Evaluation of gap formation for different adhesive agents in primary teeth with optical coherence tomography.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate gap formation between the tooth surface and restorative material in terms of microleakage by using optical coherence tomography (OCT) for self-etch and selective-etch applications of two different universal and one self-etch adhesives. Materials and methods: Sixty non-caries, primary molar teeth were divided into six groups; self-etch and selective-etch application ways of two different universal and one self-etch adhesive systems (n:10). After Class-V cavities were prepared, every tooth was distributed randomly in groups to apply adhesion procedure and then, all cavities were restored with polyacid-modified composite resin. Microleakage was evaluated by measuring the gap between the tooth surface and restoration by a blind researcher with Image J Software from OCT images. During statistical analysis, the significance level was accepted as p<0.05. Results: According to the statistical analysis of the measurements obtained by Image J Software, selective-etch groups showed less gap formation than self-etch groups for each tested adhesive (p<0.05), and self-etch adhesive without etching showed significantly highest gap formation among all groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: Universal adhesives with a selective-etching step might be preferred over self-etch adhesives for long-lasting polyacid-modified composite resin restorations in primary teeth. However, obtained results should be considered with another prospective clinical study for long-term prognosis.

Application of topical 2% cyclosporine A in inflammatory ocular surface diseases.

PURPOSE: To report our experience with the 2% cyclosporin A (CsA) in a series of challenging inflammatory ocular surface diseases due to different etiologies. METHODS: The records of patients who received topical 2% CsA for different indications were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic characteristics, indications for treatment, patient symptoms and clinical findings were recorded. RESULTS: Fifty-two eyes of 52 patients were included. Mean age was 43.2 ± 14.3 (11-66) years with a F/M ratio of 34/18. Indications included pediatric acne rosacea (n = 4), adenoviral corneal subepithelial infiltrates (n = 12), filamentary keratitis (n = 14), pterygium recurrence (n = 15), herpetic marginal keratitis (n = 2) and graft versus host disease (n = 5 patients). Mean duration of treatment was 7.3 ± 2.8 (3-10) months. Forty-three (83%) patients reported favorable outcome with improvement in symptoms after a mean time of 4.4 ± 2.7 (2-6) months. CONCLUSIONS: Topical 2% CsA may address the needs of different cases with ocular surface inflammation, as a safe option for long-term therapy.

Choroidal Vascularity Index and Choroidal Thickness Changes Following Renal Transplantation.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate changes in subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), choroidal vascularity index (CVI), estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and intraocular pressure (IOP) after renal transplantation. Materials and Methods: A total of 49 renal transplantation patients were included in this prospective study. CVI and SFCT on enhanced-depth imaging optic coherence tomography (EDI-OCT), MAP at the cubital fossa, GFR, and IOP were measured preoperatively and at postoperative 1 week and 1 month. In the analysis of EDI-OCT images, luminal area (LA) and stromal area of the choroid were determined using the image binarization method. CVI was defined as the ratio of LA to total choroid area. The effects of GFR, IOP, and MAP on CVI and SFCT were investigated. Results: The study included 23 women (47%) and 26 men (53%) with a mean age of 26.28±8.25 years (range: 18-52). Changes between preoperative, postoperative 1-week, and postoperative 1-month GFR values, CVI, and SFCT measurements were evaluated. There were significant differences between preoperative and postoperative GFR and SFCT measurements (p<0.001), but no significant differences between preoperative and postoperative CVI (p=0.09), MAP (p=0.14), or IOP (p=0.84) measurements. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that SFCT increased significantly with GFR, while there was no change in CVI values.

Comparison of visual performance and quality of life with a new nondiffractive EDOF intraocular lens and a trifocal intraocular lens.

