Early recurrence of macular schisis in X-linked retinoschisis treated with vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment under silicone oil: case report and brief literature review.

X-linked retinoschisis (XLRS) is an inherited retinal degeneration affecting males, characterized by splitting of the retinal layers. We herein present the outcomes of surgical treatment in a case of XLRS complicated by rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). A 22-year-old male presented to the emergency department due to decreased visual acuity and visual field defect in his left eye Oculus Sinister (OS) of 1 week duration. The patient reported an early onset retinal degeneration and decreased visual acuity in both eyes since childhood in his past ocular history. Upon presentation, best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 6/30 on the right eye Oculus Dexter (OD) and 6/120 OS. Fundus examination revealed areas of peripheral retinal schisis, and the characteristic spoke wheel pattern on the macula of both eyes. In OS, a temporal RRD involving the macula was identified. The patient underwent surgical treatment with pars plana vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling, endolaser, and silicone oil (SO) tamponade. BCVA in OS improved to 6/60 and schistic cavities resolution was observed in the immediate postoperative period. The patient's BCVA further improved to 6/19 at 1 month, as foveal anatomy showed relative improvement. However, there was a rapid reappearance of schisis spaces in the macular area at this point, which was also followed by progressive deterioration of foveal schisis by 3 months post-operatively. The resorption and recurrence of lamellar macular schisis changes after ILM peel and presence of SO, highlights that although XLRS findings can temporarily improve upon surgical intervention, the pathogenetic mechanisms contributing to disease phenotype remain to be elucidated.

Retinal capillary plexus in Parkinson's disease using optical coherence tomography angiography.

AIM: To evaluate the alterations of the retinal microvasculature and foveal avascular zone in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A). METHODS: A retrospective study of PD patients examined in the Ophthalmology Department of the General Hospital of Athens, "Georgios Gennimatas" from March 2021 to March 2022 was conducted. Totally 44 patients with PD were included and 18 healthy controls were examined, hence a total of 124 eyes were enrolled in the study. The foveal and parafoveal superficial and deep capillary plexus vascular density (fSCP-VD, fDCP-VD, pSCP-VD, pDCP-CD) and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) were quantified with OCTA. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to measure macular thickness. Our statistical analysis was conducted by using a mixed effect linear regression model. RESULTS: After adjustment for age and gender, the mean parafoveal superficial capillary plexus vascular density (pSCP-VD) and mean parafoveal deep capillary plexus vascular density (pDCP-VD) were significantly decreased in individuals with PD (P<0.001 in both) by -2.35 (95%CI -3.3, -1.45) and -7.5 (95%CI -10.4, -4.6) respectively. fSCP-VD and fDCP-VD didn't approach statistical significance. The FAZ area and perimeter were significantly decreased (P<0.001 in both) by -0.1 mm2 (95%CI -0.13, -0.07) and -0.49 mm2 (95%CI -0.66, -0.32) respectively. Circularity didn't approach statistical significance. Central retinal thickness (CRT) was significantly decreased in individuals with PD (P<0.001) by -23.1 µm (95%CI -30.2, -16) and temporal retinal thickness (TRT) was decreased (P=0.025) by -11 µm (95%CI -22, -1.5) while nasal retinal thickness (NRT) only approached statistical significance (P=0.066). CONCLUSION: The mean pSCP-VD, pDCP-VD, CRT and TRT are significantly decreased and FAZ is altered in individuals with PD. These findings can be potentially used as biomarkers for the diagnosis and evaluation of early PD.

The large Hellenic Study of Uveitis: epidemiology, etiologic factors and classification.

