bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Causes of Blindness in Southwestern Nigeria: A General Hospital Clinic Study
Authors: Oluleye T.S. , Ajaiyeoba A.I. , Akinwale M.O. , Olusanya B.A. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose This hospital-based study was carried out to assess the common causes of blindness in Ibadan, the largest city in the southwestern part of Nigeria, and to strengthen the primary eye care approach to control and reduction of cases of blindness in the community. Methods Following Hospital Ethical Board approval and informed consent of participants, a prospective study was performed in which 1,544 consecutive patients with bilateral or unilateral blindness seen between January and December 2003 at the Ring Road State Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria, were evaluated for causes of blindness. Visual acuity was measured with an illuminated Snellen chart placed 6 meters away from the participants. This was followed by pen torch examination and dilated funduscopy with a direct ophthalmoscope. Friedman field analyzer was used to measure visual field. Patients with corrected visual acuity of less than 3/60 in the better eye or with visual field of less than 10 degrees from fixation were considered blind according to the World Health Organization criteria. Results The 1,544 patients had a mean age of 53.5 years (range, 4 to 96 years); 858 (56%) were male and 686 (44%) were female. Blindness was bilateral in 471 (30%) patients and unilateral in 1,073 (70%). When those persons with unilateral and bilateral blindness were grouped together, individuals within the 60 to 79 years age bracket were 667 (44%) and constituted the largest group of all blind persons. The leading causes of bilateral blindness were cataract, 171 (36%); glaucoma, 138 (29%); and optic atrophy, 21 (4%). The most common causes of unilateral blindness were cataract, 446 (41%); glaucoma, 213 (20%); and those referable to trauma, 116 (11%). Conclusions Cataract and glaucoma are the main causes of bilateral and uniocular blindness in the study area.
Progressive Severe Visual Loss after Long-Term Withdrawal from Thioridazine Treatment
Authors: Chaudhry I.A. , Shamsi F.A. , Weitzman M. L. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To report advanced thioridazine-induced retinopathy in a 50-year-old woman with evidence of progressive severe loss of vision over 30 years after withdrawal from thioridazine treatment. Methods The ocular fundus examination revealed areas of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) clumping as well as generalized atrophy of the RPE and choroid. The patient experienced visual loss to the level of no light perception in both eyes despite the fact that the funduscopic appearances of her optic nerves and retinal vasculature remained relatively normal. Conclusions This case demonstrates that severe progressive visual loss can occur several years after the cessation of chronic thioridazine treatment.
Clinical Evaluation of the Neuroprotective Effect of α-Tocopherol against Glaucomatous Damage
Authors: Engin K.N. , Engin G. , Kucuksahin H. , Oncu M. , Engin G. , Guvener B. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To evaluate the vasoregulatory effect of antioxidant α-tocopherol on retina via protein kinase C pathway. Methods Thirty glaucomatous patients (60 eyes) were included in this study. The patients were divided into three groups. For patients in Group A, tocopherol was not supplemented in their therapy. Patients in Groups B and C received 300 and 600 mg/day of oral α-tocopherol acetate, respectively. The ultimate blood tocopherol levels were confirmed via high-performance liquid chromatography assay. Progression of the disease for each subject was monitored via visual field measurements and color Doppler imaging of ophthalmic and posterior ciliary arteries at the beginning and at the 6th and 12th months of this study. Results The average differences between the pulsatility indexes (PI) and resistivity indexes (RI) of both ophthalmic arteries (OA) and posterior ciliary arteries (PCA) of Groups B and C were significantly lower than those of Group A at months 6 and 12. In trial groups, RI decreases observed in PCAs at months 6 and 12 and PI decreases observed in OAs at the 6th month were statistically significant. Differences of mean deviations with visual fields in Groups B and C were highly significantly lower than that of Group A. Conclusions α-Tocopherol deserves attention beyond its antioxidant properties for protecting retina from glaucomatous damage.
