1: Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2010 Jul 27; [Epub ahead of print] 

Erratum to: Cirrus OCT versus Spectralis OCT: differences in segmentation in
fibrovascular pigment epithelial detachment.

Smretschnig E, Krebs I, Moussa S, Ansari-Shahrezaei S, Binder S.

The Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Retinology and Biomicroscopic Laser Surgery,
Juchgasse 25, 1030, Vienna, Austria, eva.smretschnig@gmx.at.

PMID: 20661585  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

2: Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2010 Jul 27; [Epub ahead of print] 

The effect of laser unit on photodynamic therapy spot size.

Ansari-Shahrezaei S, Binder S, Stur M.

Department of Ophthalmology, Rudolf Foundation Clinic, Juchgasse 25, 1030,
Vienna, Austria, siamak.ansari-shahrezaei@wienkav.at.

BACKGROUND: To determine the effect of the laser unit on photodynamic therapy
(PDT) spot size. METHODS: A calibrated Gullstrand-type model eye was used for
this study. The axial length of the model eye was set to different values
ranging from 22.2 to 27.0 mm, and the actual spot size from the laser console
was recorded for treating a spot of 4 mm in the center of the artificial fundus
using two different laser units (Coherent Opal laser; Coherent Inc, Santa Clara,
California, USA and Zeiss Visulas laser; Carl Zeiss Meditec Inc, Dublin,
California, USA) and two indirect contact laser lenses (Volk PDT laser lens and
Volk Area Centralis lens; Volk Optical Inc, Mentor, Ohio, USA). RESULTS: From
myopia to hyperopia, the total deviation from the intended spot size was -22.5%
to -7.5% (Opal laser and PDT laser lens), and -17.5% to +2.5% (Visulas laser and
PDT laser lens), -12.5% to +7.5% (Opal laser and Area Centralis lens), and -7.5%
to +10% (Visulas laser and Area Centralis lens). CONCLUSIONS: The used laser
unit has a significant effect on PDT spot size in this model. These findings may
be important for optimizing PDT of choroidal neovascular lesions.

PMID: 20661584  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

3: Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2010 Jul 26; [Epub ahead of print] 

Effect of contact lenses on the protein composition in tear film: a ProteinChip
study.

Kramann C, Boehm N, Lorenz K, Wehrwein N, Stoffelns BM, Pfeiffer N, Grus FH.

Department of Ophthalmology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg
University, Langenbeckstr.1, 55131, Mainz, Germany,
kramann@augen.klinik.uni-mainz.de.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyze and compare the effects of
rigid gas permeable and soft contact lenses on the protein composition in the
tear film of contact lens wearers. METHODS: Wearers of soft contact lenses
(CL_S, n = 13) and rigid gas permeable contact lenses (CL_H, n = 13) were
recruited for this study. Thirteen non-contact lens wearers were also included
as the control. Tears were collected using Schirmer strips and frozen until use.
The tears were eluted and analyzed on ProteinChips SELDI-TOF (surface-enhanced
laser desorption and ionization in time of flight mass spectrometry; Bio-Rad,
USA) with different chromatographic surfaces (cationic and anionic exchanger and
reversed phase surface). The SELDI spectra were analyzed by multivariate
statistical analysis and artificial neural networks in order to find a biomarker
panel which differentiates best between the groups. In order to identify
protein/peptide peaks from SELDI spectra which showed a significant difference
between groups, fractionated tear samples were analyzed using MALDI-TOF MS
(matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry).
For validation of biomarkers, we used an antibody microarray approach. RESULTS:
Complex patterns of tear proteins and peptides were detected in the control
group and in both contact lens groups. The tear protein composition in both
wearers of rigid gas permeable (CL_H) and soft contact lenses (CL_S) differed
significantly from protein composition in non-contact lens wearers (p < 0.01).
The identification of biomarkers revealed an increase of Protein S100 A8 in the
group of wearers of soft contact lenses (CL_S) and a decrease of a main tear
protein, lysozyme, in both contact lens groups. The identified biomarker
cystatin was upregulated in the group of rigid gas permeable lens wearers
(CL_H), whereas the protein intensity of secretoglobin was significantly reduced
in this group. Using the microarray approach, detected alterations could be
confirmed. CONCLUSIONS: Contact lens wear alters the protein profiles in a
complex manner. This study demonstrates that significant changes can be found in
wearers of soft contact lenses (CL_S) and rigid gas permeable contact lenses
(CL_H). Some biomarker intensities are significantly altered only in the group
of rigid gas permeable lens wearers (CL_H).

PMID: 20658346  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

4: Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2010 Jul 24; [Epub ahead of print] 

Geographic pattern of central retinal sensitivity after intravitreal
triamcinolone for diabetic macular edema.

Kameda T, Nishijima K, Unoki N, Sakamoto A, Hayashi H, Oh H, Kita M, Yoshimura
N.

Department of Ophthalmology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54
Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the geographic pattern of central retinal sensitivity and
its resolution shortly after intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide
(IVTA) for diabetic macular edema (DME). METHODS: Twenty eyes of 20 patients who
underwent IVTA for the treatment of DME were reviewed retrospectively. Early
changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT),
photoreceptor inner and outer segments (IS/OS) line and central retinal
sensitivity were analyzed. Retinal sensitivity was measured at 40 points within
the central 10 degrees of the macula with the Micro Perimeter 1 before
treatment, and at 1 week and 1 month after IVTA. RESULTS: Mean BCVA and CMT
improved significantly at 1 week and 1 month after IVTA. Mean retinal
sensitivity, however, showed no significant improvement at 1 week (P = 0.238),
but did show significant improvement at 1 month (P = 0.0003). Mean retinal
sensitivity of the points at the central 2 degrees, which was significantly
lower than that at 6 and 10 degrees before treatment, showed improvement similar
to those of 6 and 10 degrees after IVTA. Mean retinal sensitivity in the nasal
quadrant of the macular area had the best sensitivity at all time points, and
improved more than it did in the other quadrants. Mean retinal sensitivity in
the central 2 degrees was better in the eyes with complete IS/OS line (P <
0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: BCVA and CMT improved significantly after IVTA for DME.
Retinal sensitivity also showed significant, albeit relatively slow,
improvement. The nasal quadrant of the macular area showed more improvement than
did any other quadrant.

