bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optical Coherence Tomography Imaging of Surgical Resolution of Bilateral Vitreomacular Traction Syndrome Related to Incomplete Posterior Vitreoschisis: A Case Report
Authors: Carpineto P. , Ciancaglini M. , Aharrh-Gnama A. , Cirone D. , Mastropasqua L. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To report a case of surgical resolution of bilateral vitreomacular traction syndrome related to incomplete posterior vitreoschisis as documented by optical coherence tomography (Stratus OCT, Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA). Case Report In both eyes of a 72-year-old man with bilateral blurred vision, OCT examination disclosed a relevant increase in mean foveal thickness (right eye = 714 μm; left eye = 757 μm) due to a vitreomacular traction syndrome. At the edges of the most highly elevated area of vitreo-macular traction, OCT scans showed a characteristic splitting of the hyperreflective signal in both eyes, usually identified as posterior vitreous cortex. Both eyes underwent vitrectomy with epiretinal membrane peeling. Postoperative OCT examination showed vitreomacular traction resolution in both eyes with an evident decrease in mean foveal thickness (right eye = 364 μm; left eye = 335 μm). Right visual acuity improved from 20/200 to 20/50; left visual acuity changed from 20/150 to 20/40. Conclusions OCT was a useful tool in identifying an unusual case of bilateral vitreomacular traction syndrome linked to incomplete posterior vitreoschisis and following a favorable course after surgical management.
Impaired Neural Conduction in Crossed Visual Pathways in Patients with Ocular Hypertension
Authors: Parisi V. , Manni G.L. , Olzi D. , Oddone F. , Coppola G. , Bucci M.G. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To evaluate the neural conduction along crossed and uncrossed visual pathways in patients with ocular hypertension (OHT). Methods Fifteen patients (mean age 59.1 ± 6.8 years) with OHT (IOP>22 mmHg, Humphrey 24-2 with mean deviation [MD]> −2 dB) were enrolled. They were compared to 15 age-matched controls. In OHT patients and control subjects, visual evoked potentials (VEPs) were recorded using full-field checkerboard patterns (the check subtended 15' of visual arc; contrast 80%) reversed at 2 Hz. VEP responses were simultaneously recorded in the homolateral visual cortex (HC) and in the contralateral visual cortex (CC), with respect to the stimulated eye. Results In OHT patients, VEP P100 implicit times observed in HC and CC were both significantly delayed (analysis of variance, p<0.01) when compared to those of controls, and, in particular, longer in CC than in HC. The interhemispheric differences (ID: P100 implicit time in HC – P100 implicit time in CC) were significantly higher in OHT patients than controls (–3.16±1.80 msec and 1.16 ± 1.04 msec, respectively, p=0.001). In OHT patients we observed an MD hemifield difference (difference between nasal and temporal MD values) higher than in controls (–0.82±0.80 dB and 0.04±1.03 dB, respectively, p<0.01) and significantly correlated with the ID (r: 0.836, p<0.001). Conclusions The observed asymmetry in the bioelectrical cortical responses and in the visual hemifield parameters suggests that crossed visual pathways could be impaired earlier than uncrossed visual pathways in OHT patients.
Diurnal Intraocular Pressure Variation in Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome
Authors: Altintaş Ö. , Yüksel N. , Karabaş V.L. , Çaglar Y. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To describe and compare the diurnal intraocular pressure (IOP) variation in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXS) and normal subjects. Methods The authors prospectively investigated 19 PXS patients (10 bilateral and 9 unilateral) and 25 age- and sex-matched normal subjects. One eye of each control subject and bilateral PXS patient was selected randomly, and pseudoexfoliative eyes of unilateral cases were enrolled in this study. All patients were admitted to the authors' ophthalmology department and underwent diurnal IOP testing (six measurements over 24 hours). Results The mean IOP of PXS patients at all time intervals was significantly higher than the control group (p<0.05). Likewise, a significant difference in the maximum IOP, range of IOP, and minimum IOP, as well as the standard deviation of the pressure at each time point, existed between groups (p<0.05). Normal individuals did not show diurnal variation greater than 5 mmHg. Of patients with PXS, 55.6% showed diurnal variation greater than 5 mm Hg. In addition, in 10% of patients with PXS, the diurnal variations were equal to or higher than 10 mmHg. Conclusions Variations in IOP during the daily 24-hour cycle in patients with PXS were higher than control groups. Significant fluctuations in the diurnal curve of IOP in PXS may be an important factor in predicting eyes that may develop pseudoexfoliative glaucoma. IOP fluctuation could influence the diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of PXS.
