Effect of topiramate on choroidal thickness and anterior chamber parameters in the treatment of patients with migraine

Objective: To investigate the effects of topiramate on choroidal thickness and anterior chamber parameters using optical coherence tomography in the treatment of patients with migraine.

Methods: A total of 22 eyes of 22 adults (12 females, 10 males) diagnosed with migraine and scheduled to topiramate treatment for pain control were recruited in this prospective study. Choroidal thickness (CT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber angle (ACA), spherical refractive equivalent (SphEq) and intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements were recorded at baseline (prior the topiramate therapy), first and second month visits for the statistical analysis. One-way ANOVA with repeated measures test was used for the statistical evaluation.

Results: Mean age of the patients was 40.2?±?6.5?years. Mean CT at central fovea was 324?±?47?μm initially, 341?±?45?μm in the first month and 344?±?46?μm in the second month, thus first and second month measures were significantly higher than base values (p?p?=?0.001). Baseline ACD (3.66?±?0.22?mm) measures significantly decreased at the first month (3.63?±?0.22?mm) and second month (3.62?±?0.22?mm, p?=?0.009). Also, a significant reduction was detected in the first (36.2?±?4.9°) and second month (35.9?±?5.1°) ACA measures comparing with baseline (39.1?±?5.1°, p?=?0.05). A significant myopic shift was determined in the first and second month SphEq values (?0.08?±?0.6, ?0.10?±?0.6, respectively, p?=?0.05).

Conclusions: The study revealed increased CT and altered anterior chamber parameters and IOP due to topiramate therapy. Therefore, the patients using topiramate should be carefully monitored by an ophthalmologist considering the possible side effects.     

Effect of intravitreal injection of dexamethasone implant on corneal endothelium in macular edema due to retinal vein occlusion

Objective: To evaluate the effects of dexamethasone (DEX) implant (Ozurdex®) on corneal endothelium in patients with retinal vein occlusion complicated with macular edema.

Materials and methods: Patients (n?=?31) received 1–3 intravitreal DEX implants in one eye. Measurements were intraocular pressure (IOP) at baseline and 1, 3, and 6 months after the first intravitreal injection and corneal specular microscopy and central corneal thickness (CCT) at baseline and 1 and 6 months. We analyzed endothelial cell density (ECD), coefficient of variation of cell size (CV), and percentage of hexagonality.

Results: Mean follow-up period was 9.7?±?3.3 months. Mean number of injections was 1.5?±?0.8. Mean IOP values were 15.6?±?2.6?mm Hg at baseline, 17.7?±?3.6?mm Hg at one month, 16.4?±?4.1?mm Hg at three months, and 16.0?±?2.7?mm Hg at six months. There was a significant difference in mean IOPs at one month and six months (p?=?0.008). There were no significant differences in mean ECD (p?=?0.375), CV (p?=?0.661), percentage of hexagonality (p?=?0.287), and CCT (p?=?0.331).

Conclusion: Although intravitreal injection of 0.7?mg DEX causes moderate elevation of IOP, it does not seem to have detrimental effects on corneal endothelium at six months.     

The short-term and long-term adverse ocular effects of fesoterodine fumarate

Aim: To evaluate the short-term and long-term effects of fesoterodine fumarate treatment which is used for overactive bladder (OAB) on pupil diameter (PD), intraocular pressure (IOP) and accommodation amplitude (AA).

Method: Ophthalmic examination was performed before and after receiving medication (on the 30th and 90th day) on 120 eyes of 120 women whom were planned to begin anticholinergic treatment (fesoterodine fumarate, 4?mg/day, peroral) for OAB, prospectively. The changes in PD, IOP and AA were analyzed statistically.

