Using Alprazolam before phacoemulsification cataract surgery reduces complications and duration of the surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of preoperative Alprazolam on complications of phacoemulsification cataract surgery, duration of surgery and early reoperation rate. METHODS: Records of 1026 eyes of 1026 consecutive patients underwent phacoemulsification with topical and intracameral anesthesia between 2016 and 2020 years were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups, with or without using Alprazolam before surgery. Patients with planned first-time surgery for senile cataract and at least three months follow-up postoperatively were included. Those who had pseudoexfoliation, small pupil, zonular weakness, corneal and hearing problem as well as traumatic, brown, mature, hypermature, and posterior polar cataracts were excluded. Main outcome measures were duration of surgery, posterior capsule rupture, rapid posterior capsule opacification (PCO) formation requiring the neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser and reoperation rate in early postoperative periods. RESULTS: Alprazolam and control groups included 490 and 536 eyes, respectively. Mean surgical time was shorter in Alprazolam group (10.2 ± 3 versus 12.2 ± 4 min; < 0.001). Rate of posterior capsule rupture was higher in control group (4 versus 15 eyes; = 0.02). Four eyes (0.8%) in control group underwent unplanned secondary surgical procedures in early postoperative period (P = 0.126). Rate of rapid PCO formation was higher in control group (1 versus 9 eyes; = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS: Using Alprazolam before phacoemulsification can lead to less posterior capsule rupture, short operation time and prevent repetitive surgery. It also reduces rapid PCO formation and, thus, early Nd:YAG laser intervention due to better cleaning the posterior capsule during surgery. We conclude that Alprazolam not only reduces intraoperative complications, but also facilitates their management.

Changes in choroidal thickness after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment of diabetic macular edema, real-life data, 2-year results.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injection on central choroidal thickness (CCT), central macular thickness (CMT) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in diabetic macular edema (DME). METHODS: Retrospective, cohort analysis of 90 eyes of 90 patients receiving anti-VEGF therapy for DME. In patients' records, measurements of CCT, CMT, and BCVA before treatment and at 2 years after treatment were recorded. Using enhanced-depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) images, choroidal thickness and macular thickness measurements were recorded in the subfoveal area and 1 mm nasal to 1 mm temporal to the central foveal area. The baseline and final CMT and CCT values measured from all three quadrants were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 59.60 ± 9.78 (range, 40-77) years. Mean baseline nasal-CT 226.4 ± 52.5 µm, central-CT 243.2 ± 51.1 µm and temporal-CT 224.6 ± 47.9 µm. Mean final nasal-CT 220.0 ± 50.2 µm, central-CT 235.3 ± 53.6 µm, temporal-CT 220.5 ± 48.1 µm (p = 0.122, p = 0.056, p = 0.184, respectively). Mean baseline nasal- MT 385.3 ± 67.7, central-MT 345.5 ± 119.7 µm and temporal-MT 365.0 ± 64.9 µm. Mean final nasal-MT 359.6 ± 59.2 µm, central-MT 306.2 ± 98.4 µm and temporal-MT 353.4 ± 63.3 µm (p = 0.001, p = 0.002, p = 0.234, respectively). The BCVA improved from 0.52 ± 0.44 logMAR at baseline to 0.38 ± 0.33 at final (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION: After treatment of diabetic macular edema with intravitreal anti-VEGF injection, CMT and BCVA improved significantly, but CCT did not decrease significantly.

Argon laser-assisted hypotony model in the rabbit.

To investigate whether ocular hypotony formation with 360 degrees endocyclophotocoagulation is possible. Twelve male New Zealand White rabbits were used. Entire ciliary body epithelium was destructed with green laser photocoagulation after pars plana lensectomy and anterior vitrectomy in six rabbits. Endocyclophotocoagulation was not performed to the remaining six rabbits (control group). Intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured preoperatively and followed up everyday in the first week and weekly until the end of month one. All of the rabbits were sacrificed and ciliary bodies were left for gross and light microscopic examination. Mean baseline IOPs were similar in laser and non-laser group (14.8 ± 1.4 (range 12.2-17.3) vs 14.4 ± 1.4 (range 12.2-15.9), p = 0.650). Mean IOP was 6.6 ± 0.45 mmHg (range 5.9-7.1) in the laser group and 11.5 ± 1.2 mmHg (range 10.2-13.4) in the non-laser group in postoperative day 1. IOP was below 4 mmHg in all eyes on the second day and after in laser group. In the macroscopic evaluation, the entire ciliary body had a white (loss of pigmentation) and atrophic appearance in all of the eyes in the laser-treated group compared to non-laser group. In the laser group, light microscopic examination demonstrated a severe 360 degrees disruption of ciliary processes. Ciliary processes were covered with fibrin exudation consisting of fibroblasts. There was a mild inflammation with disruption or atrophy of ciliary body epithelium with cystic vacuolar degeneration. Three hundred sixty degrees endocyclophotocoagulation yielded severe ciliary epithelium damage. IOP reduction started very early and continued in hypotonic levels during follow up period.

