The Effect of Topical 0.05% Cyclosporine in the Prevention of Recurrence Following Pterygium Surgery.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of topical cyclosporine A (CsA) (Restasis, Abbvie, Lake Bluff, IL, USA) on recurrence rates and tear metrics after pterygium excision and limbal-conjunctival autografting (LCUA) technique in patients with primary pterygium. METHODS: A total of 60 eyes of 60 patients with primary pterygium who underwent pterygium excision and the LCUA technique were evaluated prospectively. Among them, 30 eyes of 30 patients were treated with topical CsA (Restasis) for 6 months postoperatively (Group 1). The remainder of the patients were assigned to Group 2. The follow-up period was 12 months for each group. The primary outcome measures were a comparison of Schirmer I test and fluorescein tear break-up time (FTBUT) results, the recurrence rate, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in age (mean age of Group 1 and 2 was 55.0±9.7 years and 56.3±8.9 years, respectively) or sex between groups (p>0.05). Farmers were the largest group of patients (40.0%). Recurrence of pterygium was observed in 5 (16.6%) eyes in Group 1 and 8 (26.6%) eyes in Group 2. The recurrence rate was not statistically significant between groups (p=0.35). The complication rate was significantly lower in Group 1 compared with that of Group 2 (p=0.02). The average increase in Schirmer I and FTBUT values was significantly higher in Group 1 than in Group 2 (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of topical CsA did not demonstrate any significant improvement in the recurrence rate of pterygium following LCUA surgery.

A theoretical model for graft punch size calculations to prevent Descemet's membrane folds following deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty.

PURPOSE: The length of Descemet's membrane and donor graft sizes in deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty do not match in very steep corneas, which can lead to Descemet's membrane folds. The aim of this study is to establish a theoretical model for graft size calculations for deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty and evaluate its efficacy for preventing Descemet's membrane folds. METHODS: We calculated the arc diameter of the recipient bed by using the cosine formula and developed a table to aid surgeons in donor punch size selection. To test the usefulness of this formula, we evaluated the development of Descemet's membrane folds in keratoconus patients with very steep corneas (K >60 D). In group 1, deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty surgeries were performed using graft sizes that were determined based on our model (n=31). In group 2, graft sizes were determined based on the empirical judgment of the surgeon without any formal calculation (n=30). RESULTS: Our theoretical calculations demonstrated that the diameter of donor punch sizes needed to prevent Descemet's membrane fold increases when the cornea is steeper, or the trephine size is larger. We tested the efficacy of this model on the clinical outcome of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty. The mean age (28.9 ± 10.1 years vs. 32.8 ± 8.3 years, p=0.11) and preoperative K1 (59.2 ± 9.3 D vs. 58.1 ± 9.4 D, p=0.67), K2 (66.2 ± 6.0 D vs. 65.7 ± 7.4 D, p=0.81), and Km values (62.1 ± 7.7 D vs. 61.8 ± 8.1 D, p=0.88) were similar between the two groups. Three patients developed Descemet's membrane folds in group 2, and none of the patients developed Descemet's membrane folds in group 1. These results supported our theo retical calculations. CONCLUSION: Adjustment of donor graft size based on the calculated arc diameter of the recipient bed reduced the development of Descemet's membrane folds after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty in steep corneas.

A theoretical model for graft punch size calculations to prevent Descemets membrane folds following deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty / Modelo teórico para cálculos do tamanho de punção de enxerto para evitar dobras na membrana de Descemet após ceratoplastia lamelar anterior profunda

