Long-Term Outcomes of Adalimumab Treatment in Conventional Treatment-Resistant Serpiginous Choroiditis.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: To investigate the long-term efficacy and safety of adalimumab(ADA) in the treatment of patients with serpiginous choroiditis (SC) refractory to conventional therapy through quantitative parameters. SUBJECTS/METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients diagnosed with SC clinically and through fundus autofluorescence(FAF). Patients receiving ADA treatment were included. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients, association with tuberculosis (TB) infection, number of immunosuppressive therapies, recurrences, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) change, and ADA-related side effects were recorded. The progression rate before and after ADA was calculated based on the area involved by FAF. RESULTS: Sixteen eyes of 8 patients (3 female/5 male) were enrolled to the study. The median (IQR) age was 53.5 (16.5) years. Diagnosis was SC in 4, ampiginous choroiditis in 3, and TB-related serpiginous-like choroiditis in 1 patient. Peripapillary involvement was present in 10 of 16 eyes. The area involved by FAF continued to progress under ADA treatment, however the progression rate was decreased (p = 0.143).The BCVA was preserved (p = 0.772). The number of systemic and local treatments decreased with ADA (p = 0.025 and 0.019, respectively). Additionally, the number of recurrences was reduced with ADA (p = 0.002). Median (IQR) follow-up was 45(28.75) months. Two patients experienced ADA-related side effects (pulmonary TBand rash). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest a promising role for ADA in halting the progression of SC and have implications for improving outcomes. Despite the evidence in the literature at the level of case reports, ADA can be used effectively with close monitoring for potential risks.

Clinical outcomes of femtosecond laser-assisted corneal allogenic intrastromal ring segment (CAIRS) in the treatment of keratoconus.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the results of corneal allogenic intrastromal ring segment (CAIRS) implantation in keratoconus. METHODS: The medical records of patients with keratoconus who underwent CAIRS implantation were reviewed. The CAIRS, prepared by trephination from the donor cornea, was implanted into a tunnel created using the femtosecond laser. The depth of the tunnel was 200 µ; the inner diameter of the tunnel was 4.5 mm; and the outer diameter was 7 mm. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), keratometry, minimum corneal thickness (CT), endothelial cell density (ECD), and high order aberration values were recorded preoperatively and at the 1st, 3rd, and 6th months postoperatively. RESULTS: A total of 23 eyes of 23 patients were included in the study. Preoperative UCVA (0.08 ± 0.01) and BCVA (0.25 ± 0. 11) values improved postoperatively and reached 0.40 ± 0.05 and 0.68 ± 0.09, respectively, at the end of the 6-month follow-up period (p1 < 0.001, p2 = 0.016; respectively). A statistically significant flattening of all keratometric values was observed in the postoperative period compared to preoperatively (p < 0.001 for all). There were no statistical differences between CT and ECC values at the preoperative and postoperative visits (p1 = 0.654, p2 = 0.769; respectively). In addition, coma aberration values were lower than the preoperative values at all postoperative visits (p < 0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that CAIRS implantation is a safe treatment option with good visual and keratometric outcomes for suitable patients with keratoconus.

Long-term results of accelerated corneal collagen crosslinking in paediatric patients with progressive keratoconus: 10-year follow-up.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the 10-year visual, refractive, and tomographic outcomes of epithelium-off accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking (ACCL) in paediatric patients with progressive keratoconus (KC) and to compare the stages in terms of re-progression. METHODS: Patients under 18 years of age with progressive KC who underwent ACCL between 2010 and 2012 and completed at least 10 years of follow-up were included in this retrospective study. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), refractive errors, and corneal tomography parameters were evaluated preoperatively and at 1, 5, and 10 years postoperatively. The effect of stage and age on re-progression was analysed. RESULTS: The study included 175 eyes of 97 patients (mean age: 14.46 ± 2.17 years). Improvement in UDVA and CDVA was observed in all postoperative periods compared to the preoperative period (each p-value < 0.05). The increase in spherical equivalent (SE), flattening of keratometry values, and decrease in thinnest corneal thickness (TCT) were statistically significant in the tenth year compared to preoperatively (each p-value < 0.05). Re-progression was observed in 16 eyes (9.14%). Haze was observed in 13 eyes (7.43%), 4 of which were permanent. Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty was performed in 3 eyes (1.7%) and a second ACCL in 3 eyes (1.7%). CONCLUSIONS: ACCL is an effective and safe long-term strategy to prevent progression of KC in paediatric patients. In the light of this study with a 10-year follow-up re-progression rate of 9.14%, long-term follow-up of patients after ACCL for possible re-progression and the need for re-CCL or keratoplasty may be recommended.

