bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison between Phaco-Deep Sclerectomy Converted into Phaco-Trabeculectomy and Uneventful Phaco-Deep Sclerectomy
Authors: Rebolleda G. , Muñoz-Negrete F.J. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To evaluate and compare the results and complications of eyes that underwent a phaco-deep sclerectomy (DS) converted into phaco-trabeculectomy due to an intraoperative macroperforation with eyes undergoing uneventful phaco-DS. Methods The authors reviewed 106 eyes having a planned phaco-DS; 10 of them (9.4%) had to be converted into phaco-trabeculectomy because of a large perforation during the nonpenetrating procedure. Intraocular pressure (IOP), visual acuity, glaucoma medication evolution, and complications were evaluated and compared between groups. Results Eyes undergoing uneventful phaco-DS (n=96, Group 1) had a significantly higher postoperative IOP compared with those undergoing transformed phaco-trabeculectomy (n=10, Group 2) (p<0.05). One year postoperatively, 81.2% and 100% of the eyes in the Group 1 and 2, respectively, had an IOP ≤ 21 mmHg without treatment (p=0.206). One year postoperatively, eyes that underwent uneventful phaco-DS needed more glaucoma medications than eyes converted into phaco-trabeculectomy (p=0.014). Visual acuity improved more quickly in Group 1 (p<0.05). Hyphema and choroidal detachment rates were significantly higher in Group 2 (p=0.002 and p=0.027, respectively). Conclusions Phaco-DS converted into phaco-trabeculectomy provides better midterm IOP control when compared with uneventful phaco-DS, but has more complications and worse visual acuity in the early postoperative period.
Immunohistochemical Study of Extracellular Matrix Components in Epiretinal Membranes of Vitreoproliferative Retinopathy and Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Ioachim E. , Stefaniotou M. , Gorezis S. , Tsanou E. , Psilas K. , Agnantis N.J. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose The migration, proliferation, differentiation, and adhesion of cells and other cellular functions are influenced by the surrounding extracellular matrix in normal and wound healing conditions. The formation of epiretinal membranes, a wound healing process, is a serious complication of retinal diseases, the most important being proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) and proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). In the present study, the authors investigated the expression of various extracellular matrix components and in particular tenascin, fibronectin, laminin, collagen IV, and MMP-3 glycoprotein as well as the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein in each type of epithelial membrane in order to elucidate the role of these molecules in the formation of these two types of membranes. Methods The authors performed immunohistochemistry in 14 PVR and 14 PDR membranes, using antibodies against the above mentioned extracellular matrix components. Tenascin and fibronectin were observed as major components in the extracellular matrix, while laminin and collagen type IV were detected as minor components in both types of membranes. A higher fibronectin expression in PVR compared with PDR membranes was found (p=0.0035). A positive relationship of its expression with the proliferative activity (p=0.15) and collagen type IV expression (p<0.0001) was also observed. Results Tenascin expression was positively correlated with glial fibrillary acidic protein positive cells in PDR membranes (p=0.04). Collagen type IV localized around vessels was observed with high levels in PDR membranes (p=0.0031). Conclusions The results indicated that the extracellular matrix components seem to be involved in PVR and PDR, contributing to tissue remodeling and perhaps by different pathogenetic pathways, which could reflect different stages of development in these two types of membranes.
Evidence-Based Guidelines on the Referral of Visually Impaired Persons to Low Vision Services
Authors: De Boer M.R. , Langelaan M. , Jansonius N.M. , Van Rens G.H.M.B. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose One to two percent of the population in the Western world is visually impaired or blind. For most of these people there is no curative therapy. Therefore, the Dutch Ophthalmic Society has taken the initiative to develop an evidence-based guideline for the referral of visually impaired persons to low vision services. Methods A systematic literature search was performed in the Embase (1991–2001) and Medline (1966–2003) databases. Literature was searched for definitions of visual impairment, for physician-patient communication, and for outcome of interventions for visually impaired persons. Results of the articles that were selected were summarized and rated according to the level of evidence. Other considerations such as the current organization of rehabilitation for visually impaired persons in the Netherlands were also taken into account. Results The World Health Organization criteria were slightly adapted in order to include all people who experience problems with reading and other daily life activities due to visual impairment. A large number of recommendations were devised. Among these is that the complete diagnosis should be communicated to the patient and that a second appointment should be offered in which the diagnosis and potential treatment options are discussed again. Another recommendation is that in general visually impaired adults eligible for referral should be referred for the provision of low vision aids and that patients with complex problems or extensive rehabilitative demand should be referred to a rehabilitation center. Conclusions This article presents a summary of the first European evidence-based guideline for the referral of visually impaired persons.
