Use of a dexamethasone implant to treat macular edema following pars plana vitrectomy and removal of the primary epiretinal membrane.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of an intravitreal dexamethasone (DEX) implant for the treatment of macular edema (ME) following pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and removal of the primary epiretinal membrane (ERM) and to assess the impact of the integrity of the ellipsoid zone (EZ) and disorganization of the retinal inner layer (DRIL) grade on visual and anatomical outcomes. METHODS: Forty-two pseudophakic patients who developed ME following PPV and removal of the primary stage 2-3 ERM were included. Patients were divided into two groups when ME was diagnosed via spectral domain optic coherence tomography (SD-OCT). In the DEX group (n = 22), DEX was implanted for the treatment of ME. In the control group (n = 20), only observation was conducted, without any treatment. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and macular thickness (MT) of the two groups were compared at baseline and 1, 6, and 12 months after DEX implantation. The effects of OCT parameters such as EZ integrity and DRIL grade were also evaluated in terms of decreases in MT and increases in VA in the treatment of ME with DEX implantation. Intraocular pressure (IOP), number of DEX implantations and adverse effects were also recorded. RESULTS: While a statistically significant increase in the mean BCVA was observed in the DEX group (p < 0.001 at months 1, 6, and 12, respectively), no such increase was detected in the control group (p = 0.169, p = 0.065, and p = 0.058 at months 1, 6 and 12, respectively) compared with the baseline. A statistically significant decrease in the mean MT was observed in the DEX group (p < 0.001 at months 1, 6, and 12); however, no significant difference was observed in the control group (p = 0.081, p = 0.065, and p = 0.054 at months 1, 6 and 12, respectively) compared with the baseline. Significant differences were found between the two groups in terms of the increase in BCVA (p < 0.01) and decrease in MT (p < 0.01) at all visits, with the outcomes being more favorable in the DEX group. A statistically significant relationship was found between the increase in VA and EZ integrity and DRIL grade in both groups. Ten patients (45.4%) received two injections of DEX during the follow-up. An increase in IOP was observed in five patients (22.7%) who were treated with topical antiglaucomatous drops. No significant side effects were observed. CONCLUSION: DEX implantation was found to be effective and safe for the treatment of ME following PPV and primary ERM removal, although some eyes may require repeated injections to achieve visual and anatomical success. Additionally, a relationship was found between EZ integrity, DRIL grade and visual-anatomical outcomes.

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.

Strong fixation preference in patients with manifest exotropia: Does it matter or not?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of strong fixation preference on clinical and surgical outcomes, in non-amblyopic patients with basic-type intermittent exotropia (IXT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of patients were retrospectively investigated. Non-amblyopic patients with the diagnosis of basic-type IXT were enrolled and divided into two groups according to the presence of strong fixation preference (SFP). Best-corrected visual acuity, refractive errors, deviations in near and distance, convergence patterns, motor fusion, stereopsis were evaluated and compared. Patients who underwent surgery in each group composed subgroups and postoperative deviations, convergence patterns, motor fusion, and stereopsis were compared. RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients were enrolled and divided into two groups according to the presence of SFP: patients with SFP composed Group 1 and patients with alternating fixation composed Group 2. Statistically significant difference was seen between groups in terms of motor fusion (p: 0.02). Other parameters did not differ between groups. Data obtained from patients in subgroups of each group were not statistically different. CONCLUSION: The evaluation of basic-type exotropic patients according to their fixation preference revealed us that motor fusion might be affected by strong fixation preference. We also observed that SFP did not affect surgical success rates, convergence patterns, and stereopsis of exotropic patients.

Effects of glaucoma and central corneal thickness on optic nerve head biomechanics.

