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To evaluate meibomian gland loss and its possible association with disease duration and activity in Juvenile Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (JSLE) patients' without dry eye symptoms or signs.Prospective clinical study.Ten eyes of 10 JSLE patients were evaluated using the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) and 14 eyes of 14 healthy controls were also enrolled. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire and Schirmer I test were performed. Lid margin score, meibum quality and expressibility scores were evaluated. Noninvasive first breakup time (NIF-BUT) and noninvasive average breakup time (NIAvg-BUT), meibomian gland dropout area (MGDA) and meibography scores were evaluated using non-contact meibography (Sirius; CSO).There was no significant difference between the JSLE patients and the healthy controls in the OSDI, NIF-BUT, NIAvg-BUT and Schirmer I tests. Also lid margin score, meibum quality and expressibility scores were not significantly different between the groups. However, JSLE patients had increased upper and lower lid MGDA and increased upper lid, lower lid and total meibography scores compared to the healthy subjects. Furthermore, the duration of JSLE showed a high positive correlation with upper and lower lid MGDA and meibography scores.Meibomian gland loss could be observed in JSLE patients with no clinical signs and symptoms of dry eye. Considering the longer life expectancy of children, the positive correlation of disease duration with the meibomian gland reveals the importance of routine eye examinations from the diagnosis of the disease.

To evaluate meibomian gland and subbasal nerve plexus parameters in Graves' Ophthalmopathy (GO) and association of meibomian gland loss with corneal subbasal nerve plexus loss.Fifty-two eyes of 52 mild and moderate-to-severe GO patients and 32 eyes of 32 healthy controls were enrolled. The meibomian gland dropout area (MGDA) and meibography scores were evaluated using noncontact meibography. In vivo confocal microscopy of corneal subbasal nerve plexus were conducted. ACCMetrics was used to obtain corneal parameters.Compared with healthy subjects, GO patients had worse upper and lower eyelid MGDA (p0.001, for all) and upper, lower and total meibography scores (p0.001, p = 0.001, and p0.001, respectively). Eyelid margin scores were worse in the GO group (p0.001) and showed correlation with all noncontact meibography parameters (p0.001 for all). All corneal subbasal nerve parameters were significantly lower in the GO group compared with the controls (p0.05 for all). Subbasal nerve parameters of GO patients did not reveal a correlation with MGDA and meibography scores but showed correlations with ocular surface disease index score and Schirmer I test (r = -0.304; p = 0.042 and r = 0.336; p = 0.021, respectively).Meibomian gland and corneal nerve loss could be observed even in the inactive phase and mild GO. The lack of a correlation between meibomian gland loss and subbasal nerve loss suggests that meibomian gland loss is not a significant additional component in the pathogenesis of subbasal nerve damage in GO. Furthermore, our study revealed new evidence regarding the use of eyelid margin score to represent meibomian gland loss in GO.

This study aimed to evaluate subclinical retinal microvascular changes with OCTA in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) patients without ocular involvement.Ten eyes of 10 JSLE and 13 eyes of 13 age and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled. The superficial (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP), FAZ parameters, the flow area of the outer retina, and choriocapillaris were evaluated using OCTA.All vessel density (VD) parameters in DCP were significantly lower in JSLE group compared to HCs. There was no significant difference between the groups in VD parameters of both SCP and ONH, FAZ, outer retina and choriocapillaris flow area. All DCP VD parameters showed a good ability to differentiate JSLE from HCs.OCTA could detect retinal vascular impairment in the deep macular region in JSLE patients with normal ocular examination. Furthermore, all DCP VD parameters have a good ability to discriminate JSLE from HCs.

PURPOSE This study aimed to investigate the clinical and histopathological effects of corneal cross-linking (CXL) and matrix-regenerating agent (RGTA) treatments after corneal alkali burn. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty-four alkali-burned corneas from 24 rabbits were divided into three groups: control, CXL, and RGTA. All animals were investigated for epithelial healing, opacification, ulceration, and neovascularization at days 1, 7, 14, and 21 after the alkali burn. Corneas were excised and sent for histological examination on day 21. RESULTS One animal each from the CXL and control groups exhibited moderate ulceration, while no ulceration was observed in the RGTA group. No significant difference was observed among the groups in corneal thickness or corneal opacity measurements at the final visit (p = .058 and p = .544, respectively). Both RGTA and CXL treatments were effective in terms of epithelial healing and neovascularization (p = .023 and p = .03, respectively). On histological examination, the CXL and RGTA groups were more effective in treating epithelial loss, stromal edema, corneal vascularization, and leukocytic infiltration than the control group (p .05). In contrast, the stromal staining scores of the CXL and RGTA groups were lower than those of the control group (p

Objectives To evaluate the effect on intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction and safety of ab interno gelatin microstent (XEN 45 Gel Stent; Aquesys, Inc, Aliso Viejo, CA, USA) microincisional glaucoma/cataract surgery in open-angle glaucoma (OAG). Materials and methods In this retrospective study, 30 eyes of 25 patients with OAG which underwent XEN 45 implantation combined with simultaneous phacoemulsification were clinically evaluated. Clinical outcomes analyzed included IOP, percent of IOP reduction, medication use, complications, best corrected visual acuity, and surgical outcomes at 24-month follow-up. Results After the XEN 45 combined cataract surgery procedure, IOP dropped from 20.37±4.80 mmHg with a mean of 3.07±1.04 medication classes preoperatively to 14.83±1.91 mmHg with a mean of 0.94±1.11 medication classes at 24 months (p=0.001 for both). At 24 months, 55.6% of patients had IOP ≤18 mmHg without medication, 94.4% of patients had IOP ≤18 mmHg with or without medication, and 61.1% of patients reached ≥20% IOP reduction from baseline. Conclusion XEN 45 is an effective minimally invasive surgical treatment for OAG with significant reduction in IOP and glaucoma medications and minimal complications in long-term follow-up.

