Clinical Characteristics and Surgical Outcomes of Turkish Patients With Pediatric Glaucoma Who Underwent Glaucoma Surgery in a University Hospital.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of a pediatric cohort surgically treated for primary or secondary pediatric glaucoma (PPG/SPG). METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted of all patients with pediatric glaucoma who had surgery between 2013 and 2021. Relevant demographic and clinical data were cumulated and analyzed. RESULTS: Forty-two eyes of 29 patients (18 girls and 11 boys) were included: 22 (52.4%) primary congenital glaucoma (PCG), 7 (16.7%) juvenile open-angle glaucoma, and 13 (30.9%) SPG. Mean ages at presentation were 2.57 ± 2.87, 131.96 ± 27.71, and 62.09 ± 65.12 months, respectively. In this study, eyes with PCG presented the earliest, with the highest intraocular pressure (IOP) and thickest central corneal thickness (CCT). The mean number of glaucoma surgeries was 1.48 ± 0.71, with 38.1% of the eyes needing two or more glaucoma surgeries; trabeculectomy was the most frequent glaucoma surgery in this cohort. After surgical intervention, the overall mean IOP dropped from 32.25 ± 12.97 to 18.10 ± 9.23 mm Hg (P < .001). Moreover, the percentage using antiglaucoma medications decreased from 100% to 35.7% at the final visit, as did the number of medications prescribed per eye (2.69 ± 0.92 vs 1.05 ± 1.46, P ≤ .001). Mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), in patients who could have their BCVA measured, improved from 0.61 ± 0.61 to 0.53 ± 0.51 logMAR at final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical intervention was shown to provide a well-controlled IOP, decrease dependance on glaucoma medications, and improve BCVA in both PPG and SPG. Multiple surgical interventions may be necessary in the treatment of some pediatric patients with glaucoma. Prognostically, thicker CCT was significantly associated with worse IOP control, more glaucoma surgeries, and more antiglaucoma medications at the final visit. Initial BCVA correlated significantly with BCVA at the final visit. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2024;61(3):188-197.].

Mesenchymal stem cells differentiate to retinal ganglion-like cells in rat glaucoma model induced by polystyrene microspheres.

AIM: The study aimed to evaluate the differentiation ability of intravitreally injected rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (rBM-MSCs) to retinal ganglion-like cells in a polystyrene microsphere induced rat glaucoma model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The glaucoma rat model was generated via intracameral injection of 7 microliter polystyrene microspheres. Green fluorescence protein-labeled (GFP) rBM-MSCs were transplanted intravitreally at or after induction of ocular hypertension (OHT), depending on the groups. By the end of the fourth week, flat-mount retinal dissection was performed, and labeled against Brn3a, CD90, GFAP, CD11b, Vimentin, and localization of GFP positive rBM-MSCs was used for evaluation through immunofluorescence staining and to count differentiated retinal cells by flow cytometry. From 34 male Wistar albino rats, 56 eyes were investigated. RESULTS: Flow cytometry revealed significantly increased CD90 and Brn3a positive cells in glaucoma induced and with rBM-MSC injected groups compared to control(P = 0.006 and P = 0.003 respectively), sham-operated (P = 0.007 and P < 0.001 respectively), and only rBM-MSCs injected groups (P = 0.002 and P = 0.009 respectively). Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed differentiation of GFP labeled stem cells to various retinal cells, including ganglion-like cells. rBM-MSCs were observable in ganglion cells, inner and outer nuclear retinal layers in rBM-MSCs injected eyes. CONCLUSION: Intravitreally transplanted rBM-MSCs differentiated into retinal cells, including ganglion-like cells, which successfully created a glaucoma model damaged with polystyrene microspheres. Promisingly, MSCs may have a role in neuro-protection and neuro-regeneration treatment of glaucoma in the future.

Choroidal and retinal anatomical response following treatment of carotid-ophthalmic aneurysms with flow diverter stents.