PURPOSE: To evaluate effects of glaucoma and central corneal thickness (CCT) on optic nerve head biomechanics. METHODS: Four groups were formed according to CCT measurements and the presence of glaucoma. Glaucomatous patients with thin (< 510 µ) and thick (> 570 µ) corneas composed groups 1 and 3, respectively. Nonglaucomatous patients with thin and thick corneas composed groups 2 and 4, respectively. Real-time elastography (RTE) was performed on all groups, and optic nerve strain rate (ONSR), orbital fat strain rate (OFSR), and strain ratio of orbital fat to the optic nerve and medial and lateral parts of the optic nerve (SROFON, SROFMON, SROFLON, respectively) were obtained and compared between groups. The correlations between CCT and these parameters were also investigated. RESULTS: Statistically significant difference was not found between groups in terms of strain rate of optic nerve and orbital fat, SRFON, SROFMON and SROFLON. There was a positive correlation between ONSR and OFSR and mean CCT in patients with CCT thinner than 510 µ (p: 0.03 r: 0.26, p: 0.01 r: 0.32 respectively). CONCLUSION: SROFON, SROFLON and SROFMON values did not differ between glaucomatous and nonglaucomatous patients with thin or thick CCTs. The correlations between CCT and OFSR and ONSR were found to be statistically significant in patients with thin CCT.

Corneal topography, anterior segment and high-order aberration assessments in children with ≥ 2 diopter astigmatism.

PURPOSE: To assess topographic findings, anterior segment parameters and high-order aberrations (HOAs) by using corneal tomography in children with 2 diopters (dp) or more astigmatism. METHODS: Children with 2 dp or more astigmatism (study group) and children with astigmatism less than 1 dp (control group) were recruited. Corneal astigmatism, mean, steep, flat keratometry (K) findings, anterior and posterior K results and anterior segment parameters including anterior chamber depth, kappa distance, horizontal corneal diameter, mean, central, middle, peripheral corneal thicknesses (CT), white-to-white (WTW) distance and pupil diameter were measured by Galilei G4 Dual Scheimpflug corneal tomography. HOAs were also assessed and compared between groups. RESULTS: Fifty-eight eyes of 37 children in the study group and 37 eyes of 37 children in the control group were enrolled. The mean ages of groups were 9.7 ± 2.4 years and 9.3 ± 1.6 years in study and control groups, respectively. The mean astigmatism was 3.3 ± 1.1 dp and 0.5 ± 0.3 dp in study and control groups, respectively (p < 0.05). Total corneal astigmatism was 3.3 ± 0.84 dp and 1.14 ± 0.47 dp in study and control groups, respectively (p < 0.05). There was a significant difference between groups in terms of posterior steep K and posterior astigmatism values. Among anterior segment parameters, mean CT and WTW values were statistically different between groups. HOAs were found to be statistically different between groups. CONCLUSION: Higher posterior corneal astigmatism, thinner mean CT and lower WTW distance were found in children with 2 dp or more astigmatism. Besides, HOAs were much more in these astigmatic children.

Factors influencing stereopsis in patients with both refractive accommodative esotropia and amblyopia.

PURPOSE: Potential factors influencing stereopsis were investigated in patients with both refractive accommodative esotropia (RAE) and amblyopia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed to find out all patients with the diagnosis of both RAE and amblyopia. Patients are classified into two groups: group 1 (with stereopsis) and group 2 (without stereopsis). Onset age of RAE, history of strabismus in family members, time of amblyopia treatment, mean spherical equivalent, anisometropia, ocular movement disorders, especially, overaction of inferior oblique (IO) muscle, visual acuity difference (VAD) between eyes, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) levels of amblyopic and normal eyes and the presence of alternation of fixation (AOF) were investigated as possible factors. These factors were compared statistically between groups. RESULTS: Groups 1 and 2 consisted of 21 and 26 patients, respectively. There was no statistical significant difference in terms of onset age of RAE, family history, amblyopia treatment, BCVA of normal eyes and anisometropia. IO overaction and higher VAD were found to be statistically different between groups (p: 0.019, p: 0.022, respectively). Besides, there was significant difference in terms of AOF and better BCVA in amblyopic eyes (p: 0.000, p: 0.009, respectively). CONCLUSION: IO overaction, BCVA in amblyopic eyes, VAD and AOF were found to be potential risk factors for the development of stereopsis in patients with both RAE and amblyopia.

Central corneal epithelial thickness changes after half-moon supracapsular nucleofractis phacoemulsification technique.

