Is there a relationship between keratoconus and ocular Demodex mites?

BACKGROUND: The background of this study was to evaluate the relationship between keratoconus (KC) occurrence and ocular Demodex infestation together with the effects of Demodex on the ocular surface. METHODS: Thirty-eight eyes of 20 KC patients (KC group) and 40 eyes of 20 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects (control group) were included in this cross-sectional study. Demodex species (folliculorum/brevis), clinical symptoms such as eye rubbing, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), corneal topography findings, tear break-up time (TBUT), and Schirmer test scores were evaluated. KC eyes were also divided into two subgroups according to KC severity and presence of Demodex. Demodex was detected using conventional light microscopy. RESULTS: The mean age was 25.90 ± 7.01 years in the KC group, and 26.52 ± 8.94 years in the control group (P = 0.731). While unexpectedly no Demodex were detected in the control group, Demodex were detected in the KC group, including 8 eyes (21.1%) with Demodex folliculorum, and 10 eyes with D. folliculorum + Demodex brevis (26.3%) (P < 0.001). As the KC severity worsened, the percentage of eyes with Demodex mites increased (43.8% in the mild/moderate subgroup and 66.7% in the severe subgroup, P < 0.001). The number of rubbing eyes and OSDI scores were significantly higher, and TBUT levels were significantly lower in the KC Demodex + and Demodex - subgroups than the control group (P < 0.001 for all), but there is no significant difference between the KC Demodex + and Demodex - subgroups regarding ocular surface parameters (P = 1.0). CONCLUSIONS: Although the number of patients is relatively small and there is no follow-up data after Demodex treatment, KC and ocular Demodex infestation seem to be associated. Demodex-related inflammation and associated eye rubbing may contribute to KC progression.

Ophthalmic surgeries before and during the covid-19 outbreak in a tertiary hospital.

OBJECTIVE: As with any healthcare practice, elective surgeries had to be postponed since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. This study aimed to examine the characteristics of ophthalmology outpatients and eye surgery admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic and also to compare the pandemic and pre-pandemic periods. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients admitted to the ophthalmology clinic of a tertiary hospital from April through June 2020. A control sample was formed using the registries from the same interval in the previous year. The primary endpoint was the difference between the number and distribution of types of surgical procedures in the pre-pandemic and pandemic period. Surgical procedures were classified as Group A; major special, Group B; special, Group C; major, Group D; medium, and Group E; minor surgeries. Also surgeries were also divided into 4 groups. Cataract and related surgeries were grouped as "Phaco", emergency surgeries for trauma patients as "Trauma", retina and related surgeries were grouped as "Retina", and eyelid and adnexal surgeries were grouped as "Eyelid". The secondary endpoint was the comparison between the pre-pandemic and pandemic period. RESULTS: A total of 116 operations were performed in 2020 (mean age: 42.3 ± 25.6 years, male: 63.8%). In 2019, 873 surgeries were performed in the same period of the year (mean age: 56.6 ± 20.2 years, male: 48.8%), indicating an 86.7% decrease during the pandemic period, and each surgery type reduced significantly. On the other hand, the proportion of Group A (10.3% in 2019 vs. 25.9% in 2020, p < 0.001), group B (5.4% in 2019-17.24% in 2020, p < 0.001), and group E (3.8% in 2019-8.6% in 2020, p < 0.001) surgeries among the total increased in the pandemic period. The proportion of trauma (3.1% in 2019-16.4% in 2020, p < 0.001) and retina (11.9% in 2019-37.1% in 2020, p < 0.001) surgeries also increased, whereas phaco and eyelid surgeries were recorded at a lesser rate in the pandemic period. CONCLUSION: This study showed a striking reduction in eye surgery during the early period of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the rates of group A, B, and E surgeries increased significantly compared to the previous year.

