Design and In Vitro Evaluation of a Slow-Release Intraocular Implant of Betamethasone.

Posterior eye diseases are a common cause of vision problems in developing countries, which have encouraged the development of new treatment models for these degenerative diseases. Intraocular implants are one of the drug delivery systems to the posterior region of the eye. Using these implants, the blood-eye barrier can be bypassed; the complications caused by repeated in vitro administrations can be eliminated, and smaller amounts of the drug would be used during the treatment process. Meanwhile, biodegradable implants have received more attention due to their biodegradable structure and the lack of need for re-surgery to remove the rest of the system from the eye. The aim of this study is to employ biodegradable implants composed of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and 3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerat (PHBV) to deliver betamethasone to the back of the eye in the treatment of retinopathy. PHBV polymer has been selected as the main polymer with a certain ratio of drug to polymer for fabrication of enamel and different amounts of PEG with three molecular weights used as pore generators to control drug release over a period of time. Based on the analysis of the results of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and FTIR spectroscopy, none of the polymers were degraded in the temperature range of the manufacturing process, and among betamethasone derivatives, the best option for implant preparation is the use of its basic form. Drug release studies over a period of three months showed that implants containing PHBV HV2% and PEG 6000 had a more appropriate release profile.

The Comparative Study of Refractive Index Variations between Haigis, Srk/T and Hoffer-Q Formulas Used for Preoperative Biometry Calculation in Patients with the Axial Length >25 mm.

BACKGROUND: To compare refractive index variation between Hoffer-Q, Haigis and SRK/T formulas used for preoperative biometry calculation in patients with axial length >25 mm, undergoing cataract surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a randomized clinical trial study was performed on 54 eyes of 54 patients with ages of 40-70 years old and axial length >25 mm classified into three groups that their IOL POWER were calculated by Haigis, SRK/T and Hoffer-Q formulas before undergoing cataract surgery. Their refractive index variations were calculated from the difference between predicted refractive error formula and actual post-operative refractive error formula. The collected data was entered in SPSS software and was analyzed by ANOVA and Chi-square statistical test. RESULTS: With comparison sphere, astigmatism and spherical equivalent indexes before and after of cataract surgery between Haigis, SRK/T, and Hoffer-Q formulas, statistically significant differences were found between the mean of sphere and SE indexes in patients with use of Haigis and SRK/T formulas that have been more favorable post-operative refraction. CONCLUSIONS: Haigis formula and then, with slight difference, SRK/T formula have better and more acceptable post-operative refraction results than Hoffer-Q formula in patients with high axial myopia. Therefore, it is recommended using Haigis and SRK/T formulas for IOL power calculation in patients with high axial myopia undergoing cataract surgery.

Collagen cross-linking effect on progressive keratoconus in patients younger than 18 years of age: A clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Keratoconus is a bilateral non-inflammatory corneal disease. Collagen cross-linking (CXL) is a new treatment option for the disease that uses ultraviolet A light irradiation and riboflavin administration. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of CXL on corneal topographic and refractive values in patients with keratoconus younger than 18 years of age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For the clinical trial study, 37 patients (64 eyes) younger than 18 years of age with progressive keratoconus were included. Age, sex, family history of keratoconus, and history of allergic disorders and eye rubbing were recorded. Refractive, topographic, and topometric indices were evaluated before and 12 months after the CXL with 3mW for 30 minutes. RESULTS: Mean age (±SD) of the patients was 15.83 ± 1.53 years; 26 (70.3%) of the 37 patients were male. Fourteen (37.8%) had positive family history of keratoconus, 11 (29.7%) had history of allergic disorders, and 15 (40.5%) had positive history of eye rubbing. Of the refractive values, cylinder value decreased significantly from -4.50 ± 0.29 to -4.11 ± 0.28 (P = 0.001). Also, the logarithm of minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved significantly 12 months after CXL (P = 0.012 and 0.001, respectively). Maximum keratometry before and after the operation was 53.82 ± 0.72 and 53.33 ± 0.72, respectively (P = 0.018). Differences for simulated K values, the thinnest cornea pachymetry, keratoconus index (KI), index of highest asymmetry (IHA), and index of highest decentration (IHD) before and 12 months after the CXL were statistically significant (P = 0.015, 0.034, <0.001, 0.017, 0.019, and 0.004, respectively). CONCLUSION: CXL improves the refractory, topographic, and topometric indices in patients with keratoconus younger than 18 years of age.