Evaluation and comparison of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) parameters in normal and moderate myopic individuals.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCTA) parameters in patients with moderate myopia and healthy individuals retrospectively. METHODS: A total of 80 male individuals aged 18-20 years were included in the study with 40 moderate myopic and 40 healthy persons. All participants underwent detailed ocular examination including refraction, intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity, biomicroscopy, OCTA measurement and optic biometry measurement. Retinal, retinal nerve fiber layer and choroidal layer thicknesses were evaluated in µm with the help of the software available in the OCTA device. RESULTS: The mean axial length (24.32 ± 0.53 mm) was statistically significantly higher in the moderate myopic group (24.32 mm) compared to the healthy group (23.33 ± 0.61 mm) (p < 0.001). Spherical equivalent (SE) was found as -3.79 ± 0.91 D in the moderate myopic group and -0.22 ± 0.32 D in the healthy group (p < 0.05). The mean superficial foveal mean density (FovSupMVD) and the mean deep foveal mean density (FovDepMVD) were statistically significantly lower in the moderate myopic group than in the healthy group (both, p < 0.001). The mean retinal temporal thickness (RTt) was statistically significantly lower in the moderate myopic group (p = 0.017). There was a mild negative correlation between axial length and FovSupMVD, FovDepMVD in myopes. In axial length ROC analysis, the cutoff value for moderate myopes was found to be 24.15 mm. Mean superficial foveal mean density (FovSupMVD) and mean deep foveal mean density (FovDepMVD), mean retinal temporal thickness (RTt) were significantly lower in the group above 24.15 mm axial length compared to the group below 24.15 mm axial length (all three, p < 0.001). Foveal avascular zone was significantly higher in the group above 24.15 mm axial length (p = 0.016) CONCLUSION: The results of our study indicate that the mean axial length and spherical equivalent were significantly higher, while retinal temporal thickness, the mean superficial foveal mean density and the mean deep foveal mean density were significantly lower in patients with myopia up to -6.0 D compared to the healthy individuals.

Vitamin D: An Overlooked Parameter in Studies of Depression Using Optic Coherence Tomography.

Introduction: The relationship between depression and inflammation and the resulting vascular/neuronal damage have been demonstrated in recent studies. In this study we aimed to investigate inflammation and the possible degeneration that can be caused by depression and accompanying vitamin D deficiency using a non-invasive imaging method of optical coherence tomography (OCT). Methods: Twenty-four healthy controls and 42 drug free major depressive patients matched for age, sex and eye measurements were compared in terms of vitamin D, C Reactive Protein (CRP) and OCT parameters. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), The Clinical Global Impressions Scale (CGI) and Global Assessment of Functioning Scale (GAF) were used to assess disease severity. Results: CRP level and choroidal thickness in the major depression group were significantly higher than the healthy controls. Vitamin D level and the ganglion cell layer (GCL) volume was significantly lower in the major depression group compared to healthy controls. Positive correlation was found between HAM-D and CRP in major depressive patients; a negative correlation was found between current attack duration and GCL volume. CGI was positively correlated with CRP and HAM-D. GAS was negatively correlated with CRP and HAM-D. Conclusion: It has been shown that major depression might be an inflammatory disorder with possible degenerative processes observed with OCT and CRP measurements. But longitudinal follow up studies are needed to demonstrate a cause and effect relationship.

Investigation of the short-term effects of water drinking test on the eye using optical coherence tomography angiography in young healthy male subjects.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the acute effects of the water drinking test (WDT) on the eye using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) on healthy young male subjects. METHODS: The study included 25 eyes of 25 male subjects. Selected parameters of the retinal vasculature were measured, including macular flow indices, foveal avascular zone, and vessel densities (VDs) of the macula using OCTA. The measurements were taken on the first day without drinking water at 0 min, 30 min and 60 min, then repeated on the second day before drinking water at 0 min, and after drinking water at 30 min and 60 min. The Paired Samples t-test and repeated measures One-way analysis of variance test were used in the statistical analyses. RESULTS: The repeated measures analysis of variance test using Bonferroni adjustment demonstrated a significant increase in superficial and deep foveal VD following WDT (p < 0.001 for both). Intraocular pressure, retinal nerve fibre layer thickness, foveal avascular zone, flow area of choriocapillaris, flow area of outer retina, foveal non-flow area of superficial layer, and retinal thickness measurements showed no significant changes following WDT. CONCLUSIONS: WDT is associated with temporary flow modifications in superficial and deep foveal vascular plexus in young male subjects.

