Aripiprazole-induced transient myopia.

This study aims to present a case of transient myopia due to aripiprazole used in the treatment of depression. A 21-year-old female who was being treated for depression with 15 mg/day Aripiprazole during two months. She normally used -3.75 D glasses. She was admitted to our outpatient clinic with sudden onset blurring of vision in both eyes despite using glasses for about three days. Using of aripiprazole was observed in the patient's history. She was found to have myopia of -6.0 diopters in both eyes with measurement of otorefractometer; her visual acuity was 6/10 in both eyes with her glasses. The other eye examination findings of the patient were normal. The drug was discontinued, and the patient was followed. One mount later on examination, the patient's visual acuity increased to 10/10 in both eyes. Following the first day of the Alx values measured were 0.3 mm longer than one month after the measurement; the minimal difference between the other anterior segment findings were recorded. Although the specific mechanisms that cause acute myopia has not been fully revealed, it can be ciliary spasm, ciliary bodies effusion, peripheral uveal effusion and effects of ocular serotonergic intraneural fibers. We believe that it would be important for clinicians. They should keep in mind these conditions when prescribing aripiprazole and need to inform patients about the side effects related to the eye.

Familial association of keratoconus and granular corneal dystrophy: The familial case series.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the coexistence of bilateral keratoconus and granular corneal dystrophy (GCD) in the members of a family. METHODS: A total of 22 patients were examined in four generations of the family tree in this family screening study. Visual acuity test, biomicroscopic examination, and fundus examination were performed in all patients. The diagnosis of granular dystrophy was based on biomicroscopic examination findings. Corneal topography was performed on the patients diagnosed with granular dystrophy and other family members aged >5 years with normal examination findings. Corneal photographs were obtained from all patients with granular dystrophy except one case. RESULTS: Keratoconus or subclinical keratoconus was detected in seven cases. In addition, GCD type 1 was found in six of the seven cases. All patients diagnosed with keratoconus and granular dystrophy were females. On the other hand, there was no ophthalmologic problem in the men of the family tree. Although an autosomal dominant inheritance was found, the onset of the disease only in women suggests that there may be a variant expression. CONCLUSION: The present study showed an association of GCD and keratoconus in four generations of a family. More research is required to further explain this association.

Corneal endothelial changes in patients with vitamin D deficiency.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of vitamin D deficiency on corneal endothelial layer using specular microscopy. Methods: Fifty-eight eyes of 58 patients whose vitamin D level was below 15 ng/ml and who had no ocular pathology were included in the study (Group 1). Forty eyes of 40 age-and sex-matched subjects were enrolled as control group (Group 2). Corneal endothelial cell density (CD), coefficient of variation (CV), hexagonal cell ratio (HEX), and central corneal thickness (CCT) were measured using specular microscopy (Konan Medical Inc., Nishinomiya, Japan). The obtained data were compared between the groups. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of age and gender (P = 0.344, P = 0.399, respectively). The mean CD value was 2772.79 ± 202.21 cells/mm2 in Group 1 and 2954.97 ± 116.89 cells/mm2 in Group 2 (P = 0.001). The mean CV value was 30.31 ± 3.65 in Group 1 and 28.20 ± 2.71 in Group 2 (P = 0.003). The mean HEX value was 46.56 ± 6.32 in Group 1 and 51.07 ± 5.28 in Group 2 (P = 0.001). The mean CCT value was 555.87 ± 36.90 µ in group 1 and 549.0 ± 37.39 µ in Group 2 (P = 0.96). Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency may affect the corneal endothelial layer. Patients with vitamin D deficiency should be evaluated for endothelial parameters in particular before an intraocular surgery. Further studies are needed to confirm our results.

