Relationships between corneal biomechanics and the structural and functional parameters of glaucoma damage / Relações entre a biomecânica da córnea e os parâmetros estruturais e funcionais do dano do glaucoma

ABSTRACT Purpose: To investigate the relationships between (i) thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer, optic nerve head topography, and visual field parameters and (ii) corneal biomechanical properties in normal controls and patients with ocular hypertension and primary open-angle glaucoma. Methods: This observational, cross-sectional study included 68 eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma, 99 eyes with ocular hypertension and 133 control eyes. Corneal biomechanical properties, optic nerve head topographic features, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, and visual fields were assessed in all cases. Corneal biomechanical properties, retinal nerve fiber layer thicknesses, and optic nerve head topographic features were compared among the groups. The associations between structural and functional measures of glaucomatous damage and corneal biomechanical factors were also evaluated. Results: Significantly lower corneal hysteresis and corneal resistance factor values were observed in the primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension groups as compared with the control group, but there were no significant differences between the primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension groups. In the ocular hypertension group, no associations were observed between the corneal hysteresis and corneal resistance factor with values and the structural and functional parameters. In the primary open-angle glaucoma group, positive correlations were observed between the corneal hysteresis values and the global retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (p<0.01, r=0.27), mean retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (p<0.01, r=0.33), and mean deviation (p<0.01, r=0.26), and negative correlations were observed between the corneal resistance factor values, and the cup area (p<0.01, r=-0.39), cup-to-disk ratio (p=0.02, r=-0.28), linear cup-to-disk ratio (p=0.02, r=-0.28), and cup shape (p=0.03, r=-0.26). In the control group, weak correlations were detected between the corneal hysteresis and the cup area (p=0.03, r=0.19), cup-to-disk ratio (p=0.01, r=0.21), and linear cup-to-disk ratio (p=0.01, r=0.22). Conclusions: Distinct correlations were identified between the corneal hysteresis and corneal resistance factor values and the functional and structural parameters in the primary open-angle glaucoma and control groups. Corneal hysteresis and corneal resistance factor may have different roles in the pathophysiology of glaucoma.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar as relações entre (i) espessura da camada de fibras nervosas da retina, topografia do nervo óptico e parâmetros do campo visual e (ii) propriedades biomecânicas da córnea, em controles normais e pacientes com hiperten são ocular e glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto. Métodos: Este estudo observacional, transversal, incluiu 68 olhos com glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto, 99 olhos com hipertensão ocular e 133 olhos controle. As propriedades biomecânicas da córnea, as características topográficas da cabeça do nervo óptico, a espessura da camada de fibras nervosas da retina e os campos visuais foram avaliados em todos os casos. As propriedades biomecânicas da córnea, a espessura da camada de fibras nervosas da retina e as características topográficas da cabeça do nervo óptico foram comparadas entre os grupos. As associações entre medidas estruturais e funcionais de danos glaucomatosos e fatores biomecânicos da córnea também foram avaliadas. Resultados: Valores de histerese corneana e da resistência corneana foram significativamente menores nos grupos com glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto e hipertensão ocular em com paração ao grupo controle, mas não houve diferenças significativas entre os grupos de glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto e hipertensão ocular. No grupo com hipertensão ocular, não foram observadas associações entre histerese da córnea e o fator de resistência corneana com os valores e os parâmetros estruturais e funcionais. No grupo com glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto foram observadas correlações positivas entre os valores de histerese corneana e a espessura a camada de fibras nervosas da retina (p<0,01, r=0,27), espessura média da camada de fibras nervosas da retina (p<0,01, r=0,33) e desvio médio (p<0,01, r=0,26), e correlações negativas entre o os valores do fator de resistência da córnea e a área de escavação (p<0,01, r=-0,39), a relação escavação/disco (p=0,02, r=-0,28), a relação copo-para-disco linear (p=0,02, r=-0,28) e a forma da escavação (p=0,03, r=-0,26). No grupo controle, correlações foram detectadas entre a histerese da córnea e área de escavação (p=0,03, r=0,19), relação escavação/disco (p=0,01, r=0,21) e relação copo-para-disco linear (p=0,01, r=0,22). Conclusões: Correlações distintas foram identificadas entre histerese da córnea e os valores de resistência da córnea e os parâmetros funcionais e estruturais nos grupos de glaucoma primário de ângulo aberto e controle. A histerese da córnea e o fator de resistência da córnea podem ter diferentes papéis na fisiopatologia do glaucoma.