Effect of quadrant switch on intraocular pressure change in intravitreal aflibercept or ranibizumab injection applications.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of injection quadrant switch on the intraocular pressure (IOP) change in intravitreal aflibercept or ranibizumab applications. METHODS: 123 eyes of 123 patients who received intravitreal injection (IVE) into the superotemporal quadrant at least 10 times for age-related macular degeneration or diabetic macular edema have been recruited. The demographic data, lens status, IOP values (preoperative, postoperative 0th min, and postoperative 30th min), and amount of vitreous reflux (VR) following IVE have been recorded. Next IVE application was performed into the inferotemporal quadrant of the patient, which had never been injected before. RESULTS: The mean IOP value at postoperative 0th min was 50.24 ± 7.66 mmHg after injections into the superotemporal quadrant and was 34.85 ± 4.96 mmHg after injections into the inferotemporal quadrant. No significant difference was observed between the preoperative and postoperative 30th min-IOP values (p > 0.05), while a significant difference was found between the postoperative 0th min-IOP values among quadrants (p < 0.001). VR was significantly higher in applications into the inferotemporal quadrant than those into the superotemporal quadrant (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: One of the most principal factors affecting the postoperative short-term IOP increase is the amount of VR, and this amount decreases the IOP following an IVE. The high amount of VR produced in the quadrant where the injection was applied for the first time caused a low-level IOP, while the low amount of VR formed in the quadrant where the repeated injections were applied caused a higher IOP.

Protective effect of filgotinib in rat endotoxin-induced uveitis model.

PURPOSE: To investigate the protective effect of filgotinib in endotoxin-induced uveitis model in rats. MATERIALS AND METHOD: This study used 24 Wistar Albino rats. Group I (control group) included the healthy controls; in Group II (sham group), only 300 µg/kg intraperitoneal (ip) lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was administered; and in Group III (treatment group), 3 mg/kg/day filgotinib was administered orally for 10 days followed by 300 µg/kg ip LPS. In all groups, clinical activity scores were evaluated after 24 h. Moreover, histopathological and immunological examinations were performed. RESULTS: In Groups I, II, and III, the mean clinical activity and histopathological examination scores were 0.00, 3.25 ± 0.70, and 1.89 ± 0.60 and 0.00, 2.88 ± 1.12, and 1.44 ± 0.52, respectively. The clinical activity and histopathological examination scores were significantly increased in the sham group compared to the control group (p < 0.05); these findings were significantly reduced in the treatment group (p < 0.05). The mean TNF-α and IL-6 ELISA levels in all groups were 50.20 ± 3.24, 59.87 ± 2.98, and 54.34 ± 4.62 and 30.88 ± 1.79, 36.77 ± 1.21, and 33.66 ± 1.86, respectively. The TNF-α and IL-6 ELISA levels were significantly decreased in the treatment group compared to the sham group (p < 0.05); there was no significant difference between the treatment group and the control group (p = 0.105, p = 0.067, respectively) CONCLUSION: Filgotinib may be an alternative treatment option in preventing the development of noninfectious uveitis.

Investigating the effects of carvacrol in rats using oxygen-induced retinopathy model.