Corneal Endothelial Changes in Behçet's Patients with Inactive Ocular Involvement.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to evaluate alterations in the corneal endothelial layer in Behçet's disease (BD) with inactive ocular involvement using specular microscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-three eyes of 33 BD patients who had at least one anterior segment involvement and no active inflammation in the last 3 months were included in the study (group 1). Twenty-seven of the 33 BD patients had an anterior uveitis attack and six of them had a panuveitis (both anterior and posterior involvement) attack. Thirty-three eyes of 33 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects were enrolled in the control group (group 2). Corneal endothelial cell density (CD), coefficient of variation (CV), hexagonal cell ratio (HEX), and central corneal thickness (CCT) were measured using specular microscopy (Konan Medical, Nishinomiya, Japan), and the results were compared between groups. RESULTS: The mean CD was 2739 ± 164.18 cells/mm2 in group 1 and 2922 ± 107.60 cells/mm2 in group 2 (p = 0.001). The mean CV was 32.9 ± 4.76 in group 1 and 28.5 ± 3.06 in group 2 (p = 0.001). The mean HEX was 44.7 ± 6.51 in group 1 and 49.7 ± 6.10 in group 2 (p = 0.019). The mean CCT was 545.75 ± 40.89 µ in group 1 and 545.66 ± 30.09 µ in group 2 (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Ocular attacks in our BD patients may have caused permanent changes in the corneal endothelial layer. However, these changes did not lead to corneal decompensation, but further studies are necessary to confirm these results.

Corneal endothelial changes in long-term cannabinoid users.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was at evaluating the effects of long-term cannabis use on the corneal endothelial cells with the specular microscopy. METHODS: The study enrolled 28 eyes of 28 patients diagnosed with cannabinoid use disorder. The cannabinoid group was selected among patients who had been using the substance for three days or more per week over the past one year. Thirty-two eyes of 32 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals enrolled as control group in the study. Corneal endothelial cell density (CD), coefficient of variation (CV) and hexagonal cell ratio (HEX) values were analyzed by specular microscopy. RESULTS: The mean CD was 2900 ± 211 cells/mm2 in the cannabinoid group and 3097 ± 214 cells/mm2 in the control group (p < 0.01). There was a significant decrease in cannabinoid group. The mean CV was 29 ± 7 and 27 ± 4 in the cannabinoid and control groups, respectively (p > 0.05). No significant difference was present between the cannabinoid and the control groups in terms of mean CV value. The mean HEX was 52 ± 5% in the cannabinoid group and 53 ± 10% in the control group (p > 0.05). There was not a significant difference between the cannabinoid and the control groups in terms of mean HEX value. CONCLUSION: A significant decrease in CD was found in cannabinoid users compared the control group.

The Influence of Corneal Collagen Crosslinking on Conjunctival Flora.

PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) on conjunctival flora. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Included in this study were 42 patients, all of whom were treated with CXL for progressive keratoconus (KC). Conjunctival swab samples were collected under operating-room conditions immediately before and immediately after the procedure. Samples were quickly immersed in Amies Transport Medium (ATM), transferred to the microbiology laboratory, diluted, and inoculated into three areas each of blood agar, chocolate agar, eosin methylene blue (EMB) agar, and Saboraud-Dextrose agar plates. Inoculated plates were incubated at 35°C for 24-48 h. Preliminary species identification of isolated bacterial colonies was based on catalase and oxidase tests, Gram staining, and colony morphology. Definitive identification of isolates was made with Vitek-II fully automated identification kits. RESULTS: Cultures were positive in 24 (57.1%) preoperative and 10 (23.8%) postoperative samples (p ˂ 0.05). Microorganisms isolated from preoperative conjunctival samples included coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CNS) spp. in 23 (54.8%) samples, S. aureus in three (7.1%), Moraxella spp. in two (4.8%), Streptococcus spp. in three (7.1%), Corynebacterium spp, in one (2.4%), Micrococcus spp. in one (2.4%), and Candida spp. in one (2.4%). Microorganisms isolated from postoperative conjunctival samples included CNS spp. in nine (21.4%) samples, S. aureus in one (2.4%), Corynebacterium spp. in two (4.8%), and Acinetobacter spp. in one (2.4%). CONCLUSIONS: CXL appears to have a significant impact on conjunctiva flora.

Corneal structure in tilted disc syndrome.