PURPOSE: To analyse the demography, etiology, and classification of uveitis at a tertiary academic referral center. METHODS: An observational study was conducted on the archives of uveitic patients at the Ocular Inflammation Service of the Department of Ophthalmology at the University Hospital of Ioannina (Greece) from 1991 to 2020. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological profile of patients, including their demographics and the main etiologic factors of uveitis. RESULTS: Out of 6191 cases with uveitis, 1925 were infectious, 4125 were non-infectious, and an overall of 141 masquerade syndromes were recorded. Among these cases, 5950 patients were adults, with a slight female predominance, while 241 were children (< 18 years old). Interestingly, 24.2% of cases (1500 patients) were associated with 4 specific microorganisms. Herpetic uveitis (HSV-1 and VZV/HZV) was the most common cause of infectious uveitis (14.87%), followed by toxoplasmosis (6.6%) and tuberculosis (2.74%). In 49.2% of non-infectious uveitis cases, no systematic correlation was found. The most frequent causes of non-infectious uveitis included sarcoidosis, white dot syndromes, ankylosing spondylitis, lens-induced uveitis, Adamantiades-Behçet disease, and idiopathic juvenile arthritis. Infectious uveitis was more common in the rural population, whereas non-infectious uveitis was more frequently recorded in the urban population CONCLUSIONS: Although our study was conducted on a predominantly white Caucasian population, it also reflects the effect of increasing immigration, improvements of diagnostic techniques, changes in referral patterns, and various actual changes in disease incidence.

Impact of Cataract Surgery on IOP and Ocular Structures in Normotensive Patients and Primary and Exfoliation Open-Angle Glaucoma Patients.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the changes in Intraocular Pressure (IOP) and other ocular parameters: the Anterior Chamber Angle (ACA), Anterior Chamber Volume (ACV), and Anterior Chamber Depth (ACD) during phacoemulsification surgery in Greek patients with normotensive eyes and those with well-controlled Open-Angle Glaucoma (OAG). Additionally, parameters such as the Corneal Thickness (CCT), Axial Length (AL), Central Macular Thickness (CMT), and Retinal Nerve Fibre Layer (RNFL) were also examined. Patients and Methods: This was a prospective observational case-control study that included 50 phakic eyes, 25 normotensive (Group 1), and 25 with OAG: 15 Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma (POAG) and 10 Exfoliation Glaucoma (EXG) (Group 2). Ophthalmic assessment included IOP measurements, ocular biometry, and anterior and posterior segment optical coherence tomography evaluation of the aforementioned ocular parameters, prior and 6 months after phacoemulsification surgery. Results: At the 6 months post-operative review, a greater IOP reduction was recorded in eyes with OAG, in comparison to normotensive ones (5.3mmHg and 1.6 mmHg respectively). In addition, a significant but similar increase was recorded in the values of the ACA, ACV, and ACD of both groups between the pre- and the post-op period. Furthermore, the CCT and AL values remained unaltered. Finally, there was a non-statistically significant change in the mean CMT and the mean average RNFL of both groups. Conclusion: Eyes with OAG tend to undergo a greater reduction in IOP post-phacoemulsification surgery, in comparison to normotensive eyes. This reduction may not be solely attributed to ocular anatomical changes after phacoemulsification surgery but may also be due to the remodeling of the trabecular meshwork and the ciliary body. This may be especially true in the case of OAG eyes, which already start off with a compromised trabecular endothelium prior to surgery.

Late PAMM-Like Lesions in a Patient with HIV Retinopathy.

This report describes a case of a newly diagnosed 49-year-old HIV patient, who presented with decreased visual acuity and retinal lesions characterized by ischemia at the level of the deep retinal capillary plexus, documented with optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT angiography, fluorescein angiography, and visual fields testing. These lesions closely resembled the morphologic and clinical characteristics of late paracentral acute middle maculopathy. The presence of these lesions suggests that HIV microangiopathy can potentially affect both superficial and deep retinal capillary plexuses.

The Large Hellenic Study of Uveitis: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Algorithms, Complications, and Final Outcome.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to present the diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms, complications, and final outcome in the management of uveitic patients at a tertiary academic referral center. DESIGN: Observational study. METHODS: Analysis of the archives of 6191 uveitic patients at the Ocular Inflammation Service of the Department of Ophthalmology of the University Hospital of Ioannina in Greece from 1991 to 2020. RESULTS: During the 30 years of the study, the diagnostic ability climbed from 45.43% (1991-1995) to 73.4% (2016-2020). This improvement was linked to several factors including the increase in the number of diagnostic paracenteses for the analysis of intraocular fluids, the range and quality of laboratory blood tests, the multimodal ophthalmic imaging, the proper use of nonophthalmic imaging, and the multidisciplinary approach. The degree of uveitis-related complications was related to the severity and cause of inflammation, the recurrence rate, inappropriate treatment, and the prolonged or initially inactive inflammation. The 3 most common complications included cataract, macular edema, and glaucoma. Apart from the modern treatments and surgical techniques, the 3-month preoperative control of inflammation played a critical role in the surgical outcomes. The percentage of patients with a successful outcome increased from 72% (2001-2005) to 90.50% (2016-2020). The center's experience, prompt referral, patient's compliance, and regular follow-ups are associated with a better outcome. The analysis of the results allowed the development of diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms. CONCLUSIONS: Developing diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms allows for the efficient management of uveitis, leading to better visual outcome and therefore a better quality of life.