Purpose: Investigating the effects of intraperitoneal carvacrol administration in rats using the oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model. Methods: A total of 28 newborn Sprague Dawley rats were used and the OIR model was created using the 50/10% oxygen model. The study composed of four groups in total. While the OIR model was not used in Group I (control group), it was created for Groups II, III, and IV. About 0.01 mL carvacrol, bevacizumab, or 0.9% NaCl was administered intraperitoneal (IP) to the rats in all groups on postnatal day (PND) 14 as follows: Group I and Group II were administered 0.9% NaCl, Group III was administered bevacizumab, and Group IV was administered carvacrol. On PND 18, rats were sacrificed and their right eyes were enucleated. Results: Histopathological and immunohistochemical studies showed that the number of vascular endothelial cells (VECs), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) decreased similarly in Group III and Group IV compared with Group II. VECs values for Group I, Group II, Group III, and Group IV were measured as 0 ± 0, 26.45 ± 4.57, 7.75 ± 1.98, and 5.78 ± 1.72, respectively, and it differed significantly between groups (P < 0.001). Likewise, VEGF levels were observed as 0.06 ± 0.01, 3.31 ± 0.53, 2.47 ± 0.44, and 2.49 ± 0.52, respectively, and it differed significantly between groups (P < 0.001). TNF-α levels were recorded as 0.06 ± 0.01, 3.58 ± 0.38, 2.46 ± 0.49, and 2.29 ± 0.25, respectively, and it differed significantly between groups (P < 0.001). VECs, VEGF, and TNF-α were similar between Group III and IV (range of P values were 0.486-0.998). Conclusion: The study demonstrated that carvacrol significantly reduced retinal pathological angiogenesis, NV, VEC nuclei count, VEGF, and TNF-α levels. Moreover, the observed effects were comparable to those of bevacizumab.

Effect of Decorin and Bevacizumab on oxygen-induced retinopathy in rat models: A comparative study.

Purpose: The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of decorin (DCN) in rat oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) model and to compare the results with those of bevacizumab. Methods: Twenty-eight newborn Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups. Group I (control): normoxia plus intraperitoneal (ip) normal saline (NS), Group II (sham): OIR plus ip NS, Group III (DCN): OIR plus ip 0.1 mg/kg DCN, and Group IV (bevacizumab): OIR plus ip 2.5 mg/kg bevacizumab. The OIR model was induced by cycling the oxygen concentration between 50% and 10% every 24 h for 14 days following their birth. In all groups, injections were administered on postnatal day (PD) 15. All animals were sacrificed and their right eyes were enucleated on PD 18. The nuclei of neovascular endothelial cells on the vitreal side of the inner limiting membrane were counted, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF)-α immunoreactivity were detected in histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations. One-way analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey tests were used for statistical analyses of the data. Results: In Groups II, III, and IV, the mean neovascular cell nuclei counts were 13.14 ± 1.34, 6.57 ± 1.51, and 6.71 ± 1.49, respectively. The mean neovascular cell nuclei count was significantly reduced in treatment groups compared with sham group (P < 0.001). In immunohistochemical staining, the immunoreactivity of VEGF was 0.07 ± 0.02, 0.97 ± 0.21, 0.37 ± 0.12, and 0.23 ± 0.17, respectively. Likewise, immunoreactivity of TNF-α was 0.02 ± 0.02, 1.11 ± 0.36, 0.37 ± 0.13, and 0.62 ± 0.21, respectively. VEGF and TNF-α immunoreactivity increased markedly in the sham group compared with those in the control group (P < 0.001). VEGF and TNF-α immunoreactivity of treatment groups decreased significantly compared to sham group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The beneficial effects obtained by DCN administration in OIR model were comparable to the effects of bevacizumab.