Relationships between corneal biomechanics and the structural and functional parameters of glaucoma damage.

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationships between (i) thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer, optic nerve head topography, and visual field parameters and (ii) corneal biomechanical properties in normal controls and patients with ocular hypertension and primary open-angle glaucoma. METHODS: This observational, cross-sectional study included 68 eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma, 99 eyes with ocular hypertension and 133 control eyes. Corneal biomechanical properties, optic nerve head topographic features, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, and visual fields were assessed in all cases. Corneal biomechanical properties, retinal nerve fiber layer thicknesses, and optic nerve head topographic features were compared among the groups. The associations between structural and functional measures of glaucomatous damage and corneal biomechanical factors were also evaluated. RESULTS: Significantly lower corneal hysteresis and corneal resistance factor values were observed in the primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension groups as compared with the control group, but there were no significant differences between the primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension groups. In the ocular hypertension group, no associations were observed between the corneal hysteresis and corneal resistance factor with values and the structural and functional parameters. In the primary open-angle glaucoma group, positive correlations were observed between the corneal hysteresis values and the global retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (p<0.01, r=0.27), mean retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (p<0.01, r=0.33), and mean deviation (p<0.01, r=0.26), and negative correlations were observed between the corneal resistance factor values, and the cup area (p<0.01, r=-0.39), cup-to-disk ratio (p=0.02, r=-0.28), linear cup-to-disk ratio (p=0.02, r=-0.28), and cup shape (p=0.03, r=-0.26). In the control group, weak correlations were detected between the corneal hysteresis and the cup area (p=0.03, r=0.19), cup-to-disk ratio (p=0.01, r=0.21), and linear cup-to-disk ratio (p=0.01, r=0.22). CONCLUSIONS: Distinct correlations were identified between the corneal hysteresis and corneal resistance factor values and the functional and structural parameters in the primary open-angle glaucoma and control groups. Corneal hysteresis and corneal resistance factor may have different roles in the pathophysiology of glaucoma.

Comparison of preoperative and postoperative measurements of optical low-coherence reflectometry biometry and assessment of its refractive predictability.

PURPOSE: To compare the preoperative and postoperative measurements of optical low-coherence reflectometry (OLCR) biometry and assessment of its refractive predictability. METHODS: A total of 114 eyes of 102 patients who underwent cataract treatment were prospectively examined. The axial length (AL), central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness (LT), K (keratometry) 1, K2, K average (KAVE) and K astigmatic (KAST) values were recorded using Lenstar LS 900 (Haag-Streit, Koeniz, Switzerland) OLCR device. The IOL (intraocular lens) power was measured based on the SRK/T formula. The cases were divided into three subgroups according to AL (Group 1: AL < 22 mm, Group 2: 22 mm ≤ AL < 24 mm, Group 3: 24 mm ≤ AL). The mean absolute error (MAE) calculated for each eye. RESULTS: The right eyes of 45 patients (44.1%), left eyes of 45 patients (44.1%), and both eyes of 12 patients (11.7%) were examined. The average AL in the preoperative period was 23.19 ± 1.01; it was 23.20 ± 0.99 in the postoperative period (p > 0.05). A significant deepening was detected in the postoperative ACD (preop 2.76 ± 0.38 mm, postop 3.81 ± 0.46 mm, p < 0.001). CCT was measured as 521.4 ± 36.3 µm in the preoperative period and as 530.8 ± 42.8 (p > 0.05) µm in the postoperative period. The average mean absolute error (MAE) was measured as 0.48 ± 0.41 D, whereas refractive error was - 0.081 ± 0.67 D. The MAE distribution of cases was found to be ≤ 1.5 D 109 (95.6%) eyes, and ≤ 2.0 D in 114 (100%) eyes. MAE values according to AL of the cases were calculated as 0.71 ± 0.83 D in group 1, 0.49 ± 0.43 D in group 2 and 0.41 ± 0.36 D in group 3 (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: When the measurement and refractive results of the OLCR biometry were evaluated, it was observed that there was a very satisfactory result and a predictable device compatible with the current literature. The SRK/T formula, one of the new generation formulas, has shown high MAE and RE results in eyes with AL ≤ 22 mm, although not statistically significant. Other new generation formulas should be tried in these eyes.

