Evaluation of optical coherence tomography findings in patients with multiple sclerosis and glaucoma.

PURPOSE: Glaucoma and multiple sclerosis (MS) can cause optic disc pathology and, in this way, affect optical coherence tomography (OCT) data. In this context, the objective of this study is to investigate the changes in the mean, quadrant, and sector data measured by OCT in glaucoma and MS patients. METHODS: The sample of this prospective cohort study consisted of 42 MS patients (84 eyes), 34 Primary open-angle glaucomas patients (67 eyes), and 24 healthy control subjects (48 eyes). The MS group was divided into two groups according to the presence of a history of optic neuritis. Accordingly, those with a history of optic neuritis were included in the MS ON group, and those without a history of optic neuritis were included in the MS NON group. The differences between these groups in the mean, quadrant, and sector data related to the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell complex (GCC) were evaluated. RESULTS: Superior nasal (SN), superior temporal (ST), inferior nasal (IN), and superior quadrant (SUP) values were significantly lower in the glaucoma group than in the MS group (p < 0.05). The mean superior GCC (GCC SUP) value was significantly lower in the MS ON group than in the glaucoma group (p < 0.05). On the other hand, SN, ST, inferior temporal (IT), IN, average RNFL (AVE RNFL), semi-average superior RNFL (SUP AVE RNFL), semi-average inferior RNFL (INF AVE RNFL), SUP, and inferior quadrant RNFL (INF) values were significantly lower in the glaucoma group than in the MS NON group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: RNFL and GCC parameters get thinner in MS and glaucoma patients. While the inferior and superior RNFL quadrants are more frequently affected in glaucoma patients, the affected quadrants vary according to the presence of a history of optic neuritis in MS patients. It is noteworthy that the GCC superior quadrant was thin in MS ON patients. The findings of this study indicate that OCT data may be valuable in the differential diagnosis of glaucoma and MS.

Comparison of the efficacy of latanoprost versus dorzolamide/timolol fixed combination therapy in patients with pseudoexfoliative glaucoma according to glaucoma stage / Comparação da eficácia da terapia de combinação fixa latanoprosta versus dorzolamida/timolol em pacientes com glaucoma pseudoesfoliativo de acordo com o estágio de glaucoma

ABSTRACT Purpose: Only a few trials have compared the intraocular pressure-lowering effects of prostaglandin analogs to carbonic anhydrase inhibitor plus beta-blocker fixed-dose combination therapy in patients with pseudoexfoliative glaucoma. Furthermore, the influence of the glaucoma stage on the intraocular pressure-lowering effects of these drug types has not been studied. The purpose of this study was to compare the IOP-lowering efficacy of latanoprost, a prostaglandin analog versus dorzolamide/timolol fixed combination, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor plus beta-blocker fixed-dose combination therapy, in patients with pseudoexfoliative glaucoma based on glaucoma stage. Methods: The data of 32 eyes (32 patients) diagnosed with uniocular pseudoexfoliative glaucoma and treated with topical latanoprost (Group 1) or dorzolamide/timolol fixed combination (Group 2) were retrospectively assessed. The groups were subdivided into early and moderate-advanced stages. Patients' demographics, baseline intraocular pressure, final intraocular pressure, and intraocular pressure difference (the difference between the baseline and final intraocular pressure) were determined from medical records and compared between groups and according to glaucoma stage. Results: The mean drug use duration was 17.7 ± 13.5 months. No significant differences in mean baseline intraocular pressure, mean final intraocular pressure and mean intraocular pressure difference between Groups 1 and 2. In Group 2, the mean intraocular pressure difference was significantly greater in patients with early versus moderate-advanced stage glaucoma (p=0.015). The difference, however, was not detected in Group 1. The mean intraocular pressure difference in early-stage glaucoma was significantly greater in Group 2 versus 1 (p=0.033). Conclusions: Latanoprost and dorzolamide/timolol fixed combination are effective treatments for newly diagnosed pseudoexfoliative glaucoma. In early-stage pseudoexfoliative glaucoma, greater intraocular pressure reduction was noted with dorzolamide/timolol fixed combination than with latanoprost; thus, dorzolamide/timolol fixed combination should be considered when a significant decrease in intraocular pressure is desired in early-stage glaucoma.

