THE PREVALENCE OF MYOPIA IN SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN IN SLOVAKIA AND THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

AIMS: The aim of the authors' study was to determine the prevalence of myopia and premyopia in children and adolescents attending primary school in a village in the north of Slovakia in the period before and after the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Changes in the spherical equivalent and axial length of the eyes were measured in 2019 and 2022 in a group of 47 children and adolescents within the age range of 7-12 years at the time of first measurement. In all the individuals, refraction was measured using an automatic keratorefractometer without the use of cycloplegic eye drops, and axial length was measured with an optical biometer. Refraction was also measured using an automatic keratorefractometer after using cycloplegic eye drops. RESULTS: We recorded a significant change in the mean spherical equivalent (1.02 ±1.16 D vs. 0.72 ±1.29) and the axial length of the eyes (23.05 ±0.72mm vs. 23.30 ±0.74mm) when comparing the measurements from 2019 to 2022. The probands manifested a myopic refractive shift of -0.30 D throughout the entire cohort (-0.24 D in boys and -0.38 D in girls), and the mean axial length increased by 0.2 mm in the entire cohort (by 0.3 mm in boys and 0.2 mm in girls). The percentage of myopic and premyopic eyes increased (4.3% vs. 8.5% a 31.9% vs. 48.9%). CONCLUSION: We noted a decrease in the spherical equivalent and increase in the axial length of the eyes after the Covid-19 pandemic compared to the period before the pandemic in Slovak school-aged children. During this period, the prevalence of myopia and premyopia increased.

CHANGES IN THE VISION OF ADULT AMBLYOPIC PATIENTS FOLLOWING CLEAR LENS EXTRACTION.

AIMS: The aim of the study was to retrospectively evaluate changes in vision after the implantation of trifocal (tIOL) or rotationally asymmetric multifocal artificial intraocular lenses (mIOL) in patients undergoing clear lens extraction. The main goal was to determine whether changes to central visual acuity occur after the implantation of an IOL at a follow-up examination after one year. Other objectives were to determine the difference between the groups with implanted diffractive and rotationally asymmetric artificial intraocular lenses, as well as to evaluate the risk of accurate correction in patients who had lived most of their lives "undercorrected". MATERIAL AND METHODS: In our study, we present a retrospective longitudinal evaluation of results in patients after the implantation of an artificial intraocular lens. In the period from 2013 to 2020, we evaluated changes in the vision of 22 patients aged 39-59 years, of whom 18 were women and 5 were men. The average preoperative refraction of myopic eyes was +5.7 ±2.13 Dsf and +1.24 ±0.86 Dcyl. In amblyopic eyes, 7 diffractive lenses and 15 rotationally asymmetric lenses were used. RESULTS: Uncorrected distance visual acuity before surgery and one year (1Y) after was 0.13 ±0.09 vs. 0.57 ±0.28 (p < 0.001); the best corrected distance visual acuity before and 1Y after was 0.53 ±0.22 vs. 0.62 ±0.29 (p = 0.024); uncorrected near visual acuity before and 1Y after was 0.06 ±0.06 vs. 0.48 ±0.32 (p < 0.001); the best corrected near visual acuity before and afér the surgical procedure was 0.45 ±0.27vs. 0.55 ±0.35 (p = 0.014). CONCLUSION: Implantation of tIOL and mIOL lenses was effective in our group of patients with amblyopia, thus improving uncorrected distance and near visual acuity and without serious adverse effects. At the same time, we evaluate that the change in refraction and the removal of anisometropia lead to a significant change in the best corrected visual acuity for distance or near vision at the one-year follow-up examination.

USE OF A FEMTOSECOND LASER IN CATARACT SURGERY.

