An Algorithm Recommendation to Detect Specific Pathology of the Lacrimal Sac.

ABSTRACT: We aimed to recommend an efficient algorithm to detect the presence of specific pathologies of the lacrimal sac (LS). The charts of 296 patients who had undergone LS biopsy were reviewed retrospectively. The age, gender, history, examination and radiological findings, sac appearance, and pathology results of the patients were recorded. The power of our data to predict the presence of potential specific pathology was identified by regression analysis. After the causality evaluation of the statistical results, an algorithm was created to differentiate specific LS pathologies from chronic dacryocystitis. Our algorithm was mainly formed by deciding on radiological examination and biopsy according to the risk scoring created by the examination findings. A specific LS pathology was observed in 11 (3.7%) patients. When we applied the recommended algorithm to cases with a suspicion of specific pathology and/or found to have a specific pathology, 36.4% of the patients would not require radiological examination and 29.6% of them would not require a biopsy. On the other hand, 80% of the frozen biopsies had been conducted on cases without a specific pathology. Managing the cases according to our algorithm would mean that frozen biopsy would be recommended in only 1 (12.5%) case without a specific pathology. Besides, the detection of cases with a specific pathology would not be prevented and the necessary diagnostic procedures would continue to be performed. Specific LS pathologies can be detected adequately, whereas decreasing unnecessary examinations and procedures in cases without a specific pathology by using our algorithm.

Correlation between intraocular pressure obtained with water drinking test versus modified diurnal tension curve measurement in pseudoexfoliation glaucoma.

PURPOSE: The aim of this paper was to study the correlation and agreement between the intraocular pressure (IOP) peak value and fluctuations detected with the modified diurnal tension curve (mDTC) and the water drinking test (WDT) in pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (XFG) patients. METHODS: This prospective observational study enrolled 42 eyes of 42 XFG patients. The IOPs were measured at 2-h intervals from 8 am to 4 pm with a Goldmann applanation tonometer by a single observer to establish the mDTC. The WDT was then performed between 4 and 5 pm on the same day and the IOP was measured 4 times at 15-min intervals after water ingestion. The IOPpeak, IOPmean, IO min, and IOPfluctuation were measured with both the mDTC and WDT. The paired sample t test, Spearman's correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman plots were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The mean age of the 42 patients consisting of 24 females and 18 males was 66.9 ± 6.8 years, and the mean central corneal thickness was 517.7 ± 29.1 µm. The mean values with the mDTC and WDT measurements were 15.05 ± 2.75 mmHg and 17.17 ± 3.25 mmHg (p ≤ 0.0001, r = 0.884) for IOPmean, 16.76 ± 3.45 mmHg and 18.92 ± 3.94 mmHg (p ≤ 0.0001, r=0.787) for IOPpeak, and 13.61 ± 2.56 mmHg and 15.11 ± 2.84 mmHg (p ≤ 0.0001, r=0.824) for IOPmin, respectively, and a positive correlation was present between these values. CONCLUSION: There was a positive correlation between the peak, minimum, and mean IOP values determined using the mDTC and WDT in treated XFG patients. WDT can be used as an alternative in the assessment of the IOP in these patients as a more practical method.

