Neuroimaging in atypical normal tension glaucoma: debating routine implementation in the absence of classic neurological findings.

AIM: To assess the necessity of neuroimaging in patients with neurological or atypical findings of normal tension glaucoma (NTG) who do not exhibit typical glaucoma manifestations. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 90 atypical NTG patients who underwent cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) due to atypical symptoms. The demographic characteristics, clinical parameters, and radiological findings were recorded. RESULTS: Among the patients, 66.7% had abnormal radiology results, with the most common findings being gliosis (34.4%), sequelae of cerebrovascular events and vascular malformations (14.4%), and benign intracranial mass lesions (11%). Non-glaucomatous visual field defects were more frequently observed in patients with abnormal neuroimaging results. However, there were no significant differences in intraocular pressure, optic disc parameters, retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, and visual field indices between patients with normal and abnormal radiological results. The mean age of the patients was 58.74y. Interestingly, there was a significant age difference, with the abnormal radiology group having a higher median age (P=0.021). CONCLUSION: The study highlights the importance of cranial imaging in older NTG patients to detect underlying pathologies and prevent misdiagnosis. It suggests that neuroimaging may be warranted in NTG patients with atypical visual field defects incompatible with glaucoma. However, routine neuroimaging in all NTG patients without classic neurological signs may not be necessary.

Pro re nata anti-VEGF treatment in pachychoroid neovasculopathy compared with age-related macular degeneration based on optical coherence tomography.

PURPOSE: To compare anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment in pachychoroid neovasculopathy (PNV) and age related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: Cases having pro re nata (PRN) anti-VEGF treatment for choroidal neovascularization were reviewed and grouped as PNV and AMD. Groups were compared according to central foveal thickness (CFT), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and total injection over 12 months. The correlation of beginning choroidal thickness, CFT, and BCVA with final BCVA was analyzed. RESULTS: Forty-seven PNV and 65 AMD cases were reviewed. Both the PNV group (p = 0.0001) and the AMD group (p = 0.003) had a significant improvement in BCVA and a significant decrease in CFT (p = 0.0001). However, BCVA was better at the 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up in PNV (p = 0.003, 0.002, 0.02). No significant CFT difference was observed between groups. The total number of injections was 5.7 ± 1.7 for PNV and 5.2 ± 1.5 for AMD (p = 0.09). Beginning BCVA was positively correlated with final BCVA in both groups. CONCLUSION: The PRN treatment regimen was effective for PNV and AMD in terms of visual and anatomical outcomes. Visual response was better in PNV with PRN treatment with the same number of injections.

Epiretinal membrane related vascular changes in diabetic eyes evaluated with optical coherence tomography angiography.

AIM: To evaluate the retinochoroidal microvascular circulation and anatomical structure of diabetic and non-diabetic patients with epiretinal membrane (ERM) with the help of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) and compare them with healthy control subjects. METHODS: In this prospective, cross-sectional study, a total of 165 eyes were evaluated, including 50 eyes of patients with diabetic ERM, 54 eyes of idiopathic ERM (iERM) patients, and 61 eyes of healthy controls. Macula and disc angiography was performed by OCT-A. Macular vessel density (VD) ratio was evaluated by dividing the VD of the foveal region by the VD of the parafoveal region. Statistical calculations were evaluated at the 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Macula superficial VD values of ERM cases were lower than that in the control group, while foveal VD was higher in ERM cases. Macula deep VD values of ERM cases were lower in all quadrants, except the fovea. The width of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area was significantly lower in the ERM groups, and the FAZ width was lowest in iERM group. Macula superficial VD ratio was significantly higher in the ERM groups, but there was no significant difference between ERM groups. Macula deep VD ratio was significantly higher in the iERM group than in the control group. CONCLUSION: Diabetic and idiopathic ERMs differ in their mechanism of formation and clinical presentation, as well as their effect on retinal vascular structures. If the relationship of increase of retinal thickness with vascular integrity can be demonstrated with OCT-A, then, OCT-A can be used as a guide for ERM prognosis.

Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Findings in Primary Open-Angle and Pseudoexfoliation Glaucoma.

Objectives: To compare the optical disc and macular vascular density values of patients with glaucoma and healthy individuals by using optical coherence tomography angiography and evaluate the relationship between structural and functional test results and vascular density. Materials and Methods: The study included 128 eyes in total: 31 with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEG), 55 with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and similar visual field defects, and 42 healthy eyes. Whole image peripapillary vessel density (wpVD), intradisc vessel density (idVD), peripapillary vessel density (pVD), whole image macular vessel density (wmVD), and parafoveal vessel density (pfVD) values were compared between the groups. Correlations between visual field findings, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and optic nerve head measurements and peripapillary and macular vascular density were analyzed. Results: In the PEG and POAG groups, wpVD, idVD, wmVD, and pfVD values were significantly lower in than the control group. In the PEG group, wpVD was found to be significantly lower than the POAG group (p<0.001). There was no significant difference between the PEG and POAG groups in wmVD and pfVD except for nasal pfVD. There were strong positive correlations between RNFL thickness and pVD in the glaucoma groups (p<0.001). Significant correlations were found between visual field mean deviation and pattern standard deviation values and peripapillary and macular vessel density values in the glaucoma groups. Conclusion: Vascular density values were lower in glaucoma patients compared to normal individuals, and there is a strong correlation between structural and functional tests and vessel density values. The lower vascular density in the PEG group compared to the POAG group indicates that vascular damage may be more common in PEG patients.

Multifocal Electroretinogram Alterations after Intravitreal Ranibizumab Treatment in Diabetic Macular Edema.

Objectives: To assess multifocal electroretinogram (mf-ERG) values in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) who were treated with intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR). Methods: Thirty eyes of patients with DME, who underwent three consecutive monthly injections of IVR and as required thereafter, were evaluated. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) (log MAR), optical coherence tomography (OCT) features [diameters of cyst and subretinal fluid, hyperreflective dots (HRDs)], and mf-ERG were evaluated at baseline, 1 month, and 6 months throughout the follow-up period. The correlation of mf-ERG values and OCT features, BCVA, and the duration of disease were investigated. Results: In the study group, the baseline P1 and N1 amplitudes were significantly lower than the control group, and P1 and N1 implicit times were significantly higher in patients with DME than in the control group in all rings (All p<0.05) The mean response density (P1 amplitude, nV/deg2) values increased over 6 months in rings 1, 2, and 3 (p<0.001, p=0.003, p=0.006). There was a negative correlation between the diameter of the cyst and the initial response density of P1 (for horizontal diameter: r=-0.658, p=0.03; for vertical diameter: r=-0.597, p=0.037; for the area of the cyst, r=-0.603, p=0.021). There was a significant negative correlation between the subretinal fluid and HRD reduction and the response density of P1 increase (all p<0.05). At baseline and 6 months, the correlation between BCVA and the P1 and N1 amplitude of the central ring was significant (for baseline P1: r=-0.649, p=0.01; for N1: r=-0.575, p=0.02; for 6-month P1, r=-0.603, p<0.001; for N1: r=-0.591, p=0.005). Conclusion: The combination of OCT and mf-ERG can be used to evaluate the functional recovery in DME.

Assessing risk factors for postoperative hypotony in Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation surgery.

