The effect of three different mydriatic eye drops on retinal vessel diameters.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of topically applied 1% tropicamide, 2.5% phenylephrine and 1% cyclopentolate on retinal vessel calliper (VC) using optical coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS: Patients who came to the ophthalmology clinic for routine examination and whose OCT films were taken before dilatation and after 30 min of last dilatation drop were included in the study. 90 ophthalmologically healthy subjects were divided into 3 groups of 30 subject each according to the application of the drops as follows: Tropicamide group (Group 1), Phenylephrine group (Group 2), Cyclopentolate group (Group 3). The right eyes of the subjects were dilated with drops and the left eyes were taken as the control group. VC of retinal artery and vein passing through an area one-half to one-disc diameter from the optic disc margin were measured from OCT films. The mean of the sum of superior retinal artery (SRA) and inferior retinal artery (IRA) VC and the mean of the sum of superior retinal vein (SRV) and inferior retinal vein (IRV) VC before and after the drop were compared. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant change in the mean sum of SRA and IRA VC and the mean sum of SRV and IRV VC before and after dilatation drops in all three groups. CONCLUSION: Dilatation drops have no statistically significant effect on retinal artery and vein VC.

The effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on retinal layers in healthy eyes.

Purpose: The aim of our study is to investigate the effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy on retinal layers in healthy eyes. Method: Thirty patients who were taken to outpatient HBO2 for any indication were included in the study. All patients underwent 10 sessions of HBO2; 20 healthy patients were taken as the control group. We used the spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) to obtain automated measurements of thickness for each retinal layer - i.e., the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell layer (GCL), inner plexiform layer (IPL), inner nuclear layer (INL), outer plexiform layer (OPL), outer nuclear layer (ONL) and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) - and to conduct foveal (central 1 mm), inner-ring (parafoveal 1 to 3mm), and outer-ring (perifoveal 3 to 6mm) retinal layer measurements. Retinal OCT scans were performed before HBO2, after the first and 10th sessions. All retinal layer thicknesses were assessed with SD-OCT software system and compared between each visit. Retinal thicknesses were calculated in the central, inner ring and outer ring subfields (nine quadrants). Results: In SD-OCT measurements, there were no statistically significant difference before HBO2, after the first and 10th sessions in terms of foveal, inner-ring and outer-ring thickness of RNFL, GCL, IPL, INL, OPL, ONL and RPE. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that there was no change in the thickness of the retinal layers after the first and 10th sessions in healthy eyes.

Blood coagulation parameters after intravitreal injection of aflibercept in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of intravitreal injection of aflibercept (IVA) on blood coagulation tests in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients. METHODS: Thirty-four patients with neovascular AMD (study group) and 32 healthy individuals (control group) were enrolled. Prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) were measured at different times in patients with neovascular AMD. RESULTS: The levels of PT and aPTT after IVA were decreased at 1 month after the first injection and 1 month after the second injection compared to the baseline measurement in the study group. CONCLUSIONS: IVA may cause a decrease in the levels of PT and aPTT at 1 month after the first injection and 1 month after the second injection although these results are not statistically significant in our study.

A novel marker in acute central serous chorioretinopathy: thiol/disulfide homeostasis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare dynamic thiol/disulfide homeostatic status in acute central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) patients by using a novel and automated assay determining dynamic thiol/disulfide homeostasis. METHODS: Fifty-one patients with acute CSCR (study group) and 65 healthy individuals (control group) were enrolled in this study. Diagnosis of acute CSCR was made clinically and using spectral-domain RTVue OCT (optical coherence tomography) (Optovue, Fremont, CA). Fluorescein angiography confirmed the diagnosis of acute CSCR in all subjects. Total thiol, native thiol, disulfide amount, and native thiol/disulfide ratio (TDR) were calculated in the blood samples. RESULTS: Mean total thiol, native thiol, and native TDR values were lower in patients with acute CSCR (364.2 ± 14.1, 326.4 ± 13.2, 17.14 ± 1.9, respectively) than in healthy eyes (441.2 ± 16.3, 398.5 ± 16.4, 22.70 ± 2.15, respectively; mean total thiol, p = 0.017; native thiol, p = 0.011; native TDR, p = 0.031). CONCLUSIONS: Total thiol, native thiol, and native TDR were significantly lower statistically in patients with acute CSCR when compared with healthy controls.