Aim To evaluate the effect of systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) on retinal optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters and investigate whether a correlation exists between ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and OCT measurements. Material-methods: 115 SAH patients (225 eyes) and 123 healthy control cases (234 eyes) were included. ABPM was performed on 89 of 115 SAH patients. All patients underwent detailed ophthalmologic examination including imaging with OCT. SAH patients were divided into two groups (dippers, non-dippers) according to their nocturnal blood pressure (BP) reduction, and OCT measurements were compared. Results Average and superior retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) quadrants were significantly thin in hypertensive cases (p:0.002, p Conclusion There were statistically significant differences between healthy cases and patients with SAH in terms of RNFL, macula thicknesses and ONH parameters.

The aim of our study was to compare klotho in the serum and aqueous humor of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEXG) and pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX). 18 POAG, 20 PEXG, 19 PEX and 20 control patients were included in our study. Aqueous humor and serum samples were collected at the time of cataract surgery. Samples were collected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to evaluate the levels of Klotho protein. Klotho levels in the serum and aqueous humor of PEXG patients (34.45 ± 3.59, 0.20 ± 0.15 ng/ml), PEX (35.85 ± 4.26, 0.23 ± 0.20 ng/ml) patients and POAG patients (35.99 ± 3.73, 0.25 ± 0.20 ng/ml) were significantly lower than control group (40.14 ± 3.85, 0.53 ± 0.39 ng/ml) (PEXG, P

AIM: To evaluate the possible predisposing risk factors for late in-the-bag spontaneous IOL dislocations and to study the early surgical and visual outcomes of repositioning and exchange surgeries. METHODS: Medical and surgical records of 39 eyes of 39 patients who underwent IOL repositioning or exchange surgery for dislocation between 2010 and 2018 were reviewed. Possible predisposing risk factors and some characteristics of late in-the-bag spontaneous IOL dislocations; outcomes of IOL repositioning and exchange surgeries, including visual acuity, refractive status before and after surgery and postoperative complications were evaluated. RESULTS: The predisposing factors for late in-the-bag spontaneous IOL dislocations were pseudoexfoliation [PEX; 12/39 (30.8%)], previous vitreoretinal surgery [7/39 (17.9%)], axial myopia [3/39 (7.7%)], both PEX and axial myopia [1/39 (2.6%)], both previous vitreoretinal surgery and axial myopia [2/39 (5.1%)] and uveitis [1/39 (2.6%)]. The mean interval between cataract and dislocation surgery was 7.23y, greater in PEX positive group (8.63y). The mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved significantly after dislocation surgery (P

To evaluate the macular and optic nerve head (ONH) vascular density, foveal avascular zone area, and outer retina and choriocapillaris flow in juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA).Ten eyes of 10 patients with JDM and 15 age and sex-matched healthy controls were investigated in this prospective, cross-sectional study. The superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP), ONH, foveal avascular zone (FAZ) parameters, the flow area of the outer retina, and choriocapillaris were evaluated using OCTA.Vessel density (VD) of the parafovea (p = 0.036) and parafoveal subregions (p = 0.041 for superior hemifield, p = 0.031 for inferior hemifield, p = 0.012 for superior, p = 0.019 for nasal, p = 0.026 for inferior, and p = 0.048 for temporal) in DCP were significantly lower in the JDM group compared to healthy controls. A high inverse correlation between disease duration and these parameters was found except parafoveal superior VD in DCP. There was no significant difference between the groups in VD parameters of SCP and ONH, FAZ parameters, outer retina, and choriocapillaris flow area as well as thickness parameters. (p 0.05 for all). Furthermore, ROC analysis revealed that all parafoveal DCP parameters showed good ability to differentiate JDM from healthy controls.We demonstrated a decreased vessel density in the deep parafoveal region in JDM. As a result, we hypothesized that OCTA could detect retinal microvascular changes in JDM patients who did not have clinical evidence of ocular involvement.

Amaç: Glokomlu hastalarda optik sinir (OS), optik trakt (OT) ve optik radyasyonda (OR) nörodejenerasyonun tespitinde difüzyon tensör görüntülemenin (DTG) tanı performasını değerlendirmek ve DTG parametreleri ile glokom evresi arasında uyumu belirlemek.Gereç ve Yöntem: Primer açık açılı glokomlu 33 hastanın (17 erkek, 16 kadın, 29-81 yaşında) 65 gözü ve 37 hastalığı bulunmayan gönüllünün 74 gözü çalışmaya dâhil edilmiştir. Tüm çalışmaya katılanlar optik koherens tomografinin de dâhil olduğu tam göz muayenesinden geçirilmiş olup Hodapp-Anderson-Parrish sınıflamasına göre evrelere ayrılmışlardır. 3T cihazla elde edilen görüntülerden otomatik olarak MD ve FA haritaları oluşturularak ortalama difüzivite (MD), fraksiyonel anizotropi (FA), radyal ve aksiyel difüzivite (RD ve AD) ölçümleri yapılmıştır. İstatistik analizi için SPSS kullanılmıştır. p

Background and Objective: Ahmed glaucoma valv (AGV) implantation is one of the successful surgical methods in secondary glaucoma that develops after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). In our study, we aimed to evaluate the 1-year results of AGV implantation in patients with a history of PPV.Study Design: A total of 26 patients who underwent AGV implantation after PPV were included in our retrospective study. Fourteen of 26 patients had AGV implantation due to neovascular glaucoma (NVG) and 12 of them had secondary refractory galucoma. Data of these two groups of patients were evaluated in terms of IOP reduction, number of medication use, surgical complete and qualified success, surgical failure, and complications.Results: The mean IOP was 29.54±4.87 mmHg at the preoperative of AGV implantation and 12.88±4.17 at the twelfth month visit in overal group. There was no statistically significant difference between two groups in terms of IOP in preoperative and all postoperative visits (p>0.05). The mean intervals between PPV and AGV implantation were 67 ± 34 days in NVG and 391 ± 500 days in non-NVG group (p=0.017). In overal group, 91.7% of patients had improvement in BCVA at the twelfth month visit. Complete and qualified surgical success rates were 75%, 83.3% in NVG group and 50%, 91.7% in non-NVG group respectively. There was no devastating complication in both group.Conclusion: AGV implantation is a safe and effective surgical method in uncontrolled IOP elevations after PPV. While surgical success and failure rates was similar between etiologies, the time required for AGV implantation after PPV was shorter in NVG etiology.

