Intraoperative floppy iris syndrome and its association with various concurrent medications, bulbus length, patient age and gender.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the association between intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) and concurrent medications containing selective alpha1A receptor antagonists as well as nonselective alpha1-adrenergic receptor antagonists, bulbus length, patient age and gender. METHODS: We performed a prospective data acquisition of IFIS occurrence and grading, and retrospective evaluation of concurrent medications, bulbus length, patient age and gender of all patients undergoing cataract surgery over a 6-month period. RESULTS: IFIS was observed in 119 of 947 cases (12.6 %). 31 of those 119 patients (26.1 %) had a concurrent medication with a drug that is associated with a higher risk of causing IFIS. Tamsulosin was the drug most commonly associated with IFIS (n = 11), followed by a combination of drugs (n = 7), doxazosin (n = 4), quetiapine (n = 4), finasterid (n = 2), prothipendyl (n = 2), and mianserin (n = 1). Bulbus length and age did not show any significant association with occurrence or grade of IFIS. Gender distribution among IFIS cases was 57.1 % males (n = 68) and 42.9 % (n = 51) females. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of IFIS has to be expected with a variety of concurrent medications. The number of IFIS cases and the percentage of females in this series are higher compared to previous reports. The observations might be due to a rising awareness of surgeons or to an increasing number of causative medications on the market.

Effect of a multimedia-assisted informed consent procedure on the information gain, satisfaction, and anxiety of cataract surgery patients.

PURPOSE: To assess whether a multimedia-assisted preoperative informed consent procedure has an effect on patients' knowledge concerning cataract surgery, satisfaction with the informed consent process, and reduction in anxiety levels. SETTING: Hietzing Hospital, Vienna, Austria. DESIGN: Prospective randomized controlled clinical trial. METHODS: Patients participated in an informed consent procedure for age-related cataract surgery that included the standard approach only (reading the information brochure and having a standardized face-to-face discussion) or supplemented with a computer-animated video. The main outcome was information retention assessed by a questionnaire. Further outcome measures used were the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Visual Function-14 score, and an assessment of satisfaction. RESULTS: The study included 123 patients (64 in standard-only group; 59 in computer-animated video group). Both groups scored well on the questionnaire; however, patients who watched the video performed better (82% retention versus 72%) (P = .002). Scores tended to decrease with increasing age (r = -0.25, P = .005); however, this decrease was smaller in the group that watched the video. Both groups had elevated anxiety levels (means in video group: anxiety concerning the current situation [S-anxiety] = 63.8 ± 9.6 [SD], general tendency toward anxiety [T-anxiety] = 65.5 ± 7.9; means in control group: S-anxiety = 61.9 ± 10.3, T-anxiety = 66.2 ± 7.8). CONCLUSIONS: A high level of information retention was achieved using an informed consent procedure consisting of an information brochure and a standardized face-to-face discussion. A further increase in information retention was achieved, even with increasing patient age, by adding a multimedia presentation. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Understanding the impact of uveitis on health-related quality of life in adolescents.

PURPOSE: A reduction in quality of life (QoL) during an active phase of disease has been shown for patients with uveitis of various age groups. Adult uveitis patients were shown to also have reduced QoL-values despite disease being quiescent, but adolescents have not been investigated in this respect. METHODS: This clinic-based, cross-sectional pilot study assessed the overall health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adolescents (11-18 years) with a history of inactive uveitis and good visual function. Two independent generic (non-disease-specific) instruments were applied, the Inventory for Assessing the Quality of Life and the German KINDL-R-questionnaire. RESULTS: Thirty-seven adolescents, 20 females (54%) and 17 males with a mean age of 15 ± 3 years and diagnosis since 5 ± 2 years participated. Subgroups with a reduced HRQoL were those with anterior and intermediate localization of uveitis, bilateral disease, application of immunosuppressive therapy, a short time since diagnosis, and a high number of recurrences. CONCLUSION: Even despite quiescence of disease and good visual function, certain risk factors may result in a decreased HRQoL in juvenile uveitis patients. Our findings support the need of further evaluation of HRQoL in this patient group, the validation of specific psychometric inventories for this disease and the establishment of interdisciplinary collaboration including psychological counselling.

