bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preoperative fluorometholone in glaucoma surgery: 1 Year clinical and anatomical outcomes with in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM)
Authors: Tomaselli Davide , Monsellato Gianluca , Calzi Gaia Li , Fantaguzzi Francesca , Lizzio Umberto , Sacchi Matteo , Nucci Paolo 
Published: January 2025

Aims/Purpose: To report preliminary data on the preoperative application of topical Fluorometholone in patients requiring glaucoma surgery due to primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG), evaluating clinical and anatomical outcomes with in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) at 1 year follow‐up.Methods: We conducted a prospective study involving 54 eyes with POAG requiring glaucoma surgery: Trabeculectomy or Minimally Invasive Bleb Surgery (MIBS) (XEN® and PreserFlo®). The sample was randomized: the treatment group (25 eyes) received Fluorometholone 1mg/ml QID for 1 month pre‐surgery, while the control group (29 eyes) did not. IVCM of the conjunctiva was performed at baseline, after 1 month of treatment, and 1 year post‐surgery. Preoperative parameters included goblet cell density (GCD) and dendritic cell density (DCD) as inflammatory markers, while postoperative parameters were density and mean area of intraepithelial cysts (MMD and MMA) as indices of bleb function. Pre and post‐surgery stromal meshwork reflectivity (SMR) served as an indirect marker of stromal collagen.Results: Preoperative Fluorometholone led to significantly decreased in DCD (p < 0.001) compared to baseline and in DCD (p < 0.001) and SMR (p = 0.014) compared to the control group. At 1 year, there were no significant differences between the two groups in mean IOP, medications, needling procedures, and failure rates. IVCM analysis showed increased MMD in the treatment group compared to the control group (p = 0.028). In the separate analysis, the MIBS treatment subgroup group had lower IOP (p = 0.046) and less medication use (p = 0.032), but this was not observed in the trabeculectomy treatment subgroup. MMD increased in both the MIBS (p = 0.037) and trabeculectomy (p = 0.024) treatment subgroups.Conclusions: Preoperative Fluorometholone reduced ocular inflammation, improving bleb function at 1 year as detected by IVCM. However, its impact on overall bleb functionality remains unclear, with a clinically detectable improvement only in the MIBS group. Larger studies with longer follow‐up are necessary to fully understand the implications of preoperative Fluorometholone on long‐term surgical outcomes across different types of glaucoma surgeries.
Correlation of biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation in tears and aqueous humor of primary open‐angle glaucoma patients
Authors: Sanchez Javier Benitez‐del‐Castillo , Duran Maria Dolores Pinazo , Sáez Sara Mora , Ruiz David Peña , Zanon‐Moreno Vicente , Ramos‐Lopez Juan Francisco , Galarreta‐Mira David 
Published: January 2025

Aims/Purpose: Biomarkers improve our knowledge of the risk factors and pathogenic mechanisms of eye disorders. Validation of biomarkers is crucial for addressing an effective translation to the clinical practice. We aimed to find the correlation between oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation (INF) biomarkers obtained from two commonly sampled ocular fluids: tears and aqueous humor.Methods: A longitudinal, prospective, case‐control study was conducted in 220 participants that were divided into: patients diagnosed of primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG; n = 115), and patients diagnosed of cataracts, as the comparative group (CG; n = 105). All participants underwent an interview and standardized ophthalmological examination. Reflex tears were collected from the inferior meniscus by capillarity. Aqueous humor was collected at the onset of the programmed glaucoma or cataract surgery. Both samples were stored at ‐80°, until processing to enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique, to determine OS by products (malondialdehyde ‐MDA‐/4 hydroxynonenal ‐4HNE‐/total antioxidant capacity ‐TAC‐) and INF mediators (IL1b, IL6, TNFa, INFg). The R‐core team statistical program was used for data processing.Results: Mean age was 72 + 9 years in the POAG group and 65 + 10 years in the CG. Gender distribution was homogeneous in both groups of participants. Significantly higher MDA, 4HNE, IL1b, IL6, TNFa, and INFg and lower TAC, were found in tears from the POAG group respect to the CG (p < 0.001). Also, a statistically significant differential profile of OS (MDA, 4HNE, TAC) and INF (IL1b, IL6, TNFa, and INFg ) molecules was detected in the aqueous humor of the POAG patients versus the CG (p < 0.001). Specific significant correlations were found between the above molecules and the imaging data regarding disease stages, as well as, importantly, between the tears and aqueous humor results.Conclusions: We described a series of OS and INF biomarkers that can provide information of the disease severity. Furthermore, the OS and INF biomarker levels in tears have been shown to correlate with the aqueous humor in POAG patients, but not in the CG. These data enhance the value of non‐invasive tear collection for biomarkers analyses, that may be one useful driver of glaucoma molecular diagnosis and prognosis.
Identification of diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in dry eye disease in primary open‐angle glaucoma: A cross‐sectional case‐control study
Authors: Sáez Sara Mora , Andrés‐Blasco Irene , Cerdà‐Ibáñez Marta , Peris‐Martínez Cristina , Durán Maria Dolores Pinazo 
Published: January 2025

