Effectiveness of selective laser trabeculoplasty and its safety on corneal endothelium in patients with primary open angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension.

Background and Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and ocular hypertension (OHT), and to assess its effects and safety on corneal endothelial cell morphology. Patients and Methods: Forty patients with POAG (15 cases, 23 eyes) and OHT (25 cases, 48 eyes) were prospectively evaluated. All cases underwent pachymetry, goniolens examination, Humphrey Visual Field Test, Optical Coherence Tomography, and Corneal Confocal Microscopy measurements. Patients whose intraocular pressure (IOP) was more than 21 mmHg in POAG and OHT, underwent SLT. SLT treatment was applied to the inferior 180° region of the trabecular meshwork. Central corneal thickness (CCT), IOP, and specular microscopy examinations were taken at the visits before and after the first day, first week, first month, third and sixth months of the SLT procedure. Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness measurements and visual field tests were performed before and six month post-SLT. Results of the pre-SLT and post-SLT measurements were compared and a P value of lower than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The results of IOP measurements at first week, first month, third, and sixth month post-SLT were significantly lower than the results before and post-SLT first day. No significant difference was found between the results of initial and final measurements of CCT and specular microscopic corneal endothelial cell morphology evaluation. There was no statistically significant difference between the results of initial and final measurements for RNFL thickness and the results of the visual field tests. Conclusion: SLT is an effective treatment modality for reducing IOP in patients with POAG and OHT and is also a safe procedure in terms of the entirety of corneal endothelial cell morphology.

Short-Term Clinical Results of Preferred Retinal Locus Training

Objectives: This study evaluated acoustic biofeedback training using microperimetry in patients with foveal scars and an eligible retinal locus for better fixation. Materials and Methods: A total of 29 eligible patients were enrolled in the study. The acoustic biofeedback training module in the MAIA (Macular Integrity Assessment, CenterVue®, Italy) microperimeter was used for training. To determine the treatment efficacy, the following variables were compared before and after testing: best corrected visual acuity (BCVA); MAIA microperimeter full threshold 4-2 test parameters of average threshold value, fixation parameters P1 and P2, and bivariate contour ellipse area (BCEA) for 63% and 95% of fixation points; contrast sensitivity (CSV 1000E Contrast Sensitivity Test); reading speed using the Minnesota Low-Vision Reading Test (MNREAD reading chart); and quality of life (NEI-VFQ-25). In addition, fixation stability parameters were recorded during each session. Results: The study group consisted of 29 patients with a mean age of 68.72±8.34 years. Median BCVA was initially 0.8 (0.2-1.6) logMAR and was 0.8 (0.1-1.6) logMAR after 8 weeks of preferred retinal locus training (p=0.003). The fixation stability parameter P1 improved from a mean of 21.28±3.08% to 32.69±3.69% (p=0.001) while mean P2 improved from 52.79±4.53% to 68.31±3.89% (p=0.001). Mean BCEA 63% decreased from 16.11±2.27°2 to 13.34±2.26°2 (p=0.127) and mean BCEA 95% decreased from 45.87±6.72°2 to 40.01±6.78°2 (p=0.247) after training. Binocular reading speed was 38.28±6.25 words per minute (wpm) before training and 45.34±7.35 wpm after training (p<0.001). Statistically significant improvement was observed in contrast sensitivity and quality of life questionnaire scores after training. Conclusion: Beginning with the fifth session, biofeedback training for a new trained retinal locus improved average sensitivity, fixation stability, reading speed, contrast sensitivity, and quality of life in patients with macular scarring.

The Effects of Space Radiation and Microgravity on Ocular Structures

Long-term exposure to microgravity and space radiation leads to physiological and pathological changes in human biology. Pathological neuro-ocular changes are collected under the name spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome. This review examines studies on the effects of microgravity and space radiation on the ocular structures and their results. In addition, we discuss treatment methods and hypotheses to reduce the effects of microgravity and space radiation on biological structures.

Analysis of the Peripapillary Choroidal Vascular Characteristics in Papilledema Associated with Pseudotumor Cerebri.

