Global prevalence of diabetic retinopathy: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: With increasing diabetes trends worldwide, morbidity, mortality and associated costs due to diabetes-related complications are a global public health concern. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is among the leading causes of vision loss at the global level; accurate estimates of DR burden is of crucial importance for planning, implementing and evaluating DR prevention and care interventions.The available evidence on DR prevalence at the global level, dating back to 2008, only considered data from selected regions. Taking into account the rapidly changing patterns in DR epidemiology, the aim of the current study is to carry out a systematic review and meta-analysis to derive solid and updated estimates on global and setting-specific DR prevalence. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The systematic review methods have been defined following PRISMA guidelines. Studies published from 2008 through 2018 will be identified searching the electronic databases Embase, Medline, Cochrane, ISI Web of Knowledge, as well as through grey literature search. Retrieved records will be independently screened by two authors and relevant data will be extracted from studies reporting data on DR prevalence among individuals with diabetes. Prevalence pooled estimates of any form of DR and vision-threatening DR will be computed applying random-effects meta-analysis. Interstudy heterogeneity will be assessed using the I2 statistic and explored through meta regressions and subgroup analyses. Depending on data availability, we plan to conduct subgroup analyses by study population, diabetes type, DR severity, geographical region and other selected clinical and sociodemographic variables of interest. Quality appraisal of the studies will be performed. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: Ethics approval is not required as this is a review of anonymised published data. Findings of the final report will be shared with the scientific community through publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presentation at conferences, as well as with key stakeholders, including national and international health authorities, health policy makers, healthcare professionals and the general population. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: CRD42018085260.

A rapid microextraction by packed sorbent - liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for the determination of dexamethasone disodium phosphate and dexamethasone in aqueous humor of patients with uveitis.

A new method based on microextraction by packed sorbent (MEPS) coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was developed and validated for the determination of dexamethasone and dexamethasone disodium phosphate in human aqueous humor. A central composite design was applied to investigate the effects of both loading and eluting cycles in the MEPS procedure; subsequently the multicriteria method of the desirability functions allowed to find the best conditions for the simultaneous extraction of both the analytes. Detection was performed on a LTQ XL linear ion trap mass spectrometer operating in the positive electrospray ionization mode applying multiple reaction monitoring mode. The assay was validated in accordance with the guidelines bioanalytical method validation obtaining quantitation limits in the low µg/L range, a precision characterized by RSD≤16% and recovery rates in the 91-119% range.

Comparison of Surgical Outcomes between Canaloplasty and Schlemm's Canal Scaffold at 24 Months' Follow-Up.

The results of canaloplasty (CP) and Hydrus Microstent (HM) implantation were retrospectively compared at 24 months' follow-up in a cohort of subjects referred to our Institution for uncontrolled IOP in primary or secondary (e.g., pseudoexfoliative and pigmentary) open-angle glaucoma. The outcome was labelled as "complete" success, "qualified" success, or "failure" if, two years after surgery, the eyes operated on needed "no" hypotensive medications, "some" hypotensive medications, or further glaucoma surgery to attain the target IOP, respectively. Both CP and HM implant allowed significant IOP reductions, with comparable rate of clinical success and safety profile. A slightly (albeit not significant) better trend for a "complete" clinical success was observed in the CP group.

Perioperative prophylaxis to prevent recurrence following cataract surgery in uveitic patients: a two-centre, prospective, randomized trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the postoperative risk of inflammatory relapse in two groups of uveitic patients who underwent cataract surgery: one group had perioperative topical steroids alone and the other used topical and oral steroids. METHODS: Prospective, randomized, unmasked, duocentric clinical trial conducted at the University of Parma (Italy), and the Jules Gonin Eye Hospital of Lausanne (Switzerland). Patients with a history of non-infectious uveitis requiring cataract surgery in 2009-2013 were assigned to two groups of perioperative prophylaxis: (A) intensive topical steroids alone; (B) the same topical regimen combined with oral steroids. Uveitis relapse over a period of 6 months was assessed. RESULTS: In total, 52 eyes in 50 patients were randomized: 28 eyes were assigned to group A (topical) and 24 eyes to group B (topical + oral). Mean relapse-free survival time was 131 ± 11 days in group A and 150 ± 13 days in group B. This difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.42). At the end of follow-up, the groups were also comparable in terms of significant improvement in visual acuity (p < 0.01), mean central macular thickness (CMT) and IOP variation. CONCLUSIONS: Absolute and long-lasting control of ocular, and possibly systemic, inflammation predisposes uveitis patients to satisfactory results after cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation. Despite a lower rate of recurrences following oral steroid supplementation, the efficacy of an intensive perioperative topical steroid regimen alone in preventing postoperative uveitis relapse was statistically comparable. Secondary outcomes were also comparable between the two groups. Transient IOP elevation should be expected until treatment discontinuation.

