Outcomes of transcorneal electrical stimulation therapy in the early stages of retinitis pigmentosa.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the effect of transcorneal electrical stimulation (TES) therapy in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). METHODS: We performed TES therapy in 21 patients with RP in 12 sessions with 1-week intervals. The following parameters obtained before and after the TES therapy were compared statistically; the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA, logMAR), Ishihara color vision level, multifocal electroretinography (mf-ERG) response, automated visual field (VF) outcome, and the 25-item low vision quality-of-life (LVQOL) questionnaire points. RESULTS: The mean age of patients (6 females; 15 males) was 31.67 ± 9.80 years (20-50 years). While increases in BCVA level, color vision level, mf-ERG response in p1 amplitude of ring 1, and LVQOL questionnaire points were statistically significant, changes in VF test and other mf-ERG responses were not. Twenty of the patients (95.24%) stated that they were satisfied with the TES therapy. No considerable side effect was observed in any patient due to the therapy. DISCUSSION: The TES therapy may be an effective and safe treatment modality in slowing the RP progression, especially in the early stages of the disease. Longer-term follow-ups in larger patient populations are warranted.

Retinal choroidal and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in former preterm and full-term infants aged 4 to 8 years.

PURPOSE: To compare the retinal thickness at the fovea center, peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and choroidal thickness (CT) in former preterm and full-term infants. METHODS: A total of 121 healthy children aged 4-8 years were divided 4 groups: group 1; children born on time, group 2; preterm children without a history of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), group 3; preterm children with a history of spontaneously regressed ROP and group 4; preterm children who underwent diode laser photocoagulation for ROP. The retinal thickness at the fovea, peripapillary RNFL thickness at global, superior, inferior, nasal and temporal quadrants and submacular CT at 7 different points were measured by using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: The mean retinal thickness at the fovea center was statistically higher, whereas the mean RNFL thickness values in global, nasal, superior and inferior quadrants were statistically lower in group 4. No difference was found in the mean submacular CT value of any point between the groups. CONCLUSION: Transpupillary diode laser photocoagulation treatment for ROP seems to cause an increase in macular thickness and a decrease in RNFL thickness.

CHOROIDAL THICKNESS IN PATIENTS WITH STARGARDT DISEASE.

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between choroidal thicknesses (CT), central foveal thicknesses, multifocal electroretinography (mf-ERG) responses, and best-corrected visual acuity levels in patients with Stargardt disease (STGD). METHODS: A total of 30 eyes of 30 patients with STGD, and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included in the study. All participants underwent detailed ophthalmic examination including best-corrected visual acuity and spectral domain optical coherence tomography measurements, and also patients with STGD were performed mf-ERG. RESULTS: The mean subfoveal CT values were 271.95 ± 85.57 µm in patients with STGD and 355.73 ± 87.41 µm in the control group (P < 0.001). The mean central foveal thickness values were 223.56 ± 61.38 µm in patients with STGD and 272.46 ± 27.52 µm in the control group (P < 0.001). The mean central and paracentral mf-ERG responses (45.71 ± 26.60 and 16.47 ± 10.75 Nv/deg respectively) in patients with STGD were significantly lower from the normal ranges (66.6-130.8 Nv/deg and 30.9-77.7 Nv/deg, respectively; P < 0.001 for both). There was a statistically significant correlation between subfoveal CT and best-corrected visual acuity levels (P = 0.012, r = -0.452), and between parafoveal CT and inner retinal thickness and paracentral mf-ERG responses (P = 0.043, r = +0.372 and P = 0.049, r = +0.363, respectively). Paracentral mf-ERG responses were also correlated with outer retinal thickness values (P = 0.005, r = +0.503). CONCLUSION: Patients with STGD have a thinner CT, which may be responsible for some of the clinical findings. The pathophysiological significance of these findings needs further study.

Intravitreal erythropoietin injection in late-stage optic neuropathy: a safety study on human.

