bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In Vivo Confocal Microscopy of Corneal Grafts Shortly after Penetrating Keratoplasty
Authors: Szaflik J.P. , Kamińska A. , Udziela M. , Szaflik J. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To describe the microstructural status of corneal grafts shortly after penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and to evaluate the efficacy and safety of confocal microscopy in examining corneal grafts at that time. Methods A confocal microscope with a 40x front lens was used to examine corneal grafts in 32 patients (32 eyes) 4 days after PK. Images were analyzed, and endothelial cell density counts were compared with presurgical, eye bank values determined by specular microscopy. Results Microstructural alterations of the graft included epithelial and stromal edema, epithelial degeneration in both superficial and basal cell layers, dark stromal striae, activated keratocytes, and needle-like structures in the stroma. Descemet membrane folds were visible in 31 of 32 grafts; in 1 graft, the dense stromal edema did not allow imaging of posterior layers. Stromal nerve fibers were imaged in 28 grafts (88%). Endothelial cell density ranged from 1666 to 2548 cells/mm2 (mean±SD, 2125±283 cells/mm2); perioperative endothelial cell density loss varied from 0% to 29% (mean, 12%). No adverse reactions or signs of worsening of clinical condition were observed after the examination. Conclusions White light scanning slit confocal microscopy permits imaging of a graft's microstructure (including epithelium and stromal layers), as well as calculation of endothelium cell density, as soon as 4 days after PK. The most frequently observed morphologic alterations of corneal grafts shortly after PK include epithelial and stromal edema, epithelial degeneration, stromal striae, and Descemet membrane folds. Stromal nerves can still be seen in the graft 4 days after PK.
Assessment of the Contribution of Insulin-like Growth Factor I Receptor 3174 G→A Polymorphism to the Progression of Advanced Retinopathy of Prematurity
Authors: Shastry B.S. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of blindness in children with short gestational age and low birthweight. The condition can cause abnormal vessel development that can lead to retinal detachment and blindness. It has been recently reported that a low level of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) is associated with ROP. However, the most prevalent polymorphism of IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR 3174 G→A) that was reported to be producing low level of IGF-I was not found to be associated with ROP in a certain population. In order to reproduce this data in a different cohort and to learn more about the contribution of IGF-IR polymorphism to ROP, the authors hypothesized that it is possible that such a polymorphism would occur more frequently in a different cohort of infants with advanced ROP than those children with mild or no disease. Methods For genetic analysis, eligible patients were selected consecutively by experienced pediatric ophthalmologists and leukocyte DNA from affected (n=52) and normal patients (n=33) were amplified by polymerase chain reaction. The amplified products were subjected to restriction enzyme digestion with 10 units of MnlI enzyme. The digested products were analyzed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by ethidium bromide staining to visualize the restriction fragment length polymorphism. Results The analysis suggests that there is no statistically significant difference in allelic frequency of the most prevalent IGF-IR gene polymorphism between normal subjects and patients with ROP in this cohort. The G→A polymorphism did not occur more frequently in patients with ROP. Conclusions The results do not support the association of the most prevalent IGF-IR gene polymorphism and the risk of advanced ROP in a different cohort, confirming the earlier report.
Retinal Angiomatous Proliferation Reactivation 6 Months after High-Dose Intravitreal Acetonide Triamcinolone and Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Reche-Frutos J. , Calvo-Gonzalez C. , Donate-Lopez J. , Garcia-Feijoo J. , Saenz-Frances F. , Fernandez-Perez C. , Garcia-Sanchez J. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To describe the incidence of retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP) reactivation after combined treatment with a high-dose intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) at 1-year follow-up. Methods All patients had undergone a full ophthalmic examination. High-dose IVTA (20 mg) was injected via pars plana. Four to 7 days later, PDT was delivered. Results Fourteen eyes of 13 patients were included. Eight lesions (57%) reopened and needed retreatment with combined therapy at 6 months follow-up. At 1-year follow up, the lesion was obliterated in nine cases (64.2%) and best-corrected visual acuity improved from 0.87 logMar (range, 0.7–1) to 0.79 logMar (range, 0.5–1). Conclusions Combined therapy using high-dose IVTA and PDT is beneficial in stabilizing RAP. However, a high incidence of RAP reactivation has been observed at 6 months, even with a high-dose IVTA injection.