PURPOSE: To compare visual performance and quality of life (QoL) following bilateral implantation of a new nondiffractive extended depth-of-focus (EDOF) intraocular lens (IOL) and a trifocal IOL. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Baskent University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey. DESIGN: Prospective comparative interventional case series. METHODS: 104 eyes of 52 patients with cataract, bilaterally implanted with a nondiffractive EDOF IOL or a trifocal IOL, were included. Outcome measures were uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), distance corrected intermediate visual acuity and distance corrected near visual acuity, defocus curves, QoL (Visual Function Index 14), quality of vision (Quality of Vision [QoV] index), contrast sensitivity (Pelli-Robson chart), and binocular reading speed. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients were included in each group. The UDVA and CDVA were better in the EDOF group (0.05 ± 0.04 and 0.01 ± 0.04) than the trifocal group (0.13 ± 0.06 and 0.11 ± 0.07) ( P = .02 and .01). Defocus curves showed that visual acuity was better with the EDOF IOL for vergences at 0.00, -0.50, and -1.00 and better with the trifocal IOL for vergences at -2.50, -3.00, -3.50, and -4.00. Contrast sensitivity scores were similar with both IOLs ( P = .12). The overall mean QoL scores were lower in the EDOF group, indicating a better QoL ( P = .04). The QoV was better in the EDOF group with significantly less glare, halos, and blurry vision ( P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: The EDOF IOL performed better at distance, and the trifocal IOL performed better at near. Overall QoL and quality of vision were better with the EDOF IOL.

Ophthalmologic Examination and Echocardiography Should be the Essential Components of Candidemia Bundle.

Objective: Candidemia is the most common form of invasive candidiasis, and it is associated with end-organ involvement, prolonged hospitalization, increased mortality, and higher healthcare costs. Candidemia can lead to metastatic heart and ocular infections. This study aimed to define the incidence, characteristics, and mortality of candidemia episodes and compare the data with our center's previous results. Materials and Methods: In this single-center retrospective observational study, we enrolled 250 patients over 18 years diagnosed with candidemia between January 2015 and December 2020. We obtained patients' demographic, clinical, laboratory, and therapeutic data from medical records. An ophthalmologic examination and screening with echocardiography were carried out within the first week after candidemia diagnosis. Results: There were 275 candidemia episodes from 250 patients. The incidence of candidemia was 2.8/1000 admissions and 5.68/ 10,000 inpatient days, higher than our previous results (1.23/1000 and 3.29/10,000). The median age was 65 (interquartile range [IQR]=52-75) years. Malignancies were the most frequent comorbidity (50%). The most common type was Candida albicans (n=115, 41.8%). Candida glabrata (n=61, 22.2%) was common, particularly in surgical patients, patients with malignancy, and critically ill patients. There was Infectious disease consultation in 93.3% (257) episodes.The ophthalmoscopic examination was made in 145 episodes (52.7%), and ophthalmitis was detected in 16 (11.0%). Echocardiography was performed in 139 (50.5%) episodes; one case had an endocarditis diagnosis. The 30-day mortality was 44.7% (n=123). Mortality rates in C. glabrata and Candida krusei infections were higher (54.1% and 66.7). The factors related to mortality were intensive care unit requirement (p=0.0001), chronic liver disease (p=0.005), corticosteroid usage (p=0.0001), previous antibiotic usage (p=0.013), multiple antibiotic usage ( p=0.020), and CVC related candidemia (p=0.010). Conclusion: Because of the life-threatening complications such as endocarditis, increased mortality rates, and higher healthcare costs, systematic and comprehensive candidemia bundle applications would be effective strategies for providing an effective antifungal stewardship program.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Corneal Transplantation and Cornea Procurement.

OBJECTIVES: In this study, we aimed to analyze the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in its first year on corneal transplant outcomes performed at a tertiary eye care center in Turkey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical records of patients who underwent corneal transplant between March 2020 and February 2021 (group A) at the Baskent University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, were analyzed retrospectively. Patient demographics, indications for transplant, type of transplant procedure (lamellar vs penetrating), follow-up duration, and postoperative complications were recorded. The same data were collected for cornea transplant patients who were seen the previous year, between March 2019 and February 2020 (group B). Data from the 2 groups were compared. In related samples, the Wilcoxon signed rank test was used for statistical analysis, and a P value < .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Six corneal transplants were performed between March 2020 and February 2021 (group A), and 48 corneal transplantations were performed in the previous year (group B). There was an 80% decline in total corneal transplant numbers when compared with the previous year, and lamellar surgeries were not performed at all during the first year of the pandemic. Indications during the pandemic were mainly urgent and limited to tectonic or therapeutic causes. Postoperative follow-up regimens were impaired, and the complication rate was significantly higher during the pandemic period compared with the previous year (67% in group A vs 16% in group B) (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: There was a steep decline in transplants in 2020, the first year of the pandemic. The prominent increase in complication rates can be attributed to the late diagnosis of corneal rejections due to impaired postoperative follow-up regimens.

