Romanian journal of ophthalmology最新文献

Aim: To compare the effectiveness of 0.5% and 0.25% proparacaine eye drops in providing topical anesthesia for routine ocular procedures.

Methodology: 137 patients (274 eyes) were included in this study. They were categorized into two groups. Group A patients received 0.5% and Group B received 0.25% proparacaine drops. A single surgeon performed all the procedures. Intraprocedural and postprocedural pain scores, surgeon comfort, supplemental anesthesia, and vital parameters, were noted.

Results: The mean age of the participants was 69.42 years (±12.05). An equal number of procedures were performed (n = 30) for applanation tonometry, lacrimal sac syringing, and A-scan biometry. The other procedures performed were removal of the conjunctiva (n = 5) and corneal foreign bodies (n = 16 per group), corneal scraping (n = 8 per group), and corneal suture removal (n = 18 per group).The mean visual analog pain score during the procedure was 6.9663 in Group A and 8.0803 in Group B (P = 0.66). The mean postprocedural pain score was not significant (P = 0.21). None of the patients required any additional anesthesia during or after the procedure. The average surgeon's experience was 0.152±0.507 in Group A and 0.111±0.402 in Group B (P = 0.07).In Group A, 133 of 137 patients (97.08%), and in Group B, 132 out of 137 patients (96.35%) preferred to use the same anesthetic for future procedures. None of the patients experienced a vasovagal attack or any change in vital parameters.

Discussion: The present study aimed to establish equivalence between two concentrations of proparacaine hydrochloride in which false positive and false negative errors were expected. This is the inherent challenge in the equivalence and inferiority trials. To mitigate these risks, the present study was carefully designed with specific statistical methods, sample size calculation, and rigorous methodology. Nevertheless, it is crucial to recognize that the risk of false positive errors remains, and the results should be interpreted with this in mind.

Conclusion: These findings indicated that 0.25% proparacaine is a viable alternative to the standard 0.5% concentration in routine ophthalmic procedures, with the potential for improved patient comfort.

Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of anti-angiogenic agent Bevacizumab in central retinal venous occlusion treatment.

Objectives: To determine the efficacy of Bevacizumab and ophthalmological parameters such as best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT) using optical coherence tomography (OCT) in central retinal venous occlusion in patients aged less than 30.

Methods: This is a prospective, interventional study, done on 25 eyes of 25 patients aged 30 years and below with central retinal venous occlusion, who received intravitreal Bevacizumab injections for three consecutive months. The mean change in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and central macular thickness (CMT) measured by optical coherence tomography were compared and correlated at baseline after 3 months and 6 months follow-up.

Results: The mean best corrected visual acuity and the central macular thickness on OCT improved significantly from 1.08±0.29 and 454.80±114.5µm at baseline to 0.77±0.32 logMAR units and 339.7±82.5µm after 6 months follow up.

Conclusion: The current study showed that intravitreal Bevacizumab at a dose of 1.25 mg and with strict control of systemic contributory parameters seemed to improve BCVA and CMT and macular edema measured at baseline to 3 months and 6 months follow-up after three consecutive monthly injections.

Background: Ocular surface disorder (OSD) is a vexed eye problem and a diagnostic conundrum. Diagnosis has traditionally depended upon symptoms and tests like Schirmer's, TBUT, staining with dyes, and tear meniscus height. Schirmer's test is the most popular. However, the test strips irritate with reflex tearing - producing false high results. Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 (MMP) in the tear is believed to be expressed by stressed epithelial cells of the corneal surface - a key pathology in dry eye disease. This study attempts to compare the results of Schirmer's test and MMP-9 so that the test can individually or severally add to a more definite diagnosis of dry eye disease.

Materials and methods: 100 eyes of 50 symptomatic patients underwent MMP-9 estimation and were divided into two groups (MMP-9+ve and MMP-9-ve). They were then sub-grouped as per DEWS-2007 based on Schirmer test levels and Ocular Symptomatology Score (OSS). The two groups were compared for severity of dry eye based on Schirmer's test and OSS.

