Evaluation of scleral thickness in patients with Fuchs endothelial dystrophy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate scleral thickness using anterior segment-optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) in Fuchs endothelial dystrophy (FED) and compare the results with healthy individuals. METHODS: Thirty-two eyes of 32 patients with FED and 30 eyes of 30 age, gender, spherical equivalent and axial length matched healthy participants were included. All subjects underwent a detailed ophthalmological examination including endothelial cell density and central corneal thickness (CCT) measurements. Scleral thickness was measured by AS-OCT (Swept Source-OCT, Triton,Topcon,Japan) in 4 quadrants (superior, inferior, nasal, temporal) from 6 mm posterior to the scleral spur. RESULTS: The mean ages were 62.5 ± 13.2 (33-81) for FED group; 64 ± 8.1 (48-81) for control group. CCT was significantly greater in FED group than in the control group (586.8 ± 33.1 (514-635) vs 545.0 ± 20.7 (503-587), respectively)(p = 0.000). In FED group, mean scleral thickness in the superior, inferior, nasal and temporal quadrants were 434.0 ± 30.6 (371-498), 442.8 ± 27.6 (395-502), 447.7 ± 31.4 (382-502), 443.4 ± 30.3 (386-504) µm, respectively. In control group, the mean scleral thickness in the superior, inferior, nasal and temporal quadrants were 381.3 ± 20.0 (341-436), 383.2 ± 16.0 (352-436), 389.2 ± 21.0 (353-440), 383.2 ± 19.2 (349-440) µm, respectively. The mean scleral thickness was significantly higher in all quadrants in FED group than in control group (p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: In patients with FED, scleral thickness was significantly higher. FED is a progressive corneal disease that results in the accumulation of extracellular material in the cornea. These findings suggest that the accumulation of extracellular deposits may not be limited to the cornea. Due to their functional similarity and anatomical proximity, sclera may also be affected in FED.

Optic coherence tomography angiography findings in fuchs heterochromic iridocyclitis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate macular capillary perfusion in patients with fuchs heterochromic iridocyclitis (FHI) by using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). MATERIAL AND METHOD: A total of 19 eyes of 19 patients with unilateral FHI underwent detailed eye examination. OCTA (RTVue-XR Avanti) images were obtained from both eyes. OCTA parameters, including foveal avascular zone, superficial capillary plexus and deep capillary plexus vessel densities, were compared between the involved and fellow control eyes. RESULTS: The median age of the patients (11 females, 8 males) was 42.0 ± 9.63 (range 24-57) years. DCP and SCP densities at the parafoveal and perifoveal area were significantly lower in the FHI eyes compared to the control eyes (44.80 ± 5.24% vs. 54.70 ± 3.76% and 43.30 ± 5.10% vs. 53.70 ± 2.73%, respectively; p < 0.05). The median FAZ was 0.29 ± 0.12 (0.11-0.42) mm2 in the FHI eyes and 0.26 ± 0.09 (0.10-0.40) mm2 in the control eyes. This difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.199). CONCLUSION: Macular capillary perfusion was significantly reduced in both SCP and DCP in the eyes with FHI. FHI, which is known to affect the choroid layer, could also compromise macular capillary perfusion of the retina.

Evaluation of ocular surface and meibomian glands in patients with uveitis related to oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate ocular surface changes and meibomian gland scores in patients with oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study was conducted at Ege University School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology. A total of 34 eyes of 17 patients with oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis and 30 right eyes of 30 age and gender-matched healthy subjects were included. Besides ophthalmic examination Schirmer 1 test, tear film break up time, Oxford staining scale and meibography were performed. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant differences between groups in terms of age, mean intraocular pressure, mean Schirmer 1 test value, tear film break up time and Oxford staining score. The median upper and lower eyelid meiboscore were 1 ± 0.60 (IQR = 1), and 0 ± 0.34 (IQR = 0) in Group 1, and they were 1 ± 0.56 (IQR = 0), 1 ± 0.12 (IQR = 1) in Group 2. Also, mean upper and lower meiboscores were statistically similar (p values 0.068 and 0.545, respectively). However, the median total meiboscore was 1 ± 0.42 (IQR = 1) in Group 1 and 1 ± 0.66 (IQR = 1) in Group 2. The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.041). CONCLUSION: Aqueous-deficient dry eye is a well-known condition in patients with rheumatologic diseases. However, evaporative dry eye and meibomian glands were not studied earlier. The current study demonstrated that total meiboscores of oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients are higher than normal subjects, which indicates a possible evaporative dry eye tendency in this entity.

