Isolated Inferior Rectus Muscle Rupture and Surgical Repair: A Case Report.

We describe the case of a 37-year-old male who experienced an isolated rupture of the inferior rectus muscle in the right eye following a facial impact from a wire. Upon examination, a minor restriction in downward gaze was observed. An orbital computed tomography scan confirmed the integrity of the globe and the absence of an orbital fracture-subsequent surgical exploration involved identifying and suturing together the distal and proximal ends of the affected muscle. Postoperatively, normal eye movements were restored.

Based on the Real-Life Data of Türkiye; Comparison of Anatomical and Functional Outcomes of Phakic and Pseudophakic Patients in Wet Type Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Objectives: The aim of the study was comparison of wet-type age-related macular degeneration in phakic and pseudophakic patients in terms of anatomical and functional success based on the real-life data of Türkiye. Methods: The multicenter retrospective real-life study data of the. retinal study group were used in this study. Among 867 eyes of 867 patients were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups according to the status of the lens; phakic group and pseudophakic group. The follow-up period of the two groups, the number of injections at the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd years, and changes in the central macular thickness (CMT, µ) and visual acuity (VA, logMAR) of the patients at the beginning, 6th, 12th, 24th, and 36th months were examined. Results: In our study, the number of injections in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd years, respectively, was 4.2±2.0, 1.8±1.9, and 1.0±1.7 in the phakic group, and 3.9±2.0, 1.7±1.9, and 0.8±1.4 in the pseudophakic group. When the two groups were compared in terms of the number of injections, there was a statistically significant difference in the 1st year, but there was no significant difference in the 2nd and 3rd years (p=0.001, p=0.350, and p=0.288, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of CMT in the baseline, 6th, 12th, 24th, and 36th months (p=0.991, p=0.327, p=0.652, p=0.599, and p=0.873, respectively). Although there was no difference in VA between groups at the beginning (p=0.052), the phakic group showed statistically better VA in controls at 3rd, 6th, 12th, 24th, and 36th months (p=0.001, p=0.001, p=0.000, p=0.000, and p=0.003, respectively). Conclusion: Differences in the number of injections and visual results between phakic and pseudophakic patients in wet type AMD may necessitate the creation of different treatment and follow-up protocols.

Results of anti-VEGF treatment for neovascular AMD in eyes with different baseline visual acuity in Turkish population-based on real life data-Bosphorus retina study group.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the anatomical and visual outcomes of the patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF), according to the baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) based on the multicenter real-life data. METHODS: Five-hundred-ninety patients who had taken the Pro Re Nata (PRN) treatment regimen with three loading doses and at least one year of follow-up were included. The patients were divided into three groups according to the baseline BCVA: Group 1 (BCVA ≥ 1.3 Logmar), Group 2 (1.3 Logmar > BCVA ≥ 0.3 Logmar), and Group 3 (BCVA ≤ 0.2 Logmar). BCVA, central macular thickness (CMT), and the number of injections and visits were evaluated. RESULTS: There were 175, 322, and 93 patients in Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3, respectively. The number of visits and injections in the 1st year was not different between the groups (p = 0.58 and p = 0.08) and was 7.09 and 4.41 (Group 1), 6.59 and 5.58 (Group 2), 6.77 and 4.08 (Group 3). There was a significant difference in CMT between the baseline and 12th month in Group 1 and Group 2 (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively) but not in Group 3 (p = 0.84). BCVA was significantly better in the 12th month in Group 1 (p < 0.001), slightly worse in Group 2 (p = 0.79), and significantly worse in Group 3 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence that an inadequate number of injections cannot protect vision. Moreover, it can cause vision loss, especially in the eyes with good vision.

Treatment results of diabetic macular edema with different choroidal thickness with intravitreal anti vascular endothelial growth factor.