AIM: To evaluate the whether intravitreal erythropoietin (EPO) administration has any beneficial or adverse effect in patients with late-stage optic neuropathy (ON) or not. METHODS: The study examined 16 eyes of 16 patients who had late-stage ON and ≥1/20 best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in their affected eye. There were nonarteritic ischemic ON in 10 (62.5%) eyes, traumatic ON in 4 (25.0%) eyes and methanol-induced ON in 2 (12.5%) eyes. Using pars plana approach, 2000 IU/0.2 ml EPO was administered intravitreally with a 30-gauge needle. Injections were administered three times with 6-week intervals. We compared the differences in the BCVA, intraocular pressure (IOP), retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, pattern visual evoked potentials (p-VEP) and pattern electroretinography (p-ERG) parameters performed at initial examination and final visits. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 52.38 ± 12.00 years; 2 (12.50%) of them were female, and 14 (87.50%) of them were male. The mean BCVA levels of 16 patients with optic atrophy were 1.12 ± 0.25 logMAR at the initial examination and 1.08 ± 0.26 logMAR at the final visit (p = 0.102). There was no statistically significant difference between the initial and final RNFL thicknesses, IOP values, p-ERG or p-VEP responses. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal EPO injections have no beneficial or detrimental effect on the late stage of ON. Further studies are necessary to compare our results in patients with ON in earlier stages.

The effects of smoking on dry eye parameters in healthy women.

AIM: To investigate the effects of chronic smoking on dry eye parameters. METHODS: Ocular surface disease index (OSDI) and tear function tests such as Schirmer's test, tear break-up-time (TBUT) test and impression cytology of 63 female chronic smokers and 40 age-matched female non-smokers were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: The mean OSDI scores, Schirmer test results and TBUT levels were 35.85 ± 24.01 point, 14.25 ± 5.94 mm and 5.17 ± 2.85 s in chronic smokers and 15.20 ± 12.93 point, 15.48 ± 7.01 mm and 10.03 ± 3.44 s in non-smokers, respectively. Differences in OSDI scores, TBUT levels and impression cytology grades among the chronic smokers and non-smokers were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Smoking behavior seems to affect the dry eye parameters negatively.

Evaluation of biomechanical properties of the cornea in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism.

The purpose of this study is to compare the corneal biomechanical properties in primary hyperparathyroid patients and healthy control subjects. The study consisted of 31 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (study group) and 31 healthy subjects (control group). Corneal biomechanical properties, including corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), and intraocular pressure (IOP) were measured with an ocular response analyzer (ORA). IOP was also measured using Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT), and central corneal thickness (CCT) was measured with an ultrasonic pachymeter. The differences in ORA parameters and CCT between study and control group participants were analyzed. The mean CH in study and control groups was 8.7 ± 1.9 mmHg (5.3-13.7 mmHg) and 9.8 ± 1.5 mmHg (7.7-14.3 mmHg), respectively (p = 0.018). The mean CRF was 9.5 ± 1.8 (5.5-13.7) in the study group compared with 9.8 ± 1.5 (6.2-12.8) in the control group. The difference for CRF was not statistically significant (p = 0.41). In study and control group, corneal-compensated IOP (IOPcc) values were 18.2 ± 4.2 and 16.9 ± 2.7 mmHg, respectively (p = 0.12). Mean IOP measurement values with GAT were 16.3 ± 3.4 mmHg for study group and 16.5 ± 2.7 mmHg for control group (p = 0.71). The mean differences of IOPcc and IOPGAT in the study group eyes were higher than that of control group eyes (1.9 vs. 0.4 mmHg). CCT was 536.5 ± 25.4 µm (490-593 µm) in study group eyes compared with 534.2 ± 31.4 µm (472-602 µm) in control eyes (p = 0.75). Hyperparathyroidism could be associated with a decrease of CH. The differences between IOPcc and IOPGAT in these patients were higher than normal subjects. Underestimation of IOP readings with GAT may be a consequence of the lower CH in patients with hyperparathyroididsm.

Effects of commonly used intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor drugs on mesenchymal stem cells derived from the limbus and ciliary body.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the effects of commonly used intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) antibodies on proliferation index and viability of mesenchymal stem cells derived from ciliary body and limbus (CB-MSC and LMSC). METHODS: CB-MSCs and LMSCs were isolated from newborn rats' eyes, and they were expanded in medium by the explant method. Intravitreally used anti-VEGF drugs, aflibercept, bevacizumab and ranibizumab were tested into the 16-well plates, respectively, at four different concentrations. After keeping them for 48 h, the proliferation indexes and viabilities of CB-MSCs and LMSCs were compared separately by Real-Time Cell Analyzer and Methylthiazoltetrazoli (MTT) test. RESULTS: Anti-VEGFs used at 5-times and 10-times of the standard clinical dosage caused statistically significant negative effects on proliferation indexes of CB-MSCs and LMSCs at the 24th hour compared to control group. Only the anti-VEGF group that had 10-times dosage of those used clinically had a statistically significant negative effect on the viabilties of CB-MSCs and LMSCs. CONCLUSION: Administrations of high doses or repeated standard doses of intravitreal anti-VEGF agents may affect the proliferation indexes and viabilities of CB-MSCs and LMSCs adversely. These novel findings deserve further in vivo investigations.