Increased levels of circulating CD34+ cells in neovascular age-related macular degeneration: relation with clinical and OCT features.

PURPOSE: To investigate the levels of circulating CD34+ stem cells in patients with neovascular type age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and its relation with clinical and optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings. METHODS: The study consisted of 55 patients: 28 patients (18 male and 10 female) with neovascular type AMD as a study group and 27 patients (12 male and 15 female) scheduled for cataract surgery as a control group. The level of CD34+ stem cells was measured by flow cytometry. Demographic and clinical data were recorded. RESULTS: The mean ages of patients in the study and control groups were 71 ± 8 and 68 ± 6 years, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of age, sex, or systemic disease association between study and control groups. However, smoking status was significantly higher in the study group (67.9% vs 37.0%; p = 0.02). Stem cell levels were significantly higher in the study group (1.5 ± 0.9 vs 0.5 ± 0.3; p<0.001), but there was no relation between stem cell levels and clinical and OCT findings. CONCLUSIONS: Increased circulating CD34+ stem cell levels were observed in patients with choroidal neovascular membrane associated with AMD, but no significant relation was found between cell levels and clinical and OCT findings.

Physical violence among elderly: analysis of admissions to an emergency department.

BACKGROUND: Physical violence is defined as deliberate use of physical force likely to result in trauma, bodily injury, pain, or impairment. Present study is pioneering effort to evaluate mechanisms and sociodemographic features of physical violence targeting the elderly in Turkey and to investigate preventive measures. METHODS: Database records and forensic reports were analyzed in this retrospective study of 54 elderly patients with trauma as result of physical violence who were admitted to emergency department of Sanliurfa Training and Research Hospital between January 2012 and July 2013. RESULTS: Of the 54 patients evaluated, 50 (92.4%) were male. History of experiencing previous violence was described by 55.6% (n=30) of the patients. Instances of repeat violence and firearm injuries most often occurred in the home (p=0.006, p=0.007). Need for surgical treatment was also greater among cases that occurred in the home (p=0.016). CONCLUSION: Firearm injury, recurrent violence, and surgical treatment rates were higher among cases that occurred in the home. Urgent preventive measures are especially needed for the elderly who have already been victims of physical violence.

A Surprise in the Lacrimal Sac.

To present a case with recurrent dacryocystitis as an unusual complication of medial orbital wall fracture repair with cartilage tissue graft. A 20-year-old male had facial trauma and underwent surgery to reconstruct right medial orbital wall fracture. During follow-up, he presented with continuous epiphora, mucopurulent discharge from the right eye. A thorough history taking indicated that medial orbital fracture was reconstructed with postauricular cartilage. We planned a standard external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR). During the creation of lacrimal sac flaps, hard tissue was noted in the lacrimal sac. This tissue was excised and sent for pathological examination. The pathological examination revealed cartilage tissue. There were no further ipsilateral symptoms or complications after DCR. In patients with lacrimal system injury related to orbital wall fracture, iatrogenic foreign bodies in the lacrimal sac should be considered in patients with recurrent dacryocystitis who had reconstructive surgery for facial and orbital trauma.