BACKGROUND: Flow diverter stents(FDSs) are recent additions to the endovascular armament for treating ophthalmic segment aneurysms(OSA). In our study we evaluated the long-term effect of FDS placement on multiple Optical Coherence Tomography(OCT) findings, best corrected visual acuity(BCVA) and intra-ocular pressure(IOP). METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted in 35 patients treated with a single FDS placement for OSA, between 2013 and 2018. Spectral-domain OCT was used to measure retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, ganglion cell complex thickness, subfoveal choroidal thickness(SFCT), and other stereometric parameters. Choroidal Vascularity Index(CVI) in a 1.5 mm wide subfoveal choroidal area was calculated. BCVA and IOP were also assessed. These measurements, at final follow up, were compared to the untreated fellow eye to evaluate the long-term effect of FDS placement. RESULTS: This study included 70 eyes from 35 patients (100% female) with a mean age of 54.9 ± 9.8 years and mean follow-up period of 37.3 ± 18.9 months. No ophthalmic artery occlusion was encountered. The mean CVI was significantly higher in the stented side compared to the fellow normal eye (66.90±1.95 vs 65.05±1.93, p=.001) while mean SFCT was significantly reduced (251.23±68.54 vs 288.78±78.95, p=.037). Differences in the remaining studied parameters did not reach statistical significance. The difference in BCVA between stented and fellow normal eyes was also not significant (0.057±0.213 vs 0.060±0.214, p=.977 in logMAR). CONCLUSION: Treatment with FDSs did not cause permanent visual damage. This study is the first to report a decrease in SFCT with a compensatory increase in CVI following FDS placement for OSA.

Juvenile Xanthogranuloma Presented with Buphthalmos and Corneal Clouding in Neonatal Period: A Case Report.

Aim: To report an ocular juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) case presented with buphthalmos, corneal cloudiness, and normal intraocular pressure (IOP) in the neonatal period and treated with Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation. Background: JXG is a rare disorder predominantly seen in infants, but the neonatal presentation is extraordinary. Although spontaneous hyphema is a common presenting sign in JXG, buphthalmos and corneal opacity in the neonatal period were reported only in one case, which had high IOP values at presentation. Case presentation: Sixteen-day-old male patient presented with buphthalmos, diffuse corneal clouding, and 11 mm Hg of IOP value in the right eye. IOP increased to 28 mm Hg three weeks later, and spontaneous hyphema developed, which did not respond to antiglaucomatous medications and topical corticosteroids. AGV was implanted, and the IOP decreased to 13 mm Hg postoperatively. In the follow-ups, numerous firm yellowish nodules were noticed on the patient's skin during the examination under general anesthesia. Histopathological examination of the skin nodules was compatible with the diagnosis of JXG. Lens subluxation and phacodonesis were developed during the follow-up and were managed with pars plana lensectomy. After a silent period of 3 months, epithelial ingrowth was determined around the side port entrance. Unfortunately, the ingrowth did not respond to cryotherapy and resulted in phthisis bulbi. Pathological evaluation of the enucleated phthisic eye revealed posterior segment involvement. Conclusion: Ocular JXG can be present with buphthalmos, corneal opacity, and normal IOP values without any skin lesions in the neonatal period. Neonatal presentation of JXG may be associated with limited medical therapy response and aggressive disease course. Clinical significance: This case report introduces the second ocular JXG case, which presented with buphthalmos and corneal cloudiness, and the third pathologically proven posterior segment involvement of JXG in the literature. How to cite this article: Dericioglu V, Sevik MO, Eraslan M, et al. Juvenile Xanthogranuloma Presented with Buphthalmos and Corneal Clouding in Neonatal Period: A Case Report. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2022;16(2):128-131.

Effect of age on primary balloon dacryocystoplasty and probing success in congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction.

