Real-World Outcomes of Intravitreal Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Treatment for Diabetic Macular Edema in Türkiye: MARMASIA Study Group Report No. 1.

Objectives: This study aimed to report the demographic and clinical characteristics of diabetic macular edema (DME) patients treated with intravitreal injection (IVI) of anti-vascular endothelial growth factors (anti-VEGF) and provide an overview of outcomes during routine clinical practice in Türkiye. Materials and Methods: This retrospective, real-world study included 1,372 eyes (854 patients) treated with a pro re nata protocol by 21 ophthalmologists from 8 tertiary clinics on the Asian side of the Marmara region of Türkiye (MARMASIA Study Group). Five cohort groups were established by collecting the patients' baseline and 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36-month follow-up data, where each subsequent cohort may include the previous. Changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA, approximate ETDRS letters) and central macular thickness (CMT, µm), number of visits and IVI, and rates of anti-VEGF switch and intravitreal dexamethasone implant (IDI) combination were evaluated. Results: The 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36-month cohorts included 1372 (854), 1352 (838), 1185 (722), 972 (581), and 623 (361) eyes (patients), respectively. The mean baseline BCVA and CMT were 51.4±21.4 letters and 482.6±180.3 µm. The mean changes from baseline in BCVA were +7.6, +9.1, +8.0, +8.6, and +8.4 letters, and in CMT were -115.4, -140.0, -147.9, -167.3, and -215.4 µm at the 3, 6, 12, 24, and 36-month visits (p<0.001 for all). The median cumulative number of anti-VEGF IVI was 3.0, 3.0, 5.0, 7.0, and 9.0, respectively. The overall anti-VEGF switch and IDI combination rates were 18.5% (253/1372 eyes) and 35.0% (480/1372 eyes), respectively. Conclusion: This largest real-life study of DME from Türkiye demonstrated BCVA gains inferior to randomized controlled trials, mainly due to the lower number of IVI. However, with the lower baseline BCVA and higher IDI combination rates in our cohorts, these gains were relatively superior to other real-life study counterparts.

Changes in pupil size, ocular wavefront aberrations, and accommodation in healthcare workers using FFP3 masks.

PURPOSE: To evaluate changes in pupil size, ocular wavefront aberrations (WA), and accommodation in healthcare workers after 4-h usage of Filtering Facepiece class 3 (FFP3) masks. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective study included 22 healthy healthcare workers. Pupil size, ocular WA, and accommodation changes before and after FFP3 mask usage were evaluated using a Hartmann Schack aberrometer. Accommodative responses to stimulus ranging from 0 to 5 diopters (D) in increments of 0.5 D were assessed. Ocular high-order aberrations (HOAs) were recorded at baseline and at every accommodative stimulus. Oxygen saturation (SpO2) was measured by pulse oximetry before and after the mask usage. RESULTS: The mean age was 36.6 ± 8.5 years. The SpO2 significantly decreased from 98.95 to 97.95% after usage of the FFP3 mask (p < 0.001). The mean pupil size did not significantly differ before (6.22 ± 0.75 mm) and after (6.38 ± 0.83 mm) the 4-h mask usage (p = 0.093). The mean total RMS of the total HOAs was 0.36 ± 0.17 before and 0.39 ± 0.15 after the mask usage (p = 0.071). Post-mask accommodation showed a significant decrease at the 2 D (p = 0.041), 2.5D (p = 0.022), and 3 D (p = 0.025) stimuli. CONCLUSION: The present study shows that after 4 h-usage of FFP3 mask, both SpO2 and accommodative response to increasing stimuli might be significantly decreased.

Müller Muscle-Conjunctival Resection for Treatment of Contralateral Ptosis following Unilateral External Levator Advancement.

