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PurposeTo evaluate effects of intravitreal ranibizumab and bevacizumab administration on ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) recordings in normotensive patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).Patients and methodsA total of 72 patients (mean age: 61.8(6.2) years, 52.8% were females) diagnosed with AMD were included in this study as divided into ranibizumab (n=34) and bevacizumab (n=38) treatment groups. Twenty-four hour, nighttime, and daytime ABMP values for systolic and diastolic BP were recorded in study groups before and after the third intravitreal injection of ranibizumab or bevacizumab.ResultsRanibizumab injection had no impact on ABPM recordings and dipping status. In the bevacizumab group, increased daytime (129.0(6.6) vs 127.7(6.6) mm Hg, P=0.002) and nighttime systolic (116.9(7.5) vs 112.6(7.1) mmHg, p0.001) BP and decreased daytime diastolic (80.1(6.5) vs 82.4(6.1)mm Hg, P=0.001) BP were noted in the post-injection period. Also, percentage of non-dippers was significantly increased from 5.3% at pre-injection to 28.9% (P=0.004) at the post-injection period.ConclusionIn conclusion, given that it has no significant impact on ABPM recordings and dipping status, in our study, intravitreal ranibizumab injection may be the better choice in the management of AMD.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of multiple intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) injections on the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).One hundred sixty-eight eyes of 168 patients with nAMD who received an IVR at least 3 times were included in this prospective interventional case series. The RNFL thickness data on 80 healthy eyes, used as the control group, were obtained. The patients were grouped as follows: 3-10 injections (group 1, 62 eyes, 37%), 10-20 injections (group 2, 62 eyes, 37%), and ≥20 injections (group 3, 44 eyes, 26%). The RNFL thickness was measured by spectral domain optical coherence tomography.The mean baseline measurement of the RNFL thickness was 97.4 ± 6.4 μm in the control group, 96.4 ± 5.6 μm in group 1, 93.8 ± 4.6 μm in group 2, and 93.2 ± 5.3 μm in group 3. At the last follow-up, it was 95.1 ± 2.4 μm in the control group, 93.4 ± 7.3 μm in group 1, 90.5 ± 3.6 μm in group 2, and 89.2 ± 4.9 μm in group 3 (all P values0.050). A statistically significant difference was not found between the mean total RNFL thickness of the eyes that received injections and that of the eyes in the healthy control group (P value0.050). A statistically significant difference was not found in all the treatment groups between the intraocular pressure level taken 1 day after the administration of the injections and that recorded preintervention (all P values0.050).Repeated IVR did not lead to a significant change in RNFL thickness in patients with nAMD.

49th Annual Congress of the Turkish-Ophthalmology-Society -- NOV 04-05, 2015 -- Istanbul, TURKEY, Purpose: To investigate possible metabolic changes in vitreous of patients with diabetes mellitus with or without diabetic retinopathy using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Material and methods: Twenty-eight healthy control subjects (group 1), 18 patients with diabetes mellitus without diabetic retinopathy (group 2) and 18 patients with diabetic retinopathy (group 3) were included. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy was performed in left vitreous of all subjects; amounts of Glutamate, Choline, Lactate and Creatine values were measured. Choline/Creatine, Glutamate/Creatine and Lactate/Creatine ratios were calculated. Results: Glutamate/Creatine and Lactate/Creatine ratios were significantly higher in group 2 and 3 when compared to group 1. Both Glutamate/Creatine and Lactate/Creatine ratios did not show any difference in group 2 when compared to group 3. Conclusions: Our results suggest that when compared to healthy subjects, Glutamate and Lactate are the main metabolites of vitreous in diabetes mellitus patients. This may help us to better understand the metabolic factors in pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy.

