Comparison of rebound tonometry and non-contact airpuff tonometry to Goldmann applanation tonometry.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the intraocular pressure measurements obtained from healthy subjects with the rebound tonometry, non-contact airpuff tonometry, and Goldmann applanation tonometry in different age groups. METHODS: A total of 180 eyes of 90 healthy subjects were included in the study. According to the subjects' ages, the eyes were categorized into three groups: group 1 (age: 7-17 years), group 2 (age: 18-40 years), and group 3 (age: 41-75 years). Intraocular pressure was measured on each subject always in the same order: rebound tonometry, non-contact airpuff tonometry, and Goldmann applanation tonometry. Central corneal thickness values were obtained using ultrasonic pachymetry. One-way repeated-measures analysis of variance, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and Bland-Altman analysis were used for the statistical assessment. RESULTS: The mean corneal thickness was found to be 604 ± 13 µm, 546 ± 15 µm, and 547 ± 15 µm in group 1, group 2, and group 3, respectively. Non-contact airpuff tonometry was significantly higher than both Goldmann applanation tonometry and rebound tonometry measurements in all groups (p < 0.001, for all). No statistical difference between Goldmann applanation tonometry and rebound tonometry measurements was found in group 1 (p = 0.248), group 2 (p = 0.63), and group 3 (p = 0.126). There was a significant positive correlation in the meaning of intraocular pressure measurements between rebound tonometry and non-contact airpuff tonometry; non-contact airpuff tonometry and Goldmann applanation tonometry; and Goldmann applanation tonometry and rebound tonometry in all groups. CONCLUSION: As a result, without need for topical anesthesia, fast measurement and ease-of-use rebound tonometry is a reliable alternative to Goldmann applanation tonometry in different age groups.

A CASE OF CONE DYSTROPHY ASSOCIATED WITH CHOROIDAL NEOVASCULARIZATION.

PURPOSE: To report a case of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in a patient with cone dystrophy (CD). METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 20-year-old woman presented with diminished vision in her right eye. Fundus examination showed perifoveal retinal pigment epithelial changes and retinal hemorrhage consistent with subretinal CNV in the right eye, and mild retinal pigment epithelial changes with a dull foveal reflex in the left eye. Optical coherence tomography analysis and fundus fluorescein angiography also confirmed the subfoveal CNV in the right eye. Electroretinography showed decreased amplitudes in photopic and 30-Hz flicker tests in both eyes, which confirmed cone dystrophy. A single intravitreal ranibizumab injection resolved the edema and stabilized the CNV during the follow-up of 6 months. CONCLUSION: Cone dystrophy is an inherited ocular disorder characterized by loss of cone photoreceptors. Association of CNV has been reported in patients with fundus flavimaculatus, best dystrophy, gyrate atrophy, choroideremia, retinitis pigmentosa, adult-onset foveomacular vitelliform dystrophy, Sorsby macular dystrophy, Bietti crystalline dystrophy, and myotonic dystrophy-related macular dystrophy. We report a case of a patient with CD in whom CNV developed in one eye and responded to a single ranibizumab injection.

Longitudinal assessment of intraocular pressure in premature infants.

PURPOSE: To investigate the longitudinal change in intraocular pressure (IOP) in premature infants and to establish a normative IOP value. METHODS: Forty premature infants with a gestational age (GA) of 26 weeks were enrolled in this longitudinal study. Measurements were taken initially at 28 weeks postconceptional age (PCA) and at 2-week intervals up to 40 weeks PCA. Intraocular pressure was measured with a hand-held tonometer (Tono-Pen XL; Reichert Inc.). RESULTS: From 40 (22 male, 18 female) premature Caucasian infants, seven (for each eye) IOP measurements were obtained. Mean GA was 26 weeks and mean birthweight was 820 ± 112 grams. The mean IOP was 15.1 ± 1.2 mm Hg and 14.9 ± 1.1 mm Hg for the right and left eyes, respectively. The mean IOP in both eyes for all measurements was 15.0 ± 1.1 mm Hg. At 28 weeks PCA, 9 (22.5%) preterm infants had IOP values greater than 20 mm Hg. The mean IOPs at 28 weeks, 30 weeks, 32 weeks, 34 weeks, 36 weeks, 38 weeks, and 40 weeks PCA were 18.7 ± 1.1 mm Hg, 16.9 ± 0.9 mm Hg, 15.3 ± 0.9 mm Hg, 14.1 ± 1.3 mm Hg, 13.7 ± 1.3 mm Hg, 13.4 ± 1.4 mm Hg, and 13.1 ± 1.3 mm Hg, respectively. A significant decrease in IOP measurements was found up to 34 weeks PCA, with no significant decline in IOP measurements after that point (F = 109.7, p<0.01). There was a negative correlation between IOP and PCA (r = -0.712, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The mean IOP of premature infants was 15.0 ± 1.1 mm Hg and IOP values decreased significantly up to 34 weeks PCA, indicating a decline trend approaching the term period.

