Vitamin A Deficiency, COVID-19, and Rhino-Orbital Mucormycosis (Black Fungus): An Analytical Perspective.

Mucormycosis is a rare but serious opportunistic fungal disease characterized by rhino-orbito-cerebral and pulmonary involvement. It is mainly seen in people with secondary immunosuppression, isolated vitamin A deficiency, measles, and AIDS patients. It showed a rise during the second wave of the COVID-19 epidemic in the spring of 2021 in India, especially in diabetic COVID-19 patients. Vitamin A deficiency is known to cause nutritional immunodeficiency and hence leading the way to increased opportunistic fungal, bacterial, and viral infections. In the eye, it causes keratitis, night blindness, xerophthalmia, conjunctivitis, Bitot spots, keratomalacia, and retinopathy. It also causes decreased tear secretion and deterioration of the anatomical/physiological defense barrier of the eye. The negative impact of vitamin A deficiency has been previously demonstrated in measles, AIDS, and COVID-19. We think that mucormycosis in COVID-19 might be rendered by vitamin A deficiency and that vitamin A supplementation may have preventive and therapeutic values against mucormycosis and other ocular symptoms associated with COVID-19. However, any vitamin A treatment regimen needs to be based on laboratory and clinical data and supervised by medical professionals.

A Rare Orbital Pathology: A Large Orbital Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans.

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a rare sarcoma of the dermis. It is a malignant, locally aggressive, and infiltrative tumor with frequent recurrence. In this case, a 44-year-old woman presented with a 15-year history of a swelling in the medial canthus of the right eye that caused tearing. Imaging revealed a septated mass isodense to soft tissue that had eroded the medial wall of the orbit. Macroscopic examination showed an elastic, gray-brown, encapsulated, irregular mass measuring 45x35x22 mm. The surgical margins were positive, so adjuvant radiotherapy was started. The patient was followed for 2 years without recurrence. According to the literature, this mass is the largest orbital DFSP treated by globe-sparing primary resection.

Automated quantification of foveal avascular zone and vascular density in Behçet's disease.

PURPOSE: To measure the vascular density (VD) and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area in patients with Behçet's disease (BD) obtained by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). METHODS: VD and FAZ area in the deep and superficial retinal vascular networks were measured in all eyes. RESULTS: Thirty BD and 31 control subjects were included in the study. The mean overall VD measured in the entire scan was lower in BD compared with control group in both the superficial (49.52 ± 6.54 vs 53.57 ± 2.87%, respectively; p = 0.003) and deep (53.44 ± 7.44 vs 58.41 ± 3.01%, respectively; p = 0.002) areas. The FAZ in the BD group was significantly increased at the level of the superficial (0.52 ± 0.67 vs 0.28 ± 0.1 mm2, respectively; p = 0.05) and deep (0.91 ± 1.25 vs 0.39 ± 0.14 mm2, respectively; p = 0.024) areas compared with those of the control group. The deep and the superficial FAZ areas were positively correlated with disease duration and negatively with VA. CONCLUSION: In the patients with BD, OCTA showed decreased VD in both the superficial and deep retinal vascular networks. Besides, the VA was correlated with the VD and FAZ.

Approach of Family Physicians to Pediatric Eye Screening in Diyarbakir

Objectives: In Turkey, preventive medicine services are the responsibility of family physicians and vision screening is a key component of this responsibility. In this study, we aimed to investigate the approach of family physicians to vision screening in infants and children. Materials and Methods: Data were collected using a 16-item questionnaire administered to 100 family physicians working in the center and provinces of Diyarbakir. Results: The results indicated that 88 (88%) physicians declared knowing what the red reflex test was, while 12 physicians declared that they had never heard of it. Only 16 (16%) physicians performed the test routinely and 36 (36%) physicians performed it only in suspicious cases. Ten (10%) physicians indicated that they did not refer the patients to an ophthalmologist even though they did not perform the red reflex test. Moreover, 5 (5%) physicians did not have an ophthalmoscope and 12 (12%) physicians reported not knowing how to use an ophthalmoscope. Forty (40%) of the physicians measured preschool visual acuity at least once. Sixty-six (66%) physicians referred younger children who could not express their vision problems to an ophthalmologist. Four (4%) physicians declared that they would delay surgery in children with strabismus until they were old enough for surgery. Ninety-three (93%) physicians suggested that educational seminars about vision screening would be beneficial. Conclusion: Educational seminars about vision screening may have favorable outcomes. The medical devices in family medicine centers should be improved. Vision screening can be added to the negative performance-based compensation system in order to increase physicians' attention to vision screening. To implement detailed eye screening programs like those in developed countries, an infrastructure should be established for this screening program.

