VOLUME 79 - ISSUE 3

Purpose: To evaluate the association between macular hole volume (MHV) and postoperative central macular thickness (CMT) using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). Methods: Thirty-three eyes of 30 patients with a large full-thickness idiopathic macular hole with or without vitreomacular traction who underwent surgical intervention were included in this cross-sectional study. Complete ophthalmological examination, including SD-OCT, was performed for all participants during the pre- and postoperative visits. MHV was preoperatively measured using SD-OCT, which captured the widest cross-sectional image of the hole. For normal distribution analysis of the data, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was performed, and for statistical analyses, chi-square, Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Pearson's correlation coefficient test were performed. Results: Mean preoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and MHV were found to be 0.99 ± 0.36 (range, 0.3-2.0) logMAR and 0.139 ± 0.076 (range, 0.004-0.318) mm3, respectively. Mean follow-up was 16.3 ± 14.3 (range, 3-50) months. No statistical correlations were found between MHV and postoperative BCVA (p=0.588) and between MHV and disease recurrence (p=0.544). A weak negative correlation existed between MHV and final CMT scores (p=0.04, r=-0.383). Conclusions: Greater MHV was found to be weakly associated with lower postoperative CMT scores.

Keywords: Retinal perforations/surgery; Tomography, optical coherence; Vitrectomy; Macula lutea; Postoperative period

Purpose: To investigate subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) in patients with pre-eclampsia using enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT). Methods: A sample of 73 pregnant women was studied over 28 weeks of gestation. The sample was divided into two groups: one comprising pre-eclamptic pregnant women (n=32), and the other comprising healthy pregnant women (n=41). The SFCT was determined for all patients using EDI-OCT during pregnancy and at the third month of the postpartum period. Results: The SFCTs in pre-eclamptic pregnant women were 351.97 ± 22.44 and 332.28 ± 20.32 µm during the pregnancy and postpartum periods (p<0.001), respectively, whereas these values in healthy pregnant women were 389.73 ± 49.64 and 329.78 ± 22.36 µm (p<0.001), respectively. During pregnancy SFCT in pre-eclamptic pregnant women was significantly thinner than that in healthy pregnant women (p<0.001). However, there was no statistically significant difference during the postpartum period (p=0.623). Conclusions: The results suggest that SFCT is significantly decreased in pre-eclamptic pregnant women than in healthy pregnant women, despite no statistically significant difference in SFCT existing between the groups during the postpartum period.

Keywords: Choroid; Choroid diseases/diagnosis; Tomography, Optical coherence; Pre-eclampsia; Fovea centralis; Axial length; eye; Pregnancy

Purpose: To analyze the short-term clinical and topographic outcomes in patients with keratoconus after corneal collagen cross-linking treatment (CXL) with dextran-free isotonic riboflavin solution. Methods: In this retrospective case series, 26 eyes from 26 patients with keratoconus were studied. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and refractive and topographic findings were analyzed at a 6-month follow-up. Results: The mean BCVA (Snellen lines) values before and 1, 3, and 6 months after CXL were 0.51 ± 0.2, 0.48 ± 0.2, 0.57 ± 0.2, and 0.64 ± 0.2, respectively, and the difference between the preoperative and 6-month values was statistically significant (p=0.006). The mean spherical equivalent refraction decreased from -5.6 ± 2.4 diopters (D) preoperatively to -5.0 ± 2.1 D, and mean simulated keratometry decreased from 48.5 ± 2.5 D to 47.8 ± 2.6 D at 6 months. (p=0.145 and p=0.001, respectively). In addition, the maximum keratometry decreased progressively and significantly from the preoperative value during follow-up (p=0.003). The central and minimal corneal thicknesses, including those of the epithelium, also decreased from 442.8 ± 25.6 µm and 430.5 ± 23.9 µm preoperatively to 420.7 ± 31.8 µm and 409.3 ± 28.7 µm at the most recent follow-up (p<0.001), respectively. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed. Conclusions: CXL with dextran-free isotonic riboflavin solution appears to be a safe treatment alternative for keratoconus and yields sustained short-term improvements in visual acuity, keratometric readings, and corneal thickness. However, long-term results are needed to confirm these outcomes.

