Near vision in patients with DME and RVO treated with aflibercept and correlation with NEI VFQ-25 questionnaire.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate near and distance visual acuity (VA) and their correlation with the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) outcomes in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) and macular edema due to retinal vein occlusion (RVO) treated with aflibercept. METHODS: In this prospective study, we included 87 eyes of patients diagnosed with DME (n = 61) and RVO (n = 26), who received aflibercept treatment and were followed until the 8th injection. Near VA was examined on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th, and 8th injection, and patients completed the NEI VFQ-25 on the 1st, 4th, and 8th aflibercept injection. RESULTS: The mean near VA at baseline in all eyes was 0.89 ± 0.12 logMAR. With every administration, there was a statistically significant improvement; on the 4th (0.70 ± 0.19; p = 0.000) and the 8th application (0.60 ± 0.19; p = 0.000). At baseline, the mean NEI VFQ-25 total score was 71 ± 14%, and improved to 81 ± 13% (p = 0.000) on the 8th injection. The most significant score gain was recorded in the near VA subscale (+ 20 ± 14%, p = 0.000). There was no statistically significant difference between DME and RVO group in the questionnaire or near VA outcomes. CONCLUSION: Aflibercept treatment resulted in a remarkable improvement of near vision by 4 lines of logMAR optotype after the 8th application. The near vision questionnaire subscale, initially scoring the lowest, exhibited the greatest gain during the treatment period. This underscores the importance of near vision and reading ability for patients with DME and RVO.

Effect of Intravitreal Aflibercept on Corneal Endothelial Cells.

AIM:  To determine the effect of repeated intravitreal injections of aflibercept on the corneal endothelium in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) and macular edema due to retinal vein occlusion (RVO). METHODS:  In a prospective study conducted between January 2021 and November 2023, a total of 87 treatment-naive eyes with DME and RVO were evaluated. The exclusion criteria were surgery or laser intervention during the follow-up period, contact lens wear, cataract surgery in the last 6 months, dystrophy, or other corneal condition that may cause endothelial damage. In addition to routine examinations on the day of application, we also measured the corneal endothelium using specular microscopy on the 1st, 4th and 8th day of injection. We evaluated 4 parameters: endothelial cell density (CD), hexagonality (HEX), coefficient of variability (CV) and central corneal thickness (CCT). First of all, we evaluated the entire cohort of eyes, and then divided it according to 2 criteria; the diagnosis into DME/RVO and according to the lens status into phakic/pseudophakic eyes. RESULTS:  A total of 87 eyes of 68 patients were evaluated. The average age of the patients at the time of diagnosis was 66.8 ±9.3 years. Within the cohort 51 (59%) eyes were phakic and 36 (41%) pseudophakic. A total of 61 (70%) eyes with a diagnosis of DME were treated, and 26 (30%) with RVO. During the follow-up, there were no significant changes in the average values of CD, HEX, CV, CCT due to aflibercept treatment, either in the whole group or in subgroups according to diagnosis or lens condition. CONCLUSIONS:  The results of this study suggest that intravitreal administration of aflibercept in patients with DME and RVO did not have an impact on corneal endothelial parameters, including CCT, HEX, CD and CV. These parameters were measured using endothelial microscopy during an 8-injection observation period.

Higher Levels of Serum Ionic Calcium are Associated with Macular Edema in Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to study the association of serum total calcium, ionic calcium, and magnesium with increases in macular thickness parameters and photoreceptor ellipsoid zone (EZ) disruption in diabetic macular edema (DME). METHODS: This study is a tertiary care center based observational cross-sectional study with sixty-six consecutive cases, divided into 3 groups of 22 cases each with no diabetic retinopathy (No DR), non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and a control group of 22 healthy controls. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was measured on logMAR scale. Central subfield thickness (CST), cube average thickness (CAT), and EZ disruption were assessed using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Serum total calcium, ionic calcium, and magnesium were measured using standard protocol. Data was analyzed statistically. RESULTS: Significant correlation was found between the increase in CST and the increase in serum total calcium and serum ionic calcium. Increase in CAT was significantly correlated with an increase in serum total calcium, serum ionic calcium, and a decrease in serum magnesium. Grades of EZ disruption and logMAR BCVA were also found to be significantly positively associated with serum total calcium and ionic calcium and negatively with serum magnesium. CONCLUSIONS: Increased levels of serum ionic calcium and decreased levels of serum magnesium are associated with an increase in macular thickness and EZ disruption in DME.

