Cut-Off Values of Foveal Vascular Indices in Exfoliation Glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To compare the vascular measurements obtained from fovea including foveal avascular zone (FAZ) with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) between patients with exfoliation glaucoma (XFG) and healthy controls. METHODS: This cross-sectional comparative study included 54 XFG patients and 94 healthy subjects. All subjects were given a complete ophthalmological examination including visual field testing, retinal nerve fiber layer and macular ganglion cell complex analysis. OCTA was performed to evaluate the vascular features of fovea including FAZ. The measurements of vessel density (VD), perfusion density (PD) and FAZ values were segmented and calculated using the inbuilt software on OCTA. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were performed to determine the best cut-off values to detect the disease. RESULTS: In the XFG group, decreased VD, PD and FAZ values were observed. ROC analysis showed an obvious separation, differentiating the patients with XFG from the healthy controls at cut-off value of 19.55 with a sensitivity (sen) of 92.3% and a specificity (spe) of 81.9%) for VD total and 21.20 (sen:100 and spe:78.7) for VD parafoveal; 0.36 (sen:98.1and spe:76.6) for PDtotal and 0.378 (sen:96.2and spe:84) for PDparafoveal; 0.635 (sen: 79.3 and spe:72) for FAZ circulatory index. CONCLUSION: The results support the findings of decreased microvascular density on foveal region in XFG. The cut off values of the changes in the foveal parameters in patients with exfoliation may be useful in evaluation of future glaucoma management to show how far a particular exfoliative eye is positioned from an healthy eye and how close to XFG.

Ganglion Cell-Inner Plexiform Layer Thickness in Different Glaucoma Stages Measured by Optical Coherence Tomography.

AIM: To compare ganglion cell (GCL) and inner plexiform layer (IPL) thickness in patients at different stages of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), determine their sensitivity and specificity values, and correlate thickness values with mean deviations (MD). METHODS: This prospective, cross- sectional study was conducted in a group of patients with confirmed POAG who were compared to an age- and gender-matched control group. Glaucomatous damage was classified according to the Hodapp-Parrish-Anderson scale: glaucoma stage 1 (early), glaucoma stage 2 (moderate), and glaucoma stage 3 (severe). The average, minimum, and all 6 sectoral (superotemporal, superior, superonasal, inferonasal, inferior, and inferotemporal) GCL + IPL thicknesses were measured and compared between groups. RESULTS: The average GCL + IPL thickness of 154 eyes of 93 patients in glaucoma stages 1, 2, 3, and 94 eyes of 47 persons in the control group were 76.79 ± 8.05, 65.90 ± 7.92, 57.38 ± 10.00, and 86.01 ± 3.68 µm, respectively. There were statistically significant differences in the average, minimum, and all 6 sectoral GCL + IPL values among the groups. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for average and minimum GCL + IPL thickness values were 0.93 and 0.94, respectively, sensitivity 91.5 and 88.3%, and specificity 98.9 and 100%, respectively. Both thickness values showed significant correlations with MD. Each micrometer decrease in the average GCL + IPL thickness was associated with a 0.54-dB loss in MD. CONCLUSION: GCL + IPL layer thickness is a highly specific and sensitive parameter in differentiating glaucomatous from healthy eyes showing progressive damage as glaucoma worsens. Loss of this layer is highly correlated with overall loss of visual field sensitivity.

