Intraocular Pressure Before and After Corneal Refractive Surgery: A Prospective Comparison of Corvis ST and Ocular Response Analyzer.

PRECIS: The study showed that Corvis ST's bIOP and ORA's IOPcc do not agree well, before or after PRK, and may not be used interchangeably. bIOP remained unchanged after PRK. PURPOSE: To evaluate the agreement between the biomechanically-corrected intraocular pressure (bIOP) measured by the Corvis-ST and the cornea-compensated IOP (IOPcc) measured by the Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA) before and after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). METHODS: In this prospective interventional study, a total of 53 patients (53 eyes) were included. Measurements were acquired using both the Corvis-ST and ORA devices before and 3 months post- PRK. The agreement between the two devices was evaluated using limits of agreement (LoA) and Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS: The participants had a mean age of 29.6±5.21 years (range: 21 to 40), with 41 (77.4%) of them being female. Following the surgery, the average change in IOP was 0.3±1.7 mmHg for bIOP and -1.6±4.0 mmHg for IOPcc. The corresponding 95% LoA were -3.5 to 4.2 mmHg and -9.5 to 6.3 mmHg, respectively. The 95% LoA between bIOP and IOPcc after PRK was -2.3 to 8.5 mmHg. Notably, the bIOP values were higher for IOPs <20 mmHg and lower for IOPs >20 mmHg compared to IOPcc. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate a weak agreement between the Corvis ST-bIOP and the ORA- IOPcc both before and after PRK. These devices may not be used interchangeably for IOP measurement. bIOP exhibited less variation compared to the IOPcc, suggesting that the bIOP is a superior option for IOP reading following PRK.

Dendritic Cell Density and Morphology Can Be Used to Differentiate Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis from Allergic Conjunctivitis.

The aim of the study was to compare the distribution of corneal and conjunctival epithelial dendritic cells (DCs) in vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC), allergic conjunctivitis (AC), and non-allergic controls to examine if the allergy type causes differences in immune cell activation. The prospective study included 60 participants: 20 with VKC, 20 with AC, and 20 non-allergic controls. In vivo confocal microscopy was performed on the right eye. The locations scanned included the corneal centre, inferior whorl, corneal periphery, corneal limbus, and bulbar conjunctiva. The DCs were counted manually, and their morphology was assessed for the largest cell body size, the presence of dendrites, and the presence of long and thick dendrites. The DC density was higher in VKC and AC compared to non-allergic group at all locations (p ≤ 0.01) except at the inferior whorl. The DC density in VKC participants was significantly higher than in AC at the limbus (p < 0.001) but not at other locations. Both the AC and the VKC group had larger DC bodies at the corneal periphery and limbus compared to the non-allergic group (p ≤ 0.03). The study found a higher proportion of participants with DCs exhibiting long dendrites at both the corneal periphery in AC (p = 0.01) and at the corneal centre, periphery, and limbus in VKC, compared to the non-allergic group (p ≤ 0.001). In conclusion, a higher DC density at the limbus may be a marker of more severe VKC. DCs with larger cell bodies and a greater proportion of participants with DCs displaying long dendrites can be potential markers to differentiate allergy from non-allergy, and more severe forms of allergy from milder forms.

Agreement of ocular response analyzer cornea compensated IOP with corvis ST biomechanical IOP following Femtosecond Laser-assisted LASIK.

OBJECTIVES: To compare intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement by ORA-IOPcc and Corvis-bIOP after femtosecond laser-assisted LASIK (FS-LASIK). METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, 56 eyes from 56 consecutive patients scheduled for FS-LASIK were enrolled. All patients had IOP measurement with ORA and Corvis ST by two blinded independent expert examiners. IOP examinations were conducted between 8 and 11 A.M. Data were collected at baseline and 3 months after FS-LASIK. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants was 29.1 ± 6.3 years, and 42 (75%) were female. The average of central corneal thickness (CCT) decreased from 537 ± 23 µm at baseline to 458 ± 31 µm after FS-LASIK. The mean postoperative change of IOP was 0.0 ± 2.1 for bIOP and -2.5 ± 3.2 mmHg for IOPcc. The corresponding 95% limits of agreement (LoA) was -4.1 to 4.1 mmHg and -3.8 to 8.8 mmHg, respectively. Both methods showed no significant correlation between ∆IOP and ∆CCT. The 95% LoA between bIOP and IOPcc after FS-LASIK was -4.8 to 9.1 mmHg. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the ORA-IOPcc, the Corvis-bIOP showed less variation after FS-LASIK and might be a more appropriate choice for measuring IOP in this condition. The agreement of bIOP vs. IOPcc after FS-LASIK is below the clinically acceptable level, and the two methods could not be regarded as interchangeable.