RESUMO Objetivo: Estudos limitados examinaram os efeitos de redução de pressão intraocular de análogos de prostaglandina versus inibidor de anidrase carbônica mais terapia de combinação de dose fixa beta-bloqueador em pacientes com glaucoma pseudoesfoliativo. Além disso, a influência do estágio de glaucoma nos efeitos de redução da pressão intraocular desses tipos de drogas não foi avaliada. Este estudo teve como objetivo comparar a eficácia de redução do IOP do latanoprosta, uma combinação fixa análoga de prostaglandina versus dorzolamida/timolol, um inibidor de anidrase carbônica mais terapia de combinação de dose fixa beta-bloqueador, em pacientes com glaucoma pseudoesfoliativo de acordo com o estágio de glaucoma. Métodos: Os dados de 32 olhos (32 pacientes) diagnosticados com glaucoma pseudoesfoliativo monocular e tratados com latanoprosta tópica (Grupo 1) ou combinação fixa de dorzolamida/timolol (Grupo 2) foram avaliados retrospectivamente. Os grupos foram subdivididos em estágios inicial e moderado-avançado. A demografia dos pacientes, a pressão intraocular da linha de base, a pressão intraocular final e a diferença de pressão intraocular (a diferença entre a pressão intraocular da linha de base e a pressão intraocular final) foram determinadas a partir dos prontuários médicos e comparadas entre os dois grupos e de acordo com o estágio de glaucoma. Resultados: A duração média do uso de drogas foi de 17,7 ± 13,5 meses. Nenhuma diferença significativa foi observada entre os grupos 1 e 2 para a média da pressão intraocularda linha de base, média da pressão intraocular final e média da diferença da pressão intraocular. No Grupo 2, a média da diferença da pressão intraocular foi significativamente maior em pacientes com glaucoma de estágio precoce versus moderado-avançado (p=0,015). No entanto, essa diferença não foi observada no Grupo 1. A média da diferença da pressão intraocular em glaucoma de estágio inicial foi significativamente maior no Grupo 2 versus 1 (p=0,033). Conclusões: Terapias com Latanoprosta e dorzolamida/timolol são tratamentos eficazes para glaucoma pseudoesfoliativo recém-diagnosticado. Observou-se em glaucoma pseudoesfoliativo de estágio inicial, uma maior redução da pressão intraocular com combinação fixa de dorzolamida/timolol do que com latanoprosta; assim, a combinação fixa de dorzolamida/timolol deve ser considerada quando uma diminuição significativa da pressão intraocular é almejada em glaucoma de estágio inicial.

Comparison of combined gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy and cataract extraction with gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy surgery alone on macular thickness.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of Gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (GATT) on macular thickness and to compare the combined GATT and cataract extraction (CE) with GATT surgery alone regarding macular thickness. METHODS: A retrospective, comparative study was designed. The patients who underwent GATT or combined GATT and CE with preoperative and regular postoperative spectral domain optic coherence tomography analysis (SD-OCT) were included. The macula was visualized in a 5 × 5 mm2 area by SD-OCT using MM5 mode. Two different groups were defined as follows: group 1 enrolled patients who underwent GATT alone, and group 2 enrolled patients who underwent combined GATT and CE. Pre- and postoperative macular thickness measurements by performing intragroup analysis and comparing group 1 with group 2 with regard to change in macular thickness were assessed. RESULTS: Fifty-four eyes fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were enrolled in this study, (Group 1 = 29 eyes, Group 2 = 25 eyes). The mean thicknesses of central macula (CM), superior inner macula (SIM), and nasal inner macula (NIM) significantly increased 1 month after GATT alone (p < 0.05). This difference became statistically insignificant at 3rd month after the surgery, (p > 0.05). The mean thicknesses of SIM, temporal inner macula (TIM), NIM, superior outer macula (SOM), inferior outer macula (IOM), and temporal outer macula (TOM) showed a significant increase 1 month after combined GATT and CE, (p < 0.05), which return its preoperative levels 3 months after the surgery (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference between group 1 and group 2 with regard to change in macular thickness at each time points, (p > 0.05). Postoperative clinically significant CME was observed in one patient who underwent GATT alone (p = 0.351). CONCLUSION: GATT can be a safe procedure with minimal and transient adverse effect on macular thickness and structure. Performing GATT together with CE caused no additional increase in the risk of macular thickening.

