the day before trabeculectomy and then compared with measurements obtained 3 and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: The AL and ACD were significantly decreased at 3 and 6 months compared with baseline values taken with each biometry method. There was a significant increase in LT measured by the Lenstar device at the 3- and 6-month follow-up. At both the 3- and 6-month follow-up, the mean AL measurement reduction with the Lenstar device was significantly lower than that of the A-scan ultrasound measurements. The mean ACD changes between the two devices were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: There is a small but significant decrease in the AL and ACD after trabeculectomy as measured with both the contact and noncontact methods. The amount of AL reduction measured is significantly smaller using the noncontact method, making it the preferable method for intraocular lens power calculation for patients who need cataract surgery combined with or after trabeculectomy. The LT measured by the Lenstar device increased significantly after the operation, which can be an early sign of the progression of cataractous changes after trabeculectomy.

Erythropoietin as an adjunctive treatment for methanol-induced toxic optic neuropathy.

BACKGROUND: Methanol-induced optic neuropathy (MTON) is frequently seen in countries where alcohol consumption is banned or poorly regulated. MTON frequently results in blindness and there is no empirically validated treatment. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of erythropoietin (EPO) as an adjunctive treatment for MTON. METHODS: In this nonrandomized interventional comparative study, all participants were diagnosed with MTON and received the steroid methylprednisolone. Eleven participants received intravenous EPO (10000 IU twice a day) for three days as an adjuvant to methylprednisolone (EPO group); 11 participants in a historical control group received methylprednisolone only (control group). Main outcomes were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (PRNFLT), and visual field mean deviation (MD). RESULTS: Mean BCVA improved significantly in both groups: from 2.93 ± 0.55 to 1.75 ± 1.16 LogMAR at month 3 (p < 0.001) in the EPO group, and from 2.65 ± 0.68 to 2.19 ± 0.75 at final visit in the control group (p = 0.001). The final BCVA was significantly better in the EPO group (p = 0.012). The mean PRNFLT decreased in both groups. However, at the final follow-up, PRNFLT was significantly thinner in the control group (53 ± 6 vs. 77 ± 26 microns, respectively; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Intravenous EPO plus high-dose intravenous steroid may be an effective combination therapy for the patients with MTON.

Hydroa vacciniforme with eye involvement: report of two cases.

We herein report two patients with hydroa vacciniforme and concomitant ophthalmic involvement, primarily in the form of keratoconjunctivitis leading to corneal opacity. Awareness of this occasional manifestation may help to prevent severe complications.