Simultaneous Bilateral Primary Choroidal Melanoma Linked to Bilateral Ocular Melanocytosis: A Rare Case Study.

BACKGROUND Choroidal melanoma is the most common primary intraocular tumor in adults. Most primary choroidal melanomas are unilateral and unifocal. Bilateral primary choroidal melanomas are considered to be a rare occurrence. Ocular melanocytosis, especially when it is bilateral, increases the incidence of bilateral primary choroidal melanoma. CASE REPORT Our patient was a 78-year-old man who presented to the Emergency Department with floaters and a reduction in visual acuity in his left eye, with an onset 7 days prior. Upon macroscopic examination, the patient displayed bilateral pigmentation on the sclera, which was consistent with ocular melanocytosis. Fundoscopy revealed a large choroidal melanoma, situated superior and nasally of the posterior pole of the left eye, and a smaller choroidal melanoma, located inferonasally, in the right eye. Ultrasonography, optical coherence tomography, fundus autofluorescence, fundus fluorescein, and indocyanine green angiographies were performed, confirming the diagnosis of simultaneous bilateral primary choroidal melanomas. CONCLUSIONS This was a rare case of bilateral ocular melanocytosis, which increased the probability of bilateral primary choroidal melanoma. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case in Greece to be reported. This case illustrates the necessity of always examining the fellow eye on initial presentation and over a long follow-up. We should always bear in mind that choroidal melanoma can be a bilateral disease, albeit very rarely.

Corneal changes after large (9mm) lateral rectus muscle recession measured with Pentacam®.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate alterations in corneal astigmatism, axial anterior corneal curvature, anterior chamber depth, and central corneal thickness (CCT) two months after the unilateral recession of lateral rectus muscle in children. Methods: This prospective study included 37 children with intermittent exotropia who would undergo unilateral lateral rectus muscle recession. All measurements were performed using Pentacam®. Comparisons were made between the operated and fellow unoperated eyes, pre- and post-operatively. The assessment was made for changes in the radius of axial curvature on major meridians at 3 and 3.5 mm from the optical corneal center in the mid-peripheral zone. Astigmatism changes of the anterior and posterior corneal surface were calculated using vector analysis software (astigMATIC®). The interaction between age or CCT and postoperative changes in anterior and posterior surface corneal astigmatism were examined with ANOVA model. Results: In the intervention group, changes in anterior and posterior corneal surface astigmatism were statistically significant, with a mean increase of 0.56Dx90 and 0.08Dx87, respectively. In the mid-peripheral corneal zone, an increase was observed in the radius of anterior corneal axial curvature, more evident temporal 3 and 3.5 mm from the corneal center on the horizontal meridian, with corresponding decrease superiorly and inferiorly at 3 and 3.5 mm from the corneal center on the vertical meridian. Discussion: The changes in total astigmatism of the operated eyes are mainly attributed to the anterior corneal surface. These changes are associated with flattening in the 180 meridian of the cornea, leading to a shift to "with-the-rule" astigmatism.

When Uveitis and Hypotony Meets Bilateral Iris Retraction Syndrome: A Rare but Serious Complication of Nivolumab Treatment.

