Comparison of structural and functional tests in primary open angle glaucoma.

Purpose: To comparatively analyze the structural and functional tests used in the diagnosis and follow-up of glaucoma. Methods: Eighty eyes of 40 patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and 46 eyes of 23 healthy individuals were included in the study. Transient pattern electroretinography (PERG), steady-state PERG (ssPERG), computerized visual field (VF) screening, and examination of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and macular thickness on optical coherence tomography (OCT) were undertaken. The results were compared between the groups. Results: 80 eyes belonging to 40 patients with a diagnosis of POAG (23 female, 17 male) (18 mild 22 moderate POAG) with a mean of 57.37 (±8.6) years, and 46 eyes of 23 healthy individuals (14 female, 9 male) with a mean age of 55.30 (±8.09) years were included in the study. PERG P50 and N95 and ssPERG latency revealed a significant delay in the POAG group. When the wave amplitudes were examined, they were found to be significantly lower in both PERG and sSPERG tests for the POAG group, but the results were more pronounced in ssPERG. The latency values of PERG and ssPERG tests were not significantly correlated with any of the parameters of the remaining tests. However, the amplitude values of these tests had a positive correlation with the mean deviation value and negative correlation with the pattern standard deviation value of VF. All associated parameters were significant for the amplitude value of the ssPERG test. Conclusion: For the proper management of glaucoma, rather than approaching damage simply as the loss of retinal ganglion cells or the neuroretinal rim, it is necessary to focus on the ongoing anatomical and functional relationship and evaluate structural and functional tests together. In addition, ssPERG test, which is not widely adopted in routine practice, provides valuable information and is significantly correlated with OCT parameters.

Effect of subconjunctival bevacizumab (Avastin) on experimental corneal neovascularization in guinea pigs.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of subconjunctival bevacizumab (Avastin) on experimental corneal neovascularization in guinea pigs. METHODS: Forty eyes of 40 guinea pigs were chemically cauterized with 75% silver nitrate and 25% potassium nitrate sticks. Fifteen eyes (group 1) received 2 subconjunctival injections of bevacizumab (0.1 mL, 1.25 mg) simultaneously with cauterization and 3 days later. Fifteen eyes (group 2) received 2 subconjunctival injections of bevacizumab (0.1 mL, 1.25 mg) 3 and 5 days after cauterization. Ten eyes (group 3, control group) received 2 subconjunctival injections of 0.1 mL of balanced salt solution 3 and 5 days after cauterization. After we determined the burn and neovascularization scores for all groups, the animals were killed on the 10th day. The percentages of neovascularization on the surface of the cornea were measured in terms of pixels on digital photographs. The average number of vessels at maximally vascularized areas was determined for each specimen. RESULTS: Neovascularization score was 1.1 +/- 0.3 in group 1, 2.46 +/- 1.3 in group 2, and 3.5 +/- 0.5 in the control group. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). The area of neovascularization at the cornea surface was 15.6% +/- 10.1% in group 1, 19.74% +/- 11.2% in group 2, and 23.5% +/- 7.4% in the control group (P = 0.194). The average number of neovascular vessels at group 1 was significantly reduced in comparison with group 2 and the control group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Subconjunctival injection of bevacizumab decreases the extent of chemically induced corneal neovascularization in guinea pigs. The antineovascular effect of bevacizumab is higher if the injection is performed simultaneously with the chemical cauterization.