bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nasolacrimal Polyurethane Stent Placement: Preliminary Results
Authors: Perena M.F. , Castillo J. , Medrano J. , De Gregorio M.A. , Loras E. , Cristobal J.A. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To present our initial results in the treatment of nasolacrimal obstruction by placing a polyurethane stent. Methods 74 nasolacrimal stents were implanted under fluoroscopic guidance in obstructed nasolacrimal systems of 64 patients. Dacryocystography and CT were used to verify the position and patency of the stents. Mean follow-up was 15 months. Clinical examinations were done at the first week, first month, third month and sixth month after stent placement. Results Polyurethane stents were successfully inserted and permeable in 59 patients (92.1%), but could not be inserted in 5 patients (7.8%). Epiphora was solved and permeable in 53 cases (82.8%), it was not permeable but asymptomatic in 2 cases (3.1%), and was not permeable but symptomatic in 4 (6.2%). In 5 cases (7.8%) stents remained permeable although patients complained of epiphora. Conclusions Polyurethane stent placement is a non-invasive technique that can replace dacryocystorhinostomy, giving better results and tolerance.
A Quantitative in vivo Study of Retinal Thickness before and after Laser Treatment for Macular Edema Due to Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: De Geronimo F. , Glacet-Bernard A. , Coscas G. , Soubrane G. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To evaluate quantitatively the effect of grid laser photocoagulation in macular edema due to central and branch retinal vein occlusion, using the retinal thickness analyzer. Methods Five patients with cystoid and non-cystoid macular edema were studied before and after argon grid laser treatment. All were examined clinically, with fluorescein angiography, and measurement of retinal thickness. Macular thickness was correlated to visual acuity measured on the ETDRS chart. Results Laser-slit images obtained with the retinal thickness analyzer in patients with macular edema disclosed discrete intraretinal changes after photocoagulation. Biomicroscopy and fluorescein angiography were insensitive to these small changes in the retinal thickness. No patient had any change in visual acuity after three months, but the retinal thickness was greater at this interval. The retinal thickening may be explained by a postoperative inflammatory response or by altered retinal blood flow or, in two of the eyes, by the effect of combined peripheral photocoagulation. Conclusions The retinal thickness analyzer offers a refined tool for the diagnosis of sub-clinical changes of macular edema in retinal vein occlusion and is therefore also useful for assessing the effects of treatment.
Recurrences of Retinal Detachment after Vitreoretinal Surgery, and Surgical Approach
Authors: Kapran Z. , Uyar O.M. , Kaya V. , Eltutar K. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To investigate the causes and management of recurrences of complicated retinal detachment after vitreoretinal surgery. Methods Vitreoretinal surgery was performed in 61 patients with complicated retinal detachment who were followed up for 4–24 (mean 7) months. Liquid perfluorocarbon (PFC) was used in all 61, silicone oil in 40 and perfluoropropane (C3F8) in 18 patients. Results Retinal attachment was achieved in 58 patients (95%) during the first operation. Due to the recurrence of detachment 17 patients (29%) had to be operated for a second, 7 (12%) a third and 4 (7%) a fourth time. Anterior and posterior proliferative vitreoretinopathy, missed tear, retinal incarceration, subretinal membrane and perisilicone proliferation were the factors causing redetachment. Conclusions The best anatomical and functional results are obtained by dissection of the anterior membranes. In order to properly remove the retinal periphery the crystalline or intraocular lens should be removed. Comparison of our results with others indicates that anatomical success depends, to a certain extent, on doing only one, radical operation on the pathology that leads to recurrence.
Delayed-Onset Postoperative Endophthalmitis Caused by Hafnia Alvei
Authors: Ruiz-Moreno J.Ma , Alió J.L. , De La Hoz F. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To identify Hafnia alvei as an etiological factor of delayed-onset endophthalmitis. Case Report A 68-year-old woman had uneventful cataract extraction by phacoemulsification with foldable posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation under topical anesthesia in the left eye. Four weeks later, the patient presented anterior uveitis treated by topical corticosteroids. Seven weeks later a posterior uveitis with retinal vasculitis appeared. The patient was treated by systemic and intravitreal corticosteroids without result. Due to the poor course pars plana vitrectomy was done, and a vitreous sample was taken. Microbio-logic examination disclosed Hafnia alvei, gram-negative bacteria rarely isolated from human specimens. Conclusions Hafnia alvei should be considered in the etiology of delayed-onset endophthalmitis.