PMID: 20658146  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

5: Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2010 Jul 24; [Epub ahead of print] 

Visual acuity as measured with Landolt C chart and Early Treatment of Diabetic
Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) chart.

Kuo HK, Kuo MT, Tiong IS, Wu PC, Chen YJ, Chen CH.

Department of Ophthalmology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital - Kaohsiung Medical
Center, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan,
d2767@cgmh.org.tw.

BACKGROUND: We compared the Landolt C chart checked under normal clinical
conditions and the Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) chart,
using standard clinical research protocols for subjects with normal vision,
cataract and maculopathy. METHODS: This prospective, comparative study was
approved by the hospital Institutional Review Board. Patients with cataract and
maculopathy were included, with the normal fellow eyes analyzed as normal vision
group. Differences between the two charts were analyzed using Student's t-test.
RESULTS: Normal and cataract eyes showed no statistically significant
differences between methods. In the maculopathy group, ETDRS acuity (0.714 +/-
0.393) was better than Landolt C acuity (0.845 +/- 0.579), but the differences
were not statistically significant (p = 0.152). Furthermore, if after dividing
visual acuity into subgroups, >20/200 and PMID: 20658145  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

6: Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2010 Jul 23; [Epub ahead of print] 

Visual demand and visual field presentation influence natural scene processing.

Coubard OA, Perez C, Kazandjian S, Gaudry I, Marendaz C, Guyader N, Peyrin C,
Chokron S.

ERT TREAT Vision & Laboratoire de Psychologie et NeuroCognition, UMR 5105
CNRS-Universite Pierre Mendes France, 1251 avenue Centrale, 38040, Grenoble,
France, olivier.coubard@gmail.com.

BACKGROUND: Bottom-up and top-down processes are involved in visual analysis of
scenes. Here we examined the influence of top-down visual demand on natural
scene processing. METHODS: We measured accuracy and response time in adults
performing two stimuli-equivalent tasks. Unfiltered, low or high spatial
frequency (SF) natural scenes were presented in central, left, or right visual
fields (CVF, LVF, RVF). The tasks differed only by the instructed visual demand.
In the detection task, participants had to decide whether a scene was present or
not. In the categorization task, they had to decide whether the scene was a city
or a forest. RESULTS: Higher accuracy was seen for the LVF in the detection
task, but for categorization, greater accuracy was seen for the RVF. The
interaction between Task and SF revealed coarse-to-fine processing in the
categorization task for both accuracy and reaction time, which nearly
disappeared in the detection task. Considering the interaction of Task, VF and
SF, a left-hemisphere specialisation (i.e., RVF advantage) was observed for the
categorisation of HSF scenes for accuracy alone, whereas a LVF advantage was
seen for all SFs in the detection task for both accuracy and reaction time.
CONCLUSION: Our results revealed that the nature of top-down visual demand is
essential to understanding how visual analysis is achieved in each hemisphere.
Moreover, this study examining the effects of visual demand, visual field
presentation, and SF content of stimuli through the use of ecological stimuli
provides a tool to enrich the clinical examination of visual and neurovisual
patients.

PMID: 20652817  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

7: Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2010 Jul 23; [Epub ahead of print] 

Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide induced changes in the anterior segment in
a pig model of branch retinal vein occlusion.

Vijayasekaran S, McAllister IL, Morgan WH, Mendis KR, McMenamin PG, Cringle SJ,
Yu DY.

Lions Eye Institute, Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The University
of Western Australia, Nedlands, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia.

BACKGROUND: Triamcinolone acetonide (TA) has applications for the treatment of a
large range of intraocular vascular diseases. The present study in pigs was
performed to investigate histopathological and histochemical changes in the
levels of myocilin deposition in the anterior segment in a model of branch
retinal vein occlusion (BRVO) after vitreal administration of TA. METHODS: After
ophthalmoscopic examination, intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement and fundus
photography, a BRVO was created photothrombotically in each eye of six pigs,
using argon green photocoagulation. The left eye was then injected
intravitreally with 4 mg/0.1 ml TA. After 11 weeks, the eyes were re-examined,
animals sacrificed, and eyes enucleated and processed in paraffin and epoxy
resin. Immunofluorescence cytochemistry on paraffin sections was performed to
localise the distribution of myocilin in the anterior segment and histology by
light and transmission electron microscopy on epoxy resin sections on TA-treated
and untreated eyes. RESULTS: Histology revealed pathological changes in the
TA-treated eye, including swollen mitochondria, layered long endoplasmic
reticulum, pleomorphic nuclei, dense fibrillar extracelluar deposits and
aggregates of unusual cell inclusions. Myocilin levels were significantly higher
in the TA-treated eyes in the trabecular meshwork (p = 0.001), ciliary process
(p = 0.011) and iris (p = 0.030) than in the untreated eyes. CONCLUSIONS: This
study suggests that increased myocilin synthesis and related ultrastructural
changes in the anterior segment after treatment with intravitreal TA in a
porcine model of retinal oedema in BRVO may contribute to IOP elevation.

PMID: 20652816  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

8: Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2010 Jul 22; [Epub ahead of print] 

Body height and ocular dimensions in the adult population in rural central
india. The Central India Eye and Medical Study.

Nangia V, Jonas JB, Matin A, Kulkarni M, Sinha A, Gupta R.

Suraj Eye Institute, Plot No 559 New Colony, Nagpur, 440004, Maharashtra, India.