PURPOSE: To compare the success rates of balloon dacryocystoplasty (BDP) and probing as a primary procedure in congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (CNLDO) and investigate the effect of age on both procedures. METHODS: A total of 135 patients (171 eyes) with simple and incomplete complex CNLDO were included in this retrospective study; complete complex CNLDO cases were excluded. The success rates for primary BDP (118 eyes) and for probing (53 eyes) were compared overall and among the age groups; Group 1 (12-24 months old), Group 2 (25-36 months old), and Group 3 (> 36 months old). RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 41.5 ± 27.2 months for primary BDP, and 21.8 ± 10.8 months for probing (p < 0.001). Overall success rates for primary BDP and probing were 81.1% (43/53) and 76.3% (90/118), respectively (p = 0.481). Success rates for BDP and probing among age groups were 93.8% and 85.3% in Group 1 (p = 0.360), 93.3% and 50.0% in Group 2 (p = 0.012), and 63.6% and 27.3% in Group 3 (p = 0.052), respectively. Cox regression analysis showed that the median ages were 18 months for probing and 36 months for primary BDP. The Poisson regression model showed that for every 1-month increase in patients' age, the success rate of probing decreased by 9.7%. CONCLUSION: Probing success decreased to a point where different treatment options such as primary BDP can be discussed with the patients' parents after 18 months of age. The success of BDP decreased after 36 months, while it maintained a high success rate between 24 and 36 months as primary treatment.

Multicenter case series of standalone XEN implant vs. combination with phacoemulsification in Turkish patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the efficacy, safety and needling timing and rates of standalone XEN implant vs. combination with phacoemulsification in Turkish patients. METHODS: Retrospective, multicenter study which included the data of patients, who had open angle glaucoma including primary open angle glaucoma and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma, underwent standalone XEN implantation (XEN alone) and combined surgery with phacoemulsification (XEN + Phaco) between 2016 and 2018. RESULTS: The study included 26 eyes of 24 patients in XEN alone group and 32 eyes of 30 patients in XEN + Phaco group. The mean intraocular pressure (IOP) was 23.3 ± 6.0 mmHg and 24.4 ± 7.4 mmHg at baseline (p = 0.838), and it reduced to 16.3 ± 3.0 mmHg and 16.4 ± 2.3 mmHg at 12-month follow-up (p = 0.436) in XEN alone and XEN + Phaco groups, respectively (reduction: %30 and %33, P = 0.642). The mean number of medications reduced from 2.9 + 0.7 before surgery to 0.9 + 0.9 on month 12. In XEN alone and XEN + Phaco groups, the needling rates were 42.3% and 31.2% (p = 0.491), and the mean time to needling was 3.7 ± 3.2 months and 4.9 ± 8.0 months (p = 0.696), respectively. Hypotonia (17.2%) and hyphema (10.3%) were the most frequent complications, respectively. In XEN alone and XEN + Phaco groups, partial success was achieved in 73.1% and 71.9% of eyes when defined as IOP < 18 mmHg with any medication, respectively (p = 0.920). CONCLUSION: The XEN implant provides significant reduction in IOP and number of medications, either standalone or combination with phacoemulsification. Both procedures need intensive postoperative care, requiring needling in approximately one-third of patients.

Ocular blood flow and choroidal thickness changes after carotid artery stenting.