PURPOSE: To assess the risk factors associated with the development of hypotony after Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) implantation. METHODS: One hundred and ninety-three eyes of 177 patients with various types of glaucoma that were treated with AGV implantation were retrospectively evaluated. Intraocular pressure lower than 6 mmHg related to the surgery is defined as postoperative hypotony. Patients' demographic characteristics, type of glaucoma, preoperative and postoperative visual acuity, necessity of antiglaucoma treatments, lens status, previous ocular surgeries, intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements before and after surgeries, the need for additional procedures and postoperative complications were recorded from the patients' charts. RESULTS: Hypotony was seen in 68 of 193 eyes (35.2%) postoperatively. In 45 eyes (23.3%), it has occurred in first postoperative day and in 23 eyes (11.9%) after the first day within the first week. There was no difference in intraocular pressures between two groups in the first year follow-up. Pre- and postoperative best-corrected visual acuities, age and gender were not statistically different between hypotony and no hypotony groups (p > 0.05). Also, lens status, history of previous ocular surgery, type of glaucoma and number of preoperative glaucoma medication usage were not found to be different between groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Potential risk factors such as age, sex, lens status, history of previous ocular surgeries, preoperative glaucoma medication usage or glaucoma type are not found to influence upon postoperative hypotony prevalence for AGV surgery. Surgery type and personal ocular factors, which could not be determined beforehand, could be more important than demographic features.

Factors affecting the early and mid-term success of needling for early failure of filtering bleb.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the factors affecting the success of needling surgery for early filtering bleb failure after trabeculectomy. Methods: Patients who underwent a single needling surgery within 3 months after trabeculectomy were retrospectively evaluated. Glaucoma type, intraocular pressure (IOP), and medical treatments before trabeculectomy; the presence of hypotony after trabeculectomy; bleb type; IOP before needling; lens status; complications; IOP after 1, 6, and 12 months; and medical treatments after needling were recorded. Risk factors were evaluated for complete success at 1, 6, and 12 months after needling. Results: Thirty-three eyes of 33 patients were analyzed. The mean IOP after needling at 1, 6, and 12 months was 16.09 ± 3.70, 15.64 ± 2.68, and 15.79 ± 2.61 mmHg, respectively. The mean age of the patients was 53.97 (25-79) years. The mean IOP after needling at 1, 6, and 12 months was 16.09 ± 3.70, 15.64 ± 2.68, and 15.79 ± 2.61 mmHg, respectively. The pre-needling IOP and IOP decrease on the first day affected the complete and qualified success at 1, 6, and 12 months, but the glaucoma type, presence of hypotony after trabeculectomy, lens status, interval between trabeculectomy and needling, and bleb type were not found to affect success. In the receiver operating curve analysis, the pre-needling IOP value was found to be significant in determining complete success. Complete success at 1 month was more likely when the pre-needling IOP cutoff value was <24.5 mmHg. Conclusion: According to the results of single needling surgery performed within 3 months after trabeculectomy, the pre-needling IOP and IOP decrease with needling were found to be factors affecting success. Regardless of the time between the primary trabeculectomy and needling, effective needling will be successful before the IOP rises to high levels. Keeping the IOP at low values with medical treatment until the needling process is performed will have a positive effect on success.

Retinal ganglion cell complex and visual evoked potentials in levetiracetam treatment.

PURPOSE: To examine central macular, RNFL (retinal nerve fibre layer), GCC (ganglion cell complex) thicknesses; and VEPs (visual evoked potential) in epileptic patients using levetiracetam for at least one year. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen focal epileptic patients receiving levetiracetam monotherapy and 16 healthy subjects were included in the study. Central macular, RNFL and GCC thicknesses according to spectral domain OCT (optical coherence tomography); and VEPs parameters were compared between patients and healthy subjects. RESULTS: The mean age of patient and control groups were 40 ± 16 and 38 ± 12 years respectively (p > 0.05). The patient group was on levetiracetam therapy for 64 ± 45 (12-168) months. Central macular thickness was thinner in the patient group (p = 0.008). There was no difference among groups regarding RNFL thicknesses. GCC thicknesses in all quadrants were similar among groups, except the superior quadrant; which was thinner in the patient group (p = 0.03). P100 amplitude in 30 min pattern was lower in the patient group (p = 0.04). N135 latency in 15 min (p = 0.03) and 7 min patterns (p = 0.01) was longer in the patient group. CONCLUSION: Central macular and GCC thicknesses; and VEP parameters in patients receiving levetiracetam treatment may differ from healthy subjects.