Introduction: Iris retraction syndrome (IRS) is a rare clinical condition characterized by a backbowing of the iris positioned on the lens with a complete pupillary block. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are a new class of immunomodulating agents used in cancer therapy, and although they have high response rates, ophthalmic-related side effects have been reported. We report a rare case of bilateral IRS with hypotony after therapy with nivolumab. Case Presentation: We present a case of bilateral IRS with hypotony, 3 mm Hg OD and 5 mm Hg OS, after therapy with nivolumab. The patient presented with decreased vision, corneal edema, keratic precipitates, deep anterior chamber with posterior synechiae, and hypotony maculopathy. Anterior segment OCT revealed a sharp posterior displacement of the iridolenticular diaphragm consistent with IRS. Discontinuation of nivolumab until ocular improvement was suggested, following oncologic consultation. Four months later, the patient exhibited iris bombé with angle closure and increased IOP. This was managed with phacoemulsification and concomitant surgical iridectomy. One month after surgery, the patient's IOP had returned to physiologic values, and the iris configuration had returned to normal. Conclusion: The exact mechanism of IRS remains unclear, but it is suggested that an aqueous imbalance, in conjunction with uveitis and hypotony, creates an anterio-posterior movement of the iridolenticular diaphragm when the pupillary block is present. Our case highlights the importance of monitoring patients receiving ICIs for ophthalmic adverse effects and prompt management to prevent permanent visual damage. In conclusion, this is the first reported case of IRS after therapy with ICIs. Further research is needed to fully understand the exact mechanism by which it is induced.

Prototype posterior chamber phakic IOL - 35 year follow up.

Purpose: To present a case involving a rarely seen prototype posterior chamber phakic IOL (PC-pIOL) in a highly myopic patient with bilateral cataract. Observations: A 64-year-old male presented to our clinic with poor vision in both eyes. Clinical examination revealed bilateral mature cataract, phacodonesis as well as a PC-pIOL implanted 35 years ago to address his high myopia. The visual acuity (VA) was 20/200 in the right eye and no light perception in the left eye. PC-pIOL extraction as well as 23G pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and fragmentation surgery was scheduled for the right eye. The left eye was treated conservatively. Successful extraction of the PC-pIOL was performed while it was easy to remove. It was a bow-tie shaped lens with a collar-stud-like button in the middle which extended anteriorly into the anterior chamber through the pupil. PPV with lens fragmentation was successful and the patient was left aphakic in order to avoid the placement of a zero diopter IOL. Final best corrected VA was 20/25 one month post-surgery. Conclusions and importance: Removal of this rarely seen pIOL was performed without difficulty while excellent VA was achieved. Aphakia following complete vitrectomy represented a viable option in this case. Furthermore, we highlight the clinical manifestations associated with this IOL more than three decades after implantation.

Corneal tomography changes following major (6 mm) medial rectus muscle recession: a prospective cohort study using Pentacam®.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to evaluate changes in corneal astigmatism, axial anterior corneal curvature, as well as changes in the anterior chamber depth and central corneal thickness, 2 months following the unilateral recession of medial rectus muscle in children. METHODS: Thirty-three children with esotropia were prospectively evaluated following unilateral medial rectus muscle recession, using Pentacam®. Comparisons were made between the operated and fellow unoperated eyes, pre, and postoperatively. The assessment was made for changes in the radius of axial curvature on major meridians at 3 and 3.5 mm from the optical corneal center in the mid-peripheral zone. Astigmatism changes of the anterior and posterior corneal surface were calculated using vector analysis software (astigMATIC®). ANOVA model was used to examine the interaction between age or central corneal thickness and postoperative changes in anterior and posterior surface corneal astigmatism. RESULTS: In the intervention group, changes in anterior and posterior corneal surface astigmatism were statistically significant, with a mean increase of 0.59Dx92 and 0.08Dx91, respectively. In the mid-peripheral corneal zone, there is an increase in the radius of anterior corneal axial curvature more evident nasally 3.5 mm from the corneal center on the horizontal meridian, with corresponding decrease superiorly and inferiorly at 3 and 3.5 mm from the corneal center on the vertical meridian. DISCUSSION: The changes in total astigmatism of the operated eyes are mainly attributed to the anterior corneal surface. These changes are associated with flattening in the 180 meridian of the cornea, leading to a shift to "with-the-rule" astigmatism.