Associations between red reflex abnormality, consanguinity and intensive care hospitalization of newborns in Turkey.

BACKGROUND: Red reflex screening is the primary but unheeded test for the detection of vision- and life-threatening eye conditions. AIMS: To evaluate the red reflex of newborns, percentage of ocular diseases resulting in red reflex abnormality, and their relation with consanguinity in Southeast Turkey. METHODS: Newborns (n = 1358) were examined with pencil light and direct ophthalmoscopy. RESULTS: Eight hundred of these newborns were hospitalized in a rooming-in unit. (RIU) and 558 were in the neonatal intensive care service (NICS). In the RIU there were 7 (0.88%) newborns with abnormal red reflex and in the NICS there were 14 (2.51%). Sensitivity of pencil light examination was 71.4%. Studies from the Middle East have shown potential recessive genetic causes of common paediatric ocular conditions. In our study, consanguineous marriage was found to have a significant association with red reflex abnormality (P = 0.017). CONCLUSIONS: Red reflex screening test is important in the early diagnosis of vision- and life-threatening eye disorders in Southeast Turkey where consanguinity is common.

Do Largest Basal Tumor Diameter and the American Joint Committee on Cancer's Cancer Staging Influence Prognostication by Gene Expression Profiling in Choroidal Melanoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prognostication of choroidal melanoma (CM) by the gene expression profiling (GEP) test. DESIGN: Cohort study. METHODS: Retrospective review of 293 CM patients from 2 centers. RESULTS: Of 293 patients, 132 (45%) were class 1A by GEP, 63 (22%) were class 1B, and 98 (33%) were class 2. Class 2 tumors had more ciliary body involvement and greater largest basal dimension (LBD), and were thicker. GEP results and increasing LBD were independently predictive of time to metastasis. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis estimated the probability of 3-year metastasis-free survival (MFS) of 0.99 in class 1A, 0.90 in class 1B, and 0.60 in class 2. The probability of 3-year MFS was 0.49 in class 2 patients with LBD ≥ 12 mm vs 1.00 in those with LBD < 12 mm, 0.89 in class 1B with LBD ≥ 12 mm vs 0.93 in those with LBD < 12 mm, and 0.99 in class 1A with LBD ≥ 12 mm vs 1.00 in those with LBD < 12 mm. In American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage I CMs, the probability of 3-year MFS was 1.0 for class 1A and 1B, and 0.79 for class 2. In stage II CMs, the probability of 3-year MFS was 0.99 for class 1A, 0.89 for class 1B, and 0.61 for class 2. In stage III CM, the probability of 3-year MFS was 1.0 for class 1A, 0.60 for class 1B, and 0.41 for class 2. CONCLUSIONS: GEP testing provided significant prognostic information for CM. Class 2 tumors with LBD ≥ 12 mm and class 2 and 1B tumors with AJCC stage III showed significantly worse prognosis.