Aims/Purpose: To integrate clinical and molecular data that allow us to identify diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of dry eye disease (DED) in primary open‐angle glaucoma (POAG).Methods: A cross‐sectional case‐control study consisting of 182 participants of both sexes, was done. Volunteers were classified into 4 groups: healthy controls (CG; n = 50), DED group (n = 42), POAG group (PG; n = 44), and DED+POAG (n = 46). All participants underwent a complete and systematic medical history, filled out the questionnaires, and were subjected to ophthalmologic examination. Reflex tear samples were collected and subsequently processed using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to quantify the levels of interleukins (IL) ‐1β and ‐18. Statistical analysis was performed with the SPSS 28.0 program.Results: Mean age of the study participants was 60+15 years, with a total of 56 males (31%) and 126 females (69%). The use of preservative‐containing eye drops was observed in 13% of the POAG patients, and 21% of the DED+POAG group. Clinical data [Schirmer test, tear break‐up time (TBUT), tear meniscus height (TMH) measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT)], and the tear expression of IL‐1β and IL‐18 were significantly different between groups. According to the ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire, dry eyes were more severe (OSDI = 42) and the IL‐1β and IL‐18 tear levels were significantly higher in 37% of the DED+POAG patients.Conclusions: We suggest that assessment of TMH, OSDI, and the tear expression of IL‐1β and IL‐18 can be potential biomarkers for identifying patients at risk of DED in the POAG subgroup undergoing treatment with antihypertensive eye drops.
Clinical indicators of inflammation in contact lens wearers despite uncharged tear transforming‐growth factor‐B1 and interleukin 1‐B levels
Authors: Pereira Eduardo Insua , Sampaio Ana Paula , Lira Madalena 
Published: January 2025

Aims/Purpose: This study aims to investigate the presence of Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)‐β1 and Interleukin (IL)1‐β in the tears of experienced contact lens wearers; and determine clinical ocular changes induced by the use of these devices.Methods: Fifty subjects participated in this case‐control clinical trial: Twenty‐five experienced contact lens wearers (31.9± 9.2 years; 4 men) and 25 controls (29.5 ± 7.0 years; 9 men). Tear samples were collected in a single visit during the morning (10 ‐ 12 am). Contact lens wearers were evaluated with the lens in situ. The tear samples were assayed for TGF‐β1 and IL1‐β using Enzyme‐Linked Immunobsorbent Assay (ELISA) kits. Clinical evaluations included blinking frequency; pre‐corneal (NIBUT) and pre‐lens non‐invasive break‐up time (PL‐NIBUT); tear meniscus height; and physiological responses (bulbar, limbal hyperemia, corneal neovascularization) assessment.Results: Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in TGF‐β1 (p = 0.337) and IL1‐β (p = 0.114) levels between the groups. However, contact lens wearers exhibited a significantly higher blink frequency (19 ± 10 Vs. Control 16 ± 8 blinks/min., p = 0.036), a lower tear meniscus height (0.22 ± 0.09 mm Vs. Control 0.28 ± 0.07 mm, p = 0.009), and a higher degree of limbal hyperemia (1.4 ± 1.5 Vs. Control 1.2 ± 1.4, p = 0.05). The corneal neovascularization remained similar (0.0 ± 0.2 Vs. Control 0.0 ± 0.1 p = 0.001). PL‐NIBUT was significantly shorter than NIBUT (8.2 ± 6.7 Vs. 13.4 ± 12.1 p < 0.001).Conclusions: Contact lenses wear induces subtle ocular inflammatory signs, as evidenced by clinical assessments. However, intriguingly, this process does not appear to be mediated by tear‐borne TGF‐β1 and IL1‐β in experienced wearers. The discrepancy suggests alternative inflammatory pathways or compensatory mechanisms might be involved, warranting further investigation.
Post thyroidectomy surprise!
Authors: Agarwal Aakriti , Khan Taskin , Gupta Vishnu , Das Sugourab 
Published: January 2025