Evaluation of aqueous humor and serum cortistatin levels in diabetic patients with and without diabetic retinopathy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the aqueous humor and serum cortistatin levels in diabetic patients with and without diabetic retinopathy and its relationship with various metabolic markers that have been reported to be associated with diabetes mellitus. METHODS: The current study included 20 diabetes mellitus patients with diabetic retinopathy, 20 diabetes mellitus patients without diabetic retinopathy, and 20 healthy control subjects with the same sex and age characteristics. Aqueous humor and serum cortistatin, fasting blood glucose, hemoglobinA1c, 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, blood lipid profiles, and body mass index were measured in all subjects. RESULTS: In diabetic patients with and without diabetic retinopathy and in healthy control subjects, the mean aqueous humor cortistatin levels were 25.55 ± 2.03, 27.71 ± 2.01, and 32.76 ± 3.43 ng/mL, respectively. Likewise, the mean serum cortistatin levels were 6.16 ± 1.08, 6.57 ± 1.00, and 7.56 ± 1.51 ng/mL, respectively. Aqueous humor cortistatin levels were decreased in diabetic patients with and without diabetic retinopathy when compared to healthy controls (p < 0.001). Although aqueous humor cortistatin levels tended to be reduced in diabetic patients with diabetic retinopathy, the difference was not statistically significant between diabetic patients with and without diabetic retinopathy (p = 0.147). Serum cortistatin levels were not statistically significant between diabetic patients with and without diabetic retinopathy and healthy control subjects (p = 0.166). Body mass index, fasting blood glucose, and hemoglobinA1c levels were significantly different between the groups (p < 0.05 for all parameters tested). CONCLUSION: Aqueous humor cortistatin levels were decreased in diabetic patients with and without diabetic retinopathy. The results suggest that a local decrease in the amount of cortistatin may play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy.

The role of clinical signs in the diagnosis of papilledema: development of an algorithm.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was not only to emphasize the role of clinical signs as well as ophthalmologic evaluation for accurate and differential diagnosis of papilledema (PE), but also to present an instructive algorithm that would help to eliminate unnecessary examinations and treatments. METHOD: The files of 43 patients (ages 0-18) diagnosed with PE were retrospectively reviewed. The study included 25 patients from our pediatric neurology outpatient clinic, who were thought to have PE, and 18 patients, who were referred from the external centers to our hospital with a pre-diagnosis of PE. RESULTS: Of the 43 patients, 28 had PE, 8 had pseudopapilledema (PPE), and 7 had optic nerve pathologies (ONP). For patients who applied directly to our pediatric neurology unit, a margin of error of 8% was detected based on only a simple ophthalmologic examination and an evaluation of clinical findings. For the patients who were forwarded to our pediatric neurology unit from the external centers without examining any clinical findings and with no details, the margin of error was 72%. CONCLUSION: For patients with suspected PE, advanced ophthalmologic opinion is a necessary requirement before invasive radiological examinations are used. When the ophthalmologic evaluation is properly elaborated, the distinction can be made more clearly by using noninvasive methods. In order to determine the gold standard in terms of the methods used in the evaluation of patients who are not clinically diagnosed, new prospective studies with more patients should be planned.

Evaluation of the Effect of Fasting on Glaucoma Patients.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of daytime Ramadan fasting and dehydration on intraocular pressure (IOP) and biometric parameters in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients. METHODS: This prospective study included 30 eyes of 30 POAG patients who were fasting during Ramadan (Group 1), 40 healthy participants who were fasting (Group 2), and 40 healthy individuals who were not fasting (Group 3). The eyes were evaluated twice a day at approximately 8 am and 4 pm during Ramadan and 1 month after Ramadan. RESULTS: IOP values at 4 pm were higher in Group 1 than Groups 2 and 3 in Ramadan (p=0.029 and 0.007, respectively). The diurnal reduction in IOP was significantly smaller during fasting in the glaucoma patients compared with Groups 2 and 3 (p=0.012 and 0.007, respectively). Comparisons of biometric parameters revealed less reduction in central corneal thickness (CCT) values from 8 am to 4 pm in glaucoma patients than in Groups 2 and 3 (p<0.05 for all comparisons) during Ramadan and after Ramadan. CONCLUSION: POAG patients had a higher IOP at 4 pm during the fasting period than was seen following Ramadan. In addition, the diurnal reduction of IOP and CCT was smaller in patients with POAG compared with healthy subjects.

Can Vitreous Reflux Affect The Short-Term Treatment Response After Intravitreal Ranibizumab Injection?

