Comparison of Measured Intraocular Pressure Change According to the Methods of Corneal Refractive Surgery

PURPOSE: To evaluate differences in intraocular pressure change after three different methods of corneal refractive surgery. METHODS: The medical records of 296 eyes of 150 patients who underwent corneal refractive surgery were reviewed. Spherical equivalent, central corneal thickness (CCT), and intraocular pressure before surgery, and one month, three months and six months after surgery were analyzed. RESULTS: The patients included those having undergone laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK; 96 eyes), IntraLASIK (98 eyes), laser assisted sub-epithelial keratomileusis (LASEK; 102 eyes). Post operative intraocular pressure in ablated corneal depth and in CCT showed a meaningful correlation. Intraocular pressure decreased significantly after refractive surgery; however, there were no differences among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Post operative intraocular pressure after corneal refractive surgery is influenced by CCT. There were no differences in intraocular pressure change among the three groups.

Vitrectomy as a Substitute for PRP on the High-risk PDR Patients

PURPOSE: This research is to evaluate the effectiveness of vitrectomy on early vision recovery compared to that of panretinal photocoagulation for the high-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) patients. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 84 high-risk PDR patients (100 eyes) who had undergone panretinal photocoagulation or vitrectomy under the diagnosis the high-risk PDR and followed up at least 12 months. Authors divided them into two different groups; one with who received PRP, and another with vitrectomy. We investigated both groups' vision change every 3, 6, and 12 months after the treatment. RESULTS: The Vitrectomy group patients showed higher percentage of vision improvement and lower percentage of vision decrease (p< or =0.05) than the PRP group patients in 3rd and 6th month. Macular edema decreased in the Vitrectomy group and increased in the PRP group in the 3rd month. Need for additional surgery due to complication showed 26% in the PRP group, and 12% in the Vitrectomy group. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude the vitrectomy is more efficient method than PRP for high-risk PDR patients who are in need of early vision recovery.

The Effects of the Cyanoacrylate Tissue Adhesive Mono-therapy for Corneal Perforation

PURPOSE: To report cases of corneal perforation among corneas treated with cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive. METHODS: We performed cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive application on 1 case of corneal perforation due to fungal keratitis, one case of corneal perforation due to neurotrophic keratitis, one case of corneal fistula due to foreign body and one case of corneal perforation due to corneal stromal dystrophy. After cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive removal, amniotic membrane transplantation was conducted in two cases, and keratoplaty was performed in another two cases. RESULTS: Postoperative follow-up period was 12 months on average. In all four cases, ocular integrity was successfully restored. There was no sign of recurrence, infection or inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: Cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive monotherpy can restore ocular integrity successfully in various type of corneal perforation and After cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive removal, amniotic membrane transplantation and keratoplaty can be performed additionally.

Stem Cell Transplantation in Retinitis Pigmentosa Patients

PURPOSE: This study was to evaluate the effect of stem cell transplantation into the sub-retinal space in retinitis pigmentosa (RP) patients for improving their visual acuity. RP is a progressive hereditary disease that leads to the blindness, and there is no reliable treatment for recover the disease until now. METHODS: The author transplanted mesenchymal stem cell extracted from umbilical cord blood into the sub-retina of four RP patients recommended by Korea RP association, and checked the changes of their visual acuity and electroretinograms. RESULTS: There was no obvious improvement in their visual acuity and elecroretinograms compared with preoperative state. Two patients, however, experienced slight improvements of their color sense and peripheral visual fields, and slight decrease of photophobia. Although there were no any obvious complications in relation to the stem cell transplantation, surgical procedures developed complications such as vitreous hemorrhage and retinal detachment. CONCLUSIONS: Mesenchymal stem cell derived from umbilical cord blood could not improve visual acuity and electroretinogram of RP patients.