UGH Syndrome Resolution after IOL Explantation and Concomitant Carlevale IOL Implantation.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the use of Carlevale IOL placement in patients with UGH, and to evaluate surgical outcomes. DESIGN: In this retrospective study, 28 patients with UGH syndrome that were subjected to IOL explantation and concomitant Carlevale IOL implantation were included in the study. METHODS: Information about VA, IOP, number of glaucoma medication, need for glaucoma surgery, presence of hemorrhage and inflammation were recorded up to 6 months after the procedure. RESULTS: We found a statistically significant increase in mean visual acuity and complete resolution of uveitis in all patients. Mean IOP and the mean number of glaucoma medications were significantly decreased postoperatively, while 14% of patients required additional glaucoma surgery. CONCLUSIONS: IOL explantation and concomitant Carlevale IOL implantation may provide a viable solution for UGH syndrome resolution, increases visual acuity, and decreases the need for glaucoma medication.

Association of PON1, APOE and SDF-1 Gene Polymorphisms with Treatment Response to Intravitreal Anti-VEGF Treatment in Patients with Retinal Vein Occlusion.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether specific genetic polymorphisms affect the response to intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment in patients with macular oedema secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO). METHODS: Participants in this prospective study were 50 patients with macular oedema secondary to RVO, who were treated with intravitreal ranibizumab or aflibercept, and were followed-up for 12 months after initiation of treatment. Five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from three different genes (APOE, PON1, SDF-1) were examined as potential predictors for treatment response to intravitreal anti-VEGF agents. RESULTS: Patients with the LL genotype of the PON1 L55M SNP had significantly higher reduction in central subfield thickness (CST) at month 12 after initiation of intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment (101.63 ± 56.80 µm in LL vs. 72.44 ± 39.41 µm in LM vs. 40.25 ± 19.33 µm in MM, p = .026). Patients with the M allele of the PON1 L55M SNP were significantly associated with lower reduction in CST compared to non-carriers (68.29 ± 38.77 µm in LM + MM vs. 101.63 ± 56.80 µm in LL, p = .032). CONCLUSION: PON1 L55M SNP may serve as a promising genetic biomarker for predicting response to intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment in patients with macular oedema due to RVO.

Microvascular changes after pars plana vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair: A comparative study based on gas tamponade agent.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of gas tamponade on microvascular changes in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), who underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). METHODS: Participants in this study were 48 patients with RRD, who were treated with PPV and gas tamponade without internal limiting membrane peeling. All participants underwent slit-lamp examination, fundoscopy, spectral domain-optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography at month 6 postoperatively. The fellow untreated eyes were also examined and served as the control data. RESULTS: A statistically significant enlargement in the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) in both the superficial (p = 0.002) and the deep capillary plexus (p = 0.01) was noticed 6 months postoperatively in patients with RRD treated with PPV compared to the fellow eyes. The foveal avascular zone perimeter was increased in the operated eyes in the deep capillary plexus (p = 0.0003) and the foveal avascular zone circularity was decreased in both the superficial (p = 0.045) and the deep capillary plexus (p < 0.001) compared to the fellow eyes. The vessel density was not significantly different between the operated and the fellow eyes in the superficial and the deep capillary plexus. The vessel density and the foveal avascular zone parameters were comparable between the C3F8 and SF6 groups. CONCLUSION: Specific microvascular indices as measured by OCTA were statistically different between the operated and the fellow eyes in the superficial and deep capillary plexus. C3F8 and SF6 as gas tamponades did not seem to differ in their impact on the microvascular parameters.

Conjunctival Marginal Zone Lymphoma in a Patient With Neurofibromatosis Type 1: A Case Report.

We present a case of painless bulbar conjunctival mass due to B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), without systemic involvement, in a 76-year-old man. Following an excision biopsy, histopathologic examination and immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis, prompting a referral for hemato-oncological assessment. The patient underwent comprehensive laboratory and imaging scans, subsequently receiving combined chemo-immunotherapy that resulted in complete remission to date. This case is reported as it is crucial to recognize that a conjunctival insult might emerge in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) patients.

Combining Perfluorobutylpentane (F4H5) with Glaucoma Drainage Device Implantation for Silicone Oil-Induced Glaucoma: A Pilot Study.

