bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Switching to Latanoprost Monotherapy for 24 Weeks in Glaucoma Patients
Authors: Takahashi I. , Tanaka M. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To investigate the intraocular pressure lowering effect in glaucoma patients switched to latanoprost therapy from isopropyl unoprostone given as monotherapy or in combination with a β-blocker. Methods Patients with primary open angle glaucoma or normal tension glaucoma treated with 0.12% isopropyl unoprostone as monotherapy or in combination with a β-blocker were eligible for this single-center clinical study. Of the 51 patients (51 eyes) enrolled, 18 were men and 33 were women aged 62.1 ± 12.3 years (mean ± SD). Twenty-two patients had primary open angle glaucoma, and 29 patients had normal tension glaucoma. Intraocular pressure was measured twice within 3 months prior to the switch, and the mean value was taken as the baseline. The patients were then switched to latanoprost (0.005%) monotherapy (once-daily administration), and changes in intraocular pressure were monitored. One physician measured intraocular pressure after 4, 8, 16, and 24 weeks of administration in this 24-week study. Results The mean intraocular pressures were 16.0 ± 2.4 mmHg at baseline, 13.7 ± 2.3 mmHg after 4 weeks, 13.1 ± 2.1 mmHg after 8 weeks, 13.6 ± 2.0 mmHg after 16 weeks, and 13.3 ± 2.4 mmHg after 24 weeks. A significant decrease in intraocular pressure was noted at all time points in both groups (paired t-test, p<0.0001), and the intraocular pressure lowering effect persisted through week 24 of administration (analysis of variance, p<0.0001). Conclusions Switching to latanoprost monotherapy elicits further reduction in intraocular pressure in patients with primary open angle glaucoma or normal tension glaucoma.
Intraocular Pressure, Safety and Quality of Life in Glaucoma Patients Switching to Latanoprost from Adjunctive and Monotherapy Treatments
Authors: Haverkamp F. , Wuensch S. , Fuchs M , Stewart W. C. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To evaluate efficacy, safety and quality of life in ocular hypertensive or open-angle glaucoma patients changed to latanoprost from previous therapy. Methods A prospective, multicenter, active-controlled design in which qualified patients had their previous therapy substituted for latanoprost and were followed for at least thee months. Results In 1068 patients, latanoprost was continued 92% throughout the 36-month observation period. Latanoprost treatment reduced the intraocular pressure (IOP)(p < 0.001) when compared to previous monotherapies including: beta-blockers (-4.0 ± 3.7 mmHg, 42%), alpha-antagonists (-3.9 ± 3.0 mmHg, 14%), miotics (-3.8 ± 3.5 mmHg, 2%), or carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAI) (-3.8 ± 3.6 mmHg, n = 16%), and adjunctive therapy including: beta-blocker and CAI (-3.7 ± 3.1 mmHg, n = 12%), alpha-agonist (-3.7 ± 3.4 mmHg, n = 5%), or pilocarpine (-3.4 ± 3.7 mmHg, n = 6%), or CAI and alpha-agonist (-4.6 ± 6.4 mm Hg, n = 2%)(p < 0.0017). The most common adverse event with latanoprost was ocular allergy (1.5% incidence). Patients showed a preference for latanoprost for many systemic and ocular quality of life measures on a non-validated questionnaire (p < 0.05). Conclusions In a clinical setting, patients who have their mono- and adjunctive therapy treatment substituted for latanoprost may on average experience reduced IOP, deceased side effects and increased quality of life measures.
Transpupillary Thermotherapy in the Management of Choroidal Metastases
Authors: Kiratli H. , Bilgiç S. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To report the authors' experience in the use of infrared diode laser transpupillary thermotherapy in the management of selected posterior choroidal metastatic tumors. Methods Seven eyes of seven patients were treated using 810 nm infrared diode laser. Spot sizes of 0.5 to 3 mm were selected, each lasting 1 minute. When necessary, the treatment was repeated at 8- to 10-week intervals. Disappearance of the tumor was the main outcome measure. Results The primary sites of carcinomas were breast, prostate, and lungs. The largest basal diameters of ocular tumors varied between 5 mm and 10 mm and the thickness ranged between 2 mm and 4.5 mm. A mean power of 612 mW was used in one to four treatment sessions. In six eyes the tumors were reduced into flat scars whereas in one case the tumor continued to grow necessitating external beam radiotherapy. In three eyes the visual acuity decreased and in three eyes the vision became better. In one eye the vision was restored after external beam radiotherapy with the disappearance of extensive subretinal fluid. There were no immediate postoperative complications. Conclusions Transpupillary thermotherapy can be a reliable, convenient, and cost-cutting option in the management of small, solitary choroidal metastatic tumors with a thickness of less than 3.5 mm and which have minimal subretinal fluid. Although successful in terms of tumor control, treatment close to the fovea or optic nerve head may cause a permanent decrease in visual acuity.