Blood Whispers: Exploring Hematologic Indicators for Diagnosing and Predicting Severity of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Syndrome.

PURPOSE: To investigate the association of clinical findings and indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) score with inflammatory markers derived from complete blood count (CBC) parameters in patients with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) to determine the diagnostic and predictive role. METHODS: Demographic characteristics, presenting complaints, ocular findings, optical coherence tomography findings, ICGA scores and best corrected visual acuity were recorded in treatment-naive VKH patients at presentation. Patients were divided into two groups as acute stage and chronic recurrent stage. CBC parameters were noted in patients at presentation and healthy controls (HC, n = 25). Neutrophil-lymphocyte-platelet-monocyte counts, neutrophil/lymphocyte (NLR), platelet/lymphocyte (PLR), monocyte/lymphocyte and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) were recorded. The association between these markers and clinical severity were evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients with VKH (23 females/9 males) with a mean age of 34.1 ± 14.6 years were included in the study. There was an increase in neutrophil count, NLR and SII in patients with VKH compared to HC (p < 0.001). The cut-off values for these three parameters were 4.37, 2.24 and 562.35, respectively. Twenty-six patients presented in the acute stage and six patients presented in the chronic recurrent stage. Choroidal thickness, early stromal hyperfluorescence and total ICGA scores were higher in patients presenting in the acute stage (p < 0.001, 0.001 and 0.025, respectively). Patients with higher disease severity at presentation were treated earlier. Early stromal vessel hyperfluorescence and choroidal vasculitis scores were correlated with decreased lymphocyte count, increased NLR, PLR and SII (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: CBC-derived inflammatory parameters indicate that VKH is a systemic inflammation. These parameters can be used in the diagnosis and determination of disease severity of VKH.

Comparison of three techniques for simultaneous intraocular lens implantation in subluxated cataract surgery: Transconjunctival intrascleral, Z-suture knotless transscleral, and Cionni capsular tension ring assisted.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the clinical outcomes of three different methods of intraocular lens (IOL) implantation in the surgery of subluxated cataracts. METHODS: In this retrospective, comparative, clinical interventional study, the medical records of patients who underwent IOL implantation with sutureless 27-gauge needle-assisted transconjunctival intrascleral (Group 1), Z-suture knotless transscleral (Group 2), and Cionni capsular tension ring (Cionni-CTR) assisted (Group 3) simultaneously with subluxated cataract extraction between June 2010 and June 2022 were evaluated. Demographic characteristics, follow-up times, uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), spherical and cylindrical refractive values, and spherical equivalent (SE) values of three groups were compared. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. RESULTS: There were 20 eyes in Group 1, 35 eyes in Group 2, and 40 eyes in Group 3. In all groups, statistically significant improvement was observed in postoperative UDVA and CDVA compared to preoperative values (each p < 0.05). There was no statistical difference between the groups in postoperative UDVA and CDVA values. (p = 0.130, p = 0.167 respectively). No significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of postoperative spherical, cylindrical, and SE values (each p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The study suggests that three different IOL implantation techniques for simultaneous IOL implantation in subluxated cataract surgery have similar effects on visual and refractive outcomes.