PURPOSE: To compare the results of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) with different choroidal thicknesses. METHODS: The files of patients diagnosed with DME and treated with intravitreal anti-VEGF were reviewed retrospectively. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), choroidal thickness (CT), and macular thickness (MT) measurements were recorded before and after treatment. All patients included in the study were divided into 3 groups according to the initial subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT). Group 1 included 35 patients with SFCT ≤ 220, group 2 included 27 patients with SFCT > 220 ≤ 270, and group 3 included 30 patients with SFCT > 270. The total number of anti-VEGF administered during the follow-up at the last examination, baseline and post-treatment CT, MT, and BCVA measurements were statistically compared in all 3 groups. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 61.9 ± 10.2 in group 1, 58.7 ± 8.7 in group 2, and 57.0 ± 6.5 in group 3. The mean anti-VEGF count in group 1 was significantly lower than group 2 and group 3 (p = 0.004, p = 0.006). In Group 1, BCVA improved significantly after treatment compared to baseline (p = 0.001). In Groups 2 and 3, BCVA did not change significantly after treatment compared to baseline (p = 0.320, p = 0.104). After treatment, central macular thickness decreased significantly in group 1 compared to baseline, while central macular thickness did not show a significant change from baseline in group 2 and group 3 after treatment (p = 0.003, p = 0.059, p = 0.590). CONCLUSION: In our study, we observed that the treatment needs of our DME patients with different choroidal thicknesses were different. In patients with DME, the initial choroidal thickness may help determine the need for follow-up and treatment.

Changes in choroidal thickness after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment of diabetic macular edema, real-life data, 2-year results.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injection on central choroidal thickness (CCT), central macular thickness (CMT) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in diabetic macular edema (DME). METHODS: Retrospective, cohort analysis of 90 eyes of 90 patients receiving anti-VEGF therapy for DME. In patients' records, measurements of CCT, CMT, and BCVA before treatment and at 2 years after treatment were recorded. Using enhanced-depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) images, choroidal thickness and macular thickness measurements were recorded in the subfoveal area and 1 mm nasal to 1 mm temporal to the central foveal area. The baseline and final CMT and CCT values measured from all three quadrants were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 59.60 ± 9.78 (range, 40-77) years. Mean baseline nasal-CT 226.4 ± 52.5 µm, central-CT 243.2 ± 51.1 µm and temporal-CT 224.6 ± 47.9 µm. Mean final nasal-CT 220.0 ± 50.2 µm, central-CT 235.3 ± 53.6 µm, temporal-CT 220.5 ± 48.1 µm (p = 0.122, p = 0.056, p = 0.184, respectively). Mean baseline nasal- MT 385.3 ± 67.7, central-MT 345.5 ± 119.7 µm and temporal-MT 365.0 ± 64.9 µm. Mean final nasal-MT 359.6 ± 59.2 µm, central-MT 306.2 ± 98.4 µm and temporal-MT 353.4 ± 63.3 µm (p = 0.001, p = 0.002, p = 0.234, respectively). The BCVA improved from 0.52 ± 0.44 logMAR at baseline to 0.38 ± 0.33 at final (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: After treatment of diabetic macular edema with intravitreal anti-VEGF injection, CMT and BCVA improved significantly, but CCT did not decrease significantly.

Voriconazole Treatment for Fungal Chorioretinitis After Obesity Surgery.

Presently described is a case of fungal septicemia diagnosed based on a fundus examination and successfully treated with voriconazole. A 48-year-old woman who had undergone sleeve gastrectomy 20 days prior due to obesity was referred to the ophthalmology clinic for blurred vision in the right eye. The initial examination indicated visual acuity of only light perception in the right eye and 0.00 logMAR in the left eye. Anterior segment examination and light reaction results were normal in both eyes. The vitreous was clear. A central, hemorrhagic, hypopigmented lesion 1/3 optic disc diameter in size, was located in the right fovea, bulging from the retina. There were 3 or 4 small hypopigmented lesions in both peripheral retinas. The examination findings and patient history suggested fungal chorioretinitis. The patient was treated with intravenous voriconazole at a maintenance dose of 200 mg 2 times a day following a loading dose of 6 mg/kg 2 times a day for 48 hours according to the recommendation of the infectious diseases clinic. Multimodal imaging using fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography was performed throughout treatment. The patient's daily follow-up revealed no deterioration and improvement was seen on the third day. Endogenous fungal chorioretinitis is a rare infection, but it remains important in ophthalmology due to the high potential to cause severe visual loss and the limited diagnosis and treatment options. Patients who are susceptible to fungemia and have a recurrent fever may be referred to an ophthalmologist. Many clinical tests may have negative results but a careful fundoscopic examination can determine signs of fungemia-related chorioretinitis.