PURPOSE:: To evaluate the central corneal thickness (CCT), corneal volume (CV), and anterior and posterior corneal surfaces using the Scheimpflug imaging system in patients diagnosed with tilted disc syndrome (TDS). METHODS:: The study group (Group 1) and the control group (Group 2) comprised 35 eyes of 35 age-, sex-, and refraction-matched cases. All cases underwent a full ophthalmic examination that included cycloplegic refraction, axial ocular length measurement, and Scheimpflug imaging. RESULTS:: The mean age was 34.68 ± 15.48 years in Group 1 and 34.11 ± 12.01 years in Group 2 (p=0.864). The gender distribution was 18 males and 17 females in Group 1 and 16 males and 19 females in Group 2 (p=0.618). All subjects were Caucasian. The spherical equivalent was 3.62 ± 1.75 D in Group 1 and 3.69 ± 1.51 D in Group 2 (p=0.850). There was no significant difference in age, sex, race, or spherical equivalent between groups. There was no significant difference in mean keratometric value and CV3 (the CV in the central 3 mm) between groups (p=0.232 and 0.172, respectively). There were statistically significant differences in CCT, CV5, and CV7 (CV in the central 5 and 7 mm3, respectively) and total CV between groups (p=0.008, 0.003, 0.023, and 0.019, respectively). The values of all parameters were lower in the study group than in the control group. There was also a statistically significant difference in the anterior elevation parameters of the cornea between groups (p<0.05). The mean values of Group 1 were higher than those of Group 2. There were statistically significant differences in the two parameters referring to the posterior elevation of the cornea between the two groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION:: The results of this study showed that eyes with TDS have thinner CCT, lower CV, and different anterior corneal curvature than normal eyes.

Corneal structure in tilted disc syndrome / Estrutura da córnea na síndrome de disco inclinado

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the central corneal thickness (CCT), corneal volume (CV), and anterior and posterior corneal surfaces using the Scheimpflug imaging system in patients diagnosed with tilted disc syndrome (TDS). Methods: The study group (Group 1) and the control group (Group 2) comprised 35 eyes of 35 age-, sex-, and refraction-matched cases. All cases underwent a full ophthalmic examination that included cycloplegic refraction, axial ocular length measurement, and Scheimpflug imaging. Results: The mean age was 34.68 ± 15.48 years in Group 1 and 34.11 ± 12.01 years in Group 2 (p=0.864). The gender distribution was 18 males and 17 females in Group 1 and 16 males and 19 females in Group 2 (p=0.618). All subjects were Caucasian. The spherical equivalent was 3.62 ± 1.75 D in Group 1 and 3.69 ± 1.51 D in Group 2 (p=0.850). There was no significant difference in age, sex, race, or spherical equivalent between groups. There was no significant difference in mean keratometric value and CV3 (the CV in the central 3 mm) between groups (p=0.232 and 0.172, respectively). There were statistically significant differences in CCT, CV5, and CV7 (CV in the central 5 and 7 mm3, respectively) and total CV between groups (p=0.008, 0.003, 0.023, and 0.019, respectively). The values of all parameters were lower in the study group than in the control group. There was also a statistically significant difference in the anterior elevation parameters of the cornea between groups (p<0.05). The mean values of Group 1 were higher than those of Group 2. There were statistically significant differences in the two parameters referring to the posterior elevation of the cornea between the two groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study showed that eyes with TDS have thinner CCT, lower CV, and different anterior corneal curvature than normal eyes.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a espessura central da córnea (CCT), o volume de córnea (CV), e a superfície corneana anterior e posterior utilizando sistema de imagem Scheimpflug em pacientes com diagnóstico de síndrome do disco inclinado (TDS). Métodos: O grupo de estudo (grupo 1) e o grupo controle (grupo 2) consistiu de 35 olhos de 35 pacientes pareados por idade, sexo e refração em cada grupo. Todos os casos foram submetidos a um exame oftalmológico completo incluindo refração sob cicloplegia, medida do comprimento axial ocular e avaliação por Scheimpflug. Resultados: A idade média foi de 34,68 ± 15,48 anos no grupo 1 e 34.11 ± 12,01 anos no grupo 2 (p=0,864). A distribuição por sexo foi de 18 homens e 17 mulheres do grupo 1 e 16 homens e 19 mulheres no grupo 2 (p=0,618). Todos os indivíduos eram caucasianos. O equivalente esférico foi 3,62 ± 1,75 D no Grupo 1 e 3,69 ± 1,51 D no Grupo 2 (p=0,850). Não houve diferença significativa entre os dois grupos para idade, sexo, raça e equivalente esférico. Não houve diferença significativa entre os dois grupos para o valor médio ceratométrico e CV3 (o volume da córnea na central 3 mm) (p=0,232, p=0,172, respectivamente). Houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os dois grupos para CCT, CV5, CV7 (volume de córnea na região central 5 e 7 mm, respectivamente) e CV total (p=0,008, p=0,003, p=0,023 e p=0,019, respectivamente). Os valores do grupo de estudo foram menores do que o grupo controle para todos os parâmetros. Houve também diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os dois grupos nos parâmetros elevação anterior da córnea (p<0,05). Os valores médios do grupo 1 foram maiores do que o grupo 2. Não houve diferença entre os dois grupos para os dois parâmetros referentes à elevação posterior da córnea (p<0,05). Conclusões: Nosso estudo mostrou que os olhos com TDS apresentam CCT mais fina, menor volume da córnea e alterações na curvatura corneana anterior quando comparados aos olhos normais.