Results: The mean age of 120 women was 52.06?±?9.39 years (30–70 years). The mean PD, IOP and AA values were 4.12?±?0.61?mm (3.00–5.70?mm), 15.58?±?1.74?mmHg (11–20?mmHg) 2.28?±?1.26?Diopter (D) (0.50–5.50?D) at baseline; 4.68?±?0.65?mm (3.20–5.80?mm), 16.11?± 1.72?mmHg (11–20?mmHg), 1.68?±?1.04?D (0.25–4.50?D) at 30th day; and 4.28?±?0.58?mm (3.10–5.70?mm), 16.09?±?1.96?mmHg (11–19?mmHg), 2.18?±?1.19?D (0.50–5.00?D) at 90th day, respectively. Although increases in PD values and decreases in AA values were statistically significant (p?<?0.001 for each), the changes in IOP values were not as such (p?=?0.642). Visual complaint was not observed in any patient.

Discussion: The newest anticholinergic medication in women with OAB increased the PD and decreased the AA statistically significantly. Clinically, it seems to be well-tolerated by the patient.     

Intraocular pressure reduction in the untreated fellow eye after selective laser trabeculoplasty

ABSTRACT

Objective: To investigate the effect of selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT) on the intraocular pressure (IOP) of untreated fellow eyes in patients with open-angle glaucoma.

Study design: Retrospective chart review.

Patients and methods: Charts of all patients who underwent SLT at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas between September 2003 and May 2006 were reviewed. Each patient had IOP measurements by Goldmann applanation tonometry in both eyes preoperatively, and at 1 hour, 2 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively. Patient age, gender, diagnosis, central corneal thickness (CCT), previous intraocular surgeries, and degrees of laser treatment were tabulated for each patient. Patients with a history of previous glaucoma surgery in either eye were excluded as were those who underwent any change in glaucoma medications or further laser or surgical intervention in either eye within 6 months of SLT. Data were analyzed using a paired two-tailed t-test, an unpaired two-tailed t-test, ANOVA, and linear regression.

Results: A total of 43 patients were included through 6 months of follow-up. Mean reduction in IOP in the treated eye was 3.9?±?0.6?mmHg or 18.8% (p?<?0.001) at final exam. Mean IOP reduction in the fellow untreated eye was 2.1?±?0.5?mmHg or 11.2% (p?<?0.01). Patients with higher preoperative IOPs had a greater reduction in IOP in both eyes (p?<?0.001 for treated eyes, and p?=?0.02 for untreated eyes). Patients who were on a larger number of glaucoma medications preoperatively had a greater response in both eyes (treated eye p?=?0.002, untreated eye p?=?0.008). There was no significant difference in IOP response in either eye based on age, gender, CCT, degrees of treatment, or phakic status.

Conclusions: SLT produces a sustained and statistically significant IOP reduction in the fellow untreated eyes of patients with open-angle glaucoma. The results of our study support a biological mechanism of action for SLT. Limitations of this study include its retrospective design, relatively small sample size, a possible effect of increased compliance with medical therapy following SLT, and an inherent bias of excluding patients who underwent a change in medications or further laser or surgical therapy during the period under review.     

The long-term anatomical and visual effect of intravitreal triamcinolone injection during vitrectomy for the treatment of idiopathic macular epiretinal membrane

Purpose: To compare the long-term anatomical and visual outcomes of patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) removed by vitrectomy and membrane peeling with or without the use of intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide (IVTA).

Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed. Subjects who underwent vitrectomy and who were followed over 12 months were included. The study included two groups of patients. In group 1 (71 eyes), the patients underwent vitrectomy and membrane peeling without the use of IVTA. In group 2 (27 eyes), 2?mg of IVTA was given at the end of the surgery. The main outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central foveal thickness (CFT) determined by optical coherence tomography (OCT), the number of cataract surgeries, and the use of anti-glaucomatous drugs during the follow-up period.