Effects of Topical Thymoquinone in an Experimental Dry Eye Model

Objectives: To comparatively evaluate the effects of thymoquinone (TQ), the biologically active main component of volatile oil derived from Nigella sativa seeds, in an experimental dry eye model. Materials and Methods: A total of 36 BALB/c mice 10 weeks of age were used in the study. The mice were divided into 6 groups of 6 mice. Two groups were negative and positive controls, and the other 4 groups were treated with balanced salt solution, fluorometholone (FML), TQ, or vehicle (Tween80). After 1 week of treatment, the mice were killed and the eyes removed for histopathologic examination and cytokine analysis. Interleukin (IL)-1α tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, and lactoferrin levels in the conjunctival tissue were measured by multiplex immunobead assay. The presence of inflammatory cells in ocular tissue samples were investigated by hematoxylin-eosin and periodic acid-Schiff staining. Inflammatory T cells containing CXT receptor in the conjunctiva were determined by flow cytometry. Results: FLML and TQ groups had less inflammatory cell density and more goblet cells compared to the other groups. High levels of IL-1α and IL-2 were found in the TQ group. Conclusion: TQ treatment was associated with reduced inflammation in pathological examination, but did not significant lower cytokine levels.

Retinal ganglion cell/inner plexiform layer thickness in patients with Parkinson's disease.

Introduction: The aim of the paper was to analyze the changes in the macular ganglion cell layer and inner plexiform layer (GCL-IPL) thickness in patients with Parkinson's disease. Material and methods: The study enrolled 46 patients with established diagnosis of Parkinson's disease and 46 healthy subjects. Both groups were age- and gender-matched. An OCT protocol, namely standardized Ganglion Cell Analysis algorithm was used to measure the thickness of the macular GCL-IPL layer. The average, minimum, and six sectoral (superotemporal, superior, superonasal, inferonasal, inferior, inferotemporal) GCL-IPL thicknesses were measured from the elliptical annulus centered on the fovea. Results: The mean value of the clinical severity of Parkinson's disease was between 2 and 3, according to the Hoehn and Yahr scale. Statistically significant thinning of the GCL-IPL layer was registered in average and minimum GCL-IPL thickness, as well as in the sectoral layer thicknesses in patients with Parkinson's disease in comparison to the controls. There was no correlation between structural changes in the retina and disease duration or severity. A statistically significant difference in thickness between the different stages of the disease was registered only in the inferior sector. Conclusions: Parkinson's disease is accompanied by thinning of the GCL-IPL complex of macula even in the earliest stages. This may indicate a possible retinal dopaminergic neurodegeneration. There is no correlation between duration or severity of Parkinson's disease with thinning of the GCL-IPL complex. .

Diurnal blood pressure parameters in normal tension glaucoma, primary open angle glaucoma, and healthy subjects.

OBJECTIVE: The pathophysiology of glaucoma is still undisclosed. Cardiovascular hemodynamic changes are hypothesized to contribute to glaucoma. This study aimed to determine the differences in the diurnal blood pressure (BP) of patients with normal tension glaucoma (NTG), primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), and controls without glaucoma. METHODS: A total of 129 patients were included in this study. The day-night average systolic and diastolic BPs, the day-night average pulse pressures (PPs), the day-night average heart rates, and the percentage of BP decline at night were obtained from the Holter devices and compared. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, case-control study. RESULTS: This study included 43 NTG patients (Group 1), 44 POAG patients (Group 2), and 42 healthy subjects without glaucoma (Group 3). The age (p=0.138) and sex (p=0.216) distributions between the groups were similar. The average day-night PP values of Group 1 were 49.17±9.90 and 46.07±10.84 mm Hg, respectively, while their total average PP was 48.48±9.60, their total average systolic BP was 120.02±12.65, and their night average systolic BP was 111.93±15.87 mm Hg. In Group 2, the average day and night PP values were 54.83±10.35 and 51.73±9.10 mm Hg, respectively, their total average PP was 54.00±9.87, their total average systolic BP was 126.75±11.50, and their night average systolic BP was 119.21±12.38 mm Hg. These differences were statistically significant and the corresponding p values were 0.040, 0.040, 0.037, 0.033, and 0.038. CONCLUSION: NTG patients have low diurnal BP parameters, which may reduce their optic nerve perfusion and may be responsible for their glaucomatous visual field damage.

Foveal Avascular Zone in Normal Tension Glaucoma Measured by Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography.

