Relationship between diabetic retinopathy and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene polymorphism

Purpose: To assess MTHFR rs 1801133 [C677T] gene polymorphism in diabetic patients as a risk factor for diabetic retinopathy and to establish the changes in Platelet indices and count in diabetic patient as compared to the healthy control group

Patients and Methods: The study included 40 patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. They were divided into 2 equal groups, 20 patients with Diabetic Retinopathy, 20 patients without Diabetic Retinopathy. Patients were selected from those attending the outpatient Ophthalmology Unit and Diabetes Clinic of Al-Zahraa University Hospital in the period from June 2014 to June 2015. Their ages ranged between 34 to 66 years old

They were 14 males and 26 females. Twenty cases apparently healthy individuals were selected as a control group. All cases were subjected to full history taking and complete ophthalmological examination. Also laboratory investigations were done including complete blood picture, kidney and liver function tests, coagulation profile, urine analysis, lipid profile, fasting and postprandial blood sugar and Genetic study for detection of MTHFR gene C677T mutation [rs 1801133] by real time PCR

Results: In all diabetic patients the mutant homozygous TT showed a highly statistically significant increase in FBS [p=0.000], PPBS [p=0.000], HbAlC [p=0.000] and cholesterol [p=0.001] as compared to wild type. Also in all diabetic patients the mutant homozygous TT showed a highly statistically significant increase in FBS [p=0.002], PPBS [p=0.001], HbAlC [p=0.019] and cholesterol [p=0.012] as compared to heterozygous mutant type

Conclusion: The homozygous mutant type [TT] of rs!801133 was detected in 10% of DR patients group while absent in DWR group and the control group. The heterozygous mutant type [CT] was increased in DR group [50%] as compared to DWR group [35%] and the control group [25%]

Is LASIK an effective treatment modality for hyperopia or hyperopic astigmatism?

Purpose: To assess the efficacy, safety and stability of LASIK surgery for treatment of low to moderate degree hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism

Patients and methods: The study included 34 eyes in 17 patients [7 males, and 10 females] with bilateral low to moderate degree hyperopia or hyperopic astigmatism. Their mean age +/- SD was 26.7 +/- 4.1 years. Range of hyperopia was between +1.75 to +5.50 D, astigmatic errors range was 0.00 to -1.50 D while the spherical equivalent refraction ranged from +1.4 to + 4.8 D. Patients included in this study had a stable refraction for at least one year. All patients underwent bilateral LASIK surgery in the same session in Dr Soliman Faqeeh Hospital [DSFH] and the Eye Subspecialty Center [ESC]using the ALLEGRETTO EYE - Q Excimer Laser machine

Results: UCVA after one year was 20/20 or better in 30 eyes [88.2%], 20/30 or better in 32 eyes [94.1%] and 20/40 or better in 34 eyes [100%], while BCVA was 20/20 or better in 33 eyes [97.1%] and 20/40 or better in 34 eyes [100%]. There was no decrease in UCVA after LASIK surgery. One eye [2.9%] showed 2 lines drop in BCVA after LASIK surgery due to broad wrinkles of the flap. The flap was lifted after one day; trial to flatten the wrinkles showed incomplete resolution. One eye [2.9%] showed diffuse lamellar keratitis [DLK] at one week after LASIK surgery. There was regression in the manifest spherical equivalent refraction one year after LASIK surgery as compared with that at one month, but the difference was statistically insignificant [P=O.46]. The mean score of patient satisfaction was 9.4 at one year postoperatively

Conclusion: LASIK surgery is a safe, predictable, stable and effective for treatment of mild to moderate degree hyperopia and hyperopic astigmatism. No significant regression in UCVA, BCVA or manifest refraction was reported up to 12 months follow up