Phacoemulsification in posterior polar cataract.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results and complications of phacoemulsification surgery in eyes with posterior polar cataracts and compare the techniques of viscodissection and hydrodissection. METHODS: The medical records of 29 consecutive patients (16 males, 13 females) with posterior polar cataracts (44 eyes) who had undergone cataract surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups according to the technique used; viscodissection was applied to the experimental group (group 1) and hydrodissection to the control group (group 2). RESULTS: The postoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.19 ± 0.22 logMAR (mean ± standard deviation) (range 0.00-0.70) in group 1 and 0.25 ± 0.18 logMAR (range 0.00-0.70) in group 2. Although the mean postoperative BCVA in group 1 was greater than that in group 2, the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.165). The mean postoperative BCVA was significantly greater than the mean preoperative BCVA in both groups (p=0.00). Intraoperatively, posterior capsular rupture occurred during the removal of the cortex in three eyes (13%) of group 1 patients, with vitreous loss and anterior vitrectomy in one eye only. In group 2, six eyes (28.5%) presented posterior capsular rupture, and anterior vitrectomy was performed because of vitreous loss in three eyes. Although the percentage of posterior capsular rupture was greater in group 2, the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.207). CONCLUSIONS: Complications in posterior polar cataract surgeries can be overcome by being careful throughout the surgery and using proper techniques. Viscodissection may be better for avoiding posterior capsular rupture than hydrodissection.

Phacoemulsification in posterior polar cataract / Facoemulsificação na catarata polar posterior

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the results and complications of phacoemulsification surgery in eyes with posterior polar cataracts and compare the techniques of viscodissection and hydrodissection. Methods: The medical records of 29 consecutive patients (16 males, 13 females) with posterior polar cataracts (44 eyes) who had undergone cataract surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups according to the technique used; viscodissection was applied to the experimental group (group 1) and hydrodissection to the control group (group 2). Results: The postoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.19 ± 0.22 logMAR (mean ± standard deviation) (range 0.00-0.70) in group 1 and 0.25 ± 0.18 logMAR (range 0.00-0.70) in group 2. Although the mean postoperative BCVA in group 1 was greater than that in group 2, the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.165). The mean postoperative BCVA was significantly greater than the mean preoperative BCVA in both groups (p=0.00). Intraoperatively, posterior capsular rupture occurred during the removal of the cortex in three eyes (13%) of group 1 patients, with vitreous loss and anterior vitrectomy in one eye only. In group 2, six eyes (28.5%) presented posterior capsular rupture, and anterior vitrectomy was performed because of vitreous loss in three eyes. Although the percentage of posterior capsular rupture was greater in group 2, the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.207). Conclusions: Complications in posterior polar cataract surgeries can be overcome by being careful throughout the surgery and using proper techniques. Viscodissection may be better for avoiding posterior capsular rupture than hydrodissection.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar os resultados e complicações da cirurgia de facoemulsificação em olhos com catarata polar posterior e comparar as técnicas de viscodissecção e hidrodissecção. Métodos: Os prontuários de 29 pacientes consecutivos (16 homens, 13 mulheres) com posterior cataratas polares (44 olhos), que haviam sido submetidos a cirurgia de catarata foram analisados retrospectivamente. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos de acordo com a técnica utilizada; viscodissecção foi aplicada ao grupo experimental (grupo 1) e hidrodissecção para o grupo de controle (grupo 2). Resultados: No pós-operatório, a melhor acuidade visual corrigida (BCVA) foi 0,19 ± 0,22 logMAR (média ± desvio padrão) (variação 0,00-0,70) no grupo 1 e 0,25 ± 0,18 (0,00-0,70) logMAR no grupo 2. Embora a média da BCVA pós-operatória do grupo 1 tenha sido maior do que a do grupo 2, a diferença não foi estatisticamente significativa (p=0,165). A melhor acuidade visual corrigida pós-operatória foi significativamente melhor do que no pré-operatório, em ambos os grupos (p=0,00). No grupo 1, houve ruptura capsular posterior durante a remoção do córtex em três olhos (13%); houve perda vítrea e necessidade de vitrectomia anterior mas apenas em destes olhos. No grupo 2, a ruptura da cápsula posterior ocorreu em seis olhos (28,5%); vitrectomia anterior foi necessária após a perda vítrea em três destes olhos. Embora a porcentagem de ruptura da cápsula posterior tenha sido maior no grupo 2, a diferença não foi estatisticamente significativa (p=0,207). Conclusões: As complicações em cirurgias de catarata polar posterior podem ser superadas com cautela durante toda a cirurgia e usando técnicas adequadas. Viscodissecção é melhor para evitar a posterior ruptura capsular do que hidrodissecção.