Tear Function and Ocular Surface Alterations After Accelerated Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking in Progressive Keratoconus.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the alterations in the ocular surface and tear film parameters 3 months after accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking (A-CXL) in progressive keratoconus (KC) patients. METHODS: Twenty-six patients (33 eyes total) with progressive KC were enrolled in this study. All patients were subjected to ophthalmic surface examination, such as OSDI (ocular surface disease index) scoring, the osmolarity tear test, Schirmer test, tear film breakup time (TBUT) analysis, rose bengal (RB) and fluorescein (Fl) ocular surface staining, and conjunctival impression cytology (IC) analysis, respectively. These tests were performed at baseline and 3 months after A-CXL. Nelson's grading system was used to evaluate the cell morphology and goblet cell density. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences in the levels of tear osmolarity, TBUT, Schirmer test, OSDI scoring, and Fl and RB staining between pretreatment and 3 months postoperatively were observed (all P values >0.05). A statistically significant increase in superior (P=0.005) and temporal (P=0.006) IC grading was seen at the postoperative third month compared to pretreatment. CONCLUSIONS: Only metaplastic changes and a reduction in the density of the goblet cells were seen in conjunctival IC, which is probably because of the toxicity of ultraviolet-A 3 months after A-CXL. However, these results do not lead to deterioration in TBUT. In this study, A-CXL has no adverse effect on ocular surface and tear function, which are important for visual quality.

Does Valsalva Maneuver Affect Corneal Morphology in Eyes With Keratoconus?

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the Valsalva maneuver on corneal morphology and anterior chamber parameters in patients with keratoconus. METHODS: A total of 39 eyes from 39 patients with keratoconus and 41 eyes from 41 age-matched and gender-matched healthy individuals were included in this cross-sectional study. Measurements of corneal front keratometry values (K-flat, K-steep, and K-max), central corneal thickness, corneal apex thickness, thinnest corneal thickness, corneal volume, anterior chamber volume (ACV), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and iridocorneal angle (ICA) were performed with a Pentacam Scheimpflug camera (Oculus, Germany) before and during the Valsalva maneuver. Changes in the anterior segment parameters from baseline and during the Valsalva maneuver and the differences in parameters between the keratoconus group and the control group were analyzed. A P value less than 0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. RESULTS: In the patients with keratoconus, the Valsalva maneuver did not have any significant influence on the corneal parameters (P>0.05). However, ACV, ACD, and ICA decreased markedly during the Valsalva maneuver (P=0.006, P=0.048, and P=0.025, respectively). Changes caused by the Valsalva maneuver were similar for all parameters when compared with those in healthy individuals (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: During corneal topography imaging, the Valsalva maneuver observed in patients with keratoconus does not typically cause any significant change in corneal morphology.

Effects of chronic smoking on central corneal thickness, endothelial cell, and dry eye parameters.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of chronic cigarette smoking on dry eye parameters, endothelial cells, and corneal thickness. DESIGN: Prospective cross-sectional case series. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 49 eyes of 49 chronic smokers (smoker group) and 53 eyes of 53 age-matched, healthy non-smokers (non-smoker group) were enrolled. All participants underwent measurements of tear breakup time (TBUT), central corneal thickness (CCT) measurements with contact pachymeter and the Schirmer test with anesthesia. Corneal endothelial cells were evaluated by non-contact specular microscopy and photographed for analysis of cell density and hexagonality and the coefficient of variation in cell size. RESULTS: The mean Schirmer score and TBUT value were significantly lower in the smoker group compared to the non-smoker group (p = 0.015) and p < 0.001, respectively). No statistically significant difference was found in the mean CCT, mean endothelial cell density, endothelial cell size, SD of size, and CV of size between smokers and non-smokers (p > 0.05). However, a lower percentage of endothelial hexagonal cells were observed in smokers than non-smokers (p < 0.001). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that cigarette smoking seems to affect the Schirmer score, TBUT value, and hexagonal cells of the corneal endothelium.

Macular Pigment Optical Density in First Degree Relatives of Age-Related Macular Degeneration Patients.

