Improving Accuracy of In-The-Bag Intraocular Lens Power Calculation in Adult Eyes with Unilateral Subluxated Lenses by Using the Anterior Chamber Depth of the Unaffected Eye.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to determine the interchangeability of bilateral anterior chamber depth (ACD) in intraocular lens (IOL) power calculations for cataractous eyes and refractive outcomes using the unaffected fellow eye's ACD in subluxated crystalline lenses. METHODS: The predicted postoperative spherical equivalent (SE) calculated using the Kane formula with and without fellow eye's ACD in 202 cataract patients was compared. Refractive outcomes of the newer formulas (the Kane, Barrett Universal II [BUII], and Pearl-DGS formulas) with affected eye's ACD and with unaffected fellow eye's ACD were compared in 33 eyes with lens subluxation (the affected eye) undergoing in-the-bag IOL implantation. The SD of the prediction error (PE) was assessed using the heteroscedastic method. RESULTS: In 202 paired cataractous eyes, no marked ACD difference was found bilaterally; the predicted SE obtained without the fellow eye's ACD was comparable with that calculated with the fellow eye one (p = 0.90), with a mean absolute difference of 0.03 ± 0.03 D. With the affected eye AL, keratometry, and ACD, the median absolute error (MedAE) was 0.38-0.64 D, and the percentage of PE within ±0.50 D was 30.30-57.58%. The unaffected eye's ACD improved the results (MedAE, 0.35-0.49 D; the percentage of PE within ±0.50 D, 54.55-63.64%). The SDs of the BUII (0.82 D) and Pearl-DGS formulas (0.87 D) with the affected eye's ACD were significantly larger than those of the Kane and Pearl-DGS formulas (both 0.69 D) with the unaffected eye's ACD. CONCLUSION: Bilateral ACD was interchangeable in IOL power calculation for cataractous eyes when using the Kane formula. Unaffected eye's ACD in lieu of affected eye's ACD can enhance the accuracy of newer formulas in patients with unilateral subluxated lenses undergoing in-the-bag IOL implantation.

Intrascleral sewing-machine technique: A Grooveless/flapless cyclopexy technique for large traumatic Cyclodialysis cleft repairs in pars plana vitrectomy.

PURPOSE: To describe a minimally invasive technique for the repair of large traumatic cyclodialysis clefts using intrascleral sewing machine suture and overhand friction knot techniques in pars plana vitrectomy. METHODS: This prospective, noncomparative, interventional case series included seven eyes of seven patients with a large traumatic cyclodialysis cleft. The sewing machine technique was modified by an intrascleral approach. The procedure was transconjunctival or subconjunctival performed without scleral flaps/grooves. An overhand friction knot was used to lead the cutting ends of the suture buried in the scleral tunnel. RESULTS: The closure of the cyclodialysis cleft was achieved in seven eyes. The mean follow-up duration was 49.1 ± 15.6 weeks (range, 30-70 weeks). The intraocular pressure increased from 7.3 ± 2.1 mm Hg (range, 5-11 mmHg) preoperatively to 13.6 ± 2.4 mm Hg (range, 10-17 mmHg) postoperatively ( P < 0.01). The best-corrected visual acuity improved from a mean of 2.76 ± 2.77 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution preoperatively to 0.63 ± 0.82 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution at the final follow-up ( P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the present technique is safe and effective in the treatment of large traumatic cyclodialysis clefts with minimal surgical trauma and a decreased surgical duration.

Intrascleral Fixation of Flanged Polypropylene Suture(s) for Iridodialysis Repair.

PURPOSE: We will describe a minimally invasive technique for the repair of iridodialysis, without conjunctival dissections, using intrasceral fixation of a 6-0 polypropylene suture with a flanged tip. METHODS: A flange was created at the end of the suture with thermoplasticity. An ab interno passing of the needle attached to the suture was performed through the peripheral part of the iris and was further passed out from the eye 1.5 mm to 2 mm behind the limbus. Intrascleral fixation of the exterior suture was performed with the aid of the attached needle. After adjusting the tension of the iris relocation, the externalized end of the suture was cut flush to the sclera with scissors. For a wide dialysis, the same manipulations were repeated until the repair was completed. RESULTS: The technique was used in three eyes of three patients. No visual impairments of monocular diplopia and glare were observed after surgery. Postoperatively, the irises remained well positioned, with no suture erosion, suture loosening, hypotony, scleral atrophy, or chronic inflammation being observed within the follow-up period. Mild postoperative hyphema was observed in one eye of blunt trauma. CONCLUSION: The present technique provides minimal surgical invasion for the repair of iridodialysis without creations of scleral flap/groove/pocket and conjunctival dissection.