Comparison of the efficacy of latanoprost versus dorzolamide/timolol fixed combination therapy in patients with pseudoexfoliative glaucoma according to glaucoma stage.

PURPOSE: Only a few trials have compared the intraocular pressure-lowering effects of prostaglandin analogs to carbonic anhydrase inhibitor plus beta-blocker fixed-dose combination therapy in patients with pseudoexfoliative glaucoma. Furthermore, the influence of the glaucoma stage on the intraocular pressure-lowering effects of these drug types has not been studied. The purpose of this study was to compare the IOP-lowering efficacy of latanoprost, a prostaglandin analog versus dorzolamide/timolol fixed combination, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor plus beta-blocker fixed-dose combination therapy, in patients with pseudoexfoliative glaucoma based on glaucoma stage. METHODS: The data of 32 eyes (32 patients) diagnosed with uniocular pseudoexfoliative glaucoma and treated with topical latanoprost (Group 1) or dorzolamide/timolol fixed combination (Group 2) were retrospectively assessed. The groups were subdivided into early and moderate-advanced stages. Patients' demographics, baseline intraocular pressure, final intraocular pressure, and intraocular pressure difference (the difference between the baseline and final intraocular pressure) were determined from medical records and compared between groups and according to glaucoma stage. RESULTS: The mean drug use duration was 17.7 ± 13.5 months. No significant differences in mean baseline intraocular pressure, mean final intraocular pressure and mean intraocular pressure difference between Groups 1 and 2. In Group 2, the mean intraocular pressure difference was significantly greater in patients with early versus moderate-advanced stage glaucoma (p=0.015). The difference, however, was not detected in Group 1. The mean intraocular pressure difference in early-stage glaucoma was significantly greater in Group 2 versus 1 (p=0.033). CONCLUSIONS: Latanoprost and dorzolamide/timolol fixed combination are effective treatments for newly diagnosed pseudoexfoliative glaucoma. In early-stage pseudoexfoliative glaucoma, greater intraocular pressure reduction was noted with dorzolamide/timolol fixed combination than with latanoprost; thus, dorzolamide/timolol fixed combination should be considered when a significant decrease in intraocular pressure is desired in early-stage glaucoma.

Factors Influencing the Success of Atropine Penalization Treatment in Amblyopia Patients Non-Responsive to Occlusion Treatment.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of atropine penalization after non-response to patch therapy in amblyopic children and investigate the factors associated with treatment success. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, 26 children with amblyopia who were non-responders to patch therapy who were then switched to 1% atropine eye drops in the sound eye for a minimum follow-up of one year were included. All patients underwent detailed eye examinations, including optical coherence tomography and fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging. Response to treatment was defined as a two-line improvement in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in the amblyopic eye, and patients were divided into two groups: the responder group and the non-responder group. Demographic and clinical parameters were compared between the two groups. The average central macular thickness and FAF were analyzed. RESULTS: Sixteen of 26 patients (61.5%) showed treatment response. The mean age of the patients was 10.62 ± 3.42 (5-17) years. There was no difference between the groups in age, age at start of patch therapy, sex, follow-up period, refractive errors, type of amblyopia, reason for patch therapy non-response, or mean effective patching time per day. In the responder group, the LogMAR values of pretreatment BCVA, BCVA after optical correction, and BCVA after occlusion were significantly higher, but BCVA after atropine treatment showed no difference. FAF images of all patients were normal, and the mean central macular thickness did not significantly differ between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Atropine penalization can improve BCVA in children with amblyopia who are non-responders to patch therapy. Atropine penalization may be more successful in children with poor BCVA at the start of atropine penalization in the amblyopic eye. The results of FAF imaging and mean central macular thickness were not associated with treatment outcomes.

