1: Ophthalmologica. 2010 Jul 3;224(6):389-394 [Epub ahead of print] 

Characteristics of Open-Globe Injuries in Northwestern Portugal.

Falcao M, Camisa E, Falcao-Reis F.

Ophthalmology Department, Hospital S. Joao, University of Porto, Porto,
Portugal.

Purpose: We aimed to characterize epidemiologically open-globe injuries and
patterns of posttraumatic endophthalmitis in northwestern Portugal. Methods: A
retrospective review of 163 inpatients with a diagnosis of traumatic open-globe
injury treated at the ophthalmology department of the hospital S. Joao was
performed. Results: No cases were reported in patients wearing proper eye
protection. Of the 163 eyes, 76.0% were from male patients. The mean age of the
males was significantly lower than that of the females (35.6 vs. 56.0 years; p <
0.001), and 57.1% of the cases resulted from personal accidents. The prevalence
of intraocular foreign bodies (IOFBs) was 29.6%; IOFBs are more frequent at work
(50%) and with metallic objects (50%). The endophthalmitis incidence was 5.7%
with a trend for a higher risk with IOFBs. Laceration due to plants increased
this risk. Conclusions: Personal accidents are the most important cause of
open-globe injuries. Special relevance should be given to prevention with
appropriate eyewear in home chores. Work-related trauma is more associated with
IOFB; imaging is fundamental in emergency department evaluation. Copyright (c)
2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.

PMID: 20606493  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

2: Ophthalmologica. 2010 Jul 1;224(6):381-388 [Epub ahead of print] 

Impact of Low Vision on Employment.

Mojon-Azzi SM, Sousa-Poza A, Mojon DS.

Research Institute for Labour Economics and Labour Law, University of St.
Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland.

Background: We investigated the influence of self-reported corrected eyesight on
several variables describing the perception by employees and self-employed
persons of their employment. Methods: Our study was based on data from the
Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). SHARE is a
multidisciplinary, cross-national database of microdata on health, socioeconomic
status, social and family networks, collected on 31,115 individuals in 11
European countries and in Israel. With the help of ordered logistic regressions
and binary logistic regressions, we analyzed the influence of perceived visual
impairment - corrected by 19 covariates capturing socioeconomic and health-
related factors - on 10 variables describing the respondents' employment
situation. Results: Based on data covering 10,340 working individuals, the
results of the logistic and ordered regressions indicate that respondents with
lower levels of self-reported general eyesight were significantly less satisfied
with their jobs, felt they had less freedom to decide, less opportunity to
develop new skills, less support in difficult situations, less recognition for
their work, and an inadequate salary. Respondents with a lower eyesight level
more frequently reported that they feared their health might limit their ability
to work before regular retirement age and more often indicated that they were
seeking early retirement. Conclusions: Analysis of this dataset from 12
countries demonstrates the strong impact of self-reported visual impairment on
individual employment, and therefore on job satisfaction, productivity, and
well-being. Copyright (c) 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.

PMID: 20606492  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

3: Ophthalmologica. 2010 May 4;224(6):374-380 [Epub ahead of print] 

Features of Optical Coherence Tomography Are Predictive of Visual Outcomes after
Intravitreal Bevacizumab Injection for Diabetic Macular Edema.

Roh MI, Kim JH, Kwon OW.

Institute of Vision Research, Department of Ophthalmology, Yonsei University
College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.

Purpose: To identify optical coherence tomography (OCT) patterns of diabetic
macular edema (DME) predictive of visual outcomes after intravitreal bevacizumab
(IVB; Avastin(R)) injection. Methods: We retrospectively examined 56 consecutive
eyes that were given IVB injections for DME alongside the preoperative macular
OCT data. Using this information, we categorized the eyes into 2 groups: group 1
showing diffuse patterns; group 2 demonstrating cystoid macular edema (CME).
Result: The mean follow-up period was 11.66 +/- 3.98 months. Group 1 eyes gained
0.04 +/- 9.27 ETDRS letters (p = 0.984), while group 2 eyes gained 5.79 +/- 9.98
ETDRS letters (p = 0.005). Mean macular thickness decreased by 72.79 +/- 145.74
mum in group 1 (p = 0.014) and by 223.71 +/- 224.52 mum in group 2 (p< 0.001).
Conclusion: Patients showing CME upon OCT achieved greater improvements in
visual acuity and macular thickness after IVB injection than patients with
diffuse macular edema. The type of macular edema shown by OCT may provide an
objective guideline in predicting the response of DME to IVB injection.
Copyright (c) 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.

