The accuracy of the trifocal IOL calculation using equivalent K-readings and total corneal power in different zones.

PURPOSE: To identify the equivalent K-readings and total keratometry zones that is optimally suitable for calculating the IOL spheroequivalent according to 7 formulas. METHODS: The study included 40 patients (40 eyes) who underwent uneventful femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery and refractive lens exchange (RLE) with implantation of a trifocal diffractive IOL (PanOptix, Alcon inc.). Targeted emmetropia was achieved in all patients, no distance and near correction was needed. Retrospective IOL calculations were performed utilizing 7 formulas (SRK/T, Holladay 1 and 2, Haigis, Hoffer Q, Barrett Universal 2, Olsen) and Pentacam keratometry data: Holladay equivalent K-readings, total optical power by ray tracing (TCRP) centered on the apex and pupil in 10 zones (from 0.5 to 5 mm in 0.5 mm increments). For each formula/zone/map combination: postoperative predicted refraction (PPRs), mean absolute errors (MAEs), and median absolute errors (MedAEs) were analyzed. RESULTS: According to EKR, the Haigis formula showed the lowest error in the central zones up to 3.5 mm, the TCRP zone for Holladay I and II formulas 4.0-4.5 mm, for HofferQ and SRK/T formulas 4.5-5.0 mm, and for Olsen and Barrett II Universal-5 mm. CONCLUSION: The use of keratometry data (EKR, TCRP) in the formulas adapted to SimK, with the correct choice of the evaluation zone of keratometric data, will increase the chance of hitting the refractive target.

Keratoconus Diagnostic and Treatment Algorithms Based on Machine-Learning Methods.

The accurate diagnosis of keratoconus, especially in its early stages of development, allows one to utilise timely and proper treatment strategies for slowing the progression of the disease and provide visual rehabilitation. Various keratometry indices and classifications for quantifying the severity of keratoconus have been developed. Today, many of them involve the use of the latest methods of computer processing and data analysis. The main purpose of this work was to develop a machine-learning-based algorithm to precisely determine the stage of keratoconus, allowing optimal management of patients with this disease. A multicentre retrospective study was carried out to obtain a database of patients with keratoconus and to use machine-learning techniques such as principal component analysis and clustering. The created program allows for us to distinguish between a normal state; preclinical keratoconus; and stages 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the disease, with an accuracy in terms of the AUC of 0.95 to 1.00 based on keratotopographer readings, relative to the adapted Amsler-Krumeich algorithm. The predicted stage and additional diagnostic criteria were then used to create a standardised keratoconus management algorithm. We also developed a web-based interface for the algorithm, providing us the opportunity to use the software in a clinical environment.

A case of a tumor-like condition in the optic nerve head of a pig.

A tumor-like condition of the optic nerve head of unknown etiology was found in a domestic pig. Clinical and histological manifestations suggest that the unusual tumor-like condition is probably a variant of proliferative optic neuropathy caused by unknown nonspecific damage (perhaps trauma), which was received earlier.

"Wet" transepithelial phototherapeutic keratectomy in the management of persistent epithelial defects in the graft.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of "wet" transepithelial phototherapeutic keratectomy (TE-PTK) for treating persistent epithelial defects (PEDs) in the corneal graft following penetrating keratoplasty (PKP). METHODS: This study describes a noncomparative, prospective interventional case series. Patients with post-PKP graft epithelial defects lasting >3 months despite previous treatments with extensive wear soft contact lenses, amniotic membrane transplantation, and tarsorrhaphy were treated with wet TE-PTK. A wet TE-PTK procedure including a "wet ablation" step was performed using the EC-5000 excimer laser. Follow-up visits were at post-PTK days 3, 5, 10, and 30, and at each month thereafter. RESULTS: Eight patients (8 eyes; 5 men and 3 women; mean age, 51.3±14.3 years; mean follow-up period, 9.1±3.0 months) were included in this study. The mean best-corrected visual acuity was 1.76±0.28 log minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) at baseline and improved to 1.1±0.22 logMAR at 10 days postoperatively (p=0.0156; the improvement was significant). This effect remained stable throughout the remainder of the follow-up period. The mean time from wet TE-PTK to complete reepithelization was 4.3±1.3 days. CONCLUSION: Wet TE-PTK appears to be effective for patients with post-PKP PEDs in the corneal graft who have failed conservative measures or previous surgical interventions.

