Aging of the skin in pseudoexfoliation syndrome.

BACKGROUND: It was reported that pseudoexfoliative material deteriorates iris, brain, heart and lung functions. This material is also found in the skin. AIMS: The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible effects of pseudoexfoliation material on the aging of the facial skin. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Forty pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PES) cases and 40 age- and gender-matched controls were evaluated. Job, cigarette use and the presence of any systemic diseases as well as the duration of sun exposure for all the cases were recorded. All of the cases underwent facial skin examination with Wrinkle Assessment Scale as per Lemperle G et al. and Pinch Test. RESULTS: Wrinkle Assessment Scale scores of the groups also were compared for all 8 facial locations. There were statistically significant differences found between Wrinkle Assessment Scale scores in PES and Control Group for all 8 locations. Mean Wrinkle Assessment Scale scores of women were 4.12 ± 0.74 in Control Group and 4.75 ± 0.37 in PES group (p = 0.0001). For men, mean Wrinkle Assessment Scale scores were 3.77 ± 0.72 in Control group and 4.54 ± 0.36 in PES group (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: These results implies that there is quicker progression in aging of facial skin in PES than normals.

The Modified Technique of External Dacryocystorhinostomy in the Management of Complicated Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction.

AIM: To evaluate the outcome of the modified technique of external dacryocystorhinostomy (EDCR) with a "U"-shaped single flap that was fixed on to the orbicularis muscle with combined silicone tube in dacriostenosis. In cases with decreased visibility because of excessive bleeding during surgery, a small sac size, and difficulty of mutual suturing between nasal mucosal and sac flaps related to distance. METHODS: This retrospective study included 118 patients with a nasolacrimal duct obstruction who underwent the modified technique of EDCR. The modified EDCR procedure envisions the creation of anastomosis of the single anterior "U"-shaped flaps suturing anterior flaps of the lacrimal sac and nasal mucosa. The sutured flap was fixed on to the orbicularis muscle. The silicone tube intubation was performed on all patients. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 39 ±â€Š19.2 (9-70) years, including 94 women and 24 men. The average follow-up time was 18 ±â€Š4.5 (9-36) months. Total 112 eyes (94.9%) showed a patent lacrimal system to irrigation, whereas 6 eyes (5.1%) had recurrence of epiphora and not patent lacrimal system to irrigation by the end of the first surgeries. The same surgery was planned for these patients. The patent lacrimal system was achieved in 3 of these 6 eyes. The overall success rate of the surgical procedure used in this study was 97.4%. CONCLUSIONS: This modified technique of EDCR with a "U"-shaped single anterior flaps that was fixed on to the orbicularis muscle with combined silicone tube simplifies the surgical procedure and is effective in the management of nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

The course of dry eye after phacoemulsification surgery.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the course of dry eye syndrome after phacoemulsification surgery. METHODS: One hundred and ninety-two eyes of 96 patients (30 males, 66 females) with chronic dry eye syndrome and cataract, who had undergone phacoemulsification surgery were enrolled in this study. RESULTS: Their mean age was 68.46 ± 8.14 standard deviation (SD) (range 56-83) years . Thirty of them (31 %) were males and 66 (69 %) were females. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire scores increased postoperatively, but arrived preoperative levels at the end of 3rd month following the surgery. Fluorescein staining patterns according to Oxford Schema got worse postoperatively, however after postoperative 3rd month they got better and resembled preoperative patterns. The mean postoperative 1st day, 1st week and 1st month Break-up Time (BUT) values were significantly lower than preoperative BUT value (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001), however 3rd month, 6th month, 1st year and 2nd year values were not significantly different from preoperative value (P = 0.441, P = 0.078, P = 0.145, P = 0.125). The mean postoperative 1st day, 1st week and 1st month Schirmer Test 1 (ST1) values were significantly lower than preoperative ST1 value (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001), however 3rd month, 6th month, 1st year and 2nd year values were not significantly different from preoperative value (P = 0.748, P = 0.439, P = 0.091, P = 0.214). CONCLUSION: Phacoemulsification surgery may aggravate the signs and symptoms of dry eye and affect dry eye test values in chronic dry eye patients in short-term. However, in long-term, signs and symptoms of dry eye decrease and dry eye test values return to preoperative values.

