The assessment of choroidal thickness with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography during Valsalva maneuver.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of Valsalva maneuver (VM) on choroidal thickness. METHODS: All the volunteers underwent a detailed opthalmic examination. Third-generation Spectralis OCT device (software version 5.6.3.0; Spectralis OCT, Heidelberg Engineering, Dossenheim, Germany) was used for assessment. Subfoveal and perifoveal CT of all volunteers were measured by using EDI-OCT technology. Perifoveal CT was measured 1500 µm nasally and 1500 µm temporally apart from the foveal center. The measurements were repeated while volunteers were performing VM. RESULTS: Sixty-four eyes of 32 healthy volunteers were assessed. The volunteers were aged 29-50. The mean age was 32.8 ± 6.6 years. Choroidal thickness measurements differed with statistical significance between resting position and VMin all regions (p < 0.001). While mean subfoveal CT was 350.64 ± 87.73 µm during resting position, it was 369.95 ± 90.12 µm during VM (p < 0.001). While mean nasal CT was 292.14 ± 81.67 µm during resting position, it was 305.46 ± 85.80 µm during VM (p < 0.001). While mean temporal CT was 325.93 ± 80.91 µm during resting position, it was 343.21 ± 81.53 µm during VM (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: We found statistically significant increase in choroidal thickness during the VM in healthy volunteers. This result might be important for future studies researching autoregulation of choroidal and retinal blood flow in physiologic and pathologic conditions. Also, our study is noteworthy to stand out the errors in EDI-OCT measurements caused by unintentional breath holding of patients.

The Effect of an Eyelid Speculum on Intraocular Pressure Measurement in Newborns.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of an eyelid speculum on intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements in newborns. METHODS: A total of 54 eyes of 27 newborns were involved in the study. The IOP measurements were obtained under topical anesthesia with the Icare PRO (Icare Finland Oy) before and after inserting the infant type of Barraquer wire eyelid speculum. A paired t test was used to compare the measurements. RESULTS: The mean IOP without the eyelid speculum was 9.04 ± 2.13 mm Hg (range: 6.00 to 13.20 mm Hg) in the right eye and 9.26 ± 1.59 mm Hg (range: 7.10 to 13.00 mm Hg) in the left eye. With the eyelid speculum in place, the mean IOP was 11.91 ± 2.23 mm Hg (range: 9.10 to 15.80 mm Hg) in the right eye and 11.70 ± 1.89 mm Hg (range: 8.40 to 14.50 mm Hg) in the left eye (P ≤ .001). The mean differences in IOP between measurements with and without the eyelid speculum were 2.87 ± 2.23 mm Hg (range: 0.20 to 5.20 mm Hg) in the right eye and 2.44 ± 1.48 mm Hg (range: 0.00 to 4.90 mm Hg) in the left eye. The mean difference in IOP between measurements with and without the eyelid speculum for all eyes was 2.65 ± 1.89 mm Hg (range: 0.00 to 5.20 mm Hg). There was no correlation between the difference in IOP after the placement of the eyelid speculum and postconceptual age or weight at the examination (r = 0.11, P = .41, r = 0.32, P = .14, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The Barraquer wire eyelid speculum caused an increase in IOP in newborns under topical anesthesia without a significant difference between postconceptual age and sex in both eyes. The average IOP rise after the eyelid speculum was inserted was 2.65 mm Hg. This effect should be considered when interpreting IOP measurements in newborns. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2022;59(1):13-16.].

Effect of pupil dilation on intraocular pressure in preterm and term infants.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of pupil dilation on intraocular pressure in preterm and term newborns. METHODS: This prospective study involved 55 eyes of 28 preterm infants and 38 eyes of 20 term infants. The infants were divided into two groups according to their gestational ages at birth as follows: preterm group, <37 weeks and term group, ≥37 weeks. Pupil dilation was attained with tropicamide 0.5% and phenylephrine 2.5%. Intraocular pressure measurements were performed with Icare PRO (Icare Finland Oy, Helsinki, Finland) before and after pupil dilation. A paired t test was used to compare the measurements before and after pupil dilation. RESULTS: The mean intraocular pressure change was -1.04 ± 3.03 mmHg (6.20/-11.40 mmHg) in the preterm group and -0.39 ± 2.81 mmHg (4.60/-9.70 mmHg) in the term group. A statistically significant difference in intraocular pressure was observed only in the preterm group after pupil dilation (p=0.01). CONCLUSION: An unexpected alteration in intraocular pressure in newborns may occur after pupil dilation, especially in preterm infants.

