Long-term full-field and multifocal electroretinographic changes after treatment with ranibizumab in patients with diabetic macular edema.

PURPOSE: To investigate changes in macular and panretinal neuroretinal functions by electroretinographic examinations in eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME) treated with intravitreal ranibizumab. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-four patients with DME were included in this prospective study. Patients were treated with ranibizumab injection according to the PRN regimen for over 12 months. Before treatment, all patients underwent fundus fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) assessment, full-field (ff-ERG), and multifocal electroretinography (mf-ERG). In monthly visits, BCVA and OCT were performed. Besides, mf-ERG recordings were obtained at months 3, 6, 9, and 12, and ff-ERG was performed at month 12. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients completed the study. The mean age was 61.1 ± 8.5 (39-80) years. The mean number of injections was 6.19 ± 1.9. The decimal BCVA improved from 0.30 to 0.45 during the 12-month follow-up (p < 0.05). Macular thickness decreased from 413.5 µm to 329.5 µm (p < 0.05). The mf-ERG recordings in the central macular region showed improvements N1 and P1 amplitudes at months 9 and 12. There was a positive correlation between the baseline central (p < 001; r: - 0.378 and p < 0.05; r:-0.335, respectively), the second ring (p < 0.05; r: - 0.260 and p < 0.05; r: - 0.270, respectively) P1- and N1-wave amplitudes, and the BCVA at month 12. Full-field ERG recordings showed that peripheral neuroretinal responses were maintained or improved at month 12. Statistically significant improvements in BCVA and macular thickness were observed at all follow-up visits. CONCLUSION: Multifocal electroretinographic recording started to improve 6 months after the beginning of intravitreal ranibizumab treatment in eyes with DME. This improvement was significant at months 9 and 12. A significant improvement in ff-ERG was observed at month 12.

Periocular mexametric melanin and erythema indexes in adult glaucoma patients treated with topical prostaglandin analogs.

CONTEXT: Although topical prostaglandin analogs (PGAs) have been previously associated with periocular skin hyperpigmentation, studies using objective clinical methods are lacking. Furthermore changes in periocular skin erythema indexes associated with topical PGAs have not been reported previously. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate periocular melanin and erythema indexes in patients treated with topical PGA using an objective clinical method - Mexameter. METHODS: About 45 glaucoma patients treated with topical PGA therapy, and 30 age-, and sex-matched controls were enrolled in the study. Demographic data, medical history including duration of therapy, PGA type, involved eye (unilateral, bilateral) were noted, and skin phototypes were evaluated. Melanin and erythema indexes on medial and lateral upper and lower eyelids, and normal skin from the upper cheeks were measured using Mexameter MX-18. The index of difference for lower/upper eyelid was calculated. Reading results of patients and controls were compared. RESULTS: Melanin and erythema indexes of upper/lower eyelids, and the index of differences for upper/lower eyelids were significantly higher in patients despite similar clinical findings (p < 0.05). Duration of therapy and type of PGA were not associated with skin changes (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Both periocular melanin and erythema indexes increased in both upper and lower eyelids due to PGA therapy compared to controls, despite similar clinical findings. Mexametric evaluation is more sensitive than clinical evaluation, and may be used as an objective, sensitive clinical method to evaluate periocular skin changes, even smallest changes, in such patients.

Stereological Evaluation of the Optic Nerve Volume in Alzheimer Disease.

Optic nerve damage occurs in Alzheimer disease (AD) related to the loss of the retinal ganglion cells that contribute fibers to the optic nerve and reduction of the density of axons of the optic nerve. In this study the authors evaluated optic nerve volume changes and the relation between the cerebrum and optic nerve volumes in AD patients. The study evaluated the volumetric measurements of optic nerve by applying the stereological method on magnetic resonance images (MRI). It included age-matched study and control groups, which were composed of 20 patients with probable AD and 20 healthy subjects, respectively. MRIs were analyzed by using the point-counting approach holding Cavalieri principle. There were statistically significant optic nerve volume reduction and cerebral atrophy in AD patients when compared with the age-matched control subjects (P = 0.013, P < 0.001, respectively) but there was no correlation between the optic nerve volume and cerebral volume in AD patients (r = 0.326, P = 0.160). There was a difference between optic nerve volumes of AD and control subjects. The stereological evaluation of optic nerve volume is of importance for both clinicians and anatomists and it can provide valuable information in the evaluation of morphological changes of AD in vivo.

