bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Refractive changes after anti‐VEGF injections for diabetic macular edema
Authors: Chatziralli I. , Chatzipantelis A. , Dimitriou E. , Mpourouki E. , Saitakis G. , Theodossiadis P. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeTo evaluate refractive changes after anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (anti‐VEGF) injections for the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME).MethodsParticipants in this retrospective study were 37 patients (37 eyes) with DME, who received intravitreal anti‐VEGF injections with either ranibizumab or aflibercept. Spherical equivalent refractive power was evaluated before treatment and at least one month after the last injection where no fluid existed. Demographic characteristics, visual acuity, central retinal thickness and the number of injections were recorded and analyzed.ResultsChanges in visual acuity and central retinal thickness were statistically significant before and after injections. The spherical equivalent refractive power did not differ significantly pre‐ and post‐ injections.ConclusionsIntravitreal anti‐VEGF injections did not seem to affect the refractive power of patients with DME. Therefore, appropriate spectacle correction can be prescribed any time during ongoing treatment with anti‐VEGF agents.
Long‐term reproducibility of axial length in eyes undergoing combined phacovitrectomy for macular‐sparing rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
Authors: Kang T.S. , Shin Y.I. , Kim J.Y. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeTo evaluate the change of axial length (AL) and the long‐term reproducibility measured by optical biometry and ultrasound A‐scan (US) after combined phacovitrectomy for macular‐on retinal detachment (RD).MethodsThirty‐seven eyes that underwent combined phacovitrectomy with intraocular lens implantation were analyzed, prospectively. The ALs were measured before surgery, after 1 year and 2 years, using optical biometry (IOL Master®, Carl Zeiss, Jena, Germany) and US. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), coefficient of variation (CV), and test–retest standard deviation (TRTSD) were assessed.ResultsThe mean age of patients was 56.5 ± 6.2 years, and 20 (54.1%) of the 37 were men. The mean preoperative AL measured by optical biometry was 25.03 ± 1.69 mm in vitrectomized eyes and 24.96 ± 1.70 mm in fellow eyes. The ICC, CV, and TRTSD were 0.97, 0.45 and 0.114 in vitrectomized eyes and 0.98, 0.66, 0.167 in fellow eyes, respectively. These parameters exhibit excellent long‐term reproducibility. Refractive prediction error by optical biometry and US were ‐0.41 ± 0.67 D (p = 0.001), and ‐0.49 ± 0.68 D (p = 0.000) respectively, which shows myopic shift. Correlation analysis showed significant relationships between myopic shift with shallow anterior chamber and thick lens.ConclusionsAfter combined phacovitrectomy for macular on RD, the AL showed excellent long‐term intervisit reproducibility for two years. Regardless of AL, combined phacovitrectomy and gas tamponade resulted in significant myopic shift of postoperative refraction, for both optical biometry and US.
The impact of epiretinal membrane on neovascular age‐related macular degeneration treatment: A spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography study
Authors: Chatziralli I. , Stavrakas P. , Ananikas K. , Dimitriou E. , Theodossiadis G. , Theodossiadis P. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the impact of epiretinal membrane (ERM) on anatomical and functional results in patients with wet age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) treated with intravitreal anti‐vascular endothelial growth (anti‐VEGF) injections.MethodsParticipants in the study were 48 patients with either wet AMD alone (n = 27) or AMD and ERM (n = 21). All patients received intravitreal anti‐VEGF injections (3 monthly injections and PRN thereafter) and were followed‐up for at least 12 months. All participants had best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measurement and optical coherence tomography (OCT) at each visit, while fluorescein angiography was performed at baseline and then at the discretion of the physician. The main outcomes were the change in BCVA and central retinal thickness (CRT) along with the presence of fluid in the two groups.ResultsThere was a statistically significant improvement in BCVA in both groups, while the two groups did not differ significantly regarding BCVA at the end of the follow‐up. Accordingly, there was a statistically significant reduction in CRT in both groups, which did not have any difference in between. Patients with AMD alone presented subretinal fluid in a lower percentage than patients with AMD/ERM at the end of the follow‐up. In addition, patients with coexistence of AMD and ERM needed more injections than patients with AMD alone.ConclusionsPatients with AMD combined with ERM seemed to need more injections for the treatment of AMD, while they presented higher percentage of subretinal fluid at the 12‐month follow‐up, although there was no significant difference in BCVA and CRT in comparison with patients having AMD alone.