Neuroprotection as a Treatment for Glaucoma: Pharmacological and Immunological Approaches
Authors: Schwartz M. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose Primary open-angle glaucoma is a chronic, progressive optic neuropathy associated with a gradual decline in visual functions, which may lead to blindness. Methods In most cases, the optic neuropathy is associated with increased intraocular pressure. However, it is now generally accepted, that normalization of pressure, although necessary, is often not sufficient as a remedial measure. This is because of the existence of additional risk factors, some of which emerge as a consequence of the initial damage. This situation is reminiscent of the response to a traumatic axonal insult: some of the damage is immediate and is caused by the insult itself, while some is secondary and is caused by a deficiency of growth-supportive factors as well as by toxic factors derived from the damaged tissue. Accordingly, we have suggested that glaucoma may be viewed as a neurodegenerative disease and consequently is amenable to any therapeutic intervention applicable to these diseases. Conclusions There is evidence that neuroprotection can be achieved both pharmacologically and immunologically. Pharmacological intervention (e.g. by using selective alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonists) neutralizes some of the effects of the nerve-derived toxic factors and possibly increases the ability of the remaining healthy neurons, at any given time, to cope with the stressful conditions. Immunological intervention boosts the body's own repair mechanisms for counteracting the toxicity of physiological compounds acting as stress signals.
Measuring Structural Changes in the Optic Nerve Head and Retinal Nerve Fibre Layer
Authors: Antón A. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose Assessing structural changes in the optic nerve is fundamental to the diagnosis and follow-up of glaucoma. Many clinical decisions are based on the determination of stability or non-stability of glaucomatous damage. Retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) and optic disc photographs are very useful in clinics but their assessment is based on subjective evaluation. Methods Confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscope and confocal scanning laser polarimetry are available and allow objective and quantitative analysis of the optic nerve. These instruments are currently being assessed for their use in glaucoma follow-up. Conclusions This article summarises their advantages and limitations in performing the difficult task of detecting progression or changes over time.
Increased Corneal Thickness in Active Behçet's Disease
Authors: Evereklioglu C. , Er H. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To measure central corneal thickness (CCT) in patients with Behçet's disease (BD), particularly in the active disease. Materials and Methods We measured CCT by ultrasound pachymetry in 64 patients with Behçet's disease and in 20 healthy controls. Forty-one of the patients with BD had ocular involvement and 23 none; 19 of the 41 with ocular involvement were in an active period and 22 had inactive disease. Results The mean CCT in the group with active ocular involvement was significantly higher (589 ± 27 μm) than in the control group (553 ± 21 μm) (p = 0.003), the group with inactive ocular involvement (560 ± 26 μm) (p < 0.001), and the group with no ocular involvement (558 ± 25 μm) (p < 0.001). After appropriate treatment of patients with active ocular involvement, the mean CCT returned nearly to normal (563 ± 20 μm) and the difference from controls was not significant. There was no significant difference for the mean CCT between controls and the patients with no ocular involvement or with inactive ocular involvement. Conclusions Behçet's patients with active ocular involvement have a thicker CCT than patients with inactive ocular involvement. There was no difference in CCT between controls and patients with no ocular involvement. The CCT of patients with active ocular involvement returned to nearly normal after treatment. CCT must be taken into account when developing a managing and following approach for Behçet's patients with active ocular involvement.
