Retinal Findings in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients, Is Routine Ophthalmological Examination Required after Discharge? Prospective Case-Control Study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate retinal findings by comparing patients hospitalized for COVID-19 with the control group. METHODS: In this prospective study, 188 eyes of 94 recovered COVID-19 patients and 108 eyes of 54 healthy participants as a control group were evaluated. Patients were divided into three groups, those with mild, moderate, and severe COVID-19. Refractometry, tonometry, optical biometry, optical coherence tomography (OCT) measurements, and complete ophthalmological examinations were performed on healthy volunteers and COVID-19 patients on average 2 weeks after discharge. Pulse O2 and vital parameters were also assessed. Primary outcomes were evaluated, such as retinal findings, and secondary outcomes as retinal thickness, choroidal thickness (CT), retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, and ganglion cell layer thickness. RESULTS: There was no difference between the groups in terms of demographic data, ocular biometry, and intraocular pressure (p > 0.05). Pulse O2 was lower in the study group (p < 0.001). Retinal findings were detected in 68 (36.1%) of 188 eyes in the study group and 28 (25.9%) of 108 eyes in the control group (p = 0.07). The two most common retinal findings were hypertensive retinopathy and retinal pigment epithelium alterations and/or drusen in both groups. In OCT measurements, significant thinning was observed in nasal macular thickness and superior 2 mm CT in the study group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In patients divided into subgroups according to disease severity, no significant difference was found between the groups in any OCT parameter (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: It has been observed that COVID-19 infection does not cause a specific and sensitive finding in the ocular tissues, especially the retina, and does not produce a reproducible measurement result. Recommending routine eye exam after COVID-19 does not seem cost-effective.

Is the ganglion cell layer thickness to macular thickness ratio a new biomarker for multiple sclerosis?

PURPOSE: Ganglion cell layer thickness (GCLT)-to-total macular thickness (MT) is a new parameter that has not been studied in multiple sclerosis (MS) before. The current study aims to reveal the status of the GCLT-to-MT ratio in MS and its role in supporting the diagnosis of MS. METHODS: In this retrospective and cross sectional study, the medical records of the MS patients between January 2016 and December 2021 were reviewed. Age-sex matched healthy control group was generated. Demographic and clinical data recorded. All participants were examined using a spectral-domain optic coherence tomography (OCT) device. Retinal layers, choroidal thickness (CT) was recorded. GCLT-to-MT ratio was calculated. RESULTS: A total of 74 eyes of 37 MS (9 male,28 female) patients and 82 eyes of 41 control (13 male, 28 female) were included in the study. The mean age was 37 ± 9.0 (years) in MS group. The MS patients and the control group were compared in terms of OCT parameters, CT was thicker at all regions in MS patients (p < 0.001). Macular thickness, GCLT, and inner plexiform layer thickness (IPLT) were thinner than the control group (p < 0.05). For distinguishing MS patients from healthy subjects, AUROC values for central GCLT/MT, temporal GCLT/MT, superior GCLT/MT, nasal GCLT/MT, and inferior GCLT/MT were 0.717, 0.689, 0.694, 0.733, and 0.740, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion MT, GCLT, and IPLT thickness were thinner in MS patients, regardless of optic neuritis. The AUROC values of GCLT/MT were high and GCLT/MT ratio may be a helpful modality in demonstrating retinal neurodegeneration in MS patients.

Comparison of Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant and Posterior Subtenon Triamcinolone Injection in the Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema in Vitrectomized Eyes.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare posterior subtenon triamcinolone (PSTA) application and intravitreal dexamethasone phosphate (DEX) implant in the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) in vitrectomized eyes. METHODS: This retrospective study included 64 (48.12%) patients who received PSTA and 69 (51.88%) patients who received DEX implants in DME treatment after vitrectomy. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and intraocular pressure (IOP) were analyzed before injection; at 1, 3, and 6 months after injection. The postinjection values were statistically compared with the preinjection value. RESULTS: All postinjection CMT values in both groups were lower than the preinjection value (p < 0.05 for all). There were statistically significant increases in all postinjection BCVAs of the DEX group and postinjection 1-month BCVA of the PSTA group (p < 0.05 for all). However, there was no significant difference in BCVA values of the PSTA group at 3 and 6 months after injection (p > 0.05 for both). There was no statistically significant difference in all postinjection IOP values of the PSTA group (p > 0.05 for all). However, significant increases in IOP were observed in the DEX group at 1 and 3 months after injection (p < 0.05 and p = 0.02, respectively). The number of additional injections between the 3rd and 6th months after the initial injection was statistically higher in the PSTA group (p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Both intravitreal DEX and PSTA administration are effective in the treatment of DME after vitrectomy. However, visual improvement persisted longer, and the need for additional injections was less in patients who received DEX.

