Comparison of three different intraocular lens implantation techniques in the absence of capsular support: sutured scleral, haptic flanged intrascleral, and four flanged intrascleral fixations.

INTRODUCTION: After lens extraction, if the capsular bag insufficiency occurs, there are different IOL implantation techniques. IOL implantation in the posterior chamber is safer in eyes with low endothelial cell count, peripheral anterior synechiae, shallow anterior chamber, and glaucoma. Alternative approaches for scleral fixation techniques, both with and without sutures, continue to undergo development. In this study, we aimed to compare the postoperative outcomes of the sutured scleral fixation (SSF), haptic flanged intrascleral fixation (HFISF) and four flanged intrascleral fixation (FFISF) IOL implantation techniques in eyes with the absence of capsular support. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A hundred and thirty-seven aphakic eyes with the absence of capsular support were included in the study. The patients were divided into three groups: group 1-SSF, group 2-HFISF (Yamane technique), and group 3-FFISF. Surgical time in minutes, preoperative and postoperative parameters such as best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), corneal astigmatism, lenticular astigmatism, intraocular pressure (IOP), specular microscopy, central macular thickness (CMT) were recorded. Pseudophacodonesis was assessed at 6 months postoperatively using a slit lamp, and early and late complications were recorded. RESULTS: Of the 137 eyes, 69 eyes were included in the SSF group, 41 eyes in the HFISF group, and 27 eyes in the FFISF group. No statistically significant differences were observed among the three groups in terms of age, gender, preoperative mean BCVA, corneal astigmatism, IOP, endothelial cell density, and CMT. It was observed that the mean BCVA significantly improved compared to the preoperative visual acuity in all three groups. Postoperative lenticular astigmatism, pseudophacodonesis score, percentage of the endothelial cell loss were found to be higher in FFISF groups. The surgical time was found to be shorter in the HFISF group. IOL decentration was observed in 1.44% of the SSF group and 7.40% of the FFISF group. Cystoid macular edema was observed in 5.79% of the SSF group, 4.87% of the HFISF group, and 7.40% of the FFISF group. Retinal detachment was observed in 1.44% of the SSF group and 7.31% of the HFISF group. CONCLUSIONS: The optimal technique for treating aphakia without capsular support remains uncertain. Surgeons are tasked with a complex decision, aiming for both excellent vision and minimal risk. This decision is based on their expertise, the distinctive ocular condition of the patient, and the availability of essential operating room equipment. In this study, the following findings were observed: in the HFISF technique, the average surgical time was found to be shorter, the SSF technique demonstrated greater stability in terms of astigmatism and pseudophacodonesis and the FFISF technique was recognized for its relatively straightforward application method. It is important to note that the three IOL implantation techniques yielded comparable outcomes in terms of postoperative BCVA, as well as early and late complications.

The assessment of changes in macular thickness in diabetic and non-diabetic patients: the effect of topical ketorolac on macular thickness change after ND:YAG laser capsulotomy.

PURPOSE: The purpose of our study is to assess the changes in macular thickness (MT) in diabetic and non-diabetic patients and to research effects of topical ketorolac (Acular®, Allergan, Irvine, CA) on MT change after neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study involved 88 eyes of 88 patients diagnosed as posterior capsule opacification (PCO). Patients were divided into four groups according to presence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and drugs used after capsulotomy. Group 1: Patients with DM using only 0.1% Fluorometholon (FML®, Allergan, Irvine, CA) after capsulotomy (22 patients). Group 2: Patients with DM using 0.5% ketorolac (Acular®) and 0.1 Fluorometholon (FML®, Allergan, Irvine, CA) after capsulotomy (20 patients). Group 3: Patients without DM using only 0.1% Fluorometholon (FML®, Allergan, Irvine, CA) (22 patients). Group 4: Patients without DM using 0.5% ketorolac (Acular®) and 0.1% Fluorometholon (FML®, Allergan, Irvine, CA) (24 patients). A plus-shaped capsulotomy was performed using VISULAS® YAGIII (Carl Zeiss) laser microscope. MT measurement with Cirrus SD-OCT (Carl Zeiss Opthalmic System Inc., Model 400, Dublin, CA, Software 5) were done. Measurements were done before laser, and on the first day, first week, first month, third month and sixth month after laser capsulotomy. We compared the four groups for MT change during 6 months. RESULTS: Group 1 involving patients with DM using only 0.1% Fluorometholon (FML®, Allergan, Irvine, CA) after capsulotomy had increased MT at the first week, and the first, third, and sixth month after laser (p < 0.001). Group 3 involving patients without DM using only 0.1% Fluorometholon (FML®, Allergan, Irvine, CA) had increased MT at the first week, and at the first and third month, there was no statistically significant difference at the sixth month (p > 0.05). There was no statistically significant increase in MT during the follow-up period in group 2 involving patients with DM using 0.5% ketorolac (Acular®) and 0.1 Fluorometholon (FML®, Allergan, Irvine, CA) after capsulotomy and group 4 involving patients without DM using 0.5% ketorolac (Acular®) and 0.1% Fluorometholon (FML®, Allergan, Irvine, CA) (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: An increase in MT can be observed after Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy, especially in diabetic patients. Adding topical ketorolac (Acular®, Allergan, Irvine, CA) to topical Fluorometholon (FML®, Allergan, Irvine, CA) therapy after YAG laser capsulotomy can prevent this increase.