Clinical application of enhanced retinal vasculature visualization using hemoglobin absorbance
Authors: Kim Y.T. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeTo develop a digital filter for better visualization of retinal blood vessels and verify its clinical usefulnessMethodsFour‐hundred 24‐bit color fundus images were analyzed and properties of red, green, and blue channels were extracted. Then, using hemoglobin absorption coefficients, the relevant weights for gray‐scale conversion that emphasizes retinal vessels were calculated. To evaluate images, edges were detected via convolutional 2D Laplacian kernel from the processed images, and the number of edges, number of effective edges, and sum of intensities of edges were evaluated. The values of weights for red, green, and blue channels were calculated to be ‐0.0572, 0.7335, and 2.2079, respectively. The number of edges, effective edges, and sum of intensities of edges were all found to be significantly higher in the images processed with the new filter (P < 10‐16). To evaluate the clinical usefulness of the digital filter, 2 individual observers graded 100 photographs from subjects with diabetes mellitus before and after application of newly developed digital filter. Grading was compared with FA findings.ResultsCorrespondence of diabetic retinopathy grading from 2 independent observers were 0.36 and 0.29 before application of digital filter and 0.61 and 0.65 after application of digital filter(kappa value, respectively). Correspondence of presence of diabetic retinopathy from 2 independent observers were 0.69 and 0.69 before application of digital filter and 0.86 and 0.84 after application of digital filter(kappa value, respectively).ConclusionsThe hemoglobin absorbance reinforced the edges of retinal blood vessels, verifying that the new RGB filter can enhance the visualization of retinal vasculature and increase the accuracy of diagnosis.
Relation between cardiovascular conditions and macular and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness evaluated with Spectral‐Domain OCT
Authors: Obis J. , Garcia‐Martin E. , Orduna E. , Vilades E. , Cipres M. , Rodrigo M.J. , Satue M. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeTo detect changes in the macular and Retinal Nerve fiber Layer (RNFL) thickness in subjects with cardiovascular risk factors or subclinical ischemiaMethods152 healthy men were evaluated. They underwent cardiovascular examination (including quantification of classic major risk factors, blood analysis and quantification of subclinical atheroma plaques by ultrasound scans) and a complete ophthalmic evaluation including evaluation with spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) registering macular and RNFL thicknessResultsSubjects without cardiovascular risk factors did not show higher macular or RNFL thicknesses than subjects with at least one risk factor. Subjects with subclinical atheroma plaques in the carotid artery showed significantly lower central macular thickness in the left eye compared to the right eye (p = 0.016). Subjects with atheroma plaques showed significantly reduced RNFL thickness in the superior quadrant (p = 0.044) and in the 2 o'clock sector (p = 0.014) compared to subjects without atheroma plaques. Smokers showed significant thinning in central macular thickness (p = 0.034), and also in the nasal RNFL quadrant (p = 0.006) and the 3 and 5 o'clock RNFL sectors (p = 0.016 and 0.009), compared to non‐smokersConclusionsSubjects with subclinical atherosclerosis assessed by ultrasound scans showed reduced RNFL thickness in the superior quadrant. Smokers showed reduced central macular thickness and reduced RNFL thickness in the nasal quadrant. Macular and RNFL analysis with SD‐OCT could be a good biomarker of early axonal damage in subjects with cardiovascular conditions
The SRPK1 inhibitor SPHINX31 prevents increased retinal permeability in a rodent model of diabetes
Authors: Allen C. , Horton K. , Malhi N. , Batson J. , Bates D. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeIn diabetic retinopathy (DR) microvascular damage results from ischaemia driven production of pro‐angiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inducing angiogenesis and increased permeability in the retina. Small molecule inhibitors of serine‐rich protein kinase‐1 (SRPK1), with good penetration properties to the retina, have been shown to inhibit choroidal neovascularisation in mice as eye drops by decreasing pro‐angiogenic and increasing anti‐angiogenic VEGF isoforms. SRPK1 inhibitors such as SPHINX31 may therefore switch splicing in DR and prevent increased vascular permeability.MethodsFFA was performed in Norway Brown rats on day 0 and 7, using the Micron IV retinal microscope (Phoenix Research). Animals received twice daily topical eye drops with eye formulation only control buffer (n = 5) or SPHINX31 (200 μg/ml, n = 6). On day 1 animals received a single dose of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg, i.p.) to induce type I diabetes and maintained for 1 week without insulin. The ratio of interstitial to vascular fluorescence was calculated and plotted against time to determine an estimate of permeability.ResultsRetinal permeability (12.67 ± 1.09 × 10−4 cms−1) was shown to significantly increase (p < 0.01) in diabetics compared to before diabetes (8.85 ± 1.29 × 10−4 cms−1) in the eye formulation control group. Following a weekly regimen of twice daily topical eye drop treatment with SPHINX31 retinal permeability was no greater in the diabetics than (7.92 ± 1.65 × 10−4 cms−1) than before induction of diabetes, (8.15 ± 2.33 × 10−4 cms−1) and in the control group.ConclusionsSPHINX31 protected the retinal endothelial permeability barrier from diabetes‐associated loss of integrity. SPHINX31 may therefore be a potential alternative and more specific topical therapeutic for DR.