Health Care Supply for Cataract in Austrian Public and Private Hospitals
Authors: Barbieri V. , Schmid E. , Ulmer H. , Pfeiffer K.P. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose This study aims to explain spatial variability or cataract and cataract surgery in Austria. The effect of the availability of health care services on spatial variation is investigated. Methods A retrospective study, using routine hospital data from all Austrian public and private hospitals. Calculation of age- and gender-standardized hospitalization ratios (SHR) for all 121 Austrian districts. Poisson regression for age-specific relative risks was performed. Results The authors found high regional variability between districts and significant differences in the hospitalization rates of cataract disease and extraction between men and women. There was a significant correlation between standardized hospitalization ratios for districts and the availability of hospitals with departments of ophthalmology. There was a significant difference in length of stay for patients with cataract surgery between public and private hospitals. Conclusions Use of routine hospital data in geographic analysis allows large regional studies on health care supply for cataract surgery. Differences in the supply by hospitals between districts depend on the availability of hospitals with departments of ophthalmology. The overall demand for cataract surgery in Austria finds its proper supply in many Austrian regions, but needs further development.
Relation between Cataract and Metabolic Syndrome and Its Components
Authors: Paunksnis A. , Bojarskiene F. , Cimbalas A. , Cerniauskiene L.R. , Luksiene D.I. , Tamosiunas A. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To estimate the prevalence of cataract in the middle-aged urban population and the relation between cataract and metabolic syndrome and metabolic syndrome components. Methods The survey was carried out in Kaunas City, Lithuania, from 2001 to 2002, according to WHO MONICA study protocol. The ophthalmologic investigation was performed for 1282 respondents (573 men and 709 women) aged 35–64 years. Cataract was defined at slit lamp using LOCS III method. Metabolic syndrome was defined by ATP III criteria. Results Cataract was found in 17.6% of men and 19.0% of women (p>0.05). Metabolic syndrome was detected in 19.5% of men and 25.7% of women (p<0.05). After distribution of persons into 10-year age groups (35–44, 45–54, 55–64), the prevalence of cataract and metabolic syndrome among men and women significantly increased with age. A relation between cataract and metabolic syndrome was found for men aged 55–64 years and for women aged 45–64 years: the prevalence of cataract in men with metabolic syndrome was 1.3 times higher (43.8% vs 32.9%; OR=1.59 [95% CI, 0.77–3.26]) and in women with metabolic syndrome 1.4 times higher (31.8% vs. 22.6%; OR=1.60 [95% CI, 1.03–2.49]) than in persons of the same age and sex without metabolic syndrome. For men aged 4–64 years cataract was significantly related to central obesity (OR=1.80 [95% CI, 1.01–3.20]) and for women aged 45–64 years cataract was significantly related to higher arterial pressure (OR=1.98 [95% CI, 1.21–3.25]), central obesity (OR=1.54 [95% CI, 1.01–2.35]), and elevated level of serum triglycerides (OR=1.86 [95% CI, 1.20–2.90]). Conclusions The results of this study show that the prevalence of cataract in urban women 45–64 years of age with metabolic syndrome was significantly higher than in women of this age without metabolic syndrome.
The Diagnostic Contribution of Indocyanine Green to Fluorescein Angiography in Fellow Drusen Eyes of Patients with Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Landa G. , Springer A. , Bukelman A. , Pollack A. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To assess the contribution of indocyanine green angiography (ICGA) to fluorescein angiography (FA) in evaluating fellow drusen eyes of patients with wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in the other eye. Methods The records of paired FA and ICGA of patients with dry AMD in one eye and wet AMD in the other eye were retrospectively reviewed. Based on color fundus photographs, drusen were graded to low, moderate, or high grade of severity on FA. The FA and ICGA findings were compared. Results Fifty-two pairs of eyes were included. Fluorescein angiography showed drusen of low severity in 11 (21.2%) eyes, of moderate severity in 31 (59.6%), and of high severity in 10 (19.2%). Leakage on both FA and ICGA was not demonstrated in any case of drusen of low or moderate severity. Only in 2 out of 10 eyes from the high severity group, 3.8% of the eyes of the whole study population, did ICGA reveal occult choroidal neovascularization (CNV) that was not observed on FA. Conclusions In selected eyes with drusen of high grade severity, ICGA may detect occult CNV, unrecognized clinically or by FA. ICGA had a small contribution to the diagnosis of occult CNV in fellow drusen eyes with any degree of severity.