Acute anterior uveitis is associated with depression and reduction of general health.

AIMS: This study explored the association of active acute anterior uveitis (AAU) with depressive feelings and patients' general health. METHODS: This case-control study comprised 80 participants: 35 patients with an active case of AAU and 45 healthy peers were analysed to compare their depressive moods (Beck depression inventory (BDI), Zerssen Mood Scale (ZMS)) and general health (Short form-8 health survey (SF8)). Furthermore, patients were questioned regarding the presence of distress, occupational satisfaction and impairment in performing daily life tasks. RESULTS: During an acute attack, AAU patients were shown to suffer from depressive moods more often than their healthy peers (BDI 54% vs 9%, respectively; ZMS 2.7-fold shift in mood levels towards depression) and experienced a reduction in mental and physical scores (SF8). Patients felt impaired reading (94%), driving (69%) and working (69%). In all, 74% of the patients believed that distress was a probable trigger. Lack of occupational satisfaction was associated with a persistence of depressive feelings and a reduction in physical health. CONCLUSIONS: AAU patients exhibited a significant psychopathology towards depression, a reduction of general health and impairment of performing daily life tasks. Patients who were unsatisfied at work seemed to suffer even more. The results underline the importance of offering psychological support to the patients and providing information to patients and close social contacts.

The significance of early treatment of exudative age-related macular degeneration: 12 months' results.

BACKGROUND: To assess whether the period between initial symptoms and therapy with ranibizumab in patients with choroidal neovascularization (CNV) influences visual outcome after a follow-up of 12 months. METHODS: Fifty patients with CNV were retrospectively split into three groups depending on the duration of visual symptoms: group I: < 1 month, group II: 1-6 months, and group III: > 6 months. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) were recorded at baseline, 2, 6, and 12 months. Patients received two initial intravitreal injections of 0.5 mg ranibizumab at baseline and reinjections as needed. RESULTS: The mean time span between initial symptoms and treatment was 66 ± 63 days. A longer duration of visual symptoms was significantly correlated with a lower BCVA at baseline, but also after 6 and 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Shorter duration of visual symptoms prior to treatment is associated with a better visual outcome.

Uveitis- a rare disease often associated with systemic diseases and infections- a systematic review of 2619 patients.

BACKGROUND: Uveitis is an autoimmune disease of the eye that refers to any of a number of intraocular inflammatory conditions. Because it is a rare disease, uveitis is often overlooked, and the possible associations between uveitis and extra-ocular disease manifestations are not well known. The aim of this study was to characterize uveitis in a large sample of patients and to evaluate the relationship between uveitis and systemic diseases. METHODS: The present study is a cross-sectional study of a cohort of patients with uveitis. Records from consecutive uveitis patients who were seen by the Uveitis Service in the Department of Ophthalmology at the Medical University of Vienna between 1995 and 2009 were selected from the clinical databases. The cases were classified according to the Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature Study Group criteria for Uveitis. RESULTS: Data were available for 2619 patients, of whom 59.9% suffered from anterior, 14.8% from intermediate, 18.3% from posterior and 7.0% from panuveitis. 37.2% of all cases showed an association between uveitis and extra-organ diseases; diseases with primarily arthritic manifestations were seen in 10.1% of all cases, non-infectious systemic diseases (i.e., Behçet´s disease, sarcoidosis or multiple sclerosis) in 8.4% and infectious uveitis in 18.7%. 49.4% of subjects suffering from anterior uveitis tested positively for the HLA-B27 antigen. In posterior uveitis cases 29% were caused by ocular toxoplasmosis and 17.7% by multifocal choroiditis. CONCLUSION: Ophthalmologists, rheumatologists, infectiologists, neurologists and general practitioners should be familiar with the differential diagnosis of uveitis. A better interdisciplinary approach could help in tailoring of the work-up, earlier diagnosis of co-existing diseases and management of uveitis patients.

