Comparison of the Effects of Phacoemulsification and Dexamethasone Implantation in the Same Session with Other Phakic Conditions.

Objectives: The objective of the study is to evaluate anatomical and functional results such as best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients who received intravitreal dexamethasone (DEX) implant for diabetic macular edema (DME), and to compare the efficacy according to patients' lens status and concurrent phacoemulsification surgery. Methods: A total of 70 eyes of 55 patients with DME who received intravitreal DEX implantation were included in this retrospective study. Patients who received intravitreal DEX implantation were divided into three groups phaco-DEX (group 1), pseudophakic (group 2), and phakic (group 3). The BCVA, CMT, and IOP changes were compared between the three groups. Results: One month after the intravitreal DEX implant, BCVA improved in all three groups. (p=0.001, p=0.01, and p=0.009, respectively). There was a decrease in CMT at the end of 1st and 4th months in all three groups compared to the preoperative measurements (p=0.005, p<0.001, p<0.001 respectively). While IOP was increased in group 2 and group 3, no IOP increase was observed in group 1. (p=0.41, p=0.01, and p=0.01, respectively). Conclusion: Combining intravitreal DEX implantation with phacoemulsification surgery seems to be an effective and reliable method in patients with DME accompanied by cataract. The IOP elevation in follow-up visits of phakic and pseudophakic patients after intravitreal DEX implantation was not observed in the Phaco-DEX group.

The Effect of Fluorosecein on Corneal Endothelial Structure and Morphology in Diabetic Retinopathy Patients undergone Fundus Fluoresecein Angiography.

Objectives: To evaluate fluorescein effect on the corneal endothelium by endothelial specular microscopy in diabetic retinopathy patients undergone fundus fluoresecein anjiography (FFA). Methods: One hundred thirthy four diabetic retinopathy patients undergone FFA aged between 42 and 74 years were included study. We checked the corneal endothelial cell density (ECD), coefficient of variation of cell area (CV/polymegethism) and percentage of hexagonal cells (6A/pleomorphysm) before FFA and 1 hour, 1 day, 1 week after the procedure. Results: The mean baseline ECD was 2223±216 cells/mm2. The mean ECD before and 1 hour (2234±224 cells/mm2), 1 day (2237±231 cells/mm2), 1 week (2226±219 cells/mm2) after the procedure weren't significantly different (p=0.243; repeated measure ANOVA). The mean of the coefficient variations of the endothelial cell size before and 1 hour,1 day, 1 week after the procedure were 0.327±0.07, 0.319±0.06, 0.322±0.06, 0.325±0.07 respectively (p=0.281; repeated measure ANOVA). The mean of the baseline percent of hexagonal cells (pleomorphism) in the endothelium was 61.7±5.2, and the postoperative 1 hour, 1 day, 1 week percent were 62.3±5.7, 61.9±6.1, 61.3±5.9, respectively (p= 0.317; repeated measure ANOVA). Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrated that fluorescein has no toxic effect on corneal endothelium.

Retinal vascular caliber in patients with newly diagnosed iron deficiency anemia.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the retinal vascular caliber using fundus photography in patients with newly diagnosed iron deficiency anemia (IDA). METHODS: This study included 56 eyes of 28 female patients with IDA and the 56 eyes of 28 age- and sex-matched healthy participants. Retinal vascular calibers were measured using image analysis software from fundus photographs. The central retinal artery equivalent (CRAE), central retinal vein equivalent (CRVE) and arteriole-to-venule ratio (AVR) were compared between groups. Linear regression analysis was used to quantify the relative impact of hemoglobin level on CRAE, CRVE, and AVR. RESULTS: The CRAE was significantly narrower in patients with IDA. However, no such difference appeared between groups in CRVE. AVR was significantly lower among patients with IDA than in the control group. Linear regression analysis revealed that in patients with IDA, hemoglobin level was associated with CRAE and CRVE but not with AVR. Among non-anemic individuals, there was also no association between hemoglobin level and CRAE, CRVE, or AVR. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showing that the CRAE is significantly narrower in patients with IDA than in healthy non-anemic individuals suggests that vascular caliber may reflect early microvascular alterations resulting from IDA. Added to that, hemoglobin level was associated with CRAE and CRVE in our linear regression analysis of patients with IDA. Certain changes in retinal vascular caliber are also clearly associated with high blood pressure, cardiovascular risk, and mortality. It may be critical to identify all alterations in retinal vascular caliber in order to prevent potential ocular and systemic disorders in patients with IDA.