Evaluation of Anterior Segment's Structures in Tilted Disc Syndrome.

Purpose. To evaluate anterior segment's structures by Pentacam in patients with tilted disc syndrome (TDS). Methods. Group 1 included forty-six eyes of forty-six patients who have the TDS. Group 2 including forty-six eyes of forty-six cases was the control group which was equal to the study group in age, gender, and refraction. A complete ophthalmic examination was performed in both groups. All cases were evaluated by Pentacam. The axial length (AL) of eyes was measured by ultrasound. Quantitative data obtained from these measurements were compared between two groups. Results. There was no statistically significant difference for age, gender, axial length, and spherical equivalent measurements between two groups (p = 0.625, p = 0.830, p = 0.234, and p = 0.850). There was a statistically significant difference for central corneal thickness (CCT), corneal volume (CV), anterior chamber angle (ACA), and pupil size measurements between two groups (p = 0.001, p = 0.0001, p = 0.003, and p = 0.001). Also, there was no statistically significant difference for anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber volume (ACV), and lens thickness (LT) measurements between two groups (p = 0.130, p = 0.910, and p = 0.057). Conclusion. We determined that CCT was thinner, CV was less, and ACA was narrower in patients with TDS. There are some changes in the anterior segment of the eyes with tilted disc.

Systemic Prolidase Activity and Oxidative Stress in Keratoconus.

AIM: Our aim was to evaluate the serum prolidase activity, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidant status (TOS) in patients with keratoconus. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A total 69 keratoconus patients and 72 control subjects with similar age and gender were evaluated within the scope of this study. The keratoconus group was divided into four stages with the modified Krumeich classification. Serum prolidase activity, TAC and TOS were measured and compared between the patient and control groups. RESULTS: The median serum prolidase enzyme activity value was 528.3 (684.1-416.7) U/L in the keratoconus group and 606.2 (812.9-482.3) U/L in the control group. The difference between the groups was statistically significant (p = 0.027). The median TAC value was 1.24 (1.37-1.05) mmol/L in the keratoconus group and 1.29 (1.38-1.18) mmol/L in the control group. The median TOS value was 2 (4-1) µmol/L in the keratoconus group and 3 (4-2) µmol/L in the control group. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of TAC or TOS (p = 0.113 and p = 0.366, respectively). There was a positive correlation between TAC and TOS in keratoconus group but not in the control group (r = 0.670, p = 0.001 and r = 0.141, p = 0.241, respectively). No significant relationship was seen between the keratoconus group stages and serum prolidase activity, TAS or TOS (p = 0.894, p = 0.155 and p = 0.381, respectively). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, a significant relationship was found between decreased serum prolidase activity and keratoconus but there was no significant relationship between keratoconus and serum TAC or TOS.