PURPOSE: To find out the effect of half-moon supracapsular nucleofractis technique on central corneal epithelial thickness (CET) measured by spectral domain anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent uneventful cataract surgery by the same surgeon with the same technique were recruited in this study. The effective phaco time (EPT) was recorded in each surgery. Central CET was measured by AS-OCT 1 day before and 1, 3, 7 days after surgery. CET was measured without precorneal tear film layer, and non-epithelial central corneal thickness was also calculated manually. Preoperative and postoperative values were compared by statistical analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-one eyes of 31 patients were included in this study. The mean age of patients was 65.03 ± 11.47 years. On the first day of surgery, increase in mean CET was statistically significant, but on the 3rd and 7th day after surgery, this increase was declined (p = 0.001, p = 0.367, p = 1, respectively). A statistically significant positive correlation was found between mean EPT and mean CET on the first postoperative day (p = 0.013, r = 0.470). On the 3rd and 7th day, this correlation was not statistically significant (p = 0.055, p = 0.454, respectively). CONCLUSION: Mean central CET was statistically thicker and positive correlated with EPT on the first postoperative day. But on the 7th day, it declined to preoperative values.

Association of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, serum lipids, C-reactive protein and body mass index with age-related macular degeneration.

The present study was designed to evaluate the associations between exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and the serum concentrations of C-reactive protein (CRP), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), and lipids as well as the relationship between exudative AMD and body mass index (BMI). This cross-sectional study included of 141 healthy control subjects (70 males and 71 females with a mean age of 71.01 ± 3.84 years) and 142 exudative AMD patients (70 males and 72 females with a mean age of 70.92 ± 3.60 years). BMI and the serum concentrations of CRP, DHEAS, and lipids were measured in both groups. The data were statistically analysed using the Mann-Whitney U test, Chi squared test, independent sample t test, Cramer's V, point biserial correlation and logistic regression analysis. BMI values and serum concentrations of CRP, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol were significantly higher in exudative AMD patients compared with normal controls (p values were 0.001, <0.001, 0.005 and <0.001, respectively). The serum concentrations of DHEAS were not significantly different between the controls and the exudative AMD patients for the subgroups of either gender (p values in males and females were 0.785 and 0.159, respectively). A logistic regression analysis revealed that the BMI and serum concentration of CRP moderately contributed to the predictive ability of the model (odds ratios were 1.205 and 1.179, respectively). Elevated total cholesterol concentrations and LDL cholesterol concentrations, BMI values and serum concentrations of CRP were associated with exudative AMD. However, no association between the serum DHEAS concentration and exudative AMD was established.

Acute angle-closure glaucoma concurrent with COVID 19 infection; case report.

INTRODUCTION: To report three cases that developed acute angle-closure glaucoma on the background of hyponatremia due to COVID 19 infection. METHODS: Data of patients with positive PCR result for COVID 19 infection and concurrent findings of acute angle-closure glaucoma were analysed retrospectively. RESULTS: The common characteristic of all cases was positive PCR test for COVID 19 infection taken from the nasopharyngeal swab 4 or 5 days ago. Their serum sodium levels were lower than 135 mmol / L. At the initial ophthalmic examination, all cases had diffuse corneal edema with shallow anterior chambers and mid-dilated non-reacting pupils.The choroid was evaluated as normal by ocular ultrasonography. Intraocular pressures (IOP) of the first, second, and third cases were 35 mmHg, 44 mmHg, and 40 mm Hg, respectively. 5-10 cc/kg mannitol was given to all patients intravenously within 30 min. Simultaneously, they began to use oral acetazolamide, topical pilocarpine, beta-blocker, and prednisolone acetate drops.After stabilization of IOP, Neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet;(ND: YAG) Laser iridotomy was performed on all patients. No additional fluid therapy was given to the patients other than mannitol, and it was determined that the blood sodium level remained at normal levels after diuresis. DISCUSSION: Hyponatremia is the most common electrolyte disorder in COVID 19 infection. Hyponatremia may cause an angle-closure attack in patients with shallow anterior chamber angles.Therefore, one should be aware of the possibility of angle-closure glaucoma in patients who develop hyponatremia due to COVID 19 disease. Suspected patients should be referred to the ophthalmology department.

