cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14275647
title: Three versus five intravitreal aflibercept injections as the initial loading phase in the treatment of diabetic macular edema: one-year results

description: ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare the efficacy of three initial monthly intravitreal aflibercept injections followed by pro re nata (3+PRN) dosing versus five initial monthly intravitreal aflibercept injections followed by pro re nata (5+PRN) dosing in patients with diabetic macular edema. Methods: A total of 60 treatment-naïve patients with macular edema who underwent intravitreal aflibercept injections (2 mg/0.05 mL) with at least one year of follow-up were analyzed in this retrospective and comparative study. The patients were divided into two groups according to the number of intravitreal aflibercept injections administered in the loading phase. The 3+PRN group comprised 27 patients, whereas the 5+PRN group comprised 33 patients. The visual and anatomical outcomes were compared between the two groups at baseline and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Results: Both 3+PRN and 5+PRN, showed statistically significant improvements in the best-corrected visual acuity and central macular thicknesse throughout the study period (p&lt;0.001 and, p&lt;0.001, respectively). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of changes in the best-corrected visual acuity and central macular thickness (p=0.453 and, p=0.784, respectively). The mean number of intravitreal aflibercept injections was significantly greater in the 5+PRN group (6.1 ± 0.8) than in the 3+PRN group (3.9 ± 0.8) (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: The 3+PRN and 5+PRN regimens showed similar 12-month visual and anatomical outcomes following treatment with intravitreal aflibercept injections in patients with macular edema.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14275647.v1
title: Three versus five intravitreal aflibercept injections as the initial loading phase in the treatment of diabetic macular edema: one-year results

description: ABSTRACT Purpose: To compare the efficacy of three initial monthly intravitreal aflibercept injections followed by pro re nata (3+PRN) dosing versus five initial monthly intravitreal aflibercept injections followed by pro re nata (5+PRN) dosing in patients with diabetic macular edema. Methods: A total of 60 treatment-naïve patients with macular edema who underwent intravitreal aflibercept injections (2 mg/0.05 mL) with at least one year of follow-up were analyzed in this retrospective and comparative study. The patients were divided into two groups according to the number of intravitreal aflibercept injections administered in the loading phase. The 3+PRN group comprised 27 patients, whereas the 5+PRN group comprised 33 patients. The visual and anatomical outcomes were compared between the two groups at baseline and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. Results: Both 3+PRN and 5+PRN, showed statistically significant improvements in the best-corrected visual acuity and central macular thicknesse throughout the study period (p&lt;0.001 and, p&lt;0.001, respectively). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of changes in the best-corrected visual acuity and central macular thickness (p=0.453 and, p=0.784, respectively). The mean number of intravitreal aflibercept injections was significantly greater in the 5+PRN group (6.1 ± 0.8) than in the 3+PRN group (3.9 ± 0.8) (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: The 3+PRN and 5+PRN regimens showed similar 12-month visual and anatomical outcomes following treatment with intravitreal aflibercept injections in patients with macular edema.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14275649
title: Inner retinal thickness and optic disc measurements in obese children and adolescents

description: ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate optic nerve head parameters and inner retinal layer thicknesses in obese children and adolescents. Methods: Forty-one eyes of 41 pediatric obese participants and 41 eyes of 41 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included in this study. Body mass index was calculated, based on sex and age, using body weight and height measurements. Blood lipid values (i.e., cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, and triglyceride) were measured in obese participants. Optical coherence tomography was used to examine optic nerve head parameters, including rim area, disc area, cup-to-disc ratio, and cup volume, as well as the thicknesses of retinal nerve fiber layers and macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layers. Results: Optic disc parameters were similar in obese and healthy children (p&gt;0.05). The percentage of binocular retinal nerve fiber layer thickness symmetry was significantly different between obese and control groups (p=0.003). Compared to the control group, participants in the obese group exhibited thinner retinal nerve fiber layers in the superior quadrants (p=0.04) and thinner ganglion cell-inner plexiform layers in the superior-temporal sectors (p=0.04). There were no statistically significant correlations between the ocular parameters and lipid blood test values assessed in this study (p&gt;0.05). Body mass index was significantly negatively correlated with the mean retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (r=-0.33, p=0.03) in the obese group. There was no significant correlation between intraocular pressure and body mass index (r=0.05, p=0.74). Conclusion: Compared to healthy children, obese children had greater binocular retinal nerve fiber layer thickness asymmetry and thinner retinal nerve fiber and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layers in several sectors. Blood lipid levels were not associated with retinal thickness or optic disc parameters in obese children.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14275650
title: Corneal blindness in Plato’s cave: the acting forces to prevent and revert corneal opacity. Part I: epidemiology and new physiopathological concepts

