Effect of low dose honey on the apoptosis and inflammation gene expression in corneal limbal stem cells and keratocytes and its efficacy as an ophthalmic formulation in the treatment of dry eye: in-vitro and clinical study.

Background: The use of honey as an eye treatment encounters challenges due to its high osmolarity, low pH, and difficulties in sterilization. This study addresses these issues by employing a low concentration of honey, focusing on both in-vitro experiments and clinical trials for treating dry eye disease in corneal cells. Methods: In the in-vitro experiment, we investigated the impact of a 1% honey-supplemented medium (HSM) on limbal stem cells (LSCs) and keratocytes using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for BCL-2, BAX, and IL-1ß gene expression. Simultaneously, in the clinical trial, 80 participants were divided into two groups, receiving either a 1% w/v honey ophthalmic formulation or a placebo for 3 months. Study outcomes included subjective improvement in dry eye symptoms, tear break-up time (TBUT), and Schirmer's test results. Results: MTT results indicated that 1% HSM did not compromise the survival of corneal cells and significantly reduced the expression of the IL-1ß gene. Additionally, participants in the honey group demonstrated a higher rate of improvement in dry eye symptoms and a significant enhancement in TBUT values at the three-month follow-up. However, there was no significant difference between the study groups in terms of Schirmer's test values. No adverse events were observed or reported. Conclusion: In conclusion, 1% honey exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-infective properties, proving effective in ameliorating dry eye symptoms and enhancing tear film stability in patients with dry eye disease.Clinical Trial Registration: https://irct.behdasht.gov.ir/trial/63800.

A comprehensive review of ethnomedicinal approaches, phytochemical analysis, and pharmacological potential of Vitex trifolia L.

Plants, renowned for their rich reservoir of metabolites, play a pivotal role in addressing health-related issues. The Verbenaceae family stands out, showcasing immense potential in preventing and treating chronic diseases. Vitex trifolia L. (V. trifolia), a shrub with a rich history in traditional medicine, particularly in Eastern Asia, has garnered attention for its diverse therapeutic applications. This comprehensive review aims to bridge traditional knowledge and contemporary insights by investigating ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and pharmacological effects of V. trifolia. The keyword "V. trifolia" and its synonyms were searched within the main scientific databases including PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and Baidu Scholar (from 1974 to 2022, last search: 21.10.2023). Phytochemical analyses reveal a spectrum of secondary metabolites in V. trifolia, including terpenoids, flavonoids, lignans, phytosterols, anthraquinones, and fatty acids. Notably, terpenoids and flavonoids emerge as the main bioactive metabolites. Pharmacological studies validate its therapeutic potential, demonstrating significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anticancer, anti-amnesic, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-malaria, antispasmodic activities, and reported insecticidal effects. Despite existing literature exploring pharmacological attributes and secondary metabolites of related species, a conspicuous gap exists, specifically focusing on the pharmacological activities and novel methods of purification of pure metabolites from V. trifolia. This review aimed to fill this gap by delving into traditional medicinal applications, exploring secondary metabolites comprehensively, and providing an in-depth analysis of pharmacological effects of pure metabolites. Combining traditional uses with contemporary pharmacological insights, this article sought to serve as a crucial reference for future research and practical application of V. trifolia. This approach contributes substantially to understanding the plant, fostering scientific inquiry, and facilitating its broader application in healthcare.

Prevalence and secular trends of four causes of blindness and visual impairment in Iran (1990-2019): a comparative study based on the Global Burden of Disease project's data.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of cataracts, refractive disorders, age-related macular disease (AMD), and glaucoma, as well as their trends from 1990 to 2019 in Iran, in comparison with high-middle socio-demographic index (HMSDI) countries and the world, using the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 study. METHODS: The GBD study provided data on the prevalence of blindness and visual impairment (VI), as well as four of their causes including cataracts, refractive disorders, age-related macular disease (AMD), and glaucoma. Using Joinpoint analysis, the annual percent change (APC) was calculated to assess the trend of change in prevalence in each category of diseases from 1990 to 2019, stratified by sex and age, for Iran, HMSDI countries, and the world. RESULTS: In 2019, refractive errors and cataracts were the most common causes of blindness and VI for both genders in Iran, HMSDI countries and the world. Iran had a higher age-standardized prevalence in all four categories of ophthalmologic disorders compared to HMSDI countries and the world for both genders in 2019. Additionally, the age-specific prevalence of all four disorders in 2019 was higher in Iran compared to HMSDI countries. However, in terms of trends of prevalence from 1990 to 2019, the rate of reduction for the four ophthalmologic disorders in Iran was higher than in HMSDI and the world for both males and females. Furthermore, Iran had a greater percentage of reduction in prevalence for all age groups in all four disorders compared to HMSDI countries. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of cataracts, refractive errors, AMD, and glaucoma in Iran was higher compared to HMSDI countries in 2019 for both sexes and all age groups, but the trends of prevalence for all four disorders from 1990 to 2019 in Iran had a higher slope of reduction compared to HMSDI countries for all ages and sexes.