ABSTRACT Purpose: The length of Descemet's membrane and donor graft sizes in deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty do not match in very steep corneas, which can lead to Descemet's membrane folds. The aim of this study is to establish a theoretical model for graft size calculations for deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty and evaluate its efficacy for preventing Descemet's membrane folds. Methods: We calculated the arc diameter of the recipient bed by using the cosine formula and developed a table to aid surgeons in donor punch size selection. To test the usefulness of this formula, we evaluated the development of Descemet's membrane folds in keratoconus patients with very steep corneas (K >60 D). In group 1, deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty surgeries were performed using graft sizes that were determined based on our model (n=31). In group 2, graft sizes were determined based on the empirical judgment of the surgeon without any formal calculation (n=30). Results: Our theoretical calculations demonstrated that the diameter of donor punch sizes needed to prevent Descemet's membrane fold increases when the cornea is steeper, or the trephine size is larger. We tested the efficacy of this model on the clinical outcome of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty. The mean age (28.9 ± 10.1 years vs. 32.8 ± 8.3 years, p=0.11) and preoperative K1 (59.2 ± 9.3 D vs. 58.1 ± 9.4 D, p=0.67), K2 (66.2 ± 6.0 D vs. 65.7 ± 7.4 D, p=0.81), and Km values (62.1 ± 7.7 D vs. 61.8 ± 8.1 D, p=0.88) were similar between the two groups. Three patients developed Descemet's membrane folds in group 2, and none of the patients developed Descemet's membrane folds in group 1. These results supported our theo retical calculations. Conclusion: Adjustment of donor graft size based on the calculated arc diameter of the recipient bed reduced the development of Descemet's membrane folds after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty in steep corneas.

RESUMO Objetivo: O comprimento da membrana de Descemet e o tamanho do enxerto doador na ceratoplastia lamelar anterior profunda não coincidem em córneas muito íngremes, o que pode levar às dobras da membrana de Descemet. O objetivo deste estudo é estabelecer um modelo teórico para cálculo do tamanho do enxerto para ceratoplastia lamelar anterior profunda e avaliar a sua eficácia na prevenção de dobras da membrana de Descemet. Métodos: Calculamos o diâmetro do arco do leito receptor usando a fórmula do cosseno e desenvolvemos uma tabela para auxiliar os cirurgiões na seleção do tamanho da punção no doador. Para testar a utilidade dessa fórmula, avaliamos o desenvolvimento das dobras da membrana de Descemet em pacientes com ceratocone com córneas muito íngremes (K>60D). No grupo 1, foram realizadas cirurgias de ceratoplastia lamelar anterior profunda, utilizando tamanhos de enxerto que foram determinados com base em nosso modelo (n=31). No grupo 2, os tamanhos dos enxertos foram determinados com base no julgamento empírico do cirurgião sem qualquer cálculo formal (n=30). Resultados: Nossos cálculos teóricos demonstraram que o diâmetro dos tamanhos da punção do doador necessários para evitar as dobras na membrana de Descemet aumenta quando a córnea é mais íngreme ou o tamanho da trefina é maior. Testamos a eficácia deste modelo no resultado clínico da ceratoplastia lamelar anterior profunda. A média de idade (28,9 ± 10,1 anos vs. 32,8 ± 8,3 anos, p=0,11) e K1 pré-operatório (59,2 ± 9,3 D vs. 58,1 ± 9,4 D, p=0,67), K2 (66,2 ± 6,0 D vs. 65,7 ± 7,4) D, p=0,81) e Km (62,1 ± 7,7 D vs. 61,8 ± 8,1 D, p=0,88) foram semelhantes entre os dois grupos. Três pacientes desenvolve ram dobras na membrana de Descemet no grupo 2, e nenhum dos pacientes desenvolveu dobras na membrana de Descemet no grupo 1. Estes resultados apoiam nossos cálculos teóricos. Conclusão: O ajuste do tamanho do enxerto doador com base no diâmetro do arco calculado do leito receptor reduziu o desenvolvimento das dobras na membrana de Descemet após ceratoplastia lamelar anterior profunda em córneas íngremes.

Hypotony Maculopathy After Trabeculectomy in a Patient With GAPO Syndrome.

This report describes a case of hypotony maculopathy developing in a patient with GAPO syndrome following a trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (MMC). A 42-year-old man with a diagnosis of GAPO syndrome underwent a trabeculectomy with an MMC application of 0.4 mg/mL for 1 minute. Intraocular pressure was measured at 6 to 8 mmHg during the first weeks after the surgery. A fundus examination then revealed macular choroidal folds, retinal vascular tortuosity, and swelling in the optic nerve. At postoperative 1 month, additional suturing of a bleb was performed; however, the hypotony continued. Postoperative hypotony should be taken into account in patients with GAPO syndrome due to a defective fibrosis process following a trabeculectomy.