Assessment of efficacy of topical azithromycin 1.5 per cent ophthalmic solution for the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of topical azithromycin 1.5 per cent ophthalmic solution in treatment of the clinical signs and symptoms associated with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). METHODS: In this retrospective study, 35 patients with MGD were treated with topical azithromycin 1.5 per cent ophthalmic solution for 30 days. Topical azithromycin 1.5 per cent ophthalmic solution was prescribed twice daily for two days and then once daily for a total of 30 days. Daily lid hygiene with dilute baby shampoo was instructed for all patients. Patient total symptom score, meibomian gland grading score, Schirmer score with anaesthetic, tear film break-up time (TFBUT) and corneal fluorescein staining score were evaluated at baseline and after one and three months. RESULTS: Patient total symptom score, meibomian gland grading score, Schirmer score with anaesthetic, TFBUT and corneal staining score reduced significantly from the baseline to the first month (p < 0.05, for each); however, at the third month, there was no significant difference from baseline in the meibomian gland grading score, Schirmer score with anaesthetic, TFBUT and corneal fluorescein staining score (p > 0.05, for each). CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that topical azithromycin 1.5 per cent ophthalmic solution appears effective in the short-term treatment of the clinical signs and symptoms associated with MGD.

Effects of dorzolamide/timolol fixed combination on retrobulbar hemodynamics in pseudoexfoliative glaucoma.

In our study we aimed to evaluate the short-term effects of dorzolamide/timolol on ocular perfusion pressure and retrobulbar blood flow in patients with pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (PXG). This prospective observational cross-sectional study enrolled 22 eyes of 22 newly-diagnosed patients with PXG in a single center. All of the patients received a fixed combination of dorzolamide/timolol. Besides routine ophthalmologic examination, the retrobulbar hemodynamic parameters in the ophthalmic artery, central retinal artery, and short posterior ciliary arteries were measured in all participants at baseline and the 3(rd) month using color Doppler imaging. The mean intraocular pressure (IOP) was 22.3 ± 2.1 mmHg at baseline and reduced to 17.4 ± 2.3 mmHg at the 3(rd) month (p < 0.05). None of the retrobulbar parameters, except peak systolic velocity and resistive index in temporal short posterior ciliary arteries, changed significantly on therapy with dorzolamide/timolol fixed combination when the results were analyzed at Month 3. The drug significantly decreased the peak systolic velocity (p = 0.044) and reduced the resistive index in 0.04 units, 95% confidence interval 0.03-0.05, (p < 0.001) in the temporal short posterior ciliary arteries. This study reports that the retrobulbar hemodynamics might be affected less than expected by dorzolamide/timolol fixed combination in patients with PXG although the reduction of IOP was statistically significant.

Changes in Anterior Chamber Depth after Combined Phacovitrectomy.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate changes in anterior chamber depth (ACD) and postoperative refractive outcomes after combined phacovitrectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 10 eyes of 10 patients that underwent combined phacovitrectomy (study group) and 14 eyes of 14 patients that underwent phacoemulsification surgery (control group) at Istanbul Medipol University Ophthalmology Department. Preoperative and 3-month postoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), ACD, change in ACD and refractive outcomes were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Preoperative ACD, postoperative ACD at 3 months and change in ACD were similar between two groups (p=0.403, p=0.886, p=0.841). Postoperative mean refractive outcomes were 0.22±0.51 diopter in the phacovitrectomy group and -0.39±0.53 diopter in the phacoemulsification group (p=0.019). BCVA was increased in both groups (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Postoperative refractive outcomes in eyes that underwent combined phacovitrectomy are different from those in eyes that underwent only phacoemulsification surgery. This is important in determining preoperative intraocular lens power before combined phacovitrectomy.

