bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum Allergen Specific Immunoglobulin E Levels in Patients with Allergic Conjunctivitis
Authors: Kocabeyoglu S. , Bozkurt B. , Bilen O. , Irkec M. , Orhan M. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To evaluate serum allergen specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels in patients with various types of allergic conjunctivitis. Methods Twenty-five patients with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC), 17 patients with perennial allergic conjunctivitis (PAC), and 10 patients with vernal conjunctivitis (VC) were included in the study Specific IgE levels to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp), Dermatophagoides farinae (Df), mixed grass pollens, and animal epithelia were measured using Pharmacia CAP system (Pharmacia Diagnostic AB, Uppsala, Sweden). Results The percentage of subjects with specific IgE against Dp and Df was statistically higher in VC (30%) compared to PAC (5.9%) and SAC (0%) (p=0.03). Specific IgE against mixed grass pollens was found in 30% of VC and 40% of SAC, whereas 10% of VC and 8% of SAC patients were found to be hypersensitive to animal epithelia. Conclusions Allergic reaction against house dust mites and pollens was common in VC, whereas specific IgE against grass pollens was remarkable in SAC. IgE levels specific to various antigens might be measured by UNICAP system, which is a rapid and practical technology.
Topography-Guided Treatment of Decentered Laser Ablation Using Lasersight's Excimer Laser
Authors: Wu L. , Zhou X. , Ouyang Z. , Weng C. , Chu R. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To assess the efficacy of topography-guided laser ablation for correction of previously decentered laser ablation using LaserSight's excimer laser. Methods Re-treatment was performed to correct decentered ablation using LaserSight's excimer laser for 18 patients who previously underwent LASIK surgery for myopia correction in both eyes. For each patient, only the decentered eye was re-treated while the other asymptomatic eye forms a control group for this study. Measurements were conducted on ablation center, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), contrast sensitivity and corneal aberrations pre- and post-operatively. Results For the retreated 18 eyes, the mean decentration was significantly reduced from 1.32±0.28mm to 0.61±0.23mm post-operatively (t=16.24, p<0.001), and with a significant improvement in mean BSCVA from 0.08±0.09 logMAR to 0.01±0.11 logMAR (t=4.58, p<0.001). The post-operative contrast sensitivity at the spatial frequencies (SF) of 1.00 and 0.70 was significantly improved (p<0.05 for both SFs). Corneal higher-order aberrations (HOAs), including the coma-like aberrations and spherical aberration, were decreased. In comparing the measurements for the retreated group to those for the control group, no significant difference was found either in decentration or in BSCVA, but the contrast sensitivity at 0.70 was lower and the level of corneal aberrations was higher. Conclusions Topography-guided ablation with LaserSight excimer laser is effective to correct decentered ablation. However, the re-treated eye is still inferior to the eye with originally centered ablation in corneal optical quality or visual performance.
Effect of Topical Anesthetics on Intraocular Pressure and Pachymetry
Authors: Montero J.A. , Ruiz-Moreno J.M. , Fernandez-Munoz M. , Rodriguez-Palacios M.I. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose The determination of intraocular pressure (IOP) by noncontact tonometry (NCT) has been reported to be affected by central corneal thickness (CCT) and by the instillation of topical anesthetics. Methods In order to determine the influence of topical anesthetics on CCT and IOP measured by NCT, 80 eyes from 49 patients were examined before and after the instillation of topical anesthetics. Results Average age was 55.3 years (SD 18.4, range 18 to 93). Twenty-eight patients were female and 21 were male. Average basal IOP was 16.1 mmHg (SD 5.2, range 8 to 35.3). IOP was 14.8 mmHg (SD 4.6, 7.4 to 32.4) (p=0.0005, Student t test for paired data) 5 minutes after topical anesthetics instillation. CCT averaged 541 μm (SD 32, range 482 to 604) before topical anesthetic drops and 541 μm (SD 32, 490 to 607, p=0.89, Student t test for paired data) 5 minutes after topical anesthetics instillation. Conclusions The study confirms that the instillation of topical anesthetics causes a reduction in IOP. These changes do not seem to be associated with changes in CCT.
