Corneal bacterial microbiome in patients with keratoconus using next-generation sequencing-based 16S rRNA gene analysis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the corneal bacterial microbiome in patients with keratoconus using next-generation sequencing and develop a new perspective on the pathogenesis of the disease. METHODS: This prospective observational study included 10 patients with keratoconus who underwent corneal crosslinking procedure and 10 healthy controls who underwent photorefractive keratectomy. Patients included in the study were aged 18 years or older. The demographic and clinical characteristics of participants were recorded. Corneal epithelial samples were collected between March 2021 and June 2021. Isolated bacterial DNA from corneal epithelial samples was analyzed using 16 S ribosomal RNA gene analysis. The relative abundance rates at the phylum and genus levels were calculated. Alpha diversity parameters were assessed. RESULTS: Eleven phyla and 521 genera of bacteria were identified in all participants. At the phylum level, Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes were most abundant in both groups. There were no statistical differences between the two groups except Bacteriodetes (p < 0.05). At the genus level, the relative abundance rates of twenty bacteria were significantly different between keratoconus and healthy corneas (p < 0.05). Aquabacterium was the most abundant genus in patients with keratoconus, while Shigella was the most abundant genus in healthy controls. Alpha diversity parameters were lower in patients with keratoconus, although the difference did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary study revealed that there are similarities and differences in the corneal microbiome between keratoconus and healthy individuals. Further research is required on the relationship between the abnormal corneal microbiome composition and the pathogenesis of keratoconus.

Changes in anterior chamber dimensions following small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE).

PURPOSE: To evaluate the changes in anterior chamber dimensions including horizontal anterior chamber diameter (HACD), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and iridocorneal angle (ICA) following small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) using Scheimpflug-Placido disk tomographer (Sirius). METHODS: The records of the 73 eyes of 47 patients who received SMILE for myopia and myopic astigmatism were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative and 6-month postoperative measurements of central corneal thickness (CCT), HACD, ACD, ICA, nasal anterior chamber angle (nACA), and temporal anterior chamber angle (tACA) were obtained by tomography, and compared with paired t-tests. Pearson's correlation and linear regression tests were used to evaluate the relationship between these parameters. RESULTS: The CCT, HACD, and ACD values decreased significantly at 6-month postoperatively (p < 0.05 for all). ICA, nACA, and tACA showed no statistically significant difference postoperatively (p = 0.54, p = 0.118, and p = 0.255, respectively). Pearson's correlation analysis confirms negative relationship between Δ-HACD and Δ-tACA (r = -0.475, p < 0.01), and a loose negative relationship between change in ACD and change in ICA (r = -0.282, p = 0.016). Age and Δ-tACA were found as predictive parameters for Δ-HACD and, Δ-ICA was a predictor for Δ-ACD. CONCLUSION: While HACD and ACD decreased significantly, there was no significant change in ICA, nACA and tACA. Changes in HACD and ACD should be considered in terms of subsequent surgeries after SMILE.

Visual rehabilitation by using corneal wavefront-guided transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy for corneal opacities after epidemic keratoconjunctivitis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate long-term visual and refractive outcomes of corneal wavefront-guided transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (t-PRK) with mitomycin C for the treatment of corneal opacities secondary to adenoviral epidemic keratoconjunctivitis. METHODS: Records of patients who underwent corneal wavefront-guided t-PRK with excimer laser from January 2012 to December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative and postoperative uncorrected visual acuity, best-spectacle corrected visual acuity, slit-lamp biomicroscopic examination findings, manifest refraction, and corneal aberrations and fundus examination findings were evaluated. RESULTS: Twenty-two eyes of 22 patients comprising 12 male (55%) and 10 female (45%) were treated. The mean age was 34.5 ± 10.8 years (range 19-55). The mean follow-up time was 34.4 ± 17.50 months (range 13-61 months). There was a statistically significant improvement in UCVA and BSCVA (p < 0.001 and p = 0.02), and there was a significant decrease in total higher-order aberrations, spherical, coma and trefoil aberration at postoperative first year (p < 0.001 in each). In two eyes of two patients, minimal haze formation was observed after the procedure, and both eyes were treated with topical steroid. No recurrence was observed in subepithelial infiltrates in any patient during long-term follow-up. CONCLUSION: In long-term clinical follow-up, corneal wavefront-guided t-PRK treatment is an effective and reliable treatment method for rehabilitation of visual impairment due to corneal scars following adenoviral infections, in properly selected patients.