Macular Edema Following Silicone Oil Tamponade for Retinal Detachment: A Literature Review.

Macular edema (ME) is a major cause of reduced vision following intraocular surgery. Although the pathophysiology of ME is not completely understood, inflammatory mediators play a key role. The incidence of ME following pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade varies between 13% and 27%. ME usually resolves spontaneously following silicone oil removal, but treatment may be required for resistant cases. In this review, the mechanisms of ME formation after pars plana vitrectomy, its incidence, and its possible therapeutic approaches are discussed.

Impact of flight and equivalent short-term high-altitude exposure on ocular structures and function.

Background: Exposure to high-altitude conditions during flight or similar activities affects many aspects of visual function, which is critical not only for flight safety but for any altitude-related activity. We aimed to summarize the available literature pertaining to ocular changes during flight or equivalent short-term high-altitude exposure (e.g., hypobaric chamber, effortless ascent lasting ≤ 24 h) and to highlight future research priorities. Methods: Using the PubMed/MEDLINE and Web of Science/ISI Web of Knowledge databases with structured search syntax, we conducted a systematic review of the literature spanning a 40-year period (January 1, 1983, to October 10, 2023). Articles pertaining to ocular changes during flight or flight-equivalent exposure to altitude were retrieved. The reference lists of retrieved studies were also searched, and citations of these references were included in the results. Results: Of 875 relevant PubMed and ISI publications, 122 qualified for inclusion and 20 more were retrieved from the reference lists of initially selected records, for a total of 142 articles. Reported anterior segment changes included deterioration in tear film stability and increased dry eye incidence, increased corneal thickness, discomfort and bubble formation in contact lens users, refraction changes in individuals with prior refractive surgery, decreased intraocular pressure, and alterations in pupillary reaction, contrast sensitivity, and visual fields. Photoreceptor-visual pathway changes included alterations in both photoreceptors and neuro-transduction, as evidenced in dark adaptation, macular recovery time, reduction in visual field sensitivity, and optic neuritis (likely an element of decompression sickness). Retinochoroidal changes included increases in retinal vessel caliber, retinal blood flow, and choroidal thickness; central serous chorioretinopathy; and retinal vascular events (non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy, high-altitude retinopathy, and retinal vein occlusion). Conclusions: The effect of short-term high-altitude exposure on the eye is, in itself, a difficult area to study. Although serious impairment of visual acuity appears to be rare, ocular changes, including tear film stability, contact lens wear, central corneal thickness, intraocular pressure, contrast sensitivity, stability of refractive surgeries, retinal vessels, visual fields, and macula recovery time, should be considered in civilian aviators. Our report provides guidance to climbers and lowlanders traveling to altitude if they have pre-existing ocular conditions or if they experience visual symptoms while at altitude. However, key outcomes have been contradictory and comprehensive studies are scarce, especially those pertaining to the choroid and retina. Such studies could not only deepen our understanding of high-altitude ocular pathophysiology, but could also offer valuable information and treatment possibilities for a constellation of other vision-threatening diseases.

Kyrieleis Arteriolitis Associated with Acute Retinal Necrosis due to Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Secondary to Herpetic Encephalitis.