A Case of Palpebral Dirofilariasis
Authors: Aiello A. , Aiello P. , Aiello F. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose Dirofilaria repens infection is the most frequent and widespread dirofilariasis in the world. In Italy subcutaneous dirofilariasis is present especially in Northern-Central areas. Methods A woman with a palpebral lump is presented. Results After subcutaneous and muscular décollement, the authors found and removed a parasite. The final diagnosis was subcutaneous parasitosis due toD. repens. Conclusions Surgery was both diagnostic and therapeutic.
Long-Term Persistence of Fascia Lata Patch Graft in Glaucoma Drainage Device Surgery
Authors: GutiéRrez-Díaz E. , Montero-Rodríguez M. , Mencía-Gutiérrez E. , Cabello A. , Monescillo J. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose Conjunctival erosion in glaucoma drainage device surgery can be prevented by the use of patch grafts to cover the extraocular portion of the tube. Several materials can be used, among them human preserved fascia lata. Methods The authors present a case of a failed Ahmed glaucoma valve due to encapsulation of the bleb, in which the fascia lata patch placed to cover the tube was removed 32 months later, during the implantation of a second glaucoma drainage device. Results Histopathologic examination of the fascia lata patch demonstrated its persistence, without degradation or cellular infiltration. Conclusions Human preserved fascia lata is a suitable material for tube covering in glaucoma drainage device surgery, with long-term survival.
Intravitreal Triamcinolone in the Treatment of Serous Pigment Epithelial Detachment and Occult Choroidal Neovascularization Secondary to Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Nicolö M. , Ghiglione D. , Lai S. , Calabria G. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To report two cases of occult choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and serous pigment epithelial detachment (PED) treated with intravitreal triamcinolone (IVT) injections. Methods Interventional case reports. Results Both patients showed an increase in visual acuity and a complete flattening of the PED at 10 months (Case 1) and 4 months (Case 2) after IVT injections. No complications or adverse effects are reported. Conclusions Future studies should be designed to investigate if IVT can effectively influence the clinical and functional outcome of eyes with serous PED and occult CNV secondary to age-related macular degeneration, for which at the moment no treatment has been shown to be effective.
Scanning Laser Polarimetry and Retinal Thickness Analysis before and after Laser in Situ Keratomileusis
Authors: Hoffmann E.M. , Dick H.B. , Grus F.H. , Pfeiffer N. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To evaluate changes in retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness after laserin situ keratomileusis (LASIK) using a scanning laser Polarimeter with fixed corneal compensation (GDx) and the retinal thickness analyzer (RIA). Methods Thirty-eight eyes of 19 healthy subjects (10 female and 9 male; mean age 37.0±8.8 years) underwent GDx and RTA measurements before and after LASIK. All subjects revealed mild to high myopia (mean spherical refraction: −4.0±2.75 D). Measurements using GDx were followed by RTA measurements after pupil dilation. All measurements were performed the day before LASIK and 1 week postoperatively. Results GDX revealed a decrease in nerve fiber layer thickness measurements after LASIK, but did not reach statistical significance (p>0.05). Using RTA, mean RNFL thickness (MRNFL) and RNFL cross sectional area decreased significantly after LASIK (p=0.03 and p=0.02, respectively). Conclusions Scanning laser polarimetry revealed a slight decrease in RNFL thickness measurements after LASIK. MRNFL and RNFL cross section were significantly lower after LASIK using RTA. The changes might be artifacts in a small group of myopic subjects.
Contrast and Glare Sensitivity after Implantation of AcrySof® and Human Optics 1CU® Intraocular Lenses
Authors: Kamppeter B.A. , Sauder G. , Jonas J.B. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To evaluate contrast and glare sensitivity of a newly developed, potentially accommodative intraocular lens. Methods The clinical interventional prospective randomized study included 20 patients (23 eyes) undergoing standard phacoemulsification with clear cornea incision in topical anesthesia. In the study group (10 eyes), the 1CU Human Optics intraocular lens (optics diameter 5.5 mm) was implanted. The control group (13 eyes) received the monofocal AcrySof intraocular lens (optics diameter: 6.0 mm). Using a newly developed contrast measuring device, contrast and glare sensitivity were tested 4 weeks after surgery. Results The study group and control group did not vary significantly in contrast (p=0.38) or glare sensitivity (p=0.52). Conclusions The results suggest that the newly developed 1CU Human Optics intraocular lens and the standard AcrySof intraocular lens do not vary significantly in glare and contrast sensitivity.