Angle κ and its effect on the corneal elevation maps in refractive surgery candidates.

PURPOSE: To assess the associations of angle κ and Pentacam decentration indices with elevation maps in normal refractive surgery candidates. SETTING: Salouti Cornea Research Center, Salouti Eye Clinic, Shiraz, Iran. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. METHODS: In this research, the right eyes of 173 refractive surgery candidates were assessed. Data of front and back corneal elevation maps, keratometric data, decentration indices, and corneal astigmatism obtained by Pentacam HR system and angle κ obtained by Orbscan IIz were extracted. Maximum elevation (or depression) for each of the 4 quadrants was recorded. Correlations of elevation values with angle κ, Pentacam decentration indices, keratometry, and astigmatism were examined by Pearson correlation coefficient. 148 age- and sex-matched cases with keratoconus grade 1 were selected as a positive control group, and Pentacam variables were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Overall, data from 173 eyes of 173 normal refractive surgery candidates and 148 eyes of 148 patients with keratoconus were recorded and analyzed. In normal refractive surgery candidates, the mean of angle κ was 5.32 ± 1.36 (SD) degrees. Angle κ had a positive correlation with front and back temporal elevations based on a best-fit sphere (BFS) ( r = 0.339, P = .001; r = 0.300, P < .001, respectively). Front and back keratometric astigmatisms were positively correlated with front and back nasal and temporal elevations ( r ≥ 0.543, P < .001) and negatively correlated with superior and inferior elevations ( r ≤ -0.547, P < .001). These associations no longer existed when using best-fit toric ellipse (BFTE) for calculating elevation data. The thinnest point to vertex decentration was significantly associated with the back temporal elevation (based on the BFTE) in both normal ( r = 0.311, P < .001) and keratoconus ( r = 0.190, P = .021) eyes. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that elevation maps obtained by the Pentacam system using BFS might be affected by both the large angle κ and corneal astigmatism, confounding the preoperative assessment of refractive surgery candidates. Using BFTE as a reference for calculating elevation data should eliminate most diagnostic issues and thus is encouraged in this context.

Inferior Spear-like Lens Opacity as a Sign of Keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To report 21 cases of typical inferior feather-shape lens opacity associated with keratoconus. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated the association of keratoconus with inferior feather-shape lens opacity in refractive surgery candidates. Visual acuity, demographic, refractive, and topographic characteristics of 26 eyes of 21 patients with inferior feather-shape lens opacity were evaluated in detail. Pedigree analysis was also performed to assess possible inheritance. RESULTS: Overall, 2122 out of 33,368 cases (6.4%) without lens opacity had keratoconus, while 20 out of 21 patients (95.2%) with peculiar lens opacity had definite keratoconus (P < 0.001). Lens opacity was bilateral in 5 cases (24%), and keratoconus was bilateral in all 20 patients with lens opacity. Nine eyes out of thirty-six with a complete data record (25%) had a severe keratoconus and underwent deep lamellar keratoplasty, while 11 (31%) had forme fruste keratoconus. Pedigrees were drawn for eight patients, most families of whom suggested an X-linked recessive inheritance. CONCLUSION: The present study was the first to investigate patients with a peculiar inferior feather-shape lens opacity accompanied by bilateral keratoconus, which was observed in 95% of the patients. This finding should raise awareness as to the possibility of diagnosing keratoconus in the eyes of the patients with these characteristics.