Etiological factors in young patients with Retinal Vein Occlusion.

OBJECTIVE: To present the etiological factors of patients with Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) under the age of 50 years. METHODS: The study was conducted at Ege University Medicine Faculty Department of Ophthalmology. The clinical records of patients with RVO under the age of 50 seen between January 2014 and March 2018 were analyzed retrospectively. Forty patients comprised the study. Detailed ophthalmologic examination was performed. Past medical history, drug use, thrombophilic features, hyperviscosity syndromes and pathologies that may cause vasculitis were noted. RESULTS: Forty patients, 22 (55%) male and 18 (45%) female, were included. Mean age was 41.6 ± 10.01 years. Mean intraocular pressure and best-corrected visual acuity were 16.8 ± 5.47mmHg and 0.76 ± 0.64 logMAR, respectively. Hyperhomocystenemia (15 patients, 37.5%), Behçet's disease (three patients, 7.5%), diabetes and/or hypertension (16 patients, 40%), methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene mutation (11 patients, 27.5%), prothrombin gene mutation (four patients, 10%) and factor V Leiden mutation (five patients, 12.5%) were present among the patients as etiological factor. Multiple etiological factors were detected in 11 (27.5%) patients. Factor V Leiden mutation and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene mutation were detected in one patient (2.5%) with Behçet's disease. Four patients with diabetes and/or hypertension also had hyperhomocystenemia and one of them had additionally prothrombin gene mutation. Two patients with methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene mutation also had a factor V Leiden mutation and one of them had additionally a prothrombin gene mutation. Three patients with methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene mutation also had hyperhomocystenemia and one patient with prothrombin gene mutation also had methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene mutation. CONCLUSIONS: Etiological factors that might result in RVO in young individuals should be investigated in detail. Targeted therapies may help to prevent development of new RVOs and potential vascular problems in other organs.

The efficacy and safety of bimatoprost/timolol maleate, latanoprost/timolol maleate, and travoprost/timolol maleate fixed combinations on 24-h IOP.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of bimatoprost/timolol maleate fixed combination (BTFC), latanoprost/timolol maleate fixed combination (LTFC), and travoprost/timolol maleate fixed combination (TTFC) on 24-h intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open-angle glaucoma. METHODS: This prospective, observer-masked, randomized study included 50 patients with primary open-angle glaucoma. All patients were using hypotensive lipids and timolol maleate fixed combination treatment for ≥4 weeks and had an IOP ≤ 21 mmHg. Group 1 (n = 18) received BTFC, group 2 (n = 14) received LTFC, and group 3 (n = 18) received TTFC. All patients were hospitalized, and IOP was monitored for 24-h (10:00, 14:00, 18:00, 22:00, 02:00, and 06:00). Mean diurnal IOP variation measurements were taken between 06:00 and 18:00, and mean nocturnal IOP variation measurements were taken between 22:00 and 02:00. Mean IOP and IOP variation in the three groups were compared. RESULTS: Mean 24-h IOP did not differ significantly between the three groups (group 1: 14.6 ± 2.9 mmHg; group 2: 14.1 ± 3.7 mmHg and group 3: 15.8 ± 2.0 mmHg; P > 0.05). Mean diurnal IOP variation was 4.6 ± 2.3 mmHg in group 1, 5.8 ± 2.4 mmHg in group 2, and 4.3 ± 1.7 mmHg in group 3, and mean nocturnal IOP variation was 3.2 ± 2.8 mmHg in group 1, 2.9 ± 1.9 mmHg in group 2, and 3.0 ± 1.6 mmHg group 3. There were not any significant differences in diurnal or nocturnal IOP variation between the three groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: All three fixed combinations effectively controlled IOP for 24-h and had a similar effect on diurnal and nocturnal IOP variations.

Ocular response analyser measurements and central corneal thickness in ocular rosacea patients.