The effectiveness of postoperative early ostium cleaning in transcanalicular diode laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy.

PURPOSE: To search the effectiveness of postoperative first week ostium cleaning in transcanalicular diode laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy (TDL-DCR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 123 eyes of 123 patients with acquired dacryostenosis who had surgery were retrospectively evaluated. Diode laser was used in all patients. All patients were operated under local anesthesia by a single surgeon. Intranasal endoscopic cleaning of the ostium by surgical suction under local anesthesia was performed as an extra job in the postoperative first week visit. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 55 (range, 41-78 years) years. Mean follow up was 13.4 months. Successful outcomes were achieved in 117 of 123 (95.1%) patients. Reoperation was performed in 6 patients with restenosis and were free of symptoms in 1-year follow up. CONCLUSION: Postoperative first week cleaning of the nasal ostium by surgical suction with the aiding of nasal endoscopy is a very effective method increasing the success rate of TDL-DCR.

Changes in Intraocular Lens Explantation Indications and Comparison of Various Explantation Techniques.

PURPOSE: To examine the current causes of intraocular lens (IOL) explantation, compare various IOL explantation techniques, and assess the visual outcomes and complications. DESIGN: Retrospective comparative case series. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 175 eyes of 160 patients who underwent IOL exchange for a one-piece foldable acrylic IOL between January 2010 and March 2022 were covered by the research. Group 1 included 74 eyes from 69 patients in which the IOL was removed after being grasped, pulled, and refolded inside the main incision. Group 2 consisted of 66 eyes from 60 patients in which the IOL was removed by bisecting it, whereas group 3 included 35 eyes from 31 patients in which the IOL was removed by enlarging the main incision. MAIN OUTCOMES: Surgical indications, interventions, visual outcomes and refraction, and complications. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 66.1 ± 10.5 years. The mean time between primary surgery and IOL explantation was 57.0 ± 38.9 months. IOL dislocation (in 85 eyes, 49.5%) was the most common reason for IOL explantation. When the patients were examined in terms of both surgical indication groups and IOL removal techniques, corrected-distance visual acuity increased significantly in all subgroups (P < .001). The increase in astigmatism after surgery was 0.08 ± 0.13 diopters (D) in group 1, 0.09 ± 0.17 D in group 2, and 0.83 ± 0.29 D in group 3 (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The grasp, pull, and refold technique for IOL explantation provides a simpler surgery, less complication, and good visual outcomes.

Can bleeding in trabeculectomy be decreased? Effectiveness of brimonidine pre-treatment.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of preoperative topical brimonidine use to maintain visibility during trabeculectomy and control intraoperative bleeding and postoperative subconjunctival hemorrhage. METHODS: The first group comprised 35 eyes of 34 patients administered brimonidine tartrate 0.15% (Brimogut, Bilim Ilac, Turkey) eye drops 6 and 3 min before surgery, and 33 eyes of 31 patients who received no medication for vasoconstriction formed the second group. Preoperative and postoperative photographs and operation video images were taken and vision analysis software used. Black-and-white images were obtained to identify the blood vessel and surface hemorrhage areas. The surface area of the hemorrhage was calculated by counting the black pixels with Image J software. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between two groups in terms of baseline (preoperative) eye redness (p > 0.05). In the first group, the eye redness values were 344.7 ± 19.5 pixels preoperatively and 244.1 ± 23.3 pixels at the beginning of the surgery, respectively (p < 0.001). However, no significant change was observed in the second group in eye redness (348.2 ± 17.5 pixels preoperatively and 360.7 ± 26.8 pixels at the beginning of the surgery, p > 0.05). Cautery was used for an average of 11.91 ± 1.96 s in the first group and 25.57 ± 4.66 s in the second to control intraoperative bleeding (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Preoperative topical brimonidine use in trabeculectomy surgery significantly decreased intraoperative bleeding and postoperative subconjunctival hemorrhage and facilitated bleeding control.