Long-Term Evaluation of Endothelial Cell Loss after Phacoemulsification
Authors: Lesiewska-Junk H. , Kaluzny J. , Malukiewicz-Wisniewska G. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To check whether three months' follow-up is sufficient to determine endothelial cell loss after cataract surgery and whether this value depends on preoperative central endothelial cell density. Methods A two-year prospective assessment of central endothelial cell density was done in 60 eyes after phacoemulsification. In 30 eyes a 3.5 mm corneal incision closed with a single crossed suture was made, and the other 30 had a 3.5 mm scleral tunnel no-stitch incision. Central endothelial cell density was measured before surgery and 1, 3, 6 months and 2 years after. Results The mean rate of endothelial cell loss even two years after surgery was significantly higher than the physiological rate, amounting to 0.9% per year. There was no correlation between preoperative central endothelial cell density and postoperative cell loss. Conclusions Even two years' follow-up is not sufficient to establish the total endothelial cell loss after cataract surgery. The amount of cell loss does not depend on the preoperative density.
Group II Phospholipase A2 Content of Tears in Patients with Senile Cataract and Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma
Authors: Aho V. V. , Nevalainen T.J. , Paavilainen V. , Saari K.M. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To determine the group II phospholipase A2 (PLA2) content of tears in patients with senile cataract or primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and to compare it with the PLA2 content of tears in age-matched healthy controls. Methods The PLA2 concentration of tears was measured with time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay in 21 patients with senile cataract, 23 patients with POAG and in 40 healthy controls. Results The PLA2 content of tears was 38.3 ± 30.1 μg/ml in patients with senile cataract, 32.1 ± 22.3 μg/ml in patients with POAG, and 36.6 ± 31.1 μg/ml in healthy controls. There were no significant differences between the patient and the control groups. Conclusions We conclude that neither senile cataract nor POAG has any effect on the PLA2 content of tears.
Non-Penetrating Deep Sclerectomy in Unilateral Open-Angle Glaucoma Secondary to Idiopathic Dilated Episcleral Veins
Authors: Güven D. , Karakurt A. , Ziraman Í. , Hasirípí H. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To investigate the efficacy of non-penetrating deep sclerectomy (NPDS) in a secondary open-angle glaucoma case due to dilated episcleral veins, on intraocular pressure and retrobulbar hemodynamics. Methods NPDS was done on a 32-year-old male unilateral open-angle glaucoma secondary to idiopathic dilated episcleral veins. Results Except for hyphema and shallow anterior chamber on the first post-operative day, no other complications were observed. Intraocular pressure was 18–20 mmHg during the first six months, without medication or visual loss. Retrobulbar color Doppler imaging showed normal mean and end-diastolic velocities and pulsatility indices of the posterior ciliary and central retinal arteries at end of the first post-operative year. Conclusions NPDS may be an alternative to trabeculectomy in open-angle glaucoma secondary to dilated episcleral veins.
Limbal-Conjunctival Autograft Transplantation for Recurrent Pterygium
Authors: Dekaris I. , Gabrić N. , Karaman Ž. , Mravičić I. , Kaštelan S. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To assess the usefulness of limbal-conjunctival autograft transplantation (LCAT) for the treatment of recurrent pterygium. Patients and Methods Seventeen eyes with advanced recurrent pterygium underwent LCAT. All had already been treated at least twice either by simple excision (n=15) or by conjunctival rotation autograft (n=2). Three eyes (17.65%) had symblepharon at the time of surgery, so LCAT was combined with amniotic membrane transplantation. The autograft was taken from the supero-lateral part of the same eye and transferred to the area where the pterygium had been excised. Results During 6–18 months of follow-up no postoperative complications occurred. In 15 eyes (88.24%) no pterygium recurrence was recorded; recurrence occurred in two eyes (11.76%) after 8 and 5 months. In three eyes with a combined symblepharon formation, remission of both pterygium and symblepharon growth was obtained. Conclusions LCAT seems to be a promising and safe procedure for recurrent pterygium.