Optical density changes of subretinal hyperreflective material in age-related macular degeneration after switching therapy from ranibizumab to aflibercept.

BACKGROUND: Subretinal hyperreflective material (SHRM) is a hyperrefiective material seen on optical coherence tomography (OCT) and located under the retina and above the retinal pigment epithelium. This study aims to examine the effect of SHRM on the functional prognosis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients who switched from intravitreal ranibizumab to intravitreal aflibercept treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective, nonrandomized clinical study. AMD patients meeting the switching criteria underwent a complete ophthalmic examination, including spectral-domain OCT and fundus fluorescein angiography. The best-corrected visual acuity and OCT parameters were measured at the switch and 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after. SHRM(+/-), maximum SHRM thickness, and subjective and objective reflectivity stages of SHRM (grades 1-3) were evaluated. RESULTS: SHRM was observed in 24/48 (50.0%) of eyes at the time of the switch. The differences in maximum SHRM thicknesses were not statistically significant. SHRM's mean subjective reflectivity stages at the switch and subsequent examinations were 2.37, 2.75, 2.75, 2.74, and 2.81; SHRM's objective reflectivity staging also confirmed them. Functional changes after the switch showed a significant VA loss in the SHRM(+) group and significant gain in the SHRM(-) group. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the presence of SHRM and higher optical reflectivity at the switch from ranibizumab to aflibercept caused a poor prognosis after the switch. On the other hand, SHRM(-) patients achieved good functional results after the switch.

New Insights into Diabetic and Vision-Threatening Retinopathy: Importance of Plasma Long Pentraxine 3 and Taurine Levels.

PURPOSE: To investigate diabetic retinopathy (DR), plasma long pentraxin-3 (PTX-3) and taurine levels, and systemic factors in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with type 2 DM were categorized based on the presence of DR and maculopathy. Retinal findings (retinopathy, maculopathy, flame-shaped hemorrhage, intraretinal microvascular abnormalities, neovascularization of the optic disc, neovascularization elsewhere, and soft exudate); laboratory findings (fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1c], Taurine, PTX-3); systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were analyzed. RESULTS: In this study, 39 patients with a mean age of 59.5 ± 8.1 years were included. The mean taurine level was significantly lower (p = .025) and HbA1c values were significantly higher (p = .0001) in patients with and without DR, respectively. In patients with varying severity of DR, a significant difference in the plasma taurine level was found (p = .0001). The mean PTX-3 level decreased with the severity of retinopathy; however, there was no significant difference in levels among the grading groups (p = .732). Taurine and PTX-3 levels were significantly lower in patients with maculopathy (p = .001 and p = .022, respectively) and significantly higher in patients with grade 0 maculopathy than in those with grade 1, 2, or 3 maculopathy (p = .023, p = .01, and p = .01, respectively). Patients with flame-shaped hemorrhage had significantly lower PTX-3 levels (p = .009) and higher SBP and DBP levels (p = .003, p = .023) than those without the hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: No significant relation between PTX-3 level and severity of DR was found. HbA1c, taurine, and PTX-3 levels in patients with vision-threatening DR symptoms were significantly different from those without these symptoms. Management of systemic blood pressure and glycemic control is mandatory in the follow-up of DR, and increasing the plasma taurine levels can prevent vision loss.