BACKGROUND: To investigate associations between anthropomorphic parameters and
ocular dimensions in a typical rural society untouched by the effects of
urbanization. METHODS: The Central India Eye and Medical Study performed in
rural Central India included 4,711 participants aged 30 or more years. The
participants underwent a detailed ophthalmic and medical examination. RESULTS:
After controlling for age, gender, level of education, and body mass index
(BMI), taller subjects were more likely to have larger eyes with a longer axial
length (+0.23 mm for each 10 cm increase in height), lower corneal refractive
power (-0.50 diopters for each 10 cm increase in height), deeper anterior
chambers (+0.03 mm for each 10 cm increase in height), and longer vitreous
cavity (+0.20 mm for each 10 cm increase in height). Central corneal thickness
(P = 0.97) and lens thickness (P = 0.08) were not significantly associated with
body height. After controlling for age, gender, level of education and height,
subjects with a higher BMI had shorter globes (-0.02 mm for each unit increase
in BMI), flatter corneas (-0.03 diopters for each unit increase in BMI) and
thicker corneas (+0.49 mum for each unit increase in BMI), thicker lenses and
longer vitreous cavities. Body height as compared with the BMI had a stronger
influence on the ocular biometric data. After correcting for age, gender, level
of education and axial length, for each increase in body height by 10 cm or for
each increase in BMI by one unit, the refractive error significantly increased
by 0.23 diopters (P < 0.001) and by 0.40 diopters (P < 0.001) respectively.
CONCLUSIONS: In the rural population of Central India without
urbanization-associated myopization, body height and size of the eye were
associated with each other: taller subjects had larger eyes with a flatter
cornea. An increase in body height per 10 cm was associated with an increase in
anterior chamber depth by 1% and an increase in vitreous cavity length by 1%.
Subjects with a higher body mass index had shorter eyes, flatter and thicker
corneas, and thicker lenses. Taller subjects and subjects with a higher BMI were
more hyperopic. Since the occurrence of some ocular diseases depends on eye size
and refractive error, the results may be helpful for screening examinations and
for elucidating pathogenic associations.

PMID: 20652306  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

9: Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2010 Jul 21; [Epub ahead of print] 

IL-2 and IFN-gamma and diabetic retinopathy.

Wiwanitkit V.

Wiwanitkit House, Bangkhae, Bangkok, 10160, Thailand, wviroj@yahoo.com.

PMID: 20652305  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

10: Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2010 Jul 22; [Epub ahead of print] 

Posterior optic buttonholing prevents intraocular pressure peaks after cataract
surgery with primary posterior capsulorhexis.

Stifter E, Menapace R, Kriechbaum K, Luksch A.

Department of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Medical University of Vienna,
Austria, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090, Vienna, Austria, Europe.

BACKGROUND: The performance of a primary posterior capsulorhexis (PPC) with and
without posterior optic buttonholing (POBH) may significantly influence the
intraocular pressure (IOP) after cataract surgery in age-related cataract
patients. METHODS: The prospective randomized clinical study was performed at
the department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Vienna, Austria. Thirty
consecutive cataract patients with bilateral same-day cataract surgery (60 eyes)
under topical anesthesia were enrolled. In randomized order, cataract surgery
with combined PPC/POBH was performed in one eye; in the other eye, cataract
surgery was performed with PPC and in-the-bag implantation of the intraocular
lens (IOL). Standardized IOP measurements by Goldmann applanation tonometry were
performed preoperatively, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 24 hours postoperatively, as well as
1 week and 1 month postoperatively. RESULTS: During the first 24 hours after
surgery, all IOP measurements were significantly lower in eyes with combined
PPC/POBH when compared to eyes with solitary PPC (p < 0.001). No IOP peaks of
more than 27 mmHg were observed with combined PPC/POBH. In contrast, in eyes
with PPC and in-the-bag IOL implantation, seven patients had an IOP peak of more
than 27 mmHg and four IOP peaks of more than 30 mmHg. One week and 1 month
postoperatively, IOP measurements were statistically comparable, and no
significant differences could be observed between the two groups (p > 0.05).
CONCLUSION: Postoperative IOP peaks after cataract surgery with sole PPC can be
effectively prevented by the buttonholing of the IOL through the posterior
capsulorhexis.

PMID: 20652304  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

11: Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2010 Jul 22; [Epub ahead of print] 

Goldmann applanation tonometry and dynamic contour tonometry in eyes with
elevated intraocular pressure (IOP): comparison in the same eyes after
subsequent medical normalization of IOP.

Yoo C, Eom YS, Kim YY.

Department of Ophthalmology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

BACKGROUND: Although it is widely accepted that the Pascal dynamic contour
tonometry (DCT) reading is higher than Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) in
normal range of intraocular pressure (IOP), it remains unclear whether DCT
reading is higher or lower than GAT in an eye with severely elevated IOP. This
study aimed to compare the IOP measurements obtained using GAT with DCT in eyes
with elevated IOP and to compare the GAT and DCT measurements in the same eyes
after subsequent normalization of the IOP with medical therapy. METHODS: Eyes
with IOP greater than 30 mmHg as measured by GAT at the initial examination were
enrolled for a prospective study. IOP was measured by GAT and DCT. Central
corneal thickness (CCT) was measured using a specular microscope. When the
GAT-IOP was reduced to below 21 mmHg with medical therapy, DCT and CCT
measurements were taken in the same eyes. RESULTS: Measurements from 27 patients
were suitable for statistical analysis. At baseline examination, the mean DCT
was significantly lower than their mean GAT (30.0 +/- 5.8 mmHg vs 38.7 +/- 9.1
mmHg, P < 0.001). After the IOP-lowering medical therapy had been instituted,
the mean DCT was significantly higher than the mean GAT (17.9 +/- 3.1 mmHg vs
15.6 +/- 2.7 mmHg, P < 0.001). The mean post-treatment IOP reduction was 12.1
mmHg (40.3%) by DCT and 23.1 mmHg (59.7%) by GAT. The mean CCT showed no
significant difference after the IOP-lowering therapy (537.7 +/- 31.4 mum vs
543.1 +/- 47.7 mum, P = 0.596). The mean ocular pulse amplitude decreased
significantly after the medical treatment (3.16 +/- 1.24 mmHg vs 2.07 +/- 0.93
mmHg, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: DCT-IOP, which is higher than GAT-IOP in
normotensive eyes, is lower in eyes with GAT-IOP exceeding 30 mmHg.

PMID: 20652303  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

12: Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2010 Jul 17; [Epub ahead of print] 

Choroidal imaging in inherited retinal disease using the technique of enhanced
depth imaging optical coherence tomography.

Yeoh J, Rahman W, Chen F, Hooper C, Patel P, Tufail A, Webster AR, Moore AT,
Dacruz L.

