Risk factors for hypertensive phase after Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation.

PURPOSE: To investigate the risk factors and the clinical characteristics of the hypertensive phase (HP) after Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation. METHODS: This retrospective study included 60 eyes of 57 patients who underwent AGV implantation and with at least 1-year follow-up. HP was defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) > 21 mmHg in the first 3 months after the surgery. Independent samples t-test and Chi-square test were used to compare differences in patients with the HP and the non-HP groups. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to determine the risk factors for the development of the HP. Statistical significance was assumed at p < 0.05 level. RESULTS: HP was observed in 31 eyes (51.7%) with an average peak IOP of 27.6 ± 4.5 mmHg (range 22-40 mmHg). The resolution of HP was noted in 27 eyes (87.1%) at the 3rd month postoperative visit. The number of glaucoma medications at the last postoperative visit and IOP values from 1 month to 1 year were significantly higher in the HP group (all p < 0.05). Patients with traumatic glaucoma showed the highest rate (83.3%) of HP development. In the multivariable analysis, a preoperative IOP > 30 mmHg (p = 0.03, OR:5.82; reference: ≤ 25 mmHg) and younger age (41-64 years, p = 0.02, OR:8.49; ≤ 40 years, p = 0.001, OR:19.62; reference: ≥ 65 years) were independently associated with the occurrence of HP. CONCLUSION: Hypertensive phase was observed in half of the patients undergoing AGV implantation. A higher mean preoperative IOP and younger age were risk factors for HP development. Although the majority resolved at the 3-month visit, eyes with HP had higher mean IOPs and required more IOP lowering medications.

[Three Candida auris Case Reports from Istanbul, Turkey]. / Türkiye Istanbul'dan Bildirilen Üç Candida auris Olgusu.

Candida auris is a fungal pathogen that was first identified in 2009. Since its definition, it has spread globally and has caused life-threatening nosocomial infections. Increases in the number of immunocompromised individuals, empirical use of broad-spectrum antimicrobials and widespread use of catheterizations are the predisposing factors in the development of infection. There are problems for the identification of C.auris with the routine methods. In this case report, infections with C.auris, isolated for the first time from three patients in our hospital's intensive care units (ICU) between November 2020-January 2021, were presented. The first case was a 46-year-old male patient with laryngeal carcinoma who developed cardiopulmonary arrest during anesthesia induction in the tumor operation, and was followed up in the ICU. C.auris growth was detected in the blood and intravenous (IV) catheter tip cultures on the 66th day of admittance. Cure achieved on the 24th day under caspofungin treatment as no growth was determined. Second case was a 71-year-old female patient admitted to the emergency department with shortness of breath and general condition disorder that developed after COVID-19 infection and hospitalized in ICU with the diagnosis of pneumonia and acute renal failure. In the 16th day of admittance C.auris growth was detected in blood and from catheter tip cultures and the patient died in the 18th day. The third case was a 49-year-old male patient, followed up in ICU with the diagnosis of subarachnoid hemorrhage after he admitted to the emergency department with confusion. In the 35th day of admittance, 100000 CFU/ mL C auris growth was detected in urine culture. The patient was accepted as asymptomatic fungiuria and followed up in the ICU. It was determined that the three patients were intubated, had urinary and femoral venous catheters and were being followed under wide spectrum antibiotherapy when the growth of C.auris was detected. Isolates identified as C.auris by MALDI-TOF Microflex LT/SH Smart MS in the Medical Microbiology Laboratory were then confirmed by conventional methods and DNA sequencing in the National Mycology Reference Laboratory. Antifungal susceptibility tests were performed by broth microdilution method. Fluconazole MIC values were >256 mg/ml for all cases. Long-term survival in hospital environments, colonization on skin, resistance to disinfectants of C.auris, facilitate the spread of the fungi and resistance to antifungals lead to treatment failures. In this case report, it was aimed to draw attention to the infections with C.auris, its diagnosis and risk factors.

The impact of femoral/internal jugular vein selection on postoperative infection in central vein cannulation of newborns undergoing cardiac surgery.