A Simplified Technique for Non-Penetrating Deep Sclerectomy
Authors: Kozlova T. , Zagórski Z.F. , Rakowska E. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To present a modified technique for non-penetrating deep sclerotomy (NPDS) with limited use of sharp instruments. Materials and Methods A special fine spatula is used to separate the Descemet membrane from stromal tissue after preparing superficial and deep scleral flaps and opening the Schlemm's canal. Another specially designed spatula is used to protect the membrane when excising the overlying trabecular and stromal tissue. The other steps of the surgery are identical with the original Kozlov method. The modified surgery was performed by one surgeon experienced in NPDS, and three others starting their transition to this technique under the guidance of the first. Sixty-six patients (66 eyes) with primary open-angle glaucoma (51) or pseudo-exfoliature glaucoma (15) were treated with NPDS. Results Two microperforations (3%) of the Descemet membrane were the only intraoperative complications. They did not require iridotomy or any special treatment. In the early postoperative period one 2-mm hyphema was observed, and in five cases there was transient hypotony. In one other case there was a choroidal detachment, which resolved spontaneously in less than two weeks. IOP the day after surgery ranged from 5 to 13 mmHg (mean 9.6) and after one year from 10 to 22 mmHg (mean 14.6). Late complications and IOP control were similar to conventional NPDS. Conclusions These procedures performed by one experienced and three inexperienced surgeons gave satisfactory results and the modified method can be recommended for surgeons beginning nonpenetrating glaucoma surgery, and should shorten their learning curve.
Comparison of the Clinical Performance of Healon 5 and Healon in Phacoemulsification
Authors: Cavallini G.M. , Campi L. , Delvecchio G. , Lazzerini A. , Longanesi L. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose Healon 5 is a high-molecular-mass fraction of sodium hyaluronate. Its density endows it with a number of viscoelastic characteristics. In this prospective, randomised clinical study we compared the performance of Healon 5 and Healon in phacoemulsification. SETTING. Institute of Ophthalmology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy. Methods Two groups of patients underwent phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. In the first 27 patients Healon 5 was used as viscoelastic substance during surgery, and in the second 27 Healon was used. The surgeons subjective comments on the performance of these viscoelastic agents were recorded at the different steps of surgery: injection, capsulorhexis, phacoemulsification, IOL implantation, removal of viscoelastic agent and trasparency throughout the operation. The surgeon's overall impression of the viscoelastics during the whole operation was noted. Tonometry and endothelial cell count were performed in all patients before and after operation. Results There was no statistical difference between the two groups as regards visual acuity, ocular pressure and endothelial damage. Healon 5 showed excellent ability to maintain the anterior chamber during capsulorhexis, phacoemulsification and IOL implantation. Removal time with Healon 5 was not appreciably longer than Healon. Conclusions Healon 5 emerges as a very interesting viscoelastic substance. Visibility is better if the anterior chamber is filled completely. Removal is easier if it is aspirated while moving the irrigation aspiration tip with circular movements over the top and around the border of the IOL.
Posterior Capsular Opacification in Pseudophakic Eyes with a Silicone or Acrylic Intraocular Lens
Authors: Pohjalainen T. , Vesti E. , Uusitalo R.J. , Laatikainen L. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To compare posterior capsular opacification in eyes with IOL of two different materials - silicone or acrylic. Methods Eighty consecutive eyes undergoing cataract surgery were prospectively randomized in two groups, 40 eyes receiving a silicone (SI – 30NB) and 40 eyes an acrylic (Acrysof MA60BM) intraocular lens (IOL). The same surgeon performed phacoemulsification and the intraocular lens (PHACO IOL) operation in all cases. Patients were re-examined on the first postoperative day, after one week, four months, and 1–2.4 years. Seven eyes were lost to late control. Results Clinically significant posterior capsular opacification (PCO) (including eyes with capsulotomy already performed) was equally common in both groups; 25% in the silicone group and 19% in the acrylic group (p=0.53). The posterior capsule remained clear in 61% of the silicone and 76% of the acrylic IOL eyes (p=0.18). In the whole study group, 29% of eyes with and 14% without concurrent ocular diseases had significant PCO (p=0.13). In the silicone IOL group, PCO was more common in eyes with concurrent ocular diseases (44%) than eyes without other diseases (10%) (p=0.049). Eyes with acrylic IOL showed no difference in significant PCO, with or without other diseases (18% and 20%, respectively). Conclusions In a consecutive series of 80 cataract eyes central PCO was equally common in eyes receiving a silicone or an acrylic IOL. In the silicone IOL group, however, significant PCO was more common if there was concurrent ocular disease, while with the acrylic IOL concurrent ocular disease did not seem to increase the risk of PCO.