The assessment of anterior and posterior ocular structures in hyperopic anisometropic amblyopia.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship or differences in ocular structures of amblyopic eyes compared to fellow eyes in children and young adults with hyperopic anisometropic amblyopia. MATERIAL/METHODS: Hyperopic participants with anisometropic amblyopia, defined as the presence of best-corrected visual acuity differences of at least 2 Snellen lines and 1.5 diopters between amblyopic and fellow eyes, were studied. Using the IOL Master, Pentacam Scheimpflug imaging and Spectralis optical coherence tomography, the axial length, corneal curvature, and anterior chamber depth (ACD), as well as the thickness of the cornea, peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), and macula, were compared between children and young adults and between their amblyopic and fellow eyes. RESULTS: In 53 participants with hyperopic anisometropic amblyopia, there were significant differences in the anterior corneal curvature, ACD and axial length between the amblyopic and fellow eyes of all the patients. The mean central macular thickness in the amblyopic eyes was significantly thicker (P=.001) in the group aged 5 to 12 years; however, this was not the case in the group aged 13 to 42 years. There was no significant difference in average RNFL thickness in either group. CONCLUSIONS: We found significantly greater mean central macular thickness in anisometropic amblyopic eyes among participants aged 5 to 12 years, but not among those who were older. Similarly, the interocular differences in axial length parameters seemed to be related to the central macular thickness differences between the amblyopic and fellow eyes in the younger group.

Pupil occlusion due to a large dislocated Soemmering ring in an aphakic eye.

We report an 84-year-old female patient who presented to our clinic with a complaint of low vision in her right eye. She described an occasional foreign body-like object around the pupil area. She had a history of extracapsular cataract surgery without an intraocular lens implantation 20 years ago. The patient underwent surgery to remove the foreign body-like object after conducting necessary investigations before surgery. The histopathological features of the specimen were consistent with a Soemmering ring. However, a Soemmering ring does not usually reduce vision unless it is dislocated, as in this case. We report this unusual case to show that ophthalmologists can encounter unexpected cases that present with complications as a result of previous cataract surgery after a lengthy period of time.

Genotype-phenotype correlations in ocular manifestations of Marinesco-Sjögren syndrome: Case report and literature review.

PURPOSE: This study aims to present a family with two children with MSS who presented with different ophthalmic features. We also aim to review MSS patients' ocular manifestations to provide a basis for future clinical trials and improve MSS patients' ophthalmologic care. CASE DESCRIPTION: Both patients presented with global developmental delay, microcephaly, cerebellar ataxia, and myopathy. The older sibling had developed bilateral cataracts at the age of six. Her 2 years younger sister interestingly showed bilateral hyperopic refractive error without cataracts yet. Mendeliome sequencing unraveled a novel homozygous frameshift mutation in the SIL1 gene (SIL1, NM_022464.5, c.1042dupG, p.E348Gfs*4), causing MSS. A systematic literature review revealed that cataracts appear in 96% of MSS cases with a mean onset at 3.2 years. Additional frequent ocular features were strabismus (51.6%) and nystagmus (45.2%). CONCLUSION: SIL1-related MSS is associated with marked clinical variability. Cataracts can develop later than neuromuscular features and cognitive signs. Since cataract is a relatively late finding, patients may refer to ophthalmologists for other reasons such as refractive errors, strabismus, or nystagmus. Molecular genetic testing for SIL1 is essential to facilitate early diagnosis in patients with suspected MSS.

Relationship between erythrocyte sedimentation rate and choroidal and retinal thickness in Behçet's disease.

