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Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess intraocular inflammation in patients with active and inactive Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO) using an aqueous laser flash meter and to assess its relationship with thyroid hormones, antibodies, and clinical activity score (CAS). Methods: Forty patients (29 females and 11 males) were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups according to CAS; patients with CAS <3 (inactive) were included in Group 1 and patients with CAS =≥3 (active) were included in Group 2. The laser flare meter was used to measure the flare of aqueous humor. Each patient's ocular findings, thyroid hormone, and antibody levels were also recorded. Results: The mean age of patients was 46.88±11.79 years in Group 1 and 44.50±12.59 years in Group 2 (p=0.555). The mean CAS was 0.88±0.65 in Group 1 and 3.57±0.85 in Group 2 (p<0.001). The mean aqueous flare was 6.5±2.2 ph/ms in Group 1 and 7.0±6.4 ph/ms in Group 2 (p=0.73). Hertel exophthalmometry, intraocular pressure (IOP), antithyroglobulin antibody, and thyroid stimulating hormone receptor antibody (TRAb) levels were similar in both groups (each p>0.05). There was no correlation between aqueous flare value and CAS, Hertel exophthalmometry, IOP, thyroid hormone, and antibody levels (each p>0.05). There was a significant correlation between CAS and antibody levels (each p<0.05). Conclusion: Flare values that are not much above the normal range may be an indication that intraocular inflammation is not elevated in GO patients. This suggests that the damage to the blood-aqueous barrier in these patients is not severe enough to increase intraocular inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Benign essential blepharospasm (BEB) is a focal dystonia characterized by involuntary contractions of the orbicularis oculi and periocular muscles. We aimed to investigate the effects of muscle receptor levels on the etiopathogenesis of blepharospasm by evaluating the orbicularis oculi estrogen receptor (ER) and androgen receptor (AR) levels. Methods: Four blepharospasm patients (2 females and 2 males) who underwent upper lid blepharoplasty and/or orbicularis myomectomy and 4 healthy cases (2 females, 2 males) that had upper lid blepharoplasty were included. The pretarsal, preseptal, and orbital parts of the orbicularis muscles of the patients who underwent orbicularis myomectomy and the waste muscle tissue materials taken from the preseptal orbicularis muscles of the patients who had only upper blepharoplasty were analyzed. Immunohistochemical staining was performed with estrogen alpha and androgen. Results: In healthy men, the orbicularis oculi muscle was stained with ER at a moderate intensity and with AR at a high intensity. In men with blepharospasm, the orbicularis oculi were not stained with ER at all, but at a high intensity with AR. In healthy women, the orbicularis oculi were stained with ER and AR at a high intensity (>50%). In women with blepharospasm, the staining intensities of both receptors were moderate. Conclusion: We determined a decrease in ER and AR in females and almost the absence of ER in males with BEB. This decrease in ER may be associated with a functional abnormality in mitochondria and the decrease in hormonal receptors may be associated with sarcopenia in orbicularis oculi muscle fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the change in eyelid and ocular surface parameters that were measured using a digital measurement program, the change in the visual field (VF), and the correlation between ocular surface area (OSA) and VF parameters in patients who underwent upper eyelid blepharoplasty for involutional dermatochalasis. Methods: Patients who underwent upper eyelid blepharoplasty for involutional dermatochalasis between August 2015 and August 2019 were included in the study. The difference between preoperative and postoperative 3rd month values of manually measured margin reflex distance 1 (MRD1), digitally measured eyelid and ocular surface parameters (MRD1, MRD 2 [MRD2], upper eyelid crease height [ECH], pretarsal show height [PTH], eyebrow line-height [EBH] and OSA), and VF parameters were evaluated. The correlation between preoperative and postoperative values of manually and digitally measured MRD1 and also preoperative and postoperative values of OSA and VF parameters were analyzed. Results: Thirty-six eyes from 36 patients were included in this study and the mean age of patients was 57.93±7.64 years. There were statistically significant changes between preoperative and postoperative values in means of the manually measured MRD1 and the digitally measured MRD1, PTH, OSA, and ECH (p<0.001). However, the postoperative changes in the mean MRD2 and EBH