Multifocal electroretinography in subjects with age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE: To evaluate retinal function objectively in subjects with different stages of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) using multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) and compare it with age-matched control group. METHODS: A total of 42 subjects with AMD and 37 age-matched healthy control group aged over 55 years were included in this prospective study. mfERG test was performed to all subjects. Average values in concentric ring analysis in four rings (ring 1, from 0° to 5° of eccentricity relative to fixation; ring 2, from 5° to 10°; ring 3, from 10° to 15°; ring 4, over 15°) and in quadrant analysis (superior nasal quadrant, superior temporal quadrant, inferior nasal quadrant and inferior temporal quadrant) were recorded. Test results were evaluated by one-way ANOVA test and independent samples t test. RESULTS: In mfERG concentric ring analysis, N1 amplitude, P1 amplitude and N2 amplitude were found to be lower and N1 implicit time, P1 implicit time and N2 implicit time were found to be delayed in subjects with AMD compared to control group. In quadrant analysis, N1, P1 and N2 amplitude was lower in all quadrants, whereas N1 implicit time was normal and P1 and N2 implicit times were prolonged in subjects with AMD. CONCLUSION: mfERG is a useful test in evaluating retinal function in subjects with AMD. AMD affects both photoreceptors and inner retinal function at late stages.

A case of von Hippel-Lindau disease with juxtapapillary retinal capillary hemangioma and nutcracker phenomenon.

The aim of this study was to evaluate a patient with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) syndrome and to discuss the clinical manifestations. A 25-year-old woman presented to our clinic with blurred vision for 2 months. Best corrected visual acuity in right eye was 20/50, and fundoscopic examination revealed juxtapapillary endophytic retinal capillary hemangioma. Examination findings on left eye were normal. On optical coherence tomography, exudation was prominent on macula. History revealed cerebellar operation because of cerebellar hemangioblastoma. On abdominal ultrasonography, liver hemangiomas and pancreatic cysts were seen, confirmed by abdominal computerized tomography (CT). Abdominal CT imaging also revealed nutcracker phenomenon. Transthoracic echocardiography showed atrial septal aneurysm without shunt. The patient refused ocular treatment. At 3-month control, ophthalmic findings were the same. To our knowledge, this is the first case of VHL disease reported to be associated with nutcracker phenomenon and atrial septal aneurysm. Systemic evaluation and regular follow-up should be recommended to subjects with VHL disease.

Comparison of sweep visual evoked potential of visual acuity and Snellen visual acuity in healthy and amblyopic children.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the visual acuity of healthy and amblyopic children using sweep visual evoked potential and compare the results with those of Snellen visual acuity testing. METHODS: A total of 160 children aged 6-17 years were included in the study. Of these, 104 (65%) were aged 7-17 years old, able to verbally communicate, and did not have any systemic or ocular pathology (Group 1). Group 2 included 56 (35%) children aged 6-17 years, able to verbally communicate, and had strabismus or anisometropic amblyopia whose best corrected visual acuity was between 0.1 and 0.8. All subjects underwent a detailed ophthalmological examination and sweep visual evoked potential measurement. Demographic characteristics, ocular findings, best corrected visual acuity, and sweep visual evoked potential results were recorded. RESULTS: In Group 1, the mean and maximum visual acuity values for sweep visual evoked potential were lower than the Snellen best corrected visual acuity (p<0.001, for both, respectively). Bland-Altman analysis revealed that in Group 1, the distribution of the differences between the Snellen best corrected visual acuity and mean sweep visual evoked potential visual acuity was ±0.11 logMAR, and the distribution of the differences between the Snellen best corrected visual acuity and maximum sweep visual evoked potential visual acuity was ±0.023 logMAR. In Group 2, the mean and maximum sweep visual evoked potential visual acuity were lower than the Snellen best corrected visual acuity (p<0.001 and p=0.009, respectively). Bland-Altman analysis revealed that the distribution of the differences between the Snellen best corrected visual acuity and mean sweep visual evoked potential visual acuity was ±0.16 logMAR, and the distribution of the differences between the Snellen best corrected visual acuity and maximum sweep visual evoked potential visual acuity was ±0.19 logMAR. CONCLUSIONS: Sweep visual evoked potential visual acuity measurements have comparable results with Snellen visual acuity measurements. This technique is an objective and reliable method for evaluating visual acuity in children.