The effect of phacoemulsification surgery on intraocular pressure and anterior segment anatomy of the patients with cataract and ocular hypertension.

We evaluated the effect of phacoemulsification surgery on intraocular pressure (IOP), anterior chamber depth (ACD), iridocorneal angle (ICA), and central corneal thickness (CCT) of the patients with cataract and ocular hypertension. The decrease in IO P values of the 1 st week, 1 st month, 3 rd month, 6 th month, and 1 st year was statistically significant, but that of the 2 nd year was not significant. The increase in ACD and ICA values of the 1 st week, 1 st month, 3 rd month, 6 th month, and 1 st year was statistically significant, but that of the 2 nd year was not significant. The increase in CCT values of 1 st week and 1 st month was statistically significant, but those of 3 rd month, 6 th month, 1 st year, and 2 nd year were not significant. In conclusion, phacoemulsification surgery decreases IOP and increases ACD and ICA in the short-term. However, in the long-term it does not cause any significant changes.

Phacoemulsification in eyes with cataract and high myopia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes and complications following phacoemulsification surgery in eyes with cataract and high myopia. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the data of 43 eyes of 28 consecutive patients (12 males, 16 females) with cataract and high myopia who had undergone phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. The mean [± standard deviation (range)] age of the patients was 59.20 ± 11.08 (39-77) years. RESULTS: The frequency of nuclear cataract was significantly higher than that of other cataract types (P=0.003). The mean axial length was 28.97 ± 1.99 (26-33) mm and the mean IOL power was 5.09 ± 4.78 (-3.0 to +14.0) diopters (D). The mean preoperative spherical equivalent (SE) was -16.48 ± 5.23 (-8.00 to -25.00) D and the mean postoperative SE was -1.46 ± 0.93 (0.00 to -3.00) D (P=0.00). The mean preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.91 ± 0.37 (0.30 to -1.50) logMAR and the mean postoperative BCVA was 0.29 ± 0.25 (0.00-1.00) logMAR (P=0.00). Twenty-two eyes (51.2%) achieved the target postoperative refraction (±1.0 D). The eyes were divided into 3 groups according to the axial length. The mean biometric error was significantly higher in the group with the greatest axial length than in the other groups (P=0.007). Preoperative argon laser photocoagulation was performed in 7 eyes (16%) on account of retinal tears, retinal holes, or lattice degeneration. Postoperatively, retinal tears developed in 2 eyes (4%) and were treated with photocoagulation. One eye (2%) developed retinal detachment postoperatively, with the patient consequently referred for retinal surgery. Postoperatively, posterior capsule opacities developed in 11 eyes (25%), with all cases treated by laser capsulotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Good postoperative outcomes following phacoemulsification surgery were observed in patients with cataract and high myopia. However, clinicians should be aware of the risk of postoperative retinal tears and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Preoperative prophylactic argon laser photocoagulation treatment should be considered where necessary.

