bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Refractive surgery in patients with retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Vingolo Enzo Maria , Grenga Pier Luigi , Meduri Alessandro , Lupo Stefano , Grenga Roberto 
Published: January 2018

Purpose. To evaluate the refractive outcomes and safety of laser refractive surgery in a group of myopic patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Methods. This was a multicenter, retrospective, noncomparative, interventional case series. A total of 32 eyes of 16 patients with RP with at least 18 months of follow-up were treated with laser refractive surgery (photorefractive keratectomy [PRK], laser subepithelial keratectomy [LASEK]). Refractive outcomes, complete eye examination, corneal topography, and retinal sensitivities were evaluated during follow-up. Mean follow-up was 28.3 months (minimum 18, maximum 50). Mean patient age was 29.6 years (range 24–54). Mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.75 preoperatively Results. Eighteen months after surgery, mean uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was 0.8±1 line (p=0.02); mean BCVA was 0.85±1 line (p<0.0005) with mean spherical equivalent of −0.16 D. Corneal complications were not detected during follow-up; corneal topography did not show corneal ectasia in any patient after surgery. During follow-up visits, no development or progress of macular edema was noted in any eye. Retinal sensitivities increased after surgery; there were no significant changes in electroretinogram amplitude. Conclusions. Mean UCVA and BCVA 18 months after surgery were higher than preoperative BCVA. All patients were safely treated without any significant complications. Our results support the safety of performing PRK and LASEK in patients with tapetoretinal degeneration.
In Vitro Susceptibility of Bacterial Keratitis Isolates to Fourth-Generation Fluoroquinolones
Authors: Chawla Bhavna , Agarwal Prakashchand , Tandon Radhika , Titiyal Jeewan S. , Sharma Namrata , Agarwal Tushar , Nayak Niranjan , Satpathy Gita 
Published: January 2018

Purpose. To study the microbiological profile of bacterial keratitis in Northern India and to determine the antibiotic sensitivity pattern of bacterial keratitis isolates to fourth-generation fluoroquinolones. Methods. Laboratory records of all consecutive cases of clinically suspected bacterial corneal ulcers were retrospectively reviewed. Data noted included microorganism isolated and antibiotic culture sensitivity to cefazolin, tobramycin, gatifloxacin, and moxifloxacin. In vitro susceptibility toward individual antibiotics was determined and compared with the potential in vitro susceptibilities to cefazolin-tobramycin, cefazolin-gatifloxacin, and cefazolin-moxifloxacin combinations. Results. A total of 292 bacterial isolates were identified. Of these, 255 (87.3%) were Gram-positive and 37 (12.7%) were Gram-negative. Staphylococcus epidermidis (n=227, 77.7%) was the most common organism. Overall susceptibility of isolates was 95.52% to gatifloxacin, 92.83% to moxifloxacin, 90.07% to tobramycin, and 83.56% to cefazolin (p<0.000). Organisms which showed resistance to fourth-generation fluoroquinolones included Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, viridans streptococci, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. Susceptibilities to gatifloxacin and moxifloxacin were comparable with each other (p=0.312) and with potential susceptibilities to cefazolin-tobramycin (p=0.479), gatifloxacin-cefazolin (p=0.134), and moxifloxacin-cefazolin (p=0.412) combinations. Conclusions. Monotherapy with moxifloxacin or gatifloxacin can be an effective alternative to cefazolin-tobramycin combination as a first-line empirical therapy for bacterial keratitis. The addition of cefazolin to a fourth-generation fluoroquinolone is of limited value.
Long-Term Benefit of Reduced Intraocular Pressure in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma Patients in Ethiopia
Authors: Alemu Abiye M. , Kristoffersen Caroline J. , Kristoffersen Michael S. , Stewart Jeanette A. , Stewart William C. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose. To determine the incidence of progression of primary open-angle glaucoma at individual levels of mean intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients in Ethiopia. Methods. A retrospective, multicenter, cohort analysis of patient records with at least 5 years of potential follow-up were evaluated for risk factors associated with progressive optic disc and visual field loss. Results. There were 300 patients with the potential of 5 years of follow-up. In total, 166 patients progressed before 5 years and 134 remained stable for the full 5-year follow-up period. Of the total sample, 84% of patients with IOPs ≤19 (n=117/139), 53% of patients with IOPs of 20 (n=9/17), 14% of patients with IOPs of 21–24 (n=9/63), and 0% of the patients with IOPs of ≥25 mmHg (n=0/79) remained stable over at least 5 years. The mean IOP was 17.4±2.1 in the stable group and 25.0±5.9 mmHg in the progressed group (p<0.0001). The highest average peak IOP was 24.5±4.5 in the stable group and 29.0±6.1 mmHg in the progressed group (p<0.0001). A multivariant regression analysis to determine risk factors for progression was positive for mean IOP (p=0.0097). Conclusions. This study suggests that IOP reduction in a developing country, despite potential limitations in diagnostic techniques, follow-up, and compliance, can be effective in reducing the risk of glaucomatous progression over long-term follow-up.
Comparison of 2 Surgical Techniques in Phacotrabeculectomy: 1 Site versus 2 Sites
Authors: Nassiri Nader , Nassiri Nariman , Mohammadi Babak , Rahmani Laleh 
Published: January 2018

