VOLUME 89 - ISSUE 3

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify barriers to diabetic retinopathy screening among a socioeconomically vulnerable urban population in northeast Brazil.
METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted during a diabetic retinopathy screening campaign at primary healthcare units. Ninety-five patients with diabetes underwent retinal examinations and completed a structured interview. Clinical, demographic, and socioeconomic data were collected.
RESULTS: The study population consisted predominantly of older adults (mean age: 60.7 ± 10.5 years), with a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes (99.0%) and low educational attainment. Most participants were economically inactive (81.1%) and reported low income (83.2%). Diabetic retinopathy and maculopathy were highly prevalent, affecting 50.0% and 22.9% of participants, respectively. Longer duration of diabetes was significantly associated with greater awareness of diabetic retinopathy (p=0.035), higher HbA1c levels (p<0.001), and increased prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (p=0.013) and maculopathy (p=0.002). Notably, 33.3% of participants reported difficulties attending medical appointments for diabetes management. In addition, 78.1% experienced challenges scheduling ophthalmologic evaluations, and 76.3% reported that no ophthalmologist was available in their city through the public healthcare system. Financial constraints also limited adherence to recommended dietary practices (90.4%) and impaired glycemic control, with more than half of participants reporting difficulty maintaining target glucose levels.
CONCLUSION: Major barriers to diabetic retinopathy screening included limited awareness of the importance of screening, financial hardship, and transportation challenges. Targeted educational initiatives and structural interventions such as expanded screening programs incorporating telemedicine and subsidized transportation—may improve screening adherence among vulnerable populations.

Keywords: Diabetic retinopathy; Mass screening; Health services accessibility; Health knowledge, attitudes, practices; Socioeconomic factors

PURPOSE: To evaluate the reliability and comparability of a Scheimpflug-based tomographer relative to a Placido-based topographer and specular microscopy in healthy eyes.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 40 patients (80 eyes). Each eye underwent randomized imaging with a Scheimpflug-based tomographer, a Placido-based topographer, and Tomey EM-4000 specular microscopy. Three acquisitions per device were obtained. For interdevice comparisons, the best-quality scan per eye/device was selected, whereas all three scans were used for intradevice repeatability analyses. Unreliable scans were repeated (up to five attempts) and excluded if acceptable quality was not achieved, resulting in variable denominators. Between-device comparisons were performed using generalized estimating equations with participant-level clustering and robust standard errors and were supplemented by Bland–Altman analysis.
RESULTS: The effective sample size varied by parameter (independent summaries: 59–67 eyes; paired comparisons: 48–51 eyes). In paired-eye analyses, the Scheimpflug-based tomographer measured slightly higher keratometry values than the Placido-based topographer (K1: 43.95 vs. 43.78 D, p=0.003; K2: 44.91 vs 44.73 D, p=0.002), more negative Q-values (p=0.001), smaller photopic pupil diameter (p<0.001), and shorter kappa distance (p<0.001). Mean absolute differences were 0.32 D for K1 and 0.30 D for K2, with high dispersion for angular metrics (kappa angle coefficient of variation: 195%).
CONCLUSIONS: The Scheimpflug-based tomographer provides reproducible corneal measurements in healthy eyes. However, systematic differences relative to the Placido-based topographer—particularly for keratometry, asphericity, and pupil and kappa metrics—suggest limited interchangeability. Consistent device use is recommended when these parameters inform clinical decision-making.