Effects of topical Coenzyme Q10, Xanthan Gum and Sodium Hyaluronate on corneal epithelial wound healing.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Effective treatment of corneal epithelial defects is crucial to prevent secondary infectious keratitis and visual impairment due to loss of corneal transparency. Therefore, it is important to determine the effect of different topical agents on corneal wound healing response. BACKGROUND: The aim was to compare the effects of three different eye drops on corneal epithelial wound healing in an experimental model. METHODS: Twenty-four eyes of 24 female BALB/c mice were included. A 2 mm central corneal epithelial defect was created. Topical Coenzyme Q10 + Vitamin E D-α-TPGS 4 × 1 was applied to Group A (n = 6), topical Sodium hyaluronate + Xanthan Gum + 0.3% Nethylmicine 4 × 1 to Group B (n = 6) and topical Sodium hyaluronate 4 × 1 to Group C (n = 6). Group D (n = 6) was the control group without treatment. Clinical scoring according to corneal fluorescein staining and histopathological evaluations was performed. RESULTS: Clinical scores according to corneal fluorescein staining were similar in all groups on days 1 (p = 0.05), 2 (p = 0.15) and 3 (p = 0.62). Electron microscopy revealed disruption of intercellular junctions between corneal epithelial cells and intracellular vacuole formation in all groups except Group A. Corneal epithelial thickness and superficial epithelial microvillus arrangement were close to normal in Group A. CONCLUSION: Although there was no difference in clinical scores between groups, electron microscopy revealed a better organised epithelium with normal configuration of microvilli and less vacuolisation in Group A.

Comparison of ocular discomfort after three different epithelial debridement techniques for corneal collagen cross-linking in keratoconus treatment.

PURPOSE: To compare the severity and duration of ocular discomfort after three different epithelial debridement techniques for corneal collagen cross-linking in the treatment of keratoconus. METHODS: Fifty-five patients (65 eyes) known to have keratoconus were enrolled in this retrospective study. The eyes were divided into three groups based on the technique used for epithelial debridement for corneal collagen cross-linking procedure; excimer laser transepithelial phototherapeutic keratectomy was used in group 1 (18 eyes), alcohol-assisted epithelial removal was used in group 2 (27 eyes), and mechanical epithelial debridement was used in group 3 (20 eyes). Preoperative and postoperative (third month) best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) using Snellen chart, objective refraction, and keratometry results were recorded. The results of the questionnaire obtained from the patient's medical records were reviewed regarding their subjective evaluation of postoperative symptoms including foreign body sensation, tearing, photophobia, and burning at the end of the first postoperative week. Paired-samples t test was used to compare preoperative and postoperative clinical findings. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to analyze the differences between three independent groups. RESULTS: BCVA improved from 0.51 ± 0.27 to 0.58 ± 0.21 (p = 0.05). Objective mean spherical and cylindrical refraction decreased from -5.08 ± 2.78D to -4.46 ± 2.91D (p = 0.22) and from -3.45 ± 2.73D to -3.03 ± 1.97D (p = 0.25). Mean maximum keratometry reading (K max) decreased from 57.63 ± 4.73D to 56.13 ± 4.47D (p = 0.001). The mean score for foreign body sensation was the highest in group 3 (4.50 ± 0.53) and the lowest in group 1 (2.10 ± 1.85) (p = 0.01). The mean scores for tearing, photophobia, and burning sensation were comparable in three groups (p = 0.84, p = 0.13, and p = 0.61, respectively). The duration of photophobia was the shortest in group 1 (1.50 ± 2.37 days), followed by group 3 (2.00 ± 1.31 days) and group 2 (4.00 ± 1.83 days) (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The severity and duration of adverse subjective symptoms during the first postoperative week after corneal collagen cross-linking appear to be milder with epithelial debridement using excimer laser transepithelial technique compared with -assisted debridement and mechanical debridement.