Aims/Purpose: To report a patient who developed dysthyroid optic neuropathy post thyroidectomyMethods: Patient who came to the Eye OPD with diminution of vision post thyroidectomy procedure was evaluatedResults: A 57‐year‐old female who had Grave's ophthalmopathy detected 8 months ago, vision 6/6 B/E came to the EYE OPD with sudden exacerbation of symptoms for the past 4 days. She had undergone total thyroidectomy 8 days ago. Her visual acuity was 6/24 both eyes and Color vision was impaired in the both the eyes, left eye more than right eye. On ocular examination there was upper lid retraction both the eyes with scleral show. There was fullness of B/E lower lids with lid lag B/E. EOM were mildly restricted in B/E and pupils were sluggishly reacting B/E, rest anterior segment: WNL. Patient was pharmacologically dilated for fundus examination and both eyes disc pallor was noted.CECT Orbits was performed which showed significant enlargement and prominence of bilateral extraocular muscles, predominantly inferior and medial rectus (left eye > right). Vertical Barrett's Index of left eye > 60% suggestive of significant optic nerve impingement of left eye. Thyroid tests performed showed profound hypothyroidism with FT4 1.9 pg/ml, TSH: 41 microU/ml.Euthyroid state was rapidly restored with thyroxine and T3 supplements and optic neuropathy was treated with oral steroids. Patient was kept on regular follow up and dysthyroid optic neuropathy improved significantly with restoration of normal visual acuity.Conclusions: Dysthyroid optic neuropathy may be precipitated post thyroidectomy in patients developing hypothyroidism suggesting that euthyroid state must be maintained and prompt treatment with steroids of graves ophthalmopathy can restore normal visual acuity.
Evaluation of the retinal vascular and structural changes in migraine patients treated with anti‐CGRP monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Martucci Alessio , Lombardo Marco , Buffon Giacinta , Mercuri Nicola Biagio , Albanese Maria , Durán Maria Dolores Pinazo , Nucci Carlo , Aiello Francesco , Cesareo Massimo 
Published: January 2025

Aims/Purpose: Migraine is a disabling and chronic neurological disease characterized by recurrent attacks that can lead to ocular and systemic complications. Several studies have investigated changes in retinal vascular density and structure in migraine patients. This study aims to evaluate vascular and structural changes of the retina in patients with migraine (with and without aura) before and after one‐year treatment with anti‐calcitonin‐gene‐related peptide (CGRP) monoclonal antibodies.Methods: Ten patients affected by migraine with (MwA) and without aura (MwoA) and ten healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled in this study. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT‐A) was performed to assess retinal vessel density and spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT) to evaluate foveal thickness, peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, and macular ganglion cell layer thickness. In addition, we evaluated these parameters for each group after one year of treatment with anti‐CGRP monoclonal antibodies for MwA and MwoA and one year without treatments for HCs.Results: At the baseline, MwA patients had significantly lower foveal thickness than MwoA and HCs. From OCT‐A data analysis, we also found that the superficial foveal vascular density values in MwA patients were lower than in MwoA patients and HCs. The foveal avascular zone was significantly enlarged in MwA patients compared to MwoA patients and HCs. After one year of treatment with anti‐CGRP monoclonal antibodies, no statistically significant differences (p‐value < 0.05) were observed in terms of retinal structure and vascularity in all three groups comparing data at the baseline and after one year of treatment.Conclusions: The results of our study suggest that migraine is associated with vascular and structural retinal changes, especially in patients affected by migraine with aura. The CGRP‐targeted therapy plays an important role in reducing the frequency of migraine attacks and their systemic implications but, nowadays, there is no evidence that this therapy could even have an effective impact on retina vascularity or structure.
Neurophthalomogical assessment in ARSACS syndrome
Authors: Cascavilla Maria Lucia , Battista Marco , Brotto Luigi , Maltecca Francesca , Fantaguzzi Federico , Bianco Lorenzo , Barboni Piero , Bandello Francesco 
Published: January 2025