PURPOSES: To evaluate changes in ocular blood flow and subfoveal choroidal thickness in patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis after carotid artery stenting. METHODS: We included 15 men (mean age, 63.6 ± 9.1 years) with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis and 18 healthy volunteers (all men; mean age, 63.7 ± 5.3 years). All participants underwent detailed ophthalmologic examinations including choroidal thickness measurement using enhanced depth-imaging optic coherence tomography. The patients also underwent posterior ciliary artery blood flow measurements using color Doppler ultrasonography before and after carotid artery stenting. RESULTS: Patients lacked ocular ischemic symptoms. Their peak systolic and end-diastolic velocities increased to 10.1 ± 13.1 (p=0.005) and 3.9 ± 6.3 (p=0.064) cm/s, respectively, after the procedure. Subfoveal choroidal thicknesses were significantly thinner in patients with carotid artery stenosis than those in the healthy controls (p=0.01). But during the first week post-procedure, the subfoveal choroidal thicknesses increased significantly (p=0.04). The peak systolic velocities of the posterior ciliary arteries increased significantly after carotid artery stenting (p=0.005). We found a significant negative correlation between the mean increase in peak systolic velocity values after treatment and the mean preprocedural subfoveal choroidal thickness in the study group (p=0.025, r=-0.617). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with carotid artery stenosis, the subfoveal choroid is thinner than that in healthy controls. The subfoveal choroidal thickness increases after carotid artery stenting. Carotid artery stenting treatment increases the blood flow to the posterior ciliary artery, and the preprocedural subfoveal choroidal thickness may be a good predictor of the postprocedural peak systolic velocity of the posterior ciliary artery.

Diurnal Spikes of Intraocular Pressure in Uveitic Glaucoma: A 24-hour Intraocular Pressure Monitoring Study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to document diurnal changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) in uveitic glaucoma (UG) and compare it with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients. METHODS: Eight patients with UG and seven patients with POAG were included in this study. The patients were matched for age, gender, and glaucoma medications. None of the patients experienced angle closure, uveitis attack, and ocular surgery, and were not under steroid or immunomodulatory therapy within the last three months. The 24-hour IOP fluctuations were recorded with the help of a contact lens sensor (Sensimed Triggerfish ®, Switzerland). The diurnal IOP fluctuations were modeled with best-fit lines and statistical comparisons between the longitudinal responses of the two groups were determined with nonlinear regression. RESULTS: The comparison of mean 24-hour contact lens sensor (CLS) amplitudes revealed a significant difference between the fluctuation levels of UG and POAG groups (213 ± 160 millivolt equivalents (mVeq) vs. 162 ± 168 mVeq, respectively p = .003). The top level of the best-fit curves was significantly higher in the UG group (266 ± 143 mVeq) compared to the POAG group (159 ± 162 mVeq, p < .001). Both curves had their top levels between 5:00 PM and 8:00 AM. The longitudinal regression analysis revealed that the amplitudes of the 24-hour fluctuation waves were significantly different (p = .041). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated for the first time that the diurnal variation in IOP was significantly higher in UG patients. This difference was also more distinct between 5:00 PM and 8:00 AM clock-hours. The uveitis and glaucoma specialists should consider this potential for higher IOP fluctuations, while tailoring the glaucoma treatment in uveitic patients.

Ocular blood flow and choroidal thickness changes after carotid artery stenting / Alterações no fluxo sanguíneo ocular e na espessura da coroide após stent de artéria carótida

ABSTRACT Purposes: To evaluate changes in ocular blood flow and subfoveal choroidal thickness in patients with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis after carotid artery stenting. Methods: We included 15 men (mean age, 63.6 ± 9.1 years) with symptomatic carotid artery stenosis and 18 healthy volunteers (all men; mean age, 63.7 ± 5.3 years). All participants underwent detailed ophthalmologic examinations including choroidal thickness measurement using enhanced depth-imaging optic coherence tomography. The patients also underwent posterior ciliary artery blood flow measurements using color Doppler ultrasonography before and after carotid artery stenting. Results: Patients lacked ocular ischemic symptoms. Their peak systolic and end-diastolic velocities increased to 10.1 ± 13.1 (p=0.005) and 3.9 ± 6.3 (p=0.064) cm/s, respectively, after the procedure. Subfoveal choroidal thicknesses were significantly thinner in patients with carotid artery stenosis than those in the healthy controls (p=0.01). But during the first week post-procedure, the subfoveal choroidal thicknesses increased significantly (p=0.04). The peak systolic velocities of the posterior ciliary arteries increased significantly after carotid artery stenting (p=0.005). We found a significant negative correlation between the mean increase in peak systolic velocity values after treatment and the mean preprocedural subfoveal choroidal thickness in the study group (p=0.025, r=-0.617). Conclusions: In patients with carotid artery stenosis, the subfoveal choroid is thinner than that in healthy controls. The subfoveal choroidal thickness increases after carotid artery stenting. Carotid artery stenting treatment increases the blood flow to the posterior ciliary artery, and the preprocedural subfoveal choroidal thickness may be a good predictor of the postprocedural peak systolic velocity of the posterior ciliary artery.