Objectives: Our aim was to perform a perfluorobutylpentane (F4H5) washout in conjunction with glaucoma drainage device (GDD) placement in patients with silicone oil (SO)-induced glaucoma. In this report we present our preliminary results concerning the effectiveness in clearing the SO and the safety of the procedure. Materials and Methods: Eight patients who previously underwent pars plana vitrectomy with SO tamponade due to retinal detachment were selected. Removal of SO was performed on average 10 months after initial surgery. All patients developed glaucoma with evidence of SO remnants in the anterior chamber (AC) and angle. Removal of the remaining SO with F4H5 washout was performed in all cases with concomitant insertion of a GDD to treat the refractory glaucoma. Intraocular pressure (IOP), SO remnants, endothelial cell count, and need for glaucoma medications were evaluated up to 12 months after the surgical procedure. Results: All patients had uneventful surgery with no major complications 12 months postoperatively. A marked reduction of SO remnants in the AC and angle was observed in all cases after surgery. There was a 60.9% decrease in mean IOP 12 months postoperatively (p<0.05) and the need for glaucoma medication was lower in all patients (mean topical medicines: 4 preoperatively vs. 0.75±0.89 postoperatively; p<0.05). Endothelial cell density showed no significant change (mean 2012±129 cells/mm2 preoperatively vs. 1985±134 cells/mm2 postoperatively; p>0.05), and there were no signs of corneal edema. Conclusion: F4H5 is an effective emulsifier for removing SO remnants and may be safely used in conjunction with GDD placement in order to control IOP in eyes with silicone oil-induced glaucoma.

Evaluation of Macular Thickness Changes Following Large Horizontal Rectus Muscle Recession: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Aim The aim of the study was to evaluate the long-term effect of large horizontal rectus muscle recession on macula thickness using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Material and methods Forty-two children were included in the study. The intervention groups were the medial rectus (MR) group (=20 eyes ) and the lateral rectus (LR) group (=22 eyes), including the eyes that underwent large medial and lateral rectus muscle recession, respectively. The control group included the fellow 42 unoperated eyes of the same children. Each eye was scanned using Topcon Maestro2 OCT-Angiography (OCTA; Topcon, Tokyo, Japan) preoperatively and then two months following surgery. A paired t-test was used to compare the mean difference in macular thickness between the intervention and control groups using the statistical program R (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria). Results The mean change in central, parafoveal, and perifoveal macular thickness of the intervention group was not statistically significant. Conclusion The long-term changes in macular thickness, as evaluated using SD-OCT both for the central and peripheral regions of the fovea, following large horizontal rectus muscle recession surgery, are not statistically significant.

Vision-Related Quality of Life in Patients With Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment Treated With Pars-Plana Vitrectomy: Impact of Gas Tamponade.

PURPOSE: To investigate changes in vision-related quality of life in patients treated with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and compare groups according to the type of gas tamponade used. METHODS: Participants in this study were 48 patients with RRD who were treated with PPV and gas tamponade (sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) or perfluoropropane (C3F8)) without internal limiting membrane peeling. All participants underwent slit-lamp examination, fundoscopy, axial-length measurement, and completed the Vision Function Questionnaire-25 (VFQ-25) at month six postoperatively. We compared VFQ-25 composite and subscale scores in the SF6 and C3F8 groups and investigated any correlations between age, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), axial length, and VFQ-25 scores. RESULTS: The demographic and clinical characteristics of the two groups (axial length, macular status, retinal detachment extent, duration of symptoms, and lens status) were comparable between the two groups. We found a statistically significant decrease in general vision (GV), ocular pain (OP), and driving (D) scores in the C3F8 group compared to the SF6 group. The VFQ-25 composite score was comparable in the two groups. Similarly, all other subscales of the VFQ-25 did not differ significantly between the two groups. Age and BCVA did not significantly correlate with VFQ-25 composite and subscale scores. CONCLUSION: Specific VFQ-25 subscales were decreased in patients with RRD treated with C3F8 as a gas tamponade compared to SF6. This finding warrants further research in the tamponade agents used in PPV surgeries.

