Comparison of autologous serum and platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of severe dry eye and persistent epithelial defects.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of topical autologous serum and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in patients with severe dry eye and persistent epithelial defects. METHODS: Sixty-seven eyes of 42 patients including 12 Sjogren, 11 meibomian gland dysfunction, 8 post penetrating keratoplasty, 5 acne rosacea, 5 chemical burn and 3 neurotophic keratopathy were analyzed. Best corrected visual acuity, Schirmer, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), tear break-up time, Oxford staining scores were measured before the treatment and 1 month. One month scores of two groups were compared. RESULTS: Thirty three eyes received autologous serum and 34 received PRP. There was no statistically significant differences between two groups in ocular surface parameters at baseline. Statistically significant improvements were achieved in both groups in all parameters at 1 month (p < 0.05). Schirmer score improved from 7.9 ± 7.6 to 10.6 ± 8.4 mm in autologous serum (p < 0.001) and from 10.9 ± 9.5 to 13.3 ± 10.1 in PRP (p < 0.001); BUT from 4.3 ± 2.7 to 6.7 ± 3.4 s (p < 0.001) and 4.5 ± 3.0 to 6.0 ± 3.6 (p < 0.001); OSDI from 47.7 ± 14.7 to 25.7 ± 11.0 (p < 0.001) and from 54.1 ± 17.3 to 26.8 ± 11.0 (p < 0.001); Oxford score from 4.0 ± 1.0 to 1.3 ± 1.1 in (p < 0.001) and 3.9 ± 0.9 to 1.6 ± 1.3 (p < 0.001) respectively. Significant visual improvement was achieved with PRP from 0.81 ± 0.73 LogMAR to 0.72 ± 0.63 (p = 0.025), whereas insignificant with serum from 0.60 ± 0.65 to 0.57 ± 0.67 (p = 0.147). Mean epithelial healing time was 6.7 ± 4.7 (2-14) days in serum and 3.6 ± 1.9 (2-7) in PRP (p = 0.195). CONCLUSIONS: Both treatments are equally effective in severe dry eye and persistent epithelial defects. Although, visual gain is higher in PRP, autologous serum may be preferable due to low cost.

The effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on corneal endothelial structure and anterior segment parameters.

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on corneal endothelial structure and anterior segment parameters in healthy eyes. METHODS: 17 eyes of 17 patients who were scheduled to receive HBOT for other than ophthalmologic indications were investigated in this prospective study. Central corneal thickness (CCT) and corneal endothelial properties were evaluated using a specular microscope. Endothelial cell density (ECD), average cell area (AVG), coefficient of variation in cell size (CV), percentage of hexagonal cells (HEX), CCT, intraocular pressure (IOP), spherical equivalent (SE), axial length (AL) and anterior chamber depth (ACD) values were measured before the HBOT, after the 1st session, and after the 20th session of therapy. RESULTS: 47% of the patients (n = 8) received HBOT because of avascular necrosis, 35% (n = 6) due to sudden hearing loss, 12% (n = 2) for diabetic foot, and 6% (n = 1) for wound infection. The mean IOP was 14,80 mmHg before HBOT, 14,20 mmHg after the 1st session, and 13,73 mmHg after the 20th session. The mean ACD was 3,38 mm before HBOT, 3,34 mm after the 1st session, and 3,16 mm after the 20th session. Although the mean IOP and ACD decreased after HBOT sessions, it was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). A significant reduction was observed in SE values after 20 sessions of HBOT compared to the values measured before HBOT (p = 0,009). The mean ECD was 2572,53 ± 261,51 cells/mm2 before HBOT, 2554,47 ± 236,13 after the 1st session, and 2563,13 ± 226,92 after the 20th session. When the corneal properties measured before and after HBOT sessions were compared, no significant difference was found in terms of CCT, ECD, AVG, CV, and HEX (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: We observed no significant change in CCT, corneal endothelial layer properties, and anterior segment morphology after the 1st session, and after the 20th session of HBOT. Although HBOT reduced IOP and ACD, it was not statistically significant. HBOT may lead to a significant decrease in SE values after the 20th session.

