Assessment of cup-to-disc ratio with slit-lamp funduscopy, Heidelberg Retina Tomography II, and stereoscopic photos.

PURPOSE: To compare optic disc measurements achieved by slit-lamp funduscopy, Heidelberg Retina Tomography II (HRT II), and stereoscopic optic nerve photos (SONP) in glaucomatous, ocular hypertensive, and normal eyes. METHODS: A total of 176 eyes (glaucomatous [n=87], ocular hypertensive [n=40], and normal eyes [n=49]) of 90 participants were studied. Each participant underwent a full ophthalmic examination, including automated perimetry, slit-lamp funduscopy, HRT II, and SONP. To compare the three different methods being investigated, the following measurements were used: vertical cup to disc ratio (VCDR), horizontal cup to disc ratio (HCDR), and cup to disc area ratio (CDR). Slit-lamp funduscopy was evaluated only with respect to VCDR. HRT II and SONP were evaluated with all three measurements (VCDR, HCDR, and CDR). RESULTS: CDR measurements in ocular hypertensive eyes did not differ significantly according to the measurement methods used (p=0.4). CDR in the other groups of participants, as well as VCDR and HCDR, all differed significantly within each group according to the method used (p<0.05 for all). Mean VCDR measured with funduscopy was smaller than mean VCDR measured with either HRT II or SONP in the glaucoma and ocular hypertension groups (p=0.0001). However, overall, the three methods showed a strong correlation in terms of VCDR, HCDR, and CDR measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the correlation among the three methods, the significant differences between their measurements of optic disc parameters may be too large for these methods to be used interchangeably in clinical situations.

Patient comfort and surgeon satisfaction during cataract surgery using topical anesthesia with or without dexmedetomidine sedation.

PURPOSE: To determine the safety and efficacy of perioperative dexmedetomidine (Dex) sedation on patient comfort and surgeon satisfaction during cataract surgery under topical anesthesia. METHODS: Forty-four patients having routine clear corneal phacoemulsification surgery under topical anesthesia were included in the study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: Dex group (n=22) and control group (n=22). Patients in the Dex group were to receive intravenous Dex using an infusion pump and those in the control group were to receive 0.9% saline infusion. Primary outcome measures were patient comfort, surgeon satisfaction, and patient pain perception. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of baseline characteristics including age, sex, eye side, pupil diameter, and vital signs (p>0.05 for all). Patient comfort and surgeon satisfaction in Dex group was better than in control group (p=0.042 and p=0.003, respectively). The mean pain perception score was lesser in the Dex group (1.23+-.72) than control group (3.64+/-1.43), (p<0.001). The mean surgical time and intraoperative complications were similar in both groups (p>0.05). There was no significant effect of the Dex sedation on vital signs perioperatively (p>0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: Dex sedation improved patient and surgeon satisfaction and decreased patients' pain perception while undergoing cataract surgery under topical anesthesia. It appears to be a safe and suitable choice of sedation for cataract surgery.

Evaluation of ocular pulse amplitude and choroidal thickness in diabetic macular edema.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) and choroidal thickness (CT) measurements in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) and healthy subjects. METHODS: A total of 34 patients (12 male and 22 female) who had type 2 diabetes mellitus with DME and 34 sex-matched healthy subjects (13 male and 21 female) were included in this prospective study. The intraocular pressure (IOP) and OPA were measured with Dynamic contour tonometer (Pascal DCT, Switzerland). The subfoveal CT was measured using the Cirrus HD-OCT (Carl Zeiss Meditec). The CT at 1500 µm and 3000 µm nasal and temporal to the central fovea was also measured. RESULTS: The mean IOP values were 18.4±3.5 and 17.1±2.1 mm Hg in DME patients and healthy controls, respectively (P= 0.091). The mean OPA values in patients with DME (2.58±0.96) and controls (3.52±1.03) were statistically different (P<0.001). The mean subfoveal CT value was 273.5±30.2 µm in the eyes with DME and 321.4±36.5 µm in the control group (P< 0.001). In both groups, linear regression analysis showed no significant association between OPA and CT measurements. The IOP showed a significantly positive correlation with OPA in both DME (P=0.002, r=0.526) and controls (P=0.004, r=0.483). CONCLUSIONS: The current study suggests that both pulsatile choroidal blood flow and CT are decreased in patients with DME.

Choroid thickness and ocular pulse amplitude in migraine during attack.

