Combined cilioretinal artery and partial central retinal vein occlusion in the postpartum period

PURPOSE

To report a combined cilioretinal artery and partial central retinal vein occlusion shortly after delivery in a twin-pregnant woman.

METHODS

A 25-year-old woman presented to our clinic with the complaint of blurred vision in the right eye 1 week after delivery. She underwent detailed ophthalmic and systemic investigations.

RESULTS

The patient had an uncomplicated twin pregnancy. Ocular examination showed combined cilioretinal artery and partial central retinal vein occlusion in the right eye. Systemic diseases were excluded. Laboratory evaluations revealed increased plasma d-dimer level (1.64 mg/mL). Spontaneous recovery occurred without treatment 1 month after delivery.

CONCLUSION

Twin pregnancy may lead to exaggerated hypercoagulability and increased d-dimer level in pregnant women. This situation may be a risk factor for retinochoroidal vascular occlusions.

Comparative toxicity of 4 commonly used intravitreal corticosteroids on rat retina

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of 4 commonly used steroids (dexamethasone, triamcinolone, betamethasone, and methylprednisolone) on 50 retinas of 25 adult pigmented rats.

STUDY DESIGN

Experimental animal study.

PARTICIPANTS

Twenty-five pigmented Long-Evans male rats.

METHODS

Each steroid drug with 2 different doses (0.025 mL and 0.050 mL) was injected into the vitreous of each eye of 5 rats. The low drug dose was injected into the right eye and the high dose was injected into the left eye. Ten eyes of 5 randomly selected rats were used as a control group and intravitreal saline was injected into these eyes. Oxidative damage and intrinsic antioxidative capacity were determined by measuring retinal malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels, respectively.

RESULTS

No statistically meaningful difference was observed in retinal GSH and MDA measurements in the low- and high-dose triamcinolone (1 and 2 mg), low-dose betamethasone (0.075 mg), and low-dose dexamethasone (0.1 mg) groups, compared with the control group. Both doses of methylprednisolone (1.6 mg and 3.2 mg), high-dose betamethasone (0.15 mg), and high-dose dexamethasone (0.2 mg) markedly altered retinal GSH and MDA levels.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our study show that the toxicity of triamcinolone is not evident even in high doses. It may be used safely. We also suggest that intravitreal use of low doses of betamethasone and dexamethasone is safer than higher doses of these drugs and both doses of methylprednisolone.

Ocular findings in childhood-onset Behçet disease

PURPOSE

To investigate the demographic characteristics and ocular features of patients with childhood-onset Behçet disease.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients for this retrospective study were selected using the data obtained from medical records of 34 patients with childhood-onset Behçet disease being followed up in the Uveitis Department of Ankara Ulucanlar Eye Education and Research Hospital between January 2003 and May 2008.

RESULTS

Of 34 patients, 24 were boys (70.5%) and 10 were girls (29.4%). The average age of patients was 14.5 +/- 1.9 years (range, 10-16 years). Mean follow-up period was 4.5 +/- 2 years (range, 2-10 years). During the follow-up, panuveitis, posterior uveitis, and anterior uveitis were diagnosed in 18 (52.9%), 11 (32.3%), and 5 (14.7%) patients, respectively. Ocular findings included cataract in 20 patients (58.8%), posterior synechiae in 8 (23.5%), posterior capsular opacification secondary to cataract surgery in 8 (23.5%), vitreous condensation due to previous episodes of vitritis in 17 (50%), optic atrophy in 10 (29.4%), cystoid macular edema in 5 patients (14.7%), narrowed and occluded retinal vessels due to retinal periphlebitis and branched retinal vein occlusion in 2 (5.8%), neovascularization of the disk in 1 (2.9%), and phthisis bulbi in 1 patient (2.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the results that were obtained in this series, panuveitis was the most common type of uveitis in cases with childhood-onset Behçet disease. Cataract was the most common anterior segment complication. Optic atrophy was the most common posterior segment complication. Male predominance was determined in this study.

Congenital Color Blindness in Young Turkish Men

We investigated a healthy population of men from different regions of Turkey for the presence of congenital red-green color blindness. Using Ishihara pseudoisochromatic plates, 941 healthy men from the Turkish army were tested for congenital red-green color blindness. The prevalence of red-green color blindness was 7.33 +/- 0.98% (5.10% protans and 2.23% deutans). These ratios were higher than other reported samples from Mediterranean Europe. Higher percentages of color blindness were found in regions with a lower education level and more consanguineous marriages.

