Role of Overcorrecting Minus Lens Therapy in Intermittent Exotropia for Prevention of Constant Exotropia in Children Under the Age of 7 Years.

Background: The basis of the overcorrecting minus lens is to induce compliance and consequently prevent constant exotropia. Some previous studies advocated early surgical therapy and others suggested over-minus treatment. Our purpose is to evaluate the success rate of the over-minus lens. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on 106 patients under the age of 7 years with intermittent exotropia (IXT) who attended Amir-Al-Momenin Hospital at Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. The data was gathered by a form including sex, age, level of cycloplegic refraction, the amount of deviation before and after using the over-minus glasses, visual acuity, the amount of the over-minus glasses, duration of treatment, recovery, and follow-up. The success rate was defined as decreasing exotropia to less than ten prism diopters or exophoria. Results: A total of 106 patients with a mean age of 2.25 ± 0.74 years were enrolled in this study. The mean exotropia before and after treatment was 20.96 ± 8.20 and 12.16 ± 11.04 prism diopters, respectively, and there was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.002). The mean refractive spherical and astigmatic errors (cycloplegic refraction) were +1.34 ± 1.07 and -0.32 ± 0.72 diopters, respectively. At the end of the follow-up, exotropia increased in 5.6% of patients, there was no change in 15% of patients with a mean deviation of 25.0 ± 6.06 prism diopters, and 79.24% of patients were treated successfully. Conclusions: According to the results of this study, treatment of IXT by over-correcting lenses can be a safe procedure and effective in preventing exotropia.

Prevalence of cataract and its contributing factors in Iranian elderly population: the Gilan eye study.

PURPOSE: To report the prevalence and the associated factors leading to cataract among the Iranian population living in Gilan Province, Iran. METHODS: This population-based cross-sectional study was performed from June to November 2014 on 2,975 residents aged ≥ 50 years old living in urban and rural regions of the Gilan Province in Iran. A representative sample of residents in the province was recruited into the study through door-to-door visiting, and baseline data were collected by questionnaire. All participants were referred to the medical center for comprehensive ophthalmic examination, laboratory tests, and blood pressure measurement. RESULTS: Among the population, 2,588 (86.99%) subjects were eligible to be included in this study, categorized either into the cataract or the non-cataract group. The mean age of participants was 62.59 ± 8.92 years, and 57.5% were female. Higher prevalence of cataract was found in individuals of older ages (odds ratio (OR) = 1.13; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.10 to 1.16; P < 0.001) and a history of previous ocular surgery (OR = 5.78; 95% CI = 2.28 to 14.63; P < 0.001). At the same time, a lower prevalence of cataract was seen in patients exposed to sunlight for more than 4 h per day (OR = 0.49; 95% CI = 0.32 to 0.73; P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Cataract affects 50.50% of the study population, especially those over 80. The mildest form of cataract, grade zero, is the most common. Surgery for cataract has good outcomes. The risk of cataract is higher for those older or who have had eye surgeries. People not affected by cataract tend to be exposed to more sunlight.

Closantel retinal toxicity: Recovery from severe vision loss after corticosteroid therapy.

PURPOSE: To present a relatively rare case of retinal toxicity and consequent severe vision loss due to Closantel ingestion. CASE REPORT: A 37-year-old female presented with sudden painless decrease vision in both eyes. She had no previous history of medical disease and denied any trauma. The patient had accidentally ingested Closantel a few days prior to presentation. Closantel is a veterinary anti-helminthic drug used mainly in livestock. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at presentation was 20/200 bilaterally. There was no relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD) and red saturation test was normal. Macular optical coherence tomography (OCT) revealed disruption in the outer retinal layer and ellipsoid zone in both eyes. A diagnosis of retinal toxicity due to Closantel was made and the patient was started on 1 mg/kg oral prednisolone acetate. On the 45th day after presentation, her BCVA had improved to 20/20 bilaterally. CONCLUSION: Closantel is a potentially toxic drug causing destruction of the neurosensory retina and visual disturbances. We suggest eye-care personnel awareness regarding the risk of Closantel-induced retinal toxicity and prompt treatment with systemic steroids should be considered.

Retinopathy of prematurity: applicability of international and national screening guidelines in the north of Iran.