Implantation of Stimulation Electrodes in the Subretinal Space to Demonstrate Cortical Responses in Yucatan Minipig in the Course of Visual Prosthesis Development
Authors: Sachs H.G. , Gekeler F. , Schwahn H. , Jakob W. , Köhler M. , Schulmeyer F. , Marienhagen J. , Brunner U. , Framme C. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose During the course of the development of visual prostheses, subretinal stimulation films were implanted in micropigs in order to prove the feasibility of subretinal electrical stimulation with subsequent cortical response. One aim was to demonstrate that epidural recording of visual evoked potentials is possible in the micropig. Methods Film-bound stimulation electrode arrays were placed in the subretinal space of micropigs. This enabled the retina to be stimulated subretinally. Since conventional visual evoked potential (VEP) measuring is virtually impossible in the pig from the neurosurgical point of view, epidural recording electrode arrays were positioned over the visual cortex as permanent electrodes. Results The feasibility of temporary implantation of film-bound stimulation electrode arrays was successfully demonstrated in the micropig model. On stimulation with monopolar voltage pulses (1000 to 3000 mV), reproducible epidural VEP measurements (5 to 10 μV) were detected. Conclusions The feasibility of subretinal stimulation of the retina was demonstrated in a retinal model that is similar to the human retina. This animal model therefore offers a suitable means of studying the tolerability of stimulation situations in the course of visual prosthesis development.
Immune Recovery Uveitis in a iatrogenically Immunosuppressed Patient
Authors: Miserocchi E. , Modorati G. , Brancato R. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To report a case of immune recovery uveitis (IRU) in an iatrogenically immunosuppressed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-negative patient. Methods Interventional case report. One patient was diagnosed with cytomegalovirus retinitis in the left eye while receiving immunosuppressive treatment following renal transplantation. The retinitis resolved completely with systemic ganciclovir. Further reduction of immunosuppressive treatment, causing a rapid increase in CD4–T lymphocyte count, was associated in the same eye with the occurrence of IRU consisting of anterior uveitis, vitritis, and macular edema. Results Visual acuity at IRU presentation onset was 20/200 in the left eye. After 6 weeks of follow-up, the uveitis resolved with topical and periocular steroid treatment. Visual acuity restored to 20/40. Conclusions IRU can occur in iatrogenically immunosuppressed HIV-negative patients.
Ocular Hypertension and Corneal Thickness: A Long-Term Prospective Study. Results after Two Years
Authors: Brusini P. , Tosoni C. , Parisi L. , Rizzi L. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To study the importance of the central corneal thickness (CCT) in patients with ocular hypertension in a 2-year follow-up. Methods A total of 110 subjects with ocular hypertension (intraocular pressure [IOP] >21 mmHg and normal automated visual field test) were admitted to the study. All patients periodically underwent the following tests: 1) circadian IOP curve; 2) standard automated perimetry (SAP, Humphrey 30–2 SITA test); 3) short wavelength automated perimetry (SWAP); 4) frequency doubling technology perimetry (FDT, N-30 threshold test); 5) nerve fiber layer analysis with GDx; 6) ibopamine test; 7) ultrasonic pachymetry. Patients were divided into three groups, based on corneal thickness. The frequency of abnormal tests within these groups was evaluated with the Pearson's χ2 test. Baseline IOP was corrected using the Doughty and Zaman formula. CCT was also considered as a continuous variable. A control group of 48 normal subjects was also considered. Results The mean CCT was 562.8 um ± 37.7. The difference with respect to normal subjects was statistically significant (p<0.01). Using the correction formula, 43 eyes (39.1%) had an IOP <21 mmHg. Abnormal test results were more frequently found with FDT. The percentage of abnormal results was found to be inversely proportional to CCT. The other tests gave inconsistent or conflicting results. Using the values of CCT as a continuous variable, no significant association was found with the GDx number and the visual field indices. Conclusions The results of our 2-year study confirm the importance of CCT measurement in the evaluation of the risk of developing glaucomatous damage.