SIGNIFICANCE: Choroidal vascularity index measured by image binarization method from peripapillary optical coherence tomography sections has been found significantly lower in papilledema patients than healthy controls. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare peripapillary choroidal parameters in papilledema patients with control subjects. METHODS: Peripapillary spectral domain optical coherence tomography scans of 34 patients with papilledema and 34 healthy controls are acquired for the study. Images are binarized with the ImageJ software (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD) to calculate total choroidal area, stromal area, luminal area, and choroidal vascularity index. RESULTS: Total choroidal area, luminal area, and choroidal vascularity were significantly lower in papilledema patients compared with healthy controls on right (1.343 ± 0.286 vs. 1.694 ± 0.344, P < .001; 0.880 ± 0.209 vs. 1.167 ± 0.255, P < .001; 65.28 ± 2.99% vs. 68.68 ± 2.81%, P < .001, respectively) and left eyes (1.376 ± 0.308 vs. 1.647 ± 0.339, P < .001; 0.899 ± 0.231 vs. 1.134 ± 0.237, P < .001; 64.92 ± 3.44 vs. 68.84 ± 3.23, P < .001, respectively). No difference was found between active and remitted stages of papilledema in terms of choroidal parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Peripapillary total choroidal area, luminal area, and choroidal vascularity index are significantly reduced in patients with papilledema. These parameters might be beneficial tools for evaluating choroidal vascularity in papilledema quantitatively and differential diagnosis for optic disc edema.

Evaluation of the choroidal thickness and retinal nerve fiber layer and visual fields in morbid obesity: Does bariatric surgery affect retinal structure and function?

Purpose: The study aimed to investigate the changes in choroidal thickness (CT), retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL), and visual field parameters in morbidly obese patients following bariatric surgery. Methods: The study included 40 morbidly obese patients with body mass indexes (BMI) ≥40 who had undergone bariatric surgery (Group 1) and 40 age-and sex-matched healthy subjects with normal BMI values (Group 2). RNFL and CT measurements by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and visual field test were performed preoperatively and the 1st, 6th, and 12th months postoperatively. CT measurements were obtained from the subfoveal, nasal (N), and temporal (T) regions at distances of 500 µm and 1,000 µm from the fovea. Results: No significant pathology was detected during ophthalmological examinations following bariatric surgery. The BMIs were found to be significantly lower in all of the periods after bariatric surgery (P < 0.0001). The CT measurements decreased significantly in all periods after bariatric surgery (P < 0.0001). No differences were found in terms of the mean RNFL thicknesses in all postoperative periods (P = 0.125). Visual field tests showed no significant changes during scheduled visits. (P = 0.877). No visual field defect was detected in any patient during the follow-up periods after bariatric surgery. Conclusion: These results have suggested that CT is positively correlated with BMI and decreased with a reduction in BMI progressively. Nutritional disorders resulting from malabsorption have not caused any nutritional optic neuropathy and visual field defect for at least the first postoperative year after bariatric surgery.

Eyelid Molluscum Contagiosum Lesions in Two Patients with Unilateral Chronic Conjunctivitis.

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is a viral infection of the skin and mucosal tissues characterized by skin-colored or transparent round nodules with a dimple or pit in the center. The infection is caused by a DNA poxvirus called the MC virus. Although MC generally occurs in children, it has also been reported in immunocompromised and atopic patients. The virus is transmitted by skin contact or sexual intercourse. The lesions disappear spontaneously within several months in most cases. However, excision, cryotherapy, cauterization, topical chemical and antiviral agents, and/or oral cimetidine are used in refractory cases or to accelerate the healing process. Herein, we discussed the clinical findings and our treatment of two patients with unilateral chronic conjunctivitis associated with eyelid MC lesions in light of the literature.