Telemedicine-assisted structured self-monitoring of blood glucose in management of T2DM results of a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: This prospective study aimed to compare telemedicine-assisted structured self-monitoring of blood glucose(SMBG) with a traditional blood glucose meter (BGM) in adults of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: Adult participants with T2DM were assigned to an intervention group or a control group. The patients in the intervention group received a connected BGM with real-time data submission as well as individual needs-based tele-coaching to address and improve motivation and daily diabetes self-management. The patients in the control group received a traditional BGM. Changes in glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c), low blood glucose index(LBGI), and diabetes self-management behaviors were analyzed. RESULTS: The study demonstrated the superiority of the telemedicine-assisted structured SMBG versus the traditional BGM for improving HbA1c. Additionally, the telemedicine-assisted SMBG reduced the risk of hypoglycemia and enhanced diabetes self-management behaviors, as differences in the LBGI and the Diabetes Self-Management Questionnaire(DSMQ) results between the groups after 6 months were found to be significant. CONCLUSIONS: Telemedicine-assisted structured SMBG helps physicians and patients to achieve a specific level of glycemic control and reduce hypoglycemia. The use of coaching applications and telemedicine-assisted SMBG indicated beneficial effects for T2DM self-management, which may help limit disease progression. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trail Registry No: ChiCTR2300072356 on 12/06/2023. Retrospectively registered.

CLINICAL FEATURES AND SURGICAL OUTCOMES OF ENCIRCLING SCLERAL BUCKLING WITH CRYOTHERAPY IN FAMILIAL EXUDATIVE VITREORETINOPATHY-ASSOCIATED RHEGMATOGENOUS RETINAL DETACHMENT.

PURPOSE: To report the clinical features and surgical outcomes of encircling scleral buckling surgery with cryotherapy in familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) patients with rhegmatogenous RD. METHODS: This study was a consecutive, retrospective interventional case series. Clinical features, including the FEVR stage, proliferative vitreoretinopathy grade, range of RD and degeneration, and presence of retinal breaks, and surgical outcomes, including the success rate, best-corrected visual acuity, and myopic shift, were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 16 eyes with Stage 3A FEVR and eight eyes with Stage 4A FEVR. 13 eyes had Grade A proliferative vitreoretinopathy, and 11 eyes had Grade B proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Retinal reattachment was achieved in 22 of 24 eyes (91.67%) with FEVR-rhegmatogenous RD after initial encircling scleral buckling surgery. The best-corrected visual acuity improved from a mean of 1.08 ± 0.86 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution preoperatively to 0.45 ± 0.41 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution postoperatively (P < 0.01). A myopic shift of -2.39 ± 1.38 (range, -1 to -6) diopter (P < 0.01) was observed. The mean follow-up period was 34.5 ± 27.7 (range, 7-104) months. CONCLUSION: Our study clarified the efficacy of encircling scleral buckling surgery with cryotherapy in FEVR-rhegmatogenous RD with Stage 3A or 4A FEVR and Grade A or B proliferative vitreoretinopathy, especially in patients with multiple retinal holes.

Comparison of anterior corneal aberrations measured by Scheimpflug and Placido Disc System for myopes.

BACKGROUND: To ascertain the agreement of corneal aberrations obtained from the Pentacam and the KR-1W in myopic populations and to investigate the influence of the level of myopia as well as the laterality on the agreement. METHODS: In this observational study, a rotating Scheimpflug camera (Pentacam AXL) and a Hartmann-Shack wavefront analyzer with Placido-disc topographer (KR-1W) were used to measure the aberrations of myopes in the anterior corneal surface by one experienced operator. All examinations were computed across a 6 mm diameter. Six subgroups were generated according to the degree of myopia (mild, moderate, and severe myopia) and the laterality of eyes (right and left eyes). RESULTS: The study included 245 eyes of 170 participants. For certain anterior corneal aberrations, statistically significant differences existed between the Pentacam and the KR-1W (all P < .05). The values of Zernike (Z)(2,0), Z(2,2), Z(3,1), and Z(4,0) varied in all levels of myopia regardless of the laterality, with the values of the Pentacam constantly larger than the KR-1W in the measurement of Z(2,0), Z(2,2), and Z(4,0). For 2nd to 6th aberrations, both instruments correlated poorly to moderately. The width of limits of agreement between the two instruments was clinically too wide (> 0.1 µm) for aberrations closely correlated with visual quality, including Z(3, ± 3), Z(3, ± 1), and Z(4,0), and almost all aberrations, indicating poor agreement. CONCLUSIONS: In clinical practice, the Pentacam based on Scheimpflug technology and the KR-1W based on Placido Disc System are not interchangeable in measuring anterior corneal aberration for myopes regardless of myopia degree and the laterality, suggesting that a consistent instrument should be selected for surgical design as well as follow-up.