Is there any association between the frequency of wet age-related macular degeneration recurrences and the seasons of the year?

PURPOSE: To investigate whether a seasonal distribution of the frequency of exudative age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD) recurrences exists. METHODS: In total, 129 eyes with 171 recurrences in patients suffering from wet AMD were included in the study. All the patients had been treated with intravitreal anti-VEGF injections according to Pro Re Nata treatment regimen. Recurrence was defined as the re-detection of sub-retinal fluid, intraretinal fluid, and/or sub-macular hemorrhage in optical coherence tomography scans, after at least two consecutive monthly examinations with a "dry" macula. The year was divided in three 4-month periods (zone A: June-September, zone B: October-January, and zone C: February-May) based on the weather conditions prevailing in each period. Mean temperature and hours of sunlight exposure were the main weather markers recorded. RESULTS: Eighty-two recurrences (48%) occurred during the period June-September, 50 (29.2%) during the period October-January, and 39 (22.8%) during the period February-May (Chi-square = 17.5, p < 0.001). Among the groups, neither patients' age (78 ± 8 years A, 76 ± 7 years B, and 79 ± 8 years C, p = 0.15) nor gender status (40% men A, 36% men B, and 51% men C, p = 0.35) differed significantly. Mean temperature was 27.6 ± 1.8 °C, 15.1 ± 4.6 °C, and 16.5 ± 4.4 °C in zones A, B, and C, respectively. Hours (h) of sunlight exposure (average hours/month) were 344 ± 34 h, 188 ± 42 h, and 223 ± 57 h in zones A, B, and C. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that the frequency of wet AMD recurrences is significantly elevated during the warmer months, possibly due to the higher levels of UV radiation and mean temperature. Further research is necessary to validate our findings.

Effect of silicone oil on retinal microcirculation after vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment evaluated by OCT angiography: a literature review.

Silicone oil (SO) has been widely used as intravitreal tamponade agent for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) and has been occasionally associated with incomplete retinal structural and functional recovery. The use of Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCT-A) has recently attracted significant attention for detailed analysis of retinal capillary plexus and blood flow changes as predicting factors for postoperative outcomes. A detailed literature search was performed in PubMed database until October 2022. The following keywords were used: rhegmatogenous retinal detachment, silicone oil, optical coherence tomography angiography, macular microvasculature, peripapillary capillary plexus, vessel density, and foveal avascular zone. We identified and reviewed 19 studies referring to microcirculation alterations of the retinal capillary plexus as seen on OCT-A in eyes treated by vitrectomy with intravitreal SO for RRD. A comprehensive update revealed variability of microcirculation characteristics of the retinal capillary plexus including the macular and the peripapillary capillaries. Further studies are warranted to clarify the OCT-A values in an attempt to identify the potential effect of SO on retinal tissue in clinical practice. A review of the existing literature sheds light on the effect of SO on retinal capillary plexus and the potential impact on functional outcomes after vitrectomy for RRD. This article discusses important aspects of key publications on the topic, highlights the importance to identify distinct alterations of the microvasculature status, and proposes the need for further future research in this field.

A Review on Pathogens and Necessary Diagnostic Work for Bleb-Related Infections (BRIs).

At the present time, as newer techniques and minimally invasive procedures gain popularity among anterior segment surgeons for regulating intraocular pressure, trabeculectomy still has a leading role in glaucoma surgery. Trabeculectomy retains a highly successful and safe profile; however, one of the major complications includes bleb-related infections (BRIs). To date, the most common pathogens remain Gram-positive cocci, but the list of pathogens that have been identified in the literature includes more than 100 microorganisms. Because antibiotic use is more widespread than ever before and our ability to identify pathogens has improved, the pathogen spectrum will broaden in the future and more pathogens causing BRIs will be described as atypical presentations. The scope of this review was to identify all pathogens that have been described to cause bleb-related infections to date, as well as focus on the risk factors, clinical presentation, and various available diagnostic tools used for an appropriate diagnostic workup.