Tear Osmolarity and Tear Film Parameters in Patients With Ocular Rosacea.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate tear osmolarity and tear film parameters in patients with ocular rosacea. METHODS: In a single center, 25 eyes of 25 patients with ocular rosacea (group 1), 25 eyes of 25 patients with rosacea without ocular involvement (group 2), and 20 eyes of 20 healthy individuals (group 3) were evaluated using the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire, Schirmer I test, tear film break-up time (TBUT), scoring of ocular surface fluorescein staining using modified Oxford scale, and tear osmolarity. RESULTS: Tear osmolarity values, OSDI and Oxford scale scores were significantly higher in group 1 than in groups 2 and 3 (P<0.001 for all). Schirmer I test and TBUT in group 1 were significantly lower than in groups 2 and 3 (P<0.001 for all). There were no significant differences in OSDI, Schirmer I test, TBUT, Oxford scores, or tear osmolarity between groups 2 and 3 (P=0.629, P=0.175, P=0.713, P=865, and P=0.388, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that ocular rosacea is associated with tear hyperosmolarity and tear film dysfunction.

Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography Assessment After Laser Capsulotomy in Pseudophakic Eyes With Pseudoexfoliation.

PURPOSE: To assess changes in anterior-chamber depth (ACD) and angle width after neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy pseudophakia in eyes with pseudoexfoliation (PEX). METHODS: This prospective and interventional case series study included 25 pseudophakic eyes of 25 patients with PEX and 26 pseudophakic eyes of 26 patients without PEX scheduled for Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy in a single institution. Anterior-chamber depth and angle width were measured with anterior segment optical coherence tomography before and three days after Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy. Preoperative and postoperative measurements of ACD and angle width included the angle opening distance (AOD), measured as the perpendicular distance from the trabecular meshwork at 500 and 750 mm anterior to the scleral spur to the anterior iris surface (AOD500 and AOD750, respectively) and anterior-chamber angle (ACA) in the nasal and temporal quadrants. Main outcome measures were the changes in ACD and angle width parameters. RESULTS: The mean ACD, AOD500, AOD750, and ACA (nasal and temporal) measurements were 3.67±0.12 mm, 0.63±0.05 mm and 0.65±0.05 mm, 0.67±0.06 mm and 0.77±0.04 mm, 35.25±1.69° and 35.37±1.68° in eyes with PEX and 3.73±0.11 mm, 0.6±0.05 mm and 0.63±0.05 mm, 0.66±0.06 mm and 0.74±0.06 mm, 34.24±1.6° and 34.6±1.47° in control eyes, respectively (P>0.05 for all). After Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy, mean ACD, AOD500, AOD750, and ACA (nasal and temporal) measurements were 3.76±0.09 mm, 0.73±0.05 mm and 0.76±0.05 mm, 0.75±0.06 mm and 0.87±0.04 mm, 36.82±1.46° and 35.06±1.52° in eyes with PEX and 3.77±0.1 mm, 0.68±0.06 mm and 0.72±0.06 mm, 0.72±0.05 mm and 0.84±0.06 mm, 34.95±1.4° and 35.79±1.36° in control eyes, respectively (P=0.811, P=0.019, P=0.021, P=0.109, P=0.126, P=0.001, and P=0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The depth and width of the anterior chamber in eyes with PEX and in control eyes increased significantly after Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy. The change in the width of the anterior chamber in eyes PEX was statistically significant comparing control eyes.

Compare the effects of two silicone-hydrogel bandage contact lenses on epithelial healing after photorefractive keratectomy with anterior segment optical coherence tomography.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of two silicone hydrogel bandage lenses (SiHy) on epithelial healing following photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) with anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). METHODS: Forty-two eyes of 21 patients who underwent PRK were included in a contralateral eye comparison study. At the end of the procedure, one eye of each patient was fitted with a Lotrafilcon B contact lens whereas the fellow eye was fitted with a Comfilicon A lens. Patients were examined on the day of surgery and at days 1-5 postoperatively. Main outcome measures were number of reepithelialized eyes, epithelial defect size, patient discomfort score and average complete reepithelization time. RESULTS: The number of mean reepithelialized eyes was showed no statistical significance between both groups during the follow up. Average epithelial defect size for Comfilcon A and Lotrafilcon B was 32.7±12.2mm(2) vs. 33.3±12mm(2) at day 1 (p=0.279) and 13.1±6mm(2) vs. 14.5±9mm(2) at day 3 postoperatively (p=0.018). Average re-epithelialization time was 3.1 days for Comfilcon A and 3.6 days for Lotrafilcon B (p=0.03). Mean subjective discomfort score was 2.25±0.96 in eyes with Lotrafilcon B and 1.64±0.67 in eyes with Comfilcon A on the first exam the day after surgery and until third day the differences were statistically significant (p=0.011 and p=0.012, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: AS-OCT is a reliable and noncontact method for assessment of reepithelialization under contact lenses after PRK. Eyes with Comfilcon A showed a statistically significant better discomfort score and faster reepithelialization time.