Non-ocular risk factors in Turkish children with strabismus and amblyopia.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate non-ocular risk factors including family history, febrile seizure, history of trauma, neurological diseases, and prematurity in Turkish children with strabismus and amblyopia. METHODS: The records of patients diagnosed with strabismus and/or amblyopia below 18 years old, were recruited. The current mean age, sex, types and subtypes of strabismus and amblyopia, family history, history of trauma, and febrile seizure were investigated. The presence of neurological diseases and prematurity were noted. Family history was investigated whether the presence of strabismus or amblyopia was maternal or paternal. Blood relatives were divided into 3 groups including first, second, and third-degree relatives. The relationship between blood relative degrees and types of strabismus or amblyopia were assessed. RESULTS: There were 803 patients with a current median age of 8 years (1-29 years). Of these patients, 786 patients could be evaluated and 55% had esotropia (ET), 32.6% had exotropia (XT) and 12.5% had amblyopia as a primary diagnosis. Positive family history of strabismus or amblyopia was more common among all risk factors. There was a statistically significant rate of patients with a positive family history in the first-degree relatives, in the esotropic patient group (p= 0.002). Maternal positive family history was more common in patients with refractive ET (p= 0.024) and paternal positive family history was more common in patients with intermittent XT (p= 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: The rates of positive family history of amblyopia and strabismus were not statistically different. Family history of strabismus in first-degree relatives of patients with esotropia was markedly high. The family history of strabismus on the maternal or paternal side might be different in patients with different subtypes of strabismus.

The effect of amblyopia on clinical outcomes of children with astigmatism.

BACKGROUND: Amblyopia is more common in children with high astigmatism, but factors contributing to development of amblyopia and visual outcomes are not fully understood. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of amblyopia on the clinical outcomes in children with ⩾1.75 diopter (D) astigmatism. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of children with ⩾1.75 D astigmatism with and without amblyopia (amblyopes group and non-amblyopes group). The mean age, gender, amount and type of ocular deviation, presence of convergence insufficiency (CI), stereopsis, time of initial spectacle use and follow-up time, differences in best-corrected visual acuity (VoD) and spherical equivalent (SE) between eyes were assessed and compared between the groups. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), mean SE, astigmatism measurements were assessed and compared between amblyopic, fellow, and non-amblyopic eyes. RESULTS: The records included 68 eyes of 34 children with amblyopia and 56 eyes of 28 children without amblyopia. The mean age, gender, amount and type of ocular deviation, presence of CI, stereopsis, time of initial spectacle use, follow-up time, and the difference in SE did not differ between groups. In amblyopes, exodeviation was more common and statistically greater in near (33 cm) than at distance (6 m) (p = 0.005). The mean BCVA and astigmatism values were statistically different between amblyopic, fellow, and non-amblyopic eyes. CONCLUSION: A greater near than distance exodeviation and higher mean astigmatism value were found in amblyopic children with astigmatism.

Evaluation of fundus autofluorescence imaging of diabetic patients without retinopathy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of fundus autofluorescence imaging of diabetic patients without retinopathy to investigate early retinal damage. METHODS: Fundus autofluorescence images of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus without retinopathy (diabetic group) and age-sex matched healthy patients (control group) were recorded with a CX-1 digital mydriatic retinal camera after detailed ophthalmologic examinations. MATLAB 2013a software was used to measure the average pixel intensity and average curve width of the macula and fovea. RESULTS: Fifty-six eyes of 28 patients, as the diabetic group, and 54 eyes of 27 healthy patients, as the control group, were included in this study. The mean aggregation index was 168.32 ± 37.18 grayscale units (gsu) in the diabetic group and 152.27 ± 30.39 gsu in the control group (p=0.014). The mean average pixel intensity value of the fovea was 150.87 ± 35.83 gsu the in diabetic group and as 141.51 ± 31.10 gsu in the control group (p=0.060). The average curve width value was statistically higher in the diabetic group than in the control group (71.7 ± 9.2 vs. 59.4 ± 8.6 gsu, respectively, p=0.03). CONCLUSION: Fundus autofluorescence imaging analysis revealed that diabetic patients without retinopathy have significant fluorescence alterations. Therefore, a noninvasive imaging technique, such as fundus autofluorescence, may be valuable for evaluation of the retina of diabetic patients without retinopathy.