Oxidant/antioxidant balance in the aqueous humor of patients with glaucoma.

AIM: To evaluate total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), and the oxidative stress index (OSI) of the aqueous humor (AH) in patients with glaucoma. METHODS: The prospective study was composed of a study group (n=31) and a control group (n=31). Fifteen patients in the study group were diagnosed with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG), and 16 patients were diagnosed with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEG). The control group was composed of non-glaucomatous patients with cataracts. AH samples were collected and analyzed for TAS, TOS, and OSI levels. RESULTS: Mean AH TAS level was significantly higher in patients with glaucoma than that in the control group (P<0.01). Mean TOS and OSI levels tended to increase in patients with glaucoma. No significant differences in TAS, TOS, or OSI levels were observed between patients with POAG and PEG. CONCLUSION: High levels of TAS were observed in patients with glaucoma, which was likely a response to the increased oxidative stress observed in these patients.

Comparison of the corneal biomechanical properties, optic nerve head topographic parameters, and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness measurements in diabetic and non-diabetic primary open-angle glaucoma.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the corneal biomechanical properties, optic nerve head (ONH) topographic parameters, and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness changes in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients with and without diabetes, as well as to evaluate the effect of the metabolic control of diabetes on corneal biomechanical properties, ONH topography, and RNFL thickness. A total of 101 eyes of 101 POAG patients (60 with diabetes and 41 without diabetes) were recruited in this prospective study. Corneal hysteresis and corneal resistance factor (CRF) were both measured using the ocular response analyzer. Optic disk parameters were evaluated using the Heidelberg Retina Tomograph-III. RNFL thickness was measured by using Spectralis HRA + OCT. CRF, mean rim area, and rim volume were found to be significantly higher in the diabetic group when compared with non-diabetic group (p = 0.01 for CRF, p = 0.04 for rim area and p = 0.02 for rim volume). ANCOVA analysis showed statistically insignificant effects of age, gender, MD, and PSD values over rim area and rim volume (p > 0.05). CRF was not significantly correlated with HbA1c levels (p > 0.05). Cup area (CA), cup volume (CV), and cup shape measure (CSM) were weakly correlated with HbA1c levels (r = 0.35 and p = 0.006 for CA; r = 0.32 and p = 0.01 for CV; r = 0.32 and p = 0.01 for CSM). The difference in mean RNFL thickness values between the groups was found to be insignificant (p > 0.05). The results of this study raise doubts whether or not diabetes does in fact shield POAG patients from glaucomatous optic nerve damage from various perspectives.

Isolated Microspherophakia Presenting with Angle-Closure Glaucoma.

We report a case of 13-year-old girl presenting to our clinic with blurred vision in both eyes. Ophthalmic examination revealed high myopia and angle-closure glaucoma due to pupillary block caused by small, spherical crystalline lenses. Treatment approaches to glaucoma in patients with microspherophakia are discussed in this case report.

Evaluation of corneal biomechanical properties using an ocular response analyser to examine aphakic and pseudophakic patients after congenital cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: We evaluated corneal biomechanical properties in aphakic and pseudophakic patients after congenital cataract surgery and compared the data with those of age-matched normal subjects. METHODS: We included 43 eyes of 43 aphakic or pseudophakic patients treated via congenital cataract surgery. As controls, 42 healthy age- and sex-matched subjects were enrolled. After a complete ophthalmic examination, central corneal thickness (CCT) and intraocular pressure (IOP) were determined. Corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), corneal-compensated IOP (IOPcc) and Goldmann-correlated IOP (IOPg) were recorded using an ocular response analyser. RESULTS: In the study group, 18 eyes were aphakic and 25 eyes pseudophakic. We found a significant difference in CCT between the aphakic, pseudophakic and control groups (p < 0.001). No significant among-group differences were detected in CH or CRF (p > 0.05). We found significant differences in IOPcc, IOPg and IOP measured with Goldmann applanation tonometry (IOPGAT ) between the study and control groups (p < 0.001). In contrast, we found no significant differences within the two study groups in terms of these three IOP values (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Although CCT increased after congenital cataract surgery, corneal biomechanical parameters, including CH and the CRF, were not affected by such surgery. Determination of the IOPcc did not provide any additional information on true IOP, which was independent of CCT in both aphakic and pseudophakic patients after congenital cataract surgery.