Comparison of refractive outcomes using Scheimpflug Holladay equivalent keratometry or IOLMaster 700 keratometry for IOL power calculation.

PURPOSE: This study aims to compare postoperative refractive error results using Pentacam (Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH) Holladay equivalent keratometry readings (EKR) or IOLMaster 700 (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG) keratometry (K) values in IOL power calculation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study included 54 eyes of 31 patients who underwent cataract surgery. Preoperative biometric measurements of all patients were obtained using IOLMaster 700 followed by Pentacam measurements. IOLMaster 700 K measurements on horizontal (K1) and vertical (K2) axes and EKR measurements on 2 mm (EKR2mm), 3 mm (EKR3mm) and 4.5 mm (EKR4.5 mm) corneal zones were recorded. EKR4.5 mm value and IOLMaster 700 K values were used in Holladay-II, SRK/T, Haigis, and Hoffer-Q formulas to calculate predictive refractive error (PRE). Absolute refractive error (ARE) was calculated as the absolute difference between actual postoperative refractive error (APRE) and PRE values. RESULTS: Mean age was 72.2 ± 8.3 (51-87) years and mean IOL power was 21.5 ± 2.9 D (18-23 D). There was no significant difference between PRE values when IOLMaster 700 K measurements and EKR4.5 mm K measurements were used in Holladay-II, SRK/T, Haigis, and Hoffer-Q formulas (p = 0.571, p = 0.833, p = 0.165, p = 0.347, respectively). There was no significant difference between APRE and ARE values (p = 0.124). According to mean ARE results, the closest estimate was achieved when the IOLMaster 700 K values were used in the Holladay-II formula (p = 0.271). CONCLUSION: IOLMaster 700 K measurement and Pentacam EKR4.5 mm measurements can be used interchangeably. IOLMaster 700 K values yielded the most predictive measurement of the refractive result using the Holladay-II formula.

Galectin-3, IL-1A, IL-6, and EGF Levels in Corneal Epithelium of Patients With Recurrent Corneal Erosion Syndrome.

PURPOSE: To determine the galectin-3 (Gal3), interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and epidermal growth factor (EGF) levels in corneal epithelium of patients with recurrent corneal erosion (RCE) syndrome and compare them with healthy controls. METHODS: In this prospective interventional case control study, 32 eyes of 32 patients with RCE syndrome who had corneal epithelial erosions and 28 eyes of 28 healthy participants scheduled for photorefractive keratectomy (control group) were included. Exclusion criteria included corneal dystrophies, ectasia, dry eye, previous ocular surgery or topical medications, and systemic diseases. Epithelial samples were obtained during epithelial debridement in the study group and mechanical epithelial keratectomy in the control group. Galectin-3 levels were studied by the chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay method. IL-1, IL-6, and EGF levels were determined using corresponding ELISA kits. RESULTS: The median Gal3 levels were 132.25 ng/mL in the study group and 106.50 ng/mL in the control group. The median IL-1 and IL-6 levels were 6.24 pg/mL and 10.16 pg/mL, respectively, in the study group which were higher than that in the control group. The median EGF level in the study group was lower than that the control group with 1.30 pg/mL versus 2.67 pg/mL. In the control group, there was a significant positive correlation between EGF and IL-6 (r = 0.554; P = 0.040). A similar correlation was not observed in patients with RCE (r = -0.071; P = 0.794). CONCLUSIONS: The lack of increased EGF expression and the imbalance between growth factors, adhesion molecules, and interleukins may be the reason for the impaired wound healing response in RCE syndrome.