Efficacy of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Central Corneal Thickness, Intraocular Pressure, and Nerve Fiber Layer in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: A Prospective Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on central corneal thickness (CCT), intraocular pressure (IOP), and the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: This prospective non-randomized cohort study consisted of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients who received 30 sessions of HBOT for diabetic foot ulcer. The CCT, IOP, and RNFL measured at baseline, after the 10th session of HBOT, after the 20th session of HBOT, after the 30th session of HBOT, and after the 3 months of the last session of HBOT. We gained the superior-nasal, superior-temporal, inferior-nasal, inferior-temporal, nasal and temporal quadrant RNFL values with a spectral-domain optical coharence tomography. RESULTS: Forty-six eyes of 46 patients included in the study. During the study period, a statistically significant increase in mean IOP values compared to baseline was observed (p < 0.001). We found no significant changes at CCT and all quadrants of RNFL values during HBOT and after 3 months of the treatment (p > 0.05). During the study period, the IOP levels increased over 21 mmHg (between 22 and 28 mmHg) in seven eyes (15.2%). The mean hemoglobin A1c values of these patients with IOP >21 mmHg were 8.2 ± 0.9 mg/dL, and there was significant differences compared with those of patients with IOP values ≤21 mmHg (7.4 ± 2.8 mg/dL) (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: HBOT increase IOP in type 2 diabetic patients especially in ones with impaired blood glucose regulation. However, it does not cause any changes in CCT and RNFL. As diabetic retinopathy and diabetic foot ulcer are in common pathologies, thus this brief report concludes a need for further studies with longer follow-up periods to explore the potential interaction of HBOT on CCT, IOP, and RNFL.

Comparison of Anatomical and Functional Outcomes of Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant between Phakic and Pseudophakic Eyes with Diabetic Macular Edema.

PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness of dexamethasone (DEX) intravitreal implants for the treatment of diabetic macular edema between phakic and pseudophakic eyes after a follow-up. METHODS: A total of 79 eyes in 79 patients with diabetic macular edema who were insufficiently responsive to the previous anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment and applied intravitreal DEX implant were included in this retrospective study. The patients were divided into two groups according to their type of lenses: pseudophakic (group 1) and phakic (group 2). Best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, and central macular thickness changes in the two groups were compared. RESULTS: Group 1 comprised 42 eyes in 42 patients with a mean age of 64.02 ± 3.79 years, while group 2 comprised 37 eyes in 37 patients with a mean age of 64.19 ± 5.08 years. In both groups, best-corrected visual acuity improved significantly with a significant decrease in central macular thickness (p < 0.001). In both lens types, the IOP values decreased significantly on the first day but subsequently increased significantly compared to baseline from one week to six months. Increases in IOP values were significantly higher in group 1 at the first week, 1st month, and 6th month compared with group 2. During follow-up, the inferior quadrant retinal nerve fiber layer showed a significant decrease in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: In both phakic and pseudophakic eyes, intravitreal DEX implantation is an effective treatment method with low-risk complications. In our study, the pseudophakic group experienced a significantly earlier increase in IOP and at higher levels than did the phakic group. In light of these data, we suggest that in patients with pseudophakic eyes, follow-ups for IOP should be stricter and started earlier after intravitreal DEX treatment.

Effect of Topical Antibiotic Prophylaxis on Conjunctival Flora and Antibiotic Resistance Following Intravitreal Injections in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.

PURPOSE: We sought to determine changes in the conjunctival bacterial flora and antibiotic resistance after topical antibiotic drops for infection prophylaxis were administered following intravitreal injections in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: This prospective and nonrandomized cohort study included 116 eyes of 116 treatment-naive patients with type 2 diabetes who received six serial intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections for macular edema. Three conjunctival cultures were obtained from each eye over the course of the study (Culture 1, baseline; Culture 2, 1 month after the third injection; and Culture 3, 1 month after the sixth injection). The study subjects were given topical moxifloxacin hydrochloride for 4 days after each monthly intravitreal injection. The growth patterns of conjunctival bacterial flora and the antibiotic resistance to several commonly used antibiotics were examined. RESULTS: The rate of culture positivity increased significantly during the observation period (Culture 1, n = 47, 40.5%; Culture 2, n = 58, 50%; Culture 3, n = 76, 65.5%, p < 0.001). The bacterium with the highest baseline culture positivity was Staphylococcus epidermidis (n = 45, 38.8%), which increased significantly during the observation period (p < 0.001). No significant increase was noted in the culture positivity of the other bacteria with baseline culture positivity (p > 0.05). Regarding antibiotic susceptibility, significant increases in resistance to the fluoroquinolone group of drugs were noted (p < 0.001). No significant changes in sensitivity were detected in the other 11 investigated antibiotics that are commonly used in clinical practice (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The use of topical moxifloxacin after each intravitreal injection significantly increases the fluoroquinolone resistance of the ocular surface flora and the culture-positivity rate of S. epidermidis in patients with type 2 diabetes.