PMID: 20453545  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

4: Ophthalmologica. 2010 May 4;224(6):367-373 [Epub ahead of print] 

Visual Acuity and Foveal Thickness after Vitrectomy for Macular Edema.

Noma H, Funatsu H, Mimura T, Shimada K.

Department of Ophthalmology, Yachiyo Medical Center, Tokyo Women's Medical
University, Chiba, Japan.

The outcome of vitrectomy for macular edema was examined in patients with
central retinal vein occlusion (CRVO), as well as whether vascular endothelial
growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in vitreous fluid influence
the visual prognosis and macular edema. Twenty-six consecutive patients with
CRVO and macular edema underwent vitrectomy. Best-corrected visual acuity,
retinal thickness, and the VEGF and IL-6 levels in vitreous fluid were measured
before and after surgery. Both visual acuity and retinal thickness were
significantly improved at 6 months postoperatively (p = 0.0114 and p < 0.0001,
respectively). The vitreous VEGF level was significantly higher in patients who
showed less improvement of visual acuity (p = 0.0182). In contrast, a high
vitreous VEGF level was associated with greater improvement of macular edema (p
= 0.0199). These results suggest that the vitreous VEGF level may be correlated
with the visual prognosis and changes of macular edema in CRVO patients after
vitrectomy. Copyright (c) 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.

PMID: 20453544  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

5: Ophthalmologica. 2010 May 4;224(6):361-366 [Epub ahead of print] 

Unsuccessful Lacrimal Surgery: Causative Factors and Results of Surgical
Management in a Tertiary Referral Center.

Konuk O, Kurtulmusoglu M, Knatova Z, Unal M.

Department of Ophthalmology, Gazi University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.

Background: To evaluate possible causative factors of unsuccessful
dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) surgery, and present the surgical technique and
results of revision external DCR in a tertiary referral center. Methods: During
2001-2007, 79 patients (59 female, 20 male, 83 revised DCR sites) underwent
revision external DCR for the management of recurrent epiphora after
unsuccessful DCR surgery. The possible reasons for unsuccessful DCR surgery were
noted according to the preoperative nasal endoscopic and perioperative findings,
and revision surgery was performed to address these. Results: The mean age was
43.1 +/- 12.0 years, and the mean follow-up was 21.4 +/- 12.4 months. At
presentation, 58 patients had a history of 1 unsuccessful lacrimal surgery, 16
had 2 unsuccessful surgeries, and 5 had 3 unsuccessful surgeries. The most
common preoperative endoscopic finding was nasal mucosal fibrosis and synechiae,
and the most common causes of unsuccessful DCR surgery were inappropriate size
and location of the bony ostium, fibrosis at rhinostomy site, and canalicular
obstruction, respectively. Of the 83 revised DCR sites, 79 sites underwent
external DCR with silicone intubation, and conjunctival DCR with Jones tube
insertion was performed in 4 sites. Success was achieved in 78 sites (93.9%)
with the first revision DCR surgery, and in 81 sites (97.6%) with the second
revision. Conclusions: Revision DCR has standard concepts in common with primary
DCR surgery; however, for a favorable surgical outcome, the revision surgery
should address possible causative factors of failure. Copyright (c) 2010 S.
Karger AG, Basel.

PMID: 20453543  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

6: Ophthalmologica. 2010 May 4;224(6):354-360 [Epub ahead of print] 

Clinical Results of Densiron 68 Intraocular Tamponade for Complicated Retinal
Detachment.

Li W, Zheng Q, Wang X, Xu M, Wu R.

State Key Laboratory Cultivation Base, China National Optometry Center, Eye
Hospital, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, PR China.

Purpose:To assess the success rates and complications of Densiron 68 intraocular
tamponade in the management of complicated retinal detachment (RD) with
proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Methods:Twenty-one eyes of 20 patients
with complicated RD and PVR were included in this prospective study.
Vitreoretinal surgery with Densiron 68 intraocular tamponade was performed in
all patients. Results:The success rate with 1 operation using Densiron 68 was
85.7%, and with further surgery 90.5%. Visual acuity improved from a mean logMAR
of 2.25 (SD 0.73) to 1.19 (SD 0.88), p = 0.0001. There was little evidence of
dispersion and excessive inflammation. Conclusion:According to the results of
this study, vitreoretinal surgery with temporary Densiron 68 intraocular
tamponade appears to increase the anatomical success and improve visual acuity,
while giving rise to minimal complications, in selected cases of complicated RD
and PVR. Copyright (c) 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.