BACKGROUND: One of the main causes of unsatisfactory outcomes after unilateral blepharoptosis surgery is asymmetry of the upper eyelid height, which occurs as a result of a contralateral eyelid droop. Therefore, the authors evaluated the efficacy of Müller muscle-conjunctival resection (MMCR) for the treatment of contralateral ptosis following unilateral external levator advancement (ELA). METHODS: This study analyzed 26 eyelids of 26 patients with upper eyelid height asymmetry following unilateral ELA who underwent contralateral MMCR retrospectively. The phenylephrine test was performed before ELA and before MMCR. The main outcome measures were symmetry outcomes and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 55.81 ± 7.98 years (range, 44 to 70 years); 15 were female (57.7%). The Hering dependency was observed in 13 of the patients (50%) before ELA. An adequate response to phenylephrine was observed before MMCR but not before ELA. Symmetry outcomes after MMCR were perfect (<0.5 mm), good (≥0.5 mm and <1 mm), and fair (≥1 mm) in seven, 17, and two patients, respectively. An optimal upper eyelid height was noted in 47 of the 52 eyelids after the MMCR, whereas three of the 52 eyelids had minimal overcorrection, and two eyelids had undercorrection. The mean change in marginal reflex distance 1 of the contralateral eyelid droop was greater for patients with than without the Hering dependency ( P < 0.0001) after ELA but not after MMCR. Two patients (7.6%) underwent revision ELA surgery. CONCLUSION: MMCR and use of the phenylephrine test to predict the eyelid position may represent an alternative approach in patients who require management of contralateral ptosis following unilateral ELA. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Comparison of Ranibizumab Treatment Response of Superior and Inferior Temporal Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion: A Year Follow-Up.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to compare ranibizumab treatment response of macular edema secondary to superior and inferior temporal branch retinal vein occlusion. Methods: Sixty-four eyes of 64 patients treated with 0.5 mg/0.05 mL ranibizumab due to macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion were enrolled in this retrospective study. Thirty-eight eyes with superior temporal branch retinal vein occlusion were classified as Group 1 and 26 eyes with inferior temporal branch retinal vein occlusion as Group 2. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and the number of intravitreal injections were evaluated and compared between the groups. Results: The mean baseline, 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th month BCVA values in Group 1 were 0.77±0.47, 0.37±0.20, 0.37±0.22, 0.38±0.24, and 0.35±0.18 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) and in Group 2 were 0.75±0.45, 0.37±0.18, 0.35±0.19, 0.32±0.17, and 0.28±0.20 logMAR, respectively. The mean baseline, 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th month CMT values in Group 1 were 522.92±136.01, 318.03±66.65, 287.53±48.27, 271.95±32.47, and 280.47±91.66 µm and in Group 2 were 524.08±145.51, 289.85±53.08, 268.96±31.57, 260.77±30.22, and 244.04±44.78 µm, respectively. BCVA and CMT improved significantly within both groups after the treatment (p<0.05) and there was no statistically significant difference between the groups (p>0.05). However, a significantly higher number of injections was needed for Group 1. Conclusion: Ranibizumab improved the visual and anatomical outcomes similarly in both superior and inferior temporal branch retinal vein occlusion with macular edema. However, more frequent injections were needed to achieve the same efficacy in superior temporal branch retinal vein occlusion.

Oct biomarkers of treatment-naive diabetic macular edema in patients with non-proliferative and proliferative diabetic retinopathy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the retinal and choroidal spectral-domain optic coherence tomography (SD-OCT) findings of treatment-naïve diabetic macular edema (DME) secondary to non-proliferative and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR-PDR). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A hundred and thirty-eight eyes of 138 patients with DME were evaluated. Best-corrected visual acuity was recorded, biomicroscopic anterior and posterior segment examination, SD-OCT imaging, and fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) were performed. Demographic features, OCT characteristics, FFA, and visual acuity measurements were evaluated and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Sixteen eyes were excluded from the study due to the lack of FFA images. Data of 122 eyes were analyzed for the study. Sixty-five eyes with NPDR (Group 1) and 57 eyes with PDR (Group 2) were enrolled in the study. There was no significant difference in central macular thicknesses (CMT) between the two groups. The eyes with DME + PDR showed a higher rate of the diffuse type of macular edema with more para and peri-foveal extension accompanied by larger cysts than the eyes with DME + NPDR. Disorganization of retinal inner layers, disrupted ellipsoid zone, and the epiretinal membrane were more prominent in the eyes with PDR. Also, there were more prominent macular ischemia on FFA and worse initial visual acuity measurements in the eyes with PDR than those with NPDR. Choroidal thickness (CT) was significantly reduced in the PDR group. CONCLUSION: SD-OCT features of treatment-naïve DME in patients with NPDR and PDR presented some differences. These variations may be related to diabetic retinopathy severity and may provide information about prognosis.