Computed Tomography Diagnostic Abilities for Open-Globe Injuries in Pediatric Versus Adult Patients.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the role of computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of open-globe trauma and intraocular foreign body (IOFB) in pediatric and adult age groups. METHODS: Medical records of cases with open-globe trauma at Inonu University Hospital's Ophthalmology Emergency Service were retrospectively evaluated. Preoperative orbital CT images of the cases obtained at emergency services and their clinical and/or surgical findings were compared in pediatric and adult groups. RESULTS: We included 47 eyes of 47 cases aged 18 years and below (pediatric group) and 85 eyes of 82 cases over 18 years (adult group). The mean ± SD age was 10.80 ± 5.11 years (range, 2-18 years) in the pediatric group and 46.34 ± 19.01 years (range, 19-82 years) in the adult group. Computed tomography images revealed 21.7% of the cases with corneal lacerations, 55.5% with scleral lacerations, and 91.6% with corneoscleral lacerations in the pediatric group, whereas the respective numbers were 48.4%, 66.6%, and 61.9% in the adult group. The detection rates of corneal penetrations and vitreous hemorrhage with CT were significantly lower in the pediatric group than in the adult group (P < 0.05). The CT scans diagnosed 66.6% of the pediatric cases and 90% of the adult cases with an IOFB. CONCLUSIONS: Corneal lacerations and IOFBs can be missed, especially in the pediatric group, because the eye is smaller in adults. Pediatric patients with a history of ocular trauma should undergo an examination under general anesthesia followed by surgical exploration if necessary.

Conjunctival impression cytology and tear-film changes in cases with vitamin D deficiency.

PURPOSE: To evaluate conjunctival surface cells and tear-film functions in cases with vitamin D deficiency. METHODS: Thirty-six patients with serum vitamin D deficiency and 27 control subjects with normal serum vitamin D levels were included in this prospective study. The tear break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer II test, and conjunctival impression cytology tests were performed to all participants. RESULTS: The mean serum vitamin D levels were 10.5 ± 5.0 µl in the study group and 33.9 ± 11.7 µl in the control group (p < 0.001). The median TBUT scores were 11 s and 17 s and the median Schirmer II values were 7.5 mm and 12 mm in the study and the control groups, respectively (p = 0.003, p = 0.049). According to the Nelson staging system, 69.4% of the patients in the study group had grade 2 or 3 impression cytology, whereas 18.5% of the participants in the control group had grade 2 or 3 impression cytology (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study results showed that vitamin D deficiency may lead to dry eye causing conjunctival squamous metaplasia and loss of goblet cells on the ocular surface.

Comparison of Nd:YAG laser (532 nm green) vs diode laser (810 nm) photocoagulation in the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity: an evaluation in terms of complications.

PURPOSE: To compare the anterior and posterior segment complications of diode (810 nm) laser photocoagulation (LPC) and Nd:YAG (532 nm green) LPC in the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The 84 eyes of 43 patients treated with diode LPC (group 1) and 58 eyes of 31 patients treated with Nd:YAG LPC (group 2) for ROP in our clinic were enrolled in the study. Medical records of all patients were investigated retrospectively. The patients in each group were examined in terms of birth weights, gestational weeks, stage of retinopathy, number of lasers pots, laser parameters, and anterior and posterior complications of LPC. RESULTS: The mean birth weeks of group 1 patients were postmenstrual 27.7 ± 2.5 (23-33), while the mean birth weights were 1006.0 ± 334.5 (540-1980) grams. The mean birth weeks of group 2 patients were postmenstrual 27.4 ± 2.6 (23-33), while the mean birth weights were 1073.8 ± 329.2 (480-1720) grams. The mean numbers of laser spots were 1036.0 ± 515.2 (430-2410) in group 1 per eye, while the mean numbers of laser spots were 1085.4 ± 526.0 (445-2530) in group 2 per eye (p ≥ 0.05). Additional laser application was performed in four eyes (4.8%) in group 1 and four eyes (6.9%) in group 2. Four eyes (4.8%) treated with diode LPC and one eye (1.7%) treated with Nd:YAG laser developed retinal detachment. Two eyes of a patient (3.4%) applied Nd:YAG LPC developed cataract. CONCLUSION: Cataract may develop when Nd:YAG laser is used; however, posterior segment complications may be more likely to appear with the use of diode laser in these cases.

Canalicular Incisional Approach for Recanalization of Punctum: A Modified Surgical Treatment for Acquired Complete Upper and Lower Punctum Occlusions as an Alternative to Bypass Methods.