Melatonin and epigallocatechin gallate reduce the loss of visual function in an animal model of retinal degeneration, P23H rat
Authors: Perdices L. , Orduna E. , Sánchez A.I. , Segura F. , Insa G. , Fuentes L. , Cuenca N. , Pinilla I. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeRetinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is a heterogeneous group of retinal degenerative disorders which represent a major cause of blindness in adult people with no effective therapy found.Most RP cases are due to rhodopsin mutations, which cause retinal disorganization due to rod degeneration and oxidative stress. Melatonin and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) have been reported to exhibit anti‐apoptosis, antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the synergistic effects of these two natural antioxidants in the P23H rat.Methods20 P23H rats crossed with Long Evans (LE) rats, were used and compared to 20 SD (P23H background) crossed with LE rats. Vehicle, or 10 mg/kg/day of Melatonin and/or 10 mg/kg/day of EGCG were orally administered for 6 months. Visual acuity and contrast sensitivity was evaluated by a monthly optomotor test.ResultsP23HxLE rats showed lower values than SDxLE rats in all optomotor parameters studied. SDxLE rats treated with melatonin or EGCG increased, after 60 days of treatment, visual function parameters even higher than young animals. P23HxLE rats treated with melatonin or EGCG showed better visual acuity and contrast sensitivity than those treated with vehicle in all measurements done after 30 days of treatment, slowing the disease progression. In all animal groups, treatment with melatonin and EGCG simultaneously obtained better visual acuity and contrast sensitivity values than treatment with any of those compounds alone.ConclusionsIn conclusion, oral treatment of melatonin or EGCG improved vision in wild type animals and delayed vision loss in P23H rats. Furthermore, combination of both compounds had a better effect than any of those treatments alone, suggesting different mechanisms of action.
THR‐687, a potent small molecule integrin antagonist, holds promise as a therapeutic approach for back‐of‐the‐eye vascular pathologies
Authors: Van Hove I. , Vanhove M. , Porcu M. , Barbeaux P. , Feyen J.H.M. , Vermassen E. 
Published: September 2017

PurposePathologic neovascularization and vessel leakage are key drivers for vision loss in several back‐of‐the‐eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy and age‐related macular degeneration. In the eye, integrin receptors play an important role in (pathological) angiogenesis and vascular leakage. Blocking integrin receptors has the potential to inhibit these processes, independent of anti‐VEGF responsiveness. In this study, we evaluated the integrin‐blocking and anti‐angiogenic properties of THR‐687, a novel small molecule integrin antagonist.MethodsCompetition ELISA assays were used to assess the ability of THR‐687 to compete with the binding of integrin receptors to their natural ligands. The inhibitory effect of THR‐687 on the migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was evaluated in the ORIS cell migration assay. The effect of THR‐687 on blood vessel outgrowth was evaluated in an ex vivo mouse choroidal explant model. Cytotoxicity of THR‐687 on human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRMVECs) was evaluated using the CellTox Green assay. The safety profile of THR‐687 was further evaluated using hERG and genotoxicity assays.ResultsTHR‐687 was found to inhibit multiple integrin receptors belonging to the RGD class with IC50 values in the low nanomolar range, including, but not limited to, αvβ3, αvβ5 and α5β1. THR‐687 potently inhibited the migration of HUVECs in the ORIS system (IC50 of 82 ± 11 nM). Ex vivo choroidal vessel sprouting was dose‐dependently inhibited by THR‐687 (IC50 of 1.50 ± 0.27 μM). No relevant cytotoxicity signal was observed on HRMVECs at concentrations ranging from 0.25 nM to 20 μM, and in vitro pharmacological profiling studies indicated a good safety profile.ConclusionsTHR‐687 is a potent drug candidate for the treatment of diabetic eye disease.