PMID: 20453542  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

7: Ophthalmologica. 2010 May 4;224(6):347-353 [Epub ahead of print] 

Oxane HD and Retinal Detachment Surgery in Routine Clinical Practice.

Ang GS, Murphy AL, Ng WS, Atta HR.

Department of Ophthalmology, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen, UK.

Background/Aims: To assess the outcomes and complications of endotamponade with
Oxane HD following retinal detachment repair. Methods: Retrospective consecutive
case series of inferior retinal detachment with Oxane HD endotamponade within a
3-year period. Results: Case notes for 18 eyes of 18 patients were reviewed.
Four (22.2%) were total retinal detachments and 13 (72.2%) had proliferative
vitreoretinopathy. The mean Oxane HD endotamponade and follow-up durations were
27 +/- 38 and 66 +/- 39 weeks, respectively. The eventual anatomic success rate
was 77.8%, but without any significant difference in vision. Postoperative
complications occurred in 14 (77.8%), including emulsification (6 eyes; 33.3%),
epiretinal membrane (5 eyes; 27.8%), and posterior capsular opacification (4
eyes; 22.2%). Of the 14 eyes requiring intraoperative perfluorodecalin, 12
(85.7%) developed complications; all 5 (100%) eyes with direct exchange of
perfluorodecalin with Oxane HD developed complications. Conclusion: Although
useful for inferior retinal detachments, Oxane HD was associated with a
relatively high rate of emulsification when compared to other series. Our series
also suggests that prior use of perfluorodecalin intraoperatively, and in
particular direct exchange of perfluorodecalin with Oxane HD, may be associated
with an increased risk of intraocular complications. Copyright (c) 2010 S.
Karger AG, Basel.

PMID: 20453541  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

8: Ophthalmologica. 2010 May 4;224(6):341-346 [Epub ahead of print] 

Assessment of Anterior Chamber Depth Using Visante Optical Coherence Tomography,
Slitlamp Optical Coherence Tomography, IOL Master, Pentacam and Orbscan IIz.

Dinc UA, Gorgun E, Oncel B, Yenerel MN, Alimgil L.

Ophthalmology Department, Yeditepe University Eye Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.

Aims: To assess and compare the anterior chamber depth (ACD) by different
anterior segment imaging techniques. Methods: Eighty healthy eyes of 40 patients
were recruited, and 3 consecutive measurements of ACD were determined
prospectively utilizing Visante optical coherence tomography (OCT), slitlamp
(SL) OCT, IOL Master, Pentacam and Orbscan IIz. The statistical significance of
interdevice differences between measurements was evaluated by one-way ANOVA and
Bland-Altman analysis. The repeatability of 3 consecutive measurements was
analyzed by repeated-measures ANOVA. Results: The mean ACD was 2.98 +/- 0.29,
2.85 +/- 0.29, 3.33 +/- 0.42, 2.93 +/- 0.30 and 2.80 +/- 0.29 mm with Visante
OCT, SL-OCT, IOL Master, Pentacam and Orbscan IIz, respectively. All devices
displayed a high intrasession repeatability (repeated-measures ANOVA, p > 0.05).
ACD measurements obtained by the IOL Master were significantly greater compared
to other devices. ACD values detected by Visante OCT and SL-OCT, Pentacam and
Orbscan IIz were not clinically interchangeable, even though no statistically
significant difference was detected. Conclusion: Although noncontact ACD
measurements using all modalities were easy to handle and demonstrated good
repeatability, the tested devices were not regarded as compatible. Hence, the
clinician should take the different modalities into consideration during ACD
assessment using various devices. Copyright (c) 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.

PMID: 20453540  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

9: Ophthalmologica. 2010 May 4;224(6):333-340 [Epub ahead of print] 

Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography Use in Macular Diseases: A Review.

Wolf S, Wolf-Schnurrbusch U.

Universitatsklinik fur Augenheilkunde, Universitatsklinik fur Augenheilkunde,
Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.