The short-term and long-term adverse ocular effects of fesoterodine fumarate.

AIM: To evaluate the short-term and long-term effects of fesoterodine fumarate treatment which is used for overactive bladder (OAB) on pupil diameter (PD), intraocular pressure (IOP) and accommodation amplitude (AA). METHOD: Ophthalmic examination was performed before and after receiving medication (on the 30th and 90th day) on 120 eyes of 120 women whom were planned to begin anticholinergic treatment (fesoterodine fumarate, 4 mg/day, peroral) for OAB, prospectively. The changes in PD, IOP and AA were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: The mean age of 120 women was 52.06 ± 9.39 years (30-70 years). The mean PD, IOP and AA values were 4.12 ± 0.61 mm (3.00-5.70 mm), 15.58 ± 1.74 mmHg (11-20 mmHg) 2.28 ± 1.26 Diopter (D) (0.50-5.50 D) at baseline; 4.68 ± 0.65 mm (3.20-5.80 mm), 16.11 ± 1.72 mmHg (11-20 mmHg), 1.68 ± 1.04 D (0.25-4.50 D) at 30th day; and 4.28 ± 0.58 mm (3.10-5.70 mm), 16.09 ± 1.96 mmHg (11-19 mmHg), 2.18 ± 1.19 D (0.50-5.00 D) at 90th day, respectively. Although increases in PD values and decreases in AA values were statistically significant (p < 0.001 for each), the changes in IOP values were not as such (p = 0.642). Visual complaint was not observed in any patient. DISCUSSION: The newest anticholinergic medication in women with OAB increased the PD and decreased the AA statistically significantly. Clinically, it seems to be well-tolerated by the patient.

The effects of commonly used intravitreal steroids on proliferation index of ciliary body-derived mesenchymal stem cells: an in vitro study.

AIM: To investigate the effects of commonly used intravitreal steroids on survival and proliferation (namely, proliferation index) of ciliary body-derived mesenchymal stem cells (CB-MSC). METHODS: CB-MSCs were isolated from newborn rats' eye, and they were expanded in the medium. Commonly used intravitreal steroids such as dexamethasone (Dex) and triamcinolone acetonide (TA) were added into the medium at commonly used concentration in clinical practice (0.1 mg/mL) and at lower concentration (0.01 mg/mL). Proliferation indexes of CB-MSCs were analyzed with the xCELLigence system at nine consecutive times (at 3rd, 6th, 21th, 30th, 45th, 60th, 75th, 90th and 100th h). RESULTS: Both TA and Dex at both 0.01 mg/mL and 0.1 mg/mL concentrations had negative effect on proliferation indexes of CB-MSC. Although negative effect of TA on proliferation index of CB-MSC at both concentrations was not statistically significant, statistically significant negative effect of Dex at 0.01 mg/mL concentration started 60th h (p = 0.017) and 0.1 mg/mL concentration started 30th h (p = 0.014). DISCUSSION: Even therapeutic doses of intravitreal corticosteroid agents might have negative effects on limited numbers of stem cells. Especially, Dex caused statistically significant toxic effects on CB-MSCs even at lower concentrations of those used clinically. These novel findings deserve further in vivo investigations.

Effect of allogeneic limbal mesenchymal stem cell therapy in corneal healing: role of administration route.

AIMS: To investigate whether allogeneic limbal mesenchymal stem cell (LMSC) therapy affects corneal healing after a severe chemical burn and whether the route of administration of LMSCs differs in its therapeutic effect in this respect. METHODS: A total of 60 Sprague-Dawley rats with clinically proven alkali injury were divided into four equal groups (n = 15) as follows: group 1: 2 × 10(5) cells/drop LMSCs, topically applied 6 times a day for 2 days; group 2: 2.4 × 10(6) cells in 0.5 ml LMSCs, subconjunctivally applied; group 3: 2.4 × 10(6) cells in 1 ml LMSCs, intraperitoneally applied, and group 4: no LMSC treatment. The groups were compared according to grades of corneal opacity (CO), corneal neovascularization (CNV) and corneal fluorescein staining (CFS). The migration of LMSCs into the cornea and the inflammatory characteristics of the groups were evaluated with BrdU (5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine bromodeoxyuridine) immunostaining and histopathologically in a 4-week follow-up. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences between the LMSC-treated and control groups in each week regarding mean CO scores and in the 3rd week regarding the mean CNV and CFS scores (p < 0.05). The statistical significance was due to the differences between the topical and the control group and between the subconjunctival and the control group. BrdU+ LMSCs were seen in the corneal epithelium of the all LMSC-administered rats, and fewer inflammatory changes were observed in these rats. CONCLUSION: Allogeneic LMSC treatment, especially topical and subconjunctival administration, seems to be helpful in affecting corneal healing after a severe corneal burn.