QUANTITATIVE OPTICAL COHERENCE TOMOGRAPHY ANALYSIS OF RETINAL DEGENERATIVE CHANGES IN DIABETIC MACULAR EDEMA AND NEOVASCULAR AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION.

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship of the pre-anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) retinal tissue area (RTA) and optical density (ODRT) of the retinal optical slice portion located in the central subfield, and their ratio (RTA/ODRT), in the presence of diabetic macular edema or of inraretinal cystic fluid in neovascular age-related macular degeneration, to central retinal thickness and best-corrected visual acuity after anti-VEGF treatment with ME resolution. METHODS: The optical coherence tomography images and medical records of 33 patients (41 eyes) with neovascular age-related macular degeneration, 15 (21 eyes) with diabetic macular edema and 9 healthy individuals (15 eyes) were retrospectively analyzed. RTA, ODRT, and RTA/ODRT were calculated on pre-anti-VEGF B-scan images. Spearman rank correlation was used to assess the relationship of central retinal thickness and best-corrected visual acuity after anti-VEGF treatment with the variables under study. RESULTS: Pre-anti-VEGF RTA was positively correlated with post-anti-VEGF central retinal thickness (ρ = 0.76; P < 0.001) and best-corrected visual acuity (ρ = 0.67; P < 0.001), whereas pre-anti-VEGF ODRT was moderately negatively correlated (ρ = -0.26; P = 0.049 and ρ = -0.48; P = 0.001, respectively) and pre-anti-VEGF RTA/ODRT ratio was strongly positively correlated (ρ = 0.75; P < 0.001 and ρ = 0.85; P < 0.001, respectively). The area under curve for RTA/ODRT ratio was 0.93 (P < 0.001), and the cut-off value for post-anti-VEGF LogMAR best-corrected visual acuity of 0.4 (20/50 Snellen equivalent) or worse was 1,406.7 µm/U (sensitivity: 0.94; specificity: 0.78). CONCLUSION: Both RTA and ODRT, or, preferably, RTA/ODRT ratio alone can be used as predictors of functional and anatomic outcomes in patients with diabetic macular edema or neovascular age-related macular degeneration treated with anti-VEGF therapy.

Combination of Navigated Macular Laser Photocoagulation and Anti-VEGF Therapy: Precise Treatment for Macular Edema under Dry Retinal Conditions.

Purpose. To compare the controllability of navigated macular laser photocoagulation (MLP) in dry versus edematous retina and validate that pretreatment diagnostic images can be used as basis for navigated MLP after the macular edema (ME) has been resolved. Materials and Methods. Group 1 was divided into subgroup 1 (dry retina MLP) and subgroup 2 (MLP in ME) for comparisons of laser-burn diameters. In group 2, the areas and locations of ME before an intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF (IVAV) were compared with those of recurrent ME. Results. The average actual diameter as percentage of planned diameter of laser burn in subgroup 1 (11 DME eyes, 6 BRVO eyes) versus subgroup 2 (5 DME eyes, 8 BRVO eyes) was 115.1 ± 9.1% versus 167.2 ± 13.8% (based on retro-mode scanning laser ophthalmoscopy), and 118.1 ± 14.8% versus 176.1 ± 11.6% (based on OCT) (p < 0.001). In group 2 (6 DME eyes, 6 BRVO eyes), difference in mean ME area before IVAV and that in recurrent edema was insignificant (p > 0.05). Conclusion. The controllability of navigated MLP in dry retina is improved compared to edematous retina. This study validates that pretreatment diagnostic images can be used as basis for navigated MLP after the edema has been resolved.

High frequency of latent Chlamydia trachomatis infection in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment.

AIM: To determine the frequency of detection of ocular and extraocular Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection in non-high myopes with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). METHODS: This was a single-center, nonrandomized, prospective, case-control study. One hundred and four patients were divided into a study group with RRD (n=63) and a control group with traumatic retinal detachment (n=41). Samples of subretinal fluid (SFR), conjunctival, urethral/cervical swabs, and blood were collected. The frequency of detection of CT infection in SRF samples was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), direct fluorescence assay (DFA) and cell culture, whereas that in conjunctival swabs was determined by PCR and DFA, and those in urethral/cervical swabs and blood were determined by DFA. Yates Chi-square test (with Bonferroni correction) and two-tailed Student's t-test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: SRF CT infection was detected more frequently in the study group (50.8%-71.4%) than in the control group (9.8%-12.2%) by all the methods used (P<0.01). The frequency of detection of conjunctival CT infection by DFA was higher in the RRD patients compared with the controls (81.0% vs 24.4%, P=0.004). The PCR detected conjunctival CT infection more often in the study group than in the controls (46.0% vs 9.8%, P=0.007). The DFA detected CT in blood specimens almost as frequently as in urogenital specimens, for the RRD patients (61.2% vs 63.5%) and the controls (7.3% vs 9.8%). CONCLUSION: CT infection is detected with high frequency in non-high myopes with RRD.