RESUMO Objetivos: Avaliar alterações no fluxo sanguíneo ocular e na espessura da coroide subfoveal em pacientes com estenose sintomática da artéria carótida, após implante de stent nessa artéria. Métodos: Foram incluídos 15 homens (idade média de 63,6 ± 9,1 anos) com estenose sintomática da artéria carótida e 18 voluntários saudáveis (todos homens; idade média de 63,7 ± 5,3 anos). Todos os participantes foram submetidos a exames oftalmológicos detalhados, incluindo d medição da espessura da coroide, usando tomografia de coerência óptica com imagem de profundidade aprimorada. Os pacientes também foram submetidos a medidas do fluxo sanguíneo das artérias ciliares posteriores, usando ultrassonografia com Doppler colorido, antes e após o implante do stent na artéria carótida. Resultados: Os pacientes não apresentaram sintomas isquêmicos oculares. O pico de velocidade sistólica e diastólica final aumentou para 10,1 ± 13,1 (p=0,005) e 3,9 ± 6,3 (p=0,064) cm/s, respectivamente, após o procedimento. As espessuras da coroide subfoveais foram significativamente mais finas nos pacientes com estenose da artéria carótida do que nos controles saudáveis (p=0,01). Porém, durante a primeira semana pós-procedimento, as espessuras das coroides subfoveais aumentaram significativamente (p=0,04). O pico de velocidade sistólica das artérias ciliares posteriores aumentou significativamente após o stent na artéria carótida (p=0,005). Encontramos uma correlação negativa significativa entre o aumento médio dos valores máximos de velocidade sistólica após o tratamento e a espessura da coroide subfoveal pré-procedimento média no grupo de estudo (p=0,025, r=-0,617). Conclusões: Em pacientes com estenose da artéria carótida, a coroide subfoveal é mais fina que a dos controles saudáveis. A espessura da coroide subfoveal aumenta após o stent na artéria carótida. O tratamento com stent na artéria carótida aumenta o fluxo sanguíneo para a artéria ciliar posterior, e a espessura coroidal subfoveal pré-procedimento pode ser um bom preditor da velocidade sistólica de pico pós-procedimento da artéria ciliar posterior.

Bartonella henselae Neuroretinitis in Patients without Cat Scratch.

Cat scratch disease (CSD) is a syndrome characterized by lymphadenopathy, fever, and skin lesions following a cat scratch or bite. Bartonella henselae is the primary bacterial agent responsible for CSD. In this report, we describe cases with atypical presentation of serologically proven B. henselae neuroretinitis. In this study, 3 patients with neuroretinitis were evaluated. Animal contact histories; results of ocular examinations and systemic investigations; clinical findings; and treatment compliance of the patients were assessed. All patients denied history of contact with cats or other animals, and they did not have CSD findings. Serologic testing via indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) was used to diagnose Bartonella neuroretinitis. The IFA test results were positive for all patients. Two patients were treated with antibiotics. Optic disc edema and macular exudates resolved gradually, and at their last follow-up visits, all signs had disappeared. There was no disease recurrence after the completion of treatment. Serious complications were seen in the untreated patient. In conclusion, B. henselae infection should be considered even when there are no systemic signs and symptoms of CSD in patients with neuroretinitis.