Elevated Monocyte-to-High-Density Lipoprotein Ratio as an Indicator of Systemic Inflammation in Patients with Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion.

OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to assess the monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio (MHR) as a possible marker of systemic inflammation in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). METHODS: A study group of 62 patients with BRVO and a control group of 60 age-matched, healthy individuals were enrolled in the study. The blood lipid profile, hematology profile, and C-reactive protein (CRP) level were measured. The MHR was calculated as the ratio of the monocyte count to the HDL level, and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was calculated as the ratio of the neutrophil count to the lymphocyte count. RESULTS: In patients with BRVO versus controls, the mean MHR was 14.1±5.1 vs 12.2±4.3 (p=.032), the mean NLR was 1.99±0.69 vs 2.01±0.86 (p=.889), and the mean CRP level was 3.44±2.53 mg/L vs 2.81±1.57 mg/L (p=.102). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the MHR and the NLR was 0.621 and 0.519, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the MHR and the NLR to predict BRVO was 51% and 73% vs 79% and 35%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The MHR values were higher in patients with BRVO compared with those of the control group. BRVO seems to be associated with systemic inflammation.

The eyes of children with celiac disease.

PURPOSE: To determine possible eye involvement in pediatric patients with celiac disease. METHODS: Children (aged 5-18 years) with classic celiac disease and sex- and age-matched controls were included. In addition to a complete ophthalmologic examination, all patients were scanned by a Scheimpflug camera and spectral domain optical coherence tomography, and Schirmer and break-up time (BUT) tests were performed. Data were evaluated by paired t test, with a P value of <0.05 considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 31 celiac patients (19 females [61%]) and 34 controls (20 females [59%]) were included. Mean age of the celiac patients was 11.0 ± 4.4 years (range, 4-18 years); of the controls, 10.4 ± 2.6 years (range, 5-15 years; P = 0.473). Mean follow-up of patients was 5.4 ± 1.7 years (range, 3-7.2 years). The eyes of children with celiac disease, compared to controls, did show decreased anterior chamber depth (3.5 ± 0.2 vs 3.7 ± 0.2, resp.; P < 0.001), decreased anterior chamber volume (170.8 ± 25.5 vs 190.7 ± 27.4; P < 0.001), lower Schirmer (17.9 ± 9.1 vs 21.6 ± 4.1; P = 0.038), and lower BUT (10.8 ± 3.8 vs 12.1 ± 1.7; P = 0.046), as well as lower retinal nerve fiber layer (general 102.8 ± 8.2 vs 108.9 ± 10.1; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Decreases in retinal nerve fiber, anterior chamber shallowing, and qualitative and quantitative reduction in tears can occur in celiac patients, even if routine ocular examination reveals no abnormality.

Effect of pupil dilation on intraocular pressure in preterm and term infants / O efeito da dilatação da pupila na pressão intraocular em bebês pré-termo e a termo

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the effect of pupil dilation on intraocular pressure in preterm and term newborns. Methods: This prospective study involved 55 eyes of 28 preterm infants and 38 eyes of 20 term infants. The infants were divided into two groups according to their gestational ages at birth as follows: preterm group, <37 weeks and term group, ≥37 weeks. Pupil dilation was attained with tropicamide 0.5% and phenylephrine 2.5%. Intraocular pressure measurements were performed with Icare PRO (Icare Finland Oy, Helsinki, Finland) before and after pupil dilation. A paired t test was used to compare the measurements before and after pupil dilation. Results: The mean intraocular pressure change was -1.04 ± 3.03 mmHg (6.20/-11.40 mmHg) in the preterm group and -0.39 ± 2.81 mmHg (4.60/-9.70 mmHg) in the term group. A statistically significant difference in intraocular pressure was observed only in the preterm group after pupil dilation (p=0.01). Conclusion: An unexpected alteration in intraocular pressure in newborns may occur after pupil dilation, especially in preterm infants.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito da dilatação da pupila sobre a pressão intraocular em recém-nascidos pré-termo e a termo. Métodos: Este estudo prospectivo envolveu 55 olhos de 28 bebês pré-termo e 38 olhos de 20 bebês a termo. Os bebês foram divididos em dois grupos, pré-termo e a termo, de acordo com a idade gestacional ao nascimento: grupo pré-termo <37 semanas; grupo a termo ≥37 semanas. A dilatação da pupila foi feita com tropicamida 0,5% e fenilefrina 2,5%. As medições da pressão intraocular foram realizadas com Icare PRO (Icare Finland Oy, Helsinki, Finlândia) antes e depois da dilatação da pupila. O teste t pareado foi usado para comparar as medidas antes e depois da dilatação da pupila. Resultados: A alteração média da pressão intraocular foi de -1,04 ± 3,03 mmHg (+6,20/-11,40 mmHg) no grupo pré-termo e -0,39 ± 2,81 mmHg (+4,60/-9,70 mmHg) no grupo a termo. Uma diferença estatisticamente significativa na pressão intraocular foi observada apenas no grupo pré-termo após a dilatação da pupila (p=0,01). Conclusão: Após a dilatação da pupila, pode ocorrer alteração inesperada da pressão intraocular em recém-nascidos, principalmente em bebês pré-termo.