Retro-Mode Scanning Laser Ophthalmoscopy Planning for Navigated Macular Laser Photocoagulation in Macular Edema.

Purpose. To compare treatment areas and navigated macular laser photocoagulation (MLP) plans suggested by retro-mode scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (RM-SLO) image versus optical coherence tomography (OCT) central retinal thickness map and treatment planning among retina specialists. Methods. Thirty-nine eyes with diabetic or branch retinal vein occlusion-related ME undergoing navigated MLP with navigated photocoagulator had OCT and RM-SLO taken. OCT map and RM-SLO image were imported to the photocoagulator and aligned onto the retina. Two retina specialists placed laser spot marks separately based on OCT and RM-SLO images in a random fashion. The spots placed by each physician were compared between OCT and RM-SLO and among physicians. The areas of retinal edema on OCT and RM-SLO of the same eye were also compared. Results. The average number of laser spots using RM-SLO and OCT template was 189.6 ± 77.4 and 136.6 ± 46.8, respectively, P = 0.003. The average area of edema on RM-SLO image was larger than that on OCT map (14.5 ± 3.9 mm(2) versus 10.3 ± 2.8 mm(2), P = 0.005) because of a larger scanning area. There was narrow variability in treatment planning among retina specialists for both RM-SLO (P = 0.13) and OCT (P = 0.19). Conclusion. The RM-SLO image superimposed onto the fundus of the same eye can be used to guide MLP with narrow variability in treatment planning among retina specialists. The treatment areas suggested by RM-SLO-guided MLP plans for ME were shown to be larger than those suggested by OCT-guided plans.

Navigated Pattern Laser System versus Single-Spot Laser System for Postoperative 360-Degree Laser Retinopexy.

Purpose. To compare three 360°-laser retinopexy (LRP) approaches (using navigated pattern laser system, single-spot slit-lamp (SL) laser delivery, and single-spot indirect ophthalmoscope (IO) laser delivery) in regard to procedure duration, procedural pain score, technical difficulties, and the ability to achieve surgical goals. Material and Methods. Eighty-six rhegmatogenous retinal detachment patients (86 eyes) were included in this prospective randomized study. The mean procedural time, procedural pain score (using 4-point Verbal Rating Scale), number of laser burns, and achievement of the surgical goals were compared between three groups (pattern LRP (Navilas® laser system), 36 patients; SL-LRP, 28 patients; and IO-LRP, 22 patients). Results. In the pattern LRP group, the amount of time needed for LRP and pain level were statistically significantly lower, whereas the number of applied laser burns was higher compared to those in the SL-LRP group and in the IO-LRP group. In the pattern LRP, SL-LRP, and IO-LRP groups, surgical goals were fully achieved in 28 (77.8%), 17 (60.7%), and 13 patients (59.1%), respectively (p > 0.05). Conclusion. The navigated pattern approach allows improving the treatment time and pain in postoperative 360° LRP. Moreover, 360° pattern LRP is at least as effective in achieving the surgical goal as the conventional (slit-lamp or indirect ophthalmoscope) approaches with a single-spot laser.

Latent Infections as a Risk Factor for Posttrabeculectomy Bleb Failure.

