bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A 12-Week, Randomized, Double-Masked Study of Fixed Combination Latanoprost/Timolol versus Latanoprost or Timolol Monotherapy
Authors: Palmberg Paul , Kim Elizabeth E. , Kwok Kenneth K. , Tressler Charles S. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of fixed combination latanoprost/timolol versus latanoprost or timolol monotherapy. Methods. This 12-week, randomized, double-masked study was designed to overcome potential shortcomings of previous trials. We enrolled 788 subjects with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension treated with a beta-blocker for ≥4 weeks before screening. After washout, 500 subjects with a baseline mean intraocular pressure (IOP) ≥26 and <37 mmHg were randomized to fixed combination latanoprost-timolol in the evening (n=170), latanoprost monotherapy in the evening (n=165), or timolol monotherapy in the morning (n=165). At weeks 2, 6, and 12, each subject's IOP level was measured in triplicate at 8 AM (predose), 10 AM, and 4 PM in each eye. Adverse events were monitored throughout. The statistical superiority of the fixed combination for the 18 pairwise comparisons with the 2 monotherapies was evaluated (analysis of variance). Results. The statistical superiority of the fixed combination was demonstrated at 7/9 time points versus latanoprost and 9/9 time points versus timolol. Mean diurnal IOP levels were similar at baseline but significantly lower with the fixed combination than with either monotherapy at weeks 6 and 12 (each p<0.05). Patients treated with the fixed combination were significantly more likely than those treated with either monotherapy to reach prespecified percent IOP reductions at the upper thresholds and to achieve very low target diurnal IOP levels. All therapies were well tolerated. Conclusions. Fixed combination latanoprost/timolol safely reduces IOP levels in patients with glaucoma or ocular hypertension, though only slightly more than does latanoprost monotherapy.
Extrafoveal Vitreous Traction Associated with Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Ophir Avinoam , Trevino Aaron , Martinez Michael R. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose. To present patients with extrafoveal vitreous traction associated with diffuse macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Methods. A retrospective study on consecutive patients with BRVO using optical coherence tomography (OCT)-2000 is reported. Excluded were patients with eyes with other retinopathies that could affect analysis and eyes following pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). A control group of 30 age-matched patients allowed for normal OCT6-mm macular maps. Results. Vitreous traction was detected in 4 of 17 eyes (17 patients, 23.5%). The traction was located extrafoveally in each of the 4 eyes. In one eye there was a simultaneous central macular traction. Only the manually controlled OCT-Line group program, but not the central automatic 6-radial lines program, confirmed vitreous traction in each case. Retinal edema (n=4) and serous retinal detachment (n=2) underlining the traction sites were in continuum with the central macula in 3 eyes, presenting either as diffuse macular edema or combined with serous macular detachment, respectively. In one eye the edema subsided after PPV, and visual acuity stabilized during 7 postoperative months of follow-up. Macular thickness and visual acuity of another eye improved temporarily in repeated conventional treatments after PPV was discarded, but its fovea markedly atrophied 12 months later. Conclusions. Extrafoveal vitreous traction maybe apparent following BRVO. Further studies are required to assess whether such traction membranes may play a role in the persistence of diffuse macular edema.
Three-Monthly Intravitreal Bevacizumab Injections for Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Short-Term Visual Acuity Results
Authors: Ferraz Daniel , Bressanim Gláucio , Takahashi Beatriz , Pelayes David , Takahashi Walter 
Published: January 2018

Purpose. To evaluate the change in vision after 3 monthly consecutive intravitreal injections of 1.25 mg of bevacizumab for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods. A retrospective analysis of 35 eyes was performed. Visual acuity (VA) at initial visit and at each follow-up visit was compared. The injection of bevacizumab was performed at 30-day intervals and patients were observed for 5 months after the last injection. Results. Of the 35 eyes, 9 had received previous treatment with photodynamic therapy with or without 4 mg of intravitreal triamcinolone. VA was measured in Snellen table and transformed into logMAR for statistical purposes. Mean age was 76.66 years (range, 49–90 years). There were 24 (69%) women and 11 (31%) men. Mean VA at the initial visit was 0.92±0.50. At month 1, mean VA was 0.84±0.51 and at month 2 was 0.74±0.51. At month 3, mean VA remained 0.74±0.49. Six and 8 months after the initial visit, VA was 0.79±0.49 and 0.77±0.50, respectively. The improvement in VA was statistically significant at month 2 and at the end of the follow-up (8 months) compared with the baseline VA. Conclusions. Three consecutive monthly injections of intravitreal bevacizumab to treat neovascular AMD is effective in improving VA in the short term. Longer prospective studies should be performed to confirm VA stability after the third injection.