Anterior-Approach Versus Posterior-Approach Levator Advancement Surgery in Aponeurotic Ptosis.

PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness and complications of levator reinsertion in aponeurotic ptosis surgery using anterior and posterior approaches. METHODS: Seventy-eight (36 females, 42 males) patients with acquired aponeurotic ptosis were evaluated. Pre- and postoperative margin reflex distance, symmetry of height, contour and skin crease, corneal problems, and lagophthalmus were evaluated and compared between the 2 groups. Independent and paired samples t-test, Pearson Chi-square, and Fisher exact test were used to evaluate the results. RESULTS: The anterior approach was performed on 43 eyelids and the posterior approach was performed on 35 eyelids. The mean age of the anterior-approach group was 62.1 ±â€Š11 years, and posterior-approach group was 50.1 ±â€Š15.1 years, respectively (P < 0.001). The male-female ratio was 28/15 in the anterior-approach group, and 14/21 in the posterior approach group (P = 0.027). The success rate of the anterior approach was 69.8% and the posterior approach was 57.1% (P = 0.248). The mean margin reflex distance change was statistically significant in both anterior- and posterior-approach techniques (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). Three (6.9%) patients in the anterior-approach group and 11 (31.4%) in the posterior-approach group required reoperation (P = 0.005). Lagophthalmus rates were similar (3 eyes in the anterior versus 7 eyes in the posterior group, P = 0.103). CONCLUSIONS: Both anterior- and posterior-approaches are effective and safe techniques for aponeurotic ptosis treatment. The posterior approach seems to be preferred by female and younger patients because there is no undesirable scar formation although it has the disadvantage of higher rates of reoperation.

Long-term results of aphakia management by scleral fixation intraocular lens placement with knotless transscleral Z-suture method.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term refractive outcomes and complications of posterior chamber intraocular lens placement by scleral fixation surgery (SF-IOL) with the knotless Z-suture method. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent SF-IOL placement with the Z-suture method between January 2010 and December 2018 and who attended a follow-up after at least 1 year. Preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), anterior segment biomicroscopy, fundus examinations, and postoperative complications were evaluated. Lenticular astigmatism was calculated through the vector analysis method. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-six eyes of 136 patients (mean age 57.78 ± 22 years, 98 male/38 female) were included in the study. Of the 136 patients, 67 (49.3%) had a complicated cataract, 50 (36.8%) had pseudoexfoliation syndrome, and 19 (14%) had a trauma history. The mean follow-up period was 50.83 ± 27 months. The mean preoperative BCVA was 0.65 ± 0.24 LogMAR, and the postoperative BCVAs were: 0.40 ± 0.30 (p < 0.001) at 1 year; 0.40 ± 0.30 (p < 0.001) at 2 years; 0.41 ± 0.31 (p < 0.001) at 3 years; 0.43 ± 0.32 (p < 0.001) at 5 years; and 0.47 ± 0.24 (p = 0.03) at 8 years. Complications included retinal detachment in 2 patients (1.5%), cystoid macular edema in 4 patients (2.9%), increase in intraocular pressure in 5 patients (3.6%), suture loosening in 3 patients (2.2%), and IOL dislocation in 3 patients (2.2%). CONCLUSION: Scleral fixation of IOL with knotless Z-suture technique is an effective method to correct aphakia, with reliable long-term results.

Complications of accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking: review of 2025 eyes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the early- and late-stage complications of accelerated cross-linking (A-CXL) in a large case series and investigate the relationship of A-CXL complications with ocular and systemic conditions accompanying keratoconus. METHODS: Retrospectively, records of 2025 eyes of 1184 patients diagnosed with keratoconus between March 2013 and 2020 who underwent A-CXL (18 mW/cm2 for 5 min) treatment were reviewed. Comorbid ocular and systemic diseases other than keratoconus were recorded. In the postoperative follow-up, early and late complications and their association with accompanying diseases were examined. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 26.16 ± 6.05 (range 18-42), and the mean follow-up time was 3.40 ± 1.63 years (range 1-8 years). Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (3.7%) was the most common disease accompanying keratoconus. Less frequently, systemic allergic diseases (2.9%) and Down syndrome (2.3%) were observed. The most common complication in the early postoperative period was haze formation (9.1%), while failure of the treatment (4.2%) occurred in the late period. Other common complications were loss of two or more Snellen lines (2.4%) and delayed epithelial healing (1.8%). There was a significant relationship between vernal keratoconjunctivitis and delayed epithelial healing (p = 0.011). Statistically significant relationships were found between Down syndrome and haze formation (p < 0.001) and sterile infiltrate formation (p = 0.041). CONCLUSION: Although A-CXL complication rates are low, vernal keratoconjunctivitis following A-CXL might increase the risk of delayed epithelial healing, and similarly corneal haze and sterile infiltrates might be observed more frequently in patients with Down syndrome.

Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in patients with superior steepening on corneal topography: Is it safe and predictable?

BACKGROUND: Attention is usually given to inferior steepening on corneal topography in the evaluation of a patient's suitability for LASIK surgery. The aim of this study is to investigate long-term refractive results with superior steepening. METHODS: Patients who underwent LASIK surgery between 2015 and 2019 in our refractive surgery department were retrospectively reviewed. The patients with a ≥ 1.0 D superior-inferior (S-I) quadrant difference in the tangential map, using a Scheimpflug camera with a Placido disc topographer (Sirius), were included in the study. Preoperative and postoperative best-corrected and uncorrected visual acuity (Snellen), cylindrical refraction values, and spherical equivalent (SE) values were compared. Adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: Fifty eyes of 28 patients participated in the study. The mean age of the patients was 27.5 ± 8.0 (19-59). Sixteen patients were female (57.1%), and 12 (42.8%) patients were male. The average follow-up time was 29.8 ± 11.1 months (12-61). Average central corneal thickness was 549.4 ± 26.0 (498-602) µm. Average minimal corneal thickness was 549.1 ± 26.9 (497-598) µm. Preoperative S-I quadrant difference (D) was 1.87 ± 0.7 (1.0-3.99). Posterior elevation (Kvb) was 11.2 ± 1.9 (9-17) µm. The preoperative SE value was - 1.7 ± 2.1 (- 6.25-3.25) and improved to - 0.3 ± 0.44 D (- 1.25-0.75) (p < 0.001). Preoperative cylindrical refraction values were - 2.04 ± 1.7 (- 6.25-0), and postoperative values were - 0.47 ± 0.4 (- 2-0) D (p < 0.001). Uncorrected visual acuity was median 1.0 (0.4-1.0) with 38 eyes (76%) having 20/20 postoperative uncorrected visual acuity. No sight threatening complications or ectasia findings were observed during the 2 years postoperative follow-up time. CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal corneal topographies with (S-I) asymmetry result in predictable results after LASIK.

CFH Y402H and VEGF Polymorphisms and Anti-VEGF Treatment Response in Exudative Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in complement factor H (CFH) Y402H and VEGF rs2146323 and rs699947 in exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and their relationship with intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment response. METHODS: A total of 109 exudative AMD patients and 70 controls were included. Patients were classified as 'good responders' and 'nonresponders' based on the changes in best corrected visual acuity, central foveal thickness, lesion size, and the persistence of retinal hemorrhage after three dosages of anti-VEGF. We examined CFH, VEGF rs2146323 and rs699947 SNPs, and plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in both groups. RESULTS: In total, 42 patients (38.5%) and 11 controls (15.7%) had homozygote wild genotype TT (p = 0.002). The variant C allele frequency was 45% in controls and 31.7% in patients (p = 0.011). A and C allele frequencies for VEGF rs699947 and rs2416323 were similar between the control and patient groups (p = 0.947, p = 0.378). Both SNPs were similar in responders and nonresponders. No significant difference was detected between plasma IL-6 levels of the control and AMD groups (p = 0.594), but the levels were higher in good responders than nonresponders (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: CFH Y402H SNP might be protective for AMD in the Turkish population. VEGF rs2146323 and rs699947 SNPs have no relationship to exudative AMD formation, and none of these seem to have any effect on anti-VEGF response.

Fungal keratitis secondary to Scedosporium apiospermum infection and successful treatment with surgical and medical intervention.