Are There Any Changes in Corneal Biomechanics and Central Corneal Thickness in Fuchs' Uveitis?

PURPOSE: To compare corneal biomechanics, intraocular pressure (IOP) and central corneal thickness (CCT) of 38 patients with unilateral Fuchs' uveitis (FU) with 42 healthy controls. METHODS: Corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), Goldmann-correlated and corneal-compensated IOP (IOPg and IOPcc, respectively) and CCT were measured. RESULTS: The mean CH, CRF, and IOPg of the involved FU eyes were significantly lower (9.5 ± 1.6, 9.0 ± 1.9 and 13.1 ± 4.3 mmHg) than contralateral eyes (10.1 ± 1.7, 9.9 ± 1.7 and 14.6 ± 3.4 mmHg), and controls (10.5 ± 1.5, 10.3 ± 1.5 and 14.8 ± 2.5 mmHg), respectively. There was no significant difference for mean IOPcc between involved FU or contralateral eyes and controls (14.8 ± 4.1, 15.5 ± 3.4 and 15.0 ± 2.7 mmHg). The CCT values correlated with CH and CRF in the involved and contralateral eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Involved FU eyes had lower CH, CRF, and IOPg than contralateral eyes and controls, with no difference regarding IOPcc.

Comparison of Optic Nerve Head Topographic Parameters in Patients With Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma With and Without Diabetes Mellitus.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the optic nerve head (ONH) parameters of primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients with and without diabetes and to investigate the effect of the metabolic control of diabetes on ONH topography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A study group of 60 eyes of 60 POAG patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and a control group of 41 eyes of 41 POAG patients without diabetes were recruited for the study. Complete ophthalmic examinations of all patients were performed and the quantitative optic disc parameters were evaluated with Heidelberg retina tomography (HRT) III. HbA1c measurements of diabetic patients were assessed on the same day when the ophthalmic assessments were performed. RESULTS: Mean rim area and rim volume of the study group was statistically higher than the control group (P=0.04 for rim area and P=0.02 for rim volume). The difference in other parameters of the HRT between the groups were insignificant (P>0.05). In the study group, the duration of the diabetes was not significantly correlated to rim area and rim volume (r=0.03, P=0.81 for rim area; r=0.03, P=0.79 for rim volume). Analysis of covariance showed insignificant effects of age, sex, MD, and PSD values over rim area and rim volume (P>0.05). There were weak but statistically significant correlations between HbA1c levels and some HRT parameters including disc area, cup area, cup volume, and cup shape measure (r=0.35 and P=0.006 for disc area; r=0.35 and P=0.006 for cup area; r=0.32 and P=0.01 for cup volume; r=0.32 and P=0.01 for cup shape measure). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study imply the protective effect of diabetes over glaucomatous optic nerve damage in POAG patients. However, larger and controlled studies are warranted to confirm those findings.

Histopathological Analysis of Internal Limiting Membrane Surgically Peeled From Eyes with Epiretinal Membrane.