Visual Function after Implantation of Aniridia Intraocular Lens for Traumatic Aniridia in Vitrectomized Eye
Authors: Moghimi S. , Esfahani M. Riazi , Maghsoudipour M. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To evaluate the efficacy and safety of aniridia posterior chamber intraocular lens (PCIOL) in traumatic aniridia and aphakia in vitrectomized eyes. Methods Four aphakic patients with traumatic aniridia and previous pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) due to posterior segment trauma enrolled in the study, and had secondary implantation of an aniridia PCIOL. Two patients were men and two women with mean age of 39.25 years. Complete ophthalmic examinations, including preoperative and postoperative visual acuity in dark and light, glare disability, visual function (using VF-9 questions modified from VF-14), stereopsis, and contrast sensitivity in 3, 6, 12, and 18 cycle per degree frequencies, were done for all patients. Postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP), IOL centration, and intraocular inflammation were monitored. Mean follow-up was 12.25 months (range 7 to 15 months). Results Visual acuity improved in all four patients, especially in the light. Glare was subjectively reduced in all of them. Stereopsis was measurable in three of them postoperatively. Contrast sensitivity improved in all patients, especially in brightness and lower frequencies. All four eyes had improved VF-9. All eyes achieved the desired anatomic results. Two cases developed elevated IOP early after surgery. In one eye, IOP elevation was transient and controlled with antiglaucoma medication, but the other eye, which had secondary glaucoma from previous trauma, required cyclophotocoagulation for the IOP to be controlled. No patient developed chronic uveitis or redetachment. Conclusions The aniridia PCIOL can overcome aphakia, reduce glare, and increase visual function, contrast sensitivity, and stereopsis in vitrectomized eyes with traumatic aniridia. Although this kind of IOL appears safe, some disadvantages are secondary glaucoma and reduced visibility of peripheral fundus, and caution should be used in its implantation until more patients with longer follow-up are studied.
A Case of Retinal Detachment in Retinitis Pigmentosa
Authors: Demir M.N. , Ünlü N. , Yalniz Z. , Acar M.A. , Örnek F. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To report case of retinitis pigmentosa in association with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Methods An eight year old boy complained of a sudden visual loss. The patient had night blindness, bone spicule-like hyperpigmentation, pale optic disc in both eyes, and the retina was totally detached in the right eye. Results He was initially treated with conventional scleral buckling surgery, then pars plana vitrectomy with silicone tamponade was performed and retinal reattachment was established. After the phacoemulsification combined with silicone oil removal the final visual acuity of counting fingers was obtained. Conclusions The association of retinitis pigmentosa and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment is uncommon in young patients.
Prognostic Value of Gonioscopy after Deep Sclerectomy
Authors: Moreno-Montañés J. , Rebolleda G. , Muñoz-Negrete F.J. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To ascertain gonioscopic characteristics and identify prognostic indicators related to intraocular pressure (IOP) after deep sclerectomy (DS). Methods A transversal, prospective, and nonselected study was performed in 106 eyes (95 patients) after DS. Three surgeons performed all the surgeries and the gonioscopic examination, using the same protocol including 13 gonioscopic data. These data were evaluated for an association with postoperative IOP and time after surgery. Results A subscleral space was found in 91 eyes (85.8%), with visualization of the line of scleral flap in 48 eyes (45.3%). The trabeculo-Descemet membrane (TDM) was transparent in 46 eyes (43.4%), opaque in 4 cases, and pigmented in 18 eyes. This TDM was broken using Nd:YAG laser goniopuncture in 38 eyes (35.8%). Thin vessels around TDM were found in 58 eyes (54.7%), and blood remained in 25 eyes (23.5%). Gonioscopic variables significantly positively related with postoperative IOP were as follows: presence of subscleral space, scleral flap line view, and a Schwalbe line depressed. A narrow anterior chamber angle and iris synechia in TDM had a statistically significant negative effect on the postoperative IOP control. Similarly, eyes requiring Nd:YAG goniopuncture had a worse IOP control. The frequency of eyes with visible subscleral space and transparent TDM decreases with time after surgery (p=0.001). Conclusions A visible subscleral space was a gonioscopic sign positively related to IOP control after surgery, although it decreased with follow-up. Eyes with goniopuncture, postoperative narrow angle, and iris synechia had worse postoperative IOP control. Although new vessels in TDM were a common finding after DS, the authors did not find any association with postoperative IOP.