The correlation of hyperopia and choroidal thickness, vessel diameter and area.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluates the effect of axial length and hyperopia error on macular choroidal thickness as well as choroidal vessel lumen diameter and area with EDI-OCT in short eyes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study includes 64 volunteers who are over 18 years of ages and applied to Eye Clinic of Ankara Training and Research Hospital. Choroidal thickness, choroidal vessel lumen diameter and areas were measured with Spectralis® OCT device using EDI technique. RESULTS: The study group included 44 volunteers with hyperopic refractive error, and control group included 20 emmetropic volunteers. Macular choroid was statistically significantly thicker in all quadrants as the hyperopia error increased (p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant negative correlation between axial lengths and macular choroidal thicknesses in all quadrants (p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference in choroidal vessel lumen diameter and area between hyperopia groups for both large and small vessels (p < 0.01). The relationships between mean axial length and mean large choroidal vessel diameter and mean area measurements were negatively correlated and they were statistically significant. On the other hand, there was no such negative correlation with small choroidal vessels that have small diameter and area. CONCLUSION: Macular choroid thickens as the hyperopic error increases as well as axial length decreases in short eyes. The diameters and areas of noticeable large choroidal vessels in EDI-OCT also increase. These findings in EDI-OCT measurements may play a role in developing population nomograms, as a correcting parameter and in understanding the pathophysiology of certain diseases in short eyes.

Coenzyme Q10 for the Protection of Lacrimal Gland against High-Dose Radioiodine Therapy-Associated Oxidative Damage: Histopathologic and Tissue Cytokine Level Assessments in an Animal Model.

PURPOSE: To evaluate protective effect of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in lacrimal glands against high-dose radioactive iodine (RAI)-associated oxidative damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into three groups. Group 1 was the control group. Group 2 received 3 mCi/kg RAI via gastric gavage but no medication. Group 3 received 3 mCi/kg RAI via gastric gavage and 30 mg/kg/day CoQ10 intraperitoneally. CoQ10 was started at day one just before RAI administration and continued for five days. Seven days after RAI therapy, the animals were anesthetized and decapitated. Intraorbital (IG), extraorbital (EG), and Harderian (HG) lacrimal glands were removed bilaterally for histopathological and tissue cytokine level assessments. RESULTS: Abnormal lobular pattern, acinar fibrosis, lipofuscin-like accumulations, perivascular infiltration, cell size variation, abnormal cell outlines, irregular nucleus shapes in all lacrimal gland types (p < 0.05 for each), periductal fibrosis, periductal and periacinar fibrosis in EG (p = 0.01, 0.044, respectively) and in HG (p = 0.036, 0.044, respectively), periductal infiltration in HG (p = 0.039) and IG (p = 0.029), acinar atrophy in EG (p = 0.044), and cell shape variation in IG (p = 0.036) were observed more frequently in group 2 than in other groups. RAI caused significant increase in TNF-α, IL-6, nuclear factor kappa B, and total oxidant status, and decrease in IL-2, IL-10, and total antioxidant status levels (p < 0.05 for each). Addition of CoQ10 decreased all cytokine levels, increased nuclear factor kappa B levels more, and increased total antioxidant status levels significantly (p < 0.05 for each). CONCLUSIONS: RAI administration causes prominent inflammatory response in lacrimal glands. Addition of CoQ10 ameliorates the oxidative damage and protects lacrimal glands both in histopathological and tissue cytokine level assessments. Protection of lacrimal glands against oxidative damage may become a new era of CoQ10 use in the future.