The effect of uneventful cataract surgery in pseudoexfoliation glaucoma with or without previous mitomycin C-augmented trabeculectomy.

PURPOSE: To analyze the effect of uneventful cataract surgery on intraocular pressure (IOP) in pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PXG) eyes with and without a history of Mitomycin C-augmented trabeculectomy. METHODS: Eyes with PXG that had underwent uneventful cataract surgery were enrolled. The IOP and the medication numbers before cataract surgery, and 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24 months after cataract surgery, and at the last visit were recorded in PXG with and without previous trabeculectomy. Failure was defined as IOP > 21 or ≤ 21 mmHg with additional medication or surgery. In the postoperative first 24 h, IOP > 50% above baseline was defined as an IOP spike. RESULTS: In the trabeculectomized eyes (n = 37), the increase in the mean IOP (p = 0.024) and the increase in the mean number of medications (p = 0.007) was significant at the last visit when compared with baseline. In the non-trabeculectomized eyes (n = 42) there was a significant decrease in the mean IOP (p = 0.016) and in the mean number of medications (p = 0.038) at the last visit. Twelve eyes (32.4%) in trabeculectomized group and six (14.3%) in the non-trabeculectomized group experienced failure. An IOP spike was seen in one eye in the trabeculectomized group, in 15 eyes in the non-trabeculectomized group (p < 0.0001). The IOP spike was a significant risk factor for failure (p = 0.027). CONCLUSION: Uneventful cataract surgery may have significant negative effect on the IOP control in the trabeculectomized PXG eyes. After cataract surgery, the non-trabeculectomized PXG eyes had a higher risk of IOP spike and an IOP spike may be a risk factor for failure.

Analysis of risk factors and ocular hypotony characteristics in choroidal detachment after penetrating glaucoma surgery.

PURPOSE: To analyze the risk factors and ocular hypotony characteristics of choroidal detachment (CD) after penetrating glaucoma surgery and to compare between eyes with and without CD. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 173 eyes of 168 patients. Patients who underwent trabeculectomy or Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation due to medically uncontrolled glaucoma and who had intraocular pressure (IOP) < 9 mmHg at any time during the first postoperative week were included. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 61 (36.3%) females and 107 (63.7%) males with a mean age of 60.7 ± 14.2 years. The postoperative median follow-up time was 24 months (range, 12-40 months). Postoperatively, CD developed in 47 (27.1%) eyes. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that eyes with high preoperative IOP (> 40 mmHg) were 12.1 times more likely to develop CD (p = 0.000) and that presence of IOP < 9 mmHg on the first day of surgery increased the CD risk 3.8 times (p = 0.002); male gender raised the risk 2.7 times (p = 0.028). The mean preoperative IOP in CD eyes was significantly higher than in non-CD eyes (p = 0.000). The mean IOP change between preoperative and lowest IOP was significantly greater in those with CD than in those without CD (p = 0.000). The mean lowest IOP in the CD eyes was significantly lower than in the non-CD eyes (p = 0.037). For the surgical failure rate, no significant difference was found between the CD and the non-CD groups (p = 0.14). CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated that high preoperative IOP, presence of IOP < 9 mmHg on the first postoperative day, and male gender were significantly associated with CD after penetrating glaucoma surgery. Choroidal detachment accompanied by hypotony did not affect the final outcome negatively.