Keywords: Scheimpflug tomography; Placido topography; Specular microscopy; keratometry; Corneal imaging; Refractive surgical procedures; Lenses, intraocular

PURPOSE: To assess musculoskeletal symptoms, identify the most affected body areas, and investigate factors associated with the development of musculoskeletal disorders among ophthalmologists in Brazil.
METHODS: A survey was conducted using an online questionnaire and snowball sampling. Statistical analyses were performed using Jamovi version 2.3.28, and graphs were generated using RStudio version 2023.06.2 + 561.
RESULTS: A total of 233 participants (42 ophthalmology residents and 191 ophthalmologists) were included, with a mean age of 40.4 years (standard deviation 11.3; range 25–73 years). Musculoskeletal symptoms were reported by 83% of participants. The cervical region (57.1%), upper back (54.5%), and lumbar region (53.6%) were the most frequently reported sites of pain. A high body mass index was identified in 54.9% of the sample, and 50.2% of participants reported using painkillers in the previous year for musculoskeletal symptoms. The mean duration of professional activity in ophthalmology was 13.5 years, and the mean weekly workload was 39 hours. A significant association was observed between weekly workload and the presence of musculoskeletal disorders (p=0.045).
CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among ophthalmologists in Brazil, particularly involving the cervical, lumbar, and upper back regions, consistent with findings reported in international studies. Important contributing factors include long working hours, a high patient volume, and repetitive or awkward postures during examinations and procedures. Preventive strategies and improvements in working conditions are needed to protect the health and well-being of ophthalmologists.

Keywords: Musculoskeletal Diseases/epidemiology; Back pain; Lumbar Vertebrae; Occupational diseases/epidemiology; Ergonomics; Ophthalmic practice; Ophthalmologists/statistics & numerical data; Brazil/epidemiology

PURPOSE: To quantitatively assess changes in central corneal sensitivity after phacoemulsification and to characterize recovery patterns up to 90 days using standardized esthesiometry.
METHODS: This prospective observational study included 44 patients (88 eyes) undergoing uncomplicated phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation. Central corneal sensitivity was measured using a Cochet-Bonnet^® esthesiometer preoperatively and at 30 and 90 days postoperatively. Repeated-measures data were analyzed using Friedman and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests (p<0.05). Inter-eye differences were assessed with a paired Wilcoxon test. Individual changes from baseline (Δ30, Δ90) were calculated, and 90-day recovery was categorized according to thresholds aligned with the 5-mm device resolution. Spearman correlation was used to explore associations between age and Δ90.
RESULTS: Corneal sensitivity decreased after surgery. In right eyes, mean sensitivity declined from 41.14 ± 7.77 mm at baseline to 36.82 ± 9.03 mm at 30 days and partially recovered to 38.64 ± 7.73 mm at 90 days. In left eyes, sensitivity decreased from 44.11 ± 6.29 mm to 37.39 ± 9.05 mm at 30 days and recovered to 41.82 ± 7.63 mm at 90 days. Left eyes showed higher sensitivity than right eyes at baseline (p=0.023) and at 90 days (p=0.018). At 90 days, complete or near-complete recovery (within ± 5 mm of baseline) occurred in 73.2% of right eyes and 78.0% of left eyes, while improvement above baseline (≥ +5 mm) occurred in 7.3% and 4.9%, respectively. Age showed weak, nonsignificant correlations with Δ90 (p=−0.14 to −0.19; p>0.2).
CONCLUSION: Phacoemulsification with a 2.75-mm clear corneal incision leads to a temporary reduction in central corneal sensitivity, with partial recovery by 90 days. Recovery patterns vary among individuals, highlighting the value of postoperative sensitivity monitoring to identify atypical trajectories and guide ocular surface care during visual rehabilitation.

Keywords: Phacoemulsification; Cornea/innervation; Ophthalmic nerve/physiology; Optometry/instrumentation; Diagnostic techniques, ophthalmological; Neural regeneration; Visual rehabilitation.