PURPOSE: To define the success of surgical technique used in the treatment of epiphora that is caused by bi-canalicular acquired complete punctum occlusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study is a retrospective consecutive case series, who underwent canalicular incisional approach for recanalization (CIAFOR) for acquired bi-canalicular punctum occlusions. The authors have used this technique in the cases not possible to perform a punctum dilatation and not possible to determine the punctum location exactly due to severe fibrosis. Functional and anatomical success was evaluated by the absence of epiphora and with lavage at post-operative 6th months. RESULTS: Seven eyes of 5 patients (3 males and 2 females) were included in the study. The ages of the patients were 70, 65, 45, 64, and 70 years, respectively. Current follow-up periods vary between 6 and 23 months. Although functional and anatomical success achieved in all eyes, complication such as accessory punctum observed. CONCLUSIONS: CIAFOR seems to be a successful and simple surgical technique to treat acquired total punctum occlusion.

Corrigendum to: The Association of Serum Vitamin D Levels with Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma/Syndrome.

In the Original Article by Dikci et al. "The Association of Serum Vitamin D Levels with Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma/ Syndrome" (Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets. 2019; 19(2):166-170) after publication of the article it has come to the corresponding author's attention that there were some errors in the article. In the introduction section, reference 3 should be changed as reference 2 (paragraph 1, line 4) and references 4-6 should be changed as references 3-6 (paragraph 1, lines 6,7). Reference numbers in the references section should be as follows. References 25-28 should be changed as references 7-10 respectively. References 7-24 should be changed as references 11-28 respectively.

Apart From Surgical Procedures, Another Important Point to Note in Lacrimal Canalicular Lacerations: Traumatic Retinal Tears.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate fundus examinations in terms of traumatic retinal tears or dialysis that may be related to canalicular lacerations (CLs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted on patients with CL repair from June 1, 2009 to May 30, 2018. The authors collected the data from the patients' medical records, including their demographic details, mechanism and setting of injury, associated ocular injuries, type of stent used, setting of repairs, duration of follow-up, complications, pre- or intraoperative findings of biomicroscopic and fundus examinations, refractive errors, postoperative follow-up of fundus examination, and management. RESULTS: Sixty patients (43 males and 17 females) were included in the study. The mean age of all the patients was 27.50 ± 21.72 (min: 1-max: 94) years. Isolated CL was found in 38 patients. Nonisolated CL, which means with some additional pathologies, were found in 22 patients (37%, approximately 1/3). Retinal follow-up records were available in 49 patients with a mean follow-up period of 7.48 ± 9.82 months. Retinal tears were seen in 3 patients (0.05%) with no predisposing risk factors. Two of these tears were found in the follow-up period after the traumas. CONCLUSION: Consequent retinal tears after canalicular lacerations were not strongly addressed in previous works. In this study, the authors aimed to view CL from a different perspective. Canalicular laceration is also an ocular trauma that may threaten vision. The authors emphasized that performing detailed fundus examinations and follow-up in all canalicular traumas is necessary.

Increased Aqueous Humor Symmetric Dimethylarginine Level in Patients with Primary Open Angle Glaucoma.

Purpose: To evaluate the asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) and L-arginine (L-Arg) levels both in plasma and aqueous humor of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients and matched controls. Patients and Methods: 25 primary open angle glaucoma patients and 42 control cases with senile cataract were included in the study. Plasma and aqueous humor ADMA, SDMA and L-Arg levels of the participants were measured by using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Results: A significant increase in aqueous humor SDMA level was detected in POAG patients compared with controls (p = 0.0115). No significant difference was detected in plasma and aqueous humor ADMA, L-Arg levels. Conclusion: The aqueous humor levels of SDMA are found to be associated with POAG. The result of this current study supports the role of nitric oxide pathway in glaucoma.

