Prematurity May Affect the Postoperative Sensory Results in Children With Strabismus.

PURPOSE: To analyze the motor and sensory outcomes of strabismus surgery in children born preterm (premature group) and full-term (control group). METHODS: The study was performed at a tertiary university hospital. Children who underwent strabismus surgery between 2012 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. The success of surgery, postoperative over-correction and undercorrection rates, and stereopsis and fusion test results were compared between the premature and control groups. RESULTS: There were 70 patients in the premature group (mean gestational age: 31.25 weeks; range: 24 to 35 weeks) and 242 patients in the control group. The amounts of preoperative and postoperative deviations and overcorrection, undercorrection, and success rates were similar between the premature and control groups (P > .05). Stereopsis improved from 560 to 300 arc/sec postoperatively in the premature group (P = .066) and from 1,156 to 685 arc/sec in the control group (P < .001). The rate of fusion increased from 12.5% to 25% in the premature group (P = .50) and from 17% to 47% in the control group (P < .001). The analysis of strabismus subgroups revealed significant improvement of fusion in full-term patients (P < .001) and not in preterm patients (P = .50) with esotropia. Preoperative amount of deviation was the only risk factor for surgical success (P < .001). Age, sex, history of prematurity, and spherical equivalent refraction were not correlated with undercorrection (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of the type of strabismus, although the functional results after strabismus surgery were similar in preterm and full-term patients, the gain of stereopsis and central fusion was significantly higher in full-term patients compared to preterm patients. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 20XX;X(X):XXX-XXX.].

Effects of prematurity and retinopathy of prematurity on refractive errors and biometric optic components in school children: results of a tertiary center from Turkey.

PURPOSE: To reveal refractive errors, the relationship between refractive errors and optical parameters, and the effect of prematurity and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) on ocular development in school children with a history of prematurity. METHODS: Premature children aged 8-12 years were divided into 3 groups as those without ROP (Group 1), with ROP that did not require treatment (Group 2), and with laser-treated ROP (Group 3). Age-matched full-term healthy children were included in the control group. Demographic features were recorded. A detailed ophthalmologic examination was performed. Anterior chamber depth (ACD), trabecular-iris angle (TIA), iris thickness (IT), lens thickness (LT), vitreous body length (VBL), axial length (AL) were measured by ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM). The results were compared between groups. RESULTS: Group 3 had the lowest best corrected visual acuity (0.81 ± 0.31 SL), the highest rates of myopia (55.9%) and astigmatism (50.0%). In the premature groups, ACD (p < 0.001), TIA (p < 0.001), IT (p = 0.016), VBL (p < 0.001) and AL (p < 0.001) were lower; LT (p < 0.001) was higher than in the control group. As birth weight (BW) and gestational age (GA) increased, ACD, TIA, VBL and AL increased, and LT decreased (p < 0.001). In the group 3, 35.2% anisometropia, 17.6% of esotropia and 5.9% of exotropia were detected. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of myopia, astigmatism, hyperopia and anisometropia is increasing in premature children, especially in cases with laser-treated ROP. Premature cases are characterized by thicker lens, shallower ACD, narrower TIA and shorter AL. Refractive errors, anisometropia, amblyopia and strabismus are important causes of visual impairment in children with laser-treated ROP.

Posterior Capsulotomy Size Affects the Formation of Significant Visual Axis Opacification in Congenital and Developmental Cataract.

PURPOSE: To assess the relationship between posterior capsulotomy size and significant visual axis opacification (VAO) in congenital and developmental cataract. METHODS: The charts of children aged 7 years and younger who underwent cataract surgery including primary posterior capsulotomy (PPC) and limited anterior vitrectomy between 2012 and 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Eyes with PPC size smaller than the anterior capsulotomy size were considered as group 1. Eyes with PPC size larger than the anterior capsulotomy size were considered as group 2. Clinical characteristics, the need for Nd:YAG laser treatment or further surgery for significant VAO, and other postoperative complications were compared between the groups. RESULTS: Sixty eyes of 41 children were included in the study. The median age at the time of surgery was 5.5 and 3 years in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P = .076). Primary intraocular lens implantation was performed in 23 (85.2%) eyes in group 1 and 25 (75.8%) eyes in group 2 (P = .364). There was no difference between the groups in terms of postoperative visual acuity (P = .983) and refractive errors (P = .154). Eight (29.6%) pseudophakic eyes received Nd:YAG laser treatment in group 1, but none of the eyes in group 2 (P = .001). Four (14.8%) eyes in group 1 and 1 (3%) eye in group 2 underwent further surgery for VAO (P = .100). The need for further intervention for significant VAO was statistically higher in group 1 (44.4% vs 3%, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Larger PPC size in pediatric cataract may reduce the need for further intervention for significant VAO. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2023;60(6):441-447.].