Results: Mean Schirmer's value was 12.85 (SD 7.07) for MMP-9+ve and 19.18 (SD 8.94) for MMP-9-ve patients. 80% of patients with severe dry eye and 55.6% of moderate dry eye patients were positive for MMP-9. 85% of the MMP-9 patients had OSS values of 2 or 3.

Discussion: A higher OSDI and positive MMP-9 were shown to be correlated in a statistically remarkable way (p<0.001). The OSDI values of 0-12 for 3/44 (6.8%) positive results, 13-22 for 2/8 (25%) positive results, 23-32 for 4/14 (28.6%) positive results, and 33-100 for 13/35 (37.1%) positive results all showed an increase in MMP-9 positivity along with a rise in the subjective severity of the illness.

Conclusion: MMP-9 compares well with Schirmer's values and DED categories based on Schirmer's. The result pointed towards the usefulness of this test in diagnosing patients who may have not yet manifested symptoms.

Purpose: This article aims to highlight if the central macular retina suffers changes after cataract surgery, and to evaluate the eventually discovered changes regarding persistence.

Material and method: This retrospective study, which lasted over three years (2021-2023), included patients who underwent cataract surgery performed by one surgeon. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) imaging assessed macular changes and measured the central macular thickness.

Results: A total of 240 eyes with diagnosed senile cataract were included in this study. The mean age was 66 years ± 4 years. Preoperative central foveal thickness was 210 ± 27.3 µm, the postoperative thickness on day 1 was 234.3 ± 40.2 µm, at 6 months 230.5 ± 35.2 µm, and the 1-year follow-up 229.2 ± 30.3 µm.

Discussion: Macular changes after cataract surgery are easily confirmed by SD-OCT. The evaluation and monitoring of macular changes can be done by using central macular thickness assessment.

Conclusions: The study provides data from a Romanian pool of patients. The values correlated well with those from similar studies of SD-OCT examinations, but differences were still observed, as there were different devices for performing SD-OCTs.

Purpose: This study aims to renew the management of viral epidemic conjunctivitis by introducing a one-time, low-concentration ocular surface povidone-iodine (LOS-pI) wash.

Methods: Among the 3,002 patients screened, 1,328 with acute conjunctivitis were categorized into two groups. Group A (664 patients) underwent a 1% betadine wash in addition to the standard treatment protocol (Eye Lubricant + Moxifloxacin 0.5% eyedrops), while Group B (664 patients) followed the standard protocol alone. In cases of membranous conjunctivitis, manual membrane removal was performed. Treatment responses were observed daily for three days, followed by weekly assessments for two additional weeks.

Results: Co-infection of adenovirus with enterovirus was found to be the main cause, often accompanied by staphylococcal superinfection. Group A showed complete resolution of conjunctival inflammation, with a remarkable 76.05% of patients experiencing improvement within an average of 2.6±0.51 days, in contrast to Group B's average of 7.5±1.1 days (p <0.05). Additionally, 13% of Group B patients with recalcitrant conjunctivitis significantly recovered following the 1% betadine wash. Complications (subconjunctival hemorrhage: 34.04%, superficial punctate keratitis: 6.02%) were more prevalent in Group B.

Discussion: The authors hypothesized that a single wash with betadine is sufficient to reduce disease duration and prevent secondary infections and complications. The core strength of our study lies in its substantial sample size. To our knowledge, no similar previous research has been conducted, on such a larger scale.

Conclusion: Viral conjunctivitis brings discomfort, work absenteeism, and financial burden. A single low-concentration betadine wash expedites recovery and reduces complications in acute infective conjunctivitis. This approach significantly enhances patient outcomes and alleviates the socioeconomic impact of the condition.

Objective: Phacoemulsification is the predominant method for cataract surgery, but complications like lens nuclei dislodgment into the vitreous cavity pose significant risks, including inflammation, glaucoma, retinal tears, and vision loss. Traditional management involves pars plana vitrectomy with phacofragmentation, which can increase the risk of retinal damage due to repulsive forces. This study tests whether the OZil phacoemulsification handpiece, employing torsional movement, offers a safer alternative by minimizing repulsive forces and reducing surgical duration compared to the traditional phacofragmatome.

