Latanoprostene Bunod 0.024% w/v Treatment of Open-anlge Glaucoma: Short-term Effects, Safety, and Changes in Ocular Blood

Purpose@#To study the short-term intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effect and optic nerve head (ONH) blood flow improvement after switching from latanoprost 0.005% w/v to latanoprostene bunod 0.024% w/v. @*Methods@#This prospective study ran from May 2022 to December 2022 and included 40 patients with open-angle glaucoma who switched from latanoprost 0.005% w/v to latanoprostene bunod 0.024% w/v. The IOP, ONH blood flow, and conjunctival hyperemia, corneal erosion, and eyelid pigmentation status were measured 3 months after switching. We recorded all possible side effects. @*Results@#The baseline IOP significantly dropped from 17.53 ± 6.49 to 16.00 ± 8.06 mmHg at 3 months (p = 0.032). The best-corrected visual acuity did not significantly change (0.24 ± 0.19 to 0.23 ± 0.16); neither did eyelid pigmentation (1.16 ± 0.78 to 1.16 ± 0.82) nor the corneal erosion score (0.58 ± 0.85 to 0.39 ± 0.76). Conjunctival hyperemia significantly decreased from 2.00 ± 0.69 to 1.67 ± 0.63 (p = 0.010). Neither the whole-image vessel density nor the peripapillary vessel density significantly changed. However, pruritus became significantly worse after the change (p = 0.008). @*Conclusions@#In the short term, latanoprostene bunod 0.024% w/v lowered the IOP more effectively than did latanoprost 0.005% w/v. However, there was no significant change in ONH blood flow after the switch.

Effect of Mask Mandates on the Intraocular Pressure Measured via Goldmann Applanation Tonometry

Purpose@#The corona virus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in mandatory masking of patients and physicians during outpatient visits. This study evaluated the changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) according to mask use. @*Methods@#This prospective study enrolled 30 healthy volunteers (60 eyes). IOP was measured via Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) for the subjects wearing one of four commonly used masks: dental, bi-folding Korean Filter (KF)94, tri-folding KF94, and dust masks. Subjects with IOP measurement errors of more than 5 mmHg were rechecked with another GAT type. @*Results@#The mean IOP measured via GAT before mask wearing was 13.7 ± 1.7 mmHg. It was 13.5 ± 2.1, 14.0 ± 2.3, 14.3 ± 2.5, and 13.8 ± 1.6 mmHg with the dental, bi-folding KF94, tri-folding KF94, and dust masks, respectively. There were no significant differences in IOP according to mask type (p = 0.635). IOP errors above 5 mmHg were detected in three subjects who had contact between the GAT feeler arm and tri-folding KF94 mask during IOP measurement. @*Conclusions@#The IOP as measured via GAT is artificially elevated by mechanical interference from the tri-fold KF94 mask. To minimize such mask-induced artifacts in GAT measurements, compress the patient’s mask or change the mask type to prevent any contact during measurement.

Two-year Changes in Postoperative Central Macular Thickness and Subfoveal Choroidal Thickness in Epiretinal Membrane Patients

Purpose@#To evaluate changes in central macular thickness (CMT) and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) after phacovitrectomy over a 2-year period in idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) patients. @*Methods@#The records of 52 idiopathic ERM patients (52 eyes) who underwent phacovitrectomy, without recurrence of the condition over a 2-year follow-up period, were reviewed retrospectively. Changes in CMT and SFCT, as measured by optical coherence tomography, were analyzed and compared with those of a normal control group over a 2-year period. @*Results@#The mean preoperative CMT and SFCT were 425.67 ± 84.67 and 257.56 ± 90.13 μm, respectively. Postoperative CMT was reduced significantly to 372.17 ± 45.26 μm at 1 year and 363.15 ± 47.35 μm at 2 years (p < 0.001). SFCT at 1 and 2 years postoperatively was significantly reduced to 238.85 ± 84.85 and 230.31 ± 87.95 μm, respectively (p < 0.001). In the control group, there was no significant change in CMT; however, the SFCT decreased by 11.09 ± 22.36 μm during the 2-year follow-up (p = 0.007). In contrast, in the patient group, CMT and SFCT decreased by 62.52 ± 71.45 and 27.25 ± 41.97 μm, respectively, showing a significant difference from the control group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.043, respectively). Both before surgery and at 1 year postoperatively, the thinner the CMT, the better the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (p = 0.010 and p = 0.018, respectively). A better postoperative BCVA at 2 years was associated with a thinner CMT and better BCVA before surgery (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). @*Conclusions@#Following a phacovitrectomy procedure, ERM patients showed significant reductions in both the CMT and SFCT at the 2-year follow-up.