PURPOSE: To quantitatively compare eyebrow and eyelid positions in anophthalmic sockets reconstructed with conical or spherical orbital implants combined with customized external ocular prostheses.
METHODS: This cross-sectional observational study included 38 patients with unilateral anophthalmic sockets, of whom 21 received conical implants, and 17 received spherical implants. Eyelid and eyebrow parameters—including margin reflex distance 1 and 2, vertical and horizontal palpebral fissure dimensions, eyebrow-to-upper-eyelid margin distance in primary gaze and infraduction, medial and lateral eyelid angles in primary gaze, and superior eyelid sulcus depth —were quantitatively assessed using standardized digital photographs analyzed with Image J software. The contralateral healthy eye served as the control. Statistical analyses were performed to compare measurements between groups.
RESULTS: In the primary gaze position, conical and spherical implants showed comparable margin-reflex distance1, margin-reflex distance2, vertical palpebral fissure height, eyelid margin position, and medial and lateral eyelid angles. During infraduction, the upper eyelid margin was significantly lower in sockets reconstructed with conical implants. Compared with contralateral normal eyes, anophthalmic sockets exhibited a reduced horizontal palpebral fissure and a deeper superior eyelid sulcus, irrespective of implant shape.
CONCLUSION: Anophthalmic sockets reconstructed with conical or spherical implants demonstrate similar eyebrow and eyelid positioning in primary gaze. However, conical implants are associated with a lower eyelid margin during infraduction. Independent of implant format, anophthalmic sockets show a narrower horizontal palpebral fissure and increased superior sulcus depth compared with normal eyes.

Keywords: Anophthalmos; Prosthesis implantation; Anophthalmic socket; Conical implants; Spherical implants; Orbital implants; Eyelid measurements

PURPOSE: To evaluate the accuracy of a short-term intravitreal dexamethasone sodium phosphate challenge in predicting the anatomical response to a sustained-release dexamethasone implant (Ozurdex) in patients with refractory diabetic macular edema.
METHODS: This prospective, non-randomized, Phase 2 pilot study enrolled 12 pseudophakic eyes with diabetic macular edema refractory to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy. Participants underwent a challenge phase (Day 0) consisting of a single intravitreal injection of 0.08-mg dexamethasone sodium phosphate, followed by a maintenance phase (Day 7), during which all subjects received a 0.7-mg dexamethasone implant. The primary outcome was concordance between the anatomical response at Day 3 (post-dexamethasone sodium phosphate) and Day 60 (post-implant), defined as a ≥10% reduction in central macular thickness. Secondary outcomes included achieving a clinically "dry" macula (central macular thickness ≤300 μm) at Day 60, changes in best-corrected visual acuity, safety outcomes (intraocular pressure), and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography biomarker analysis.
RESULTS: The dexamethasone sodium phosphate challenge induced significant macular drying by Day 3 (median central macular thickness reduction, −21 μm; p=0.002). A positive response to dexamethasone sodium phosphate strongly predicted response to the dexamethasone implant, with a positive predictive value and specificity of 100%. The negative predictive value was 80%. Irreversible biomarkers, including disorganization of retinal inner layers and ellipsoid zone disruption, were more prevalent among nonresponders (60% vs. 28.6%). Safety outcomes were acceptable; 16.7% of patients developed ocular hypertension, which was successfully managed with topical therapy.
CONCLUSION: A short-term dexamethasone sodium phosphate challenge is a safe, low-cost, and highly specific predictor of dexamethasone implant efficacy. This "test-and-treat" strategy may optimize resource allocation in resource-constrained settings by identifying responders before high-cost implantation.

Keywords: Diabetic retinopathy; Macular edema; Dexamethasone; Drug implants; Biomarkers, pharmacological