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the role of complement factor H (CFH) in response to intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) treatment, which is administered to patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD).Methods: In this retrospective study, 90 nAMD patients' 90 eyes were evaluated. IVR was injected once a month for three consecutive months, and then, patients were followed up for five years by using pro re nata method.Results: Average visual acuity (BCVA) values in TT group for the third, fourth and fifth years were found to be significantly higher than those in TC and CC groups, while average BCVA values in TC group were significantly higher than those in CC group (all p = .000 < .0167).Conclusion: Patients with CFH TT genotype responded significantly better to treatment after third year, while patients with CC genotype had a poorer response to IVR. WOS: 000440751300024 28471284 Q2

AIM: To investigate the place of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in the diagnosis of and prognosis for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD). METHODS: One hundred AMD patients and 100 healthy controls were included in the study. Blood samples were obtained from the venous blood, which is used for routine analysis, and these samples were subjected to complete blood count. NLR was defined as the neutrophil count divided by the number of lymphocytes, and PLR was defined as the platelet count divided by the number of lymphocytes. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups under consideration in terms of demographic features (P>0.05). The average NLR in the patient group was found to be significantly higher than that in the healthy control group (P

BACKGROUND To evaluate combination treatment with intravitreal ranibizumab injection and reduced fluence photodynamic therapy for choroidal neovascularization associated with angioid streaks. METHODS This is an interventional case series of 10 previously untreated eyes of 10 patients with choroidal neovascularization secondary to angioid streaks. All eyes were treated with reduced fluence photodynamic therapy using 25 J/cm, immediately followed by intravitreal ranibizumab injection at baseline, and subsequent injections were performed on an as-needed basis thereafter. Treatment efficacy was assessed based on best-corrected visual acuity and optical coherence tomography findings. RESULTS After 12 months of follow-up, the best-corrected visual acuity improved by >2 lines in 6 eyes (60%), remained within 2 lines of baseline in 3 eyes (30%), and decreased by ≥ 3 lines in only 1 eye (10%). The mean central foveal thickness decreased significantly from 332.2 μm at baseline to 235.7 μm at the last follow-up (P < 0.001), as measured by optical coherence tomography. CONCLUSION The preliminary results of this prospective study indicate that combination treatment with intravitreal ranibizumab injection and reduced fluence photodynamic therapy for choroidal neovascularization associated with angioid streaks seems to be effective in reducing or eliminating retinal edema, regression of neovascularization, and improving or stabilizing visual acuity without any complications. Large controlled studies are needed to evaluate the long-term effects of this combination regimen.

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of bimatoprost 0.03% with brimonidine 0.2% in preventing intraocular pressure (IOP) elevations after neodymium:yttrium–aluminum–garnet (Nd:YAG) laser posterior capsulotomy.In this prospective, randomized, double-masked study, 195 eyes of 195 consecutive patients who had YAG laser capsulotomy for posterior capsule opacification were recruited. Eyes received either 1 drop of bimatoprost 0.03% (98 patients) or brimonidine 0.2% (97 patients) at 1h before laser surgery. A masked observer measured IOP by Goldmann applanation tonometry before treatment and after treatment at 1h, 3h, 24h, and 7 days. Inflammation was evaluated after surgery. Formation of cystoid macular edema was assessed by measuring the macular thickness before and after laser surgery.The average peak of postoperative IOP elevation was 2.2±3.9mm Hg in the bimatoprost 0.03% and 3.6±3.1mm Hg in the brimonidine 0.2% group. The difference was statistically significant (P0.001). Postoperative IOP elevations of 10mm Hg or more occurred in 1 eye (1.56%) in the bimatoprost 0.03% group and 5 eyes (7.35%) in the brimonidine 0.2%. This difference was statistically significant (P0.001). Macular edema and anterior chamber reaction were not observed related to bimatoprost. No clinically significant side effects were noted in either group.Our results indicate that prophylactic use of bimatoprost 0.03% is more effective than brimonidine 0.2% in preventing IOP elevation immediately after YAG laser capsulotomy. Bimatoprost 0.03% as a prostamide analog may provide new option for preventing IOP elevation after YAG laser capsulotomy.

To evaluate and determine the effect of intravitreal bevacizumab in treatment of persistent central serous chorioretinopathy.This prospective, comparative clinical study included 30 eyes of 30 patients with persistent, symptomatic central serous chorioretinopathy of 3 months' duration or more. Fifteen eyes of 15 patients were treated with intravitreal injections of 2.5 mg (0.1 ml) bevacizumab (treatment group). Fifteen eyes of 15 patients with the same characteristics who declined treatment were an acceptable control group. The visual and anatomic responses were observed with best-corrected visual acuity and central foveal thickness measured by optic coherence tomography at baseline,1, 3, and 6 months after treatment.Twelve (80%) eyes in the treatment group compared with 8 (53.3%) eyes in the control group showed morphologic restitution at 6 months (P0.01). All 15 (100%) treated eyes had stable or improved vision, compared with 10 (66.6%) eyes in the control group (P0.01). At 6 months, the mean +/- SD central foveal thickness for the treatment group remained significantly lower compared to the control group, with 174 +/- 68 microm and 297 +/- 172 microm, respectively (P0.001). Injection-related complications were not encountered.Our results indicate that intravitreal bevacizumab injection may be a new, promising treatment option for select patients with idiopathic persistent central serous chorioretinopathy. Continued studies with intravitreal bevacizumab in this population will help to establish its long-term efficacy.