Changes in higher-order aberrations after vitrectomy for vitreomacular interface diseases.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate ocular wavefront aberrations after vitrectomy in patients with vitreomacular interface diseases. METHODS: Thirty eyes of 30 patients with vitreomacular interface diseases were included in this prospective study. A Sirius topographer (SCHWIND eye-tech-solutions, Germany) was used to measure corneal aberrations and a Hartmann Shack aberrometer (IRX-3; Imagine Eyes, Orsay, France) to measure ocular aberrations. Data were recorded at baseline and 3 months after vitrectomy. RESULTS: Eight patients were excluded due to the formation of cataract during the post-operation follow-up period. Data of 22 eyes (13 eyes with epiretinal membrane, two eyes with epiretinal membrane with vitreomacular traction, one eye with vitreomacular traction, and six eyes with macular hole) were analyzed for the study. The corneal aberrations such as coma, trefoil, spherical aberration, and root mean square of total higher-order aberrations did not significantly change after vitrectomy. The preoperative ocular aberrations such as coma 0.33 (0.14-0.47) µm, trefoil 0.28 (0.15-0.44) µm, root mean square of higher-order aberrations 0.51 (0.45-0.68) µm, root mean square of total aberrations 1.38 (1.16-2.60) µm were significantly reduced to 0.21 (0.14-0.29) µm, 0.20 (0.14-0.30) µm, 0.36 (0.21-0.52) µm, 0.15 (1.13-1.41) µm, respectively, after vitrectomy. CONCLUSION: The ocular higher-order aberrations were significantly reduced after vitreomacular surgery for vitreomacular interface diseases.

Efficacy of the Müller Muscle-Conjunctival Resection for the Correction of Unilateral Ptosis following External Levator Operations in Patients with Bilateral Involutional Ptosis.

SUMMARY: Patients with aponeurotic blepharoptosis who are treated with external levator advancement may experience complications such as upper eyelid height asymmetry and often require revision surgery. The authors assessed the efficacy of Müller muscle-conjunctival resection in cases with upper eyelid height asymmetry following bilateral external levator advancement. The authors used retrospective analysis of 11 cases between September of 2016 and October of 2018 with eyelid asymmetry following bilateral external levator advancement. Following a positive phenylephrine test, these patients underwent unilateral Müller muscle-conjunctival resection revision surgery to treat the undercorrected eyelid. Preoperative and postoperative marginal reflex distance 1, symmetry outcomes, and clinical outcomes of patients were evaluated after the Müller muscle-conjunctival resection. The average patient age was 54.81 ± 3.95 years (range, 37 to 69 years; median, 56 years); seven patients (63.6 percent) were women. Hering dependency was seen in all patients before the external levator advancement. A total of three patients underwent bilateral external levator advancement simultaneously, and eight patients underwent bilateral external levator advancement sequentially. The phenylephrine test was positive in all patients before the Müller muscle-conjunctival resection. Symmetry outcomes were assessed after the revision surgery as perfect (<0.5 mm), good (≥0.5 to <1 mm), or fair (≥1 mm) in four patients, six patients, and one patient, respectively. An optimal correction was noted in 13 of the 22 eyelids after the revision surgery, whereas eight of the 22 eyelids had minimal undercorrection, and one eyelid had minimal overcorrection. Müller muscle-conjunctival resection revision surgery for treatment of the ptotic eyelid following bilateral external levator advancement is viable and may represent a new alternative among the limited revision techniques. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic, IV.