Intravitreal Steroid Slow-Release Device Replacing Repeated Intravitreal Triamcinolone Injections for Sympathetic Ophthalmia
Authors: Jonas J.B. , Rensch F. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To report on the intraocular use of a steroid slow-release device in an attempt to avoid multiple intraocular triamcinolone injections in chronic sympathetic ophthalmia. Methods A 47-year-old patient with sympathetic ophthalmia had received 17 intravitreal triamcinolone injections to suppress the uveitis, to increase intraocular pressure, and to reduce systemic anti-inflammatory medication. To avoid the frequent reinjections combined with the temporary reduction in vision and potential risk of infection and a recurrence of sympathetic ophthalmia, a slow-release device of 2.1-mg fluocinolone acetonide was intravitreally implanted. Results During the follow-up of 11 months after the procedure, intraocular pressure stabilized at 12 to 18 mmHg and visual acuity at 0.40 to 0.50. The systemic immunosuppressive therapy was stopped, and consequently, the insulin treatment could be halted. Conclusions Despite the limitations of a single case report, the results suggest that an intravitreal slow-release device of fluocinolone may be an alternative to repeatedly administered intravitreal triamcinolone injection for the long-term treatment of sympathetic ophthalmia. The intraocular slow-release application of steroids has enabled patients to live free from diabetic treatment and immunosuppressive medication after 21 years of systemic immunosuppressive therapy with secondary Cushing disease including diabetes mellitus and arterial hypertension.
Retinal Pigment Epithelial Marginal Retraction after Photodynamic Therapy for Choroidal Neovascularization in Pathologic Myopia
Authors: Pece A. , Isola V. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To report the incidence of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) marginal retraction after verteporfin photodynamic therapy (PDT) for subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in pathologic myopia (PM). Methods Retrospective review of 236 patients treated with PDT for subfoveal CNV due to PM. Results RPE marginal retraction was found in 3 eyes (1.3%), and a decrease of a mean of five lines of vision was reported to occur 10–15 days after treatment. At the end of follow-up two eyes lost three lines and one six lines from baseline. Conclusions RPE marginal retraction as an early complication of PDT for subfoveal CNV secondary to PM is rare. The low incidence of this adverse event, however, should not preclude recommendations for PDT in myopic eyes that could benefit from this treatment modality.
The Effect of Pneumatic Trabeculoplasty on Intraocular Pressure: The Results of a 6-Month, Open-Label, Multicenter Study
Authors: Fogagnolo P. , Rossetti L. , Marchini G. , Marraffa M. , Rolando M. , Ciancaglini M. , Calabria G. , Mastropasqua L. , Orzalesi N. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To evaluate the effects of pneumatic trabeculoplasty (PNT) in ocular hypertension and glaucoma subjects. Methods A total of 63 consecutive subjects, either treated (79%) or untreated (21%), with intraocular pressure (IOP) between 20 and 25 mmHg were enrolled; the eye with higher IOP (or, in case of identical IOP, worse visual field) was treated with PNT, with the fellow eye used as control. Subjects underwent a baseline evaluation the day before treatment, two PNT treatments at day 0 and 7, visits at day 1, 8, 14, and at each month until the end of the study, which lasted 6 months. Safety was addressed at all visits; an IOP curve (at 8 and 10 AM, 2 and 4 PM) was obtained at baseline and during monthly visits. Results In PNT eyes, baseline IOP was 22.2±1.6 mmHg. Following PNT a statistically significant reduction of IOP occurred at all visits (p<0.0001), with a mean decrease ranging from −2.7±2.5 (-11.9±10.8%) to −3.6±2.6 mmHg (-16.0±11.6%); mean reduction was 12.8±11.5%. Although IOP diminished also in the control eyes after baseline (p<0.05), the change in IOP was significantly higher in PNT group at each visit (p<0.05). Mild side effects were experienced by 76% of subjects and they all resolved without sequelae. Conclusions The results suggest the effect of this procedure in reducing IOP in glaucoma and ocular hypertensive subjects.