PURPOSE: To measure the macular pigment optical density in first-degree relatives of patients with age-related macular degeneration and compare it with a healthy control group. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-eight healthy subjects who were first-degree relatives of age-related macular degeneration patients were included in the study (Group 1). As the control group, 74 healthy subjects were included in the study (Group 2). The right eyes of all cases were included in the study. Macular pigment optical density was measured with a commercially available device (MPSII®, Elektron Technology, Switzerland) using technology based on heterochromatic flicker photometry. Central foveal thickness and subfoveal choroidal thickness were measured with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Values were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There were 54 males and 74 females in Group 1 and 32 males and 42 females in Group 2. The mean ± SD ages of Group 1 and Group 2 were 49.0 ± 7.6 and 41.8 ± 8.6, respectively. Mean ± SD macular pigment optical density values of Group 1 and Group 2 were 0.43 ± 0.09 and 0.47 ± 0.12 (p = 0.048), mean ± SD central foveal thickness were 208 ± 19 and 216 ± 8 µm (p = 0.014), and mean ± SD subfoveal choroidal thickness were 232 ± 29 and 250 ± 21 µm (p = 0.002), respectively. CONCLUSION: The macular pigment optical density values were significantly lower in the first-degree relatives of patients with age-related macular degeneration than in the control group. Macular pigment optical density may be a marker for the development of age-related macular degeneration in the future in the first-degree relatives of age-related macular degeneration patients. Further prospective studies with a larger number of participants will be needed to confirm our results moreover, to clarify its benefit as an early diagnostic biomarker.

Reliability of YouTube Videos in Vitreoretinal Surgery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To investigate the reliability and quality of vitreoretinal surgery videos posted on YouTube. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A search was made using the keywords "vitrectomy," "retinal surgery," and "vitreoretinal surgery" on YouTube. Total view counts, numbers of comments, likes and dislikes, publishing dates, and source of videos were recorded. Educational quality and accuracy of the video content were evaluated using the DISCERN score, Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) scoring system, and Global Quality Scores (GQS). RESULTS: There were 208 videos included in the study; 152 (73.1%) videos were uploaded by doctors and 56 (26.9%) videos uploaded by non-doctors. Mean DISCERN, JAMA, and GQS scores were 37.65 ± 10.49 (20-69), 0.82 ± 0.52 (0-4), 2.86 ± 0.86 (1-5), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Vitreoretinal surgery videos on YouTube were of low quality and reliability. Those who want to use YouTube videos as a reference for vitreoretinal surgery should pay extra attention to selection of content. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2021;52:478-483.].

Anatomical Parameters of the Nasolacrimal Duct in Healthy Children Measured with Computed Tomography.

OBJECTIVES: This study is an evaluation of anatomical parameters at different levels of the bony nasolacrimal duct (NLD) in healthy children of different age groups using computed tomography (CT) measurements. METHODS: Bony NLD CT images of 289 patients aged 0-15 years who presented at the emergency department with various indications and underwent a brain CT scan were retrospectively evaluated. The anterior-posterior and transverse diameter at the inferior orbital margin, the narrowest diameter of the NLD, NLD length, and the orientation angle in the sagittal plane (the angle between the line connecting the distal and proximal ends of the NLD and a line drawn parallel to the nasal floor) were analyzed by age group. RESULTS: The anterior-posterior and transverse diameters at the level of the inferior orbital margin and the NLD length recorded in sagittal CT images were statistically significantly greater in patients older than 5 years of age (p<0.05). While there was an increase in the narrowest diameter of the NLD beginning at the age of 3 years, it was not statistically significant (p=0.25). The degree of the angle between the central line and the nasal floor did not change significantly between the groups. (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: A greater anterior-posterior diameter, transverse diameter, narrowest diameter of the NLD, and NLD length were observed with increasing age. The NLD anatomical parameters that we have identified in healthy children may serve as an important and useful guide in determining locations of the NLD and selecting surgical instruments of appropriate size and diameter before NLD surgery.