In the low-weight newborn patient group, the development of catheter related bloodstream infections after cardiac surgery significantly impacts morbidity and mortality. In our study, the effects of choosing femoral or internal jugular vein localization in newborns on postoperative infection will be examined. Our hypothesis is that there may be a higher risk of catheter related bloodstream infections in the femoral region. This study was conducted retrospectively on newborn cases who underwent congenital heart surgery between September 1, 2020, and March 1, 2022. The cases were divided into 2 groups: those with central catheters inserted in the femoral and in internal jugular veins. Postoperative infection parameters were examined and the results were statistically evaluated. The study was conducted with a total of 201 newborn cases, of which 61.2% (n = 123) were male and 38.8% (n = 78) were female. The age of the cases ranged from 0 to 1 month, with a mean of 12 ±â€…9 days. Weight measurements ranged from 1.8 to 5.5 kg, with a mean of 3.20 ±â€…0.66 kg. Central catheters were placed in the femoral vein (FV) region in 71.6% of the babies (n = 144) and in the internal jugular vein region in 28.4% (n = 57). When culture results were examined between postoperative days 3 to 14, blood culture tests were positive in 12.4% (n = 25). The most common bacteria in positive cases were Klebsiella spp. (n = 13) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (n = 5). There was no statistically significant difference in blood culture results between the groups (P > .05). Changes in white blood cells, C-reactive protein, and procalcitonin measurements between preoperative and postoperative day 3 did not show statistically significant difference between the groups (P > .05). According to the results of our study, the placement of FV and internal jugular vein in neonates undergoing cardiac surgery did not differ in terms of postoperative infection risk. With appropriate sterilization, preventive measures and care considerations, FV or internal jugular vein region may be preferred based on the practitioner's expertise and choice in this patient group.

Crosstalk among miR-29, α-SMA, and TGFß1/ß3 in melatonin-induced exosome (Mel-prExo) treated human limbal mesenchymal stem cells (hLMSCs): An insight into scarless healing of the cornea.

Inflammatory mediators that infiltrate the corneal stroma after corneal infections, trauma or refractive surgery can trigger the transformation of corneal keratocytes into myofibroblasts, resulting in highly irregular collagen deposition and subsequently corneal scarring. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can be used as therapeutic agents to regenerate corneal and conjunctival tissue damage, regulate inflammation, and reduce the development of limbal stem cell failure. The use of MSC-derived exosomes as a cell-free therapeutic vector is a novel therapeutic approach. This study aimed to assess the effect of exosomes obtained from melatonin (Mel)-treated human limbal mesenchymal stem cells (hLMSCs) on naïve hLMSCs and to determine their influence on the antifibrotic and pro-regenerative pathways involved in corneal scarring. hLMSCs were treated with varying concentrations of Mel, followed by isolation and characterization of the procured exosomes (Mel-prExos). These exosomes were added to the cell culture media of naïve hLMSCs to examine their antifibrotic and pro-regenerative effects. The expression of miR-155, miR-29, TGFß1, TGFß3, PPARγ, and α-SMA miRNAs and genes were compared between Mel-treated hLMSCs and Mel-prExo-treated hLMSCs by using real-time PCR. We found that at 1 µM Mel and in the presence of Mel-prExos, TGFß1 was expressed 0.001-fold, while TGFß3 was expressed 0.6-fold. miR-29 expression was increased 38-fold in the control-Exo group compared to that in the control group. Changes in TGFß1/ß3 and α-SMA expression are associated with miR-29 and miR-155. This approach could prove beneficial for ocular surface tissue engineering applications.

Comparison of blood levels of vitamin B12, folic acid, riboflavin, and homocysteine in keratoconus and healthy subjects.

PURPOSE: To evaluate blood levels of vitamin B12, folic acid, riboflavin, and homocysteine in keratoconus (KC) and healthy subjects. SETTING: Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: 100 KC patients (patient group) between the ages of 18 to 35 years and 200 healthy individuals (control group) in the same age range were included in the Eskisehir Osmangazi University Hospital Eye Clinic between October 2019 and March 2020. In all cases, a complete ophthalmologic examination and corneal tomography evaluation with a Pentacam Scheimpflug camera were performed. In blood samples, vitamin B12 and folic acid levels were measured using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer, and homocysteine and riboflavin levels were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography. Chi-square tests were used in the analysis of categorical variables, and Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used in the analysis of numerical variables. RESULTS: Homocysteine (13.0 ± 6.6 vs 12.1 ± 5.4 µmol/L, P = .190), vitamin B12 (313.5 ± 119.4 vs 322.9 ± 128.3 pg/mL, P = .619), and folic acid (7.0 ± 2.7 vs 7.4 ± 2.9 ng/mL, P = .230) levels were not different between KC (100 eyes of 100 subjects) and control (200 eyes of 200 subjects) groups. The mean riboflavin level was 84.0 ± 21.8 µg/L in the patient group and 183.6 ± 74.3 µg/L in the control group, with a significant difference between the 2 groups ( P < .001). Riboflavin levels were below 180 µg/L in 99% (n = 99) of the cases in the KC group and 53.5% (n = 107) in the control group ( P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Low blood riboflavin levels in KC patients may be a possible risk factor in the pathogenesis of KC.