Altered Brain Glucose Consumption in Cogan's Syndrome.

Purpose. Prospective, controlled cohort study to investigate possible alterations in brain glucose metabolism (CMRglc) in patients with Cogan's syndrome (CS). Patients and Methods. Functional mapping of the CMRglc was obtained by quantitative molecular imaging positron emission tomography, combined with computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT). The patients were divided into three clinical groups: typical CS; atypical CS (ACS); autoimmune inner ear disease (AIED). The unmatched control group (CG) consisted of subjects requiring FDG-PET/CT for an extracranial pathology. Statistical mapping searched areas of significant glucose hypometabolism in all the affected patients (DG) and in each clinical subgroup. The results were compared with those of the CG. Results. 44 patients were enrolled (DG) and assigned to the three study groups: 8 patients to the CS group; 21 patients to the ACS group; and 15 to the AIED group. Sixteen subjects formed the CG group. Areas of significant brain glucose hypometabolism were identified in all the study groups, with the largest number and extension in the DG and CS. Conclusions. This study revealed areas of significantly altered CMRglc in patients with CS (any subform) without neurologic complains and normal conventional neuroimaging. Our results suggest that FDG-PET/CT may represent a very useful tool for the global assessment of patients with Cogan's syndrome.

Anterior Segment Findings in Vitamin A Deficiency: A Case Series.

Vitamin A deficiency is a rare but vision threatening disorder in the developed world, which can lead to blindness for severe keratomalacia with cornea scarring and perforation or night blindness due to impaired dark adaptation. Conversely, the disease is quite common in developing countries, as a consequence of chronic malnutrition. The correct diagnosis and therapy with prompt vitamin A supplementation avoid blindness. We report a series of 3 local cases with different age and causes for vitamin A deficiency. The diagnostic workup, therapy, and prognosis are discussed.

Dynamic imaging of accommodation by swept-source anterior segment optical coherence tomography.

PURPOSE: To study the accommodation process in normal eyes using a commercially available clinical system based on swept-source anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). SETTING: Ophthalmology Department, University of Parma, Italy. DESIGN: Evaluation of diagnostic technology. METHODS: Right eyes were analyzed using swept-source AS-OCT (Casia SS-1000). The optical vergence of the internal coaxial fixation target was adjusted during imaging to obtain monocular accommodation stimuli with different amplitudes (0, 3.0, 6.0, and 9.0 diopters [D]). Overlapping of real and conjugate OCT images enabled imaging of all the anterior segment optical surfaces in a single frame. Central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and lens thickness were extracted from the OCT scans acquired at different static accommodation stimulus amplitudes. The crystalline lens was analyzed dynamically during accommodation and disaccommodation by acquiring sequential OCT images of the anterior segment at a rate of 8 frames per second. The lens thickness was extracted from the temporal sequence of OCT images and plotted as a function of time. RESULTS: The study analyzed 14 eyes of 14 subjects aged 18 to 46 years. During accommodation, the decrease in the ACD was statistically significant (P < .05), as were the increase in the lens thickness (P < .001) and the slight movement forward of the lens central point (P < .01). The CCT and anterior chamber width measurements did not change statistically significantly during accommodation. The lens thickness at 0 D was positively correlated with age (P < .01). CONCLUSION: High-resolution real-time imaging and biometry of the accommodating anterior segment can be effectively performed using a commercially available swept-source AS-OCT clinical device. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Randomized trial of brinzolamide/brimonidine versus brinzolamide plus brimonidine for open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

