Aqueous Humor Cytokines in Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy.

Background and Objectives: Cytokines are cell-signaling proteins whose identification may serve as inflammatory markers or early indicators for progressive disease. The aim of our study was to quantify several cytokines in aqueous humor (AH) and their correlations with biochemical parameters in diabetic eyes with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR). Materials and Methods: A total of 62 eyes from 62 patients were included in the study: 37 eyes from nondiabetic patients (group 1), 13 diabetic eyes with no retinopathy changes (group 2) and 12 diabetic eyes with early and moderate NPDR (group 3). AH samples were collected during uneventful cataract surgery. The cytokines IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, IP-10, MCP-1, TNF-α and VEGF were quantified using multiplex bead-based immunoassay. Due to unreliable results, IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-10 and IL-12 were excluded. Concentrations were compared between groups. Biochemical parameters (fasting blood sugar, glycated hemoglobin, C-reactive protein) and the duration of diabetes were recorded. Results: VEGF levels were significantly different between groups (p = 0.001), while levels of IL-6, IL-8, IP-10 and MCP-1 were comparable across all groups (p > 0.05). IL-6 concentration correlated with VEGF in group 1 (rho = 0.651, p = 0.003) and group 3 (rho = 0.857, p = 0.007); no correlation could be proved between IL-6, IL-8, IP-10, MCP-1 or VEGF and biochemical parameters. Duration of diabetes was not correlated with the cytokine levels in groups 2 and 3. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve revealed that VEGF concentrations could discriminate early and moderate NPDR from diabetes, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.897 (p = 0.001, 95% CI = 0.74−1.0). Conclusions: Diabetes mellitus induces significant intraocular changes in the VEGF expression in diabetic patients vs. normal subjects, even before proliferative complications appear. VEGF was increasingly expressed once the diabetes progressed from no retinopathy to early or moderate retinopathy.

Choroidal Assessment in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy by Swept-Source Ocular Coherence Tomography and Image Binarization.

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate choroidal structure and vascularity indices in patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR). Materials and Methods: Sixty-three eyes from sixty-three patients were evaluated: 21 from healthy subjects, 20 with diabetes mellitus (DM) and no diabetic retinopathy (DR), and 22 with DM and non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy without diabetic macular edema (DME). Each patient underwent ocular examination, macular swept-source ocular coherence tomography (SS-OCT) imaging, glycemic control, and systemic high blood pressure (HBP) evaluation. Subfoveal choroidal thickness (SF-CT) was manually assessed on a line scan. Line scan OCT images were exported to ImageJ program. The areas under a 1.5, 3 and 6 mm horizontal line centered on the fovea were assessed by converting the OCT images to binary images, and total choroidal area (TCA), luminal area (LA), stromal area (SA), LA:SA ratio, and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) were evaluated. SF-CT and choroidal parameters were compared between groups, and correlations with ocular and systemic factors were analyzed. Results: SF-CT, TCA, LA, and SA were similar between groups. CVIs were significantly different between groups for all three studied areas (CVI-1.5: 66.21% vs. 66.06% vs. 63.74%, p = 0.003; CVI-3: 65.88% vs. 66.46% vs. 63.79%, p = 0.008; CVI-6: 64.79% vs. 65.40% vs. 63.61%, p = 0.032). NPDR patients had significantly lower CVIs compared to DM patients (p < 0.05). No association of choroidal parameters with glycemic control, DM duration and HBP was found significant (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Choroidal assessment by SS-OCT and image binarization in healthy subjects, subjects with DM without DR, and subjects with DM and NPDR indicated that CVI changes were identifiable and significant in early DR. The lack of association with ocular and systemic factors suggest that CVIs are reliable assessment parameters of choroidal vascular structure.

Posterior choroidal boundary morphology and segmentation errors influence on choroidal thickness assessment in diabetic patients - a swept-source OCT study.

Objective: to evaluate the choroidal morphology and choroidal thickness (CT) in normal and diabetic subjects and to compare the differences between automated segmentation (AS) and manual segmentation (MS) of the choroid. Methods: in this observational cross-sectional study we included 48 eyes: 24 normal eyes (group 1), 9 eyes with DM without diabetic retinopathy (DR) (group 2) and 15 eyes with DM and DR (group 3). Swept-source OCT line scans images were analyzed for the presence of the suprachoroidal layer (SCL), choroidal morphology and the CT was measured manually subfoveal and at 750 µ both nasal and temporal to the fovea after AS and MS. SCL was not included in the CT evaluation. CT values were compared between the groups and between the three points of evaluation. Results: SCL was visualized in 21 eyes (43.8%). In diabetic patients, SCL was visible in 11 (45.83%) cases and in nondiabetic patients, in 10 eyes (41.66%). There was a good AS of Bruch's membrane, which was not further corrected manually. There were statistically significant differences between AS and MS at the level of CSJ for all three locations in all three groups (P ≤ 0.01). After MS, the choroid was statistically significantly thicker. Group 2 and group 3 showed a higher CT thickness. There were no statistically significant differences in the CT between groups in all three locations. Conclusions: Defining posterior choroidal boundary and the applied segmentation method can result in differences in CT measurements. Diabetic patients have altered CT and choroidal morphology. Abbreviations: CT = choroidal thickness, AS = automated segmentation, MS = manual segmentation, CSJ = choroidoscleral junction, SCL = suprachoroidal layer, SCS = suprachoroidal space, DM = diabetes mellitus, DR = diabetic retinopathy, RPE = retinal pigmented epithelium, BM = Buch's membrane.