Evaluation of Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Findings in Pars Planitis and Multiple Sclerosis Associated Intermediate Uveitis in Remission.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the microvasculature during remission in patients with pars planitis (PP-IU) and multiple sclerosis-associated intermediate uveitis (MS-IU) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A). METHODS: Single-center, descriptive, case-control study was conducted. Adult patients (≥16 years) with IU in remission (PP-IU and MS-IU) and healthy age-sex matched healthy controls (HC) were enrolled to the study. Demographic/clinical features, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), ocular findings, neurological symptoms and preferred treatments were recorded. The presence of cystoid macular edema (CME) during follow-up was recorded. All IU patients in remission and HC subjects were scanned with OCT-A. Foveal avascular zone (FAZ) areas of superficial and deep capillary plexus (SCP/DCP) and vascular densities of SCP, DCP and choriocapillaris were obtained from OCT-A and compared between the groups. RESULTS: Sixty-nine eyes of 37 IU patients in remission and 20 HC were included (44 eyes/23 patients in PP-IU, 25/14 in MS-IU, 40/20 in HC). No statistically significant differences were observed in terms of demographic or clinical characteristics of the patients. The vascular density in the SCP was significantly reduced in the PP-IU and MS-IU groups compared to the HC group (p < .05). Nevertheless, there were no significant changes in any of the OCTA parameters between the IU groups. Uveitis duration was found to be correlated with enlargement of the FAZ area in PP-IU (p = .039). CONCLUSION: OCTA may not be useful in differentiating between PP-IU and MS-IU. Nevertheless, the primary implication in SCP potentially elucidates the pathogenesis of these two subtypes of IU, which are characterized by a shared pathogenesis. The monitoring of the FAZ area in the PP-IU group is valuable in terms of chronicity.

Effect of Keratoconus Stage and Classification Parameters on Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty Outcomes.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the keratoconus (KC) stage according to the Amsler-Krumeich classification system and the parameters used in this classification on deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty outcomes. METHODS: The preoperative KC stage was determined, and the presence of corneal scarring was noted. The preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), refractive error, mean central keratometry (K mean ) readings, topographic astigmatism, and minimum corneal thickness (CT) values were recorded. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were also noted. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-seven eyes (54 eyes in stage 3-83 eyes in stage 4) were included in the study. The mean follow-up period was 42.20 ± 24.36 months. There was no statistically significant difference between stage 3 and 4 KC groups for postoperative BCVA, K mean , CT, spherical equivalent, and topographic astigmatism values (each P value >0.05). The effect of preoperative BCVA, K mean , CT, and refractive error values on postoperative BCVA could not be demonstrated ( P = 0.264). In addition, no statistically significant correlation was found between postoperative and preoperative values (each P value > 0.05). Although intraoperative Descemet membrane perforation and postoperative early suture loosening were observed more frequently in stage 4 KC than in stage 3 KC, the 2 groups were statistically similar for these and other complications (each P value >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The preoperative KC stage and the parameters used in classification are not useful in predicting postoperative deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty outcomes. The timing of the surgery should be planned with the awareness that the progression of the disease will not have a negative effect on outcomes.

Clinical Features and Course in Patients Diagnosed with Ocular Sarcoidosis without Previously Known Systemic Disease at a Tertiary Referral Center in Turkey.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the ocular features, course, and prognosis of uveitis in the ocular sarcoidosis (OS) subgroups without previously known systemic sarcoidosis. METHODS: Ninety-one eyes of 49 patients were included. Definite OS patients were classified as group 1 (n = 15), presumed OS patients as group 2 (n = 15), and probable OS patients as group 3 (n = 19). RESULTS: The most common presentation of OS was panuveitis in all groups. During the follow-up, bilateral ocular involvement was observed in 85.7% of the patients. The most common extraocular involvement was pulmonary involvement, which was detected in 61.2% of the patients at the time of diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Ophthalmologists should be aware that uveitis may be the first sign of systemic sarcoidosis. In all subgroups of OS, uveitis tends to be bilateral and the most common type is panuveitis. Therefore, the eye without obvious clinical findings should be carefully evaluated clinically and angiographically.