INTRODUCTION: Fixed-combination intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering medications simplify treatment regimens for patients requiring 2 ocular hypotensive agents to maintain sufficiently low IOP. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of fixed-combination brinzolamide 1%/brimonidine 0.2% (BBFC) versus concomitant administration of brinzolamide 1% plus brimonidine 0.2% (BRINZ + BRIM) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. METHODS: This was a prospective, phase 3, multicenter, double-masked, 6-month trial. Patients who had insufficient IOP control with monotherapy or who were receiving 2 IOP-lowering medications were randomized 1:1 to receive twice-daily BBFC or BRINZ + BRIM. IOP was assessed at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. during week 2, week 6, month 3, and month 6 visits. The primary efficacy endpoint was mean diurnal IOP change from baseline to month 3; noninferiority was concluded if the upper limit of the 95% CI of the between-group difference was <1.5 mmHg. Supportive endpoints included mean IOP, IOP change from baseline, and percentage of patients with IOP <18 mmHg. Adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: The mean diurnal IOP change from baseline with BBFC (least squares mean ± standard error -8.5 ± 0.16 mmHg) was noninferior to that with BRINZ + BRIM (-8.3 ± 0.16 mmHg; mean difference -0.1 mmHg; 95% CI -0.5 to 0.2 mmHg). The upper limits of the 95% CIs were <1.5 mmHg at all time points. Decreases from baseline >8 mmHg were observed for least squares mean diurnal IOP in both groups as early as week 2 and continued to the end of the study. The results of all other supportive endpoints were similar to the primary efficacy endpoint. The most common ocular adverse drug reactions were hyperemia of the eye (reported as ocular or conjunctival hyperemia), visual disturbances, ocular allergic reactions, and ocular discomfort. Common systemic adverse drug reactions included dysgeusia, oral dryness, and fatigue/drowsiness. CONCLUSION: Brinzolamide 1%/brimonidine 0.2% fixed combination was as well tolerated and effective as concomitant therapy with its components. BBFC reduces treatment burden in patients who require multiple IOP-lowering medications.

A 10-year follow-up to determine the effect of YAG laser iridotomy on the natural history of pigment dispersion syndrome: a randomized clinical trial.

IMPORTANCE: Prospective long-term analyses of the role of drug-induced mydriasis and laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) are needed to identify and manage the eyes of patients with pigment dispersion syndrome (PDS) at risk for progressing to ocular hypertension. OBJECTIVE: To assess the 10-year incidence of increased intraocular pressure (IOP) in the 2 eyes of patients with PDS, with 1 eye that underwent LPI and the other that did not. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: In a randomized clinical trial in the glaucoma research unit at the University Hospital of Parma, Italy, 72 patients with PDS underwent phenylephrine testing. Of these 72 patients, 29 (58 eyes) tested positive for succeeding IOP elevation, and 43 (59 eyes) tested negative. For the 29 high-risk patients (all in both eyes), one eye was randomly assigned to LPI, and the fellow eye was left untreated. For the 43 low-risk patients, the affected eyes were left untreated. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES: An IOP elevation of 5 mm Hg or higher vs baseline (daily phasing) was considered to be a significant increase (ie, an event). RESULTS: In the high-risk group, 3 of 21 eyes that underwent LPI (14.3%) and 13 of 21 untreated eyes (61.9%) showed an increase in IOP of 5 mm Hg or higher during the follow-up period; 4 of 35 low-risk eyes (11.4%) showed a similar increase. Event-free mean (SD) time was 7.99 (0.43) years for high-risk treated eyes, 3.89 (0.68) years for high-risk untreated eyes, and 7.16 (0.23) years for low-risk eyes. The log-rank test showed the following: P < .001 for treated high-risk eyes vs untreated high-risk eyes, P = .74 for treated high-risk eyes vs low-risk eyes, and P < .001 for untreated high-risk eyes vs low-risk eyes. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: At the end of the 10-year follow-up, (1) approximately one-third of the whole PDS patient population showed an IOP increase of 5 mm Hg or higher in at least 1 eye; (2) phenylephrine testing identified eyes at high risk for developing IOP elevation; and (3) LPI, when performed on high-risk eyes, reduced the rate of IOP elevation to the same level as the low-risk eyes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01053416.

Light-chain amyloidosis mimicking giant cell arteritis in a bilateral anterior ischemic optic neuropathy case.