Evaluation of Choroidal Hemangioma and Treatment With Photodynamic Therapy by Using Enhanced Depth Imaging Optical Coherence Tomography.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) features of choroidal hemangioma and changes following photodynamic therapy (PDT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective review of 21 choroidal hemangiomas. RESULTS: On EDI-OCT, choroidal hemangioma showed low internal reflectivity in 47% of lesions and high internal reflectivity in 53%. The most common associated features were normal-looking honeycomb-like pattern in choriocapillaris in all lesions, inner segment/outer segment abnormality in 62%, photoreceptor outer segment abnormality in 62%, subretinal fluid with speckles in 62%, and shaggy photoreceptors in 57% of lesions. Internal reflectivity changed from low to high in 67% of lesions. Photoreceptor outer segment and plexiform layer abnormalities became more noticeable and shaggy photoreceptors improved. CONCLUSION: On EDI-OCT, choroidal hemangioma showed normal-looking honeycomb-like pattern in the choriocapillaris, subretinal fluid with speckles, and abnormalities in the photoreceptor outer segment and plexiform layers. Following PDT, the choriocapillaris became sclerotic, and photoreceptor outer segment layer abnormalities were prominent. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2018;49:171-178.].

Early detection of macular and peripapillary changes with spectralis optical coherence tomography in patients with prediabetes.

PURPOSE: To compare the retina ganglion cell complex (GCC) layer and peripapillary nerve fibre layer thickness (pRNFL) in patients with prediabetes and healthy subjects analysed by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). METHODS: This cross-sectional and comparative study included prediabetic patients and healthy subjects. All participants underwent SD-OCT measurement of pRNFL thickness, and GCC thickness. RESULTS: A total of 30 eyes of the 30 patients with prediabetes and 30 eyes of 30 controls were included. The overall calculated pRNFL thicknesses were similar between the prediabetic and control subjects. The GCC thickness was significantly lower in all quadrants of the inner macula, and outer nasal quadrant in the prediabetes group when compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that inner macular GCC thickness was significantly thinner in prediabetic subjects. As a result neurodegeneration may play role in the thinning of GCC.

Brimonidine-timolol versus brinzolamide-timolol for treatment of elevated intraocular pressure after phacoemulsification surgery.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of the fixed combination of brimonidine-timolol (FCBT) and the fixed combination of brinzolamide-timolol (FCBZT) treatments for elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) after phacoemulsification cataract surgery. METHODS: A randomised, prospective, double-blinded study was conducted on 277 eyes of 257 patients who underwent phacoemulsification cataract surgery. Patients were divided into three groups based on the medication administered after cataract surgery as follows: FCBT, FCBZT and a control group where no antiglaucoma medications were used. IOP was recorded at preoperative and postoperative hours 6 and 24 and days 3 and 5. RESULTS: No statistical differences were observed among the groups regarding age, sex and baseline IOP levels (p > 0.05). Mean IOP levels were significantly lower in the treatment groups than in the control group at postoperative hours 6 and 24 and days 3 and 5 (p < 0.001). Administration of one drop of FCBT or FCBZT demonstrated similar effects on preventing IOP spikes within 24 h of phacoemulsification cataract surgery. FCBZT more effectively lowered IOP than FCBT at days 3 and 5 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that the postoperative administration of FCBT or FCBZT is effective in lowering IOP after phacoemulsification cataract surgery; FCBZT more effectively lowered IOP than FCBT at postoperative days 3 and 5.

SUBTENON AMIKACIN INJECTION FOR THE TREATMENT OF NOCARDIA ASTEROIDES ORBITAL CELLULITIS IN A PATIENT WITH A HISTORY OF SCLERAL BUCKLING.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the use of subtenon amikacin injection for the treatment of Nocardia asteroides orbital cellulitis in a patient with a history of scleral buckle surgery. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 79-year-old diabetic woman presented with an 8-month history of diplopia, discharge, and swelling around her left eye. She had a scleral buckle surgery in this eye about 15 years ago. Examination of the left eye showed a visual acuity of 20/80, swollen and ptotic upper eyelid, chemotic conjunctiva, and limited extraocular motility. Magnetic resonance imaging showed an abscess under the scleral buckle. The scleral buckle was removed, and the abscess under the scleral buckle was drained. N. asteroides grew on the culture. Despite 4 months of the systemic trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole and the topical fortified amikacin therapy, her infection worsened. After 5 monthly subtenon amikacin injections, the infection regressed dramatically, and her vision improved to 20/70. She used the systemic trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole for 10 more months. After a 1-year follow-up, her external examination was normal, except for the left upper eyelid ptosis. CONCLUSION: Subtenon amikacin injection can be added to the regimen for N. asteroides orbital cellulitis, of which surgical drainage, systemic and topical antibiotic therapies are not enough to control infection.