The Relationship between Plasma Taurine Levels and Diabetic Complications in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Background: Taurine has an active role in providing glucose homeostasis and diabetes causes a decline in taurine levels. This paper investigates the relationship between taurine and diabetic complications, patients' demographic features, and biochemical parameters. Methods: Fifty-nine patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and 28 healthy control subjects between the ages of 32 and 82 were included in the study. The mean age of subjects was 55.6 ± 10.3 and mean diabetes duration was 10.2 ± 6.0 years. The most commonly accompanying comorbidity was hypertension (HT) (64.5%, n = 38), and the most frequent diabetic complication was neuropathy (50.8%, n = 30). Plasma taurine concentrations were measured by an enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) kit. Results: Plasma taurine concentrations were significantly lower in diabetic patients (0.6 ± 0.1 mmol/L) than controls (0.8 ± 0.2 mmol/L) and in hypertensive (0. 6 ± 0.1 mmol/L) patients (p = 0.000, p = 0.027 respectively). Conclusion: Plasma taurine levels were decreased in patients with T2DM and this was not related to FBG, HbA1c, and microalbuminuria. With regard to complications, we only found a correlation with neuropathy. We suggest that taurine levels may be more important in the development of diabetes; however, it may also have importance for the progression of the disease and the subsequent complications. We further assert that taurine measurement at different times may highlight whether there is a causal relationship in the development of complications.

CONTRALATERAL VISION LOSS AFTER ENDONASAL DACRYOCYSTORHINOSTOMY: A CASE REPORT OF PURTSCHER-LIKE RETINOPATHY AND TREATMENT WITH INTRAVITREAL TISSUE PLASMINOGEN ACTIVATOR.

PURPOSE: To present a case of a patient with contralateral vision loss as a result of Purtscher-like retinopathy after an endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy and treatment with intravitreal tissue plasminogen activator injection. METHODS AND RESULTS: A 51-year-old woman who underwent a left endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy was referred with a complaint of decreased vision 1 day after surgery in her right eye. At the initial examination, the visual acuity of her right eye was hand motion. The fundoscopic examination revealed a premacular hemorrhage, diffuse intraretinal hemorrhages, multiple peripapillary cotton wool patches, and Purtscher flecken. The patient received 50 µg/0.1 mL of intravitreal tissue plasminogen activator injection. One day after the injection, visual acuity improved to 3/20. On 1-month follow-up without medication, the visual acuity improved to 6/20, and normal visual evoked potential latencies and amplitudes were detected. CONCLUSION: Purtscher- like retinopathy may occur as a complication of endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy. Intravitreal tissue plasminogen activator may help relieve the embolization that occurs in Purtscher-like retinopathy.

Association of Plasma Pentraxin-3 Levels with Retinopathy and Systemic Factors in Diabetic Patients.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is mainly caused by metabolic factors, vascular inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction. We aimed to evaluate the relationship of DR with inflammatory and biochemical alterations in type 2 diabetics. METHODS: A total of 89 diabetic patients with retinopathy [(DR (+) (n = 30)], without retinopathy [(DR (-) (n = 32)], and 27 control subjects were involved in the study. Demographic properties, biochemical values, ophtalmologic evaluation, C-reactive protein (CRP), and pentraxin-3 (PTX-3) levels were recorded. RESULTS: There was significant difference between controls, DR (-) and DR (+) groups with regard to serum PTX-3 levels. Control group had the lowest and DR (+) group revealed the highest PTX-3 levels. Severity of retinopathy was not related with CRP or PTX-3 levels. Duration of diabetes was longer, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and urinary albumin-creatinine ratio (UACR) were significantly higher in DR (+) subjects than DR (-) subjects. Multivariate analysis revealed that PTX-3 level and SBP were the variables that had a significant effect on DR (P = 0.002, OR = 1.61, and P = 0.021, OR = 1.06, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Plasma PTX-3 levels may be a valuable predictor of DR-like factors such as duration of diabetes, hypertension, and UACR. Although inflammation has an important role in DR, we think that biomarkers reflecting inflammation is not sufficient to predict development and progression of DR; but follow up with PTX-3 levels along with ophthalmological evaluation may be useful. A single determination may not reflect the variations over time, so repeat measures may provide knowledge if PTX-3 is just a biomarker or has a causal role.

The Effects of 23-Gauge Pars Plana Vitrectomy on Orbital Circulation Using Doppler Ultrasonography in Diabetic Macular Edema with Epiretinal Membrane and Taut Posterior Hyaloid.