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of vitreous reflux (VR) on the short-term effect of intravitreal ranibizumab injection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 181 eyes of 81 age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and 100 diabetic macular edema (DME) patients. Treatment response was evaluated by measuring central macular thickness (CMT) as well as 1 mm and 3 mm central macular thicknesses (MT1 and MT3). Patients were grouped as; Group 1: no VR, Group 2: <3 mm VR, and Group 3: >3 mm VR according to conjunctival bleb diameters. The data were analyzed using variance, correlation and regression analyses. RESULTS: In AMD patients, reduction of CMT values following the treatment were 88.3 ± 110.6 µm in Group 1, 85.6 ± 158.7 µm in Group 2, and 93.1 ± 92.2 µm in Group 3. Likewise, in DME patients, it was 82.4 ± 88.4 µm, 72.9 ± 109.9 µm, and 73.7 ± 113.7 µm, respectively. Reduction of MT1 values after the treatment were 47.4 ± 72.6 µm, 36.0 ± 131.9 µm, and 36.7 ± 114.4 µm in AMD patients, and 33.3 ± 72.5 µm, 36.6 ± 90.2 µm, and 46.9 ± 83.4 µm in DME patients. In all comparisons among groups of VR, macular thickness (MT) change did not exhibit significant difference following an intravitreal ranibizumab treatment (p > .05). CONCLUSION: We found that the increase in VR amount did not adversely affect the decrease in MT after intravitreal ranibizumab treatment in AMD and DME patients.

Effect of nepafenac 0.1% on retinal thickness after cataract surgery in patients without risk factors for cystoid macular edema.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of topical preoperative nepafenac 0.1% treatment on postoperative macular edema using optical coherence tomography (OCT) after uncomplicated cataract surgery. METHODS: Ninety eyes of 90 patients without any risk factors were included in the study. The patients were assigned to three groups: group 1, treated with topical prednisolone acetate 1%; group 2, treated with topical nepafenac 0.1% in addition to prednisolone acetate (1%); and group 3, those who started receiving nepafenac 0.1% treatment 3d prior to surgery and continued the treatment postoperatively in addition to prednisolone acetate (1%). Central retinal thickness (CRT) and macular volume values were recorded using OCT at weeks 3 and 6. RESULTS: The increases in macular volume in the central 1 mm area after 3 and 6wk were significantly lower in patients who used prophylactic topical nepafenac preoperatively (group 3) compared with those in group 1 (P=0.028 and 0.008, respectively). No significant differences in the increase in macular volume and CRT were noted between groups 2 and 3 (P>0.05). In group 1, the increases in macular volume in the central 3 mm area at weeks 3 and 6 were significantly higher than that in group 2 and 3 (3rd week, P=0.004; 6th week, P=0.005). CONCLUSION: Nepafenac 0.1% treatment in addition to topical steroids after uncomplicated cataract surgery reduce the increase in macular volume in the early postoperative period.

Anti-inflammatory effect of cortistatin in rat endotoxin-induced uveitis model.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of cortistatin (CST) in endotoxin-induced uveitis (EIU) model and to compare the results with corticosteroid treatment. METHODS: A total of 35 healthy Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into five groups. EIU was induced by a single subcutaneous injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Group I received intraperitoneal (ip) normal saline (NS), Group II received ip 150 µg LPS plus NS, Group III received ip 150 µg LPS plus 250 µg/kg CST, Group IV received ip 150 µg LPS plus 1mg/kg dexamethasone, and Group V received ip 250 µg/kg CST only. The aqueous humor was collected 24 h after injection and the infiltrating cells were determined. Moreover, histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations were also performed. RESULTS: The clinical score and infiltrated cell count were reduced in Groups III and IV compared with Group II (P < 0.001). The pathological findings of Groups III and IV were significantly reduced compared with Group II (P < 0.001). These findings were similar between Groups III and IV (P = 1.000). Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß) immunoreactivity in the ciliary body of Group III and Group IV were significantly reduced compared with Group II (P < 0.001). TNF-α and IL-1ß immunoreactivity in the ciliary body of Group III and Group IV were similar compared with Group I and Group V (range of P values was 0.539-0.958). CONCLUSION: CST administration as a therapeutic agent might ameliorate the severity of intraocular inflammation in uveitis patients. In conclusion, effect of CST and dexamethasone in EIU model was comparable.

