The use of intrastromal corneal ring segments in patients with myopia and keratoconus.

Intrastromal corneal ring segments were primary used for correcting myopia ranging from -0.5 to -3.0 diopters. Nowadays, the most common indication of PMMA insertion in the world is keratoconus-associated astigmatism. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of using of intracorneal ring segments in myopia and keratoconus. The addressed issues include commercially available ring models, indications and contraindications for ring implantation as well as the recommended surgical techniques. The efficacy of ring implantation in other conditions, such as post-LASIK ectasia and corneal transplantation is also discussed based on literature review. Additionally, the combined procedure of intracorneal ring segment implantation and cor- neal collagen cross-linking is mentioned as one of the latest trends.

Combination of Aflibercept and Bromfenac Therapy in Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Pilot Study Aflibercept and Bromfenac in AMD.

BACKGROUND Among many protocols for treatment of exudative AMD, combined therapy of anti-VEGF agents and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) seems to be an ideal alternative to monotherapy based on ranibizumab or bevacizumab. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of aflibercept and bromfenac in the treatment of exudative AMD. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was conducted on a group of 27 patients with exudative AMD who were administered intravitreal aflibercept and topical bromfenac (study group) once a month. Additional injections were administered up to 3 months after the third administration, depending on response to treatment. The control group consisted of subjects treated with aflibercept only. Visual acuity and anatomical outcomes in optical coherence tomography (OCT) were assessed at baseline visit, 4 months after the first dose, and 6 months after the start of the treatment. RESULTS Visual acuity improved over time in the study group and the differences between the groups were statistically significant. No statistically significant differences were found in OCT parameters. CONCLUSIONS Combined therapy of aflibercept and bromfenac in the treatment of wet AMD is more effective than single aflibercept therapy.

Different Impacts of Luminosity on Contrast Vision in Eyes with Transparent Optic Media and with Cataract Simulation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of luminous intensity on contrast vision under different ocular conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety eyes of 45 persons were included in this study as follows: 30 healthy eyes, 30 eyes with cataract simulation (using translucent glasses), and 30 myopic eyes. Contrast sensitivity was examined using 5 spatial frequencies (1.5, 3.0, 6.0, 12.0, and 18.0 cycles per degree) of sine wave contrast test optotypes for 4 light intensities (34, 68, 154, and 240 cd/m2). RESULTS: The mean linear contrast sensitivities averaged over the frequencies for each of the 4 light intensities were: healthy eyes: 59 ± 11, 72 ± 16, 79 ± 23, and 80 ± 19; myopic eyes: 52 ± 13, 67 ± 15, 73 ± 21, and 75 ± 18, and cataract simulation eyes: 15 ± 7, 21 ± 8.6, 28.7 ± 13, and 28.6 ± 13, respectively. The linear contrast sensitivities averaged over the light intensities for each of the 5 spatial frequencies were: healthy eyes: 78, 87, 117, 59, and 21; myopic eyes: 65, 84, 109, 54, and 29, and cataract simulation eyes: 37, 41, 28, 8, and 2. CONCLUSIONS: The light intensity level had a positive effect on the contrast sensitivity of the examined eyes, except for eyes with cataract simulation, where even the maximum light intensity did not improve the contrast vision. This indicates that patients with cataracts require increased contrast of text rather than brighter illumination to improve the quality of their vision.

Combination of bevacizumab and bromfenac therapy in age-related macular degeneration: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: According to recent studies, the newest strategy for the treatment of exudative age-related macular degeneration is to combine anti-VEGF agents with non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as nepafenac and bromfenac to decrease the frequency of intravitreal injections. Since most research has focused on ranibizumab, the aim of this study is to evaluate whether an alternative drug such as bevacizumab could lead to similar outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted on a group of 26 patients who were administered intravitreal bevacizumab and topical bromfenac (study group) and 26 patients with single bevacizumab therapy (control group). Cases that were not qualified for ranibizumab therapy were included in the study group. RESULTS: The study revealed that the visual acuity and parameters observed in OCT improved more in the study group than in the control group. However, the correlations between the above factors and the frequency of intravitreal injections were statistically significant only in visual acuity. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend the combined therapy of bevacizumab and bromfenac as an alternative and beneficial method of treatment in patients with exudative AMD who do not qualify for ranibizumab therapy. This combined therapy might efficiently reduce the number of intravitreal injections of bevacizumab.