Results: This study included 98 eyes with ERM from 98 patients. There was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to age, gender, pre- and postoperative lens status, BCVA, CFT, or length of the follow-up period. The mean age for all of the patients was 62.45?±?10.01 (mean ± SD) years, and the mean follow-up length was 20.58?±?9.64 (mean ± SD) months. In all cases, the mean best-corrected logarithm of minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) acuity improved from a preoperative value of 0.91?±?0.32 [Snellen equivalent (SE), 0.16?±?0.14] to a postoperative value of 0.46?±?0.36 (SE, 0.46?±?0.29) (P?<?0.0001). The CFT was reduced from a preoperative value of 473.46?±?96.91 μm to a postoperative value of 302.44?±?69.80 μm (P?<?0.0001). Six patients (22.2%) in group 2 required anti-glaucomatous drugs to control intraocular pressure (IOP) during the follow-up period, and three patients (4.2%) in group 1 required drugs to control IOP (P?=?0.012).

Conclusions: The postoperative visual outcomes for patients with idiopathic ERM were favorable, but CFT did not return to a normal level, even in eyes in which 2?mg IVTA was used. The IVTA use after ERM removal produced no significant benefits during long-term follow-up, but IVTA did increase the risk of increased IOP.     

A freeze-dried (lyophilized) amniotic membrane transplantation with mitomycin C and trabeculectomy for pediatric glaucoma

Purpose: To evaluate the potential usefulness of a freeze-dried (lyophilized) amniotic membrane transplantation with mitomycin C (MMC) in the maintenance of functioning glaucoma surgery in cases of pediatric glaucoma.

Methods: Thirty eyes of pediatric patients with glaucoma were included in this study. Trabeculectomy with amniotic membrane implantation and MMC was done in group 1 (15 eyes), and trabeculectomy with MMC only was done in group 2 (15 eyes). The preserved amniotic membrane was placed over the scleral flap and under the conjunctiva. The mean intraocular pressure (IOP) was measured pre- and postoperatively and bleb appearance was noted. The follow-up time was 18 months after surgery.

Results: The mean postoperative IOP was significantly decreased to 15?±?1?mm Hg and 17.2?±?2.9?mm Hg in the 2 groups, respectively. The bleb was functioning well in the follow-up period in most of the cases, except 5 cases that needed another surgery. Complications such as inflammation, choroidal detachment, or toxic keratopathy were not noted in group 1 but were noted in group 2.

Conclusion: Trabeculectomy with amniotic membrane transplantation and MMC can effectively control the elevated IOP in pediatric patients with glaucoma without significant postoperative complications.     

Evaluation of the effects on choroidal thickness of bimatoprost 0.03% versus a brinzolamide 1.0%/timolol maleate 0.5% fixed combination

Objective: To investigate the effects of two different medical treatment options on choroidal thickness (CT) in cases of open-angle glaucoma (OAG).

Methods: Sixty-seven eyes newly diagnosed with OAG and 52 healthy eyes constituting the control group were included in the study. Glaucomatous eyes were randomly divided into two subgroups; Group I was started on bimatoprost 0.03% and Group II on a brinzolamide 1.0%/timolol maleate 0.5% fixed combination (BTFC). Intraocular pressure (IOP), ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) and subfoveal CT measurements were performed in all eyes in the study before treatment and on weeks 2, 4 and 8 after treatment.

Results: Mean initial IOP values in groups I and II and the control group were 25.5?±?4.7, 25.1?±?5.2 and 16.1?±?2.9?mmHg, mean OPA values were 3.7?±?1, 3.6?±?1.4 and 2.4?±?0.6?mmHg and mean CT values were 269.4?±?83, 264.5?±?84.4 and 320.1?±?56.6?μm, respectively. Eight weeks after treatment, mean IOP values in Groups I and II and the control group were 18.3?±?2.6, 18.1?±?3.4 and 15.7?±?2.9?mmHg, mean OPA values were 2.9?±?1.2, 2.8?±?1.5 and 2.3?±?0.8?mmHg and mean CT values were 290.2?±?87.3, 271.8?±?82.5 and 319.3?±?56.8?μm, respectively. No significant difference was determined in terms of the decrease in IOP and OPA obtained after treatment in Group I and Group II. However, a significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of choroidal thickening after treatment.