Effect and Safety of Travoprost 0.003% in Open Angle Glaucoma

Purpose@#To determine whether travoprost 0.003% has a similar intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction effect to that of travoprost 0.004% while reducing side effects. @*Methods@#This was a prospective study from January 2018 to December 2018 that included 102 patients diagnosed with open angle glaucoma who switched from travoprost 0.004% to travoprost 0.003%. We investigated the changes in IOP, conjunctival hyperemia, corneal erosion, and eyelid pigmentation before and at 3 months after switching to travoprost 0.003%. Additionally, a questionnaire survey of these patients was conducted to determine possible side effects, including hyperemia, stinging, pruritus, irritation, blurred vision, dryness, and foreign body sensation. @*Results@#IOP readings before and after switching to travoprost 0.003% were 12.95 ± 4.25 and 12.94 ± 3.89 mmHg, respectively, showing no significant change (p = 0.974). No changes were observed in corneal erosion or eyelid pigmentation; however, conjunctival hyperemia was reduced significantly from 1.60 ± 0.88 to 1.36 ± 0.84 (p = 0.001). No significant changes in hyperemia, stinging, pruritus, irritation, or foreign body sensation were reported; however, a significant improvement was noted for blurred vision and dryness (p = 0.008, p = 0.007, respectively). @*Conclusions@#We were able to show the effectiveness and safety of travoprost 0.003% as being as effective as travoprost 0.004% in reducing IOP and injections while improving blurred vision and dryness.

Effect and Safety of Travoprost 0.003% in Open Angle Glaucoma

Purpose@#To determine whether travoprost 0.003% has a similar intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction effect to that of travoprost 0.004% while reducing side effects. @*Methods@#This was a prospective study from January 2018 to December 2018 that included 102 patients diagnosed with open angle glaucoma who switched from travoprost 0.004% to travoprost 0.003%. We investigated the changes in IOP, conjunctival hyperemia, corneal erosion, and eyelid pigmentation before and at 3 months after switching to travoprost 0.003%. Additionally, a questionnaire survey of these patients was conducted to determine possible side effects, including hyperemia, stinging, pruritus, irritation, blurred vision, dryness, and foreign body sensation. @*Results@#IOP readings before and after switching to travoprost 0.003% were 12.95 ± 4.25 and 12.94 ± 3.89 mmHg, respectively, showing no significant change (p = 0.974). No changes were observed in corneal erosion or eyelid pigmentation; however, conjunctival hyperemia was reduced significantly from 1.60 ± 0.88 to 1.36 ± 0.84 (p = 0.001). No significant changes in hyperemia, stinging, pruritus, irritation, or foreign body sensation were reported; however, a significant improvement was noted for blurred vision and dryness (p = 0.008, p = 0.007, respectively). @*Conclusions@#We were able to show the effectiveness and safety of travoprost 0.003% as being as effective as travoprost 0.004% in reducing IOP and injections while improving blurred vision and dryness.

Ultraviolet B-induced Senescence Model Using Corneal Fibroblasts and the Anti-aging Effect of Angiogenin

Purpose@#To establish a corneal-fibroblast senescence model induced by ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure and to investigate the anti-senescence effect of angiogenin (ANG). @*Methods@#Fibroblasts were exposed to UVB (1 mJ/cm 2 ) and then cultured with ANG-containing solution for 24 hours. The 24-hour culture procedure was repeated for three days after UVB irradiation. Cell viability was evaluated using the 3-[4, 5–dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The degree of senescence was assessed using the ratio of senescence-associated (SA)-β-gal-stained cells to total cells. The expression of age-related factors and degree of DNA damage were assessed via Western blot. Samples were divided into a non-UVB group, a UVB group without ANG treatment, and a UVB group with ANG treatment after irradiation (UVB + ANG). @*Results@#Cell viability in the UVB + ANG group was 11% higher than that in the UVB group (p < 0.05). The UVB + ANG group exhibited a 10% lower degree of SA-β-gal staining compared with the UVB group (p < 0.05). Western blot analysis showed that there was reduced expression of p53, p21, p16, and RB in the UVB + ANG group compared with the UVB group. The expression of phosphorylated histone (Y-H2AX) and p38 in the UVB + ANG group was less than that in the UVB group. @*Conclusions@#Senescence in corneal fibroblasts is induced by UVB, and ANG may exert an anti-aging effect by regulating the cell cycle through p53, p21, p16, and RB and reducing DNA damage.