Thiol/disulfide homeostasis in patients with ocular-active and ocular-inactive Behçet disease.

PURPOSE: To evaluate thiol/disulfide homeostasis in ocular-active (OA) and ocular-inactive (OI) Behçet disease (BD) patients and compare the data with healthy subjects. METHODS: Twenty OABD patients, 20 OIBD patients and 20 healthy control subjects were included into the study. The BD ocular attack score 24 (BOS24) scoring system was used to assess the activity of disease in ocular BD patients. Systemic activity was also evaluated using BD current activity form (BDCAF). The native thiol (NT), total thiol (TT) and disulfide levels and NT/TT, disulfide/NT and disulfide/TT ratios were measured via using an innovative and automated method. RESULTS: BOS24 and BDCAF scores were 13.25 ± 2.32 and 4.18 ± 2.06 in OABD patients and 0.31 ± 0.47 and 2.14 ± 1.98 in OIBD patients, respectively. The NT, TT levels and NT/TT ratio were significantly reduced; in contrast, the disulfide levels, disulfide/NT and disulfide/TT ratios were significantly increased in OABD and OIBD patients compared to the healthy control subjects (p < 0.05). Moreover, while the levels of NT and TT were significantly reduced, the disulfide levels as well as disulfide/NT and disulfide/TT ratios were significantly elevated between OABD and OIBD patients (p < 0.05). However, the ratio of NT/TT did not significantly differ between OABD and OIBD patients (p = 0.449). The multiple regression model including BOS24 and BDCAF score statistically significantly predicted NT level, TT level and disulfide level (p < 0.001 for all). CONCLUSION: Thiol oxidation in BD patients resulted in a change of the thiol/disulfide balance. Therefore, thiol/disulfide homeostasis in BD patients can be used an innovative oxidative stress marker.

Evaluation of the acute effects of cigarette smoking on the eye of non-Smoking healthy young male subjects by optical coherence tomography angiography.

Purpose: Investigation of the acute effects of cigarette smoking on the eye using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) on young healthy non-smoking male subjects.Materials and methods: The right eye of 25 healthy non-smoking male subjects were included in this study. Selected parameters of the macular and circumpapillary vasculature were measured, including macular flow indices, foveal avascular zone, vessel densities of macula and optic disc using OCTA. The measurements of the subjects were performed on the first day without smoking at 0 min, 5 min, 30 min and 60 min. Measurements were repeated at the same regime on the second day after smoking. Paired samples t-test and repeated measures one-way analysis of variance test was used for the statistical analysis.Results: The repeated measures analysis of variance test using the Bonferroni adjustment demonstrated a significant change for superficial and deep foveal vessel density, flow area of choriocapillaris, and circumpapillary capillary density following smoking (range of p value was <0.001-0.004). Intraocular pressure, foveal avascular zone area, flow area of outer retina and foveal non-flow area of superficial layer measurements did not have any significant changes following smoking (range of p value was 0.192-0.812).Conclusion: In non-smoking cases, even smoking only one cigarette significantly decreased the vessel density parameters at the acute period. Even though there was an increase in measured parameters shortly after smoking, it had lessened when compared to non-smokers, even one hour following smoking.

Clinical and Demographic Features of Pediatric-Onset Behçet's Disease and Evaluation of Optical Coherence Tomography Findings.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical characteristics, including spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) findings, of pediatric-onset Behçet's disease (PBD) patients. METHODS: Medical records of 23 PBD (15 males and 8 females) and 24 (15 males and 9 females) healthy subjects were evaluated retrospectively. The main outcomes were compared between PBD patients, with and without ocular involvement, and healthy subjects. RESULTS: The mean age at onset was 12.00 ± 2.10 years. Mean follow-up period was 25.17 ± 15.36 months (range 6-48). Retinal vasculitis was the most common ocular finding (7 patients). Most of the complications of systemic treatment were associated with long term corticosteroid therapy. There was no significant difference between the mean retinal thickness of the PBD patients and healthy controls (p > 0.05). The mean choroidal thickness was significantly increased in all measured segments of PBD patients with ocular involvement (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Choroidal thickness of PBD patients with ocular involvement was significantly thicker compared to the PBD patients without ocular involvement and to healthy control subjects.