The Association of Serum Vitamin D Levels with Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma/Syndrome

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether serum vitamin D levels have an effect on pseudoexfoliation (PEX) glaucoma/syndrome development and on the control of glaucoma in these cases. METHOD: A total of 31 cases with PEX glaucoma, 34 cases with the PEX syndrome and 43 control subjects of similar age and sex were included in the study. Vitamin D levels were compared between the groups and also between the cases where glaucoma surgery was performed or not. RESULTS: PEX glaucoma group consisted of 17 males and 14 females, PEX syndrome group of 27 males and 7 females, and the control group of 27 males and 16 females. The mean age was 70.9±8.9 years, 72.1±7.3 years, and 67.9±9.1 years in PEX glaucoma, syndrome and control group, respectively. Mean vitamin D levels were 9.4±7.7 ng/mL, 7.9±6,1 ng/mL, 11.5±14.2 ng/mL in PEX glaucoma, syndrome and control group, respectively (p>0.05). The mean serum vitamin D level was 8.04±4.7 ng/mL in those who underwent glaucoma surgery and 10.1±8.7 ng/mL in those who didn't undergo glaucoma surgery in PEX glaucoma group (p>0.05). No difference was found between the PEX glaucoma sub- groups in terms of the mean deviation when classified according to vitamin D levels (<10 ng/mL, ≥10 ng/mL) (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Although we found no statistically significant difference between the PEX syndrome/glaucoma, and control group in terms of serum vitamin D levels, serum vitamin D levels were lower in PEX syndrome and glaucoma group than control group. Our results indicate that serum vitamin D levels have no effect on the development of PEX glaucoma/syndrome or the control of the disorder in cases with PEX glaucoma. However, these results need to be supported with further studies on a larger number of patients and with longer follow-up.

Evaluation of Iron Deficiency Anemia Frequency as a Risk Factor in Glaucoma.

PURPOSE: Iron deficiency anemia is an important public health problem. Also it is considered to be a risk factor for many diseases. The study demonstrates the iron deficiency anemia frequency in glaucoma patients and compares with the normal subjects. We aimed to determine the iron deficiency anemia frequency in glaucoma patients. METHODS: Prospective, controlled study in a single university hospital setting. A total of 130 normal subjects (Group 1) and 131 glaucoma patients (Group 2) were included. The erythrocytes parameters, hemoglobin, red blood cell, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and red blood cell distribution width, and iron status indicators, Fe (iron), total iron binding capacity, and ferritin of the cases, in normal subjects and glaucoma patients were compared. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference for the erythrocyte parameters between the groups (p≥0.05). The number of the patients with iron deficiency anemia in both groups was similar. No statistically significant difference was found in the comparison of erythrocyte parameters and iron status indicators values according to the number of antiglaucomatous agents and visual field changes according to the presence of anemia in Group 2 (p≥0.05). A statistically significant difference was found only in MCH when the erythrocyte parameters and iron status indicators values of the cases in glaucoma patients were compared with the glaucoma duration (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The iron deficiency anemia frequency was like the normal population in glaucoma patients.

Which dose of bevacizumab is more effective for the treatment of aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity: lower or higher dose?

PURPOSE: To compare 0.5 mg and 0.625 mg of bevacizumab for treating aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity (AP-ROP). METHODS: The medical records of patients with AP-ROP who were administered intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) as a primary treatment at a university clinic were evaluated retrospectively. Five eyes of three patients (Group 1) who received 0.625 mg/0.025 ml IVB and 10 eyes of another five patients (Group 2) who received 0.5 mg/0.02 ml IVB were evaluated. Laser photocoagulation was used as additional treatment after relapses. Anatomic results and complications were evaluated in both groups. RESULTS: We evaluated 15 eyes of eight patients (four girls and four boys) with a flat demarcation line at posterior zone 2 and plus disease or stage-3 disease in this study. The mean gestational age of the three babies in Group 1 was 26 ± 1 weeks and the mean birth weight was 835.33 ± 48.01 g. The corresponding values were 25.2 ± 1.6 weeks and 724 ± 139.03 g, respectively, for the five babies in Group 2. Retinal vascularization was completed at a mean postmenstrual duration of 53.6 ± 1.5 weeks without additional treatment in the five eyes in Group 1. Laser photocoagulation for relapse was administered to five of the 10 eyes in Group 2. Retinal vascularization was completed at a mean postmenstrual duration of 47.6 ± 1.5 weeks in the remaining five eyes. None of the patients developed complications such as cataract, glaucoma, retinal tear, retinal or vitreous hemorrhage, or retinal detachment. CONCLUSION: Although lower IVB doses in the treatment of AP-ROP are expected to be safer in terms of local and systemic side effects in premature infants, these patients may require additional treatment with IVB or laser photocoagulation.