Keywords: Cornea; Collagen; Cross-linking reagents; Riboflavin/therapeutic use; Ultraviolet rays; Dextrans; Visual acuity

Purpose: The present study aimed to report the outcomes of patients with progressive keratoconus who were treated via accelerated crosslinking (CXL) 6 months earlier and to determine the factors that promoted improved visual acuity after treatment. Methods: This retrospective study included 35 eyes of 34 patients with progressive keratoconus who underwent CXL. Topographical measurements were obtained preoperatively and in the first, third, and sixth months postoperatively using a rotating Scheimpflug camera. The uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), flat keratometry (K) value (K1), steep K value (K2), average K value (avgK), topographic cylindrical value (Cyl), apical keratoscopy front (AKf), apical keratoscopy back (AKb), symmetry index front (SIf), symmetry index back (SIb), and thinnest point of the cornea (ThkMin) were recorded. Results: At the 6-month follow-up, the mean UCVA and BCVA values were improved, and the K values remained stable. Statistically significant decreases in AKf (p=0.04) and the thinnest point of the cornea (p=0.001) and a statistically significant increase in AKb (p=0.01) were observed. A correlation analysis revealed that the preoperative BCVA, UCVA, K1, K2, avgK, AKf, and AKb values significantly affected visual acuity at the 6-month follow-up. Conclusions: Accelerated CXL is an effective treatment for the prevention or even reversal of keratoconus progression. The preoperative K values and apexes of the anterior and posterior cornea were found to affect visual acuity at 6 months after accelerated CXL. Both AKb steepening and AKf flattening appear to be important factors in the stabilization of keratometric values and improvement of visual outcomes.

Keywords: Cornea; Keratoconus/therapy; Riboflavin/therapeutic use; Ultraviolet rays; Cross-linking reagents; Visual acuity

Purpose: To evaluate choroidal thickness (CT) using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) imaging at baseline and 6 months after intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed to identify patients with DME who underwent intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF (bevacizumab or ranibizumab) in a pro re nata (PRN) regimen. Subfoveal choroidal thickness was compared between values obtained at baseline and at 6-month follow-up visits. Results: Thirty-nine eyes (15 females, 24 males) from 39 patients were enrolled (mean age, 62.43 ± 8.7 years; range, 44-79 years). Twenty-three and 16 eyes were treated with ranibizumab and bevacizumab respectively. The mean number of anti-VEGF injections was 2.28 ± 1.27 (range, 1-5). Mean nasal, subfoveal, and temporal choroidal thickness (CT) measurements at baseline were 234.10 ± 8.63 µm, 246.89 ± 8.94 µm, and 238.12 ± 8.20 µm, respectively, and those at 6 months post-treatment were 210.46 ± 8.00 µm, 215.66 ± 8.29 µm, and 212.43 ± 8.14 µm, respectively. Significant differences in CT were observed between baseline and the 6-month follow-up at all measured points (p=0.0327). Conclusions: Over a 6-month period, the use of intravitreal anti-VEGF was associated with significant thinning of the choroid in patients with DME. The clinical significance of a thinner choroid in DME is currently unknown; however, it may contribute to long-term adverse effects on choroidal and retinal function, representing an area requiring future investigation.

Keywords: Angiogenesis inhibitors; Choroid; Diabetic retinopathy; Intravitreal injections; Tomography, optical coherence

Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes of three different surgical techniques for foldable posterior chamber intraocular lens (PCIOL) implantation in vitrectomized eyes without capsular support. Methods: A total of 60 patients with aphakic and vitrectomized eyes without capsular support were enrolled. All patients underwent three-piece foldable PCIOL implantation into the posterior chamber through a small corneal incision. Transscleral fixation (TSF), iris fixation (IF), and intrascleral tunnel fixation (ISF) surgical techniques were performed. Results: Postoperative PCIOL subluxation or dislocation occurred in one case in the TSF group and two cases in the ISF group. Intraoperative PCIOL dislocation occurred in two patients in the IF group. The incidence of temporary postoperative complications, such as mild intraocular hemorrhage and cystoid macular edema, was higher in the ISF group. No statistically significant difference in PCIOL-related astigmatism was observed between groups. Visual acuity improved in all groups. Conclusions: Postoperative outcomes were comparable between TSF, IF, and ISF for PCIOL in vitrectomized eyes without capsular support.