Gene flow and phylogenetic analyses of paternal lineages in the Yi-Luo valley using Y-STR genetic markers.

BACKGROUND: The Yi-Luo valley witnessed the most significant socio-political transformation of China and was deeply implicated in several enormous migrations of the Han population. However, little has been done to clarify its paternal genetic variation or phylogenetic relationship, particularly concerning the genetic evidence of their migrations. AIM: This study aims to uncover the population genetic characteristics in the Yi-Luo valley and provide genetic evidence for its people's migrations. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Seventeen Y-STR loci included in the AmpFlSTR®Yfiler™ were typed in 2,314 individuals from seven different regions along the Yi-Luo valley. A multidimensional scaling plot and neighbor-joining tree were constructed for nationwide genetic comparisons. Y-haplogroup frequencies and migration rates were estimated among the studied populations. Gene flows were detected by different migration models and directions. RESULTS: The predicted Y-haplogroups demonstrated the predominance of O2a2. Genetic affinities were observed among Han, Hakka, Danmin, and Bai. Anhui was shown to be the most crucial transfer spot for the Hakkas when they moved out of the Central Plains to South China. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals the genetic landscape of paternal lineages living in the Yi-Luo valley and enriches our understanding of the great migration in Chinese history.

Exosomes mediate an epithelial-mesenchymal transition cascade in retinal pigment epithelial cells: Implications for proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

Exosomes have recently emerged as a pivotal mediator of many physiological and pathological processes. However, the role of exosomes in proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) has not been reported. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of exosomes in PVR. Transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGFß-2) was used to induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, as an in vitro model of PVR. Exosomes from normal and EMTed RPE cells were extracted and identified. We incubated extracted exosomes with recipient RPE cells, and co-cultured EMTed RPE cells and recipient RPE cells in the presence of the exosome inhibitor GW4869. Both experiments suggested that there are further EMT-promoting effects of exosomes from EMTed RPE cells. MicroRNA sequencing was also performed to identify the miRNA profiles in exosomes from both groups. We identified 34 differentially expressed exosomal miRNAs (P <. 05). Importantly, miR-543 was found in exosomes from EMTed RPE cells, and miR-543-enriched exosomes significantly induced the EMT of recipient RPE cells. Our study demonstrates that exosomal miRNA is differentially expressed in RPE cells during EMT and that these exosomal miRNAs may play pivotal roles in EMT induction. Our results highlight the importance of exosomes as cellular communicators within the microenvironment of PVR.

Flapless intrascleral knotting technique for suture fixation of intraocular implants.

PURPOSE: We will describe a flapless/grooveless/pocketless and minimally invasive technique for scleral suture fixation of intraocular implants. METHODS: After introducing the suture into the eye, the two ends of the suture were left exterior to the globe, the free end and the end connected to a curved needle (the needle side). A back-and-forth intrascleral suture passage was performed with the aid of a curved needle. The suture was thus supported by adequate scleral tissue. The suture was fixated to the sclera by knotting it into the sclerotomy. The ends of the suture were finally anchored intrasclerally with the aid of a 30-gauge needle. RESULTS: The technique was employed in 15 eyes of 15 patients. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 9.1 ± 4.6 months. Postoperatively, the intraoperative lenses (IOLs) of all the eyes remained well positioned and stable. The postoperative visual acuities for all of the eyes were also improved. No suture erosion, suture loosening, hypotony, scleral atrophy, chronic inflammation, retinal tears, and/or detachments were observed within the follow-up period. CONCLUSION: The present technique provides minimal surgical invasion for the scleral suture fixation of intraocular implants.