Biometric Determinants of Epithelial Thickness Profile Across a Wide Range of Refractive Errors.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the corneal epithelial thickness (CET) profiles and their correlations with axial length (AL) and anterior corneal radius of curvature (Rm F) across different refractive error groups. METHODS: A total of 1225 eyes of 616 normal patients were included. CET mapping, AL, and Rm F were obtained using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography, optical biometry, and Scheimpflug corneal tomography, respectively. In the CET map, one central (2 mm), eight paracentral (2-5 mm), and eight peripheral (5-6 mm) quadrants were evaluated separately. The subjects were divided into four groups based on their refractive status: hyperopia (spherical equivalent [SE] ≥ +0.50 D), emmetropia (SE > -0.50 D and < +0.50 D), low myopia (SE ≤ -0.50 D and > -3.0 D), and moderate-high myopia (SE ≤ -3.0 D) groups. Linear mixed model analysis with Bonferroni correction was used to compare CET according to refractive error groups. The correlations between the CET profile and the AL and Rm F were analyzed. RESULTS: The central CET was 53.7 ± 3.3 µm in hyperopia (n = 34), 53.2 ± 2.9 µm in emmetropia (n = 353), 52.8 ± 2.9 µm in low myopia (n = 677), and 52.0 ± 3.1 µm in moderate-high myopia (n = 161). Although thinning was observed in CET in all quadrants from hyperopia to moderate-high myopia, it was only significant in the superior and superonasal quadrants at the 2-5 mm and 5-6 mm-diameter rings. While AL and CET were significantly positively correlated (r range 0.17-0.28) in the moderate-high myopia group, Rm F and CET were significantly positively correlated (r range 0.08-0.10) in the low and moderate-high myopia groups. CONCLUSION: CET varied according to different refractive error groups and was positively correlated with AL and Rm F, particularly in the moderate-high myopia group.

Belin ABCD Progression Display Identifies Keratoconus Progression Earlier Than Conventional Metrics.

PURPOSE: To compare the progression rate and time to progression determined using the Belin ABCD Progression Display (BAPD) with conventional metrics in patients with keratoconus (KC). DESIGN: Retrospective comparison of progression assessment. METHODS: Patients 18 years and older and 35 years and younger with at least 1 year of follow-up and 3 Pentacam (Oculus, Inc) visits were included in the study. Progression was evaluated by selecting either the first visit or the first 2 visits individually as the baseline on the BAPD, and the red gate was used to determine progression (variability in any A, B, and C parameters ≥95% CI or any 2 parameters ≥80% CI). An increase of ≥1 diopter in corneal astigmatism and curvature parameters and a ≥2% reduction in thickness parameters constituted progressive disease. RESULTS: Two hundred seventy-seven eyes of 155 patients were included. The 2 baseline visit criteria identified the highest progression (n = 186 [67.2%]), followed by the single baseline visit (n = 158 [57%]), minimum corneal thickness (n = 114 [41.2%]), central corneal thickness (n = 111 [40.1%]), maximum keratometry (n = 76 [27.4%]), corneal astigmatism (n = 55 [19.9%]), back mean keratometry (n = 50 [18.1%]), and front mean keratometry (n = 31 [11.2%]) criteria. The median time to progression was shortest using the single baseline visit criterion (11 months), followed by the 2 baseline visits (11.6 months), minimum corneal thickness (12.1 months), maximum keratometry (12.3 months), corneal astigmatism (14.8 months), central corneal thickness (16.6 months), back mean keratometry (18.4 months), and front mean keratometry (24.4 months) criteria. In a subgroup analysis, progression could be identified 4 to 7 months earlier with the BAPD in eyes that were also progressive for maximum keratometry and central corneal thickness. CONCLUSIONS: BAPD detects progression at a higher rate and earlier than conventional parameters.