AIM: To measure diameter of foveal avascular zone (FAZ), FAZ area, and vessel density using Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCT-A) in patients with normal tension glaucoma (NTG) and to establish the possible role of OCT-A in diagnosis and follow-up of patients with NTG. METHODS: Twenty-one eyes of 21 patients with NTG and 30 eyes of 30 healthy subjects underwent complete ophthalmic examination as well as OCT-A on ZEISS AngioPlex. 3 × 3 macula scans were used to measure vertical, horizontal, and maximum diameter of FAZ by two graders. Mean values and interobserver variability were analyzed. Image J was used for analysis of FAZ area and vessel density. RESULTS: Mean vertical diameter (t = 5.58, p < 0.001), horizontal diameter (t = 3.59, p < 0.001), maximum diameter (t = 5.94, p < 0.001), and FAZ area (t = 5.76, p < 0.001) were statistically significantly enlarged in the NTG group compared to those in the control group. Vessel density (t = -5.80, p < 0.001) was statistically significantly decreased in the NTG group compared to that in the control group. CONCLUSION: OCT-A could have an important role in the future in diagnosis of patients with NTG. In patients with NTG, there is larger FAZ area, while the vessel density is reduced in comparison to the control group.

Carotid Arterial Flow in Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma and its Role in Diagnosing the Disease.

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY: The objective of the study was to investigate the change in carotid arterial flow in pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (XFG) for determining its diagnostic value. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with XFG (N=30) and control subjects (N=22) were recruited. Common carotid artery (CCA) and internal carotid artery of each participant were examined using color Doppler and B-mode ultrasonography. Resistivity index (RI), as a flow parameter of interest, was measured and statistically compared between the 2 groups. Receiver operating characteristic was also produced to assess its diagnostic value. RESULTS: The measured RI values from the controls were within the expected range. Among CCA and internal carotid artery, only RI of CCA exhibited statistically significant changes in XFG (0.75±0.04 vs. 0.70±0.03 cm/s). Threshold value of RI=0.72 yielded 90% sensitivity and 73% specificity in distinguishing the cases of XFG from the controls. CONCLUSIONS: Flow dynamics of carotid arterial system exhibits different characteristics in individuals with XFG than controls. Such differences may serve as a basis for developing potentially new diagnostic biomarkers of XFG. Further studies are justified for examining the carotid flow in pseudoexfoliation syndrome and compare it against XFG for determining its power in differential diagnosis.

Ophthalmic artery blood flow parameters in pseudoexfoliation glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To investigate orbital flow parameters of ophthalmic artery (OA) in patients with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (XFG) by ultrasonography. METHODS: This case-control study included 38 patients with XFG and 32 healthy control subjects. Color Doppler imaging was performed to evaluate orbital flow parameters of OA. Receiver operating characteristic analyses were performed to define the best cutoff value. RESULTS: In the XFG group, decreased peak systolic velocity (p = 0.114), end diastolic velocity (p = 0.002), and increased resistivity index (RI) (p<0.001) at OA compared to healthy controls were observed. A cutoff value 0.72 for OA RI was found to have a sensitivity of 66% and specificity of 94%. CONCLUSIONS: The results support the findings of increased vascular resistance in OA XFG. High sensitivity and specificity obtained for OA RI may be useful in evaluation of future therapeutic vascular agents.

The effect of adjustable suture (Khaw) trabeculectomy on intraocular pressure: a retrospective case series.