PURPOSE: To compare retinal and choroidal thickness in patients with Behçet's disease with and without ocular involvement as well as to evaluate the correlation between erythrocyte sedimentation rate and choroidal thickness among patients with Behçet's disease. METHODS: This was a prospective interventional study investigating erythrocyte sedimentation as well as choroidal and retinal thickness among patients with Behçet's disease. Patients who were diagnosed based on The International Criteria for Behçet's Disease with (Group A) or without (Group B) ocular involvement and a matched control group (Group C) participated in the study. Optical coherence tomography measurements and blood tests were performed on the same day. Retinal and choroidal thickness were measured using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (Spectralis, Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany), and central macular thickness, central subfoveal choroidal thickness, and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness were measured using optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: Average erythrocyte sedimenta-tion values were 9.89 mm/h in Group A, 16.21 mm/h in Group B, and 3.89 mm/h in Group C; average central subfoveal choroidal thickness values were 350.66, 331.74, and 325.95 mm, respectively. Average central macular thickness and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness values of patients in Groups A, B and C were 226.39 and 225.97mm; 234.11 and 92.00 mm; and 97.58 and 99.84 mm, respectively. No significant difference was seen between Group A and B patients in central subfoveal choroidal thickness, central macular thickness, or retinal nerve fiber layer thickness values. Central macular thickness was statistically significantly thinner in Groups A and B than in Group C (p=0.016). Group A had thinning in the nasal quadrant of the retinal and general retinal nerve fiber layers when compared with those in Group C (p=0.010 and 0.041, respectively). A connection could not be established between the erythrocyte sedimentation, central subfoveal cho-roidal thickness, central macular thickness, and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in the patients with Behçet's disease. CONCLUSION: The erythrocyte sedimentation rate is typically used to test for activation of Behçet's disease and assess treatment response. In our study, we could not establish a connection between the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and central subfoveal choroidal thickness, central macular thickness, and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness in patients with systematically active Behçet's disease without ocular involvement.

Accelerated corneal crosslinking for treatment of progressive keratoconus in pediatric patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of accelerated corneal crosslinking (CXL) in patients with progressive keratoconus aged 18 years or less. METHODS: A total of 28 eyes from 19 patients with progressive keratoconus aged 18 years or less were enrolled. We divided participants into 2 groups according to corneal thickness (CT). Group 1 included 13 eyes of 8 patients with CT ≥450 µm; group 2 included 15 eyes of 11 patients with CT <450 µm. Each participant underwent accelerated CXL using 10-minute ultraviolet A irradiance at 9 mW/cm2 for a total energy dose of 5.4 J/cm2. The efficacy and safety of the procedure were assessed postoperatively at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months with Pentacam and visual acuity. RESULTS: In uncorrected visual acuity, group 1 showed a statistically significant +0.12 logMAR improvement at 3 months postoperatively (p = 0.003), and in group 2, there was a statistically significant +0.3 logMAR improvement at 1 month postoperatively (p = 0.005). In best-corrected visual acuity, there was a +0.15 logMAR (p<0.001) and +0.22 logMAR (p = 0.005) improvement in group 1 and group 2, respectively, at 12 months postoperatively. All mean keratometric values including K1 and K2 dropped by at least 1 D or remained stable (< ± 1 D) in both groups after accelerated CXL treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The findings showed that accelerated CXL treatment seems to be effective in slowing or halting the progression of keratoconus and that no permanent apparent complications are noted 6 months after accelerated CXL.

Evaluation of posterior ocular changes using enhanced depth imaging-optical coherence tomography in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

PURPOSE: Evaluation of the nerve fiber thicknesses of the macula, choroid, and retina using the apnea-hypopnea index in individuals with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) without systemic components. METHODS: Prospective, controlled study. The central macular, choroidal, and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thicknesses were evaluated using enhanced depth imaging-spectral domain optical coherence tomography in individuals with OSAS. In people with severe OSAS who had received treatment, posterior ocular structures were examined over 3 months (4th and 12th weeks), and changes were evaluated. Only the right eyes of the participants were evaluated in the study. RESULTS: A total of 72 people were involved in the study, with 18 in the control group and 19 with mild, 16 with moderate, and 19 with severe OSAS. No significant difference was found among the groups in terms of demographic measures. No significant differences were found among the groups in terms of the measures of central macular, central subfoveal choroidal (CSCT), temporal choroidal, nasal choroidal, and RNFL thicknesses. In severe OSAS cases in which treatment was administered, although subjective clinical recovery was observed, statistically significant thinning was detected during the 3-month follow-up period in the CSCT, general RNFL, as well as in the inferior and superior nasal quadrants, and temporal superior quadrant (p=0.005, p=0.009, p=0.039, p=0.003, and p=0.02, respectively). CONCLUSION: In the group with severe OSAS, thinning in some posterior ocular tissues was observed. Although patients with severe OSAS may experience clinical recovery, we recommend that they would be followed up in terms of ocular ischemic injury.