BACKGROUND: To determine the applicability of current international and national retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening guidelines and to identify a suitable community-based screening criterion. METHODS: A retrospective study on premature neonates (≤37 weeks gestation) referred to a tertiary eye hospital ROP clinic in the north of Iran was conducted over a 10-year period. Neonates were classified as no ROP, with ROP and type 1 ROP. Data consisting of birth weight (BW), gestational age (GA) and chief risk factors were evaluated. Various screening criteria and currently established screening guidelines were applied and compared for applicability using a receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS: A total of 716 neonates with a mean GA of 31.4 ± 2.8 weeks and BW of 1629 ± 502 grams were screened. The incidence of ROP was 22.9% and type 1 ROP requiring treatment was 0.28%. When applying the national Ministry of Health Guidelines, all neonates with type 1 ROP requiring treatment were identified; These criteria had a specificity of 7% for the diagnosis of type 1 ROP, and a large number of neonates (n=645) who are not at risk for type 1 ROP will be redundantly screened. Guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the UK would miss 4.5% of patients requiring ROP treatment. According to our data a threshold of GA≤32 weeks and/or BW ≤1600 grams demonstrated a sensitivity of 95.7% and specificity of 33.6% for the diagnosis of any ROP and a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 26.8% for type 1 ROP requiring treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The ideal ROP screening guideline is one that is very sensitive and identifies patients requiring treatment without delay. To minimize redundant screening while maintaining optimum ROP requiring treatment diagnosis, we proposed a new local evidence-based screening guideline.

Coats'-like Response Associated with Linear Scleroderma.

PURPOSE: To present a case of linear scleroderma known as "en coup de sabre" associated with Coats'- like response. CASE REPORT: A 12-year-old boy presented with subacute painless vision loss in the ipsilateral side of the patient's en coup de sabre lesion. Ocular examination revealed vitreous hemorrhage with severe exudation of the posterior pole and telangiectatic vessels. Fundus fluorescein angiography indicated multiple vascular beadings and fusiform aneurysms with leakage which was consistent with a Coats'-like response. The patient was subsequently treated with intravitreal bevacizumab and targeted retinal photocoagulation. Twelve months' follow-up showed marked resolution of macular exudation with significant visual improvement. CONCLUSION: Physicians should be aware of the possible ophthalmic disorders accompanying en coup de sabre and careful ophthalmologic examinations should be performed in these patients. As presented in the current case, treatment with intravitreal anti-VEGF agents and laser photocoagulation may be a beneficial option for patients with coats'-like response.

Clinical outcomes of viscocanalostomy and phacoviscocanalostomy in primary open angle glaucoma: Two years follow-up.

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes of phacoviscocanalostomy and viscocanalostomy in patients with primary open angle glaucoma. METHODS: This non randomized, prospective comparative study included 168 eyes of 168 patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). Phacoviscocanalostomy was performed in 94 eyes with POAG and cataract and viscocanalostomy was performed in 74 eyes with POAG. Preoperative and postoperative intraocular pressures (IOP), number of antiglaucoma medication, intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded throughout the follow-up period. RESULTS: The mean follow-up after surgery was 20.13 ± 7.9 months. Mean IOP decreased significantly 1 month after surgery in both groups (p < 0.001) and remained significantly lower from its preoperative value at all follow-up visits. The postoperative mean IOP at the last follow up in phacoviscocanalostomy and viscocanalostomy was 14.98 ± 4.8 mmHg and 16.84 ± 5.0 mmHg, respectively (p = 0.001). Complete success rate in phacoviscocanalostomy and viscocanalostomy groups was 83.1% and 56.8%, respectively (p = 0.008). Qualified success rate was achieved in 89.4% eyes in the phacoviscocanalostomy group and 83.8% of viscocanalostomy group (p = 0.534). The Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in phacoviscocanalostomy group improved significantly post-operatively (p = 0.001). Postoperative antiglaucoma medication in both groups were significantly less than the preoperative values (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Both Phacoviscocanalostomy and viscocanalostmy are effective procedures in the control of IOP in patients with POAG with and without cataract. Higher complete success rates and BCVA were achieved in phacoviscocanalostomy. Therefore, phacoviscocanalostomy and viscocanalostomy are recommended in eyes with medically uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma with and without coexisting cataract.