Investigation of the Role of Convolutional Neural Network Architectures in the Diagnosis of Glaucoma using Color Fundus Photography.

Objectives: To evaluate the performance of convolutional neural network (CNN) architectures to distinguish eyes with glaucoma from normal eyes. Materials and Methods: A total of 9,950 fundus photographs of 5,388 patients from the database of Eskisehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine Ophthalmology Clinic were labelled as glaucoma, glaucoma suspect, or normal by three different experienced ophthalmologists. The categorized fundus photographs were evaluated using a state-of-the-art two-dimensional CNN and compared with deep residual networks (ResNet) and very deep neural networks (VGG). The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of glaucoma detection with the different algorithms were evaluated using a dataset of 238 normal and 320 glaucomatous fundus photographs. For the detection of suspected glaucoma, ResNet-101 architectures were tested with a data set of 170 normal, 170 glaucoma, and 167 glaucoma-suspect fundus photographs. Results: Accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity in detecting glaucoma were 96.2%, 99.5%, and 93.7% with ResNet-50; 97.4%, 97.8%, and 97.1% with ResNet-101; 98.9%, 100%, and 98.1% with VGG-19, and 99.4%, 100%, and 99% with the 2D CNN, respectively. Accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity values in distinguishing glaucoma suspects from normal eyes were 62%, 68%, and 56% and those for differentiating glaucoma from suspected glaucoma were 92%, 81%, and 97%, respectively. While 55 photographs could be evaluated in 2 seconds with CNN, a clinician spent an average of 24.2 seconds to evaluate a single photograph. Conclusion: An appropriately designed and trained CNN was able to distinguish glaucoma with high accuracy even with a small number of fundus photographs.

Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of keratoconus.

Keratoconus had traditionally been considered a rare disease at a time when the imaging technology was inept in detecting subtle manifestations, resulting in more severe disease at presentation. The increased demand for refractive surgery in recent years also made it essential to more effectively detect keratoconus before attempting any ablative procedure. Consequently, the armamentarium of tools that can be used to diagnose and treat keratoconus has significantly expanded. The advances in imaging technology have allowed clinicians and researchers alike to visualize the cornea layer by layer looking for any early changes that might be indicative of keratoconus. In addition to the conventional geometrical evaluation, efforts are also underway to enable spatially resolved corneal biomechanical evaluation. Artificial intelligence has been exploited in a multitude of ways to enhance diagnostic efficiency and to guide treatment. As for treatment, corneal cross-linking treatment remains the mainstay preventive approach, yet the current main focus of research is on increasing oxygen availability and developing new strategies to improve riboflavin permeability during the procedure. Some new combined protocols are being proposed to simultaneously halt keratoconus progression and correct refractive error. Bowman layer transplantation and additive keratoplasty are newly emerging alternatives to conventional keratoplasty techniques that are used in keratoconus surgery. Advances in tissue engineering and regenerative therapy might bring new perspectives for treatment at the cellular level and hence obviate the need for invasive surgeries. In this review, we describe the advances in the diagnosis and treatment of keratoconus primarily focusing on newly emerging approaches and strategies.

Prevalence and risk factors for keratoconus in a university-based population in Turkey.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of keratoconus (KC) in the students and faculty members (aged ≥18 and ≤30 years) studying/working at the Medical and Health Sciences faculties of Eskisehir Osmangazi University. SETTING: Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, Turkey. DESIGN: Prevalence study. METHODS: Subjects were randomly selected to undergo KC screening using a proportional stratified sampling method. Of the 648 invited subjects, 585 (90.3%) responded to the invitation. The demographic data, medical/family history, and habits of the subjects were collected using a standardized questionnaire. Subjects were classified as KC, ectasia susceptibility, and normal based on the corneal tomography. The chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used for the analysis of categorical variables and parametric values, respectively. Risk factors for KC were determined using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Of the enrolled 585 subjects, the prevalence of KC was 2393/100 000 (2.4%, 95% CI: 1.3% to 4%), whereas that of ectasia susceptibility was 1538/100 000 (1.5%, 95% CI: 0.7% to 2.9%). Although the prevalence was much higher in males (4%, 95% CI: 1.7% to 7.7%) than in females (1.6%, 95% CI: 1.1% to 4.4%), the difference was not statistically significant (P = .09). Most (78.6%, n = 11) patients with KC were unaware of their disease. Eye rubbing (odds ratio [OR]: 3.53, P = .024) and consanguineous marriage (OR: 12.87, P = .032) were independent risk factors for KC. CONCLUSIONS: To the authors' knowledge, this is the first population-based KC prevalence study in a randomized sample conducted in Turkey. The prevalence of KC in Turkey was much higher than in European countries but similar to neighboring countries in the Middle East. Eye rubbing and history of consanguineous marriage were significant risk factors.