Incidence and risk factors for retinopathy of prematurity in premature, extremely low birth weight and extremely low gestational age infants.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to determine the incidence and risk factors of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in premature, extremely low birth weight (BW, ELBW) and extremely low gestational age (GA, ELGA) infants. METHODS: The medical records of preterm infants who were screened for ROP between January 2012 and December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Only one eye of each infant with higher grade ROP was included in the study. BW; GA; medical characteristics; the presence, severity, and need for treatment of ROP were recorded. Infants were divided into groups according to BW (≤1000 g, 1001-1750 g, > 1750 g) and GA (≤25w, 26-28w, 29-31w, 32-34w, ≥35w) and data were analyzed. RESULTS: Data of 2186 infants were evaluated. The overall incidences of any stage ROP and ROP requiring treatment were 43.5 and 8.0%, respectively. These rates were 81.1 and 23.9% in ELBW (≤1000 g) infants and were 92.9 and 64.3% in ELGA (≤25w) infants, respectively. The rates of ROP, the median duration of oxygen therapy and systemic diseases increased significantly as BW and GA decreased. The median duration of oxygen therapy and the rates of sepsis, pulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) were statistically higher in infants with ROP compared to those without ROP (p < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated that low BW and GA; prolonged duration of oxygen therapy; presence of PDA and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) were important risk factors for ROP. CONCLUSIONS: ELBW and ELGA infants develop higher rates of ROP and severe ROP. Prolonged duration of oxygen therapy, the presence of concomitant neonatal sepsis, BPD, IVH, PDA, and NEC further increases the risk of ROP.

Quantitative measurements with optical coherence tomography angiography in Behçet uveitis.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the quantitative measurements obtained by optical coherence tomography angiography in patients with Behçet uveitis. METHODS: A total of 22 consecutive patients with Behçet uveitis and 19 age-matched healthy individuals were included in the study. Quantitative analysis of optical coherence tomography angiography images was performed. Comparisons between the patients and the control groups and correlation analysis between optical coherence tomography angiography results and age, visual acuity, duration of uveitis, central macular thickness, and fluorescein angiography scores in the patient group was performed. RESULTS: The mean superficial foveal avascular zone area was 283.040 ± 113.003 µm2 in the patient group and 254.268 ± 75.813 µm2 in the control group (p = 0.821). The mean deep foveal avascular zone area was 317.657 ± 116.225 µm2 in the patient group and 332.954 ± 94.783 µm2 in the control group (p = 0.775). The foveal avascular zone area could not be calculated in eight eyes with macular atrophy in the patient group because of unclear foveal avascular zone borders. Both superficial and deep capillary vessel density in all regions were lower in the patient group than in the control. Superior, inferior, and temporal capillary vessel density were correlated with fluorescein angiography score (Pearson's r = -0.380, 0.392, and -0.384, p < 0.05 in superficial plexus; r = -0.357, -0.401, and -0.321, p < 0.05 in deep plexus, respectively). The foveal avascular zone area was correlated with central macular thickness in both superficial and deep plexus (r = -0.387 and -0.331, p < 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION: Recurrent uveitis attacks affecting the macula are associated with a decrease in capillary vessel density and expansion in the foveal avascular zone area in Behçet disease. The qualitative evaluation of the optical coherence tomography angiography findings may be more valuable in patients with macular atrophy.

Use of choroidal vascularity index for choroidal structural evaluation in smokers: an optical coherence tomography study.