Changes in ocular biometric parameters after renal transplantation.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the changes in postoperative ocular biometric parameters in end-stage renal disease patients who underwent renal transplantation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study included a total of 33 eyes of 33 patients. The ocular biometric measurements which were evaluated were axial length (AL), central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), corneal keratometry (K1 and K2), degree of astigmatism, lens thickness (LT), and intraocular pressure (IOP). Refractive prediction error (RE) was calculated before and after renal transplantation using the same diopter (D) for intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation and evaluated for potential cataract surgery. RESULTS: The study included 15 male (45%) and 18 female (55%) patients. Mean patient age was 31.55 ± 8.24 (range: 18-49 years). In the comparison of preoperative and 1-month postoperative measurements, there was a statistically significant difference in AL, LT, ACD, and CCT (p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between K1, K2, and astigmatism measurements (p = 0.72; p = 0.35; p = 0.62, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in RE (p = 0.61-Holladay 2). CONCLUSION: While renal transplantation surgery does not lead to significant changes in astigmatism, predicted refractive error, corneal keratometry, or intraocular pressure, it causes significant decrease in axial length, lens thickness, and central corneal thickness and significant increase in anterior chamber depth. However, these changes do not result in significant changes in IOL power calculation in planned cataract surgery.

Evaluation of quality of life after implantation of a new trifocal intraocular lens.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the vision-related quality of life (QOL) after implantation of a new trifocal intraocular lens (IOL), by using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-14 (VF-14 QOL questionnaire). SETTING: Baskent University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Ankara, Turkey. DESIGN: Prospective noncomparative case series. METHODS: Consecutive patients who had a new trifocal IOL (PanOptix) bilaterally implanted were included in the study. The vision-related QOL was assessed 3 months after the surgery in the second eye. The VF-14 QOL questionnaire was used, with a grading scale of 0, no difficulty; 1, a little difficulty; 2, moderate difficulty; 3, quite difficult; 4, impossible to perform. A subgroup of 14 patients, with an interval of at least 3 months between the surgery in the first eye and the surgery in the fellow eye, were also interviewed 3 months after the monocular IOL implantation. In this subgroup, the QOL with monocular and binocular implantation was compared. RESULTS: The study comprised 48 patients. Reading small print, driving at night, and doing fine handwork were the most difficult tasks to perform, with the mean values of the VF-14 QOL questionnaire being 0.94 ± 0.81 (SD), 0.89 ± 0.68, and 0.64 ± 0.67, respectively. Binocular implantation was associated with improvement in vision-related QOL when compared with monocular implantation, with significant differences in doing fine handwork such as sewing (P = .02) and using a computer (P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: With mean values of 1.00 or lower for each question, the results of the VF-14 QOL questionnaire indicated that patients who have the new trifocal IOL bilaterally implanted have an overall high satisfaction rate and a high vision-related QOL.

Comparison of Keratometry Obtained by a Swept Source OCT-Based Biometer with a Standard Optical Biometer and Scheimpflug Imaging.

PURPOSE: To assess agreement of a swept source-optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) based Biometer with a standard IOLMaster device and Scheimpflug Imaging (SI) to acquire keratometric measurements in cataract patients. METHODS: In this prospective comparative study, 101 eyes of 101 cataract surgery candidates, aged 24-81 years, were sequentially examined using three devices. Keratometry values at the flat (K1) and steep (K2) axis, mean corneal power (Km) and magnitude of corneal astigmatism as well as J0 and J45 vectoral components of astigmatism obtained with the SS-OCT based biometer (IOLMaster 700) were compared with those obtained with the IOLMaster 500 and SI. The agreement between measurements was evaluated by the Bland-Altman method, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and repeated-measures analysis of variance. RESULTS: Mean K1 values from the three devices were similar (p = 0.09). Mean K2 and Km values of IOLMaster 700 were higher than SI and lower than IOLMaster 500 (p = 0.04 for K2 and p = 0.02 for Km). There was a strong correlation between K1, K2, Km and magnitude of astigmatism obtained with all devices (r ≥ 0.80 and p < 0.01). The 95% limits of agreement (LoA) width for each keratometric value were highest for the comparison between IOLMaster 500 and SI and lowest for the comparison between IOLMaster 700 and 500. The mean differences (width of 95% LoA) for J0 and J45 vectoral components were 0.005 (2.19) and 0.12 (2.92) for the measurements obtained by IOLMaster 700 vs IOLMaster 500 and 0.06 (1.79) and 0.02 (1.58) for the measurements obtained by IOLMaster 700 vs SI, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: With ICCs close to 1, the agreement between all devices was excellent for keratometric measurements. Mean K2, Km and astigmatism measurements from IOLMaster 700 were lower than IOLMaster 500 and higher than SI. However, the differences were quite small and are not expected to affect the final IOL power.

Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty: Outcomes in the First Year of Experience.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to report the clinical outcomes of Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty in our first year of experience. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty at the Baskent University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, between 2015 and 2016 were included in the study. Patient demographics, cause of endothelial dysfunction, best-corrected visual acuity, central corneal thickness, graft survival, follow-up duration, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. RESULTS: Five eyes of 5 patients (4 female, 1 male) with a mean age of 53.4 ± 12.7 years were included. Cause of endothelial dysfunction included corneal endothelial dystrophy in 3 patients, pseudophakic bullous keratopathy in 1 patient, and endothelial graft failure after previous penetrating keratoplasty in 1 patient. Pre-stripped Descemet membranes obtained from the Ankara State Hospital Eye Bank were used. Mean duration of postoperative follow-up was 7.4 ± 3.7 months. Mean preoperative Snellen best-corrected visual acuity and central corneal thickness were 0.24 ± 0.15 and 625.5 ± 97.4 µm. Mean best-corrected visual acuity increased to 0.67 ± 0.26 (P = .02) in the first month and to 0.84 ± 0.11 (P < .01) at the end of follow-up. Mean central corneal thickness decreased to 546.6 ± 28.4 µm (P = .03). Graft detachment was observed in 1 patient on the first postoperative day, and it was reattached successfully by injection of air into the anterior chamber. There were no intraoperative complications. All corneas were clear at the end of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty provides a new and exciting option for endothelial transplant and has the potential to become the primary procedure for surgical management of Fuchs endothelial dystrophy and corneal endothelial disease. Rapid visual rehabilitation with few and manageable complications and good visual outcomes are the major advantages of this procedure.

Relationship between white matter hyperintensities and retinal nerve fiber layer, choroid, and ganglion cell layer thickness in migraine patients.

Aim To compare the relationship between white matter hyperintensities (WMH) on brain magnetic resonance imaging and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), choroid, and ganglion cell layer (GCL) thicknesses in migraine patients and healthy subjects. We also assessed the role of cerebral hypoperfusion in the formation of these WMH lesions. Methods We enrolled 35 migraine patients without WMH, 37 migraine patients with WMH, and 37 healthy control subjects examined in the Neurology outpatient clinic of our tertiary center from May to December 2015. RFNL, choroid, and GCL thicknesses were measured by optic coherence tomography. Results There were no differences in the RFNL, choroid, or GCL thicknesses between migraine patients with and without WMH ( p > 0.05). Choroid layer thicknesses were significantly lower in migraine patients compared to control subjects ( p < 0.05), while there were no differences in RFNL and GCL thicknesses ( p > 0.05). Conclusions The 'only cerebral hypoperfusion' theory was insufficient to explain the pathophysiology of WMH lesions in migraine patients. In addition, the thinning of the choroid thicknesses in migraine patients suggests a potential causative role for cerebral hypoperfusion and decreased perfusion pressure of the choroid layer.

Effect of dry eye on Scheimpflug imaging of the cornea and elevation data.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of dry eye on Scheimpflug imaging of the cornea and elevation data. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. PARTICIPANTS: Scheimpflug images of 50 patients with dry eye who were being tested for eligibility for corneal refractive surgery were screened. Twelve eyes of 12 patients with abnormal Belin/Ambrosio enhanced ectasia display (BAD) anterior elevation difference were included in the study. The patients had no history of contact lens wear or any other sign of ectasia. METHODS: Peak central corneal densitometry value, corneal volume, pachymetry at the thinnest point, and BAD anterior elevation difference value at the centre of the 9 mm zone were recorded before and after 4 weeks of dry eye treatment. Measurements were compared with the Wilcoxon signed rank test. RESULTS: The mean corneal peak densitometry and volume were similar before and after therapy (p = 0.465 and p = 0.441, respectively). The mean anterior elevation difference value at the centre of the 9 mm zone before treatment (6.67 ± 1.72 µm) was significantly higher than the mean post-treatment value (4.00 ± 1.48 µm) (p = 0.002). The mean pachymetry at the thinnest location after treatment (548 ± 11.0) was significantly higher than the pretreatment value (538 ± 8.5) (p = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: BAD anterior elevation differences and pachymetric measurements may be affected by ocular surface or tear film abnormalities associated with dry eye disease. Repeated evaluations after treatment may reveal normal results.