Sulfur Mustard and Immunology; Trends of 20 Years Research in the Web of Science Core Collection: A Scientometric Review.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to use the scientometric approach to evaluate immunological studies on the subject of sulfur mustard over the past 20 years. METHODS: In this scientometric study, the Web of Science Core Collection was searched on the studies about sulfur mustard. The published papers related to the field of immunology were retrieved from these papers. HistCite software and VOSviewer were the applied software packages for bibliometric analysis, information visualization, and creating bibliometric networks. RESULTS: Over the past 20 years, 741 researchers from 22 countries have published 201 scientific papers in 95 journals. Iran and the United States with 93 and 68 published articles ranked at the top. The Journal of International Immunopharmacology, with 33 published papers, 439 Total Global Citation Score (TGCS), and 105 Total Local Citation Score (TLCS) was the most productive and most influential in this regard. The paper entitled "Biomonitoring of exposure to chemical warfare agents: A review" and another paper entitled "Sardasht-Iran Cohort Study of Chemical Warfare Victims: Design and Methods" were the most influential papers in this topic with 200 TGCS and 27 TLCS, respectively. The most productive and the most influential centers were "Immunoregulation Research Center of Shahed University" and "The Janbazan Medical and Engineering Research Center (JMERC)," respectively. CONCLUSION: The result of our report as the unique scientometric evaluation of the research on sulfur mustard and Immunology can be used as a roadmap for authors, researchers, and policymakers to define the best ways to allocate their financial and executive resources.

Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking Using Epithelium Disruptor Instrument in Progressive Keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To compare the effects of accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) in progressive keratoconus (KCN) patients via epithelium removal and transepithelial techniques, using Daya Disruptor (Duckworth and Kent, Hertfordshire, UK). METHODS: This study is a double-blinded, randomized clinical trial. Patients with documented bilateral progressive KCN were randomized into two groups: one eye underwent epithelium removal (Group 1), and the fellow eye underwent epithelium disruption (Group 2). The primary outcomes were best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), Scheimpflug-extracted keratometric indices, and anterior segment-optical coherence tomography-derived epithelial thickness profiles. These parameters were evaluated before and 12 months after CXL. RESULTS: Sixty-four eyes from 34 patients with progressive KCN (34 eyes in the epithelium-removal group and 30 eyes in the epithelium-disruption group) were included. The mean ± standard deviation (SD) of age was 23.4 ± 3.8 years in the epithelium-removal group and 23.2 ± 3.5 years in the epithelium-disruption group. The mean ± SD of the preoperative spherical equivalent (SE), front maximum keratometry (K-max), back K-max, thickness of thinnest point, and corneal apex thickness were - 2.9 ± 3.0 diopter (D) and - 3.7 ± 3.1 D (P = 0.183), 53.8 ± 5.15 D and 54.4 ± 5.53 D (P = 0.653), -6.63 ± 2.40 D and - 6.68 ± 2.48 D (P = 0.131), 459.2 ± 37.4 µm and 460.8 ± 32.7 µm (P = 0.708), 470.5 ± 37.7 µm and 469.7 ± 33.1 µm (P = 0.679), and 55.4 ± 4.97 µm and 54.6 ± 7.16 µm (P = 0.767) in the epithelium-removal and epithelium-disruption groups, respectively. The mean ± SD changes of the UCVA and BCVA 12 months after CXL were - 0.1 ± 0.11 and - 0.02 ± 0.18 and - 0.04 ± 0.12 and - 0.02 ± 0.14 in the epithelium-removal and epithelium-disruption groups, respectively. No statistically significant improvement was observed in the UCVA and BCVA between the two groups (P = 0.868 and P = 0.937, respectively). The mean ± SD changes of the SE, superior epithelial thickness, corneal apex thickness, and thickness of thinnest point 12 months after CXL were - 0.21 ± 1.1 D and + 0.32 ± 1.6 D (P = 0.0001), -0.08 ± 0.26 µm and + 0.03 ± 0.33 µm (P = 0.028), -23 ± 11 µm and - 2 ± 6 µm (P = 0.0001), and - 25 ± 8 µm and - 3 ± 7 µm (P = 0.0001) in the epithelium-removal and epithelium-disruption groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the epithelium-disruption CXL using Daya has a similar potential for halting KCN progression as the epithelium-removal CXL. However, regarding the 12-month changes, the epithelium-disruption CXL is superior to the epithelium-removal CXL in the SE and corneal pachymetry.