Retinal nerve fibre layer and ganglion cell layer thickness changes following intravitreal aflibercept for age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of intravitreal aflibercept (IVA) injections on peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer thickness (RNFLT) and macular ganglion cell layer thickness (GCLT) in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) patients during a 1-year follow-up. METHODS: This is a prospective study including 34 patients who were treated with aflibercept for treatment-naive nAMD. Following a loading phase of 3-monthly aflibercept, re-injections were performed on a pro re nata regimen for 12 months. Best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and spectral-domain-optical coherence tomography analysis were performed at baseline and 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months following treatment. Peripapillary RNFLT and macular GCLT along with the central macular thickness (CMT) and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) were evaluated at each visit. RESULTS: Mean number of aflibercept injections was 6.0 ± 1.8. Significant thinning was observed at the central macular ganglion cell layer and at 1 mm superior, temporal, and nasal ganglion cell layer compared to baseline at 1-year (p < 0.05). No significant change of RNFLT was shown (p > 0.05). Mean CMT and SFCT were significantly reduced after IVA therapy (p < 0.05, for both). No correlation was found between injection number and GCLT change. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal aflibercept caused significant ganglion cell layer thinning during a 1-year follow-up without any changes in RNFLT. Intravitreal aflibercept itself may have a chance to induce decreased GCLT in nAMD patients.

Evaluation of Macular Changes in the Long Term after Pars Plana Vitrectomy with Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling for Diabetic Macular Edema.

AIM: To evaluate long-term macular changes following pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling for diabetic macular edema (DME). METHODS: Forty eligible eyes of 37 patients were included in this retrospective study. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and 5-mm macular volume (5-MV) were examined preoperatively, postoperatively after 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months, and at a final visit. Response to surgical treatment was considered as recurrence, reincrease, or recovery of DME based on macular changes. RESULTS: Mean follow-up time was 51.1 ± 19.0 months after surgery. Recurrence (n = 5) and reincrease (n = 17) of DME was observed in 22 eyes (55%) and additional treatments were applied. Recovery of DME was observed in 18 eyes (45%). Preoperative and final-visit mean BCVA (logMAR) was 1.08 ± 0.37 and 0.93 ± 0.45, respectively (p = 0.02). Preoperative and final-visit mean CMT was 514.74 ± 155.65 and 281.87 ± 112.58 µm, respectively (p < 0.001). The 5-MV significantly decreased following surgery (from 8.18 ± 1.57 to 6.52 ± 1.39 mm3; p < 0.001). DME was present in 12 eyes (30%) at the final visit. CONCLUSION: Although PPV with ILM peeling had efficacy in DME management, this effect tended to decrease over time, such that a considerable number of patients required additional treatment.

Comparison of anatomical and visual outcomes following different anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatments in subretinal neovascular membrane secondary to type 2 proliferative macular telangiectasia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate central macular thickness (CMT), subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), and visual outcomes following different intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatments in eyes with subretinal neovascular membrane (SRNVM) due to type 2 proliferative macular telangiectasia (Mac Tel 2). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 38 eyes of 34 patients who underwent intravitreal aflibercept (IVA), intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR), or intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injections secondary to SRNVM due to type 2 proliferative MacTel were retrospectively reviewed. The CMT, central macular volume (CMV), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and SFCT were evaluated at baseline and at 2 weeks, at 1 month, and at final visits following treatment. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography and enhanced depth optical coherence tomography were used for the analysis. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 58.34 ± 12.48 years (range, 27-79 years). The mean follow-up time was 15.97 ± 6.79 months (range 5-32 months). The mean BCVA showed a statistically significant increase in each group (< 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in BCVA changes between groups in follow-up periods. There was a significant decrease in CMT following IVA (326.4 ± 168.03 µm to 236 ± 58.33 µm) and IVB (383.71 ± 156.79 µm to 343.85 ± 146.25 µm) (p < 0.001, p = 0.004, respectively) whereas no significant decrease in CMT was observed following IVR (374.57 ± 124.28 µm to 339.71 ± 126.10 µm) (p = 0.65) between baseline and final visit. The SFCT significantly decreased following both IVB and IVR treatments (p = 0.009, p = 0.03, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The IVA, IVR, and IVB were found to be effective with regards to anatomical and visual outcomes in proliferative Mac Tel type 2 patients related with SRNVM. Patients receiving both IVA and IVB needed less injections compared to patients who received IVR. Moreover, IVB and IVR lead to significant decrease in SFCT whereas IVA did not show significant effect on SFCT.