Evaluation of Choroidal Thickness during Pregnancy and Postpartum: A Longitudinal Study.

Purpose: To assess the longitudinal changes of choroidal thickness using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) during pregnancy and postpartum. Methods: The study included 23 eyes of 23 healthy pregnant women and 23 eyes of 23 healthy nonpregnant women. Choroidal thickness was measured manually with EDI-OCT at seven locations: The fovea, 500, 1000, and 1500 µm temporal (T) from the fovea and 500, 1000, and 1500 µm nasal (N) from the fovea. Measurements were obtained at each pregnancy trimester and 6 weeks postpartum and in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle for the control group. Results: The mean subfoveal choroidal thickness was 410.2 ± 82.4 µm, 434.8 ± 79.6 µm, 433.5 ± 80.3 µm, and 395.0 ± 71.1 µm in the first, second, and third trimesters and 6 weeks postpartum, respectively. In all seven measured locations, statistically significant changes were noted during pregnancy and postpartum in the choroidal thickness (P < 0.001). Choroidal thickness increased from the first trimester to the second and third trimester, after which it decreased at postpartum. Choroidal thickness was greater in the pregnant group during pregnancy and postpartum compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Conclusions: This study indicated significant change in choroidal thickness at seven locations measured with EDI-OCT throughout pregnancy and 6 weeks after delivery. We showed that 6 weeks after delivery, choroidal thickness remains significantly higher than nonpregnant subjects.

Outcomes of Phaco-viscocanalostomy in Primary Open Angle Glaucoma versus Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma.

PURPOSE: Viscocanalostomy represents an alternative to standard penetrating glaucoma surgery. The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes of combined phacoemulsification and viscocanalostomy in eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) versus eyes with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEXG). METHODS: In this prospective non-randomized comparative study, eyes with cataract and POAG or PEXG were enrolled. Pre- and postoperative data including best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and the number of antiglaucoma medications administered were recorded at each visit. All patients underwent phacoviscocanalostomy. Complete success was defined as the IOP of 21 mmHg or less without the administration of medication while a qualified success reported the same IOP parameters either with or without the administration of medication. RESULTS: Fifty-four eyes with POAG and fifty-four with PEXG underwent phacoviscocanalostomy. The mean follow-up time was 23.36 ± 8.8 months (range, 6-40 months). The mean postoperative IOP reduced significantly in both groups, although the mean IOP reduction was significantly greater in PEXG eyes (14.7 ± 8.9 vs 10.1 ± 7.7 mmHg) (P = 0.05). At the final follow-up visit, the mean postoperative IOP was 14.1 ± 2.1 and 16.6 ± 3.5 mmHg in the PEXG and POAG eyes, respectively (P = 0.001). A complete success rate of 88.9% and 75.9% was achieved in PEXG and POAG eyes, respectively (P = 0.07). The qualified success rate was 100% in the PEXG and 85.2% in POAG groups (P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Phacoviscocanalostomy achieved significant IOP reduction and visual improvement in both POAG and PEXG patients. Our results indicated that in terms of IOP reduction, this procedure was more effective in treating PEXG.

Presumed clomiphene-induced optic neuropathy: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Clomiphene citrate is an estrogen receptor ligand with mixed agonistic-antagonistic properties used for the treatment of female and male infertility. Various visual disturbances and several irreversible visual outcomes have been associated with clomiphene citrate. In this report, we present a patient with presumed clomiphene-induced optic neuropathy. CASE: A 33-yr-old man with acute visual loss of the right eye was referred to Amiralmomenin Hospital, Rasht, Iran in November 2018. His only medication was clomiphene citrate 100 mg daily, taken for 2 wk for fertility issues. The patient presented with a sudden decrease of visual acuity in the right eye on the 14 th day of starting the treatment and subsequently developed complete loss of inferior visual field within a few days. On examination, the visual acuity was 6/20 in the right and 20/20 in the left eyes, with a right relative afferent pupillary defect and decreased red color saturation. The fundus examination revealed optic disc swelling with venous dilation in the right eye and a normal left fundus with a crowded disc (disc-at-risk). The patient was evaluated for systemic disorders, all of which were normal. Findings were suggestive of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy most likely due to clomiphene. CONCLUSION: As clomiphene may increase blood viscosity, it is hypothesized that reduced flow in a posterior ciliary artery in conjunction with the disc-at-risk contributes to the anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. It is advised that patients with disc-at-risk be aware of the possible non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy and those experiencing visual symptoms while taking clomiphene be examined promptly for evidence of optic nerve injury.