Long-Term Endothelial Cell Viability After Deep Anterior Lamellar Versus Penetrating Keratoplasty for Keratoconus.

OBJECTIVES: We compared long-term endothelial cell survival after penetrating versus after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty for keratoconus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively compared 64 eyes of 55 patients who had penetrating keratoplasty and 40 eyes of 37 patients who had deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty for keratoconus (October 2003-February 2021). Best-corrected visual acuity, Goldmann applanation tonometry, fundus examination with 90D lens, and specular microscopy with CEM-530 (Nidek) were performed preoperatively and every 6 months postoperatively. Main outcomes were endothelial cell density, central corneal thickness, and visual acuity. Secondary outcomes were coefficient of variation, hexagonality, graft rejection episodes, and graft clarity. RESULTS: We found no significant differences between the 2 treatment groups regarding patient age, donor age, preoperative vision, central corneal thickness, and recipient-donor trephine diameters. Mean follow-up was 92.5 months. In deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty, the endothelium was preserved significantly better for 10 years versus for penetrating keratoplasty. Mean endothelial density in penetrating versus deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty was 2006.7 versus 2354.7 cells/mm2 at 1 year (P = .010), 1170.5 versus 2048.2 at 5 years (P <.001), and 972.5 versus 1831.6 at 10 years (P < .001). Cumulative endothelial cell loss was 43% and 19.7% at 10 years for penetrating and anterior lamellar keratoplasty, respectively. Significantly more thickening of central cornea was shown in penetrating keratoplasty after 7 years. Corneal thickness was 583.0 µm in penetrating and 545.1 µm in deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (P = .002) at 10 years. Vision gain and coefficient of variation were similar. Hexagonality decreased significantly in both groups at 10 years. Rates of rejection were 12.5% in penetrating and 7.5% in deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty. Graft survival rates were 97.5% and 96.9%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In keratoconus, endothelial vitality is better preserved with deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty than with penetrating keratoplasty over a 10-year follow-up.

Comparison of sweep visual evoked potential of visual acuity and Snellen visual acuity in healthy and amblyopic children / Comparação da acuidade visual por potenciais evocados visuais de varredura e pelo teste de Snellen em crianças saudáveis e ambliópicas