Pediatric endocanalicular diode laser dacryocystorhinostomy: results of a minimally invasive surgical technique.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of endocanalicular diode laser dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), which is a minimally invasive surgical technique, in pediatric patients with congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO). A retrospective study was carried out on patients treated between October 2008 and August 2009 for nasolacrimal duct obstruction with an endocanalicular diode laser procedure. Patients diagnosed as having nasolacrimal duct obstruction were included in this study and an endocanalicular diode laser procedure was performed. The main outcome measures were patients' previous treatments, clinical presentation, operative and postoperative complications, postoperative follow-up and resolution of epiphora. Eighteen children (10 girls, 8 boys) with a mean age of 6.11 ± 2.08 years (range, 4-10) underwent 20 endocanalicular laser DCR operations for congenital NLDO. In all eyes (100%), there was a history of epiphora and chronic dacryocystitis; two (10%) presented with acute dacryocystitis. Previous procedures included probing and irrigation of all eyes (100%) and silicone tube intubation in nine eyes (45%). None of the patients underwent any previous DCR operations. During a mean postoperative follow-up period of 20.50 ± 3.24 months (range, 14-24 months), the anatomical success rate (patency of ostium on nasal endoscopy) was 100%, and the clinical success rate (resolution of epiphora) was 85%. Endocanalicular diode laser DCR is an effective treatment modality for pediatric patients with congenital NLDO that compares favorably with the reported success rates of external and endoscopic endonasal DCR. Moreover, it has an added advantage of shorter operative time, less morbidity and avoidance of overnight admission.

Changes in Visual Field Indices after Pterygium Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: This study was a prospective evaluation of changes in the results of visual field tests taken before and after pterygium excision. METHODS: This was a prospective, single-center study. Seventy-five eyes of 75 patients who had undergone pterygium excision with autograft implantation were enrolled. All of the patients had stage III pterygium according to the Johnston classification. The mean deviation (MD), pattern standard deviation (PSD), and visual field index (VFI) global index changes after pterygium excision were compared to evaluate the effect of pterygium on visual field analysis. RESULTS: The mean preoperative MD value was -3.04±2.63 dB (range: -14.84-0.62 dB) and the mean postoperative MD value was -1.83±2.09 dB (range: -13.82-1.74 dB) (p<0.001). The mean preoperative PSD value was 2.59±1.92 dB (range: 1.16-12.76 dB) and the mean postoperative PSD value was 2.41±1.62 dB (1.15-13.29 dB) (p>0.05). The mean preoperative VFI value was 96.01±4.46% (range: 68-100%) and the mean postoperative VFI value was 96.28±4.18% (range: 70-100%) (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: After pterygium excision, the MD improved significantly. However, the PSD and VFI did not change significantly. The significant change in MD value was related to the reduction in corneal light scattering, contrast sensitivity, aberrations, and blockage on the optic axis.

Long-Term Results in Transcanalicular Laser and External Dacryocystorhinostomy.

OBJECTIVES: This study was an examination of the long-term results of transcanalicular laser (TCL) and external (EX) dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). METHODS: Patients who had undergone TCL-DCR or EX-DCR between 2009 and 2013 were invited for long-term follow-up in 2019. All of the patients who responded had an ophthalmic examination and were assessed using lacrimal irrigation. An intranasal evaluation was performed when the irrigation test had non-patent results. TCL procedures were performed with a diode laser (980 nm). Ostium cleansing with a suction unit and a nasal endoscope was performed in the first week. In EX-DCR procedures, an anterior flap was created and tented to the orbicularis oculi muscle. A silicon tube was implanted in both methods and removed at 4-6 months. RESULTS: A total of 74 EX-DCR patients were assessed. The lacrimal irrigation test was negative in 5 cases. The functional success rate was 93.2% with a follow-up of 8 years. A total of 63 patients who had undergone TCL-DCR were evaluated and the irrigation test was negative in 9 patients. The functional success rate was 85.7% with a follow-up of 7 years. The difference in the success rate was statistically insignificant with a p value of 0.09. CONCLUSION: The long-term success rates of both EX-DCR and TCL-DCR were high.