Intravitreal Bevacizumab for Adult-Onset Vitelliform Dystrophy: A Case Report
Authors: Montero J.A. , Ruiz-Moreno J.M. , De La Vega C. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose Adult-onset foveomacular vitelliform dystrophy (AFVD) is often misdiagnosed as occult choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The authors report the anatomic and functional outcome of intravitreal bevacizumab in a case of AFVD associated with a suspected occult CNV. Methods Prospective, interventional, single case report. One female patient with decreased visual acuity (VA) and metamorphopsia secondary to AFVD received one single intravitreal injection of bevacizumab 1.25 mg. Results The patient reported unchanged VA and decreased metamorphopsia 6 weeks after the injection. Fluorescein angiography (FA) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed progressive decrease of subretinal fluid until complete disappearance. VA, OCT, and FA remained unchanged during 10 months follow-up. Conclusions Intravitreal bevacizumab showed a morphologic improvement and stable VA in a patient with AFVD. Further case series are required to confirm this observation.
Intravitreal Ranibizumab in a Patient with Choroidal Neovascularization Secondary to Multiple Evanescent White Dot Syndrome
Authors: Rouvas A.A. , Ladas I.D. , Papakostas T.D. , Moschos M.M. , Vergados I. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To report the effect of a single intravitreal injection of ranibizumab in a patient with choroidal neovascularization (CNV) secondary to multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS). Methods A 65-year-old woman with visual acuity (VA) 20/40, mild vitreous inflammation, optic disc edema, and white deep retinal round lesions in the right eye underwent fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, and optical coherence tomography. The diagnosis of MEWDS with peripapillary CNV was made and a single injection of ranibizumab (0.5 mg) was administered. Results At the 6-month follow-up visit, the VA in the right eye was 20/20, the CNV completely regressed, and the MEWDS findings disappeared. Conclusions Intravitreal ranibizumab appears to be a safe and effective treatment option in cases of CNV secondary to MEWDS, resulting in fast resolution of the macular edema and regression of the CNV. On the other hand, it is unclear whether the administration of ranibizumab contributed to a prompt regression of MEWDS.
Correlates of Vitamin a Deficiency among Indian Rural Preschool-Age Children
Authors: Pal R. , Sagar V. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose In India, 52,000 children go blind every year on account of vitamin A deficiency. The purpose of the study was determine the correlates of vitamin A deficiency among 4,205 preschool-age children. Methods Case-control study in Bihta Primary Health Center area, Bihar, India. Main outcome measures were dietary habits, maternal literacy, and birth order. Results Vitamin A deficiency was found to be significantly higher (p<0.01) in children on a vegetarian diet (7.14%) (OR 5.32). Children born to a literate mother had a prevalence of only 1.35% in relation to a corresponding value of 4.11% in children born to illiterate mothers (p<0.01) (OR 3.15). Birth order of preschool-age children was significantly related to vitamin A deficiency. In birth order less than or equal to three, the prevalence was 2.81%, in comparison to those with birth order four or more, in whom the magnitude was significantly higher (p<0.01) at 5.61% (OR 2.08).
Refractive Errors and Binocular Dysfunctions in a Population of University Students
Authors: Risovic D.J. , Misailovic K.R. , Eric-Marinkovic J.M. , Kosanovic-Jakovic N.G. , Milenkovic S.M. , Petrovic L.Z. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose This clinical study was performed to determine the presence of refractive errors and binocular dysfunctions in a population of university students. Methods Refraction and binocular function were evaluated in a young patient population (230 students and 234 nonstudent subjects, aged 18–27 years). Distance visual acuity (DVA) and near visual acuity (NVA), refraction, cover test (CT), ocular motility, near-point of convergence, horizontal phoria measurement by Maddox wing, negative and positive vergence amplitude in prism diopters, fusion amplitude in synoptophore, as well as stereoacuity (Titmus test) were tested. Results Emmetropia was the most frequent refractive status in our student and nonstudent groups (78.7%). Myopia was the most frequent refractive disorder in the whole population (13.1%). Myopia and hypermetropia were significantly more frequent in the students than in nonstudents (X2emp 47.55). Exophoria is significantly more frequent in myopic subjects. Vergence amplitude (t test 0.000) and fusion amplitude (t test 0.005) show significantly lower values in student population. Results of Titmus test in the student group is significantly worse than in the nonstudent group (t test 0.000). Maddox wing resulted in significantly higher degree of heterophoria in the student population (t test 0.000). Myopic subjects, in the student group (t test 0.002) as well as in the nonstudent group (t test 0.001), show significantly better results in Titmus test. Conclusions High near visual demand could be the most important factor for higher incidence of myopia, worse convergence and fusion amplitude, higher degree of exophoria, and worse results in Titmus test in the student population.