Ahmed glaucoma valv (AGV) implantation is one of the successful surgical methods in secondary glaucoma that develops after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV). In our study, we aimed to evaluate the 1-year results of AGV implantation in patients with a history of PPV. A total of 26 patients who underwent AGV implantation after PPV were included in our retrospective study. Fourteen of 26 patients had AGV implantation due to neovascular glaucoma (NVG) and 12 of them had secondary refractory galucoma. Data of these two groups of patients were evaluated in terms of IOP reduction, number of medication use, surgical complete and qualified success, surgical failure, and complications. The mean IOP was 29.54 ± 4.87 mmHg at the preoperative of AGV implantation and 12.88 ± 4.17 at the twelfth month visit in overal group. There was no statistically significant difference between two groups in terms of IOP in preoperative and all postoperative visits (p > 0.05). The mean intervals between PPV and AGV implantation were 67 ± 34 days in NVG and 391 ± 500 days in non-NVG group (p = 0.017). In overall group, 91.7% of patients had improvement in BCVA at the twelfth month visit. Complete and qualified surgical success rates were 75%, 83.3% in NVG group and 50%, 91.7% in non-NVG group, respectively. There was no devastating complication in both groups. AGV implantation is a safe and effective surgical method in uncontrolled IOP elevations after PPV. While surgical success and failure rates were similar between etiologies, the time required for AGV implantation after PPV was shorter in NVG etiology.

The aim of our study was to compare macular and peripapillary vessel density using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) between eyes with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PXG). Thirty-six POAG and 34 PXG eyes with similar visual field defect (no statistically significant difference between average mean deviation and pattern standard deviation scores) were included. Macular superficial vessel density (msVD) in the superficial macular layer and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) parameters were assessed with (6 × 6 mm) and peripapillary vessel density (ppVD) in the radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) with (4.5 × 4.5 mm) OCTA scans. Area under the receiver operating curve was used for assessing diagnostic capability. In PXG group, all msVD parameters had lesser values, and especially in parafoveal region, statistically significant decrease was shown (p = 0.008) in all subdivisions except nasal (p = 0.053). FAZ area was more larger in PXG [0.32(0.25–0.36)] than POAG [0.28(0.22–0.39)],(p = 0.944). FAZ density − 300 μm had statistically significant decrease in PXG (47.22 ± 6.92) according to POAG groups (50.63 ± 7.25) (p = 0.048). Most of RPC VD parameters had decreasing values in PXG group (p > 0.05). VDs and corresponding thicknesses had significant remarkable positive correlation in both macular and peripapillary regions. Significant remarkable negative correlations were observed between fovea VD and FAZ area, FAZ perimeter and between fovea thickness and FAZ area, FAZ perimeter. PXG eyes were found to have lesser values in terms of VD in the macular area, especially in the parafoveal and FD-300 regions, compared to POAG eyes which had similar functional and structural glaucomatous damage. Patients whose etiology was PXG and who seemed to have the same functional damage as those with POAG were actually found to have greater macular vascular damage. In addition, it was observed that macular vascular parameters correlated with peripapillary vascular parameters.

Objectives To describe the clinical features and microstructural characteristics assessed by in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) in patients with adenoviral epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC). Materials and methods The study included 20 eyes of 12 patients who presented to the Kocaeli University Medical Faculty, Department of Ophthalmology with complaints of watering, crusting, and stinging, were clinically diagnosed EKC, and were examined by slit-lamp biomicroscopy and IVCM during the prodromal phase and the punctate keratitis, deep epithelial keratitis, and subepithelial infiltration stages of EKC. Results While biomicroscopic examination findings were normal during the prodromal period of EKC, IVCM showed an increase in Langerhans cell numbers in the subbasal plexus. After onset of clinical EKC, the punctate epithelial keratitis stage was characterized by findings of hyperreflective cell clusters in the basal epithelium layer, increased accumulation of Langerhans cells in Bowman’s layer, and hyperreflectivity in the anterior stromal layers. In the deep epithelial keratitis stage, the basal epithelial cells displayed peripheral hyperreflectivity and the hyperreflectivity of the anterior stromal surface increased and became more rounded. In the subepithelial keratitis stage, these findings persisted in addition to increased anterior stromal surface hyperreflectivity and focal round plaques. Conclusion This study shows that the inflammatory process in the cornea starts in the prodromal period of EKC. Massive inflammation of the epithelium and stroma was observed in the active phase and focal changes were observed on the anterior stromal surface starting in the subepithelial infiltration period.

It has been reported that citicoline increases antioxidant activity in some tissues. However, the effect of citicoline on corneal wound-healing has not yet been demonstrated. The aim was to investigate the protective effects of citicoline on ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation–induced corneal oxidative damage in a rat model. Four groups (eight animals each) were investigated: controls; UVB only; UVB/citicoline; and citicoline only. Corneal oxidative damage was induced by exposure to UVB radiation at 560 μW/cm2 for five days in the UVB-exposed groups and 1% citicoline eye drops were applied (3xday) for eight days in the two citicoline groups. Corneal surface damage was evaluated by opacity and fluorescein staining. Corneal injury was assessed biochemically by measuring the concentrations of glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activity of corneal superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) −2 and −9 and caspase-3 were evaluated by immunofluorescent staining and microscopic examination and by Western blot analysis. Corneal gene expression analysis was performed for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β). UVB radiation caused significant epithelial damage and evident opacity in the cornea, together with a local decrease in SOD, catalase and GSH activity. Corneal MDA concentrations increased with UVB exposure. The UVB/Citicoline group had significantly less corneal damage, greater SOD, catalase and GSH activity, and decreased MDA concentrations compared to the UVB only group (p

To investigate the efficiency of everolimus on the prevention of postoperative scar in a rabbit model of glaucoma filtering surgery in comparison with mitomycin-C (MMC).Thirty New Zealand albino rabbits were randomly assigned into 3 groups, each including ten rabbits: an everolimus group (Group 1), a MMC group (Group 2), and a sham group (Group 3). A limbal-based trabeculectomy was performed on the right eyes of all the rabbits. For 28 days following surgery, the eyes were evaluated in terms of intraocular pressure (IOP), morphological and biomicroscopic changes, and complications in the bleb. On the 28th day, four eyes randomized from each group were enucleated and histologically and immunohistochemically analyzed. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), metalloproteinase (MMP-2, MMP-9), and proliferative cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expressions in each group were evaluated. The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) method was used for apoptosis.Bleb survival was statistically significantly longer for a period in Group 1 compared to Group 2. When postoperative IOPs of three groups were measured, it was seen that there is significant IOP reduction in all three groups. However, there were increases in the mean IOP values beginning from the 5th day in Group 2 and from the 3rd day in Group 3 while in Group 1 mean IOP values began to increase beginning from 10th day and the mean IOP values in Group 1 remained at a lower level in comparison to the other groups for 28 days (p0.05). The expressions of TGF-β1, MMP-2, MMP-9, and PCNA were reduced in Group 1 compared to other groups. TUNEL positive apoptotic cells were significantly increased in Group 1 compared to other groups (p0.05).Everolimus appears to suppress the proliferation of fibroblast and thus may provide an effective treatment strategy in glaucoma filtering surgery.