Intrascleral-Fixated Intraocular Lenses for Aphakic Correction in the Absence of Capsular Support
Authors: Aznabayev R.A. , Zaidullin I.S. , Absalyamov M.S.H. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To present results of experience with the authors' technique for intrascleral fixation of intraocular lenses for the correction of aphakia in the absence of capsular support. Methods Eleven patients (four children and seven adults) underwent surgery with the use of the method proposed by the authors (11 operations). The patients ranged in age from 11 to 75 years. The equatorial remnants in the lower segment of the capsular bag were revealed in 5 patients (45.5%). Absence of the capsular bag was observed in 6 patients (54.5%). Results During long-term follow-up evaluation, visual acuity without correction (mean 0.33±0.05) corresponded to the preoperative corrected one. Better visual acuity outcome of 0.41±0.06 was achieved with added correction. With intrascleral fixation, a mean refractive error of 1.48±0.39 D should be taken into account when calculating intraocular lens power with use of the SRK II formula. Conclusions The results indicate that posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation with intrascleral fixation of haptics is a safe and effective technique for aphakic correction in the absence of capsular support and the presence of its defects. The technique used in the present study offers safety and stability of the intraocular lens position.
Long-Term Outcomes of Heavy Silicone Oil Tamponade for Complicated Retinal Detachment
Authors: Berker N. , Batman C. , Ozdamar Y. , Eranđl S. , Aslan O. , Zđlelđoglu O. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To assess the long-term success rates and complications of heavy silicone oil tamponade (Oxane HD) in the management of complicated retinal detachment with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Methods Twenty-one eyes of 21 patients with complicated retinal detachment and PVR were included in this study. Vitreoretinal surgery with heavy silicone oil (Oxane HD) tamponade was performed in all patients. Heavy silicone oil was injected by perfluorocarbon liquid-air-silicone oil exchange, and was removed after 3 months. The main outcomes of the surgery including the success and complication rates were evaluated during the mean follow-up period of 11.4±0.88 months. Wilcoxon signed ranks test was used for statistical analysis of visual acuity changes. The outcomes of our study were compared with those of the previous studies. Results All eyes had complicated retinal detachment with PVR Grade C3 or worse. Retinal detachment was rhegmatogenous in 6 eyes, secondary to previous detachment surgery in 11 eyes, secondary to proliferative diabetic retinopathy in 3 eyes, and secondary to perforating eye injury in 1 eye. The overall anatomic success rate was 80.9% at the end of the follow-up period. The overall visual success rate was 42.8%, with no statistically significant difference from baseline (p>0.05). Postoperative complications included severe reproliferation (4 eyes), intraocular pressure rise (3 eyes), anterior dislocation of silicone oil (2 eyes), posterior subcapsular cataract formation (4 eyes), vitreous hemorrhage (1 eye), rubeosis iridis (3 eyes), optic atrophy (1 eye), and ocular pain and photophobia (21 eyes). Conclusions According to the results of this study, vitreoretinal surgery with temporary heavy silicone oil tamponade appears to increase the anatomic success rates with minimal complication rate in cases with complicated retinal detachment and PVR.
Incidence of Ocular Pathologies in Italian Children with down Syndrome
Authors: Fimiani F. , Iovine A. , Carelli R. , Pansini M. , Sebastio G. , Magli A. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose This study identifies the incidence of primary ocular pathologies in a population of Italian children with Down syndrome. Methods A total of 157 Italian children with Down syndrome, age between 1 month and 18 years, were screened between February 2005 and October 2006. The ophthalmologic evaluation included a global inspection of orbit and bulbus oculi, evaluation of ocular motility and visual acuity, slit lamp biomicroscopy, cycloplegic skiascopy, tonometry, and indirect ophthalmoscopy. Results The overall incidence of ocular abnormalities was epicanthal fold (132 patients, 84%), hyperopia (93 patients, 59%), astigmatism (44 patients, 28%), myopia (14 patients, 9%), strabismus (56 patients, 36%, 45 cases of esotropia and 11 cases of exotropia), congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction (35 patients, 22%), cataract (18 patients, 11%), nystagmus (9 patients, 6%), blepharitis and conjunctivitis (6 patients, 4%), and retinal anomalies (10 patients, 6%). Unlike previous reports in patients with Down syndrome, no congenital glaucoma, keratoconus, or Brushfield spots were observed. Conclusions Compared to other studies in patients with Down syndrome, we observed a higher incidence of hyperopia and a lower incidence of myopia. The incidence of nystagmus, blepharitis, and conjunctivitis was less than that reported in other studies, while strabismus, especially exotropia (20%), had a high incidence in our cohort. We also frequently observed obstruction of the nasolacrimal duct (22%), but no keratoconus or glaucoma.