The effect and safety of intravitreal injection of ranibizumab and bevacizumab on the corneal endothelium in the treatment of diabetic macular edema.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect and safety of intravitreal injection (IVI) of bevacizumab and ranibizumab on corneal endothelial cell count and morphology in patients with diabetic macular edema. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 eyes from 60 consecutive patients who received 0.5 mg/0.05 ml IVIs of bevacizumab (n = 30, IVB group) or 1.25 mg/0.05 ml ranibizumab (n = 30, IVR group) for three consecutive months were investigated prospectively. Specular microscopy was performed to evaluate endothelial cell count, the percentage of hexagonal cells (pleomorphism), and the coefficient of variation of the cell size (polymegathism); optical biometry was performed to evaluate central corneal thickness. Results before injection and 1 month after the first and third injections were compared. RESULTS: The groups were matched for age (p = 0.11) and gender (p = 0.32). There was no significant difference in endothelial cell count (IVB group, p = 0.66; IVR group, p = 0.74), pleomorphism (IVB group, p = 0.44; IVR group, p = 0.88) and polymegathism (IVB group, p = 0.21; IVR group, p = 0.24) before injection or 1 month after the first and third injections. There was also no difference in central corneal thickness (IVB group, p = 0.15; IVR group, p = 0.58) before injection or 1 month after the first and third injections. CONCLUSION: Monthly 1.25 mg/0.05 ml IVIs of bevacizumab or 0.5 mg/0.05 ml of ranibizumab for three consecutive months in the treatment of diabetic macular edema does not affect corneal morphology and has no harmful effects on the endothelium.

Evaluation of Choroidal Thickness in Non-arteritic Anterior Ischaemic Optic Neuropathy at the Acute and Chronic Stages.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the measurements of choroidal thickness (CT) in patients with non-arteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION) at the acute and chronic stages. This case-control study compares three groups: Group 1 included 23 eyes of 23 patients with chronic NAION, Group 2 consisted of 24 eyes of 24 patients with acute NAION, and Group 3 included 24 eyes of 24 age-matched control subjects. The average CTs for Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3 were 261.24 ± 50.04, 280.05 ± 74.94, and 254.74 ± 50.11 µm, respectively. For all measurements, no statistical significance was found between the groups (p = 0.319, 0.357, 0.680, and 0.178 for the CTs as average, foveal, superior, and inferior, respectively). Similarly, there was no difference between the CT measurements of the affected and unaffected eyes in Group 1 and Group 2 (p = 0.571, 0.741 for average, respectively). The amount of time after the onset of the disease ranged from 6.0 to 48 months (23.86 ± 16.70 months) in Group 1 and from 1 to 30 days (7.45 ± 8.86 days) in Group 2. There was no correlation between the CTs and follow-up times in Group 1 (p = 0.768 for average) and no association between the CTs and the thicknesses of the retinal nerve fibre layers in Group 2 (p = 0.453 for average). CT is not directly influenced by NAION at either the acute or the chronic stage of the disease. These results may also demonstrate that the changes of CT do not increase the risk of experiencing a NAION attack.

The effect of intravitreal bevacizumab and ranibizumab on macular edema of the contralateral eye: A comparative study of two anti-VEGFs.

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of bevacizumab and ranibizumab on the visual function and macular thickness in the contralateral (untreated) eye of patients with bilateral diabetic macular edema (DME). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-nine patients with bilateral DME, who had been treated with both bevacizumab and ranibizumab in the same eye, were considered retrospectively for this study. Recorded outcome measurements included the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) assessment with the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) chart and the central subfield macular thickness (CSMT) measurement of the contralateral, uninjected eye before and at 4 weeks after the injections. RESULTS: The median BCVA of the uninjected eye was 50 ETDRS letters and the median CSMT was 459 µm preceding the bevacizumab injection whereas at the control appointment, 4 weeks after the injection, the median BCVA had increased to 52 letters (P = 0.098), and the median CSMT had decreased to 390 µm (P = 0.036). The mean interval between the bevacizumab and ranibizumab treatments was 4.79 ΁ 1.52 months. The measurements of the untreated eye after the ranibizumab treatment showed that the median BCVA decreased from 55 to 52 letters, and the median CSMT increased from 361 µm to 418 µm (P = 0.148 and P = 0.109, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to ranibizumab, the intravitreal administration of bevacizumab resulted in a statistically significant decrease in macular thickness in the untreated eye in patients with bilateral DME.

Bilateral Papillophlebitis in a Patient with Mutation of Metilenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Enzyme.

Papillophlebitis is known as central retinal vein occlusion seen in young patients. It usually presents as unilateral optic disc edema with cotton wool spots and hemorrhage in the peripapillary region. As it may be due to many autoimmune and inflammatory causes, a thorough systemic evaluation of the patient is warranted. In this case report we describe a bilateral, simultaneous papillophlebitis case thought to be related to hyperhomocysteinemia secondary to C677T polymorphism of methylenetetrahyrofolate reductase enzyme.