PURPOSE: To investigate histopathological changes of internal limiting membrane (ILM) in patients with epiretinal membrane (ERM) Materials and Methods: Forty-two eyes of 42 patients who were diagnosed as ERM and enrolled for vitreoretinal surgery were included in this study. Brilliant Blue G (BBG) was used to stain the ILM in all patients. ILM was peeled in all subjects and analyzed by light microscopy (methylene blue-Azur II × 40). ILM samples were then fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde solution and examined in JEOL-JEM 1400 and 2100F electron microscope and photographed by CCD camera (Gatan Inc., Pleasanton, CA). RESULTS: Remained ERM fragments were observed on 80% of ILM's. Vacuolization of ILM was observed in a patient with diabetic ERM. There were cells and cellular fragments observed mostly at retinal side of ILM which was likely to be a fragment of Muller cells of retina. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the ILM's had residual ERM tissue and contained cells and cellular fragments at retinal side of ILM's. ILM peeling might have a role in decreasing ERM recurrence by removal of residual ERM tissues.

Evaluation of Optical Low Coherence Reflectometry Parameters in Patients with Exfoliation Syndrome.

Purpose. To evaluate optical low coherence reflectometry (OLCR) parameters in patients with exfoliation syndrome (EXS) undergoing cataract surgery. Methods. Forty-seven eyes of 47 patients with EXS (Group 1), and 55 eyes of 55 healthy subjects (Group 2) were included in the study. Anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness (LT), axial length (AL), central corneal thickness (CCT), horizontal corneal length (HCL), and pupil diameter (PD) parameters were measured by OLCR (Lenstar LS 900, Haag-Streit) and compared between groups. Shapiro-Wilk test and Mann Whitney U tests were used for statistical analyses. Results. The mean ACD, HCL, and PD values were significantly lower in EXS group than in healthy subjects (P = 0.01, P = 0.04, and P < 0.001, resp.). The mean LT was significantly higher in EXS group than in healthy subjects (P = 0.007). There was no significant difference between groups in means of AXL and CCT. Conclusions. According to OLCR measures, eyes with EXS have shallower ACD, smaller PD, thicker LT, shorter HCL, and no significantly different CCT levels.

Effect of dorzolamide-timolol fixed combination prophylaxis on intraocular pressure spikes after intravitreal bevacizumab injection.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of topical dorzolamide-timolol fixed combination prophylaxis on short term intraocular pressure (IOP) changes in patients who had intravitreal bevacizumab injection. METHODS: One hundred and fifty one eyes of 151 patients which were followed up in retina clinic in Ulucanlar Eye Training and Research Hospital were evaluated in this study. Patients were divided into two groups. Group 1 consists of 75 patients who had topical dorzolamid-timolol medication two hours before injection; while Group 2 consists of 76 patients without prophylaxis. Demographic data, IOP measurements prior to the injection and one, thirty and sixty minutes and twenty-four hours after the injection were recorded. The data were analyzed using SPSS software version 15.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). RESULTS: There were no significant difference between two groups in age, gender distrubition and indications for injections. The mean IOPs in Groups 1 and 2 prior to the injection (T0) were 17.84±0.43 and 18.15±0.43 mm Hg, one minute after the injection (T1) were 29.75±1.6 and 34.44±1.59 mm Hg, 30min after the injection (T30) were 20.06±0.6 and 21.71±0.59 mm Hg respectively. The mean IOPs were 18.26±0.56 mm Hg in Group 1 and 19.78±0.56 mm Hg in Group 2 sixty minutes after the injection (T60). All IOP values after the injection were compared between two groups, there was a significant difference between two groups only on T1; one minute after the injection (P=0.04). There were a statiscially significant difference between the baseline values and other recorded values; except on T60, in Groups 1 and 2 (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: After intravitreal bevacizumab injection; we observe a transient IOP elevation which normalizes about one hour after intravitreal injection. In patients who had topical dorzolamid-timolol combination prophylaxis before injections, a significant decrease is seen in IOP spikes due to this injection. The appropiate approach will monitor IOP after intravitreal injection and evaluate the using prophylactic antiglaucomatous drugs before the injection in patients with ganglion nerve cell damage.