Density of crystalline lens and cornea in different trimesters of pregnancy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate topographic measurements of the anterior segment and densitometric measurements of the cornea and lens by Pentacam HR in different trimesters of pregnancy. METHODS: This prospective study included 150 healthy pregnant women in their first, second, or third trimester (Groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively) and 54 non-pregnant healthy women (Group 0). Topographic measurements, including central corneal thickness (CCT), corneal volume (CV), anterior chamber depth (ACD), corneal densitometry (CD) and lens densitometry (LD), were done with the Pentacam HR (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany). The measurement results of the healthy pregnant women and non-pregnant healthy women were compared. RESULTS: CD values were found in Group 1 to be 13.19, in Group 2 to be 13.16, in Group 3 to be 13.17 and in Group 0 to be 13.22 (p = 0.811). The mean Group 1, Group 2, Group 3 and Group 0 LD-horizontal was 5.40 ± 0.5, 5.47 ± 0.38, 5.53 ± 0.44, 5.36 ± 0.43, respectively. The mean Group 1, Group 2, Group 3 and Group 0 LD-vertical was 5.6 ± 0.43, 5.66 ± 0.32, 5.71 ± 0.40 and 5.5 ± 0.44, respectively. Area LD values were higher in the advanced trimester period, and the only statistically significant difference was between Group 3 and Group 0 (p = 0.025). The difference between three-dimensional (3D) and peak LD values was not statistically significant between the groups (p = 0.89 and p = 0.91, respectively). DISCUSSION: The Pentacam HR seems to be an important option for the evaluation of LD, CD and topographic measurements of the anterior segment in pregnancy. In the present study, CD and LD, including LD-horizontal, LD-vertical, peak and 3D values, were not significantly different between pregnant women and non-pregnant women.

Serum and Aqueous Humor Levels of Fetuin-A in Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome.

PURPOSE: To evaluate serum and aqueous humor levels of fetuin-A in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEXS) in comparison with those of age- and sex-matched healthy subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study included 25 patients with PEXS and 25 control subjects who were undergoing cataract surgery without any systemic or ocular disease. Aqueous humor and serum fetuin-A levels were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. RESULTS: The mean age of the PEXS group (14 males, 11 females, n = 25) was 57.7 ± 6.9 years, and the control group (13 males, 12 females, n = 25) was 58.1 ± 5.7 years. There was no difference between the groups in terms of age (p = 0.77) and sex (p = 0.83). The mean serum fetuin-A level of the PEXS group did not differ from that of the control group (p = 0.53). The mean aqueous humor level of the PEXS group was significantly higher than that of the control group (p = 0.032). There were no significant correlations between aqueous humor and serum fetuin-A levels among patients with PEXS and control group (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Increased levels of fetuin-A in aqueous humor of patients with PEXS may show the local effect of fetuin-A on the anterior segment. With considering the wide range of possible biological functions of fetuin-A in the pathogenesis of PEXS, further studies are needed to clarify the clinical relevance of these findings.

Increased Tear Film Osmolarity in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

PURPOSE: To evaluate tear film osmolarity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: A total of 55 eyes from 55 patients with SLE and 47 eyes from 47 age- and gender-matched healthy individuals were included in this study. Tear film osmolarity was evaluated with a lab-on-a-chip technique (TearLab; TearLab Corporation, San Diego, CA) in SLE patients in comparison with healthy individuals, and results were correlated to clinically available diagnostic tests for dry eye, such as tear film break-up time (BUT), Schirmer's test, and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). RESULTS: The mean tear film osmolarity in the SLE patients and healthy individuals was 306.02 ± 13.27 mOsm/L and 300.74 ± 9.11 mOsm/L, respectively, which made for a statistically significant difference (p = 0.020). In the SLE group, tear film osmolarity was negatively correlated with the Schirmer's test score and the BUT value (r = -0.295 p = 0.029 and r = 0.347 p = 0.009, respectively), whereas tear film osmolarity was not correlated with OSDI score (r = -0.182 p = 0.183). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that tear film hyperosmolarity and abnormal tear film function are associated with SLE.

Evaluation of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Acromegalic Patients Using Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography.