Clinical Features, Treatment, and Visual Outcomes of Posterior Scleritis from Tertiary Eye Care Center.

PURPOSE: To describe the epidemiological and clinical features and course of patients with posterior scleritis (PS). METHODS: This retrospective, cross-sectional consecutive case series analyzed the medical records of 16 patients diagnosed with PS. RESULTS: Female gender and unilateral involvement were dominant. Blurred vision (84.21%) and ocular pain (78.95%) were the most common presenting complaints. Serous retinal detachment was the most common ocular finding (84.21%), followed by optic disc swelling (42.11%). Increased scleral thickness was observed in all patients, although a T-sign was detected 8 of 19 eyes (42.1%). Recurrence occured in 5 of 19 eyes in mean 30.2 ± 34.7 months. Central macular thickness, choroidal thickness, and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness were reduced with treatment at final examination significantly (p = .005, .002, and .002, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: PS should be considered in patients presenting with unilateral ocular pain and decreased vision. Not only USG findings but also OCT findings are very useful in the follow-up of treatment response.

Clinical characteristics of intermediate uveitis in adults according to criteria of the SUN working group.

PURPOSE: To analyse the clinical characteristics of adult patients with pars planitis (PP-IU), non-pars planitis (NPP-IU) and multiple sclerosis-associated intermediate uveitis (MS-IU) and distinguish between groups. METHODS: Seventy-three adult patients with intermediate uveitis (IU) reviewed retrospectively and divided as PP-IU, NPP-IU and MS-IU according to 'The standardization of uveitis nomenclature working group classification criteria.' Demographic and clinical characteristics, OCT and fluorescein angiography (FA) findings, complications and treatments were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 134 eyes of 73 patients were included, and 42 of the patients were classified as PP-IU, 12 as NPP-IU, and 19 as MS-IU. If a patient presenting with blurred vision, or tent-shaped vitreous band/snowballs/snowbank on examination, or vascular leakage on FA and accompanying neurological symptoms, the frequency of demyelinating plaque detection on cranial MRI and the risk of MS-IU increased. Mean BCVA was increased from 0.22 ± 0.30 logMAR to 0.19 ± 0.31 logMAR (p = 0.021). Gender, initial BCVA, snowbank formation, disc oedema and periphlebitis on examination, and disc leakage/occlusion on FA were found predictive of decreased BCVA at final visit (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The clinical features of these three groups are similar, some features that can guide the differential diagnosis. It may be recommended to periodically evaluate "suspicious" patients with MRI for MS.

Comparison of Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty and Penetrating Keratoplasty in Keratoconic Eyes With Previous Hydrops-Related Corneal Scar.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the outcomes of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) and penetrating keratoplasty (PK) procedures in keratoconic eyes with a previous hydrops-related corneal scar. METHODS: In this retrospective study, the medical records of patients who had hydrops-related corneal scarring and underwent keratoplasty surgery were reviewed. Patients treated with DALK were classified as group 1, and patients treated with PK as group 2. Preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity, central corneal thickness, keratometry (K), and refractive error values of each group were recorded and compared. RESULTS: Seventy-eight eyes (41 in group 1 and 37 in group 2) were included in this study. The mean follow-up period of the patients was 37.7 ± 30.0 months in group 1 and 51.2 ± 29.4 months in group 2 ( P = 0.06). The preoperative and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity and central corneal thickness values were statistically similar in both groups (each P value >0.05). Keratometry values (K1 and mean keratometry) were significantly steeper in group 1 ( P1 = 0.02 and P2 = 0.03, respectively). Descemet membrane perforation was experienced in 7 (4 macroperforation and 3 microperforation; 15.6%) of 45 eyes that planned to perform DALK. These 4 eyes with macroperforation underwent PK and were excluded from the study. When all postoperative complications were assessed, although the total complication rate was 21% after DALK, it was 43% after PK ( P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: DALK with a big-bubble technique is a feasible surgery in eyes with corneal scarring due to previous hydrops and is comparable with PK in terms of visual and refractive outcomes. This study suggests that DALK, which is safer than PK with less postoperative complication rates, should be the primary surgical option to avoid serious complications in keratoconic eyes with hydrops-related corneal scarring.