Keywords: Lens implantation, intraocular/methods; Iris/surgery; Suture techniques; Aphakia

Purpose: To compare the conjunctival, lacrimal sac, and nasal flora cultures and conjunctival normalization time following external (EX-), endoscopic (EN-), and transcanalicular multidiode laser (TC-) dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) and to evaluate the relationship between culture positivity and surgical success. We further performed antibiotic sensitivity analyses for lacrimal sac culture samples. Methods: A total of 90 patients with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction were recruited and divided into EX-DCR (n=32), EN-DCR (n=28), and TC-DCR (n=30) groups. Conjunctival, nasal, and lacrimal sac cultures and antibiograms were analyzed. Results: In all three groups, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CNS) was predominantly isolated preoperatively from the conjunctiva, nose, and lacrimal sac and postoperatively from the conjunctiva. Preoperative and postoperative conjunctival culture positivity rates were similar between all the groups (p>0.05). A statistically significant difference in the growth rate of culture in the lacrimal sac was observed between the three groups (p=0.001). CNS and Staphylococcus aureus cultures were predominantly sensitive to linezolid, teicoplanin, tigecycline, vancomycin, and mupirocin. Conjunctival normalization times were similar between the three groups (p>0.05). Anatomical and functional success rates were not found to be significantly correlated with preoperative conjunctival and lacrimal sac culture positivity (p>0.05). Conclusions: Similar rates of preoperative and 1-week postoperative conjunctival culture positivity were observed in all the groups; a significantly lower bacterial growth rate was observed in postoperative conjunctival cultures. CNS was the most commonly isolated organism. Bacterial growth rates in the lacrimal sac samples were significantly higher in the EN-DCR group. Bacterial growth rates obtained preoperatively from the conjunctival and lacrimal sac culture samples were not correlated with DCR success.

Keywords: Conjunctiva; Dacryocystorhinostomy; Nasolacrimal duct; Antibiotic sensitivity tests; Staphylococcus aureus, Transcanalicular multidiode laser

Purpose: To compare the optical performance and visual outcomes between two diffractive multifocal lenses: AMO Tecnis® ZMB00 and AcrySof® ReSTOR® SN6AD1. Methods: This prospective, non-randomized comparative study included the assessment of 74 eyes in 37 patients referred for cataract surgery and candidates for multifocal intraocular lens implants. Exclusion criteria included existence of any other eye disease, previous eye surgery, high axial myopia, preoperative corneal astigmatism of >1.00 cylindrical diopter (D), and intraoperative or postoperative complications. Ophthalmological evaluation included the measurement of uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), distance-corrected near visual acuity (DCNVA), and distance-corrected intermediate visual acuity (DCIVA), with analysis of contrast sensitivity (CS), wavefront, and visual defocus curve. Results: Postoperative UDVA was 0.09 and 0.08 logMAR in the SN6AD1 and ZMB00 groups, respectively (p=0.868); postoperative CDVA was 0.04 and 0.02 logMAR in the SN6AD1 and ZMB00 groups, respectively (p=0.68); DCIVA was 0.17 and 0.54 logMAR in the SN6AD1 and ZMB00 groups, respectively (p=0.000); and DCNVA was 0.04 and 0.09 logMAR in the SN6AD1 and ZMB00 groups, respectively (p=0.001). In both cases, there was an improvement in the spherical equivalent and UDVA (p<0.05). Under photopic conditions, the SN6AD1 group had better CS at low frequencies without glare (p=0.04); however, the ZMB00 group achieved better sensitivity at high frequencies with glare (p=0.003). The SN6AD1 and ZMB00 lenses exhibited similar behavior for intermediate vision, according to the defocus curve; however, the ZMB00 group showed a shorter reading distance than the SN6AD1 group. There were no significant differences regarding aberrometry between the two groups. Conclusion: Both lenses promoted better quality of vision for both long and short distances and exhibited a similar behavior for intermediate vision. The SN6AD1 and ZMB00 groups showed better results for CS under photopic conditions at low and high spatial frequencies, respectively.