Topical Tacrolimus as an adjunct to Conventional Therapy for Stromal Herpetic Keratitis: a Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: This study investigates the effects of 0.05% topical tacrolimus as an adjunct therapy for patients with non-necrotizing herpetic stromal keratitis (HSK). METHODS: Patients with non-necrotizing HSK, referred to the Cornea Clinic at Hospital in Rasht, Iran, between September 2016 and February 2018, were randomly assigned to two groups. The case group (N = 25) and the control group (N = 25) received conventional treatment with systemic acyclovir and topical prednisolone. The case group (N = 25) additionally received 0.05% tacrolimus eye drops four times a day for one month. Complete ocular examinations, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) assessment, intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement, slit lamp biomicroscopy, and photo slit lamp imaging, were performed before treatment, and 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days after the intervention. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 46.2 ± 12.9 years, and 70% of the patients were male. There was no difference between the groups in terms of age, sex, and baseline ocular measurements (P > 0.05). The case group had a lower mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (LogMAR) for BCVA, lower grading scores, and steeper decreasing trends for corneal haziness, edema, neovascularization, and epitheliopathy compared to the control group after the second week (P < 0.05), while IOP remained unchanged between groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The addition of 0.05% topical tacrolimus enhances visual acuity and reduces corneal inflammation, neovascularization, and scarring; thus, it can used as an appropriate adjunct treatment for patients with HSK.

Comparison of free conjunctival autograft versus amniotic membrane transplantation for pterygium surgery.

PURPOSE: To compare the recurrence rate and surgical outcomes of amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) and free conjunctival autograft (CAT) for pterygium surgery. METHODS: In this prospective study, 60 patients with primary pterygium were randomly assigned to two groups of CAT or AMT and were compared in terms of recurrence rate, mean healing time of corneal epithelial defects, the mean level of inflammation, and complications. RESULTS: The mean ± SD age of patients was 48.98 ± 9.8 years (range, 27-71 years). 73.3% were men, and 26.7% were women. The groups did not differ with respect to demographic characteristics (P > 0.05). Patients were followed for an average of 12.6 ± 1.3 months. The recurrence rates were 6.7% and 3.3% in the AMT and CAT groups, respectively (P > 0.05). Comparison of mean inflammation score showed higher inflammation in the AMT group in the first, third, and sixth postoperative month (P < 0.05). Mean healing times of corneal epithelial defects were 2.5 ± 0.572 and 2.67 ± 0.479 days in the CAT and AMT groups, respectively (P = 0.173). CONCLUSIONS: No significant complication was observed during or after both surgical methods. No statistically significant difference was seen in visual acuity changes and epithelial healing in CAT and AMT groups, but more inflammation and recurrence rate were seen in AMT group.

Reproducibility of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness measurements with cirrus HD-OCT in glaucomatous eyes.

AIM: To assess the reproducibility of Cirrus high-definition optical coherence tomography (HD-OCT; Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA, USA) for analysis of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in glaucomatous eyes. METHODS: Forty-five eyes (one eye from each glaucomatous patient) were imaged with Cirrus HD-OCT. Each eye was imaged three times by two separate operators. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), coefficient of variation (CV), and test-retest variability were evaluated for both intraobserver and interobsever measurements. RESULTS: In intraobserver measurements, the average RNFL thickness ICC was 0.983. CV and test-retest variability were 2.3% and 4.4 µm respectively. In quadrants ICC ranged from 0.886 to 0.956, the lowest associated with nasal quadrant and CV ranged from 3.6% to 7.7%. In interobsever measurements, the average RNFL thickness ICC was 0.979. CV and test-retest variability were 2.4% and 4.5 µm respectively. In quadrants ICC ranged from 0.886 to 0.957, the lowest associated with nasal quadrant and CV ranged from 3.8% to 8.6%. CONCLUSION: The reproducibility of Cirrus OCT for RNFL thickness is sufficiently good to be useful clinically as a measure of glaucoma progression.