Comparison of conjunctival impression cytology in primary open angle glaucoma, ocular hypertension and normal subjects / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

?AlM:To compare the tear functions and the impression cytology scores of the patients with primary open angle glaucoma ( POAG ) , ocular hypertension ( OHT ) and normal subjects with healthy ocular surface both functionally and clinically. ?METHODS: Eleven eyes of 11 patients with POAG (mean age: 62. 7±6. 1y), 12 eyes of 12 patients ( mean age:62. 8±6. 4y ) with OHT and 12 eyes of 12 normal subjects ( mean age: 62. 9±6. 03y) were included to this prospective study. The patients with POAG and OHT had been recently diagnosed with these diseases and none of them had taken anti - glaucoma treatment before. ln addition to conjunctival impression cytology, tear break-up time ( TBUT ) and basal Schirmer’s tests ( BST ) were performed. lmpression cytology specimens of each group were graded and scored in the range of 0-3 according to Nelson’s method. Kruskal- Wallis analysis and Dunn’s multiple comparison tests were used for statistical analysis. ?RESULTS:The mean BST values were 10. 4±1. 3, 10. 9±1. 2 and 11. 1±1. 1 mm/5min of POAG, OHT and control groups respectively. The differences among the BST values of the POAG, OHT and control group were not statistically significant (P=0. 33). The mean TBUT values were 11. 2±1. 1, 11. 3±1. 1 and 11. 8±1. 2s in POAG, OHT and normal subjects respectively. The differences among the BUT values of the POAG, OHT and control group were not statistically significant (P=0. 35). Six eyes (54. 5%) revealed grade 0 and 5 eyes ( 45. 5%) revealed grade 1 impression cytology scores in POAG group. Six eyes (50%) revealed grade 0 and 6 eyes (50%) revealed grade 1 impression cytology scores in OHT group and 6 eyes (50%) revealed grade 0 and 6 eyes (50%) revealed grade 1 impression cytology scores in normal subjects ( P =0. 97). ?CONCLUSlON: Oxidative stress may cause glaucoma, ocular surface diseases, lacrimal gland malfunction and a decrease in mucus secretion ofgoblet cells in all of the body. There were no significant differences between the impression cytology scores of patients with POAG, OHT and normal subjects.

Epidemiology of uveitis in a referral hospital in Turkey.

AIM: To investigate the causes and clinical characteristics of uveitis in patients presenting to a specialized eye hospital in Turkey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical records of 1028 uveitis patients admitted between 1990 and 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Age at first presentation, sex, laterality, etiology, associated systemic disease, clinical presentation, and course of the disease were noted. RESULTS: The mean age at presentation was 36.23 ± 14.9 years. Males constituted 58.2% of patients. Anatomically, anterior uveitis (42%) was most common, followed by posterior uveitis (24.9%), panuveitis (24.7%), and intermediate uveitis (8.4%). The course of the disease was mostly chronic (65.7%). The cases were idiopathic at 25.7% and Behçet's disease (BD) was the most common cause of uveitis (32.2%), followed by ocular toxoplasmosis (7.2%) and herpetic uveitis (6.8%). CONCLUSION: Uveitis tends to affect patients between 20 and 40 years old. BD is the most common cause, leading to male predominance and a higher frequency of a chronic course.

Comparing acromegalic patients to healthy controls with respect to intraocular pressure, central corneal thickness, and optic disc topography findings.