Analysis of biometric parameters of 2340 eyes measured with optical biometer Lenstar LS900 in a Caucasian population.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the pattern and mutual relationships between basic biometric characteristics of the eye in a Central European Caucasian population. METHODS: A single-centre retrospective study of 2340 patients (965 males, 1375 females) scheduled for cataract surgery between 2014 and 2016. Measurements using laser interferometry included AL (axial length), K (average corneal curvature), ACD (anterior chamber depth), LT (lens thickness), CCT (central corneal thickness), AST (astigmatism) and WTW (white to white). Subjects were stratified by gender and controlled for age. Descriptive, correlation and regression analyses were performed on the data. RESULTS: The mean AL was 23.33 ± 1.01 mm - higher in males (23.59 ± 0.99 mm), in comparison to females (23.15 ± 0.99 mm). The elderly had lower ACD and higher LT, while males had higher AL independent of age. Furthermore, LT and K decreased with AL, while ACD decreased with LT and increased with AL independent of age and gender. CONCLUSIONS: The estimates of the biometrics are obtained on a large sample of subjects and can serve as normative values for Lenstar LS900 in the Central European Caucasian population.

Effect of Blue Light Filtering Intraocular Lenses on Visual Perception.

Background and Objectives: This retrospective consecutive case control study compares best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), mesopic contrast sensitivity (CS), color vision, and glare between a group of eyes with blue-light-filtering intraocular lenses and another with UV-light-filtering intraocular lenses. Materials and Methods: We used Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study charts to compare BCVA, Rabin charts for mesopic CS testing, Oculus HMC Anomaloscope MR to test for chromatic discrimination, and Oculus Mesotest II to measure scotopic CS with glare. For analysis, we used descriptive statistics and compared means with parametric and non-parametric tests. The level of significance was set as α = 0.05. Results: For the group with the blue-light-filtering intraocular lens, the average results were BCVA = 0.96 (SD ± 0.09), CS = 1.78 log (SD ± 0.12), chromatic discrimination results M = 63.91 (SD ± 11.88), R = 60.07 (SD ± 7.89). For mesopic CS with glare, the group achieved on average 2.54 (SD ± 1.50) points out of 4. For the group with the UV-light-filtering intraocular lens, the average results were BCVA = 0.93 (SD ± 0.14), CS = 1.79 log (SD ± 0.13), chromatic discrimination results M = 65.38 (SD ± 17.14), R = 60.79 (SD ± 10.39). For mesopic CS with glare, this group achieved an average of 2.79 (SD ± 1.53) points out of 4. Conclusion: No significant differences (p > 0.05) were found in any of the tested parameters between the analyzed groups. Slight shift in color vision was observed, although not statistically significant.

Does Every Calculation Formula Fit for All Types of Intraocular Lenses? Optimization of Constants for Tecnis ZA9003 and ZCB00 Is Necessary.

Background and Objectives: To evaluate the performance of intraocular lenses (IOLs) using power calculation formulas on different types of IOL. Materials and Methods: 120 eyes and four IOL types (BioLine Yellow Accurate Aspheric IOL (i-Medical), TECNIS ZCB00, TECNIS ZA9003 (Johnson & Johnson) (3-piece IOL) and Softec HD (Lenstec)) were analyzed. The performance of Haigis, Barret Universal II and SKR-II formulas were compared between IOL types. The mean prediction error (ME) and mean absolute prediction error (MAE) were analyzed. Results: The overall percentage of eyes predicted within ±0.25 diopters (D) was 40.8% for Barret; 39.2% Haigis and 31.7% for SRK-II. Barret and Haigis had a significantly lower MAE than SRK-II (p < 0.05). The results differed among IOL types. The largest portion of eyes predicted within ±0.25 D was with the Barret formula in ZCB00 (33.3%) and ZA9003 (43.3%). Haigis was the most accurate in Softec HD (50%) and SRK-II in Biolline Yellow IOL (50%). ZCB00 showed a clinically significant hypermetropic ME compared to other IOLs. Conclusions: In general, Barret formulas had the best performance as a universal formula. However, the formula should be chosen according to the type of IOL in order to obtain the best results. Constant optimizations are necessary for the Tecnis IOL ZCB00 and ZA9003, as all of the analyzed formulas achieved a clinically significant poor performance in this type of IOL. ZCB00 also showed a hypermetropic shift in ME in all the formulas.

Comparing the Results of Vitrectomy and Sclerectomy in a Patient with Nanophthalmic Uveal Effusion Syndrome.