Rosacea is a chronic cutaneous disorder which is known to cause inflammation and increased proteolytic activity on the ocular surface that might lead to corneal biomechanical alterations. The aim of this study is to evaluate the corneal biomechanical properties of ocular rosacea patients and compare the measurements with healthy individuals as measured with Reichert ocular response analyser (ORA). Besides full eye examination [best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP) measured with Goldmann applanation tonometry (IOP-G)], central corneal thickness (CCT), and ORA [corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), corneal compensated IOP (IOPcc), Goldmann correlated IOP (IOPg)] measurements of 30 eyes of 15 ocular rosacea patients (study group) and 30 eyes of 15 healthy individuals (control group) were performed. For comparisons paired t test was used. Mean age of study group was 45.26 ± 11.65 (range 25 and 63) and control group was 45.00 ± 8.91 (range 26 and 58) years (p = 0.865). No significant difference in BCVA, CCT, IOP-G, IOPcc was detected among groups. However, IOPg, CH, and CRF in the study group were significantly lower than in the control group (p = 0.013, p = 0.013, p = 0.009, respectively). IOPg, CH, and CRF parameters of ocular rosacea patients were significantly lower than normal individuals. These differences and their probable clinical reflections that might effect making decisions in conditions such as glaucoma should be investigated in larger number of patients.

Evaluation of the anatomic and refractive differences in hyperopic anisometropia.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the interocular symmetry of ultrasonic biometric characteristics and anterior segment measurements between the fellow eyes of hyperopic anisometropes. Forty-two healthy hyperopic anisometropic cases (1 D mean spherical equivalent difference between eyes) without strabismus were recruited. A range of refractive and ultrasonic biometric parameters were measured in both eyes of each subject including keratometry, mean spherical equivalent, anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness, vitreous depth (VD), axial length (AL), and anterior segment parameters (central corneal thickness (CCT), ACD, anterior chamber volume (ACV)) with Pentacam. Mean spherical equivalent anisometropia was 2.66 ± 1.233 (range 1.125 and 6.25) D, and there was a strong correlation between the degree of anisometropia and the interocular difference in AL (r = 0.632, P < 0.001). A total of 61.3 % of the anisometropia was related with AL (50.7 %) and mean keratometry (10.6 %). Every 1 mm change in AL and every 1 D change in mean keratometry caused a total of 2.82 D and 2.14 D refractive difference, respectively. Among Pentacam parameters, ACD was correlated with ACV (r = 0.528; P < 0.001) and AL (r = 0.510; P = 0.001); ACV was correlated with VD (r = 0.358; P = 0.020); and CCT was correlated with ACV (r = 0.510; P = 0.001) and AL (r = 0.318; P = 0.040). Among ultrasonographic measurements, ultrasonic-ACD was correlated with CCT (r = 0.510; P = 0.001) and lens thickness (r = -0.556; P < 0.001), and VD was correlated with AL (r = 0.937, r 2 = 0.877, P < 0.001). The hyperopic and the fellow eyes displayed a high degree of interocular symmetry for the other measured parameters. AL and mean keratometry are the leading causes of hyperopic anisometropia. However, ACD as measured with Pentacam also shows difference in hyperopic anisometropic eyes.

The temperament and character personality profile of the glaucoma patient.

BACKGROUND: To determine the temperament and character profile of glaucoma patients. METHODS: A total of 234 patients (104 with primary open angle glaucoma, and 130 control subjects without any ocular disease) were selected for this prospective, cross-sectional study. All the participants underwent a comprehensive ophthalmological examination, including the best corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure measurement, gonioscopy, and visual field analysis. All the participants were given the Turkish version of the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). The TCI is a self-reported evaluate, with 240 true/false items measuring four domains of temperament; harm avoidance (HA), persistence (PS), novelty seeking (NS), reward dependence (RD), and three domains of character; self-transcendence (ST), cooperativeness (C), self-directedness (SD). RESULTS: The glaucoma patients achieved the higher scores than the controls for the HA and SD dimensions (p < 0.001 and p = 0.033). The glaucoma patients scored lower than the controls for the NS, P and ST dimensions (p < 0.001, p < 0.001 and p = 0.002). There were no differences in the RD and C scores between the patients and the controls (p = 0.944 and p = 0.343). There was no correlation between the duration of illness and the TCI dimensions. Disease severity was positively associated with HA (r = 0,220, p = 0,025) and the anticipatory worry (r = 0.227, p = 0.021) dimension. CONCLUSIONS: Glaucoma patients had a different personality profile to healthy individuals. This may affect treatment compliance and is also important when coping with maladaptive patient attitudes.