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the visual acuity of healthy and amblyopic children using sweep visual evoked potential and compare the results with those of Snellen visual acuity testing. Methods: A total of 160 children aged 6-17 years were included in the study. Of these, 104 (65%) were aged 7-17 years old, able to verbally communicate, and did not have any systemic or ocular pathology (Group 1). Group 2 included 56 (35%) children aged 6-17 years, able to verbally communicate, and had strabismus or anisometropic amblyopia whose best corrected visual acuity was between 0.1 and 0.8. All subjects underwent a detailed ophthalmological examination and sweep visual evoked potential measurement. Demographic characteristics, ocular findings, best corrected visual acuity, and sweep visual evoked potential results were recorded. Results: In Group 1, the mean and maximum visual acuity values for sweep visual evoked potential were lower than the Snellen best corrected visual acuity (p<0.001, for both, respectively). Bland-Altman analysis revealed that in Group 1, the distribution of the differences between the Snellen best corrected visual acuity and mean sweep visual evoked potential visual acuity was ±0.11 logMAR, and the distribution of the differences between the Snellen best corrected visual acuity and maximum sweep visual evoked potential visual acuity was ±0.023 logMAR. In Group 2, the mean and maximum sweep visual evoked potential visual acuity were lower than the Snellen best corrected visual acuity (p<0.001 and p=0.009, respectively). Bland-Altman analysis revealed that the distribution of the differences between the Snellen best corrected visual acuity and mean sweep visual evoked potential visual acuity was ±0.16 logMAR, and the distribution of the differences between the Snellen best corrected visual acuity and maximum sweep visual evoked potential visual acuity was ±0.19 logMAR. Conclusions: Sweep visual evoked potential visual acuity measurements have comparable results with Snellen visual acuity measurements. This technique is an objective and reliable method for evaluating visual acuity in children.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a acuidade visual através de po­tenciais evocados visuais de varredura em crianças saudáveis e ambliópicas, comparando-a com a acuidade visual pelo teste de Snellen. Métodos: Foram incluídas no estudo 160 crianças com idades entre 6 e 17 anos. Desse total, 104 crianças (65%) estavam entre 7 e 17 anos de idade, eram capazes de comunicação verbal e não tinham nenhuma patologia ocular ou sistêmica (Grupo 1). O grupo 2 incluiu 56 crianças verbais (35%) com idades entre 6 e 17 anos e portadoras de estrabismo ou ambliopia anisometrópica, com a melhor acuidade visual corrigida entre 0,1 e 0,8. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a um exame oftalmológico detalhado e a uma medição do potencial evocado visual por varredura. Registraram-se as características demográficas, os achados oculares, a melhor acuidade visual corrigida e os resultados do potencial evocado visual por varredura. Resultados: No Grupo 1, os valores médios e máximos da acuidade visual pelo potencial evocado visual por varredura mostraram-se menores que a melhor acuidade visual corrigida medida através do teste de Snellen (p<0,001 para ambas as medições). Uma análise de Bland-Altman revelou que no grupo 1, a distribuição das diferenças entre a melhor acuidade visual corrigida pelo teste de Snellen e a média do potencial evocado visual por varredura foi de ± 0,11 logMAR, enquanto a distribuição das diferenças entre a melhor acuidade visual corrigida pelo teste de Snellen e o valor máximo do potencial evocado visual por varredura foi de ± 0,023 logMAR. No Grupo 2, os valores médio e máximo do potencial evocado visual por varredura mostraram-se menores que a melhor acuidade visual corrigida pelo teste de Snellen (respectivamente, p<0,001 e p=0,009). A análise de Bland-Altman revelou que a distribuição das diferenças entre a melhor acuidade visual corrigida pelo teste de Snellen e a média do potencial evocado visual por varredura foi de ± 0,16 logMAR, enquanto a distribuição das diferenças entre a melhor acuidade visual corrigida pelo teste de Snellen e o valor máximo do potencial evocado visual por varredura foi de ± 0,19 logMAR. Conclusões: As medidas da acuidade visual através do potencial evocado visual por varredura mostram resultados comparáveis às medidas da acuidade visual pelo teste de Snellen. Essa técnica é um método objetivo e confiável de se avaliar a acuidade visual em crianças.

Real-life outcomes of intravitreal ranibizumab, aflibercept, and dexamethasone implant administrations in patients with treatment-naïve diabetic macular edema.

PURPOSE: To investigate optical coherence tomography (OCT) biomarker data on visual recovery in treatment-naïve diabetic macular edema (DME) and follow the results of intravitreal ranibizumab (RNB), aflibercept (AFL), and dexamethasone (DEX) implant administration within the 1st year of the pro re nata treatment regimen. METHODS: One hundred and twenty eyes of 102 patients were enrolled in the study. The patients medical records were analyzed retrospectively. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), type of DME, presence of subretinal fluid, number and localization of hyperreflective dots, vitreomacular interface disorders, disorganization of the retinal inner layer (DRIL), inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) junction-external limiting membrane (ELM) status, intraretinal cyst diameter and localization, and subfoveal choroidal thickness were examined in all patients. RESULTS: A statistically significant increase in BCVA and a decrease in CMT were detected in all treatment groups. When cases were evaluated in terms of BCVA before and after treatment, statistically significant differences were observed in the RNB and AFL groups at 1 and 4 months and in the DEX group during the 1st year. In terms of OCT biomarkers, visual recovery was obtained in cases of intact IS/OS-ELM and non-DRIL patients. In the serous macular detachment group, more visual gain was achieved with the RNB (1 and 4 months) and AFL (1, 4, and 6 months) agents compared to the DEX implant. On the other hand, in the group with cystoid macular edema, more visual gain was achieved with RNB compared to the DEX implant in all months, but more visual gain was achieved only in the 1st month with AFL administration. CONCLUSION: Significant improvement was achieved for both BCVA and CMT in all treatment groups. We expect that OCT-based prognostic factors will become more important in the treatment of DME and will be determining factors in the choice of treatment.

