Quantitative OCT angiography of the retina and choroid in non-ocular sarcoidosis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate retinal and choroidal microvascular morphological changes in non-ocular sarcoidosis (NOS) patients using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and compare the results to age- and gender-matched healthy individuals. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included 37 NOS patients (group 1, 37 right eyes) referred to the Ophthalmology Department between 2019 and 2021, as well as 31 healthy individuals (group 2, 31 right eyes). Non-ocular sarcoidosis was defined as sarcoidosis confirmed by a positive lung X-ray and biopsy without ocular manifestation. All participants underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic examination. The SPECTRALIS® OCT was used for both fundus photography and macular analysis. All OCTA procedures were performed in the Angio Retina mode (6.0x6.0 mm) to assess retinal and choroidal microvascular morphology. RESULTS: Groups 1 and 2 had mean ages of 46.41±12.52 and 47.55±13.81 years, respectively (p=0.482). Group 1 had significantly increased superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) vessel densities (VDs) in whole (p=0.059, 0.016), parafoveal (p=0.051, 0.015), and perifoveal (p=0.060, 0.010) regions relative to group 2. Group 1 was also associated with increased foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area (p=0.196), FAZ circumference (p=0.262), and foveal VD in 300 µm wide regions surrounding FAZ (p=0.003) relative to group 2. The outer retinal (p=0.712) and choriocapillaris (p=0.684) flows did not differ significantly between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative OCTA analysis revealed a higher tendency for retinal and choroidal microvascular morphological changes in NOS patients, demonstrating the potential of this novel, non-invasive imaging technology, which may provide sensitive and reliable results without using contrast materials.

Changes in corneal radius and thickness in response to extended wear of rigid gas permeable contact lenses.

PURPOSE: In this study we assessed patients' clinical tolerance to extended wear of Hoya Hard EX contact lenses, which have a Dk of 125, and determined resulting changes in corneal radius and thickness. METHODS: Hoya Hard EX rigid gas permeable contact lenses (Dk = 125) were fitted to 57 eyes of 29 patients; all eyes were free of pathology. The average duration of contact lens wear was 5.28 +/- 1.43 days. Changes in the radius and thickness of the cornea were measured after 1,3, and 6 months of lens wear. RESULTS: At 1 month, keratometer readings indicated significant flattening in both the horizontal (P < 0.01) and vertical meridians (P < 0.001). At 3 and 6 months, the flattening of both meridians had become more significant (P < 0.001). Although there were no statistically significant changes in corneal thickness at 1 month, significant decreases in thickness were observed at 3 and 6 months (P < 0.001). During the study, patients' vision was stable and lens wear caused no serious complications. At the end of the study, all 29 patients continued extended wear of their contact lenses. CONCLUSIONS: High-Dk RGP contact lenses are an alternative to soft lenses for extended wear.