Moorfields Eye Hospital, City Road, EC1V2PD, London, UK,
jonathan_yeoh@hotmail.com.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to image and describe the in vivo choroidal
changes in various retinal dystrophies using the technique of enhanced depth
imaging (EDI) optical coherence tomography (OCT) and to correlate these findings
with the clinical appearance. Associations between choroidal change and
genotype, visual acuity and results of retinal electrophysiology are also
explored. DESIGN: Retrospective observational case series. METHODS: Twenty
patients attending the medical retina clinics at Moorfields Eye Hospital
underwent EDI OCT choroidal scans as part of the scanning protocol when they
underwent OCT imaging with the Spectralis HRA and OCT. The choroidal images were
obtained by moving the Spectralis camera close enough to obtain an inverted
image of the retina. The scans were read by two experienced OCT readers
assessing the choroidal thickness as well as the choroidal contour for focal
areas of choroidal thinning corresponding to the areas of RPE/outer retinal
atrophy. The spectrum of patients included those with Stargardt macular
dystrophy, macular dystrophies secondary to known mutations such as
peripherin/RDS, uncharacterised macular dystrophies, Best disease, bifocal
chorioretinal atrophy, Bietti crystalline retinal dystrophy and choroideraemia.
RESULTS: The choroidal appearance was symmetrical in all patients who had both
eyes scanned. Ten patients showed no choroidal thinning, five had focal mild to
moderate choroidal thinning, three had focal severe choroidal thinning, and two
patients had diffuse severe choroidal thinning. There was no association between
choroidal thinning and visual acuity [Fisher's exact test, p = 0.350 (right
eye), p = 1.000 (left eye)], or extent of retinal dysfunction on
electrophysiology (Fisher's exact test, p = 1.000). CONCLUSION: Enhanced depth
imaging using spectral domain OCT can be used to identify choroidal changes in
inherited retinal disease. The pattern of choroidal change correlates well with
the clinical appearance. It appears that the extent and pattern of choroidal
thinning is dependent on the stage of the disease in some cases, and in others
the causative gene defect.

PMID: 20640437  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

13: Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2010 Jul 17; [Epub ahead of print] 

Features of corneal neovascularization and lymphangiogenesis induced by
different etiological factors in mice.

Shi W, Ming C, Liu J, Wang T, Gao H.

The State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of
Ophthalmology, Shandong Eye Institute, 5 Yanerdao Road, Qingdao, 266071, China,
weiyunshi@163.com.

PURPOSE: To analyze the features of corneal neovascularization and
lymphangiogenesis induced by different etiological factors. METHODS: A total of
150 mice were randomly divided into five groups to establish models of corneal
neovascularization and lymphangiogenesis by alkali burn, suturing, fungal
infection, bovine serum albumin (BSA) injection, and tumor cell implantation,
respectively. Morphology and length and quantity of corneal neovascularization
were monitored daily by slit-lamp microscopy. Histopathological changes were
evaluated on days 1, 3, 7, and 14. New lymphatic vessels stained by LYVE-1 and
neovascularized vessels stained by anti-CD31 monoclonal antibody were observed
on days 3, 7, 14, and 21. Expression of VEGF-A, VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 in corneal
tissue was detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR on days 7 and 14. RESULTS: The
shape of corneal neovascularization was dendritic in the alkali burn model,
elongated in the suturing model, mushroom-like in the fungal infection model,
broadband-like in the BSA injection model, and umbrella-like in the tumor cell
implantation model. Inflammatory cells appeared from day 1 and accompanied
neovascularization from day 3 to day 14. When the inflammatory cells retreated,
neovascularization was seen in the corneal stroma. The onset of
lymphangiogenesis was later than neovascularization in all groups. The
pathologic lymphatic vessels grew slowly in the fungal infection and tumor cell
implantation models and at a high density in the BSA injection model. When the
area of neovascularization and lymphatic vessels increased, the expression of
VEGFs maintained to be effective. CONCLUSIONS: Corneal neovascularization and
lymphangiogenesis induced by different etiological factors show different growth
patterns. Inflammatory reaction plays a part in the induction of corneal
neovascularization. A certain level of VEGFs in corneal tissue may sustain the
presentation of corneal neovascularization and lymphangiogenesis.

PMID: 20640436  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

14: Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2010 Jul 16; [Epub ahead of print] 

Altered temporal peripapillary retinal flow in patients with disc hemorrhages.

Kurvinen L, Harju M, Saari J, Vesti E.

Helsinki University Eye Hospital, PO Box 220, 00029, Helsinki, Finland,
leena.kurvinen@fimnet.fi.

BACKGROUND: To investigate whether any peripapillary retinal blood flow changes
are related to disc hemorrhage (DH). METHODS: The study included 21 eyes of 21
patients, of which 14 eyes had glaucoma. All eyes were examined at the time of
detection of DH and again 6 months later. Blood flow in the peripapillary retina
was measured by scanning laser Doppler flowmetry (Heidelberg Retina Flowmeter),
with four adjacent images focused on the peripapillary nerve fiber layer
obtained. Retinal perfusion was calculated in arbitrary units by automatic
full-field perfusion image analysis. The mean of all four rectangles
representing the whole temporal peripapillary retina plus the rectangle
representing the area of DH served for analysis. RESULTS: The mean of
measurements in all four areas revealed a statistically significant increase in
mean flow (MF), systolic flow (SF), and diastolic flow (DF), and a decrease in
pulsation index (PI). The rectangle representing the area of DH showed a
significant increase in MF, but the SF increase was of borderline significance.
Changes in DF and PI did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS:
Results indicate reduced flow at the time of DH and increased flow after
resorption.

PMID: 20635187  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

15: Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2010 Jul 13; [Epub ahead of print] 

Anterior stromal puncture for treatment of contact lens-intolerant keratoconus
patients.

Kang SY, Park YK, Song JS, Kim HM.

Department of Ophthalmology, Guro Hospital, Korea University College of
Medicine, 80, Guro-dong, Guro-gu, Seoul, 152-703, South Korea,
ligaya97@naver.com.