Evaluation of fundus autofluorescence maging of diabetic patients without retinopathy / Avaliação do exame de imagem de autofluorescência do fundo do olho em pacientes diabéticos sem retinopatia

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the usefulness of fundus autofluorescence imaging of diabetic patients without retinopathy to investigate early retinal damage. Methods: Fundus autofluorescence images of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus without retinopathy (diabetic group) and age-sex matched healthy patients (control group) were recorded with a CX-1 digital mydriatic retinal camera after detailed ophthalmologic examinations. MATLAB 2013a software was used to measure the average pixel intensity and average curve width of the macula and fovea. Results: Fifty-six eyes of 28 patients, as the diabetic group, and 54 eyes of 27 healthy patients, as the control group, were included in this study. The mean aggregation index was 168.32 ± 37.18 grayscale units (gsu) in the diabetic group and 152.27 ± 30.39 gsu in the control group (p=0.014). The mean average pixel intensity value of the fovea was 150.87 ± 35.83 gsu the in diabetic group and as 141.51 ± 31.10 gsu in the control group (p=0.060). The average curve width value was statistically higher in the diabetic group than in the control group (71.7 ± 9.2 vs. 59.4 ± 8.6 gsu, respectively, p=0.03). Conclusion: Fundus autofluorescence imaging analysis revealed that diabetic patients without retinopathy have significant fluorescence alterations. Therefore, a noninvasive imaging technique, such as fundus autofluorescence, may be valuable for evaluation of the retina of diabetic patients without retinopathy.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a utilidade da autofluorescência do fundo de olho de pacientes diabéticos sem retinopatia para investigar lesões precoces na retina. Métodos: Imagens de autofluorescência do fundo de olho de pacientes com diabetes mellitus do tipo 2 sem retinopatia (grupo diabético) e indivíduos saudáveis pareados por idade e sexo (grupo controle) foram registrados com uma câmera retiniana digital midriática CX-1 após exames oftalmológicos detalhados. O software MATLAB 2013a foi usado para medir a intensidade média do pixel e a largura média da curva da mácula e fóvea. Resultados: Cinquenta e seis olhos de 28 pacientes, como o grupo diabético, e 54 olhos de 27 indivíduos saudáveis, como grupo controle, foram incluídos neste estudo. O índice médio de agregação foi de 168,32 ± 37,18 unidades de escala de cinza (gsu) no grupo diabético e em 152,27 ± 30,39 gsu no grupo controle (p = 0,014). O valor médio da intensidade de pixel na fóvea foi de 150,87 ± 35,83 gsu no grupo diabético e de 141,51 ± 31,10 gsu no grupo controle (p=0,060). O valor médio da largura da curva foi estatisticamente maior no grupo diabético do que no grupo controle (71,7 ± 9,2 vs. 59,4 ± 8,6 gsu, respectivamente; p = 0,03). Conclusão: A análise por imagens de autofluorescência de fundo de olho revelou que pacientes diabéticos sem retinopatia apresentam alterações significativas de fluorescência. Portanto, uma técnica de imagem não invasiva, como a autofluorescência de fundo de olho, pode ser valiosa para a avaliação da retina de pacientes diabéticos sem retinopatia.

Ocular findings in patients with psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting skin, nails, and joints. Although there are not many reports in the literature, ocular findings occur in approximately 10% of patients, in mostly those who have psoriatic arthritis. In this study, we aimed to evaluate eye involvement in psoriasis patients. METHODS: This study was performed on a total of 100 psoriasis patients and a group of 100 healthy individuals. History was taken from all study and control subjects, and dermatological, systemic, and ophthalmological examinations were performed and Schirmer and BUT values were measured. Constant variables were compared using the t-test, and categorical variables were compared using chi-square test. Relationship between ocular findings and sex, age, duration of psoriasis, PASI score, presence of psoriatic plaques on the eyelid, nail involvement, and psoriatic arthritis was evaluated using logistic regression analysis. Statistical analyses were performed individually for both right and left eyes. RESULTS: The number of ocular findings in both eyes in the patient group was found to be statistically higher than that in the control group. Schirmer and BUT values were statistically lower in the patient group than those in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Although results of our study support the necessity of routine ophthalmological examination of psoriasis patients for early diagnosis and treatment, we believe that further studies are required on the etiopathogenesis of ocular involvement in psoriasis patients.

Isolated lateral rectus muscle involvement as a presenting sign of euthyroid Graves disease.

A 27-year-old man who presented with diplopia and proptosis and was diagnosed with euthyroid Graves disease and restrictive strabismus. It was determined that his symptoms were caused by isolated lateral rectus muscle involvement. Diplopia resolved and ocular motility improved substantially following 6 weeks of oral corticosteroid therapy.