Purpose. To compare 1-site and 2-site phacotrabeculectomies with regard to visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP) control, antiglaucoma medication requirements, and postoperative complications. Methods. In a randomized controlled trial, 169 eyes with coexisting visually significant cataract and glaucoma were randomly allocated into 2 groups: eyes that had a trabeculectomy in a superior quadrant combined with phacoemulsification through the same incision (1-site group; n=85) or those with a separate, temporal, clear corneal incision for phacoemulsification (2-site group; n=84). Postoperative evaluation, including visual acuity, intraocular pressure (IOP), glaucoma medication requirements, and surgical complications, was for up to 18 months. Results. After 18 months, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups with respect to visual acuity and antiglaucoma medication requirements. There was a 0.6 to 1.4 mmHg difference in mean IOP, with the 2-site technique demonstrating statistically significant advantage over the 1-site technique in some follow-up visits with nonparametric analysis; however, the difference cannot be clinically significant. Success rates (IOP<21 mmHg with the maximum use of medication) of 1-site and 2-site groups were 85.9% and 92.8%, respectively, which was not statistically significant (p=0.153). Nevertheless, the incidence of failure in the 1-site group was almost twice that of the 2-site group (12 vs 6). Postoperative complications were comparable in both groups. Conclusions. Results for 18-month follow-ups of 1-site and 2-site phacotrabeculectomies were comparable in terms of visual acuity, antiglaucoma medication requirements, and postoperative complications. While lowering of IOP was more pronounced in the 2-site group, this was not clinically significant.
Differences in Visual Performance of Acrysof ReSTOR IOL in High and Low Myopic Eyes
Authors: Alfonso José F. , Fernández-Vega Luis , Ortí Susana , Ferrer-Blasco Teresa , Montés-Micó Robert 
Published: January 2018

Purpose. To determine the differences in refractive and visual results obtained in eyes with high and low myopia after multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. Methods. Monocular visual acuity for distance and near, with and without distance correction, and photopic and mesopic contrast sensitivity were measured at 6 months after surgery in 152 myopic eyes implanted with the AcrySof ReSTOR Natural (SN60D3) IOL. Two groups were created: high and low myopia (76 eyes in each). Results. Monocular best distance-corrected visual acuity was 0.02±0.06 logMAR for low myopes and 0.05±0.09 logMAR for high myopes. Monocular best distance-corrected near visual acuity was 0.04±0.05 and 0.07±0.08 logMAR for low and high myopes, respectively. Contrast sensitivity for high myopic eyes under photopic conditions was lower, primarily at high spatial frequencies, in relation to low hyperopic. Differences between both groups were statistically significant for 6 and 18 cycles per degree (cpd) spatial frequencies (p<0.006). At mesopic level, high myopic eyes showed lower values compared to low myopic eyes for all spatial frequencies. However, these differences were only statistically significant for 3, 6, and 12 cpd (p<0.003). Conclusions. The AcrySof ReSTOR IOL provided good visual acuity and contrast sensitivity for both distance and near, with and without distance correction; however, better results were found in low myopic eyes compared to those obtained in eyes with high levels of myopia.
The Combination of Diffractive and Refractive Multifocal Intraocular Lenses to Provide Full Visual Function after Cataract Surgery
Authors: Hütz Werner W. , Bahner Katarzyna , Röhrig Bernd , Hengerer Fritz 
Published: January 2018