The Investigation of HCV RNA in Tear Fluid and Aqueous Humor in Patients with Anti-HCV Antibody Positive Who Underwent Cataract Surgery.

PURPOSE: To obtain aqueous humor and tear fluid samples during cataract surgery of the hepatitis C virus (HCV)-antibody-positive patients in order to analyze them for HCV RNA and compare these measurements with serum HCV RNA levels. METHODS: Twenty-nine anti-HCV-positive patients were included this study. HCV RNA viral load levels were determined by commercial real-time polymerase chain reaction system. Antibodies to HCV were screened with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using anti-HCV test kit. RESULTS: Log10 HCV RNA levels were found to be 6.00 ± 1.06 IU/mL in serum, 2.76 ± 0.36 IU/mL in the aqueous humor, and 1.91 ± 0.93 IU/mL in tear fluid. No correlation was detected between samples for HCV RNA positivity (p = .390, κ = .102). We have observed that, viral RNA was detected in the aqueous humor, while not in serum in one case, whereas viral RNA was detected in tear fluid but not in serum in another case. CONCLUSIONS: Although viral load detected in aqueous humor and tear fluid samples was considerably lower compared to the serum samples, it can still be important in terms of infectivity.

An Evaluation of Effects of Different Mydriatics on Choroidal Thickness by Examining Anterior Chamber Parameters: The Scheimpflug Imaging and Enhanced Depth Imaging-OCT Study.

Aim. To assess the effects of mydriatics commonly used in clinical practice on choroidal thickness and anterior chamber change. Methods. This was a prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blinded study including a single eye of the participants. The subjects were assigned into 4 groups to receive tropicamide 1%, phenylephrine 2.5%, cyclopentolate 1%, and artificial tears. At the baseline, anterior chamber parameters were assessed using a Pentacam Scheimpflug camera system, and choroidal thickness (CT) was measured using a spectral-domain OCT with Enhanced Depth Imaging (EDI) modality. All measurements were repeated again after drug administration. Results. Increases in pupil diameter, volume, and depth of anterior chamber were found to be significant (p = 0.000, p = 0.000, and p = 0.000, resp.), while decreases in the choroidal thickness were found to be significant in subjects receiving mydriatics (p < 0.05). Conclusions. The study has shown that while cyclopentolate, tropicamide, and phenylephrine cause a decrease in choroidal thickness, they also lead to an increase in the volume and depth of anterior chamber. However, no correlation was detected between anterior chamber parameters and choroidal changes after drug administration. These findings suggest that the mydriatics may affect the choroidal thickness regardless of anterior chamber parameters. This study was registered with trial registration number 2014/357.

Optic coherence tomography measurement of choroidal and retinal thicknesses after uncomplicated YAG laser capsulotomy.

PURPOSE: Optic coherence tomography (OCT) evaluation of the choroid, retina, and retinal nerve fiber layer after uncomplicated yttrium-aluminum-garnet (YAG) laser capsulotomy. METHODS: OCT analysis of retinal and choroidal structures was performed in 28 eyes of 28 patients following routine examinations before and 24 h, 72 h, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks after YAG laser capsulotomy. Data were analyzed using the SPSS software. RESULTS: Data collected before YAG capsulotomy and at the above mentioned follow-up visits are summarized as follows. Mean central subfoveal choroidal thickness before YAG capsulotomy was 275.85 ± 74.78 µm; it was 278.46 ± 83.46 µm, 283.39 ± 82.84 µm, 280.00 ± 77.16 µm, 278.37 ± 76.95 µm, and 278.67 ± 76.20 µm after YAG capsulotomy, respectively. Central macular thickness was 272.14 ± 25.76 µm before YAG capsulotomy; it was 266.53 ± 26.47 µm, 269.14 ± 27.20 µm, 272.17 ± 26.97 µm, 270.91 ± 26.79 µm, and 273 ± 26.63 µm after YAG capsulotomy, respectively. Mean retinal nerve fiber layer thickness before YAG was 99.89 ± 7.61 µm; it was 98.50 ± 8.62 µm, 98.14 ± 8.69 µm, 99.60 ± 8.39 µm, 99.60 ± 8.39 µm, and 99.60 ± 8.35 µm after YAG capsulotomy, respectively. No observed change was statistically significant. No significant changes were observed with regard to mean intraocular pressure. CONCLUSIONS: After YAG laser capsulotomy, no statistically significant changes were found in choroidal, retinal, and optical nerve fiber layer thicknesses, although slight thickness changes in these structures were observed, particularly during the first days.