We report the case of a 52-year-old woman who presented to the emergency department with acute retinal necrosis in her left eye secondary to herpes simplex virus type 1 encephalitis for which she had been hospitalized four months before. Treatment with intravitreal foscarnet and intravenous acyclovir was promptly commenced followed by the addition of oral prednisolone. PCR analysis of aqueous humor detected HSV type 1 DNA. The condition responded to therapy with partial resolution of intraocular inflammation and improvement of visual acuity, but the presence of Kyrieleis plaques was observed two weeks after the initiation of treatment, when five intravitreal foscarnet injections had been administered. The patient was switched to oral therapy with valacyclovir, and 10 weeks after commencing treatment, the patient's left eye was free of inflammation, having achieved a BCVA of 20/20. Oral steroid treatment was gradually tapered off, and the patient was instructed to remain on prophylactic antiviral therapy. Kyrieleis arteriolitis is an uncommon finding in the context of acute retinal necrosis. As far as we are aware, we report the first case of Kyrieleis arteriolitis in acute retinal necrosis secondary to viral encephalitis and the second one presenting Kyrieleis plaques in acute retinal necrosis caused by herpes simplex virus type 1. Prior reports of cases of Kyrieleis arteriolitis in acute retinal necrosis are also presented.

Evaluation of the choriocapillaris after photodynamic therapy for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy. A review of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) studies.

PURPOSE: Emerging evidence suggests that choroidal microcirculation and microstructural changes after verteporfin photodynamic therapy (vPDT) for chronic central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) can be shown in detail using OCT-Angiography (OCT-A). The use of OCT-A for the examination of choriocapillaris (CC) has attracted significant attention as the technique offers potential explanations for the effects of vPDT on choroidal tissue. METHODS: A meticulous literature search was performed in the PubMed database without restriction on year of publication until June 2021. The reference list of all electronically retrieved articles was carefully reviewed for potentially relevant articles that had not been identified. RESULTS: We identified and reviewed 11 studies reporting a comprehensive update on microvasculature and morphologic changes of the CC layer as seen on OCT-A in chronic CSC. The reviewed articles extensively analyze both the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the CC flow pattern after applying vPDT safety-enhanced protocols. The changes in the CC plexus indicate the potential of beneficial or deleterious treatment effect on choroidal tissue remodeling. The reviewed series have revealed variability of flow pattern, vessel density, and perfusion of the CC over time. CONCLUSION: The CC plexus alterations during the post-vPDT period in chronic CSC may imply the treatment effect on choroidal tissue, indicating the potential of anatomical or functional recovery over time. The reviewed literature may confirm the diagnostic value of OCT-A in the assessment of the pathophysiology of eyes with CSC.

The Choroid after Half-Dose Photodynamic Therapy in Chronic Central Serous Chorioretinopathy.

PURPOSE: To characterize choroidal structure and vasculature after half-dose verteporfin photodynamic therapy (hd-vPDT) in eyes with chronic central serous chorioretinopathy using Enhanced Depth Imaging Optical Coherence Tomography (EDI OCT) and Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography (OCT-A). METHODS: This prospective case-control study included 10 eyes. Choroid was examined before and at 1 month following hd-vPDT. We measured choroidal thickness (CT) at subfoveal area and at 750 µm nasal and temporal of fovea and thickness of Haller and choriocapillaris/Sattler layers. Whole (WA), luminal (LA) and interstitial area (IA) at EDI-OCT, and perfusion density at OCT-A were analyzed. The unaffected fellow eyes were used for comparisons. RESULTS: Mean CT at subfoveal area and at 750 µm nasal and temporal of fovea, values of Haller and choriocapillaris/Sattler layers and those of WA, LA and IA were reduced, while PD increased at 1 month after hd-vPDT (all p < 0.001). There was a significant (p < 0.05) negative correlation (ρ = -0.658) between PD and post-treatment logMARVA. None of analyzed parameters reached values of unaffected fellow eye. CONCLUSION: Following hd-vPDT, choroidal thickness with both luminal and interstitial components markedly decreased, while perfusion of choriocapillaris improved.