PURPOSE: To report the results and effectiveness of anterior stromal puncture
for contact lens-intolerant keratoconus patients with subepithelial fibrotic
nodules. METHODS: Nine eyes of nine keratoconus patients who were rigid
gas-permeable contact lenses (RGP)-intolerant due to subepithelial nodular scars
were included in this study. The nine patients were enrolled in the study
between March 2008 and December 2008. After confirming nodular elevation from
slit-lamp biomicroscopy, the area where the epithelium of nodular scars had
sloughed was punctured by anterior stromal puncture using a 26-gauge needle
attached to a 1-ml syringe under slit-lamp biomicroscopy. The RGPs of all
patients were refitted around 4 weeks after the puncture. RESULTS: Five of the
nine patients were male, and the average patient age was 29.6 years (SD +/- 5.22
years). Mean follow-up time was 13.7 months (SD +/- 4.8 months), and the
epithelial defect healed in 1.4 days on average. After the puncture, four of
nine patients presented with a recurrent erosion of the nodule during follow-up
and needed a second puncture. All the patients showed good contact lens
tolerance and satisfactory contact lens fit. No complications such as corneal
perforation or keratitis developed. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior stromal puncture using
a 26-gauge needle can be a successful and effective method to induce corneal
epithelium and Bowman's layer reattachment. It can be used as an outpatient
procedure to improve RGP tolerance in patients with keratoconus with elevated
subepithelial nodules.

PMID: 20625761  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

16: Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2010 Jul 13; [Epub ahead of print] 

Slowly progressive non-neoplastic autoimmune-like retinopathy.

Ohta K, Kikuchi T, Yoshida N.

Department of Ophthalmology, Matsumoto Dental University, 1780 Gobara, Hirooka,
Shiojiri, 399-0781, Nagano, Japan, ohta@po.mdu.ac.jp.

PMID: 20625760  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

17: Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2010 Jul 9; [Epub ahead of print] 

Posterior capsule opacity as initial manifestation of metastatic cutaneous
melanoma.

Solomon JD, Shields CL, Shields JA, Eagle RC Jr.

Solomon Eye Physicians & Surgeons, Bowie, MD, USA, jdsolomon@hotmail.com.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous metastatic melanoma usually is locoregional, and
represents less than 5% of malignancies known to metastasize to the eye and
orbit. When there is intraocular involvement, it most commonly occurs in the
choroid, vitreous, and retina. METHODS: We report a case of a 71-year-old woman
with metastatic melanoma presenting as a pigmented posterior capsular opacity in
a pseudophakic eye 14 months after excisional biopsy of an ulcerative cutaneous
melanoma of the upper arm. RESULTS: Histopathology confirmed the presence of
melanocytic cells on the surface of the anterior lens optic and the posterior
capsular surface, as well as melanophagic invasion of the trabecular meshwork.
At 7 months following enucleation, there was no evidence of recurrence by either
computed tomography or sequential positron emission tomography. CONCLUSIONS: To
our knowledge this is the first report of posterior capsular opacification
serving as the initial manifestation of cutaneous metastatic melanoma. With the
incidence of cutaneous melanoma on the rise, and an increasing number of
cataract procedures performed annually, clinicians should be are of the
different ways cutaneous metastatic melanoma may involve the intraocular
structures of the eye.

PMID: 20617330  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

18: Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2010 Jul 6; [Epub ahead of print] 

Ocular trauma injuries: a 1-year surveillance study in the University of Malaya
Medical Centre, Malaysia. 2008.

Soong TK, Koh A, Subrayan V, Loo AV.

Department of Ophthalmology, University of Malaya, Lembah Pantai, Kuala Lumpur,
Malaysia, terrencesoong@yahoo.com.

PURPOSE: To describe the epidemiology of ocular injuries presenting to the
University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. DESIGN:
Prospective analysis of all ocular trauma injuries presenting to the Department
of Ophthalmology in UMMC from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2008. PARTICIPANTS:
A total of 603 eyes of 546 patients were recruited for the study. METHODS: All
patients presenting to the department with ocular trauma injuries were assessed
by an ophthalmologist. Data on the type and source of injury, demographic
profile of the patients, and clinical presentation were documented using a
uniform and validated datasheet. RESULTS: Among eye injury cases, 481 patients
(88.1%) were male, with a male-to-female ratio of 7.4:1. Of the patients, 412
(75.5%) were Malaysian while the remaining 134 (24.5%) were of non-Malaysian
nationality. The average age was 31.5 years (range 1-81 years). A total of 238
injured eyes (43.6%) were work-related. The common sources of eye trauma include
the use of high-powered tools (30.8%), motor vehicle accident (23.1%), and
domestic accidents (17.7%). Only six patients (2.5%) reported to having used eye
protective device (EPD) at time of their work-related injuries. CONCLUSIONS: A
major cause of preventable ocular injuries in Malaysia was work-related trauma.
Ocular injuries can be reduced by the use of eye protection devices and the
implementation of appropriate preventive strategies to address each risk factor.
Effective training is an integral part of occupational safety and health, which
should be made mandatory at the workplace. In addition, there should be a
continual assessment of safety and health issues at the workplace. A long-term
database of all ocular injuries in Malaysia is recommended, to aid research on a
larger scale and the development of new preventive strategies for ocular
injuries.

PMID: 20607549  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

19: Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2010 Jul 6; [Epub ahead of print] 

Expression of Orai genes and I(CRAC) activation in the human retinal pigment
epithelium.

Cordeiro S, Strauss O.

Experimentelle Ophthalmologie, Klinik und Poliklinik fur Augenheilkunde,
Universitatsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.

BACKGROUND: The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) fulfills a large variety of
tasks that are important for visual function. Many of these tasks, such as
phagocytosis, growth factor secretion, or transepithelial ion transport, are
regulated by increases in intracellular Ca(2+) as second-messenger. Despite the
multitude of Ca(2+)-dependently regulated functions, only few Ca(2+) channels
have been described so far in the RPE to couple Ca(2+) conductance and Ca(2+)
signaling. METHODS: RT-PCR experiments with mRNA of freshly isolated RPE cells
as well as from the RPE cell line ARPE-19 and measurements of the intracellular
free Ca(2+) concentration were performed. RESULTS: The RT-PCR experiments
revealed the expression of the I(CRAC) channel proteins Orai 1, 2, and 3 and
their stimulators Stim-1 and Stim-2. The classic maneuver to stimulate
capacitive Ca(2+) entry (depletion of Ca(2+) stores by 1 muM thapsigargin under
extracellular Ca(2+)-free conditions and then re-adding extracellular Ca(2+))
led to an increase in intracellular free Ca(2+), which could be blocked by
application of a high concentration of 2-APB (75 muM) either before or during
induction of capacitive Ca(2+) entry. On the other hand, application of a low
concentration of 2-APB (2 muM) led to enhancement of the Ca(2+) increase induced
by capacitive Ca(2+) entry. Depletion of cytosolic Ca(2+) stores by
administration of an extracellular divalent cation-free solution led to an
increase in the whole-cell conductance. CONCLUSIONS: With these data we show a
new Ca(2+) entry pathway linked to the Ca(2+)/inositolphosphate second-messenger
system in RPE cells which help to further understand regulatory pathways of
agonists. The expression of Orai channels enables the RPE cells to generate
sustained or repetitive Ca(2+) signals as they are known to be induced by
different stimuli like ATP, bFGF, and the stimulation with photoreceptor outer
segments.

