New approach to AGV implantation with scleral tunnel method by prolene suture: Simsek Technique.

PURPOSE: To present the short-term outcomes of our novel technique, the suture-assisted method, in long scleral tunnel Ahmed Glaucoma Valve (AGV) implantation. METHODS: This retrospective study included glaucoma patients who underwent AGV implantation using the suture-assisted long scleral tunnel method and were fellowed for at least 6 months between January 2022 and November 2022. Preoperative and postoperative assessments included best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), anterior and posterior segment examinations, anti-glaucomatous medications, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were also evaluated. RESULTS: Eight eyes of seven patients were included in the study. The mean age was 52.25 ± 29.38 years (r:8-76 years), and there were 5 female and 2 male patients. The mean follow-up duration period was 8.62 ± 2.50 months (r:6-12 months). The mean IOP was 27.12 ± 3.48 mmHg preoperatively and 11.62 ± 3.48 mmHg on postoperative on 1st day, 11.62 ± 3.20 mmHg at 1st week, 18.75 ± 8.94 mmHg at 1st month, 16.62 ± 2.72 mmHg at 3rd month, 16.12 ± 3.75 mmHg at 6th month. Postoperative hyphema was observed in one eye, and tenon cyst excision was performed in two eyes. No tube exposure was observed in any eye during the follow-up period. No hypotony-related complications were observed during follow-up. CONCLUSION: We believe that suture-asissted application of the long scleral tunnel method not only prevents tube exposure but also facilitates the passage of the AGV silicone tube through the scleral tunnel, reducing the surgical time contributing to a decreased the risk of infection.

Ocular-periocular burns in a tertiary hospital: Epidemiologic characteristics.

PURPOSE: Ocular burns are ophthalmic emergencies that can cause devastating injuries. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiology, complications, and management of ocular-periocular burns. METHODS: A total of 193 patients with ocular-periocular burns were admitted to our tertiary hospital from January 2018 to December 2020. The demographic characteristics of the patients, injury variables, complications, and treatments were evaluated. RESULTS: There were 142 male (73.6%) and 51 female (26.4%) patients with a mean age of 32.53±17.75 years. The average total body surface area was 12% (range, 1-80%). Injuries were most common at work (52.3%) and home (36.3%). Thermal burns were the most common injuries (74.6%), followed by chemical (14.5%) and electrical burns (10.9%). Alkaline agents (75.0%), mainly sodium hydroxide and lime, were common in chemical burns. Superficial lid burns were significantly higher in the thermal group (p < 0.001), and grade III-IV corneal burns were significantly higher in the chemical group (p < 0.001). Various complications were developed in 50 (13%) eyes. Medical treatment only was performed in 318 (82.4%) eyes, and additional surgical treatment was performed in 64 (17.6%) eyes; however, 54 (14.0%) underwent more than one surgery. The most common complications were corneal scars (7.3%), limbal deficiency (4.1%), and ectropion (3.9%). The most frequent procedures performed were amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) (11.9%) and tarsorrhaphy (6.7%). CONCLUSION: Chemical burns, limbal and conjunctival ischemia, and full-thickness eyelid defects had a poor prognosis. The degree of limbal deficiency and injury of intraocular structures were found to have a great influence on the outcome of their visual acuity.

From an asymptomatic lesion to a vision-threatening condition: Congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium complicated by choroidal neovascular membrane.

We reported a case of congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (CHRPE) complicated by choroidal neovascular membrane (CNVM). A 41-year-old woman presented to our clinic with visual loss in the left eye. She was diagnosed as CHRPE complicated by a CNVM. The patient was treated with 2 consecutive monthly intravitreal aflibercept (IVA) injections. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved and stabilized at 6/6. Subretinal fluid depending on CNVM resolved completely. CHRPE complicated by CNVM in the macular area is a rare condition and these cases can be treated with IVA therapy.