Conclusion: The use of topical ocular hypotensive medication in eyes with OAG results in an increase in CT. This increase is relatively greater with bimatoprost 0.03% therapy compared to BTFC.     

Accelerated corneal collagen cross-linking for progressive keratoconus

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of accelerated corneal cross-linking (CXL) procedure for progressive keratoconus.

Materials and methods: Twenty-three eyes of 23 patients undergone accelerated CXL procedure were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively at 1st, 3rd and 6th month for uncorrected distant visual acuity (UDVA), best corrected distant visual acuity (CDVA), spherical error, cylindrical error, spherical equivalent (SE), keratometric values and thinnest corneal thickness (TCT) values with corneal topography by Scheimpflug camera and endothelial cell density (ECD).

Results: The mean UDVA was improved from 0.97?±?0.41 logarithm of minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) to 0.76?±?0.45 logMAR at the 6th month after CXL (p?=?0.332). The mean CDVA was improved from 0.49?±?0.30 logMAR to 0.34?±?0.22 logMAR at the 6th month after CXL (p?=?0.026). The mean sphere was decreased from ?4.47?±?4.1 diopter (D) to ?3.79?±?3.86?D and the mean cylinder was decreased from ?5.60?±?2.2?D to ?4.55?±?1.98?D and the mean SE was decreased from ?7.22?±?4.48?D to ?6.36?±?4.34?D at the 6th month after CXL (p?=?0.128, p?=?0.002 and p?=?0.045, respectively). Flat keratometry, steep keratometry, mean keratometry and maximum keratometry were significantly reduced at the 6th month after CXL (p?=?0.025, p?p?=?0.004 and p?=?0.03, respectively). TCT and ECD were not changed significantly the 6th month after CXL (p?=?0.135 and p?=?0.082, respectively).

Conclusion: Accelerated CXL procedure was effective to stabilize progression of keratoconus with significant reduction in topographic keratometric values and significant increase in CDVA in 6 months.     

Evaluation of the clinical effectiveness of fluocinolone acetonide 190 µg intravitreal implant in diabetic macular edema: a comparison between study and fellow eyes

Abstract

Objectives: To compare visual and anatomical outcomes between eyes treated with fluocinolone acetonide (FAc) 190 µg intravitreal implant for clinically significant chronic diabetic macular edema (DME) and fellow eyes not treated with FAc implant using data from the Iluvien Clinical Evidence study in the UK (ICE-UK) study.

Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, data on people attending hospital eye services and treated with the FAc implant between April 1, 2013 and April 15, 2015 were collected. Changes in visual acuity (VA), central foveal thickness (CFT) and intraocular pressure (IOP) were compared between study eyes (intervention) and fellow eyes.

Results: A total of 208 people were selected. Mean age was 68.1 years and 62% were male. Mean change in VA was ?0.09 LogMAR units for study eyes and 0.04 LogMAR units for fellow eyes at 12 months post-implant (p?<?.001). Over the same period, ≥5 letter, ≥10 letter and ≥15 letter improvements in Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) score were achieved by more FAc treated eyes than by fellow eyes (41% versus 23%, p?<?.001; 28% versus 11%, p?<?.001; and 18% versus 4%, p?<?.001 at 12 months, respectively). Differences in the mean change in CFT (?113?µm versus ?13?µm, p?<?.001) and IOP (3.2?mmHg versus ?0.2?mmHg, p?<?.001) were also observed between study and fellow eyes at 12 months.

Conclusion: Visual acuity improved in study eyes over the 12 months following FAc implant and worsened in fellow eyes. Over the same period, study eyes showed a larger improvement in central foveal thickness. Intraocular pressure worsened in study eyes only. Change in visual acuity, central foveal thickness and intraocular pressure between FAc implant and the end of the 12-month follow-up period differed significantly between study and fellow eyes.     