PMID: 20607548  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

20: Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2010 Jul 2; [Epub ahead of print] 

OCT patterns of macular edema and response to bevacizumab therapy in retinal
vein occlusion.

Hoeh AE, Ruppenstein M, Ach T, Dithmar S.

Department of Ophthalmology, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400,
69120, Heidelberg, Germany, stefan.dithmar@med.uni-heidelberg.de.

BACKGROUND: Baseline OCT morphology of macular edema (ME) due to branch (BRVO)
or central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO) was evaluated with respect to response
to bevacizumab treatment. METHODS: Sixty-five patients (33 CRVO, 32 BRVO) were
treated with intravitreal injections of 2.5 mg bevacizumab. Reinjections were
only performed if ME persisted or recurred. Follow-up ranged from 23 to 128
weeks. OCT (Stratus OCT, Carl Zeiss Meditec) morphology at baseline was analyzed
retrospectively to evaluate its effect on treatment outcome (ETDRS visual acuity
and central retinal thickness). Baseline OCT scans were studied with regard to
central retinal thickness (CRT), presence and height of subretinal fluid (SRF),
intraretinal cystoid spaces (ICS) and maximum horizontal diameter of the largest
delimitable ICS. RESULTS: In CRVO patients, baseline CRT is not correlated with
CRT at last visit, but there is a significant correlation of baseline CRT with
final visual acuity (VA). Presence of SRF and diameter of ICS do not influence
functional and morphological response to bevacizumab treatment. Baseline CRT in
BRVO patients is not significantly correlated with final VA and final CRT. There
is no difference in treatment response between patients with or without baseline
SRF. BRVO patients with large ICS >600 mum (13.8%) at baseline had a
significantly worse VA at last visit than patients with smaller ICS (p = 0.011),
and did not achieve a significant improvement under bevacizumab therapy. The
duration of retinal vein occlusion before start of treatment was significantly
longer in patients with ICS >600 mum (232 +/- 96 weeks versus 17 +/- 17 weeks; p
< 0.001). There is no correlation of ICS diameter and duration of vein occlusion
in patients with ICS <600 microm. CONCLUSIONS: In CRVO patients, baseline CRT
and final VA are significantly correlated, whereas the presence of SRF or
diameter of ICS was not predictive for treatment outcome. In BRVO patients, ICS
with a diameter of >600 mum are associated with a long duration of vein
occlusion and poor functional response to treatment with bevacizumab. CRT and
SRF were not found to be significant prognostic factors.

PMID: 20596719  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

21: Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2010 Jul 2; [Epub ahead of print] 

The influence of various toxic effects on the cornea and changes in corneal
light transmission.

Cejka C, Ardan T, Sirc J, Michalek J, Brunova B, Cejkova J.

Laboratory of Eye Histochemistry and Pharmacology, Institute of Experimental
Medicine, Center of Excellence, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic,
Videnska 1083, 14220, Prague 4, Czech Republic, cestmir.cejka@seznam.cz.

PURPOSE: Normal corneal hydration is necessary for the maintenance of corneal
transparency. Damage of the corneal epithelium or endothelium by various
external influences disturbs the mechanism by which the cornea maintains normal
hydration and transparency. The cornea swells, and the corneal thickness
increases, resulting in increased scatter and the development of corneal
opacity. The transmission of light across the cornea is changed. The purpose of
this study is to investigate spectrophotometrically the corneal light
transmission under the influence of the various factors affecting the cornea.
METHODS: We developed a spectrophotometric method to measure the light
transmission across the cornea under the influence of various factors affecting
the cornea, such as treatment with 0.9% NaCl, saline, or phosphate buffered
saline (PBS), solutions employed as placebo eye drops (negative controls) in
experimental studies, agents toxic to the cornea, such as diluted acids or
alkalis. The method distinguishes between changes in corneal light transmission
caused by altered corneal thickness (the level of hydration) and changes
resulting from other corneal disturbances which in turn affect corneal light
transmission. RESULTS: The results obtained show that the corneal light
transmission is decreased following the application of toxic substances on the
corneal surface. This decrease is highly dependent on the severity of the
corneal injury evoked by individual noxes, and the resulting changes in corneal
hydration and transparency. CONCLUSIONS: The influence of various influences
applied to the cornea, manifested as changes in corneal light transmission, can
be measured using our spectrophotometric method with a high degree of
sensitivity.

PMID: 20596718  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

22: Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2010 Jul 2; [Epub ahead of print] 

The diurnal variation of intraocular pressure-the most important symptom for
early detection and follow-up of the glaucomas.

Draeger J.

Department of Ophthalmology, Hamburg University, Leinpfad 96, 22299, Hamburg,
Germany, draeger-hamburg@t-online.de.

Hans Goldmann in 1958 emphasized the importance of the diurnal curve of
intraocular pressure for very early detection of glaucoma. He stressed from the
investigations of Leydhecker (1959) that there is a 10-year interval between
early detection of chronic glaucoma and the first signs of neuronal defects or
even later, functional problems. Roberto Sampaolesi (1974) finally has proven
the important innovation from his great number of diurnal curves. Of course, a
precise diurnal curve (Sampaolesi asked for eight measurements) is almost
impossible by the ophthalmologist's office or even within the hospital. We need
the cooperation of the patient (like we do this in blood pressure measurement or
even diabetes control). This requires an easy-to-handle "self-tonometer", which
allows measurement at any time of the day, even in different positions of the
patient's body. Due to some difficult technical problems to be solved, it took
until 1988 before the "automatic self-tonometer" was available. This was first
tried in three space missions (Spacelab D1, 1985; Spacelab D2, 1993;
German-Russian MIR-Mission 1992) allowing for the first time to register the
enormous increase of intraocular and intracranial pressure after entering into
microgravity. Some years later, the first instrument for clinical application
was available, allowing a large series of dense diurnal curves, confirming
Goldmann's and Sampaolesi's hypothesis. The technical solution, application, and
results with this new instrument are described.

