bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Corneal Epithelial Keratitis in Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus: “Delayed” and “Sine Herpete”. a Non-contact Photomicrographic in Vivo Study in the Human Cornea
Authors: Tabery H.M. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To investigate the origin of corneal epithelial keratitis occurring without accompanying herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) cutaneous rash. Methods Corneal epithelial lesions in seven patients (four with a history of classical HZO with cutaneous rash, one of herpes zoster oticus, and two with no history of herpes zoster, were examined with the slit lamp and photographed by non-contact in vivo photomicrography. The findings were compared with lesions in classical acute HZO. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was done in three patients. Results Slit lamp appearance, morphology at higher magnification, and kinetics of the lesions were indistinguishable from classical acute HZO. PCR was positive for varicell-azoster virus DNA in all three samples. Conclusions The findings strongly suggest that HZO typical corneal epithelial lesions occurring in the absence of cutaneous rash are in fact recurrent episodes of virus shedding.
Pulsatile Ocular Blood Flow during Pregnancy
Authors: Centofanti M. , Migliardi R. , Bonini S. , Manni G. , Bucci M.G. , Pesavento C.B. , Amin C.S. , Harris A. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To study pulsatile ocular blood flow (POBF) throughout pregnancy. Methods We enrolled twenty-seven healthy women in the first trimester of gestation, only ten of which were followed through the second trimester, and fourteen non pregnant healthy women. In each subject we measured POBF with the POBF pneumotonometer (OBF Ltd. UK), IOP, blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR). An unpaired Student t-test was used to compare pregnant women with non-pregnant women, and a two-tailed paired Student t-test was used to compare the same women in the first and second trimester of pregnancy. p <0.05 is considered statistically significant. Results Results are presented as means ± SD. In the first trimester of pregnancy the age was 32 ± 6, POBF 1516.4 ± 382 ml/min, IOP 13 ± 3 mmHg, BP 92 ± 6 mmHg, and HR 86 ± 14 beats/min. In the second trimester POBF was 1629.11±352.4 ml/min, intraocular pressure (IOP) 12 ± 3 mmHg, BP 96 ± 3 mmHg, and HR 93 ± 10 beats/min. In the control group the age was 27 ± 9, POBF 972.23 ± 329.3 ml/min, BP 88 ± 4.3 mmHg, and HR 80 ± 14 beats/min. POBF increases during the first trimester (p = 0.00008). In the second trimester POBF was higher compared to the first trimester (p = 0.0008). Non significant differences were observed for the other parameters. Conclusions The POBF increases throughout gestation. During pregnancy there is an increase in estrogen which induces endothelial-dependent vasodilatation in several tissues. The estrogen changes may influence POBF.
Effects of L-NAME and Timolol on Aqueous IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α and NO Levels after Nd:YAG Laser Iridotomy in Rabbits
Authors: Er H. , Doganay S. , Evereklioglu C. , Cekmen M. , Daglioglu M.C. , Isci N. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose Pro-inflammatory cytokines are produced by tissues and play a vital role in the host inflammatory response and uveitis. Nitric oxide (NO) can be produced in large amounts as a response to experimentally-induced uveitis or cytokines. In this study, we measured the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and free-radical in aqueous humor after Nd:YAG laser iridotomy in rabbits, and investigated whether timolol maleate an anti-glaucoma drug, or a NO synthase inhibitor, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl esther (L-NAME) had an inhibitory effect on these molecules, since L-NAME is a known anti-inflammatory agent in rabbits. Methods Bilateral experimental Nd:YAG laser iridotomy (power 7.5 mJ, mode single burst, aiming beam 4) was performed on 18 rabbits under general plus topical anesthesia. Aqueous humor samples were taken by clear corneal paracentesis preoperatively, and 1 and 24h postoperatively. Six rabbits (12 eyes) were given bilateral topical timolol maleate 0.5% (Tim-optic®) drop b.i.d (group 1), six rabbits (12 eyes) received bilateral 0.1 ml subconjuntival injections of L-NAME (150 mg/kg) (group 2), and six rabbits (12 eyes) were treated with topical balanced salt solution (BSS) b.i.d. (control). Results Preoperative cytokine and NO levels were comparable in the three groups, with no significant differences. In addition, there was no significant difference in baseline cytokine levels between the right and left eyes. In all groups, pre- and postoperative mean IL-1β levels were below the detection limit of the assay (<5.0 pg/ml). In the control group, postoperative mean IL-6, IL-8 and NO levels were significantly higher after Nd: YAG laser iridotomy than before (for each, p < 0.01). Timolol and L-NAME both inhibited the rise in IL-8 and TNF-α levels. Timolol also inhibited the rise in IL-6 but not NO. L-NAME had an inhibitory effect against NO, but not IL-6. Conclusions L-NAME has an inhibitory effect on IL-8, TNF-α and NO, but not on IL-6. Timolol had inhibitory effects on IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α, but not on NO. These preliminary experimental resutls might help in assssing the effect of Nd: YAG laser iridotomy in aqueous humor, and to understand the inhibitory effects of timolol and L-NAME against these molecles.