Nanophthalmic uveal effusion syndrome (UES) is an extremely rare idiopathic disease characterized by a short axial length of the eye, extremely thick sclera and choroid. These structural changes can lead to spontaneous serous detachment of the retina and peripheral choroid. There are many other causes of UES such as trauma, inflammation, cataract surgery, glaucoma, or retinal detachment. UES is classified into three types. All are characterized by a relapsing-remitting clinical course. The loss of visual acuity ranges from mild to very severe, depending on macular involvement. Changes of the retinal pigment epithelium develop secondary after long-standing choroidal effusion and retinal detachment. Subretinal exudates could be seen and mistakenly diagnosed as chorioretinitis. UES can be very difficult to treat. The most commonly used treatment is surgery involving the creation of surgical sclerostomies (scleral window surgery) or partial thickness sclerectomies to support transscleral drainage. In our case, we present a bilateral nanophthalmic UES, which was misdiagnosed as bilateral ocular Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease. We documented the course of the disease and the results of the different surgical approaches in both eyes. A pars plana vitrectomy was performed in the right eye and a sclerectomy with sclerostomies in the left eye. In the left eye, even long lasting loss of visual acuity due to a serous retinal detachment was partially reversed.

The Natural History of Retinal Vascular Changes from Infancy to Adulthood in Wyburn-Mason Syndrome.

Wyburn-Mason syndrome is a rare, non-hereditary congenital neurocutaneous disorder leading to arteriovenous malformations. Malformations are characterized by an artery that is directly connected to veins without a capillary system and forms a fragile mass of abnormal vessels. It can be found in the midbrain, in the eyes, orbit, and rarely in cutaneous nevi. Neurological and ocular symptoms are the most common. Ocular signs and symptoms include abnormally dilatated vessels of conjunctiva, nystagmus, strabismus, vitreous hemorrhage, vein occlusions, retinal detachment, etc. Neurological symptoms may include headaches, paralysis, epistaxis, hydrocephalus, and hemiparesis. Imaging modalities such as MRI/CT angiography, optical coherence angiography, and fluorescein angiography are the most important for the identification of arteriovenous malformations. In our case report, we present an eight-month-old girl with an incidental finding of retinal angiomatosis on the left eye and was subsequently diagnosed with Wyburn-Mason syndrome. We compare the findings from the first visit to her clinical findings 20 years later.

The therapeutic effect of B-type natriuretic peptides in acute decompensated heart failure.

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) exhibits roles in natriuresis and diuresis, making it an ideal drug that may aid in diuresing a fluid-overloaded patient with poor or worsening renal function. Several randomized clinical trials have tested the hypothesis that infusions of pharmacological doses of BNP to acute heart failure (HF) patients may enhance decongestion and preserve renal function in this clinical setting. Unfortunately, none of these have demonstrated beneficial outcomes. The current challenge for BNP research in acute HF lies in addressing a failure of concept and a reluctance to abandon an ineffective research model. Future success will necessitate a detailed understanding of the mechanism of action of BNP, as well as better integration of basic and clinical science.

Spectral domain optical coherence tomography based imaging biomarkers for diabetic retinopathy.

To evaluate the role of central subfield thickness (CST), cube average thickness (CAT), and cube volume (CV) as imaging biomarkers for severity of diabetic retinopathy within the ETDRS-based grades of retinopathy using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). This study aims to evaluate the role of macular CST, CAT, and CV on SD-OCT as imaging biomarkers for severity of DR. One hundred ninety-four consecutive cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus were divided according to ETDRS classification: diabetes mellitus without retinopathy (No DR; n = 65), nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR; n = 66), and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR; n = 63). Sixty-three healthy controls were included. CST, CAT, and CV were analyzed using SD-OCT. Data were analyzed statistically. Analysis of variance revealed a significant increase in levels of CST, CAT, CV, and LogMAR visual acuity with the increase in severity of DR. Independent t-test revealed significant difference in CST, CAT, and CV between cases with DME and cases without DME. On multivariate linear regression analysis, increase in CST, CAT, and CV were found to indicate the increase in severity of DR. SD-OCT-based imaging biomarkers CST, CAT, and CV are effective tools for documenting the severity of diabetic retinopathy. These imaging biomarkers serve as significant indicators of severity of disease.

Adipokines in neurovascular diseases.

Adipose tissue is now described as an endocrine organ secreting a number of adipokines contributing to the development of inflammation and metabolic imbalance, but also endothelial dysfunction, vascular remodeling, atherosclerosis, and ischemic stroke. Leptin, adiponectin, and resistin are the most studied adipokines which play important roles in the regulation of cardiovascular homeostasis. Leptin and adiponectin mediate both proatherogenic and antiatherogenic responses. Leptin and adiponectin have been linked to the development of coronary heart disease and may be involved in the underlying biological mechanism of ischemic stroke. Resistin, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, is predictive of atherosclerosis and poor clinical outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease and ischemic stroke. The changes in serum levels of novel adipokines apelin, visfatin are also associated with acute ischemic stroke. These adipokines have been proposed as potential prognostic biomarkers of cardiovascular mortality/morbidity and therapeutic targets in patients with cardiometabolic diseases. In this article, we summarize the biologic role of the adipokines and discuss the link between dysfunctional adipose tissue and metabolic/inflammation imbalance, consequently endothelial damage, progression of atherosclerotic disease, and the occurrence of ischemic stroke.