Use of sodium hyaluronate in combination with a blood derivative in the re‐epithelialization of rabbit corneas
Authors: Andollo N. , Suarez‐Barrio C. , Hernáez‐Moya R. , Vicario M. , Herrero‐Vanrell R. , Molina‐Martínez I.T. , Durán J.A. , Etxebarria J. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeTo analyze if using a bioadhesive (sodium hyaluronate or HaNa) in combination with a blood derivative (s‐PRGF) improves the healing rate and quality of corneal epithelial ulcers.MethodsRabbit corneas removed 7 and 30 days after an in vivo re‐epithelialization assay were include in paraffin and processed for haematoxylin–eosin staining or cryopreserved for immunofluorescent staining. In vitro proliferation and wound healing experiments were performed using the human corneal epithelial HCE cell line and rabbit primary corneal epithelial cultures. We studied the following treatments: 1) 90% s‐PRGF 2) 0.22% NaHa 3) s‐PRGF + NaHa 4) PBS as control treatment for the in vivo assay. All components in treatments 1, 2 and 3 were half the concentration for the in vitro assays, being 1% BSA the control treatment (4). To manufacture s‐PRGF whole blood was collected by venipuncture from healthy volunteers or New Zealand rabbits, respectively.ResultsHealing rate was higher in cultures and in eyes under s‐PRGF treatment than in those treated with HaNa or the combination of both. H‐E sections at 30 days showed more cells in the anterior stroma in eyes under HaNa treatments. In agreement with it, Ki67 staining as well as in vitro proliferation assays demonstrated that HaNa stimulated cell proliferation. All treatments produced stratified and mature epithelia (CK3 positiveness) with barrier function (ZO‐1 staining) and activation of limbal stem cells (CK15 staining), although the HaNa treated epithelia were the less organized. Moreover, eyes treated with only s‐PRGF showed the best integrin β4 staining.ConclusionsHaNa bioadhesive promotes epithelial and stromal cell proliferation, but does not improve the corneal healing capacity of s‐PRGF. s‐PRGF shows a better healing quality in terms of epithelial‐stromal adhesion.
Progressive changes in visual function after Descemet membrane endotelial keratoplasty
Authors: Romero Sanz M. , Gavín Sancho A. , Satué Palacián M. , Mateo Orobia A. , Sánchez Pérez‐Borbujo A. , García Martín E. , Blasco Martínez A. , Idoipe Corta M. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeObjectives: To evaluate progressive changes in visual function parameters in patients with Fuchs endotelial dystrophy (FED) who underwent Descemet membrane endotelial keratoplasty (DMEK) and to compare visual results after DMEK with visual function parameters in healthy subjects without corneal pathology.MethodsMethods: Fourteen patients (14 eyes) with FED who underwent DMEK surgery were included in the study. All subjects underwent best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) evaluation using the ETDRS optotype in photopic and scotopic conditions, and contrast sensitivity (CS) assessment using the CSV 1000 and the Pelli Robson tests in different lighting conditions, preoperatively, at 1 and 6 months after surgery. Fourteen eyes of 14 healthy controls were evaluated using the same protocol and compared with the patients’ final postsurgery data.ResultsResults: A significant improvement in all visual function parameters was observed in patients 1 month (p < 0.05) and 6 months (p < 0.05) after DMEK, compared with preoperative levels. Healthy controls had significantly higher BCVA in photopic and scotopic conditions (p = 0.02, p = 0.044, respectively), better CS in spatial frequencies of 6 cpd (p < 0.001); 12 cpd (p = 0.006) and 18 cpd (p = 0.006) measured with the CSV 1000 test, and CS as measured with the Pelli Robson test (p = 0.002). No significant differences were observed between patients and healthy controls in the spatial frequency of 3 cpd (photopic, p = 0.704; mesopic, p = 0.596; mesopic with glare, p = 0.989).ConclusionsConclusions: DMEK improves visual function parameters in patients with FED in the first month after surgery. Patients who underwent DMEK present similar CS to healthy subjects in lower frequencies. However, BCVA and CS in medium and high frequencies remain significantly lower than those values found in healthy corneas.