Association of Apolipoprotein E Polymorphism with Intravitreal Ranibizumab Treatment Outcomes in Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

PURPOSE: Genetic factors are known to influence the response to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment in exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The current study was conducted to investigate the association of Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) polymorphism with the treatment response to ranibizumab for exudative AMD. METHODS: One hundred nine eyes (109 patients, 59.6% male, mean age 63.84 ± 7.22 years) treated with intravitreal ranibizumab injections were included in the analysis. Smoking status and lesion type were recorded. Patients were categorized into three groups according to visual acuity (VA) change at 6 months after the first injection: VA loss >5 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters (Group 1); VA change between five ETDRS letters gain and loss (Group 2); VA improvement >5 ETDRS letters (Group 3). The association of ApoE gene polymorphisms with the three groups was evaluated. RESULTS: Both smoking status and lesion type showed no significant association with VA change (p = 0.12 and p = 0.64, respectively). A lower frequency of ɛ2 and a higher frequency of ɛ4 were observed in Group 3 (2.9 and 25.7%, respectively). VA improvement with more than five ETDRS letters was significantly associated with the presence of the ɛ4 genotype (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that carriers of the ApoE ɛ4 polymorphism genotype show demonstrable improvement in VA after treatment with ranibizumab in exudative AMD. ApoE polymorphism identification may be used as a genetic screening to tailor individualized therapeutic approach for optimal treatment in neovascular AMD.

Postoperative fungal endophthalmitis caused by Trichosporon asahii treated with voriconazole.

Postoperative fungal endophthalmitis is a rare but devastating complication of cataract surgery. Vitrectomy and intravitreal amphotericin B injection as well as administration of systemic antifungal agents have been suggested as optimal treatments for fungal endophthalmitis. However, this therapy may fail to eliminate fungal species resistant to current antifungal agents. The saprophytic fungus Trichosporon asahii is frequently observed as a cause of endogenous endophthalmitis in immunosuppressed patients. We report a case of postoperative endophthalmitis caused by T. asahii, resistant to amphotericin B. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of T. asahii endophthalmitis successfully treated with intravitreal and systemic voriconazole, pars plana vitrectomy, and removal of the intraocular lens and entire lens capsule.

Postoperative fungal endophthalmitis caused by Trichosporon asahii treated with voriconazole / Endoftalmite fúngica pós-operatória causada por Trichosporon asahii tratada com voriconazol

ABSTRACTPostoperative fungal endophthalmitis is a rare but devastating complication of cataract surgery. Vitrectomy and intravitreal amphotericin B injection as well as administration of systemic antifungal agents have been suggested as optimal treatments for fungal endophthalmitis. However, this therapy may fail to eliminate fungal species resistant to current antifungal agents. The saprophytic fungus Trichosporon asahii is frequently observed as a cause of endogenous endophthalmitis in immunosuppressed patients. We report a case of postoperative endophthalmitis caused by T. asahii, resistant to amphotericin B. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of T. asahii endophthalmitis successfully treated with intravitreal and systemic voriconazole, pars plana vitrectomy, and removal of the intraocular lens and entire lens capsule.

RESUMOEndoftalmite fúngica pós-operatória é uma complicação rara mas devastadora da cirurgia de catarata. A vitrectomia e injeção intravítrea de anfotericina B, bem como agentes fungicidas sistêmicos, têm sido sugeridos como tratamentos ideais para endoftalmite fúngica. No entanto, esta terapia pode falhar em erradicar as espécies de fungos resistentes aos agentes antifúngicos atuais. Uma dessas espécies de fungos é o fungo saprófita,Trichosporon asahii, que é frequentemente observada, como causa de endoftalmite endógena, em pacientes imunodeprimidos. Relatamos um caso de endoftalmite pós-operatória causada porT. asahii que é resistente a anfotericina B. Ao nosso conhecimento, este é o primeiro relato de endoftalmite porT. asahii tratado com sucesso com voriconazol intravítreo e sistêmico, vitrectomia viapars plana, e remoção da lente intraocular e saco capsular.