Tear Concentrations of Azithromycin following Topical Administration of a Single Dose of Azithromycin 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% Eyedrops (T1225) in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Chiambaretta F. , Garraffo R. , Elena P.P. , Pouliquen P. , Delval L. , Rigal D. , Dubray C. , Goldschmidt P. , Tabbara K. , Cochereau I. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To evaluate azithromycin tear concentrations after one drop of T1225 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% eyedrops. Methods In this randomized, double-masked study, 91 healthy volunteers received one drop into each eye of T1225 0.5% (n=23), T1225 1.0% (n=38), or T1225 1.5% (n=38). Azithromycin tear concentrations were measured by HPLC-MS at seven time points for 24 hours. Tolerability was evaluated. Results T1225 1.0% and 1.5% had similar pharmacokinetic profiles. After a post-instillation peak (167 to 178 mg/L after 10 minutes), mean concentrations remained above 7 mg/L for 24 hours (except for T1225 1% at H24). A delayed increase of the azithromycin mean tear concentration might be explained by the known late azithromycin release from tissues after storage in cells. Areas under inhibitory curve (AUICs) of T1225 1.0% and 1.5% were higher than AUICs of T1225 0.5% and ranged between 47 and 90. The three T1225 concentrations were safe for the ocular surface. Conclusions Once daily instillation of T1225 1.0% and 1.5% was shown to reach an AUIC markedly above the required threshold for an antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (25–35). These results suggest that a BID instillation is more likely to ensure antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria (threshold >100).
Relationship between Central Corneal Thickness and Parameters of Optic Nerve Head Topography in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Cankaya A.B. , Elgin U. , Batman A. , Acaroglu G. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To investigate the relationship between central corneal thickness (CCT) and topographic parameters of optic nerve head (ONH) in healthy eyes. Methods Right eyes of 208 healthy subjects between 40 and 59 years of age with refractive error less than 1 D were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Ultrasonic pachymeter was used to measure CCT, and the ONH parameters were obtained by using confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope. Relationship of various topographic parameters to age and sex were also investigated. For statistical analysis Student t test, analysis of variance, Pearson and Spearman test, and partial correlation coefficients were used. Results Mean CCT of subjects was 540.71±35.53 μm (462–621 μm), and the mean disc area was 2.37±0.44 mm2 (1.28–3.66 mm2). CCT showed negative correlations to disc area, rim area, rim volume, and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) area. These correlations were found to be stronger in females. Negative correlations were demonstrated between age and the mean cup depth, maximum cup depth, RNFL thickness, and RNFL cross sectional area. Women had lesser rim volumes, but bigger cup to disk (C/D) area and linear C/D ratios compared to those of men. Conclusions In addition to its effect in the accuracy of intraocular pressure measurements, CCT has a structural relationship with the ONH in healthy nonglaucomatous eyes. Therefore, its effect on disc area might be especially important to explain the structural strength of the ONH in the pathogenesis of glaucoma.