Purpose: In this experimental study, the effects of systemic memantine administration on the retinal ultrastructure of experimentally induced glaucomatous rats were investigated. Methods: Twenty-four Wistar albino rats were included in this study. Glaucoma was induced by injecting sodium hyaluronate into the anterior chamber of the rats for a period of three weeks. As a control, 8 rats were sham treated (Group C). Glaucoma induced animals were divided into two groups; Group M ( n = 8) received a single daily dose of 10 mg/kg memantine, and Group G received the same volume of saline ( n = 8), via intraperitoneal route for a period of six weeks, starting with the induction of glaucoma. Then, all rats were sacrificed and the retinas were prepared for electron microscopic examination. Electron microscopic damage findings were graded between 0 and 4 and mean damage scores for each cell or layer was calculated for each group. Statistical comparison was made between group G and group M. Results: Including the photoreceptor cells, marked ultrastructural changes were observed in the retinas of the animals in group G. The ultrastructural changes in group M were modest and there was no significant cell death. Statistical findings indicated these results. Conclusion: Results of the present study suggest that memantine treatment, when started in the early phase of glaucomatous process, may help to preserve the retinal ultrastructure and thus prevent neuronal injury in experimentally induced glaucoma.

Nevbahar Tamçelik,1 Belgin Izgi,2 Ahmet Temel,3 Nilgun Yildirim,4 Mehmet Okka,5 Altan Özcan,6 Nurşen Yüksel,7 Ufuk Elgin,8 Çiğdem Altan,9 Baris Ozer10 1Cerrahpaşa School of Medicine, Istanbul University, 2Çapa School of Medicine, Istanbul University, 3Pendik Research and Training Hospital, Marmara University, Istanbul, 4School of Medicine, Osmangazi University, Eskisehir, 5Meram School of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, 6Faculty of Medicine,Çukurova University, Adana, 7Kocaeli University Medical Faculty, Kocaeli, 8Ulucanlar Eye Hospital, Ankara, 9Beyoglu Eye Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, 10Allergan Ä°Iaçları Tic AŞ, Istanbul,Turkey Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering efficacy, tolerability, safety, and usage patterns of prostaglandin analog/prostamide (PGA/P)-containing topical ocular hypotensives in ocular hypertension (OHT) and primary open-angle glaucoma in the Turkish clinical setting.Methods: This non-interventional, multicenter study enrolled previously treated patients who failedto achieve target IOP (or experienced unacceptable adverse events [AEs]) and were prescribed a PGA/P-containing IOP-lowering agent. Treatment was initiated at baseline (V1), and patients returned at weeks 4–6 (V2) and 8–12 (V3). The primary efficacy measure was the change in IOP from baseline at V3 in each eye. The secondary measures were physician’s assessment of IOP-lowering efficacy, patients (%) reaching target IOP determined at V1, hyperemia score, physician and patient assessment of study treatment tolerability at V3, and AE frequency/severity. A subgroup analysis of patients receiving the most common study treatment was conducted. All analyses were performed using the safety population (patients who received one or more doses and had any data available).Results: Of 358 enrolled patients, 60.6% had primary open-angle glaucoma, 29.9% had secondary open-angle glaucoma (protocol amendment), and 13.1% had OHT; 13 patients had multiple diagnoses. At V3, the mean IOP change from baseline was ≥-4.2mmHg (≥21.1%). IOP met or was lower than the target in 81.7% of patients, 95% exhibited none to mild conjunctival hyperemia (most common AE), and tolerability was rated good/very good by >91.1% of patients and physicians. The results were similar in patients who received the most common study treatment, bimatoprost 0.03%/timolol 0.5% (bim/tim; n=310).Conclusion: PGA/P-containing medications, including bim/tim, significantly reduced IOP in previously treated patients with open-angle glaucoma or OHT; most reached their target IOP or an IOP even lower than their target and reported good/very good tolerability. PGA/P-containing medications such as bim/tim should be considered as a safe, effective therapeutic option for Turkish patients who exhibit poor response, tolerance, or adherence to their previous therapy. Keywords: glaucoma, ocular hypertension, bimatoprost, timolol, prostaglandin analog, prostamide

PurposeTo evaluate the choroidal thickness in patients with Graves orbitopathy (GO) using enhanced depth imaging-optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT).MethodsThirty-one patients with GO were evaluated prospectively. All subjects underwent ophthalmologic examination including best-corrected visual acuity, intraocular pressure measurement, biomicroscopic, and fundus examination. Choroidal thickness was measured at the central fovea. In addition, visual evoked potential measurement and visual field evaluation were performed.ResultsThe mean choroidal thickness was 377.8±7.4 μ in the GO group, and 334±13.7 μ in the control group. (P=0.004). There was a strong correlation between the choridal thickness and the clinical activity scores (CAS) of the patients (r=0.281, P=0.027). Additionally, there was a correlation between the choroidal thickness and the visual-evoked potential (VEP) P100 latency measurements of the patients (r=0.439, P=0.001).ConclusionsThe results of this study demonstrate that choroid is thicker in patients with GO. The choroidal thickness is also correlated with the CAS and VEP P100 latency measurements in these patients.