The Use of Autologous Serum Eye Drops after Epithelium-off Corneal Collagen Crosslinking.

SIGNIFICANCE: After epithelium-off crosslinking (CXL), epithelial closure time and post-operative pain are an important issue in terms of possible complications and patient comfort. We report a prospective randomized study about the use of autologous serum eye drops after CXL. PURPOSE: This study aims to evaluate the effect of autologous serum eye drops on epithelial healing and post-operative pain after CXL. METHODS: Sixty patients diagnosed as having progressive keratoconus and treated with accelerated CXL (9 mW/cm for 10 minutes) randomly received 20% autologous serum eye drops (autologous serum group, n = 30) or artificial tears (control group, n = 30). Patients were evaluated every day after the surgery, and the day of epithelial closure was recorded. All patients were asked to report the maximum pain level using the Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale at the end of each day until the epithelial closure was completed. The change in topographic parameters and haze were recorded at 6 months. RESULTS: The mean epithelial closure time was significantly lower in the autologous serum group than in the control group (2.37 ± 0.49 and 2.67 ± 0.47 days, respectively; P = .02). There was a statistically significant difference between the pain scores in the first and second days of surgery between the two groups (first-day autologous serum autologous serum group: 2.80 ± 0.66 and control group: 3.50 ± 0.82, P = .01; second-day autologous serum group: 1.73 ± 0.69 and control group: 2.20 ± 0.76, P = .02). Pre-operative and post-operative topographic parameters and haze at 6 months were similar between the two groups (P > .05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: Use of autologous serum eye drops after CXL accelerates epithelial healing and reduces post-operative pain. Shortening the duration of epithelial closure would be beneficial in reducing possible complications and increasing patient comfort.

Comparison of two different treatment regimens' efficacy in neovascular age-related macular degeneration in Turkish population-based on real life data-Bosphorus RWE Study Group.

AIM: To compare two different anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment regimens'-a priori pro re nata (PRN) and PRN regimen following the loading phase-anatomical and functional results in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) patients. METHODS: Totally 544 nAMD patients followed and treated with aflibercept (n=135) and ranibizumab (n=409) at 9 different centers between 2013 and 2015 were enrolled into this retrospective multicenter study. Patients with initial best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) interval of 1.3-0.3 (logMAR) and a minimum follow-up of 12mo were included. Patients under two different regimens-a priori pro re nata (1+PRN) or 3 consecutive intravitreal injections followed by a PRN regimen (3+PRN)-were compared in BCVA at 3th, 6th and 12th months, and in central macular thickness (CMT) at 6th and 12th months. The total study group, intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) and intravitreal aflibercept (IVA) groups were evaluated separately. RESULTS: The mean CMT decreased in the 1+PRN (n=101) regimen from 407 to 358 and 340 µm and in the 3+PRN (n=443) group from 398 to 318 and finally to 310 µm at months 6 and 12, respectively. Anatomically, the CMT reduction at 6th month (48.5 vs 76.4; P<0.05) was statistically significant in favor of 3+PRN group. BCVA changed in 1+PRN group from 0.77 to 0.78, 0.75 and 0.75; in 3+PRN group from 0.81 to 0.69, 0.72, and 0.76 at months 3, 6, and 12, respectively. Visual gain was statistically better in 3+PRN group at 3th month (-0.01 vs 0.12; P<0.001). In IVR group, CMT reduction was in greater in 3+PRN at 6th (44 vs 72) and 12th month (61 vs 84), but statistically insignificant. The 3+PRN group revealed statistically better visual results at 3th month (-0.02 vs 0.11, P<0.05). In IVA group, although statistically insignificant, CMT reduction (61 vs 89, 6th month; 85 vs 97, 12th month) and visual gain (0.02 vs 0.16; 0.02 vs 0.14; 0.05 vs 0.11) was found in favor of 3+PRN group at all visits. CONCLUSION: The loading dose of anti-VEGF treatments in nAMD leads to significantly better anatomical and functional results, regardless of the agent, specially in early follow-up interval.