AIM: To compare the choroidal thickness and ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) measurements obtained during the attack period in migraine patients and age and gender matched control group participants using high definition optical coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS: Thirty eyes at the side of the headache of 30 subjects with a diagnosis of migraine with or without aura and unilateral migraine and 29 age and gender matched healthy participants were enrolled in this observational, cross-sectional study. OCT scans were performed to all participants. Choroidal thicknesses were measured at the fovea, 1500 µm nasal and 1500 µm temporal to the fovea. Intraocular pressure (IOP) and OPA were also measured. RESULTS: The choroidal thickness measurements obtained during the attack period in migraine patients were (mean±SD) 279.82±35.87, 250.05±29.49, and 239.58±27.92 and in control group were 308.20±44.97, 276.95±41.39, and 281.60±41.38 at foveal, nasal, and temporal measurement points, respectively. Choroidal thickness significantly decreased according to the control group (P<0.05) at all measured points in migraine patients during attack. IOP (mean±SD) values were 16.71±3.26 and17.40±3.19 and OPA (mean±SD) values were 2.26±0.81 and 2.64±1.03 in migraine and control groups, respectively, and did not seem to be changed (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Choroidal thickness was found to be significantly decreased in unilateral migraine patients during the attack period when compared with the control group, whereas OPA did not change. The possible implications of these findings on the association between migraine and glaucoma are discussed.

The effect of verapamil in the prevention of radiation-induced cataract.

PURPOSE: Cataract is an unavoidable complication when radiation therapy includes the lens, even in small doses. Alterations in the ion content of the lens were considered to play an essential role in cataract formation. In this experimental study, the effect of verapamil on ion concentrations within the irradiated lenses was investigated in rats. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Forty female Wistar albino rats, each weighing 180-250 g, were divided into three groups: (a) radiation treated (n = 10); (b) no treatment (n = 10); (c) or a combination of radiation and verapamil (n = 20). Both the radiation group and verapamil-treated group received 5 Gy radiation to the cranium in a single fraction, including the eyes, within the irradiation volume. All animals were sacrificed by bleeding, 7.5 weeks posttreatment. Calcium, sodium, and potassium levels were measured in blood and in lens homogenates. However, for technical reasons, magnesium levels could only be studied in lens homogenates. RESULTS: Potassium and sodium concentrations in lens homogenates did not differ in the control and radiation groups, but both were significantly lower in the verapamil-treated group (p = 0.001, p = 0.009, respectively). Calcium levels were higher in the radiation group and lower in the verapamil-treated group compared to the controls (p < 0.0001); magnesium levels did not differ (p = 0.37). CONCLUSION: Verapamil effectively decreased the lens calcium concentration, which is accepted as the key element in radiation cataractogenesis. It is therefore concluded that verapamil may reduce the risk of radiation-induced cataract formation.

Ocular leech infestation in a child.

PURPOSE: To describe a patient with manifestations of ocular leech infestation. METHOD: Case report. RESULTS: The ocular foreign body was identified as a leech, Limnatis nilotica, by parasitologic examination. The leech was extracted, and the patient began using topical antibiotic and cycloplegic agents. By the third day after extraction, the patient had no obvious symptoms or signs, except for a limited subconjunctival hemorrhage, and no epithelial defect on the cornea was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Ocular leech infestation should be considered in patients with a history of swimming in streams and lakes. Attention should also be given to ocular leech infestation in the differential diagnosis of ocular trauma with iris prolapse.

Plasma malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels in age related macular degeneration.

AIMS: To evaluate alteration of plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels in patients with exudative age related macular degeneration (ARMD). METHODS: Plasma nitrite plus nitrate concentrations as an index of plasma NO levels and plasma MDA level as a marker of lipid peroxidation were measured in patients with exudative ARMD and age and sex matched healthy subjects. RESULTS: Significantly higher MDA and lower NO levels were detected in plasma of patients with ARMD compared with their controls (p=0.01, p=0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: The results may support involvement of oxidative damage and vascular theory in the pathogenesis of ARMD as part of the ageing process.

Penetration of topical, oral, and combined administered ofloxacin into the subretinal fluid.