To report and evaluate the anatomic, clinical, and visual acuity response after intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) injection in patients with cystoid macular edema (CME) due to retinitis pigmentosa (RP).This study included 30 eyes of 30 patients with RP who had persistent CME at least 6 months despite medication with acetazolamide. Fifteen eyes of 15 eligible patients were treated with 0.5 mg IVR injection (treatment group). Fifteen eyes of 15 patients with the same characteristics who refused treatment were accepted as control group. The primary outcome of the study (morphologic restitution) was the complete or significant resolution of cystoid space on optic coherence tomography (OCT) without relapse or complication at 6 months. The serial changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central foveal thickness (CFT) were measured.Thirteen eyes (86.6%) in the treatment group had significant resolution of CME at 6 months after single IVR injection. The difference between the 2 groups in BCVA was not statistically significant (P0.05). The baseline mean +/- SD CFT for the treatment and control groups were 478 +/- 88 microm and 469 +/- 75 microm, respectively (P0.05). At 6 months after treatment, the mean +/- SD CFT of the treatment group improved to 272 +/- 65 microm whereas that in the control group was 480 +/- 92 microm (P0.001).This investigation indicated that IVR may provide a new therapeutic approach for the treatment of CME secondary to RP. No adverse event was found to be associated with the treatment. Continued experience with IVR in this population will help establish its longer-term efficacy.

Objective: To evaluate phacoemulsification surgery and its possible risks in patients with nanophthalmos. Design: The surgical procedure, corneal diameter, keratometry, axial length, visual acuity, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were reviewed. Scleral thickness was determined by echography. Participants: 5 patients, 8 eyes. Methods: The results of cataract surgery in nanophthalmic eyes were reviewed. Inclusion criteria was based on a clinical diagnosis of nanophthalmos and ocular surgery for cataract. Nanophthalmos was diagnosed according to a shorter than average axial length (usually less than 20.0 mm), typically a shallow anterior chamber, hyperopia, and scleral thickening greater than 1.5 mm. The procedure was planned as phacoemulsification, and foldable acrylic PCIOL implantation via a clear corneal tunnel. Results: The procedure was planned as phacoemulsification. Six eyes had cataract extraction with posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation by phacoemulsification. It was necessary to change the procedure to extraca-psular cataract surgery in 2 cases because of uncontrolled shallowing of the anterior chamber. Postoperative trabeculectomy was needed in 1 eye, and Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy was performed on 4 eyes. No postoperative uveal effusion or infections were seen in any of the eyes. Complications included iritis with posterior synechia (n = 1), transient choroidal hemorrhage ( n = 1), vitreous loss ( n = 1), posterior capsule opacity ( n = 4), and glaucoma ( n = 1). In 1 case retinal detachment developed 3 weeks postoperatively. Prophylactic laser iridoplasty or iridotomy was not performed for surgery. Conclusions: Although phacoemulsification seems to be relatively safe in nanophthalmic patients without performing any prophylactic surgical procedure, surgeons need to be attentive of the challenges of working through them when performing phacoemulsification in these high-risk eyes. However, with careful preoperative evaluation and planning, complications can be avoided.

To report the effects of simultaneous intravitreal and intracameral injection of 1.25 mg bevacizumab (Avastin) in 15 neovascular glaucoma (NVG) cases secondary to iris and/or angle neovascularization.The study included 15 eyes of 15 patients (seven women, eight men) with NVG secondary to central retinal vein occlusions (CRVO) or proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Eight eyes had had CRVO and seven PDR prior to NVG. The severity of neovascularization and peripheric anterior synechiae (PAS) was scored from mild (+) to severe (+++). A total dose of 1.25 mg bevacizumab in 0.05 mL was injected into the vitreous cavity and the same dose of bevacizumab into anterior chamber by sterile 30-gauge needle.After treatment neovascularizations on iris and angle were completely resolved 36 h after injection in all patients. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was decreased under 22 mmHg in six cases without any medication. Six cases need medical treatment to achieve appropriate IOP level. Surgical procedure was necessary in three patients who persist high IOP levels despite completely resolved neovascularizations.Simultaneous intravitreal and intracameral injection of bevacizumab can cause an immediate regression of neovascularization secondary to PDR or CRVO and could be an useful adjuvant to prevent dense PAS formation that lead to persistent IOP increasing.