Aims/Purpose: Autosomal recessive spastic ataxia of Charlevoix‐Saguenay (ARSACS) is a neurodegenerative disorder, firstly documented in patients from Quebec, who manifest the early‐onset triad of ataxia, spasticity, and mixed sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy, accompanied by thickening of the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) as observed on optical coherence tomography (OCT).Methods: To report ten cases of patients with molecularly confirmed ARSACS exhibiting abnormal thinning of the GCL in both eyes. The demographic and OCT analysis were described and discussed. All these patients underwent eye examinations, including best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA), Ishihara test, Goldmann tonometry and computerized visual field assessment (Humphrey 30‐2, Zeiss). OCT (Triton, Topcon DRI) was used for evaluating RNFL and ganglion cell layer (GCL); a qualitative analysis of perifoveal scans was performed.Results: The ten patients included were 6 females and 4 males, aged between 30 and 40 years. All patients had a genetically confirmed diagnosis of ARSACS. In ophthalmological assessment, each patient showed a BCVA of 20/20 in both eyes, normal color vision and intraocular pressure. The visual field was unremarkable, except for one patient who exhibited a mild enlargement of the blind spot.In the OCT scans, all four patients exhibited a certain degree of foveal hypoplasia, with a reduction in the distance measured from the fovea to the optic disc center (FDD). They were also characterized by thickening of the RNFL. Notably, we initially observed a thinning of the ganglion cell layer (GCL) in the temporal sector. However, upon further investigation, we attributed this finding to a systematic error linked to the reduced FDD. Manual re‐centering of the fovea in the OCT scans revealed normal GCL thickness in all examined patients.Conclusions: Foveal hypoplasia, reduced FDD, and thickening of the RNFL are known characteristics of patients affected by ARSACS, along with optimal BCVA and almost absence of visual field defects.These findings emphasize the importance of a meticulous image analysis and interpretation in characterize retinal changes in ARSACS patients and highlight the potential impact of imaging technique nuances on diagnostic assessments.
Matching algorithm utilised in the leros study of idebenone efficacy in leber hereditary optic neuropathy
Authors: Newman Nancy , Llòria Xavier , Silva Magda Joana , Yu‐Wai‐Man Patrick , Carelli Valerio , Klopstock Thomas 
Published: January 2025

Aims/Purpose: Randomised, placebo‐controlled trials are the gold standard for evaluating treatment efficacy; however, low patient numbers can limit this approach in rare diseases, such as Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON). To overcome this, in the LEROS study1, outcomes of idebenone treatment in LHON patients were compared to those from an external, untreated, natural history (NH) cohort. Here, we describe the matching algorithm used to ensure comparability between cohorts based on time since the onset of symptoms (OoS), a major factor influencing outcomes in LHON.Methods: As previously described1, untreated NH eyes from two case record surveys were eligible for matching if they fulfilled LEROS inclusion/exclusion criteria. Separate algorithms were developed for subacute/dynamic and chronic eyes.Results: A NH visit pair (VP) consisted of a baseline visit (BLV), and a follow‐up visit (FUV) in which the FUV was within ±3 months of a specified analysis timepoint (e.g., 12‐ or 24‐months). As NH eyes were untreated, any assessment after OoS could be used as a BLV if fulfilling the criteria below. The same eye could be eligible for analyses at other timepoints.For subacute/dynamic analyses, average time from OoS (2nd affected eye) to BLV was calculated in LEROS eyes (onsetL). NH VPs were selected from eyes with a BLV < 1 year from OoS. If an eye had multiple eligible VPs, the one with time from OoS to BLV closest to onsetL was selected.For chronic analyses, NH VPs were categorised into bins of > 1–2, > 2–3, > 3–4, and > 4–5 years according to time from OoS for each possible BLV. In case several VPs fell into the same bin, the BLV closest to the midpoint of the bin was selected.Conclusions: These algorithms ensured that time from OoS to BLV was comparable between the LEROS and NH cohorts for each analysis and allowed comparison of idebenone treatment efficacy against an untreated control group.References
Yu‐Wai‐Man P, et al. Cell Rep Med. 2024;5:101437.
Prevalence of amblyogenic risk factors among children aged 3.5–5.5 years in scotland who fail their vision screening
Authors: Conway Miriam , Pentland Lee , Edgar Dave , Shah Rakhee , Evans Benjamin , Evans Bruce 
Published: January 2025