Keywords: Lenses, intraocular; Contrast sensitivity; Aberrometry; Visual acuity

Purpose: To evaluate anterior segment parameters in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXS) using Scheimpflug imaging. Methods: Forty-three PXS patients and 43 healthy control subjects were included in this cross-sectional study. All participants underwent a detailed ophthalmologic examination. Anterior segment parameters were measured using a Scheimpflug system. Results: Considering the PXS and control groups, the mean corneal thicknesses at the apex point (536 ± 31 and 560 ± 31 µm, respectively, p=0.001), at the center of the pupil (534 ± 31 and 558 ± 33 µm, respectively, p=0.001), and at the thinnest point (528 ± 30 and 546 ± 27 µm, respectively, p=0.005) were significantly thinner in PXS patients. Visual acuity was significantly lower (0.52 ± 0.37 versus 0.88 ± 0.23, p<0.001) and axial length was significantly longer (23.9 ± 0.70 mm versus 23.2 ± 0.90 mm, p=0.001) in the PXS eyes than in the control eyes. There were no statistically significant differences in the mean values of keratometry, anterior chamber angle, anterior chamber depth, corneal volume, and anterior chamber volume between the PXS and control eyes. Conclusions: The patients with PXS had thinner corneas, worse visual acuity, and longer axial length compared with those in the healthy controls.

Keywords: Anterior eye segment; Exfoliation syndrome; Corneal topography; Cornea/anatomy and histology; Visual acuity

Purpose: To culture quiescent human keratocytes and evaluate the effects of ultraviolet light and riboflavin on human corneal keratocytes in vitro. Methods: Keratocytes were obtained from remaining corneoscleral ring donor corneas previously used in corneal transplant surgeries and cultured in DMEM/F12 with 2% FBS until confluence. Characterization of cultured cells was performed by immunofluorescence analysis for anti-cytokeratin-3, anti-Thy-1, anti-α-smooth muscle actin, and anti-lumican. Immunofluorescence was performed before and after treatment of cultured cells with either ultraviolet light or riboflavin. Corneal stromal cells were covered with collagen (200 µL or 500 µL) and 0.1% riboflavin, and then exposed to ultraviolet light at 370 nm for 30 minutes. After 24 hours, cytotoxicity was determined using MTT colorimetric assays, whereas cell viability was assessed using Hoechst 33342 and propidium iodide. Results: Cell cultures achieved confluence in approximately 20 days. Expression of the lumican was high, whereas no expression of CK3, Thy-1, and α-SMA was observed. After crosslinking, MTT colorimetric assays demonstrated a low toxicity rate, whereas Hoechst 33342/propidium iodide staining demonstrated a low rate of apoptosis and necrosis, respectively, in all collagen-treatment groups. Conclusion: Keratocytes can be successfully cultured in vitro and characterized by immunofluorescence using lumican. MTT colorimetric assays, and Hoechst 33342, and propidium iodide staining demonstrated a higher rate of cell death in cells cultured without collagen, indicating collagen protects keratocytes from the cytotoxic effects of ultraviolet light.

Keywords: Ultraviolet rays; Riboflavin; Cornea; Corneal stroma; Corneal keratocytes; Apoptosis

Rothmund-Thomson syndrome (RTS) is a rare dermatosis with about 300 cases reported to date. The authors describe two siblings with RTS and inflammatory conjunctival disease featuring fornix shortening and symblepharon as well as palpebral disease with sparse eyelashes. These cases demonstrate RTS ocular surface findings different to those usually described.

Keywords: Rothmund-Thomson syndrome; Eye disease; Keratitis; Ectodermal displasia; Skin disease

A 22-year-old man complained of low visual acuity and pain in his left eye for five days. His ophthalmological examination revealed 2+ anterior chamber reaction and a white, poorly defined retinal lesion at the proximal portion of the inferotemporal vascular arcade. There were retinal hemorrhages in the inferotemporal region extending to the retinal periphery. In addition, venous dilation, increased tortuosity, and ischemic retinal whitening along the inferotemporal vascular arcade were also observed. A proper systemic work-up was performed, and the patient was diagnosed with ocular toxoplasmosis. He was treated with an anti-toxoplasma medication, and his condition slowly improved. Inferior macular inner and middle retinal atrophy could be observed on optical coherence tomography as a sequela of ischemic injury. To our knowledge, this is the first report of combined retinal branch vein and artery occlusion in toxoplasmosis resulting in a striking and unusual macular appearance.