Choroidal thickness in macular holes.

PURPOSE: To determine the association between choroidal thickness (CT) and anatomic success in closed and open macular holes (MHs) following surgery. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-six eyes of 136 patients who underwent surgery due to primary MH were included in this study. Choroidal thickness was measured from various points (subfoveal, temporal, nasal, superior and inferior 1500 µm from the center of the fovea) in both eyes with MH and fellow eyes. We determined associations among the duration of symptoms, MH dimensions and CTs from various points with anatomic success and correlations between CT and MH dimensions and duration of symptoms. RESULTS: Choroidal thickness was significantly lower in eyes with MH than fellow eyes in both open and closed MHs. Base diameter [p = 0.025, odds ratio (OR) = 0.428], minimum hole diameter (p = 0.030, OR = 0.211) and duration of symptoms [p = 0.034, OR = 0.443] were significantly associated with anatomic success. However, CTs from various points were not associated with anatomic success despite a significant preoperative subfoveal CT difference between open and closed MHs (198 ± 21 µm in open MHs and 230 ± 30 µm in closed MHs; p < 0.001). Preoperative subfoveal CT was moderately correlated with base diameter (r = - 0.505, p < 0.001), minimum hole diameter (r = - 0.518, p < 0.001) and duration of symptoms (r = - 0.510, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Failed MHs were associated with larger hole dimensions (base diameter and minimum hole diameter) and longer duration of symptoms. Preoperative subfoveal CT was thinner in open MHs, but there was no association with anatomic success. Choroidal thinning may be linked to larger and chronic MHs.

Application of autologous serum eye drops after pterygium surgery: a prospective study.

PURPOSE: The study aims to determine the effect of 50% autologous serum drops (ASD) on corneal healing and patient comfort following pterygium surgery. METHODS: Fifty eyes of 50 patients who underwent pterygium excision combined with autologous conjunctival graft were included in this prospective randomized study: in 25 eyes, 50% ASD. In the remaining 25 eyes, conventional artificial tears (CAT) were applied postoperatively until corneal epithelium had completely epithelialized. Corneal epithelium healing speed, visual analog scale (VAS) for postoperative pain assessment, conjunctival inflammation, and recurrences were evaluated. Patients were followed up for 6 months. RESULTS: Mean corneal epithelium closure time was 3.16 ± 0.37 days (range 3 and 4 days) in ASD group and 4.96 ± 0.84 days in CAT group (range 4 and 6 days), and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). VAS scores were significantly lower in ASD group than CAT group in the first 5 days after surgery. In 9 of 50 eyes, moderate conjunctival inflammation continued 1 month: 4 (16%) in ASD group and 5 (20%) in CAT group (p = 0.713). In total, pterygium recurrence was seen in 5 (10%) eyes: 2 eyes (8%) in ASD group and 3 eyes (12%) in CAT group (p = 0.637). CONCLUSION: ASD accelerated corneal epithelial healing following pterygium surgery. ASD group had lesser pain that was seem to be related with accelerated corneal epithelial healing.

Pediatric open-globe injuries: clinical characteristics and factors associated with poor visual and anatomical success.