PURPOSE To evaluate the short-term effectiveness of intraductal meibomian gland probing using modified Maskin cannulas in patients with obstructive meibomian gland dysfunction. METHODS The study prospectively included 58 eyes of 30 patients with a diagnosis of meibomian gland dysfunction who were refractory to medical treatment for at least 6 months. The patients were divided into 4 groups according to the number of probing procedures applied. During probing, sterile modified Maskin probes 2, 2.5, 4, and 6 mm in length were used. A tarsal massage was recommended after medical treatment. Preoperatively, then postoperatively at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months, the Schirmer 1 test was performed, tear break-up time was measured, and images of the anterior segment were recorded. In addition, the Ocular Surface Disease Index questionnaire was completed at baseline and at 3 months. RESULTS In all groups, there were no statistically significant differences between Schirmer 1 test results at preoperative and postoperative 3 months, but tear break-up time values measured at baseline and at 3 months differed significantly (5 seconds, 13 seconds, P < 0.001). In the analyses of anterior segment photographs of all patients, statistically significant postprocedural decreases in conjunctival hyperemia (P < 0.0001) and eyelid margin vascularization (P = 0.004) were detected, and the later Ocular Surface Disease Index scores showed a significant improvement between preop and 3 months. CONCLUSIONS A procedure using modified Maskin probes was effective and reliable in the short term for patients with meibomian gland dysfunction.

Purpose To investigate the association of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with plasma antiphospholipid antibody levels. Methods This prospective study included 19 patients diagnosed as having dry-type AMD, 23 patients with exudative-type AMD, and 25 control subjects. Venous blood samples of the participants were obtained. Anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) isotypes IgG and IgM were measured by means of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Lupus anticoagulant (LA) antibodies were measured by the dilute Russell viper venom time screen test. Results The mean aCL IgG concentration in patients with exudative-type AMD was significantly higher than in patients with dry-type AMD and control subjects. The mean ± SE of aCL IgG levels in patients with exudative-type AMD and dry-type AMD and control subjects was 5.46 ± 1.26; 2.55 ± 0.78; and 0.32 ± 0.1, respectively. The mean aCL IgM levels and LA levels in the 3 groups were not statistically different. Conclusions Our findings suggest that elevated levels of serum aCL, a risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, may be associated with exudative-type AMD.

To evaluate the 6- month daytime efficacy of a fixed combination of timolol and brimonidine (BTFC) versus a timolol and dorzolamide fixed combination (DTFC) as a first choice therapy in patients with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PXG).This study was a randomized, prospective, investigator-masked, 6-month comparison of twice-daily administration of BTFC versus DTFC in 60 newly diagnosed PXG patients.Mean baseline untreated IOPs were 25.5 ± 2.6 mmHg and 26.2 ± 2.1 mmHg in the DTFC and BTFC groups, respectively. Mean intraocular pressure (IOP) reductions ranged from -7.3 ± 1.9 to -8.1 ± 2.0 mmHg for the DTFC group and from -7.5 ± 2.0 to -8.6 ± 2.6 mmHg for the BTFC group. No significant differences between the two treatment groups could be found. At month 6, the mean diurnal IOP was 17.5 ± 2.5 mmHg (31.3%) for the DTFC group and 18.0 ± 2.8 mm Hg (31.7%) for BTFC. As compared with baseline, mean diurnal IOP decreased by 7.9 ± 1.9 mmHg in the DTFC and 8.2 ± 1.5 mmHg in the BTFC, the difference between the groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.6). No statistical difference in terms of adverse events was found either.Both fixed combinations were effective at lowering IOP in PXG. This study suggests that the daytime diurnal IOP is not statistically different when DTFC or BTFC is used as a first choice therapy in patients with PXG.

The purpose of this study was to report developmental glaucoma and pseudopapilledema in a patient with Proteus syndrome. We defined the presence of developmental glaucoma, right pseudopapilledema and myopia in a 4.5-year-old patient with Proteus syndrome. Marked right hemihypertrophy, lipoma, macrodactyly, and asymmetry of the limbs were observed on systemic examination. A cavernoma was also detected in magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. The patient underwent bilateral goniotomy surgery due to glaucoma. The surgical outcomes were satisfactory in both eyes. In conclusions developmental glaucoma and pseudopapilledema might be associated with Proteus syndrome.

PURPOSE To evaluate the systemic high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (XFS) and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (XFG). MATERIALS AND METHODS We prospectively examined 31 patients with XFS, 26 with XFG, and 25 controls. To the study patients with the exclusion of serious hypertension that do not have any cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease and that diagnosed as XFS and XFG have been included. Each patient passed through a detailed blood sampling including hsCRP, biochemistry, and lipid profile. Plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured with nephelometric method by using Beckman IMMAGE hsCRP reagent. RESULTS Each group had similar demographic parameters including age, sex, body mass index, heart rate, and blood pressure. When we compared with controls, there was no statistically significant difference in the hsCRP and biochemistry results between the 3 groups. When all patients with pseudoexfoliation (PEX) compared with controls there was no difference. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicated no difference in the hsCRP level between XFS, XFG, and controls. This study suggests that CRP is not a predictive marker of inflammation and peripheral endothelial dysfunction in XFS, which is accepted as a systemic disorder.

OBJECTIVE Single-dose subconjunctival platelet-rich plasma (sPRP) injections with or without antibiotic treatment were investigated for their effect on corneal epithelial wound healing in a rabbit model. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 24 rabbits were used in this study. After collecting intracardiac blood samples from 16 rabbits, platelet-rich plasma was obtained by centrifugation. Animals were divided into 3 groups. A mechanical corneal epithelial defect of 7-mm diameter was created on the central cornea of the right eye of each animal. Group 1 (n = 8) received only sPRP, whereas group 2 (n = 8) received sPRP with topical antibiotic throughout the study. The third group (n = 8) served as the control group. Each animal was examined daily under biomicroscope for 10 days. Epithelial defect was measured in horizontal and vertical diameter with a 1/100 sensitive micrometer, and area of the defect was calculated. One animal was sacrificed in each group on the third and seventh day, and all remaining animals were sacrificed on the 10th day. Corneal histopathology was investigated for epithelial regeneration, presence of inflammation, and structural integrity of fibroblasts. All data were statistically analyzed for difference between the study groups. RESULTS Group 1 had a significantly smaller size in horizontal and vertical defect diameters on each day as compared with the control group. Healing of the epithelial defect in group 1 was found to be significantly different than that in the control group (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed between group 2 and control group except for the first day. Group 1 had a significantly better healing process after the fourth day as compared with group 2. Histopathological investigations revealed a steady fibroblast migration, quicker epithelial regeneration, and less inflammation in group 1 as compared with the other 2 groups. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS sPRP seems to improve corneal epithelial wound healing. However, antibiotic and sPRP combination may have a retarded healing effect as compared with platelet-rich plasma alone.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the variation in retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL), optic nerve head (ONH) and macular measurements in healthy Turkish subjects using Stratus optical coherence tomography (OCT). The design is a cross-sectional study of 398 eyes in 199 normal subjects aged between 5 and 70 years. The participants underwent a detailed ophthalmologic examination including imaging with Stratus OCT. RNFL, optic disc and macula fast scan methods were used to obtain the peripapillary RNFL thickness, ONH and macular parameters. The effects on the findings of age, gender and laterality of the eye tested were assessed. The average RNFL thickness and the thickness measured in the superior and temporal quadrants were statistically significantly negatively correlated with age. Similar results were found for mean macular thickness, macular RNFL thickness and for total macular volume. There was no effect of age on ONH measurements. The RNFL thickness in the temporal quadrant was significantly greater ...