Ocular surface assessment in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between ocular surface changes and disease severity in patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). METHODS: Two hundred eighty patients with OSAHS were compared with respect to the presence of a floppy eyelid syndrome (FES), Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, the corneal fluorescein staining stages, the Schirmer I test, and tear film break-up time (TBUT) values. RESULTS: Based on the apnea-hypopnea index, the presence of FES was detected at the following rates: 23.1 % in non-OSAHS group (A), 41.7 % in mild group (B), 66.7 % in moderate group (C), and 74.6 % in severe group (D); severe and moderate stage of FES was found in groups C and D and mild stage of FES in group B (p < 0.01). OSDI questionnaire values were as follows: group A, 12.57 ± 17.64; group B, 22.90 ± 16.78; group C, 45.94 ± 22.03; and group D, 56.68 ± 22.85(p < 0.01). Schirmer values were as follows: group A, 10.76 ± 3.58 mm; group B, 9.83 ± 2.53 mm; group C, 7.73 ± 2.42 mm; and group D, 6.97 ± 2.15 mm (p < 0.01). The TBUT values were as follows: group A, 10.53 ± 3.64 s; group B, 9.46 ± 2.40 s; group C, 7.29 ± 2.13 s; and group D, 6.82 ± 2.20 s (p < 0.01). Corneal staining scores are as follows: 0.26 ± 0.60 in group A, 0.40 ± 0.71 in group B, 0.98 ± 0.72 in group C, and 1.14 ± 0.90 in group D, and the differences were statistically significant among the groups(p < 0.01). DISCUSSION: OSAHS, particularly the moderate and severe forms, is associated with low Schirmer and TBUT values and high scores in OSDI questionnaire and corneal staining pattern stage. The presence of FES is observed as a practically constant finding in OSAHS. If complaints such as burning, stinging, and itching which can be commonly observed in middle-aged patients are accompanied by FES, the patient should be evaluated for sleep disorders. We speculate that appropriate treatment of OSAHS may result in better control of these symptoms.

Keratoconus in a case of lipoid proteinosis.

PURPOSE: To report a patient of lipoid proteinosis (LP) with bilateral keratoconus. METHODS: A 16-year-old boy presented to our institution with a complaint of gradual decrease in vision over the past 4 years in both eyes and a contact lens intolerance. He had a hoarse voice and multiple areas of hyperpigmented lesions over the head and neck region. Slit lamp biomicroscopy of the both eyes showed multiple round solid pearly lesions along the upper and lower lid margins and a mild central corneal ectasia in both eyes. Central corneal thickness and the keratometric values were measured by using Scheimpflug imaging (Pentacam), and the results were compatible with keratoconus. The histopathologic examination of the lesions taken from bilateral eyelid margins showed hyalinosis, papillomatosis, and depositions of eosinophilic material around the blood vessels, which were compatible with LP. CONCLUSIONS: With this report, we describe a case of LP with keratoconus. As seen in our case, LP and its characteristic eyelid margin lesions in keratoconus patients can be associated with a contact lens intolerance.

Mapping burn severity and monitoring CO content in Türkiye's 2021 Wildfires, using Sentinel-2 and Sentinel-5P satellite data on the GEE platform.