Intraocular Pressure and Retinal Nerve Fibre Layer Thickness Changes After Carotid Artery Stenting.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate intraocular pressure (IOP) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) changes in patients with carotid artery stenosis (CAS) after carotid artery stenting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted as a cross-sectional, non-randomised clinical case series. Fifteen male patients (mean age: 63.6±9.1) with CAS and more than 70% carotid artery narrowing were included. All of the patients were followed in the department of neurology and were operated in the interventional radiology division. Eighteen healthy male subjects (mean age: 63.7±5.3) were included in the control group. All of the healthy subjects had a detailed ophthalmological examination and subjects with any chronic eye disease were excluded from the study. All of the participants had a detailed ophthalmological examination including tonometry using Goldmann applanation tonometry and RNFL analysis using optical coherence tomography (RTVue-100 5.1). RESULTS: There were no ocular ischemic symptoms in any of the participants. The mean IOP value was 15.1±2.1 mmHg in the control group and 16.6±2.4 mmHg before stent implantation, 16.4±2.2 mmHg at 1 week after implantation, 16.6±2.5 mmHg at 1 month after implantation, and 16.7±2.9 mmHg at 3 months after implantation in the CAS group. Mean RNFL thickness was 105±6 µm in the control group; in the CAS group, mean RNFL thickness values were 98±27 µm before stent implantation and 103±11 µm, 101±10 µm, and 101±11 µm at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after stenting. There were no significant differences between the CAS group and control group regarding IOP and RNFL thickness values (p>0.05). IOP and RNFL thickness also did not show any statistically significant changes from preoperative measurements in 3 months postoperative follow-up in the CAS group (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: IOP and RNFL thickness remained unchanged after carotid stent implantation in carotid artery stenosis patients with no signs of ocular ischemic syndrome.

Topiramate and accommodation: Does topiramate cause accommodative dysfunction?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the accommodation function in topiramate users. DESIGN: Case-control clinical study. PARTICIPANTS: The participants included 16 controls and 22 patients using 100 mg/kg topiramate who were diagnosed with migraine according to the International Classification of Headache Disorders, second edition criteria. METHODS: One-minute dynamic measurements of refraction with accommodation stimuli of 0 D, 2 D, 2.5 D, 3 D, 4 D, and 5 D were obtained using the open field refractometer WAM-5500 in. RESULTS: In most of the accommodation stimuli ranges (0 D, 2.5 D, 3 D, and 5 D), topiramate users had a significantly higher accommodative lag compared with controls (p = 0.028, p = 0.014, p = 0.011, and p = 0.011, respectively). The most important causes of accommodative lag were found to be accommodation stimulus and inclusion in the topiramate group (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.32, 95% CI 0.22-0.37 and 0.42-0.91, respectively). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that the 2 most important predictors of accommodative lag were accommodation stimulus and age (p < 0.001, r = 0.51, 95% CI 0.31-0.32 and 0.67-0.69, respectively) CONCLUSIONS: Even after adjustment for age, accommodative lag is greater across several accommodative stimulus levels in patients using topiramate, which may be related to visual symptoms in topiramate users.

Comparison of Intraocular Pressure Measurements in Healthy Pediatric Patients using Three Types of Tonometers.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements in healthy pediatric patients using three types of tonometers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-eight eyes of 78 patients under the age of 18 who underwent a routine ophthalmologic examination were included in the study. IOP was measured using Tono-Pen (TP) tonometry, Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT), and non-contact tonometry (NCT), consecutively. IOP was adjusted based on central corneal thickness (CCT). Patients with any ocular disorders other than a limited refractive error were excluded from the study. RESULTS: The study consisted of 46 girls and 32 boys. The mean age was 12.6±2.7 (range: 5-17) years. The mean CCT was 559.3±35.3 µm. The mean refractive error was -0.50±1.70. The mean level of visual acuity was 0.98±0.1 (range: 0.3-1.0) using the Snellen chart. Significant differences were found between the measurement results of each of the three tonometric methods. Mean IOP was 12.1±2.2 mmHg for TP, 15.7±2.5 mmHg for GAT, and 17.1±3.1 mmHg for NCT. The correlations between measurement methods revealed that the highest correlation was between NCT and GAT (p<0.001, r=0.670). The second highest correlation was between NCT and TP (p<0.001, r=0.477). The lowest correlation was between GAT and TP (p<0.001, r=0.403). A positive correlation was found between CCT and each IOP measurement method. CONCLUSION: In pediatric patients, TP and NCT measurements were found to be positively correlated with GAT measurements. Because TP measurements were lower than GAT measurements and NCT measurements were higher than GAT measurements, patient follow-ups, treatment strategies, and surgery plans must be organized taking these differences into consideration.

