Intravitreal dexamethasone implant results in the treatment of non-infectious uveitis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal dexamethasone implant in non-infectious uveitic macular edema. METHODS: Between April 2013 and February 2017, 27 eyes of 21 patients were included in the study at Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital. The files of patients who underwent intravitreal dexamethasone implantation for non-infectious uveitic macular edema and followed up at least 6 months were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were evaluated in terms of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) before and at the 1st, 3rd, and 6th months after injection and the need for re-injection. RESULTS: Twenty-seven eyes of 21 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 39.2±11.7 years. The mean monitoring time was 24.15±10.08 months. In patients who received single-dose intravitreal dexamethasone implant, the decrease in CMT measurements and improvement in BCVA measurements at 1, 3, and 6 months after injection compared to baseline was found to be statistically significant (p=0.001 for each). Recurrence was detected in 33.3% (n=9) of the cases during follow-up; in cases with recurrence, second implants were repeated after an average of 9.67±3.12 months. The third dexamethasone implantation was applied due to the second relapse of four cases from nine relapsing cases. Third implants were performed at an average of 12.50±4.79 months. During the follow-up period, the most common complications in our patients were cataract (37%) and increased intraocular pressure (40.7%). CONCLUSION: Intravitreal dexamethasone implantation is an effective and reliable treatment option in non-infectious uveitic macular edema. There was no difference between the first dose and re-implantations in terms of efficacy and safety.

Experimental Laboratory Modeling of Choroidal Vasculature: A Study of the Dynamics of Intraoperative Choroidal Hemorrhage during Pars Plana Vitrectomy

Objectives: Choroidal hemorrhages (CH) result from rupture of choroidal vessels leading to extravasation of blood into the suprachoroidal space. In this study, we aimed to understand the hemodynamics of CH by developing a purpose-built scale model of the choroidal vasculature and calculating stress levels in the model under different conditions. Materials and Methods: We modeled the choroidal vasculature using a rubber tube 10 cm in length and 1 cm in diameter that was wrapped with conductive thread to enable the measurement of stress at the walls of the tube. Stress levels across the tube were continuously measured under different systemic intravascular blood pressure levels (IVP), intraocular pressure (IOP) levels, and distortion. Results: Stress values across the choroidal vessel model correlated negatively with IOP and positively with IVP and distortion. All correlations were statistically significant (p<0.05) and were stronger when the model was filled with expansile tamponade compared to non-expansile tamponades. Distortion showed the strongest correlation in terms of increasing stress across the model, while IVP showed stronger correlation compared to IOP. Raising IOP to counteract the stress in the model was effective when the stress in the model was secondary to increased IVP, but this approach was not effective when the stress in the model was caused by distortion. Conclusion: Excessive distortion of the globe during surgical maneuvers could be the primary reason for the rarely observed intraoperative CH. Non-expansile ocular tamponade provides better support for the vascular bed against CH and should be the recommended choice of tamponade in patients with existing CH. Increasing IOP excessively is of limited effect in preventing CH in vessels that are under stress as a result of distorting surgical maneuvers.

Retinal Sensitivity and Fixation Analysis Using Microperimetry in Children With Anisometropic Amblyopia.

PURPOSE: To determine retinal sensitivity and fixation in children with anisometropic amblyopia using macular analyzer integrity assessment (MAIA) microperimetry (CenterVue). METHODS: Amblyopic and non-amblyopic eyes of 39 children with the diagnosis of anisometropic amblyopia were compared using MAIA microperimetry in terms of average threshold, fixation indexes (P1 and P2), and bivariate contour ellipse area (BCEA) for 95% and 63% of points. The correlations between visual acuity and microperimetry parameters were also analyzed. RESULTS: The mean average threshold was 26.6 ± 5.9 dB for amblyopic eyes and 28.6 ± 1.9 dB for fellow eyes (P = .003). The mean P1 index was 80.2% ± 20.3% for amblyopic eyes and 87.6% ± 8.7% for fellow eyes (P = .032). The mean P2 index was 92.5% ± 9.6% and 94.3% ± 4.8% for amblyopic eyes and fellow eyes, respectively. The mean BCEA95 value was 12.9°2 ± 17.2°2 and 9.4°2 ± 8.2°2 and the mean BCEA63 value was 4.4°2 ± 5.6°2 and 3.1°2 ± 2.7°2 for amblyopic eyes and fellow eyes, respectively. No statistically significant difference was found for those parameters (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Retinal sensitivity and P1 fixation index were significantly lower in amblyopic eyes compared to non-amblyopic eyes. Because measuring visual acuity does not represent all functions of the visual system, microperimetric evaluation may give extra information about total visual function of amblyopic eyes. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2020;57(4):246-250.].