Intravitreal Ranibizumab Versus Aflibercept for Diabetic Macular Edema in Vitrectomized Eyes: 12 Month Results.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the effect of intravitreal ranibizumab and aflibercept on the treatment of diabetic macular edema in previously vitrectomized eyes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of fifty-two vitrectomized eyes with diabetic macular edema were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were divided into two groups; Group 1 (n = 30 eyes) received 0.5 mg/0.05 mL intravitreal ranibizumab and Group 2 (n = 22 eyes) received 2 mg/0.05 mL intravitreal aflibercept for 3 monthly injections and thereafter as needed over 12 months. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT) and injection number of the drugs were the outcomes of the study. RESULTS: Fifty-two previously vitrectomized eyes were enrolled in this study. Thirty-eight of them (73.1%) were male and 14 (26.9%) were female. The mean age was 61.54 ± 7.33 year (range: 50-72 year). BCVA increased and CMT decreased significantly in both groups at the end of the follow-up period (p < .05). The change in BCVA and CMT was not statistically different between the groups (p > .05). However, there was a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of the injection number (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Both ranibizumab and aflibercept were found to be effective on diabetic macular edema in previously vitrectomized eyes. There was no difference between the groups in terms of visual acuity gain and CMT improvement. However, the number of injections was found to be lower in aflibercept group. Therefore, aflibercept may be preferred in the treatment of macular edema in previously vitrectomized eyes.

Effects of Ab Interno XEN Gel Implantation on Postural Intraocular Pressure Elevations.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyze the postural intraocular pressure (IOP) changes in open-angle glaucoma after ab interno XEN gel implant surgery and to compare them with the changes observed with trabeculectomy and medical treatment.Patients and Methods: The study sample included 18 patients with XEN gel implants, 30 patients who had trabeculectomy, and 30 medically managed glaucoma patients. All patients in XEN gel implant and trabeculectomy groups had at least 11 months of follow-up and had successful surgeries that resulted in medication-free control of IOP. A rebound tonometer (Icare, Finland Oy, Helsinki, Finland) was used to measure the IOP levels at the sitting, supine, and dependent lateral decubitus (DLDP) positions after a 5-minute rest at each position.Results: In all the groups, the mean IOP values in the DLDP and supine positions were significantly higher than the sitting position. The IOP elevation after moving from sitting to supine position was significantly reduced in XEN gel implant and trabeculectomy groups compared to medical treatment group (p = .001 and p = .002, respectively). The IOP elevation after a moving from sitting to DLDP was also significantly reduced in XEN gel implant and trabeculectomy groups compared to the medical treatment group (p = .003 and p = .01, respectively). However, there was no significant difference in IOP change after moving from sitting to supine or DLDP positions between XEN gel implant and trabeculectomy groups (p = .74 and p = .98, respectively).Conclusion: This study demonstrated that XEN gel implant could reduce postural elevations in IOP to the same degree as trabeculectomy and provide significantly better postural IOP control than medical treatment. This surgery can be an effective minimally invasive alternative for patients with significant positional IOP elevations.

Needling with 5-fluorouracil for encapsulated blebs after Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) needling of encapsulated blebs (EBs) after Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation in patients with medically uncontrolled secondary glaucoma. Methods: Thirty-eight eyes of 37 patients who underwent AGV implantation due to secondary glaucoma with EB were recruited in this retrospective non-randomized study. 5-FU needling (0.1 mL of 50 mg/mL) was performed for the restore of the aqueous outflow. Success after needling was defined as last intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤21 mmHg or ≥6 mmHg (with or without the use of antiglaucoma medication) without loss of light perception. Results: The mean follow-up time was 14.5 ± 8.5 (5-36) months after needling. The mean interval between the AGV implantation and the needling was 10.2 ± 7.5 (2-32) weeks. Patients were examined after needling at the 2nd hour, 1st week, 1st month, 3rd month, 6th month, and at the final visit. The success rates were 84.2%, 94.7%, 94.7%, 86.8%, 83.3%, and 71.1%, respectively. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed 96.4%, 77.4%, and 60.3% cumulative predictive success rates for the 6th, 12th, and 24th months, respectively. The mean IOP before needling was 28 ± 8.4 mmHg. At the final visit, the mean IOP was 18.1 ± 7.5 mmHg (p ≤ 0.001). Complications after needling included Seidel without hypotony (three eyes, 7.9%), hyphema (one eye, 2.6%), and decompression retinopathy (one eye, 2.6%). Neovascular glaucoma was the only factor that affected efficacy of treatment negatively (p = 0.003). Conclusions: Bleb needling with 5-FU seems to be a safe and effective method in patients with EB formation after AGV implantation in secondary glaucoma cases.