Swept-source optical coherence tomography analysis in asthmatic children under inhaled corticosteroid therapy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT), ganglion cell layer thickness (GCLT), subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), and central retinal thickness (CRT) in asthmatic children who were under inhaled corticosteroid treatment by using Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography (SS-OCT). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty-three children were prospectively analyzed in the study. Group 1 included 31 asthmatic children and group 2 included 22 healthy children. Asthmatic children received a dose 250 µg daily of inhaled fluticasone propionate (Flexotide, GlaxoSmithKline, Middlesex, UK). Allergy parameters including, exposure to smoke, eosinophil count, percentage of eosinophils, immunoglobuline (Ig) E levels, number of asthma attacks, number of sensitivity to allergens and follow-up time were recorded. The RNFLT, GCLT, SFCT, and CRT were analyzed with SS-OCT and the data were compared between the groups. RESULTS: There were 13 girls (41.9%) and 18 boys (58.1%) in group 1 and 13 girls (59.1%) and 9 boys (40.9%) in group 2 (p = 0.22). The mean age was 9.3 ± 2.2 years in group 1 and 9.9 ± 1.5 years in group 2 (p = 0.08). The mean CRT (239.26 ± 34.56 µm versus 226.82 ± 26.23 µm, p = 0.22) and mean SFCT (273.97 ± 40.95 µm versus 280.41 ± 32.78 µm, p = 0.54) did not significantly differ between the groups. The superior, inferior, and average RNFLT were significantly lower in group 1 than group 2 (p < 0.05). There were significant correlations between total corticosteroid dose and RNFLT (p < 0.05) and between IgE levels and GCLT (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The SS-OCT revealed that asthmatic children under inhaled corticosteroid treatment have lower RNFLT than healthy subjects.

Evaluation of the acute changes in objective accommodation, pupil size and ocular wavefront aberrations after cigarette smoking.

CONTEXT: The acute effects of cigarette smoking on pupil size and ocular wavefront aberrations (OWA) have been previously documented. The accommodation status of the eye is well known to be related to ocular aberrations. No previous study has evaluated the impact of cigarette smoking on the accommodation status of the eye. This study presents intriguing findings regarding the changes in objective accommodation of the eye after cigarette smoking. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the acute changes in objective accommodation and OWA after cigarette smoking. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 34 otherwise healthy cigarette smoker participants were included in this prospective study. All subjects smoked a single cigarette containing 1 mg nicotine. Measurements of pupil size, OWA and objective accommodation were done before and after smoking. A Wavefront Aberrometer device (Irx3, Imagine Eyes, Orsay, France) was used for the measurements. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 36.6 ± 10.3 years (range 21-51 years). Pupil size did not significantly differ before (mean 5.72 ± 1.21 mm) and after smoking (mean 5.68 ± 1.14 mm) (p = 0.62). However, a significant decrease was observed in total spherical aberration (TSA) of the eye after smoking (p = 0.01). There was an increase in objective accommodation after smoking at each accommodative stimulus (range 0-5). This increment was significant at 2 D (p = 0.02) and 3 D (p = 0.03) of stimulus. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The TSA of the eye significantly decreases after smoking. Cigarette smoking also causes a significant increase in objective accommodation at 2 D and 3 D of stimulus.