Serum Cortistatin Levels in Patients with Ocular Active and Ocular Inactive Behçet Disease.

PURPOSE: To evaluate serum cortistatin (CST) levels in patients with ocular active and ocular inactive Behçet disease (BD) and its relationship with disease activity. METHODS: 24 BD patients with ocular active, 24 BD patients with ocular inactive patients and 24 healthy control subjects were included in the study. RESULTS: In ocular active and ocular inactive BD patients and healthy control subjects, the mean serum CST levels were 4.38 ± 1.63ng/ml, 5.46 ± 1.81ng/ml and 7.56 ± 1.73ng/ml, respectively. ESR, serum CRP, CST levels and NLR were significantly different between the groups (p < 0.001 for all). The CST levels were similar between ocular active and inactive BD patient groups (p = 0.197). ESR, CRP and NLR were significantly higher in ocular active BD patients compared to ocular inactive BD patients and healthy control subjects (p < 0.05 for all). CONCLUSION: Serum CST level was significantly lower in BD patients. CST may be a neuropeptide that plays a role in the pathogenesis of BD.

Can Hypothyroidism Cause Acute Central Serous Chorioretinopathy?

Purpose: To evaluate selected systemic findings, especially thyroid functions, in acute central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) patients.Materials and Methods: In all, 71 consecutive acute CSC patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria and 70 age-matched healthy control subjects were included in the study. Systemic findings, including serum levels of thyroid hormones, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), mean arterial pressure (MAP), pulse rate, serum lipid levels and optical coherence tomography findings, were compared between the groups. Independent samples t-test was used for statistical analysis.Results: The mean ages of the CSC and control groups were 41.06 ± 6.49 and 40.06 ± 7.08 years old, respectively. Retinal thickness, choroidal thickness, TSH levels, pulse rate and MAP were significantly different between CSC patients and healthy control subjects (range of p values: <0.001-0.042). In the logistic regression analysis, MAP, serum triglyceride concentration and central choroidal thickness were positively associated with CSC (range of p values: <0.001-0.035).Conclusion: Acute CSC patients had significantly higher pulse rates and MAP and significantly thicker choroidal thickness than were found in healthy subjects. TSH levels were also significantly higher in CSC patients than in controls. Hence, hypothyroidism might be associated with CSC.

Major factors affecting intraocular pressure spike after intravitreal ranibizumab injection: Vitreous reflux and its amount.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of vitreous reflux and its amount on short-term intraocular pressure after intravitreal injection of ranibizumab. METHODS: The study included 316 eyes of 276 patients. Intraocular pressures were measured before intravitreal injection (preIOP), immediately after intravitreal injection (postIOP0), and 30 min after intravitreal injection (postIOP30). The amount of vitreous reflux was evaluated by measuring conjunctival bleb diameter, and patients were grouped as; group 1: no vitreous reflux, group 2: less vitreous reflux, and group 3: more vitreous reflux. The data were analyzed using variance analysis, chi-square test, and regression analysis. RESULTS: PostIOP0 values were highest in group 1, followed by group 2 and group 3 (all p values < 0.001). PostIOP30 values were similar in group 1 and group 2 (p = 0.261), but were lower in group 3 than other two groups (p < 0.001, p = 0.001, respectively). Vitreous reflux was identified as the only factor affecting postinjection intraocular pressure changes (p < 0.001), and a negative correlation was found between the total number of intravitreal injection and vitreous reflux (p = 0.032). CONCLUSION: The major factor affecting short-term postinjection intraocular pressure elevation was vitreous reflux, and intraocular pressure levels increased as the amount of vitreous reflux decreased. Vitreous reflux and its amount decreased as the total number of intravitreal injection increased.