The outcomes of primary pars plana vitrectomy alone as a first surgical procedure in pediatric rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the characteristics and analyze the results of patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) as the first surgery due to rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) in pediatric age. METHODS: The records of pediatric patients who underwent PPV alone due to RRD were reviewed retrospectively. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) values were recorded before and after the surgery. Complications during and after the operation, postoperative recurrences were followed-up. RESULTS: One hundred and six patients included in the study were followed-up for an average of 24.20 ± 11.38 months. The final mean BCVA showed a statistically significant improvement compared to the initial mean BCVA (p < 0.001). During the postoperative follow-up period, recurrent retinal detachment was seen in 31.1% of patients. Anatomical success was achieved at a rate of 68.9% after the first surgery and increased to 95.3% after repeated operations (in 78.3% without any tamponade). Both anatomical and functional success of patients with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) grade C or worse and patients with macula-off retinal status were poorer (each p value < 0.05). The effect of the etiological factor on anatomical and functional success was not significant (each p value > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Satisfactory results can be obtained with PPV alone in pediatric RRD. However, it should be noted that postoperative complications and recurrences occur at a high rate and that repeated surgeries are often required. The presence of PVR and macular involvement are seen as negative prognostic factors to the success of surgery.

Non-intraocular pressure-related revision surgeries after Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation in refractory glaucoma.

PURPOSE: Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) is an effective treatment method for refractory glaucoma (RG), however, additional surgical interventions may be required over the course of follow-up due to complications. Our aim is to investigate the causes, types, and outcomes of revisional surgical interventions apart from revisions aiming IOP control, following AGV implantation in patients with RG. METHODS: The pre- and postoperative month 1-3-6-12 and last visit examination findings of the patients who underwent various surgical revisions of AGV between January 2015 and April 2018 in our clinic were recorded, as well as the interval between AGV implantation-revision surgery and the presence of any other complications necessitating additional surgery. The success criteria were defined on the basis of need for additional procedures. RESULTS: Twenty-six eyes of 24 patients were included. The follow-up time and the interval between AGV implantation-surgical revisions were median 12 (6-92) and median 9.7 (1-72) months, respectively. The most common complication requiring revision was tube exposure in 15 (57.7%) followed by tube malposition in 11 (42.3%) eyes. Further interventions were required only in one eye with recurrent exposure. CONCLUSION: AGV implantation has early and late tube-related complications necessitating revisional surgical interventions; which makes it important to have extended follow-up period for patients with AGV implants. Revisional interventions for AGV implants with tube-related complications are efficient procedures for the majority of patients, but recurrence may occur requiring additional revisions.

Comparison of macular thickness change by optical coherence tomography after uncomplicated cataract surgery in eyes with and without exfoliation syndrome.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of exfoliation syndrome (ES) on macular thickness after uncomplicated cataract surgery. METHODS: 87 patients (87 eyes) who underwent uncomplicated cataract surgery were included in the study. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) films were taken in addition to the routine ophthalmologic examination before the surgery and at postoperative 1st week, 1st, 3rd and 6th months. Mean macular thickness, central macular thickness and macular volume values obtained from the 6 × 6 mm macular map in the OCT measurements were recorded. The cases were divided into two groups as Group 1: cases without ES and Group 2: cases with ES. The macular values obtained from the OCT measurements of the two groups were compared with statistical methods. RESULTS: Eighty-seven eyes were included in the study; while 51 had no ES (Group 1), 36 had ES (Group 2). The mean age of all cases was 66.70 ± 9.13 years. While the mean macular thickness, central macular thickness and macular volume were similar at the preoperative visit and the postoperative 1st week of all cases (each p value > 0.05); these values were higher at the postoperative 1st, 3rd and 6th month compared to the preoperative and the postoperative 1st week values (each p value < 0.05). The highest values were obtained at the postoperative 1st month; while the values of 1st, 3rd and 6th months were statistically similar (each p value > 0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed between Group 1 and Group 2 in terms of macular volume, central macular thickness and average macular thickness in these periods. CONCLUSION: Exfoliation syndrome has not been evaluated as a risk factor for an increase in macular thickness after uncomplicated cataract surgery.