were not statistically significant (p=0.664 and p=0.983). There were moderate positive correlations between pre- and post-operative OSA values and pre- and postoperative values of manual and digital MRD1. A statistically significant agreement was observed between the change in OSA and the change in all VF parameters (Bland- Altman analysis test). Conclusion: Digital measurements can be used to evaluate the changes in eyelid and ocular surface parameters in patients who underwent upper eyelid blepharoplasty surgery. OSA provides fast results in accordance with linear measurements and is compatible with the change in the VF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of changes in the horizontal and vertical palpebral fissure dimensions on surgical success performed due to entropion and ectropion of the lower eyelid. Methods: The present research was conducted as a retrospective and interventional case series who had undergone involutional lower eyelid malposition repair with a lateral tarsal strip (LTS) alone, LTS with a medial spindle, and LTS with the advancement of the lower eyelid retractors. The subjects' medical records, including demographic and clinic characteristics, pre-operative assessment of horizontal eyelid laxity, and surgical outcomes, were reviewed. The distance between the pupillary light reflex and the lower-eyelid margin marginal reflex distance 2 (MRD-2) and the horizontal palpebral aperture (HPA) width were measured using the Image J program in the pre-operative and post-operative 6-month follow-up. The correlation between surgical success, changes in pre-operative and post-operative MRD-2, and HPA width was assessed by the Spearman rank correlation test. Results: A total of 66 eyelids of 48 patients were included in the study. This cohort comprised of 41 males (86.4%) and 7 females (13.6%), 18 of whom underwent bilateral surgery. The pre-operative mean MRD-2 was 7.13 ± 1.98 mm, and the post-operative 6-month mean MRD-2 was 6.21±1.19 mm (p<0.01). The mean post-operative HPA width was statistically significantly higher in comparison with the mean pre-operative HPA width (27.35±2.41,26.89±2.39, p=0.02, respectively). There was no correlation between success rate and changes in horizontal and vertical palpebral fissure dimensions. Conclusion: LTS surgery is a method that turns the shortened HPA width to normal and enables the successful correction of the lower eyelid malpositions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence and influential factors of changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) and sustained IOP elevation (SIOPE) after an uncomplicated pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). Methods: In all, 41 eyes of 41 patients who underwent PPV due to the presence of epiretinal membrane, macular hole, or vitreomacular traction syndrome were included in the study. In the vitrectomized eye, an elevated IOP of =21 mmHg or an increase of =6 mmHg from the preoperative IOP on 2 or more postprocedure visits or the addition of a new IOP-lowering medication during follow-up was defined as sustained IOP elevation. The results of procedures performed with a 20-G instrument and a 23-G instrument were compared. Results: The mean postoperative IOP was significantly higher than the preoperative IOP in vitrectomized eyes (preoperative IOP: 15.2±3.1 mmHg; postoperative 1st month: 17.4±5.8 mmHg, p=0.018; 6th month: 17.3±2.6 mmHg, p=0.02; 12th month: 16.7±2.6 mmHg, p=0.020). While no significant difference in IOP was detected between the vitrectomized and fellow eyes preoperatively, the IOP was significantly higher in the vitrectomized eyes in the 1st, 6th, and 12th months (p=0.040, p <0.001, p <0.001, respectively). SIOPE was detected in 15 vitrectomized eyes (37%) and 1 fellow eye (2%). The postoperative first day IOP was significantly lower in the vitrectomized eyes (11.1±6.1 vs 15.4±2mmHg; p<0.001) and significantly lower in the 23-G group than the 20-G group (9.3±5.2 vs 15.7±5.8; p=0.001). Conclusion: IOP may rise significantly in comparison with the fellow eye or the preoperative IOP, even after an uncomplicated PPV. SIOPE and preoperative IOP values should be taken into consideration in addition to cross-sectional IOP findings in the evaluation of PPV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The alkaline burn of the cornea usually results in a decreased vision with opacification. In this study, we investigated the potential role of endemic chestnut honey (CH) and royal jelly on corneal healing after an alkaline burn. Methods: We created an alkaline burn on the center of the corneas of four groups of Wistar rats by applying round filter paper soaked with 1 N NaOH for 30 seconds. The animals were treated with RJ, CH, RJ-CH combination and Na-Hyaluronate (Na-HA) eye drops. We performed a serial evaluation with anterior segment photography on the first, 7th, and 14th days of the experiment. Pathologic examination conducted with hematoxylin and eosin stains and immunostaining for SMA and a4ß1 integrin. We evaluated the corneal healing process with a scoring system, which was estimating the degree of corneal edema, the size of the corneal ulcer, and limbal hyperemia. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between groups on the first, 7th, and 14th days concerning the healing scores (p=0.88, p=0.06, p=0.80, respectively). However, there were significantly better scores in the repeated measures of CH (p=0.012) and RJ-CH (p=0.00) groups. The RJ group and Na-HA group did not show a significant difference in repeated measures (p=0.19 and p=0.10, respectively). The a4ß1 integrin levels on immunostaining showed a significant difference among groups on the 14th day (p=0.002). Conclusion: We found better corneal healing after treatment with the RJ-CH containing eye drops concerning corneal healing sore and a4ß1 integrin staining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the surgical outcomes of Müller Muscle conjunctival resection surgery performed with an alternative formula. Methods: A total of 58 eyes of 58 patients with mild ptosis (=2 mm) and levator function =8 mm who responded to 2.5% phenylephrine were enrolled in this study. Müller muscle conjunctival resection was performed between March 2016-March 2018, and the charts were reviewed retrospectively. Margin-reflex distance 1 was measured before and after five minutes following the instillation of phenylephrine. The amount of excision was 9 mm when the desired elevation was achieved. If the phenylephrine testing resulted in under-correction, 10 mm was resected, and in overcorrection, 8 mm resection was performed. Margin reflex distance and Schirmer test measurements were performed preoperatively and on the first, third and sixth months postoperatively. Results: The mean increase in margin-reflex distance 1 was statistically significant at the first, third and sixth months postoperatively when compared to preoperative values (p<0.05, Wilcoxon signed ranks test). Postoperative symmetry was achieved in 54 patients (93.1%) after six months. Compared to the preoperative values, changes in Schirmer-1 test results were not statistically significant at each visit after the procedure (p>0.05, Wilcoxon signed ranks test). None of the patients had keratopathy, eyelid contour abnormality, or symblepharon. Conclusion: Müller muscle conjunctival resection is an alternative procedure to external approach in patients with mild ptosis and good levator function. The algorithm used in this study resulted in a high success rate with high predictability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine the biomechanical and topographic alterations within the first year after accelerated crosslinking (CXL) treatment in patients with keratoconus. Methods: In this prospective study, 52 eyes of 52 patients with progressive keratoconus underwent accelerated CXL were included. All patients had a detailed preoperative ophthalmologic examination, including slit-lamp evaluation, Goldmann tonometry, fundoscopy, topography by Scheimpflug imaging (Sirius), and corneal biomechanical evaluation with a biomechanical waveform analysis device (ORA). Alterations in visual acuity and topographic findings were evaluated before the treatment and at 12 months follow-up. Corneal biomechanical features were obtained before the treatment, and at 1st, 3rd, 6th and 12th months. Results: Uncorrected-visual acuity and best-corrected visual acuity both statistically significantly improved at 12th month (p=0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in keratometry values, whereas maximum K (AKfront) and symmetry index front (SIfront) decreased significantly (p=0.015 and p=0.009, respectively). Corneal thinnest point and volume also decreased significantly at 12th month (p=0.001 for both). Goldmann-correlated intraocular pressure (IOPg) and corneal compensated IOP (IOPcc) values transiently increased in the first three months, while corneal hysteresis (CH) and the corneal resistance factor (CRF) transiently decreased, with the difference not statistically significant (p>0.05). However, central corneal thickness significantly decreased at the end of the 12th month (p=0.001). Conclusion: Accelerated CXL seems to be effective in stopping the progression of keratoconus. Our findings showed transient alterations in biomechanical features, which will end with the preoperative values at the end of the 12th month. Further studies are needed to demonstrate the changes in corneal biomechanics in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of a relationship between corneal biomechanical