12-Week Study Comparing the Fixed Combination of Brimonidine and Timolol with Concomitant Use of the Individual Components in Patients with Glaucoma and Ocular Hypertension
Authors: Goñi F.J. ,   Brimonidine/Timolol Fixed Combination Study Group, de Groot Veva , El-Rifai Mohamed , Khalifa Ali Ahmed , Labib Taha , Sabry Nabil , Saif Sayid , de Jong Leo , Tjia Khiun Fi , Vaandrager Willem , Cernica Ozana , Chiselita Dorin , Vasinca Dumitru Ioan , Goñi Francisco Javier , Larena-Gomez Concepcio , Teus-Guezala Miguel , Urcelay-Segura Jose Luis , Calel Bertil , Chen Enping , Andac Kutay , Izgi Belgin , Ocakoglu Ozcan , Turacli M. Erol , Bossowska Izabella J. , Ingram Alison M. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To evaluate the efficacy and safety of fixed-combination brimonidine tartrate 0.2%/timolol 0.5% ophthalmic solution dosed BID and demonstrate non-inferiority to concomitant use of brimonidine tartrate 0.2% BID and timolol 0.5% BID in glaucoma and ocular hypertension patients with intraocular pressure (IOP) uncontrolled on monotherapy. Methods Randomized, multicenter, double-masked, parallel-group study involving 371 patients with inadequate IOP control (IOP from 22 to 34 mmHg) after ≥3 weeks of run-in on any monotherapy. Patients were treated with fixed-combination brimonidine/timolol BID (fixed-combination group, n=188) or concomitant brimonidine BID and timolol BID (concomitant group, n=183). IOP was assessed pre-dose and 2 hours after morning dosing at weeks 2, 6, and 12. Results A total of 355 patients (96%) completed the study. Patient demographics, run-in monotherapy, and baseline mean IOP on monotherapy were comparable between treatment groups. During follow-up, the mean reduction from baseline IOP was significant (p<0.001) at all time points and ranged from 4.4 to 5.3 mmHg in each group. Brimonidine/timolol fixed combination was as effective as concomitant therapy with respect to mean IOP and mean change from baseline IOP at all time points and visits. Between-group differences were <0.35 mmHg for mean IOP and <0.30 mmHg for mean change from baseline IOP; none were significant. No unexpected side effects were associated with the fixed combination. Both treatments were well tolerated with no difference in adverse events between groups. Conclusions Brimonidine/timolol fixed-combination therapy is as safe and effective as concomitant treatment with the individual components. Its simplified dosing regimen has the potential to improve compliance.
Optic Disc Drusen in Tilted Disc
Authors: Giuffrè G. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To investigate if a congenital anomaly of the head of the optic nerve like such as tilted disc can be a risk factor for the development of optic disc drusen. Methods The study was performed retrospectively on the files of 47 patients with optic disc drusen. The diagnosis was confirmed by fluorescein angiography and B-scan ultrasonography. The authors examined the fundus photographs and the fluorescein angiographies of these patients looking for the presence of tilted discs. Results Two of the 47 patients with optic nerve drusen had tilted discs as well, about twice the expected rate. Both cases presented a parapapillary hemorrhage. Conclusions The concomitant presence of tilted disc and optic disc drusen can have a cause-effect relationship. The axonal crowding in a scleral canal of reduced size, as seen in tilted disc, can compress the nerve fibers against the stiff lamina cribrosa, producing a chronic optic neuropathy leading to drusen.