Which dose of bevacizumab is more effective for the treatment of aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity: lower or higher dose? / Qual a dose de bevacizumab no tratamento da retinopatia da prematuridade posterior agressiva: menor ou maior dose?

ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare 0.5 mg and 0.625 mg of bevacizumab for treating aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity (AP-ROP). Methods: The medical records of patients with AP-ROP who were administered intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) as a primary treatment at a university clinic were evaluated retrospectively. Five eyes of three patients (Group 1) who received 0.625 mg/0.025 ml IVB and 10 eyes of another five patients (Group 2) who received 0.5 mg/0.02 ml IVB were evaluated. Laser photocoagulation was used as additional treatment after relapses. Anatomic results and complications were evaluated in both groups. Results: We evaluated 15 eyes of eight patients (four girls and four boys) with a flat demarcation line at posterior zone 2 and plus disease or stage-3 disease in this study. The mean gestational age of the three babies in Group 1 was 26 ± 1 weeks and the mean birth weight was 835.33 ± 48.01 g. The corresponding values were 25.2 ± 1.6 weeks and 724 ± 139.03 g, respectively, for the five babies in Group 2. Retinal vascularization was completed at a mean postmenstrual duration of 53.6 ± 1.5 weeks without additional treatment in the five eyes in Group 1. Laser photocoagulation for relapse was administered to five of the 10 eyes in Group 2. Retinal vascularization was completed at a mean postmenstrual duration of 47.6 ± 1.5 weeks in the remaining five eyes. None of the patients developed complications such as cataract, glaucoma, retinal tear, retinal or vitreous hemorrhage, or retinal detachment. Conclusion: Although lower IVB doses in the treatment of AP-ROP are expected to be safer in terms of local and systemic side effects in premature infants, these patients may require additional treatment with IVB or laser photocoagulation.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar doses de 0,5 mg e 0,625 mg de bevacizumab no tratamento da retinopatia da prematuridade posterior agressiva (ROP-PA). Métodos: os registros médicos de pacientes com ROP-PA que receberam bevacizumab intravítreo (IVB) como tratamento primário em uma clínica universitária foram avaliados retrospectivamente. Houve 5 olhos de 3 casos (Grupo 1) que receberam 0,625 mg/0,025 ml de IVB e 10 olhos de outros 5 casos (Grupo 2) que receberam 0,5 mg/0,02 ml de IVB. A fotocoagulação com laser foi utilizada como tratamento adicional para casos de recidiva. Os resultados e complicações anatômicas foram avaliados em ambos os grupos. Resultados: Incluímos os 15 olhos de 8 pacientes (4 meninas e 4 meninos) com linha de demarcação plana na zona posterior 2 e doença "plus" (dilatação e tortuosidade vascular) neste estudo. A idade gestacional média dos três bebês no Grupo 1 foi de 26 ± 1 semana e o peso médio ao nascer foi de 835,33 ± 48,01 g, enquanto esses valores foram de 25,2 ± 1,6 semanas e 724 ± 139,03 g, respectivamente, para os cinco bebês do Grupo 2. A vascularização da retina foi completada com uma duração média pós-menstrual de 53,6 ± 1,5 semanas sem tratamento adicional nos cinco olhos no Grupo 1. A fotocoagulação a laser foi administrada devido à recaída em 5 dos 10 olhos do Grupo 2. A vascularização da retina foi completada em média de 47,6 ± 1,5 semanas do período pós-menstrual nos cinco olhos restantes. Nenhum dos casos desenvolveu complicações, como catarata, glaucoma, rasgo da retina, hemorragia retiniana ou vítrea ou descolamento da retina. Conclusão: Embora as doses mais baixas de IVB no tratamento de ROP-PA sejam mais seguras em termos de efeitos colaterais locais e sistêmicos em prematuros, esses pacientes podem precisar de tratamento adicional com IVB ou fotocoagulação a laser.