Intraocular Pressure Response of Capsular Glaucoma and Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma to Selective Nd:Yag Laser Trabeculoplasty: A Prospective, Comparative Clinical Trial
Authors: Gračner T. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To compare the intraocular pressure (IOP) response of uncontrolled capsular glaucoma (CG) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) to selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) in a prospective clinical trial. Methods Ten eyes of ten patients suffering from uncontrolled CG (CG Group) and ten eyes of ten patients with uncontrolled POAG (POAG Group) were treated with a frequency-doubled, Q-switched Nd:YAG laser (532 nm). The baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. IOP was measured before and 1 day, 1 week, 1 month and 3, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 months after treatment. Success was defined as IOP more than 20% lower than before treatment. Any change of hypotensive medication led to the subjects' exclusion from the study. The two groups were compared using the independent-sample t test for continuous variables and the log-rank test for survival analysis. A value of p<0.05 was considered significant. Results The mean follow-up was 12.0 months (SD 5.5) for the CG group and 13.5 months (SD 4.3) for POAG (n.s.). No significant difference was found between the two groups for mean pretreatment IOP (23.6 mmHg ± 5.70 in the CG group and 22.8 mmHg ± 2.44 in the POAG group) or for mean IOP and mean IOP reductions during the follow-up. At all follow-up visits, IOP was reduced less in the CG group than in the POAG group (24.8% ± 11.15 vs. 27.7% ± 9.91 at 6 months, 22.0% ± 6.66 vs. 30.6% ± 6.35 at 12 months, and 31.4% ± 5.55 vs. 35.1% ± 1.75 at 18 months), but the difference was significant only at 12 months. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis gave an 18-month success rate of 64% in the CG group and 78% in the POAG group, with no significant differences between the groups. Conclusions SLT is an effective procedure for lowering IOP in CG and POAG eyes, although the effect seems to last less in CG eyes.
Low-Dose Intravenous Methylprednisolone or Conservative Treatment in the Management of Traumatic Optic Neuropathy
Authors: Yip C.-C. , Chng N.-W. , Au Eong K.-G. , Heng W.-J. , Lim T.-H. , Lim W.-K. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To compare the efficacy of low-dose intravenous methylprednisolone or conservative treatment in the management of traumatic optic neuropathy. Methods A non-randomized retrospective study of 21 patients (21 eyes) with traumatic optic neuropathy treated between October 95 and November 97 in a tertiary ophthalmology unit. Traumatic optic neuropathy was defined as traumatic visual loss with afferent pupillary defect in the absence of direct injury to the globe or optic nerve. The median follow-up period was one year. Nine patients were treated with 125–250 mg methylprednisolone 6-hourly intravenously for a mean of 3.3 days (range 2–5 days) and 12 patients were treated conservatively. Visual acuity (VA) was measured with a Snellen chart before and after treatment at each follow-up visit. Visual recovery was defined as an improvement of 2 or more Snellen lines one week post-injury or later. Results The patients' mean age was 37.1 years (range 12–65 years). There were more males (90.5%) than females (9.5%). Traumatic optic neuropathy was in 12 right eyes and 9 left eyes. The cause of injury included traffic accidents (52.4%), falls (28.6%), assault (14.2%) and others (4.8%). The mean interval between the injury and steroid therapy was 3.6 days (range 1–11 days). Visual recovery was observed in 44.4% of eyes treated with methylprednisolone and in 33.3% treated conservatively (p = 0.673, Fisher's exact test). Conclusions Intravenous methylprednisolone at the dosage and duration used in this retrospective study did not significantly improve the visual recovery of eyes with traumatic optic neuropathy compared to conservative treatment. However, this small sample may not be sensitive enough to detect a small difference in visual recovery rates, and further studies with larger samples may be warranted.