25-Gauge Peripheral Iridectomy during Vitrectomy
Authors: Shimada H. , Nakashizuka H. , Hattori T. , Mori R. , Mizutani Y. , Yuzawa M. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To report peripheral iridectomy using a 25-gauge vitreous cutter in a 42-year-old man with pupillary block due to adhesion of the internal iris surface to the continuous circular capsulorhexis. Methods A corneal opening was made at 10 o'clock during vitrectomy. A 25-gauge vitreous cutter was inserted into the anterior chamber with the port facing downward, and peripheral iridectomy at the 12 o'clock position was performed. The vitreous cutter was set at a cutting speed of 2500 cpm and the aspiration pressure at 600 mmHg. Results A 25-gauge vitreous cutter with a fine shaft could easily be inserted into the peripheral anterior chamber, and there was no contact with the corneal endothelium even when the anterior chamber became shallow in association with iridectomy. In this patient, pupillary block resolved with peripheral iridectomy, and ocular pressure was also controlled. Conclusions 25-Gauge peripheral iridectomy is a simple technique that permits iridectomy of appropriate size at any desirable location.
Presumed Infective Meningoencephalitis Complicated by Bilateral Optic Neuritis
Authors: Gore D.M. , Hildebrand G.D. , Sekhri R. , Nicolaides P. , Leitch J. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To report a case of presumed infective meningoencephalitis complicated by bilateral optic neuritis. Methods Interventional case report. Results A 7-year-old Pakistani girl presented with fever and multiple right-sided focal seizures. Despite empirical treatment with antibiotic, anti-viral and anti-tuberculous therapy for presumed infective meningoencephalitis, she further deteriorated, developing altered consciousness, hemiplegia and severe, bilateral optic neuritis. No infectious agent could be identified. Following the addition of high dose systemic corticosteroid therapy, her optic nerve function in both eyes began to recover. At 3-month follow-up, the hemiplegia had completely resolved, and visual acuity was 6/6 bilaterally with normal pupillary responses. Conclusions This case demonstrates that meningoencephalitis of presumed infective origin may be complicated by acute, severe, bilateral optic neuritis, the latter often mediating profound visual loss. In the setting of rapidly deteriorating vision, aggressive corticosteroid treatment, with antimicrobial cover, albeit unproven, remains the mainstay of treatment.
Demographic and Clinical Factors associated with Brimonidine-Induced Ocular Allergy
Authors: Manni G. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose. Ocular allergy induced by brimonidine tartrate 0.2% is a common adverse event that is associated with poor compliance and therefore treatment failure. The authors investigated the demographic and clinical characteristics associated with development of this allergy. Methods. In total, 133 patients with ocular hypertension or open angle glaucoma and treated with brimonidine tartrate 0.2% were retrospectively divided into two groups: allergic and nonallergic to brimonidine tartrate 0.2%. Demographic, local, and systemic ocular variables were compared in the two groups. Results. Altogether, 13.5% of patients (18 of 133) developed brimonidine ocular allergy, generally within 2 weeks of beginning treatment (mean time 14.8±17.9 days). Compared with the nonallergic group, the allergic group was significantly more likely to have a history of ocular allergy to eyedrops (p=0.048) and to topical beta blockers (p=0.019). Moreover, the allergic group showed decreased tear film production (p=0.044). Conclusions. Patients with a history of eyedrop allergy or with reduced tear film production are more likely to develop brimonidine-associated allergy. Brimonidine may therefore not be suitable for patients with a history of allergy.