Deep Lamellar Keratoplasty for Various Corneal Lesions
Authors: Wylęgała E. , Tarnawska D. , Dobrowolski D. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To evaluate the efficacy and safety of deep lamellar keratoplasty (DLK) as a method for treating various diseases of corneal stroma with unaffected endothelium. Methods DLK was performed in 31 eyes of 31 patients with corneal stroma opacity without endothelial abnormalities. Surgical procedures included deep removal of corneal stroma 7.5 mm in diameter with the use of viscoelastic or 0.02% trypan blue solution, exposing Descemet membrane in the central area of about 5 mm across including the area of pupil, and grafting a corneal lenticule. In three cases of postinflammatory stromal scars with coexisting limbal stem cell deficiency, limbal stem cell grafting was additionally performed. Main outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and postoperative astigmatism. Results Intraoperative perforation of Descemet membrane with the necessity of converting the procedure into penetrating keratoplasty occurred in five cases (16.1%) and one patient underwent penetrating keratoplasty on the seventh day after DLK due to persistent double anterior chamber. These six patients were excluded from the study. Postoperative BCVA ranged from 0.1 to 1.0 and astigmatism from 1.2 to 4.7 D. Postoperative complications were loose sutures, ocular hypertension, Descemet membrane detachment, and corneal melting. Conclusions DLK is an effective procedure for treating various diseases of corneal stroma with unaffected endothelium. This technique as an extraocular procedure seems to be the treatment of choice in mentally retarded patients.
Comparison of Sedation Requirements for Cataract Surgery under Topical Anesthesia or Retrobulbar Block
Authors: Balkan B. Kuvakí , Íyílíkçí L. , Günenç F. , Üzümlü H. , Kara H.C. , Çelik L. , Durak Í. , Gökel E. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose Topical anesthesia is increasingly being used for cataract surgery. However, it is believed that topical anesthesia causes an increased risk of intraoperative complications from unrestricted eye movement and insufficient pain control and more need for sedation. It is difficult to compare pain and anxiety experienced by individual patients; therefore, the authors used the method of patient-controlled sedation to determine whether there is a difference in sedation requirements under topical or retrobulbar anesthesia. Methods In this prospective study, patients received either topical anesthesia (n=87) or retrobulbar block (n=104) and self-administered a mixture of midazolam (0.5 mg) and fentanyl (25 μg) in increments using a patient controlled analgesia infuser to achieve sedation. At the end of surgery, patients rated their pain on a 10-point numerical rating scale and their comfort on a 5-point scale. The number of demands and deliveries were noted from the patient controlled analgesia infuser display. Results Pain scores were between 0 and 2 in 95.4% in the topical and in 94.2% in the retrobulbar group (p>0.05). Patient comfort was equal in both groups with 2.94 ± 0.92 in the topical group and 2.92 ± 0.99 in the retrobulbar group (p>0.05). Mean sedation requirements were similar in both groups: 26.4% of patients in the topical group and 19.2% in the retrobulbar group did not request any sedation (not significant, p>0.05). Conclusions Sedation requirements were similar for cataract surgery under topical and retrobulbar anesthesia.