PURPOSE: To investigate latent conjunctival Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) and Bacteroides fragilis (BF) infections as potential risk factors for posttrabeculectomy bleb failure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective observational study included 50 primary open-angle glaucoma eyes of 50 patients who were submitted to trabeculectomy without cytostatics from September 2010 to June 2011 and were followed up for at least a year. Preoperatively, conjunctival scrapings were taken and their specimens subjected to polymerase chain reaction, direct fluorescent assay and cell culture testing for CT, and culture for BF on blood agar medium. Serum CT-specific IgG and IgA and tear interleukin (IL)-1ß and IL-8 concentrations were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We defined bleb failure as intraocular pressure >21 mm Hg with antiglaucoma medications, resulting from reduced bleb filtration capacity due to bleb fibrosis, fistula obstruction, flattened bleb, or encapsulated bleb, and no earlier than 2 weeks after surgery. At the time of the reintervention, a scleroconjunctival biopsy was obtained for histopathology (including direct fluorescent assay testing for CT). Eyes were divided into a failure group and a nonfailure group, depending on whether they developed bleb failure (required reintervention) or not within a follow-up year. RESULTS: In the failure group (n=18), the frequencies of detection of CT and BF in conjunctival specimens were 27.8% and 66.7%, respectively, versus 0% and 9.4% in the nonfailure group (n=32). CT and BF were detected in 11.1% and 11.1%, respectively, of scleroconjunctival biopsies. IgG and IgA seropositivity to CT was found in 66.7% and 33.3%, respectively, of the failure group patients, versus 9.4% and 0% of the nonfailure group patients. Tear IL-1ß and IL-8 levels were markedly elevated in the failure group (468.83±80.43 and 107.89±15.11 pg/mL, respectively) versus the nonfailure group (22.34±5.43 and 9.34±2.83 pg/mL, respectively). CONCLUSION: Being a contributor to low-grade conjunctival inflammation, latent conjunctival CT, and BF infections in primary open-angle glaucoma patients represent risk factors for posttrabeculectomy bleb failure.

Clear Corneal Phacovitrectomy with Posterior Capsulorhexis and IOL Implantation in Management of Selective Vitreoretinal Cases.

Purpose. To describe our technique, clear corneal phacovitrectomy with posterior capsulorhexis (CCPV), for the management of selected posterior segment intraocular foreign body (IOFB), posteriorly dislocated lens fragments (PDLF), and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) cases. Methods. This was a single-center retrospective interventional case series. In 21 patients (21 eyes) we performed phacovitrectomy through three clear corneal tunnel incisions (CCTI) and posterior capsulorhexis to remove IOFB (n = 8), PDLF from the vitreous cavity after complicated phacoemulsification (n = 6), and vitreous hemorrhage and epiretinal membranes in PDR (n = 7). The procedure was completed with implantation of a hydrophobic acrylic IOL through the CCTI. Results. The mean visual acuity (logMAR) was 0.90 preoperative and improved to 0.26 over a mean follow-up of 8.7 months (range, 6-12 months). The intraocular lens was implanted into the capsular bag (n = 12) or onto the anterior capsule (n = 9). One PDR patient experienced an intraprocedural complication, hemorrhage from isolated fibrovascular adhesions. One IOFB patient developed apparent anterior proliferative vitreoretinopathy and required a repeat intervention. Conclusion. Selected vitreoretinal IOFB, PDLF, and PDR cases can be successfully managed by a combined surgical approach involving clear corneal phacovitrectomy with posterior capsulorhexis and implantation of an IOL, with good visual outcome and a low complication rate.

Infection of Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium with Chlamydia trachomatis.

PURPOSE: Little is known about the susceptibility of posterior segment tissues, particularly the human retinal pigment epithelium (hRPE), to Chlamydia trachomatis. The purpose of the study was to investigate the possibility of infecting the hRPE with Chlamydia trachomatis, and to examine the infectivity of different Chlamydia trachomatis clinical isolates for hRPE cells and the hRPE cell response to the infection. METHODS: Cultured hRPE and McCoy cells were inoculated with eight Chlamydia trachomatis (serovar E) clinical isolates at multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 2.0 or 0.3. To detect Chlamydia trachomatis, samples were stained immunohistochemically with anti-major outer membrane protein antibodies at 24h, 48h, and 72h postinoculation (PI). The changes in the expression of signaling molecules and proteins of cytoskeleton and extracellular matrix in hRPE cells were examined immunohistochemically. RESULTS: All eight clinical isolates demonstrated ability to infect hRPE cells. At equal MOI of 0.3, the infectivity of Chlamydia trachomatis clinical isolates for RPE culture was found to be at least as high as that for McCoy cell culture. At 24h PI, the percentage of inclusion-containing cells varied from 1.5 ± 0.52 to 14.6 ± 3.3% in hRPE cell culture infected at MOI of 2.0 against 0.37 ± 0.34 to 8.9 ± 0.2% in McCoy cell culture infected at MOI of 0.3. Collagen type I, collagen type IV, basic fibroblast growth factor, transforming growth factor-beta and interleukin-8 expression at 48h PI were maximally increased, by 2.1-, 1.3-, 1.5-, 1.5- and 1.6-fold, respectively, in the Chlamydia trachomatis-infected compared with control hRPE cell culture specimens (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study, for the first time, proved the possibility of infecting hRPE cultured cells with Chlamydia trachomatis, which leads to proproliferative and proinflammatory changes in the expression of signaling molecules and extracellular matrix components.