Phacoemulsification Versus Combined Phacoemulsification and Viscogonioplasty in Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the effect of phacoemulsification (Phaco) versus combined phacoemulsification and viscogonioplasty (Phaco-VGP) on long-term intraocular pressure (IOP) in primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG). METHODS: In this prospective randomized clinical trial, 92 eyes of 82 patients with PACG and coexisting cataract were randomized to undergo Phaco alone (46 eyes) or Phaco-VGP (45 eyes) and completed the trial. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography was performed preoperatively and at 1 year after surgery. Main outcome measures were IOP and the number of IOP-lowering medications. RESULTS: Phaco alone reduced the mean IOP from a preoperative level of 22.3±6.3 to 14.0±3.7 mm Hg at 12 months after surgery (P<0.001). Phaco-VGP reduced the mean IOP from a preoperative level of 23.3±7.3 to 14.5±2.5 mm Hg (P<0.001). There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups in IOP and number of medications at all follow-up times. Trabecular-iris space-area measured by anterior segment optical coherence tomography increased significantly after Phaco alone and Phaco-VGP. The amount of the increase was higher in the Phaco-VGP. Although peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS) extent decreased significantly by Phaco alone, Phaco-VGP resulted in significantly greater reduction in PAS extent (P=0.004). The only variables that predicted change in IOP in the whole group were preoperative IOP (ß=-0.891, P<0.001) and female sex (ß=2.754, P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Phaco alone and Phaco-VGP resulted in widening of the drainage angle, reduction of IOP, and PAS extent in PACG eyes. Phaco-VGP resulted in significantly more reduction of PAS and more opening of angle. However, it seems that additional VGP has no significant effect on long-term IOP.

Results of nasolacrimal duct probing in children between 9-48 months.

Congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) is a common disease in children. The classic treatment of CNLDO is probing that was done around one year old. However, controversy exists regarding the outcome of probing in children older than one year. This study aimed to find the cure rate of initial probing for CNLDO and identify factors producing the failure rate in old age. In this retrospective interventional case series study, 100 eyes of 92 patients aged 9-48 months with CNLDO underwent probing with general anesthesia. According to the intraoperative results of probing, CNLDO were categorized in two groups of membranous obstruction at the end of nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLD) and complex obstruction at canaliculus, lacrimal sac and N LD. Patients were categorized in three groups according to the age of probing into under 12, 12 to 24 and over 24 months. Success rate was defined as successful irrigation of NLD intraoperatively and absence of lacrimation and discharge at 1 week, one, three and six months postoperatively. The average age of patients and probing were 47.35±25.59 and 17.32±7.85 months respectively. Membranous obstruction accounted for 72% of patients and remainder had complex type. An overall cure rate of 91%, 89% and 60% was found in patients aged 9-12, 12-24 and 24-48 months respectively. Surgery success rate after six months was 91% in membranous group and 52% in complex group. There was a significant relation between the type of obstruction and opening of NLD (p<0.O01). This study showed that the probing failure of probing after one year was related to the complexity of obstruction rather than the age of the patient. It is recommended that probing could safely be done in under 4 years old.

Prevalence of calibration errors in goldmann applanation tonometers.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of calibration errors in Goldmann applanation tonometers at Farabi Eye Hospital. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed on all tonometers in use at Farabi Eye Hospital. All Haag-Streit Goldmann applanation tonometers were checked according to the manufacturer's method by two independent observers and by a third observer in case of mismatched results. Calibration errors were classified into 6 categories of ±0.5, ±1, ±1.5, ±2, ±2.5 and more than ±2.5 mmHg. RESULTS: Overall, 43 Goldmann tonometers were evaluated. There were 3 (7%), 10 (24.3%), 16 (38.3%), 24 (56.9%), 31 (72.1%) and 12 (27.9%) tonometers within calibration errors of ±0.5, ±1, ±1.5, ±2, ±2.5 and more than ±2.5 mmHg respectively. CONCLUSION: Goldmann tonometers were not within the manufacturer's recommended range (±0.5 mmHg) in 93%, and not within the acceptable range of ±2.5 mmHg in 28% of checked devices. Further study is needed to demonstrate the correlation between calibration errors and clinical errors.