AIMS: Cataracts continue to be the leading cause of blindness worldwide. Phacoemulsification is the gold standard in the treatment of cataracts. The aim of the study was to compare the postoperative results of the phacoemulsification technique in comparison with femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Our work retrospectively evaluates the results of patients after implantation of an artificial intraocular lens for cataract from May 2017 to March 2019. The study evaluated a total of 80 implanted lenses in 47 patients operated on by two surgeons. Of the 47 patients, 28 were women. The mean age in the group at the time of surgery was 63.7 years, ranging from 34-79 years. Patients could choose FLACS (n = 45) surgery or standard phacoemulsification procedure (n = 35). RESULTS: Upon a comparison of the group regarding uncorrected distal visual acuity (UCDVA) up to 12 months after surgery, the group FAKO CATARACTS recorded 0.85 ±0.18 vs. 0.93 ±0.12 in the FEMTO CATARACTS group (p = 0.021), comparably uncorrected near visual acuity (UCNVA) was 0.77 ±0.18 vs. 0.84 ±0.17 (p = 0.034) respectively. A difference in the use of phacoemulsification energy (OZIL) was measured in patients with phacoemulsification 3.5 ±3.1 and in the use of femtosecond laser 2.2 ±3.1, (p = 0.005). In all cases, an AT LISA 839 trifocal lens (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Germany) was implanted. CONCLUSION: The femtosecond platform assists the surgeon in cataract surgery with capsulorhexis and pre-fragmentation of the lens nucleus, which can be advantageous especially for complicated cataracts. We recorded significantly higher uncorrected distance and near visual acuity in the FLACS group, and also a significantly lower value of the phacoemulsification energy used.

Visual Training in Virtual Reality in Adult Patients with Anisometric Amblyopia.

PURPOSE: Amblyopia is one of the most common childhood disease. The average prevalence of amblyopia in children is estimated at 2-5 %. It arises during the child development until the age of six, if not treated then, it persist throught adulthood. The aim of our work is to retrospectively analyze the results of treatment of anisometropic amblyopia using dichoptical training in virtual reality in adult amblyopic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our group consisted of 84 amblyopic patients with anisometropic amblyopia with an average age of 33.8 ± 9.4 years. Patients played a video game twice a week in the Oculus Rift 3D virtual reality. Together they completed 8 visual trainings, with one training lasting 60 minutes. Before and after the training we evaluated the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA). DISCUSSION: Throughout the group, we observed an improvement of 0.1 BCVA from 0.48 to 0.58 Sloan table (p.

Eyelid edema as a first sign of lymphoma.

Chronic eyelid edema may be a symptom of different disease. The most common are autoimmune diseases such as orbital pseudotumor, vasculitis, sarcoidosis, or impaired vascular or lymphatic drainage. Rarely has it been reported as the sole manifestation of the lymphoma. Eyelid lymphoma is a special clinical entity in the spectrum of hematological malignancies. Here we present our clinical experience with eyelids lymphomas. First case is a 76-year-old female patient with bilateral edema of upper eyelid non-responding to anti-inflammatory therapy. Histological examination diagnosed mantle cells lymphoma. In the second case, 58-year-old patient was diagnosed with solitary unilateral tumor of the lower eyelid, where primary biopsy was ordered and diagnosis of MALT lymphoma was established after histological examination. In both cases, it was not solitary eyelid tumor, but systemic disease with multiple lymphadenopathy and bone marrow infiltration were found in follow-up examinations. Subsequently, patients care was given to the hemato-oncologist.

Pupillary abnormalities in childhood - 2 case presentations.

Anisocoria is a condition characterized by an unequal size of the eyes' pupils. There is a broad spectrum of aetiological factors including benign and also life- threatening situations. The most important point is the ability to find the anatomical location of the pathology. Understanding to the anatomical, physiological and pharmacological influences helps us to solve the diagnostic challenge. In the article authors present the issue of the anisocoria in the childhood through two case presentations. Causes of an unequal size of the eyes' pupils are in this two cases different. In both of the cases the anisocoria is temporary with spontaneous resolution without any therapy. Diagnostic challenge is well- described with the analysis of important Pilocarpin pharmacological tests. Pharmacological diagnostic tests are a very effective method to differentiate between the pharmacological mydriasis and the mydriasis caused by another factor. Strictly taken patient´s history with targeted questions searching for recent contact with some drugs, plants or medications is crucial. Sometimes it is necessary to consider an unusual diagnosis - benign episodic unilateral mydriasis.

Effect of Botulinum toxin A application in neuro-ophtalmologic indications on Schirmers test and tears osmolarity.