A 6-month study comparing efficacy, safety, and tolerability of the preservative-free fixed combination of tafluprost 0.0015% and timolol 0.5% versus each of its individual preservative-free components.

INTRODUCTION: The efficacy, safety and tolerability of the preservative-free (PF) fixed combination (FC) of tafluprost 0.0015% and timolol 0.5% (once daily) were compared to those of the individual components (PF tafluprost 0.0015% once daily and PF timolol 0.5% twice daily) in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension inadequately controlled on prior timolol or prostaglandin monotherapy for 6 months. METHODS: A stratified, double-masked, randomized, multicenter phase III study was conducted. A total of 189 prior timolol users were randomized within the timolol stratum (TS) to receive either FC (n = 95) or timolol 0.5% (TIM; n = 94). Furthermore, a total of 375 prior prostaglandin analog (PGA) users were randomized within the prostaglandin stratum (PS) to receive either FC (n = 188) or tafluprost 0.0015% (TAF; n = 187). To be eligible for participation in the study, the patients were required to have an intraocular pressure (IOP) of ≥22 mmHg when on timolol (TIM) or of ≥20 mmHg when on PGA in either treated eye at the screening and end-of-run-in visits. In addition to these, the study included visits at baseline, 2 and 6 weeks, 3 and 6 months and at a post-study visit. IOP was measured at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 4 p.m., and 8 p.m. RESULTS: In the TS, a significant reduction from baseline IOP was seen with FC and TIM throughout the study. Average diurnal IOP change from baseline at month 3 was -8.55 mmHg (32%) for FC and -7.35 mmHg (28%) for TIM. The model-based treatment difference (FC-TIM) was -0.885 mmHg [95% confidence interval (CI) -1.745 to -0.024; p = 0.044] demonstrating the superiority of FC over TIM. In the PS, a significant reduction in IOP was seen with both FC and TAF throughout the study. The average diurnal IOP change from baseline at month 3 was -8.61 mmHg (33%) for FC and -7.23 mmHg (28%) for TAF. The model-based treatment difference (FC-TAF) was -1.516 mmHg (95% CI -2.044 to -0.988; p < 0.001) demonstrating the superiority of FC over TAF. In the TS, related ocular adverse events (AEs) were more frequent for patients treated with FC compared to TIM (16.8% versus 6.4%), whereas related non-ocular AEs were more frequent with TIM compared to FC (2.1% versus 0.0%). In the PS, AEs were similarly distributed between FC and TAF. The frequency of conjunctival hyperemia of FC was low (6.4%). CONCLUSION: The preservative-free fixed combination of tafluprost and timolol provided a substantial and significant IOP reduction in both strata. The IOP reduction was superior to both tafluprost 0.0015% and timolol 0.5% when given as monotherapies. Overall, the study treatments were safe and well tolerated. FUNDING: Santen Oy, Tampere, Finland.

High Frequency of Latent Conjunctival C. trachomatis, M. hominis, and U. urealyticum Infections in Young Adults with Dry Eye Disease.

Aim. To determine the frequency of detection of conjunctival C. trachomatis (CT), M. hominis (MH), and U. urealyticum (UU) infections in young adults with dry eye disease (DED), since these infections may potentially produce the chronic subclinical inflammation characteristic of DED. Materials and Methods. The study included subjects of 25-45 years of age, divided into the DED (n = 114) and nondry eye control (n = 98) groups, with the diagnosis based on self-reported complaints, biomicroscopy, the Schirmer I test, and break-up time. All patients had conjunctival scrapings taken to detect CT, MH, and UU with direct fluorescent-antibody assay kits. Results. At least one of the three microorganisms was found in 87.7% of the DED patients versus 8.2% of the controls. Of all the DED patients, 63.2%, 50.8%, and 42.1% were found to be infected with CT, MH, and UU, respectively. Multiple pathogens were identified in 65% of the DED patients found to be infected. CT infection was detected in 6.1% of the controls. Conclusion. C. trachomatis, M. hominis, and U. urealyticum were detected with high frequency in the conjunctiva of young adults with DED and may be an important risk factor for DED in them.