The Effect of Topical Cyclopentolate on Anterior Segment Parameters in Patients with Keratoconus

Objectives: To investigate the effect of cycloplegia on anterior segment structures in keratoconus and forme fruste keratoconus patients using corneal topography. Materials and Methods: In this study, 40 patients with keratoconus (group 1), 40 patients with forme fruste keratoconus (group 2), and 40 healthy subjects (group 3) were evaluated prospectively. Flat keratometry (K) value (K1), steep K value (K2), mean K value (Kmean), maximum K value (Kmax), corneal astigmatism value, anterior chamber depth (ACD), symmetry index front, symmetry index back, thinnest corneal thickness, central corneal thickness and corneal volume were measured using Sirius topography before and after cycloplegia. Results were compared with one way ANOVA test. Results: The mean age of the participants was 24.4±6.2 years for group 1, 26.3±4.3 years for group 2 and 26.5±6.1 years for group 3. There was no difference between the groups with respect to mean age and gender (p>0.05). Mean K1 value was 45.54±2.43 diopters (D) before cycloplegia and 45.46±2.48 D after cycloplegia for group 1 (p=0.044). K1 value didn't change significantly after cycloplegia for group 2 and 3 (p=0.275, p=0.371). There was no significant difference in K2 and Kmean values after cycloplegia for all groups (p>0.05). Kmax value decreased significantly after cycloplegia in group 1 (p=0.001), but the difference was not significant for group 2 and 3 (p=0.087, p=0.241). ACD increased significantly after cycloplegia in all groups (p=0.001). Conclusion: Cycloplegia causes corneal flattening only in manifest keratoconus patients, leading to an increase in ACD in all groups.

Optical coherence tomography and fundus autofluorescence imaging in an infant with RD3-related leber congenital amaurosis.

Background: Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) is both genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous group of retinal disorder. Mutations in retinal degeneration 3 (RD3) have been reported as an infrequent cause of LCA which account for less than 1% of all known LCA cases. This case report provides Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Fundus Autofluorescence (FAF) findings of an infant with LCA related to a mutation in RD3.Materials and Methods: Single retrospective case report.Results: TruSight One Expanded Sequencing Panel was applied to the patient on the Illumina NextSeq. Homozygous pathogenic variant (c.112 C > T, p.Arg38Ter) was detected in the RD3 gene. Well-demarcated central foveal atrophy was noted in the infrared imaging. FAF imaging showed perifoveal hyperautofluorescent ring and irregular hyperautofluorescence outside the vascular arcade. An arrest in foveal development and loss of outer retinal structure including outer nuclear layer, external limiting membrane, ellipsoid zone and interdigitation zone at the fovea were detected in the OCT imaging.Conclusion: This study indicates that RD3-related LCA has a very severe phenotype with foveal development arrest and very early loss of all photoreceptor layer and external limiting membrane at the fovea.

Comparison of optical coherence tomography measurements between high hyperopic and low hyperopic children.

PURPOSE: To identify the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer, total macular, ganglion cell layer, and inner plexiform layer thicknesses in children with high hyperopia using spectral domain optical coherence tomography. METHODS: Twenty-one children with high hyperopia and 20 controls were enrolled in this study. Subjects with spherical equivalent +5.0 D or higher were evaluated in the study group and subject with spherical equivalent between +0.25 and +2.0 D in the control group. The retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, macular thickness, macular ganglion cell layer and inner plexiform layer thicknesses were measured using a spectral domain optical coherence tomography, and results were compared between groups. RESULTS: The nasal and inferior quadrant and the global retinal nerve fiber layer thickness were significantly thicker in the study group. The mean thickness of inferior quadrant of the inner macula was significantly thicker in the study group than those in the control group. The mean thickness of the ganglion cell layer in nasal, temporal and inferior quadrant of outer macula was significantly thinner in the study group than the control group. The mean thickness of the inner plexiform layer in the inferior quadrant of the inner macula and nasal and inferior quadrant of the outer macula were significantly higher in study group than those in control group. CONCLUSION: High hyperopic children had thicker retinal nerve fiber layer when compared to the controls. This difference should be taken into account when evaluating children with glaucoma or other optic disc disorders.