Time to first treatment: The significance of early treatment of exudative age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE: To determine whether the time span between initial symptoms and treatment with ranibizumab in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration has an effect on visual outcome. METHOD: In this retrospective study, 45 patients with exudative age-related macular degeneration were split into 3 groups depending on the duration of visual symptoms--Group I: <1 month, Group II: 1 month to 6 months, and Group III: >6 months. Best-corrected visual acuity, clinical ophthalmologic examination, and central retinal thickness as measured by optical coherence tomography were recorded at baseline and 2 months later. Fluorescein angiography was performed at baseline. Treatment consisted of 2 intravitreal injections of 1.25 mg of ranibizumab at baseline and after 4 weeks. RESULTS: The mean time span between initial symptoms and treatment was 59 ± 62 days. In all groups, a reduction of retinal thickness was observed. Shorter disease duration, as estimated by persistence of visual symptoms, was correlated with a better visual outcome after treatment. Patients in Group I demonstrated a significant increase in best-corrected visual acuity (P = 0.007). Patients of Group II (P = 0.095) and Group III (P = 0.271) still achieved a visual improvement in best-corrected visual acuity, albeit not significant. The mean change in best-corrected visual acuity was 0.08 ± 0.1 in all patients and was not statistically significant between groups (P = 0.87). CONCLUSION: Duration of visual symptoms <1 month before treatment is associated with a better visual outcome. Treatment of new-onset wet age-related macular degeneration should be initiated as soon as possible.

Efficacy and tolerability of preservative-free and preserved diclofenac and preserved ketorolac eyedrops after cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: To compare the anti-inflammatory efficacy and subjective tolerability of preservative-free and preserved diclofenac 0.1% and preserved ketorolac 0.5% eye drops for prophylaxis and management of inflammation after cataract surgery. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, investigator-masked, parallel-group, comparative clinical trial. METHODS: One hundred two patients who underwent small-incision phacoemulsification cataract surgery in an institutional setting were assigned randomly to receive preservative-free diclofenac sodium 0.1% (Voltaren ophtha SDU; Novartis Pharma), preserved diclofenac sodium 0.1% (Voltaren ophtha; Novartis Pharma), or preserved ketorolac tromethamine 0.5% (Acular; Pharm Allergan) eyedrops 4 times daily for 4 weeks after surgery. During the 1-month follow-up, anterior chamber flare and mean foveal thickness were evaluated for objective comparison of the anti-inflammatory effect. Ocular tolerability was assessed by observer-based grading of conjunctival hyperemia and ocular discomfort, as well as obtaining subjective ratings of ocular tolerability on a visual analog scale. Distance and near visual acuity and intraocular pressure served as safety measures. RESULTS: All 3 formulations demonstrated equal anti-inflammatory efficacy as measured by reduction of anterior chamber flare after surgery and prevention of postoperative macular edema. Patients treated with preservative-free diclofenac eyedrops reported significantly better subjective tolerability values (P = .001), were classified as having less ocular discomfort (P < .001), and experienced earlier reduction of postoperative conjunctival hyperemia (P = .029). CONCLUSIONS: Anti-inflammatory efficacy was comparable for all 3 agents. However, preservative-free diclofenac 0.1% eyedrops exhibited a significantly better postoperative subjective and objective tolerability when compared with preserved eyedrops containing ketorolac or diclofenac.

Intravitreal triamcinolone for persistent cystoid macular oedema in eyes with quiescent uveitis.

BACKGROUND: To determine the outcome following injections of triamcinolone acetate (IVTA) in the treatment of persistent cystoid macular oedema (CMO) in quiescent, non-infectious uveitis. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients with inactive uveitis requiring/not requiring immunosuppressive therapy who received IVTA because of chronic CMO refractory to previous systemic steroids. Number of IVTA (re-)treatments, distance visual acuity, near visual acuity, mean foveal thickness, intraocular pressure, duration of CMO, type of uveitis and systemic therapy were assessed previous to and 1, 4, 12 weeks following each IVTA treatment. RESULTS: Between March 2003 and May 2006, 24 eyes of 18 patients received between one and three IVTA injections. A resolution of chronic CMO was observed in 7/24 eyes (29.2%, 5 eyes after single injection of IVTA, 1 eye each after two and three injections of IVTA), a significant increase in distance visual acuity in 9/24 eyes (37.5%; 5 eyes with resolution of CMO, 4 eyes despite persistent CMO) and in near visual acuity in 13/24 eyes (54.6%; 6 eyes with resolution of CMO, 7 eyes despite persistent CMO). CONCLUSIONS: IVTA might be considered as a treatment for patients with chronic CMO when persistent despite previous systemic steroid therapy. Even patients without sustained resolution of CMO after IVTA might benefit in terms of transiently increasing visual acuity, but progression of cataract and rise in intraocular pressure limit repeatability.