PURPOSE: To evaluate retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in acromegalic patients. METHODS: A study group of 29 patients with acromegaly and a control group of 38 age-matched healthy individuals were enrolled in a cross-sectional study. The study group was further divided by tumor size into two subgroups, a macroadenoma group and a microadenoma group. Serum growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I) levels were detected at the time of ophthalmological examination in the study group. In both the study and control group, the RNFL thickness in the four quadrants was measured by optical coherence tomography. The relationship between GH and IGF-I levels and RNLF thickness was also evaluated. RESULTS: The difference in mean RNLF thickness in all quadrants between the study and control groups was not statistically significant. In acromegalic patients with macroadenoma, the mean RNLF thickness of the inferior quadrant decreased significantly compared to both patients with microadenoma and healthy individuals (p = 0,032 and p = 0,046). GH and IGF-1 levels were not significantly correlated with the RNLF thickness in the study group. CONCLUSIONS: Excessive GH and IGF-1 levels do not affect the optic nerve or RNLF thickness, whereas the RNLF becomes thinner in the inferior quadrant in acromegalic patients with macroadenoma as a result of the chiasmal compression.

A Novel Tool for the Assessment Oxidative Stress in Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Thiol/Disulfide Homeostasis Revisited.

PURPOSE: To investigate thiol/disulfide status using a novel automated assay in patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) compared to age-matched healthy controls. METHODS: A total of 64 AMD patients [51 (79%) non-exudative, 13 (21%) exudative AMD] and 21 age-matched healthy control subjects were enrolled in this study. Plasma total thiol, native thiol, disulfide levels were measured and native thiol/disulfide ratio (TDR) was calculated using a novel spectrophotometric assay. RESULTS: Patients with AMD had significantly lower levels of total thiol (434.8 ± 7.0 µmol/L vs. 472.2 ± 7.9 µmol/L, p < 0.001), native thiol (393.6 ± 6.5 µmol/L vs. 437.5 ± 7.1 µmol/L, p = 0.004) compared to healthy controls. However, plasma disulfide levels were higher in AMD patients (20.6 ± 0.9 µmol/L vs. 17.3 ± 1.3 µmol/L, p = 0.113) compared to healthy controls. The TDR was not statistically different between the early AMD group and healthy controls (24.2 ± 2.3 vs. 29.5 ± 3.1, p = 0.345). However, intermediate and advanced stage AMD groups had significantly lower levels of TDR compared to healthy controls (21.6 ± 2.6 vs. 29.5 ± 3.1, p = 0.023 and 20.3 ± 1.2 vs. 29.5 ± 3.1, p = 0.005, respectively). Native TDR was significantly lower in patients with exudative and non-exudative AMD (19.9 ± 2.3 vs. 29.5 ± 3.1, p = 0.024 and 21.8 ± 1.14 vs. 29.47 ± 3.1 respectively, p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: A greater extent of thiol consumption occurred in AMD patients compared to age-matched healthy controls. However, despite the similar levels of total thiol levels between several grades of AMD, the plasma native TDR value was decreased in accordance with the severity of the disease, which reflected the disease grade better.

Evaluation of Intraocular Pressure by Ocular Response Analyzer in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical parameters of the cornea and intraocular pressure (IOP) before and after hemodialysis (HD) in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and also healthy subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one patients with ESRD undergoing HD treatment (study group) and 21 healthy individuals (control group) were enrolled in this prospective study. Right eyes of each subjects were included. Central corneal thickness (CCT) were measured using Sirius Scheimpflug camera. Corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), corneal-compensated IOP (IOPcc), and Goldmann-related IOP (IOPg) were measured using ocular response analyzer. In the study group, measurements were taken just before HD and 30 minutes after HD. RESULTS: The mean CCT, CRF, IOPg values did not differ between pre-HD, post-HD, and controls (P > 0.05). CH was found to be significantly higher in control group (10.6 ± 1.2 mm Hg) when compared with pre-HD (8.07 ± 1.8 mm Hg) and post-HD (8.8 ± 1.6 mm Hg) CH values (P = 0.0001). The mean IOPcc values did not differ pre-HD (18.5 ± 3.5 mm Hg) and post-HD (17.8 ± 3.9 mm Hg) (P = 0.39). The mean IOPcc values were lower significantly in control group (15.4 ± 2.8 mm Hg) when compared with pre-HD and post-HD values (P = 0.02 and 0.02, respectively). Significant correlations were seen between post-HD CRF and post-HD CCT (r = 0.6, P = 0.03); and post-HD IOPg and post-HD CCT (r = 0.51, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: ESRD may disrupt the biomechanical properties of the cornea. Changes in ocular response analyzer parameters should be kept in mind to evaluate accurate IOP measurements in patients with ESRD.