Efficacy of Epithelium-Off and Epithelium-On Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking in Pediatric Keratoconus.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of riboflavin/ultraviolet A epithelium-off (epi-off) and epithelium-on (epi-on) corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) in progressive pediatric keratoconus. METHODS: Thirty-six eyes of 27 patients aged 18 years or younger (12-18 years) diagnosed with progressive keratoconus and treated with epi-off (n=18 eyes) or epi-on (n=18 eyes) CXL were included in this study. All patients were followed up for 24 months postoperatively. RESULTS: At 24-month follow-up, the mean corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) improved from 0.24±0.17 to 0.17±0.11 logMAR in the epi-off group (P=0.032). In the epi-on group, CDVA improved from 0.33±0.23 to 0.26±0.20 logMAR (P=0.012), but the improvement was not significantly different between groups (P>0.05). In the epi-off group, all mean K values improved: K1 (Δ=-0.63 D, P=0.024), K2 (Δ=-0.73 D, P=0.008), and Kmax (Δ=-1.4 D, P=0.035), whereas in the epi-on group, Kmax and K2 did not change significantly and K1 (Δ=0.68 D, P=0.029) significantly worsened. Postoperative mild corneal haze occurred in 5 eyes (28%) in the epi-off group. No postoperative complications were observed in the epi-on group. In 94.4% of the epi-off group, keratoconus regressed (44.4%) or stabilized (50.0%), whereas in the epi-on group, only 66.6% regressed (33.3%) or stabilized (33.3%), and the difference was significant (P=0.038). CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of the epi-on procedure in terms of its ability to halt keratoconus progression appears to be 0.70 of the efficacy of epi-off CXL.

Correction: Retinal Electrophysiological Effects of Intravitreal Bone Marrow Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156495.].

Retinal Electrophysiological Effects of Intravitreal Bone Marrow Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats.

Diabetic retinopathy is the most common cause of legal blindness in developed countries at middle age adults. In this study diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (STZ) in male Wistar albino rats. After 3 months of diabetes, rights eye were injected intravitreally with green fluorescein protein (GFP) labelled bone marrow derived stem cells (BMSC) and left eyes with balanced salt solution (Sham). Animals were grouped as Baseline (n = 51), Diabetic (n = 45), Diabetic+BMSC (n = 45 eyes), Diabetic+Sham (n = 45 eyes), Healthy+BMSC (n = 6 eyes), Healthy+Sham (n = 6 eyes). Immunohistology analysis showed an increased retinal gliosis in the Diabetic group, compared to Baseline group, which was assessed with GFAP and vimentin expression. In the immunofluorescence analysis BMSC were observed to integrate mostly into the inner retina and expressing GFP. Diabetic group had prominently lower oscillatory potential wave amplitudes than the Baseline group. Three weeks after intravitreal injection Diabetic+BMSC group had significantly better amplitudes than the Diabetic+Sham group. Taken together intravitreal BMSC were thought to improve visual function.

Late clinical characteristics of infants with retinopathy of prematurity and treated with cryotherapy.