The aim of the study is to investigate long-term intraocular pressure (IOP) outcome as well as complications associated with adjustable suture trabeculectomy in glaucoma patients who were uncontrolled under maximum medical therapy. In this retrospective case series, 35 eyes of 30 patients are included in the study. Adjustable suture trabeculectomy with 0.2 mg/cc mitomycin-C for 3 min was performed by the same surgeon. Subconjunctival 5-fluorouracil injection, transconjunctival suture adjustment, digital massage, and/or argon suturolysis were utilized postoperatively as needed. Complete success, qualified success, and failure were defined as IOP ≤ 18 mmHg without medication, IOP ≤ 18 mmHg with one or more medications, and IOP >18 mmHg with medication or need for additional glaucoma surgery, respectively. Of the 35 eyes, 13 had primary open angle, 18 had psuedoexfoliative, 1 had juvenile, 1 had pigmentary, 1 had uveitic, and 1 had chronic angle-closure glaucoma. Mean preoperative IOP of 30.1 ± 10.5 mmHg dropped to 10.8 ± 4.7 mmHg (p < 0.001) after a mean follow-up of 595 ± 435 days. Nine eyes had the desired IOP on first postoperative day where no transconjunctival suture adjustment was performed. Remaining 26 eyes required a mean of two adjustments (range 1-7) during the first postoperative 24 days in order to achieve a desirable IOP. Complete success, qualified success, and failure were observed in 28 (80 %), 5 (14 %), and 2 (6 %) eyes, respectively. There were no serious complications related to adjustable suture trabeculectomy. We believe adjustable suture trabeculectomy to be a safe and effective alternative to standard trabeculectomy where a desirable low IOP can be achieved.

Surgically Induced Corneal Astigmatism Following Intravitreal Ranibizumab Injection.

PURPOSE: To evaluate surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) after an intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) injection. METHODS: Fifty eight eyes of 58 patients who underwent IVR injection due to age-related macular degeneration (wet form) or macular edema were included in this study. Patients' pre- and postoperative detailed ophthalmologic examinations were done and topographic keratometric values (K1, K2) were noted. Pre- and postoperative measurements were compared. RESULTS: The mean preoperative astigmatism of 0.87 Diopters (D) was found to be 0.95 D, 0.75 D, 0.82 D and 0.78 D on the 1st day, 3rd day, 1st week and 1st month, respectively. After injection, absolute change in astigmatism was found to be 0.08 D, 0.12 D, 0.05 D and 0.09 D on the 1st day, 3rd day, 1st week and 1st month, respectively. The absolute change in astigmatism seemed to be insignificant in terms of refractive analysis, however; when we performed a vectorial analysis, which takes into account changes in the axis of astigmatism, the mean value of induced astigmatism were found to be 0.33±0.22 D, 0.32±0.29 D, 0.41±0.37 D, 0.46±0.32 D on the 1st day, 3rd day, 1st week and on 1st month, respectively. CONCLUSION: Intravitreal injection is a minimally invasive ophthalmologic procedure, however; it may still cause statistically significant induced astigmatism when evaluated from a vectorial point of view.

Long Term Results of Visual Field Progression Analysis in Open Angle Glaucoma Patients Under Treatment.

PURPOSE: To evaluate visual field progression with trend and event analysis in open angle glaucoma patients under treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen year follow-up results of 408 eyes of 217 glaucoma patients who were followed at Adnan Menderes University, Department of Ophthalmology between 1998 and 2013 were analyzed retrospectively. Visual field data were collected for Mean Deviation (MD), Visual Field Index (VFI), and event occurrence. RESULTS: There were 146 primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), 123 pseudoexfoliative glaucoma (XFG) and 139 normal tension glaucoma (NTG) eyes. MD showed significant change in all diagnostic groups (p<0.001). The difference of VFI between first and last examinations were significantly different in POAG (p<0.001), and XFG (p<0.003) but not in NTG. VFI progression rates were -0.3, -0.43, and -0.2 % loss/year in treated POAG, XFG, and NTG, respectively. The number of empty triangles were statistically different between POAG-NTG (p=0.001), and XFG-NTG (p=0.002) groups. The number of half-filled (p=0.002), and full-filled (p=0.010) triangles were significantly different between XFG-NTG groups. CONCLUSION: Functional long-term follow-up of glaucoma patients can be monitored with visual field indices. We herein report our fifteen year follow-up results in open angle glaucoma.