PURPOSE: To evaluate using Doppler ultrasonography (DUS) how pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) affects orbital circulation in diffuse diabetic macular edema (DME) associated with either the epiretinal membrane (ERM) or taut posterior hyaloid (TPH). METHODS: The sample included 46 eyes of 42 patients with DME associated with the ERM (n = 22, Group 1) or TPH (n = 24, Group 2). All participants received panretinal laser photocoagulation and antivascular endothelial growth factor injections preoperatively and underwent 23-gauge PPV combined with ERM or TPH removal and internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling. Pre- and postoperative peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), and the resistivity index (RI) of the ophthalmic artery (OA), central retinal artery (CRA), posterior ciliary artery (PCA), and central retinal vein were measured with DUS. RESULTS: Statistically significant decreases in the PSV and EDV of the OA, CRA, and PCA were detected in all groups. In Group 1, the PSV of the OA and CRA as well as the EDV and PSV of the PCA declined significantly. In Group 2, the EDV of the OA and both the PSV and EDV of the CRA and PCA decreased. Postoperatively, the CRA's PSV and EDV were lower in Group 2, while the preoperative and postoperative RI of the CRA and preoperative RI of the PCA were greater in Group 2 than in Group 1. Changes in the CRA's RI, PSV, and EDV were greater in Group 2 after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: 23-Gauge PPV combined with ERM or TPH removal and ILM peeling in DME reduces blood flow rates of both choroidal and retinal vessels. In eyes with TPH, the RIs of the CRA and PCA were significantly greater preoperatively and the changes in the CRA's RI, PSV, and EDV were greater postoperatively. The removal of the TPH may play a role in regulating blood flow.

The correlation between visual acuity outcomes and optical coherence tomography parameters following surgery for diabetic epiretinal membrane and taut posterior hyaloid.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between visual outcomes and the determinants detected by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) in eyes with epiretinal membrane (ERM) and/or taut posterior hyaloid (TPH) that underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 participants with diabetic ERM and TPH were included in the study. All study participants underwent PPV. Preoperative and postoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), macular RNFL, ganglion cell layer, inner plexiform layer, and ganglion cell complex thicknesses were measured in each participant. Linear regression analyses were performed to determine the association between the OCT parameters and the visual acuity measured at the time of the OCT measurement. RESULTS: The postoperative BCVA logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) values were statistically higher than the preoperative values in the ERM group and TPH group (P=0.001 and P<0.001, respectively). The postoperative BCVA logMAR value was negatively correlated with average RNFL, inferior RNFL thicknesses, and image quality (P=0.002, P=0.004, and P=0.006, respectively). The preoperative and postoperative BCVA logMAR value difference was not correlated with age and all of the OCT parameters measured (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: This study shows that achievement of better peripapillary RNFL thickness results in better visual outcome after PPV and ERM/TPH removal.

The Efficiency of Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implants in the Treatment of Macular Edema Secondary to Retinal Vein Occlusion.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of dexamethasone (DEX) intravitreal implant for the treatment of macular edema due to branch retinal vein occlusion. METHODS: We included 22 eyes of 22 patients in this retrospective study. Visual acuity tested in logMAR with Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) chart, central macular thickness (CMT) measurements, intraocular pressure (IOP), and side effects after treatment were observed monthly. RESULTS: Best corrected visual acuity improved significantly in the first 3 months after the first intravitreal DEX implantation, but no statistically significant change was observed in the following 3 months. Statistically significant improvement was observed in the first 4 months after the second injection of DEX implant, but no statistically significant change was observed in the 2 following months. A statistically significant decrease in CMT was observed in the first 4 months after the first injection, but no statistically significant change was observed in the following 2 months. A statistically significant decrease in CMT was observed in the first 3 months after the second injection, but no statistically significant change was observed in the following 3 months. The IOP could be controlled with medication in all the participants with elevated IOP. Of the patients, 3 had cataracts requiring surgery. CONCLUSION: Both functional and anatomical effects of DEX implant were obvious in the first 3 months after injection. Repeated injections and frequent examination might be required. Side effects such as cataract may require surgical intervention, whereas IOP elevation may be managed by topical drops.