Efficacy of neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser iridotomies in primary angle-closure diseases: superior peripheral iridotomy versus inferior peripheral iridotomy

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of superior peripheral iridotomy versus inferior peripheral iridotomy in the treatment of primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) in phakic patients.

Methods: In this randomized, prospective, paired-eye comparative study, patients with primary angle closure or primary angle-closure suspects were recruited and randomized to receive neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI) superiorly in one eye and inferiorly in the other eye. Patients were masked to the location of treatment in each eye. The main outcome measures were patency of iridotomy, intraocular pressure (IOP), complications and visual symptoms at each postoperative visit during a 1 year follow-up.

Results: A total of 164 patients were recruited, of whom 150 (91.46%) completed the study. The mean age was 58.85?±?6.4 years. Average IOP measurements before LPI was 22.85?±?7.53 and 23.62?±?8.32 in superior LPI and inferior LPI eyes respectively. After LPI, average IOP was 25.14?±?2.73 and 20.97?±?2.72 in superior LPI and inferior LPI eyes respectively. Inferior LPIs required less use of mean total laser energy to perforate the tissue (p?=?.05) and resulted in a significantly lower incidence of iris bleeding at the time of treatment (p?=?.004), lower IOP elevation following treatment (p?=?.002), lower incidence of focal corneal damage (p?=?.002) and a lower post-laser iritis (p?=?.04). All the 300 iridotomies were patent at 12 month follow up.

Conclusion: The inferior LPI appeared to be an efficient method of preventing pupil block with fewer complications. Visual symptoms following inferior LPI are similar to superior LPI.     

Efficacy,tolerability and safety of the fixed combination of bimatoprost 0.03% and timolol 0.5% in a broad patient population: multicenter,open-label observational study*

ABSTRACT

Objective: To evaluate intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering efficacy, tolerability, and safety of the fixed combination of bimatoprost 0.03% and timolol 0.5% (Ganfort^?) among German patients.

Methods: Multicenter, observational, open-label study of patients with primary open angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension (n?=?606). As determined by participating physicians, patients had insufficient IOP control and required a medication change. They were switched to once-daily fixed-combination bimatoprost/timolol with no wash-out period. IOP was recorded at treated baseline, 4–6 weeks and 12 weeks after switching. Tolerability was measured using a 4-step scale (excellent, good, moderate, poor) and all adverse events were recorded.

Results: A total of 405 patients switched from monotherapy, 97 switched from other fixed combinations, and 104 switched from non-fixed combinations. Among all patients, 32.5% had used prostaglandin analog (PGA) monotherapy, 8.7% had been using a fixed combination that included a PGA, and 6.9% had been using an adjunctive combination of a PGA and a β-blocker. Mean treated baseline IOP (±SD) for all patients was 20.7?±?3.5?mmHg. Overall, changing medication to fixed-combination bimatoprost/timolol lowered IOP to 16.6?±?2.7?mmHg (p?<?0.001 vs. baseline) after 4–6 weeks and to 16.1?±?2.6?mmHg (p?<?0.001) after 12 weeks; reductions of 19.8% and 22.2%, respectively. Combined bimatoprost/timolol provided an additional IOP reduction versus baseline in most subgroups based on prior treatment. At week 12, patients who had previously used a β-blocker achieved an additional 25.8% decrease from baseline and IOP was reduced by 22.6% in former PGA monotherapy patients. At week 12, 84.6% of all eyes reached a target pressure less than or equal to 18?mmHg. Tolerability of bimatoprost/timolol was rated excellent or good by the physicians for 98.7% of patients and by 96.7% of the patients themselves. Few adverse events occurred during the treatment period.

Conclusions: Although this study was limited by its observational design, our results show that the fixed combination of bimatoprost 0.03%/timolol 0.5% was effective, well tolerated, and safe in a broad patient population.     