Impression Cytologic Evaluation of the Conjunctiva in Patients Treated with Topical 1% Voriconazole

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate any conjunctival metaplastic changes by impression cytology in patients who underwent topical 1% voriconazole treatment for severe fungal keratitis. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Departments of Ophthalmology and Medical Pathology. Patients who were treated with 1% topical voriconazole for fungal keratitis for at least 3 months were included. The used topical voriconazole treatment was initiated as one drop every hour and was tapered according to clinical improvement in all patients. Treatment was continued 4 times a day for at least 3 months. Impression cytology samples were collected at least 3 months after cessation of topical voriconazole from the affected eyes and from the fellow eyes as a control group. Collected specimens were transferred to the pathology department for evaluation and grading (Nelson's grading system). Results: The mean age of the patients was 57.68±17.32 years (range, 22-87 years). The impression cytology grade of the inferior bulbar conjunctiva was 1.73±0.77 (range, 0-3) in the study group and 1.19±0.98 (range, 0-3) in the control group (p=0.03). The impression cytology grade of the temporal bulbar conjunctiva was 1.69±0.73 (range, 0-3) in the study group and 1.15±0.88 (range, 0-3) in the control group (p=0.02). The impression cytology grades of the nasal and superior bulbar conjunctiva did not differ statistically (p values 0.13 and 0.17, respectively). Conclusion: Topical voriconazole is an effective broad-spectrum antifungal drug, but it induces conjunctival squamous metaplasia. Clinicians should be aware of this possible side effect of topical voriconazole and should carefully evaluate the conjunctiva of treated patients at each visit to detect possible metaplastic changes.

A Case of Concurrent Acute Macular Neuroretinopathy and Paracentral Acute Middle Maculopathy Following Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccination.

We present a 65-year-old woman who developed sudden and severe vision loss in her left eye one day after the administration of the second dose of COVID vaccine. The best corrected visual acuity in this eye was 1/10. Diffuse paracentral acute middle maculopathy was detected on spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). OCT angiography images revealed concurrent vascular flow defects consistent with acute macular neuroretinopathy in the deep retinal capillary plexus and choriocapillaris layers. At the end of the six-month follow-up, there was no improvement in visual acuity, and atrophy and thinning developed in all layers of the retina.

Optic Capture Without Anterior Vitrectomy in Pediatric Cataract Surgery.

PURPOSE: To compare outcomes of 2 surgical techniques in children undergoing cataract surgery with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation: optic capture of IOL without anterior vitrectomy (AV) or in-the-bag IOL with AV. DESIGN: Prospective randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Patients were randomized to 2 groups: optic capture without AV (group 1) or in-the-bag implantation with AV (group 2). The following variables were compared: visual axis opacification (VAO), inflammatory deposits on IOL surface, anteroposterior synechia, IOL tilt and decentration, lenticular astigmatism, refractive prediction error, and posterior segment complications. RESULTS: Fifty-one eyes of 37 children were investigated with a mean follow-up of 20.1±8.5 months. Group 1 and group 2 had mean ages of 59.2±32.6 and 46.5±21.9 months, respectively (P = .104). Three eyes in group 1 and 2 eyes in group 2 developed VAO (P = .656). Two eyes in group 1 and 5 eyes in group 2 developed anteroposterior synechia (P = .291). Six eyes in group 1 and 11 eyes in group 2 had inflammatory deposits on the IOL (P = .233). Both groups had similar IOL tilt and decentralization (for all meridians, P > .05). The absolute refractive prediction error was 0.55±0.34 diopter (D) and 0.53±0.3 D, respectively (P = .294). Each group had 1 eye with intraocular hypertension (P = .932). CONCLUSION: The optic capture method was similar to the conventional technique in the quantitative evaluation of comprehensive data such as visual axis opacification, inflammatory sequelae, refractive outcomes, and IOL stability. The optic capture technique is an appealing option for pediatric cataract surgery because it eliminates the requirement for vitrectomy.