Efficacy and safety of Pro Re Nata regimen without loading dose ranibizumab injections in retinal vein occlusion.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects and safety of intravitreal ranibizumab on visual acuity and anatomic results in the treatment of macular edema due to retinal vein occlusion (RVO). METHODS: Forty Six eyes of 45 patients who were administered intravitreal ranibizumab because of macular edema due to Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) were included in this retrospective clinical study. During monthly follow-up, the best corrected visual acuity values in terms of LogMAR with The Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) chart, central macular thickness (CMT), and complications were examined. Cases were classified as central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), superotemporal branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO), and inferotemporal BRVO. We only included RVO patients but using ETDRS chart for the vision measurement. RESULTS: In all follow-up months, there was a significant increase in BCVA in all RVO cases and in superotemporal BRVO cases after the first injection of ranibizumab. Although there was no significant increase in the 1(st) month of follow-up period compared to pre-treatment, there was significant increase in 2-6 months in inferotemporal BRVO patients. There was no statistically significant increase in 1(st) and 2(nd) month follow-up periods compared to pre-treatment; however there was a significant increase in 3-6 months in the CRVO patients. There was a significant decrease in average CMT measurements in all follow-up months compared to pre-treatment in all RVO cases, in superotemporal and inferotemporal BRVO cases. There was no significant decrease in average CMT measurements in the 1(st), 2nd, and 3(rd) months compared to pre-treatment although there was a significant decrease in 4-6 months in cases included in the CRVO patients. CONCLUSIONS: Intraocular ranibizumab injections provided rapid, effective treatment for macular edema due to RVO with low rates of ocular and nonocular safety events. However, repeated injections and frequent follow-up intervals may be required.

The effects of ranibizumab injections on fluorescein angiographic findings and visual acuity recovery in age-related macular degeneration.

AIM: The objective of the study reported here was to evaluate the effect of ranibizumab on retinal circulation times and vessel caliber and to analyze the correlation of these factors with visual acuity (VA) prognosis in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This prospective cohort study included 52 eyes of 46 patients (mean age 73.5 years [standard deviation 7.7]; 28 males, 18 females). The study parameters were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT) (pre- and posttreatment: for 3 months after the last injection), retinal circulation times, diameter of retinal arteriole (DRA), and diameter of retinal vein (DRV) (pre- and posttreatment: after a loading dose of three consecutive injections of ranibizumab with a 4-week interval in the initial phase). The pretreatment, posttreatment measurements, and their differences were recorded for analyses. The injections were repeated when needed. Eyes were grouped into one of two groups according to VA recovery: Group 1, cases showing significant recovery of VA (n=21, 37%), and Group 2, cases showing preservation of VA (n=22, 42%) and deterioration of VA (n=11, 21%). Differences were compared statistically in and between groups. Logistic regression analysis was undertaken to determine the correlation of these parameters with VA recovery. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in DRA (P=0.007) and CMT levels (P<0.001) in both study groups after treatment. When the two groups were compared, the differences in pretreatment values of DRA (P=0.001), DRV (P=0.017), CMT (P=0.039), and mean BCVA (P=0.00) were found to be statistically significant. Posttreatment changes in DRA (P=0.013) and mean CMT (P=0.010) were found to be factors related to VA recovery by logistic regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Our findings reveal that ranibizumab treatment is associated with decrease in DRA, CMT, and significant improvement in VA recovery. Further, taking into account the cases in which VA was preserved, when needed, ranibizumab should be re-injected after the loading dose.