Short-term effects of intravitreal dexamethasone implant (OZURDEX®) on choroidal thickness in patients with naive branch retinal vein occlusion.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) in patients with naïve branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) before and after intravitreal dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex®) injection. METHODS: Thirty-nine patients with unilateral BRVO and 35 healthy subjects were included in this prospective study. Choroidal thickness was evaluated by EDI-OCT at baseline and 1 month after dexamethasone implant. RESULTS: The mean SFCT measured in 39 patients with BRVO was 299.41 ± 55.86 µm, significantly greater than that in contralateral eyes (283.76 ± 57.44 µm; p=0.009) and control eyes (276.14 ± 39.06 µm; p=0.044). The mean SFCT after the treatment was 279.64 ± 50.96 µm, significantly thinner than that before intravitreal dexamethasone therapy (p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: SFCT in treatment-naive BRVO eyes was significantly greater than that in contralateral eyes and healthy eyes and decreased significantly after intravitreal dexamethasone implantation.

Evaluation of posterior ocular changes using enhanced depth imaging-optical coherence tomography in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

PURPOSE: Evaluation of the nerve fiber thicknesses of the macula, choroid, and retina using the apnea-hypopnea index in individuals with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) without systemic components. METHODS: Prospective, controlled study. The central macular, choroidal, and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thicknesses were evaluated using enhanced depth imaging-spectral domain optical coherence tomography in individuals with OSAS. In people with severe OSAS who had received treatment, posterior ocular structures were examined over 3 months (4th and 12th weeks), and changes were evaluated. Only the right eyes of the participants were evaluated in the study. RESULTS: A total of 72 people were involved in the study, with 18 in the control group and 19 with mild, 16 with moderate, and 19 with severe OSAS. No significant difference was found among the groups in terms of demographic measures. No significant differences were found among the groups in terms of the measures of central macular, central subfoveal choroidal (CSCT), temporal choroidal, nasal choroidal, and RNFL thicknesses. In severe OSAS cases in which treatment was administered, although subjective clinical recovery was observed, statistically significant thinning was detected during the 3-month follow-up period in the CSCT, general RNFL, as well as in the inferior and superior nasal quadrants, and temporal superior quadrant (p=0.005, p=0.009, p=0.039, p=0.003, and p=0.02, respectively). CONCLUSION: In the group with severe OSAS, thinning in some posterior ocular tissues was observed. Although patients with severe OSAS may experience clinical recovery, we recommend that they would be followed up in terms of ocular ischemic injury.

Short-term effects of intravitreal dexamethasone implant (OZURDEX®) on choroidal thickness in patients with naive branch retinal vein occlusion / Os efeitos a curto prazo do implante de dexametasona intravítrea (OZURDEX®) na espessura da coroide em pacientes com oclusão primária de ramo da veia central da retina

ABSTRACT Purpose: The objective of this study was to evaluate subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) in patients with naïve branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) before and after intravitreal dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex®) injection. Methods: Thirty-nine patients with unilateral BRVO and 35 healthy subjects were included in this prospective study. Choroidal thickness was evaluated by EDI-OCT at baseline and 1 month after dexamethasone implant. Results: The mean SFCT measured in 39 patients with BRVO was 299.41 ± 55.86 µm, significantly greater than that in contralateral eyes (283.76 ± 57.44 µm; p=0.009) and control eyes (276.14 ± 39.06 µm; p=0.044). The mean SFCT after the treatment was 279.64 ± 50.96 µm, significantly thinner than that before intravitreal dexamethasone therapy (p=0.004). Conclusions: SFCT in treatment-naive BRVO eyes was significantly greater than that in contralateral eyes and healthy eyes and decreased significantly after intravitreal dexamethasone implantation.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a espessura da coróide (SFCT) usando imagens de tomografia de coerência óptica com profundidade aprimorada (EDI-OCT) no tratamento de pacientes com oclusão primária de ramo da veia central da retina (BRVO) antes e após o implante de dexametasona intravítrea (Ozurdex®). Métodos: Trinta e nove pacientes com BRVO unilateral e 35 indivíduos saudáveis foram incluídos neste estudo prospectivo. Espessura da coróide foi avaliada por EDI-OCT na antes e um mês após o tratamento. Resultados: A média da SFCT medida em 39 pacientes com BRVO foi 299,41 ± 55,86 µm, o que foi significativamente maior do que a dos olhos contralaterias (283,76 ± 57,44 µm) e dos olhos controle (276,14 ± 39,06 µm) (p=0,009 e p=0,044, respectivamente). A média da SFCT após o tratamento foi 279,64 ± 50,96 µm, o que foi significativamente menor do que antes do mesmo (p=0,004). Conclusões: A SFCT do tratamento de olhos com BRVO primária foi significativamente maior do que a dos olhos contralaterais e dos olhos saudáveis, e diminuiu significativamente após o implante intravítreo de dexametasona.