Early Clinical Features of Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome in Anterior Segment and Gonioscopy Examination.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the early signs of pseudoexfoliation (PEX) in fellow eyes of cases with unilateral PEX. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fellow eyes of 34 cases with unilateral PEX were evaluated by slit-lamp and gonioscopy. Findings associated with PEX were recorded. RESULTS: Mean age was 67.8±8.1 years (range 55-86 years). Twenty-five patients (73.5%) had pigmentation in the inferior angle and 23 patients (67.6%) had Sampaolesi's line located on the inferior angle in fellow eyes. The other most common findings were loss of peripupillary ruff in 10 patients (29.4%) and pigment dispersion following pupil dilation in 14 patients (41.1%). CONCLUSION: Pigmentation in the inferior angle and Sampaolesi's line on the inferior angle seem to be the most common early findings associated with PEX. Special attention should be paid to these findings in cases with ocular hypertension for proper management.

Comparison of keratometric measurements obtained by the Verion Image Guided System with optical biometry and auto-keratorefractometer.

The aim of this study was to compare the keratometric measurements of Verion Image Guided System with an optical biometer (Zeiss IOLMaster 500, Carl Zeiss Meditec, Jena, Germany) and an automated keratorefractometer (AKR) (Topcon KR-8900, Topcon, Japan). In this prospective clinical trial, the right eyes of 52 patients with cataract were examined (mean age 62.25 ± 12.16 years). The measurements were taken by the three systems in a random order. Keratometric data, magnitude of astigmatism, and astigmatic axis measurements from all three instruments were compared. The results were evaluated using, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), Bland-Altman plots, and paired samples t tests. The mean flat/steep K of Verion, IOLMaster, and AKR were 43.22 ± 1.38D/44.23 ± 1.46D, 43.07 ± 1.26D/44.05 ± 1.34D, and 43.07 ± 1.31D/43.89 ± 1.42D, respectively. Flat K readings of Verion were higher than IOLMaster and AKR (p < 0.05 for both). Steep K readings were different for all three (p < 0.05). The magnitude of astigmatism by Verion and IOLMaster were 0.98 ± 0.65D and 0.98 ± 0.59D (p = 0.88). The mean astigmatism measured by the AKR was 0.82 ± 0.62D, less than the other two instruments (p < 0.001). Astigmatic axis measurements of Verion and AKR differed <10° in 38, between 10° and 20° in 5, and >20° in 9 eyes; the same difference was 30, 11, and 11 eyes, respectively, between Verion and IOLMaster. Although, keratometric and astigmatic results obtained from Verion were not completely interchangeable with IOLMaster and AKR, especially the agreement between Verion and IOLMaster was excellent with ICCs close to one. However, there were pronounced astigmatic axis measurement differences between three instruments.

Human Breast Milk Drops Promote Corneal Epithelial Wound Healing.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of human breast milk on corneal epithelial wound healing. METHODS: The effects of human breast milk on epithelial healing is compared with autologous serum and artificial tears on 24 female Bal-b/C mice. A central corneal epithelial defect was created using a 2 mm trephine. Four groups were formed. By a random pick-up, topical human breast milk 4 × 1 was given to Group 1, topical mouse autologous serum 4 × 1 was applied to Group 2, and preservative-free artificial tears 4 × 1 was applied to Group 3.Group 4 was evaluated as control. Biomicroscopical examination was performed on days 1, 2, and 3. Mice were sacrificed on the third day. Histopathological and electron microscopic examinations were performed as well. RESULTS: The fastest and best healing group was Group 1, followed by Group 2. Re-epithelization was not complete even at the end of the second day in groups 3 and 4. CONCLUSIONS: The rich content of human breast milk may be an alternative to epithelial healers and artificial tears.