Pseudoduplication of the optic disc initially resembling a bifurcated optic nerve in a strabismus child: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Pseudoduplication of the optic disc is a rare clinical condition that is characterized by a circumscribed, disc-like lesion with radiating vessels but only one normal optic nerve. We report a rare case that initially resembled a bifurcated optic nerve in a strabismus child. CASE PRESENTATION: A 6-year-old female child was initially referred to our hospital due to perceptual exotropia of 15 degrees with poor fixation of the left eye. The visual acuity of the left eye was 3/100 with a refraction of + 1.75/- 1.25 × 175. Fundus images of her left eye revealed a circumscribed and disc-like lesion located one disc diameter (DD) below the true optic disc that showed profound central cupping resembling a second optic disc with a vascular supply. B scan ultrasonography showed an optic nerve with a bifurcated weak-echo region, suggesting that two strands originated from the optic nerve. Optic coherence tomography (OCT) demonstrated a large crater-like depression of the lesion, indicating a colobomatous defect covered by a mysterious membranous structure, a disturbed nerve fibre layer and the absence of regular outer retinal layers. A perimetric examination revealed a relatively superior defect. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed the left eye globe showed an abnormal morphology and that the optic nerve was abnormally shaped and shifted nasally in the left eye. Fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA) of the left eye revealed the absence of independent vascular vessels in the disc-like lesion. Hyperfluorescence with patchy fluorescence was evident in the inferotemporal area of the disc. Vascular loops surrounding the temporal region were evident in both eyes. Her right eye was normal except for the vascular loop. We proposed that this represented a case of pseudoduplication of the optic disc. The patient did not undergo any treatment, and her visual acuity remained stable during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Our patient presented with a deep and ectatic coloboma below the optic disc that communicated with the true optic nerve and was originally thought to indicate a bifurcated optic nerve. This case suggests that atypical ectatic colobomas should be considered before diagnosing malformations related to the optic nerve in double optic disc cases.

AIR/FLUID-DROPPING TECHNIQUE FOR INTRACAPSULAR DISTILLED WATER APPLICATION: A Vitrectomy Approach for Selective Targeting of Lens Epithelial Cells.

PURPOSE: We describe a simplified technique of intracapsular distilled water application for targeting lens epithelial cells using vitrectomy approach of fluid-air exchange and to evaluate the reliability and safety of this technique. METHODS: Consecutive patients with cataract were randomly assigned to treatment group and control group. After the nucleus removal and cortical aspiration, the space of anterior chamber and capsular bag were maintained with continuous infusion of sterile air by using fluid-air exchange technique through side-port incision. Distilled water was dropped into the capsular bag using a specially designed syringe. A concave air-fluid surface (a physical phenomenon) insured the contact of distilled water with the inner surface of the capsule without overflowing from the bag. The distilled water remained in place for 3 minutes and was then removed by the syringe. RESULTS: No intraoperative surgical complication was observed, and no damage to adjacent intraocular structures was observed during the postoperative follow-up. There was no statistical difference of corneal endothelial cell loss between the treatment group and the control group. Histological study confirmed damage to the lens epithelial cells from anterior capsular specimens treated by the technique. CONCLUSION: The simplified technique using vitrectomy approach is safe and specific for targeting lens epithelial cells without associated complications.

MicroRNA-495 inhibits the high glucose-induced inflammation, differentiation and extracellular matrix accumulation of cardiac fibroblasts through downregulation of NOD1.

BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have physiological and pathophysiological functions that are involved in the regulation of cardiac fibrosis. This study aimed to investigate the effects of miR-495 on high glucose-induced cardiac fibrosis in human cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) and to establish the mechanism underlying these effects. METHODS: Human CFs were transfected with an miR-495 inhibitor or mimic and incubated with high glucose. The levels of NOD1 and miR-495 were then determined via quantitative RT-PCR. Pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, cell differentiation and extracellular matrix accumulation were respectively detected using ELISA, quantitative RT-PCR and western blot assays. The luciferase reporter assay, quantitative RT-PCR and western blot were used to explore whether NOD1 was a target of miR-495. The effects of miR-495 on the NF-κB and TGF-ß1/Smad signaling pathways were also detected via western blot. RESULTS: Our results show that high glucose can significantly increase the expression of NOD1 in a time-dependent manner. Upregulation of miR-495 significantly alleviated the high glucose-induced increases in cell differentiation and collagen accumulation of CFs. Moreover, the bioinformatics analysis predicted that NOD1 was a potential target gene for miR-495. The luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-495 can directly target NOD1. The introduction of miR-495 could significantly inhibit the high glucose-activated NF-κB and TGF-ß1/Smad signaling pathways. CONCLUSION: Upregulation of miR-495 ameliorates the high glucose-induced inflammatory, cell differentiation and extracellular matrix accumulation of human CFs by modulating both the NF-κB and TGF-ß1/Smad signaling pathways through downregulation of NOD1 expression. These results provide further evidence for the protective effect of miR-495 overexpression in cases of high glucose-induced cardiac fibrosis.