description: ABSTRACT The burden of corneal blindness and visual deficiency can be felt worldwide. Its association with several endemic diseases such as childhood blindness, trauma, infectious keratitis (including variants caused by herpes, hanseniasis, and fungi), vitamin A deficiency, diabetes mellitus, and other dry eye syndromes reflects its poorly understood underlying mechanisms and suggests that the actual frequency of the disease is underestimated. The low effectiveness of preventive and therapeutic strategies against corneal scarring or deformity predicts a high frequency of patients with corneal blindness in the future. Corneal blindness is associated with environmental factors and socioeconomic limitations that restrain health assistance and maintain a modest efficiency of the current therapeutic strategies for resolving corneal diseases in large-scale programs. We present here a critical review of the concepts associated with corneal blindness that need to be considered when planning strategies to prevent and treat corneal blindness worldwide (to be able to leave Plato’s cave, where corneal blindness is encaged.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14275650.v1
title: Corneal blindness in Plato’s cave: the acting forces to prevent and revert corneal opacity. Part I: epidemiology and new physiopathological concepts

description: ABSTRACT The burden of corneal blindness and visual deficiency can be felt worldwide. Its association with several endemic diseases such as childhood blindness, trauma, infectious keratitis (including variants caused by herpes, hanseniasis, and fungi), vitamin A deficiency, diabetes mellitus, and other dry eye syndromes reflects its poorly understood underlying mechanisms and suggests that the actual frequency of the disease is underestimated. The low effectiveness of preventive and therapeutic strategies against corneal scarring or deformity predicts a high frequency of patients with corneal blindness in the future. Corneal blindness is associated with environmental factors and socioeconomic limitations that restrain health assistance and maintain a modest efficiency of the current therapeutic strategies for resolving corneal diseases in large-scale programs. We present here a critical review of the concepts associated with corneal blindness that need to be considered when planning strategies to prevent and treat corneal blindness worldwide (to be able to leave Plato’s cave, where corneal blindness is encaged.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14275649.v1
title: Inner retinal thickness and optic disc measurements in obese children and adolescents

description: ABSTRACT Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate optic nerve head parameters and inner retinal layer thicknesses in obese children and adolescents. Methods: Forty-one eyes of 41 pediatric obese participants and 41 eyes of 41 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included in this study. Body mass index was calculated, based on sex and age, using body weight and height measurements. Blood lipid values (i.e., cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, and triglyceride) were measured in obese participants. Optical coherence tomography was used to examine optic nerve head parameters, including rim area, disc area, cup-to-disc ratio, and cup volume, as well as the thicknesses of retinal nerve fiber layers and macular ganglion cell-inner plexiform layers. Results: Optic disc parameters were similar in obese and healthy children (p&gt;0.05). The percentage of binocular retinal nerve fiber layer thickness symmetry was significantly different between obese and control groups (p=0.003). Compared to the control group, participants in the obese group exhibited thinner retinal nerve fiber layers in the superior quadrants (p=0.04) and thinner ganglion cell-inner plexiform layers in the superior-temporal sectors (p=0.04). There were no statistically significant correlations between the ocular parameters and lipid blood test values assessed in this study (p&gt;0.05). Body mass index was significantly negatively correlated with the mean retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (r=-0.33, p=0.03) in the obese group. There was no significant correlation between intraocular pressure and body mass index (r=0.05, p=0.74). Conclusion: Compared to healthy children, obese children had greater binocular retinal nerve fiber layer thickness asymmetry and thinner retinal nerve fiber and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layers in several sectors. Blood lipid levels were not associated with retinal thickness or optic disc parameters in obese children.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14275659
title: Complex strabismus: a case report of hypoplasia of the third cranial nerve with an unusual clinical presentation

description: ABSTRACT Congenital cranial dysinnervation disorders are a group of complex strabismus syndromes that present as congenital and non-progressive ophthalmoplegia. The genetic defects are associated with aberrant axonal targeting onto the motoneurons, development of motoneurons, and axonal targeting onto the extraocular muscles. We describe here the surgical management of a 16-year-old boy who presented with complex strabismus secondary to hypoplasia of the third cranial nerve and aberrant innervation of the upper ipsilateral eyelid.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14275658
title: Characterization and distribution of viridans group streptococci isolated from infectious endophthalmitis and keratitis