Awareness and Attitudes Toward Cornea Donation in a Turkish Population: A Web-Based Survey.

OBJECTIVES: With low supply and high demand for donor corneas, we surveyed Turkish participants on level of knowledge, awareness, and willingness toward cornea donation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our prepared internet-based questionnaire on awareness and attitudes toward cornea donation was structured into 6 parts (parts 1-2 examined socio-demographic data and existing chronic eye diseases, parts 3-4 evaluated level of knowledge on cornea donation and willingness to donate, parts 5-6 questioned whether level of cornea donation was sufficient within the country). For univariate analyses, the chi-square test (Fisher exact where appropriate) was used. We used stepwise logistic regression analyses to evaluate factors associated with willingness to donate (α = 0.05). RESULTS: Of 2301 surveyed participants, 980 (42.6%) claimed to have knowledge on cornea donation/ - transplantation, with 1297 (56.4%) having willingness toward donation. Bachelor level or higher education (odds ratio = 1.33, 95% CI, 1.10-1.61; P = .004); being a health care professional (odds ratio = 1.55, 95% CI, 1.21-1.97; P = .001), university student (odds ratio = 1.53, 95% CI, 1.25-1.87; P < .001), or artist professional (odds ratio = 5.25, 95% CI, 1.12-24.6; P = .05); presence of chronic eye disease (odds ratio = 1.22, 95% CI, 1.03-1.45; P = .02); and self-reported awareness of donation/transplantation (odds ratio = 2.14, 95% CI, 1.78-2.58; P < .001) were independently associated with willingness to donate. The major disclosed reason for unwillingness was "lack of knowledge" (48.5%, n = 269); the 2 most common self-perceived reasons for negative public attitudes toward cornea donation were "lack of knowledge" (84.8%, n = 1948) and "religious and cultural reasons" (55.8%, n = 1283). CONCLUSIONS: Associations between both higher education and self-reported knowledge and willingness to donate are testaments that community education can help alleviate unrealistic concerns and prejudices toward cornea donation and hence improve availability of donor corneas.

Superiority of Baseline Biomechanical Properties over Corneal Tomography in Predicting Keratoconus Progression

Objectives: To determine corneal biomechanical and tomographic factors associated with keratoconus (KC) progression. Materials and Methods: This study included 111 eyes of 111 KC patients who were followed-up for at least 1 year. Progression was defined as the presence of progressive change between the first two consecutive baseline visits in any single parameter (A, B, or C) ≥95% confidence interval or two parameters ≥80% confidence interval for the KC population evaluated by the Belin ABCD progression display. The eye with better initial tomographic findings was chosen as the study eye. Analyzed Pentacam parameters were maximum keratometry (Kmax), minimum pachymetry (Kmin), central corneal thickness, thinnest corneal thickness, 90° vertical anterior and posterior coma data in Zernike analysis, and Belin Ambrosio Enhanced Ectasia Display Final D value. Corneal hysteresis (CH) and corneal resistance factor (CRF) were analyzed together with the waveform parameters obtained with Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA). Factors related to KC progression were evaluated using t-tests and logistic regression tests. Statistical significance was accepted as p<0.05. Results: There were 44 (mean age: 27.1±8.5 years, female: 25) and 67 (mean age: 31.1±9.1 years, female: 36) patients in the progressive and non-progressive groups, respectively. Although Pentacam parameters along with CH and CRF were similar between the two groups, ORA waveform parameter derived from the second applanation signal p2area was statistically significantly lower in the progressive group (p=0.02). Each 100-unit decrease in p2area increased the likelihood of keratoconus progression by approximately 30% in the logistic regression analysis (ß=0.707, p=0.001, model r2=0.27). Conclusion: Parameters derived from the second applanation signal of ORA may be superior to conventional ORA parameters and corneal tomography in predicting KC progression.