Evaluation of Aqueous Endocan and Endostatin Levels in Patients With Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the aqueous humor endocan and endostatin levels in patients with pseudoexfoliation (PEX) syndrome and to compare the results with healthy individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty nine cataract patients with PEX syndrome (PEX group) and 32 cataract patients without PEX syndrome (control group) were enrolled in the study. Endocan and endostatin were measured in the aqueous humor of the PEX and control groups by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: There was no difference between the PEX and control groups in terms of age (P=0.721) and sex (P=0.902). The aqueous levels of endocan in patients with PEX (26.39±5.80 pg/mL) was significantly higher than in the control group (11.42±2.44 pg/mL) (P=0.039). The aqueous levels of endostatin was 12.00±1.35 ng/mL in the PEX group and 14.22±3.31 ng/mL in the control group, however, the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.41). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study could suggest that the increased levels of aqueous endocan may be related to pathogenesis of PEX. However, levels of aqueous endostatin did not show any significant difference in PEX.

Circular Keratotomy Combined With Wedge Resection in the Management of High Astigmatism After Penetrating Keratoplasty.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of circular keratotomy combined with wedge resection for the management of high astigmatism after penetrating keratoplasty (PK). METHODS: The study included seven eyes of seven patients with previous PK who underwent circular keratotomy combined with wedge resection. The uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), spherical equivalent (SE) refraction, and keratometric powers obtained by corneal topography were evaluated. The power vector method was used to analyze the astigmatic change postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 18.42±8.56 months (range 12-33 months). Uncorrected visual acuity, BCVA, and SE were improved in all eyes postoperatively. The mean preoperative astigmatism reduced from 15.11±5.48 D (range, 10.0-24.4 D) to 4.98±3.01 D (range, 2.2-9.6 D), postoperatively. According to the vector analysis, the overall mean surgically induced astigmatism at last visit was 12.87±6.20 D. The most common complication was the loosening of sutures occurred in five eyes within 2 months. CONCLUSIONS: Circular keratotomy combined with corneal wedge resection is a favorable option for the management of high astigmatism after PK.

Unilateral Spontaneous Descemet Membrane Rupture in a Case With Megalophthalmos.

OBJECTIVE: To report a case of unilateral spontaneous descemet membrane rupture associated with megalophthalmos. METHODS: A case report of a 23-year-old woman with blurred vision of the right eye for 6 months due to spontaneous descemet membrane rupture associated with megalophthalmos is described. Slit-lamp examination demonstrated corneal edema and suggestion of a descemet membrane rupture in the right eye. RESULTS: Anterior segment optical coherence tomography verified the presence of a ruptured descemet membrane separated from the nasal posterior cornea along with corneal edema and intraepithelial cystic lesions. With A-scan ultrasonography, axial lengths were 32 and 28 mm in OD and OS, respectively. Indirect gonioscopy demonstrated a wide iridocorneal angle and a ciliary body band, bilaterally. Corneal pachymetry measurements were performed with Pentacam HR Scheimpflug topography which measured the central corneal thickness 360 µ in OD and 300 µ in OS. CONCLUSIONS: Megalophthalmos and spontaneous descemet membrane rupture are rare conditions. To the best literature knowledge, this is the first report of descemet membrane rupture in megalophthalmos.

Refractive and Corneal Aberrometric Changes After Crescentic Lamellar Wedge Resection in Pellucid Marginal Degeneration.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of crescentic corneal lamellar wedge resection for the treatment of pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD) in improving refractive, visual, and corneal aberrometry. METHODS: The study included 10 eyes of 10 patients who had undergone corneal lamellar wedge resection for PMD. Pellucid marginal degeneration was diagnosed based on the clinical signs and corneal topography. The corneal aberrometry was evaluated with Sirius corneal topography. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 14.1 months (range, 9-24 months). Uncorrected visual acuity was improved in nine eyes and remained unchanged in 1 case, whereas best-corrected visual acuity was improved in all eyes postoperatively. By vector analysis, the overall mean astigmatic drift at the last visit was calculated to be 13.0±6.3 diopters (D). At last visit, significant reductions were found for all aberrometric measurements. However, the differences were not significant for the measurements of trefoil (P=0.189). CONCLUSIONS: Corneal lamellar wedge resection is a favorable surgical option for management of PMD, allowing for improved visual acuity, keratometric cylinder, and corneal aberrations.