Chronic ocular Chlamydia trachomatis infection in rabbits: clinical and histopathological findings in the posterior segment.

PURPOSE: To investigate clinical and histopathologic manifestations of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT)-induced chronic posterior segment (PS) inflammation in rabbits. METHODS: Fifteen rabbits were divided into three equal groups of CT subconjunctival-only (SC) and subconjunctival plus intravitreal (SC+IV) inoculation, and controls. Both noncontrol groups received a bilateral SC injection (BSI) and the SC+IV group additionally received a unilateral IV injection (UII) of CT L2 culture, whereas the controls received a BSI+UII of phosphate-buffered saline. During 6 months post injection, the animals were investigated for PS inflammation and infection clinically and microbiologically (cell culture, ELISA, and real-time PCR). Hematoxylin-eosin staining and direct immunofluorescence in situ reaction were used to reveal the signs of tissue inflammation and infection. RESULTS: In the SC group, mild PS disorders (eight eyes) involving vitreal infiltration, the following posterior vitreous detachment and chorioretinitis, and severe PS disorders (two eyes) in the form of panuveitis, were developed. In the SC+IV group, mild (three and three eyes that received SC-only and SC+IV injections, respectively) and severe (two and two eyes that received SC-only and SC+IV injections, respectively) PS disorders were developed. A high titer (1:32-1:128) of CT-specific IgM antibody was present in sera from all the noncontrol animals. The CT antigen was detected in the conjunctiva and PS structures (the vitreous, retinal pigment epithelium, and choroid) in 100% and 40% to 75% of all the noncontrol animals, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Conjunctival or intraocular inoculation with CT may result in invasion of the PS structures and durable persistence thereof, with the development of inflammatory and then degenerative changes. These data might advocate for expanding the role of chronic CT infection in etiology and pathogenesis of vitreoretinal disorders.

Midinfrared Laser Pancorneal Coagulation as a Method of Treatment for Painful Bullous Keratopathy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of midinfrared laser pancorneal coagulation (PCC) for the management of secondary painful bullous keratopathy (PBK) with poor visual potential. METHODS: A single-center, nonrandomized, retrospective observational study was performed on 137 eyes (137 patients) with PBK that underwent midinfrared laser PCC and were followed up in our clinic during 2000 to 2010. Preoperatively and at follow-up visits, all the eyes underwent a standard ophthalmologic examination; concurrently, 36 of these underwent corneal optical coherence tomography (OCT) and Scheimpflug camera examination (SCE). The main criteria for the efficacy of the treatment included a profile of the patients' corneal syndrome-related complaints (pain, dryness, etc), presence of bullae and deepithelization, and changes in the corneal thickness (CT) and transparency, based on OCT and SCE data, respectively, whereas additional ones included visual acuity changes. RESULTS: During the 24-month follow-up period, 69.3% of the patients had no complaints (complete epithelization), whereas 10.9% and 3.6% complained of having dryness and residual pain, respectively; the rest exhibited a recurrent corneal syndrome with isolated blister and/or corneal erosion areas, which was successfully managed with an additional focal-pattern laser coagulation session. In the OCT and SCE subgroup, on the day-3, day-7, and month-24 visits, the mean CT statistically significantly decreased from baseline (1027.1 ± 239.5) to 737.6 ± 157.4 µm, 592.3 ± 96.4 µm, and was 617 ± 95.9 µm, respectively, whereas the mean optical density decreased from the baseline (72.5 ± 9.5) to 62.3 ± 7.8, 58.5 ± 8.7, and was 56.33 ± 8.1 Scheimpflug densitometry units, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: PCC is a simple procedure that provides prompt relief from pain for eyes that have PBK with poor visual potential due to the reduction in CT and significant resolution of bullae and edema.

Vitreoretinal surgery in the management of war-related open-globe injuries.