Agreement in central corneal thickness measurement between Corvis ST and ocular response analyzer.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the agreement and interchangeability of noncontact devices of ocular response analyzer (ORA) and the Corvis ST in central corneal thickness measurement. METHODS: In this prospective comparative study, central corneal thickness (CCT) readings of 284 healthy, nonglaucoma subjects, without previous ocular surgery, were measured with ORA and Corvis ST. Only data from right eyes were analyzed. The mean values of CCT measurements by the ORA versus Corvis ST were compared with the paired sample t test. Bland-Altman plots and 95% limits of agreement (95% LOA) were used to assess the agreement between the measurements of the two devices. RESULTS: The mean (± standard deviation) age of the participants was 28.0 ± 4.9 years, and 36.6% were male. The mean CCT measurements were 555 ± 32 µm by the ORA and 536 ± 32 µm with the Corvis ST (P < 0.001). The Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.964 (P < 0.001). The 95% LOA between the ORA and the Corvis ST was 2.2 to 35.9 µm. CONCLUSIONS: The ORA measured the CCT up to 35.9 µm greater than Corvis ST. Therefore, the two devices may not be used interchangeably for measuring CCT.

Effect of photorefractive keratectomy on agreement of anterior segment variables obtained by a swept-source biometer vs a Scheimpflug-based tomographer.

PURPOSE: To evaluate agreement of anterior segment variables between Pentacam-AXL and IOLMaster 700 before vs after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). SETTING: Salouti Eye Clinic, Shiraz, Iran. DESIGN: Prospective cohort with interdevice agreement analysis. METHODS: This study included healthy PRK candidates who were assessed with both devices preoperatively and 6 months after PRK. Only data from the right eye of each patient was analyzed. Pentacam-AXL average keratometry (AvgK) and zonal keratometry in the central 2.5 mm zone (zonal-K2.5) were each compared with mean keratometry (Km) from the IOLMaster 700. Other main outcome measures included vector analysis of corneal astigmatism (J0 and J45), central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and white-to-white (WTW) distance. Axial length (AL) measurements by the same devices on a new cohort of 40 patients who had undergone PRK were also assessed. A paired t test was used to assess the interdevice measurement differences, and Bland-Altman analysis was used to calculate the 95% limits of agreement (LoA). RESULTS: This study included 97 patients. Preoperative vs post-PRK 95% LoAs between Pentacam-AXL and IOLMaster 700 were as follows: AvgK/Km (-0.42, 0.08 diopter [D]) vs (-0.49, 0.18 D); zonal-K2.5/Km (-0.40, 0.32 D) vs (-0.57, 0.74 D); J0 (-0.33, 0.18 D) vs (-0.28, 0.35 D); J45 (-0.28, 0.23 D) vs (-0.24, 0.27 D); pupil pachymetry/CCT (-18, 12 µm) vs (-2.6, 19.6 µm); apical pachymetry/CCT (-17.4, 12.8 µm) vs (-1.7, 20.9 µm); ACD (-0.03, 0.13 mm) vs (-0.03, 0.13 mm); WTW (-0.68, 0.23 mm) vs (-0.63, 0.14 mm); and AL (-0.07, 0.01 mm) vs (-0.07, 0.03 mm), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: PRK showed a negative impact on interdevice agreement for CCT and corneal power measurements, whereas it did not have a significant effect on the agreement of devices for ACD, WTW, AL, and the J45 astigmatism vectoral component. For IOL power measurement in post-PRK eyes, the 2 devices could be regarded as interchangeable for measuring AL and ACD but not for keratometry readings.

Corneal Parameters in Healthy Subjects Assessed by Corvis ST.

PURPOSE: To evaluate corneal biomechanics using Corvis ST in healthy eyes from Iranian keratorefractive surgery candidates. METHODS: In this prospective consecutive observational case series, the intraocular pressure (IOP), central corneal thickness (CCT), and biomechanical properties of 1,304 eyes from 652 patients were evaluated using Corvis ST. Keratometric readings and manifest refraction were also recorded. RESULTS: The mean ( ± SD) age of participants was 28 ± 5 years, and 31.7% were male. The mean spherical equivalent refraction was -3.50 ± 1.57 diopters (D), the mean IOP was 16.8 ± 2.9 mmHg, and the mean CCT was 531 ± 31 µ m for the right eye. The respective means ( ± SD) corneal biomechanical parameters of the right eye were as follows: first applanation time: 7.36 ± 0.39 milliseconds (ms); first applanation length: 1.82 ± 0.22 mm; velocity in: 0.12 ± 0.04 m/s; second applanation time: 20.13 ± 0.48 ms; second applanation length: 1.34 ± 0.55 mm; velocity out: -0.67 ± 0.17 m/s; total time: 16.84 ± 0.64 ms; deformation amplitude: 1.05 ± 0.10 mm; peak distance: 4.60 ± 1.01 mm; and concave radius of curvature: 7.35 ± 1.39 mm. In the linear regression analysis, IOP exhibited a statistically significant association with the first and second applanation times, total time, velocity in, peak distance, deformation amplitude, and concave radius of curvature. CONCLUSION: Our study results can be used as a reference for the interpretation of Corvis ST parameters in healthy refractive surgery candidates in the Iranian population. Our results confirmed that IOP is a major determinant of Corvis parameters.