To report a rare case of severe fungal keratitis caused by Scedosporium apiospermum, which was treated with a penetrating tectonic keratoplasty and aggressive medical treatment. A 62-year-old woman with a history of soil contamination of the right eye while planting vegetables presented with a severe corneal abscess and ocular pain. The patient received medical treatment and underwent tectonic keratoplasty. Both corneal scrapings and the corneal button were evaluated microscopically. The samples were sent for aerobic and anaerobic bacterial and fungal cultures. Microbiological examinations showed S. apiospermum. The isolate was sensitive to amphoterycine B, caspofungin, voriconazole, and resistant to fluconazole. No clinical improvement was achieved with topical voriconazole, vancomycin, ceftazidime, and systemic voriconazole. A penetrating tectonic keratoplasty and lensectomy with continuation of anti-fungal therapy achieved satisfactory results. A fungal etiology should be suspected in a progressive and untreatable corneal abscess. Microbiological investigation is very important in early diagnosis. Despite early diagnosis and aggressive treatment, in selected cases removing the infected tissue surgically is vital in preserving the ocular globe and vision.

Relationship of posterior peripheral corneal layers and the trabecular meshwork: an immunohistological and anatomical study.

BACKGROUND/AIM: With the popularity of endothelial keratoplasty (EK) procedures, Descemet membrane (DM) EK and pre-Descemet EK, considerable work has been done on understanding the posterior corneal anatomy. Most of the information available relates to the central cornea. We evaluated the peripheral cornea to explore the immunohistological and anatomical relationship between the pre-Descemet layer (PDL), DM and trabecular meshwork (TM). METHODS: Six donor human sclerocorneal discs were studied. PDL, DM and TM were examined by light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and immunohistology. The DM was peeled from the centre to the limit of its peripheral attachment, to reach the transition zone (TZ) between TM and peripheral cornea. Ten-micron sections were stained with antibodies against collagens 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 12, elastin, myocilin, wnt-1, aquaporin, tenascin C, laminin and integrin alpha 3. RESULTS: Collagens 2, 3, 4, laminin and myocilin were predominantly seen in the TZ between TM and peripheral cornea. Wnt-1, integrin alpha 3 and tenascin C were highly concentrated in TM. Collagen 1 was present predominantly in the corneal stroma. On TEM; DM was thinner with a denser banded structure spread throughout its thickness in the periphery compared with the central cornea where it presents as the distinct anterior banded layer. CONCLUSION: The TZ between DM, PDL and TM shows a unique histological structure at the periphery. The collagen and elastin fibres of the TM are continuous with the PDL. The structures are firmly attached to each other. These findings provide structural information that is relevant to the preparation of DMEK donor tissue.

Comparison of topical omega-3 fatty acids with topical sodium hyaluronate after corneal crosslinking : Short term results.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of topical omega 3 on ocular surface following corneal crosslinking (CXL) in keratoconus and compare with topical sodium hyaluronate. MATERIAL METHODS: 50 patients who underwent CXL were divided into two groups. In addition to topical steroids and antibiotics, Group A was prescribed topical omega 3; Group B was prescribed 0.3% sodium hyaluronate. Postoperatively, epithelial defect was measured everyday and at the first month corneal staining, Schirmer test was performed, tear break up time (TBUT), tear meniscus height (TMH) were measured. RESULTS: Preoperative keratometric values were similar between groups; there was no difference in terms of corneal staining, tear film stability; epithelial closure time (p: 0.052), and postoperative pain scores between groups. At 1st month, TBUT and TMH were significantly better in Group A than Group B(p: 0.001, p: 0.047). CONCLUSION: Topical omega 3 increases tear film stability more prominent than sodium hyaluronate following crosslinking.

Effect of capsular tension ring on refractive results in cases with pseudoexfoliation syndrome.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of capsular tension rings (CTRs) on postoperative refractive results in patients with pseudoexfoliation (PSX) syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-nine patients with PSX syndrome who had uncomplicated cataract surgery between March 2016 and February 2019 were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were divided into two groups. The 35 patients in Group 1 received CTRs prior to intraocular lens implantation during cataract surgery, and the 34 patients in Group 2 had cataract surgery without CTRs. Significant zonular weakness, uncontrolled glaucoma, and ocular pathologies causing low visual acuity were excluded. The preoperative and postoperative keratometry and autorefraction measurements, preoperative expected refractive values, and absolute refractive error were recorded. RESULTS: The mean ages of patients were 73.54 ± 9.78 years in Group 1 and 72.23 ± 6.72 years in Group 2 (p = 0.521). There was no statistically significant difference between Group 1 and Group 2 in terms of expected preoperative refraction values (-0.52 ± 0.12,-0.56 ± 0.08, respectively, p = 0.118). There was a statistically significant difference in postoperative spherical equivalent values between Group 1 and Group 2 (-0.05 ± 0.97 and -0.92 ± 0.57, respectively, p < 0.01). A statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of absolute refractive error (0.46 ± 0.74 in Group 1 and -0.34 ± 0.59 in Group 2 p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: CTR implantation causes hyperopic shift, which should be taken into consideration when calculating the lens power of intraocular lens in patients with PSX syndrome.