Aqueous cytokine levels associated with severity of type 1 retinopathy of prematurity and treatment response to ranibizumab.

PURPOSE: To determine the aqueous humor levels of cytokines in eyes with type 1 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) before primary intravitreal injection of ranibizumab (IVR). METHODS: Forty-nine infants with type 1 ROP (56 eyes of 28 infants in the threshold ROP group and 42 eyes of 21 infants in the type 1 pre-threshold ROP group) received primary IVR and 49 aqueous humor samples were obtained preoperatively. Aqueous humor samples from 15 infants (15 eyes) undergoing congenital cataract surgery were used as controls. The concentrations of 27 cytokines were measured by a multiplex bead assay. Infants with persistent, recurrent, or progressive ROP after IVR were retreated. RESULTS: The preoperative aqueous levels of 16 cytokines were significantly different among type 1 pre-threshold, threshold ROP, and control groups (P < 0.05). The concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (P < 0.001), interferon-γ (P < 0.001), interleukin (IL)-10 (P < 0.001), and IL-12 (P < 0.001) were the highest in the threshold ROP group, less in the type 1 pre-threshold ROP group, and the lowest in the control group. Retreatment was given to 55% of infants with ROP within a 48-week follow-up period after primary IVR. Higher VEGF (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.001, P = 0.001) and macrophage inflammatory protein-1ß (HR = 1.085, P = 0.022) levels were independently correlated with ROP retreatment. CONCLUSIONS: Higher aqueous levels of VEGF and inflammatory cytokines were associated with more severe type 1 ROP and ROP retreatment after primary IVR.

AUTOLOGOUS LENS CAPSULAR FLAP TRANSPLANTATION COMBINED WITH AUTOLOGOUS BLOOD APPLICATION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF REFRACTORY MACULAR HOLE.

PURPOSE: To report results of lens capsular flap transplantation (LCFT) and autologous whole blood application in refractory macular hole (MH) treatment. METHODS: Seven phakic and three aphakic eyes with persistent MH after standard surgery with internal limiting membrane peeling were studied. Lens capsule flap was acquired from the same eye in eight cases (seven phakic and one aphakic). The fellow eye was used in two aphakic eyes without sufficient lens capsule. The fellow eye underwent simultaneous phacoemulsification. All eyes underwent complete vitrectomy, LCFT into the MH, whole blood application, and 15% perfluoropropane (C3F8) tamponade. The patients were instructed to maintain a face-down or prone position for two weeks postoperatively. Structural and functional changes were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean preoperative MH diameter was 1,472.78 ± 736.88 µm. The MH was completely closed in nine eyes: eight eyes receiving same-eye LCFT and one receiving fellow-eye LCFT. In the other fellow-eye LCFT recipient, the MH was partially closed. Visual acuity improved from 1.84 ± 0.49 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (median Snellen acuity: 20/1,750, range: 20/4,000-20/125) preoperatively to 1.34 ± 0.59 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (median Snellen acuity: 20/450, range: 20/4,000-20/63) postoperatively (P = 0.009). CONCLUSION: Lens capsular flap transplantation and autologous whole blood application may improve anatomical and visual outcomes in refractory MH cases. The lens equator and fellow eye may be promising sources of LCF.

Capture of intraocular lens optic by residual capsular opening in secondary implantation: long-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND: To introduce a novel surgical technique for optic capture by residual capsular opening in secondary intraocular lens (IOL) implantation and to report the outcomes of a long follow-up. METHODS: Twenty patients (20 eyes) who had received secondary IOL implantation with the optic capture technique were retrospectively reviewed. We used the residual capsular opening for capturing the optic and inserted the haptics in the sulcus during surgery. Baseline clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes, including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), refractive status, and IOL position were recorded. The postoperative location and stability of IOL were evaluated using the ultrasound biomicroscopy. RESULTS: Optic capture technique was successfully performed in all cases, including 5 cases with large area of posterior capsular opacity, 6 cases with posterior capsular tear or rupture,and 9 cases with adhesive capsules. BCVA improved from 0.60 logMAR at baseline to 0.36 logMAR at the last follow-up (P < 0.001). Spherical equivalent changed from 10.67 ± 4.59 D at baseline to 0.12 ± 1.35 D at 6 months postoperatively (P < 0.001). Centered IOLs were observed in all cases and remained captured through residual capsular opening in 19 (95%) eyes at the last follow-up. In one case, the captured optic of IOL slid into ciliary sulcus at 7 months postoperatively. No other postoperative complications were observed in any cases. CONCLUSIONS: This optic capture technique by using residual capsule opening is an efficacious and safe technique and can achieve IOL stability in the long follow-up.