Screening for cystoid macular oedema in children with uveitis using the retinal thickness analyser.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the retinal thickness analyser (RTA) as a means to identify the presence of cystoid macular oedema (CMO) in children with uveitis, whether the course of CMO can be monitored using this method, and whether there is a trend towards a correlation between macular oedema and visual acuity (VA) in children. METHODS: This prospective, cross-sectional study with observer-blinded analysis included 25 eyes. Standardized testing for best corrected distance VA (d-VA), near (reading) VA (n-VA) and slit-lamp examination were conducted. Using the RTA, a 3 x 3-mm scan of the macula was obtained, which was then used to discern CMO and calculate mean foveal thickness (MFT). RESULTS: Macular scanning was possible in all children. Cystoid macular oedema was discerned in 10 eyes (40%) and ruled out in 15. In CMO eyes, d-VA was 0.5 Snellen and n-VA was 2 Jaeger; neither result differed significantly from those in eyes without CMO. Mean foveal thickness correlated with n-VA (r = 0.511, p = 0.015), but not with d-VA (r = 0.271, p = 0.191). After 3 months of tailored therapy, CMO was still detectable in six eyes. Changes in d-VA in the CMO and non-CMO groups were 3 +/- 2.1 and 0.8 +/- 1.8 Snellen, respectively; changes in n-VA were 1 +/- 1.4 and 0.1 +/- 0.3 Jaeger, respectively. Changes in MFT were - 244.8 +/- 137.4 microm and - 0.8 +/- 18.1 microm, respectively. A statistically significant correlation was found between the changes in MFT and n-VA (r = 0.629), but not with that in d-VA (r = 0.292). CONCLUSIONS: We used the RTA to establish the presence or absence of CMO according to measurements of the macular region. Our findings show that CMO is a common complication in children with uveitis and can be present even in cases with good d-VA. Mean foveal thickness as measured with the RTA correlates indirectly with n-VA.

Uveitis and neurologic diseases: an often overlooked relationship.

AIM: Eye and brain are linked by development, and immune privileges preserve the integrity of these delicate organs thereby preventing irreversible defects in function. Manifestation of inflammatory or immune-mediated diseases in both systems seems perspicuous, yet during check-up of patients with uveitis they are rarely considered. In this study we aimed to determine the frequency of neurologic diseases in our uveitis patients and to describe the characteristics of ophthalmologic findings. METHODS: We analyzed the database of 1973 consecutive patients seen between 2000 and 2004 at the uveitis clinic at the hospital of the Medical University of Vienna. All cases of uveitis associated with neurologic co-manifestations of immune-mediated diseases were selected. RESULTS: Of 1973 patients with uveitis, 52 (2.6%) had neurologic diseases that were considered to be related to the eye inflammation. The most frequent entities were multiple sclerosis, Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada's disease, neurobehcet, central nervous system lymphoma, neurosyphilis and neurosarcoidosis. Uveitis was only rarely seen with infectious meningoencephalitis (neuroborreliosis, mumps, measles), Takayasu arteritis, Guillain-Barre syndrome or orbital pseudotumor. CONCLUSIONS: Several diseases can cause both ocular and/or central nervous system inflammation. This should prompt ophthalmologists and neurologists in the presence of one to rule out the other. In uveitis patients without evident neurological symptoms, specific ocular pathologies can help the treating ophthalmologist to tailor the work-up, whereas neurologists should always screen their patients, even when they are asymptomatic for ocular disease. Early diagnosis in both cases can help to initiate adequate treatment, thereby modulating the course of the disease and preventing complications.