Evaluation of the Acoustic Function in Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome and Exfoliation Glaucoma: Audiometric and Tympanometric Findings
Authors: Detorakis E.T. , Chrysochoou F. , Paliobei V. , Konstas A.G. , Daniilidis V. , Balatsouras D. , Kefalidis G. , Kozobolis V.P. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose Previous studies have reported increased audiometric thresholds in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (XFS), compared with normative data. This study examines mean audiometric thresholds and tympanometric peak values in patients with XFS and in a control group. Methods This is a prospective, nonrandomized control case study. Patients with XFS in one or both eyes constituted the study group (SG). Patients without XFS in either eye constituted the control group (CG). Patients with a history of conditions affecting hearing function were excluded. The SG and the CG included 54 and 48 patients, respectively. Pure tone hearing thresholds levels were measured at 0.25, 1, 2, 3, and 8 kHz. Tympanometric peak values were also recorded. Differences in audiometric mean threshold values and tympanometric peak values between SG and CG, as well as between glaucomatous and nonglaucomatous eyes, were examined. Results Bone and air audiometric thresholds were significantly increased in SG for 3 kHz and 8 kHz but not for 0.25 kHz, 1 kHz, and 2 kHz. Tympanometric peak values were significantly lower in SG compared with CG. In SG, glaucomatous patients had significantly higher air-conduction thresholds for 3 kHz and 8 kHz. Differences in bone and air audiometric findings as well as tympanometric findings between glaucomatous and nonglaucomatous patients were statistically not significant in CG. Conclusions The results agree with previous reports on sensorineural hearing loss in XFS. The reduced tympanometric peak values in SG imply impairment in the elastic properties of the middle ear in XFS. The findings provide additional evidence for the systemic nature of XFS.
Intraocular Pressure Changes after Clear Corneal Phacoemulsification in Nonglaucomatous Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome
Authors: Cimetta D.J. , Cimetta A.C. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To present a prospective, nonrandomized study of intraocular pressure (IOP) after clear corneal phacoemulsification in eyes with pseudoexfoliation (PEX) syndrome. Methods A PEX group of 39 consecutive open angle, nonglaucomatous eyes with cataract in PEX syndrome, and a control group of 40 consecutive open angle, nonglaucomatous eyes with cataract, were operated on by the same surgeon (D.J.C.), using a standard phaco technique along with bimanual anterior epithelial cells aspiration and, in the PEX group, a bimanual anterior capsule PEX material aspiration. The mean diurnal Goldmann tonometer IOP was calculated preoperatively, after 3 and 6 months and 1 year. Results The PEX group preoperative mean IOP was 18.3 mmHg, with a maximum of 24 and a minimum of 11 mmHg. Three months postoperatively a mean IOP change of −3.7 mmHg was found (p<0.0001), with a maximum IOP change of −10 mmHg. Six months and 1 year postoperatively the mean IOP change was −3.7 (p<0.0001) and −3.5 mmHg (p<0.0001), respectively. The control group preoperative mean IOP was 13.9 mmHg, with a maximum of 18 and a minimum of 10 mmHg. Three months postoperatively a mean IOP change of −0.9 mmHg was found (p=0.028), with a maximum IOP change of −3 mmHg. Six months and 1 year postoperatively the mean IOP change was −1.4 (p<0.001) and −0.48 mmHg (p=0.11), respectively. Conclusions Phacoemulsification with anterior capsule PEX material aspiration significantly reduced the mean diurnal IOP in the PEX group lasting 1 year postoperatively.
Retinal Concentration and Protective Effect against Retinal Ischemia of Nilvadipine in Rats
Authors: Uemura A. , Mizota A. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose Several calcium entry blockers have neuroprotective effects on cellular damage in the brain induced by ischemia. The purpose of this study was to determine whether nilvadipine (NID) crosses the blood–retinal barrier, and if so, whether it can then protect the photoreceptors against retinal ischemia-reperfusion injury. Methods Rats received an intramuscular injection of 1 mg/kg of NID and nifedipine (NIF), and the retinal and serum concentrations were measured. Ischemia was induced by raising the intraocular pressure for 45 minutes. Twenty-four hours after the reperfusion, the number of TUNEL positive cells and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) were counted, and the thickness of the retina was measured. Results After 60 minutes, the concentration of NID, but not NIF, was higher in retina than in the serum. The number of TUNEL-positive cells was fewer and the reduction in the number of RGCs and the thickness of retina was less in the eyes that had received NID than controls. Conclusions The findings show that NID has high permeability to retina compared with NIF, which has less fat solubility than NID, and neuroprotective effect to retinal cells. NID might be useful for the treatment of glaucoma or other retinal diseases that have some relation to apoptosis.