Sensitivity and specificity of optical coherence tomography angiography for diagnosis and classification of diabetic retinopathy; a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is a noninvasive imaging method that can be used for the staging of diabetic retinopathy. In addition, alterations in OCTA parameters can precede the clinical fundus changes. In this review, we aimed to assess the accuracy of OCTA in diagnosis and staging of diabetic retinopathy. METHODS: Two independent reviewers participated in the literature search using electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library Central Register of Controlled Trials, ISI, and Scopus) from inception till December 2020. The heterogeneity of data was assessed by Q statistics, Chi-square test and I2 index. RESULTS: Forty-four articles published from 2015 to the end of 2020 were included in this meta-analysis. Of these, 27 were case-control studies, 9 were case series, and 8 were cohort studies. In total, 4284 eyes of 3553 patients were assessed in this study. OCTA could differentiate diabetic retinopathy from diabetes without diabetic retinopathy with a sensitivity of 88% (95% CI: 85% to 92%) and specificity of 88% (95% CI: 85% to 91%). In addition, it could differentiate proliferative diabetic retinopathy from non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy with a sensitivity of 91% (95% CI: 86% to 95%) and specificity of 91% (95% CI:86% to 96%). The sensitivity of OCTA for diagnosing diabetic retinopathy was increased by the size of scan (3 × 3 mm: 85%; 6 × 6 mm: 91%, 12 × 12 mm: 96%). CONCLUSION: OCTA, as a non-invasive method, has acceptable sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis and classification of diabetic retinopathy. A larger scan size is associated with more sensitivity for discriminating diabetic retinopathy.

Therapeutic Implications of Curcumin in the Treatment of Inflammatory Eye Diseases: A Review.

Curcumin is the main active constituent of the medicinal plant Curcuma longa L., used traditionally as a medicinal spice in several ancient civilizations. Different preclinical and clinical studies support the anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin in various inflammatory diseases. As inflammation has an essential role in the pathophysiology of many ocular diseases, curcumin has been suggested as a promising therapeutic agent with anti-inflammatory properties. Based on the extent of experimental and clinical evidence, curcumin can exert protective effects against the corneal, uveal, retinal, optic nerve, orbital, and lacrimal gland inflammatory disorders. Herein, the available literature on the beneficial effects of curcumin in inflammatory eye diseases is reviewed. The limitations and future directions of these investigations are also discussed.

Outcomes of near confluent laser versus combined less dense laser and bevacizumab treatment of prethreshold ROP Type 1 Zone 2: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the results of near confluent laser therapy versus combined less dense laser and intra vitreal bevacizumab in treatment of infants with type 1 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in zone II. METHODS: This is a prospective double-blinded randomized clinical trial study. Infants with Type 1 ROP in Zone 2 were randomized into case and control groups. Conventional laser therapy was executed for control group and combination of IVB and laser treatment was employed for the case group. RESULTS: Eighty-six eyes from 43 infants were analyzed in this trial. The first group included 42 eyes from 21 infants receiving a combination of laser ablation and IVB. The second group contained 44 eyes from 22 infants who received only conventional laser therapy. The combined IVB and laser ablation group demonstrated the neovascularization regression (20 out of 21 infants) one week after the procedure. In the conventional laser therapy group, this regression was found in (12 out of 22 infants) within one week after laser therapy (P = 0.001). Plus disease regression was observed in 20 (20/21) of combined treatment group and 7 infants (7/22) of conventional laser treatment group after one week. CONCLUSION: Combined less dense laser and bevacizumab treatment resulted in more rapid regression in comparison with the conventional laser treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: IRCT20201120049450N1, 27/12/2021.

Suprachoroidal hemorrhage during phacoemulsification surgery associated with recent COVID-19: A report of two cases.