Intravitreal Carboplatin Concentration and area under Concentration versus Time Curve after Intravitreal and Periocular Delivery
Authors: Pochop Pavel , Darsova Denisa , Kukacka Jiri , Tesfaye Hundie , Vajner Ludek , Uhlik Jiri , Kodetová Daniela , Malis Josef , Dotrelova Dagmar 
Published: January 2018

Purpose. To determine platinum (Pt) concentrations and area under the concentration versus time curve (AUC) of the vitreous humor after periocular or transcorneal intravitreal administration of carboplatin in rabbits. Methods. Eighteen albino rabbits were included in an in vivo experiment. Each animal received a single dose of either 30 mg of carboplatin by periocular injection (POI30 group: n=6) or 15 mg by periocular injection (POI15 group: n=6), or 0.05 mg by transcorneal intravitreal injection (TII group: n=6), respectively, into the right eye. Vitreous humor from the right eyes and plasma samples were collected post dose at 1, 2, 6, 24, 48, 168, and 336 hours or 448 hours, respectively. Flameless atomic absorption spectroscopy was employed to analyze total platinum concentrations in blood and vitreous humor. AUC was calculated using the trapezoidal rule. Results. Pt concentration was mostly <1 mg/L (0–3.15 mg/L) in the vitreous humor samples and ≥2 mg/L (2.33–7.3 mg/L) in the blood samples 1 hour after administration in POI groups. Markedly higher Pt concentrations were found 1 hour after intravitreal (TII) administration (10.285–66.759 mg/L) and decreased below 1 mg/L no less than 168 hours after administration. The mean AUC for Pt in vitreous humor was significantly lower (p=0.0001) after both POI30 and P0I15 administration compared to TII route (8.955 ± 2.464 mg/L/min). Conclusions. These findings proved that intravitreal carboplatin delivery enables the achievement of relatively stable concentrations and AUC of platinum in the rabbit vitreous humor. This moreover suggests that transcorneal intravitreal delivery of carboplatin aiming to treat retinoblastoma vitreous seeding is a promising mode of chemotherapy.
Retinopathy of Prematurity: Screening Guidelines Need to be Reevaluated for Developing Countries
Authors: Başmak Hikmet , Niyaz Leyla , şahin Afsun , Erol Nazmiye , Gürsoy Haluk H. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose. Timely screening of premature babies is an important initial step in the management of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) as earlier treatment results in improved visual prognosis. Screening criteria for ROP currently recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics may not be applicable in developing countries. The aim of the present study is to find out the incidence of ROP in infants with a gestational age (GA) of ≥32 weeks in Eskisehir, Turkey, to provide information to assist in determining screening criteria. Methods. A total of 96 infants with a GA of 32–35 weeks who were referred for ROP between January 1, 2004, and December 31, 2008, were studied. ROP screening, follow-up, and appropriate therapies were applied. Results. During ROP screening, there were 42 of 96 (43.8%) infants with no ROP. A total of 54/96 (56.2%) infants were noted to have ROP. Among all infants, 7 (7.3%) had threshold ROP. Two infants with threshold disease were born at the 32nd, 2 at the 33rd, and 3 at the 34th week of gestation. The mean birthweight was 1857.9 (range 1060–3200) grams. Conclusions. In our study, it was found that more mature infants may also develop threshold ROP and require early treatment. After more information is gained and widespread screening, screening protocols covering more mature infants can be designed especially for developing countries.