Comparison of the PlusOptix S09 and Spot Vision photorefractor to cycloretinoscopy.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare refraction measurements for children with the PlusOptix S09 and Spot Vision with cycloplegic retinoscopy. METHODS: One hundred thirty-six eyes of 68 children (26 boys and 42 girls) were evaluated prospectively. The subjects were separated into two groups. Group 1 comprised the subjects age between 5 and 9 years. Group 2 comprised the subjects age between 10 and 18 years. Photorefraction with PlusOptix S09, photorefraction with Spot Vision and cycloplegic retinoscopy were performed in each patient. Spherical equivalents, spherical power, cylindrical power and axis values were compared between three methods. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 7.12 ± 1.5 years in group 1 and 12.24 ± 1.8 years in group 2. Spherical equivalent and spherical power measured with PlusOptix S09 were statistically smaller than measured with cycloplegic retinoscopy for group 1 (p = 0.001, p = 0.001) and for group 2 (p = 0.000, p = 0.000). The mean cylindrical power measured with PlusOptix S09 was not statistically different compared to cycloplegic retinoscopy for both groups (p = 0.314, p = 0.05). Spherical equivalents measured with Spot Vision were statistically smaller than measured with cycloplegic retinoscopy for both groups (p = 0.000, p = 0.012). Spherical power measured with Spot Vision was statistically smaller than measured with cycloplegic retinoscopy for group 1 (p = 0.000), but the difference was not statistically significant for group 2 (p = 0.084). The mean cylindrical power measured with Spot Vision was statistically higher than cycloplegic retinoscopy for both groups (p = 0.000, p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS: PlusOptix S09 and Spot Vision devices give acceptable results for screening, but prescription of spectacles should not be made according to PlusOptix S09 or Spot Vision devices alone.

Effect of Hemifacial Spasm on Intraocular Pressure Measurement.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of hemifacial spasm (HFS) on intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement. METHODS: Twenty-four consecutive patients with HFS and 25 age- and gender-matched randomly selected eyes of healthy volunteers underwent corneal pachymetry and IOP measurements using Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT) and noncontact tonometer (NCT). IOP measurements were performed before (during HFS) and 2 weeks after Botox injections in HFS patients and in healthy volunteers without Botox injections. RESULTS: There was no statistical difference between involved eye side and uninvolved eye side of HFS patients in measured central corneal thickness. Similarly, no difference was found between involved eye side of HFS patients and controls. There were no statistically significant differences comparing IOP values before treatment and levels measured at 2 weeks of Botox injections, either with GAT (p = 0.33, 0.11) or NCT (p = 0.80, 0.43) devices in the involved eyes and uninvolved eyes of patients with HFS, respectively. There were also no significant differences in these parameters (GAT (p = 0.63) and NCT (p = 0.54)) in controls. CONCLUSIONS: Contractions in facial muscles may not lead to significant increase in IOP in HFS patients. This result may help clinical decision making in the treatment of glaucoma patients with HFS. This trial is registered with NCT03390803.

Comparison of Central Corneal Thickness with Ultrasound Pachymetry, Noncontact Specular Microscopy and Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography.

BACKGROUND: To determine the agreement of central corneal thickness (CCT) measurements taken with ultrasonic pachymetry (USP), spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and noncontact specular microscopy (NSM). METHODS: A prospective, observational, cross-sectional study was performed in the outpatient ophthalmology clinic. CCT was measured in a total of 147 eyes of 147 consecutive healthy patients with USP, NSM, and SD-OCT. Same examiner performed all examinations. Bland-Altman plots were used to evaluate the agreement between instruments. RESULTS: The average CCT values obtained by USP, NSM, and SD-OCT were 555 ± 37 µm, 554 ± 34 µm, and 546 ± 34 µm, respectively. There was a strong correlation between instruments: USP with SD-OCT (r = 0.937, p < 0.01), USP with NSM (r = 0.943, p < 0.01) SD-OCT with NSM (r = 0.975, p < 0.01) for CCT. The mean differences (lower/upper limit of agreement) for CCT measurements were -10 ± 12.9 µm (15.28/-35.28) between SD-OCT and USP, -8.1 ± 7.7 µm (7/-23.2) between SD-OCT and NSM, and 1.8 ± 12.3 µm (25.9/-22.3) between USP and NSM. CONCLUSIONS: USP and NSM were found to have comparable CCT measurements and these two methods can be used correspondingly. However, CCT measurements by SD-OCT were lower when compared to other methods.