Corneal Complications following Abuse of Topical Anesthetics
Authors: Pharmakakis N.M. , Katsimpris J.M. , Melachrinou M.P. , Koliopoulos J.X. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To describe corneal complications in three patients following abuse of topical anesthetics. Materials and Methods We describe one case with bilateral corneal perforation, another with unilateral corneal perforation and a third case of chronic keratitis following excessive use of topical anesthetics. Results Two patients continued to instill topical anesthetic drops despite all recommendations to stop. The result was a bilateral corneal perforation in the first case and a large unilateral descemetocele in the second. The third patient who had chronic toxic keratitis discontinued the anesthetic drops and after the appropriate treatment the cornea returned to normal. Corneal grafting and conjunctival flaps were used to seal the corneal perforation but the long-term anatomical and functional results were very poor. Conclusions The initial presentation of this rare clinical entity creates difficulties in reaching a correct diagnosis. A presumed acanthamoeba keratitis is the first choice among many similar conditions. Thus abuse of topical ocular anesthetic drops should be included in the differential diagnosis of cases of chronic keratitis as it may masquerade as acanthamoeba keratitis. A current or past history of psychiatric and mental disorders or psychoactive substance abuse is important in the diagnosis. Functional and anatomical results after appropriate treatment are usually poor. Psychiatric counselling is extremely helpful and is in fact mandatory in the management of these patients.
Photorefractive Keratectomy for Compound Myopic Astigmatism with the MEL-70 G-Scan Excimer Laser
Authors: Roszkowska A.M. , Galasso S. , Meduri A. , De Matteis M. , Ferreri F.M.B. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To assess the safety, efficacy, predictability and stability of photorefractive keratectomy in compound myopic astigmatism with a moderate and high cylinder component. Methods Photorefractive keratectomy was done in 42 eyes with compound myopic astigmatism with the spherocylindrical algorithm of the MEL-70 excimer laser, with wide ablation zones. Results Spherical equivalent refraction changed from −4.19±1.65D to −0.05±0.31D, refractive cylinder from −2.01±0.71D to −0.09±0.20D and mean sphere from −3.22±1.76 D to −0.02±0.26D. Mean uncorrected visual acuity rose from 0.12±0.17 to 0.91±0.10. No eye lost lines of spectacle-corrected visual acuity. The safety index was 1.03 and the efficacy index 0.98. Six months from the treatment all eyes were within ±1D, 8.9% of eyes were within 0.50 D and 44% were plano of target refraction. Refractive and topographical stability were achieved between one and three months after treatment. Transient haze was observed between one and three months after PRK. Conclusions Photorefractive keratectomy with the MEL-70 excimer laser to correct myopic astigmatism was a safe and effective procedure with good stability at six months' follow-up. Refractive and visual outcome confirmed that excellent predictability can be expected.
Ab-Interno Trabeculo-Canalectomy: Surgical Approach and Histological Examination
Authors: Ferrari E. , Bandello F. , Ortolani F. , Petrelli L. , Marchini M. , Ponzin D. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To evaluate, on eye bank eyes, a new surgical approach aimed at removing a quadrant of the trabecular meshwork (TM), with an ab interno approach. Methods Gonioscopically controlled ab interno removal of the TM was done with a sub-retinal forcep on six human bank eyes. Serial histological sections were obtained from the treated and untreated part of each globe to assess the effect of the technique on intraocular tissues. Results Under the gonioscope, the TM was easily removed in strings of varying length. Histological examination showed, unexpectedly, that this resulted in a well-defined deep furrow in the middle of the trabecular region involving both the TM and the inner wall of Schlemm's canal. The operation created a direct communication between the anterior chamber and Schlemm's canal lumen without any evident damage to the outer canal wall and adjacent ocular structures such as the iris base and corneal endothelium. Conclusions Our small series on human bank eyes showed that the procedure involves both the TM and the inner wall of Schlemm's canal and is therefore called ab interno trabeculocanalectomy (AITC). The intraoperative findings and the histological evidence are encouraging, and suggest that the procecedure could have potential clinical application.