Comparison of Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Findings between Healthy Children and Children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus and Autoimmune Thyroiditis

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the development of early diabetic retinopathy (DR) findings, a microvascular complication, between patients with isolated type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) (Group 1), concurrent T1DM and autoimmune thyroiditis (AT) (Group 2), and healthy controls (Group 3), who were matched for age, sex, number, and body mass index for comparison. Methods: This was a prospective observational study that included individuals aged 10-20 years, and patients in Groups 1 and 2 had been followed up for ≥5 years. None of them developed clinical DR during the follow-up period. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) was used to evaluate the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) and parafoveal vascular density (PVD) for the development of early DR. OCTA findings were compared between patients and healthy controls. Results: Thirty-five individuals were included in each of the groups. The mean FAZ and PVD differed significantly between the three groups (FAZ, p=0.016; PVD, p=0.006). The mean FAZ was higher in Groups 1 and 2 than in Group 3 (p=0.013 and p=0.119, respectively). The mean PVD was lower in Groups 1 and 2 than in Group 3 (p=0.007, respectively). No significant difference was found between Groups 1 and 2 in terms of the mean FAZ and PVD (p=0.832 and p=0.653, respectively). The mean glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level was significantly correlated with FAZ and PVD (FAZ: r=0.496, p<0.001; PVD: r=-0.36, p=0.001). Conclusion: In patients with T1DM who did not develop clinical DR, OCTA findings revealed an increase in FAZ, which was associated with higher HbA1c levels. The mean PVD was significantly lower in the group with coexisting AT and T1DM than in the control group. These results suggest that the coexistence of AT and T1DM can contribute to the development of microvascular complications. However, studies with larger patient series are required.

Investigation of the choroidal structure in non-neovascular age-related macular degeneration patients with reticular pseudodrusen.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to compare choroidal thickness, total choroidal area (TCA), luminal area (LA), stromal area (SA) and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) in patients with reticular pseudodrusen (RPD) and drusen. METHODS: A total of 100 eyes of 100 patients with non-neovascular age related macular degeneration (AMD) with five or more medium drusen (63-125 µm) and RPD in two or more quadrants were recruited to the study. 48 eyes of 48 patients with RPD were assigned as Group 1 and 52 eyes of 52 patients with drusen were assigned as Group 2. 40 right eyes of 40 healthy subjects were included as controls. Patients with neovascular AMD or advanced non-neovascular AMD were excluded from the study. After a detailed ophthalmic examination, infrared reflectance images and OCT with enhanced depth imaging mode was obtained from all patients. TCA, SA, LA and CVI were calculated using the Image J program. The data were analyzed for statistics using SPSS software. RESULTS: The female/male ratio was 56/44 in the patient groups and 20/20 in the control group. The mean age was 73.63±6.14 (61-91) years for Group 1 and 69.43± 6.97 (59-87) years for Group 2 (p=0.005). The mean age of Group 3 patients was 71.14±8.17 (60-79) years and was statistically similar to Groups 1 and 2 (p=0.09 and p=0.12, respectively). Choroidal thickness, TCA, SA and LA were significantly lower in Group 1 (p<0.001). CVI and foveal thicknesses were not significantly different between Group 1 and 2 (p=0.214 and p=0.384 respectively). CVI was significantly lower in Group 3 (p<0.01). RPD was most commonly seen in the superior quadrant followed by temporal, nasal, and inferior quadrants. CONCLUSIONS: TCA, SA and LA, which reflect choroidal vasculature, were decreased in patients with RPD. These parameters can help evaluate the pathophysiology of the disease.

The Impact of COVID-19 Infection on Macular Capillary Perfusion.

Objectives: Thromboembolic complications related to the COVID-19 infection are frequently reported. This study aims to evaluate the impact of a prior non-severe COVID-19 infection on retinal microcirculation with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Methods: A total of 83 eyes of 43 patients with a history of non-severe COVID-19 infection confirmed with a positive PCR test (Group 1) and 30 healthy controls (Group 2) underwent detailed eye examination, including optic coherence tomography angiography (OCTA, RTVue-XR Avanti) scanning. Vessel densities (VD) in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP), deep capillary plexus (DCP), and foveal avascular zone were evaluated. Results: The mean duration between the COVID-19 positive PCR test and ocular examination was 144.6±82.2 days. VD of SCP and DCP in the foveal and perifoveal regions were significantly lower in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (p<0.05). Conclusion: A non-severe COVID-19 infection may cause a decrease in the VD of retinal SCP and DCP.