Photoacoustic imaging features of intraocular tumors: Retinoblastoma and uveal melanoma.

The purpose of this study is to examine the capability of photoacoustic (PA) imaging (PAI) in assessing the unique molecular and architectural features in ocular tumors. A real-time PA and ultrasonography (US) parallel imaging system based on a research US platform was developed to examine retinoblastoma in mice in vivo and human retinoblastoma and uveal melanoma ex vivo. PA signals were generated by optical illumination at 720, 750, 800, 850, 900 and 950 nm delivered through a fiber optical bundle. The optical absorption spectra of the tumors were derived from the PA images. The optical absorption spectrum of each tumor was quantified by fitting to a polynomial model. The microscopic architectures of the tumors were quantified by frequency domain analysis of the PA signals. Both the optical spectral and architectural features agree with the histological findings of the tumors. The mouse and human retinoblastoma showed comparable total optical absorption spectra at a correlation of 0.95 (p<0.005). The quantitative PAI features of human retinoblastoma and uveal melanoma have shown statistically significant difference in two tailed t-tests (p<0.05). Fully compatible with the concurrent procedures, PAI could be a potential tool complementary to other diagnostic modalities for characterizing intraocular tumors.

Activation of toxoplasma retinochoroiditis during pregnancy and evaluation of ocular findings in newborns.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate patients with activation of toxoplasma retinochoroiditis during pregnancy and ocular findings in newborns. A total of 17 pregnant patients who were clinically and serologically diagnosed with ocular toxoplasmosis were retrospectively reviewed. After birth, ocular findings for all infants were recorded. The mean age of the patients was 29.08 ± 5.71 years. In all cases, activation was present in only one eye. In 13 cases, anterior uveitis was associated with posterior uveitis. Visual acuity in all cases prior to treatment was 0.3 ± 0.21 and increased to 0.55 ± 0.29 after treatment. The mean gestational age of the patients was 19.76 ± 8.71 weeks at the time of hospital admission. No case of toxoplasmic ocular involvement was identified in the infants on postnatal examination. In the case of toxoplasma retinochoroiditis during pregnancy, appropriate treatment and follow-up is very important to protect the newborns and to prevent impaired vision in mothers.

Retina ganglion cell/inner plexiform layer and peripapillary nerve fiber layer thickness in patients with acromegaly.

Increased secretion of growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 in acromegaly has various effects on multiple organs. However, the ocular effects of acromegaly have yet to be investigated in detail. The aim of the present study was to compare retina ganglion cell/inner plexiform layer (GCIPL) and peripapillary nerve fiber layer thickness (pRNFL) between patients with acromegaly and healthy control subjects using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). This cross-sectional, comparative study included 18 patients with acromegaly and 20 control subjects. All participants underwent SD-OCT to measure pRNFL (in the seven peripapillary areas), GCIPL (in the nine ETDRS areas), and central macular thickness (CMT). Visual field (VF) examinations were performed using a Humphrey field analyzer in acromegalic patients. Measurements were compared between patients with acromegaly and control subjects. A total of 33 eyes of 18 patients with acromegaly and 40 eyes of 20 control subjects met the inclusion criteria of the present study. The overall calculated average pRNFL thickness was significantly lower in patients with acromegaly than in control subjects (P = 0.01), with pRNFL thickness significantly lower in the temporal superior and temporal inferior quadrants. Contrary to our expectations, pRNFL thickness in the nasal quadrant was similar between acromegalic and control subjects. The mean overall pRNFL thickness and superonasal, nasal, inferonasal, and inferotemporal quadrant pRNFL thicknesses were found to correlate with the mean deviation (MD) according to Spearman's correlation. However, other quadrants were not correlated with VF sensitivity. No significant difference in CMT values was observed (P = 0.6). GCIPL thickness was significantly lower in all quadrants of the inner and outer macula, except for central and inferior outer quadrants, in the acromegaly group than that in the control group (P < 0.05). GCIPL thicknesses of the inferior inner and outer macula quadrants were found to correlate with MD, whereas no correlation was observed between other quadrants and VF sensitivity. We demonstrated that GCIPL thickness decreased in patients with acromegaly compared with that in control subjects. However, the nasal quadrant pRNFL thickness was similar in acromegaly, in contrast to our expectations. SD-OCT may have utility in the assessment of the effects of acromegaly on retinal structures.