Objective: To evaluate the ability of retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness and optic nerve head (ONH) measurements, as determined by optical coherence tomography (OCT), to discriminate between normal eyesight and glaucoma and also among the different stages of glaucoma. Design: Observational cross-sectional study. Participants: Eighty-one controls and 213 glaucoma patients were enrolled in the study. Methods: The discriminating powers of OCT parameters for the detection of glaucoma and subgroups were compared by the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curves. Results: The best RNFL thickness parameters for discriminating between early glaucoma and control eyes were inferior (0.74 [SE 0.04] μm), average (0.74 [SD 0.03] μm), and superior (0.68 [SD 0.03] μm). Among the ONH parameters, the best AUROC curve values were cup area (0.83 [SD 0.33]), cup/disc (C/D) area ratio (0.82 [SD 0.03]), and vertical integrated rim area (VIRA) (0.82 [SD 0.03]). The best AUROC values belonged to the RNFL thickness and were inferior (0.80 [SD 0.03]), superior (0.79 [SD 0.03]), and 6 o'clock (0.78 [SD 0.03]). The highest AUROC values were horizontal integrated rim width (HIRW) (0.74 [SD 0.04]), VIRA (0.64 [SD 0.04]), and rim area (0.63 [SD 0.04]) among the ONH parameters for early versus moderate glaucoma. The best AUROC values were inferior (0.81 [SD 0.03]), 6 o'clock (0.79 [SD 0.03]), and superior (0.78 [SD 0.04]) among the RNFL, and the best AUROC values were cup area (0.81 [SD 0.03]),VIRA (0.81 [SD 0.03]), and C/D area ratio (0.80 [SD 0.03]) among the ONH parameters, for moderate versus advanced glaucoma. Conclusions: RNFL and ONH OCT parameters might provide information for determining glaucomatous damage.

Objective: To evaluate the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness in patients with unilateral pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXS) without glaucoma by using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Methods: 22 patients with unilateral PXS were evaluated. Group 1 included the eyes with the pseudoexfoliation, group 2 included the fellow eyes; 18 age-matched normal control eyes were assessed in group 3. The mean and segmental RNFL thickness in eyes with pseudoexfoliation and their fellow eyes in patients with unilateral PXS was compared to age-matched control subject eyes. Results: The RNFL in patients with PXS were significantly thinner than controls in all quadrants except the nasal quadrant with regard to segmental analysis (p < 0.05). This RNFL loss was apparent at 7, 10 and 11 o’clock of the PXS eyes with regard to clock hour position (p < 0.05). In the fellow eyes, no significant difference in RNFL measurement was found except the temporal quadrant when compared with the controls. In the analysis with regard to clock hour position, no significant reduction in RNFL thickness was found except in the 11-o’clock segment. In PXS eyes, RNFL thicknesses at the inferior quadrant and the 1-, 2- and 5-o’clock segments were significantly lower than in non-PXS eyes (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study suggests that PXS without glaucoma may be associated with a thinner RNFL compared with those of age-matched control subjects and non-PXS fellow eyes. Further studies are needed to clarify the relationship between the decrease in RNFL thickness and the development of glaucomatous damage in eyes with pseudoexfoliation.

To quantitatively evaluate corneas of patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXS) and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PXG) using in vivo scanning laser confocal microscopy (IVCM).The study population comprised 30 patients with PXS, 30 patients with PXG, and 30 normal control subjects. IVCM of the cornea was performed on all participants using the Rostock Cornea Module of the Heidelberg Retinal Tomograph (HRT). Mean outcome measures included density of basal epithelial cells, endothelial cells, and anterior and posterior keratocytes; and tortuosity and density of subbasal plexus nerves.Mean densities of basal epithelial cells, endothelial cells, anterior and posterior keratocytes, and subbasal nerves differed significantly among the three groups. Subbasal nerve densities were significantly diminished in PXS and PXG patients (12.36 ± 2.89 and 6.8 ± 3.42 mm/mm(2), respectively) compared with that of control subjects (16.13 ± 3.42 mm/mm(2)) (p 0.05). Mean densities of anterior and posterior stromal keratocytes were significantly lower in PXS and PXG patients compared with control subjects (p 0.05). Endothelial cell densities were 3073.63 ± 654.49, 2592.60 ± 276.36, and 2110.20 ± 620.53 cells/mm(2) for control, PXS, and PXG groups, respectively (p 0.05). The percentages of endothelial cell polymegathism and pleomorphism were higher in PXS and PXG patients compared with control subjects. Endothelial cell polymegathism and pleomorphism were more frequently associated with PXG.Results of this study demonstrate the existence of alterations in the (i) density of cells in the various layers of the cornea, (ii) cellular configuration of corneal endothelial cells, and (iii) density/diameter of the subbasal nerve plexus in patients with PXS, and that such alterations are common in patients with PXG. It would be beneficial to employ IVCM to assess the severity of pseudoexfoliation keratopathy (PXK).