Ciliary Sulcus Implantation of Ahmed Glaucoma Valve in Patients with Corneal Decompensation Risk.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of this study was to examine the safety and efficacy of ciliary sulcus implantation of the Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV; New World Medical, Inc., Rancho Cucamonga, CA, USA) in patients with a risk of corneal decompensation. METHODS: Patients with a corneal decompensation risk who underwent AGV implantation at a single institution were included in this retrospective study. The patients' preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and the number of anti-glaucomatous eye drop medications used was compared with postoperative values. The success criteria were defined as a postoperative IOP of 5 to 21 mmHg and no loss of light perception. RESULTS: Twenty-three eyes of 23 (16 male, 7 female) patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 64.6±14.6 years and the mean follow-up period was 15.8±8.3 months. The preoperative mean IOP was reduced from 33.6±9.1 mmHg to 16.9±5.1 mmHg at the last follow-up (p=0.000). The mean preoperative number of anti-glaucomatous eye drop medications used was 3.5±1.3. Postoperatively the mean was 1.7±1.4 at the last follow-up (p=0.000). The rate of total success was determined to be 78%. The postoperative mean BCVA did not change significantly. One patient lost light perception. A decrease in corneal clarity was observed in only 1 patient (4.3%). The postoperative complications observed were: bleb encapsulation (43%), hyphema (39%), tube occlusion (13%), choroidal detachment (8.7%), decompression retinopathy (8.7%), and corneal decompensation (4.3%). CONCLUSION: Ciliary sulcus implantation of an AGV was effective, both in terms of IOP and the decrease in anti-glaucomatous drug use in the short term. This technique may be a good choice in patients with a corneal decompensation risk due to the posterior chamber implantation.

Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Implantation in Vitrectomized Eyes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation in vitrectomized eyes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of 13 eyes that developed glaucoma due to emulsified silicon oil or neovascularization following pars plana vitrectomy and underwent AGV implantation were retrospectively reviewed. The main outcome measures were intraocular pressure (IOP), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), number of antiglaucoma medications, and postoperative complications. Surgical success was defined as last IOP ≤21 mmHg or ≥6 mmHg and without loss of light perception. RESULTS: The mean follow-up duration was 11.7 ± 5.5 (range, 6-23) months. The mean IOP before the AGV implantation was 37.9 ± 6.7 mmHg with an average of 3.5 ± 1.2 drugs. At the final visit, the mean IOP was 15.9 ± 4.6 mmHg (p=0.001) and the mean number of glaucoma medications decreased to 2.3 ± 1.3 (p=0.021). At the last visit, 11 eyes (84.4%) had stable or improved VA and one eye (7.7%) had a final VA of no light perception. Surgical success was achieved in 11 of the 13 eyes (84.4%). Postoperative complications were bleb encapsulation (69.2%), early hypotony (38.5%), hyphema (23.1%), decompression retinopathy (23.1%), choroidal detachment (15.4%), intraocular hemorrhage (7.7%), and late endophthalmitis (7.7%). One eye (7.7%) was enucleated because of late endophthalmitis. CONCLUSIONS: Despite complications necessitating medical and surgical interventions, vitrectomized eyes were effectively managed with AGV implantation.