Neutrophil to Lymphocyte and Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratios in Normal Tension Glaucoma.

Normal tension glaucoma (NTG) is a subtype of glaucoma that occurs at relatively low intraocular pressure levels and results in progressive optic neuropathy. Previous studies display some abnormal immune activity against the optic nerve. Neutrophil to lymphocyte (NLR) and platelet to lymphocyte ratios (PLR) are novel markers for inflammation. Here we evaluated the NLR, PLR, Creactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels in NTG. NLR and PLR were resulted by dividing neutrophil and platelet counts to lymphocyte count respectively. Patients with a history of diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, rheumatologic disease, anemia, cancer, cigarette smoking, myocardial infarction and a febrile illness within one month of sampling were excluded from the investigation. In total, the blood samples of 28 NTG and 27control patients were analyzed for the study. There were 11 female (40.7%) and 16 male patients (59.3%) in the control group. The NTG group contained 15 (53.6%) female and 13 (46.4%) male patients. All of the NLR, PLR, ESR and CRP, values of NTG patients were not statistically different from the control group (P = 0.07, P = 0.64, P = 0.17, and P = 0.44 respectively). Although previous studies have shown significant differences in NLR and PLR levels in other types of glaucoma, we did not find any significant difference in NTG subjects. Our early report may give insight into the differential diagnosis of NTG.

The effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on retinal thickness and progression of retinopathy in patients with Type 2 diabetes: a prospective cohort study.

Purpose: Evaluation of the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on the progression of retinopathy, choroidal and retinal thickness in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Materials and methods: This prospective non-randomized cohort study consisted of 60 eyes of 30 patients who received 30 sessions of HBOT for a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU). The participants were divided into three groups; group 1: mild-moderate non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (DRP) (n = 14), group 2: severe non-proliferative DRP (n = 20) and group 3: DRP without active proliferative findings with the applied laser for at least 2 years (n = 26). The cases were examined on base-line (measurement-1), after the 10th session of HBOT (Measurement-2), after the 20th session of HBOT (Measurement-3), after the 30th session of HBOT (Measurement-4), and after 10 days of the last session of HBOT (Measurement-5). The changes in central macular thickness (CMT; subfoveal point [CMT-SF], nasal point [CMT-N] and temporal point [CMT-T]), central choroidal thickness (CCT; subfoveal point [CCT-SF], nasal point [CCT-N] and temporal point [CCT-T]), and the stage of DRP were compared. Results: There was no significant difference between groups in terms of change ratio (CR%) in CMT-SF and CMT-N values. However, in Measurement-3, CR% in CMT-T was significantly higher in group 1 (p = 0.019). A significant increase in CMT-N and CMT-T parameters over time was observed in Group 1 (p < 0.05). There was a significant decrease in CCT-SF, CCT-N, and CCT-T values with time in each of the three groups (p < 0.05). At the end of HBOT, there was no progression or regression in the stage of DRP in any group. Conclusions: HBOT has both a thinning effect on the choroid layer in all three groups and a thickening effect on the macula in the mild-moderate non-proliferative diabetic eyes.

A Comparison Study of Ranibizumab and Aflibercept in Patients with Naive Diabetic Macular Edema in Presence of Serous Retinal Detachment.

Aim of the study: The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of intravitreal injection of Aflibercept and Ranibizumab in the treatment of naive diabetic macular edema (DME) with serous retinal detachment (SRD). Materials and methods: In this prospective, non-randomized-cohort study, 60 eyes with DME with SRD were divided into 2 groups: group 1 consisted of 30 eyes treated with intravitreal injection of 0.5 mg/0.1 mL Ranibizumab (IVR) and group 2 consisted of 30 eyes treated with intravitreal injection of 2 mg/0.05 mL Aflibercept (IVA). After three sequential injections with 30-40-day interval as a loading dose, all patients were followed up for 12 months. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), SRD's height (SRDH) and the number of reinjections of the drugs were compared. Results: The groups were similar in terms of age and sex (p > 0.05). There was no difference between groups in terms of the baseline BCVA, CMT and SRDH (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference between groups with regard to BCVA and CMT values for 12 months (p > 0.05). SRDH decreased significantly in both groups; however, the reduction of SRDH was considerably higher in group 2 for 12 months (p < 0.05). The mean number of reinjection was 4.40 ± 0.85 in group 1 and 3.16 ± 0.75 in group 2 and it was noticeably lower in group 2 (p < 0.001). The number of cases with persistent SRD at the end of the study was 14 (46.6%) in group 1 and 5 (16.6%) in group 2 (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Aflibercept may treat SRD more efficiently in patients with DME compared to Ranibizumab with fewer injections.