BACKGROUND: Herein we report a case of bilateral anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) showing histopathologic evidence of AL-amyloidosis of the temporal arteries. It is known that light-chain (AL) amyloidosis may rarely affect the temporal arteries, mimicking giant cell arteritis, while, to our knowledge, the association between AL-amyloidosis and AION was not previously described. CASE PRESENTATION: A 64 year-old woman with AL-amyloidosis secondary to a monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) referred to our hospital for acute painless drop of vision due to bilateral AION. Age greater than 50 years, high erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and bilateral AION were suggestive of giant cell arteritis (GCA). However, a temporal artery biopsy excluded GCA, showing segmental stenosis of the lumen caused by amyloidosis of the artery wall. CONCLUSIONS: The present case shows that AL-amyloidosis may present with AION, high ESR, and temporal artery involvement, mimicking GCA. In patients with monoclonal gammopathies, C-reactive protein may be a more specific index of GCA compared with the ESR. Patient medical history and pathology are crucial for a correct diagnosis.

Swept-source anterior segment optical coherence tomography in late-onset capsular block syndrome: high-resolution imaging and morphometric modifications after posterior capsulotomy.

PURPOSE: To study the characteristics of late-onset capsular block syndrome (CBS) using swept-source anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) and assess morphometric variations after treatment with neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser posterior capsulotomy. SETTING: Ophthalmology, University of Parma, Parma, Italy. DESIGN: Case series. METHODS: Patients with late-onset CBS had an ophthalmology evaluation, including slitlamp photography and AS-OCT, before and 1 month after ND:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy. The diameter of the anterior capsulorhexis, the posterior displacement of the posterior capsule, and the anterior chamber depth (ACD) were measured using AS-OCT. Measurements before and after Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy were compared using the paired t test. RESULTS: The study evaluated 6 patients. Slitlamp examination showed accumulation between the intraocular lens (IOL) and the posterior capsule of milky-white or particulate liquefied material that appeared hyperreflective on AS-OCT and caused posterior displacement of the posterior capsule (mean 1.38 mm). The diameter of the anterior capsulorhexis (mean 4.5 mm) was smaller than the IOL optic in all cases. After uneventful Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy, the corrected distance visual acuity improved in all patients (P<.01). The ACD (IOL position) and refraction did not change significantly after the capsulotomy (P=.15 and P=.36, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Anterior segment OCT allowed accurate imaging and measurement of anterior segment parameters in late-onset CBS. No displacement of the IOL was found after treatment with Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy. Neodymium:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy was an effective and safe therapy in the 6 late-onset CBS cases.

Functional assessment of two different accommodative intraocular lenses compared with a monofocal intraocular lens.

PURPOSE: To evaluate selected functional and physical properties of 2 models of accommodative intraocular lenses (IOLs) compared with those of a standard monofocal IOL. DESIGN: Prospective randomized comparative trial. PARTICIPANTS: Subjects were divided into 3 groups. In group 1, 30 eyes (19 subjects) received 1CU IOL implantation; in group 2, 29 eyes (19 subjects) received AT-45 IOL implantation; and in group 3, 21 eyes (21 subjects) were implanted with a monofocal IOL as a control. INTERVENTION: Cataract surgery with implantation of the 1CU and AT-45 accommodative IOL models in the study groups, and the ACR6D monofocal IOL in the control group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Far and near distance visual parameters were assessed at 1, 6, and 12 months after surgery in the accommodative IOL groups, and at 1 and 12 months in the control group. Anterior segment anatomy was investigated by ultrasound biomicroscopy, with and without visual accommodative stimulation. RESULTS: The accommodative IOL groups significantly differed from the controls in terms of lower near-distance refractive addition (NDRA) and better distance-corrected near visual acuity (DCNVA), with P<0.001 at 1 year. The anterior IOL displacement during accommodation (DeltaACD) was significantly larger in the study groups, and this correlated with DCNVA. Until 6 months, the DeltaACD correlated with the solicited sclerociliary process rotation only in the study groups. CONCLUSION: This 12-month study demonstrated that the accommodating IOLs achieved better clinical results than the monofocal IOL in terms of DCNVA and NDRA. These results support the hypothesis that accommodative IOLs proportionally react to ciliary body rotation, although this relationship became less evident at 12 months.