The Prognostic Value of Post-Treatment Retinopathy after Panretinal Photocoagulation for Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Bek T. , Kjærgaard J. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To study the prognostic value of post-treatment retinopathy after panretinal laser photocoagulation for proliferative diabetic retinopathy in type 1 diabetes mellitus. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy is treated with panretinal photocoagulation, which significantly reduces the risk of visual loss from this complication. However, no parameters are presently known that can be used to define an optimal control interval after the initial panretinal photocoagulation treatment that ensures enhancement of the treatment in cases where this is needed. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, 85 eyes from 56 type 1 diabetic patients were identified who had been subjected to panretinal photocoagulation for proliferative diabetic retinopathy before 1990. The patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 had four or fewer microaneurysms only at the first post-treatment examination whereas Group 2 had more retinopathy. Results At the first photographic examination after treatment the eyes in Group 1 had a significantly lower visual acuity (VA) (mean=0.23, range: 0.01–1.00) than the patients in Group 2 (mean=0.48, range: 0.01–1.6). During the follow-up period the VA was further reduced in Group 2 but not in Group 1. Three eyes out of six in Group 1 had improvement of VA from below to above 0.1, whereas 6 eyes out of 12 in Group 2 experienced progression of retinopathy with a consequent worsening of VA to below 0.1 after a mean of 10.8 years (range: 6.8–15.9) after treatment. Conclusions The severity of post-treatment retinopathy can be used to assess the need for enhancing photocoagulation of proliferative diabetic retinopathy in type 1 diabetes. The interval between post-treatment examinations can be increased to several years when the initial treatment has reduced retinopathy to a minimal level.
Intravitreal Triamcinolone Acetonide Injection as Primary Treatment for Diabetic Macular Edema
Authors: Özkiris A. , Evereklioglu C. , Erkiliç K. , Tamçelik N. , Mirza E. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To evaluate the effectiveness of intravitreal triamcinolone injection on the course of diabetic macular edema. Methods Forty-eight eyes of 48 diabetic patients were treated with 8 mg of intravitreal triamcinolone injection as the primary therapy for diabetic macular edema. The main outcome measures included best-corrected visual acuity, fundus fluorescein angio- graphy, macular edema map values of Heidelberg Retinal Tomograph II (HRT II), and intraocular pressures before and after intravitreal injection. Results The visual acuity increased in 41 of 48 eyes (85.4%) during a mean follow-up time of 7.5 months. The mean baseline best-corrected logMAR (logarithm of minimal angle of resolution) value for visual acuities of the patients before intravitreal triamcinolone injection was 1.17±0.20. After treatment, it was 0.85±0.29 at 1 month, 0.73±0.30 at 3 months, and 0.74±0.31 at 6 months, and the differences were significant when compared with baseline values (for each, p<0.001). The mean edema map values significantly decreased by 36% at the 6-month examinations when compared with preinjection values (p<0.001). Average intraocular pressure rose 24.3%, 29.1%, and 11.8% from baseline at the 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up intervals. Intraocular pressure elevation exceeding 21 mmHg was observed in 8 of 48 eyes (16.6%), but was controlled with topical antiglaucomatous medications in all eyes. Conclusions Intravitreal triamcinolone application provides significant improvement in visual acuity of diabetic patients and clinical course of macular edema, and may therefore be a promising approach in the primary treatment of diabetic macular edema.
In Vitro Effect of Silicone Oil and Liquid Perfluorocarbons on Platelet Aggregation
Authors: Başlar Z. , Aras C. , Unal M. , Kayiran A. , Ustundag S. , Ozkan S. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To study the in vitro effect of silicone oil of different viscosities and liquid perfluorocarbons on platelet aggregation. Methods Silicone oil with a viscosity of 5700 cs and 1000 cs and liquid perfluorocarbons of perfluoroperhydrophenantren and perfluorodecaline were studied to investigate the effect of these agents on platelet aggregation under in vitro conditions. The experiments were performed by using platelet rich plasma with an aggregometer. Aggregation was induced with three different agonists, including 5″-adenosine diphosphate (ADP), epinephrine (EPI), and collagen (Col). The results were obtained as a percentage of maximal aggregation and compared with controls using Kruskal-Wallis one way analysis of variance test. Results The tests with ADP as aggregating agent revealed that the percentage of maximal aggregation was a mean of 72.66±3.51% for ADP only, 58.66±3.05% for silicone oil of 1000 cs, 62.66±2.08% for silicone oil of 5700 cs, 56.00±7.00% for perfluoroperhydrophenantren, and 52.3±3.1% for perfluorodecaline. With EPI, aggregation was induced in all control samples with a mean of 76±9.54%. The mean percentage of maximal aggregation was 66.7±3.06 for silicone oil of 1000 cs, 72.33±5.5% for silicone oil of 5700 cs, 71.67±3.79% for perfluoroperhydrophenantren, and 70.33±2.52% for perfluorodecaline. With collagen, it was 86.67±1.53% for controls, 83.67±3.51% for silicone oil of 1000 cs, 85.33±4.51% for silicone oil of 5700 cs, 83.33±4.93% for perfluoroperhydrophenantren, and 81.33±4.16% for perfluorodecaline. Statistical analysis revealed no significant change in the percentage of maximal aggregation for all tested substances in the experiments. Conclusions Silicone oil of different viscosities and perfluoroperhydrophenantren and perfluorodecaline have minimal antiaggregating effect on platelets. The level of effect is not statistically significant.