PURPOSE: We determine the clinical characteristics, visual and anatomical outcomes, and factors associated with poor visual outcome and anatomical success in pediatric open-globe injuries (OGI). METHODS: The records of patients aged 17 years and younger who had undergone surgical intervention after OGI between January 2000 and June 2010 were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: In total, 182 patients were enrolled in the study (70.9 % males, 29.1 % females; mean age: 8.6 ± 4.5 years [range 1-17 years]). Injuries occurred mostly at home (45.1 %). Objects most often causing the ocular trauma were sharp objects (74.1 %). Over one-third of the eyes (39.7 %) had final visual acuities of 20/200 or better. Anatomical success was achieved in 76.9 % of eyes. Time between primary globe repair and secondary surgical intervention was 61.4 ± 144 days. Visual outcomes were poor in eyes with initial visual acuity less than for counting fingers, retinal detachment, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, and endophthalmitis. Anatomical success rates were low with retinal detachment. CONCLUSION: Visual outcomes seem to be poor in more than half of the patients despite advanced microsurgical techniques.

Pharmacologic Management of Pressure-Induced Stromal Keratopathy after LASIK.

PURPOSE: To emphasize the importance of anticipation of pressure-induced stromal keratopathy (PISK) in eyes with a previous history of LASIK. CASE REPORT: A 40-year-old man developed LASIK-related pressure-induced stromal keratopathy after uneventful phacoemulsification (Phaco) and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in his left eye. With immediate discontinuation of the steroid drops and initiation of antiglaucoma medication, his visual acuity, interface edema, and haze improved rapidly. One year later, during Phaco with IOL implantation in his other eye, with anticipation of a similar LASIK-related pressure-induced stromal keratopathy, a very brief course of soft steroid therapy was given together with antiglaucoma medication. Intraocular pressure elevation was avoided, and no interface edema or haze was observed. CONCLUSIONS: This case illustrates that the risk for LASIK-related pressure-induced stromal keratopathy may be reduced with appropriate precautions.

Argon laser-assisted treatment of benign eyelid lesions.

We investigated the treatment of benign eyelid lesions with argon laser as an alternative therapy to surgical excision. The charts of 73 patients with 95 lesions treated with argon laser photocoagulation were reviewed retrospectively. In all patients, the procedure was performed for cosmetic reasons. The laser spot size ranged from 50 to 200 µm, the power varied from 300 to 700 mW, and the exposure time ranged between 0.1 and 0.2 s. The lesions were mostly located on the upper eyelid (66%); the lid margin was involved in 30 cases. The mean follow-up time was 7.2 ± 3.5 months (range 3-15 months). A histopathological diagnosis was confirmed for 81 lesions (85.3%). All patients were satisfied with the cosmetic result. No intraoperative complications occurred, and none of the patients complained of pain during laser application. All wounds epithelialized in 3-4 weeks with skin that appeared normal. Hypopigmentation of the treated areas were observed in three cases. No recurrence occurred during the follow-up period. Argon laser-assisted benign eyelid tumor excision is a useful, cheap, accessible, and well-tolerated alternative to traditional surgery.

Effect of the Toll-like receptor 4 antagonist eritoran on retinochoroidal inflammatory damage in a rat model of endotoxin-induced inflammation.

PURPOSE: We investigated the effect of eritoran, a Toll-like receptor 4 antagonist, on retinochoroidal inflammatory damage in an endotoxin-induced inflammatory rat model. METHODS: Endotoxin-induced inflammatory model was obtained by intraperitoneal injection of 1.5 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Group 1 had control rats; in groups 2-3 LPS and 0.5 mg/kg sterile saline were injected; and in groups 4-5 LPS and 0.5 mg/kg eritoran were injected. Blood samples were taken and eyes were enucleated after 12 hours (h) (groups 2 and 4) or 24 hours (Groups 3 and 5). Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the serum and retinochoroidal tissue and nuclear factor kappa-B (NFκB) levels in retinochoroidal tissue were determined. Histopathological examination was performed and retinochoroidal changes were scored. RESULTS: Eritoran treatment resulted in lower levels of TNF-α, MDA, and NFκB after 12 h which became significant after 24 h. Serum TNF-α and retinochoroidal tissue NFκB levels were similar to control animals at the 24th h of the study. Eritoran significantly reversed histopathological damage after 24 h. CONCLUSIONS: Eritoran treatment resulted in less inflammatory damage in terms of serum and retinochoroidal tissue parameters.