Cellular Senescence in Pterygium

Purpose@#To determine cellular senescence in pterygium by studying the expression of senescence-related markers. @*Methods@#Impression cytology was performed on 28 eyes of 28 patients diagnosed with pterygium or pinguecula from August2019 to January 2020. From the obtained specimen, the expression of senescence-associated beta galactosidase (SA-β-gal),p16, and interleukin (IL)-1β was examined. @*Results@#The average percentage of SA-β-gal positive cells was significantly higher for the pterygium group (67.63 ± 16.61%)compared to the control group (32.64 ± 8.98%) (p< 0.01). The fluorescent expression intensity of IL-1β was higher in the pterygiumgroup (22.53 ± 19.21) compared to the control group (11.38 ± 6.30) (p= 0.02), and the p16 fluorescence expression intensitywas also higher in the pterygium group, showing 42.79 ± 23.65, compared to the control group values (26.73 ± 18.34)(p = 0.01). @*Conclusions@#Cellular senescence specific markers, SA-β-gal, IL-1β, and p16, were expressed in pterygium, indicating a newpossible framework for the development and progression of pterygium.

Analysis of Macular Capillary Plexuses after Cataract Surgery via Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography

Purpose@#We used optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) to evaluate changes in the vessel densities of macular capillary plexuses after cataract surgery. @*Methods@#We performed a retrospective chart review of 24 eyes of 24 cataract patients who underwent phacoemulsification cataract surgery from July 2018 to June 2019. The changes in vessel density (VD) in the macular superficial capillary plexus (SCP), the deep capillary plexus (DCP), inside the disc, and in the peripapillary area and foveal avascular zone (FAZ), were analyzed on OCTA images obtained preoperatively and at 1 week, and 1, 3, and 6 months, postoperatively. @*Results@#The VDs of the foveal SCP and DCP increased significantly from 15.42 ± 6.61 and 28.43 ± 7.62% preoperatively to 17.20 ± 6.21 and 30.52 ± 7.06% at 6 months postoperatively (p < 0.001, p = 0.001). The VDs of the parafoveal SCP and DCP increased significantly from 47.28 ± 5.76 and 53.06 ± 3.89% preoperatively to 50.34 ± 5.00 and 53.90 ± 4.20% at 6 months postoperatively (p = 0.002, p = 0.014). The VDs of the perifoveal SCP and DCP increased significantly from 45.20 ± 5.01 and 46.62 ± 5.89% preoperatively to 48.52 ± 4.32 and 50.96 ± 5.57% at 6 months postoperatively (p < 0.001, p = 0.002). The VDs of the area inside the disc, and of the peripapillary area and FAZ, did not change significantly (p = 0.068, 0.332, and 0.206, respectively). @*Conclusions@#After cataract surgery, the VDs of the SCP and DCP increased significantly at 1 week, and 1, 3, and 6 months, postoperatively.

Analysis of Macular Capillary Plexuses after Cataract Surgery via Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography

Purpose@#We used optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) to evaluate changes in the vessel densities of macular capillary plexuses after cataract surgery. @*Methods@#We performed a retrospective chart review of 24 eyes of 24 cataract patients who underwent phacoemulsification cataract surgery from July 2018 to June 2019. The changes in vessel density (VD) in the macular superficial capillary plexus (SCP), the deep capillary plexus (DCP), inside the disc, and in the peripapillary area and foveal avascular zone (FAZ), were analyzed on OCTA images obtained preoperatively and at 1 week, and 1, 3, and 6 months, postoperatively. @*Results@#The VDs of the foveal SCP and DCP increased significantly from 15.42 ± 6.61 and 28.43 ± 7.62% preoperatively to 17.20 ± 6.21 and 30.52 ± 7.06% at 6 months postoperatively (p < 0.001, p = 0.001). The VDs of the parafoveal SCP and DCP increased significantly from 47.28 ± 5.76 and 53.06 ± 3.89% preoperatively to 50.34 ± 5.00 and 53.90 ± 4.20% at 6 months postoperatively (p = 0.002, p = 0.014). The VDs of the perifoveal SCP and DCP increased significantly from 45.20 ± 5.01 and 46.62 ± 5.89% preoperatively to 48.52 ± 4.32 and 50.96 ± 5.57% at 6 months postoperatively (p < 0.001, p = 0.002). The VDs of the area inside the disc, and of the peripapillary area and FAZ, did not change significantly (p = 0.068, 0.332, and 0.206, respectively). @*Conclusions@#After cataract surgery, the VDs of the SCP and DCP increased significantly at 1 week, and 1, 3, and 6 months, postoperatively.

Effect of Chronic Benzalkonium Chloride Exposure on Senescence in Trabecular Meshwork Cells

PURPOSE: To determine the possible effects of chronic exposure of low dose benzalkonium chloride (BAK) on trabecular meshwork cells, and to characterize the pathways involved in the effects. METHODS: Trabecular meshwork cells were treated with 0.0005%, 0.00075%, 0.001%, and 0.0025% BAK for 10 minutes; then, the cells were transferred to a new medium for 24 hours. This process was repeated three times. Cell survival was assessed using the MTT assay to determine the non-apoptotic BAK concentration. Senescence-associated (SA)-β-gal staining was performed to compare quantitatively the cellular senescence of BAK-treated cells with the control group. Cells treated with BAK were analyzed by western blot to determine whether the expressions of cell cycle regulators were affected. RESULTS: Two concentrations (0.0005% and 0.00075%) showed persistent cell viability and were chosen for further experiments. After SA-β-gal staining, cells treated with 0.0005% and 0.00075% BAK showed 28% (± 2.08), 37% (± 2.08) increases in cellular senescence expression, respectively, when compared with control cells (p < 0.05). To identify the molecular pathways involved in cell cycle arrest via BAK, western blot analysis was performed on trabecular meshwork cells, resulting in decreased expressions of cyclin E/CDK2, and increased expressions of the upper stream control molecules, p53 and p21. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic exposure to low dose BAK accelerated cell senescence through cell cycle arrest. Because senescent cells of the trabecular meshwork can inhibit its outflow pathway function and ultimately worsen the glaucomatous process, long-term usage of topical glaucoma medications containing BAK should be conducted with caution.

Subretinal Fluid Drainage through Original Breaks without Perfluorocarbon Liquid for Rhegmatogenous Retinal Detachment

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficiency of a surgical method using original breaks to drain subretinal fluid without using retinotomy and perfluorocarbon liquid for patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). METHODS: A retrospective chart review comparing 41 eyes of 41 patients who received vitrectomy, and used original breaks to drain subretinal fluid without using perfluorocarbon liquid, and 40 eyes of 40 patients who received vitrectomy using perfluorocarbon liquid for simple RRD between February 2014 and December 2017 was conducted. All patients were followed for a minimum of 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: The primary anatomical success percentages were 97.6% and 97.5% for groups that did not and did use perfluorocarbon liquid, respectively. Retinal detachment recurred in one eye from both groups. The final success percentage was 100%. The preoperative mean logMAR best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 0.87 ± 0.80 improved to 0.30 ± 0.30 at postoperative 6 months for the group that did not use perfluorocarbon liquid, while it improved from 0.86 ± 0.71 to 0.42 ± 0.52 for the group that did use perfluorocarbon liquid. Both groups showed significant BCVA improvement (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications caused by the use of perfluorocarbon liquid. CONCLUSIONS: Using original breaks to drain subretinal fluid without perfluorocarbon liquid in cases with RRD may be an effective and safe surgical technique for functional and anatomical recovery without serious complications.