Unfavorable Effect of Photodynamic Therapy for Late Subretinal Neovascularization with Chorioretinal Anastomoses Associated with Idiopathic Multiple Serous Detachments of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium
Authors: Fossarello M. , Peiretti E. , Zucca I. , Serra A. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To describe a case of a 46-year-old woman with an asymptomatic history of unilateral multiple serous detachments of the retinal pigment epithelium (PED) in the right eye, treated with photodynamic therapy (PDT) with verteporfin for recent onset of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) with chorioretinal anastomoses (CRA). Methods Case report. Results Fluorescein and indocyanine green (ICG) angiography, performed with a Heidelberg scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO), demonstrated a predominantly classic foveal choroidal neovascular membrane associated with a PED and 1 one retinal and 2 two venous chorioretinal anastomoses. The left fundus was normal. PDT therapy was performed according to standard techniques. Three PDT treatments were performed at an interval of 3 months. Three months after the second PDT, visual acuity dropped to 20/200, with an enlargement of the neovascular network. One month after the third treatment, visual acuity deteriorated further and the CRA appeared enlarged, associated with a dense fibrotic reaction in the centere of the lesion. Conclusions This clinical observation demonstrates that idiopathic serous detachments of the retinal pigment epithelium may represent predisposing changes to CNV development, and in the case CNV is associated with CRA, PDT may be unsuccessful.
Acute Optic Neuropathy in Behçet Disease
Authors: Yalçindag N. , Yilmaz N. , Tekelí O. , Özdemír Ö. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To report a patient with Behçet disease presenting with acute optic neuropathy. Methods A 47-year-old man was admitted to the authors' clinic owing to sudden visual loss in the left eye. Ophthalmologic and systemic examinations were performed. Results Visual acuity was 4/10 in the left eye. Fundus examination demonstrated swollen optic disc with blurred margins. There was relative afferent pupil defect in the same eye. Mega-dose corticosteroid treatment was started with the diagnosis of acute optic neuropathy. Ocular findings resolved within 2 weeks. Conclusions Behçet disease rarely presents with acute optic neuropathy.
Infectious Keratitis in South Australia: Emerging Resistance to Cephazolin
Authors: Leibovitch I. , Lai T.F. , Senarath L. , Hsuan J. , Selva D. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To analyze the microbiologic spectrum and patterns of resistance of infectious keratitis in patients treated at a tertiary hospital in South Australia. Methods Retrospective review of microbiology laboratory records of all patients with infectious keratitis who had corneal scrapings, from 1998 to 2003. All records were subsequently reviewed for Gram staining and culture results, as well as antibiotic sensitivity and resistance. Results Positive corneal cultures were obtained in 134 out of 211 patients who had corneal scrapings (63.5%). Coagulase negative Staphylococcus was the commonest pathogen identified (29.8% of positive cultures), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (18.7%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12.7%), Moraxella (6.7%), Streptococcus pneumonia (6.0%), and fungal keratitis (5.2%). In 43.3% of culture positive cases, the organisms were also identified in Gram stain, and in all these cases there was a full correlation between the two methods. In vitro sensitivities were highest for gentamicin. Fourteen cases (35%) of coagulase negative Staphylococcus were found to be resistant to cephazolin. No ciprofloxacin resistance was identified in all Pseudomonas isolates tested. Conclusions Staphylococcus species continue to be the commonest causative organism for infectious keratitis; however, there is an emerging resistance to cephazolin, which is commonly used as the first-line antibiotic for Gram-positive cocci.