Upregulation of ICAM-1 Expression in the Conjunctiva of Patients with Chronic Graft-Versus-Host Disease
Authors: Aronni S. , Cortes M. , Sacchetti M. , Lambiase A. , Micera A. , Sgrulletta R. , Bonini S. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To correlate conjunctival intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) expression with cytologic and clinical findings of chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Methods Seven patients with chronic GVHD-related keratoconjunctivitis and five age-matched normal controls were recruited for the study. Clinical examination included medical history, visual acuity, evaluation of ocular signs and symptoms (scored from 0 to 3), corneal fluorescein staining (scored from 0 to 5 on the basis of the number of corneal sectors involved), Schirmer test type I, and break-up time (BUT). Impression cytology samples were collected from the nasal and inferior bulbar conjunctiva of patients and controls. Goblet cells were counted in three randomly selected fields and averaged. Immunofluorescent staining for ICAM-1 was carried out and the percentage of cells expressing the marker was evaluated. Results All patients showed signs and symptoms of keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Schirmer test type I and BUT were reduced (4.8±6.7 mm/5 min and 3.9±2.7 seconds, respectively). Goblet cells were significantly reduced in GVHD eyes with respect to normal eyes (65±30.5 and 192±16.9 cells/field respectively; p<0.001). Goblet cell number was directly related to Schirmer test values (p<0.01, rho=0.817) and inversely related to total sign score (p<0.01, rho=-0.939). ICAM-1 expression was increased in GVHD eyes with respect to normal controls, in which no staining was observed. ICAM-1 expression showed an inverse relation to goblet cell number (p<0.01, rho=-0.852) and Schirmer test values (p<0.01, rho=-0.926), and was directly correlated to total sign score (p<0.01, rho=0.982). Conclusions Conjunctival ICAM-1 expression is increased in GVHD patients. The severity of the disease is associated with tear parameters, goblet cell decrease, and inflammatory markers, such as ICAM-1.
Corneal Topography Parameters after Superior Clear Corneal Incision Cataract Surgery in Arcus Lipoides
Authors: Resch M.D. , Bausz M. , Nagy Z.Z. , Suveges Í. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To compare changes in corneal topographic parameters after cataract surgery in eyes with different severities of arcus lipoides. Methods Fourty eyes of 40 patients (23 women, 17 men, age 71.3±20.4 years, range 40 to 89 years) were studied prospectively in a consecutive, non-interventional, comparative series of cases. Eyes were classed in three groups (0 to 2) according to the assessed grade of arcus lipoides (none, <180°, >180°). Corneal topography (Tomey TMS-2) was performed preoperatively and at 1 and 10 days and 1 and 3 months following cataract surgery (superior 4.0 mm clear corneal incision, no suture). Keratometric astigmatism (Dcyl), surface regularity index (SRI), surface asymmetry index (SAI), and potential visual acuity (PVA) were evaluated for the different groups and time-points, using the Kruskal-Wallis, Wilcoxon, and Mann-Whitney statistical tests. Results No significant preoperative difference was found in mean Dcyl, SRI, or PVA; preoperative SAI was lower in Group 1. Postoperatively Dcyl was increased at day 1 in Groups 1 and 2, and remained higher in Group 2 until month 1. At month 3 significant differences among Groups 0, 1, and 2 disappeared. Conclusions The 4.0 mm superior clear corneal incision is a safe method for cataract surgery in the presence of arcus lipoides. This procedure induces greater corneal astigmatism, surface irregularity, and lower PVA in the early postoperative period in cases with arcus lipoides than in normal corneas. Concerning final results, wound healing was not affected by greater severity of arcus lipoides, although stabilization of the corneal surface tended to be slower.
Effects of Latanoprost and GLC756, a Novel Dopamine D2 Agonist and D1 Antagonist, on Cultured Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts
Authors: Laengle U.W. , Markstein R. , Pralet D. , Greiner B. , Roman D. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose Proliferation of subconjunctival fibroblasts plays a critical role in scarring and failure of glaucoma filtering surgery. Long-term topical glaucoma medications appear to increase fibroblast proliferation. In this study, the effects of topical antiglaucoma drugs latanoprost and GLC756, a novel dopamine D2 agonist and D1 antagonist, on cultured normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDF) were examined. Methods The NHDF cell line was incubated with latanoprost, prostaglandinF2α (PGF2α), GLC756, or 5-fluorouracil as a positive control at concentrations of 3 and 30 μM for 6, 18, and 24 hours. Fibroblast growth was measured by 5-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) uptake using laser scanning cytometry. Results Latanoprost and PGF2α had a biphasic response on the number of cultured NHDF positively stained with BrdU. A stimulating effect on proliferation occurred early, 6 hours after incubation, and an inhibitory effect 18 to 24 hours after incubation. GLC756, in contrast, revealed only inhibitory effects on BrdU uptake 18 to 24 hours after incubation. The pattern of GLC756 was similar to that of the positive control 5-fluorouracil. Conclusions Latanoprost seemed to have a biphasic response on the proliferation of cultured NHDF. First there was a stimulating thereafter a secondary negative modulating effect. GLC756 had a fully antiproliferative effect on the NHDF, indicating an additional potential of novel dopamine compounds for topical glaucoma medication.