To evaluate and report the effectiveness, visual, anatomical, and clinical outcome of intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) injection in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP).Our prospective study included 13 eyes of 7 patients (4 women and 3 men) in the age range of 25-69 years (mean 44.14 years) with cystoid macular edema (CME) secondary to RP. Intravitreal bevacizumab at a dose of 1.25 mg/0.05 ml was injected via a 28-gauge needle. The response rate to treatment was monitored functionally by visual acuity assessment and anatomically using the optical coherence tomography.The baseline mean central macular thickness was 370.15 microm (range 245-603 microm. The central macular thickness decreased to 142.53 microm (range 124-168 microm) after bevacizumab injections. The pre- and post-treatment visual acuity ranges were 5/400-20/100 and 20/200-20/63, respectively.Our data reveal that intravitreal bevacizumab administration is effective for the treatment of CME in RP. Further studies with a larger population and longer follow-up period are warranted to assess the efficacy of the treatment.

Purpose: To report a case of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) as a possible complication of latanoprost treatment.Methods: A 65-year-old woman presented with a 1-week history of blurred vision and metamorphopsia in her right eye. She was previously diagnosed with unilateral glaucoma, and treatment was initiated with topical latanoprost 0.005% for the right eye. The symptoms occurred 1 month after initiation of glaucoma treatment.Results: Visual acuity (VA) of the patient had reduced to 20/50 in right eye. Fluorescein angiography revealed a focal RPE leak near to the fovea with neurosensory detachment due to CSC, which was confirmed by optical coherence tomography. After cessation of the therapy, her clinical and morphological status improved spontaneously. The neurosensory detachment resolved almost completely and VA improved to 20/20 simultaneously.Conclusions: The authors report the first case of CSC associated with latonoprost therapy. This case demonstrates that topical latanoprost may lead to t...

To investigate peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) changes using optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients with asymptomatic essential thrombocythemia (ET).A consecutive case-control series of 30 patients with asymptomatic ET and age-similar, gender, refractive error, race-matched controls underwent a comprehensive eye examination and OCT of the peripapillary RNFL. Subjects with glaucoma, diabetes mellitus, hemoglobinopaties or other ocular diseases and those who underwent any retinal treatment were excluded. Inferior, superior, nasal and temporal peripapillary RNFL thicknesses were analyzed. One randomly selected eye per subject was compared with those of healthy ones.In the ET patients, the peripapillary RNFL thickness was particularly thin at the temporal quadrant (61.38 ± 9.82 μm, mean ± SD), and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.036) when compared with the control group (71.24 ± 10.28 μm). The average RNFL thickness was 88.73 ± 12.26 μm in the ET patients and 96.91 ± 13.66 μm in the control group. Although the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.226), the average RNFL was 8.44% thinner in ET patients than in healthy subjects.Asymptomatic ET patients may have peripapillary RNFL thinning as a result of their systemic illness. This study is the first to demonstrate peripapillary RFNL changes in asymptomatic ET patients.

The posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), a complex of cerebral disorders including headache, seizures, visual disturbances, is associated with a variety of conditions in which blood pressure rises acutely. Arterial hypertension can occur in systemic administration of bevacizumab. A few cases of systemic injection of bevazicumab-induced PRES have been reported. In this article, we first report on a patient who developed PRES following intravitreal bevazicumab.