Influence of serous retinal detachment on the outcome of ranibizumab treatment in diabetic macular oedema.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of serous retinal detachment (SRD) on the outcome of intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) therapy in diabetic macular oedema (DME). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-one eyes with cystoid macular oedema (CME) and SRD (study group) and 57 eyes with only CME (control group) that received pro re nata (PRN) IVR injections during a 6-month period were retrospectively evaluated. The outcome measures included changes in the central macular thickness (CMT) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and injection numbers. RESULTS: The mean initial CMT in the study and control groups was 467 ± 101 and 440 ± 89 µm, respectively. The mean BCVA in the study and control groups was 0.75 ± 0.38 and 0.59 ± 0.36 logarithm of minimal angle of resolution (LogMAR), respectively (p = 0.010). The study group received a mean of 2.2 ± 0.92 injections, whereas the control group received a mean of 2.54 ± 0.9 injections. The decrease in CMT was greater, but not significantly greater, in the study group than in the control group. CONCLUSION: The presence of SRD resulted in a less favourable visual acuity (VA) outcome with IVR. Disruption of the ellipsoid zone and abnormality of the foveal avascular zone at the baseline examination were correlated with a lower VA. Both of the pathologies occurred more frequently in the SRD group.

Structure-Function Relationship Between the Bruch Membrane Opening-based Minimum Rim Width and Visual Field Defects in Advanced Glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between the Bruch membrane opening-minimum rim width (BMO-MRW) (global and temporal) parameters with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and visual field (VF) sensitivity on the 10-2 test in patients with advanced glaucoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional, observational study included a total of 33 eyes of 29 patients. To evaluate VF sensitivity, automated white-on-white perimetry was performed using a Humphrey field analyzer. The mean deviation (MD) and pattern SD values were used to characterize the degree of functional damage. BMO-MRW and peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness were obtained with SD-OCT. According to the Garway-Heath map and fovea and BMO axis, the 90 degrees temporal sector of the optic disc corresponding to the central VF was divided into upper and lower parts. RESULTS: The upper and lower temporal BMO-MRW parameters showed stronger correlations with the MD parameters of their corresponding VFs when compared with both global and temporal MRW parameters. Global and temporal retinal nerve fiber layer thickness parameters were also correlated with global MD parameters. CONCLUSIONS: BMO-MRW measurements in the upper and lower parts of the 90 degrees temporal sector of the optic nerve head by SD-OCT and their corresponding VF sensitivity on the 10-2 test were found highly correlated. These BMO-MRW measurements could offer a means of predicting the status of visual hemifields in patients who are unable to undergo VF testing. Further longitudinal studies with larger series evaluating BMO-MRW parameters with SD-OCT are also needed to monitor progression in advanced glaucoma.

Comparison of intra- and postoperative complications of phaco between sequential and combined procedures of 23-gauge vitrectomy and phaco.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the intra- and postoperative complications of phacoemulsification in sequential and combined procedures of 23-gauge vitrectomy and cataract surgery. METHODS: The medical records of 376 patients who underwent phacoemulsification in a vitrectomized eye (sequential group) and 458 patients who underwent combined vitrectomy and phacoemulsification (combined group) were retrospectively reviewed. Main outcome measures were intra- and postoperative complications of phacoemulsification surgery. Surgical indications were a progressed cataract with various retinal conditions. RESULTS: The most common intraoperative complication during phacoemulsification was posterior capsule rupture in both groups. The rate of this complication was higher in the sequential group (18 eyes, 4.8%) than in the combined group (7 eyes, 1.5%) (p = 0.006). The most common early postoperative complication was transient high intraocular pressure (68 eyes, 14.8%) and late postoperative complication was pupillary in the synechia combined group (82 eyes, 17.9%). The most common early postoperative complication was transient high intraocular pressure (29 eyes, 7.7%) and late postoperative complication was posterior capsule opacification (27 eyes, 7.2%) in the sequential group. Fibrinous exudation occurred more in the combined group (57 eyes, 12.4%) than in the sequential group (19 eyes, 5.1%) (p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: Both sequential and combined cataract surgeries seemed to be safe. Combined surgery could be preferred in harder cataracts and zonular dehiscence.