The effects of delivery type and gender on intraocular pressure and central corneal thickness in newborns.

PURPOSE: To analyze intraocular pressure (IOP) and central corneal thickness (CCT) in newborns during the first 12 h of life. METHODS: Forty-three newborns born by vaginal delivery (VD) and 30 newborns born by cesarean section (CS) were evaluated. IOP and CCT were measured using Tono-Pen and handheld pachymeter, respectively, at both the 5th minute after delivery and at the 12th h of life. RESULTS: The mean IOP for the VD group was significantly higher than that of the CS group at both the 5th minute and 12th h (p =0.042 and p =0.018, respectively). In both groups, the IOP decreased by the 12th h, but the decrease was only significant for the CS group (p =0.020). The decrease in CCT over the 12 h was significant for both groups (p <0.001). In the VD and CS groups, the IOP values of the males were significantly higher than those of the females at the fifth minute only (p =0.024 and p =0.043, respectively). No other values were significantly different between the genders. CONCLUSIONS: Newborn IOP is affected by the mode of delivery and gender. A higher IOP was found in vaginally delivered newborns than in CS newborns for at least 12 h postpartum. CCT showed a significant decline within 12 h. Male newborns have significantly higher IOP values in the first minutes of life.

The effects of delivery type and gender on intraocular pressure and central corneal thickness in newborns / Os efeitos do tipo de parto e sexo sobre a pressão intraocular e espessura corneana central em recém-nascidos

ABSTRACT Purpose: To analyze intraocular pressure (IOP) and central corneal thickness (CCT) in newborns during the first 12 h of life. Methods: Forty-three newborns born by vaginal delivery (VD) and 30 newborns born by cesarean section (CS) were evaluated. IOP and CCT were measured using Tono-Pen and handheld pachymeter, respectively, at both the 5th minute after delivery and at the 12th h of life. Results: The mean IOP for the VD group was significantly higher than that of the CS group at both the 5th minute and 12th h (p =0.042 and p =0.018, respectively). In both groups, the IOP decreased by the 12th h, but the decrease was only significant for the CS group (p =0.020). The decrease in CCT over the 12 h was significant for both groups (p <0.001). In the VD and CS groups, the IOP values of the males were significantly higher than those of the females at the fifth minute only (p =0.024 and p =0.043, respectively). No other values were significantly different between the genders. Conclusions: Newborn IOP is affected by the mode of delivery and gender. A higher IOP was found in vaginally delivered newborns than in CS newborns for at least 12 h postpartum. CCT showed a significant decline within 12 h. Male newborns have significantly higher IOP values in the first minutes of life.

RESUMO Objetivos: Analisar a pressão intraocular (IOP) e a espessura corneana central (CCT) em recém-nascidos durante as primeiras 12 horas de vida. Método: Quarenta e três recém-nascidos nascidos por parto vaginal (VD) e 30 recém-nascidos nascidos após cesariana (CS) foram avaliados. IOP e CCT foram medidos com Tono-Pen e Handheld Pachymeter no quinto minuto após o parto e na décima segunda hora de vida. Resultados: A média de IOP para o grupo VD foi significativamente maior do que o grupo CS tanto no quinto minuto quanto na décima segunda hora (p=0,042, p=0,018, respectivamente). Em ambos os grupos, a IOP diminuiu na décima segunda hora, mas a redução foi significativa apenas para o grupo CS (p=0,020). A diminuição da CCT nas doze horas foi significativa para ambos os grupos (p<0,001). Nos grupos VD e CS os valores de IOP dos homens foram significativamente maiores do que das mulheres apenas no quinto minuto (p=0,024 e p=0,043, respectivamente). Outros valores não foram significativamente diferentes entre os sexos. Conclusões: A IOP em recém-nascidos é afetada pela via de parto e pelo sexo. A IOP é maior em recém-nascidos de parto normal durante pelo menos 12 horas. A CCT mostra queda significativa no prazo de 12 horas. Recém-nascidos do sexo masculino têm valores de IOP significativamente mais elevados nos primeiros minutos de vida.