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of the neuroprotective agents riluzole and resveratrol on the survival of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) when administered alone or in combination.Materials and methods: Experimental glaucoma was induced by injecting hyaluronic acid into the anterior chamber of Wistar albino rats weekly for a six-week period. Intraocular pressure was measured before and immediately after glaucoma induction. The neuroprotective effects of daily intraperitoneal injections of riluzole (8 mg/kg) and resveratrol (10 mg/kg) were evaluated and compared. After the six-week period, dextran tetramethylrhodamine was applied into the optic nerve and the density of surviving RGCs was evaluated by counting the labeled RGCs in whole mount retinas for retrograde labeling of RGCs.Results: The mean numbers of RGCs were significantly preserved in all treatment groups compared to the vehicle-treated glaucoma group (G). The mean number of RGCs in mm2 were 1207 ± 56 in the control group (C), 404 ± 65 in G group, 965 ± 56 in riluzole-treated group in the early phase of glaucoma (E-Ri), 714 ± 25 in riluzole-treated group in the late phase of glaucoma (L-Ri), 735 ± 29 in resveratrol-treated group in the early phase of glaucoma (E-Re), 667 ± 20 in resveratrol-treated group in the late phase of glaucoma (L-Re), and 1071 ± 49 in riluzole and resveratrol combined-treated group in the early phase of glaucoma (E-RiRe group).Conclusions: When used either alone or in combination, both riluzole and resveratrol, two agents with different mechanisms of action in glaucoma, significantly delayed RGC loss in this study’s experimental glaucoma model.

PURPOSE. To determine the incidence and severity of hearing loss in different frequencies in patients with pseudoexfoliation. Furthermore, possible links between homocysteine and pseudoexfoliation were evaluated. METHODS. Seventy-five consecutive patients with pseudoexfoliation and 75 sex- and age-matched subjects without pseudoexfoliation as control group were included in this prospective case-control study. Pure-tone audiometry was obtained in all subjects in both groups. Blood samples were obtained from 70 patients with pseudoexfoliation after overnight fasting for levels of homocysteine and analyzed by routine laboratory measurements. RESULTS. Fifty-two (69%) patients with pseudoexfoliation and 39 (52%) controls had sensorineural hearing loss in speech frequencies. The difference between pseudoexfoliation and control group with regard to the frequency of sensorineural hearing loss in speech frequencies was statistically significant (p=0.03). No relationship was found between the degree of glaucomatous damage and hearing threshold variables in the patients with pseudoexfoliation glaucoma. Plasma homocysteine levels showed no significant difference when patients with pseudoexfoliation and hearing loss were compared with patients with pseudoexfoliation and normal hearing threshold (p=0.5). Hyperhomocysteinemia was found in 58% (29/50) of pseudoexfoliation patients with hearing loss, and 55 % (11/20) of pseudoexfoliation patients with normal hearing threshold (p=0.8). No statistically significant correlation was found between plasma homocysteine and hearing loss in patients with pseudoexfoliation. CONCLUSIONS. These findings suggest an association between sensorineural hearing loss and pseudoexfoliation in patients with pseudoexfoliation and glaucoma. The severity of hearing loss was not correlated with the degree of glaucomatous damage. There is no association between increased homocysteine levels and hearing loss in patients with pseudoexfoliation.

There is conflicting evidence as to whether Alzheimer disease (AD) is accompanied by loss of retinal ganglion cells. To evaluate this issue, we have used optical coherence tomography (OCT) to assess the thickness and volume of the retina. We have also sought to correlate our findings with visual function and cognitive impairment.We evaluated 28 eyes of 14 patients with AD and 30 eyes of 15 age-matched control subjects. In these two groups, we measured retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, macular thickness, and macular volume with OCT, visual function through latency of the pattern visual evoked potential (VEP) signal, and cognitive impairment through the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).The parapapillary and macular RNFL thickness in all quadrants and positions of AD patients were thinner than in control subjects. The mean total macular volume of AD patients was significantly reduced as compared with control subjects (P0.05). Total macular volume and MMSE scores were significantly correlated. No significant difference was found in the latency of the VEP P100 of AD patients and control subjects.Our study confirms some other studies in showing that in AD patients there is a reduction of parapapillary and macular RNFL thickness and macular volume as measured by OCT. The reduction in macular volume was related to the severity of cognitive impairment.

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of topical anesthesia with sedation using intranasal midazolam in patients with symptomatic congenital nasolacrimal duct obstruction undergoing probing. Patiente and Methods: In this prospective study, probing was performed with general anesthesia (30 cases) and with topical anesthesia using intranasal midazolam (0.3 mg/kg; 44 cases) in 74 patients who were divided into two groups, those 6 to 36 months old and those older than 36 months. The groups were compared after 12 to 48 months (mean, 18.2 months). Resulte: For the patients 6 to 36 months old, the success rate was 80% in the group who received general anesthesia and 88.9% in the group who received topical anesthesia with intranasal midazolam; the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant (P > .05). For the patients older than 36 months, the success rate was 20% in the group who received general anesthesia and 25% in the group who received topical anesthesia with intranasal midazolam; there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P>.05). Conclusions: Probing with topical anesthesia in the office setting is usually recommended for patients younger than 8 months. Our results show that this is suitable for children until 4 years of age with the support of intranasal midazolam sedation. Probing under topical anesthesia with intranasal midazolam is cost-effective, safe, and comparable in efficacy to probing under general anesthesia but with less risk.