Bronchial reactivity in healthy individuals undergoing long-term topical treatment with beta-blockers.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of long-term treatment with topical timolol on bronchial reactivity in healthy individuals. METHODS: Twenty-one otherwise healthy individuals with high-pressure primary open-angle glaucoma were enrolled in a randomized controlled clinical trial. Eleven patients underwent 3 years of topical 0.5% timolol treatment followed by a 1-year washout period; 10 patients underwent primary argon laser trabeculoplasty. Functional variables and bronchial reactivity (forced expiratory volume in 1 second and metacholine challenge test results) were assessed in both groups at enrollment and after 3 and 4 years of follow-up. RESULTS: After 3 years, a measurable response to metacholine challenge was recorded in 6 of 11 otherwise symptom-free individuals treated with 0.5% timolol twice daily. A detectable response to metacholine challenge was still present in half of these individuals (3 of 6) when further washed out for 1 year from the topical beta-blocker. No significant variation in bronchial reactivity was measured in the laser-treated group during 4 years of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Healthy individuals who undergo long-term topical application of a nonselective beta-blocker (0.5% timolol) can develop a subclinical increase in bronchial reactivity. This phenomenon may not be completely reversible on withdrawal of the beta-blocker.

Improvement of spatial contrast sensitivity threshold after surgical reduction of intraocular pressure in unilateral high-tension glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To measure the effect of a surgical reduction of IOP on the spatial contrast sensitivity threshold in eyes showing a considerably increased IOP but no glaucomatous visual field defect, on white-on-white computer-assisted static perimetry. METHODS: Prospective clinical trial, lasting 36 months; 10 consecutive subjects with untreated IOP > or = 30 mmHg in one eye and < or =18 mmHg in the fellow eye, no evidence of field damage in both eyes, best corrected visual acuity > or =20/20 in both eyes, and scheduled for a primary trabeculectomy in the eye showing a high IOP. The spatial contrast sensitivity threshold was measured before surgery and at each follow-up visit. RESULTS: Preoperative spatial contrast sensitivity was worse in those eyes bearing a high IOP relative to the normal fellow eyes (paired samples t-test, P <0.0005). An improvement of contrast sensitivity threshold, exceeding the 95% confidence limits of the preoperative test-retest variability, was observed at 3, 6, and 12 cyc/deg in each surgical eye at the end of follow-up. No change was observed in the fellow untreated normal eyes. The improvement correlated directly with the amount of decrease in pressure obtained by surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Eyes with no field defects on white-on-white computer-assisted static perimetry, but bearing a IOP > or = 30 mmHg, show a decreased spatial contrast sensitivity. A surgically obtained reduction of IOP is paralleled by an improvement of spatial contrast sensitivity.

Replacing maximum-tolerated medications with latanoprost versus adding latanoprost to maximum-tolerated medications: a two-center randomized prospective trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the replacement of every drug with latanoprost 0.005% once a day in glaucomatous eyes with poorly controlled intraocular pressure upon combination therapy, versus addition of latanoprost to the pre-existing treatment. STUDY DESIGN: prospective, investigator-masked, two-center, randomized clinical trial lasting 3 months. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: open-angle glaucoma; IOP > or = 21 mm Hg upon the combination of a non-selective beta-blocker with pilocarpine or dorzolamide or both; no previous bulbar surgery; and prior glaucoma therapy lasting at least 2 years. Two treatment arms: (1) addition of latanoprost 0.005% QD to the pre-existing therapy [group A]; (2) substitution with latanoprost alone [group B]. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-six eyes (68 eyes/treatment group) were randomized according to intraocular pressure level and the number of adjunctive medications to beta blocker. Both treatments provided a significant IOP decrease over baseline (from 23.5 +/- 1.4 to 19.7 +/- 1.9 mm Hg in group A, (P < 0.001); from 23.2 +/- 1.3 to 20.1 +/- 2.2 mm Hg in group B (P < 0.001), paired Student t test). At the end of the follow-up period, group A showed a higher number of intraocular readings less than or equal to 18 mm Hg than group B (42.6% vs. 30.8%; Fisher exact test: P = 0.018). CONCLUSIONS: In eyes showing an intraocular pressure greater than 21 mm Hg upon combination therapy, the substitution of the pre-existing treatment with latanoprost can provide a significant IOP decrease. However, adding latanoprost to the pre-existing therapy is more likely to achieve a target intraocular pressure less than or equal to 18 mm Hg.