description: ABSTRACT Purpose: The aims of this study were to characterize alpha-hemolytic streptococci among isolates from cases of infectious endophthalmitis and keratitis and to determine their distributions. Methods: The sample included 27 and 35 nonduplicated isolates of alpha-hemolytic streptococci recovered from patients with infectious endophthalmitis (2002-2013) and keratitis (2008-2013), respectively. Isolates were identified by the optochin susceptibility and bile solubility tests, using a biochemical identification system. The minimum inhibitory concentration was determined by the broth microdilution method. Molecular identification was performed by analyses of three constitutive genes and the complementary multilocus sequence. The molecular epidemiology of Streptococcus pneumoniae was investigated using multilocus sequence typing, and the presence of the capsular polysaccharide-encoding gene was assessed using conventional polymerase chain reaction. Outcomes were evaluated using the patients’ medical records. Results: Phenotypic tests differentiated S. pneumoniae from other alpha-hemolytic streptococci, consistent with later molecular identifications. Streptococcus oralis was significantly prevalent among the endophthalmitis isolates, as was S. pneumoniae in the keratitis isolates. High levels of susceptibility to antibiotics were observed, including vancomycin, cephalosporins, and fluoroquinolones. High genetic variability was detected among the 19 S. pneumoniae strains, with 15 predicted to be encapsulated. The medical records of patients with infectious endophthalmitis were reviewed (n=15/27; 56%), and final visual acuity was assessed in 12 cases (44%). Many patients progressed to a final visual acuity state of “no light perception” (6/12; 50%), “light perception” (3/12; 25%), or “hand motion” (1/12; 8%). The medical records of patients with infectious keratitis were also reviewed (n=24/35; 69%), and final visual acuity was assessed in 18 cases (51%). Similarly, most patients progressed to a final visual acuity state of “no light perception” (6/18; 33%), “light perception” (1/18; 6%), or “hand motion” (6/18; 33%). Overall, the majority of patients progressed to a final visual acuity state of “no light perception” (12/30), “light perception” (4/30), or “hand motion” (7/30). Conclusions: The distribution of alpha-hemolytic streptococci in ocular infections suggested the presence of a species-specific tissue tropism. The prognoses of patients with ocular streptococcal infections were highly unfavorable, and antibiotic resistance did not contribute to the unfavorable clinical progressions and poor outcomes.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14275658.v1
title: Characterization and distribution of viridans group streptococci isolated from infectious endophthalmitis and keratitis

description: ABSTRACT Purpose: The aims of this study were to characterize alpha-hemolytic streptococci among isolates from cases of infectious endophthalmitis and keratitis and to determine their distributions. Methods: The sample included 27 and 35 nonduplicated isolates of alpha-hemolytic streptococci recovered from patients with infectious endophthalmitis (2002-2013) and keratitis (2008-2013), respectively. Isolates were identified by the optochin susceptibility and bile solubility tests, using a biochemical identification system. The minimum inhibitory concentration was determined by the broth microdilution method. Molecular identification was performed by analyses of three constitutive genes and the complementary multilocus sequence. The molecular epidemiology of Streptococcus pneumoniae was investigated using multilocus sequence typing, and the presence of the capsular polysaccharide-encoding gene was assessed using conventional polymerase chain reaction. Outcomes were evaluated using the patients’ medical records. Results: Phenotypic tests differentiated S. pneumoniae from other alpha-hemolytic streptococci, consistent with later molecular identifications. Streptococcus oralis was significantly prevalent among the endophthalmitis isolates, as was S. pneumoniae in the keratitis isolates. High levels of susceptibility to antibiotics were observed, including vancomycin, cephalosporins, and fluoroquinolones. High genetic variability was detected among the 19 S. pneumoniae strains, with 15 predicted to be encapsulated. The medical records of patients with infectious endophthalmitis were reviewed (n=15/27; 56%), and final visual acuity was assessed in 12 cases (44%). Many patients progressed to a final visual acuity state of “no light perception” (6/12; 50%), “light perception” (3/12; 25%), or “hand motion” (1/12; 8%). The medical records of patients with infectious keratitis were also reviewed (n=24/35; 69%), and final visual acuity was assessed in 18 cases (51%). Similarly, most patients progressed to a final visual acuity state of “no light perception” (6/18; 33%), “light perception” (1/18; 6%), or “hand motion” (6/18; 33%). Overall, the majority of patients progressed to a final visual acuity state of “no light perception” (12/30), “light perception” (4/30), or “hand motion” (7/30). Conclusions: The distribution of alpha-hemolytic streptococci in ocular infections suggested the presence of a species-specific tissue tropism. The prognoses of patients with ocular streptococcal infections were highly unfavorable, and antibiotic resistance did not contribute to the unfavorable clinical progressions and poor outcomes.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14275659.v1
title: Complex strabismus: a case report of hypoplasia of the third cranial nerve with an unusual clinical presentation

description: ABSTRACT Congenital cranial dysinnervation disorders are a group of complex strabismus syndromes that present as congenital and non-progressive ophthalmoplegia. The genetic defects are associated with aberrant axonal targeting onto the motoneurons, development of motoneurons, and axonal targeting onto the extraocular muscles. We describe here the surgical management of a 16-year-old boy who presented with complex strabismus secondary to hypoplasia of the third cranial nerve and aberrant innervation of the upper ipsilateral eyelid.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14275667
title: The Canabrava Ring, an open ring-shaped pupil expander for cataract surgery associated with iris colobomata: a case report