Assessment of the changes in corneal biomechanical properties after collagen cross-linking in patients with keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To assess the changes in biomechanical properties of the cornea after treatment of keratoconus patients with UV-A/riboflavin corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) using Corvis ST (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany) and Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA; Reichert Ophthalmic Instruments, Inc., Buffalo, NY, USA) devices. METHODS: In this prospective, observational case series, 48 eyes from 48 consecutive patients with progressive keratoconus were enrolled. Patients with history or signs of ocular disorders other than keratoconus, previous eye surgery, systemic diseases, or inability to cooperate with any measurement device were excluded. Corvis ST and ORA images were obtained at baseline and 4 months after CXL. The primary outcome measures comprised Corvis ST corneal biomechanical factors [time of highest concavity (T), time of applanation 1 (T1), time of applanation 2 (T2), length of applanation 1 (L1), length of applanation 2 (L2), velocity of applanation 1 (V1), velocity of applanation 2 (V2), deformation amplitude (DA), peak distance (PD), and radius (R)] and the ORA parameters [corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), Goldmann-related IOP (IOPg), cornea-compensated IOP (IOPcc), and waveform score (WS)]. RESULTS: The mean [± standard deviation (SD)] age of patients was 20 ± 5 years, and 27 (56%) were male. At baseline, the averages of the refraction, mean keratometry, and keratometric astigmatism were -3.0 ± 1.8 diopter (D), 47.0 ± 1.8 D, and 3.5 ± 1.5 D, respectively. According to Corvis ST, L2 increased from 0.83 ± 0.25 mm at baseline to 1.15 ± 0.57 mm after CXL; and V2 decreased from -0.81 ± 0.08 to -0.94 ± 0.26 m/s (P = 0.001 and P = 0.032, respectively). ORA parameters showed significant decrease in the CRF (from 7.82 ± 1.72 to 7.21 ± 1.05 mmHg; P = 0.036) and increase in the WS (from 4.58 ± 2.55 to 6.12 ± 1.92; P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: According to in vivo observation with Corvis ST and ORA, CXL induces significant changes in corneal biomechanical properties in cases with keratoconus. The parameters with significant changes (L2 and V2) may reflect increased stiffness of the treated cornea. The importance of such observations should be elucidated in future studies.

Evaluation of corneal biomechanical properties in mustard gas keratopathy.

BACKGROUND: Degenerative biomechanical factors and immunologic processes with effect on collagen and corneal reparative process are known as the main cause of ocular surface dysfunction in mustard gas keratopathy (MGK) and may cause changes in the corneal biomechanical values. Therefore, we evaluate corneal biomechanical properties of these patients. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This case-control study includes 61 chemical warfare victims with MGK. After omission according to our exclusion criteria, 88 eyes of patients with MGK were enrolled as the case group and also a group of 88 normal eyes, which were matched regarding their age and sex in the control group, were enrolled. Measurements of corneal biomechanical properties which reported by ORA and Corvis ST (CST) devices were compared. The SPSS software version 23.0 was used in the statistical analysis. For comparisons between groups, if the data had a normal distribution, were analyzed by Student's t-test and ANOVA, and if the data didn't have a normal distribution, Mann-Whitney U test, and Kruskal-Wallis were used. Furthermore, to identify a relationship between two groups of data Spearman's rank Correlation test was used. P value < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: In the MGK group, A1 length (A1L), A1 velocity (A1V), A2 velocity (A2V), deformation amplitude (DA) and peak distance (PD) were higher than the control group (P < 0.001). However, the corneal hysteresis (CH) (P = 0.003), corneal resistant factor (CRF), non-corrected IOP (IOPnct), corrected IOP based on corneal thickness (IOPpachy), and central corneal thickness (CCT) were lower than the control group (P < 0.001). The visual acuity according to the LogMAR scale and severity of MGK was positively associated with IOPpachy and negatively associated with CH, CRF, CCT and highest concavity radius (Radius). CONCLUSION: Measurement of corneal biomechanical properties may be, have a useful role in the classification, monitoring or diagnosis of MGK.