Restless legs syndrome in multiple sclerosis is related to retinal thinning.

BACKGROUND: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is one of the most frequent comorbidities accompanying multiple sclerosis. Patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) show thinning in the retinal layers throughout the disease. The thinning is related to acute attacks and progression and atrophy of the brain. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) provides relevant information on the pathophysiology of MS. We aimed to evaluate OCT parameters in patients with MS to investigate any changes related to the coexistence of RLS. METHODS: We consecutively enrolled 75 adults with relapsing-remitting MS. Participants were assessed by using demographic and clinical parameters along with the excessive sleepiness in the daytime (ESS), fatigue severity scale (FSS), and RLS severity scale (IRLSSG). The thickness of the peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (pRNFL), macular thickness (MT), and macular ganglion cell - inner plexiform layer (MGCIPL) complex was measured with spectral-domain OCT. RESULTS: Of the 75 participants, 20 were found to have RLS, and 55 did not. Scores of ESS, FSS, and MS disability (EDSS) were worse in patients with RLS. There was no significant difference in retinal nerve fiber layer thickness except for the inferior quadrant(p = 0.029). The mean inferior pRNFL thickness was 104.5 ± 22.6 µm in the RLS (+) group and 114.2 ± 21.6 µm in the RLS (-) group. CONCLUSION: Patients with RLS had excessive daytime sleepiness, were more fatigued, had higher EDSS scores, and had a thinner retinal layer in the inferior quadrant. Overall, data from the study suggest a possible relationship between retinal volume changes in MS patients with RLS.

Comparison of sweep visual evoked potential of visual acuity and Snellen visual acuity in healthy and amblyopic children.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the visual acuity of healthy and amblyopic children using sweep visual evoked potential and compare the results with those of Snellen visual acuity testing. METHODS: A total of 160 children aged 6-17 years were included in the study. Of these, 104 (65%) were aged 7-17 years old, able to verbally communicate, and did not have any systemic or ocular pathology (Group 1). Group 2 included 56 (35%) children aged 6-17 years, able to verbally communicate, and had strabismus or anisometropic amblyopia whose best corrected visual acuity was between 0.1 and 0.8. All subjects underwent a detailed ophthalmological examination and sweep visual evoked potential measurement. Demographic characteristics, ocular findings, best corrected visual acuity, and sweep visual evoked potential results were recorded. RESULTS: In Group 1, the mean and maximum visual acuity values for sweep visual evoked potential were lower than the Snellen best corrected visual acuity (p<0.001, for both, respectively). Bland-Altman analysis revealed that in Group 1, the distribution of the differences between the Snellen best corrected visual acuity and mean sweep visual evoked potential visual acuity was ±0.11 logMAR, and the distribution of the differences between the Snellen best corrected visual acuity and maximum sweep visual evoked potential visual acuity was ±0.023 logMAR. In Group 2, the mean and maximum sweep visual evoked potential visual acuity were lower than the Snellen best corrected visual acuity (p<0.001 and p=0.009, respectively). Bland-Altman analysis revealed that the distribution of the differences between the Snellen best corrected visual acuity and mean sweep visual evoked potential visual acuity was ±0.16 logMAR, and the distribution of the differences between the Snellen best corrected visual acuity and maximum sweep visual evoked potential visual acuity was ±0.19 logMAR. CONCLUSIONS: Sweep visual evoked potential visual acuity measurements have comparable results with Snellen visual acuity measurements. This technique is an objective and reliable method for evaluating visual acuity in children.

Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischaemic Optic Neuropathy with Progressive Macular Ganglion Cell Atrophy due to COVID-19.

A 72-year-old man with type II diabetes mellitus presented with sudden painless vision loss and an inferior visual field defect in his right eye. He had previously tested positive for COVID-19 disease with the symptoms starting 13 days before the onset of vision loss. His decimal visual acuity, 55 days after the onset of visual symptoms, was 0.3 and this decreased over the following week to counting fingers. 24-2 visual field analysis revealed an inferior altitudinal defect. Dilated fundus examination revealed mild optic disc swelling in the right eye. The left eye was normal. He was diagnosed with non-artertic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy (NAION). On spectral domain optical coherence tomography there was retinal thinning in the supero-temporal foveal area. Macular ganglion cell layer - inner plexiform retinal layer complex analysis showed progressive atrophy that developed from the supero-temporal to the infero-nasal fovea. COVID-19 infection may lead to NAION.

Simultaneous Cataract, Maculopathy and Optic Atrophy Secondary to High-Voltage Electrical Shock Injury.

A 32-year-old man presented to our clinic with complaint of vision loss in both eyes (oculus utro; OU). Past medical history revealed that he had been exposed to high-voltage electrical current that passed through the temporal region of the head 2 months ago. Slit-lamp examination demonstrated cortico-nuclear cataract and mature cataract in his right eye (oculus dexter; OD) and left eye (oculus sinister; OS), respectively. On fundus examination, a macular hole was observed in OD. Optic atrophy and foveal atrophy were observed in the left fundus examination after cataract surgery. Simultaneous cataract, maculopathy and optic atrophy may occur after high-voltage electrical current injury. Therefore, clinicians should perform detailed anterior and posterior segment examinations in such patients.

Orbital Metastasis Secondary to Breast Cancer: A Rare Cause of Unilateral External Ophthalmoplegia.

Orbital metastases are rare causes of orbital tumours, and may present with pain, photophobia, red eye, vision loss, diplopia, proptosis, or external ophthalmoplegia. Breast cancer is responsible for a great majority of orbital metastases. Herein, we report a 78-year-old female who had unilateral external ophthalmoplegia due to orbital metastasis of primary breast cancer.

Acute Unilateral Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy Secondary to Optic Nerve Head Drusen: Report of a Rare Coexistence.

A 45-year-old white male noticed on awakening the painless loss of inferior vision in the left eye 2 days ago. He was otherwise well and his medical history was unremarkable. Visual acuity was 20/20 in OD and 20/32 in OS with a left inferior altitudinal defect and right blind spot enlargement demonstrable on visual field test. On fundus examination, both disc margins were blurred and the left disc was diffusely oedematous, with linear haemorrhages in the adjacent nerve fibre layer. Radiologic imaging and laboratory tests were unremarkable. Bilateral optic nerve head drusen (ONHD) was demonstrated by optical coherence tomography and fundus autofluorescence imaging. Unilateral acute non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) and concomitant bilateral ONHD were diagnosed. NAION may develop secondary to ONHD. Therefore, clinicians should be aware of this rare association and inform the patients about this risk. Patients with ONHD should be followed-up periodically in terms of possible ischemic complications.

Coexistence of Papillitis and Posterior Placoid Chorioretinopathy as the Presenting Symptoms of Syphilis-Human Immunodeficiency Virus Coinfection.