Purpose. To investigate if implantation of a far dominant refractive multifocal intraocular lens (IOL) in one eye and a near dominant diffractive multifocal IOL in the fellow eye improves range of vision following cataract surgery. Methods. This was a prospective, nonrandomized, case-control study involving 20 patients (40 eyes) scheduled for cataract surgery. Inclusion criteria were bilateral cataracts, minimum age 50 years, availability for follow-up visits, and informed consent. All patients received a far dominant refractive multifocal IOL (ReZoom, Abbott Medical Optics) in their dominant eye and a near dominant diffractive multifocal IOL (Tecnis ZM900, AMO) in their nondominant eye. Preoperative and postoperative measurements (3 months) included refraction, uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), reading acuity, and reading speed. Results. All patients completed the study. We present results of the 3-month postoperative visit. The patient group comprised 14 females and 6 males, with mean age 72 years (SD 6.1 years). Postoperatively, the mean sphere was 0.05 ± 0.31 D and the cylinder −0.31 ± 0.37 D. At the 3-month visit, mean binocular distance UCVA was 0.080 logMAR (SD 0.070) and BCVA was 0.030 logMAR (SD 0.066). The mean binocular near visual acuity was 0.140 logMAR (SD 0.068), mean binocular best-corrected, near visual acuity 0.060 logMAR (SD 0.060). Conclusions. The combination of a far dominant refractive multifocal IOL (with better distance performance) with a near dominant diffractive multifocal IOL (with better near vision) proved to be very suitable to help meet cataract patients’ visual needs.
Visual Neuropraxia and Progressive Vision Loss from Thyroid-Associated Stretch Optic Neuropathy
Authors: Soni Chetan R. , Johnson LenWorth N. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose. Animal models have provided information on the tensile strength of the optic nerve, but to our knowledge no in vivo study of the tensile strength of the human optic nerve has been reported. Accordingly, we present 3 cases of stretch optic neuropathy, an often unrecognized cause of vision loss from thyroid eye disease. Methods. Observational study of thyroid-associated stretch optic neuropathy. Results. Three cases of stretch optic neuropathy were identified. Visual acuity was better than 20/40. Two patients had arcuate scotoma. Moderate to severe proptosis of 25 to 33 mm was present, without evidence of apical orbital compression. Two patients had retinal hemorrhages suggesting venous stasis retinopathy; the venous stasis retinopathy resolved after orbital decompression. Orbital decompression resulted in improvement of visual function. The rate of decibel sensitivity loss on automated perimetry was estimated at −0.042 dB/da in one case, with complete blindness projected to occur within 785 days from the onset of visual symptoms. Conclusions. Stretch optic neuropathy presents initially as neuropraxia with temporary visual loss. Orbital decompression should be considered for treatment before permanent and irreversible visual loss ensues.
Pneumatic Displacement of Acute Submacular Hemorrhage with and without the use of Tissue Plasminogen Activator
Authors: Çakir Mehmet , Çekiç Osman , Yilmaz Ömer F. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose. To evaluate the efficacy of C3F8 gas-assisted pneumatic displacement in the treatment of massive submacular hemorrhage, with and without the use of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA). Methods. Twenty-one eyes of 21 patients with recently developed (up to 10 days) dense submacular hemorrhage underwent intravitreal injection of pure C3F8 gas (0.4–0.5 mL) followed by face-down positioning for pneumatic displacement. Seven of them received additional intravitreal injection of 25–50 μg tPA. The primary etiology of submacular hemorrhage was age-related macular degeneration (n=16), myopic choroidal neovascularization (n=2), retinal arterial macroaneurysm (n=2), and trauma (n=1). Visual acuity and displacement of hemorrhage were the main outcome measures. Results. Follow-up period was 6–12 months. Effective displacement of hemorrhage was obtained in 20 of 21 patients within 7 days. Final median Snellen visual acuity (0.18) was found significantly improved compared to baseline (0.03) (p<0.001). Visual acuity improvement was similar in both groups (p=0–72). Conclusions. Intravitreal injection of C3F8 effectively displaced thick submacular hemorrhage and improved visual acuity independently from primary cause. Additional tPA use in this study had no impact on the final outcomes.
Macular Congenital Hypertrophy of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium: A Case Report
Authors: Zucchiatti Llaria , Parodi Mauhzio Battaglia , Pala Michela , Bandello Francesco Maria 
Published: January 2018