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.

Corneal Biomechanical Properties and Thickness in Primary Congenital Glaucoma and Normal Eyes: A Comparative Study.

The correct estimation of Intraocular Pressure (IOP) is the most important factor in the management of various types of glaucoma. Primary congenital glaucoma is a type of glaucoma that can cause blindness in the absence of control of the IOP. In this retrospective observational study, 95 eyes, including 48 healthy eyes and 47 eyes with Primary Congenital Glaucomatous (PCG) were studied. Two groups were matched for age, gender, and Goldman Applanation Tonometry (GIOP). Corneal Hysteresis (CH), Corneal Resistance Factor (CRF), and Goldman intraocular pressure were measured by ORA (IOPg), and corneal compensated Intraocular Pressure (IOPcc) was measured for each patient using the Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA). Central Corneal Thickness (CCT) was measured by ultrasonic pachymetry. For each patient, one eye was selected randomly. Student's t-test and analytical regression were used for statistical analysis. The two groups were matched for age (P = 0.34), gender (P = 0.47), and GIOP (P = 0.17). Corneal hysteresis and CRF were significantly lower in PCG than in normal eyes (P < 0.0001), yet CCT was significantly thicker in PCG than normal eyes (P < 0.0001). The regression equation on the effect of CH, CRF, and CCT on GIOP in the PCG group showed that CH and CRF (P-value = 0.001 and P-value<0.0001) also had a significant effect yet CCT did not (P-value = 0.691). A significant decrease in CH and CRF was found in the PCG group compared to the normal controls. In the PCG group, the CCT was greater than normal. These results showed the usefulness of biomechanical properties (CH, CRF) in order to interpret IOP measurements. Furthermore, GIOP measurement may not be confined to consideration of CCT alone. A low CH and CRF value could be responsible for under-estimation of GIOP in the PCG group, in comparison to the normal controls.

Comparison among Ocular Response Analyzer, Corvis ST and Goldmann applanation tonometry in healthy children.

AIM: To explore the relationship between different parameters of Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA) and Corvis ST (CST) in a sample of healthy Iranian school-aged children and the relationship between parameters of these 2 instruments against intraocular pressure (IOP), measured by the Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT-IOP), age and gender, and find possible correlation between ORA and CST with GAT. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 90 healthy children. A general interview and complete eye examination were performed. Following successful GAT-IOP measurement, ORA and CST were conducted. The CST parameters were A 1/2 length (A1L, A2L), A 1/2 velocity (A1V, A2V), highest concavity deformation amplitude (HCDA), radius of curvature (RoC), peak distance (PD), central corneal thickness (CCT) and IOP. The ORA parameters were corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), Goldmann-correlated IOP (IOP-G) and corneal compensated IOP (IOP-CC). Extracted data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science software. RESULTS: Totally 39 males with age of 9.08±1.60 (6-12)y and 51 females with age of 8.96±1.55 (6-13)y were included. Many CST parameters were significantly correlated with CH, CRF, IOP-G and IOP-CC. Some CST parameters had a significant correlation with GAT-IOP, including IOP-CST in both eyes and HCDA, A2L, PD, and RoC in the left eye, but none with age, except A2L in the right eye. The CRF measurement showed a significant correlation with GAT-IOP in both eyes and CH in the right eye, yet, none with age. Among all CST and ORA parameters, CCT-CST in both eyes and A1L in right eye had a significant correlation with gender, although this was a negligible negative correlation. Comparison of mean IOP values by different devices showed a significantly highest IOP overestimation by CST and lowest by IOP-CC compared with GAT. Also, IOP-G versus IOP-CST significantly had the lowest IOP overestimation among others. Overall, either low positive correlation or negligible correlation was found between IOP measurements by 3 instruments. CONCLUSION: The study finds the highest IOP overestimation by CST and lowest by IOP-CC compared with GAT. Overall, either low positive correlation or negligible correlation is found between IOP measurements by the 3 instruments.

TSC1 Mutations in Keratoconus Patients With or Without Tuberous Sclerosis.