Bioptics by Angle-Supported Phakic Lenses and Photorefractive Keratectomy
Authors: Leccisotti A. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To assess efficacy and safety of the combination of angle-supported phakic intraocular lenses (IOLs) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) for the correction of myopia and astigmatism. Methods Prospective, non-randomized single-surgeon study on 48 patients (76 eyes) undergoing angle-supported phakic IOL implantation with surgical peripheral iridectomy, followed 2 to 3 months later by PRK to correct residual refractive error. Twenty-three patients (33 eyes) achieved good uncorrected visual acuity with IOL implantation alone and did not undergo PRK. Thus, the study was completed by 25 patients (43 eyes) with preoperative mean defocus equivalent (DEQ) of 15.73 D (SD 4.67 D) and mean astigmatism of −2.87 D (SD 1.39 D). Results Eight months after PRK, mean spherical equivalent was −0.08. Mean DEQ was 0.47 D (SD 0.37); 42/43 eyes (98%) were within ±1 D of DEQ, and 33/43 eyes (77%) within ±0.5 D. Mean uncorrected visual acuity was 0.7 (SD 1.9). Safety index was 1.25; efficacy index 1.11. Best-corrected visual acuity improvement (0.16) was statistically significant (95% CI: 1.1 to 2). Halos were moderate in 6/25 patients (24%); severe in 1/25 patients (4%). Endothelial cell density decreased by −6.6%. Pain after PRK was severe in 3/25 patients (12%) and moderate in 13/25 patients (52%). Complications were recurrent iridocyclitis in one eye, transient ocular hypertension in two eyes, and incomplete iridectomy in one eye. Conclusions Angle-supported phakic IOLs followed by adjustment by PRK offer good efficacy, predictability, and safety to manage large refractive myopic errors.
Patient Satisfaction and Vision Improvement after Multiple Surgery for Recurrent Retinal Detachment
Authors: Lesnoni G. , Rossi T. , Gelso A. , Nistri A. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To assess patient satisfaction and functional status improvement after multiple surgery for recurrent retinal detachment (RRD) with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) grade C. Main outcome measures included visual acuity (VA), anatomic outcome, and patients' answers to a standardized multiple-choice questionnaire. Methods The authors retrospectively reviewed records of patients undergoing pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for RRD with PVR grade C operated between 1997 and 1999. All included patients underwent a standardized telephone interview aimed at assessing the patients' visual performance and satisfaction. Statistical analysis used Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Mann-Whitney rank sum test, and Spearman rank correlation coefficient. p Values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results The population study included 62 patients with an average 19 ± 4.1 months follow-up. The average number of operations was 2.9 ± 0.7 with 1.45 ± 0.50 recurrences. At the end of the study, 40/62 eyes had better than 5/400 vision and 14/62 better than 20/200; 2 patients had no light perception and 5 eyes still had RRD. Questionnaire answers yielded the following results: 61% believed their VA was better than before surgery, 13% the same, and 26% worse. Fifty-two percent noticed an improvement in binocular vision versus 35% stable and 13% worse: 84% thought their result had been worth the operation, 15% did not, and 2% did not know. Ninety percent believed the information they received before surgery was accurate. Results exceeded expectations in 35% of cases and matched them in 26%. Increase in binocular visual performance after intervention was significant for clothing, bathing, and home deambulation, climbing steps, watching TV, and reading, but not for car driving. The difference in VA improvement in satisfied and unsatisfied patients was significant. There was no significant correlation between patients' satisfaction and fellow-eye vision. Conclusions The sample population showed a high rate of satisfaction and significant subjective improvement on four out of five tested activities, despite multiple surgeries and overall poor outcome, even in patients with a good VA in fellow eye. Many other factors such as visual field and contrast sensitivity improvement, not investigated by the authors, can play an important role in the visual functional status. Correct and extensive patient information remains critical in such settings.