Central corneal thickness and corneal curvature in pseudoexfoliation syndrome with and without glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To determine the central corneal thickness (CCT) and corneal curvature (CC) in pseudoexfoliative (PE) eyes with and without glaucoma. METHODS: Charts of 551 consecutive patients undergoing preoperative examinations for cataract surgery between April 2006 and May 2009 in our clinic were reviewed retrospectively. Fourty-eight PE patients (48 eyes; 19 with glaucoma, 29 without glaucoma) and 48 age-matched and sex-matched control patients were enrolled in the study. The CCT, CC, intraocular pressure, and axial length were measured by ultrasonic pachymeter, autorefractokeratometer, Goldmann applanation tonometry, and ultrasound biometry, respectively. The independent samples t test and paired samples t test was used for the comparisons of the groups. RESULTS: Mean CCT was significantly thinner in all PE and nonglaucomatous PE (Pseudoexfoliation syndrome "PES") eyes than in control eyes (P=0.004 and P=0.005, respectively). There was no difference in CCT between PE glaucoma (PEG) and control eyes (P=0.089). There was no difference in mean keratometry (K) and axial length in the study and control groups. In 22 unilateral PE eyes, mean CCT and K readings were insignificant between the PE eyes and fellow non-PE eyes. CONCLUSIONS: CCT was significantly thinner in eyes with PES compared with control eyes; however, difference between the PEG and control eyes was insignificant. In addition, mean K readings were not different in study and control eyes. Thinner CCT in eyes with PES, both as it is an independent risk factor and as a result of artificially lower intraocular pressure readings, may be an illuminating cause for development and rapid progression of glaucoma in the patients with PES.

Successful treatment of early relapse of ocular myeloma with bortezomib and steroid after autologous stem cell transplantation.

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) can prolong remission duration, overall and progression free-survival in multiple myeloma (MM). Ocular relapse is rare in MM. Here we present a patient with only ocular relaps and without evidence of bone marrow progression after ASCT. Ig A kappa myeloma, stage IIIA was diagnosed in a 53-year-old man, according to Kyle-Greipp and Durie Salmon. He was treated with three courses of VAD therapy. Then he received high dose melphalan (200 mg/m2), followed by the ASCT. After two months from ASCT, he had bilateral blurry vision, pain, redness in both eyes and diplopia. We detected 5 mm of right-sided proptosis by Hertel exophthalmometry (base 110, 20 mm right eye, 15 mm left eye). Ocular motility of oculus dexter (OD) was restricted in up and lateral gaze. He has diplopia in up gaze. His color vision was 7 of 12 in the right eye and 10 of 12 in the left eye with Ishihara plates. Best corrected visual acuity was 6/10 in the right eye and 7/10 in the left eye. Intraocular pressures were 19 mmHg for OD and 18 mmHg for oculus sinister (OS). Slit lamp biomicroscopy revealed subconjunctival hemorrhages superiorly and temporally in the right eye and bilateral conjunctival hyperemia with chemosis. Fundus examinations of both eyes were unremarkable. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of orbita revealed a right intraorbital extraconal soft tissue density mass that involved the lacrimal gland and lateral rectus muscle. Prednisolon 1mg/kg/day and bortezomib 1.3 mg/m2 were started (1, 4, 8, 11 days). Eye findings were recovered after one month. Ocular relapse should be considered if there are ocular findings after ASCT for MM. Bortezomib and steroid may be useful for ocular extramedullary relapse of MM (Fig. 2, Ref. 8).

Excessive granulation tissue at the harvest site following pterygium surgery with conjunctival autograft: a clinicopathological case report.