Pupilloplasty in a patient with true polycoria: a case report / Pupiloplastia em um caso de policoria verdadeira

ABSTRACT Here we report a case of surgical pupilloplasty in an adult with true polycoria. A 44-year old man was referred to our clinic with a best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 0.5 diopters (D) in his left eye. Biomicroscopy revealed two pupils within a 2.5-mm central zone, with diameters of 1.2 and 1.1 mm. Both pupils had real iris sphincters and responded to light and chemical stimulation. Therefore, we surgically cut the bridge between the two pupils without any intraoperative or postoperative complications. One month after the surgery, BCVA had improved to 0.9 D, and the final pupil was almost round, measuring 2.7 mm in diameter.

RESUMO Relatamos um caso de pupiloplastia cirúrgica em um paciente adulto com policoria verdadeira. Um homem de 44 anos de idade foi encaminhado ao nosso serviço com acuidade visual melhor corrigida (BCVA) de 0,5 em seu olho esquerdo. Biomicroscopia revelou 2 pupilas, dentro de uma zona central de 2,5 milímetros com dimensões de 1,2 mm e 1,1 mm de diâmetro. Ambas as pupilas apresentavam esfíncteres irianos reais que respondiam à luz e a drogas. A ponte entre as 2 pupilas foi cortada cirurgicamente. Não houve complicações transoperatórias ou pós-operatórias. A BCVA melhorou para 0,9, e a pupila ficou quase circunferencial com 2,7 mm de diâmetro, um mês após a cirurgia.

Influence of the epiretinal membrane on ranibizumab therapy outcomes in patients with diabetic macular edema / Influência da membrana epirretiniana sobre os resultados da terapia de ranibizumab em edema macular diabético

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate the influence of the epiretinal membrane (ERM) on intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) therapy for diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods: This retrospective study included 56 eyes of 48 patients with DME divided into two groups: the DME with ERM (study) and only DME (control) groups. Changes in the central macular thickness (CMT) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were evaluated. Results: In the study group, although the CMT was significantly reduced following the first injection (p<0.001), BCVA did not improve significantly (p=0.296). However, after the first injection, the control group exhibited both a significant decrease in CMT (p<0.001) and improvement in BCVA (p<0.001). However, the improvement in BCVA in the control group was not significantly different from the outcome of the study group. Conclusions: We observed a negative short-term influence of the ERM on IVR treatment for DME.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar a influência da membrana epirretiniana (ERM) na terapia intravítrea com ranibizumab (IVR) para o edema macular diabético (DME). Métodos: Este estudo retrospectivo consistiu de 56 olhos de 48 pacientes com DME que foram divididos em dois grupos: o grupo DME com ERM (estudo) e o grupo só DME (controle). Foram avaliadas alterações na espessura central de macular (CMT) e melhor acuidade visual corrigida (BCVA). Resultados: No grupo de estudo, embora a CMT tenha sido significativamente reduzida após a 1ª injeção (p<0,001), a acuidade visual não melhorou significativamente (p=0,296). Após a 1ª injeção, o grupo controle apresentou diminuição significativa no CMT (p<0,001) e melhora na acuidade visual (p<0,001). No grupo controle, embora a mudança de CMT tenha sido significativa (p<0,001), a melhora da acuidade visual não foi significativa quando comparada com o grupo de estudo. Conclusões: No curto prazo, observou-se uma influência negativa da ERM sobre o IVR em DME.

Neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and mean platelet volume in branch retinal vein occlusion.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the mean platelet volume (MPV) and the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). METHODS: Thirty patients with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO group) and 27 age and sex matched subjects (control group) were included in the study. MPV and NLR parameters obtained from peripheral blood were recorded. RESULTS: The mean age was 62.6 ± 12.3 years in BRVO and 63.5 ± 8.2 years in control group. The BRVO group consisted of 13 males and 17 females and the control group included 12 male and 15 female subjects. The mean MPV values were 8.64 ± 2.01 fL in BRVO group and 8.5 ± 1.26 fL in control group. NLR was 2.24 ± 0.79 and 1.89 ± 0.64 in BRVO and control groups respectively. The difference between two groups in terms of MPV and NLR was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: MPV and NLR were found to be not affected in branch retinal vein occlusion patients.