Bilateral multiple exudative retinal detachments and macular edema in a patient diagnosed with synthetic cannabinoid (Bonzai) intoxication.

PURPOSE: To report the first case of a patient with bilateral multiple exudative retinal detachments and macular edema after smoking Bonzai. METHODS: A 17-year-old girl presented with a complaint of a sudden onset of reduced vision in both eyes. She was admitted to the emergency service 3 days ago with the symptoms of hallucination and convulsion and diagnosed with synthetic cannabinoid intoxication. RESULTS: After consultation with an internal medicine specialist, intravenous fluid treatment was initiated. Laboratory findings resolved rapidly and recovery of fundus findings was achieved at 6 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Synthetic cannabinoid abuse has been increasing in young populations in recent years and has become an important health concern. It is important for health providers to be aware of ocular signs and symptoms of intoxication.

Real-World Outcomes of Anti-VEGF Treatment for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Turkey: A Multicenter Retrospective Study, Bosphorus Retina Study Group Report No: 1.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the real-world outcomes of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Multicenter, retrospective, interventional, non-comparative study. The records of nAMD patients treated with an anti-VEGF agent on a pro re nata treatment regimen basis between January 2013 and December 2015 were reviewed. The patients who completed a follow-up period of 12 months were included. Primary outcome measures of this study were the visit and injection numbers during the first year. RESULTS: Eight hundred eighty eyes of 783 patients met the inclusion criteria for the study. Mean number of visits at month 12 was 6.9±2.5 (range: 1-15). Mean number of injections at month 12 was 4.1±1.9 (range: 1-11). Mean visual acuity at baseline and months 3, 6, and 12 was 0.90±0.63 LogMAR (range: 0.0-3.0), 0.79±0.57 LogMAR (range: 0.0-3.0), 0.76±0.57 LogMAR (range: 0.0-3.0), and 0.79±0.59 LogMAR (range: 0.0-3.0), respectively. Mean central retinal thickness at baseline and months 6 and 12 was 395±153 µm (range: 91-1582), 330±115 µm (range: 99-975), and 332±114 µm (range: 106-1191), respectively. CONCLUSION: The numbers of visits and injections were much lower than ideal and were insufficient with the pro re nata treatment regimen.

INTRAVITREAL DEXAMETHASONE IMPLANTATION IN PATIENTS WITH DIFFERENT MORPHOLOGICAL DIABETIC MACULAR EDEMA HAVING INSUFFICIENT RESPONSE TO RANIBIZUMAB.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a single intravitreal injection of dexamethasone implant in resistant diabetic macular edema that have different morphological types. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 31 patients (35 eyes) with persistent diabetic macular edema, who underwent a single injection of dexamethasone implant, were evaluated. Diabetic macular edema was classified into three types: diffuse retinal thickening (n = 10), cystoid macular edema (n = 13), and serous retinal detachment (n = 12). Primary outcome measures were best corrected visual acuity, and central macular thickness. RESULTS: The three subgroups were similar in terms of age and gender (P > 0.05). Total duration of diabetes was significantly less in the serous retinal detachment subgroup (P = 0.01). There were no differences in the best corrected visual acuity between the three subgroups until the sixth month. However, the best corrected visual acuity was significantly better in the diffuse retinal thickness subgroup at the sixth month (P = 0.008). Regarding the central macular thickness values, it was statistically better in serous retinal detachment than in diffuse retinal thickening and cystoid macular edema subgroups till the sixth month (P = 0.001). However, at the sixth month, there was not any statistical difference between subgroups regarding central macular thickness values. Antiglaucomatous agents were required in 4 (11.4%) patients throughout the study. CONCLUSION: Treatment algorithms should differ according to the morphology of diabetic macular edema; however, more data is needed to give specific recommendations.