Methods: This prospective study, conducted in a tertiary care hospital in eastern India from January to June 2023, enrolled 40 patients with nucleus dislocation during cataract surgery. Patients were randomized into Group 1 (traditional phacofragmatome) and Group 2 (OZil handpiece). Primary objectives included comparing the duration of surgery and intraoperative complications. Secondary objectives assessed postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), surgical site safety, and cystoid macular edema (CME) incidence.

Results: Group 2 demonstrated significantly shorter surgical durations (110±2.54 seconds) compared to Group 1 (152±2.23 seconds, p < 0.001). The frequency of nucleus falls was considerably lower in Group 2 (p < 0.001). Postoperative BCVA and CME incidence showed no significant differences between groups. Multiple regression analysis confirmed the OZil handpiece significantly reduced surgical duration (β = -0.40, p < 0.001) without compromising safety.

Discussion: The OZil handpiece's rotational cutting mechanism offers a significant advantage in reducing surgical time while improving the followability of lens fragments, as compared to the traditional phacofragmatome. It addresses one of the key limitations of phacofragmentation by minimizing fragment displacement, where repulsive forces can complicate the procedure. Although both techniques showed similar safety profiles, the OZil handpiece's operational efficiency makes it a promising alternative for managing posteriorly displaced lens fragments in complex cases.

Conclusions: The OZil phacoemulsification handpiece significantly enhances surgical efficiency and safety in nucleus drop surgeries. Its integration into existing phacofragmatome systems can lead to major advancement in the ophthalmic surgical armamentarium, ensuring improved patient care.

Aim: The usefulness of the Inferior>Superior>Nasal>Temporal (ISNT) rule for the neuroretinal rim (NRR) has been widely used in differentiating normal eyes from glaucoma, but only a few studies have assessed whether this classical ISNT rule applies to the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL). This study aimed to determine the applicability of the ISNT rule for the peripapillary RNFL thickness in normal eyes using Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) and assess if variants of the ISNT rule apply.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 120 eyes of 62 healthy subjects who fulfilled the study criteria. Peripapillary RNFL thickness was measured by OCT scan and each eye's global, superior, temporal, nasal, and inferior quadrant thickness was noted. The values obtained were analyzed to determine the percentage of eyes obeying the ISNT rule and its variants.

Results: The ISNT rule for RNFL thickness was applicable for normal subjects in only 53.33% of cases. Removing the nasal quadrant from analysis increased the number of eyes obeying the IST rule to 71.66%. Further exclusion of the temporal quadrant showed almost the same results (75%) for the IS rule.

Conclusion: The ISNT rule for RNFL thickness could be validated in only 53.33% of normal individuals. Though documented as useful for NRR during ophthalmoscopy in glaucoma diagnosis, the ISNT rule did not apply to the quadrant values on RNFL on SD-OCT examination.

Introduction: The study hypothesizes that neural networks can be an effective tool for predicting treatment outcomes in patients with diabetic neovascular glaucoma (NVG), considering not only baseline intraocular pressure (IOP) values but also inflammation and intraocular microcirculation indicators.

Objective: To investigate the diagnostic significance of inflammation and intraocular blood circulation indicators in a neural network model predicting the effectiveness of transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSC CPC) treatment in patients with NVG of diabetic origin.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 127 patients (127 eyes; aged Me 65.0 years) with painful diabetic NVG and 20 healthy individuals (aged Me 61.5 years) as an immunological control. All patients underwent TSC CPC with a diode laser. Treatment success was defined as achieving an IOP level of ≤ 21 mmHg and maintaining or improving best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) after 12 months of observation. Preoperative systemic immune-inflammation index (SII = platelets × [neutrophils/lymphocytes]) and systemic inflammation response index (SIRI = neutrophils × [monocytes/lymphocytes]) were calculated. We assessed the values of volumetric pulse blood filling, determined by the rheographic coefficient (RQ, 0/00), using the rheoophthalmography (ROG) method. Multiple regression analysis was used to conclude the significance of treatment efficacy based on initial clinical and laboratory indicators, followed by constructing a prediction model in the neural network.