Characteristics of the Anterior Segment Biometry and Corneal Endothelium in Eyes with Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome and Senile Cataract.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the anterior segment biometric features and corneal endothelial changes in eyes with pseudoexfoliation (PEX) syndrome and senile cataract. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The central corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth (ACD), pupil diameter, lens thickness, endothelial cell density (ECD), and percentages of polymegathism and pleomorphism of 52 subjects with PEX and cataract were compared with 51 age- and gender-matched control subjects with cataract using optical low-coherence reflectometry (OLCR, Lenstar LS 900; Haag Streit AG, Switzerland) and in-vivo confocal microscopy (Confo Scan 4, Nidek Co. Ltd, Osaka, Japan). Nineteen subjects with PEX syndrome had glaucoma and were using anti-glaucoma medications. Only one eye of the subjects was used in statistical analysis and a p value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: None of the OLCR parameters reached statistically significant differences among the 3 groups (ANOVA p>0.05). The percentage of eyes with ACD <2.5 mm was 13.7% in the control group, 24.2% in PEX eyes without glaucoma and 21.1% in PEX eyes with glaucoma, with no statistically significant differences (p=0.45). There was a significant difference in mean ECD among the 3 groups (ANOVA p=0.02), whereas no differences could be found in respect to polymegathism and pleomorphism (p>0.05). Mean ECD was significantly lower in the PEX glaucoma group (2,199.5±176.8 cells/mm2) than the control group (2,363±229.3 cells/mm2) (p=0.02), whereas no difference was found in mean ECD of PEX eyes without glaucoma and the control group (p=0.42). ECD was less than 2,000 cells/mm2 in 15.8% of PEX subjects with glaucoma, 9.8% of control subjects and 6.1% of PEX eyes without glaucoma, with no statistically significant difference (p=0.52). CONCLUSION: As eyes with both PEX glaucoma and cataract seem to be associated with decreased endothelial cell number, specular or confocal microscopy screening should be done for the patients scheduled for intraocular surgery.

Comparison of central corneal thickness measurements using optical low-coherence reflectometry, Fourier domain optical coherence tomography, and Scheimpflug camera / Comparação entre medidas de espessura central da córnea com reflectometria óptica de baixa coerência, tomografia de coerência óptica de domínio Fourier, e câmera Scheimpflug

Purpose: To compare the results of central corneal thickness (CCT) measurements obtained using optical low-coherence reflectometry (OLCR), Fourier domain optical coherence tomography (FD-OCT), and a Scheimpflug camera (SC), combined with Placido corneal topography. Methods: A total of 25 healthy subjects were enrolled in the present study, and one eye of each subject was included. A detailed ophthalmic examination was performed in all cases following CCT measurements with OLCR, FD-OCT, and SC. The results were compared using an ANOVA test. Bland-Altman analysis was used to demonstrate agreement between methods. Intra-examiner repeatability was assessed by using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Results: Statistically significant differences were observed between the results of the CCT measurements obtained using the three different devices (p=0.009). Significant correlations were found between OLCR and FD-OCT (r=0.97; p<0.0001), FD-OCT and SC (r=0.91; p<0.0001), and OLCR and SC (r=0.95; p<0.0001). The 95% limits of agreement (LOA) obtained from Bland-Altman plots were from -7.2 μm to 28.7 μm for OLCR versus FD-OCT, from -19.2 μm to 30.4 μm for OLCR versus SC, and from -42.6 to 32.3 μm for FD-OCT versus SC. Intra-examiner repeatability was excellent for each method, with ICCs >0.98. Conclusion: Although the results of CCT measurements obtained from these three devices were highly correlated with one another and the mean differences between instruments were comparable with the reported diurnal CCT fluctuation, the measurements are not directly interchangeable in clinical practice because of the wide LOA values. .