Fibrous dysplasia: A rare cause of optic neuropathy.

Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a progressive and benign osteodystrophic disease where cranial bones are most commonly affected. In this case report, we present a 27-year-old patient with previous diagnosis of FD who was referred to our clinic with sudden loss of visual acuity and color discrimination. Examination of the right eye was normal, whereas visual acuity on the left eye was 6/9 and color vision (CV) with Ishihara test plates was 9/12. The visual field (VF) demonstrated a peripheral concentric defect on the left eye. As visual acuity in the left eye decreased to 6/30 and computed tomography imaging of the brain and orbit showed optic nerve compression by immature bony structures, optic nerve decompression was recommended with the diagnosis of compressive optic neuropathy. Endoscopic transnasal orbital and optic canal decompression was performed. At the postoperative course, visual acuity on the left eye turned to 6/6, CV was 12/12, and VF improved markedly. In subjects with craniofacial FD, a multidisciplinary approach is important. If there is evidence of compressive optic neuropathy, surgery should be performed.

The role of choroidal optical coherence tomography for follow-up of carotid cavernous fistula with anterior drainage.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the role of the choroidal vascularity index (CVI) and the tortuosity index (TI), along with choroidal thickness measurements, in follow-up for anteriorly draining carotid cavernous fistulas (CCF) that would otherwise necessitate an invasive carotid angiogram. METHODS: In this longitudinal observational study, analysis of enhanced depth imaging spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-EDI-OCT) images of 22 patients with angiographically proven unilateral CCF with anterior drainage was performed for subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), central foveal thickness (CFT), CVI and TI. Baseline measurements were compared with those taken at the last visit after occlusion of the fistula. RESULTS: Both in the clinically affected and unaffected eyes, there was a significant decrease in CFT (p = 0.015 and p = 0.005, respectively), SFCT (p = 0.000 for both eyes), CVI (p = 0.002 and 0.001, respectively) and all three TI parameters, including inferior (p < 0.001 and p = 0.01, respectively) and superior temporal vein tortuosity index (p = 0.005 and p = 0.02, respectively) as well as total venular tortuosity index (p < 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively) after successful closure of the fistula compared to first presentation. Changes in all parameters were similar between the D-CCF and I-CCF groups except for CVI. CONCLUSIONS: In this first study concerning follow-up of anteriorly draining unilateral CCFs by SD-EDI-OCT, we not only demonstrated involvement of the clinically unaffected eye but also showed that, this modality, utilizing CVI and TI together with choroidal thickness measurements, can be used as a readily available, noninvasive first-line followup method for evaluating occlusion of fistulas by endovascular treatment or spontaneous resolution.

Homocysteinemia as a cause for amaurosis fugax in a patient without an apparent embolic source.

Purpose: To report a case with monocular transient vision loss (TVL) associated with Hyperhomocysteinemia. Methods: We present a case with persistent TVL attacks and high level of homocysteine. Results: A 32-year-old male had a history of episodes of recurrent monocular TVL. Extensive ophthalmic, systemic and laboratory studies were unremarkable with the exception of high plasma homocysteine level. He never experienced TVL during the 36-month follow-up after starting folate, B12 and B6 except for one episode in which he had discontinued the treatment for three months. Conclusion: This case may suggest hyperhomocysteinemia as one of the underlying causes of recurrent attacks of TVL without any known source of emboli.

Retinal and Choroidal Optical Coherence Tomography Findings of Carotid Cavernous Fistula.