Refraction and eye anterior segment parameters in schizophrenic patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the difference in terms of refractive errors and anterior segment parameters between schizophrenic patients and healthy volunteers. METHODS: This study compared 70 patients (48 men) who were diagnosed with schizophrenia with a control group of 60 (35 men) who were similar in terms of age, gender, education, and socioeconomic level. Anterior segment examination was performed using a Scheimflug system. Axial length and lens thickness (LT) were measured using optic biometry. The following tests were administered to the psychiatric patient group: Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS), and Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS). RESULTS: Mild myopia was detected in both the schizophrenic and control groups, with no statistically significant difference (p>0.005). Corneal volume (CV), anterior chamber volume (ACV), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and central corneal thickness (CCT) values were lower in the schizophrenic group, and there was a statistically significant between-group difference (p=0.026, p=0.014, p=0.048, and p=0.005, respectively). LT was greater in schizophrenics, and the difference was found to be statistically significant (p=0.006). A statistically significant negative correlation was found between SAPS and cylinder values (p=0.008). The axial eye length, cylinder value, pupil diameter, mean keratometric value, and anterior chamber angle revealed no statistically significant difference between the groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: No statistically significant difference was detected in terms of refraction disorders between schizophrenics and the healthy control group, while some differences in anterior chamber parameters were present. These results demonstrate that schizophrenics may exhibit clinical and structural differences in the eye.

Reprint of: Social phobia and other psychiatric problems in children with strabismus.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the rate of social phobia, anxiety, depression, and other psychiatric problems in children with strabismus. DESIGN: Prospective, cross-sectional, case-control study. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-two children with strabismus and 47 control subjects 8-13 years of age were enrolled in this study. METHODS: After the ophthalmologist's examination, all cases were assessed by a psychiatrist based on the structured interview technique of Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Aged Children-Present and Lifetime Version (Kiddie-SADS-PL). The Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED) was administered to each subject to evaluate social phobia. All participants completed the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI). RESULTS: Age as well as sex and income were comparable between the strabismus patients and control groups. Social phobia was diagnosed in 8 (19.04%) of the 42 strabismic children and in 1 (2.12%) of the control subjects. The CDI and SCARED (total score, social phobia, separation anxiety) scores of strabismus patients were significantly higher than the control group (p = 0.001, p = 0.004, p = 0.0001, p = 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: A relationship between strabismus in children and social phobia, depression, and anxiety on a symptom basis was underlined by our data.

Refraction and eye anterior segment parameters in schizophrenic patients / Refração e parâmetros do segmento anterior ocular em pacientes com esquizofrenia

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the difference in terms of refractive errors and anterior segment parameters between schizophrenic patients and healthy volunteers. Methods: This study compared 70 patients (48 men) who were diagnosed with schizophrenia with a control group of 60 (35 men) who were similar in terms of age, gender, education, and socioeconomic level. Anterior segment examination was performed using a Scheimflug system. Axial length and lens thickness (LT) were measured using optic biometry. The following tests were administered to the psychiatric patient group: Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS), and Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS). Results: Mild myopia was detected in both the schizophrenic and control groups, with no statistically significant difference (p>0.005). Corneal volume (CV), anterior chamber volume (ACV), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and central corneal thickness (CCT) values were lower in the schizophrenic group, and there was a statistically significant between-group difference (p=0.026, p=0.014, p=0.048, and p=0.005, respectively). LT was greater in schizophrenics, and the difference was found to be statistically significant (p=0.006). A statistically significant negative correlation was found between SAPS and cylinder values (p=0.008). The axial eye length, cylinder value, pupil diameter, mean keratometric value, and anterior chamber angle revealed no statistically significant difference between the groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: No statistically significant difference was detected in terms of refraction disorders between schizophrenics and the healthy control group, while some differences in anterior chamber parameters were present. These results demonstrate that schizophrenics may exhibit clinical and structural differences in the eye. .