PMID: 20596717  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

23: Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2010 Sep;248(9):1293-7. Epub 2010 Jun 29. 

The influence of surgery and intraocular lens implantation timing on visual
outcome in traumatic cataract.

Rumelt S, Rehany U.

Department of Ophthalmology, Western Galilee-Nahariya Medical Center, PO Box 21,
22100, Nahariya, Israel, shimon.rumelt@naharia.health.gov.il.

PURPOSE: To compare the visual outcome of primary versus secondary traumatic
cataract extraction and primary versus secondary intraocular lens (IOL)
implantation. METHODS: The medical charts of consecutive patients who developed
cataract following open and closed-globe injuries and were referred to our
institute were reviewed. The best-corrected visual acuity of the patients who
underwent primary and secondary cataract extraction and those with primary and
secondary IOL implantation was assessed at presentation and at the end of the
follow-up. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-nine eyes of 69 patients developed cataract after
being involved in ocular trauma. Forty-five eyes had open-globe injury and 24
had closed-globe injury. The right eye was involved in 26 injuries and the left
in 43. RESULTS: Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/40 or better was not
statistically associated with the type of cataract extraction (extracapsular
versus phacoemulsification) (in open-globe injury p = 0.181 and in all p =
0.662) and placement of anterior or posterior IOL (in open-globe injury p =
0.196 and in all p = 0.114). The timing of surgery (as immediate surgery or
later as a second surgery) and the timing of intraocular lens implantation
(during the extraction of the cataract or later in a secondary procedure) were
not statistically associated with BCVA of 20/40 or better (in open-globe injury
p = 0.322 and 0.381 in all p = 0.460 and 0.450, respectively). Irreversible
amblyopia in children was a statistically significant factor for this visual
acuity both in patients with open-globe injury (p = 0.036) and in all patients
(p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In traumatic cataract, the visual outcome did not
differ between primary and secondary cataract extraction and between primary and
secondary IOL implantation in adults. In the amblyogenic age, primary surgery
with IOL implantation should be preferred.

PMID: 20585800  [PubMed - in process]

24: Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2010 Jun 29; [Epub ahead of print] 

Ranibizumab for diabetic macular edema difficult to treat with focal/grid laser.

Kotsolis AI, Tsianta E, Niskopoulou M, Masaoutis P, Baltatzis S, Ladas ID.

Department of Ophthalmology, Medical School of Athens University, 11 Zefiron
St., 15342, Athens, Greece, thanoskotsolis@hotmail.com.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal injections of ranibizumab
in patients with diabetic clinically significant macular edema (CSME), when
further focal or grid laser was considered to be unsafe. METHODS: In this
retrospective, interventional case study, intravitreal injections of ranibizumab
were performed in 16 eyes (ten patients) suffering from diabetic retinopathy
with CSME. All patients had been treated in the past with focal or grid laser.
Additional photocoagulation could not be performed because the leaking points
were very close to the avascular zone, and there was also a perifoveal capillary
dropout. The patients underwent three injections (months 0, 1 and 2) and were
followed monthly. Reinjection was performed if central retinal thickness (CRT)
was >/=250 mum associated with fluorescein leakage involving the center of the
macula. RESULTS: The patients underwent a median of seven injections (range 6-9)
and the median follow-up time was 11 months (range 9-15). The median
best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.85 logMAR at baseline and 0.54 logMAR
at the end of the follow-up time (p = 0.018). BCVA improved in seven eyes
(43.75%), remained stable in eight (50%) and decreased in one eye (6.25%). The
median CRT decreased from 409.5 mum at baseline to 272 mum at the end of the
follow-up time (p = 0.0002). No ocular or systemic adverse events were reported.
CONCLUSIONS: For a median follow-up time of 11 months, the treatment with
intravitreal injections of ranibizumab resulted in stabilization or improvement
of the visual acuity in the vast majority of patients with diabetic maculopathy
and CSME, when further focal or grid laser was considered to be unsafe.

PMID: 20585799  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

25: Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2010 Jun 29; [Epub ahead of print] 

Rubella virus as a possible etiological agent of Fuchs heterochromic
iridocyclitis.

Suzuki J, Goto H, Komase K, Abo H, Fujii K, Otsuki N, Okamoto K.

Department of Ophthalmology, Tokyo Medical University Hospital, 6-7-1
Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0023, Japan, jun-s@qc4.so-net.ne.jp.

BACKGROUND: To determine whether rubella virus is involved in the pathogenesis
of Fuchs heterochromic iridocyclitis (FHI). METHODS: Fourteen patients (14 eyes)
diagnosed with FHI based on characteristic ocular manifestations and eight
control subjects were studied. Aqueous humor (AH) samples from 14 FHI patients
and one vitreous sample from a FHI patient were analyzed for intraocular
antibody production against rubella virus by calculation of the Goldmann-Witmer
coefficient (GWC). Viral detection by nested polymerase chain reaction and
isolation by culture in RK-13 cells were conducted in nine FHI patients. In
addition to laboratory examinations, medical history of rubella virus
vaccination was also obtained. RESULTS: Ten patients with FHI examined showed
intraocular synthesis of rubella virus antibodies (GWC > 3). A high index of
rubella virus antibody production was also found in the vitreous sample (GWC =
30.6). GWC in all control subjects were below detectable level. The rubella
genome was detected in two of nine patients, and rubella virus was isolated from
one of nine patients with FHI. None of the patients with FHI had been vaccinated
against rubella. CONCLUSIONS: Our laboratory data strongly suggest a
relationship between FHI and rubella virus.