Central Serous Chorioretinopathy with Peripapillary Retinoschisis

PURPOSE: To report a case of central serous chorioretinopathy with peripapillary retinoschisis. CASE SUMMARY: A 64-year-old male presented with abnormal color vision of the left eye, which occurred 6 months prior to his visit. At the initial visit, a funduscopic examination revealed retinal elevation with suspected serous retinal detachment around the optic disc in the left eye. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography showed subretinal fluid on the nasal side of the optic disc and retinoschisis on the temporal side of the optic disc in the left eye. Fluorescein angiography revealed multiple leakages in the left eye. Indocyanine green angiography revealed choroidal vascular hyperpermeability in both eyes. Based on these results, the patient was diagnosed with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy and was treated with argon laser photocoagulation at the leakage points. After 8 weeks of laser therapy, optical coherence tomography indicated that there was no retinoschisis or subretinal fluid in the macula, nasal, or temporal sides of the optic disc. CONCLUSIONS: Peripapillary retinoschisis due to central serous chorioretinopathy improves with argon laser photocoagulation at leakage sites.

Predictors of Success of Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty Adjusted for Intraocular Pressure Variations

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy, and identify predictors of success of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in open-angle glaucoma (OAG) patients after adjusting for intraocular pressure (IOP) changes in the untreated fellow eye. METHODS: This retrospective chart review included 52 eyes of 52 OAG patients who underwent SLT in one eye and were followed-up for at least 1 year after the procedure. The IOP was measured before the treatment, at 1, 2, and 3 months posttreatment, and every 3 months thereafter. To account for the possible influence of IOP fluctuations on laser outcomes, post-laser IOP values of the treated eye of each patient were also analyzed, after adjusting for IOP changes in the untreated fellow eye. Success was defined as an IOP decrease ≥20% of the pretreatment IOP. The success rate was determined based on Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and factors predictive of success were analyzed using the Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS: The mean pretreatment IOP was 23.17 ± 6.96 mmHg. The mean IOP reduction was 5.59 ± 4.78 mmHg (29.7%) and the success rate was 65.4% at 1 year. The adjusted mean IOP reduction was 4.70 ± 4.67 mmHg (23.9%) and the adjusted success rate was 53.9%. Pretreatment IOP was associated with SLT success; the higher the pretreatment IOP, the greater the post-laser IOP reduction (p = 0.025). Age and mean deviation index did not show a significant association with SLT success (p = 0.066 and p = 0.464, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: SLT is a safe and effective alternative method of IOP reduction in OAG patients. Herein, pretreatment IOP was the only factor significantly associated with SLT success. IOP fluctuations of the untreated eye should be considered for a better understanding of the impact of treatment.

Refractive Error Induced by Combined Phacotrabeculectomy

PURPOSE: We evaluated the postoperative accuracy of intraocular lens power prediction for patients undergoing phacotrabeculectomy and identified preoperative factors associated with refractive outcome in those with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 27 patients who underwent phacotrabeculectomy to treat POAG. We recorded all discrepancies between predicted and actual postoperative refractions. We compared the data to those of an age- and sex-matched control group that underwent uncomplicated cataract surgery during the same time period. Preoperative factors associated with the mean absolute error (MAE) were identified via multivariate regression analyses. RESULTS: The mean refractive error of the 27 eyes that underwent phacotrabeculectomy was comparable to that of the 27 eyes treated via phacoemulsification (+0.02 vs. −0.01 D, p = 0.802). The phacotrabeculectomy group exhibited a significantly higher MAE (0.65 vs. 0.35 D, p = 0.035) and more postoperative astigmatism (−1.07 vs. −0.66 D, p = 0.020) than the phacoemulsification group. The preoperative anterior chamber depth (ACD) and the changes in the postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) were significantly associated with a greater MAE after phacotrabeculectomy. CONCLUSIONS: POAG treatment via combined phacoemulsification/trabeculectomy was associated with greater error in terms of final refraction prediction, and more postoperative astigmatism. As both a shallow preoperative ACD and a greater postoperative change in IOP appear to increase the predictive error, these two factors should be considered when planning phacotrabeculectomy.