Multimodal Imaging of Reticular Pseudodrusen in Turkish Patients.

Objectives: To investigate the presence and prevalence of reticular pseudodrusen (RPD) in patients with age-related macular degeneration using multiple imaging modalities and to compare the sensitivity and specificity of these modalities in the detection of RPD. Materials and Methods: Images from a total of 198 consecutive patients were analyzed prospectively. Color fundus photography, red-free imaging, spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT), infrared and blue reflectance (BR) imaging, fundus autofluorescence (FAF), enhanced-depth imaging OCT (EDI-OCT), fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) and indocyanine green angiography were performed. RPD was diagnosed in the presence of relevant findings in at least two of the imaging methods used. Results: RPD were detected in 149 eyes (37.6%). In the detection of RPD, color fundus photography, red-free photography, SD-OCT, infrared, FAF, BR, and FFA imaging had sensitivity values of 50%, 57.7%, 91.6%, 95%, 74.6%, 65.7%, and 28.2% and specificity values of 99.6%, 100%, 98.4%, 94.6%, 100%, 99.6%, and 69.8%, respectively. Conclusion: Infrared imaging had the highest sensitivity. SD-OCT combined with infrared imaging was the most sensitive imaging technique for detecting RPD. The high specificity of FAF, red-free, and BR imaging may be useful to confirm a diagnosis of RPD.

Multimodal Imaging of Pigmented Paravenous Retinochoroidal Atrophy in a Pediatric Patient with Cystoid Macular Edema.

The aim of this case report is to present the multimodal imaging characteristics of pigmented paravenous retinochoroidal atrophy (PPRCA) in a pediatric patient with cystoid macular edema (CME). A 7-year-old girl was admitted to our clinic with complaints of mild blurred vision and poor night vision. Best corrected visual acuity was 10/10 in both eyes. Fundus examination showed atrophic areas around the optic nerve and along the retinal vessels in both eyes. A few small dot-shaped paravenous pigmentations were observed in the mid-peripheral retina. Fundus autofluorescence was consistent with PPRCA. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) revealed the presence of CME and loss of the outer retinal layers outside the macula, with intact retinal layers in the macula. OCT angiography revealed normal choriocapillaris vasculature and flow. The patient was followed up for 6 months but showed no change in CME or clinical appearance. CME without ocular inflammation is an unusual finding of PPRCA and may suggest the involvement of chronic or latent inflammation in the etiology of PPRCA.

Correction of high astigmatism with toric intraocular lens in eyes with corneal transplant.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the results of toric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation during cataract surgery in eyes with high regular astigmatism associated with prior penetrating keratoplasty (PK). METHODS: A retrospective data analysis of patients with prior PK, who underwent uncomplicated cataract surgery with hydrophobic toric single piece IOL (EyeCryl Toric®, Biotech Vision Care, Luzern, Switzerland). RESULTS: A total of 18 eyes of 18 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 53.4 ± 12.4 (25-70) years. The mean follow-up period was 15.5 (4-24) months. The mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) significantly increased from 1.36 ± 1.0 logMAR to 0.31 ± 0.17 logMAR (p < .001) pre- and post-operative 4 weeks, respectively. There was no significant change in mean BCVA during follow-up; mean BCVA was 0.32 ± 0.17 logMAR at the last visit. The mean pre-operative topographic astigmatism was 6.52 ± 1.80 diopters (D). The mean manifest refraction astigmatism was decreased from 6.55 ± 1.62 D to 2.80 ± 1.43 D (p˂0.001). The mean Surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) was 3.74 ± 0.77 D according to vector analysis. There was no patient with graft rejection or failure, the mean endothelial cell loss rate was 12.75 ± 3.76% (7-17%). There was no patient requiring IOL reposition. CONCLUSIONS: Toric IOL implantation during cataract surgery provides an option to correct astigmatism in post-PK eyes with high regular astigmatism. When appropriate patients are selected it is a safe method to achieve significant improvements in visual acuity and astigmatism.