Effectiveness of Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty as Initial or Adjunctive Treatment for Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) at lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) as initial or adjunctive treatment in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). METHODS: This was a prospective, comparative study. A total of 162 eyes of 81 patients with bilateral POAG were evaluated. The patients were categorized into 2 groups. SLT was performed as an adjunctive treatment in 42 POAG patients (Group 1, 84 eyes) and as initial treatment in 39 POAG patients (Group 2, 78 eyes). RESULTS: The mean baseline IOP and post-SLT IOP for the entire study group was 23.3±4.8 mm Hg and 14.6±2.7 mm Hg, respectively. The mean percentage reduction of IOP post-SLT at the final visit was 34.5% in Group 1 and 40.5% in Group 2. The number of medications used in the Group 1 before SLT was 2.11±0.88 (range: 1-4), while after SLT, medication use decreased to 0.9 ±0.15 (range: 0-3). The mean length of follow-up was 49.85±8.2 weeks (range: 24-78 weeks). CONCLUSION: SLT can be used effectively as a primary or an adjunctive therapy for the treatment of POAG. It was also effective at reducing the quantity of medications used. The reduction in IOP was similar in the primary and adjunctive group for up to 1 year of follow-up.

The effect of phacoemulsification surgery on intraocular pressure and anterior segment anatomy of the patients with cataract and ocular hypertension.

We evaluated the effect of phacoemulsification surgery on intraocular pressure (IOP), anterior chamber depth (ACD), iridocorneal angle (ICA), and central corneal thickness (CCT) of the patients with cataract and ocular hypertension. The decrease in IO P values of the 1 st week, 1 st month, 3 rd month, 6 th month, and 1 st year was statistically significant, but that of the 2 nd year was not significant. The increase in ACD and ICA values of the 1 st week, 1 st month, 3 rd month, 6 th month, and 1 st year was statistically significant, but that of the 2 nd year was not significant. The increase in CCT values of 1 st week and 1 st month was statistically significant, but those of 3 rd month, 6 th month, 1 st year, and 2 nd year were not significant. In conclusion, phacoemulsification surgery decreases IOP and increases ACD and ICA in the short-term. However, in the long-term it does not cause any significant changes.

The influence of size and shape of Nd:YAG capsulotomy on visual acuity and refraction.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of size and shape of neodymium:yttrium aluminum- Garnet (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy on visual acuity and refraction. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 85 eyes of 67 patients treated with Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy for posterior capsule opacification (PCO). The mean age of included patients was 57.57 ± 9.26 (mean ± standard deviation, 38-75 years). The mean interval between surgery and Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy was 26.09 ± 7.08 (10-38) months. Patients were divided into four groups according to the shape and size of capsulotomy. Groups comprised patients with cruciate shape capsulotomies with openings of less than or equal to 3.5 mm (Group 1) or greater (Group 2) and patients with circular shape capsulotomies with openings of less than or equal to 3.5 mm (Group 3) or greater (Group 4). RESULTS: The mean number and energy of laser firings were significantly higher in Group 4 (p=0.00), and significantly lower in Group 1 (p=0.00), compared with that in other groups. Pre-procedural and post-procedural mean spherical equivalent (SE) values were significantly higher in Group 1 (p=0.026 and p=0.011, respectively). No statistical difference in best-corrected visual acuities (BCVA) or intraocular pressures (IOP) were observed between groups before (p=0.44 and p=0.452, respectively) or after capsulotomy (p=0.108 and p=0.125, respectively). A significantly higher number of patients in Group 4 (p=0.001), and a significantly lower number of patients in Group 1 (p=0.001), reported floating bodies compared with that in other groups. No significant changes in SE or intraocular pressure were observed after capsulotomy in any group (p=0.074 and p=0.856, respectively). Best-corrected visual acuity was significantly improved following capsulotomy in all groups (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Cruciate shape capsulotomy with an opening of 3.5 mm or less provides the greatest improvement in visual function with minimal complications.