Corneal Factors Associated with the Amount of Visual Field Damage in Eyes with Newly Diagnosed, Untreated, Open-angle Glaucoma.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between several ocular parameters (intraocular pressure [IOP], corneal biomechanical properties) and the visual field (VF) mean deviation (VF MD) in eyes with open-angle glaucoma (OAG). METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional, observational study in which we measured the IOP with Goldmann applanation tonometry, the central corneal thickness (CCT), and the corneal parameters obtained from the Ocular Response Analyzer® (ORA®) and the Corvis® ST non-contact tonometer, in newly diagnosed and treatment-naïve eyes with OAG, to investigate whether there was any correlation between these ocular parameters and the VF MD. RESULTS: A total of 51 eyes were analyzed. A statistically significant correlation was found only between the VF MD and corneal hysteresis (CH) (P = 0.003, r2 = 0.16) and CCT (P = 0.03, r2 = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that CH and CCT are associated with the amount of VF damage in treatment-naïve OAG eyes.

Association of obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome with glaucomatous optic neuropathy and ocular blood flow.

The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of glaucomatous optic neuropathy in patients with obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). In total, 83 subjects (45 cases of severe OSAHS and 38 controls) underwent polysomnographic assessment and were evaluated for the severity of the disease using the Apnea-Hypopnea index. A detailed ophthalmologic exam was then performed, including measurement of the intraocular pressure (IOP) with a Goldmann applanation tonometer and Pascal dynamic contour tonometer (DCT), recording of the ocular pulse amplitude measured by the Pascal DCT, standard automated perimetry and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness evaluation using optical coherence tomography. Ocular blood flow was assessed using color Doppler imaging (CDI) and ophthalmic artery indices were evaluated, including peak systolic blood velocity, end diastolic blood velocity and resistivity index (RI). There was a significant difference in the mean IOP between controls (11.03±3.85 mmHg) and cases of severe OSAHS (18.06±3.39 mmHg) when the IOP was measured by DCT (P<0.0001), but not with the Goldmann applanation tonometer (IOP, 13.97±2.85 mmHg for controls and 14.89±3.21 mmHg for cases of severe OSAHS; P=0.0877). Significant negative correlations were observed between RNFL thickness and RI (P=0.0011) in cases of severe OSAHS, as well as between GCC thickness and RI (P<0.008) in all subjects. Furthermore, a negative correlation between RI and RNFL thickness in severe cases of OSAHS suggested a hemodynamically induced vulnerability of RNFL in OSAHS. The correlation between RI and GCC thickness in all subjects suggested that impaired perfusion, more prominent in OSAHS, leads to structural changes. Therefore, cases of severe OSAHS should be monitored for changes in RNFL and GCC thickness, as well as CDI findings. Furthermore, patients with increased ophthalmic artery RIs should be monitored for changes in the GCC, regardless of the etiology of the RI increase.

Optical coherence tomography biomarkers for visual acuity in patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane.

PURPOSE: To investigate the correlation between outer and inner retina optical coherence tomography (OCT) biomarkers and visual acuity in patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM) and identify which of them may be predictive of visual function. METHODS: A retrospective cross-sectional single-center study was conducted that included patients diagnosed with iERM. Spectral domain OCT images were obtained and assessed qualitatively and quantitatively. The association of OCT parameters with best corrected visual acuity was analyzed. RESULTS: Charts of 97 eyes of 97 patients were reviewed. Central foveal thickness, maximal retinal thickness (MRT), photoreceptor outer segment length, outer foveal thickness, ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer complex thickening, inner retinal thickness and inner retinal layer irregularity index were among the major outcome measures. OCT scans were also assessed for the presence of cotton ball sign, ellipsoid zone disruption, ectopic inner foveal layer, disorganization of retinal inner layers (DRIL), intraretinal fluid, subretinal fluid (SRF) and epimacular membrane rip. Univariate analysis showed statistically significant association between all the aforementioned parameters with worse vision, except for cotton ball sign and SRF. Multivariate analysis found that MRT and severe DRIL were strongly correlated with worse vision (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: MRT and severe DRIL should be considered as negative prognostic factors for visual acuity.