Nonvisible Subthreshold Micropulse Diode Laser (810 nm) Treatment of Central Serous Chorioretinopathy: A Pilot Study
Authors: Lanzetta P. , Furlan F. , Morgante L. , Veritti D. , Bandello F. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To verify the efficacy of nonvisible micropulse diode laser irradiation in the treatment of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). Methods Twenty-two patients with CSC for a total of 24 eyes with a disease duration longer than 3 months were included in a prospective study. Patients underwent Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study visual acuity (VA) examination, dilated ophthalmoscopy fluorescein angiography and optical coherence tomography before treatment and during follow-up. Treatment with a micropulse diode laser was given with a duty cycle of 15%. Multiple spots were placed over and adjacent to the area of retinal pigment epithelium leak or decompensation. Results Mean follow-up was 14 months (range 3–36 months). Powers used ranged from 1 to 2 W (mean 1.35 W). Mean number of spots was 215 (range 90–400). Fourteen eyes were treated once, nine eyes received two to three treatments, and one eye had five treatments during a follow-up of 3 years. Subretinal fluid was resolved or improved in two third of cases 1 month after laser treatment, and in three-quarters at the end of follow-up. Mean retinal thickness was 328 μm, 197 μm, and 168 μm before, 1 month after irradiation, and at the end of follow-up, respectively. No evidence of RPE or retinal changes due to laser treatment were discernible in most of the eyes. Median VA was 20/32 (range 20/100–20/20) before treatment and 20/25 (range 20/200–20/20) at the end of the follow-up. Conclusions Nonvisible micropulse diode laser may have efficacy in the treatment of CSC. A randomized study with larger series is needed.
Inferior Sclerotomies without Subretinal Fluid Drainage for Exudative Retinal Detachment in Diffuse Retinal Pigment Epitheliopathy
Authors: Figueroa M.S. , Arruabarrena C. , Sales-Sanz M. , Mingo-Botin D. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To evaluate the efficacy of inferior sutureless sclerotomies without subretinal fluid drainage for the treatment of bullous exudative retinal detachment secondary to diffuse retinal pigment epitheliopathy. Methods A retrospective interventional case series of eyes treated with two inferior postequatorial full-thickness sclerotomies without subretinal fluid drainage. Patients were placed in an upright position 24 hours after surgery. Main outcomes were visual acuity and retinal reattachment rate. Results Three eyes with recent diagnoses of diffuse retinal pigment epitheliopathy and bullous inferior retinal detachment were included in the study. In all cases, a very thick sclera was evident during surgery. The day after surgery the retina was completely attached in the three eyes. Preoperative visual acuity was light perception, 20/200, and counting fingers. After surgery, visual acuity improved to 20/200, 20/70, and 20/50, respectively. No intra- or postoperative complications occurred. Conclusions The performance of inferior sutureless sclerotomies without a draining procedure in cases of diffuse retinal pigment epitheliopathy with inferior bullous retinal detachment is a simple and effective technique. It achieves retinal reattachment the day after surgery, allowing laser photocoagulation of the leaking lesions disclosed in fluorescein angiography.
An Unusual Optic Disc Neovascularization in a Case of Intermediate Uveitis Associated with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Karagiannis D.A. , Ladas I.D. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To report a case of intermediate uveitis associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) presenting with a complex of an unusual optic disc neovascularization which was treated successfully. Methods Interventional case report. Best-corrected visual acuity measurements (BCVA), slit-lamp examination, fundus biomicroscopy and fluorescein angiography (FFA) were performed at baseline examination and during the follow-up period. The patient underwent one injection of intravitreal bevacizumab combined with systemic steroids and panretinal photocoagulation. Results A 28-year-old man presented with decreased vision in the right eye (RE) (BCVA 20/40). Compete examination showed a large new vessels complex on the optic disc of the RE protruding into the vitreous, ischemic vasculitis, and snowbanking inferiorly Similar findings but less severe were found in the left eye (LE) with mild vitritis. The RE had also mild, diffuse vitreous hemorrhage. All tests were normal including blood tests, Mantoux, and chest X-ray except brain magnetic resonance imaging which showed three demyelinating lesions. Neurologic evaluation was unremarkable for the first year. The clinical appearance was consistent with intermediate uveitis associated with MS. The patient underwent one injection of intravitreal bevacizumab combined with systemic steroids and panretinal photocoagulation. After 6 months BCVA increased to 20/20 and the neovascular complex became fibrous in RE. The patient, 2 years after treatment, remains stable. Conclusions Intermediate uveitis may precede the diagnosis of MS. Intravitreal bevacizumab combined with systemic steroids and panretinal photocoagulation proved successful in the management of this case.