Phacoemulsification in eyes with cataract and high myopia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes and complications following phacoemulsification surgery in eyes with cataract and high myopia. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the data of 43 eyes of 28 consecutive patients (12 males, 16 females) with cataract and high myopia who had undergone phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. The mean [± standard deviation (range)] age of the patients was 59.20 ± 11.08 (39-77) years. RESULTS: The frequency of nuclear cataract was significantly higher than that of other cataract types (P=0.003). The mean axial length was 28.97 ± 1.99 (26-33) mm and the mean IOL power was 5.09 ± 4.78 (-3.0 to +14.0) diopters (D). The mean preoperative spherical equivalent (SE) was -16.48 ± 5.23 (-8.00 to -25.00) D and the mean postoperative SE was -1.46 ± 0.93 (0.00 to -3.00) D (P=0.00). The mean preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.91 ± 0.37 (0.30 to -1.50) logMAR and the mean postoperative BCVA was 0.29 ± 0.25 (0.00-1.00) logMAR (P=0.00). Twenty-two eyes (51.2%) achieved the target postoperative refraction (±1.0 D). The eyes were divided into 3 groups according to the axial length. The mean biometric error was significantly higher in the group with the greatest axial length than in the other groups (P=0.007). Preoperative argon laser photocoagulation was performed in 7 eyes (16%) on account of retinal tears, retinal holes, or lattice degeneration. Postoperatively, retinal tears developed in 2 eyes (4%) and were treated with photocoagulation. One eye (2%) developed retinal detachment postoperatively, with the patient consequently referred for retinal surgery. Postoperatively, posterior capsule opacities developed in 11 eyes (25%), with all cases treated by laser capsulotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Good postoperative outcomes following phacoemulsification surgery were observed in patients with cataract and high myopia. However, clinicians should be aware of the risk of postoperative retinal tears and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Preoperative prophylactic argon laser photocoagulation treatment should be considered where necessary.

Toxic anterior-segment syndrome (TASS).

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical findings and courses of five patients who developed toxic anterior-segment syndrome (TASS) after cataract surgery and investigate the cause. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In May 2010, on the same day, ten patients were operated on by the same surgeon. Five of these patients developed TASS postoperatively. RESULTS: Patients had blurred-vision complaints on the first day after the operation, but no pain. They had different degrees of diffuse corneal edema, anterior-chamber reaction, fibrin, hypopyon, iris atrophies, and dilated pupils. Their vision decreased significantly, and their intraocular pressures increased. Both anti-inflammatory and antiglaucomatous therapies were commenced. Corneal edema and inflammation resolved in three cases; however, penetrating keratoplasty was needed for two cases and additional trabeculectomy was needed for one case. Although full investigations were undertaken at all steps, we could not find the causative agent. CONCLUSION: TASS is a preventable complication of anterior-segment surgery. Recognition of TASS, differentiating it from endophthalmitis, and starting treatment immediately is important. Controlling all steps in surgery, cleaning and sterilization of the instruments, and training nurses and other operation teams will help us in the prevention of TASS.