Pars plana vitrectomy with silicone oil tamponade in failed scleral buckle surgery.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the anatomical and functional outcomes of secondary pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) after failed scleral buckling (SB) surgery and to compare it with primary PPV for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), including complicated proliferative vitreoretinopathy cases. DESIGN: Retrospective series in a tertiary care centre. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and twenty consecutive patients. METHODS: The medical records of patients who underwent PPV with silicone oil tamponade for RRD were reviewed. Forty-four eyes were operated on for primary RRD (primary PPV group), and 76 eyes were operated on for failed SB surgery (secondary PPV group). The single-operation anatomical success rate, final anatomical success rate, and best-corrected visual acuity preoperatively, at 6 months, at 1 year, and at final follow-up were analyzed. RESULTS: The single-operation anatomical success rate was 74.2% in the primary PPV group and 77% in the secondary PPV group (p = 0.48). The final anatomical success rate was 90.3% in the primary PPV group and 91.8% in the secondary PPV group (p = 0.55). The number of cases with visual acuities of 3 visual categories (20/50 or better, 20/200 to 20/50, less than 20/200) was not statistically different at each time point. CONCLUSIONS: Consequent PPV with silicone oil tamponade for failed SB surgery seems not to have inferior anatomical and functional outcomes when compared with primary PPV for RRD.

Effect of cauterization on the subconjunctival fibrovascular reaction in rabbit eyes.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study is to investigate the effect of episcleral cauterization during conjunctival autograft surgery on subconjunctival fibrovascular reaction in rabbit eyes. METHODS: Twenty-four healthy male New Zealand white rabbits were divided into Control Group (n = 12) and Cautery Group (n = 12). In the Control Group, a 4 × 4 mm free conjunctival graft was elevated, the underlying Tenon's capsule was excised, and the free graft was sutured back to its original place with 10-0 nylon sutures. In the Cautery Group, in addition to the same surgical steps, the episclera was cauterized with six gentle touches before the conjunctival graft was sutured back to its original place. The scleroconjunctival block of the operated area was excised at the first month. The sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosine and Masson trichrome and were evaluated using light microscopy. RESULTS: Subconjunctival collagen fibers were increased, and the fibroblast density increased more significantly in the Cautery Group than in the Control Group. The groups were similar regarding vascularization, lymphocytic, and plasmocytic infiltration. Macrophage density was normal in all animals in both groups. CONCLUSION: Our histopathological examinations indicate that cauterization seems to lead to an increase in subconjunctival fibrosis at the first postoperative month in rabbit eyes.

Primary and secondary implantation of scleral-fixated posterior chamber intraocular lenses in adult patients.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate and to compare the results of primary and secondary scleral-fixated posterior chamber intraocular lens (PCIOL) implantations in adult patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of scleral-fixated PCIOLs-implanted during (primary group) or after (secondary group) cataract surgery was performed. The median follow-up time of 96 patients was 6 months (minimum: 6; maximum: 35 months). Outcome measures were indications, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), change in visual acuity and complications. RESULTS: A total of 37 patients (38.5%) had primary implantations and 59 (61.5%) had secondary implantations. Penetrating keratoplasty was combined with secondary implantation in 13 cases. The median post-operative CDVA was 0.5 in decimal notation in both groups (P = 0.576). The CDVA improved by at least one Snellen line or remained unchanged in 35 eyes (94.6%) in the primary group and in 52 eyes (88.1%) in the secondary group (P = 0.263). Eyes with CDVA of 0.5 or higher were 62.2% (n = 23) in the primary group and 67.8% (n = 40) in the secondary group post-operatively (P = 0.066). The difference in early and late complications were not statistically significant between groups (P = 0.637, P = 0.154, respectively). Regarding late complications, 30 eyes (81%) in the primary group and 40 eyes (67.9%) in the secondary group had no complications (P = 0.154). CONCLUSION: Both primary and secondary scleral-fixated PCIOL implantations can provide favorable visual outcomes with lower complication rates. An important consideration is the appropriate timing for scleral fixation, taking into account the patient's characteristics and the course of the operation.