Subfoveal choroidal thickness changes after intravitreal bevacizumab injection for neovascular age-related macular degeneration and diabetic macular edema.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) after intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (IVB) for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic macular edema (DME). This retrospective, consecutive, interventional case series study included 43 eyes [21 affected eyes with neovascular AMD (AMD group) and 22 affected eyes with DME (DME group)] which were treated with 1.25 mg/0.5 ml IVB and 43 untreated fellow eyes of 43 patients. SFCT was measured in all 86 eyes at baseline before IVB injection and at day 1, week 1, and month 1 after injection by use of enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI OCT). Central foveal thickness (CFT) and best-corrected visual acuity were analyzed at baseline and during follow-up visits. Main outcome measure was change in SFCT in 1 month after treatment. All 43 eyes treated with IVB showed a significant reduction in SFCT. Mean SFCT in treated eyes decreased from 237.1 ± 75.3 µm at baseline to 214.0 ± 65.7 µm at day 1, 205.4 ± 59.7 at week 1, and 222.7 ± 73.3 at month 1, whereas SFCT in fellow eyes changed from 228.4 ± 63.6 at baseline to 224.5 ± 68.5 at day 1, 220.4 ± 72.1 at week 1, and 226.9 ± 74.0 at month 1. SFCT demonstrated a similar trend toward decrease in both groups. CFT decreased significantly and visual acuity improved significantly. SFCT decreased significantly in AMD and DME eyes following injection. The decreasing effect of bevacizumab on choroidal thickness was highest at first week and continued to the end of first month after injection.

Management of iatrogenic crystalline lens injury occurred during intravitreal injection.

To evaluate the approach to management of iatrogenic crystalline lens injury occurred during intravitreal injection (IVI). The patients who were managed operatively or followed-up without intervention after the iatrogenic lens injury due to IVI were included in the study. Capsular breaks remained either quiescent or resulted in cataract formation in the patients with inadvertent crystalline lens capsule damage. Phacoemulsification surgery was performed in patients with cataract formation with lower fluidic settings. A total of 9 cases included in the study. Seven cases underwent phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation. Two cases remained as quiescent lens injury during the follow-up. In 2 cases, dislocation of lens fragments occurred during phacoemulsification where pars plana vitrectomy was performed at the same session. After iatrogenic crystalline lens injury, capsular damage could remain quiescent or progress to cataract formation. Although phacoemulsification surgery can be performed with appropriate parameters, lens fragment dislocation can be observed in cases with traumatic lens damage secondary to IVI.

Anterior segment ischemia following diode laser photocoagulation for aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical and demographical characteristics and treatment outcomes of the premature infants who were presented with the signs of anterior segment ischemia (ASI) following transpupillary diode laser photocoagulation for aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity (APROP). METHODS: The records of the premature infants who developed ASI following bilateral laser photocoagulation between November 2010 and December 2013 in a single institution for the treatment of APROP were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical and demographical characteristics, laser parameters, anterior segment complications, and structural outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: Nine eyes of five infants (three males, two females) were recruited for the study. Mean gestational age (GA), birth weight (BW), and postmenstrual age (PMA) at the time of laser ablation were 28.2 ± 2.5 weeks, 1,287.0 ± 483.4 g and 34.8 ± 2.2 weeks, respectively. All eyes were treated with a near-confluent pattern of laser ablation. Several anterior segment complications were observed including corneal edema (nine eyes), posterior synechia (nine eyes), pupillary membranes (five eyes), shallow anterior chamber (three eyes), hyphema (three eyes), and focal lens opacities (two eyes), of all resolved completely. Permanent dense cataracts observed in two eyes of two infants who were scheduled for lensectomy and anterior vitrectomy. None of the eyes progressed to phthisis bulbi. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior segment ischemia after laser treatment of APROP is a rarely encountered clinical entity. Mild and transient cases may resolve without any long-term sequelae but severe ones may progress to permanent cataract requiring further surgery.

One-year clinical outcome after laser treatment for retinopathy of prematurity at a tertiary center in Turkey.