Purpose. To describe autofluorescence, microperimetry, and electrophysiology findings in a case of macular congenital hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (CHRPE). Methods. A 58-year-old man was referred to the Department of Ophthalmology of the University of Udine for the evaluation of a pigmented macular lesion in the right eye. The patient underwent blue-light autofluorescence (BL-AF), near-infrared autofluorescence (NIR-AF), electrooculogram, full-field electroretinogram and multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG), microperimetry computerized visual field, and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Results. BL-AF performed using Heidelberg Retinal Angiograph II revealed a homogeneous hypoautofluorescence, surrounded by a hyperautofluorescent halo. NIR-AF showed a heterogeneous response combining an increased signal in the center of the lesion bordered by a decreased and darker signal. Electrooculogram and full-field electroretinogram were normal in both eyes. mfERG revealed only a limited area of reduced function in the right eye, which matched to location of CHRPE. The segments most functionally altered on mfERG corresponded to the area showing an increased signal in the NIR-AF, possibly reflecting the presence of increased pigment density within a more viable retinal pigment epithelium-Bruch membrane complex. Conclusions. In essence, macular CHRPE is associated with slight defect in retinal sensitivity and outer retinal dysfunction secondary to the anatomic changes characteristic of the lesion.
Electrolysis Treatment of Trichiasis by Using Ultra-Fine Needle
Authors: Sakarya Yasar , Sakarya Rabia , Yildihm AyDin 
Published: January 2018

Purpose. To determine the safety and efficacy of electrolysis treatment of trichiasis by using ultrafine needle. Methods. The medical records of 24 lids of 24 patients who underwent electrolysis treatment for trichiasis by the same surgeon (Y.S.) during the period from May 2006 through December 2008 were reviewed. The average age of the 24 patients was 59.2 years (range, 43 to 76 years). Thirteen of the patients were women. Results. The results were considered satisfactory if no recurrence of trichiasis occurred for at least 6 months after the last electrolysis procedure. Sixteen of the 24 patients (66.6%) had a satisfactory result with 1 treatment. Of the 8 patients (33.3%) who had an unsatisfactory result, while 5 (20.8%) responded well to 1 additional electrolysis, 3 (12.5%) responded well to 2 additional electrolyses to the recurrent cilia. The procedure was well tolerated by the patients. All eyelids healed within 2 weeks after treatment without any scarring. Faint hypopigmentation was visible in 2 patients (8.3%). Mild notching of eyelid occurred in 4 patients (16.6%). Conclusions. Electrolysis treatment by using ultrafine (55-μm thickness) needle is an effective and safe method for treatment of trichiasis with many advantages over other recognized modalities of therapy.
Cataract Surgery in the United Kingdom: A Postal Survey
Authors: Olali Carpi A. , Priya Anita , Gupta Mohit , Ahmed Sohail 
Published: January 2018

Purpose. A postal questionnaire study to evaluate the current practice of cataract surgery delivery in the United Kingdom including strategies for postoperative review was performed. Methods. A cataract questionnaire was sent to all hospital departments delivering ophthalmic services in the United Kingdom based on a list from the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. It included questions about the staffing level, number of cases operated on per list, and the different strategies employed postoperatively. The results were statistically analyzed. Results. A total of 248 questionnaires were sent and 106 (43%) replies were received. The mean number of consultant teams was 11 (2–20). The average number of cases per list was 6–7 (range 4–9). In 65 hospitals, all patients are reviewed postoperatively in the hospital and some consultant teams review patients postoperatively in 18 hospitals. In 15 hospitals, patients were seen by the community optician. Most hospitals review their patients postoperatively within the first 3 weeks with more hospitals seeing them at 2–3 weeks. A wide variety of health professionals review the postoperative cases and they include doctors, nurses, and opticians (in house and community). Conclusions. There are varied practices for cataract surgery in the United Kingdom including the number of cases on the list and postoperative review protocols. There is room for better service organization in some hospitals in terms of patient flow and better use of medical staff time to improve output.
PRPH2 (Peripherin/RDS) Mutations Associated with Different Macular Dystrophies in a Spanish Population: A New Mutation
Authors: Coco Rosa M. , Tellena Juan J. , Sanabria M. Rosa , Rodríguez-Rúa Enrique , García M. Teresa 
Published: January 2018