Repeatability and reliability of measurements obtained by the combined Scheimpflug and Placido-disk tomography in different stages of keratoconus.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the repeatability and reliability of corneal parameters in different stages of keratoconus patients using a combined Scheimpflug-Placido disc analysis system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, three consecutive measurements were performed by the same observer using Scheimpflug-Placido disc anterior segment analysis device in keratoconus patients. Flattest and steepest simulated keratometry and corneal volume, corneal aberrations, thinnest corneal thickness, symmetry index, keratoconus vertex and Baiocchi-Calossi-Versaci index were recorded. Keratoconic eyes were divided into four stages using the Amsler-Krumeich classification. Repeatability was evaluated using within the subject standard deviation, repeatability index (Ri) and coefficient of variation; reliability was evaluated by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Pearson correlation coefficients were used to assess the correlation between the parameters evaluated. RESULTS: Two hundred sixty-one eyes of 261 keratoconus patients were included in the study. The repeatability for all corneal curvature parameters decreased as the keratoconus severity increased, and there is a positive correlation between keratometry of the apex and corneal curvature parameters (p < 0.05) except mean simulated keratometry. The corneal aberrations were repeatable in all keratoconus subgroups (Ri < 0.34 µm). There are also positive correlations between keratometry of apex and corneal aberrations (p < 0.05) except total high-order root mean square and spherical aberration. The reliability was excellent (ICC > 0.90) for all indices except keratoconus vertex back. CONCLUSION: The parameters used in the diagnosis and follow-up of keratoconus in the Sirius corneal tomography system may differ more than expected at stages 3 and 4 of the disease. Awareness of this situation may be helpful in planning follow-up and treatment.

Comparative study of small-incision lenticule extraction and phakic intraocular lens implantation for the correction of high myopia: 6-year results.

PURPOSE: To compare the long-term safety, efficacy, and complications of small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and flexible iris-fixated anterior chamber phakic intraocular lens (pIOL) implantation for the treatment of high myopia. SETTING: University of Health Science Turkey, Beyoglu Eye Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. DESIGN: Retrospective comparative case series. METHODS: Data of patients who underwent SMILE or pIOL (Artiflex) implantation for myopia were retrospectively reviewed. Only patients with preoperative manifest refraction spherical equivalent from -6.00 to -10.00 diopters (D) were included in the study. RESULTS: There were 47 eyes of 32 patients in the SMILE group and 52 eyes of 29 patients in the pIOL group. The mean postoperative follow-up was 63.75 ± 18.40 months in the SMILE group and 65.38 ± 16.22 months in the p-IOL group (P = .71). At 6 years postoperatively, refractive predictability was slightly better in the pIOL group, and the percentages of eyes within ±0.50 D of the attempted correction were 77% and 83% in the SMILE and pIOL groups, respectively. Although mean uncorrected distance visual acuity was comparable (SMILE, 0.12 ± 0.06 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR]; p-IOL, 0.09 ± 0.05 logMAR), the safety indices (1.08 ± 0.22 vs 1.11 ± 0.20; P = .02) and the efficacy indices (0.92 ± 0.24 vs 1.11 ± 0.22; P = .03) were statistically significantly higher after pIOL implantation. Despite a mean of 11.09% of the endothelial cell being lost at 6 years after pIOL implantation, no pIOL was explanted due to endothelial cell loss. CONCLUSIONS: In this comparative and long-term study, iris-fixated anterior chamber pIOL implantation for high myopic correction showed slightly better safety and efficacy profiles but with statistically significant endothelial cell loss.

Refractive and visual outcomes of small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) in eyes with thin corneas.