This study investigated forest fires in the Mediterranean of Türkiye between July 28, 2021, and August 11, 2021. Burn severity maps were produced with the difference normalised burned ratio index (dNBR) and difference normalised difference vegetation index (dNDVI) using Sentinel-2 images on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud platform. The burned areas were estimated based on the determined burning severity degrees. Vegetation density losses in burned areas were analysed using the normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) time series. At the same time, the post-fire Carbon Monoxide (CO) column number densities were determined using the Sentinel-5P satellite data. According to the burn severity maps obtained with dNBR, the sum of high and moderate severity areas constitutes 34.64%, 20.57%, 46.43%, 51.50% and 18.88% of the entire area in Manavgat, Gündogmus, Marmaris, Bodrum and Köycegiz districts, respectively. Likewise, according to the burn severity maps obtained with dNDVI, the sum of the areas of very high severity and high severity constitutes 41.17%, 30.16%, 30.50%, 42.35%, and 10.40% of the entire region, respectively. In post-fire NDVI time series analyses, sharp decreases were observed in NDVI values from 0.8 to 0.1 in all burned areas. While the Tropospheric CO column number density was 0.03 mol/m2 in all regions burned before the fire, it was observed that this value increased to 0.14 mol/m2 after the fire. Moreover, when the area was examined more broadly with Sentinel 5P data, it was observed that the amount of CO increased up to a maximum value of 0.333 mol/m2. The results of this study present significant information in terms of determining the severity of forest fires in the Mediterranean region in 2021 and the determination of the CO column number density after the fire. In addition, monitoring polluting gases with RS techniques after forest fires is essential in understanding the extent of the damage they can cause to the environment.

Effects of diode laser photocoagulation treatment on ocular biometric parameters in premature infants with retinopathy of prematurity.

AIM: To investigate the effects of diode laser treatment on ocular biometric parameters in premature infants with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). METHODS: Premature infants who received diode laser treatment for ROP (n=68) and premature infants with spontaneous regressed ROP without treatment (n=50) were performed longitudinal ocular biometric measurements including anterior chamber depth, lens thickness and axial length as follows: 1d prior to laser treatment, and 3, 6, 9, and 12mo after the laser treatment. RESULTS: The mean birth weight, gestational age and initial examination time values were 936.53±302.07 g, 26.66±2.42wk, 36.26±2.73wk in the treatment group and 959.78±260.08 g, 27.28±2.10wk, 36.56±2.54wk in the control group. There was no statistically significant difference in these demographic characteristics of the groups. Anterior chamber depth, lens thickness and axial length demonstrated statistically significant linear increases during the study period in the two groups (P<0.001 for each). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of anterior chamber depth after laser treatment. Measurements of the lens thickness at 9th and 12th months (9th month 3.70±0.22 vs 3.60±0.21 mm, P=0.017; 12th month 3.81±0.21 vs 3.69±0.22 mm, P=0.002) and the axial length at 12th month (19.35±0.79 vs 19.13±0.54 mm, P=0.031) after laser treatment were statistically higher in the treatment group. CONCLUSION: Diode laser retinal photocoagulation treatment in premature infants seems to increase the lens thickness and axial length.

Amniotic Membrane Transplantation for Spontaneous Corneal Perforation in a Case of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

This report describes a case of spontaneous corneal perforation in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and highlights the efficacy of treatment with amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT). A 58-year-old African-American woman with RA presented with complaints of redness and blurred vision in the right eye. Spontaneous corneal perforation and iris prolapse were determined in the paracentral corneal region of the right eye. Two-layer AMT surgery was performed. The anterior chamber began to improve 2 weeks after the AMT. Treatment for RA was scheduled with the rheumatology department.

The outcomes of 326 external dacryocystorhinostomy operations in children with dacryostenosis - 30-year experience of an oculoplastic surgeon.

PURPOSE: To report demographic features and surgical outcomes of 320 children undergoing external dacryocystorhinostomy for dacryostenosis. METHODS: We performed a retrospective evaluation of the records of patients aged <16 years who underwent external dacryocystorhinostomy. Patient demographic features and success rates of the operations were analyzed from the data records. Children with <12-month follow-up were not enrolled in the study. RESULTS: We identified 326 operative records of 320 children (162 [50.6%] girls and 158 [49.4%] boys) who underwent external dacryocystorhinostomy with a mean follow-up of 26.03 ± 11.11 months. Overall, we evaluated 116 (35.6%) cases of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Our series demonstrated a 99.4% success rate for external dacryocystorhinostomy. CONCLUSIONS: External dacryocystorhinostomy in children has a high success rate if performed by an experienced oculoplastic surgeon.

The Effect of Laser Photocoagulation on Intraocular Pressure in Premature Infants With Retinopathy of Prematurity.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of diode laser treatment on intraocular pressure (IOP) of premature infants with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The premature infants who underwent retinal laser photocoagulation therapy for ROP, and gestational age-matched, birth weight-matched, and sex-matched premature infants with ROP which recovered spontaneously without any treatment were enrolled into the study. Anterior segment examination and longitudinal IOP and central corneal thickness measurements were performed 5 times as follows: 1 day before the laser treatment (T0), and 24 hours (T1), 1 week (T2), 1 month (T3), and 3 months (T4) after the laser treatment. Premature infants who experienced any complication related to the laser treatment were excluded from the study. RESULTS: Laser treated 67 premature infants and 70 premature infants in control group met inclusion criteria. Significant linear decreases in IOP and central corneal thickness values were measured throughout the study period for both groups (both, P<0.001). These changes were similar in 2 groups. There was a statistically insignificantly (P=0.999) and transient increase in the mean IOP value in the laser-treated group 24 hours after laser treatment. None of the patients in the laser-treated group experienced a shallow anterior chamber or a remarkable IOP elevation. CONCLUSIONS: Diode laser treatment for ROP was safe, and did not raise the IOP of premature infants.