The adverse effects of valproic acid on visual functions in the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of valproic acid (VPA) treatment in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). METHODS: A total of 48 eyes of 24 patients (13 males, 11 females) with RP prescribed VPA were included. The length of VPA treatment was 6-12 months (mean 9.4 months). Parameters evaluated were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR]), visual field analyses (VFAs) with Humprey automated perimetry, multifocal electroretinography (ERG) with Roland-RETI scan, and VPA side effects. RESULTS: Mean age was 34.3 ± 10.3 years (range 18-56 years). Fifteen of the patients (30 eyes) had two ERG and VFA tracings, allowing comparison between baseline and follow-up (range 6-12 months). Mean BCVA before and after VPA therapy was 0.36 ± 0.38 and 0.36 ± 0.37 logMAR, respectively (P = 0.32). Quantitative perimetric indices including mean deviation and pattern standard deviation were not significantly changed after VPA therapy (P > 0.05). P1 amplitudes (in terms of nV/deg2 and mV) of ERG waves were significantly decreased in the rings 1, 3, and 4 after VPA therapy (P < 0.05). Regarding the N1 amplitudes, the only significant decrease was observed in area 1 (P = 0.03). In addition, N1 latency was significantly increased in area 3 after VPA therapy (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: VPA therapy did not have any significant benefit on BCVA and VFA. In addition, it may be associated with decline in some ERG parameters. Therefore, physicians should avoid prescribing VPA for RP until its safety and efficacy are appropriately evaluated.

Intravitreal bevacizumab and dexamethasone implant for treatment of chronic diabetic macular edema.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate anatomical and functional outcomes of intraviteal bevacizumab (IVB) in patients with chronic diabetic macular edema (DME), and the effectivity and safety of dexamethasone implant in those unresponsive to regular IVB treatment. METHODS: Thirty-five eyes of 35 patients (16 male and 19 female) with chronic DME (central foveal thickness (CFT) > 275 µm, duration > 6 months) received three injections of 2.5 mg IVB with six-week intervals. At 18 weeks, dexamethasone implant was applied to patients unresponsive to IVB. Main outcomes were the change in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), CFT and ocular and systemic adverse effects for both drugs. The patients responsive to IVB were followed up for 36 weeks and those patients receiving dexamethasone implant were followed up for 24 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: At 18 weeks, the mean BCVA (0.68 ± 0.40 logMAR, p = 0.45) and CFT (453 ± 169 µm, p = 0.58) did not show any significant change compared to baseline (0.74 ± 0.42 logMAR and 521 ± 151 µm, respectively). In 20 patients (%57.1) responsive to IVB, the CFT was significantly improved from 12 to 36 weeks with the mean value of 295 ± 42 µ (p = 0.01). However, no significant difference was observed for BCVA during this period (p = 0.17). Dexamethasone was implanted in 15 eyes (42.8%) unresponsive to IVB at 18 weeks. Statistically significant improvements were observed in BCVA (at postoperative 4 and 12 weeks) and CFT (at postoperative 4, 12 and 24 weeks). In addition, both parameters significantly worsened at 24 weeks compared to 12 weeks (p < 0.001 and p = 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with chronic DME should be followed in accordance with a fixed treatment protocol combining anti-VEGF and steroid treatments.

Normative Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Data in Healthy Turkish Children.

PURPOSE: To determine the normative database of macular and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness parameters in healthy Turkish children by OCT. METHODS: 318 eyes of 318 children (138 boys, 183 girls) aged between 3 and 17 years were evaluated. The children were scanned by Cirrus HD-OCT (Carl Zeiss Meditec) to measure the macula, RNFL, and optic nerve head parameters. RESULTS: Axial length (AL) (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.08), spherical equivalent (SE) (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.12), and rim area (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.15) were the strongest predictors of RNFL thickness. All of the macular measurements were significantly related to age (p < 0.001, R2 > 5%). Average macular thickness (p < 0.01) and outer macula (p = 0.002) showed significant relationship with the AL and SE. CONCLUSION: This study ensures an age-adjusted pediatric normative database using OCT to diagnose and monitor macular diseases, optic nerve diseases, and glaucoma in children.

360-Degree Iris Burns Following Conductive Keratoplasty.

PURPOSE: The authors report a case with multiple iris burns after conductive keratoplasty to correct hyperopia. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 52-year-old woman with hyperopia had a previous conductive keratoplasty procedure and underwent a conductive keratoplasty re-treatment 6 months later. Postoperatively, she presented with 360-degree iris burns in both eyes that were correlated with the corneal conductive keratoplasty scars. In addition, specular microscopy revealed decreased endothelial cell density for both eyes. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first reported case of iris burns associated with conductive keratoplasty. [J Refract Surg. 2016;32(11):776-778.].