Effect of bimatoprost on patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension who are nonresponders to latanoprost.

PURPOSE: To test the efficacy of bimatoprost 0.03% 2D for lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients affected by primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension who did not respond to treatment with latanoprost 0.005% 2D. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized clinical trial with a cross over design (two 30-day treatment phases with a 30-day washout phase in between). PARTICIPANTS: Fifteen patients were enrolled. Random allocation to treatment to a single eye only of every subject. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: (1) IOP > 22 mmHg in both eyes on current treatment (on three separate readings > 24 hours apart), (2) angle wide open in both eyes, (3) no pseudoexfoliation and/or pigment dispersion in either eye, (4) documented medical history consistent with < 10% IOP decrease in both eyes on 2-month treatment with latanoprost 0.005% every day. METHOD: The following variables were measured at each study visit: (1) IOP (Goldmann applanation tonometry, 5 readings, 8 AM, 12 noon, 4 PM, 8 PM, and 12 midnight); (2) visual acuity (Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study chart, logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution); (3) estimate of conjunctival hyperemia based on 5 standard photographs (graded as "none," "trace," "mild," "moderate," and "severe"). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: IOP. RESULTS: IOP data (mean and standard deviation) were the following: baseline = 24.7 +/- 0.9 mmHg, after washout = 24.8 +/- 1.1 mmHg, after latanoprost phase = 24.1 +/- 0.9 mmHg, after bimatoprost phase = 18.1 +/- 1.7 mmHg. IOP on bimatoprost proved lower than both baseline (P < 0.0001) and latanoprost (P = 0.0001). Thirteen of 15 patients showed a > or =20% IOP decrease with bimatoprost treatment. None of the 15 patients showed a > or =20% decrease of IOP after 30 days of latanoprost treatment. No significant IOP changes were observed in the fellow untreated eye in each patient throughout the study. Trace-to-mild conjunctival hyperemia was recorded more often with bimatoprost phase (P = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS: Thirteen of 15 patients, who were nonresponders to latanoprost, 0.005%, 2D, were successfully treated with bimatoprost, 0.03%, 2D. Bimatoprost treatment was associated with a higher incidence of trace-to-mild conjunctival hyperemia than latanoprost.

Effect of a drug combination treatment on ocular perfusion in recurrent idiopathic intermediate uveitis.

PURPOSE: To test the effect of a drug combination therapy on ocular perfusion in human eyes affected by idiopathic intermediate uveitis. METHODS: Seven patients (12 eyes) showing active signs of intermediate uveitis, with at least two more similar episodes reported within the previous 12 months, were enrolled in a prospective case series. Two fellow healthy eyes of two of the enrolled patients were studied as internal controls. Color Doppler imaging of the central retinal artery (CRA), the ophthalmic artery (OA), and the posterior ciliary arteries (PCAs) was performed at the time of enrollment, and at 6 and 12 months after starting treatment with oral fluorocortolone, cyclosporine, and parenteral methotrexate. The best-corrected visual acuity was concurrently measured as a second parameter. RESULTS: In the 12 affected eyes, the mean visual acuity (+/-SD) improved from 0.15(+/-0.12) to 0.04(+/-0.18) LogMAR (paired samples Student's t-test: p = 0.015). The resistivity index (RI +/- SD) of the CRA decreased from 0.81(+/-0.13) to 0.71(+/-0.13)(p = 0.0091). Further, the variation of the RI in the PCAs reached a borderline significance (p = 0.062), decreasing from 0.71(+/-0.12) to 0.61(+/-0.12). No significant changes were observed in the OA. Moreover, eyes showing a visual improvement of > or =0.1 (LogMAR) were more likely to show a > or =10% improvement of the RI for the CRA (Fisher's exact test: p = 0.018; power = 90%; alpha probability = 5%; odds ratio = 2,4). CONCLUSIONS: In eyes affected by idiopathic intermediate uveitis, treated with a systemic drug combination therapy, the improvement of the visual acuity seems to correlate with a proportional improvement of the retrobulbar circulation.