Purpose. To assess the occurrence of PRPH2 mutations in patients presenting macular dystrophies and to describe their phenotype-genotype correlation. Methods. A total of 32 sporadic cases and 13 individuals from 5 families were studied. The patients presented early onset drusen, suspected pattern dystrophy (including adult-onset foveomacular vitelliform dystrophy [AOFVD]), or any presumed macular dystrophy producing neovascularization or atrophic changes documented before patients reached 50 years of age. In case of atrophy, this could be confined to the macula, which was considered to be central areolar choroidal dystrophy (CACD), or extend to the midperiphery of the retina, which we called diffuse macular dystrophy (DMD). Clinical workup and analysis of PRPH2, EFEMP1, and TIMP3 genes were done. Results. Four mutations of the PRPH2 gene were found in 3 sporadic cases and 3 families (n=11). A p.R46X mutation, previously described in CACD, was found in 3 members of a family with AOFVD and in a sporadic case with DMD. A p.L45F mutation, described before in retinitis pigmentosa, was found in a sporadic case of AOFVD. A p.R195L mutation previously described in CACD was found in 2 members of a family with CACD. The latter was found in a family and a sporadic case (from the same village as the family) and all of them presented DMD. A new p.V209l mutation was found in a patient with AOFVD. Conclusions. New phenotypes were found for known mutations. No phenotype variation was observed in the members of the 3 families. A new mutation in PRPH2 gene was found.
Ranibizumab for Idiopathic Retinal Vasculitis, Aneurysms, and Neuroretinitis: Favorable Results
Authors: Karagiannis Dimithos , Soumplis Vasileios , Georgalas Ilias , Kandarakis Artemios 
Published: January 2018

Purpose. Idiopathic retinitis, vasculitis, aneurysms, and neuroretinitis (IRVAN) is a rare syndrome that can progress rapidly to severe visual loss mainly due to the development of proliferative retinopathy despite aggressive therapeutic retinal photocoagulation or pars plana vitrectomy. We report a case of IRVAN treated with ranibizumab as an adjunctive treatment of IRVAN. Methods. Interventional case report. A 50-year-old woman was diagnosed with IRVAN. Complete ocular and systemic examination and fundus fluorescein angiography were performed to evaluate the patient. Treatment with 2 monthly intravitreal injections of 0.5 mg ranibizumab was initiated for each eye followed by panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) in the right eye (RE) and pars plana vitrectomy, endolaser, and additional PRP in the left eye (LE). Results. Immediate regression of optic nerve neovascularization in the RE was noted after ranibizumab treatment. One year after initial presentation, best-corrected visual acuity was 20120 in the RE and 20/50 in the LE and results of fundus examination have shown complete regression of neovascularization bilaterally. Conclusions. We propose a modified treatment modality for stage 3 IRVAN with the adjunctive use of ranibizumab. Our patient has shown complete regression of posterior segment neovascularization accompanied with significant improvement of her visual acuity. Ranibizumab seems to have encouraging results as an adjunctive treatment of IRVAN.
Treatment of Allergic Conjunctivitis: Results of a 1-Month, Single-Masked Randomized Study
Authors: Figus Michele , Fogagnolo Paolo , Lazzeri Stefano , Capizzi Fedehca , Romagnoli Mahachiara , Canovetti Annalisa , Iester Michele , Ferreras Antonio , Rossetti Luca , Nardi Marco 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To compare the effects of topical antiallergic eyedrops in relieving the signs and symptoms of patients with allergic conjunctival pathology. Methods In this multicenter, single-masked, randomized study, 240 patients with signs and symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis were randomized to receive 1 of the following 8 treatments twice daily: cromolyn sodium/chlorpheniramine maleate, diclofenac, epinastine, fluorometholone, ketotifen, levocabastine, naphazoline/antazoline, and olopatadine. Clinical signs and symptoms were evaluated by a masked operator using a 10-point scale at the moment of enrollment (day 0) and at weeks 1, 2, and 4. The percentage of patients achieving at least a small (at least 50% reduction of the total scale score) or a good (at least 75%) improvement of signs and symptoms was calculated at each visit. Tolerability was also evaluated as the duration of discomfort after instillation. Results All drugs gave some improvement in symptoms in more than 85% of cases. Epinastine and olopatadine obtained at least a good relief of symptoms in 37% and 33% of cases at week 1. At the end of the study, good improvement of symptoms was obtained in at least 70% of patients by epinastine, ketotifen, fluorometholone, and olopatadine, whereas a 75% improvement for signs was obtained only by fluorometholone and ketotifen. Naphazoline/antazoline induced higher discomfort compared to the other study treatments (p<0.0001). Conclusions The efficacy of epinastine, ketotifen, and olopatadine in the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis was comparable to fluorometholone. Naphazoline/antazoline had lower tolerability than the other study treatments.