Corneal Chrysiasis: In Vivo Confocal Microscopy Analysis
Authors: Paladini Lacopo , Menchini Ugo , Mencucci Rita 
Published: January 2018

Purpose. To describe the in vivo confocal microscopy corneal findings in a patient treated with gold sodium thiomalate. Methods. A woman with rheumatoid arthritis who had been treated with gold sodium thiomalate for 32 years came to our center for an ophthalmologic examination about 5 years ago. Besides visual acuity, the examination included slit-lamp biomicroscopy, intraocular pressure, and funduscopy Confocal microscopy was performed using Confoscan 4 (Nidek Technologies, Padova, Italy) with a 40× lens. Results. Every layer of the cornea is affected by gold deposits with high reflectivity, especially in the anterior stroma, where they have a larger dimension. Conclusions. Corneal chrysiasis can be evaluated by confocal microscopy, giving information on corneal metabolism and physiology.
Diagnostic Vitrectomy (25-Gauge) in a Case with Intraocular Lymphoma Masquerading as Bilateral Granulomatous Panuveitis
Authors: Kanavi Mozhgan Rezaei , Soheilian Masoud , Bijanzadeh Bijan , Peyman Gholam A. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose. To report a case of intraocular lymphoma, masquerading as bilateral granulomatous panuveitis, and diagnosed after harvesting vitreous specimen with a 25-gauge vitrectomy instrument. Methods. A 67-year-old woman presented with bilateral granulomatous uveitis. Visual acuity in both eyes was severely impaired because of severe concurrent cataract and vitreous organization. Sutureless phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation combined with 25-gauge diagnostic vitrectomy was performed. Results. Cytopathology and immunocytochemistry of the vitreous disclosed a non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphoma despite unremarkable brain MRI, lumbar puncture, bone marrow aspiration, and whole body scan. Visual acuity improved to 20/120 in both eyes. Conclusions. Sutureless combined 25-gauge diagnostic vitrectomy, phacoemulsification, and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation during one-stage surgery was effective in obtaining appropriate vitreous material for cytology in a case of intraocular lymphoma.
Acute Ophthalmoparesis Associated with Human Parvovirus B19 Infection
Authors: Le Scanff Julie , Vighetto Alain , Mekki Yahia , Nguyen Anh Minh , Dufour Jean-François , Broussolle Christiane , Seve Pascal 
Published: January 2018

Purpose. Parvovirus B19 infection (PVB19) has been linked with a broad spectrum of clinical syndromes. In addition to erythema infectiosum and asymptomatic infection, other less common manifestations include transient aplastic crisis in patients with hemoglobinopathies, pure red cell aplasia and pancytopenia in immunocompromised persons, nonimmune hydrops fetalis, chronic arthritis, myocarditis, and hepatitis. Methods. Only 19% of patients had peripheral nervous system damage, mainly including brachial plexitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Two cases of cranial nerves palsies have been described in children in the literature, including one case of peripheral facial nerve palsy and one case of velopalatine hemiparalysis. We report the first case of acute ophthalmoparesis associated with PVB19 infection. Results. We present a 40-year-old man with PVB19 with acute sixth cranial nerve palsy, diagnosed on the basis of serology and polymerase chain reaction carried out both on serum and cerebrospinal fluid. Conclusions. Clinicians should be aware of this possible clinical presentation.
Comparison of Corneal Endothelial Cell Density Estimated with 2 Noncontact Specular Microscopes
Authors: Goldich Yakov , Marcovich Arie L. , Barkana Yaniv , Hartstein Morris , Morad Yair , Avni Isaac , Zadok David 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To assess the repeatability of endothelial cell density (ECD) measurements by the EM-935 endothelial microscope and their agreement with those of the Konan-Noncon Robo SP 6000 (Noncon Robo) specular microscope. Methods We assessed the agreement between automated and semiautomated methods of analysis of the EM-935 and the Noncon Robo by measuring ECD in 40 eyes of 20 healthy subjects and calculating the 95% limits of agreement (LoA) and plotting Bland-Altman graphs. We then evaluated the repeatability of both the methods of the EM-935 by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and coefficient of variation (CV). Results The mean ECD of the 40 eyes was 2531±244 cells/mm2 for Noncon Robo and 2483±159 cells/mm2 for EM-935-Automated. The difference between these 2 methods was not statistically significant. The mean ECD for EM-935-semiautomated was 2635±190 cells/mm2 and was statistically significantly higher than the 2 other methods (p<0.001). The 95% LoA were −435 to 339 cells/mm2 for the Noncon Robo and EM-935-Automated, −230 to 438 cells/mm2 for the Noncon Robo and EM-935-semiautomated, and −347 to 43 cells/mm2 for the EM-935-Automated and EM-935-semiautomated. Repeatability was better for EM-935-semiautomated method compared with automated method as expressed by ICC (95% CI) of 0.80 (0.52–0.95) vs 0.50 (0.09–0.84) and coefficient of variation of 2.43% vs 2.85%, respectively. Conclusions The EM-935 specular microscope showed better repeatability for the semiautomated mode compared with the automated mode. Although measurement agreement with the Noncon Robo was somewhat better for the semiautomated mode, agreement was only moderate for both methods. This leads us to recommend that these instruments should not be used interchangeably.