Vessel Density around Foveal Avascular Zone as a Potential Imaging Biomarker for Detecting Preclinical Diabetic Retinopathy: An Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Study.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) parameters in diabetic retinopathy (DR) using an updated software with 3D projection artifact removal. Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, 192 eyes of 111 patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and 55 eyes of 34 age-matched healthy subjects were included. Diabetic patients were divided into three subgroups: without DR, with mild non-proliferative DR, and with moderate-to-severe non-proliferative DR. All eyes underwent dilated fundoscopy along with 3x3mm and 6x6mm OCTA image acquisition. Vessel density (VD), retinal thickness and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) parameters were analyzed. Correlation analyses between OCTA parameters and DR severity were also performed. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in all OCTA parameters among groups, except for superficial foveal VD in 6x6mm scan and whole image retinal thickness in both 3x3mm and 6x6mm scans, while 3x3mm scan parameters were found to be diagnostically superior to the corresponding ones of 6x6mm scan. As the DR stage progressed, the mean VD values decreased. FD-300, which is the VD of a 300-µm width annulus surrounding FAZ, demonstrated the strongest inverse correlation with DR severity (r = -0.590/rs = -0.562, p < .001) and showed the highest area under the ROC curve (AUROC = 0.833 ± 0.030, p < .001) in scan 3 × 3. Conclusion: OCTA shows progressive decrease of VD parameters with increasing DR severity. Foveal VD, FAZ area, and perimeter are not very useful indexes due to the high interindividual variability of FAZ size. OCTA and specifically FD-300 may serve as a promising DR screening tool for detecting preclinical microvascular alterations.

Peripapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Changes in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: A Case-control Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) changes in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) and compare them with those of normal population. In addition, this study aims to determine potential factors, affecting RNFL changes in patients with DM. METHODS: Participants in this study were 107 patients (211 eyes) with DM and 100 healthy controls (200 eyes). Diabetic patients were further classified into four groups depending on severity of diabetic retinopathy (no retinopathy, mild, moderate, severe nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy, and proliferative diabetic retinopathy, while presence of macular edema was also assessed. All participants underwent spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) to measure RNFL thickness, while demographic and clinical characteristics of the participants were also recorded. RESULTS: Patients with DM with or without DR presented significantly decreased peripapillary RNFL thickness in all quadrants. In the diabetic group, the multivariate analysis showed a significant association between decreased average RNFL thickness and increased HbA1c (p < 0.001), longer DM duration (p = 0.007), and more severe diabetic retinopathy status (p = 0.016), while presence of DME, age, gender, hypertension, and hyperlipidemia were not found to be associated with RNFL thickness decrease. CONCLUSION: Diabetes mellitus seems to affect RNFL thickness, suggesting that early neurodegenerative changes may occur, potentially before microvascular alterations. Since duration of disease, DR severity, and HbA1c levels were associated with RNFL thinning, modifying glycemic control seems to be important to potentially prevent the development of DM complications.

The Effect of Diabetes Mellitus on Corneal Endothelial Cells and Central Corneal Thickness: A Case-Control Study.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of corneal endothelial cells and central corneal thickness (CCT) in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), comparing them with those of healthy subjects (controls) and to determine potential factors affecting the corneal parameters in patients with DM. METHODS: Participants in this study were 72 patients with DM and 88 healthy controls. Diabetic patients were further classified into groups depending on the severity of diabetic retinopathy (no retinopathy, mild, moderate, severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and proliferative diabetic retinopathy). All participants underwent non-contact specular microscopy to evaluate corneal endothelium parameters and CCT, while factors affecting endothelial cell density and CCT in patients with DM were also analyzed. RESULTS: Patients with DM presented significantly decreased endothelial cell density compared to controls (2,297.9 ± 311.3 and 2,518.3 ± 243.7 cells/mm2, respectively; p < 0.001), while the two groups did not differ significantly in any other measured corneal parameter. In the diabetic group, the multivariate analysis showed a significant association between decreased endothelial cell density and increased HbA1c (p < 0.001), longer DM duration (p = 0.003), and more severe diabetic retinopathy status (p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: DM seems to affect the corneal endothelium, since endothelial cell density was decreased in the diabetic group, while duration of disease, HbA1c levels, and severity of retinopathy were significantly associated with changes in endothelial cell density and should be taken into account.