Epidemic Endophthalmitis after Cataract Surgery
Authors: Ernest J. , Rejmont L. , Němec P. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose We analyzed the results of pars plana vitrectomy in group of patients with a view to establishing risk factors, optimal therapy, surgical technique and the best timing of the pars plana vitrectomy. Methods Eight patients presented features of bacterial endophthalmitis within two days of cataract extraction. We examined the relations between visual outcome and the identity of infecting species, optimal therapy, surgical technique and vitrectomy timing. Results Pseudomonas aeruginosa was a pathogenic microbe. Unfortunately the source of infection was not found. The long-term (9–12 months) results are not good. Final visual acuity of all eight patients oscillated between 20/200 and no light perception. Three patients were first treated with intravitreal ATB application and vitrectomy followed with 36 hours lateney. Their final VA was no light perception in two patients and hand motion in one. The outcome was better in five patients operated immediately after the onset of endophthalmitis. Final visual acuity in this group was between hand motion and 20/200. Conclusions Visual prognosis in cases of endophthalmitis is closely related to the type of infecting organism, the visual acuity at presentation, and the speed of progression of inflammatory signs. The need for prompt vitrectomy as the only chance of retaining at least basic visual functions is fully demonstrated.
Eye Health Care in Hungary
Authors: Németh J. , Molnár F. , Kocur I. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To describe eye health-care services provided by in patient Departments of Ophthalmology in Hungary as of 1998. Methods A standardised questionnaire was sent to all Hungarian in-patient ophthalmic departments. The response rate was 100%, and data from six university departments and 56 hospitals with ophthalmic units are summarised. Results During the 12-month period, a total of 78,008 ophthalmic operations were performed, by 489 ophthalmologists. They worked in 62 in-patient ophthalmic units having a total of 1952 beds. The cataract rate was 3564 operations per million inhabitants; intraocular lens implantation was performed on 97% of the cases. There were 591 corneal transplants, 1698 operations for retinal detachment and 510 vitrectomies for diabetic eye complications. Conclusions The level of ophthalmic care in Hungary, judged on the basis of key objective parameters including number of ophthalmic specialists, number of ophthalmic beds, and the rates of surgery, generally conforms to standards prevailing in Western Europe, in spite of financial difficulties and the consequent lack of investment in new equipment and instruments, both major and minor.
Ocular Complications Associated with Brucellosis in an Endemic Area
Authors: Güngör K. , Bekir N.A. , Namiduru M. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To report the ocular manifestations associated with brucellosis in an endemic area. Methods We prospectively evaluated 147 patients with the diagnosis of brucellosis between May 1996 to May 2000 and recorded the ocular and systemic findings. The diagnosis was based on clinical findings, positive serological and bacteriological tests (Brucella agglutination test: over 1/160 titer, blood culture). Results Thirty-eight patients (26.0%) with brucellosis had ocular complications: conjunctivitis in 26 (17.7%), anterior uveitis in six (4.1%), posterior uveitis in one (0.7%), dacryoadenitis in two (1.4%), episcleritis in three (2.1%). Three of the seven patients with uveitis had spondylitis associated with brucellosis. Osteoarticular complications in brucellosis were more frequent in the patients with ocular involvement though the difference was not statistically significant compared with patients without ocular involvement. Conclusions Ocular manifestations are frequent in brucellosis so an ophthalmologic examination should be routinely performed in patients with brucellosis in endemic areas.
Divergence Insufficiency and Demyelinating Disorder
Authors: Reche Sainz J.A. , Espinet Badia R. , Puig Ganau T. 
Published: January 2018

Purpose To describe a divergence insufficiency in a young woman. Methods Case report. Results A 38-year-old woman presented with a episode of homonymus horizontal diplopia at distance. She was orthophoric at near but had esotropia at distance. Neurological evaluation was normal but multiple demyelinating lesions were shown in the magnetic resonance scan, with increased intrathecal Ig G production. Double vision improved after corticosteroid mega-doses. Conclusions An acute onset of diplopia due to divergence insufficiency in a young adult may be associated with a demyelinating disorder.