Purpose: To evaluate ischemic changes in brain magnetic resonance images in patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PXS) and pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PXG) and compare them with age- and sex-matched control subjects. Methods: This case-control study involved 16 consecutive patients with PXS, 21 patients with PXG and 18 healthy age- and sex-matched control subjects. Each subject underwent a comprehensive ophthalmological examination. In all participants, an axial T1-, T2- and proton-density-weighted and coronal cerebral 1.5-tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan was made. White matter hyperintensities (WMH) were considered present if these were hyperintense on both proton-density- and T2-weighted images and not hypointense on T1-weighted images. White matter lesions were classified into two parts as the subcortical and periventricular regions. We used a validated rating scale of subcortical WMH: 0 = absent, 1 = punctuate foci, 2 = beginning confluence of foci and 3 = large confluent areas. Periventricular white matter lesions were classified on a scale of 0 (no white matter lesions), 1 (pencil-thin periventricular lining), 2 (thick lining) or 3 (large confluent white matter lesions). Results: The proportions of persons with WMH were 93.7% for patients with PXS, 95.2% for patients with PXG and 55.5% for control subjects. The numbers of white matter lesions in patients with PXS and PXG were significantly greater than in the control subjects (p < 0.05). White matter lesions at subcortical locations in patients with PXG were significantly more frequent than in the control subjects (80.9 vs. 33.3%; p < 0.05). The proportion of patients with subcortical WMH was 56.2% in PXS; no significant difference was found in subcortical WMH between PXS and controls. The proportions of patients with periventricular WMH were 93% in PXS, 90.4% in PXG and 44.4% in controls. White matter lesions at periventricular locations in patients with PXG and PXS were significantly more frequent than in the control subjects (p < 0.05). The difference between the pseudoexfoliation groups and controls with regard to the size of periventricular and subcortical white matter lesions was statically significant (p < 0.05). When patients with PXS were compared with PXG patients, there was no statistically significant difference in the number, size and scale of white matter lesions. Conclusion: We found a significantly higher prevalence of MRI-defined WMH in patients with a clinical diagnosis of pseudoexfoliation with or without glaucoma versus control subjects. We think that the findings in this study may shed light on a possible link between ischemic brain lesions and pseudoexfoliation, which is not related with the presence of glaucomatous optic neuropathy. Further investigations are required to resolve the underlying associations.

Purpose: To compare the short-term ocular hypotensive efficacy and side effects of 0.2% brimonidine and 0.5% apraclonidine in patients with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Methods: We performed a double-masked, placebo-controlled study to compare the efficacy of the application of 0.2% brimonidine and 0.5% apraclonidine for the effect of IOP, systemic blood pressure and heart rate in 20 newly diagnosed ocular hypertensive patients. Effects on the untreated fellow eye and ocular side effects were also determined. All measurements were performed 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 h after the instillation of one drop. Results: Brimonidine and apraclonidine significantly reduced IOP from baseline at all observation times. No significant difference was observed between the treatment groups. IOP decreased significantly in the untreated fellow eye in the brimonidine group at 4-, 6- and 8-hour checks and at 6-hour checks in the apraclonidine group when compared with placebo. Blood pressure and heart rate decreased significantly in the brimonidine group compared with placebo. Apraclonidine did not affect blood pressure or heart rate any differently than placebo. The pupil diameter and the interpalpebral fissure width significantly increased in the apraclonidine group, but not in the brimonidine group. There were no significant differences in the overall incidence of foreign body sensation, burning and stinging and dry mouth in the treatment groups. Conclusions: In the short-term, brimonidine was effective in reducing IOP in patients with elevated IOP and was equivalent in efficacy to apraclonidine. On the other hand, a significant change in blood pressure and heart rate was observed with brimonidine; there was no change at all in the apraclonidine group.

Purpose. To determine whether subconjunctival lidocaine injection maintains additional anesthetic effect during intravitreal Ozurdex injection.Methods. 63 patients who were diagnosed as central or branch retinal vein occlusion and planned to receive Ozurdex injection for macular edema were prospectively included in the study. The patients were randomized into one of the two anesthetic groups. The first group received topical proparacaine drop and lidocaine applied pledget. The second group received subconjunctival lidocaine injection in addition to the anesthetics in group 1.Results. Mean pain score was1.90±2.39in group 1 and 1.71 ± 2.09 in group 2 (p=0.746). Mean subconjunctival hemorrhage grade was1.67±0.17in group 1 and0.90±0.14in group 2 (p=0.001). There was no relationship between the amount of subconjunctival hemorrhage and pain score of the patients.Conclusions. There was no difference in pain scores between the two anesthetic methods. The addition of subconjunctival lidocaine injection offered no advantage in pain relief compared to lidocaine-applied pledgets.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective effects of bone marrow bone marrow-derived and adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) that were intravitreally transplanted in an experimental ocular hypertension (OHT) model.An OHT rat model was generated by means of intracameral injection of hyaluronic acid into the anterior chamber. MSCs labeled with green fluorescence protein were transplanted intravitreally 1 week after OHT induction. At the end of the second and fourth weeks, retinal ganglion cells were visualized with the use of a flat-mount retina method and were evaluated by means of immunofluorescence staining against green fluorescence protein, vimentin, CD105, and cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1Ra, prostaglandin E2 receptor, IL-6, transforming growth factor-β1, interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α).The retinal ganglion cell numbers per area were significantly improved in stem cell-treated OHT groups compared with that in the non-treated OHT group (P0.05). The results of immunohistochemical analyses indicated that a limited number of stem cells had integrated into the ganglion cell layer and the inner nuclear layer. The number of cells expressing proinflammatory cytokines (interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α) decreased in the MSC-transferred group compared with that in the OHT group after 4 weeks (P0.01). On the other hand, IL-1Ra and prostaglandin E2 receptor expressions were increased in the rat bone marrow-derived MSC group but were more significant in the rat adipose tissue-derived MSC group (P0.01).After intravitreal transplantation, MSCs showed a neuroprotective effect in the rat OHT model. Therefore, MSCs promise an alternative therapy approach for functional recovery in the treatment of glaucoma.

Purpose: To compare the effects of bevacizumab applied either subconjunctivally or topically, in a rat model of corneal neovascularization induced by alkali burn. Methods: The right corneas of 24 Wistar-Albino rats were cauterized with silver nitrate sticks. The rats were divided randomly and equally into three groups: no treatment control (n=8), subconjunctival bevacizumab treatment (n=8), and topical bevacizumab treatment (n=8). Immediately following cauterization, the subconjunctival group was treated with a 0.05 ml (1.25 mg) bevacizumab subconjunctival injection. The topical group was treated with 10 mg/ml bevacizumab twice daily, and the control group received subconjunctival saline injections twice daily. The burn stimulus and neovascularization scores were evaluated using a technique previously described by Mahoney and Waterbury. Digital photographs were obtained before the eyes were enucleated and corneal sections were then analyzed by histopathology. Results: The mean burn stimulus score was 1.86 ± 0.6 and there was no statistical difference between the groups (p=0.730). The mean neovascularization scores in the subconjunctival and topical bevacizumab groups were statistically lower than the control group (p