Corneal Biomechanical Properties in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the corneal biomechanical properties and anterior segment parameters in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). METHODS: Fifty-four eyes of 54 patients with OSAS and 20 eyes of 20 healthy subjects were included. Patients with mild and moderate OSAS (Respiratory Disturbance Index [RDI] <30) enrolled in group 1, those with severe OSAS (RDI≥30) in group 2 and controls in group 3. Corneal biomechanical properties including corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), Goldmann-correlated intraocular pressure (IOPg), and corneal-compensated intraocular pressure (IOPcc) were measured with ocular response analyzer. Maximum (Kmax), minimum (Kmin), and mean simulated (SimKm) keratometry values, corneal astigmatism (CA), and central corneal thickness (CCT) were evaluated with Pentacam Scheimpflug imaging. RESULTS: The mean CH and CRF were significantly lower in group 2. The mean CH was 10.9±1.4 mm Hg in group 1, 10.1±1.1 mm Hg in group 2, and 12.1±1.2 mm Hg in group 3 (P<0.001). The mean CRF was 11.1±1.8 mm Hg in group 1, 9.9±1.1 mm Hg in group 2, and 12.2±1.2 mm Hg in group 3 (P<0.001). The CH and CRF values were similar between the groups 1 and 3 (P=0.867 and P=0.743). Corneal-compensated intraocular pressure, IOPg, Kmax, Kmin, SimKm, CA, and CCT values were not statistically different among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with severe OSAS had lower CH and CRF values. The lower CH and CRF values in the severe group were possibly related to changes of the structural properties in the cornea.

Evaluation of high-risk features of primary enucleation of patients with retinoblastoma in a tertiary center of a developing country in the era of intra-arterial chemotherapy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the frequency of high-risk histopathologic factors in Turkish children enucleated for retinoblastoma and to analyze the association between growth pattern, rosetta formation, tumor thickness, presence of necrosis, calcification, neovascularization, rate of mitosis, and high-risk histopathologic factors. METHODS: Pathology reports of 59 eyes who had received enucleation for retinoblastoma were reviewed retrospectively. The histopathologic data included presence of choroidal invasion, optic nerve invasion, scleral extension, tumor thickness, presence of necrosis, calcification, neovascularization, rosetta formation and lymphocyte infiltration, rate of mitosis, and growth pattern. RESULTS: This study included 59 eyes from 30 (50.8%) male and 29 (49.2%) female patients. The mean age was 22.87 ± 18.99 months. There were 30 (50.8%) eyes with choroidal invasion, 30 (50.8%) eyes with optic nerve invasion, and 5 (8.5%) eyes with scleral invasion. Endophytic growth pattern was seen in 27 (45.8%) eyes, exophytic growth pattern was seen in 2 (3.4%) eyes, and combined growth pattern was seen in 30 (50.8%) eyes. Exophytic growth pattern was found statistically related to choroidal invasion (p = 0.00). Although tumor with greater thickness tended to have more choroidal invasion (p = 0.02), there was no relation between tumor thickness and optic nerve invasion (p = 0.09). CONCLUSIONS: Incidences of choroidal and optic nerve invasion showed similarity with other developing countries. Because of higher incidence of high-risk factors, intra-arterial chemotherapy with its targeted effect should be preferred carefully.

The assessment of macular electrophysiology and macular morphology in patients with vitiligo.

PURPOSE: We aimed to analyze the electrophysiologic function and morphology of macula in vitiligo patients. METHODS: Seventeen patients with vitiligo and 11 healthy subjects were studied. All participants underwent multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) and spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) evaluations. The mfERG (P1 mfERG responses central and peripheral) and retinal layer segmentation parameters (nine ETDRS subfields) were compared in vitiligo and control groups. RESULTS: The mean P1 response amplitudes were significantly decreased in central and peripheral rings of the fovea in patients with vitiligo compared with controls (p = 0.002 and p = 0.006, respectively). There was a tendency toward a prolonged mean implicit time for both central and peripheral in patients with vitiligo compared to controls, however, with no statistical significance (p = 0.453 and p = 0.05, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference in all retinal layers thickness between two groups. CONCLUSION: In patients with vitiligo, while photoreceptor segment preserved in SD-OCT, mfERG reduced showing potential decline in central retinal function. This study showed a potential decline in central retinal function in patients with vitiligo even if they have normal fundus appearance and SD-OCT findings.