Treatment of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma with a fixed combination of brimonidine 0.2%/timolol 0.5%: multicenter,open-label,observational study in Germany*

ABSTRACT

Objective: At the introduction of the fixed-combination of brimonidine/timolol in Germany in 2006, a non-interventional, multicenter, observational, open-label study was initiated to evaluate efficacy, tolerability, and safety of this preparation in a broad patient population.

Methods: The study population comprised patients with bilateral primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension with insufficient intraocular pressure (IOP) control who participating physicians determined required a change of medication, and who switched to exclusive use of the new fixed-combination brimonidine 0.2%/timolol 0.5%. Patient demographics and information on specific risk factors were collected. IOP readings were recorded for each eye at treated baseline (previous therapy), 4 to 6 weeks, and 12 weeks after changing to twice-daily brimonidine/timolol. Tolerability was measured using a four-step scale ranging from excellent to poor. All adverse events were recorded.

Results: Mean treated baseline IOP (±SD) for all patients (N?=?861) was 20.8?±?3.5?mmHg. Five hundred sixty-five patients switched from monotherapy, 138 patients switched from other fixed combinations, and 158 patients had been using non-fixed combinations of up to four different active agents. The brimonidine/timolol fixed combination provided an additional IOP decrease in most pretreatment subgroups, with an overall reduction to 16.9?±?2.6?mmHg after 4 to 6 weeks and to 16.5?±?2.7?mmHg after 12 weeks. Both of these values were significantly lower than baseline IOP (p?<?0.001). A target pressure of <18?mmHg was achieved in 79.5% of all eyes at week 12. Tolerability of fixed-combination brimonidine/timolol was rated excellent or good by the physicians for 97.1% of patients, and by 93.4% of the patients themselves. Few adverse events occurred during the treatment period.

Conclusions: Although this study was limited by its observational design, our results show that the fixed combination of brimonidine 0.2%/timolol 0.5% was effective, well tolerated, and safe in a broad POAG patient population.     

Ocular surface findings in patients with rheumatoid arthritis under methotrexate or biological agent therapy

Purpose: To evaluate the ocular findings in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate (MTX) or MTX with biological agents.

Methods: One hundred and twelve eyes of 56 patients with RA and treated with MTX or MTX with biological agents were included in the study. Patients were divided into two groups using DMARDs only (group 1) and patients using DMARDs and biologic agents together (group 2). In both groups; Schirmer’s II test, tear film break-up time (tBUT), central corneal thickness (CCT), corneal volume (CV), intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement, and anterior segment and fundus examinations of the eye with slit lamp were carried out. Ocular surface disease index (OSDI) score questionnaire were performed.

Results: Thirty-eight patients with a mean age of 53.00?±?8.19 years were in group 1 and 18 patients with a mean age of 51.00?±?9.54 years were in group 2. The mean duration of RA was 6.89?±?7.96 years in group 1 and 5.70?±?9.00 years in group 2. There was a statistically significant difference between two groups with tBUT, CCT, CV, IOP (p < 0.05) and there was no significant difference with age, sex, disease duration, disease activity, and Schirmer’s II test (p > 0.05). The disease duration showed a significant moderate negative correlation with CCT and CV in group 2 (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Although tBUT values were significantly higher in the combination treatment group, CCT and CV values were significantly lower. Due to the decrease in corneal thickness, IOP was determined to be significantly lower.     

Effect of smoking on retina nerve fiber layer and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer complex

Purpose: The aim of this study is to show the effects of smoking on retina layers, especially retina nerve fiber layer (RNFL) and ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer complex (GCIPL).

Materials and methods: Participants smoking for more than 10 years at least 1 pack of cigarettes a day and a control group, both including participants between ages of 20 and 50 years with no other systemic or ocular diseases were studied. After normality tests, an independent sample t test was used to analyze the differences in age, sex, spherical equivalent (SE), intraocular pressure (IOP), axial length (AL), GCIPL and RNFL values between the groups.