Aims/Purpose: Scotland, with a population of ~5.5 million, has a comprehensive vision screening programme by orthoptists for children aged 3.5‐5.5 years, taken up by ~85% (40,000‐50,000 annually). Tests include presenting vision, cover test, and other orthoptic evaluations. Screening failures are referred for an eye examination, including cycloplegic refraction, by an optometrist or, infrequently, an ophthalmologist. Our aim is to report the prevalence of amblyogenic risk factors (ARF), in children who failed screening and completed an eye examination.Methods: Based on AAPOS criteria, the following ARF were applied: constant manifest strabismus or any of the following refractive states: hyperopia (spherical equivalent refraction, SER) > 4.00D (in one/both eyes), astigmatism > 1.75DC (in one/both eyes), anisometropia > 1.25DC for astigmatism and > 1.25D (SER) for hyperopic or mixed (one eye hyperopic, the other myopic) anisometropia. 2021/22 school year data, from Scottish Health Boards containing 87% of Scotland's population, are reported.Results: 36,270 children completed vision screening, 78.9% of all eligible children. 8,130 (22.4%) children failed screening and were referred for eye examination, with data returned and analysed for 5,310 (65.3%). The overall prevalence (95% CI) of children having at least one ARF was 5.06% (4.84‐5.29), and for at least two, three and four ARFs was 1.62% (1.49‐1.76), 0.27% (0.22‐0.33) and 0.04% (0.03‐0.07) respectively. Among children with an ARF, 35.1% had hyperopia > 4.00D, 48.2% had astigmatism > 1.75D, 26.6% had hyperopic anisometropia, 12.6% had astigmatic anisometropia, 2.0% had mixed anisometropia, and 13.7% had constant manifest strabismus.Conclusions: In this predominantly Caucasian population 5.06% (95% CI: 4.84‐5.29%) of Scottish children (3.5 – 5.5 years) have at least one ARF. The high prevalence of ARFs validates the importance of carrying out a universal vision screening programme.
Choroidal thickness in myopic children: one‐year follow‐up study with 0.01% atropine eye drops
Authors: Simonavičiūtė Dovilė , Gelžinis Arvydas , Grzybowski Andrzej , Žemaitienė Reda 
Published: January 2025

Aims/Purpose: Atropine eye drops of various concentrations are widely used to slow the progression of myopia, yet the precise mechanism through which atropine achieves this control remains unclear (1). Studies have shown that choroidal thickness (ChT) decreases as myopia progresses (2) and atropine eye drops have been shown to increase choroidal thickness (3).Methods: Healthy children aged 6‐12 years with cycloplegic spherical equivalent (SE) from ‐0.5 D to ‐5.0 D and astigmatism ≤1.5D were included. Participants were assigned to the control group or 0.01% atropine eye drops group. The atropine group received 0.01% atropine eye drops once in the evening for 1 year. ChT was assessed in 9 areas using the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) automated grid layout with swept‐source optical coherence tomography (SS‐OCT) at the baseline and after 1‐year follow‐up. Only measurements of the right eye were analyzed.Results: 31 children were in the control group and 35 in the 0.01% atropine group. The median age was 10 (6‐12) years in the control group and 10 (7‐12) years in the 0.01% atropine group (p = 0.880). There were 22 girls in the control group and 20 in the 0.01% atropine group (p = 0.244). Baseline ChT in all 9 areas were similar between the groups (p > 0.05). After 1‐year follow‐up, changes in choroidal thickness remained similar in all 9 areas between the control and 0.01% atropine groups (p > 0.05).Conclusions: The administration of 0.01% atropine eye drops did not result in a significant change in ChT over 1‐year follow‐up period compared to the control group in myopic children. Future research should focus on longer follow‐up periods and explore different concentrations of atropine to fully understand its effects on ChT.References
Upadhyay A, Beuerman RW. Biological Mechanisms of Atropine Control of Myopia. Eye Contact Lens. 2020 May;46(3):129‐135. doi: 10.1097/ICL.0000000000000677. PMID: 31899695; PMCID: PMC7176345.
Gupta P, Saw SM, Cheung CY, et al. Choroidal thickness and high myopia: a case‐control study of young Chinese men in Singapore. Acta Ophthalmol. 2015;93(7):e585‐e592. doi:10.1111/aos.12631
Li W, Jiang R, Zhu Y, Zhou J, Cui C. Effect of 0.01% atropine eye drops on choroidal thickness in myopic children. J Fr Ophtalmol. 2020;43(9):862‐868. doi:10.1016/j.jfo.2020.04.023