AIMS: To assess the subretinal fluid (SRF) levels of ofloxacin following topical, oral or combined administration. METHODS: 31 patients undergoing conventional retinal reattachment surgery were randomly assigned to three groups. Nine patients received topical ofloxacin, 11 patients received oral ofloxacin, and the other 11 patients received combined administration. Collected SRF samples were analysed for drug level by using high performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: SRF drug levels after oral and combined administration were significantly higher than that after topical administration (p=0.0002 and p=0.0002, respectively) while there was no significant difference between oral and combined administration (p=0.0844). CONCLUSIONS: Ocular bioavailability of ofloxacin in SRF after oral and combined administration is equivalent. The addition of oral ofloxacin to topical therapy increased drug SRF penetration sixfold.

Manual tunnel incision extracapsular cataract extraction using the sandwich technique.

Small incision extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) using the sandwich technique is described. After capsulorhexis, hydrodissection, and hydrodelineation, the endonucleus is moved into the anterior chamber and extracted by sandwiching it between the irrigating vectis and iris spatula. In a series of 37 eyes, most achieved a best corrected visual acuity of 5/10 or better postoperatively. Complications were posterior capsule rupture, vitreous loss, and transient corneal edema. Small incision ECCE using the sandwich technique is safe, easy, and does not require expensive instrumentation.

Combined phacoemulsification, vitrectomy, foreign-body extraction, and intraocular lens implantation.

PURPOSE: To assess the outcome of simultaneous phacoemulsification, pars plana vitrectomy, intraocular foreign-body extraction, and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. SETTING: SSK Ankara Eye Hospital, Department of Vitreoretinal Surgery, Ankara, Turkey. METHODS: Seventeen patients with corneal perforation, intraocular foreign body, vitreous hemorrhage, and lens opacity had simultaneous clear corneal phacoemulsification, pars plana vitrectomy, intraocular foreign-body extraction, and IOL implantation. RESULTS: Postoperative complications included massive retinal fibrosis in 2 patients, retinal detachment in 1, and cilioretinal artery occlusion in 1. At a mean follow-up of 15.2 months, best corrected visual acuity improved in the remaining 13 eyes (76%). The IOL was stable in all cases. CONCLUSION: Combined phacoemulsification with IOL implantation and vitreoretinal surgery was safe in selected cases of penetrating ocular trauma resulting from an intraocular foreign body.

Small incision extracapsular cataract surgery with manual phacotrisection.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of small incision extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) using the manual phacotrisection technique. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Turgut Ozal Medical Center, InönüUniversity, Malatya, Turkey. METHODS: Fifty-nine eyes of 54 patients had small incision ECCE by the manual phacotrisection technique. Mean follow-up was 10 months. After capsulorhexis and hydrodissection were performed, the endonucleus was prolapsed into the anterior chamber and trisected using an anteriorly positioned triangular trisector and posteriorly placed solid vectis. Pieces were extracted with a forceps through a small incision. RESULTS: Postoperatively, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity of 20/40 or better was achieved in 48 eyes (83%) and of 20/25 or better in 28 eyes (47%). The most frequent intraoperative complication was posterior capsule rupture (n = 5). Of eyes that developed posterior capsule rupture, 3 had vitreous loss and 2 had implantation of an anterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL). In 44 eyes, the IOL was implanted in the bag and in 12 eyes, in the ciliary sulcus. The most significant postoperative complication was transient corneal edema, which developed in 32 eyes (54%). No permanent complications (e.g., corneal endothelial decompensation) occurred in any case. CONCLUSIONS: Manual phacotrisection has several advantages such as nucleus safety, less dependence on assistant personnel, the elimination of the phaco machine, and cost effectiveness.

Bilateral cataract surgery in adult and pediatric patients in a single session.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results of bilateral simultaneous cataract surgery in adult and pediatric patients under local or general anesthesia. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Inönü University, Turgut Ozal Medical Center, Malatya,Turkey. METHODS: Eighty-two eyes of 41 patients were included in the study. Twelve of 17 pediatric patients with congenital cataract had bilateral simultaneous lensectomy, posterior capsulotomy, and anterior vitrectomy; 5 patients, aged 10 to 19 years, had bilateral extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) with posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC IOL) implantation. Forty-eight eyes of 24 adult patients had bilateral simultaneous ECCE with primary (43 eyes) or secondary (5 eyes) PC IOL implantation. Local anesthesia was administered to 20 adult patients by retrobulbar injection; the other cases were performed using general anesthesia. The procedures were treated as 2 separate surgeries in the same session; care was taken to ensure surgical asepsis. RESULTS: No serious intraoperative complications occurred such as posterior capsule rupture, vitreous loss, endophthalmitis, and anesthesia-related problems. Of patients tested, 84.4% achieved a final best corrected visual acuity of 6/12 or better and 31.0%, of 6/6 or better. CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous bilateral cataract surgery was not associated with an increased rate of complications, and visual results were good. If strict rules of surgical asepsis are followed, this may be a useful option in a variety of bilateral cases using general or local anesthesia.