AIMS: The aim was to compare the intraocular pressure (IOP), central corneal thickness (CCT), and optic disc topography findings of biochemically controlled acromegalic patients and the control group and to evaluate the effect of the duration of acromegaly and serum growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels on these ocular parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: IOP measurement with Goldmann applanation tonometry, CCT measurement with ultrasonic pachymetry, and topographic analysis with Heidelberg retinal tomograph III were performed on 35 biochemically controlled acromegalic patients and 36 age- and gender-matched controls. RESULTS: Mean IOP and CCT were 14.7 ± 2.9 mmHg and 559.5 ± 44.9 µm in the acromegaly patients and 13.0 ± 1.6 mmHg and 547.1 ± 26.7 µm in controls (P = 0.006 and P = 0.15, respectively). A significant moderate correlation was found between the duration of acromegaly and CCT (r = 0.391) and IOP (r = 0.367). Mean retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness was significantly lower in the acromegalic patients (0.25 ± 0.05 mm) as compared to controls (0.31 ± 0.09 mm) (P = 0.01). A significant moderate correlation was detected between IGF-1 level and disc area (r = 0.362), cup area (r = 0.389) and cup volume (r = 0.491). CONCLUSION: Biochemically controlled acromegalic patients showed significantly higher CCT and IOP levels and lower RNFL thickness compared to healthy controls and the duration of disease was correlated with CCT and IOP levels.

Surgical outcomes and incidence of retinal redetachment in cases with complicated retinal detachment after silicone oil removal: univariate and multiple risk factors analysis.

PURPOSE: To analyze the surgical outcomes and retinal redetachment frequency after silicone oil (SO) removal for complex retinal detachment. METHODS: This institutional-based study included 894 consecutive patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy with SO endotamponade for complicated retinal detachment. The effects of preoperative best-corrected visual acuity, vitreous base shaving, intraoperative scleral buckling, retinectomy, SO viscosity, duration of SO, and vitreous hemorrhage at the first postoperative week on the risk of redetachment were investigated. RESULTS: During a mean follow-up of 39.9 months, anatomical success was not achieved in 118 patients (13.2%) after SO removal. On multivariate analysis, risk factors for recurrent retinal detachment included giant retinal tear (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 12.39; P < 0.001), high myopia (aOR, 2.70; P = 0.011), surgeries without scleral buckling (aOR, 1.97; P = 0.039), inadequate vitreous base shaving (aOR, 117.62; P < 0.001), and vitreous hemorrhage at the first postoperative week (aOR, 12.13; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Retinal detachment etiology, inadequate vitreous base shaving, lack of intraoperative scleral buckling, and vitreous hemorrhage at the first postoperative week after SO removal were significant risk factors for retinal redetachment after SO removal, but preoperative visual acuity, SO viscosity, and duration of SO had no significant effect on redetachment.

Disturbed oxidant/antioxidant balance in aqueous humour of patients with exfoliation syndrome.

PURPOSE: To establish the total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and oxidative stress index (OSI) of the aqueous humour in patients presenting exfoliation syndrome (EXS) without glaucoma. METHODS: The TOS, TAC and OSI of the aqueous humour of patients with EXS (group 1, n = 17) and patients without EXS (group 2, n = 25) who underwent cataract surgery were evaluated. Samples were measured spectrophotometrically using a colourimetric method. The Mann-Whitney U, independent-samples t tests, Pearson correlation and analysis of covariance tests were used in the statistical analyses. RESULTS: The mean TOS in group 1 and 2 patients was 57.6 ± 32.4 and 30.4 ± 22.6 mmol/L, respectively, which is a statistically significant difference (p = 0.001). The mean TAC level in group 1 and 2 patients was 2.3 ± 0.7 and 2.5 ± 0.7 mmol/L, respectively, and although TAC was decreased in group 1 relative to group 2, the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.55). The mean OSI in group 1 and 2 patients was 27.4 ± 17.1 and 12.5 ± 8.3 mmol/L, respectively, with the mean OSI level statistically higher in group 1 (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Our findings provide evidence that the aqueous humour of EXS patients is characterised by increased oxidative stress and a disturbed oxidant/antioxidant balance. The increased oxidative stress and decreased levels of antioxidants in ocular fluids of EXS patients may play a significant role in the pathogenesis and complications of EXS.