Measurement of Choroidal Thickness Following Caffeine Intake in Healthy Subjects.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of 200 mg caffeine on subfoveal choroidal thickness (CT) in the macular area as measured by enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) in healthy subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty healthy individuals (study group) and 50 healthy individuals (control group) were enrolled in study. In the study group, participants received a 200 mg caffeine capsule and the control group consisted of subjects who received plasebo capsule. The subfoveal CT was measured by EDI-OCT before the caffeine intake and at 30 min, 1 h, 2 h, 3 h, 4 h and 6 h following caffeine intake. RESULTS: SFCT after caffeine intake was significantly decreased at 30 min, 1 h, 2 h, 3 h and 4 h compared to the baseline measurement, while the difference between baseline and 6 h was not statistically significant in the study group. There were no significant differences between the baseline and the other measurement times in the control group (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The thinning of CT begins about 30 min after the oral ingestion of 200 mg of caffeine and lasts for about four hours.

Thinning of Choroidal Thickness in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Unrelated to Disease Activity.

PURPOSE: To investigate subfoveal and perifoveal choroidal thickness (CT) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: A study group of 117 patients with RA and a control group of 46 age-matched healthy individuals were enrolled in the study. Subfoveal and perifoveal CTs were measured using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT). Perifoveal CT was measured 1,500 µm nasally and 1,500 µm temporally apart from the foveal center. Relationship between the disease activity score 28 (DAS-28) and subfoveal CT was also evaluated. RESULTS: The mean subfoveal CT values in the study and control groups were 226.90 ± 43.61 µm and 299.74 ± 48.06 µm, respectively, which made for a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001). Likewise, perifoveal CT values were significantly thinner in the study group when compared with control group. DAS-28 wasn't correlated with subfoveal CT in the study group. CONCLUSIONS: CT was significantly thinner in patients with RA when compared with healthy controls.

Choroidal Thickness in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Analyzed by Spectral-domain Optical Coherence Tomography.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) on choroidal thickness (CT) in the subfoveal and perifoveal area as measured by enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) in patients with SLE. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-eight patients with SLE (study group) and 58 healthy individuals (control group) were enrolled in the study. The subfoveal and perifoveal CT were measured by EDI-OCT. RESULTS: The mean CT (µm) subfoveal, nasal, and temporal was 231.2 ± 57.6, 190.56 ± 30.64, and 222.65 ± 37.45 in the study group and 297.5 ± 45.1, 248.34 ± 39.67, and 286.54 ± 49.65 in the control group, respectively (p < 0.001, for all). CONCLUSION: The mean subfoveal, nasal, and temporal CT values were statistically significantly lower in patients with SLE when compared with healthy controls.

Choroidal thickness changes after dynamic exercise as measured by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography.

PURPOSE: To measure the choroidal thickness (CT) after dynamic exercise by using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 19 healthy participants performed 10 min of low-impact, moderate-intensity exercise (i.e., riding a bicycle ergometer) and were examined with EDI-OCT. Each participant was scanned before exercise and afterward at 5 min and 15 min. CT measurement was taken at the fovea and 1000 µ away from the fovea in the nasal, temporal, superior, and inferior regions. Retinal thickness, intraocular pressure, ocular perfusion pressure (OPP), heart rate, and mean blood pressure (mBP) were also measured. RESULTS: A significant increase occurred in OPP and mBP at 5 min and 15 min following exercise (P ˂ 0.05). The mean subfoveal CT at baseline was 344.00 ± 64.71 µm compared to 370.63 ± 66.87 µm at 5 min and 345.31 ± 63.58 µm at 15 min after exercise. CT measurements at all locations significantly increased at 5 min following exercise compared to the baseline (P ˂ 0.001), while measurements at 15 min following exercise did not significant differ compared to the baseline (P ˃ 0.05). There was no significant difference in retinal thickness at any location before and at 5 min and 15 min following exercise (P ˃ 0.05). CONCLUSION: Findings revealed that dynamic exercise causes a significant increase in CT for at least 5 min following exercise.