Phototherapeutic Keratectomy in Macular and Granular Dystrophy: Two-year Results.

PURPOSE: To evaluate two-year outcomes of phototherapeutic keratectomy in granular and macular dystrophy and to investigate the effects of dystrophy type on results. METHODS: Sixty-three patients who underwent phototherapeutic keratectomy (PTK) for granular and macular dystrophy in the cornea funit of the University of Health Sciences Beyoglu Eye Research and Training Hospital were evaluated retrospectively. Patients under 18 years of age, patients with a follow-up period of less than 24 months, and patients who had previously undergone corneal surgery or excimer laser treatment were excluded from the study. Treatment values (ablation depth, optical zone, mitomycin-C (MMC) application time) and complications during and after treatment were recorded. Patients who had a decrease of two or more lines in their BCVA and those with recurrent or increased corneal opacities were considered to have severe recurrences. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively at the 12th and 24th months. The values obtained before and after the PTK were compared with statistical methods. RESULTS: A total of 41 eyes (27 with granular dystrophy and 14 with macular dystrophy) were included in this study. There were no statistically significant differences between patients with granular dystrophy and macular dystrophy in terms of preoperative UCVA and BCVA, MMC application time, and follow-up period (p > .05). The mean age of patients with macular dystrophy was statistically smaller than that of patients with granular dystrophy (p = .04). The amount of ablation applied to macular dystrophy was statistically higher than for granular dystrophy (p = .03). The mean UCVA and BCVA showed statistically significant improvements at the 24th postoperative month (p < .5). There was no statistically significant difference between the UCVA and BCVA values of the patients with granular and macular dystrophy at the 12th and 24th months after the procedure. No recurrence was observed in any patient after 24 months. However, when the follow-up continued, severe recurrence was encountered in 2 patients with macular dystrophy at 26th and 40th months. Re-treatment procedures were needed in these two patients who had severe recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Phototherapeutic keratectomy is an effective and safe option for treatment in both granular and macular corneal dystrophy. Recurrence is a more common problem in patients with macular dystrophy, and recurrent therapies or keratoplasty methods are needed more frequently.

Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) in patients with superior steepening on corneal topography: Is it safe and predictable?

BACKGROUND: Attention is usually given to inferior steepening on corneal topography in the evaluation of a patient's suitability for LASIK surgery. The aim of this study is to investigate long-term refractive results with superior steepening. METHODS: Patients who underwent LASIK surgery between 2015 and 2019 in our refractive surgery department were retrospectively reviewed. The patients with a ≥ 1.0 D superior-inferior (S-I) quadrant difference in the tangential map, using a Scheimpflug camera with a Placido disc topographer (Sirius), were included in the study. Preoperative and postoperative best-corrected and uncorrected visual acuity (Snellen), cylindrical refraction values, and spherical equivalent (SE) values were compared. Adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: Fifty eyes of 28 patients participated in the study. The mean age of the patients was 27.5 ± 8.0 (19-59). Sixteen patients were female (57.1%), and 12 (42.8%) patients were male. The average follow-up time was 29.8 ± 11.1 months (12-61). Average central corneal thickness was 549.4 ± 26.0 (498-602) µm. Average minimal corneal thickness was 549.1 ± 26.9 (497-598) µm. Preoperative S-I quadrant difference (D) was 1.87 ± 0.7 (1.0-3.99). Posterior elevation (Kvb) was 11.2 ± 1.9 (9-17) µm. The preoperative SE value was - 1.7 ± 2.1 (- 6.25-3.25) and improved to - 0.3 ± 0.44 D (- 1.25-0.75) (p < 0.001). Preoperative cylindrical refraction values were - 2.04 ± 1.7 (- 6.25-0), and postoperative values were - 0.47 ± 0.4 (- 2-0) D (p < 0.001). Uncorrected visual acuity was median 1.0 (0.4-1.0) with 38 eyes (76%) having 20/20 postoperative uncorrected visual acuity. No sight threatening complications or ectasia findings were observed during the 2 years postoperative follow-up time. CONCLUSIONS: Abnormal corneal topographies with (S-I) asymmetry result in predictable results after LASIK.