A 31-year-old woman had an uneventful primary pterygium surgery with a conjunctival autograft. Four days following the surgery a red-violet-coloured lesion appeared at the bare autograft harvest site that was excised at postoperative 1 month leaving the autograft site bare again. The lesion recurred in a week. The excision was repeated but this time the sclera was closed by end-to-end suturation of conjunctiva. The lesion did not recur during the 3 months of follow up. Pathological examination revealed the lesion to be composed of granulation tissue composed of an overlying stratified epithelium and underlying marked vascularization, fibroblasts and lymphomonocyte cells. Excessive granulation tissue may form when there is a deviation in wound healing. Removal of the excessive granulation and restoration of the continuity of the surrounding epithelium should be curative.

Orbital blood flow parameters in unilateral pseudoexfoliation syndrome.

PURPOSE: The evaluation of orbital blood flow parameters in patients with unilateral pseudoexfoliation syndrome (XFS) and in age-sex-matched control subjects using color Doppler imaging. METHODS: This prospective, comparative case series included 33 unilateral XFS patients and 33 age-sex-matched control subjects. Color Doppler imaging was used to evaluate the XFS-affected (Group 1) and -unaffected (Group 2) eyes that were matched with the corresponding side (Groups 3 and 4) of control subjects. All subjects were given a complete ophthalmological examination. A masked radiologist obtained the peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end diastolic velocity (EDV) of ophthalmic (OA), central retinal (CRA), nasal posterior ciliary (NPCA) and temporal posterior ciliary arteries (TPCA) as well as mean velocity of central retinal vein (CRV). Resistivity indices (RI) were calculated. RESULTS: Analysis of peak systolic and end diastolic velocity (PSV, EDV) and RI between Groups 1-2 and 3-4 did not show any significant difference. Comparing Groups 1-3 (corresponding eyes of pseudoexfoliation-affected and control subjects) and Groups 2-4 (corresponding eyes of pseudoexfoliation-unaffected and control subjects) revealed significantly low values for OA, PSV and EDV in both eyes of the XFS patients. The OA RI value in Group 1 was found to be significantly higher than that in Group 3 with the cut-off value of 0.72. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that ophthalmic artery hemodynamic parameters change in both eyes of unilateral XFS patients, illustrating out the systemic nature of the disease. We conclude that XFS decreases OA blood flow velocities and increases vascular resistance through progressive build-up.

[Case report: Acanthamoeba keratitis]. / Olgu sunumu: Acanthamoeba keratiti.

Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) is an opportunistic protozoan infection caused by the pathogenic Acanthamoeba and associated with soft contact lens wear. If untreated, it can cause serious visual disability. A 23 year-old female wearing soft contact lenses applied to the Department of Ophthalmology of the Aydin Adnan Menderes University School of Medicine, with symptoms of redness, pain and blurred vision of both eyes. She was given a diagnosis of AK on clinical and laboratory grounds. The agent isolated was found to be T4 genotype "Acanthamoeba castellani". The patient regained visual ability following treatment. Although contact lens wear is the major risk factor for Acanthamoeba keratitis, the disease is usually seen unilaterally whereas in our case a bilateral involvement was observed. Great care should be practiced during contact lens use and there should be strict adherence to hygienic conditions if infections affecting the eye are to be avoided.

Medical control of intraocular pressure with brinzolamide 1% after phacoemulsification.