A comparison of three different intravitreal treatment modalities of macular edema due to branch retinal vein occlusion.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of intravitreal injection of ranibizumab, dexamethasone implant and aflibercept for the management of macular edema (ME) related to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). METHODS: This retrospective and comparative study included 62 eyes of 62 patients with BRVO and ME. Patients received one of the following treatments: 0.5 mg ranibizumab (group 1, n = 22), 0.7 mg dexamethasone implant (group 2, n = 20) and 2 mg aflibercept (group 3, n = 20). The 6-month treatment protocol in groups 1 and 3 consisted of 3-dose loading treatment for the first 3 months and followed by repeat injections based on clinical necessity. Group 2 received only single dose of 0.7 mg dexamethasone implant for 6 months. Visual acuity (VA), central macular thickness (CMT), serous retinal detachment (SRD) height and intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements were done at baseline and first 6 months of follow-up. RESULTS: At baseline, the groups did not differ in age, gender, duration of ME, VA, CMT, IOP and SRD height (p > 0.05). Mean number of injections per eye within six months were 3.64 ± 0.49 (range 3-4) in group 1, only 1 in group 2 and 3.35 ± 0.49 (range 3-4) in group 3.VA was significantly better in group 2 in first 3 months but it became the worst among three groups in sixth month. CMT did not differ between groups in first 3 months, but it was significantly higher in group 2 at sixth month. SRD height was significantly lower in group 2 in first 3 months, but there was no difference between the groups at the end of the sixth month. IOP was significantly higher in group 2 in third and sixth months. CONCLUSION: In the treatment of ME associated with BRVO, dexamethasone implant appears to be more advantageous in terms of VA and SRD height for the first 3 months. However, at the end of the sixth month of treatment, anti-VEGF drugs were more efficient in maintaining the increased visual acuity and reduced CMT. A dexamethasone implant may be the first treatment option in BRVO cases with high SRD.

Scheimpflug camera combined with placido-disk corneal topography and optical biometry for intraocular lens power calculation.

The purpose of this study was to compare the keratometry (K) values obtained by the Scheimpflug camera combined with placido-disk corneal topography (Sirius) and optical biometry (Lenstar) for intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation before the cataract surgery, and to evaluate the accuracy of postoperative refraction. 50 eyes of 40 patients were scheduled to have phacoemulsification with the implantation of a posterior chamber intraocular lens. The IOL power was calculated using the SRK/T formula with Lenstar K and K readings from Sirius. Simulated K (SimK), K at 3-, 5-, and 7-mm zones from Sirius were compared with Lenstar K readings. The accuracy of these parameters was determined by calculating the mean absolute error (MAE). The mean Lenstar K value was 44.05 diopters (D) ±1.93 (SD) and SimK, K at 3-, 5-, and 7-mm zones were 43.85 ± 1.91, 43.88 ± 1.9, 43.84 ± 1.9, 43.66 ± 1.85 D, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the K readings (P = 0.901). When Lenstar was used for the corneal power measurements, MAE was 0.42 ± 0.33 D, but when simK of Sirius was used, it was 0.37 ± 0.32 D (the lowest MAE (0.36 ± 0.32 D) was achieved as a result of 5 mm K measurement), but it was not statistically significant (P = 0.892). Of all the K readings of Sirius and Lenstar, Sirius 5-mm zone K readings were the best in predicting a more precise IOL power. The corneal power measurements with the Scheimpflug camera combined with placido-disk corneal topography can be safely used for IOL power calculation.

Corneal topographic alterations after selective laser trabeculoplasty.

PURPOSE: To investigate the presence of corneal alterations in the long term among patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) after a single session of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The files of the POAG patients who had been treated with SLT were evaluated retrospectively. The Pretreatment Scheimpflug corneal topographic (SCT) findings were then compared with the post-treatment findings. RESULTS: The files of 33 patients were eligible. The changes in central corneal thickness, thinnest point of cornea, and posterior corneal asphericity at 5 and 8 mm were statistically significant (p = 0.03, 0.01, 0.02, and 0.04 respectively). On the other hand, the simulated K, anterior 3 mm K, anterior 5 mm K, posterior 3 mm K, posterior 5 mm K, anterior asphericity at 3 mm, posterior asphericity at 3 mm, and Zernike values did not change significantly following the treatment (p = 0.19, 0.08, 0.1, 0.3, 0.2, 0.75, 0.09, and 0.3 respectively). CONCLUSION: SLT can slightly alter pretreatment SCT findings in 3-6 months. Clinicians should wait for at least 6 months after SLT before performing any subsequent surgeries that depend on corneal parameters.