Tear osmolarity and tear film parameters in patients with unilateral pterygium.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences in tear osmolarity and tear film parameters between pterygium-affected and healthy fellow eyes. METHODS: The study enrolled 65 patients with unilateral pterygium. Tear osmolarity, tear film break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer I test measurements, fluorescein corneal staining, and conjunctival redness were evaluated. The results were compared between pterygium-affected eyes and healthy fellow eyes of the same patient (controls). The pterygium thickness was measured using optical coherence tomography. We also evaluated the relationship between pterygium thickness and tear osmolarity and between TBUT and Schirmer I test results in eyes with pterygium. RESULTS: The mean tear osmolarity was 307 mOsm/L in pterygium-affected eyes and 294 mOsm/L in control eyes. The mean values of TBUT, Schirmer I test, corneal staining, and conjunctival redness scores were 10.3 ± 3.4 seconds, 14.8 ± 9.2 mm, 1.2 ± 1.1, and 0.9 ± 0.9 in the pterygium group, whereas the mean values were 12.3 ± 4.4 seconds, 16.2 ± 7.2 mm, 0.4 ± 0.8, and 0.4 ± 0.7 in the control group, respectively. Eyes with pterygium had significantly higher tear osmolarity levels, corneal staining, and conjunctival redness scores; and lower tear film TBUT and Schirmer I test values than eyes without pterygium (Wilcoxon signed rank test, P < 0.05). There was no significant correlation between pterygium thickness versus tear osmolarity, TBUT, and Schirmer I test values in eyes with pterygium (r = 0.159, 0.738, 0.321, respectively; P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that pterygium is associated with tear hyperosmolarity and abnormal tear film function.

Anterior segment optical coherence tomography measurement after neodymium-yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser capsulotomy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate changes in anterior chamber depth (ACD) and angle width after neodymium-yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy. DESIGN: Prospective interventional case series. METHODS: In a single institution, 43 eyes of 43 consecutive pseudophakic patients with symptomatic posterior capsule opacification (PCO) underwent Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy. Anterior chamber depth and angle width in pseudophakic eyes with posterior capsule opacification were measured with anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) before and 3 days after Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy. Preoperative and postoperative measurements of anterior chamber depth and angle width included the angle opening distance, measured as the perpendicular distance from the trabecular meshwork at 500 µm and 750 µm anterior to the scleral spur to the anterior iris surface (AOD500 and AOD750, respectively), and anterior chamber angle (ACA) in the nasal and temporal quadrants. Main outcome measures were the changes in ACD and angle width parameters. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 63.4 ± 3.6 years. Before Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy, mean ACD, AOD500, AOD750, and ACA (nasal and temporal) measurements were 3.71 ± 0.11 mm, 0.61 ± 0.054 mm, 0.67 ± 0.063 mm, and 34.5 ± 1.67 degrees and 34.8 ± 1.55 degrees, respectively. Three days after Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy, mean ACD, AOD500, AOD750, and ACA (nasal and temporal) measurements were 3.77 ± 0.1 mm, 0.69 ± 0.06 mm, 0.73 ± 0.06 mm, and 35.51 ± 1.64 degrees and 36.17 ± 1.51 degrees, respectively (P < .01 for all). CONCLUSIONS: The depth and width of the ACA in pseudophakic eyes with PCO increased significantly after Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy, as shown by AS-OCT, a reliable and noncontact method for measuring anterior ocular structures. Our study shows that the different angle parameters such as ACD, AOD500, AOD750, and ACA measurements seem highly correlated.

Comparison of photorefraction, autorefractometry and retinoscopy in children.

