Short-Term Effects of Dark Chocolate on Retinal and Choriocapillaris Perfusion in Young, Healthy Subjects Using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography.

(1) Aim: Contrasting results have been published on the effect of dark chocolate on visual function. The aim of this study was to evaluate retinal and choriocapillaris perfusion, using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A), and visual function in healthy subjects following dark chocolate ingestion. (2) Methods: This prospective randomized study was carried out on 18 healthy young subjects at the St. Andrea Hospital, Sapienza, University of Rome. Visual acuity assessment and a complete ophthalmologic examination were carried out at baseline. In session one, each subject was randomized to eat either a 100 g dark chocolate bar or a 100 g white chocolate bar. In session two, the opposite chocolate was given to each participant. OCT-A and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were performed before the chocolate was eaten and repeated 1, 2, and 3 h after that. Retinal vessel density and choriocapillaris flow area were assessed. (3) Results: 18 patients with a mean (SD) age of 26.3 (1.5) years were included. No significant differences between dark or white chocolate were found when evaluating foveal density (%), whole density (%), choriocapillaris flow area, and BCVA. (4) Conclusions: Dark chocolate did not result in significant changes in retinal perfusion and choriocapillaris flow area. However, given the results of other studies showing the positive effects of flavonoids on visual function, further studies are warranted using pure chocolate without other components such as caffeine that can potentially affect results. Furthermore, we cannot rule out the possible benefits of higher doses of flavonoids in dietary supplementation over a more extended period and in a larger patient population.

Twelve-Month Results of a Single or Multiple Dexamethasone Intravitreal Implant for Macular Edema following Uncomplicated Phacoemulsification.

The clinical efficacy of one or two intravitreal injections of a continued deliverance dexamethasone 700 µg implant in ten patients with persistent macular edema following uncomplicated phacoemulsification was evaluated. Complete ophthalmological examination and spectral domain optical coherence tomography were carried out. Follow-up was at day 7 and months 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 12. At baseline mean best corrected visual acuity was 62 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study Chart letters, which showed statistically significant improvement at each follow-up, except at month 6, to reach 79 letters at month 12 (P = 0.018). Prior to treatment mean central foveal thickness was 622 µm, which showed statistically significant improvement at each follow-up to reach a mean value of 282 µm (P = 0.012) at month 12. Five patients received a second dexamethasone implant at month 7. Two patients were excluded from the study at months 4 and 8. Intraocular pressure remained stable during the study period with the exception of mild increase in two patients requiring topical therapy. In conclusion there was statistically significant improvement of best corrected visual acuity and mean central foveal thickness with one or two intravitreal dexamethasone implants over 12 months.

Dirofilaria repens in the eyelid: case report of subcutaneous manifestation.

PURPOSE: The authors report a case of eyelid subcutaneous filariasis. METHODS: Thorough history, eye examination, surgical intervention, and parasitologic analysis. RESULTS: An adult Dirofilaria repens worm was extracted from the right upper eyelid in a man living in Italy presenting to our department with lid swelling. CONCLUSIONS: Due to increasing migration of populations to Europe, rare manifestations of ocular filariasis are becoming more common. Surgery was both diagnostic and therapeutic.