Prostaglandin E2 Levels of Aqueous and Vitreous Humor in Ketorolac 0.4% and Nepafenac 0.1% Administered Healthy Rabbits.

PURPOSE: To compare the lowering effects of ketorolac 0.4% and nepafenac 0.1% on aqueous and vitreous humor prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) levels in rabbits. METHODS: Ketorolac and nepafenac ophthalmic solutions were administered to the right eyes of 24 healthy rabbits after randomized division into two groups. The left eyes of these rabbits were considered as controls for the two groups. On the 4th day of the experiment, the samples were taken from the aqueous and vitreous humors of the rabbits bilaterally, and PGE2 levels were measured by an enzyme immune assay kit. RESULTS: Ketorolac and nepafenac achieved a statistically significant decrease (p<0.001, for each) in PGE2 levels in the aqueous (11.75 ± 6.15 and 14.75 ± 7.60 pg/mL, respectively) and the vitreous humor (6.58 ± 4.62 and 9.83 ± 4.55 pg/mL, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Both ketorolac and nepafenac inhibited PGE2 levels in both the aqueous and vitreous humors of rabbits. Although PGE2-lowering effects were similar in the aqueous humor, nepafenac seemed to be more potent than ketorolac in the vitreous humor.

Short- and long-term effects of zinc treatment on lacrimal gland histopathology and tear functions tests in radioiodine-administered rats.

PURPOSE:: To investigate the short-term (1 week) and long-term (8 weeks) protective effects of zinc administration on radioiodine (RAI)-induced lacrimal gland damage of rats. METHODS:: A total of 40 rats were divided into two groups: an RAI group (n=20), which was administrated a single dose of 3 mCi of 131I and 1 mL physiologic saline for 7 days by gastric gavage, and a zinc group (n=20), which received a single dose of 3 mCi of 131I and 1 mL of physiologic saline containing zinc sulfate at a concentration of 10 mg/kg concentration for 7 days by gastric gavage. All rats underwent tear function tests before and 1 week after RAI administration. About 1 week after irradiation, half of the animals in each group were sacrificed and the extraorbital lacrimal glands were removed for histopathological examination. The remaining animals of the groups underwent the same procedures at 8 weeks after irradiation. RESULTS:: In the RAI and zinc groups, the mean tear production was 3.75 ± 1.55 and 3.65 ± 1.53 mm at baseline, 2.10 ± 1.07 and 3.30 ± 1.34 mm at week 1 (p=0.004), and 3.22 ± 1.48 and 3.50 ± 1.78 mm at week 8, respectively; further, the mean corneal fluorescein staining scores were 4.65 ± 2.16 and 4.80 ± 2.21 points at baseline, 7.85 ± 1.90 and 5.45 ± 2.06 points at week 1 (p=0.001), and 5.44 ± 2.13 and 4.90 ± 2.08 at week 8, respectively. The histopathological changes in rat lacrimal glands at weeks 1 and 8 were consistent with the tear function test results. CONCLUSIONS:: Zinc treatment seems to be protective against RAI-induced lacrimal gland damage of rats, particularly in the acute period.

Review of 306 evisceration surgeries performed between 2005 and 2013.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the reasons for eye evisceration surgeries performed from 2005 to 2013 in our clinic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of patients who underwent evisceration surgery over the past 9 years were retrospectively evaluated. Detailed data were reviewed, with a focus on the first precipitating factor for evisceration. RESULTS: Of the 306 patients who underwent evisceration surgery in the studied period, 111 (36.27%) were female (with a mean age of 41.56 ± 21.38 years) and 195 (63.73%) were male (with a mean age of 37.76 ± 21.92 years). The most common cause of evisceration was ocular trauma (184 patients; 60.1%). Male patients experienced significantly more trauma, while glaucoma was more common in female patients. CONCLUSIONS: Eye removal is devastating for both patients and their relatives, and its most important and preventable cause is ocular trauma.