PURPOSE: To define the retinal and choroidal imaging findings of carotid cavernous fistula (CCF) including central foveal thickness, subfoveal choroidal thickness, choroidal vascularity index (CVI) parameters, and tortuosity indexes (TIs) as compared to a control group (CG). DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The spectral domain enhanced-depth imaging optical coherence tomography images of 19 eyes of 19 consecutive patients with angiographically proven CCF and 19 eyes of 19 age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects were included. The patient group was divided according to CCF venous drainage pattern as anterior (A-CCF: draining into ophthalmic veins) and posterior (P-CCF: not draining into ophthalmic veins). The clinically affected eyes of the patient group, ipsilateral to the fistula, were included in the analysis. RESULTS: There were 15 A-CCFs (78.9%) and 4 P-CCFs (21.1%). The mean SFCT of the A-CCF group (395.21 ± 111.69 µm) was significantly higher than those of the P-CCF (246.84 ± 94.12 µm) and CG groups (280.79 ± 111.36 µm) (P = .039 and P = .006, respectively). The mean CVI of the A-CCF group was significantly higher than that of the CG (68.97 ± 4.81 and 65.66 ± 3.37, respectively, P = .033). The A-CCF group had significantly higher inferior, superior, and total venous TI than the CG group (P = .001, P = .001, and P < .001, respectively). CONCLUSION: In this first study investigating the CVI and TI in CCF patients, we demonstrated that SFCT, CVI, and TI could potentially be used to aid in the diagnosis of A-CCF.

Choroidal Thickness and its Correlations with Ocular Parameters in Primary Open-angle Glaucoma.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the relationships between macular choroidal thickness (mCT) and ocular parameters, such as optic nerve head (ONH) and multifocal electroretinogram (mf-ERG) parameters, in cases with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). METHODS: This controlled and prospective clinical trial included 49 patients with POAG diagnosed for the first time and 47 healthy participants. Macular CTs, ONH and mf-ERG parameters were measured, and the examination findings were recorded at baseline and follow-ups. RESULTS: In the POAG group, the mean mCT was 254.92±37.65 µm at baseline, and it was 235.6±38.48 µm at 3-month and was 237.55±37.27 µm at 6-month. In the glaucoma group, there was a significant decrease in the first three months despite the treatment, but no significant change was observed in the next three months. In the healthy group, the mean mCTs were 287.78±26.77 µm, 285.48±25.58 µm and 285.02±27.44 µm at baseline, at 3-month and at 6-month, respectively. No significant change was observed in the control group throughout the process. However, the mean mCT values in the glaucoma group were significantly thinner in all controls compared to the healthy group (p<0.05). Furthermore, significant correlations were found between CT and some ONH, as well as mf-ERG parameters. CONCLUSION: The choroid can play an important role in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. Significant correlations in parameters support this relationship. We have observed that the glaucomatous effect initiated first in the inferior quadrant of ONH.

A comparison among Humphrey field analyzer, Microperimetry, and Heidelberg Retina Tomograph in the evaluation of macula in primary open angle glaucoma.

PURPOSE: It is known that macula can be affected adversely in glaucoma. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the functional and morphologic changes of macula in patients having glaucoma using Microperimeter-1 (MP-1), Humphrey field analyzer (HFA), and Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II (HRT-II). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study consisted of 43 patients having primary open angle glaucoma. Control group consisted of 26 normal cases. Macular threshold was evaluated with HFA macula threshold test and MP-1 Humphrey macula pattern. Morphometric evaluation of macula was performed with HRT-II. The results were evaluated by independent samples t test and receiver operator curves. RESULTS: Macular sensitivity was lower in patients having glaucoma with both HFA and MP-1 in all quadrants (P=0.003 for HFA and P=0.002 for MP-1). The macular thickness measurements obtained with HRT-II was not significant between glaucoma patients and control group (P=0.153). The difference between HFA and MP-1, HFA and HRT-II, MP-1 and HRT-II was not statistically significant (P=0.302, 0.110, and 0.481, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Perimetric macular changes can occur while macular topographic remains stable in patients with glaucoma. MP-1 correlates with HFA in detecting glaucomatous visual field defect in macular area.