properties and different grades of dermatochalasis. Patients and methods: Patients were assigned to four groups according to the severity of their dermatochalasis: normal (Group 1), mild (Group 2), moderate (Group 3), and severe (Group 4). An Ocular Response Analyzer device was used to measure corneal hysteresis (CH), corneal resistance factor (CRF), and corneal-compensated intraocular pressure (IOPcc). Results: We found no significant differences in the mean values of the CH, CRF, and IOPcc of all groups (P=0.75, P=0.93, and P=0.11, respectively). However, CH and IOPcc were negatively correlated in Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3 patients (P=0.013, r=-0.49; P=0.015, r=-0.52; and P=0.011, r=-0.47, respectively), but this correlation was not apparent in the Group 4 patients (P=0.57, r=0.12). CRF and IOPcc were correlated, but only in Group 4 (P=0.001, r=0.66). Conclusion: Severe dermatochalasis was associated with altered corneal biomechanical properties. Some of the important visual consequences of dermatochalasis and related diseases (such as floppy eyelid syndrome) can be understood by considering corneal biomechanical alterations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose/aim of the study: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of pseudoexfoliation (PEX) and PEX-induced dry eye on central corneal thickness (CCT). Materials and methods: This cross-sectional study consists of total 270 eyes of 135 patients (67 females, 68 males) in total. After excluding the PEX (−) 32 eyes with PEX in the other eye, totally 130 eyes in PEX (−) group and 108 eyes in the PEX (+) group were included in the study. The PEX (+) group was regrouped as PEX syndrome (80 eyes of 50 patients) and PEX glaucoma (28 eyes of 20 patients). Results: In the PEX (−) group, the mean Schirmer test result was 12 ± 4 mm (4–25 mm), in the PEX syndrome group 10 ± 4 mm (4–22 mm), in the PEX glaucoma group 9 ± 3 mm (4–15 mm). The difference among the PEX (−) group, the PEX syndrome and the PEX glaucoma groups was statistically significant (p < 0.001,p < 0.001, respectively). In the PEX (−) group, the mean tear break up time test result was 11 ± 2 s (5–16 s), in the PEX syndrome group 8 ± 3 (3–16 s), in the PEX glaucoma group 8 ± 3 s (5–15 s). Mean CCT result was 544 µm in the PEX (−), 521 µm in the PEX syndrome group and 533 µm in the PEX glaucoma group. The difference among the PEX (−) group, the PEX syndrome and the PEX glaucoma groups was significant (p < 0.001,p = 0.030, respectively). There was a significant (+) correlation between intraocular pressure and CCT in the eyes with PEX (r = 0.307,p = 0.001). However, there was no statistically significant correlation between CCT, Schirmer and tear break up time tests in the eyes with PEX. Conclusions: PEX material can cause decrease in tear film secretion and disturb tear film stability. There is no effect of PEX-induced dry eye on CCT. Lower CCT values in the eyes with PEX material may be a result of decrease in corneal stromal cell density. Moreover, higher CCT values may be because of decreased endothelial cells in PEX glaucoma patients. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Purpose: To investigate ocular surface parameters and meibomian gland dysfunction in patients who have undergone gold weight implantation for facial nerve palsy and to determine the possible relationship between eyelid weight implantation and meibomian gland dysfunction. Materials and Methods: This observational study was conducted, including 34 eyes of 17 patients with unilateral facial nerve palsy. Several parameters were compared between the affected (paralytic) eyes and the unaffected (fellow) eyes, including non-invasive tear break-up time (NI-TBUT), corneal fluorescein staining, meibomian gland dropout (MGDo), and meibography score (MS). Spearman correlation analysis was performed to determine any associations between the gold weight parameters and meibomian gland dysfunction. Results: The paralytic eyes exhibited significantly lower NI-TBUT values (p=0.001) and higher corneal fluorescein staining (p<0.001) compared to the fellow eyes. Furthermore, both the upper and lower eyelids of the paralytic side showed higher MGDo and MS values (each p-value <0.001). There were no significant differences in MGDo and MS between the lower and upper lids on both sides (each p>0.05). Moreover, no significant correlation was found between meibomian gland dysfunction and the weight of the gold implant or the duration of implantation (p>0.05). Conclusions: While meibomian gland dysfunction is commonly observed in eyes with paralytic lagophthalmos, the findings of this study suggest that eyelid weight implantation has no significant impact on meibomian gland function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]