Effect of the Presence of Silicone Oil in the Anterior Chamber After Complicated Retinal Detachment Surgery on Corneal Morphology by In Vivo Confocal Microscopy.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the corneal endothelium, stromal keratocytes, subbasal nerve number and density in patients with silicone oil transferred to the anterior camera after pseudophakic complicated retinal detachment surgery by in vivo laser scanning confocal microscopy (IVLSCM). METHODS: Sequential measurements were made by IVLSCM between 3-6 months after surgery in two groups of patients: a) with silicon oil migration (Group 1) and without silicone oil migration (Group 2). RESULTS: A total of 63 cases (Group 1: 32 and Group 2: 31) were examined. The mean ages of patients were 65 ± 12 and 61 ± 11 and M/F ratio was 18/14 and 17/14, respectively. Mean intraocular pressures were 16.60 ± 4.60 and 15.75 ± 5.70 mm Hg, respectively. Changes were detected by IVLSCM mostly on the superior part of the cornea. A significant decrease in endothelial cell density and the number was detected in group 1 (2072 ± 116.2 cells/mm2 vs 2752 ± 512.3 cells/mm2; p < 0.001). Significant increases in posterior keratocyte density and stromal hyperreflective deposits were observed in group 1 (887 ± 45.8 cells/mm2 vs 725 ± 65.8 cells/mm2; p < 0.001). A significant negative correlation was observed between the size of stromal deposits and endothelial cell density (r=-0.758; p < 0.001). The number and density of corneal subbasal nerves were significantly lower in group 1 (1.8 ± 0.8 and 4.8 ± 1.2 vs 420 ± 101 and 701 ± 112 µm/square; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: IVLSCM is a useful tool for the early detection of corneal abnormalities caused by silicone oil injection. This study verified silicone oil's detrimental effect on the corneal endothelium and revealed stromal changes in the anterior chamber, which we believe can be also been associated with the presence of silicone oil.

Comparing the effects and safety of dorzolamide hydrochloride + timolol maleate versus brimonidine after neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet laser capsulotomy posterior capsule opacification.

AIM: Posterior capsular opacification is treated using neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet laser capsulotomy that leads to increased intraocular pressure. Here, we compare the effects of dorzolamide hydrochloride + timolol maleate versus brimonidine on intraocular pressure. We also investigate their side effects after neodymium-doped yttrium aluminium garnet laser capsulotomy. In these patients, there are no prior studies comparing the results of these two drugs. MATERIALS: Ninety patients with posterior capsule opacification contributed to the study. They received yttrium aluminium garnet laser capsulotomy. After yttrium aluminium garnet laser capsulotomy, they were randomized into three groups. Group 1 received dorzolamide hydrochloride + timolol maleate; Group 2 took brimonidine; and Group 3, the control group, took no drug. Group 1 took dorzolamide hydrochloride + timolol maleate eye drops 1 h before the procedure and on the third hour of the first day and two times per day between the second and the seventh days. Group 2 took brimonidine eye drops 1 h before the procedure and on the third hour of the first day, two times per day between the second and the seventh days. RESULTS: Brimonidine had a similar side effect profile to the fix combination. Intraocular pressure on the first (p = 0.87) and third days (p = 0.124) were similar in Group 1 (dorzolamide hydrochloride + timolol maleate), Group 2 (brimonidine) and the control group. The mean intraocular pressure value of the control group was significantly higher than Groups 1 and 2 because the anti-glaucomatous effects of the drugs become prominent on the seventh day (p = 0.041). In Group 1 and Group 2, intraocular pressure was significantly lower than the control group on the seventh day (p = 0.041). Stinging, itching, hyperemia and Tyndall rates were similar in Group 1, Group 2 and the control group. Watery eyes were less common in the brimonidine group than in the dorzolamide hydrochloride-timolol maleate and the control groups on the seventh day (p = 0.02). Brimonidine also significantly lowered the chemosis rate on the third (p = 0.04) and seventh (p = 0.03) days. CONCLUSION: We suggest that brimonidine and a combination of dorzolamide + timolol are similarly effective at reducing eye pressure for routine cases. In cases where intraocular pressure attacks might be at higher risk, using the dorzolamide + timolol combination would be more appropriate.