Photorefractive devices have been evaluated for their effectiveness in detecting anisometropia, hyperopia, myopia, and astigmatism. We investigated the reliability of Plusoptix S08, the newest photoscreener, and Topcon autorefractometer by comparing them with cycloplegic retinoscopy. Plusoptix S08, cycloplegic retinoscopy, and cycloplegic autorefractometer measurements for 235 eyes of 118 children (59 female, 59 male) with a mean age of 4.9 ± 2.6 and median age of 5 years (range 1-12) were conducted. The Plusoptix S08 produced the following mean (± SD) results--spherical 0.27 ± 1.64, cylindrical power -0.81 ± 0.71, axis 89.73 ± 61.18, and spherical equivalent -0.05 ± 1.61. The cycloplegic retinoscopy produced the following mean (± SD) results--spherical 0.12 ± 1.35, cylindrical power -0.89 ± 0.71, axis 92.18 ± 68.39, and spherical equivalent -0.15 ± 1.31. The cycloplegic autorefractometer produced the following mean (± SD) results--spherical 0.16 ± 1.44, cylindrical power -0.88 ± 0.72, axis 90.86 ± 68.21, and spherical equivalent -0.12 ± 1.41. This study has shown that cycloplegic autorefractometer and retinoscopy results are similar and Plusoptix S08 is a very safe, easy-to-use and reliable screening method of refraction, especially for ophthalmologists unskilled in retinoscopy. Plusoptix S08 is a useful tool for estimating refraction in patients for whom conventional autorefraction is not an option.

Effect of air bubble on inflammation after cataract surgery in rabbit eyes.

PURPOSE: Intense inflammation after cataract surgery can cause cystoid macular edema, posterior synechia and posterior capsule opacification. This experimental study was performed to investigate the effect of air bubble on inflammation when given to anterior chamber of rabbit eyes after cataract surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 30 eyes of 15 rabbits were enrolled in the study. One of the two eyes was in the study group and the other eye was in the control group. After surgery air bubble was given to the anterior chamber of the study group eye and balanced salt solution (BSS; Alcon) was left in the anterior chamber of control eye. RESULTS: On the first, second, fourth and fifth days, anterior chamber inflammations of the eyes were examined by biomicroscopy. On the sixth day anterior chamber fluid samples were taken for evaluation of nitric oxide levels as an inflammation marker. When the two groups were compared, in the air bubble group there was statistically less inflammation was seen. (1, 2, 4. days P = 0,001, and 5. day P = 0,009). CONCLUSIONS: These results have shown that when air bubble is left in anterior chamber of rabbits' eyes after cataract surgery, it reduced inflammation. We believe that, air bubble in the anterior chamber may be more beneficial in the cataract surgery of especially pediatric age group, uveitis patients and diabetics where we see higher inflammation. However, greater and long termed experimental and clinical studies are necessary for more accurate findings.

Intravitreal bevacizumab may increase diabetic macular edema in eyes with attached posterior vitreous.

PURPOSE: To report 2 eyes of a patient which developed vitreomacular traction (VMT) 1 month after intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 45-year-old female with bilateral diffuse diabetic macular edema (DME) received bilateral IVB. RESULTS: Her initial visual acuity (VA) was 0.15 and 0.2 in OD and OS, respectively. Central foveal thickness (CFT) was 568 and 662 µm in OD and OS, respectively, without any sign of VMT. Both eyes responded well initially but developed VMT at 1 month. This time, intravitreal triamcinolone (IVTA) injection was performed. One month after IVTA injection, VMT was released and CFT decreased to 163 and 181 µm in OD and OS, respectively. Six months after IVTA injection, CFT was 163 and 153 µm, and VA was 0.7 and 0.9 in OD and OS, respectively. CONCLUSION: In eyes with DME and attached posterior vitreous, VMT may develop after IVB injection and increase edema. IVTA injection might be an option to release VMT before considering vitrectomy.

Comparison of fixed combinations of dorzolamide/timolol and brimonidine/timolol in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma.

To compare the short-term effectiveness and ocular side-effects of fixed combinations of dorzolamide/timolol (DTFC) and brimonidine/timolol (BTFC) in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Forty-two eyes of 42 patients newly diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma were assessed prospectively. One of the two eyes was chosen randomly and treated with DTFC (2 × 1) for 4 weeks. The treatment was then stopped to allow a 4-week wash-out period. Following the wash-out period, the same eye was treated with BTFC (2 × 1) for 4 weeks. Intraocular pressure (IOP) values were measured before and after each treatment at 0800, 1,200 and 1,600 h. Tear function test results and ocular side-effects were also recorded. The mean baseline IOP values for DTFC and BTFC were 24.1 ± 1.8 and 24.6 ± 2.4 mmHg, respectively. The mean IOP values after 4 weeks of treatment with DTFC or BTFC were 17.1 ± 2.9 and 16.9 ± 2.5 mmHg, respectively. Both medications reduced IOP values significantly (P = 0.0000). The effectiveness of both medications was similar (P = 0.7363). Both combinations significantly reduced the amount of tear secretion and tear break-up time (P = 0.0000). Eye burning was more common with DTFC than with BTFC (P = 0.0182). Other adverse effects were observed at similar rates for both combinations. This study demonstrated that the IOP-reducing effects of DTFC and BTFC in patients with POAG are similar. The side-effect profile of BTFC is similar to that of DTFC. Lower occurrence of a burning sensation may improve patient compliance in the BTFC group.