Botulinum toxin type A (BT-A) is used in the treatment of neuro-ophthalmologic disorders such as essential blepharospasm and facial hemispasm for more than 20 years. Although the long-term effect of repeated application of the BT-A was confirmed, the BT-A effect on tears production and retention is not clear. In our work we investigated whether applied BT-A in patients with blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm affect tears production. Tears quality was measured with Schirmers and tear osmolarity test during neuro-ophthalmologic diseases treatment, which was evaluated before and 14 days after application of BT-A (Botox inj, Allergan, Irvine, USA) into the orbicularis oculi muscle. BT-A doses of 16-18 U with unilateral and 32 to 36 U bilateral applications were used. The mean tear production in Schirmers test before BT-A application was 8.38 ± 0.63 mm, and 2 weeks after BT-A application was 7.12 ± 0,6 mm (n = 50). Tear osmolarity was 305.4 ± 9.2 mOsm before BT-A application, and 2 weeks after BT-A application it was 305.2 ± 8,6 mOsm (n = 13). We found significant difference between two groups in tear quantity (p < 0.012), but not quality (p > 0.05). Application of the BT-A reduced the amount of tears measured by Schirmers test. These results confirm rational basis of the empirical clinical experience where an artificial tears substitution is recommended for patients with neuro-ophthalmologic disorders treated by BT-A.

Keratopigmentation (Corneal Tattoo) - Our First Experience.

INTRODUCTION: Keratopigmentation or corneal tattooing represents an unique cosmetic solution for corneal leucomas and also for other pathological changes affecting cornea or iris. Procedure is based on pigment insertion into the corneal stroma. Goal is to improve the appearance of the affected eye. These days are most frequently used tattoo kits with different sterilised inks made primary for skin tattooing. As a new possibility there are also available biocompatible micronized mineral pigments. METHODS: Authors will introduce four case reports of four patients with corneal leucomas, who wanted to undergo the corneal tattooing to improve the cosmetic appearance of their blind eyes. Authors decided for keratopigmentation with an use of inks intended primary for skin tattooing. RESULTS: In all four patients was the final appearance of tattooed cornea more than satisfying. Postoperative examination didn´t detect diffusion, fading, colour changes of the pigments. No complications such as toxic or immune reaction due to the pigment were recorded. All four patients were subjectively fully satisfied with the cosmetic result of the keratopigmentation. CONCLUSION: Based on the first experience authors consider keratopigmentation to be a safe and relatively uncomplicated surgical method. Corneal tattooing is also quite cheap, does not require patient´s hospitalization and postoperative reconvalescence in usually short term. Key words: keratopigmentation, corneal tattoo, corneal leucoma, blind eye.

CHANGE OF CENTRAL AND PERIPHERAL VISION IN PATIENT WITH SYMPTOMATIC CYST OF RATHKE'S CLEFT FOLLOWING TRANSSPHENOIDAL RESECTION.

A seventysix-year-old female was acutely admitted to the Eye Clinic of the University Hospital in Martin with a 1 month history of impaired central and peripheral vision on the right eye. At the admission patient`s right eye VA was fingers at 20 cm, the left eye had a central vision preserved. Magnetic resonance of the brain and orbits demonstrated cystic tumor expansion in the sellar region with compression of optic chiasm and optic nerves (more on the right side), in diff. dg. as cystic macroadenoma of the pituitary gland. Endocrinological examination found secondary hyperprolactinaemia from pituitary oppression, other hormonal parameters were without deviation. Consequently, the ENT examination recommended endoscopic resection via the transsphenoid approach. After resection of the lesion and histological examination of the sample, the finding was evaluated as a Rathke's cleft cyst. Symptomatic Rathke's cleft cysts of pituitary gland are rare, but the visual symptoms are typical findings due to chiasm proximity. On ophthalmological examination 3 weeks after surgery has central vision increased significantly (VOD 6/9) on the right eye and peripheral vision has partially adjusted on both eyes. Key words: Rathke's cleft cyst, perimeter, central visual acuity, transsphenoidal endoscopic resection.

[First Experience with Femtosecond Laser Presbyopia Correction Method INTRACOR]. / Prvé skúsenosti s korekciou presbyopie femtosekundovým laserom metódou INTRACOR.