Objetivo: Comparar os resultados de medições de espessura corneana central (CCT ) obtidos com reflectometria óptica de baixa coerência (OLCR), tomografia de coerência óptica de domínio Fourier (FD-OCT ), e uma câmera Scheimpflug (SC), combinada com topografia corneana de placido. Métodos: Um olho de cada de 25 indivíduos saudáveis foram incluídos neste estudo. Um exame oftalmológico detalhado foi realizado em todos os casos após as medidas de CCT com OLCR, FD-OCT, e SC. Os resultados foram comparados por meio do teste ANOVA. Análise de Bland-Altman foi utilizada para demonstrar concordância entre os métodos. A repetibilidade intra-examinador foi avaliada por meio de coeficientes de correlação intraclasse (ICCs). Resultados: Foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significativas entre os resultados das medidas de CCT obtidas a partir de três dispositivos diferentes (p=0,009). Foram encontradas correlações significativas entre OLCR e FD-OCT (r=0,97, p<0,0001), FD-OCT e SC (r=0,91, p<0,0001), e OLCR e SC (r=0,95; p<0,0001). Os limites de 95% de confiança (LOA) obtidos a partir de gráficos de Bland-Altman foram de -7,2 a 28,7 μm para OLCR contra FD-OCT, de -19,2 a 30,4 μm para OLCR contra SC, e de -42,6 a 32,3 μm para FD-OCT contra SC. A repetibilidade intra-examinador foi excelente para cada método com ICCs>0,98. Conclusões: Apesar de os resultados das medições CCT obtidos a partir destes três dispositivos terem sido altamente correlacionados entre si e as diferenças médias entre os instrumentos serem comparáveis à flutuação relatado da CCT diurna, as medições não são diretamente intercambiáveis na prática clínica em razão da largura dos valores limites de confiança. .

Extensive bone formation in a painful blind eye.

Osseous metaplasia may occur in phthisis bulbi, usually caused by long-standing retinal detachment, ocular trauma, or inflammation. However, extensive intraocular bone formation is a rare phenomenon. We report a case with long-standing phthisis bulbi demonstrating subretinal extensive bone formation. Results of histopathologic examination revealed extensive bone formation overlying the choroid with accompanying bone marrow without hematopoiesis.

Effect of religious fasting on tear osmolarity and ocular surface.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of religious fasting on tear secretion, tear osmolarity, corneal topography, and ocular aberrations. METHODS: This prospective controlled study comprised 29 eyes of 29 healthy men. Before ophthalmologic examination, all subjects underwent corneal topography by a placido disc corneal topography and aberrometry device (OPD Scan II). Tear osmolarity was measured using OcuSense TearLab osmometer. Ocular surface disease index (OSDI) scores, tear break-up time (BUT), Schirmer I test, and lissamine green staining were evaluated. The measurements taken before and during Ramadan at the same hours between 4.00 and 5.00 PM were compared using paired sample t test, and a P value less than 0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean age of the study group was 27.8 ± 5.9 years (range, 20-47 years). The mean tear osmolarity values were measured as 285.6 ± 8.2 mOsm/L and 293.3 ± 16.0 mOsm/L, whereas the mean Schirmer I values were 14.8 ± 6.0 mm and 10.6 ± 5.3 mm in nonfasting and fasting periods, respectively. Tear osmolarity, OSDI, and Oxford grading scores significantly increased (P=0.02, P=0.002, P=0.003, respectively), whereas Schirmer I values and intraocular pressure decreased (both, P<0.001) during the fasting period compared with the nonfasting period. There were no significant differences in tear BUT, keratometry values, and corneal aberration measurements between nonfasting and fasting periods (P>0.05, for all). CONCLUSION: Fasting significantly decreases tear production and increases tear osmolarity; however, it does not deteriorate corneal topographic parameters and ocular aberrations in healthy subjects.

Resolution of papilledema after endoscopic third ventriculostomy versus cerebrospinal fluid shunting in hydrocephalus: a comparative study.