The impact of migraine on posterior ocular structures.

Purpose. To investigate the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and choroid in patients who have migraines in comparison to healthy controls. Methods. This study included 76 eyes and patients in the migraine group, 36 with aura (MWA group) and 40 without (MWoA group), and 38 eyes as control subjects. The RNFL and macular thicknesses were analysed with standard OCT protocol while choroidal thickness was analysed with EDI protocol in all subjects. Choroidal thickness was measured at the fovea, 1500 µm nasal and 1500 µm temporal to the fovea in a horizontal section. Results. The mean RNFL thickness for nasal and nasal inferior sectors was significantly thinner (P ≤ 0.018) in the migraineurs' eyes than in those of the controls, as was the mean choroid thickness at the fovea and measured points (P < 0.0001). However, the mean macular thickness was not significantly different between the groups. Conclusions. This study suggests that migraine leads to a reduction in the peripapillary RNFL thickness and to thinning in choroidal structures. These findings can be explained by a chronic ischemic insult related to migraine pathogenic mechanisms and these findings are considered supportive of the relationship between glaucoma and migraine.

Evaluation of early results of quick-chop phacoemulsification in the patients with high myopic cataract.

AIM: To assess the early surgical outcomes of quick-chop phacoemulsification technique in patients with high myopia. METHODS: The data of patients with high myopia who underwent quick-chop phacoemulsification were reviewed retrospectively. There were 42 eyes of 31 patients. The axial length was more than 26 mm in all eyes. All eyes underwent quick-chop phacoemulsification surgery with the placement of an intraocular lens (IOL) in the capsular bag. Postoperative visits were performed at 1, 3d; 2wk, 1mo. Early postoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), preoperative and postoperative corneal endothelial cell density (ECD), central corneal thickness (CCT) and postoperative complications were assessed. Paired sample t-test or Wilcoxon tests were used to compare data between preoperative and postoperative data. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between preoperative and postoperative ECD and CCT. Retinal detachment was developed in one eye at postoperative first day. There was an iris prolapsus from side port insicion. CONCLUSION: Quick-chop phacoemulsification technique is a safe surgical technique. However we can encounter some complications in high myopic eyes due to histopathological differences. Both side port and clear corneal tunnel insicion size is crucial for preventing postoperative complications. If any persistent leakage is noticed, suture should be placed.

Evaluation of the Macular, Peripapillary Nerve Fiber Layer and Choroid Thickness Changes in Behçet's Disease with Spectral-Domain OCT.

Purpose. To assess the macular, choroid, and peripapillary nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL) in Behçet's disease (BD) patients with and without ocular involvement by means of optical coherence tomography (OCT) and compare these findings with healthy controls. Design. Eighty patients with BD and 40 healthy controls who were followed up at the Uveitis and Retina Clinic of the Kayseri Research and Education Hospital in Turkey were enrolled in this prospective study. Subjects and Controls. The patients with BD were divided into two groups according to the presence of ocular involvement. Group 1 consisted of 40 eyes of 40 patients with ocular involvement and group 2 consisted of 40 eyes of 40 patients without ocular involvement. Methods. All of the patients and controls underwent macular, choroid, and peripapillary nerve fiber layer thickness analysis with Spectralis domain OCT (Spectralis OCT Heidelberg Engineering, Dossenheim, Germany). Main Outcome Measures. The differences in macular, choroid, and peripapillary nerve fiber layer thicknesses between groups were analyzed statistically. Results. Macular thickness was thinner in patients with BD than in the control group; this result was statistically significant (P = 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in thickness between RNFL analysis of the patients with BD and control subjects. However, the BD patients with ocular involvement had statistically significant thinning in RNFL compared with BD patients without ocular involvement. Although the choroid was thicker in patients with BD than in the control group, it did not reach a statistically significant level (P = 0.382). Conclusions. BD with ocular involvement may be associated with decreased macular and RNFL thickness measured with spectral-domain OCT.