Sensitivity and Specificity of the Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography for Detection of Neovascularization and Evaluation of Peripheral Ischemia in Diabetic Retinopathy.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify the sensitivity and specificity of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) parameters for the presence of neovascularization elsewhere (NVE) and to investigate the relationship between ischemic areas. Methods: This study included 59 eyes with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) and 36 eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). The foveal avascular zone (FAZ), vessel density (VD) for the superficial and the deep capillary plexus (DCP), choriocapillaris flow area (CCP), and non-perfusion area (unit²) were recorded. The area under the curve (AUC) under the receiver operating characteristic curves, sensitivity and specificity were calculated for statistically significant outcomes. Later, based on visual acuity, PDR group was subdivided into group 2A: PDR eyes with VA ≤0.2 logMAR and group 2B: PDR eyes with VA>0.2 logMAR. Non-perfusion area and OCTA features were compared between the subgroups. Results: The VD in DCP was significantly lower, FAZ and non-perfusion area were larger in PDR group (p=0.001, p<0.001, and p<0.001). The AUC for presence of NVE, for the VD, was 0.710 (p=0.012) with sensitivity and specificity of 64% and 65%, for the FAZ was 0.746 (p<0.001) with sensitivity and specificity of 72% and 72.7%. There was a significant positive correlation between the FAZ and non-perfusion area (For NPDR, p=0.025, for PDR p<0.001). There was a significant negative correlation between the VD in DCP and ischemic area in PDR group. (p<0.001) In group 2B, non-perfusion area and FAZ were larger than group 2A. The VD and CCP flow area were also lower in group 2B (All, p<0.05). Conclusion: In cases with decreased VD in DCP and increased FAZ, the probability of PDR increases. Despite the sensitivity and specificity of the OCTA indices for the prediction of NVE being moderate, the OCTA is very useful in evaluating the microvascular structure in DR.

A Novel Surgical Method to Treat Chronic Ocular Hypotony.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of a novel surgical method for the treatment of chronic ocular hypotony (COH). The surgical method involves partially blocking the iridocorneal angle and decreasing aqueous humor outflow. A capsular tension ring (CTR) is placed in the iridocorneal angle. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirteen eyes of 13 patients were included in this retrospective, interventional case series. All of the eyes had severe ocular hypotony with a diagnosis of hypotony after vitreoretinal surgery or glaucoma filtration surgery. A CTR was placed in the iridocorneal angle via a corneal incision. The follow-up period was at least 1 year. Main outcome measurement was intraocular pressure (IOP). RESULTS: IOP increased in all of the eyes. The increase in IOP persisted during the follow-up period. Visual acuity increased or stabilized in all of the eyes. No ocular complications were noted due to the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The authors have described a novel and simple technique for the setting of IOP in COH. Mechanical obstruction of aqueous humor outflow with a CTR can increase IOP and stabilize or improve vision in eyes with COH for a follow-up time longer than 12 months. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2019;50:e56-e60.].

Pediatric Traumatic Retinal Detachments: Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of retinal detachment (RD) after open globe injuries (OGIs) and closed globe injuries (CGIs). PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred ten eyes of 110 patients aged 17 years or younger who underwent primary RD repair after OGI and CGI between 2010 and 2013 were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Cataract (59.8% vs. 21.7%; P = .002) and vitreous hemorrhage (54% vs. 13%; P < .001) were significantly higher in OGIs than CGIs. Anatomical success rates were 75.9% in OGI and 82.6% in CGI (P = .586). Final visual acuity of 20/200 or greater was obtained in 23% of OGIs and 47.8% of CGIs (P = .035). Advanced proliferative vitreoretinopathy was associated with poor anatomical and visual outcome in both OGIs and CGIs. In OGIs, macular detachment was associated with poor visual outcome, and in CGIs, vitrectomy and macular detachment were associated with poor visual outcome. CONCLUSION: Visual outcomes were not compatible with anatomical success in both groups. Advanced PVR seems to be the most prominent factor that influences the anatomical and functional success rates in both OGI and CGI. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2017;48:143-150.].

Surgical Treatment of Dysthyroid Optic Neuropathy: Long-Term Visual Outcomes with Comparison of 2-Wall versus 3-Wall Orbital Decompression.