Choroidal thickness in patients with diabetic retinopathy.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study reported here was to assess choroidal thickness (CT) and central macular thickness (CMT) in patients with diabetic retinopathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 151 eyes from 80 patients from the retina department of Istanbul Training and Research Hospital who had type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic retinopathy were studied retrospectively in this cross-sectional research. Patients were divided into three groups: mild-moderate nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy without macular edema (NPDR), mild-moderate nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy with macular edema (DME), and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). In addition, 40 eyes of 20 healthy individuals comprised a control group. Choroidal thickness was measured from the posterior edge of the retinal pigment epithelium to the choroid/sclera junction at 500-µm intervals up to 1,500 µm temporal and nasal to the fovea. The CMT measurement was obtained for each eye. Serum hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels were measured. RESULTS: The study included 191 eyes, comprising 151 eyes of 80 patients and 40 eyes of 20 healthy individuals. Of the 151 patient eyes, 61 had NPDR, 62 had PDR, and 28 eyes had DME. There was no statistically significant difference in age between the groups (P>0.05). In both the PDR and DME groups, the CT was statistically significantly decreased compared with the control group (P<0.001, P<0.001 for the PDR and DME groups, respectively). The mean CMT in the DME group was increased significantly compared with both the NPDR and PDR groups (P<0.001, P<0.001, respectively). In all three groups, serum HbA1c levels were found to be increased significantly compared with the control group (P=0.000). We found a statistically weak-moderate negative correlation between central macular and foveal CT (r=-289, P=0.000). There was a statistically strong correlation between CMT and HbA1c levels (r=0.577, P=0.483) and a statistically weak-moderate negative correlation between the central CT and HbA1c levels (r=-0.331, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Diabetes changes the CT. CT was found to be significantly decreased in the DME and PDR groups.

Evaluation of choroidal thickness in cases with age -related macular degeneration / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

To compare subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) between cases with non-neovascular age-related macular degeneration ( AMD) and neovascular AMD by optical coherence tomography ( OCT ) and to evaluate the contribution of choroidal thickness (CT) measurements to the understanding of pathogenesis of neovascularization in AMD. ●METHODS: Fourty - eigth eyes of 24 patients who had neovascular AMD in one eye and non- neovascular AMD in the other eye were included in this retrospective, cross-sectional study as study group. Forty eyes of healthy,age and axial length matched individuals were selected as the control group. Eyes with drusen and/ or pigmentary changes were included in the non - neovascular AMD subgroup. Eyes with subretinal or intraretinal fluid and/orlipid exudation due to the choroidal neovascularization were included in the neovascular AMD subgroup. OCT measurements were performed with RTVue 100-2 (V 5. 1, Optovue, Fremont, CA, USA) perpendicularly from the outer part of the hyperreflective line ( retinal pigment epithelial layer) to the line corresponding to the choroido-scleral junction. Choroidal thickness was measured at 7 different points, 500μ m intervals up to 1500μ m temporal and nasal to the fovea in the study group and compared statistically between subgroups. ●RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 72. 4±8. 97 (60-82)y. The mean age of healthy individuals was 71. 2±8. 8 (58- 81) y. Mean SFCT of neovascular AMD group were significantly thicker than non- neovascular AMD group (P0. 05). ln neovascular AMD group, there was a statistically significant difference between the mean SFCT and the mean temporal-nasal choroid thickness (P ●CONCLUSlON: Choroidal thickness measurements with OCT device can make a contribution to the understanding the phatophysiology of AMD and large prospective studies should be conducted to understand why SFCT was thicker in neovascular AMD.

The relationship between fundus fluorescein angiographic findings and serous macular detachment in diabetic macular edema.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether the serous macular detachment (SMD) shown by optical coherence tomography is associated with types of maculopathy, severity of retinopathy, the effect of macular and retinal photocoagulation, and retinal circulation times in diabetic macular edema. METHODS: Patients were grouped as SMD+ (Group 1) and SMD- (Group 2). Fundus photography and fluorescein angiography were evaluated regarding the type of maculopathy; severity of retinopathy and also arm-retina time, arteriovenous transit time, and venous filling time; and the applied macular and panretinal laser treatment. RESULTS: Diffuse maculopathy was seen more frequently in eyes with SMD, whereas ischemic maculopathy was more frequent in eyes without SMD. There was no significant difference regarding severity of retinopathy and retinal circulation times between groups. The frequency of patients with complete panretinal photocoagulation and grid laser photocoagulation was found to be higher in Group 2. CONCLUSION: Serous macular detachment can occur in eyes with increased vascular permeability in macula. Serous macular detachment may be an important finding in terms of the possible existence of diffuse maculopathy and the need of additional panretinal photocoagulation, but absence of SMD may point at ischemic maculopathy.