A 27-year-old male was presented with a decrease in vision in the left eye. Best-corrected visual acuity was 10/10 in the right eye and counting fingers at 2 m in the left eye. On fundus examination, the left optic disc was oedematous and there was a wide yellowish, well-defined placoid lesion between the temporal vascular arcades with mild vitreous inflammation. However, a small yellowish well-defined placoid lesion was detected in the inferior temporal region of the macula in the right eye. He was diagnosed with posterior placoid chorioretinopathy (PPC), papillitis, and neurosyphilis after performing fundus fluorescein angiography, fundus autofluorescence imaging, optical coherence tomography, serology for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and syphilis, and cerebrospinal fluid examination. Intravenous penicillin treatment was commenced as soon as the diagnosis was established. Seven days after treatment initiation, lesions were partially regressed. PPC and papillitis are rare manifestations of ocular syphilis. In addition, neurosyphilis may also accompany these manifestations. Therefore, syphilis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients who have PPC or papillitis and all patients should be tested for HIV coinfection and neurosyphilis.

ACUTE EFFECT OF CAFFEINE ON MACULAR MICROCIRCULATION IN HEALTHY SUBJECTS: An Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the acute effects of caffeine on macular microvasculature using quantitative optical coherence tomography angiography analysis. METHODS: Fifty-two healthy subjects aged 24 to 48 years were randomly divided into 2 groups: a control group, which received placebo, and a study group, which was subjected to caffeine. All participants underwent optical coherence tomography angiography at baseline and 1 hour after 200-mg oral caffeine intake in the study group and after oral placebo in the control group. Macular flow area, macular vessel density, and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area were analyzed in both the groups. RESULTS: The study group consisted of 14 men and 12 women with a mean age of 40.6 ± 8.9 years. The mean age of control group was 39.5 ± 9.4 years, which consisted of 13 men and 13 women. Baseline macular flow area, vessel density, and FAZ area measurements of the study and control groups showed no significant difference (P > 0.05). Oral caffeine intake caused a significant reduction in macular flow area (superficial, deep, and choriocapillaris) and vessel density (P < 0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in FAZ area after caffeine intake when compared with baseline measurements (P = 0.063). CONCLUSION: We found a significant decrease in macular flow area (superficial, deep, and choriocapillaris) and vessel density after caffeine intake. Our findings are consistent with previous studies using other techniques. We believe that the results of this preliminary study will be useful in future studies about this topic.

The Effect of Donor- and Recipient-Related Factors on Corneal Graft Survival in Penetrating Keratoplasty.

Purpose: To investigate the impact of donor and recipient factors on graft survival in penetrating keratoplasty (PK).Material and Methods: This retrospective study included 365 eyes that underwent PK using corneas from 231 donors between June 2010 and June 2015. Patients were divided into three groups (group 1: primary endothelial diseases; group 2: iatrogenic endothelial disorders; and group 3: other pathologies with a healthy endothelium) according to PK indications. The primary outcome measure was corneal graft survival at the last visit (clear or opaque). Graft clarity was assessed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.Results: The most frequent PK indication was keratoconus (KC) (20.5%) followed by pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (PBK) (18.9%). Donor age had a negative impact on endothelial cell density (ECD) measured by an eye bank specular microscope (p < 0.001). Median best-corrected visual acuity in logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution units increased from 2.1 to 0.8 at 1 year after PK (p < 0.001). The clear graft rate was 96.7% at year 1, 88.8% at year 2, and 85.5% at year 3. Overall graft survival was 84.9% during a median of 39 months (range: 24-79 months) of follow-up. A higher graft survival rate (67.2%) was observed in KC compared to PBK during 6 years (p < 0.001). Recipients younger than 50 years of age showed a better graft survival rate than those older than 70 years of age (p = 0.037). Donor ECD, time between excision and death, and preservation time had no significant effect on graft survival. Frequent graft rejection episodes (GREs) and additional procedures during surgery had a negative impact on graft survival (p < 0.001 and p = 0.014, respectively). A worse graft survival was observed in group 2 compared to groups 1 and 3 (p = 0.042).Conclusions: Young recipient age and KC were associated with a better graft survival. Graft endothelial density and preservation time had no impact on graft survival. PBK, low vision at baseline and year 1, frequent GREs, and additional interventions during surgery had a negative impact on graft survivals.

Olfactory Neuroblastoma: A Rare Cause of External Ophthalmoplegia, Proptosis and Compressive Optic Neuropathy.

Olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB), which is a neuroectodermal tumor of the nasal cavity, is a rare and locally aggressive malignancy that may invade the orbit via local destruction. In this study, we report a patient with proptosis, external ophthalmoplegia, and compressive optic neuropathy caused by ONB. A detailed clinical examination including ocular imaging and histopathological studies were performed. The 62-year-old female patient presented to our clinic with complaints of proptosis and visual deterioration in the left eye. Her complaints started 2 months prior to admission. Visual acuity in the left eye was counting fingers from 2 meters. There was relative afferent pupillary defect. She had 6 mm of proptosis and limitation of motility. Fundus examination was normal in the right eye, but there was a hyperemic disc, and increased vascular tortuosity and dilation of the retinal veins in the left eye. Computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and orbits demonstrated a large heterogeneous mass in the left superior nasal cavity with extensions into the ethmoidal sinuses as well as into the left orbit, compressing the medial rectus muscle and optic nerve. Endoscopic biopsy of the lesion was consistent with an ONB (Hyams' grade III). Orbital invasion may occur in patients with ONB. Therefore, it is important to be aware of this malignancy because some patients present with ophthalmic signs such as external ophthalmoplegia, proptosis, or compressive optic neuropathy.

Could Buerger's disease cause nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy?: a rare case report.

We present an interesting case with nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) accompanied by Buerger's disease. A 43-year-old man was referred to our neuro-ophthalmology clinic with a complaint of visual deterioration in the left eye that started 5 days ago. He suffered from Buerger's disease, and he had acute pain in the right lower limb below the knee. His best corrected visual acuity was 10/10 in the right eye and 2/10 in the left eye by Snellen chart. There was a relative afferent pupil defect in the left eye. The right optic disc was normal on fundus examination, and blurring, hemorrhagic swelling was found at the left optic disc. Inferior altitudinal visual field defect was observed in the left eye. Neurological examination was normal. Computed tomography angiography scan revealed occlusion in the right posterior tibial artery. Brain imaging and laboratory tests such as blood analyses, genetic screening, coagulation, and lipid panels were unremarkable. NAION may occur in patients with Buerger's disease, but it is extremely rare. Therefore, clinicians should be aware of this rare association.

An Evaluation of the Relationship Between Clinically Unilateral Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome and Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and clinically unilateral pseudoexfoliation syndrome (XFS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventy-six patients (152 eyes) with bilateral AMD and clinically unilateral XFS were included. Eyes with AMD were divided into three stages (early, intermediate, and late), based on the Beckman Initiative for Macular Research Classification Committee of fundus findings. The distribution of AMD lesions was assessed in both groups, and the subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) was measured using enhanced depth imaging spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). RESULTS: There were significantly more early and intermediate-stage AMD cases in eyes with XFS than in non-XFS fellow eyes (P < .05). In contrast, there were significantly fewer wet AMD cases in XFS eyes than in non-XFS fellow eyes (P < .05). SFCT in all AMD stages was significantly lower in eyes with XFS (P < .05). CONCLUSION: XFS was associated with a lower prevalence of wet AMD. Further studies are required to elucidate this association. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2018;49:12-19.].