OBJECT: In this study the authors compare the efficacy of endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) versus CSF shunting for resolution of papilledema in hydrocephalus. METHODS: This comparative case series study recruited 12 patients (24 eyes) with hydrocephalus who underwent either an ETV (Group 1, 6 patients [12 eyes]) or CSF shunt treatment (Group 2, 6 patients [12 eyes]). A complete ophthalmological examination including retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) evaluation by optical coherence tomography was provided for all patients before surgery and in the 1st week, 1st month, and 3rd month postoperatively. The 2 groups were compared for quantitative changes in RNFL thickness and, thereby, resolution of papilledema. Statistical evaluation was performed using the Mann-Whitney U-test with the aid of SPSS version 16.0. RESULTS: The mean preoperative RNFL thickness was 259.7 ± 35.8 µm in Group 1 and 244.5 ± 53.4 µm in Group 2 (p = 0.798). The mean decrease in RNFL thickness was 101.3 ± 38.8 µm, 141.2 ± 34.6 µm, and 162.0 ± 35.9 µm in Group 1 versus 97.0 ± 44.6 µm, 143 ± 45.6 µm, and 130.0 ± 59.8 µm in Group 2 for the postoperative 1st week, 1st month, and 3rd month, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to decrease in RNFL thickness during the 1st week, 1st month, and 3rd month (p = 0.563, p = 0.753, and p = 0.528, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to quantitatively evaluate papilledema in assessing the success of ETV and CSF shunting. The authors' results indicated that ETV is as effective as CSF shunting with respect to decreasing intracranial pressure and resolution of papilledema.

The effect of room illumination on the measurement of anterior segment parameters.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of room illumination on the measurement of anterior segment parameters. METHODS: In this comparative study, measurements of anterior segment parameters of 25 eyes of 25 healthy patients were performed by optical low-coherence reflectometry (OLCR). Measurements were taken under photopic conditions (150 lux) and under mesopic conditions (3 lux). Paired t test by SPSS 16.0 was used to compare the anterior segment measurements performed in both conditions. A P value lower than 0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 27.09±1.72 years (range, 20-40 years). Of the anterior segment parameters, axial length and keratometry did not show significant difference between photopic and mesopic conditions (P=0.541 and P=0.812, respectively). The mean anterior chamber depth measurements was 3.04±0.35 mm and 3.06±0.35 mm, whereas the mean lens thickness was 3.75±0.36 mm and 3.77±0.36 mm in the mesopic and photopic conditions, respectively. The mean pupil diameter measurement was 4.86±0.70 mm under photopic conditions and 6.36±0.94 mm under mesopic conditions. The anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, and pupil diameter showed significant difference between photopic and mesopic conditions (P=0.01, P=0.006, and P=0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, and pupil diameter were affected by the changes in luminance while performing measurements with OLCR. Considering the age of the study group, further studies are needed to test the measurement of accommodation amplitude.

Assessment of ocular neurotoxicity in patients treated with systemic cancer chemotherapeutics.

PURPOSE: Cisplatin and Paclitaxel are two chemotherapeutic agents known to produce neurotoxicity when used for cumulative dose regimens. In this study we aim to assess their toxicity in the optic nerve, and to evaluate the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness and visual field changes in lung cancer patients treated with Cisplatin and Paclitaxel. METHODS: Fifteen patients who were treated intravenously with 75 mg/m(2) cisplatin and 175 mg/m(2) paclitaxel every 3 weeks, up to a maximum of six courses, were enrolled in this prospective clinical trial. All patients underwent complete ophthalmological assessments before their treatments began, as well as three months after the completion of their treatments. The RNFL thickness measurements were performed using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Functional testing included the use of frequency-doubling technology (FDT) perimetry and the Humphrey visual field analyser (HFA). The main outcome measurements included the average RNFL thicknesses and visual field indices (mean deviation [MD] and pattern standard deviation [PSD]). RESULTS: The median age of the 15 patients (nine male and six female) was 63.49 years old (range: 53-77). The average RNFL thickness measurement during the baseline examination was 103.73 µm (range: 97-111). Three months after the cessation of treatment the RNFL thickness declined to 97.4 µm (range: 91-102). Statistical analysis showed a significant thinning between the two measurements (p = 0.032). The MD and PSD values recorded by the HFA demonstrated no statistically significant changes 3 months after the cessation of treatment (p > 0.207 and p > 0.186, respectively). There were statistically significant decreases in both the MD (0.48 to -1.13 dB) and PSD (2.13 to 0.65 dB) indices measured by the FDT perimetry (p = 0.041 and p = 0.025, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, the systemic administration of Cisplatin and Paclitaxel affected the peripapillary RNFL thicknesses and visual field indices as revealed by FDT perimetry. OCT and FDT perimetry may be adjunctive tools for the screening of ocular toxicity in patients treated with these agents.