Scanning Laser Polarimetric Analysis of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Turkish Patients with Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension
Authors: Bozkurt B. , Irkeç M. , Karaagaoglu E. , Orhan M. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To assess the thickness of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) in patients with different stages of glaucoma, in comparison with ocular hypertensive (OHT) and healthy subjects in a Turkish population. Methods Scanning laser polarimetry was done with a GDx Nerve Fiber Analyzer (NFA, GDx version, 1.0.08) on 270 eyes with glaucoma, 52 OHT eyes, and 81 normal eyes. The eyes were classified as having early (146 eyes), moderate (66 eyes) and severe (58 eyes) glaucoma based on the Humphrey Visual Field indices. We compared 14 NFA parameters by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Scheffe multiple comparison analysis. Receiver operator characteristic curves (ROC) and Fisher linear discriminant analysis (LDF) were used to measure the sensitivity and specificity of the NFA parameters. Results Except for symmetry, all NFA parameters showed significant differences between the groups (p<0.05). The eyes with glaucoma had significantly thinner RNFL than healthy eyes (p<0.01). The RNFL retardation measurements of OHT eyes were lower than controls, but higher than the early glaucoma group. The sensitivity and specificity of the GDx System were 87% and 72.8%, respectively. Applying LDF, the group with the highest sensitivity and specificity (85.9% and 74.1%) was determined as inferior ratio, superior/nasal ratio, superior maximum and the Number. Conclusions Assessment of RNFL thickness with scanning laser polarimetry can distinguish glaucoma, OHT and normal subjects with relatively high sensitivity and specificity.
Usefulness of Systematic Ophthalmologic Investigations in Neurofibromatosis 1: A Cross-Sectional Study of 211 Patients
Authors: Arigon V. , Binaghi M. , Sabouret C. , Zeller J. , Revuz J. , Soubrane G. , Wolkenstein P. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To evaluate the usefulness of ophthalmologic examination for diagnosis and for detection of complications in adult patients with neurofibromatosis 1. Methods Patients with at least one criterion of neurofibromatosis 1 (excluding ophthalmologic criteria) seen at a referral centre had a systematic ophthalmologic examination including best-corrected visual acuity, slit-lamp examination and dilated funduscopy. The ophthalmologist was unaware of all other anamnestic data. Results Patients: 211 patients with NF1 were included (mean age: 32 ± 14 yr.). Ophthalmologic examination in neurofibromatosis 1 patients: Lisch nodules (n = 185) (87.7%); choroidal hamartomas (n = 61) (29%); enlarged corneal nerves (n =1); 3 plexiform neurofibromas (n = 3); symptomatic optic pathway gliomas (n = 5). Diagnostic contribution of presence of Lisch nodules: 6 (3%) of 211 patients. Detection of complications: none. Conclusions In adult patients with neurofibromatosis 1, the contribution of ophthalmologic examination to diagnosis and to the detection of complications is low. Ophthalmologic examination should be performed in patients for whom questioning and clinical examination failed to give evidence of NF1 or to determine the NF subtypes.
Response of Retinal Blood Flow to CO2-Breathing in Humans
Authors: Dorner G.T. , Garhoefer G. , Zawinka C. , Kiss B. , Schmetterer L. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To investigate the effect of systemic hypercapnia on retinal hemodynamics in humans. Methods We studied the effect of breathing a mixture of normal air with 5% CO2 for 13 minutes in ten healthy young male volunteers, using the Zeiss retinal vessel analyzer for continuous measurement of retinal vessel diameter and the blue-field entoptic technique to quantify retinal white blood cell flux. In eight other subjects the effect of hypercapnia was measured with the Zeiss retinal vessel analyzer and by laser Doppler velocimetry to establish retinal blood flow velocity. Results Retinal arterial and venous vessel diameters increased by a maximum of 4.2% and 3.2%, respectively. Peak effect was observed after 3 minutes of breathing the mixture of normal air with 5% CO2. During hypercapnia red blood cell velocity increased 11.7% and, accordingly, retinal blood flow increased 19.1%. White blood cell density and velocity rose significantly during hypercapnia, resulting in an increase in white blood cell flux (19.2%). Conclusions Our data indicate that CO2 induces vasodilation in retinal arteries and retinal veins. Retinal blood flow and perimacular white blood cell flux increased to the same extent in subjects breathing a mixture of normal air with 5% CO2.