Evaluation of Choroidal Vascular Index in Amblyopic Patients.

Objectives: To compare subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) and choroidal vascular index (CVI) in patients with hyperopic refractive and strabismic amblyopia and healthy subjects. Materials and Methods: The study included 17 patients with strabismic amblyopia (Group 1), 29 patients with hyperopic refractive amblyopia (Group 2), and 16 eyes of 16 healthy volunteers (Group 3). Best corrected visual acuity was noted in all patients and volunteers. In addition to detailed anterior and posterior segment examinations, macular images were obtained by enhanced-depth imaging mode of optical coherence tomography (OCT). SFCT measurements were made from these images and CVI was calculated using the Image J program. Results: No significant difference was found between the groups in terms of age, gender, and intraocular pressure (p=0.27, 0.64, and 0.85, respectively). Mean BCVAs in Group 1 were 0.57±0.16 (0.3-0.8) in the amblyopic eyes, 0.94±0.08 (0.8-1.0) in the fellow eyes, and in Group 2 were 0.61±0.17 (0.2-0.8) in amblyopic eyes, 0.92±0.1 (0.8-1.0) in fellow eyes. BCVA in Group 3 was 1.0±0 (1.0-1.0). Mean SFCT of the amblyopic eyes in Groups 1 and 2 was 341.50±60.4 (277-481) and 370.06±65.3 (247-462), respectively, and in the healthy eyes of Groups 1 and 2 and Group 3 was 321.92±68.26 (251-440), 330.35±74.00 (194-502), and 327.62±40.79 (238-385), respectively. SFCT was significantly greater in the amblyopic eyes of Group 2 compared to Group 3 (p=0.01). Mean CVI was 0.681±0.032 (0.642-0.736) in the amblyopic eyes and 0.685±0.054 (0.587-0.788) in the fellow eyes of Group 1 patients; 0.664±0.033 (0.592-0.719) in the amblyopic eye and 0.707±0.039 (0.625-0.779) in the fellow eye in Group 2 patients; and 0.689±0.031 (0.612-0.748) in Group 3 patients. CVI was significantly lower in the amblyopic eyes of Group 2 compared with fellow eyes (p=0.02) and Group 3 (p=0.025). Conclusion: Morphological changes may be seen in the choroid in amblyopic eyes. We observed that the choroidal stromal component is increased in hyperopic amblyopic patients especially.

Evaluation and grading of Kayser-Fleischer ring in Wilson disease by Scheimpflug camera.

PURPOSE: Evaluation the anterior segment parameters of Wilson disease patients with Kayser-Fleischer ring, the diagnostic power of Scheimpflug imaging for Kayser-Fleischer ring and suggest a scoring system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 44 eyes of 22 Wilson disease patients with Kayser-Fleischer ring and 40 right eyes of 40 healthy age matched subjects were enrolled to the study. Serum ceruloplasmin and urine copper/24 hours levels were recorded. Anterior segment parameters including steep and flat keratometry, corneal thickness at central, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 mm, anterior chamber angle width, volume and depth, corneal volume, pupillary diameter were evaluated by Scheimpflug imaging. Images of cornea were scored according to Kayser-Fleischer ring size. RESULTS: Serum ceruloplasmin level was below 10 mg/dL in 17 patients and was 12, 18.5, 20, 22, 37 mg/dl in the remaining five patients. Urinary copper/24 hours was 249.55 ± 304.14 (23-1050) µg/day. Central corneal thickness and corneal thickness at 2 mm were statistically different (p values 0.02, 0.04, respectively). Scheimpflug images apparently showed Kayser-Fleischer ring as a hyper-reflective band at the corneal endothelial surface. Kayser-Fleischer ring in 24 eyes was grade 1, 16 eyes were grade 2 and 4 eyes were grade 3. CONCLUSION: Scheimpflug imaging seems to be a helpful diagnostic tool for detecting and grading the Kayser-Fleischer ring. Corneal thickness in Wilson disease patients with Kayser-Fleischer ring tends to be higher, so that the possible affection in corneal thickness should be kept in mind for clinical evaluation of these patients.