Ocular Findings in Low Birthweight and Premature Babies in the First Year: Do We Need to Screen?
Authors: Cosgrave E. , Scott C. , Goble R. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose There is no standardized approach for the ophthalmic care follow-up of children screened for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). The authors report the ocular findings at 12 months in preterm and low birthweight babies screened for ROP over a 5-year period (1998–2003). Methods The case notes of 211 babies were retrospectively reviewed for birth details, maternal details, presence of ROP, and findings at follow-up screening which included visual acuity, refraction at 12 months, presence of squint, and any other ocular problems. Results At 1 year follow-up, 16.6% of ROP positive children failed a screening visit because of squint (6.66%), refractive error (6.66%), and optic nerve abnormalities (3.33%). At 1 year follow-up, 10% of ROP negative children had failed a screening visit because of squint (3.75 %), refractive error (3.75%), and other pathology (2.5%). Conclusions The authors recommend screening all babies with ROP at 12 months to identify amblyogenic factors such as squint and refractive error. Parents of infants who do not develop ROP should be advised of the increased risk of visual problems in their children and to have their child examined in the preschool period.
Intravitreal Pegaptanib Sodium for Irvine-Gass Syndrome
Authors: Querques G. , Iaculli C. , Delle Noci N. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To report the novel use of intravitreal pegaptanib sodium for the treatment of refractory cystoid macular edema (CME) following cataract extraction. Methods A 72-year-old man presented with decreased visual acuity in his right eye 8 months after uncomplicated phacoemulsification cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation. His best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 20/125 in the affected eye, and fundus examination revealed CME despite 6 months of oral and topical indomethacin therapy. Fluorescein angiography (FA) showed leakage in the central region with no signs of neovascularization, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) confirmed the diagnosis with thickening of the fovea. Because of his history of glaucoma, the patient chose to be treated with intravitreal pegaptanib sodium 0.3 mg. Results At the 1-week follow-up, BCVA was 20/25, and the FA and OCT revealed almost total resolution of the CME with no adverse sequelae. Six months postinjection, the patient's BCVA remained 20/25 with no recurrence of CME. Perimetry revealed a stable fixation within 4° with slight reduction of sensitivity. Conclusions Vascular endothelial growth factor inhibition with intravitreal pegaptanib sodium appears to be of benefit in the treatment of chronic refractory CME with improvement of visual acuity. Studies evaluating pegaptanib's use in this setting with long-term follow-up are warranted to confirm its efficacy and safety.
The Role of Nystagmus in Silicone Oil Emulsification after Pars Plana Vitrectomy and Silicone Oil Injection for Complex Retinal Detachment
Authors: Yilmaz T. , Güler M. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine whether nystagmus has a role in silicone oil emulsification after pars plana vitrectomy and silicone oil injection for complex retinal detachment. Methods A retrospective review was conducted of the clinical and operative records of eight eyes with nystagmus that underwent pars plana vitrectomy and silicone oil injection for repair of retinal detachment associated with proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Three male (37.5%) and 5 female (62.5%) patients were included in this study. The mean age was 36.4 years (range, 19 to 54 years) and the mean follow-up time was 18.3 months (range, 5 to 49 months). Results Three eyes underwent combined lensectomy and vitrectomy. During the initial postoperative period, retinal attachment was obtained in 6 (75%) patients. Two of eight eyes required further surgery. Silicone oil emulsification occurred in all eyes to different degrees in the 1- to 3-month postoperative period. No inverse hypopyon was observed in any of patients. Three of eight eyes developed open angle glaucoma due to silicone oil emulsification before the silicone oil removal. In these patients, intraocular pressure was controlled successfully by medical therapy. Silicone oil removal was performed before the planned time because of early emulsification. After the removal of silicone oil, two of three eyes had established open angle glaucoma and medical therapy was maintained. After the removal of silicone oil, recurrent retinal detachment developed in two eyes and one of them developed phthisis bulbi. Conclusions Silicone oil emulsification may develop earlier than expected in patients with nystagmus who underwent pars plana vitrectomy combined with silicone oil injection.