Exploratory ocular surface distribution studies of Azithromycin formulations based on semifluorinated alkanes
Authors: Fischer K. , Grillenberger R. , Amar T. , Krösser S. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeAzithromycin is an antimicrobial agent with broad spectrum activity and anti‐inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the ocular distribution of azithromycin after a single topical instillation of a new semifluorinated alkane (SFA) based formulation in rabbits.MethodsRabbits were treated with either a single administration of 1.5% or 3% SFA‐azithromycin suspensions. Due to the low surface and interface tension of the SFA, and its excellent spreading properties, droplet size is smaller compared to other ophthalmic formulations which lead to a low instillation volume of ~11 μL. Tears (T), aqueous humor (AH), cornea (C), bulbar conjunctiva (BCJ), and eyelids (EL) from individual eyes were collected up to 144 h post dosing and drug concentrations were measured using a validated LC‐MS/MS method.ResultsFollowing a single topical instillation of SFA‐azithromycin in rabbit eyes, both formulations were macroscopically well tolerated. The highest exposure was found in the general order of EL > T > C > BCJ > AH. The obtained values were compared with data from a similar experiment of a marketed 1.5% azithromycin formulation in medium‐chain triglycerides1, with a single instillation of 25 μL. The comparison showed that azithromycin exposure after administration of 1.5% SFA‐azithromycin formulation was similar to the marketed formulation despite the lower absolute dose.Amar et al, Current Eye Research, 33: 149‐158, 2008ConclusionsThe preservative‐free, multi‐dose SFA‐azithromycin formulation was well tolerated. Both concentrations resulted in adequate and long‐lasting azithromycin levels in T and EL, C and BCJ. Based on these results this azithromycin formulation may lead to a new therapeutic well‐tolerated option in treating ocular surface bacterial infections.
Clinical manifestations of reverse pupillary block after scleral‐fixated intraocular lens implantation: Pre‐ and post‐laser peripheral iridotomy
Authors: Kim J.M. , Lee K.B. , Han J.I. , Jung J.J. 
Published: September 2017

PurposeTo present the clinical features and intraocular pressure (IOP) changes of patients with reverse pupillary block (RPB) after scleral fixated intraocular lens (IOL) implantation treated with laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI).MethodsA chart review of patients presenting with elevated IOP and RPB after sclera fixated IOL implantation was carried out. LPI was performed in 5 eyes of total 6 eyes included in the study. Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) and Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) was also performed before and after laser treatment.ResultsFive men who underwent LPI at a mean of 38.2 months (range 9 to 75 months) after scleral‐fixated PC IOL implantation were included. Two patients had history of retinal detachment, one subject had a history of trauma, and one patient was previously diagnosed with open angle glaucoma. Angle recession was not observed in all cases. The mean axial length was 24.24 ± 1.14 mm (range 22.86 to 25.44). Scleral fixated IOL implantation with pars plana vitrectomy was performed in all cases. All eyes showed extremely deep anterior chamber with pigment (trace to 1 + ), a concave iris configuration and angle pigmentation before LPI. On UBM, all eyes showed RPB. After LPI, RPB was resolved on slit lamp examination and UBM in all cases. IOP decreased within normal range (from 29.00 ± 12.37 to 13.40 ± 2.88 mmHg, p = 0.043) temporarily, but IOP elevated again (to 30.20 ± 15.39 mmHg, p = 0.068) few weeks after LPI and all patients needed IOP lowering medications.ConclusionsLPI is effective for relieving the RPB. But, in some patients, IOP was still elevated and IOP lowering eye drops were needed persistently. Even though RPB is reloved, regular check up of IOP after LPI is recommended. Also it is necessary to consider the possibility of previously decreased TM function.