Phacoemulsificatıon in eyes wıth cataract and high myopia / Facoemulsificação em olhos com catarata e alta miopia

ABSTRACTPurpose:To evaluate the outcomes and complications following phacoemulsification surgery in eyes with cataract and high myopia.Methods:We retrospectively evaluated the data of 43 eyes of 28 consecutive patients (12 males, 16 females) with cataract and high myopia who had undergone phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. The mean [± standard deviation (range)] age of the patients was 59.20 ± 11.08 (39-77) years.Results:The frequency of nuclear cataract was significantly higher than that of other cataract types (P=0.003). The mean axial length was 28.97 ± 1.99 (26-33) mm and the mean IOL power was 5.09 ± 4.78 (-3.0 to +14.0) diopters (D). The mean preoperative spherical equivalent (SE) was -16.48 ± 5.23 (-8.00 to -25.00) D and the mean postoperative SE was -1.46 ± 0.93 (0.00 to -3.00) D (P=0.00). The mean preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.91 ± 0.37 (0.30 to -1.50) logMAR and the mean postoperative BCVA was 0.29 ± 0.25 (0.00-1.00) logMAR (P=0.00). Twenty-two eyes (51.2%) achieved the target postoperative refraction (±1.0 D). The eyes were divided into 3 groups according to the axial length. The mean biometric error was significantly higher in the group with the greatest axial length than in the other groups (P=0.007). Preoperative argon laser photocoagulation was performed in 7 eyes (16%) on account of retinal tears, retinal holes, or lattice degeneration. Postoperatively, retinal tears developed in 2 eyes (4%) and were treated with photocoagulation. One eye (2%) developed retinal detachment postoperatively, with the patient consequently referred for retinal surgery. Postoperatively, posterior capsule opacities developed in 11 eyes (25%), with all cases treated by laser capsulotomy.Conclusions:Good postoperative outcomes following phacoemulsification surgery were observed in patients with cataract and high myopia. However, clinicians should be aware of the risk of postoperative retinal tears and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Preoperative prophylactic argon laser photocoagulation treatment should be considered where necessary.

RESUMOObjetivo:Avaliação dos resultados e complicações associadas à cirurgia de facoemulsificação em olhos com catarata e miopia alta.Método:Quarenta e três olhos de 28 pacientes (12 homens, 16 mulheres) consecutivos com catarata e alta miopia, que haviam sido submetidos a facoemulsificação e implante de lentes intraoculares (LIO), foram avaliados retrospectivamente. A idade foi de 59,20 ± 11,08, (39-77) anos [média ± desvio padrão, (variação)].Resultados:A frequência de catarata nuclear foi significativamente maior do que os outros tipos (p=0,003). O comprimento axial foi 28,97 ± 1,99, (26-33) mm e o poder da LIO foi 5,09 ± 4,78, (-3,0 a 14,0) dioptrias (D). O equivalente esférico pré-operatório (SE) foi de -16,48 ± 5,23, (-25,00 a -8,00) D e o SE pós-operatório foi -1,46 ± 0,93, (0,00 a -3,00) D, (P=0,00). A melhor acuidade visual corrigida pré-operatória (BCVA) foi de 0,91 ± 0,37, (0,30 -1,50) logMAR e a BCVA pós-operatória foi de 0,29 ± 0,25, (0,00-1,00) logMAR, (P=0,00). Vinte e dois olhos (51,2%) estavam dentro de refração alvo pós-operatória (± 1,0 D). Os olhos foram divididos em três grupos, de acordo com o comprimento axial. O erro biométrico foi significativamente maior no terceiro grupo, em comparação com os outros grupos (p=0,007). Fotocoagulação pré-operatória por laser de argônio foi realizada em 7 olhos (16%) devido a roturas retinianas, buracos de retina ou degeneração látice. No pós-operatório, as roturas da retina ocorreram em dois olhos (4%); tratados com fotocoagulação. Um olho (2%) desenvolveu descolamento de retina no pós-operatório e foi encaminhado para cirurgia de retina. No pós-operatório, opacidades da cápsula posterior ocorreram em 11 olhos (25%) e estes foram tratados com capsulotomia a laser.Conclusões:A cirurgia de facoemulsificação permite bons resultados em pacientes com catarata e miopia alta. No entanto, devemos estar atentos para a possibilidade de roturas da retina pós-operatórias e para o descolamento de retina regmatogênico. Se necessário, devemos usar o tratamento profilático de fotocoagulação a laser antes da cirurgia.