Evaluation of posterior ocular changes using enhanced depth imaging-optical coherence tomography in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome / Avaliação das alterações oculares posteriores utilizando tomografia de coerência óptica de profundidade aprimorada em pacientes com síndrome de apneia obstrutiva do sono

ABSTRACT Purpose: Evaluation of the nerve fiber thicknesses of the macula, choroid, and retina using the apnea-hypopnea index in individuals with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) without systemic components. Methods: Prospective, controlled study. The central macular, choroidal, and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thicknesses were evaluated using enhanced depth imaging-spectral domain optical coherence tomography in individuals with OSAS. In people with severe OSAS who had received treatment, posterior ocular structures were examined over 3 months (4th and 12th weeks), and changes were evaluated. Only the right eyes of the participants were evaluated in the study. Results: A total of 72 people were involved in the study, with 18 in the control group and 19 with mild, 16 with moderate, and 19 with severe OSAS. No significant difference was found among the groups in terms of demographic measures. No significant differences were found among the groups in terms of the measures of central macular, central subfoveal choroidal (CSCT), temporal choroidal, nasal choroidal, and RNFL thicknesses. In severe OSAS cases in which treatment was administered, although subjective clinical recovery was observed, statistically significant thinning was detected during the 3-month follow-up period in the CSCT, general RNFL, as well as in the inferior and superior nasal quadrants, and temporal superior quadrant (p=0.005, p=0.009, p=0.039, p=0.003, and p=0.02, respectively). Conclusion: In the group with severe OSAS, thinning in some posterior ocular tissues was observed. Although patients with severe OSAS may experience clinical recovery, we recommend that they would be followed up in terms of ocular ischemic injury.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliação de espessuras das fibras nervosas da mácula, coroide e da retina de acordo com os índices de apnéia e hipopnéia (AHI) em indivíduos com síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono (OSAS), sem componentes sistêmicos. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo, controlado. As espessuras centrais maculares, da coroide e da camada de fibras nervosas da retina foram avaliadas tomografia de coerência óptica de domínio espectral de profundidade aprimorada em indivíduos com síndrome da apneia obstrutiva do sono. Em pessoas com OSAS grave a quem foi aplicado o tratamento, estruturas oculares posteriores foram examinados por três meses (4ª e 12ª semanas) e as alterações foram avaliadas. Apenas os olhos direitos dos participantes foram envolvidos no estudo. Resultados: 72 pessoas foram envolvidas no estudo, 18 no grupo controle e, 19 com OSAS leve, 16 com OSAS moderada e 19 com OSAS grave. Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos em relação às medidas demográficas. Não houve diferenças significativas estavam presentes entre os grupos em termos de medidas de espessura macular central (CMT), espessura subfoveal central da coroide (CSCT), espessura da coroide temporal (TCT), espessura da coroide nasal (NCT) e, a camada de fibras nervosas da retina (RNFL). Em casos de OSAS graves onde o tratamento foi aplicado, apesar de ter sido observada recuperação clínica subjetiva, detectou-se afinamento estatisticamente significativo durante os três meses de acompanhamento, em CSCT, RNFL geral, quadrantes nasais inferior e superior, e quadrante temporal superior (p=0,005, p=0,009, p=0,039, p=0,003, p=0,02). Conclusão: No grupo com OSAS grave, foi observado afinamento em algumas áreas posteriores dos tecidos oculares. Embora os pacientes com OSAS grave possam apresentar recuperação clínica, recomendamos que eles sejam seguidos em termos de lesão isquêmica ocular.