Meibomian gland alterations in polycystic ovary syndrome.

PURPOSE: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrinopathy characterized by chronic anovulation and hyperandrogenism where hyperinsulinemia can be seen. Hormonal changes can affect meibomian gland function. In this study, we evaluated tear function in PCOS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven women having PCOS and 22 normal individuals aged between 18-42 years were enrolled in the study. Patients were asked about dry eye symptoms. Schirmer test, tear film breakup time, and rose Bengal staining were performed. Conjunctival brush cytology specimens were obtained and goblet cell count was done. RESULTS: Dry eye symptoms were more frequent in subjects with PCOS (p=0.025). Mean breakup time was shorter in women with PCOS (p=0.034). Schirmer test results, rose Bengal staining scores, and goblet cell count were not different between groups (p=0.48, p=0.18, p=0.82, respectively). CONCLUSION: Meibomian gland function and tear film lipid layer can be affected in cases with PCOS.

Laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy in nasolacrimal duct obstruction: 5-year follow-up.

AIM: To evaluate the long-term sucess rate of laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy (L-DCR) in patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NDO). METHODS: Forty-one eyes of forty patients aged between 21-85y (mean 56.7y) who underwent L-DCR for the treatment of NDO were included in this retrospective, non-randomized study. The follow-up time was 72mo. Functional sucess was defined as the disappearance of epiphora under normal conditions and the presence of a patent ostium on lacrimal irrigation. Anatomical success was defined as a patent lacrimal passage on syringing besides continuing epiphora. Surgical failure was defined as persistent epiphora and closed ostium. RESULTS: Twenty-seven of 40 patients (67.5%) were female and 13 of 40 patients (32.5%) were male. The NDO was right-sided in 17 (42.5%) patients and left-sided in 22 (55%) patients whereas 1 (2.5%) patient had undergone bilateral surgery. In 11 (27.5%) patients there were additional nasal abnormalities requiring simultaneous surgical approach. The average time for L-DCR was 26.50±4.9min (16-39min) and the average total amount of laser energy used was 287±27.9 J (239-367 J). At the 5y follow-up, anatomical sucess rate was 75.0% (30 patients) and functional success rate was 65.0% (26 patients), whereas surgical failure was seen in 25% (10 patients). Revision of surgery was performed in 10 cases (25.0%); failure of revision surgery was seen in 2 cases (5.0%). CONCLUSION: Transcanalicular L-DCR is a reliable and fast procedure in the treatment of NDO. It can be alternative to external DCR which is accepted as the gold standard currently. The functional and anatomical success rate is higher in the first months and years, but still satisfactory at fifth year.

Comparison of sweep visual evoked potential of visual acuity and Snellen visual acuity in healthy and amblyopic children / Comparação da acuidade visual por potenciais evocados visuais de varredura e pelo teste de Snellen em crianças saudáveis e ambliópicas