The influence of size and shape of Nd:YAG capsulotomy on visual acuity and refraction.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the influence of size and shape of neodymium:yttrium aluminum- Garnet (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy on visual acuity and refraction. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 85 eyes of 67 patients treated with Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy for posterior capsule opacification (PCO). The mean age of included patients was 57.57 ± 9.26 (mean ± standard deviation, 38-75 years). The mean interval between surgery and Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy was 26.09 ± 7.08 (10-38) months. Patients were divided into four groups according to the shape and size of capsulotomy. Groups comprised patients with cruciate shape capsulotomies with openings of less than or equal to 3.5 mm (Group 1) or greater (Group 2) and patients with circular shape capsulotomies with openings of less than or equal to 3.5 mm (Group 3) or greater (Group 4). RESULTS: The mean number and energy of laser firings were significantly higher in Group 4 (p=0.00), and significantly lower in Group 1 (p=0.00), compared with that in other groups. Pre-procedural and post-procedural mean spherical equivalent (SE) values were significantly higher in Group 1 (p=0.026 and p=0.011, respectively). No statistical difference in best-corrected visual acuities (BCVA) or intraocular pressures (IOP) were observed between groups before (p=0.44 and p=0.452, respectively) or after capsulotomy (p=0.108 and p=0.125, respectively). A significantly higher number of patients in Group 4 (p=0.001), and a significantly lower number of patients in Group 1 (p=0.001), reported floating bodies compared with that in other groups. No significant changes in SE or intraocular pressure were observed after capsulotomy in any group (p=0.074 and p=0.856, respectively). Best-corrected visual acuity was significantly improved following capsulotomy in all groups (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Cruciate shape capsulotomy with an opening of 3.5 mm or less provides the greatest improvement in visual function with minimal complications.

The influence of size and shape of Nd:YAG capsulotomy on visual acuity and refraction / A influência do tamanho e forma da capsulotomia por laser de Nd:YAG sobre a acuidade visual e refração

ABSTRACTPurpose:To evaluate the influence of size and shape of neodymium:yttrium aluminum- Garnet (Nd:YAG) laser capsulotomy on visual acuity and refraction.Methods:We retrospectively evaluated 85 eyes of 67 patients treated with Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy for posterior capsule opacification (PCO). The mean age of included patients was 57.57 ± 9.26 (mean ± standard deviation, 38-75 years). The mean interval between surgery and Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy was 26.09 ± 7.08 (10-38) months. Patients were divided into four groups according to the shape and size of capsulotomy. Groups comprised patients with cruciate shape capsulotomies with openings of less than or equal to 3.5 mm (Group 1) or greater (Group 2) and patients with circular shape capsulotomies with openings of less than or equal to 3.5 mm (Group 3) or greater (Group 4).Results:The mean number and energy of laser firings were significantly higher in Group 4 (p=0.00), and significantly lower in Group 1 (p=0.00), compared with that in other groups. Pre-procedural and post-procedural mean spherical equivalent (SE) values were significantly higher in Group 1 (p=0.026 and p=0.011, respectively). No statistical difference in best-corrected visual acuities (BCVA) or intraocular pressures (IOP) were observed between groups before (p=0.44 and p=0.452, respectively) or after capsulotomy (p=0.108 and p=0.125, respectively). A significantly higher number of patients in Group 4 (p=0.001), and a significantly lower number of patients in Group 1 (p=0.001), reported floating bodies compared with that in other groups. No significant changes in SE or intraocular pressure were observed after capsulotomy in any group (p=0.074 and p=0.856, respectively). Best-corrected visual acuity was significantly improved following capsulotomy in all groups (p<0.01).Conclusion:Cruciate shape capsulotomy with an opening of 3.5 mm or less provides the greatest improvement in visual function with minimal complications.