Intraindividual Comparison of Visual Outcomes between Blue Light-filtering and Ultraviolet Light-filtering Intraocular Lens

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical results of short-term visual acuity and quality of vision after implantation of a yellow-tinted blue light-filtering intraocular lens (IOL) (Acrysof IQ® SN60WF) and an clear ultraviolet (UV) light filtering IOL (enVista™ MX60) in the same patient. METHODS: 44 patients with bilateral cataract received an SN60WF in one eye and an MX60 in the other eye. All eyes were evaluated for refraction power and uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) at preoperative and 1, 3 months postoperatively. At postoperative 3 months, corrected visual acuity, quality of vision (OQAS II®), contrast sensitivity (CGT 2000®) and visual field (Humphrey Field Analyzer®), and subjective patients' response to the degree of brightness were evaluated. Furthermore, glistening degree, intraocular stability, and posterior capsular opacification were examined. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in average refractive power or UCVA at 1 and 3 months (p > 0.05) between the two groups. At 3 months after cataract surgery, the quality of vision according to OQAS II®, the contrast sensitivity according to CGT 2000® with the glare either on or off, and visual field; showed no difference between the two groups (p > 0.05). Both IOLs had no glistening and posterior capsular opacity. The patients' response to the degree of brightness shows that MX60 (48.3%) has a higher degree of satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Yellow-tinted blue light-filtering IOL and clear UV light-filtering IOL had no difference in short-term visual acuity and quality of vision. Subjective brightness perception, however, was better with clear UV light-filtering IOL.

The Effectiveness of Topical Chemotherapy for the Primary Treatment of Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia

PURPOSE: In the present study, the effectiveness of topical chemotherapy for the primary treatment of ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) was evaluated. METHODS: We enrolled 10 patients (10 eyes) diagnosed with OSSN who received both clinical examination and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) imaging. The patients were administered topical 0.02% mitomycin-C (MMC) 4 times/day in the affected eye. The patients with MMC-resistant OSSN received topical 1% 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) 4 times/day. AS-OCT imaging was performed before and after the treatment. Clinical examination and AS-OCT were used to monitor the efficacy of topical chemotherapy, recurrence and side effects. RESULTS: The mean age of the 10 patients (8 males, 2 females) was 76.7 years. The proportion of complete remission resulting from topical treatment with MMC was 80.0% (8 eyes) and 20.0% (2 eyes) when 5-FU was changed to MMC. The average duration of complete remission was 4.3 weeks and the average duration of no recurrence was 17.5 months. The epithelial thickness of the lesions, measured using AS-OCT, significantly decreased from 315.0 µm (pretreatment) to 105.3 µm (after complete remission). Additionally, the epithelial lesion appeared normal after treatment. The most common side effect was conjunctival hyperemia (60.0%, 6 eyes), followed by ocular allergy (30.0%, 3 eyes), superficial punctate keratitis (30.0%, 3 eyes) and corneal erosion (20%, 2 eyes). No serious complications were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Topical chemotherapy is as effective and well tolerated as a primary treatment for OSSN. Additionally, AS-OCT is a useful noninvasive adjunctive tool in the diagnosis and management of OSSN.

Choroidal Thickness Variation According to Refractive Error Measured by Spectral Domain-optical Coherence Tomography in Korean Children

PURPOSE: To assess choroidal thickness (CT) variation according to refractive errors using enhanced-depth imaging optical coherence tomography. METHODS: Eighty-nine eyes (in 89 children) <±6 diopter were categorized into three groups: hyperopia, emmetropia, and myopia, according to refractive error, and underwent choroidal scans using enhanced-depth imaging-optical coherence tomography. CT was measured at the fovea and at 1 mm and 3 mm nasal (N1 and N3), temporal (T1 and T3), superior (S1 and S3), and inferior (I1 and I3) from the fovea. RESULTS: Mean foveal CTs were 346.86 µm, 301.97 µm, and 267.46 µm in the hyperopia, emmetropia, and myopia groups, respectively (p < 0.05). CTs at N3 and T3 were 214.59 µm and 318.68 µm, 163.92 µm and 320.79 µm, and 153.93 µm and 295.61 µm in the hyperopia, emmetropia, and myopia groups, respectively (p < 0.05). All CTs in the hyperopia group were thicker than those of other groups (p < 0.05). Fovea was thickest and was significantly thicker than at N3 and I3 in hyperopia (p < 0.05). T3 thickness in the emmetropia and myopia groups was greater than thickness at other areas, particularly the nasal and inferior choroids (p < 0.05). CT was positively correlated with spherical equivalent (p = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS: In Korean children, CTs were greater in the hyperopia group than in the emmetropia and myopia groups. The temporal choroid was thicker than the nasal choroid, regardless of the refractive error. The thickest location in the hyperopia group was the fovea; however, the temporal choroid was thickest in the emmetropia and myopia groups.