BACKGROUND: Ranking among the most severe combat damages, war-related open-globe injuries (WROGIs) are not uniform, so the treatment approaches are sometimes unclear. The essential issue is to define exact indications for time- and resource-intensive vitreoretinal surgery (VRS), known to be an effective procedure for severe posterior segment injuries. We studied WROGI structure, and summarized the experience of specialized ophthalmologic care (SOC) management during local armed conflicts (LACs). METHODS: This was a retrospective multicenter study that included case series of 203 wounded subjects (314 eyes) with WROGIs sustained during LACs treated in the hospitals of first, second and third echelons of SOC. Ocular trauma was classified according to the International Society of Ocular Trauma (ISOT) classification, and only open-globe injuries (OGI) made up two groups of study: injured eyes that underwent VRS, n = 135, and those eyes on which VRS was not performed, n = 119. Two subgroups according to stages of VRS were also included. We reviewed the demographic characteristics, the time between injury and surgery, the number of stages in which surgery was performed, and initial visual acuity (IVA) at arrival and final visual acuity (FVA), 12 months after surgery. RESULTS: WROGI constituted 65.1 % of all eyes injured. The visual outcomes after VRS were favorable in ruptures of the eye, penetrating WROGIs, intraocular foreign body (IOFB) WROGIs, perforating WROGIs (types A, B, C, D) of grades 1-4. Those WROGIs of grade 5 had poor visual outcomes irrespective of the surgeries. In 19.1% of all cases wherein either the eye wall or eye content were extensively damaged (included types A, C, D, E of grade 5), all attempts to save the eye through reconstructive surgery were unsuccessful and led to enucleation (evisceration). CONCLUSIONS: Medical service management in LACs demands to define groups of priority for VRS between the wounded with WROGI during triage at the first echelon of SOC. Multistage VRS determines unfavorable outcomes of the WROGI. Treatment should be determined by diagnosis, and there is a need to introduce a new category into the OGI classification--eye destruction, because only this damage determines the choice of enucleation/evisceration of the eye.

Powerful neodymium laser radiation for the treatment of facial carcinoma: 5 year follow-up data.

A retrospective non-comparative follow-up study was performed to evaluate the curative efficacy of powerful neodymium laser radiation (λ = 1,060 nm) for the treatment of 2,837 patients with 3,001 histologically confirmed facial skin carcinoma lesions of stages T1-2N0M0: 2,743 primary basal cell carcinomas (BCC), 172 recurrent limited basal cell carcinomas (RLBCC), and 86 primary squamous cells carcinomas (SCC). All patients were followed-up from 5 to 11 years (mean: 8.2 years; median: 7.0 years) after treatment. The overall recurrence rate (RR) after treatment with laser radiation of facial carcinomas was 2.5% of all irradiated tumours (mean: 13.4 months; median: 11.0 months). Patients with BCC treated by radiation with the pulsed Neodymium (Nd) laser developed RR in 2.2% of cases and patients treated with the Nd:YAG laser had RR of 3.1%. Recurrences following treatment for RLBCC, and those of SCC, after irradiation with the Nd laser appeared in 4.1% and 4.6% of patients, respectively. Neodymium laser radiation is a safe and effective means of treating facial carcinomas of stages T1-2N0M0 with good cosmetic results.

The efficacy of facial skin cancer treatment with high-energy pulsed neodymium and Nd:YAG lasers.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the curative and cosmetic efficacy of treatment for facial skin cancer using neodymium laser irradiation. BACKGROUND DATA: Due to the complex anatomy of the area, therapy for facial skin cancer is difficult. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Laser irradiation was used for the treatment of 3461 patients with 3624 facial skin cancer lesions of stages T(1-2)N(0)M(0:) 3346 basal cell skin cancers, 188 limited basal cell skin cancer recurrences, and 90 squamous cell skin cancers. Pulsed neodymium (Nd) and Nd:YAG lasers were used as the energy sources. The patients were followed-up from 3 mo to 5 y or more. RESULTS: Patients with basal cell skin cancer treated by irradiation with the Nd laser developed recurrences in 1.8% of cases, and patients treated with the Nd:YAG laser had a recurrence rate of 2.5%. Recurrences following treatment for basal cell skin cancer, and those of squamous cell skin cancer, after irradiation with the Nd laser appeared in 3.7% and 4.4% of patients, respectively. Overall, the frequency of facial skin cancer recurrences after treatment with laser irradiation was 2.1% of all the irradiated tumors. CONCLUSION: Neodymium laser irradiation is an effective method to treat facial skin cancer of stages T(1-2)N(0)M(0), and results in acceptable cosmetic results.