CASE REPORT Lepromatous Iridocyclitis

A 36-year-old woman with no prior medical history presented with a unilateral decrease in vision and iridocyclitis to our hospital. External examination demonstrated multifocal, firm, elevated, non-tender skin nodules on the patient's face and left hand. In addition, slit-lamp biomicroscopy revealed gray, cheesy-appearing nodules on the iris surface of the affected eye. Anterior chamber paracentesis and pars plana vitrectomy did not reveal further information. Skin nodule biopsy, however, demonstrated multiple fragmented organisms within histiocytes, consistent with leprosy. The iridocyclitis resolved after treatment with dapsone, corticosteroids, and rifampin and her vision returned to 20/20.

Vitreoretinal surgery in advanced coats disease

PURPOSE

To report the outcomes of vitreoretinal surgery for a patient with total retinal detachment and a subretinal nodule associated with Coats disease (CD).

METHODS

A 20-year-old woman stage 3B CD underwent vitreoretinal surgery with triamcinolone acetonide-assisted pars plana vitrectomy, limited retinotomy, removal of the subretinal nodule and membrane, endolaser photocoagulation, and silicone oil tamponade. The surgical outcomes were observed.

RESULTS

Retinal attachment was achieved after vitreoretinal surgery, removal of the subretinal membrane, and endoresection of the subretinal fibrous nodule. No intraoperative or postoperative complications occurred due to the surgical technique. The retina remained attached during the postoperative follow-up period of 6 months.

CONCLUSION

Vitreoretinal surgery is an effective surgical technique that provides successful reattachment of the retina and enables endoresection of the subretinal fibrous nodule in eyes with advanced CD. It also prevents the devastating intraocular complications leading to enucleation.

Bilateral permanent concentric visual field defect secondary to severe pre-eclampsia

PURPOSE

To present a patient with bilateral permanent concentric visual field defect secondary to severe pre-eclampsia.

CASE REPORT

A forty-year-old woman presented to the ophthalmology department with partial visual field defect affecting her both eyes. She gave a history of emergent uterine curettage for severe uncontrolled pre-eclampsia in the 24th week of her second gestation which was 10 years before. Two days after the procedure, the patient complained of peripheral visual field defect in her both eyes which persisted until her last presentation. Her best-corrected visual acuity, color vision, intraocular pressures, and anterior segment examination findings were normal bilaterally. Fundus examination showed a normal optic nerve head with reduction of arteriole to vein ratio in both eyes. Humphrey Field Analyzer revealed a bilateral concentric visual field defect. Visual Evoked Potentials (VEP) and Electroretinography (ERG) were within normal limits in both eyes. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was normal.

DISCUSSION

Herein, we presented a case of permanent concentric visual field defect which developed as a complication of severe uncontrolled pre-eclampsia. To the best of our knowledge; such a case has not been reported to date.

Retinopathy in patients with diabetic ophthalmoplegia

PURPOSE

To compare patients with palsy of the 3rd, 4th or 6th cranial nerve due to diabetes mellitus (DM) with controls matched for age, sex and disease duration in terms of the presence and severity of diabetic retinopathy.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

Thirty-three diabetic patients with cranial nerve palsies and 33 age- and sex-matched controls with the same duration of disease were included in this case-control study. Groups were evaluated in terms of the type of DM, presence and level of diabetic retinopathy and coexisting systemic diseases. Outcomes were compared by chi(2) and paired-sample tests.

RESULTS

Eleven patients had diabetic retinopathy in the study group. In the control group, 23 patients had diabetic retinopathy. Differences in the presence and severity of diabetic retinopathy between the two groups were found to be statistically significant (p = 0.028 and p = 0.018, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Presence and level of diabetic retinopathy are significantly lower in diabetics with cranial nerve palsy than in the age-, sex- and disease-duration-matched controls.

Cataract surgery in previously vitrectomized eyes

PURPOSE

To evaluate the results of extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) and phacoemulsification (PHACO) performed in previously vitrectomized eyes.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

In this retrospective study, 56 vitrectomized eyes that had ECCE and 60 vitrectomized eyes that had PHACO were included in the study group while 65 eyes that had PHACO in the control group. The evaluated parameters were the incidence of intra-operative and postoperative complications (IPC) and visual outcomes. Chi-squared, independent samples and paired samples tests were used for comparing the results.