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the visual acuity of healthy and amblyopic children using sweep visual evoked potential and compare the results with those of Snellen visual acuity testing. Methods: A total of 160 children aged 6-17 years were included in the study. Of these, 104 (65%) were aged 7-17 years old, able to verbally communicate, and did not have any systemic or ocular pathology (Group 1). Group 2 included 56 (35%) children aged 6-17 years, able to verbally communicate, and had strabismus or anisometropic amblyopia whose best corrected visual acuity was between 0.1 and 0.8. All subjects underwent a detailed ophthalmological examination and sweep visual evoked potential measurement. Demographic characteristics, ocular findings, best corrected visual acuity, and sweep visual evoked potential results were recorded. Results: In Group 1, the mean and maximum visual acuity values for sweep visual evoked potential were lower than the Snellen best corrected visual acuity (p<0.001, for both, respectively). Bland-Altman analysis revealed that in Group 1, the distribution of the differences between the Snellen best corrected visual acuity and mean sweep visual evoked potential visual acuity was ±0.11 logMAR, and the distribution of the differences between the Snellen best corrected visual acuity and maximum sweep visual evoked potential visual acuity was ±0.023 logMAR. In Group 2, the mean and maximum sweep visual evoked potential visual acuity were lower than the Snellen best corrected visual acuity (p<0.001 and p=0.009, respectively). Bland-Altman analysis revealed that the distribution of the differences between the Snellen best corrected visual acuity and mean sweep visual evoked potential visual acuity was ±0.16 logMAR, and the distribution of the differences between the Snellen best corrected visual acuity and maximum sweep visual evoked potential visual acuity was ±0.19 logMAR. Conclusions: Sweep visual evoked potential visual acuity measurements have comparable results with Snellen visual acuity measurements. This technique is an objective and reliable method for evaluating visual acuity in children.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a acuidade visual através de po­tenciais evocados visuais de varredura em crianças saudáveis e ambliópicas, comparando-a com a acuidade visual pelo teste de Snellen. Métodos: Foram incluídas no estudo 160 crianças com idades entre 6 e 17 anos. Desse total, 104 crianças (65%) estavam entre 7 e 17 anos de idade, eram capazes de comunicação verbal e não tinham nenhuma patologia ocular ou sistêmica (Grupo 1). O grupo 2 incluiu 56 crianças verbais (35%) com idades entre 6 e 17 anos e portadoras de estrabismo ou ambliopia anisometrópica, com a melhor acuidade visual corrigida entre 0,1 e 0,8. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a um exame oftalmológico detalhado e a uma medição do potencial evocado visual por varredura. Registraram-se as características demográficas, os achados oculares, a melhor acuidade visual corrigida e os resultados do potencial evocado visual por varredura. Resultados: No Grupo 1, os valores médios e máximos da acuidade visual pelo potencial evocado visual por varredura mostraram-se menores que a melhor acuidade visual corrigida medida através do teste de Snellen (p<0,001 para ambas as medições). Uma análise de Bland-Altman revelou que no grupo 1, a distribuição das diferenças entre a melhor acuidade visual corrigida pelo teste de Snellen e a média do potencial evocado visual por varredura foi de ± 0,11 logMAR, enquanto a distribuição das diferenças entre a melhor acuidade visual corrigida pelo teste de Snellen e o valor máximo do potencial evocado visual por varredura foi de ± 0,023 logMAR. No Grupo 2, os valores médio e máximo do potencial evocado visual por varredura mostraram-se menores que a melhor acuidade visual corrigida pelo teste de Snellen (respectivamente, p<0,001 e p=0,009). A análise de Bland-Altman revelou que a distribuição das diferenças entre a melhor acuidade visual corrigida pelo teste de Snellen e a média do potencial evocado visual por varredura foi de ± 0,16 logMAR, enquanto a distribuição das diferenças entre a melhor acuidade visual corrigida pelo teste de Snellen e o valor máximo do potencial evocado visual por varredura foi de ± 0,19 logMAR. Conclusões: As medidas da acuidade visual através do potencial evocado visual por varredura mostram resultados comparáveis às medidas da acuidade visual pelo teste de Snellen. Essa técnica é um método objetivo e confiável de se avaliar a acuidade visual em crianças.

Preoperative topical indomethacin to prevent pseudophakic cystoid macular edema.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) on pseudophakic cystoid macular edema (CME) and determine the efficacy when used preoperatively and after uneventful phacoemulsification surgery. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Kocatepe University, School of Medicine, Afyonkarahisar, Turkey. METHODS: One hundred seventy-nine eyes of 189 patients having uneventful phacoemulsification surgery were enrolled in the study. After surgery, all patients used topical steroids and antibiotics 4 times daily. Sixty-one eyes, chosen randomly, received a topical NSAID (indomethacin) 4 times daily for 3 days preoperatively and 1 month postoperatively. Sixty eyes received topical indomethacin 4 times daily for 1 month postoperatively. Fifty-eight eyes served as a control group and received only topical steroids and antibiotics. At the third postoperative month, visual acuity, fluorescein angiograms, and macular thresholds were evaluated. Statistical analysis was by chi-square and 1-way analysis of variance tests. RESULTS: Cystoid macular edema was not seen in the group receiving indomethacin preoperatively and postoperatively. The incidence of angiographic CME was 15.0% in the group receiving postoperative indomethacin and 32.8% in the control group (P<.001). Mean sensitivity in the macular threshold test did not show a significant change between groups (P = .83). Postoperative visual acuity was significantly higher in the group receiving preoperative indomethacin (P<.001). CONCLUSION: Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs decreased the incidence of CME, and their efficacy increased when begun preoperatively.