OBJECTIVES: To report the refractive and visual outcomes of small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) with the thinnest corneal thickness (CCT) of less than 500 µm and evaluate it in terms of safety and efficacy. SETTING: Refractive Surgery Clinic of University of Health Sciences Beyoglu Eye Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. METHODS: The pre-and-postoperative examinations of all patients with thin corneas (preoperative CCT <500 µm) who underwent the SMILE procedure and had a minimum of 24 months of follow-up records were reviewed from medical files. The main outcome measures of the refractive and visual outcomes and the effect on corneal high order aberrations (HOAs) were evaluated. RESULTS: The study included 55 eyes of 39 patients. The mean preoperative uncorrected visual acuity (UDVA) was 1.3 ± 1.5 logMAR, and the mean postoperative UDVA was significantly improved to 0.05 ± 0.80 logMAR at the last visit (p < 0.001). At the last follow-up, 84% of the eyes were within ± 0.50D, and 96% of the eyes were within ±1.00D of attempted SE refraction. The HOAs of coma (p < 0.001), secondary astigmatism (p = 0.015), spherical aberration (p < 0.001), and RMS (p < 0.001) aberrations increased significantly from the baseline to the postoperative last visit. The increase in trefoil was not significant (p = 0.32). No sight threatening complications or ectasia were observed during the follow-up time. CONCLUSION: SMILE is a safe and effective technique with long-term stability for treatment of myopia in eyes with a thin cornea, and satisfactory results can be obtained if candidates for surgery are selected carefully with particular emphasis on normal preoperative corneal topography.

Phototherapeutic Keratectomy in Macular and Granular Dystrophy: Two-year Results.

PURPOSE: To evaluate two-year outcomes of phototherapeutic keratectomy in granular and macular dystrophy and to investigate the effects of dystrophy type on results. METHODS: Sixty-three patients who underwent phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) for granular and macular dystrophy in the cornea funit of the University of Health Sciences Beyoglu Eye Research and Training Hospital were evaluated retrospectively. Patients under 18 years of age, patients with a follow-up period of less than 24 months, and patients who had previously undergone corneal surgery or excimer laser treatment were excluded from the study. Treatment values (ablation depth, optical zone, mitomycin-C (MMC) application time) and complications during and after treatment were recorded. Patients who had a decrease of two or more lines in their BCVA and those with recurrent or increased corneal opacities were considered to have severe recurrences. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively at the 12th and 24th months. The values obtained before and after the PTK were compared with statistical methods. RESULTS: A total of 41 eyes (27 with granular dystrophy and 14 with macular dystrophy) were included in this study. There were no statistically significant differences between patients with granular dystrophy and macular dystrophy in terms of preoperative UCVA and BCVA, MMC application time, and follow-up period (p > .05). The mean age of patients with macular dystrophy was statistically smaller than that of patients with granular dystrophy (p = .04). The amount of ablation applied to macular dystrophy was statistically higher than for granular dystrophy (p = .03). The mean UCVA and BCVA showed statistically significant improvements at the 24th postoperative month (p < .5). There was no statistically significant difference between the UCVA and BCVA values of the patients with granular and macular dystrophy at the 12th and 24th months after the procedure. No recurrence was observed in any patient after 24 months. However, when the follow-up continued, severe recurrence was encountered in 2 patients with macular dystrophy at 26th and 40th months. Re-treatment procedures were needed in these two patients who had severe recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Phototherapeutic keratectomy is an effective and safe option for treatment in both granular and macular corneal dystrophy. Recurrence is a more common problem in patients with macular dystrophy, and recurrent therapies or keratoplasty methods are needed more frequently.

Prognostic Factors Affecting Graft Survival in Patients Undergoing Penetrating Keratoplasty for Infectious Keratitis.

Objectives: To evaluate the prognostic factors affecting graft survival in patients undergoing penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) for infectious keratitis. Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent PKP for keratitis in our hospital between 2013 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who underwent therapeutic PKP at the inflammatory stage and were followed for at least 12 months were included in the study. Age, gender, follow-up period, time between diagnosis and surgery, lens status, presence of limbal involvement, presence of corneal ulceration, perforation, or corneal abscess, type of microorganism detected in culture, number of fortified medications used before surgery and duration of use, preoperative and postoperative visual acuity, postoperative graft transparency, postoperative complications, recurrence of infection, rate of re-keratoplasty, and indication for and timing of re-keratoplasty were recorded. The relationship between these findings and anatomic, therapeutic, and functional success were evaluated. Results: Fifty-nine patients were included in the study; 40 (67.8%) were male and 19 (32.2%) were female, and the mean age was 59.78±19.46 (6-91) years. Anatomic success was achieved in 58 patients (98.3%). Therapeutic success was achieved in 47 patients (79.7%) and there was a significant relationship between therapeutic success and re-keratoplasty and early re-keratoplasty (p<0.001 for both). Thirty-two patients (54.2%) had functional success and there was a significant relationship between the absence of postoperative complications and functional success (p=0.014). Conclusion: PKP is an effective treatment option in treatment-resistant keratitis or keratitis with impending perforation. The absence of postoperative complications and performing early re-keratoplasty in patients with recurrence increase the success rate.