Comparison of Choroidal Thickness Change between Ranibizumab and Aflibercept in Age-related Macular Degeneration: Six Month Results

PURPOSE: To compare the changes in subfoveal choroidal thickness between intravitreal aflibercept and ranibizumab injection in wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: Fifty patients with wet AMD patients who were treated with aflibercpet or ranibizumab were evaluated retrospectively. All patients were treated with pro re nata after 3 consecutive monthly injections and were followed up for at least 6 months. We measured subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) using enhanced depth imaging spectral-domain optical coherence tomography before the first injection and 1, 2, 3, and 6 months after initial injection. RESULTS: The SFCT measures before initial injection and 1, 2, 3, and 6 months after initial injection were 244.94 ± 103.77 µm, 219.04 ± 95.89 µm, 208.74 ± 91.03 µm, 203.64 ± 91.35 µm, and 226.98 ± 96.79 µm in the aflibercept group (25 eyes) and 222.68 ± 102.04 µm, 210.23 ± 95.91 µm, 203.66 ± 99.39 µm, 197.27 ± 100.25 µm, and 210.32 ± 111.86 µm in the ranibizumab group (28 eyes). Mean change in SFCT was greater in the aflibercept group at 1 month, 2 months, and 3 months after initial injection (p 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The decrease in SFCT was greater after aflibercept injection than ranibizumab injection in 3 consecutive months. However, at 6 months after initial injection, the difference in the change in SFCT was not significant.

Changes in Choroidal Thickness after Panretinal Photocoagulation in Diabetic Retinopathy Patients

PURPOSE: To investigate the changes in choroidal thickness in diabetic retinopathy patients after panretinal photocoagulation (PRP). METHODS: This retrospective study included 42 eyes of treatment-naive, severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy or proliferative diabetic retinopathy patients undergoing 3-session PRP. At baseline and 1 and 2 months after completion of the PRP treatments, subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) was measured using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: The mean SFCT at baseline was 261.52 +/- 77.98 microm, changing to 249.14 +/- 72.23 microm and 242.95 +/- 70.28 microm at 1 and 2 months, respectively (p 10%) in 9 eyes (21.43%) at 1 month and 8 eyes (19.05%) at 2 months after PRP. The mean SFCT showed no significant difference between increased mean CMT (238.22 +/- 57.59 microm and 240.00 +/- 67.71 microm at 1 and 2 months, respectively) and stable mean CMT groups (252.12 +/- 76.24 microm and 243.65 +/- 71.84 microm at 1 and 2 months, respectively; p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Choroidal thickness decreased after PRP. There was no significant relationship between change in SFCT and CMT after PRP.

Utility of the Swept Source Optical Coherence Tomography for Measurements of Central Corneal Thickness

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of swept source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) by comparing the measurement of central corneal thickness (CCT) to the measurement obtained using Orbscan II, anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) and ultrasound pachymetry. METHODS: One examiner measured the CCT in 65 eyes of 65 healthy subjects using Orbscan II, AS-OCT, SS-OCT and ultrasound pachymetry. The mean values and correlations were analyzed. RESULTS: The average CCT measurements obtained using Orbscan II, AS-OCT, SS-OCT and ultrasound pachymetry were 534.83 ± 38.46, 517.80 ± 32.48, 528.22 ± 33.71 and 528.02 ± 34.90 µm, respectively. A significant linear correlation was observed among Orbscan II, AS-OCT, SS-OCT and ultrasound pachymetry (r > 0.894, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference between the SS-OCT and ultrasound pachymetry (p = 0.782). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the 4 methods were significantly correlated and the SS-OCT reached a high level of agreement when CCT was determined using ultrasound pachymetry. The CCT measurements using SS-OCT is a better alternative for ultrasound pachymetry than Orbscan II and AS-OCT.