Multiple Intravitreal Ranibizumab Injections for Persistant Choroidal Neovascularization Associated with Presumed Ocular Histoplasmosis Syndrome.

Presumed ocular histoplasmosis syndrome (POHS) is a clinical entity that is characterized by small, round, discrete, macular or mid peripheral atrophic (punched out) chorioretinal lesions (histo spots), peripapillary scarring, choroidal neovascularization (CNV), and the absence of anterior uveitis and vitritis. Diagnosis of this disorder is based upon characteristic clinical findings and a positive histoplasmin skin test or residence in an endemic region for Histoplasma capsulatum. There is no active systemic disease during diagnosis of POHS. Disciform scarring and macular CNV secondary to POHS is a well-known complication which leads to loss of visual acuity or visual disturbance. Without therapy, the visual prognosis in these patients is unfavorable. Submacular surgery, radiation, steroids, photodynamic therapy, and most recently anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy are current therapeutic options for this condition. We report a case with persistent CNV secondary to POHS in a middle-aged woman with moderate myopia and the clinical course of treatment with multiple intravitreal ranibizumab (Lucentis®, Novartis) injections.

Choroidal neovascularization secondary to ocular penetration during retrobulbar anesthesia and its treatment.

Retrobulbar anesthesia is still used before ocular surgery; however, it has various complications including ocular penetration. The penetration/perforation of the globe can cause complications such as endophthalmitis, retinal detachment, and scotoma. Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is rarely seen, following choroidal rupture in penetrating eye injuries. Here, we present a patient who underwent a pars plana vitrectomy for vitreous hemorrhage secondary to ocular penetration during a retrobulbar injection for cataract surgery. This patient later developed CNV at the penetration site during follow-up. Physicians should remember that CNV can occur as an unusual late complication of ocular penetration during retrobulbar anesthesia.

Bilateral retinal vasculitis in a patient with lichen planus / Vasculite retiniana bilateral em um paciente com líquen plano

ABSTRACT Lichen planus (LP) is an autoimmune, inflammatory disease of unknown etiology that commonly affects the skin and mucous membranes. Retinal vasculitis is a group of vision-threatening disorders, in which autoimmunity is thought to play a role in pathogenesis. We present the case of a patient who was diagnosed with retinal vasculitis and who was followed up for mucosal LP. LP has not been reported as a cause of retinal vasculitis in the literature. We believe that the retinal vasculitis in this case was related to LP because cellular immunity plays a role in the pathogenesis of both entities.

RESUMO Líquen plano (LP) é uma doença auto-imune, inflamatória de etiologia desconhecida que normalmente afeta a pele e membranas mucosas. Vasculite retiniana engloba um grupo de doenças que ameaçam a visão em que a autoimunidade parece desempenhar um papel na sua patogênese. Apresentamos um caso que foi diagnosticado com vasculite da retina e que tinha sido acompanhado com LP de mucosa. LP não consta entre as causas de vasculite retiniana na literatura. Acreditamos que a vasculite da retina no nosso caso, foi relacionado com o LP considerando que a imunidade celular desempenha um papel na patogênese de ambas as entidades.