Efficacy of topical caspofungin in experimental fusarium keratitis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of caspofungin in an experimental rabbit model of Fusarium keratitis and to compare it with amphotericin B. METHODS: Eighteen New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into 2 treatment groups and 1 control group. One cornea of each rabbit was inoculated with Fusarium solani spores. The first group received topical amphotericin B 0.15%, the second group received topical caspofungin 1%, and the control group received topical balanced salt solution hourly for 2 days and then 4 times daily for 3 additional days. Treatment effects were evaluated by clinical assessment at days 3 and 5 and by fungal culture after 5 days of treatment. RESULTS: In the treatment groups, progression of keratitis was inhibited, and cultures were sterile at the end of the study. In the control group, keratitis progressed, and cultures were positive for F. solani. CONCLUSIONS: Topical caspofungin is effective in Fusarium keratitis, and clinical efficacy studies seem justified.

The effects of caspofungin and voriconazole in experimental Candida endophthalmitis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of newly developed antifungal agents caspofungin and voriconazole in Candida albicans endophthalmitis in rabbit eyes. METHODS: Thirty New Zealand white rabbits were divided into four treatment groups and one control group. One eye of each rabbit was infected by inoculation of 1 x 10(4) CFU/ml of C. albicans. Seventy-two hours after the inoculation, caspofungin 100 microg/0.1 ml in group 1 (n = 6), voriconazole 50 microg/0.1 ml in group 2 (n = 6), amphotericin B 10 microg/0.1 ml in group 3 (n = 6), itraconazole 10 microg/0.1 ml in group 4 (n = 6), and 0.1 ml NaCl 0.9% in control group (n = 6) were injected into the vitreous cavity. Clinical and histopathologic examination scores and microbiological analysis of vitreous aspirates were compared. RESULTS: There was statistically significant difference in the clinical scores, histopathologic scores, and mean CFU/ml between the treatment and control groups (p < 0.05). In caspofungin and voriconazole groups, histopathologic scores and mean CFU were lower than other treatment groups and control group. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal injection of caspofungin and voriconazole was effective against C. albicans endophthalmitis in this experimental rabbit model.

Factors Affecting Compliance to Intravitreal Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapy in Patients with Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

OBJECTIVES: To determine factors influencing compliance in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (n-AMD) undergoing intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The files of n-AMD patients recommended treatment with ranibizumab were reviewed retrospectively. The treatment regimen was 3 consecutive monthly injections followed by monthly follow-up with intravitreal injections as needed (pro re nata, PRN). Demographic and ocular characteristics were recorded. The patients were categorized into 2 groups: full compliance to treatment, or incomplete loading schedule and/or irregular maintenance treatment. All patients were interviewed by phone about factors affecting continuation of treatment. RESULTS: Mean age of the 314 patients (160 female, 154 male) included in the study was 71.6±9.1 years. A total of 246 patients (78.3%) could complete 3 consecutive injections at 1-month intervals after the start of treatment; 57 patients (18.2%) did not attend monthly follow-up during the 1-year follow-up period following the 3 consecutive monthly injections. Overall, 39.8% of the patients were not able to fully comply with the ranibizumab treatment by PRN regimen for 1 year. Better visual acuity at baseline, smaller lesion size, living closer to the hospital, higher education and sociocultural level, and better financial status were determined as factors affecting patient compliance. The most frequent reasons to discontinue treatment were fear of injection, disbelief in the benefit of the treatment, financial limitations, continuation of treatment at another center, and comorbid systemic diseases. CONCLUSION: Patient compliance and success rates of anti-VEGF therapy may be increased by determining the factors affecting patient compliance and raising awareness about n-AMD among patients and their relatives.