PURPOSE: To compare the choroidal vascularity index (CVI) and choroidal thickness (CT) in smokers and healthy non-smoking subjects using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). METHODS: Forty-two smokers with no systemic disorders and 46 age-sex matched healthy volunteers were included in the study. SD-OCT was used to measure choroidal thickness at the fovea and 1500 µm intervals from the foveal centre in both nasal and temporal directions. Choroidal images were binarized and segmented to the luminal area (LA), stromal area (SA), and total choroidal area (TCA) using ImageJ software. The choroidal vascularity index was calculated as the ratio of LA to TCA. Smoking subjects were divided into three groups according to pack-year exposure: 10-20 pack-years, 20-30 pack-years, and >30 pack-years. Subgroup analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between CT/CVI/LA/SA/TCA and pack-years. RESULTS: The mean age of the smokers and non-smokers was 43.1 ± 7.26 years and 41.82 ± 9.92 years, respectively (p = 0.51). The mean subfoveal choroidal thickness was 301.57 ± 55.04 µm in smokers and 303.38 ± 53.42 µm in non-smokers (p = 0.826). No significant difference was observed between groups for CT values in the subfoveal location or at 1500 µm intervals in the nasal and temporal direction from the fovea. The CVI was significantly lower in smokers (65.4 ± 2.3%) than in non-smokers (66.3 ± 2.5%) (p = 0.021). In the subgroup analysis, subjects with >20 pack-years of smoking had a significantly lower CVI than non-smokers, but those between 10-20 pack-years did not. A negative correlation was found between the CVI and smoking, as measured by cigarette pack-years (r = -0.226, p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: The CVI was significantly decreased in smokers compared to healthy controls. The study results suggest that the CVI could be a non-invasive tool for evaluating choroidal vascular changes in smokers.

The Short-Term Efficacy of Biweekly Subconjunctival Bevacizumab in Diabetic Macular Edema.

Purpose: To assess the effectiveness of subconjunctival bevacizumab (SB) injection every 2 weeks (biweekly) for diabetic macular edema (DME).Materials and Methods: In this prospective, non-randomized study; patients with clinically significant DME, who had central macular thickness (CMT) >300 µm, were included. They received three consecutive subconjunctival injections of 0.2 ml (5 mg) bevacizumab in biweekly intervals. Macular measurements were obtained by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. The changes in CMT, and volumes of foveal (central 1 mm), parafoveal (between 1-3 mm), and perifoveal (3-6 mm) areas were followed.Results: Totally, 35 eyes of 26 patients with DME were included in the study. Five eyes were treatment-naive and 30 eyes were treatment non-naive. The means of CMT were 440.82 ± 101.22 µm at baseline, 380.11 ± 79.76 µm at second week, 338.34 ± 69.24 µm at first month, and 330.46 ± 74.16 µm at second month. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at baseline and second month were 0.56 ± 0.38 Log MAR (20/80) and 0.38 ± 0.35 Log MAR (20/50), respectively. While CMT, foveal, parafoveal, and perifoveal volumes significantly decreased after SB injections, a significant improvement in BCVA was found (p < .01 for all). No significant ocular or systemic adverse events were observed.Conclusions: Subconjunctival injection of bevacizumab every 2 weeks appears to be beneficial in the treatment of DME and it may provide significant anatomic and visual improvement, without ocular or systemic side effects.

The short-term efficacy of intravitreal ranibizumab, aflibercept and dexamethasone implant in the treatment of macular edema due to non-ischemic central retinal vein occlusion.

PURPOSE: To assess and compare the efficacy over 6 months of intravitreal ranibizumab (IR), aflibercept (IA) and dexamethasone implant (IDI) in eyes with macular edema (ME) secondary to non-ischemic central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO). METHODS: This is a retrospective single-center study. Patients who received pro re nata treatment of IR 0.5 mg, IA 2 mg or IDI 0.7 mg (as Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3, respectively) for the treatment of ME due to non-ischemic CRVO were included in the study. Efficacy outcomes were considered as the changes in mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) from baseline over 6 months. RESULTS: Eighteen patients (Group 1) received IR, 16 patients received (Group 2) IA, and 24 patients (Group 3) received IDI. The mean numbers of injections were 2.56 ± 1.0, 2.68 ± 0.9, and 1.62 ± 0.5 in Group 1, 2, and 3, respectively (p = 0.000). In Groups 1 and 2, the mean BCVA values increased significantly after the treatment (p < 0.001). However, in Group 3, no increase in mean BCVA was statistically significant in any month (p = 0.061). The proportion of eyes gaining at least three lines in BCVA was 33.3% in Group 1, 43.8% in Group 2, and 33.3% in Group 3 (p = 0.762). In all groups, significant improvements were observed in CMT after treatment (p < 0.001). At month 6, the mean changes in CMT were - 162.7 ± 186.5 µm in Group 1, - 310.1 ± 345.9 µm in Group 2, and - 193.8 ± 228.3 µm in Group 3, with no significant difference among groups (p = 0.474). Cataract formation and IOP increase were higher in the IDI group, but the differences were not statistically significant (p = 0.054 and p = 0.392, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: IR and IA may be preferred treatment for ME due to non-ischemic CRVO as visual improvement remains the primary ophthalmological objective. The most important advantages of IDI are its effect on CMT and the need for fewer injections. The increase in IOP and the formation of cataract may be observed more in IDI-treated eyes.