description: ABSTRACT In this report, we describe a new pupil expander device that was used to obtain adequate pupil dilation and centering in a patient with an iris coloboma. Specifically, we describe the case of a patient with an iris coloboma; a Malyugin ring was inserted to facilitate dilation during phacoemulsification surgery. One of the scrolls did not engage which resulted in an uneven distribution of forces and an eccentric pupil. A Canabrava Ring was then implanted that promoted effective pupillary dilation and remained stable and effective throughout the surgical procedure.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14275667.v1
title: The Canabrava Ring, an open ring-shaped pupil expander for cataract surgery associated with iris colobomata: a case report

description: ABSTRACT In this report, we describe a new pupil expander device that was used to obtain adequate pupil dilation and centering in a patient with an iris coloboma. Specifically, we describe the case of a patient with an iris coloboma; a Malyugin ring was inserted to facilitate dilation during phacoemulsification surgery. One of the scrolls did not engage which resulted in an uneven distribution of forces and an eccentric pupil. A Canabrava Ring was then implanted that promoted effective pupillary dilation and remained stable and effective throughout the surgical procedure.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14275668
title: Optical coherence tomography angiography findings in patients with Alport syndrome

description: ABSTRACT Purpose: To describe the findings on optical coherence tomography angiography associated with Alport syndrome. Methods: Descriptive study from a referral ophthalmology service (Hospital Evangélico de Vila Velha, Brazil). Patients diagnosed with Alport syndrome were included. Results: The study group consisted of four patients (one female and three males) diagnosed with Alport syndrome. Visual acuity in the worst eye was between 20/40 and 20/60. All male patients had anterior lenticonus on biomicroscopy. The observed retinal findings included dots and flecks and pigmentary changes in the macula. On optical coherence tomography angiography, the inner retinal layers of all patients displayed thinning (especially in the temporal quadrant of the macula) and an increase in the foveal avascular zone. A thick choroid was observed in both eyes of the two youngest patients. Conclusions: In patients with Alport syndrome, the inner retinal layers suffer changes due to type IV collagen mutations. Optical coherence tomography angiography makes it possible to visualize and document these findings, making it a useful tool in the detection of early retinal findings associated with Alport syndrome.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14275671
title: Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty for acute corneal hydrops: a case report

description: ABSTRACT Here, we describe the result of a Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty for acute corneal hydrops in a 45-year-old female with keratoconus, who presented with severe visual loss in her OS. The patient’s best-corrected visual acuity was 20/80 in the right eye and hand motion in the OS. Slit-lamp examination revealed an extensive tear of the Descemet’s membrane and stromal corneal edema in the OS. We opted for Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty. Twelve months postoperatively, the patient had a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/50 in the OS.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14268455
title: Evaluation of the tear parameters of ovulation induction patients in a short time period with anterior segment optical coherence tomography

description: ABSTRACT Purpose: The effects of sex steroid hormones on tearparameters are known. Theaim of this studywas to examine the effects on tear parameters during exposure to high-dose sex steroids in a short period of time. Methods: Forty patients who were admitted to the infertility clinic of our hospital and planned to undergo ovulation induction with exogenous gonadotropins were included in our study. Prior tothe initiation of ovulation induction, the basal levels of estradiol were measured on day 3 of the menstrual cycle and ophthalmologic examinations were performed by the ophthalmology department of our hospital. The estradiol levels were-measured on the day ofovulation induction usinghuman chorionic gonadotropin and compared with basal estradiol; eye examinations were also repeated. Result: Forty women with reproductive period and average age of 33.3 ± 4.2 years were included in this study. Basal levels of estradiol were significantly (p&lt;0.001) higher after ovulation induction than before induction. The scores in the break-up timeand after induction were 6.2 ± 2.8 sn and 8.4 ± 1.4 sn, respectively. The values of Schirmer’s test were 14.3 ± 7.1 mm and 20.6 ± 6.2 mm before and after induction, respectively. Both values were significantly higher after ovulation induction (p&lt;0.001; p=0.001, respectively). Conclusion: We observed improvemet in tear function tests following the use of estradiol even for a limited time.The use of estradiol during menopause may improve dry eye symptoms in patients.
DOI: 10.6084/m9.figshare.14275671.v1
title: Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty for acute corneal hydrops: a case report

description: ABSTRACT Here, we describe the result of a Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty for acute corneal hydrops in a 45-year-old female with keratoconus, who presented with severe visual loss in her OS. The patient’s best-corrected visual acuity was 20/80 in the right eye and hand motion in the OS. Slit-lamp examination revealed an extensive tear of the Descemet’s membrane and stromal corneal edema in the OS. We opted for Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty. Twelve months postoperatively, the patient had a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/50 in the OS.