Keywords: Ocular toxoplasmosis; Uveitis; Retinal artery occlusion; Retinal vessels; Visual acuity; Optical coherence tomography; Vision disorders

Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) syndrome is a rare and potentially fatal adverse drug reaction associated with skin rash, fever, eosinophilia, and multiple organ injury. A number of pharmacological agents are known to cause DRESS syndrome such as allopurinol, anticonvulsants, vancomycin, trimethoprime-sulfamethoxazole, and pyrimethamine-sulfadiazine. Here, we describe two patients who developed DRESS syndrome during ocular treatment. The first case was being treated for late postoperative endophthalmitis with topical antibiotics, intravenous cephalothin, meropenem, and intravitreal injection of vancomycin and ceftazidime before symptoms developed. We were unable to identify the causal drug owing to the large number of medications concurrently administered. The second case presented with DRESS syndrome symptoms during ocular toxoplasmosis treatment. In this case, a clearer association with pyrimethamine-sulfadiazine was observed. As a result of the regular prescription of pharmacological agents associated with DRESS syndrome, ophthalmologists should be aware of the potentially serious complications of DRESS syndrome.

Keywords: Eosinophilia/chemically induced; Drug eruptions; Syndrome; Drug-related side effects and adverse reactions/complications; Drug hypersensitivity

Keratoacanthomas rarely occur in the conjunctiva. We report a case of a 24-year-old man with a rapidly growing conjunctival mass. The tumor was excised with a safety margin to exclude squamous cell carcinoma and was histopathologically diagnosed as a keratoacanthoma. There has been no recurrence over 2 years of follow-up. To the best of our knowledge, he is the youngest patient to be diagnosed with conjunctival keratoacanthoma who had no known risk factors such as skin disorders, trauma, surgery, or infection. In similar cases, we recommend complete early surgical excision and careful follow-up to exclude malignancy.

Keywords: Keratoacanthoma/diagnosis; Keratoacanthoma/surgery; Carcinoma squamous cell; Diagnosis, differential; Case reports

We report enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT) features based on clinical and imaging data from two newly diagnosed cases of choroidal osteoma presenting with recent visual loss secondary to choroidal neovascular membranes. The features described in the two cases, compression of the choriocapillaris and disorganization of the medium and large vessel layers, are consistent with those of previous reports. We noticed a sponge-like pattern previously reported, but it was subtle. Both lesions had multiple intralesional layers and a typical intrinsic transparency with visibility of the sclerochoroidal junction.

Keywords: Osteoma; Tomography, optical coherence; Choroidal neovascularization; Choroid neoplasms

We present a case of silent polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) in a patient with angioid streaks. PCV was detected during a routine ophthalmic examination and confirmed by fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, and optical coherence tomography. After 2 years of follow-up, the PCV remained silent without any complications. We report this rare coexistence and review literature on this topic.

Keywords: Polyps; Choroid; Choroidal neovascularization; Fluorescein angiography; Indocyanine green; Retinal pigment epithelium; Tomography, optical coherence; Vascular endothelial growth factor A; Angioid streaks

For more than half a century, Urrets-Zavalia syndrome (fixed dilated pupil) has been described as a postoperative complication of ophthalmic surgery. Since first reported as a complication of penetrating keratoplasty for keratoconus in patients receiving atropine, the characteristic features of Urrets-Zavalia syndrome have been expanded. In previous literature, a total of 110 cases resulted in a fixed and dilated pupil. Increased intraocular pressure (IOP) in the immediate postoperative period, phakia, and air or gas in the anterior chamber appear to be the most important risk factors for Urrets-Zavalia syndrome following ophthalmic procedures. Mannitol, IOP control, the removal of air or gas in the anterior chamber, and iridectomy have all demonstrated utility in managing Urrets-Zavalia syndrome.

Keywords: Pupil anatomy and physiology; Pupil disorder prevention and control; Intraocular pressure; Risk factors