To report two cases of suprachoroidal hemorrhage during otherwise uncomplicated phacoemulsification, in whom COVID-19 was documented with a positive PCR test about 1 month before the surgery and the importance of postponing elective surgeries for several months after infection.

The prevalence of refractive error in schoolchildren.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Information on the refractive error prevalence in school-aged children will result in delivering the optimal eye health service to this group. BACKGROUND: Understanding the prevalence of refractive error in school-aged children is crucial to reduce the consequences of uncorrected refractive error. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of refractive error among school-aged children in Shiraz, Iran. METHODS: In this cross-sectional population-based study, 2001 schoolchildren aged 6-12 years participated. All participants underwent cycloplegic refraction. Spherical equivalent (SE) of -0.50 dioptre or more was considered as myopia, SE of +2.00 dioptre or more as hyperopia, and astigmatism as cylinder power of 0.75 dioptre or more. The difference of 1.00 dioptre or more between two eyes defined as anisometropia. RESULTS: The prevalence of myopia was 11.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.2-13.1%), hyperopia 6.7% (95%CI: 5.6-7.9%), and astigmatism 28.9% (95%CI: 26.9-31.0%), out of which 82.1% had with the rule astigmatism. Anisometropia was detected in 4.0% (95%CI: 3.2-5.0%) of children. Astigmatism and anisometropia were significantly higher in boys (p < 0.001, p = 0.03 respectively). The SE decreased significantly with increasing age (p < 0.001) indicating an increase in myopia with age. In addition, the rate of myopic astigmatism increased with age (p < 0.001). Among studied schoolchildren 97.0% could achieve the best-corrected visual acuity of 6/6 and 3.0% could not in the better eye. CONCLUSION: Astigmatism was the most common refractive error among primary school children. The prevalence of myopia was relatively higher than other studies conducted in Iran, and it increased with age. These results may highlight the role of lifestyle changes and increased near work activities on the myopic shift in school-aged children. The findings provide information for screening programmes in school-aged children.

The Prevalence and Causes of Low Vision and Visual Impairment in School-Aged Children: The Shiraz Pediatric Eye Study.

Purpose: To determine the prevalence and causes of visual impairment (VI) in Shiraz schoolchildren aged between 6 and 12 years. Methods: In the present population-based study, stratified random sampling was used to select 2400 schoolchildren aged 6-12 years from all four educational districts of Shiraz, Iran. Using the definitions of the World Health Organization, VI was defined as best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ≤0.5 logMAR (20/60) in the better eye, and blindness as BCVA worse than 1.3 logMAR (20/400) in the better eye. The low vision was defined as BCVA equal to or worse than 0.5 logMAR (20/60) in either eye. Data were recorded from a detailed interview and ocular examination of each eligible student. Results: The mean age of the students was 9.1 ± 1.6 years. The prevalence of VI was 3/2001 (0.14%). The cause of VI in all these three patients (100%) was amblyopia due to high refractive errors (high ametropia and astigmatism). Regarding the main refractive errors leading to VI among these three patients, one patient had bilateral high hyperopia (compound hyperopic astigmatism), one of them had bilateral high astigmatism, and the other one had compound myopic astigmatism. According to a visual acuity of less than or equal to 20/60 in at least one eye, 9/2001 (0.4%) of children had low vision. Conclusions: This study revealed a low prevalence of VI in a sample of 6- to 12-year-old school-aged children. Amblyopia in the setting of high ametropia and astigmatism were the most common causes of VI.

Effect of topical povidone-iodine 10% plus levofloxacin 0.5% 1 hour before cataract surgery in eliminating perioperative conjunctival flora: randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of a single administration of topical povidone-iodine (PVI) 10% plus levofloxacin 0.5% at 1 hour before cataract surgery on perioperative elimination rate of conjunctival flora. SETTING: Poostchi Ophthalmology Research Center, Shiraz, Iran. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. METHOD: Patients who required cataract surgery were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups: intervention (administration of PVI 10% plus levofloxacin 0.5% at 1 hour preoperatively) or control. The patients in both groups received PVI just before the operation. Conjunctival cultures were obtained using thioglycollate broth at 4 timepoints: T1, before intervention; T2, before the second application of PVI; T3, 3 minutes after the second administration of PVI; and T4, just postoperatively. RESULTS: The study comprised 142 patients. The comparative rates of positive cultures in the intervention vs control groups were as follows: T1 (70.4% vs 73.2%, P = .709); T2 (15.5% vs 71.8%, P < .001); T3 (7.0% vs 19.7%, P = .027); and T4 (5.6% vs 4.2%, P = .698). Coagulase-negative Staphylococci was the most common isolated microorganism. CONCLUSIONS: Results showed that a single adjuvant application of PVI 10% plus levofloxacin 0.5% eyedrops at 1 hour before operation leads to a further increase in the rate of sterile conjunctiva just preoperatively.