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar se existem diferenças em relação aos erros refracionais e parâmetros do segmento anterior entre pacientes com esquizofrenia e voluntários saudáveis. Métodos: Este estudo comparou 70 pacientes diagnosticados com esquizofrenia (48 homens) com um grupo controle de 60 pacientes, semelhantes em relação à idade, sexo, escolaridade e nível socioeconômico (35 homens). O exame do segmento anterior foi realizado com o sistema Scheimflug; os comprimentos axiais do olho e a espessura do cristalino foram avaliadas por meio de biometria óptica. Os seguintes testes foram aplicados ao grupo de pacientes psiquiátricos: Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS), e Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS). Resultados: Miopia leve foi detectada em ambos os grupos de esquizofrenia e de controle, sem diferença estatisticamente significativa (p>0,005). Volume de córnea (CV), volume da câmara anterior (ACV), profundidade da câmara anterior (ACD) e paquimetria central da córnea (CCT) apresentaram valores menores no grupo de esquizofrênicos e houve diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os dois grupos (p=0,026, p=0,014, p=0,048 e p=0,005, respectivamente). A espessura do cristalino (LT) foi maior em esquizofrênicos e a diferença foi estatisticamente significativa (p=0,006). Foi encontrada uma correlação negativa estatisticamente significativa entre SAPS e os valores cilíndricos (p=0,008). O comprimento axial do olho, o valor do cilindro, o diâmetro pupilar, a ceratometria média e o ângulo da câmara anterior não revelaram nenhuma diferença estatística entre os grupos (p>0,05). Conclusões: Não foi detectada diferença estatisticamente significativa em relação aos transtornos de refração entre os esquizofrênicos e o grupo controle, enquanto algumas diferenças nos parâmetros de câmara anterior estavam presentes. Estes resultados demonstram que esquizofrénicos podem ...

The frequency of exfoliation syndrome in the central anatolia region of Turkey.

Aim. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of exfoliation syndrome in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey and to evaluate its relationship with cardiovascular and ocular diseases. Methods. Patients over the age of 45 years who presented to the clinic were included in the study. All cases underwent a comprehensive ophthalmology examination. Exfoliation syndrome was diagnosed with the presence of exfoliative material on the lens anterior capsule or iris on slit lamp examination. The patients were divided into two groups as the exfoliation syndrome group and nonexfoliation syndrome group according to the presence of exfoliative material. Results. Exfoliative material was found in one or both eyes of 212 of the 2103 patients (10.1%) evaluated within the scope of the study. A significant relationship was found between exfoliation syndrome and increasing age and male gender. A significant relationship was found between exfoliation syndrome and glaucoma, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and phacodonesis. While no relationship was found between exfoliation syndrome and hypertension or diabetes mellitus, a significant relationship was found with coronary artery disease. Conclusion. The unilateral or bilateral exfoliation syndrome frequency was 10.1% in this hospital-based study. A statistically significant relationship was found between exfoliation syndrome and advancing age, gender, and coronary artery disease.

Effective management of exposure keratopathy developed in intensive care units: the impact of an evidence based eye care education programme.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of eye care education on the incidence of corneal exposure in intensive care units (ICU). RESEARCH METHODOLOGY/DESIGN: Approximately 300 ICU personnel were educated about eye care to reduce the incidence of corneal exposure. The patients were divided into two groups: pre-training (Group 1: Between February 1, 2011 and March 31, 2011 [2 months]) and post-training periods (Group 2: Between April 1, 2011 and April 1 2012 [1 year]). We compared the groups for keratopathy incidence to evaluate the efficacy of this education. RESULTS: The number of patients were 762 in Group 1 and 6196 in Group 2 (p = 0.335). Medians of patients followed in pre training ICU and post training ICU for each month were found to be 476 (interquartile range, 433-539) and 515 (interquartile range, 490-528). Exposure keratopathy was identified in 8 eyes of 6 patients (3 males and 3 females) in pre training ICU with the mean age of 27.6 ± 31.8 years and 5 eyes of 3 patients (1 male and 2 females) in post training ICU with the mean age of 41.3 ± 32.1 years. No significant difference was noticed between two groups in terms of the medians of patients followed in ICUs for each month (p=0.335). The time of hospitalisation in ICU when the patients were consulted for the first ocular assessment in pre training ICU and post training ICU were found to be 13 ± 8.7 days and 8 ± 1.7 days, respectively. After the training, the decrease in incidence of exposure keratopathy was found to be highly significant (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: We observed a highly significant reduction in the incidence of corneal exposure, following the eye-care education programme.