Outcomes of phacoemulsification combined with two iStent inject trabecular microbypass stents with or without endocyclophotocoagulation.

AIM: Comparing outcomes after combined phacoemulsification, two iStents insertion and endocyclophotocoagulation (ECP) versus phacoemulsification-iStents alone. METHODS: This is a longitudinal retrospective 12 months study in eyes with ocular hypertension or early-to-moderate open angle glaucoma. Level of disease, intraocular pressure (IOP) and tolerance of glaucoma medication were considered before planning surgery. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA-logMAR), IOP (mm Hg), number of medications were assessed at baseline, week 1, week 5, month 3, 6, 12 postop. MAIN OUTCOME: percentage (%) in IOP reduction at 12 months vs medicated baseline. SECONDARY OUTCOMES: absolute values of IOP/medication reduction, BCVA and postop complications. RESULTS: The ICE2 (two iStents-cataract extraction-ECP) group included 63 eyes and Phaco-iStent group included 46 eyes. Baseline IOP was higher in the ICE2 than phaco-iStent group (19.97±4.31 mm Hg vs 17.63±3.86 mm Hg, p=0.004) and mean deviation was lower (-7.20±2.58 dB vs -4.94±4.51 dB, p=0.037). Number of medications were comparable at baseline: 2.22±1.06 (ICE2) vs 2.07±1.02 (phaco-iStent), p=0.442. At month 12 postop, IOP in the ICE2 group decreased 35% from baseline vs 21% in the phaco-iStent group (p=0.03); absolute IOP reduction was significantly lower than baseline in each group (p<0.001), yet final IOP was lower in the ICE2 group than phaco-iStent group (13.05±2.18 mm Hg vs 14.09±1.86 mm Hg, p=0.01). Similar results were found for glaucoma medication (1.24±1.05 in ICE2 group vs 1.39±1.03 in phaco-iStent group, p=0.01). Final BCVA was 0.11±0.18 (phaco-iStent group) vs 0.08±0.08 (ICE2 group), p=0.309. Safety outcomes were comparable between groups. CONCLUSION: ICE2 procedure offers better results in IOP/medication reduction at 12 months than phacoemulsification-iStents alone.

Translating data and measurements from stratus to cirrus OCT in glaucoma patients and healthy subjects.

Aim: our study tried to find a mathematical conversion method of the measurements obtained in Time Domain (TD) OCT to Spectral Domain (SD) OCT. Material and method: A prospective randomized, double blind study that included 244 eyes, from 121 patients (normal subjects, glaucoma suspects, glaucoma), in whom we analyzed the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and the optic disc in the same session by using TD OCT (Stratus) and SD OCT (Cirrus), was performed. The means for RNFL thickness (overall value and per quadrants), neural area and cup/ disc (C/ D) ratio, were measured. Results: We found statistically significant differences between parameters measured in TD OCT and SD OCT (p<0.001). Powerful correlations were calculated between parameters measured with the two OCT machines. Data dispersion showed a linear relation between measurements. One can use the following mathematical equations for conversion: Mean RNFL (Cirrus) = 15.77 + 0.748 x Mean RNFL (Stratus) Mean neural area (Cirrus) = 0.508 + 0.388 x Mean neural area (Stratus) Mean C/ D ratio (Cirrus) = 0.157 + 0.792 x Mean C/ D (Stratus) Conclusions: data based on our calculated mathematical conversion equations can be converted into SD OCT. Therefore, we offered a useful tool for the long term monitoring of our patients although the initial measurements in TD OCT made comparisons for patients later measured with SD OCT impossible. Abbreviations: RNFL = retinal nerve fiber layer, TD OCT = time domain optical coherence tomography, SD OCT = spectral domain optical coherence tomography, VF = visual field, CI = confidence interval, ISNT segments = inferior, superior, nasal, temporal segment.

Risk factors and long term progression in open angle glaucoma patients.