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the clinical outcome of laser photocoagulation (LPC) in the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) at a referral hospital in Turkey. In this retrospective study, a chart review of infants who underwent LPC for ROP between June 2011 and June 2013 was done. Clinical and demographic characteristics, laser parameters, anatomic, and refractive outcomes were evaluated. Totally 113 infants (202 eyes) were enrolled in the study. Of the 202 eyes, 29 eyes had threshold ROP, 141 eyes had prethreshold ROP, and 32 eyes had aggressive posterior ROP (APROP) at initial interventions. The mean gestational age (GA) was 28.13 ± 1.99 weeks (range between 24 and 33 weeks), the mean birth weight (BW) was 1,147.77 ± 341.77 g (range between 530 and 2,000 g) and the mean postmenstrual age (PMA) at first laser treatment time was 35.79 ± 1.74 weeks (range between 33 and 39 weeks). The mean number of laser spots (NLS) applied for each eye was 1,358.05 ± 369.91. Eyes with APROP had higher number of NLS than eyes with threshold ROP and prethreshold ROP (P < 0.01). Anatomic outcome was favorable for 171 eyes (84.7 %) at the end of the 1-year follow-up. Refractive data were available for 56 infants (100 eyes). The mean refractive error was 0.00 ± 2.48D SE. The incidence of high myopia (>5D) and strabismus was 2 and 14.3 %, respectively. Laser photocoagulation is an effective therapy for ROP. Early and appropriate laser treatment improves the clinical outcome of the disease.

Evaluation of systemic immune-inflammatory index in patients with wet age-related macular degeneration.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The systemic immune-inflammatory index is a relatively new parameter and has been shown to increase in inflammatory diseases. BACKGROUND: The primary aim of this study was to investigate the systemic immune-inflammatory index in patients with wet-type age-related macular degeneration. The secondary aim was to determine the relationship between best-corrected visual acuity, central macular thickness, subfoveal choroidal thickness, systemic immune-inflammatory index, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. METHODS: This study retrospectively analysed patients with wet-type age-related macular degeneration between 2018 and 2022. Demographic data and peripheral complete blood count were obtained from the electronic medical record system. The most recent best-corrected visual acuity, central macular thickness, and subfoveal choroidal thickness values (within one month) for complete blood count were obtained from case sheets and the optical coherence tomography digital image database. The systemic immune-inflammatory index, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio were calculated. Age- and sex-matched controls were also generated. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients (23 males, 10 females) with wet-type age-related macular degeneration and 43 controls (24 males, 19 females) were included. The groups were similar in terms of age and sex (78.0 ± 6.3 vs. 75.6 ± 6.6 years, p = 0.59; p = 0.38 for sex). The systemic immune-inflammatory index was higher in the wet-type age-related macular degeneration group (460.5 vs. 440.4); however, this difference was not statistically significant. When the correlations between the systemic immune-inflammatory index, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, best-corrected visual acuity (logMAR), central macular thickness, and subfoveal choroidal thickness were examined, there was only a moderate positive correlation between best-corrected visual acuity and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (r = 0.46, p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: There were no differences in the systemic immune-inflammatory index, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio between the wet-type age-related macular degeneration and control groups. There was a positive correlation between the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio and best-corrected visual acuity (logMAR). The systemic immune-inflammatory index was higher in patients with wet-type age-related macular degeneration than in the control group; however, this difference was not statistically significant.

Paracentral acute middle maculopathy in a fasting patient after cataract surgery and its response to hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

INTRODUCTION: Paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM) is a structural optical coherence tomography (OCT) sign secondary to ischemia in the intermediate and deep retinal vascular network, characterized by hyperreflectivity in the inner nuclear layer (INL). AIM: Our objective is to demonstrate PAMM development following uncomplicated cataract surgery, possibly triggered by fasting and dehydration. We also aim to emphasize the potential role of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in treating PAMM. CASE PRESENTATION: A 66-year-old man with a past medical history of Neurofibromatosis type 1 and cardiovascular disease underwent uncomplicated cataract surgery in the left eye. The patient was also fasting due to Ramadan. The patient complained of very low vision during the routine postoperative examination on the third day. His-best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was counting fingers at 1 meter. His-anterior and posterior segment examination was unremarkable. In infrared imaging, a large hyporeflective area was observed in the parafoveal region, and structural OCT also showed increased hyperreflectivity in the middle retinal layers corresponding to the junction of INL and outer plexiform layer (OPL) involving the entire INL which suggested PAMM. Following 14 sessions of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, the patient's BCVA increased to 0.9 on the 14th day of diagnosing PAMM. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case representing a patient with  PAMM triggered by fasting and cataract surgery who responded positively to hyperbaric oxygen therapy. However, triggering of PAMM by fasting is entirely unproven and that this observation occurred in a highly complex case with many other possible contributing factors. Also, the triggering of PAMM by some manipulation during surgery is equally unproven.