Is there any relation between pseudoexfoliation syndrome and Alzheimer's type dementia?

PURPOSE: To investigate the frequency of Alzheimer-related dementia in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX). METHODS: Sixty-seven patients with PEX and 67 age-, gender-, and educational-background-matched control subjects were compared for the presence of Alzheimer-related dementia according to DSM- IV-TR. The effects of cataract, glaucoma, additional ocular and systemic disease on the dementia incidence were also evaluated in patients with PEX and the control group. RESULTS: The frequency of Alzheimer-related dementia was higher in patients with PEX (p = 0.0001). The frequency of dementia in patients who had cataract was higher than in patients without cataract (p = 0.003). There was also an association between additional ocular disease and dementia (p < 0.05). However, there was no association between systemic disease and dementia (p > 0.05). Furthermore, there was no difference for the frequency of dementia between patients who had glaucoma or not among patients with PEX (p = 0.953). CONCLUSION: The increased frequency of Alzheimer-related dementia in patients with PEX is important and a possible association between PEX and Alzheimer's disease could be present.

Evaluation of peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer, macula and ganglion cell thickness in amblyopia using spectral optical coherence tomography.

AIM: To investigate peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), macula and ganglion cell layer thicknesses (GCC) in amblyopic eyes with spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). METHODS: Thirty six patients with a history of unilateral amblyopia and thirty two children who had emmetropia without amblyopia were included in this study. In this institutional study, 36 eyes of 36 patients with amblyopia (AE), 36 fellow eyes without amblyopia (FE), and 32 eyes of 32 normal subjects (NE) were included. RNFL, GCC and macular thickness measurements were performed with RS-3000 OCT Retina Scan (Nidek Inc CA. USA). RESULTS: The mean global thicknesses of the RNFL were 113.22±21.47, 111.57±18.25, 109.96±11.31µm in the AE, FE, and NE, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference for mean global RNFL thickness among the eyes (P=0.13). The mean thicknesses of the macula were 258.25±18.31, 258.75±19.54, 248.62±10.57µm in the AE, FE and NE, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference for thickness of macula among the eyes (P=0.06). The GCC was investigated into two parts: superior and inferior. The mean thicknesses of superior GCC were 102.57±13.32, 103.32±10.64, 100.52±5.88µm in the AE, FE, and NE, respectively. The mean thicknesses of inferior GCC were 103.82±12.60, 107.82±12.33, 105.86±10.79µm in the AE, FE and NE, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference for thickness of superior and inferior GCC between the eyes (P=0.63, P=0.46). CONCLUSION: The macular thicknesses of AE and FE were greater than the NE, although it was not statistically significant. Amblyopia does not seem to have a profound effect on the RNFL, macula and GCC.

Superior ophthalmic vein thrombosis developed after orbital cellulitis.

A 65-year-old female patient presented with eye pain, swelling and blurred vision in the left eye. Routine biochemistry and microbiological analyzes were conducted. Orbital tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, and cerebral angiography were performed. Orbital cellulitis due to a complication of ethmoidal sinusitis was diagnosed with thrombosis of the SOV in the patient. Systemic broad-spectrum antibiotic and anticoagulant therapy was started on the patient. The patient's symptoms were recorded at the end of two weeks of the treatment.