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of single-session transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation on intraocular pressure in refractory glaucoma and to determine structural changes using ultrasound biomicroscopy.
METHODS: Forty-three eyes were evaluated. Intraocular pressures at baseline and at the first, third, and sixth months after transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation were compared. Ciliary body thickness, ciliary muscle thickness, ciliary process thickness, iris root thickness, and scleral thickness were assessed at baseline and at the third and sixth months post-treatment.
RESULTS: Reductions in intraocular pressure were significant between baseline and the first month (p=0.018), third month (p<0.001), and sixth month (p<0.001) as well as between the first and third months (p=0.034) and the first and sixth months (p=0.036). Compared with baseline, intraocular pressure reduction rates at the first, third, and sixth months were 34.6%, 56.5%, and 55.3%, respectively, while success rates were 30.2%, 62.8%, and 55.8%, respectively. Decreases in ciliary body thickness, ciliary muscle thickness, and ciliary process thickness were significant between baseline and the third month (p<0.05) and between baseline and the sixth month (p<0.05), whereas changes between the third and sixth months were not significant (p>0.05). Iris root and scleral thicknesses did not change after treatment (p>0.05). At the third and sixth months, significant positive correlations were observed between changes in intraocular pressure and changes in ciliary body thickness and ciliary process thickness (p<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the few studies comprehensively investigating structural changes after transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation using ultrasound biomicroscopy. Moreover, the relationships between intraocular pressure changes and variations in the ciliary body, ciliary muscle, ciliary process, iris root, and scleral thicknesses were examined in detail. Single-session treatment did not affect iris root or scleral thickness but significantly reduced ciliary body, ciliary muscle, and ciliary process thicknesses. Greater reductions in ciliary body and ciliary process thickness may contribute to more pronounced intraocular pressure reduction.

Keywords: Intraocular pressure; Laser coagulation/methods; Lasers, semiconductor; Microscopy, acoustic; Glaucoma; Ciliary body

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of varying degrees of trabeculotomy during gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy surgery on postoperative intraocular pressure reduction and surgical success.
METHODS: Patients who underwent gonioscopy-assisted transluminal trabeculotomy (at least 90°) for open-angle glaucoma and had a follow-up period of at least 12 months were included. Patients were grouped according to trabeculotomy degree (Group 1: 90°<θ≤180°; Group 2: 180°<θ<360°; Group 3: θ=360°). Ophthalmic examination findings, intraocular pressure measurements, number of antiglaucoma medications, and complications were recorded. Surgical success was defined as intraocular pressure <15 mmHg with at least a 20% reduction; surgical failure was defined as failure to meet this criterion or the need for additional surgery.
RESULTS: A total of 100 patients were included: 20 in Group 1, 24 in Group 2, and 56 in Group 3. Intraocular pressure levels differed significantly only in the first postoperative month (p=0.013). At 12 months, intraocular pressure levels, percentage reduction in intraocular pressure, and mean number of antiglaucoma medications did not differ significantly (p>0.05). No correlation was found between trabeculotomy degree and percentage intraocular pressure reduction (p=0.173). At 12 months, surgical success rates were similar (60.0%, 58.3%, and 64.3% for Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively). Complication rates were also comparable among the groups.
CONCLUSION: The degree of trabeculotomy did not affect surgical success over a 12-month follow-up period. Although early intraocular pressure reduction may differ with 360° trabeculotomy, a complete 360° incision may not be necessary to achieve optimal pressure reduction.

Keywords: Gonioscopy; Trabeculotomy; Glaucoma, open-angle; segmental GATT antiglaucoma agents; Intraocular pressure

PURPOSE: To compare patients who underwent scleral fixation using the Yamane technique with and without simultaneous pars plana vitrectomy.
METHODS: A total of 37 patients were included in the study. Eighteen underwent simultaneous pars plana vitrectomy. The Yamane technique alone was performed only in patients with aphakia who had previously undergone pars plana vitrectomy for various reasons. Final lens position, best corrected visual acuity spherical equivalent, complication rates, and optical coherence tomography findings were recorded.
RESULTS: The duration of aphakia before intraocular lens implantation ranged from 1 month to 21 yr. Postoperative best corrected visual acuity improved in both groups, with no statistically significant difference (with pars plana vitrectomy: 0.42 ± 0.34; without pars plana vitrectomy: 0.32 ± 0.26; p=0.33). The spherical equivalent was also not significantly different between groups (with pars plana vitrectomy: 0.29 ± 1.08; without pars plana vitrectomy: 0.65 ± 2.23; p=0.53). There were no significant differences between the groups in complication rates, postoperative intraocular lens position or optical coherence tomography findings.
CONCLUSION: There was no difference in terms of safety or efficacy between the two approaches. Surgical decisions may be based on the surgeon’s experience and the patient’s systemic and ocular condition.