Intraoperative complications in intumescent cataract surgery using a phaco capsulotomy technique.

PURPOSE: To evaluate intraoperative complications of a modified phaco capsulotomy technique and the ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD)-assisted capsulorhexis in eyes with intumescent white cataract. SETTING: Lütfi Kirdar Kartal Eye Training and Research Hospital, Department of Ophthalmology, Istanbul, Turkey. DESIGN: Comparative randomized case study. METHODS: Eyes of patients with intumescent white cataract were divided into 2 equal groups. After the anterior capsule was stained with trypan blue, Group 1 received a modified phaco capsulotomy technique and Group 2 received a high-viscosity OVD-assisted capsulorhexis. The OVD used was sodium hyaluronate 2.0% (Protectalon 2.0%) Main outcomes were the capsulorhexis diameters, the deviations from the target diameter, and intraoperative complications. RESULTS: Eighty eyes of 80 patients were enrolled. There was a deviation from the target capsulorhexis diameter in 15 eyes (11 oversized, 4 undersized) in Group 1 and in 20 eyes (16 oversized, 6 undersized) in Group 2. Capsule tears during capsulorhexis were observed in 2 eyes in Group 1, and the surgery was changed to extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) in 1 eye. In Group 2, capsule tears during capsulorhexis occurred in 22 eyes and 20 of these were managed with ECCE. CONCLUSION: The modified phaco capsulotomy technique might reduce the risk for capsule tear during capsulorhexis, leading to safe cataract surgery in cases of intumescent cataracts. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: None of the authors has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Comparison of a new optical biometry with an optical low-coherence reflectometry for ocular biometry.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the repeatability and agreement of a new partial coherence interferometry optical biometer (AL-Scan, Nidek CO, Aichi, Japan) with optical low-coherence reflectometry device (Lenstar LS 900, Haag-Streit AG, Köniz, Switzerland). METHODS: Three consecutive measurements with the 2 devices were performed by the same examiner in 65 eyes of 65 patients with cataract. Patients were divided into 2 groups: axial length (AL) between 22 and 26mm (Group 1) and more than 26mm (Group 2). Comparisons were performed for AL, anterior chamber depth (ACD), keratometry (K, over 2.4mm diameter for AL-Scan and 2.3mm diameter for Lenstar) and corneal diameter (CD). Repeatability was analyzed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the agreement was by the Bland-Altman method. RESULTS: The repeatability of both devices was high for all biometry measurements (ICC over 0.970) in Group 1 and 2. The best repeatability was achieved for AL in each group. In both groups, the differences were statistically significant for all parameters (p<0.05) except for the measurement of AL and CCT (p>0.05). The Bland-Altman analysis showed good agreement between devices for all measurements in both groups. The closest agreement was for the AL measurements (ranged from -0.06 to 0.08mm in Group 1 and -0.05-0.07mm in Group 2). CONCLUSIONS: The new biometer provided excellent repeatability for all ocular biometry. In addition, there was good agreement between AL-Scan and Lenstar biometers for all parameters in cataractous patients with medium and long ALs.

Modified 360-degree Suture Trabeculotomy for Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma: 12-Month Results.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the 12-month results of a modified 360-degree suture trabeculotomy (ST) technique in patients with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (XFG). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The modified 360-degree ST was performed on 20 eyes of 20 consecutive patients with XFG resistant to maximal topical treatment. In 8 patients, ST was combined with phacoemulsification. The main outcome measures were the surgical success rate, the mean postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), the number of antiglaucoma medications, and the operative complications. RESULTS: The baseline IOP (26.55 ± 8.91) and medications (3.15 ± 0.81) decreased significantly to 10.90 ± 2.73 mm Hg and 0.30 ± 0.80, respectively, at 12 months postoperatively (P<0.001). The magnitude of IOP reduction was 58.9%. Complete and qualified success rates were 68.4% and 94.7%, respectively. The entire circumference of Schlemm's canal was opened successfully in all cases. Hyphema, perforation of the trabeculodesmetic window, posterior synechia, peripheral anterior synechia, and a transient elevation of the IOP were noted. The results are comparable to our 6-month results and other previously published results for circumferential trabeculotomy. CONCLUSIONS: The modified 360-degree ST provides a feasible choice in patients with XFG with a reasonable rate of complications. The 12-month success rates are promising. It can also be combined effectively with the current cataract surgery.