Low frequency ranibizumab versus dexamethasone implant for macular oedema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to make a real-world comparison of the efficacy of ranibizumab, dexamethasone and grid laser treatments in macular oedema due to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). METHODS: Forty-four eyes of 44 consecutive patients with macular oedema secondary to BRVO were included. Treatment arms comprised standard care (StCARE, n = 15), intravitreal ranibizumab (RNB, n = 14) and dexamethasone implant (DEX, n = 15). No rescue laser was performed in DEX and RNB groups. Main outcome measures were mean change in visual acuity (VA) and the percentage of patients who gained 10 or more letters from baseline to six months and central retinal thickness (CRT). RESULTS: Improvements in mean logMAR VA (p = 0.642) and letter score from baseline to month 6 were not statistically significantly different in all three groups. Mean follow-up was 13.9 ± 10.7 months in RNB, 11.9 ± 6.3 in DEX and 11.4 ± 6.6 in StCARE. Mean number of injections was 2.4 ± 1.4 (range: 1-6) in RNB and 1.9 ± 0.7 (range: 1-3) in DEX group over the follow-up period. Mean letter gain was 13.5 in DEX (p = 0.067), 7.1 in RNB (p = 0.553) and 4.5 in StCARE (p = 0.362). Mean CRT at baseline was 512.8 µm in DEX, 505.1 µm in RNB and 345.5 µm in the StCARE group. At the last visit, RNB provided the maximum reduction in CRT. Mean CRT decrease was -146.5 µm (28.6 per cent) in DEX, -241.3 µm (47.8 per cent) in RNB and -45.6 µm (13.2 per cent) in StCARE (p = 0.030). A statistically significant intraocular pressure elevation occurred in the DEX group (p = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Both RNB and DEX provided a significant resolution in macular oedema. Low frequency injections limited the visual gain in ranibizumab therapy. Visual results could be better with higher frequency injections and early start of treatment. Dexamethasone implants may be preferable in terms of visual improvement under low frequency injection conditions. Close follow-up is mandatory for detection of intraocular pressure elevations. Laser monotherapy is not a reasonable first-line option in the era of injection therapies.

Choroidal Thickness Changes in Rheumatoid Arthritis and the Effects of Short-term Hydroxychloroquine Treatment.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to evaluate choroidal thickness (CT) in patients with rheumatoid artritis (RA) and the effects of short-term hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) treatment. METHODS: Thirty RA patients (group 1) and 30 normal subjects (group 2) were enrolled in the study. Group 1 was further divided into two subgroups as follows: group 1A (Before HCQ treatment) and group 1B (1 year after HCQ treatment). The CTs were measured using optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT). RESULTS: The mean subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) (µm) was 335.70 ± 64.58 in group 1A, 341.85 ± 63.95 in group 1B, and 358.51 ± 63.83 in group 2. SFCT was significantly lower in groups 1A and 1B than in group 2 (p = 0.020 and p = 0.028, respectively). Group 1B presented statistically significant thicker SFCT than group 1A (p = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS: CT was significantly lower in RA patients than in normal subjects. HCQ treatment may, however, cause a statistically significant increase in SFCT. This increase is clinically negligible.

Topical nepafenac for prevention of post-cataract surgery macular edema in diabetic patients: patient selection and perspectives.

Since its first description, the prevention of pseudophakic cystoid macular edema (PCME) continues to pose challenges for ophthalmologists. Recent evidence suggests that prophylaxis is unnecessary in patients without risk factors. Diabetes mellitus is generally considered as a risk factor for the development of PCME after cataract surgery since it causes breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) increases the risk even further. Therefore, prophylactic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be considered in diabetic patients, especially if they have DR. NSAIDs block the cyclooxygenase enzymes responsible for prostaglandin production and reduce the incidence of PCME after cataract surgery. Nepafenac seems superior to other NSAIDs in terms of ocular penetration allowing higher and sustained therapeutic levels in retina and choroid. Topical steroids are less effective and may cause intraocular pressure increase limiting their long-term use. Nepafenac is cost effective, when the burden of PCME prevention is compared with the burden of treatment. Prevention is much cheaper and less harmful than invasive treatments like periocular or intravitreal injections. Overall, both nepafenac 0.1% and nepafenac 0.3% are well tolerated. They should be used carefully in patients with compromised corneas such as those with severe dry eye or penetrating grafts. If otherwise healthy cataract patients have ≥2 risk factors, like PCME in the other eye or posterior capsule rupture during surgery, treatment should be considered. Once-daily nepafenac 0.3% dosing may improve postoperative outcomes through increased patient compliance and may reduce treatment burden further. Every patient should be assessed in terms of risks/benefits of the treatment, in individual basis, before cataract surgery.