PMID: 20585798  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

26: Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2010 Jun 29; [Epub ahead of print] 

Expressions of lymphotactin and its receptor, XCR, in Lewis rats with
experimental autoimmune anterior uveitis.

Yeh PT, Lin FA, Lin CP, Yang CM, Chen MS, Yang CH.

Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, No.7
Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei, Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: To demonstrate the expression of lymphotactin and its receptor (XCR)
in the iris/ciliary body and popliteal lymph node, and to clarify their roles in
experimental autoimmune anterior uveitis (EAAU). METHODS: Uveitis was induced in
Lewis rats by injection of melanin-associated antigen into the peritoneum and
footpad. At defined time points, mRNA expression levels of lymphotactin and XCR
in the iris/ciliary body and popliteal lymph node were measured by
semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction. Lymphotactin levels in aqueous humor
and serum after immunization were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent
assay. In a separate experiment, an NF-kappaB inhibitor, pyrrolidine
dithiocarbamate (PDTC; 200 mg/kg/day), was injected daily into the
intraperitoneum after immunization. Cellular sources of lymphotactin were
determined by immunhistochemical staining and flow cytometry. RESULTS:
Lymphotactin mRNA was upregulated in the iris/ciliary body with a peak level at
day 14, which is in line with the disease course. XCR mRNA was expressed
maximally and then declined gradually from days 5 to 21. With an expression
pattern similar to that of mRNA expression, lymphotactin in aqueous humor had
attracted corresponding numbers of leukocytes. PDTC markedly inhibited the
expression of lymphotactin in aqueous humor and serum. Immunohistochemical
staining and flow cytometry analysis revealed that the expression of
lymphotactin was detected in infiltrated inflammatory cells, dominantly CD8+ T
cells, and increased along with inflammation. CONCLUSIONS: The lymphotactin and
XCR interaction might direct distinct lymphocytes subsets to inflammatory sites.
Lymphotactin could regulate the inflammatory process. Lymphotactin expression
may be modulated, at least in part, through the NF-kappaB signaling pathway.

PMID: 20585797  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

27: Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2010 Jun 27; [Epub ahead of print] 

Intravitreal bevacizumab in combination with laser therapy for the treatment of
severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) associated with vitreous or retinal
hemorrhage.

Nazari H, Modarres M, Parvaresh MM, Ghasemi Falavarjani K.

Eye research center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Rassoul Akram
hospital, Sattarkhan-Niayesh Street, Tehran, 14455-364, Iran,
h01nazari@yahoo.com.

PURPOSE: To evaluate outcomes of intravitreal injection of bevacizumab for the
treatment of severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) associated with vitreous or
retinal hemorrhages (VH or RH). METHODS: This is a prospective interventional
case-series. Fourteen eyes of eight premature infants with severe ROP associated
with vitreous or retinal hemorrhage were consecutively included. In eight eyes,
VH and/or RH precluding complete laser ablation developed at the time of laser
treatment. In six eyes, VH developed early after laser ablation. All
participants underwent intravitreal injection of 0.625 mg (0.025 ml) bevacizumab
immediately after diagnosis of VH or RH. Follow-up examinations were performed
at days 1, 3, 7, and 14, and 1, 2 and 3 months after injection. Main outcome
measure was the absence of unfavorable structural outcomes. RESULTS: Mean
gestational age was 27.6 weeks (range, 26-29 weeks) and mean birth weight was
1047 g (range, 780-1500 g). Mean gestational age at the time of injection was
35.4 weeks (range, 32-38 weeks). In all eyes, plus disease disappeared
completely within 2 weeks and VH and/or RH was absorbed at last follow-up. None
of the eyes developed unfavorable structural outcomes. No eyes needed additional
injection or laser treatment. No major systemic or ocular complications were
observed. CONCLUSION: In this small series of patients, intravitreal injection
of bevacizumab was effective for treatment of severe retinopathy of prematurity
associated with vitreous or retinal hemorrhage.

PMID: 20582706  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

28: Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2010 Jun 27; [Epub ahead of print] 

Ultrastructural changes of cornea after ethanol ingestion in Otsuka Long-Evans
Tokushima fatty (OLETF) and Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO) rats.

Kim EC, Kim DJ, Lee SS, Kim MS.

Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Science, College of Medicine, Catholic
University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.

PURPOSE: To compare ethanol-induced ultrastructural changes in corneas of Otsuka
Long-Evans Tokushima fatty (OLETF) rats and Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO)
rats. METHODS: Forty, five-week-old male LETO and OLETF rats were fed an
ethanol-containing liquid diet (LETO alc and OLETF alc) for 11 weeks, and
another forty OLETF and LETO rats were put on a pair-fed control diet (LETO con
and OLETF con) for 11 weeks. The body weight and fasting blood glucose levels,
and 2-hour blood glucose levels after glucose tolerance test (GTT) were checked
every week. Central corneal thickness (CCT) was measured with an ultrasound
pachymeter after 11 weeks. After corneal buttons were excised, transmission
electron microscopy (TEM) examination was performed. RESULTS: The CCTs in groups
LETO-alc (179.39 +/- 28.64 mum) and OLETF-alc (189.46 +/- 44.44 mum) were
significantly thicker than those in groups LETO-con (168.07 +/- 15.57 mum) and
OLETF-con (179.28 +/- 14.68 mum) respectively (P < 0.05). The percentage of
basement membrane occupied by hemidesmosome (HD/BM) in the LETO-alc (43.2 +/-
3.7%) and OLETF-alc (35.3 +/- 4.1%) was lower than that in the LETO-con (51.5
+/- 2.6%) and OLETF-con (41.6 +/- 3.5%) group respectively (P < 0.05).
Descemet's membrane thickness of the LETO-alc (4.45 +/- 0.3 mum) and OLETF-alc
(4.98 +/- 0.5 mum) was greater than that of the LETO-con (4.11 +/- 0.2 mum) and
and OLETF-con (4.57 +/- 0.3 mum) group respectively (P < 0.05). In the OLETF
group, the hemidesmosomes and endothelial tight junctions were less
electron-dense; interstromal edema was more prominent than that in the LETO
group. CONCLUSIONS: Corneal ultrastructural damage can develop in the
pre-diabetic stage and when alcohol is ingested chronically in rats.

PMID: 20582705  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]