Lamellar corneal patch grafts in the management of corneal thinning and perforations without using extra corneas.

OBJECTIVES: To report the tectonic role of circular and square-shaped lamellar grafts without using extra corneas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 23 lamellar patch grafts performed over a six-year period for various tectonic indications in corneal thinning and perforations. The anterior stroma of corneal endothelium peeled for Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty were used to prepare circular lamellar corneal grafts. After punch trepanation of donor corneas for penetrating keratoplasty, the remaining rim of the cornea was used to prepare square-shaped grafts. RESULTS: Circular lamellar grafts were used in 13 eyes that had paracentral or central corneal thinning or perforations. Square-shaped grafts were used in 10 eyes, nine of which had peripheral corneal thinning or perforations, and one, limbal. Anatomical success after tectonic grafts was achieved in 22 of 23 eyes (95.6%) at a mean follow-up of 9.83 ± 6.27 months. The mean of the best-corrected visual acuity improved from logMAR 2.29 ± 0.23 preoperatively to logMAR 1.35 ± 0.2 postoperatively, at the final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The main disadvantage of patch grafts is the shortage in corneal supply due to insufficient cornea donation in developing countries like Turkey. By evaluating unused corneal rims, extra corneas will not be required.

Effects of Dexamethasone Implant on Multifocal Electroretinography in Central Retinal Vein Occlusion.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of Ozurdex (dexamethasone intravitreal implant) on multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) findings during the treatment of macular edema secondary to the central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). METHODS: Fifteen eyes of 15 patients who were treated with Ozurdex implant due to CRVO-related macular edema were included in this study. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), and mfERG evaluations were performed for all patients before injection of Ozurdex. After the injection, BCVA and CMT were measured at months 3 and 6 and mfERG test was performed at month 6 for all patients. RESULTS: Pre-implantation mfERG P wave amplitude values of r1, r2, r3, r4 and r5 were 57.8 ± 14.8, 25.1 ± 10.6, 17.2 ± 7.3, 12.0 ± 5.0 and 7.1 ± 3.6 nV/deg2, respectively. They increased to 72.9 ± 33.2, 31.2 ± 9.3, 22.6 ± 7.6, 15.6 ± 7.1 and 10.9 ± 5.7 nV/deg2, respectively, at month 6. However, these increases were not statistically significant (all P > 0.05). Pre-implantation mfERG r1, r2, r3, r4 and r5 P wave implicit times were 40.1 ± 10.9, 39.4 ± 3, 38.4 ± 3.4, 38.2 ± 3.1 and 39.3 ± 2.2 ms, respectively and these values were measured as 38.9 ± 8.2, 38.4 ± 4.7, 37 ± 3.8, 37.5 ± 4.6 and 37.7 ± 4.7 ms at 6 months. Although there were reductions in P wave implicit times in all rings, they were not statistically significant (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: In this prospective study, we found that the Ozurdex implant had no effect on mfERG findings 6 months after insertion for treatment of CRVO-related macular edema.