Role of posterior vitreous detachment on outcome of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment in age-related macular degeneration.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of posterior vitreous detachment on outcome of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injection. METHODS: Sixty-one eyes with age-related macular degeneration that had received intravitreal bevacizumab or ranibizumab injections were retrospectively reviewed. The vitreomacular interface was evaluated, and eyes were grouped according to the presence of posterior vitreous detachment (Group 1, n = 25) or vitreomacular adhesion (Group 2, n = 36). All patients received three loading doses of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections at monthly intervals, and subsequently, pro re nata regimen was performed. Best-corrected visual acuity and central foveal thickness measurement at follow-up were evaluated. The development of posterior vitreous detachment during the follow-up was also reported. RESULTS: The best-corrected visual acuity changes at each visit compared with baseline were significantly better in Group 1 (P = 0.01, 0.02, 0.02, 0.009, 0.009, respectively at third, sixth, ninth, 12th month, and last visit). When best-corrected visual acuity was classified according to the change in visual acuity of 10 letters or more, the rate of improved or stable best-corrected visual acuity was greater in Group 1 (P = 0.02). During the follow-up, 5 eyes (14.3%) developed posterior vitreous detachment. CONCLUSION: Vitreomacular adhesion seems to have an adverse effect on the visual prognosis of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment for age-related macular degeneration.

The effect of systemic amantadine sulfate on malondialdehyde and total thiol levels in rat corneas.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the malondialdehyde (MDA) and total thiol (sulfhydryl, SH) levels in rat corneas after intraperitoneal injection of amantadine sulfate. METHODS: A total of 12 Wistar albino rats were divided into two groups: control group (n = 6) and amantadine group (n = 6). Balanced salt solution (1 mL, 0.9% NaCl, twice/day) was injected into rats in control group. Amantadine sulfate (2 mg/1 mL, twice/day) was injected into rats in amantadine group. In each group, two rats were injected for 1 week, two received injections for 1 month, and two rats received injections for 3 months. The corneas were homogenized and MDA and SH levels were measured spectroflourometrically. RESULTS: In control group, median MDA and SH levels were 2.37 (range, 0.92-3.60) and 25.35 (range, 6.30-54.0) nmol/mg, respectively. In amantadine group, median MDA and SH levels were 3.57 (range, 1.25-5.92) and 32.65 (range, 3.30-48.3) nmol/mg, respectively. The difference between this two groups regarding MDA (P = 0.14) and SH (P = 1.0) levels was statistically insignificant. CONCLUSION: Systemically administered amantadine sulfate seems not to cause MDA and SH imbalance in rat corneas.

Conventional surgery for complicated retinal detachment in silicone oil-filled eyes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the anatomic and functional outcomes of conventional surgery in silicone oil (SO)-filled eyes with complicated retinal detachment (RD). METHODS: The records of patients who underwent scleral buckling surgery for complex RD in SO-filled eyes were retrospectively reviewed. Conventional RD surgery involved a 2.5-mm encircling band, 6-mm silicone strip for the inferior quadrants or local sponge implant, subretinal fluid (SRF) drainage, and/or SO aspiration with a 27-G needle. Cryotherapy and/or laser photocoagulation was applied around the tears and 360° of the peripheral retina. RESULTS: In all, 4 of the cases had retinal breaks in the lower quadrants, 1 of which had a macular hole; recurrence was due to proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) in the 3 other cases. Three cases were treated with external SRF drainage, 3 cases with SO aspiration, and 1 case with both external drainage and SO aspiration. The retina was attached at the last follow-up visit in 6 (85.7%) of the 7 eyes. One of the cases required secondary vitreoretinal surgery for recurrent RD due to PVR and still had SO tamponade at last follow-up visit. Mean follow-up period was 17.28 ± 8.64 months. Mean logMAR visual acuity was 1.47 ± 0.47 preoperatively and 1.4 ± 0.97 postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Inferior RD in eyes treated with silicone oil tamponade, with or without a retinal break, can be treated with scleral buckling surgery, external SRF drainage, and/or pars plana SO aspiration with satisfactory functional and anatomic outcomes in selected complicated RD cases.