Ocular Blood Flow Evaluation in Injured and Healthy Fellow Eyes
Authors: Martini E. , Guiducci M. , Campi L. , Cavallini G.M. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To assess if injured eyes develop ocular blood flow disturbances that may contribute to development of traumatic glaucoma. Methods Twenty-five eyes of 25 patients hospitalized from January 1997 to July 1999 for blunt (15) or penetrating (10) eye injury and elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) (>23 mm Hg) were controlled at least 24 months after the trauma and underwent visual field examination, pulsatile ocular blood flow (pOBF), and color Doppler imaging (CDI) analysis of ophthalmic artery, central retinal artery, nasal and temporal short posterior ciliary arteries. Uninjured healthy eye was used as control. Results IOP was significantly higher in injured eyes (15.1±3.3 vs 13.0±2.7 mmHg; p<0.01), but only 2 eyes (8%) were under medical treatment. pOBF values were significantly lower in injured eyes: 11.25±6.56 μL/sec in the trauma eyes and 15.40±7.29 in fellow eyes (p=0.002). Resistivity index of all investigated retrobulbar vessels was very significantly higher in injured eyes than in fellow eyes (p<0.0001). There is no significant correlation between IOP and ocular blood flow disturbance. Conclusions Long-term follow-up (mean 39±12 months) of injured eyes shows, besides a slight but significant increase of IOP, a very significant impairment of ocular blood supply to injured eyes compared to healthy fellow eyes with reduction of pulsatile ocular blood flow and marked increase of resistance to flow in all retrobulbar vessels. These anomalies may be considered an independent risk factor to develop traumatic glaucoma.
Myogenic Response Reduction by High Blood Glucose Levels in Human Retinal Arterioles
Authors: Blum M. , Brändel C. , Müller U.A. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose The effect of elevated blood glucose level on the myogenic response of human retinal arterioles to acute increases in blood pressure is investigated. Methods The vascular response to raised blood pressure (Bayliss effect) was measured in 12 healthy volunteers by use of the retinal vessel analyzer (RVA). For a 9-minute period an on-line measurement of the diameter of a retinal branch arteriole was performed. After the first 3 minutes (baseline measurement) a second phase with 3 minutes of isometric exercise caused an acute rise in blood pressure, followed by 3 minutes of recovery (phase III). After the first session 100 g glucose were administered per os. After 30 minutes blood glucose was measured again and an identical second session was performed with higher blood glucose levels. The Wilcoxon test was used for statistical analysis. Results During the first session a rise in mean arterial pressure of 22.8 (±8.4) mmHg was followed by an arterial vasoconstriction of −6.6 (±1.7) %. The administration of 100 g glucose resulted in a significant rise in blood glucose levels within 30 minutes between the two sessions (4.35 mmol/L vs 7.46 mmol/L) (p=0.002). The blood pressure rise of 25.7 (±7.3) mm Hg in the second session was associated with a significant loss in arterial vasoconstriction of −2.3 (±1.4) % (session I vs session II p=0.002). Conclusions The myogenic response of the arterial wall in human retinal arterioles was significantly reduced during acute rise of blood glucose levels.
The Efficacy of Intravitreal Triamcinolone Acetonide on Macular Edema in Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Özkiris A. , Evereklioglu C. , Erkiliç K. , Ilhan Ö. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To evaluate the effectiveness of intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide as primary treatment of macular edema in branch retinal vein occlusion. Methods Fifteen eyes of 15 patients with macular edema due to branch retinal vein occlusion (Group 1) who received 8 mg/0.2 ml of intravitreal triamcinolone injection as primary treatment were retrospectively evaluated. The control group (Group 2) consisted of 19 eyes of 19 patients who had received laser treatment for macular edema. The main outcome measures included best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and macular edema map values of Heidelberg Retinal Tomograph II. Results In Group 1, mean visual acuity improved significantly from a mean logMAR (logarithm of minimal angle of resolution) value of 0.98±0.19 at baseline to a maximum of 0.24±0.24 during a mean follow-up time of 6.3 months. In the control group, the mean baseline logMAR visual acuity before laser treatment was 1.02±0.22, and it was 0.50±0.28 at 6-month examinations. Mean improvement in visual acuity at 1–, 3–, and 6-month examinations was significantly higher in Group 1 when compared with the control group (for each, p<0.001). The mean edema map value of Group 1 significantly decreased by 40% at 6-month examinations when compared with preinjection value (p<0.001). In Group 1, mean increase in intraocular pressure elevation was 19.8% at the 1-month, 26.9% at 3-month, and 5.7% at 6-month visits, but intraocular pressures were under control with topical antiglaucomatous medications. Conclusions Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide injection may be a new and promising approach as initial therapy for macular edema due to branch retinal vein occlusion.