Dexamethasone Intravitreal Implant for Chronic Diabetic Macular Edema Resistant to Intravitreal Bevacizumab Treatment.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intravitreal dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex) in patients with chronic diabetic macular edema (DME) resistant to prior intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty eyes of 30 patients were administered intravitreal Ozurdex and examined at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months postinjection in this prospective study. Main outcomes were the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA, logMAR), central foveal thickness (CFT), mean cube volume (MCV), and intraocular pressure (IOP). Patients had a CFT over 275 µm (measured by OCT) and were unresponsive to 3 consecutive IVB injections. All data are presented as mean ± standard deviation. RESULTS: The mean BCVA significantly increased from 0.56 ± 0.38 to 0.41 ± 0.27 (p < 0.001), and 0.44 ± 0.28 (p = 0.008) at 1 and 3 months, respectively. At months 1, 3, and 6, the mean CFT significantly decreased from 517 ± 136 µm at baseline, to 290 ± 60 µm (p < 0.001), 314 ± 88 µm (p < 0.001) and 411 ± 126 µm (p = 0.01), respectively. However, the mean CFT (p < 0.001) and MCV (p = 0.01) significantly increased and BCVA significantly decreased (p = 0.04) at 6 month compared to 3 month. Compared to baseline, IOP increased significantly at 1 week (p = 0.01), 1 month (p = 0.01) and 3 months (p = 0.04). However eyes with IOP higher than 21 mmHg were treated and well controlled with topical anti-glaucoma monotherapy. Macular edema recurrence occurred in 25 eyes (CFT ranged from 321 µm to 800 µm) at 6 months. CONCLUSION: Dexamethasone intravitreal implant may be an effective and safe alternative in treatment of chronic DME nonresponsive to regular IVB. However, its therapeutic efficacy decreases between the third and sixth months following the injection.

Efficacy of Modified 360-degree Suture Trabeculotomy for Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma.

PURPOSE: In this prospective study, we aimed to investigate the success and safety of a modified 360-degree suture trabeculotomy (ST) technique in patients with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (XFG). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The modified 360-degree ST was performed on 15 eyes of 15 patients with XFG resistant to maximal topical treatment. In 6 patients, ST was combined with phacoemulsification. Main outcome measures were the surgical success rate, mean postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), the number of antiglaucoma medications, and the operative complications. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 8 months (range 6 to 12 mo). Baseline IOP decreased from 27.53±9.38 mm Hg on 3.26±0.70 medications to 12.86±2.72 mm Hg (P=0.01) on 0.20±0.56 medications (P=0.01) at 6 months postoperatively accounting for a 52.82% reduction. The complete and qualified success rates were 77% and 100%, respectively, at the sixth month. The entire circumference of the Schlemm canal was successfully opened in all cases. Hyphema (in all cases), intraoperative iris prolapse (in 3 cases), transient elevation of the IOP (in 1 case), posterior synechia (in 2 phakic cases), and peripheral anterior synechia (in 1 case) were noted. There was not a trend for lower IOP after combined phacomodified 360-degree ST in this small group. CONCLUSIONS: The modified 360-degree ST appears to be a valuable option for the surgical treatment of XFG. Future studies are needed to explore the remote side effects and the long-term effects of this procedure on IOP.

Corneal melanosis successfully treated using topical mitomycin-C and alcohol corneal epitheliectomy: a 3-year follow-up case report.

We report a case of primary acquired corneal melanosis without atypia associated with corneal haze in a patient with a history of limbal malignant melanoma and the effect of mitomycin-C. A 75-year-old woman with a history of limbal malignant melanoma presented with loss of vision in right eye. Corneal examination showed a patchy melanotic pigmentation with a central haze. Topical mitomycin-C improved visual acuity and corneal haze. However, the pigmented lesions persisted, and they were removed with alcohol corneal epitheliectomy. Histopathological examination demonstrated primary acquired melanosis without atypia. The lesions were successfully removed, and there were no recurrences during the follow-up period of 36 months. The association of conjunctival and corneal melanosis without atypia is a rare condition. In addition, co-existence of central corneal haze and melanosis may decrease visual acuity. Topical mitomycin-C and alcohol corneal epitheliectomy can be useful treatments in this condition.