Evaluation of a Recently Developed Noncontact Specular Microscope in Comparison with Conventional Pachymetry Devices
Authors: Módis László , Szalai Eszter , Németh Gábor , Berta András 
Published: January 2018

Purpose The study was conducted to assess the central corneal thickness (CCT) of the healthy cornea with a recently developed noncontact specular microscope (EM-3000; Tomey) and compare the results with those measured with a contact specular microscope and an ultrasound pachymeter. Agreement between measurements taken by 2 investigators was also studied. Methods The right eyes of 41 healthy individuals who had negative history of contact lens wear, ophthalmic disease, or ocular surgery were examined. The CCT was determined sequentially with a non-contact specular microscope, a contact specular microscope (EM-1000; Tomey), and an ultrasound pachymeter (AL-2000; Tomey). Each evaluation with the specular microscopes was performed by 2 independent operators. Results A significant difference was detected in pachymetry measurements among the 3 instruments (p=0.01; analysis of variance). The mean CCT values were lower measured with the ultrasound pachymeter(537±30 μm) than the contact endothelial microscope (543±37 μm, p=0.17, Student t-test) and the noncontact microscope (549±33 μm, p<0.0001) (operator 1). There was no statistically significant difference in CCT measurements between the 2 endothelial microscopes (p=0.19). We found significant correlations (p<0.0001) in thickness measurements between each pair of instruments (r=0.91, noncontact microscopy and ultrasound pachymetry; r=0.74, noncontact and contact microscopy; r=0.72, contact microscopy and ultrasound pachymetry; Spearman rank correlation). Conclusions The strong correlations among the 3 pachymetry devices suggest that the tested instruments provide reliable measurements; however, they cannot be used interchangeably.
Reasons for Not Performing LASIK in Refractive Surgery Candidates in Yemen
Authors: Bamashmus Mahfouth , Saleh Mahmoud Fathi , Abdulrahman Mohamed , Al-Kershy Najeeb 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To determine and analyze the reasons that laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) was not performed in patients who requested refractive surgical correction of their refractive errors. Methods A retrospective observational study was performed in Yemen Magrabi Hospital between June 2005 and October 2006; the case records of 1596 new consecutive patients who presented for refractive surgery at our refractive surgery unit were reviewed. Data on the ocular status, refractive problems, and investigations performed were analyzed. The reasons for not performing LASIK in the cases that were rejected were recorded and analyzed. Results A total of 1191 patients (74.6%) were advised to have LASIK of the 1596 patients examined. LASIK was not advised in 405 patients (25.4%). The most common reasons for rejecting LASIK were suboptimal central corneal thickness (25.9%), high myopia >–11.00 D (17.0%), keratoconus (15.5%), cataract (11.4%), and suspicious corneal topography (forme fruste keratoconus) (9.4%). Conclusions Patients who request refractive surgery have a variety of problems and attention must be given to these patients. Suboptimal corneal thickness, high amount of refractive error, and keratoconus were found to be the leading causes of not performing LASIK in Yemeni patients.