We report the first experience with presbyopia correcting femtosecond laser surgical procedure INTRACOR. This procedure is so far the only one that is made purely intrastromally without generating a wound connected to corneal surface or anterior chamber.Presbyopia - caused by physiological aging and decreasing elasticity of the lens, impairs patients accommodative ability. In the case of the method INTRACOR, presbyopia is corrected by steepening of corneal curvature in the central optical zone. Procedure is usually performed only in the non-dominant eye. METHODS: Intracor procedure was performed in 10 eyes of 10 patients (3 women and 7 men, aged 47-58 years). All procedures were performed with the femtosecond laser VICTUS (Bausch - Lomb, USA) in the non-dominant eye by an experienced surgeon. RESULTS: One-year follow-up. Mean monocular uncorrected near visual acuity (UNVA) improved from 0.2 ± 0.1 before surgery to 0.7 ± 0.3 after treatment (mean improvement of four lines). Mean near uncorrected binocular visual acuity (UNBVA) improved from a mean preoperative value of 0.23 ± 0.08 to a mean postoperative value of 0.8 ± 0.22 (mean improvement of about 5 lines). The mean monocular uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) was 0.9 ± 0.1 before surgery and 0.8 ± 0.3 after treatment (average loss of 1 line). The mean binocular uncorrected distance visual acuity improved from 1.0 ± 0,1 to 1,3 ± 0.3 after surgery. All patients had improvements in near vision. In 3 patient, monocular distance vision improved, in 6 patient improved binocular distance vision. We observed statistically significant decrease (mean loss of 1 line) of monocular best corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA). Patients subjectively reported satisfaction with the quality of vision achieved for near and distance and high levels of spectacle independence under good lighting conditions.The results shows that INTRACOR method is well suitable for low hyperopic patients, who because of good distance visual acuity are not good candidates for refractive lens exchange with multifocal intraocular lens implantation. KEY WORDS: presbyopia, Intracor, intrastromal, femtosecond laser.

Studies on the regulation of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESRs) by acid in the esophagus and stomach.

Transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation (TLESR) is the major mechanism of gastroesophageal reflux, but the regulation of TLESR by stimuli in the esophagus is incompletely understood. We have recently reported that acid infusion in the esophagus substantially (by 75%) increased the number of meal-induced TLESR in healthy subjects. We concluded that the TLESR reflex triggered by gastric distention with meal was enhanced by the stimulation of esophageal nerves by acid. However, the possibilities that the acid infused into the esophagus acts after passing though lower esophageal sphincter in stomach to enhance TLESR, or that the acid directly initiates TLESR from the esophagus were not addressed. Here, we evaluated the effect of acid infusion into the proximal stomach on meal-induced TLESR (study 1) and the ability of acid infusion into the esophagus to initiate TLESR without prior meal (study 2). We analyzed TLESRs by using high-resolution manometry in healthy subjects in paired randomized studies. In study 1, we found that acid infusion into the proximal stomach did not affect TLESRs induced by standard meal. The number of meal-induced TLESRs following the acid infusion into the proximal stomach was similar to the number of meal-induced TLESRs following the control infusion. In study 2, we found that acid infusion into the esophagus without prior meal did not initiate TLESRs. We conclude that the increase in the meal-induced TLESRs by acid in the esophagus demonstrated in our previous study is not attributable to the action of acid in the stomach or to direct initiation of TLESR from the esophagus by acid. Our studies are consistent with the concept that the stimuli in the esophagus can influence TLESRs. The enhancement of TLESR by acid in the esophagus may contribute to pathogenesis of gastroesophageal reflux in some patients.

Acid infusion into the esophagus increases the number of meal-induced transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESRs) in healthy volunteers.

BACKGROUND: Transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation (TLESR) is the major mechanism of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) but the regulation of TLESR by stimuli in the esophagus is incompletely understood. If stimuli in the esophagus can influence TLESR, then such regulation may perpetuate or limit GER. We addressed the hypothesis that acid in the esophagus enhances TLESRs. METHODS: We evaluated the effect of acid infusion into the distal esophagus on TLESRs evoked by a standard meal in a paired randomized study in healthy subjects. TLESRs were evaluated by using high resolution manometry (HRM). KEY RESULTS: We found that acid in the esophagus enhanced meal-induced TLESRs. Compared to control infusion the number of TLESRs (median [interquartile range]) was increased during 2 h following the acid infusion (11 [9-14] vs 17 [12.5-20], p < 0.01). The average duration of individual TLESRs was not affected. The time-course analysis revealed that a robust increase in TLESRs occurred already in the first hour when the number of TLESRs nearly doubled (6 [5.5-7.5] vs 11 [7.5-12.5], p < 0.05). In contrast to the enhancement of TLESRs, the number of swallows was not changed. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: The acid infusion into the esophagus increases the number of meal-induced TLESRs in healthy subjects. Our results provide evidence for the concept that the stimuli in the esophagus can influence TLESRs. The regulation of TLESR by stimuli in the esophagus may contribute to pathogenesis of GER in some patients.