Retinal pigment epithelial changes in Parkinson's disease: A spectral domain optical coherence tomography study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) changes in Parkinson's Disease (PD) and to compare choroidal thickness (CT) and retinal layers with healthy controls. METHODS: Parkinson's patients older than 18 and the age-sex match control group were included in this prospective observational study. The neurological and ophthalmological evaluation was performed. All participants were examined by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Focal RPE changes were defined as local RPE changes observed in any macula scan. RESULTS: Forty (24 male, mean age 69.2 years) participants were included in the study group, and 44 (24 male, mean age 68.9 years) participants in the control group. There was no significant difference between groups in terms of age and sex. All patients were using oral dopaminergic and/or non-dopaminergic therapy. The RPE changes in the macular area were observed in 14/40 PD eyes (35%) and were significantly more frequent than in the control group (2/44, 4.5%, P = 0.001). All of the RPE changes were RPE thickening (±additional finding: subretinal deposit, subRPE deposit). The logistic regression model for possible factors that may affect RPE changes revealed statistical significance in prolonging disease duration; however, age, sex, and the presence of hypertension were not significant. Inferior 3-mm RPE layer thickness was found to be thicker in PD. There was no significant difference between groups in terms of CT, retinal layers, and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT), except inferonasal RNFLT which was thinner in the study group. CONCLUSIONS: The RPE changes are more frequent in patients with PD than in the control group in the macular area. The most frequent RPE change is the focal thickening of RPE, and RPE changes were associated with disease duration. We cannot distinguish a potential drug effect from a true potential effect of the disease in question.

Posterior sub-Tenon triamcinolone injection in the treatment of postoperative cystoid macular edema secondary to pars plana vitrectomy.

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of posterior sub-Tenon triamcinolone (PSTA) in chronic postoperative cystoid macular edema (PCME) after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Methods: Consecutive 22 patients who developed chronic PCME after PPV and underwent PSTA treatment were included in this retrospective study. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) were measured pre injection and post injection at one month, three months, six months, and at last visit. The patients were divided into three groups according to the injection response status: complete, partial, and resistant. Results: The mean follow-up period was 26.4 ± 16.2 months after PSTA. According to pre-injection values, there was a significant improvement in the values of BCVA and CMT at the first, third, and sixth months and at the last examination (P < 0.05). In the final examination, PCME recovered completely in 12 patients, partially in 8 patients, and resistance was observed in 2 patients. Conclusion: Posterior sub-Tenon triamcinolone seems to be effective in chronic PCME following PPV.

Is there a relationship between the first-day results of anti-VEGF therapy for macular edema due to vascular diseases and longterm outcomes?

PURPOSE: To evaluate early changes after the first antivascular endothelial growth factor injection for macular edema secondary to diabetic retinopathy and retinal vein occlusion and the relationship between longterm outcomes. METHODS: The study enrolled patients who received anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections for treatment-naive macular edema due to retinal vein occlusion and diabetic retinopathy. The central macular thickness was measured at baseline, post-injection day 1, week 2, and month 1, and at the last visit using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. A good response was defined as a central macular thickness reduction of ≥10% on post-injection day 1. Patients were reassessed at the last visit with regard to treatment response on post-injection day 1 based on the favorable anatomic outcome defined as a central macular thickness <350 µm. RESULTS: In total, 26 (44.8%) patients had macular edema-retinal vein occlusion and 32 (55.2%) had macular edema-diabetic retinopathy. The mean follow-up time was 24.0 (SD 8.5) months. A statistically significant decrease in the central macular thickness was observed in both patients with macular edema-retinal vein occlusion and macular edema-diabetic retinopathy after antivascular endothelial growth factor injection therapy (p<0.001 for both). All patients with macular edema-retinal vein occlusion were good responders at post-injection day 1. All nongood responders at post-injection day 1 belong to the macular edema-diabetic retinopathy group (n=16.50%). The rate of hyperreflective spots was higher in nongood responders than in good responders of the macular edema-diabetic retinopathy group (p=0.03). Of 42 (2.4%) total good responders, one had a central macular thickness >350 µm, whereas 5 (31.2%) of 16 total nongood responders had a central macular thickness >350 µm at the last visit (p=0.003). CONCLUSION: The longterm anatomical outcomes of macular edema secondary to retinal vein occlusion and diabetic retinopathy may be predicted by treatment response 1 day after antivascular endothelial growth factor injection.