Keywords: Lens implantation, intraocular; Tomography, optical coherence; Vitrectomy; Intraocular lenses; Visual acuity; Aphakia; Yamane technique

PURPOSE: To assess whether low-concentration brimonidine (0.025%) improves early postoperative signs and symptoms following femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis and photorefractive keratectomy without affecting pupil diameter or flap safety.
METHODS: This prospective, randomized, double-masked, contralateral-eye, single-center study was conducted between January and September 2024. In each patient, one eye received 0.025% brimonidine 15–30 min before surgery (mean: 21.3 ± 2.4 min), whereas the fellow eye received 0.15% sodium hyaluronate (control). Primary outcomes on postoperative Day 1 included subconjunctival hemorrhage laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis and patient-reported symptoms (0–10 scale; composite score). Pupil diameter was measured pre-ablation. Statistical analyses included McNemar and paired t tests, with a significant threshold of α=0.05.
RESULTS: A total of 124 patients were included (54 laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis and 70 photorefractive keratectomy). Pupil diameter did not differ significantly between brimonidine-treated and control eyes (laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis: 2.63 ± 0.47 vs. 2.69 ± 0.42 mm, p=0.273; photorefractive keratectomy: 2.56 ± 0.44 vs. 2.61 ± 0.39 mm, p=0.116). In laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis, subconjunctival hemorrhage occurred less frequently in brimonidine-treated eyes both intraoperatively (9.3% vs. 46.3%, p<0.001) and on postoperative Day 1 (9.3% vs. 50.0%, p<0.001). Composite symptom scores were significantly lower in brimonidine-treated eyes in both laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis and photorefractive keratectomy groups (p=0.001 for both).
CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative administration of low-concentration brimonidine (0.025%) significantly reduced subconjunctival hemorrhage in laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis without comprising flap integrity. It also improved early postoperative symptoms in laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis and photorefractive keratectomy, without affecting pupil diameter. These findings support the use of dilute brimonidine as a safe and effective adjunct to enhance the immediate postoperative experience in refractive surgery.

Keywords: Brimonidine tartrate; Postoperative pain; Subconjunctival hemorrhage; Refractive surgery; Hemorrhage; Keratomileusis, laser in situ; Photorefractive keratectomy

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical losartan for treating corneal injuries and stromal fibrosis based on preclinical and clinical evidence. A systematic search was conducted in October 2024 following PRISMA guidelines across Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Studies assessing topical losartan use in animal models or human patients with corneal injury were included. No randomized clinical trials were identified. Of 750 articles screened, 12 met the inclusion criteria – seven preclinical studies and five case reports. Preclinical evidence indicated that topical losartan at 0.2-0.8 mg/dL reduced stromal opacity and myofibroblast differentiation. Higher concentrations (8-80 mg/dL) offered no additional benefit and were associated with ocular surface irritation. The five case reports included 11 patients (12 eyes); eight eyes showed visual improvement, and no adverse effects were observed at a dose of 0.8 mg/dL. Topical losartan demonstrates potential as an antifibrotic agent for corneal injuries. However, variability in outcomes and dose-related toxicity at higher concentrations highlight the need for controlled clinical trials to confirm efficacy, establish optimal dosing, and ensure safety.

Keywords: Cornea; Epithelial cells; Myofibroblasts; Corneal opacity; Losartan

Repeat selective laser trabeculoplasty has emerged as a valuable option for managing intraocular pressure in patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. This review synthesizes current evidence of the efficacy, safety, and clinical applicability of repeat selective laser trabeculoplasty. Evidence from randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and observational studies indicate that repeat selective laser trabeculoplasty effectively sustains significant intraocular pressure reduction with minimal complications. This procedure demonstrates comparable efficacy to that of initial selective laser trabeculoplasty, supporting its role as a sustainable, drop-free management strategy. However, further research is warranted to optimize treatment intervals, assess long-term outcomes, and evaluate cost-effectiveness across different healthcare settings.

Keywords: Glaucoma; Ocular hypertension; Intraocular pressure; Selective laser trabeculoplasty