Aim: Investigation of perimetric progression rate and associated risk factors in open angle glaucoma, in clinical practice. Methods: Retrospective study based on clinical charts reviews of patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) being followed for > 5 years with >/ = 5 SITA Standard visual fields. Demographics, visual acuity (VA), central corneal thickness (CCT), intraocular pressure (IOP) and IOP variation, treatment (number of medications), visual fields and associated systemic pathologies were recorded. Patients were followed at every 3-6 months, when identical tests were performed. VF progression rate was calculated as slope of mean deviation (MD) over time by Glaucoma Progression Analysis software. Results: 121 eyes of 121 patients with POAG were included in the study and were followed for a mean period of 68.81 months (SD +/ - 31.7). The mean MD at start was -3.55 dB (SD +/ -5.19)., with a mean number of VF tests of 9.3+/ -2.9. Progression rate reached -0.21 +/ -0.1 db/ year. Mean IOP of all visits decreased over time from 18.20 mmHg to 16.53 mmHg (p<0.05). Systemic factors like positive history of hypertension reached statistical relevance in terms of increased risk for glaucoma progression, but only after age and sex were corrected. MD slope was explained in ANOVA univariate analysis, by the level of MD at baseline, IOP baseline, number of topical medications and CCT in a proportion equal to 71.7% (p=0.004). Conclusion: Rate of visual field changes in POAG was correlated and dependent on the baseline MD level, IOP at baseline, number of topical medications and a thin CCT.

Combined etiology for bilateral and simultaneous optic neuropathy in a patient with ciancobalamin deficit and hepatitis C treated with peg-interferon and ribavirin.

We report the case of a 53-year-old female patient who developed bilateral sudden visual acuity loss after 15 weeks from the initiation of Peg-Interferon and Ribavirin treatment for hepatitis C. Debut was simultaneous and asymmetric, reported in the morning, at awakening. No pain or other symptom was reported by the patient. Results. At presentation, visual acuity was 0.2 in RE and 3/ 50 in LE. Pupillary reflexes were sluggish and severe dyschromatopsia was documented in both eyes (Ishihara plates). Fundus examination revealed bilateral pale optic disc edema, more prominent in LE, with splinter hemorrhages in the RNFL around the optic disk. Visual field exam demonstrated severe defects in 3 quadrants of the RE, whereas in the LE, it was impossible to perform the investigation due to VA<0.1. Neurologic evaluation was normal; other possible causes of systemic vasculitis were excluded by negative lab tests. Acute inflammatory markers (fibrinogen and ESR) and mild pancytopenia were the only documented laboratory changes in this patient. Anamnesis cleared the traditional risk factors for conventional AION (hypertension, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and hypercholesterolemia). Cranial and orbital CT scan and MRI findings were normal. Patient was withdrawn from the Interferon and Ribavirin treatment and was administered methyl prednisolone pulse therapy (1g/ day) for 3 days, continued with oral Prednisone (60 mg/ day) tapered slowly for over 12 weeks. VA increased to 0.8 during treatment in the RE, but visual recovery in the LE was not as spectacular (0.16) as in the fellow eye. Modified latencies and amplitudes in evoked visual potentials examination during 4 months time emphasized bilateral optic atrophy. Optic nerve sufferance was amplified by a low level of vitamin B12, detected by chance at the last eye visit. Due to the general condition, dietary supplementation was not possible. Conclusion. A case of a patient with bilateral and simultaneous NAION caused by IFN and Ribavirin treatment for hepatitis C, who was also vitamin B12 deficient, was analyzed. Therefore, a combined etiology for optic atrophy was explained.

SELECTIVE LASER TRABECULOPLASTY--SHORT TERM EFFICACY AND SAFETY PROFILE IN OPEN ANGLE GLAUCOMA OR OCULAR HYPERTENSION TREATMENT.

UNLABELLED: Selective laser trabeculoplasty--medium term efficacy and safety profile in open anlgle glaucoma or ocular hypertension treatment: SLT effect in reducing the intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 70 eyes from 70 patients were included in the study in 2014 (12 months); the established design for this research was prospective and interventional. Patients received indication for SLT treatment as initial procedure or as adjuvant method in reducing the intraocular pressure when insufficient control with topical medication was noted. A single laser procedure was performed on 360 degrees. The result was verified and compared with baseline values of IOP at 1 month, 3 months respectively. RESULTS: IOP decreased at 1 month with 22.47% vs. baseline IOP and with 26.58% at 3 months. The IOP dynamics showed an additional 5.30% decrease between the intermediate and final values, with statistical significance for all the measured parameters (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: SLT applied on 360 degrees in a single session represents a safe and efficient procedure. The IOP decrease is marked at 1 month, but the effect continues until later, at 3 months interval after treatment. The higher the initial IOP was, the greater effect SLT has in decreasing the IOP level. Most frequently LST helps control the IOP, but rarely allows reducing or eliminating the glaucoma medication.

PLATEAU IRIS SYNDROME--CASE SERIES.

Plateau iris is characterized by closing the anterior chamber angle due to a large ciliary body or due to its anterior insertion that alters the position of iris periphery in respect to the trabecular meshwork. There are two aspects that need to be differentiated: plateau iris configuration and plateau iris syndrome. The first describes a situation when the iris root is flat and the anterior chamber is not shallow, the latter refers to a post laser iridotomy condition in which a patent iridotomy has removed the relative pupillary block, but goniscopically confirmed angle closure recurs without central shallowing of the anterior chamber. Isolated plateau iris syndrome is rare compared to plateau iris configuration. We hereby present two case reports of plateau iris syndrome in young patients who came to an ophthalmologic consult by chance.