Nitric oxide in the pathophysiology of retinopathy: evidences from preclinical and clinical researches.

Retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness and visual disability in working-aged people. The pathogenesis of retinopathy is an actual and still open query. Alterations contributing to oxidative and nitrosative stress, including elevated nitric oxide and superoxide production, changes in the expression of different isoforms of nitric oxide synthase or endogenous antioxidant system, have been implicated in the mechanisms how this ocular disease develops. In addition, it was documented that renin-angiotensin system has been implicated in the progression of retinopathy. Based on comprehensive preclinical and clinical researches in this area, the role of above-mentioned factors in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy, hypertensive retinopathy and ischaemic proliferative retinopathy is reviewed in this study. Moreover, the genetic susceptibility factors involved in the development of the retinopathy and possible strategies that utilize antioxidants as additive therapy are also highlighted here.

Prevalence of Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Slovakia and Associated Risk Factors: A Mobile Clinic-Based Cross-Sectional Epidemiological Survey.

PURPOSE: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of blindness in the elderly population. Although there are prevalence studies for AMD in Europe, data are scarce for the Slovakian population. METHODS: This was a prospective, multicenter, non-interventional, mobile clinic-based cross-sectional study that assessed age-specific prevalence of AMD in the Slovakian population and risk factors associated with AMD. The type of AMD was graded based on the international age-related maculopathy grading system; optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used for the differential diagnosis. Overall, 3,278 patients were screened; the fundus photographs, OCT scans, and self-reports were collected at the mobile clinic in a single visit. RESULTS: The prevalence of AMD in the study population was 8.99% (wet AMD 1.01%; dry AMD 7.85%), whereas the extrapolated estimate in the entire Slovakian population was 3.3% (wet AMD 0.3%; dry AMD 3.0%). Age, smoking, and hypertension were risk factors associated with AMD; however, contrary to reports in the literature, no gender-specific association was observed. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, mobile clinics may be an effective way to extend health care access to a larger population. Early diagnosis of AMD will assist in early treatment and effective disease management of the population at risk.

Association of serum levels of anti-myeloperoxidase antibody with retinal photoreceptor ellipsoid zone disruption in diabetic retinopathy.

AIM: To study the association of serum levels of anti-myeloperoxidase (MPO) antibody with retinal photoreceptor ellipsoid zone (EZ) disruption in diabetic retinopathy. METHODS: Consecutive patients with type 2 DM [diabetes mellitus with no retinopathy (NODR; n=20); non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR; n=18); proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR; n=16)] and healthy controls (n=20) between the ages of 40 and 65years were included. Disruption of EZ was graded by spectral domain optical coherence tomography as no disruption of EZ and disrupted EZ. The serum levels of anti-MPO antibody was analyzed using standard protocol. Association between the variables was evaluated using multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: A significant difference was found between the serum levels of anti-MPO antibody in various study groups (p<0.001). A positive association was found between EZ disruption and levels of anti-MPO antibody [adjusted odd's ratio (AOR)=1.079, CI 1.010-1.124, p=0.04]. A significant positive correlation was found between logMAR visual acuity and grade of disruption (AOR=1.008, CI 1.006-5.688, p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: An increased serum anti-MPO antibody levels is associated with retinal photoreceptor EZ disruption and decreased visual acuity in diabetic retinopathy.

Stereotactic radiosurgery in intraocular malignant melanoma--retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE: One day session linear accelerator based stereotactic radiosurgery of intraocular malignant melanoma is a method of "conservative" attitude to treat posterior uveal melanoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective clinic-based study of patients with posterior uveal melanoma in stage T2/T3 who underwent stereotactic radiosurgery at linear accelerator in period 2001-2011. Immobilization of the affected eye was achieved by mechanical fixation to the stereotactic Leibinger frame. The stereotactic treatment planning after fusion of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging was optimized according to the critical structures (lenses, optic nerves, chiasm). RESULTS: In group of 96 patients with posterior uveal melanoma treated with one day session stereotactic radiosurgery, patient age ranged from 25 to 80 years with a median of 54 years. Median tumor volume at baseline was 0.6 cm(3) (with range from 0.2 to 1.0 cm(3)). Median maximal dose applied was 49.0 Gy (range from 37.0 to 52.0 Gy). Secondary enucleation was necessary in 11 patients (11.5%) due to complications like irradiation neuropathy and secondary glaucoma. Tumor local control was successful in 95% of patients in 3 years interval after stereotactic radiosurgery and in 85% of patients in 5 years interval after stereotactic radiosurgery. CONCLUSION: One step LINAC based stereotactic radiosurgery with a single dose 35.0 Gy is one of treatment options to treat T2 or T3 stage posterior uveal melanoma.