Penetrating deep sclerectomy in primary open-angle and pseudoexfoliative glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of a new antiglaucoma surgical method, a modification of the standard deep sclerectomy, the penetrating deep sclerectomy. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with medically uncontrolled primary open-angle glaucoma or pseudoexfoliative glaucoma were prospectively, in a consecutive way, enrolled in this study. METHODS: The study was conducted in Glaucoma Unit, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Greece, in 29 eyes of 29 patients. In a fornix-based surgical procedure, all eyes underwent the proposed penetrating deep sclerectomy (deep sclerectomy plus trabeculectomy) with the use of mitomycin C applied intraoperatively (0.2 mg/mL for 2 min). The follow-up period was 3 years. Ocular examination was conducted before the operation and at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The average reduction in intraocular pressure at the end of follow-up was 11.24 (57.88%). The complete success rate (intraocular pressure ⩽21 mm Hg without medication) after 3 years was 58.6%. The qualified success rate (intraocular pressure ⩽21 mm Hg without or with medication) was 75.86%. Postoperatively, the mean number of medication dropped from 3.75 ± 0.89 to 0.89 ± 0.98. Low postoperative complications were recorded. CONCLUSION: During the 3-year follow-up period, penetrating deep sclerectomy presented very positive outcome. The addition of a controlled perforation of the trabeculo-Descemet's membrane in deep sclerectomy, playing the role of an early goniopuncture, seems to ensure a satisfactory outcome and is not associated with additional complications.

Preliminary results of a semi-automated platform for pixel-based quantification of choroidal naevus progression.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a novel method for choroidal naevus progression monitoring using semiautomated software for pixel-based quantification. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients with choroidal melanotic lesions. In total, 87 eyes fulfilled our inclusion criteria. The progression of the choroidal lesions was evaluated by 2 masked and independent investigators. Total naevus area was measured on fundoscopic images using ImageJ semiautomated segmentation at baseline examination and 5 years later. The efficacy of our method was also tested on a separate patient group applying test-retest analysis. RESULTS: Pixel-based analysis for objective quantification, displayed high repeatability, and reliability. We identified 4 cases of naevus size progression using the described semiautomated technique, while only 2 cases of progression were reported by simple observation. The novel method performance displayed 50% increased sensitivity over simple observation and 100% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: The presented method of displayed higher sensitivity and specificity compared to conventional observation and photograph qualification. Our results imply that the proposed methodology may be applicable as an accurate, easily employed diagnostic tool for the early detection of size progression in melanotic choroidal lesions.

Fourier Analysis of Corneal Irregular Astigmatism After Small Incision Lenticule Extraction and Comparison to Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Laser In Situ Keratomileusis.

PURPOSE: Evaluation of spherical component (SC), regular astigmatism (RA), and irregular astigmatism (IA, ie, Asymmetry and Irregularities) 3 years after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) and comparison to femtosecond laser-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK). METHODS: Thirty-two eyes of 21 patients who underwent SMILE for myopia and astigmatism were compared with 32 eyes of 21 patients treated with FS-LASIK. Scheimpflug images were obtained preoperatively and 3 years postoperatively. Fourier analysis of keratometric-derived parameters (SC, RA, Asymmetry, and Irregularities) of the anterior, posterior, and total cornea were evaluated at 4 concentric rings (ring 1, 2 mm diameter; ring 2, 4 mm; ring 3, 6 mm; ring 4, 8 mm) and over the entire 8-mm zone. RESULTS: After FS-LASIK, over the 8-mm zone, the RA and IA of the anterior cornea increased significantly (P ≤ 0.002), whereas SMILE induced an insignificant increase in RA and Asymmetry (P ≥ 0.276) and a decrease in Irregularities (P = 0.770). At the 8-mm zone of the posterior cornea, the Irregularities increased significantly (P = 0.027) after FS-LASIK, whereas SMILE induced no significant changes in the examined variables (P ≥ 0.347). RA and IA of the total cornea increased significantly after FS-LASIK (P ≤ 0.001), whereas SMILE induced an insignificant increase in RA and Asymmetry (P ≥ 0.092) and a significant decrease in Irregularities (P < 0.001). FS-LASIK induced a greater decrease in SC of the total cornea at ring 4 (P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: FS-LASIK resulted in a greater increase in RA and Irregularities and greater flattening of the midperiphery of the anterior and total cornea compared with SMILE. The posterior cornea remained unaffected after SMILE, whereas more Irregularities were induced after FS-LASIK over the 8-mm zone.