Subcutaneous Tumor of the Lower Eyelid: A Potential Manifestation of a Dirofilaria Repens Infection
Authors: Siepmann K. , Wannke B. , Neumann D. , Rohrbach J.M. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To report a case of Dirofilaria repens presenting as a subcutaneous tumor of the lower eyelid. Methods Interventional case report. Results A 29-year-old man of Greek origin without systemic symptoms presented with a 3-week history of a small painless mass localized in the medial part of the lower eyelid. There was no history of a preceding trauma, injury, or visual impairment; however, the patient had recently been on a holiday in Italy. The lesion persisted after systemic antibiotic treatment. Routine blood tests were normal and the efferent tear ducts were patent. Upon surgical intervention a yellowish, pea-sized cyst-like structure was found beneath the orbicularis muscle and removed in toto. Histologic examination revealed the presence of a wormlike structure with the characteristic features of a single adult Dirofilaria repens nematode. Conclusions Infection with the nematode Dirofilaria repens has to be considered in the differential diagnosis of malignant and benign tumors of subcutaneous periocular tissues in patients who traveled to endemic areas.
Multiple Bilateral Choroidal Metastatic Tumors from a Small-Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of Unknown Primary Site
Authors: Nicolò M. , Piccolino F.C. , Ghiglione D. , Nicolò G. , Calabria G. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To report one case of multiple and bilateral choroidal tumors from a poorly differentiated small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of unknown primary. Methods The case of a 30-years-old white female who developed multiple and bilateral choroidal tumors from a poorly differentiated small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of unknown primary is presented. Results The patient had a disseminated disease and died 6 months after. The oncologic work-up, including physical examination, laboratory and radiographic study, fails to identiy the primary site. Conclusions Intraocular involvement from a poorly differentiated small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of unknown primary has not yet reported. We describe thic case together with a review of the literature.
Indocyanine Green Angiography in Congenital Hypertrophy of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium
Authors: Giuffrè G. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To report a case of congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium followed up for 7 years showing features not previously reported. Methods A complete fundus examination including fluorescein angiography was performed at first examination and at follow-up. Results The area of congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium presented morphologic changes, showing enlargement of the lesion on one side associated with partial regression on another side. In addition, the indocyanine green angiography findings revealed that this test was more useful than fluorescein angiography to delineate the real boundaries of the lesion and disclosed hypofluorescent areas inside the main lesion that were not appreciated at ophthalmoscopy or fluorescein angiography. Conclusions Indocyanine green angiography is an useful test to understand the findings and evolution of congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium.
Balloon Dilatation for Treatment of Congenital Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction
Authors: Yüksel D. , Ceylan K. , Erden O. , Kiliç R. , Duman S. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of balloon dacryocystoplasty in the treatment of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstructions. Methods Balloon dacryocystoplasty was attempted in 25 eyes of 21 patients. The procedure was performed successfully in 24 eyes of 20 patients, age range 21–72 months. Nineteen eyes had no previous procedure. The mean age of this group was 43.9 months (range 36–72 months). Five eyes had failed probing of lacrimal system. The mean age of this group was 22.2 months (range 21–24 months). The authors performed balloon dacryocystoplasty under endoscopic guidance. Clinical success was defined as complete remission of epiphora within follow-up period of 7–34 months (mean 25.2 months). Results The authors performed balloon dacryocystoplasty in 24 eyes. The first procedure was successful in 20 of them and the clinic success rate was 83.3%. The technique was repeated in the one eye that recurred and as it ended successfully, the clinic success rate increased to 87.5%. In 17 of the 19 eyes (89.4%) in which balloon dacryocystoplasty was performed primarily, and in 4 of 5 eyes (80%) in which balloon dacryocystoplasty was performed secondarily after unsuccessful probing, the procedure was clinically successful. There was intermittent epiphora in 3 eyes (15%) and these were considered as recurrence. Conclusions This experience shows that balloon dilatation is a safe and effective treatment of congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction as a primary procedure in children over 36 months of age and as a secondary procedure after failure of lacrimal system probing. As a result, balloon dacryocystoplasty can be an alternative treatment in older children and can be preferred to silicone intubation and dacryocystorhinostomy performed after unsuccessful probing.