Refraction under general anesthesia in children, using cycloplegic refraction only as a reference.

PURPOSE: To compare the measurements of cycloplegic refraction and refraction (R1-1) under general anesthesia (GA) when using the same portable auto-refractometer (ARF) in pediatric patients. METHODS: 36Thirty-six to 60-month-old patients who underwent refraction measurements using a portable ARF (Retinomax® K plus 3, Righton, Japan), who did not receive prior cycloplegics under this GA and who had cycloplegic refraction using 1% cyclopentolate and the same Retinomax® device < 3 months prior this GA, between 2015 and 2018, were included in this study. The agreement (Bland-Altman analysis) and correlation (Pearson correlation) between the mean values of the measurements were analyzed. RESULTS: Two-hundred-twenty-two right eyes of 222 patients (114 male and 108 female) were included in this study. The mean age was 45.04 ± 11.24 months. The mean spherical refractions (R1-1, R2-1) under GA and cycloplegic refraction were 1.08 ± 3.50 diopter (D) (-8.00 to +8.00) and 2.58 ± 3.28 D (-6.50 to +9.25), respectively. A strong positive correlation was detected between the two measurements (r = 0.95). When comparing measurements, the mean measurement under GA was -1.49 D (95% confidence interval: lower limit, -3.63; upper limit, +0.63) more myopic than the mean cycloplegic refraction (R1-1) value (Bland-Altman analysis test). The differences between the measurements were within ± 1 D in 92 eyes (41.44%) and within ± 2 D in 180 eyes (81.01%). No significant difference was detected when comparing the cylindrical refractive error values (p > .05). CONCLUSION: Refractive measurements under GA were more myopic than cycloplegic refraction (R1-1) measurements. It is important to consider that complete cycloplegia is not achieved under GA.

The effect of intraocular lens tilt on visual outcomes in scleral-fixated intraocular lens implantation.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of scleral-fixated intraocular lens (IOL) tilt on visual outcomes. METHODS: Ninety-four eyes of consecutive 94 patients who underwent scleral-fixated IOL implantation with Z-suture technique were included in this prospective study. The values of pre- and postoperative 12th month uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), cylindrical refractive error, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and corneal and lenticular astigmatism were recorded. The position of the implanted IOL was evaluated with anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). The relationships between the AS-OCT measurements and the visual acuity or refractive errors were investigated. RESULTS: The IOL position was evaluated as tilted in 68 (72.3%) patients: 29 (30.8%) in both vertical + horizontal axes, 30 (31.9%) in the horizontal axis and 9 (9.6%) in the vertical axis. There were no significant differences between patients with and without tilt IOL position in terms of the UCVA, BCVA, cylindrical refractive error and lenticular astigmatism (p > 0.05, for each). The mean BCVA was significantly higher in the no-tilt group than in the both horizontal + vertical tilt and the vertical tilt groups (p = 0.03, p = 0.04, respectively). The mean lenticular astigmatism was significantly higher in the vertical tilt group than the other groups (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Tilting in IOL position occurs commonly; however, IOLs with tilting on any of the axes do not have significantly worse outcomes when compared with IOLs with no tilt, in terms of visual results and refractive errors. On the other hand, tilting on the vertical axis is observed less commonly, yet is more effective on visual results and refractive errors, when compared with tilting on the horizontal axis.