RESULTS

Deep anterior chamber (AC) was significantly more common in the PHACO group of vitrectomized eyes (PGVE) and observed in eyes that had undergone extensive vitreous removal (p < 0.05). Except for this there were no significant differences in the rate of IPC between the ECCE group and the PGVE (p > 0.05). Some of the intra-operative conditions such as posterior synechiae, primary posterior capsular opacification (PCO) and postoperative complications such as retinal detachment (RD), PCO were significantly more common in vitrectomized eyes than the controls (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the visual acuity gain between the ECCE group and the PGVE (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Deep AC is more common in eyes with extensive vitreous removal during PHACO than ECCE. Decreasing the bottle height is advised in this case. Except for this, the results of ECCE and PHACO are similar in previously vitrectomized eyes. Posterior synechiaes, primary and postoperative PCO and RD are more common in vitrectomized eyes than the controls.

Electron microscopic examination of the anterior lens capsule in a case of Alport's syndrome

PURPOSE

To report a case of Alport's syndrome and to present electronmicroscopic examination findings of the anterior lens capsule of this patient.

METHOD

A 21-year-old man was referred for low visual acuity and retinal pigment epithelial changes in the left eye. The patient and his relatives underwent detailed ophthalmological examination, including electrophysiological testing. The patient also underwent electronmicroscopic examination of the anterior lens capsule.

RESULTS

His visual acuity was 6/18 OD and 6/15 OS. Anterior lenticonus and subcapsular opacities were observed in the left eye. Cataract extraction by phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation was performed for his poor visual performance. During the capsulorhexis, the remarkably thin and fragile anterior capsule was noted and removed. Ultrastructural analysis of the anterior lens capsule showed a thinner central zone compared with the periphery.

CONCLUSIONS

The course of Alport's syndrome can be ameliorated by early diagnosis. Therefore, the ophthalmological examination of a patient with anterior lenticonus must be combined with a detailed medical evaluation. Ultrastructural analysis of the lens capsule can support the diagnosis of Alport's syndrome.

Long-term outcomes of heavy silicone oil tamponade for complicated retinal detachment

PURPOSE

To assess the long-term success rates and complications of heavy silicone oil tamponade (Oxane HD) in the management of complicated retinal detachment with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR).

METHODS

Twenty-one eyes of 21 patients with complicated retinal detachment and PVR were included in this study. Vitreoretinal surgery with heavy silicone oil (Oxane HD) tamponade was performed in all patients. Heavy silicone oil was injected by perfluorocarbon liquid-air-silicone oil exchange, and was removed after 3 months. The main outcomes of the surgery including the success and complication rates were evaluated during the mean follow-up period of 11.4+/-0.88 months. Wilcoxon signed ranks test was used for statistical analysis of visual acuity changes. The outcomes of our study were compared with those of the previous studies.

RESULTS

All eyes had complicated retinal detachment with PVR Grade C3 or worse. Retinal detachment was rhegmatogenous in 6 eyes, secondary to previous detachment surgery in 11 eyes, secondary to proliferative diabetic retinopathy in 3 eyes, and secondary to perforating eye injury in 1 eye. The overall anatomic success rate was 80.9% at the end of the follow-up period. The overall visual success rate was 42.8%, with no statistically significant difference from baseline (p>0.05). Postoperative complications included severe reproliferation (4 eyes), intraocular pressure rise (3 eyes), anterior dislocation of silicone oil (2 eyes), posterior subcapsular cataract formation (4 eyes), vitreous hemorrhage (1 eye), rubeosis iridis (3 eyes), optic atrophy (1 eye), and ocular pain and photophobia (21 eyes).

CONCLUSIONS

According to the results of this study, vitreoretinal surgery with temporary heavy silicone oil tamponade appears to increase the anatomic success rates with minimal complication rate in cases with complicated retinal detachment and PVR.

A case of bilateral iris mammillations with unusual pupillary appearance and pseudo-hypertension

Iris mammillations are congenital abnormalities characterised by villiform elevations regularly spaced on the surface of the iris. The aetiology of iris mammillations is unknown. They can be either isolated or associated with melanocytosis involving the uveal tract and the periocular tissue, resulting in a risk for uveal melanoma. These lesions can be complicated by high intraocular pressure and, in the case of associated melanocytosis of the iris, sclera or periocular tissues, by uveal melanoma. Patients with iris mammillations should be followed regularly due to these potential complications. We report a case of bilateral iris mammillations with unusual pupillary appearance and pseudo-hypertension and emphasise the importance of iris mammillations and that central corneal thickness should be considered when intraocular pressure is measured.