EFFECT OF PANRETINAL PHOTOCOAGULATION ON CORNEAL SENSATION AND TEAR FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETIC RETINOPATHY.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the early effects of panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) on corneal sensation and dry eye signs in patients with diabetic retinopathy. METHODS: Fifty patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus and very severe nonproliferative or non-high-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy who required PRP for the treatment of their retinal condition were enrolled. All patients were treated using a pattern PRP device. Esthesiometry, tear breakup time test, Schirmer test, and corneal staining pattern were evaluated at baseline and 2 months after the last session of PRP. RESULTS: Data from 88 eyes of 50 patients (41 right eyes and 47 left eyes) were analyzed. The mean tear breakup time test (right eyes) was decreased from 9.51 at baseline to 7.66 seconds after PRP (P < 0.001). The post-PRP eyes showed more advanced grades of corneal staining than pre-PRP assessment (P < 0.001). The average value of Schirmer test was 14.39 versus 12.29 mm (without anesthesia; P < 0.001) and 8.17 versus 7.15 mm (with anesthesia, P < 0.001) for baseline versus post-PRP measurements, respectively. The corneal sensation also showed decrease after laser therapy (4.93 versus 4.31 cm; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that decreased corneal sensation and signs of dry eye are more common immediately after PRP for diabetic retinopathy. These conditions should be discussed with the patient preoperatively and managed postoperatively.

Corneal wasp sting: A case report and review of literature.

PURPOSE: To report severe immunologic and toxic reaction due to corneal wasp sting that may cause catastrophic sight-threatening outcomes. METHODS: A 45-year-old man referred to the emergency room with corneal wasp sting of Vespa Orientalis. The authors review previous Medline literature about this topic. RESULTS: In our case, the response to frequent topical corticosteroid was dramatic, and at the seventh day after injury, all inflammatory responses in the anterior segment of the eye had been resolved. CONCLUSION: Corneal wasp injury with Vespa Orientalis can cause severe inflammation of the cornea and the anterior segment. Topical corticosteroids are the mainstay of treatment.

Comparison between manual trephination versus femtosecond laser-assisted deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty for keratoconus.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To compare the outcomes of femtosecond laser-assisted deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (F-DALK) versus manual trephination DALK (M-DALK) in patients with keratoconus. METHODS: In this retrospective, comparative, clinical study, medical charts of 860 patients with keratoconus who underwent F-DALK (n=391) or M-DALK (n=469) with the Melles's technique, and had at least a 12-month follow-up record were reviewed. The main outcome measures comprised best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), manifest refraction and keratometric indices. The postsurgical measurements were recorded for all patients at 12 months (suture-in condition), and a subset of patients with complete data at 24 months (suture-out condition; 111 F-DALK and 282 M-DALK cases). RESULTS: Both procedures had comparable mean (±SD) logMAR BSCVA at 12 months (0.18±0.12 for M-DALK and 0.17±0.12 for F-DALK; p=0.224) and 24 months (0.11±0.10 vs 0.09±0.09, respectively; p=0.166) examinations. M-DALK was associated with a significant more residual myopia at 12 months (-3.85±3.27 vs -1.94±2.86 D; p<0.001), and a milder similar trend at 24 months follow-up (-2.94±2.72 vs -2.38±2.65 D, p=0.064). The mean keratometry (12 months: 46.15±1.88 vs 44.39±1.72, p<0.001; 24 months: 45.33±2.37 vs 44.14±1.68, p<0.001) and apical keratometry values (12 months: 50.92±5.00 vs 47.13±2.38, p<0.001; 24 months: 50.29±4.25 vs 48.12±3.81) were significantly greater for M-DALK than F-DALK, while the keratometric astigmatism was similar (12 months: 2.62±1.58 vs 2.53±1.33, p=0.364; 24 months: 3.21±1.83 vs 3.34±1.88, p=0.529). CONCLUSIONS: F-DALK for advanced keratoconus performs as well as M-DALK in terms of BSCVA and keratometric astigmatism in both suture-in (12 months) and suture-out (24 months) conditions. It might have advantages over M-DALK for residual myopia and restoring corneal anatomy.