Purpose: To test candidate genes TSC1 and TSC2 in a family affected by tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) where proband was also diagnosed with bilateral keratoconus (KC) and to test the hypothesis that defects in the same gene may lead to a nonsyndromic KC. Methods: Next-generation sequencing of TSC1 and TSC2 genes was performed in a proband affected by TSC and KC. Identified mutation was confirmed by Sanger DNA sequencing. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed in patients with nonsyndromic KC. Sanger DNA sequencing was used to confirm WES results and to screen additional patients. RT-PCR was used to investigate TSC1 expression in seven normal human corneas and eight corneas from patients with KC. Various in silico tools were employed to model functional consequences of identified mutations. Results: A heterozygous nonsense TSC1 mutation g.132902703C>T (c.2293C>T, p.Gln765Ter) was identified in a patient with TSC and KC. Two heterozygous missense TSC1 variants g.132896322A>T (c.3408A>T, p.Asp1136Glu) and g.132896452G>A (c.3278G>A, p.Arg1093Gln) were identified in three patients with nonsyndromic KC. Two mutations were not present in The Genome Aggregation (GnomAD), The Exome Aggregation (ExAC), and 1000 Genomes (1000G) databases, while the third one was present in GnomAD and 1000G with minor allele frequencies (MAF) of 0.00001 and 0.0002, respectively. We found TSC1 expressed in normal corneas and KC corneas, albeit with various levels. Conclusions: Here for the first time we found TSC1 gene to be involved in bilateral KC and TSC as well as with nonsyndromic KC, supporting the hypothesis that diverse germline mutations of the same gene can cause genetic disorders with overlapping clinical features.

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.

Clinical Practice Guidelines for Prevention, Diagnosis and Management of Early and Delayed-onset Ocular Injuries Due to Mustard Gas Exposure.

PURPOSE: To develop clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for prevention, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of ocular injuries caused by exposure to mustard gas. METHODS: The clinical questions were designed by the guideline team. Websites and databases including National Guidelines Clearinghouse, National Institute for Clinical Excellence, Cochrane, and PubMed were searched to find related CPGs and explore possible answers to the clinical questions. Since there were no relevant CPGs in the literature, related articles in Persian and English languages were extracted. Each article along with its level of evidence was summarized. Additionally, hand search was performed by looking the reference list of each article. Consequently, recommendations were developed considering the clinical benefits and side effects of each therapeutic modality. The recommendations were re-evaluated in terms of customization criteria. All recommendations along with the related evidence were scored from 1 to 9 by experts from all medical universities of Iran. The level of agreement among the experts was evaluated by analyzing the given scores. RESULTS: The agreement was achieved for all recommendations. The experts suggested a number of minor modifications which were applied to the recommendations. Finally, CPGs were developed with 98 recommendations under three major domains including prevention of injury, diagnosis and management of the acute and delayed-onset mustard gas ocular injuries. CONCLUSION: Considering the lack of CPGs for the prevention, diagnosis, and management of mustard gas-induced keratitis, these recommendations would be useful to prevent the serious ocular complications of mustard gas and standardize eye care services to the affected individuals.

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.

Therapeutic Effect of Intrastromal Voriconazole, Topical Voriconazole, and Topical Natamycin on Fusarium Keratitis in Rabbit.

Purpose. Evaluating the therapeutic effect of topical and intrastromal voriconazole and topical natamycin on Fusarium keratitis. Methods. 24 rabbits were selected. The stroma of their corneas was inoculated with suspension of Fusarium solani species complex. Seven days after injection they were divided into 4 groups randomly: the first group was treated with topical voriconazole (TV) 1% for one week, the second one with one-time intrastromal injection of voriconazole (ISV) 50 microgram/0.1 mL, and the third group with topical gel of natamycin (TN) for one week, and the last one did not receive any antifungal treatment. Finally the eyes were enucleated and sclerocorneal buttons were sent for histological and microbiological examinations. Results. After treatment the ISV group and TN group showed significantly lower clinical score and colony forming units than the control group (P = 0.040 and P = 0.026, resp.), but there was statistically no significant difference between control and TV groups (P = 0.249) or between ISV and TN groups (P = 0.665). In pathological evaluation, fewer chronic inflammations were reported in 2 of the 3 buttons from TV group and 3 of the 3 buttons from ISV and TN groups in comparison with the control group. Conclusion. Intrastromal injection of voriconazole seems to be effective in treatment of Fusarium keratitis as much as topical natamycin and these are more effective than topical voriconazole.