AIM: To describe the clinical characteristics and late results of patients with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) treated with "6h cryotherapy". METHODS: Out of 1252 infants screened for ROP, 52 patients were treated with temporal 6h cryotherapy from 1997 to 2005 were recalled to our clinic. Among these 23 patients were available and 46 eyes of 23 infants were included to evaluate for visual acuity, refractive error, ocular alignment, nystagmus, retinal examination (abnormal branching of retinal vessels, retinal thinning, latis degenerations, tortuosity of vessels, straightening of temporal vessels, narrowing of the angle of vessel in the juxtapapillary entrance, pigment changes, macular heterotopia), optic atrophy and optic disc cupping, axial length at birth and axial length at 1y. RESULTS: The median age at examination was 7 (5-18)y. In 32.6% of patients, the visual acuity was ≤20/200 and the mean best corrected visual acuity was 20/35 as measured with a Snellen chart. Mean spherical refractive error was -1.76±2.69 D. The degree of myopia at the last examination was found to be correlated with the elongation of the eye in the first year of life. Exotropia was present in 17.4% (n=8) of infants and esotropia in 13% (n=6). The most common retinal abnormality was abnormal branching of retinal vessels (82.6%) followed by retinal thinning (52.2%). CONCLUSION: The late clinical outcomes of infants with ROP treated in our clinic with cryotherapy seems to comparable with results of laser treatment.

Double-Organ Bias in Published Randomized Controlled Trials of Glaucoma.

PURPOSE: Most of the statistical tests used in significance testing are based on the assumption that each data entry is independent from other entries, however, we observe that in many articles researchers include data from 2 eyes as independent variables while performing these statistical tests. The aim of this study was to formally survey the prevalence of the above-mentioned "double-organ bias" in randomized controlled trials (RCT) of glaucoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We did a PubMed search with the terms "glaucoma" and limitations "Humans" and "Randomized Controlled Trials" in 15 highest-impact-factor ophthalmology journals between November 2002 and November 2012. We only included RCTs published as an original article, where the aim was treating glaucoma. Two independent observers (M.K. and A.S.E.) read through each article and classified the articles according to treatment modality (medical, laser, or surgical) and presence of double-organ bias. RESULTS: The PubMed search yielded 270 articles. A total of 130 articles qualified for the survey. Eighty-five of the RCTs were medical studies, 11 were laser studies, and 34 studies evaluated the outcome of a surgical procedure. In 17 of the 130 articles (13.1%), double-organ bias was found. Prevalence of the double-organ bias was not significantly different between medical (12.9%), laser (14.7%), and surgical (9.1%) studies. CONCLUSION: Double-organ bias was observed around 13.1% of the published RCTs, leading to inaccurate statistical testing.

Recurrence After Primary Pterygium Excision: Amniotic Membrane Transplantation with Fibrin Glue Versus Conjunctival Autograft with Fibrin Glue.

PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to compare the surgical results and recurrence rates of primary pterygium excision with conjunctival autografts versus amniotic membrane grafts fixated with fibrin glue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, 73 eyes of 65 patients who had undergone conjunctival autograft group (CAG) (n:37) or amniotic membrane group (AMG) (n:36) after pterygium excision were evaluated. Fibrin glue was used for the fixation of grafts in both groups. The patients were followed up for 12 months. Postoperative complications were recorded. The rate of recurrence was defined as the primary outcome measure. RESULTS: In the CAG, partial dehiscence of the graft was observed on the nasal edge on postoperative day 1 in two (5.4%) eyes that healed with secondary re-epithelialization at week 1. Twelve (32.4%) eyes showed a yellowish-orange or hemorrhagic edema of the graft on postoperative day 7 that spontaneously resolved in 1 to 3 weeks. In the AMG, partial dehiscence and folding of the amniotic membrane occurred in two (5.5%) eyes. Two eyes (5.4 %) in the CAG developed corneal recurrence and five eyes (13.8%) in the amniotic membrane graft group developed recurrence; one limbal (2.7%), four corneal recurrences (11.1%) (p = 0.25). CONCLUSION: Fibrin glue is a safe and effective method for attaching conjunctival or amniotic membrane grafts for wound closure following pterygium surgery. Although the results were not statistically significant, amniotic membrane grafting using fibrin glue seems to have a higher pterygium recurrence rate compared with conjunctival autografting.