Optical Coherence Tomography Findings in a Case of Acute Multifocal Posterior Placoid Pigment Epitheliopathy (AMPPPE)
Authors: Lofoco G. , Ciucci F. , Bardocci A. , Quercioli P. , Steigerwalt R.D. , De Gaetano C. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To report the optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings in a case of acute multifocal posterior placoid pigment epitheliopathy (AMPPPE). Design Case report. Methods A 26-year-old woman was seen for a mild loss of visual acuity in both eyes. The fundus examination revealed yellow-white placoid lesions in the posterior pole suggesting AMPPPE. Fluorescein and indocyanine green (ICG) angiography and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were performed 2 days, 9 days, and 1 month after the first examination. Results In the acute phases the OCT revealed a mild hyperreflective area above the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) in the photoreceptor layer. In the later phases the OCT scan revealed a nodular hyperreflective lesion on the plane of the RPE with mild underlying backscattering. Conclusions In AMPPPE, the OCT demonstrates hyperreflective lesions that may indicate inflammatory tissue and inflammatory cells or the presence of ischemic edema in the outer retinal layers.
Corneal Thickness and Functional Damage in Patients with Ocular Hypertension
Authors: Zeppieri M. , Brusini P. , Miglior S. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To correlate functional damage over time detected by standard automated perimetry (SAP) and frequency doubling technology (FDT) with central corneal thickness (CCT) in patients with ocular hypertension (OHT). Methods Seventy-eight OHT patients underwent CCT measurements, SAP, and FDT (the latter two also after 12 and 18 months). Patients were divided into three equally sized groups of 26 patients each: thin (<540 üm), normal (540–580 üm), and thick cornea (>580 üm). The frequency of abnormal FDT and SAP results was analyzed over time (Pearson χ2 test). Results Six of 26 patients with thin corneas (23.1%) presented an abnormal FDT test at baseline, compared to 1 of 26 (3.8%) in the normal thickness cornea group and 1 of 26 (3.8%) in the thick cornea group. After 12 months, the abnormal FDT tests were as follows, respectively: 9 of 26 (34.6%), 2 of 26 (7.7%), and 2 of 26 (7.7%). For SAP the abnormal results were as follows, respectively: 8 (30.1%), 5 (19.2%), and 2 (7.7%). After 18 months, the abnormal FDT tests were as follows, respectively: 16 (61.5%), 5 (19.2%), and 5 (19.2%). For SAP, the abnormal results were as follows, respectively: 10 (38.5%), 5 (19.2%), and 2 (7.7%). Conclusions OHT patients with thinner corneas have a greater risk of developing functional damage over time.
Lens Epithelial Apoptosis and Cell Proliferation in Human Age-Related Cortical Cataract
Authors: Charakidas A. , Kalogeraki A. , Tsilimbaris M. , Koukoulomatis P. , Brouzas D. , Delides G. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To probe the presence of apoptosis in the epithelium of human lenses with age-related cortical cataract as well as to assess cell proliferation, a predicted consequence of apoptotic cell death, in this specific cell population. Methods DNA fragmentation was assessed using terminal digoxigenin-labeled dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) in capsulotomy specimens obtained from patients who underwent either extracapsular cataract extraction for the removal of adult-onset cortical cataract (n=27) or clear lens extraction for the correction of high myopia (n=25). Cell proliferation was assayed in 23 epithelia of cataractous lenses, and 20 epithelia of non-cataractous lenses with the proliferation marker MIB1, a monoclonal antibody against the nuclear antigen Ki-67 that is detected throughout the cell cycle but is absent in the resting (G0) cell. Results TUNEL staining was observed in 25 (92.6%) specimens of cataractous lenses, whereas cells undergoing apoptosis were identified in 2 (8%) of the epithelia from non-catarac-tous lenses. Only two MIB1-positive samples were detected, one of which was a capsule obtained during intracapsular cataract extraction. Conclusions The epithelium of human lenses with cortical cataract undergoes low rate apoptotic death. This limited epithelial apoptosis is unlikely to result in any significant cell density decrease since epithelial gaps are likely to be replaced by cell proliferation at the germinative zone of the anterior lens capsule. Nevertheless, the accumulation of small-scale epithelial losses during lifetime may induce alterations in lens fiber formation and homeostasis and result in loss of lens transparency.