Restless Legs Syndrome and the Eyes: Spectral-Domain Optic Coherence Tomography Study.

BACKGROUND: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a movement disorder thought to be caused by impaired dopamine action. This study aimed to evaluate possible changes in ocular biometric and optic coherence tomography (OCT) parameters in RLS patients. METHODS: This is a prospective, cross-sectional comparative study. Consecutive primary and secondary (with iron-deficiency anemia) RLS patients and age-matched and sex-matched controls were enrolled in the study. All participants underwent comprehensive neurological and ophthalmological examinations. Ocular biometric and OCT parameters, such as choroidal thickness, macular thickness, macular volume, ganglion cell layer thickness, inner nuclear cell layer thickness, and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, were compared. RESULTS: Fifty-one RLS patients and 50 healthy controls were included in this study. There was no difference between the groups' refraction status, ocular biometric data (axial length, anterior chamber depth, central corneal thickness), or OCT parameters (choroidal thickness, macular thickness, macular volume, ganglion cell layer thickness, inner nuclear cell layer thickness). Primary and secondary (with only iron-deficiency anemia) RLS patients were compared, and there was no difference in their axial length, anterior chamber depth, central corneal thickness or OCT parameters. No significant relationship was found between disease severity or duration and OCT parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Disease severity and disease duration do not affect OCT parameters in primary or secondary RLS patients. OCT data do not seem to provide information about the course of this disease.

Neurological manifestations and etiological risk factors in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in Turkey.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can affect the neurological as well as the respiratory system. Neurological manifestations may involve the central or peripheral nervous systems, or musculoskeletal system. Findings can range from mild presentations, such as headache and anosmia, to severe complications, such as stroke and seizure. Objectives: To evaluate the neurological findings and to determine etiological risk factors for mortality in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. Methods: Medical records of patients with COVID-19 who were hospitalized and sought neurological consultation between March 2020 and March 2021 at a reference pandemic hospital in Turkey were reviewed retrospectively in a cross-sectional study design. Result: We included data from 150 (94 male) patients. Their mean age ± standard deviation was 68.56 ± 16.02 (range 21-97) years. The patients were categorized into 2 groups according to any acute neurological event or progression of neurological disease. Ischemic cerebrovascular events, seizures, and encephalopathy were the most common acute neurological events, while deterioration in consciousness, epileptic seizures, and Parkinson disease were observed in those with progression of neurological disease. Abnormal neurological findings were found at a mean of 7.8 ± 9.7 days following COVID-19 diagnosis and 50 (a third of) patients died. A logistic regression model found that advanced age, increased Modified Charlson Comorbidity Index (MCCI) score, and prolonged duration of hospitalization were factors significantly associated with increased mortality; however, sex and day of abnormal neurological findings after COVID-19 diagnosis were not. Common conditions accompanying neurological events were hypertension, coronary artery disease-heart failure, and diabetes mellitus. Conclusion: COVID-19 may present with neurological symptoms in our Turkish patients and comorbidities are often present.

Effect of FFP2/N95 facemask wear on retinal and choroidal thickness profile in healthy subjects.

AIM: To investigate the influence of non-oil 95 (N95)/filtering facepiece 2 (FFP2) facemask wear on retinal thickness, choroidal thickness (CT), retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFLT), and ganglion cell layer thickness (GCLT) in healthy subjects. METHODS: In this prospective study, 53 healthy participants who used FFP2/N95 facemask were enrolled. Participants underwent optical coherence tomography imaging before and at 1 and 4h following FFP2/N95 facemask wear. The last imaging session was performed 1h after FFP2/N95 removal. Retinal thickness, CT, RNFLT, and GCLT were assessed at each session. Vital parameters were also assessed. RESULTS: The pulse rate of the subjects significantly decreased at 1 and 4h compared to baseline values (P<0.05). No significant changes in retinal thickness, RNFLT, and GCLT were observed in the study. CT profile showed a significant increase at all measured locations except 1-mm temporal, 1-mm inferior and 2-mm inferior points following FFP2/N95 wear which turned to baseline values after FFP2/N95 removal. Pulse rate and CT changes at 4h were significantly correlated (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Parasympathetic activation during FFP2/N95 facemask wear might have a role on elevated CT measurements in healthy individuals by virtue of increased choroidal blood flow.