Results: There were 44 participants in each group. There were 32 (62.5%) men and 12(37.5%) women in smokers and 36 (77.88%) men and 8 (22.22%) women in control group. Mean ages were 39.85?±?8.41 and 38.66?±?10.47 years, mean spherical equivalent (SE) values were ?0.15?±?0.4 and 0?±?0.29 dioptries in smokers and control groups, respectively. The IOP, AXL, GCIPL and RNFL values were 17.58?±?3.41?mmHg, 23.69?±?0.56?mm, 84.3?±?5.83?μm and 92.3?±?3.51?μm in the smokers group and 18.5?±?2.91?mmHg, 23.45?±?0.72?mm, 86.11?±?8.02?μm and 97.66?±?8.23?μm in the control group. The inferior, superior, nasal and temporal values of RNFL quadrants were 123.18?±?26.14, 117.05?±?5.51, 64.95?±?8.67 and 63.5?±?6.88?μm in the smokers group and 130.81?±?11.8, 123.55?±?11.03, 72.44?±?9.84 and 58.44?±?7.48?μm in the control group. There were no significant difference of age, sex, SE, IOP, AXL and GCIPL values between the smokers and control groups (p?>?0.05). The mean RNFL was significantly thinner in the smokers group compared to controls (p?=?0.03, independent t test). Inferior and superior quadrants of RNFL decreased in smokers group (p?=?0.01 and p?=?0.03, respectively) but temporal and nasal quadrants did not seem to be changed (p?=?0.96 and p?=?0.07, respectively).

Discussion: Smoking may affect RNFL thickness but not GCIPL.     

Reduced central corneal thickness in patients with isotretinoin treatment

Context: It is well known that oral isotretinoin treatment causes numerous ocular side-effects.

Objective: To investigate the effect of systemic isotretinoin treatment on central corneal thickness (CCT) values due to meibomian gland disease (MGD).

Participants: In this prospective study, 47 patients (27 men, 20 women) with nodulocystic acne vulgaris treated with oral isotretinoin (0.8?mg/kg daily) were included.

Methods: All patients were analyzed with the Pentacam Scheimpflug topography at baseline, on the 3rd and 6th month of treatment. Main outcome measures were MGD scores and CCT.

Results: The mean age of patients was 25.1?±?4.4 years. The mean MGD scores were significantly higher at 3rd month (1.3?±?0.9) and 6th month (1.5?±?1.0) of treatment compared with baseline (1.1?±?0.9) (p?p?p?=?0.038, r?=??0.221).

Conclusion: Isotretinoin treatment causes higher MGD scores. A statistically significant decrease in CCT due to MGD was detected at 6th month of treatment.     

虹膜周切术后高眼压的原因分析

目的探讨手术周边虹膜切除或激光虹膜切除术后高眼压的原因。方法经鼻上方透明角膜切口行虹膜周切术。局部氪激光鼻上11：00周边虹膜成型＋Nd：YAG激光虹膜周切术。术后行眼压、房角、前房深度及暗室试验等检查,发现高眼压病例行虹膜周切区、房角镜检查了解其原因。结果 22例29眼中,虹膜周切口色素上皮层未切透3例3眼,术前房角检查诊断欠准确6例6眼,高褶虹膜2例4眼,窄角性开角型青光眼2例4眼,混合性青光眼1例2眼,多种机制共同参与8例10眼。讨论：青光眼患者除准确房角检查和选择准确术式外,术后仍行眼压、房角、前房深度及暗室激发试验检查,以便及时发现眼压增高做出处理。     

ACE Inhibitors in Heart Failure-Switching from Enalapril to Perindopril

Summary

Although ACE inhibitors have demonstrated their beneficial effects in heart failure, whether different agents may induce different benefits remains unclear. We designed an open, sequential, prospective study switching heart failure patients receiving enalapril to perindopril which has been reported to be longer acting and better tolerated. The objective of the study was to find out if clinical and functional status could be further improved by changing from enalapril 30?mg daily to a perindopril 4mg daily.