The relationship of retinopathy of prematurity with brain-derivated neurotrophic factor, vascular endotelial growth factor-A, endothelial PAD domain protein 1 and nitric oxide synthase 3 gene polymorphisms.

BACKGROUND: In addition to risk factors such as low birth weight and uncontrolled oxygen therapy, genetic predisposition is also thought to play a role in the development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). In our study, we aimed to analyze single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in VEGFA, EPAS1, BDNF and NOS3 genes in infants who develop ROP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-five mild-moderate and 73 severe ROP cases were included in this study. Eleven different SNPs regions that located in VEGFA, EPAS1, BDNF and NOS3 genes were analysed by SnapShot technique and compared between two groups by the multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Statistically significant results were obtained in 8 of the 11 SNPs. It was observed that the excess of mutant alleles in four (VEGFA rs2010963 and rs3025039, EPAS1 rs13419896, NOS3 rs2070744) of these regions increased ROP severity and treatment requirement (p < .001, p < .001, p = .022, p = .004, respectively) while the excess of mutant alleles in the other four regions (VEGFA rs833061, BDNF rs7929344, EPAS1 rs1867785 and rs1868085) showed that ROP severtiy was milder and eliminated the need for treatment (p < .001, p = .019, p = .017, p = .017, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Considering the results of our study, it was seen that besides the known environmental and demographic factors in ROP pathogenesis, genetic predisposition also had an effect on the clinic and course of ROP. Polymorphisms of VEGFA rs2010963 and rs3025039, EPAS1 rs13419896, NOS3 rs2070744 were found to be associated with severe ROP. More studies involving different populations cases are needed to confirm these findings and enlighten the etiology of ROP.

Distribution of Microbial Keratitis After Penetrating Keratoplasty According to Early and Late Postoperative Periods

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of microbial agents in the early and late postoperative periods in patients with microbial keratitis (MK) after penetrating keratoplasty (PK). Materials and Methods: The records of 36 patients who were clinically diagnosed as having MK after PK were retrospectively reviewed. Culture results were obtained from microbiology records and the organisms that were produced were noted. A case was deemed as viral keratitis based on the clinical appearance, negative cultures, and response to antiviral treatment. Keratitis development times were evaluated in 2 categories: early (within the first year) and late (after year 1) postoperative period. Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to compare numerical variables that did not show normal distribution and chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables. Results: The majority of MK cases were of bacterial origin (55.5%, n=20), followed by viral (41.7%, n=15) and fungal (2.8%, n=1). Of the 15 cases of early postoperative MK, 10 were bacterial, 4 were viral, and 1 was fungal; however, among cases of late postoperative MK, 10 were bacterial and 11 were viral. The majority (65%) of early and late bacterial infections were caused by gram-positive strains (most commonly staphylococci). Gram-positive bacteria caused keratitis significantly earlier than gram-negative bacteria (p=0.037). Viral and gram-negative bacterial MK was more frequent in the late postoperative period, but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion: In our study, bacterial keratitis was more common in post-keratoplasty MK than viral and fungal keratitis. Gram-positive bacteria were the most common causative agents. The increased incidence of gram-negative bacterial agents and viral keratitis in the late postoperative period can be explained by long-term topical steroid use.

A Combined Biomechanical and Tomographic Model for Identifying Cases of Subclinical Keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To develop a combined biomechanical and tomographic model for identifying eyes with subclinical keratoconus (SKC) that are categorized as normal or borderline in the Pentacam Belin/Ambrósio Enhanced Ectasia Display. METHODS: This case-control study comprised 62 eyes with SKC and randomly selected eyes of 186 age-matched healthy controls. SKC was defined as the presence of the following: 1) normal topography, topometric indices, and slit lamp; 2) normal or borderline Belin/Ambrósio Enhanced Ectasia Display D index, back and front elevation difference; and 3) keratoconus in the fellow eye. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the best variable combination for detecting SKC cases from Ocular Response Analyzer and Pentacam parameters. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the predictive accuracy [area under the curve (AUC)] of the model. Based on the predictors in the final logistic regression model, a linear equation was derived using the discriminant function analysis. RESULTS: The final model (AUC: 0.948, sensitivity: 87.1%, and specificity: 91.4%) chose corneal hysteresis (CH) and D index from a total of 63 candidate variables. The final model had a higher AUC compared with D (0.933, P = 0.053) and CH (0.80, P < 0.001) alone. According to the discriminant function analysis, a higher CH was required with increasing D index to classify an eye as normal. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed combined model provided varying cutoffs for CH and D as a function of the other. The probability plot as a function of CH and D index may be used for identifying eyes with SKC.