Results: The development of the neural network model identified the most significant "input" parameters: SIRI (100%), RQ (85.7%), and SII (80.7%), which significantly influenced treatment success. The sensitivity of the neural network model was 100%, specificity was 30%, and the percentage of correctly predicted events during testing on the control group was 92.9%.

Conclusions: Neural network-based prediction of transscleral cyclophotocoagulation effectiveness for patients with diabetic neovascular glaucoma allows for a sufficiently accurate forecast of treatment success with a probability of 92.9%. We believe the in-time correction of systemic inflammation and intraocular blood circulation can significantly reduce intraocular pressure, preserve visual acuity, and improve the quality of life in patients with diabetic NVG after TSC CPC. Further research is required to support these findings.

Introduction: Neovascularization of the lens is a rare entity linked to lens-induced inflammation due to many causes like trauma. We describe a case managed using suprachoroidal triamcinolone, an anti-VEGF injection, in conjunction with cataract surgery and IOL implantation.

Patient and clinical findings: A male patient, 27, presented with a severe reduction in vision in his right eye (RE) accompanied by redness for one month. He also had a distant history of blunt trauma to the RE approximately eight years before. His vision in the RE was reduced to hand motion and 20/20 in the left eye. Examining the anterior segment in RE revealed lenticular neovascularization, irregular anterior capsular thickening, iris sphincter tear at the 12 o'clock position, and fine KPs, with iris pigment clumps on the anterior capsule.

Diagnosis treatment and results: To reduce vascularization and inflammation, the patient was treated with intravitreal Anti-VEGF and suprachoroidal triamcinolone by an innovative technique, along with cataract surgery, following which visual acuity improved to 20/20.

Conclusions and significance: In this exceptional case report, suprachoroidal TA has been used for the first time to treat ocular inflammation and vascularization in traumatic cataract with capsular neovascularization and lens-induced uveitis.

Objective: Retinal parasitism by worms is a rare clinical occurrence and may cause diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. We present a girl with unilateral involvement who was first diagnosed at the age of 10. Change in parasite appearance inside the lesion was recorded by optical coherence tomography (OCT) 14 years apart.

Methods: Case report.

Results: A 10-year-old girl was referred to our clinic with a presumptive diagnosis of a unilateral posterior pole mass. She had been examined at another institution for the left exotropia and decreased vision, without any accompanying systemic symptoms. Upon our examination, a subretinal lesion, of two disc diameters in size, was detected two disc diameters above the left optic disc, and a spiral-shaped, non-motile roundworm could be spotted inside the lesion. Adjacent chorioretinal atrophy and marked fibrosis surrounded the lesion, without any active inflammation. OCT sections through the lesion delineated the hyperreflective appearance of the spiraling roundworm. Fourteen years later, the worm inside the lesion had lost its spiraling form, and the remnants appeared as a coalesced whitish material inside the lesion on the OCT.

Discussion: Although rare, retinal parasitism by worms presents significant diagnostic challenges due to its atypical presentation and the potential for misdiagnosis. In this case, the initial presentation of a subretinal lesion containing a spiral-shaped roundworm was notable for its lack of associated systemic symptoms and the absence of active inflammation, often seen in more common ocular infections. The long-term follow-up, using OCT, provided valuable insights into the infection's natural course, showing the gradual degeneration and transformation of the parasite into a coalesced whitish material, over 14 years. This case underlines the importance of longitudinal imaging in understanding the progression of such unusual retinal conditions and the need for awareness of parasitic infections as a differential diagnosis in similar clinical scenarios.

Conclusions: The present case demonstrates the natural evolution of the inactive subretinal worm by OCT and color fundus images.