Peripapillary Pachychoroid Syndrome (PPS): Diagnosing and Treating a Rare Entity.

Two cases with peripapillary pachychoroid syndrome (PPS) along with the challenges concerning correct diagnosis and treatment are presented. In the first case, the patient presented with painless unilateral gradual visual loss. Fundoscopy and optical coherence tomography (OCT) revealed cystoid macular edema (CME) in the left eye (LE), extending from the temporal optic disc margin towards the fovea, with no additional findings. Enhanced-depth imaging- (EDI-) OCT provided additional information and increased choroidal thickness nasally to the macula and pachyvessels in the outer choroidal layer, findings supportive of PPS. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) was applied at the leakage sites. Two months later, CME and subretinal fluid (SRF) had resolved, and VA had significantly improved. In the second case, a patient presented with reduced vision and metamorphopsia bilaterally over the previous 5 days. Fundoscopy revealed CME in both eyes. OCT confirmed the presence of CME in the papillomacular area in the right eye; similarly, CME was recorded in the macula of the LE with SRF located subfoveally. EDI-OCT showed increased choroidal thickness in both eyes. Treatment was administered, originally with dorzolamide eye drops along with eplerenone tablets, and then dexamethasone eye drops that eventually led to significant anatomic and functional improvement. It is important for ophthalmologists to be able to recognize the unique clinical entity of PPS, as its resemblance to disorders with similar features may lead to misdiagnoses and unnecessary, or even incorrect, interventions.

Macular microcirculation changes after macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment repair with silicone oil tamponade evaluated by OCT-A: preliminary results.

Background: Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) with macular involvement is a sight-threatening condition. Silicone oil (SO) is efficacious for retinal tamponade, especially in complex cases. Whether macular detachment per se or the potential tamponading agent may affect macular microcirculation after RRD repair is a matter of research. Objectives: To investigate macular microcirculation changes using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with intravitreal SO for RRD repair in the early posttreatment period. Design: Prospective comparative cross-sectional study. Data sources and Methods: Fourteen eyes of 14 patients were included in the study. All eyes underwent a single successful PPV with SO tamponade for macula-off RRD. OCT-A was performed to analyze macular microcirculation and visual outcomes at 1 month postoperatively. The fellow unaffected eye was used as control. Results: Vessel density (VD) in the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) was significantly lower at each macular region (fovea, parafovea, and perifovea) of SO-treated eyes compared with the fellow eyes (all p = 0.001). Similarly, perfusion density (PD) in the SCP was significantly lower at each macular region than the fellow eyes (all p = 0.001). There was enlargement of foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area and decrease of circularity at RRD eyes compared with the fellow ones (all p = 0.001). Postoperative logMAR visual acuity (VA) was significantly lower in treated eyes than fellow eyes and correlated inversely with foveal, parafoveal, and perifoveal VD and PD SCP (all p < 0.001). Postoperative VA had no correlation with FAZ parameters. Conclusion: Enlargement of FAZ SCP and decrease in VD and PD SCP during the short-term follow-up were possibly attributable to ischemic changes in the macular area after RRD repair with SO tamponade. In this preliminary study, the flow density in macular capillary plexus may represent an indicator of visual outcomes.

Long-term astigmatism changes following horizontal muscle recession: a prospective cohort study.