Accelerated corneal crosslinking in children with keratoconus: 5-year results and comparison of 2 protocols.

PURPOSE: To evaluate long-term clinical results of 2 different accelerated corneal crosslinking (CXL) protocols in pediatric patients with keratoconus. SETTING: Beyoglu Eye Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. DESIGN: Retrospective case-control study. METHODS: Patients who were younger than 18 years were included in the study. Group 1 received 4 minutes of illumination at 30 mW/cm, and Group 2 received 5 minutes of illumination at 18 mW/cm. Uncorrected and corrected distance visual acuities, manifest refraction, corneal topographic parameters, and corneal higher-order aberrations (HOAs) were evaluated at baseline and during 1-, 3-, and 5-year follow-up visits. RESULTS: A total of 143 eyes from 86 patients were included in the study. There were 30 eyes in Group 1 and 113 eyes in Group 2. The mean follow-up time was 4.15 ± 0.99 years. Mean keratometry (K) and/or maximum K progressed ≥1.00 diopter (D) in 7 eyes (23.3%) in Group 1 and 19 eyes (16.8%) in Group 2 (P = .411). Mean K and/or maximum K decreased ≥2.00 D in 2 eyes (6.7%) in Group 1 and 24 eyes (21.2%) in Group 2 (P = .06). In Group 1, there were no statistically significant differences in topographic parameters during follow-up. In Group 2, there was a statistically significant reduction in total HOA and coma during the 5-year visit when compared with the preoperative visit (P = .005 and P = .045, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Accelerated CXL is beneficial in terms of halting the progression of keratoconus in pediatric patients throughout 5 years of follow-up examinations. An increased irradiance with a reduced application time reduces the topographic effects of CXL.

Early Results with a New Posterior Chamber Phakic Intraocular Lens in Patients with High Myopia.

PURPOSE: To report clinical results of a foldable, hydrophilic acrylic, single-piece, injectable, posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens (pIOL). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Medical records of patients who underwent posterior chamber phakic IOL (Eyecryl Phakic IOL, Biotech Vision Care, Ahmedabad, India) implantation for surgical correction of myopia were retrospectively reviewed. Only patients with at least a one-year follow-up were included. Manifest refraction, uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), endothelial cell density (ECD), and pIOL vault were analyzed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Complications observed during and after surgery were also recorded. RESULTS: The study included 58 eyes of 29 patients. Mean patient age was 32 ± 7 years. Spherical equivalent of manifest refraction was -13.41 ± 3.23 D preoperatively and -0.44 ± 0.55 D postoperatively. Preoperative CDVA was 0.29 ± 0.71 logMAR. Postoperative UDVA and CDVA were 0.21 ± 0.66 and 0.15 ± 0.69 logMAR, respectively, at the 12-month visit. At the 12-month visit, the efficacy index was 1.20 and the safety index was 1.39. Mean ECD was 2713 ± 339 cells/mm2 at the preoperative visit and 2608 ± 362 cells/mm2 at the 12-month visit (3.9% loss, p < 0.001). ECD loss from 3 months to 12 months was not statistically significant. No significant cataract formation, significant endothelial cell loss, glaucoma, uveitis, or any other vision-threatening complication was observed. CONCLUSION: Based on postoperative experience, we have found that Eyecryl Phakic IOL is safe and effective for treating high myopia.

A New Side Effect of Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant (Ozurdex®).

Dexamethasone implant, 0,7 mg (Ozurdex, Allergan, Inc., Irvine, CA, USA), is drug mostly used in the treatment of the diabetic macular edema and edema related to retinal vein occlusion. By reporting this case we aimed to report a new side effect of 0.7 mg intravitreal dexamethasone implant that has not been reported in the literature before.