Medial and Lateral Rectus Muscle Insertion Distance and Width in Esotropia and Exotropia Patients.

PURPOSE: The hypothesis that the extraocular muscle insertion distance and muscle width may be associated with the type and size of deviation was tested. METHODS: This was a prospective study of 129 patients who had surgery for horizontal strabismus or retinal detachment. The insertion distances and widths of the medial rectus (MR) and lateral rectus (LR) muscles were measured intraoperatively in esotropia, exotropia, and buckling surgery (control group) patients. Statistical analysis was performed to compare measured factors between the groups. RESULTS: Median medial and lateral muscle insertions were 5.7 and 6.9 mm in esotropia (ET), 6.0 and 7.1 mm in exotropia (XT), and 5.5 and 6.7 mm in the control groups (p > 0.05). The widths of the medial and lateral muscles ranged from 7.0 to 13.0 mm in ET and XT groups and from 9.5 to 11.0 mm in the control group (p > 0.05). Muscle insertion distance and LR muscle width were not correlated with deviation size. Only the MR muscle width was positively correlated with the deviation size. CONCLUSIONS: Insertion distances of the medial and LR muscles are not statistically different in ET, XT, and control patients. Only MR muscle width was affected by the size of the deviation in ET patients.

Choroidal Thickness in Strabismus and Amblyopia Cases.

PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to examine the effect of hypermetropia and anisometropic, exotropic, and esotropic amblyopia on choroidal thickness. METHODS: A prospective, cross-sectional, comparative study of 120 children under the age of 16 years was conducted. Choroidal thickness was measured in patients with hypermetropia, anisometropia, esotropia, exotropia, and controls. RESULTS: The mean subfoveal choroidal thickness in the control and hypermetropia groups was 323.9±69.0 µm and 348.9±64.5 µm, respectively. Mean choroidal thickness in amblyopic and fellow eyes was 387.4 and 351.9 µm in anisometropic, 353.8 and 338.7 µm in exotropic, 347.5 and 336.5 µm in esotropic, and 389.3 and 359.3 µm in esotropic+anisometropic groups, respectively. Choroid was significantly thicker in amblyopic eyes of anisometropic group compared to fellow (P=0.004) and control (P=0.03) eyes. The difference of choroidal thickness was not significant between both eyes and when compared to control eyes in the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Anisometropic amblyopic eyes had thicker choroids compared to controls and fellow eyes. However the choroidal thickness was not significantly different between amblyopic and fellow eyes of esotropic or exotropic patients.

Dexamethasone Implant in Chronic Diabetic Macular Edema Resistant to Intravitreal Ranibizumab Treatment.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a single intravitreal dexamethasone implant (IDI) over 6 months in eyes with chronic diabetic macular edema (DME) that were resistant to intravitreal ranibizumab (IR) treatment. METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted at the Ondokuz Mayis University Hospital, Samsun, Turkey. Efficacy outcomes were considered as the change from baseline in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT). RESULTS: Thirty eyes of 20 patients with a mean age of 61.6 ± 8.8 (45-85) years were included in the study. The mean BCVA significantly increased from 0.68 ± 0.27 to 0.56 ± 0.30 logMAR (p = 0.001) and 0.57 ± 0.30 logMAR (p = 0.002) at months 1 and 2, respectively. The proportion of patients who gained 3 or more lines in BCVA was 20%. The mean CMT significantly decreased from 578.93 ± 17.95 µm at baseline to 282.10 ± 21.42, 292.26 ± 19.69, 371.70 ± 21.23, and 463.60 ± 23.16 µm at months 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively (p = 0.001). Intraocular pressure (IOP) increase occurred in 5 (16.7%) eyes. Cataract surgery was required in 3 (13%) out of 23 phakic eyes. CONCLUSION: IDI provides significant benefits in visual acuity gains and anatomic improvements in eyes with chronic DME that are resistant to IR treatment. Increases in IOP and cataract progression can be observed in IDI-treated patients. However, its safety profile is acceptable.