Myopic Laser Corneal Refractive Surgery Reduces Interdevice Agreement in the Measurement of Anterior Corneal Curvature.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate interdevice differences and agreement in the measurement of anterior corneal curvature obtained by different technologies after laser corneal refractive surgery. METHODS: The prospective study comprised 109 eyes of 109 consecutive patients who had undergone laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Preoperative and postoperative corneal parameters were measured by Scheimpflug imaging (Pentacam), Placido-slit-scanning (Orbscan) and auto-keratometry (IOLMaster). Preoperative and postoperative anterior corneal curvatures (K readings) were compared between devices. Interdevice agreement was evaluated by Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS: Preoperatively, the difference of K reading for Pentacam-IOLMaster (0.04±0.20 D) was not statistically significant (P=0.059). The differences between Pentacam-Orbscan and Orbscan-IOLMaster were 0.20±0.34 D (P<0.001) and -0.17±0.29 D (P<0.001), respectively. After surgery, no difference was found for Pentacam-Orbscan (-0.05±0.38, P=0.136). The differences between Pentacam-IOLMaster and Orbscan-IOLMaster were 0.13±0.29 D (P<0.001) and 0.19±0.34 D (P<0.001). Preoperative interdevice agreement (95% limit of agreement [LOA]) between Pentacam and Orbscan, Pentacam and IOLMaster, and Orbscan and IOLMaster were 1.31 D, 0.79 D and 1.14 D, respectively. The 95% LOAs decreased to 1.47 D, 1.14 D, and 1.34 D after refractive surgery. CONCLUSION: Corneal refractive surgery changed the preoperative and postoperative interdevice differences in corneal curvature measurements and reduced interdevice agreement, indicating that the devices are not interchangeable.

The efficacy of mycophenolate mofetil in treating Takayasu arteritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in treating Takayasu arteritis (TA) patients. Embase, Cochrane Library, Pubmed, Clinicaltrials. Gov and three Chinese literature databases (VIP, CNKI, WanFang) were searched; randomized-controlled trials and observational studies that compared the efficacy before and after treatment with MMF were included. The efficacy outcomes were disease activity, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP) values and steroid dosage. The results were expressed as mean differences with 95% confidence intervals. Compared with the baseline, there were significant reductions in the ESR (-14.92 [25.35, -4.48]), CRP values (-12.99 [-23.29, -2.68]) and the steroid dosage (-17.64 [-24.89, -10.4]) after the addition of MMF, and the disease tended to stabilize. Therefore, MMF might be an alternative immunosuppressive drug for TA for the control of disease activity and to taper the steroid dosage.

A Modified Technique for the Transconjunctival and Sutureless External Drainage of Subretinal Fluid in Bullous Exudative Retinal Detachment Using a 24-G i.v. Catheter.

PURPOSE: To present the use of a 24-G Optiva® i.v. catheter for external drainage of subretinal fluid (SRF) in bullous exudative retinal detachment (RD). METHODS: Thirteen eyes with bullous exudative RD were included in our study. SRF drainage was accomplished via a transconjunctival scleral incision with a 24-G catheter followed by laser treatment, vitrectomy, or anti-VEGF treatment, as needed. Data on age, indications, visual acuities, the number of drainage times, drainage duration, complications, and fundoscopy were collected. RESULTS: Two females and 11 males, with a mean age of 4.2 ± 2.7 years, were included. Surgical indications included exudative RD caused by Coats disease (12 eyes) and Sturge- Weber syndrome (1 eye). Successful drainage was achieved in all cases. The mean duration of the SRF drainage procedure was 63.5 ± 16.9 s. Except for 1 case of localized subretinal haemorrhage, no complications were noted. CONCLUSIONS: External drainage of SRF using a 24-G Optiva® i.v. catheter is safe, efficient, and useful.