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and Angiography in Patients with Angioid Streaks
Authors: Arvas S. , Akar S. , Yolar M. , Yetik H. , Kizilkaya M. , Ozkan S. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To investigate the retinal and choroidal features of angioid streak by fluorescein angiography (FA), indocyanine green anigography (ICG-A) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Methods We analysed 46 eyes of 23 patients with angioid streaks examined at our retina section between March 1998 and June 2000. Their mean age was 42.8 years (26–61 years). After a routine ophthalmological examination, OCT and simultaneous fluorescein and indocyanine green angiography (FA/ICG-A) were done. Color fundus photographs were also taken. Results A peau d'orange appearance and angioid streaks were more numerous and apparent with ICG-A than FA. In two eyes (4.3%), some streaks that were well visualized on FA were not visible on ICG-A. Twenty eyes (43.5%) had macular complications and 26 (56.5%) were normal. Occult choroidal neovascularization (CNV) was diagnosed by ICG-A. Nine eyes had occult, and 11 had classic CNV. Ruptures of Bruch's membrane were hypofluorescent in 20 (43.5%) and hyperfluorescent in 26 eyes (56.5%). Optic disc drusen were detected in both eyes of one patient (4.3%). Localized hyperreflectivity was thought to be due to calcium deposits. Conclusions Angioid streaks were visualized more clearly and in larger numbers by ICG-A than FA. However, in some cases streaks that were funduscopically and fluorescein angiogrpahically visible could not be seen by ICG-A. Occult CNV was detected by ICG-A. Some mottled areas were seen and more clearly visualized by ICG-A. Calcium deposits were observed as localized areas of hyperreflectivity on OCT. These findings indicate that fluorescein angiography, ICG-A and optical coherence tomography all provide supportive information for each other and can be used for either diagnosis or follow-up of those patients.
Retinopathy of Prematurity and other Ocular Problems in Premature Infants Weighing less than 1500 g at Birth
Authors: Asproudis I.C. , Andronikou S.K. , Hotoura E.A. , Kalogeropoulos C.D. , Kitsos G.K. , Psilas K.E. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To estimate the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity and other ocular problems in a population of preterm infants. Methods This retrospective study included all infants with gestational age (GA) <32 weeks and birth weight (BW) <1500 g cared for in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) over a period of nine years (1992–2000). Ophthalmological examination was started the 4th week of life and included refractive examination, examination of the cornea and funduscopy under mydriasis. An ocular motility test was done after the 2nd month. Results The study included 194 infants. Stage I and II retinopathy occurred in 51 infants but regressed spontaneously. Five of the 194 (2.5%) had to undergo cryopexy. Optic disc atrophy was observed in association with peri-intraventricular hemorrhage (PIIVH) (grade IV) in seven infants. Fifteen infants (7.7%) had retinal hemorrhages which were absorbed by three months of age. Almost 20% of the study infants developed high refractive errors and 13.4% strabismus. Conclusions Not only retinopathy of prematurity, but other serious ocular problems were observed in this population of preterm infants. The role of PIIVH III-IV in the pathogenesis of certain ocular problems needs further elucidation.
Does Identification of the Causal Organism of Corneal Ulcers Influence the Outcome?
Authors: Pharmakakis N.M. , Andrikopoulos G.K. , Papadopoulos G.E. , Petropoulos I.K. , Kolonitsiou F.I. , Koliopoulos J.X. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To investigate whether identification of the causal organism in corneal ulcers influences their outcome. Methods We retrospectively studied 114 patients, 72 males and 42 females aged 6–89 years, admitted to this eye clinic during the years 1994–2000 on account of an infectious corneal ulcer. Their examination included a detailed history, visual acuity measurement, and biomicroscopy in everyday follow-up. The ulcers were classified according to their severity and outcome. We assessed the cases where cultures had been done, reviewed the results, and searched for a possible correlation between the outcome and the fact of culturing the ulcer and identifying the causal organism. Results Of the 114 corneal ulcers studied, 23 were mild, 49 moderate, and 42 severe. Fifty (44%) had not been cultured, but 64 ulcers (56%) had been cultured, with a positive result in 37 cases (58%), Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas species being the most common organisms found. In moderate and severe ulcers, there was a tendency to a higher proportion of successful outcome for cultured ulcers, but with no significant correlation. Conclusions Despite a tendency towards favorable results in culture-positive corneal ulcers, the influence of the detection of the organism on their outcome has not been proved. The role of the initial broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy remains important.