PURPOSE: To compare the long-term visual outcomes after 2-wall (medial-lateral) versus 3-wall (medial-lateral-inferior) orbital decompression combined with fat removal in patients with dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON). METHODS: Records of 68 eyes of 42 patients were retrospectively reviewed. Two-and 3-wall decompression was performed in 41 and 27 eyes, respectively. Transcaruncular approach was used for medial wall decompression. Lateral canthotomy combined with upper eyelid crease incision was used for lateral wall removal, and combined with transconjunctival lower eyelid incision if floor decompression performed. Outcome measures were visual acuity (VA), color vision, Hertel measures, visual field mean deviation (MD) and pattern standard deviation (PSD) Result: The mean follow-up time was 39.3 months (range, 12-72 months). All indicators of visual function significantly improved after 2-and 3-wall decompression. The improvement in VA and color vision was similar between groups. (logMAR VA: 2-wall: 0.52 ± 0.68 versus 3-wall: 0.71 ± 0.86, p = 0.335); (color vision on Ishihara plates: 2-wall: 10.1 ± 8.1 versus 3-wall: 11.6 ± 7.8, p = 0.447). The improvement in MD and PSD were higher after 3-wall decompression (MD: 2-wall: 10.0 ± 5.5 versus 3-wall: 14.3 ± 7.5 dB, p = 0.020); (PSD: 2-wall: 3.5 ± 1.9 versus 3-wall: 4.8 ± 3.0 dB, p = 0.045). Proptosis reduction was higher after 3-wall decompression (2-wall: 5.1 ± 1.3 versus 3-wall: 7.2 ± 1.9 mm, p = 0.0001). New onset diplopia was seen 20% and 28.5% of cases in 2-and 3-wall decompression, respectively. No adnexal/orbital complications were seen in 2-wall group, however orbital hematoma (1 case) and persisting eyelid edema (1 case) were encountered in 3-wall group. CONCLUSION: Both 2-and 3-wall orbital decompressions are safe and effective for management of visual dysfunction in DON. Although 3-wall decompression provide better improvement in the parameters of visual field analysis and Hertel measures, new onset diplopia, adnexal/orbital complications are more common with this technique.

Corneal thickness of eyes with unilateral age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE: To compare the central corneal thicknesses (CCT), peripheral corneal thicknesses, and corneal volumes (CV) of the 2 eyes of patients with unilateral age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: Twenty patients who were diagnosed with unilateral AMD were included in this prospective study for the purpose of making comparison between the diseased and healthy eyes. Optical coherence tomography and fundus fluorescein angiography imaging were applied to all patients in order to confirm and reveal the presence of unilateral AMD. Then, the measurements of CCT, peripheral corneal thickness measured 4 mm distant from the center of the cornea (4 mm CT), and CV of each eye of these patients were obtained through the rotating Scheimpflug corneal topographer. RESULTS: Wilcoxon signed-rank test did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference between the 2 eyes of patients with unilateral AMD when we compared the CCT and CV of diseased and healthy eyes (p>0.05). However, 4 mm CT of the diseased eyes of these patients were statistically significantly thicker than the healthy eyes (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The significant difference in terms of 4 mm CT between the diseased and healthy eyes of patients with unilateral AMD may demonstrate the possible effect of peripheral corneal thickness on the development of AMD.

Seasonal effects on pterygium surgery outcome: implications for the role of sunlight exposure.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the results of pterygium surgery in patients when performed in the summer with the results of surgery performed in the winter. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 55 eyes of 53 patients with primary pterygia who underwent a surgery between December 2011 and January 2012 (winter group, 32 eyes) or between June and July 2012 (summer group, 23 eyes). All the patients were followed up for at least 1 year. Pterygium recurrence, ocular discomfort, persistent conjunctival inflammation, and graft complications were evaluated postoperatively. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of age or gender. All the patients were farmers in rural areas. The overall pterygium recurrence rate was 14.5% (8 of 55 eyes). The recurrence rate in the summer group was significantly higher than in the winter group (26.1% vs. 6.2%, P = 0.048). Persistent conjunctival inflammation was also significantly higher in the summer group than in the winter group (30.4% vs. 6.2%, P = 0.022). Pterygium recurrence was significantly higher in eyes with persistent conjunctival inflammation than in eyes without inflammation (66.6% vs. 4.3%, P < 0.001). Mild and moderate ocular discomfort was significantly more frequent in the summer group than in the winter group (69.5% vs. 34.3%, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Pterygium recurrence rates were higher, and postsurgical discomfort was more common when pterygium surgery was performed in the summer compared with that in the winter, potentially because of the increased exposure to sunlight during the summer.