The Shiraz Pediatric Eye Study; a Population Based Survey of School Age Children: Rationale, Design and Baseline Characteristics.

PURPOSE: To describe the rationale, study design, methodology, and baseline characteristics of the Shiraz Pediatric Eye Study, a population-based survey of schoolchildren in Shiraz, Iran. METHODS: This population-based study included schoolchildren aged 6-12 years from all four educational districts of Shiraz who were recruited in years 2015-2016. Stratified random sampling was used to select 2400 participants from all districts. Data were recorded from a detailed interview and ocular evaluation of each eligible student. The eye examination comprised uncorrected and best corrected visual acuity measurement, refraction, external eye examination (including specific strabismus and lid evaluation tests), slit lamp biomicroscopy, intraocular pressure measurement, the Ishihara color vision test, and stereoacuity. Exophthalmometry, optical biometry, and optical coherence tomography were performed for a randomly selected subset of children. General characteristics and socioeconomic variables were also recorded to assess risk factors. RESULTS: From a total of 2400 selected students, 2001 (83.3%) participated in the study. The mean age of the students was 9.1 ± 1.6 years, and 59.7% were girls. Most children had at least one parent with a diploma or less than diploma (63.5%), and 2.2% had illiterate parents. CONCLUSION: This study is expected to provide accurate estimates of the prevalence of visual impairments and their related determinants in Shiraz. In addition, it will identify children who should be targeted by blindness prevention programs.

Acute Progressive Visual Loss in a Case of Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Challenges in the Utility of Molecular Tests in Early Diagnose of Cytomegalovirus Retinitis.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is one of the rare but debilitating presentations of the CMV infection in children with leukemia. Herein, we report a 12-year-old boy with acute myeloid leukemia complicated by rapid progressive visual loss during relapse of leukemia. The definite diagnosis of CMV retinitis was made after vitreous aspiration. Despite prompt treatment and ophthalmologic intervention, he died because of AML relapse. Viral infections, especially cytomegalovirus infection, may present with vague clinical pictures during any time of chemotherapy, which may not be easily distinguishable from bacterial or fungal retinitis and also chemotherapy-induced retinopathies. Clinician should consider CMV retinitis in seropositive patients especially those without detectable viremia.

Water Drinking Test: Intraocular Pressure Changes after Tube Surgery and Trabeculectomy.

PURPOSE: To study the effects of filtration surgeries (tube and trabeculectomy) on changes in intraocular pressure after a water-drinking test. METHODS: In this prospective, non-randomized, comparative clinical study, 30 patients who had tube surgery and 30 age- and sex-matched trabeculectomy patients underwent a water-drinking test. Only one eye of each patient was included. The baseline intraocular pressure was ≤21 mmHg in all enrolled eyes with or without adjunctive topical medications. After the water-drinking test, the intraocular pressure was measured and recorded at 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes and the results were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: In both groups, intraocular pressure significantly increased from baseline at all measured time-points (P < 0.001). In the trabeculectomy group, the average intraocular pressure increased from 14.8 ± 2.9 to 18.8 ± 4.7 mmHg at 30 minutes, but decreased at 60 min (18.0 ± 5.2 mmHg). In the Tube group, intraocular pressure increased incrementally until the last measurement (14.2 ± 3.9, 18.8 ± 5.6, and 19.7 ± 6.0 mmHg at baseline, 30, and 60 minutes, respectively). The end-pressure difference (intraocular pressure at 60 minutes vs. baseline) was significantly greater in the tube group (5.6 ± 3.6 mmHg; 41% change) than in the trabeculectomy group (3.2 ± 4.7; 23% change; P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Intraocular pressure significantly increased after the water-drinking test in both the groups. Intraocular pressure started to decline 30 minutes after the water-drinking test in the trabeculectomy group, while it continued to increase up to 60 minutes in the Tube group. This finding may have implications regarding the efficacy or safety of the procedures in advanced glaucoma patients.

Agreement of Corneal Diameter Measurements Obtained by a Swept-source Biometer and a Scheimpflug-based Topographer.