BACKGROUND: To compare the effectiveness of only 1 drop of topical brinzolamide 1% with dosing every 12 hours and with no ocular hypotensive medication following clear corneal phacoemulsification surgery. METHODS: This prospective, randomized, double-blind study was composed of 60 eyes of 60 patients who underwent uneventful clear corneal phacoemulsification surgery under topical anesthesia. There were no intraoperative complications. Eyes were randomized to receive only 1 drop of topical brinzolamide 1% immediately after surgery, 1 drop of brinzolamide 1% every 12 (q12h) hours starting immediately after speculum removal, or no ocular hypotensive medication (control group). Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured preoperatively and at 4 to 6 hours and 18 to 24 hours postoperatively by a Perkins tonometer. RESULTS: Preoperative IOP was not significantly different among the 3 groups. IOPs of both the brinzolamide 1 drop group (p = 0.000) and the brinzolamide q12h group (p = 0.001) were significantly lower than those of the control group at 4 to 6 hours postoperatively. The same result was observed at 18 to 24 hours postoperatively in the brinzolamide q12h group (p = 0.001) but not the brinzolamide 1 drop group (p = 0.489). The brinzolamide q12h group had significantly lower IOP compared with the brinzolamide 1 drop group (p = 0.000) at 18 to 24 hours postoperatively. None of the eyes in the medication groups, but 1 eye (5%) in the control group, had postoperative IOP elevation > or =30 mm Hg at 4 to 6 hours; such an elevation was not encountered at postoperative 18 to 24 hours. Preoperative to postoperative IOP increase of >5 mm Hg at 4 to 6 hours postoperatively was seen in 4 (20%), 4 (20%), and 14 (70%) eyes in the brinzolamide 1 drop group, the brinzolamide q12h group, and the control group, respectively. INTERPRETATION: The current study reveals that 1 drop of brinzolamide 1% is sufficient to control IOP within the first 4 to 6 hours following uneventful phacoemulsification, whereas 12-hour dosing is necessary for prolonged control of IOP.

Prevention of suture exposure in transscleral intraocular lens fixation: an original technique.

BACKGROUND: In this retrospective study, we evaluated our surgical outcomes of transscleral intraocular lens (IOL) fixation and introduced a simple, quick, and effective method to fixate and bury the sutures in the sclera to avoid suture exposure. METHODS: Eyes were divided into 3 groups according to surgical technique. Half-thickness scleral flaps were prepared, and polypropylene suture ends were cut short in group 1 (12 eyes). Suture ends were left long without flaps in group 2 (47 eyes) and were buried into the scleral tunnel in group 3 (21 eyes). RESULTS: The suture exposure rate was significantly lower in group 3 (0%) compared with group 2 (p = 0.006) and group 1 (p = 0.040). There was no significant difference in group 1 (25%) compared with group 2 (27.6%) (p = 1.000). INTERPRETATION: Burying the suture ends into the scleral tunnel is a simple, safe, and effective technique for avoiding suture exposure in scleral-fixated IOL implantation.

The one-eye trial and fellow eye response to prostaglandin analogues.

BACKGROUND: To determine if the intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction in one-eye trial correlates with the IOP reduction in the fellow eye when IOP variability during office hours is taken into account. METHODS: This retrospective observational case series includes 50 high tension (primary open-angle glaucoma, exfoliative glaucoma and ocular hypertension; Group 1) and 21 normal tension (Group 2) glaucoma patients. Charts of bilateral open-angle glaucoma patients at Glaucoma Unit, School of Medicine, Adnan Menderes University who had pretreatment baseline office IOP measurements at 9:30, 11:30 and 15:30; were put on a one-eye trial with prostaglandin analogues, and then subsequently received the same medication in the fellow eye were reviewed. Pretreatment baseline office IOP measurements and reductions in the first and second eyes were compared to determine variability and correlation, respectively. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant variability in pretreatment baseline office IOP measurements. Peak IOP level was before noon in at least 70% of eyes in Group 1, 50% in Group 2. IOP dropped a mean of 8.8 +/- 4.8 mmHg (34%, P = < 0.0001) in Group 1 and 4.9 +/- 2.4 mmHg (30%, P = < 0.0001) in Group 2 during the one-eye trial. Following bilateral use of the medication a mean drop of 7.5 +/- 4.0 mmHg (31%, P = < 0.0001) in Group 1 and 2.9 +/- 1.9 mmHg (18%, P = < 0.0001) in Group 2 were obtained. The IOP reduction between fellow-eye pairs were significantly correlated in Group 1 (r = 0.541, P = < 0.0001) but not Group 2 (r =-0.310, P = 0.171). CONCLUSIONS: One-eye trial is a feasible method to determine the effectiveness of prostaglandin analogues and to predict the amount of IOP reduction in the fellow eye in patients with high tension glaucoma.