Infrequent Complications of Inferior Oblique Recession Surgery.

PURPOSE: To report the infrequent complications, including antielevation and adherence syndrome, after a unilateral and bilateral inferior oblique (IO) recession procedure and to discuss the possible causes. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients on whom unilateral or bilateral IO weakening surgeries were performed. RESULTS: Forty-three patients were included in the study. In 23 patients unilateral and in 20 patients bilateral IO weakening was performed. All patients underwent IO recession surgery. Mild limitation of elevation developed in two patients and adherence syndrome developed in one patient. All occurred after unilateral IO recession. No duction deficiency was observed in patients after bilateral IO recession. CONCLUSION: Antielevation and adherence syndrome can develop after unilateral IO recession surgery. Care should be taken not to tighten the neurofibrovascular bundle of the IO muscle during surgery.

Ab-interno scleral suture loop fixation with cow-hitch knot in posterior chamber intraocular lens decentration.

AIM OF STUDY: To describe a simplified ab-interno cow-hitch suture fixation technique for repositioning decentered posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC IOL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two cases are presented with the surgical correction of decentered and subluxated IOL. Ab-interno scleral suture fixation technique with hitch-cow knot in the eye was performed with a ciliary sulcus guide instrument and 1 year follow-up was completed. RESULTS: Both of the patients had well centered lenses postoperatively. Corrected distant and near visual acuities of the patients were improved. There was no significant postoperative complication. In the follow-up period of 1 year, no evidence of suture erosion was found. CONCLUSIONS: Ab-interno scleral suture loop fixation with hitch-cow knot in the eye was effective in repositioning decentered or subluxated PC IOLs with excellent postoperative centered lenses and visual outcomes.

Efficacy and safety of topical cyclosporine A 0.05% in vernal keratoconjunctivitis.

INTRODUCTION: While corticosteroids are an effective choice of treatment for severe vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC), their long-term use is restricted due to side effects. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical cyclosporine A (CsA) 0.05% in the treatment of VKC. METHODS: A total of 30 patients with VKC that was resistant to topical corticosteroids, antihistamines and mast cell stabilisers were treated with topical CsA 0.05%. Patients were evaluated at Weeks 4, 8 and 12 after the initiation of therapy. Symptoms and signs observed before and after treatment were recorded and scores were assigned. Scores for symptoms and signs, the need for topical corticosteroids and ocular side effects were evaluated. RESULTS: At baseline, the median values of the symptom and sign scores were 10.0 (range 5.0-18.0) and 6.0 (range 2.0-13.0), respectively. At Week 4 of treatment with topical CsA 0.05%, the median values of the symptom and sign scores were 3.0 (range 0-14.0) and 3.0 (range 0-8.0), respectively. The reductions in the symptom and sign scores were statistically significant. The reduction in the need for corticosteroid was statistically significant by Week 12 of therapy. No significant side effects were reported. CONCLUSION: Topical CsA 0.05%, which can help to reduce corticosteroid usage, is an effective and safe alternative for the treatment of resistant VKC. Further studies are needed to determine the optimal duration of therapy and possibility of recurrence.

Surgical management of intraocular lens dislocations.

PURPOSE: To report and compare the surgical, visual, and anatomical outcomes following treatment of dislocated intraocular lenses (IOLs). METHODS: The medical records of 28 eyes of 28 patients were evaluated. Age, gender, pre-and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), surgical methods, and complications were recorded. RESULTS: Pre-and postoperative BCVA ranged from counting fingers to 20/32 and from counting fingers to 20/25, respectively. Late-onset dislocations were the most frequently observed complication. The most frequent surgical method was IOL repositioning in 15 of 28 patients, followed by IOL exchange in 11 patients, and IOL removal in 2 patients. Only 1 patient required surgical re-intervention with IOL capture. CONCLUSIONS: Visual acuity improved following the use of either IOL repositioning or IOL exchange. No superiority of one method over the other was observed. In the present retrospective case series, management of dislocated IOLs with repositioning or exchange of the primary implant conferred comparable surgical and visual outcomes.