PURPOSE: To assess the agreement between a swept-source optical biometry device (IOLMaster 700) and a Scheimpflug-based topography device (Pentacam HR) in measuring the corneal diameter. METHODS: A total of 100 eyes from 100 cataract surgery candidates were enrolled. The white-to-white (WTW) distance measurements provided by both devices were recorded and analyzed. A paired t test was performed to compare the mean values of the WTW distance between the IOLMaster 700 and Pentacam HR. The Bland-Altman analysis was used to evaluate the agreement between the measurements of both devices. RESULTS: Mean age (±SD) of the participants was 65.9 ± 3.3 years, and 58 (58%) were men. The mean WTW distances measured by the IOLMaster 700 and Pentacam HR were 11.72 ± 0.45 mm and 11.41 ± 0.42 mm, respectively (P < 0.001). The overall 95% limits of agreement were -0.17 and 0.78 mm. The 95% limits of agreement between the measurements of the 2 devices were -0.30 and 0.84 versus -0.07 and 0.72 for eyes with WTW distances of ≤11.50 mm versus >11.50 mm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of this study, the IOLMaster 700 may overestimate the WTW distance measurements by up to 0.78 mm compared with the Pentacam HR, so these 2 devices should not be used interchangeably for this purpose. The agreement is somehow weaker for eyes with WTW distances of 11.50 mm or less than those with WTW distances greater than 11.50 mm.

The Effect of Sub-Tenon's Bupivacaine on Oculocardiac Reflex during Strabismus Surgery and Postoperative Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: Oculocardiac reflex (OCR), defined as bradycardia induced by manipulation of extraocular muscles, is a serious complication during strabismus surgery for which prevention and proper management is required. In the present study, we investigated the efficacy of sub-Tenon injection of bupivacaine for prevention of OCR and postoperative pain. METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted. Fifty patients who were candidates for strabismus surgery were randomized into case (sub-Tenon's bupivacaine injection) or control (normal saline injection) groups. Standard strabismus surgery was performed for all cases. Occurrence and severity of OCR (primary outcome) and postoperative pain (using the Visual Analog Scale) were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Both incidence (32% vs. 100%; P = 0.002) and severity of OCR (mean heart rate decrease, 10.1 vs. 38.7 beats/minute; P < 0.001) were significantly lower in the study group compared to those in the control group. Postoperative pain scores were significantly lower in the case group than in the control group (mean score, 2.8 vs. 5.9 at 60 minutes after surgery; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Sub-Tenon injection of bupivacaine as a local anesthetic can significantly prevent OCR and decrease the severity of bradycardia. This technique can also diminish postoperative pain in patients who underwent strabismus surgery.

Correlation Between Intraocular Pressure and Central Corneal Thickness in Persian Children.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to determine intraocular pressure (IOP) and central corneal thickness (CCT) measurements in healthy Persian children to find clinical reference values in this ethnicity. Additionally, we examined the possible relationship between these measurements. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 262 eyes of 131 Persian primary school children between 6 and 13 years of age. All eyes were healthy and had no anterior or posterior segment abnormalities, corneal disease, or evidence of glaucoma. Specular microscopy was used to measure CCT and both noncontact tonometry (NCT) and Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT) were used to measure IOP. Correlations between IOP measurements were also examined. RESULTS: Mean CCT was 513.47 ± 34.51 µm in the right eye (OD) and 513.93 ± 33.88 µm in the left eye (OS). The CCT was not significantly different between older (10-13 years) and younger (6-9 years) patients. Mean IOP measured with GAT was 13.86 ± 2.13 mmHg OD and 13.72 ± 2.04 mmHg OS and mean IOP measured with NCT was 15.26 ± 2.38 mmHg OD and 15.11 ± 2.18 mmHg OS. The IOP and CCT measured with GAT were weakly correlated (OD: r = 0.141, P = 0.114; OS: r = 0.236, P = 0.007). However, IOP and CCT measured with NCT (OD: r = 0.487, P = 0.000; OS: r = 0.456, P = 0.000) were moderately correlated. Our outcomes demonstrated that for 100 µm increase in CCT, IOP measured with GAT and NCT increased by 0.8 and 3.3 mmHg, respectively, in OD and by 1.4 and 2.9 mmHg in OS. Based on intraclass correlation coefficients, IOP measurements made with GAT and NCT were in fair agreement in OD and in good agreement in OS. CONCLUSION: The IOP and CCT in healthy Persian school children (6-13 years old) were positively correlated. Our findings revealed that corneal thickness is thinner in Persian children than in most other racial groups. FUNDING: This study has been funded by deputy dean in research of School of Medicine and deputy vice chancellor of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.