Intravitreal bevacizumab for macular edema due to branch retinal vein occlusion: 12-month results.

PURPOSE: To present the functional and anatomic changes after intravitreal bevacizumab in eyes with macular edema (ME) due to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). DESIGN: The study was a retrospective study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 31 patients with ME due to BRVO. We compared the examination findings of patients with ME before and after intravitreal bevacizumab therapy at 12 months. The study included patients who had macular edema secondary to BRVO treated with bevacizumab. The therapy was started in the first week after occlusion. The initial therapy was three intravitreal bevacizumab injections at monthly intervals with 1.25/0.05 mL bevacizumab. Patients with a baseline visual acuity less than 0.5 (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR] 0.30), central macular thickness (CMT) more than 290 µm, and no neovascularization were included. Patients with diabetes mellitus or a history of intravitreal triamcinolone or grid laser photocoagulation therapy or ischemic BRVO were excluded. The retreatment criteria were as follows: increased CMT more than 100 µm combined with a loss of visual acuity of five or more letters. The statistical analysis of this study was carried out by paired samples t-test (SPSS). A P value of less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: This retrospective study included 33 eyes of 31 patients (20 women, 11 men; mean age was 55.30 ± 9.62 years (range 36-75 years). Patients received a mean of 5.3 injections during 12 months of follow-up. The best corrected visual acuity increased from 0.66 ± 0.20 (logMAR) at baseline to 0.22 ± 0.13 (logMAR) (t = 15.42; P < 0.001) at month 12. The CMT decreased from 494.15 ± 104.16 µm at baseline to 261.79 ± 45.36 µm at month 12 (- 232.36 ± 109.98 µm); P < 0.001). No bevacizumab-related systemic or ocular adverse effects following intravitreal drug injections were observed. The majority of patients required reinjection(s) treatment for ME (84.9%). CONCLUSION: Intravitreal therapy using bevacizumab appears to be an effective primary treatment option for ME due to BRVO. No serious ophthalmologic or systemic side effects were observed for intravitreal bevacizumab therapy. The main disadvantage of bevacizumab therapy is the requirement of multiple injections in order to maintain visual and anatomic improvements.

Pars plana vitrectomy in advanced coats' disease.

PURPOSE: To report 5 cases of advanced Coats' disease managed with pars plana vitrectomy and silicone oil tamponade. METHODS: Five patients with advanced Coats' disease and serous or tractional retinal detachment underwent pars plana vitrectomy with internal drainage, endolaser photocoagulation and silicone oil tamponade. One patient had combined phacoemulsification-vitrectomy surgery. Of the 5 patients, 1 had intravitreal hemorrhage and a retinal macrocyst and 1 had a retinal cyst. Follow-up period was 1-6 years. RESULTS: All patients had improved visual acuity after surgery. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed in any of the patients. The retina was attached and the disease was stable in all patients during follow-up. Two patients had cataract formation, and in one of them the cataract was successfully managed with phacoemulsification surgery. CONCLUSION: Pars plana vitrectomy, subretinal fluid drainage, and long-term silicone oil tamponade are effective methods in the management of advanced Coats' disease. Early and prompt management can prevent visual loss and secondary complications.

Early serous macular detachment after phacoemulsification surgery.

We report 2 cases of serous macular detachment with intraretinal fluid accumulation that developed 1 day after uneventful phacoemulsification surgery. Because of a dilution error, both eyes received 2 mg/0.1 mL of intracameral cefuroxime at the end of surgery. On postoperative day 1, the corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) was 20/400 in both eyes. Optical coherence tomography revealed intraretinal fluid accumulation with serous macular detachment, and central foveal thickness measurements were 909 µm and 559 µm in Case 1 and Case 2, respectively. Case 1 responded to systemic acetazolamide, but the condition recurred after cessation of therapy; it then responded to systemic steroid treatment. Case 2 responded to an intravitreal injection of 4 mg of triamcinolone and remained stable throughout the follow-up. The final CDVA was 20/20 in Case 1 and 20/25 in Case 2, and central foveal thickness measurements were 205 µm and 208 µm, respectively.