Effect of caffeic acid phenethyl ester on corneal neovascularization in rats.

PURPOSE: Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a biologically active component of propolis from honeybee hives, has potent antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties. We aimed to evaluate the ability of topically applied CAPE in comparison with known steroidal (dexamethasone sodium phosphate) and nonsteroidal (indomethacin) topical agents to reduce corneal neovascularization (CNV) induced by silver nitrate cauterization in rats. METHODS: Following silver nitrate cauterization on both eyes, male rats were randomly assigned to the study and control groups, each consisting of ten rats. The inhibitory effects of the test drugs against a placebo (isotonic saline) on CNV were tested and compared to each other using a previously described method in which extent of neovascularization and burn stimulus intensity were scored by a masked examiner. Briefly, burn stimulus intensity was scored from 0 to +3 according to the height of blister from corneal surface, and extent of neovascularization was recorded from 0 to +6 according to the distance from limbus to the end point of CNV toward the central corneal burn. Results. The mean burn stimulus score were not different among the groups (P = 0.807). Percent inhibition of CNV compared to the placebo control and its significance were 31.5 %, P = 0.011 for indomethacin; 56 %, P < 0.001 for dexamethasone; and 52 %, P < 0.001 for CAPE. Dexamethasone was significantly (P < 0.05) more effective than indomethacin in inhibition of neovascular growth. CAPE was found to be superior (P < 0.05) to indomethacin and almost as effective as (P > 0.05) dexamethasone in reducing CNV. Conclusion. Topically applied CAPE was demonstrated to have an inhibitory effect, comparable to that of topical dexamethasone, on CNV in this rat model. Antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties of CAPE may contribute to its suppression on CNV.

Evaluation of hemodynamic changes in the ophthalmic artery with color Doppler ultrasonography after strabismus surgery.

PURPOSE: To investigate the blood flow changes in ophthalmic artery with color Doppler ultrasonography after strabismus surgery. METHODS: Twenty eyes of 19 patients who underwent recession or resection surgery on two horizontal rectus muscles in 1 eye were examined using color Doppler ultrasonography preoperatively and 1 week and 1 month postoperatively. Measurements from both eyes of 16 age- and sex-matched normal subjects served as control data. The systolic maximum velocity, mean velocity, end-diastolic velocity, pulsatility index, and resistance index of the ophthalmic artery were determined. The Mann-Whitney U test was performed for comparison of the control and study group preoperatively for any hemodynamic parameter. Statistical comparison of the preoperative and postoperative measures in the study group was performed with Friedman's two-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: No difference (P>.05) was observed preoperatively between the study and control groups for any hemodynamic parameter in the ophthalmic artery. Although the ophthalmic artery showed a slight increase in systolic maximum velocity 1 month postoperatively, there were no statistically significant differences (P>.05) in velocities or resistance in the ophthalmic artery at any interval. CONCLUSION: Two horizontal rectus muscle operations in a previously unoperated eye do not cause significant hemodynamic changes in the ophthalmic artery. However, further studies are needed to obtain more information about the effect of multiple vertical rectus muscle operations on the blood flow parameters of the ophthalmic artery.

The role of axial length in central and branch retinal vein occlusion.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the axial length is a local risk factor in central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) and branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The axial lengths of affected and fellow eyes of 19 patients with CRVO and 27 with BRVO and of their controls were measured with A-scan ultrasonography. The control group consisted of 17 individuals for CRVO and 25 for BRVO matched in age, sex and the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes in patient groups. The results of measurements in affected, unaffected and control eyes were compared. RESULTS: The mean axial length was different among the affected and unaffected eyes in patients with CRVO and their controls (P < .05). The affected eyes had significantly shorter axial length compared to the fellow and control eyes (P < .01 and P < .01, respectively). In the BRVO group, the mean axial length did not differ among affected, unaffected and control eyes (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates a significantly shorter axial length in eyes with CRVO and not significantly shorter axial length in those with BRVO. The shorter axial length could be an additional risk factor in the pathogenesis of CRVO.