Surgical management of intraocular lens dislocations / Tratamento cirúrgico dos deslocamentos de lentes intraoculares

ABSTRACTPurpose:To report and compare the surgical, visual, and anatomical outcomes following treatment of dislocated intraocular lenses (IOLs).Methods:The medical records of 28 eyes of 28 patients were evaluated. Age, gender, pre-and postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), surgical methods, and complications were recorded.Results:Pre-and postoperative BCVA ranged from counting fingers to 20/32 and from counting fingers to 20/25, respectively. Late-onset dislocations were the most frequently observed complication. The most frequent surgical method was IOL repositioning in 15 of 28 patients, followed by IOL exchange in 11 patients, and IOL removal in 2 patients. Only 1 patient required surgical re-intervention with IOL capture.Conclusions:Visual acuity improved following the use of either IOL repositioning or IOL exchange. No superiority of one method over the other was observed. In the present retrospective case series, management of dislocated IOLs with repositioning or exchange of the primary implant conferred comparable surgical and visual outcomes.

RESUMOObjetivo:Relatar e comparar as abordagens cirúrgicas e os resultados visuais e anatômicos no tratamento de lentes intraoculares (IOL) deslocadas.Métodos:Foram avaliados os registros médicos de 28 olhos de 28 pacientes. Idade, sexo, melhor acuidade visual corrigida pré e pós-operatória, abordagens cirúrgicas e complicações foram registrados.Resultados:Melhor acuidade visual corrigida pré e pós-operatória variou de conta dedos a 20/32 e de conta dedos a 20/25, respectivamente. Os deslocamentos tardios foram os mais frequentemente encontrados. A cirurgia mais frequente foi o reposicionamento da IOL em 15 dos 28 pacientes, em seguida, o troca da IOL em 11 pacientes, e a remoção da IOL em dois pacientes. Apenas um caso de necessitou de reintervenção devido à captura da IOL.Conclusões:A acuidade visual melhorou em ambas as abordagens, reposicionamento e troca de IOL. Não houve superioridade de um método sobre o outro. Na presente série de casos retrospectiva, o tratamento do deslocamento de IOL com reposição ou troca do implante primário gerou resultados cirúrgicos e visuais comparáveis.

Incidence of retinopathy of prematurity in the middle Black Sea region of Turkey over a 10-year period.

PURPOSE: To report the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in babies with a birth weight of ≤1750 g over a 10-year period in the north of Turkey. METHODS: The medical records of 2,365 preterm babies who had been referred for ophthalmological examination were retrospectively reviewed, and children with a birth weight of ≤1750 g were included. The incidence of ROP was compared between two successive 5-year periods: 2004-2008 and 2009-2013. RESULTS: A total of 1,565 babies were included: 624 in the first period and 941 in the second. The incidence of ROP significantly increased during the second period compared to the first (35.3% vs 48.2% [P < 0.001]). The number of patients who required treatment was 11.9% in the first period and 11.4% in the second (P = 0.768). CONCLUSIONS: Although the incidence of ROP increased during the latter period of study (2009-2013), the numbers of treatment-requiring cases were similar in both periods.

Hyaluronidase in ophthalmic evisceration surgery.

BACKGROUND: To research the effectiveness of hyaluronidase in evisceration surgery. METHODS: A total of 34 patients were studied as three groups: conventional surgery group (n = 13); isotonic fluid group (n = 8); and hyaluronidase group (n = 13). Hyaluronidase and isotonic fluid were introduced into the uveo-scleral space. Intraocular content was removed, if possible by a one-scoop method, with the aid of a spoon. RESULTS: Removing all the intraocular content as a one-scoop method was achieved in 10 of 13 (77%) in the hyaluronidase group and four of eight (50%) in the isotonic fluid group. The one-scoop method was not possible in any case without the introduction of fluid. The mean durations for the evisceration procedure were 32, 36.6 and 40.5 min in the three groups, respectively (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Using hyaluronidase in evisceration surgery greatly facilitates and speeds up the removal of all the intraocular content in ophthalmic evisceration surgery.