Enzymatic Descemetic Lamellar Keratoplasty: Pilot Study
Authors: Bond Paolo , Bond Paola , Malle Vincenzo Delia , Fanini Francesca , Nardi-Pantoli Angela 
Published: January 2018

Purpose This was a pilot study to evaluate the efficacy of a new surgical technique of descemetic anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) with the help of enzymatic hyaluronidase solution. Methods We selected 10 patients, 6 male and 4 female, with surgical keratoconus, with a mean age of 45±16 years (range 29–61), with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ≤20/70 logMAR. The study period was from February 1, 2008, to November 3, 2008, at the S. Maria della Scaletta Hospital (Imola, Italy). We evaluated the following parameters preoperatively and postoperatively: BCVA with Snellen card; endothelial density measured by specular microscope (SP 2000P, Topcon, Japan); and mean astigmatism measured by computerized topography (Keratron Scout, Optikon 2000, Rome, Italy). The parameters were evaluated monthly, with a maximum follow-up of 8 months. Results There were no perforations and minimal complications (second anterior chamber in 4 eyes) on the first day, which spontaneously resolved after 7 days. Two patients required resuturing because of loose suture on the second postoperative day. The visual recovery was comparable to that obtained by most authors after DALK. The final mean BCVA was 20/25. There was a drop in endothelial cells of approximately 10.1% after 7 months. The mean central astigmatism at the end of the follow-up was 2 diopters (±0.88). Conclusions The enzyme application to the recipient cornea makes the stromal dissection easier, but other studies are needed about type and concentration of the enzyme, and the application times.
Multifocal Electroretinogram and Central Visual Field Testing in Central Areolar Choroidal Dystrophy
Authors: Gundogan Fatih Cakir , Dinç Umut Asli , Erdem Uzeyir , Ozge Gokhan , Sobaci Gungor 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To study multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) and its relation to retinal sensitivity assessed by Humphrey visual field (HVF) analysis in central areolar choroidal dystrophy (CACD). Methods Seven eyes of 4 patients with CACD and 15 normal control subjects were examined. mfERG and central 30/2 HVF were tested for each participant. Ring analysis in mfERG was evaluated. HVF results were evaluated in 5 concentric rings in order to compare the results to concentric ring analysis in mfERG. The differences between control subjects and patients were evaluated by Mann-Whitney U test and the correlations were assessed by Spearman test. Results Mean Snellen acuity was 0.49±0.10 in patients. HVF revealed central scotoma in 6 of 7 eyes (85.7%), whereas a paracentral scotoma extending to fixation point was detected in 1 eye. The retinal sensitivities in 5 concentric rings in HVF were significantly lower (p<0.001 for ring 1 to ring 4, and p=0.017 in ring 5) in CACD patients. Similarly, CACD patients had lower P1/N1 amplitudes (p<0.05) and delayed P1/N1 implicit times (p<0.05). Conclusions In CACD, in the areas of scotoma detected by HVF, mfERG values were depressed. However, both mfERG and HVF abnormalities were found outside the areas of ophthalmoscopically normal retinal areas.
Paraneoplastic Exudative Retinal Detachment Associated with Adenocarcinoma of the Lung
Authors: Burgess Philip I. , Kenawy Nihal , Pearce Ian A. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To report a case of bilateral paraneoplastic exudative retinal detachment (ERD) associated with asymptomatic adenocarcinoma of the lung. Methods Case report. Results A 47-year-old man presented with bilateral ERD accompanied by anterior and posterior segment inflammation. Extensive investigations for local and systemic causes of ERD were unrewarding. Only when computed tomography scanning of the thorax was performed were enlarged thorax lymph nodes demonstrated and revealed biopsy-proven adenocarcinoma. Conclusions Paraneoplastic phenomena should be considered in patients presenting with ERD. Ocular paraneoplastic pathologies may be the initial manifestation of an underlying malignancy.
Choroidal Lymphoma Masquerading as Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy
Authors: Tavallali Ali , Shields Carol L. , Bianciotto Carlos , Shields Jerry A. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To report a patient with presumed nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) found on our evaluation to have bilateral uveal lymphoma. Methods The clinical history and physical examination, Humphrey visual field testing, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and fine needle aspiration biopsy specimen of a 60-year-old man with presumed NAION were evaluated. Results The patient initially presented with painless blurred vision OD and foreign body sensation OS. Upon examination, he was found to have optic nerve edema OD suspicious for NAION and oral steroids were employed with no improvement. Later, an abnormality in the left eye raised suspicion for choroidal metastasis. By ultrasound, the tumor in the left choroid was acoustically hollow. MRI of the orbits revealed a choroidal infiltrative process OU. Fine needle aspiration biopsy of OS confirmed atypical lymphocytes, predominantly small to intermediate sized, without necrosis. The patient was treated with external beam radiation therapy to both eyes. Conclusions Choroidal lymphoma may present with clinical features of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy or choroidal metastasis.