Retinal Detachment Due to a Macular Hole in a Patient with Behçet Disease Treated with Vitrectomy and Silicone Oil Tamponade
Authors: Georgalas I. , Markomichelakis N. , Ladas I. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose A rare case of unilateral retinal detachment due to a macular hole in a patient with Behçet disease is presented. Methods Interventional case report. Results A 31-year-old man with a 6-year history of Behçet disease presented with a relapse in his disease and received infliximab. Ten days later, as the inflammation subsided, a retinal detachment caused by a macular hole was diagnosed. The patient underwent vitrectomy surgery with internal limiting membrane peeling and silicone oil tamponade. Seven months after the removal of the silicone oil, the macular hole remained closed and the retina attached. Optical coherence tomography was performed before surgery and during the postoperative follow-up period. Conclusions Behçet disease could be rarely associated with retinal detachment caused by a macular hole. Macular traction caused by severe recurrent vitritis in combination with the retinochoroidal atrophy due to the relapsing retinitis might be the underlying mechanism of this complication, which to the authors' knowledge has never been reported before.
Disseminated Hydatid Disease in a Child: Albendazole Treatment of Orbital Cyst
Authors: Papathanassiou M. , Petrou P. , Zampeli E. , Vergados I. , Paikos P. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose Orbital hydatid cyst is rare and represents a small percentage of all echinococcal systemic locations. It is usually a primary echinococcosis. A new case of orbital hydatid cyst with asymptomatic coexistent lung and liver cysts is described in a child. Methods and results The patient underwent surgical excision of the lung and liver cysts and successful application of albendazole treatment for orbital echinococcal cyst without evidence of recurrence after a 4-year follow-up. Conclusions Hydatid cyst should be included in the differential diagnosis of unilateral exophthalmos in patients from countries where echinococcosis is endemic.
Clinical and Microbiological Efficacy of Levofloxacin Administered three Times a Day for the Treatment of Bacterial Conjunctivitis
Authors: Szaflik J. , Szaflik J.P. , Kamińska A. ,   The Levofloxacin Bacterial Conjunctivitis Dosage Study Group, Szaflik Jerzy , Szaflik Jacek P. , Kamińska Anna , Rowiński Mariusz , Kołoziejczyk Wojciech , BełŻecka-Majszyk Agata , Gajda Sebastian , Izdebska Justyna 
Published: January 2018

Purpose This randomized, investigator-masked study aimed to compare the clinical and microbiological effectiveness of three times daily administration of levofloxacin 0.5% eyedrops with the classic, more frequent dosing in patients with bacterial conjunctivitis. Methods A total of 120 patients with symptoms of bacterial conjunctivitis were enrolled. The patients were randomly assigned to receive 0.5% levofloxacin eyedrops three times daily to each eye for 5 days (experimental dosage group), or every 2 hours on days 1 and 2, and then every 4 hours on days 3–5 (up to four times per day) (classic dosage group). Ocular symptoms and signs were assessed on day 1, days 3 to 4, and 7 ± 1 visits. Conjunctival cultures were obtained at baseline and final visits. Clinical outcomes were based on resolution of cardinal signs. Microbial outcomes were based on culture results. Results Eighty-six patients (41 experimental dosage, 45 classic dosage) were evaluated. There was no difference between the groups in frequency of patients with clinical outcome resolved (85.4% in experimental vs 93.3% in classic dosage group, p=0.3). The microbial eradication rates did not differ statistically between the groups (92.7% vs 95.6%, respectively, p=0.67). Conclusions There was no statistically significant difference in the efficacy or safety between the two methods of drug administration. Analysis of the results of compliance supported our conclusion that the less frequent method of dosing of 0.5% levofloxacin eyedrops was more convenient for patients and resulted in better adherence to the drug-dosing scheme
Simultaneous Surgery in Bilateral Congenital Cataract
Authors: Magli A. , Fimiani F. , Passaro V. , Iovine A. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To assess the efficiency of simultaneous surgery in bilateral congenital cataract not only in patients with a high anesthesiologic risk profile. Methods A retrospective study was carried out on 40 bilateral congenital cataract patients (80 eyes) who presented to the outpatient department of pediatric ophthalmology of the University Federico II of Naples in the period from 1990 to 2005. All patients had undergone cataract extraction from both eyes in a single surgical session. Visual rehabilitation was achieved in all patients by corneal lenses; successively 25 patients had a secondary intraocular lens implant in the posterior chamber after a period of 2.5–3 years. Results The mean age at cataract surgery was 7 months (1–17 months). Visual acuity (VA) was assessed in 52 eyes: 8 eyes (15%) presented VA <20/200, 21 eyes (41%) showed VA 20/200 < 20/40, 23 eyes (44%) presented VA >20/40. Ocular motility disorders were seen in 28 patients (70%). Eight patients had postoperative complications: the formation of secondary membranes in five patients, and secondary glaucoma in three patients. There were no cases of endophthalmitis. Conclusions Simultaneous surgery in bilateral congenital cataract may be taken into consideration not only for patients with a high anesthesiologic risk profile.
Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy Findings in Explanted Pmma and Hydrophilic Acrylic Intraocular Lenses
Authors: Gungel H. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To investigate the presence of calcium (Ca) aggregates influencing biocompatibility and the factors that affect calcium accumulation in explanted intraocular lenses (IOL) and to analyze the Ca distribution in an opacified hydrophilic acrylic lens. Methods Surface irregularities and aggregates of 13 IOLs were studied with scanning electron microscopy, and their relative concentrations with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Relationships of distribution between Ca and silicone (Si) and nitrogen (N) and between N and Si and Na, and the influence of Si on Ca accumulation and the effect of differences in lens material on the distribution of N, and the effect of endophthalmitis on the distribution of Ca were evaluated statistically. EDS analyses were performed on the surface and cross-section of the opacified lens. Results The statistically significant relationships between the distribution of Ca and N, and between the distribution of N and Na, the significant effect of Si on the Ca accumulation, significant relationship between endophthalmitis and the Ca accumulation in the aggregates were shown. The EDS analysis of the opacified IOL, Ca and P peaks were shown from the whole surface, Ca, O peaks were determined from cross-sections over a 70–80 μm distance. Conclusions In the aggregates influencing IOL biocompatibility, presence of proteins was determined to be more important than the presence of Si regarding the distribution of Ca, while the presence of Si affected the accumulation of Ca. Opacification, caused by the Ca accumulation within the lens, was found to result from Ca penetrating from lens pores.
Efficacy of the Fixed Combinations of Bimatoprost or Latanoprost plus Timolol in Patients Uncontrolled with Prostaglandin Monotherapy: A Multicenter, Randomized, Investigator-Masked, Clinical Study
Authors: Centofanti M. , Oddone F. , Vetrugno M. , Manni G. , Fogagnolo P. , Tanga L. , Ferreri P. , Rossetti L. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To compare the efficacy and tolerability of a once-daily evening dose of bimatoprost/timolol fixed combination (BTFC) with that of a once-daily evening dose of latanoprost/timolol fixed combination (LTFC) in patients not controlled with prostaglandins analogues monotherapy. Methods A total of 82 patients on prostaglandin analogues monotherapy were enrolled in this prospective, multicenter, investigator masked, clinical study and were randomized to either BTFC (n=47) or LTFC (n=35) topical therapy once at night for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint of the study was to compare the mean daily intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction from baseline between the two treatment arms. Secondary endpoints included the mean daily IOP at 1 and 3 months compared to baseline and the percentage of patients showing a mean IOP reduction from baseline greater than or equal to 15% or 20%. Results Mean IOP at baseline was 22.7±2.0 and 22.1±2.6 mmHg in the BTFC and LTFC groups, respectively (p=0.23). Both treatments were effective in reducing the IOP from baseline. The mean IOP reduction was significantly greater in the BTFC group than in the LTFC group (–21.4% vs −13.7%, p<0.001). A higher percentage of patients in the BTFC group showed a mean IOP reduction from baseline ≥ 15% (72.3% vs 40.0%) and ≥ 20% (61.7% vs 17.1%) compared to patients in the LTFC group. Conclusions Both BTFC and LTFC were more effective versus the monotherapy with prostaglandin analogues. BTFC demonstrated higher performance than LTFC in terms of relative IOP reduction.