Characteristics of pediatric and adult cases with open globe injury and factors affecting visual outcomes: A retrospective analysis of 294 cases from Turkey.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate 1-year follow-up results of cases that were diagnosed with open globe injury (OGI), to compare trauma-related characteristics between pediatric and adult cases, and to determine risk factors for a poor final visual acuity. METHODS: This study enrolled 294 cases that met the OGI definition and were followed up for at least 1 year. Demographic and clinical features regarding ocular trauma were recorded. The cases were divided into two groups according to age: pediatric (≤16 years) and adult (>16 years) groups. RESULTS: Children were exposed to accidents that led to OGI mostly at home, whereas adults were exposed to such accidents mostly in the office. Penetrating injuries were more common in children than in adults, and injuries most commonly occurred owing to spiky objects. Zone I injuries were most frequent in both children and adults. The frequency of high-grade injuries increased with age. Foreign body injuries and multiple surgeries were more common in adults than in children. There was no difference between the two age groups based on ocular trauma score (OTS) and visual acuity. OTS predicted the need for multiple surgeries. In the adult group, age, multiple surgeries, and initial visual acuity were significant risk factors for the final visual acuity that was achieved. CONCLUSION: OGI causes and risk factors for poor final visual outcomes differ in adults and children. The knowledge of these differences is crucial for taking adequate preventive measures and decreasing morbidity.

Refractive and Corneal Aberrometric Changes After Crescentic Lamellar Wedge Resection in Pellucid Marginal Degeneration.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of crescentic corneal lamellar wedge resection for the treatment of pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD) in improving refractive, visual, and corneal aberrometry. METHODS: The study included 10 eyes of 10 patients who had undergone corneal lamellar wedge resection for PMD. Pellucid marginal degeneration was diagnosed based on the clinical signs and corneal topography. The corneal aberrometry was evaluated with Sirius corneal topography. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 14.1 months (range, 9-24 months). Uncorrected visual acuity was improved in nine eyes and remained unchanged in 1 case, whereas best-corrected visual acuity was improved in all eyes postoperatively. By vector analysis, the overall mean astigmatic drift at the last visit was calculated to be 13.0±6.3 diopters (D). At last visit, significant reductions were found for all aberrometric measurements. However, the differences were not significant for the measurements of trefoil (P=0.189). CONCLUSIONS: Corneal lamellar wedge resection is a favorable surgical option for management of PMD, allowing for improved visual acuity, keratometric cylinder, and corneal aberrations.

Evaluation of Peripapillary Nerve Fiber Layer after Dexamethasone Implantation (Ozurdex) in Branch Retinal Vein Occlusions.

Purpose. To evaluate the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thicknesses of patients treated with intravitreal Ozurdex implant due to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) related macular edema (ME). Methods. Thirty-three eyes of 33 patients treated with Ozurdex implant due to ME associated with BRVO were included in the study. Ophthalmic examinations including determination of best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP), and central macular thickness (CMT) and peripapillary RNFL assessment with optical coherence tomography (OCT) were performed before the injection of Ozurdex implant and during the 6-month follow-up period after the injection. Results. The mean age was 55.2 ± 7.4 (range: 40-68) years. The BCVAs were significantly increased and CMTs were significantly decreased at month 3 and month 6 visits compared to baseline values. The mean IOP was significantly increased from baseline at day 1, week 1, and month 1 visits (p1 = 0.008, p2 = 0.018, and p3 = 0.022, resp.). The average and inferior quadrant peripapillary RNFL thicknesses were significantly reduced at month 6 control visit compared to baseline values (both p < 0.001). Conclusions. Ozurdex implant improved the BCVA and reduced the CMT in the eyes with RVO related ME. However, IOP elevations occurred within the first month after the injection and the average and inferior quadrant RNFL thinning was found six months after the injection. Further controlled studies are warranted.

Use of an Intravitreal Dexamethasone Implant (Ozurdex) in a Case with Accidental Foveal Photocoagulation by Alexandrite Laser.

Alexandrite laser is one of the most common methods of hair removal. Its utilization is gradually increasing due to easy accessibility and high effectiveness. However, the disuse of protective goggles during the application of this laser is a serious problem. In this case report, we presented a 35-year-old male patient who had foveal injury by alexandrite laser. The inflammatory process secondary to the foveal injury and subsequent macular edema were treated with Ozurdex because of its potent antiedematous effect.