Strabismus surgery may cause refractive changes, particularly in astigmatism. The aim of this study is to evaluate those changes in astigmatism two and 12 months following unilateral recession of horizontal rectus muscles in children. The authors prospectively evaluated 66 children with esotropia or exotropia, that would undergo a unilateral recession strabismus surgery. Comparisons were made between the 66 eyes that would undergo strabismus surgery and the fellow unoperated 66 eyes of the same children. The 66 eyes that would undergo strabismus surgery were divided into medial (38 eyes) and lateral (28 eyes) rectus muscle subgroups, and further, into subgroups based on the astigmatism axis preoperatively (with-the-rule astigmatism: 35 eyes, no astigmatism: 20 eyes, oblique astigmatism: 10 eyes, against-the-rule astigmatism: 1 eye). All patients were examined one day preoperatively, and then, two and 12 months postoperatively. Paired tests were conducted, and the significant level was set to 0.05 or was adjusted for subgroups. Mean age of children included was 6.73 years (SD = 3.19). Mean astigmatism values preoperatively, 2 and 12 months postoperatively were 0.92D (SD = 0.95), 1.45D (SD = 1.04) and 1.50D (SD = 1.10), respectively, for the eyes that underwent strabismus surgery. A statistically significant mean increase of 0.58D in astigmatism values in the eyes that underwent strabismus surgery was observed 12 months postoperatively (p < .005). Astigmatism values in the eyes that did not undergo strabismus surgery did not statistically significantly change during the observation period. The increase of the absolute values of astigmatism in medial and lateral rectus muscle subgroups was similar, 0.59D (SD = 0.10) and 0.57D (SD = 0.11), respectively. For the eyes that had with-the-rule astigmatism and no astigmatism preoperatively, a statistically significant increase was shown 12 months postoperatively (0.64D and 0.66D respectively) (p < .005). Changes in astigmatism were observed in the eyes which underwent recession of horizontal rectus muscles compared to the fellow eyes, which did not undergo any intervention. An increase in cylindrical power was noted in the eyes that had with-the-rule and no astigmatism prior to surgery. This increase may be interpreted by the decreased tension of the recessed rectus muscle following strabismus surgery. Decreased forces, caused by the recessed horizontal rectus muscle, acting on the sclera on 180-degree meridian may lead to corneal flattening on this particular meridian and consequently, a corneal steepening on the 90-degree meridian. These changes seem to be stable during the first 12 postoperative months.

Assessing safety and success after using bevacizumab, 5-fluorouracil or placebo in primary trabeculectomy. A prospective randomized placebo controlled 1-year follow-up study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine whether glaucoma patients after trabeculectomy could benefit more from subconjunctival injections of bevacizumab than 5-FU or placebo. METHODS AND RESULTS: Fifty-one eyes of 51 patients were recruited for primary MMC (0.2 mg/mL for 1 min) augmented trabeculectomy. 17 patients were randomly assigned to receive 1.25 mg (0.05 mL) of bevacizumab augmentation, 21 patients were assigned to receive 0.1 mL of 50 mg/mL 5-FU and 13 patients were assigned to a control group receiving a normal saline injection as a placebo. Initial recruitment included 58 patients, but seven patients had to be excluded from the study for various reasons. Postoperative follow up of IOP and bleb characteristics was carried out at 1 day, 1 week, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 6 months and 1 year after surgery. All analyses where carried out by two masked clinicians. IOP reduction was statistically significant (p < 0.05) across all three groups between baseline visit and final 1-year postoperative visit. There was no significant difference of the final average IOP values between the three groups. Bleb evaluation was made using the Moorfields bleb grading system (MBGS) after 1 year follow up. Central bleb area was statistically greater in the Bevacizumab group when compared with the 5-FU group but not with the placebo group. The vascularity of the central bleb was significantly different between the groups with the Bevacizumab group showing the least vascularity. Vascularity of the peripheral bleb was also decreased in the Bevacizumab group when compared with the placebo group but not with the 5-FU group. CONCLUSION: The 12-month IOP results showed no significant differences between the groups of patients after Bevacizumab, 5-FU or placebo to augment primary MMC enhanced trabeculectomy. However, by the analysis of bleb morphology there was a significant difference in terms of central bleb area and vascularity.