The significance of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in idiopathic epiretinal membrane.

PURPOSE: To assess the levels of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (iERM) and to compare the NLR results of patients with iERM and healthy controls. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled 43 patients with iERM and 40 healthy subjects. Complete ophthalmologic examination and complete blood count measurements were performed of all subjects. Complete blood counts were performed within 2 h of blood collection. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in NLR between iERM and control groups (p < 0.01). The receiver operating characteristics analysis revealed that the value of NLR to distinguish patients with iERM and controls was found to be 0.832. The best cutoff value was 1.90, with a sensitivity of 72% and specificity 70%. CONCLUSIONS: Our study for the first time provides evidence that subclinical systemic inflammation may cause or at least accompanies iERM using a novel biomarker NLR.

Posterior Polar Central Choroidal Dystrophy: A Case Report.

A 52-year-old male presented with a 25-year history of decreasing vision. Best corrected visual acuity was 0.3 in his right and 0.2 in his left eye. Fundoscopic examination showed bilateral symmetric atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium and choriocapillaris in the posterior polar areas between vascular arcades and surrounding the optic disc. On fluorescein angiography, the large choroidal vessels beneath these affected regions were easily seen. Fundus autofluorescence imaging showed clearly defined hypoautofluorescent areas that corresponded to the aforementioned lesions. Atrophy of the choriocapillaris and outer retinal layer were detected in optical coherence tomography. Photopic and scotopic responses were subnormal in flash electroretinogram (ERG), and responses were also minimal in pattern ERG and multifocal ERG. The patient was diagnosed with posterior polar central choroidal dystrophy. We aimed to present the results of fluorescein angiography, fundus autofluorescence imaging, optical coherence tomography, and electrophysiological tests in this rare case of posterior polar central choroidal dystrophy.

Effect of Fasting on Corneal Biomechanical and Structural Parameters.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of hunger and thirst on corneal biomechanical and structural parameters during Ramadan fasting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Corneal biomechanical properties and intraocular pressures of 29 eyes of 29 healthy subjects were evaluated by Reichert ocular response analyzer; and structural and anatomical properties of cornea and anterior eye chamber of same eyes were scanned with Oculus Pentacam anterior segment analyzer. Each eye has been evaluated at 8 am and 4 pm both during and 1 month after Ramadan. Changes of subjects' weight were calculated and their relationship with corneal biomechanical and structural parameters was assessed. RESULTS: Intraday changes in horizontal corneal astigmatism (p = 0.02), anterior chamber volume (p = 0.01), intraocular pressure associated with the Goldmann IOPg (p = 0.02) and corneal resistance factor (CRF) (p = 0.04) were significantly different when measured during the fasting period in Ramadan and 1 month thereafter. Moreover, when we compared 8 am measurements taken during and after Ramadan, we observed significant differences for anterior chamber volume (p = 0.04) and anterior chamber angle values (p = 0.03). Similarly, for 4 pm measurements, there were significant differences for IOPg (p = 0.01) and CRF values (p = 0.00). CONCLUSIONS: Fasting lasting for more than 12 h during Ramadan creates an important window of opportunity to investigate the response of anterior chamber of eye to hunger and thirst. The current study contributes to the existing literature on the effects of dietary habits and water intake on corneal and anterior chamber properties.

Corneal Viscoelastic Properties in Patients with Angioid Streaks.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to investigate the possible corneal biomechanical changes in patients with angioid streaks and to understand if the calcified and thickened Bruch's membrane associated with angioid streaks influences elasticity of the eye and intraocular pressure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve eyes of 12 patients with angioid streaks (six males and six females) and 12 eyes of 12 age- and sex-matched healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study. Corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), corneal compensated intraocular pressure (IOPcc) and Goldmann-correlated intraocular pressure (IOPg) were measured with an Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA). Central corneal thickness (CCT) was measured with an ultrasound pachymeter. RESULTS: Mean CRF and IOPg values in eyes with angioid streaks (12.10 ± 1.27 and 17.76 ± 2.73, respectively) were significantly higher than those in matched control eyes (10.70 ± 1.28 and 14.67 ± 2.72, respectively; p = 0.01 for CRF, p = 0.007 for IOPg). There was no statistically significant difference between eyes with angioid streaks and matched control eyes in measured CH, IOPcc and CCT values (p = 0.29, p = 0.09 and p = 0.86, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that angioid streaks can affect corneal biomechanical properties by increasing CRF, as compared to the healthy eyes. Increased CRF means increased resistance for effect of IOP on eye so it can be speculated that these patients tend to be more protected for glaucoma.