The introduction of spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) has
improved the clinical value for assessment of the eyes with macular disease.
This article reviews the advances of SD-OCT for the diagnostic of various
macular diseases. These include vitreomacular traction syndrome, cystoid macular
edema/diabetic macular edema, epiretinal membranes, full-thickness macular
holes, lamellar holes, pseudoholes, microholes, and schisis from myopia. Besides
offering new insights into the pathogenesis of macular abnormalities, SD-OCT is
a valuable tool for monitoring macular disease. Copyright (c) 2010 S. Karger AG,
Basel.

PMID: 20453539  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

10: Ophthalmologica. 2010 Apr 29;224(5):332A [Epub ahead of print] 

Reply.

Mimura T.

Department of Ophthalmology, University of Tokyo Graduate School of Medicine,
Tokyo, Japan.

Publication Types:
    LETTER

PMID: 20431314  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

11: Ophthalmologica. 2010 Apr 30;224(5):332 [Epub ahead of print] 

Blood Pressure in Subconjunctival Hemorrhage.

Kittisupamongkol W.

Hua Chiew Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand.

Publication Types:
    LETTER

PMID: 20431313  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

12: Ophthalmologica. 2010 Apr 30;224(5):325-331 [Epub ahead of print] 

Effect of Flap Removal in Myopic Epi-LASIK Surgery on Visual Rehabilitation and
Postoperative Pain: A Prospective Intraindividual Study.

Na KS, Lee KM, Park SH, Lee HS, Joo CK.

Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Kangnam St. Mary's Hospital,
College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.

Purpose: A prospective intraindividual study to evaluate the effect of flap
removal in myopic epi-LASIK surgery on visual rehabilitation and postoperative
pain. Methods: Ninety eyes of 45 patients were treated for myopia with
epi-LASIK. In each patient, the epithelial flap was repositioned in one eye
after epi-LASIK (group 1) while the flap was removed in the other (group 2).
Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), spherical
equivalent (SE) refraction, postoperative pain and corneal haze were examined
for 6 months after surgery in both groups. Results: Group 2 had a better UCVA at
4 days and BCVA at 1 week after surgery (p = 0.001, p = 0.043) than group 1. No
significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of UCVA,
BCVA, or SE refraction at 1 week and 1, 2 and 6 months. Postoperative pain
scores were similar for both groups. In group 2, severe pain (pain level >/=6)
was relatively less than in group 1 at 2 h and 12 h after surgery. Corneal haze
levels in both groups were not different. Conclusions: Epi-LASIK surgery with
flap removal was found to significantly promote re-epithelialization and visual
recovery during the early postoperative period. It was also found to be more
predictable and less painful than epi-LASIK surgery. Copyright (c) 2010 S.
Karger AG, Basel.

PMID: 20431312  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

13: Ophthalmologica. 2010 Apr 24;224(5):319-324 [Epub ahead of print] 

Comparison of Bevacizumab and Triamcinolone for Treatment of Macular Edema
Secondary to Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion in a Pair-Matched Analysis.

Guthoff R, Meigen T, Hennemann K, Schrader W.

Department of Ophthalmology, University of Wurzburg, Wurzburg, Germany.

Background: To compare the outcome of bevacizumab or triamcinolone acetate (TA)
treatment in patients with macular edema (ME) after branch retinal vein
occlusion (BRVO). Methods: In a retrospective assessment, 10 bevacizumab-treated
patients and 10 TA-treated with ME after BRVO were pair-matched according to
initial best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central macular thickness (CMT)
as measured by Stratus optical coherence tomography (OCT). BCVA and CMT were the
main endpoints. Results: The initial BCVA was 0.2 +/- 0.13 in
bevacizumab-treated patients and 0.2 +/- 0.16 in TA-treated patients, with a CMT
of 497 +/- 102 mum and 517 +/- 88 mum, respectively. Following bevacizumab, the
mean final BCVA increased by 2.8 +/- 4 lines, and by 0.6 +/- 3.5 lines in
patients receiving TA. The mean final CMT was 238 +/- 118 mum and 195 +/- 243
mum in the respective treatment groups. Conclusions: Both treatments decreased
the CMT, but only bevacizumab induced an improvement in BCVA from baseline,
which was significant 8 weeks after treatment, but no longer significant after
13 months. Copyright (c) 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.

PMID: 20424494  [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]