Assessments of clinical status, echo-cardiography and nuclear ventriculography were performed at baseline under enalapril (30mg mean dose (b.i.d.)), then 6 and 12 months after the switch to perindopril (4mg/day mean dose).

Thirty-one patients were included (90% men, aged 56.5?±?11.8 years, mean radionuclide left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction 22.4?±?8.5%). After 6 months of treatment, NYHA functional class was significantly improved; the percentage of patients in class I increased to 57% after perindopril versus 20% at baseline (p?<?0.001), and 50% of the total study population gained at least one NYHA class. After 12 months of treatment, 80% of the patients were in NYHA class I. Blood pressure decreased significantly with a good tolerance at 6 months and then remained stable. After 12 months of treatment, significant reductions of LV end-diastolic diameter (61.4?±?5.3 vs. 64.5?±?6.5mm; p?=?0.001) and LV mass index (143.3?±?21.5 vs. 164.2?±?40.2g/m²; p?<?0.001) were observed, reflecting a positive effect on the LV remodelling process.

Despite some limitations, because it is of an open-label design with a small number of patients, our study found significant differences in clinical and objective parameters in heart failure patients switched from enalapril to perindopril. The prognostic significance of these findings remains to be investigated.     

The effectiveness and reliability of posterior sub-Tenon triamcinolone acetonide injection in branch retinal vein occlusion-related macular edema

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness and reliability of posterior sub-Tenon triamcinolone acetonide (PSTA) application in branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO)-related macular edema.

Methods: Patients with confirmed BRVO-related macular edema were enrolled in the study. Patients were injected with a single, therapeutic dose of 40?mg PSTA. Detailed ophthalmic examination was performed at baseline and at 1, 3 and 6 months after the treatment. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), cataractogenic change (CC) and macular optical coherence tomography (OCT) analysis results were evaluated. The results were compared statistically.

Results: Forty-one eyes of 41 patients with a mean age of 63.49?±?10.99 (55–86) years, 15 (36.6%) females, were included in the study. BCVA in LogMAR values at 1 and 3 months were significantly better than at baseline, while no significant difference from baseline was observed in sixth month values (p?<?0.001, p?<?0.001 and p?=?0.846, respectively). Central macular thickness values obtained using OCT were significantly lower at the first, third and sixth months compared to baseline (p?<?0.001 for all). IOP elevation was determined in only two eyes (4.8%) at the end of the study period, and no CC was detected in any case.

Conclusion: PSTA application is an effective and safe option in BRVO-related macular edema.     

The long-term effect of oral isotretinoin therapy on macula ganglion cell complex thickness

Purpose: To evaluate the long-term effect of oral isotretinoin therapy on macula ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness by spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT).

Materials and methods: Newly diagnosed cystic acne patients who received low dose for a long time systemic isotretinoin therapy were included in this study. Thorough ophthalmic evaluation and GCC thickness analysis by using SD-OCT were performed at baseline, and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of treatment.

Results: Forty-eight eyes of 24 patients (15 females, 9 males) were included in the study. The mean age of patients was 19.37?±?2.74 years (range 14–25 years). The full ophthalmologic examination was normal in all eyes before treatment. During the treatment there were no change in visual acuity, refractive error, intraocular pressure and tear break-up time. The mean GCC thicknesses were 81.45?±?4.91, 81.45?±?5.12, 81.81?±?4.68, 81.87?±?4.91 and 81.64?±?5.09?μm at pretreatment and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of treatment, respectively (p?=?0.803).

Conclusion: One-year systemic use of isotretinoin had no significant effect on the thickness of macula ganglion cell. Macular ganglion cell analysis is useful for determining and following the toxic effects of systemic drugs on the retina. However, it is more rational to consider it as an adjunct to electrophysiological testing rather than used alone.