A Clinical and Confocal Microscopic Comparison of Transepithelial PRK and LASEK for Myopia.

Purpose. To compare the clinical and confocal microscopic results of transepithelial PRK versus LASEK for correction of myopia. Materials and Methods. Twelve patients with myopia received transepithelial PRK in one eye and LASEK in the other. In transepithelial PRK-treated eyes, the corneal epithelium was removed with 40 microns of excimer laser ablation and in LASEK-treated eyes with 25-second application of 18% ethanol. Time to epithelial healing, ocular discomfort, uncorrected and best corrected visual acuities, manifest refraction, haze, greyscale value, and keratocyte apoptosis in confocal microscopy were recorded. Results. The mean time to epithelial healing was significantly longer after LASEK (4.00 ± 0.43 versus 3.17 ± 0.6 days). On day 1, ocular discomfort was significantly higher after transepithelial PRK. The grade of haze, keratocyte apoptosis, and greyscale value in confocal microscopy were significantly higher in transepithelial PRK-treated eyes at 1 month. All transepithelial PRK- and LASEK-treated eyes achieved 20/25 or better UCVA and were within ±1.00 D of emmetropia at final visits. Conclusions. Both transepithelial PRK and LASEK offer effective correction of myopia at 1 year. However, LASEK appeared to induce less discomfort and less intense wound healing in the early postoperative period.

Trabeculectomy with large area mitomycin-C application as a first-line treatment in advanced glaucoma: retrospective review.

AIM: To evaluate the outcomes of trabeculectomy with large area mitomycin-C (MMC) application as a first line treatment in advanced glaucoma. METHODS: The records of 55 patients with severe visual field defects undergoing trabeculectomy were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were classified as first-line therapy to either early trabeculectomy (initial trabeculectomy-Group 1) or long term medical therapy followed by trabeculectomy (primary trabeculectomy-Group 2). Trabeculectomy was performed with large-area MMC application. Intraocular pressure (IOP) values, visual acuities, mean deviations, morphology and function of the blebs, necessity for anti-glaucomatous medications and surgical complications were reported. RESULTS: There were 20 eyes of 18 patients in Group 1 and 37 eyes of 37 patients in Group 2. The mean preoperative IOPs in Groups 1 and 2 were 40.2±10.0mmHg (27-68mmHg) and 29.0±4.4mmHg (21-41mmHg), respectively (P=0.001). Average preoperative mean deviations (MD) in Groups 1 and 2 were 17.4±2.8dB (13.3-23dB) and 17.9±2.4 dB (13.7-23.2dB), respectively (P=0.441). Postoperative IOPs significantly decreased and were comparable in both Groups. The mean number of medications was significantly higher in Group 2 (P=0.005). No cystic bleb formation was observed in Group 1, whereas 4 patients from Group 2 (10.8 %) developed cystic bleb (P=0.040). No visually devastating complication has occurred in both Groups. CONCLUSION: Initial trabeculectomy with large area MMC application might be applied in patients with advanced glaucoma with low complication rates. Long-term topically applied anti-glaucomatous medications seem to increase the risk of cystic bleb formation.

The Role of Magnesium in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Glaucoma.

Glaucoma is characterized by chronic optic neuropathy resulting in progressive vision loss. Not only is glaucoma considered as a condition of elevated intraocular pressure (IOP), but also other risk factors may play a role in the pathogenesis of glaucomatous optic nerve damage. Vascular dysregulation in ocular blood flow and oxidative stress are currently suggested as important risk factors for glaucomatous retinal ganglion cell loss. New treatment modalities that improve ocular blood flow and reduce oxidative stress have been investigated in many studies. Magnesium (Mg) is thought to be one of the molecules that has a treatment potential in glaucoma. Mg has been shown to improve blood flow by modifying endothelial function via endothelin-1 (ET-1) and endothelial nitric oxide (NO) pathways. Mg also exhibits neuroprotective role by blocking N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-related calcium influx and by inhibiting the release of glutamate, and hence protects the cell against oxidative stress and apoptosis. Both improvement in ocular blood flow and prevention of ganglion cell loss would make magnesium a good candidate for glaucoma management. Further studies on the effect of Mg may open a new therapeutic era in glaucoma.