Prognostic factors for stereopsis in refractive accommodative esotropia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prognostic factors affecting stereoacuity in patients with refractive accommodative esotropia (RAE) according to the results of long follow- up period. METHODS: We reviewed the charts of 70 patients with RAE between the years 1985-2014. Patients were classified into three groups. G-1: Stereoacuity score 40 second/arc. G-2: Stereoacuity score >40 second/arc (50-3000). G-3: No binocular vision. Initiation age of RAE, duration of deviation, refractive error, amblyopia, amblyopia treatment, anisometropia, visual acuity, family history, angle of deviation for distance and near at each group and the prognostic factors affecting stereoacuity were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean initiation age of RAE was 2.7±1.5 years, the mean age at first visit was 6.4±4.2 years. The mean follow up time was 7.3±4.4 years. Seven patients had 40 second/arc, 48 patients had 50 to 3000 second/arc stereoacuity, 15 patients had no binocular vision. Mean deviation for near was statistically higher in group 2 and 3. Visual acuity levels were higher in group 1 and 2 and was statistically significant. Low visual acuity (p=0.001, 0.008), higher angle of deviation at near (p=0.01), increased duration of deviation (p=0.01), presence of amblyopia (p=0.001) and irregularity of amblyopia treatment (p=0.01) were significantly related with poor stereoacuity. CONCLUSION: According to the prognostic factors low stereoacuity was mostly related with amblyopia as a result the late presentation of the patients in seeking care. Appropriate treatment as full refractive correction and amblyopia treatment during the RAE is important for development of good stereopsis. Also angle of deviation at near and duration of deviation can be a useful predictor for poor stereoacuity levels.

Approach of Turkish ophthalmologists to micronutrition in age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the knowledge and behaviors of ophthalmologists in Turkey concerning micronutrition support in patients with age related macular degeneration (ARMD). METHODS: This study involved 1,845 ophthalmologists. A scientific poll was sent to all participants by email. The survey covered the following: demographic features, subspecialty knowledge about micronutrition preference for prescribing micronutrition to age related macular degeneration patients, and the reason for this preference. If a participant indicated that he or she prescribed micronutrition, the participant was also asked to indicate the source of the treatment and supplemental treatments. RESULTS: Of 1,845 ophthalmologists, 249 responded to the survey. Of the respondents, 9% (22) never, 43% (107) sometimes, 37% (92) frequently, and 11% (27) always used micronutrition. The most frequent prescribing subgroup was general ophthalmology (22%), followed by the retina-uvea subspecialty (13.9%). The micronutrition prescribing ratio was 54.8% in retina-uvea specialists when the "frequent" and "always" responses were combined. There was no statistically significant difference between subgroups with respect to prescribing micronutrition. Among the ophthalmologists prescribing micronutrition, 57.1% of them did not use the Age-Related Eye Disease Study-1 (AREDS) criteria, and only 31.3% prescribe micronutrition according to AREDS criteria. The results for the general ophthalmologist and retina-uvea specialist subgroups were similar, 56.3% vs 20.2%, and 54.1% vs 36.1%, respectively. Micronutrition was not recommended for the following reasons: expensive (55.4%), low patient expectancy (40%), no effect (30%), and low patient drug compliance (25.4%). Moreover, 55.2% of the clinicians recommended physical activities, dietary changes, and smoking cessation; 7.3% did not recommend these behavioral changes. CONCLUSION: This survey demonstrated that micronutrition preference in age related macular degeneration was low in ophthalmologists in Turkey. Additionally, retina specialists have a lower rate of prescribing micronutrition. Micronutrition support and behavior such as smoking cessation, dietary changes, etc. should be recommended more often to patients with age related macular degeneration.