The influence of size and shape of Nd:YAG capsulotomy on visual acuity and refraction / A influência do tamanho e forma da capsulotomia por laser de Nd:YAG sobre a acuidade visual e refração

ABSTRACTPurpose:To evaluate the influence of size and shape of neodymium:yttrium aluminum- Garnet (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy on visual acuity and refraction.Methods:We retrospectively evaluated 85 eyes of 67 patients treated with Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy for posterior capsule opacification (PCO). The mean age of included patients was 57.57 ± 9.26 (mean ± standard deviation, 38-75 years). The mean interval between surgery and Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy was 26.09 ± 7.08 (10-38) months. Patients were divided into four groups according to the shape and size of capsulotomy. Groups comprised patients with cruciate shape capsulotomies with openings of less than or equal to 3.5 mm (Group 1) or greater (Group 2) and patients with circular shape capsulotomies with openings of less than or equal to 3.5 mm (Group 3) or greater (Group 4).Results:The mean number and energy of laser firings were significantly higher in Group 4 (p=0.00), and significantly lower in Group 1 (p=0.00), compared with that in other groups. Pre-procedural and post-procedural mean spherical equivalent (SE) values were significantly higher in Group 1 (p=0.026 and p=0.011, respectively). No statistical difference in best-corrected visual acuities (BCVA) or intraocular pressures (IOP) were observed between groups before (p=0.44 and p=0.452, respectively) or after capsulotomy (p=0.108 and p=0.125, respectively). A significantly higher number of patients in Group 4 (p=0.001), and a significantly lower number of patients in Group 1 (p=0.001), reported floating bodies compared with that in other groups. No significant changes in SE or intraocular pressure were observed after capsulotomy in any group (p=0.074 and p=0.856, respectively). Best-corrected visual acuity was significantly improved following capsulotomy in all groups (p<0.01).Conclusion:Cruciate shape capsulotomy with an opening of 3.5 mm or less provides the greatest improvement in visual function with minimal complications.

RESUMOObjetivo:Avaliar a influência do tamanho e forma da capsulotomia a laser de Neodímio: Ítrio-Alumínio-Granada (Nd:YAG) na acuidade visual e refração.Métodos:Oitenta e cinco olhos de 67 pacientes, com opacificação de cápsula posterior (PCO), que tinham sido submetidos a capsulotomia por laser de Nd:YAG, foram avaliadas retrospectivamente. A idade foi 57,57 ± 9,26 (média ± desvio padrão), variação 38-75 anos. O intervalo médio entre a cirurgia e a capsulotomia a laser de Nd:YAG foi 26,09 ± 7,08 (variação 10-38) meses. Os pacientes foram divididos em 4 grupos de acordo com a forma e o tamanho da capsulotomia. O grupo 1 incluiu pacientes com forma cruzada e tamanho igual ou menor do que 3,5 mm de abertura capsulotomia, Grupo 2, forma cruzada e tamanho maior do que 3,5 mm, Grupo 3, forma circular e tamanho igual ou menor do que 3,5 mm e Grupo 4, forma circular e tamanho superior a 3,5 mm.Resultados:A quantidade média de energia utilizada e tiros aplicadas foram significativamente maiores no Grupo 4 (p=0,00) e significativamente menores no grupo 1 (p=0,00). O equivalente esférico (SE), antes e após o procedimento, foi significativamente mais elevado no Grupo 1 (p=0,026, p=0,011). Não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos em relação à acuidade visual melhor corrigida (BCVA) e pressão intraocular (IOP) antes do procedimento (p=0,44, p=0,452) e após o procedimento (p=0,108, p=0,125). O número de pacientes com sintomas de moscas volantes foi significativamente maior no grupo 4 (P=0,001) e significativamente inferior no grupo 1 (p=0,001). SE e IOP após o procedimento não foram estatisticamente diferentes daqueles antes do procedimento (p=0,074, p=0,856, respectivamente) em todos os grupos. BCVA após o procedimento foi significativamente melhor do que antes do procedimento (p=0,00) em todos os grupos.Conclusões:Em conclusão, para complicações mínimas e máximas funções visuais, o tamanho ótimo capsulotomia deve ser igual a ou menor do que 3,5 mm e deve ser em forma cruzada.