RESUMOObjetivo:Avaliar a influência do tamanho e forma da capsulotomia a laser de Neodímio: Ítrio-Alumínio-Granada (Nd:YAG) na acuidade visual e refração.Métodos:Oitenta e cinco olhos de 67 pacientes, com opacificação de cápsula posterior (PCO), que tinham sido submetidos a capsulotomia por laser de Nd:YAG, foram avaliadas retrospectivamente. A idade foi 57,57 ± 9,26 (média ± desvio padrão), variação 38-75 anos. O intervalo médio entre a cirurgia e a capsulotomia a laser de Nd:YAG foi 26,09 ± 7,08 (variação 10-38) meses. Os pacientes foram divididos em 4 grupos de acordo com a forma e o tamanho da capsulotomia. O grupo 1 incluiu pacientes com forma cruzada e tamanho igual ou menor do que 3,5 mm de abertura capsulotomia, Grupo 2, forma cruzada e tamanho maior do que 3,5 mm, Grupo 3, forma circular e tamanho igual ou menor do que 3,5 mm e Grupo 4, forma circular e tamanho superior a 3,5 mm.Resultados:A quantidade média de energia utilizada e tiros aplicadas foram significativamente maiores no Grupo 4 (p=0,00) e significativamente menores no grupo 1 (p=0,00). O equivalente esférico (SE), antes e após o procedimento, foi significativamente mais elevado no Grupo 1 (p=0,026, p=0,011). Não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos em relação à acuidade visual melhor corrigida (BCVA) e pressão intraocular (IOP) antes do procedimento (p=0,44, p=0,452) e após o procedimento (p=0,108, p=0,125). O número de pacientes com sintomas de moscas volantes foi significativamente maior no grupo 4 (P=0,001) e significativamente inferior no grupo 1 (p=0,001). SE e IOP após o procedimento não foram estatisticamente diferentes daqueles antes do procedimento (p=0,074, p=0,856, respectivamente) em todos os grupos. BCVA após o procedimento foi significativamente melhor do que antes do procedimento (p=0,00) em todos os grupos.Conclusões:Em conclusão, para complicações mínimas e máximas funções visuais, o tamanho ótimo capsulotomia deve ser igual a ou menor do que 3,5 mm e deve ser em forma cruzada.

The course of dry eye after phacoemulsification surgery.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the course of dry eye syndrome after phacoemulsification surgery. METHODS: One hundred and ninety-two eyes of 96 patients (30 males, 66 females) with chronic dry eye syndrome and cataract, who had undergone phacoemulsification surgery were enrolled in this study. RESULTS: Their mean age was 68.46 ± 8.14 standard deviation (SD) (range 56-83) years . Thirty of them (31 %) were males and 66 (69 %) were females. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire scores increased postoperatively, but arrived preoperative levels at the end of 3rd month following the surgery. Fluorescein staining patterns according to Oxford Schema got worse postoperatively, however after postoperative 3rd month they got better and resembled preoperative patterns. The mean postoperative 1st day, 1st week and 1st month Break-up Time (BUT) values were significantly lower than preoperative BUT value (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001), however 3rd month, 6th month, 1st year and 2nd year values were not significantly different from preoperative value (P = 0.441, P = 0.078, P = 0.145, P = 0.125). The mean postoperative 1st day, 1st week and 1st month Schirmer Test 1 (ST1) values were significantly lower than preoperative ST1 value (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001), however 3rd month, 6th month, 1st year and 2nd year values were not significantly different from preoperative value (P = 0.748, P = 0.439, P = 0.091, P = 0.214). CONCLUSION: Phacoemulsification surgery may aggravate the signs and symptoms of dry eye and affect dry eye test values in chronic dry eye patients in short-term. However, in long-term, signs and symptoms of dry eye decrease and dry eye test values return to preoperative values.