Review of Sterile, Postoperative, Anterior Segment Inflammation following Cataract Extraction and Intraocular Lens Implantation
Authors: Bilge A.H. , Aykan Ü. , Akin T. , Ünsal U. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To evaluate unexpected, acute intraocular anterior segment inflammation following uneventful cataract extraction by phacoemulsification and foldable posterior chamber intraocular lens (PCIOL) implantation. Methods This retrospective study evaluated five cases of postoperative inflammation that occurred after cataract extraction with foldable PCIOL implantation. Medical records were reviewed to analyze the unexplained postoperative inflammation. Results The five patients who developed inflammatory activity during the postoperative period responded well to corticosteroid treatment. Toxic maculopathy developed in one patient after aggressive antibacterial therapy. Vitrectomy was performed for one patient with prolonged vitreal inflammatory activity. Conclusions Noninfectious endophthalmitis developing upon surgery may be caused by a multifactorial process or an interindividual variable response to a common factor as a hypersensitivity reaction. It should be remembered in inflammatory cases after surgery in order to prevent the toxic, irreversible side effects of bacterial endophthalmitis treatment.
Amniotic Membrane Transplantation Associated with Conjunctival Peritomy in the Management of Mooren's Ulcer: A Case Report
Authors: Lambiase A. , Sacchetti M. , Sgrulletta R. , Coassin M. , Bonini S. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To report the association of conjunctival peritomy with amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) at the limbus with the exclusion of the central cornea in order to preserve visual function in one case of bilateral Mooren's ulcer. Methods A 36-year-old man with bilateral Mooren's ulcer was unresponsive to conventional therapy. Surgical procedure was performed on his right eye, at impending risk of corneal perforation. A 20 × 20 mm piece of amniotic membrane (AM) was prepared by performing a central hole of 7.5 mm diameter with a manual trephine. A 360° conjunctival peritomy was performed and the AM was placed with the epithelium side facing up and the central hole was sutured on the paracentral cornea. Results Two weeks after surgery, while the right eye showed improvement of signs and symptoms and unchanged best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), the left eye showed a peripheral corneal perforation with prolapsed iris that required conjunctival flap. At 7 months of follow-up, the right eye showed no ocular inflammation, a reduction of the lipid-like peripheral corneal infiltrates, an increased stromal thickness, and an unchanged BCVA. The progression of corneal thinning in the left eye led the authors to perform AMT (as described) in the left eye as well. Five months after the AMT in the left eye, neither eye shows signs of disease progression, and neither requires further therapy. Conclusions Conjunctival peritomy associated with AMT may be an alternative surgical approach in the management of Mooren's ulcers to control the inflammation and the progression of disease.
Macular Edema and Visual Loss after Macular Pucker Surgery with ICG-Assisted Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling
Authors: Tognetto D. , Haritoglou C. , Kampik A. , Ravalico G. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To describe the occurrence of massive macular edema and visual loss after indocyanine green-assisted (ICG) macular pucker surgery. Methods/Results A 74 years old female presented with a macular pucker and a hypertrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in her left eye. The preoperative visual acuity (VA) was 20/100. Surgery consisted of cataract extraction, lens implantation and standard pars plana vitrectomy with peeling of epiretinal tissue followed by the removal of the internal limiting membrane (ILM) remnants stained using a 0.05% ICG solution. One day after surgery, VA was counting fingers. There was an extensive macular edema and retinal thickening with hyperfluorescence during fluorescein angiography and pronounced autofluorescence using ICG filters. During follow up, the macular edema resolved completely, but VA decreased to 20/800 at six months postoperatively. There was a central scotoma and unstable fixation seen during microperimetry. Discussion This case report indicates that ICG might come into contact with bare retina if injected following removal of epiretinal membranes. Whether the observed RPE hypertrophy might have contributed to the pathogenesis of the adverse effect described remains hypothetical.