The Relationship Between Vasoproliferative Tumor and Uveitis in a Multiple Sclerosis Patient: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Vasoproliferative retinal tumor (VPRT) is a rare, benign lesion with a variable clinical course depending on the individual. Favorable outcomes are obtained with early diagnosis and treatment of patients with VPRT. In this case report, we present a case of concomitant VPRT and multiple sclerosis along with our management of uveitis and secondary glaucoma that presumably developed following cryotherapy for VPRT.

Assessment of Phosphate and Osmolarity Levels in Chronically Administered Eye Drops

Objectives: To assess phosphate and osmolarity levels of chronically administered eye drops commercially available in Turkey. Materials and Methods: A total of 53 topical eye drops including 18 antiglaucoma drugs, 4 nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), 10 corticosteroids, 7 antihistaminics, and 14 artificial tears identified using the Vademecum Modern Medications Guideline (2018) were included in the study. Phosphate levels were assessed using Roche Cobas C501 analyzer (Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Mannheim, Germany) and the respective kits. Osmolarity was assessed using Vescor Vapro 5600 vapor pressure osmometer (Sanova Medical Systems, Vienna, Austria). Mean phosphate and osmolarity levels were obtained after averaging three measurements. Eye drops were categorized as isoosmolar, hypoosmolar and hyperosmolar based on physiologic tear osmolarity range (296.5±9.8 mOsm/L). Results: The highest phosphate concentration was found in the antiglaucoma group (20.3±35.4 mmol/L), followed by antihistaminics (17.3±17.9 mmol/L), corticosteroids (15.2±19.1 mmol/L), artificial tears (0.8±1.0), and NSAIDs (0.04±0.08). Percentage of medications in the hyperosmolar category was highest in the NSAI group (75%), followed by antihistaminics (43%), corticosteroids (20%), and antiglaucoma drugs (19%). Nearly all of the artificial tear formulations were in the hypoosmolar (71%) or isoosmolar (21%) categories. Conclusion: Approximately 40% of glaucoma medications and approximately 60% of corticosteroid and antihistaminic medications had a phosphate concentration higher than the physiologic tear phosphate level (1.45 mmol/L).

Corneal elevation changes after forced eyelid closure in healthy participants and in patients with keratoconus.

BACKGROUND: To assess pointwise corneal elevation changes after forced eyelid closure test (FECT) in the eyes of healthy subjects and in eyes with keratoconus. METHODS: Twenty-nine subjects with keratoconus and 31 healthy volunteers were evaluated. Patients with keratoconus who had corneal hydrops, apical scarring, corneal thickness ≤ 400 µm, ocular surface disease, contact lens wear on the examination day and a history of corneal cross-linking were excluded. Exclusion criteria for healthy participants were spherical error > +3.00 D and < -3.00 D, corneal astigmatism > 1.50 D, corneal curvature > 47 D, ocular allergy, clinical findings and family history of keratoconus. Pentacam was performed before and after 20 seconds of FECT and raw data were extracted from the built-in software. Pointwise anterior and posterior elevation changes in the central 8 mm cornea were assessed using paired samples t-test and heat maps were constructed to reflect mean changes and statistically significant data points. Statistical significance was assumed at p < 0.01. RESULTS: Age and gender were similar between healthy subjects (24.5 ± 1.6 years, 46.4 per cent female) and subjects with keratoconus (28.6 ± 9.2 years, 46.4 per cent female, p = 0.19, 0.61, respectively). Healthy eyes displayed posterior depression clustering in the inferotemporal and inferonasal areas (mean change: -4.5 ± 7.8 µm and -5.2 ± 9.8 µm, respectively, all p < 0.01). In contrast, keratoconus eyes exhibited a wider area of posterior elevation clustering in the inferior cornea (mean change: 8.1 ± 14.5 µm, all p < 0.01) with a small extension in the inferotemporal cornea (mean change: 12.1 ± 22.3 µm, all p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: FECT elicits corneal elevation changes mainly in the inferior cornea with the change being more pronounced and wider in eyes with keratoconus.