To determine intravitreal levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD).Vitreous samples were collected from 22 eyes of 22 patients during vitrectomy procedures for RD. For controls, vitreous samples were obtained from 12 eyes of 12 patients without RDs during pars plana vitrectomies. Control group patients included four with macular holes and eight with epiretinal membranes; none had any associated vitreoretinopathy. All vitreous samples were immediately frozen at -80 degrees C until assayed.VEGF concentrations were significantly elevated in samples from patients with RDs compared to samples from control patients (p0.001). Vitreous concentrations of IL-8 were also significantly elevated in patients with macular edema when compared to control patients (p0.05). However, no significant difference was observed in vitreous concentrations of TNF-alpha in subjects with RDs compared to control subjects (p0.05).Increases in IL-8 (an inflammatory angiogenic mediator) and VEGF (a regulatory mediator of cellular proliferation and permeability) may be related to development of proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

To determine the short-term effect of intravitreal bevacizumab administration on systemic blood pressure levels of patients and to evaluate the safety of the drug in these patients. Study population was divided into two groups: group A comprised patients who had hypertension and were under medication with antihypertensive drugs; group B comprised patients with normal blood pressure and were not under medication with antihypertensive drugs. All patients were graded according to their blood pressure levels before single dose of bevacizumab (0.05 ml; 1.25 mg) injection, and at day 1 and weeks 1, 3, and 6 thereafter. The blood pressure levels were analysed using repeated measures of analysis of variance (ANOVA). A P-value of

Purpose To describe and report the effect of intravitreal bevacizumab (Avastin) as primary treatment for secondary choroidal neovascularization (CNV) after choroidal rupture due to blunt-head trauma. Design Interventional case report. Methods The study was of the left eye of a patient who presented with choroidal neovascularization secondary to choroidal rupture due to blunt-head trauma. The patient received single intravitreal injection of 1.25 mg (0.05 ml) bevacizumab as treatment for CNV after informed consent was signed. The patient underwent fundus fluorescein angiography (FA) and optic coherence tomography (OCT) before the bevacizumab injection and then again three months after. Visual acuity was also measured before and after treatment. The patient was re-examined on the first day, and monthly thereafter. After intravitreal injection of bevacizumab the visual and anatomic responses were observed. Results The patient showed regression of the neovascularization three months after injection of bevacizumab. There was no loss of vision in the immediate postoperative period and at the 3rd month vision improved from 20/60 to 20/20. Central retinal thickness decreased. No cataract progression, endophthalmitis, or injection-related complications were observed. Conclusions Our study shows that intravitreal 1.25 mg bevacizumab can be an effective alternative treatment for choroidal neovascularization (CNV) due to choroidal rupture.

Background: To determine the safety and efficacy of topical anesthesia in posterior vitrectomy. Methods: A total of 93 patients (93 eyes) with various vitreoretinal diseases not needing scleral buckling and with short predicted duration of surgery underwent posterior vitrectomy under topical (49 eyes) or retrobulbar (44 eyes) anesthesia. Patients in the topical group were sedated with neuroleptic anesthesia. Postoperatively, patients were shown a visual analogue pain scale (VAPS) from 0 (no pain) to 10 (unbearable pain) to rate the levels of pain. The main outcome measures were overall and worst intraoperative pain scores, duration of surgery, and pain score during the administration of the retrobulbar anesthetic agent. Results: Mean surgical time was 57.9 minutes in the topical group and 56.6 minutes in the retrobulbar group ( p > 0.05). The pain scores were not significantly different. Mean overall pain scores were 1.71 (SD 1.04, range 0–5) in the topical group and 1.38 (SD 1.04, range 0–3) in the retrobulbar group ( p > 0.05). Mean worst pain scores were 3.20 (SD 1.30, range 1–7) and 2.95 (SD 0.73, range 1–4), respectively ( p > 0.05). There was no significant correlation between duration of surgery and overall pain score in either group ( r = 0.146, p = 0.356, and r = 0.174, p = 0.385, respectively). No patient required additional injection anesthesia in the topical group. Interpretation: Topical anesthesia combined with systemic sedation and analgesia in posterior vitrectomy procedures provided sufficient analgesic effects in selected patients needing no scleral buckling and with short predicted surgery time.

Retinal artery occlusions are usually the result of emboli, although non-embolic causes such as vasculitides, coagulopathies, and vasospasms resulting from migraines and inflammatory conditions do occur. Bevacizumab, a humanised monoclonal antibody, is designed to bind to and inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF is a protein that plays a critical role in tumour angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels to the tumour. The use of bevacizumab has spread worldwide, but the drug related adverse events associated with its use have been reported in a few retrospective reviews. We report on a previously unpublished case of retinal artery occlusion following the use of systemic bevacizumab.