Intraocular pressure changes in the vitreon study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To detect the effect of Perfluoroperhydrophenanthrene (vitreon) on intraocular pressure (IOP) changes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred-five eyes with proliferative vitreoretinopathy undergoing vitrectomy using vitreon as an intraoperative surgical adjunct were randomized to 2 groups. Vitreon was completely removed in 43 eyes (Group A) at the end of operation while it was left intravitreally in 62 eyes (Group B) for 4 weeks. Patients were followed for at least 18 months. RESULTS: During the first postoperative week, 6 eyes (14%) in Group A and 14 eyes (22%) in Group B had IOP of 23 mm Hg or more (P = .393) while no eyes in either group had hypotony. At the last follow-up 2 eyes (5%) in Group A and 6 eyes (10%) in Group B showed chronic hypotony (P = .561). CONCLUSION: Although postoperative chronic hypotony risk increased twofold by vitreon when it was left intravitreally for 4 weeks, this difference was statistically insignificant. Vitreon can be used as a vitreous substitute for 4 weeks in this regard.

Changes in anterior chamber depth and intraocular pressure after phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To determine anterior chamber depth (ACD) and intraocular pressure (IOP) following uncomplicated cataract extraction with phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The ACDs and IOPs of 56 patients were prospectively evaluated after phacoemulsification and IOL implantation. Measurements of ACD were performed using ultrasonography and measurements of IOP were performed using a Goldmann applanation tonometer preoperatively and at 1 week and 1, 3, 6, and 9 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean IOP had decreased and the mean ACD had increased significantly by 1 month postoperatively (P < .03 and P < .01, respectively). Between 1 and 3 months, a significant increase in ACD (P < .05) and decrease in IOP (P < .01) was also observed. The ACD peaked (3.51 +/- 0.45 mm) and the IOP reached its lowest value (10.05 +/- 2.23 mm Hg) at 3 months postoperatively. The reduction in IOP and increase in ACD remained significant during the follow-up period, compared with the preoperative values. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that increases in ACD and decreases in IOP occur in selected patients after uncomplicated cataract extraction by phacoemulsification with IOL implantation.

Penetration of ofloxacin and ciprofloxacin in aqueous humor after topical administration.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To compare the aqueous humor levels of 0.3% ofloxacin and 0.3% ciprofloxacin containing eyedrops in patients with healthy cornea. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty patients with cataract were randomly assigned to have 0.3% ofloxacin containing eyedrop (25 patients) or 0.3% ciprofloxacin containing eyedrop (25 patients). Both drugs were repetitively instilled to each patient for 6 hours before the surgery. Aqueous samples were collected after penetrating the anterior chamber during cataract extraction and assayed by high-performance liquid chromatography method. RESULTS: The aqueous humor level of ofloxacin (1.43 +/- 0.26 microg/ml, mean +/- SEM) was significantly higher than that of ciprofloxacin (0.35 +/- 0.07 microg/ml) following the topical application (P < .0002). CONCLUSION: Aqueous humor penetration of topical ofloxacin is about 4 times higher than that of topical ciprofloxacin when the drugs are applied as described above.

Trocar-assisted sutureless intrascleral posterior chamber foldable intra-ocular lens fixation.

PURPOSE: We report a novel technique characterized by sutureless scleral fixation of three-pieces foldable intraocular lens (IOL) using 25-gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy (TSV) trocars in patients with insufficient posterior capsule support. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed this technique on the eight eyes of the seven patients. The scleral tunnels (STs) are prepared by insertion of the 25-gauge TSV microcannulas using the trocars, and anterior vitrectomy is performed through the clear corneal paracentesis with the aid of anterior chamber maintainer (ACM). Finally, the three-piece foldable IOL haptics are incarcerated into the prepared STs. RESULTS: The patients were followed up 5-8 months. None of the patients had complications such as postoperative endophthalmitis, glaucoma, IOL tilt or decentralization, and retinal detachment. Injection of a foldable IOL through a clear corneal small incision also contributes the less surgical-induced astigmatism. CONCLUSION: The presented novel sutureless scleral IOL fixation technique may provide minimal trauma to the surrounding tissues, good IOL stabilization decreasing the incidence of IOL tilt along with shorter operation time, and postoperative quiet eye.