Retinal nerve fiber layer structure abnormalities in patients with Neuro-Behcet's disease.

PURPOSE: Our aim was the evaluation of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and central macular thickness (CMT) in patients with Neuro-Behcet's disease (NBD) and to compare the results with healthy control subjects. METHODS: We recruited 50 eyes of 25 patients with NBD and 42 eyes of 21 age-matched healthy control subjects. Patients and control subjects underwent a thorough ophthalmic examination, including retinal nerve fiber layer and macular thickness measurements by optical coherence tomography. RESULTS: No significant difference was found between groups for age, sex, intra-ocular pressure and central corneal thickness measurements. The average RNFL in patients with NBD was significantly lower than that of healthy controls (86.92 ± 18.36 µm vs. 99.74 ± 8.73 µm; p = 0.00). There was significant thinning of the RNFL in three of four quadrants of the peripapillary area, superior (107.22 ± 30.91 µm vs. 125.57 ± 20.97 µm; p = 0.00), inferior (110.36 ± 25.57 µm vs. 132.19 ± 12.71 µm; p = 0.00) and nasal (68.84 ± 18.47 µm vs. 74.98 ± 11.42 µm; p = 0.05), in patients with NBD. Average CMT was significantly lower in NBD patients than in control subjects (244.06 ± 26.25 µm vs. 261.69 ± 25.71 µm; p = 0.00). CONCLUSIONS: There are significant differences in average RNFL and CMT between the two groups. RNFL and CMT thicknesses are reduced in patients with NBD compared with the healthy controls.

Corneal endothelial cell density and morphology in patients with acromegaly.

OBJECTIVE: Acromegaly has various impacts on many organs. The ophthalmologic effects of acromegaly have not yet been investigated in detail. The aim of the current study was to evaluate qualitative and quantitative changes in corneal endothelial cells and central corneal thickness (CCT) of the patients with acromegaly. DESIGN: In this prospective, cross-sectional study, 128 eyes of 64 patients with acromegaly (female/male=40/24) and 208 eyes of 104 age and gender-matched healthy volunteers (female/male=69/35) were included. Endothelial cell density (ECD), cellular area (CA), coefficient of variation (CV) in cell size, percentage of hexagonal cells, and CCT were measured in patients with acromegaly and in healthy volunteers using the noncontact specular microscopy (SP-3000P: Topcon Corporation, Tokyo, Japan). RESULTS: ECD and CA were lower in cases with acromegaly than in controls (ECD in acromegaly: 2615.65 cell/mm(2) and in controls: 2700.35 cell/mm(2); p=0.002. CA in acromegaly: 382.30µm(2) and in controls: 400.30µm(2); p=0.02). In the entire group with acromegaly, the time elapsed since diagnosis was positively correlated with CA and was negatively correlated with ECD (r=+0.39, p=0.001 and r=-0.42, p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The endothelial layer of the cornea may be under risk of impairment with prolonged disease duration in acromegaly. Consistency of the corneal endothelium should be also sought during long-term follow-up of the cases with acromegaly.

Corneal endothelial cell density and morphology in healthy Turkish eyes.

Purpose. To describe the normative values of corneal endothelial cell density, morphology, and central corneal thickness in healthy Turkish eyes. Methods. Specular microscopy was performed in 252 eyes of 126 healthy volunteers (M : F, 42 : 84). Parameters studied included mean endothelial cell density (MCD), mean cell area (MCA), coefficient of variation (CV) in cell size, percentage of hexagonal cells, and central corneal thickness (CCT). Results. The mean age of volunteers was 44.3 ± 13.5 (range, 20 to 70) years. There was a statistically significant decrease in MCD (P < 0.001; correlation, -0.388) and percentage of hexagonal cells, (P < 0.001; correlation, -0.199) with age. There was also a statistically significant increase in MCA (P < 0.001; correlation, 0.363) with increasing age. There was no statistically significant difference in MCD, MCA, CV in cell size, percentage of hexagonal cells, and CCT between genders and there was also no significant difference in these parameters between fellow eyes of subjects. Conclusions. Normotive data for the endothelium in the Turkish population are reported. Endothelial cell density in the Turkish eyes is less than that described in the Japanese, American, Chinese, and Filipino eyes and higher than that described in Indian, Thai, and Iranian eyes.