Comparison of limbal-conjunctival autograft and intraoperative 0.02% mitomycin-C for treatment of primary pterygium

PURPOSE

To compare the outcomes of use of intraoperative 0.02% mitomycin-C (MMC) and limbal-conjunctival autograft (LCAG) for treatment of primary pterygia.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

One hundred and twelve eyes of eighty patients with primary pterygia were randomly treated either by intraoperative 0.02% MMC for 5 min or LCAG. Recurrence (defined as fibrovascular tissue invading the cornea >1.5 mm) and complications were evaluated.

RESULTS

Fifty-two eyes were included in the MMC group and sixty in the LCAG group. Recurrence occurred in three eyes (5.76%) in the MMC group and in two eyes (3.33%) in the LCAG group. This difference between recurrence in the two groups was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). Incidence of complications such as conjunctival cysts, symblephara, conjunctival hyperemia, and subconjunctival hemorrhage was similar in both groups (P > 0.05) whereas corneal epithelial defects (CED), irritation, lacrimation, and photophobia were more common in the MMC group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Simple excision then intraoperative use of 0.02% (MMC) for 5 min or LCAG are similarly successful in the treatment of primary pterygia. Some complications, for example irritation, lacrimation, photophobia, and CED are more common when simple excision is followed by MMC.

Does Blunt Ocular Trauma Induce Corneal Astigmatism?

PURPOSE

To determine the effect of blunt ocular trauma on refractive astigmatism.

METHODS

Eighty-six eyes of 86 patients with known previous refractive status exposed to blunt ocular trauma were included in the study. Trauma-induced astigmatism (TIA) was calculated using vector analysis. In eyes with TIA, central corneal thickness was assessed by ultrasound pachymetry, and corneal topographies were obtained. Anterior-chamber angles were examined by Goldmann 3-mirror lens to find microhemorrhages, scarring, or recession. Patients were followed up between 8 and 12 months (average, 9.2 months).

RESULTS

In 18 eyes (21%), TIA was detected. Six (7%) of these eyes had lenticular astigmatism caused by traumatic lens subluxation. In the remaining 12 eyes (14%), corneal topography showed regular astigmatic patterns, which were symmetrical in 3 eyes and asymmetric in the remaining 9. The etiologic factor was a game marble in 6 eyes and a stone in the remaining 6. The mean central corneal thickness was 535.75 microm (range, 498-570 microm) in these 12 eyes. In 9 of these 12 eyes, recession or scarring in the anterior-chamber angle was detected at 1 edge of the steepest axis.

CONCLUSIONS

Blunt trauma can induce astigmatism. Hard and small objects are more likely to induce astigmatism.

Does diabetic retinopathy increase the incidence of intraoperative complications of phacoemulsification surgery?

PURPOSE

To evaluate the rates of intraoperative and early postoperative complications (IEPC) and the duration of phacoemulsification (DOP) in the eyes with and without diabetic retinopathy and the effect of oral and topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) on surgically induced miosis (SIM).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Phacoemulsification was applied to 50 eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), 50 eyes with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), and 50 eyes with no other ocular findings. NSAIDs were used perioperatively. The parameters evaluated were IEPC, DOP and the effect of NSAIDs on SIM.

RESULTS

The rates of IEPC and the DOP were significantly higher in the PDR group compared with the NPDR and control groups. Diabetes mellitus (DM) type had no significant effect on these parameters. The rate of SIM was higher in the eyes with PDR compared with the eyes with NPDR and the controls despite use of NSAIDs.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicates that eyes with PDR are significantly more prone to IEPC, while the type of DM is not a predictor factor. DOP is longer in the eyes with PDR. In spite of NSAID use, SIM is more commonly observed in eyes with PDR.

Traumatic optic nerve avulsion

A 10-year-old boy presented with optic nerve avulsion associated with ptosis and limitation of elevation and adduction secondary to blunt ocular trauma. At the initial examination the funduscopic view was hazy because of concurrent vitreous hemorrhage. Ultrasonography revealed a posterior ocular wall defect and a hypolucent area in the region of the optic nerve head.

Comparative analysis of the effects of brimonidine and dorzolamide on ocular blood flow velocity in patients with newly diagnosed primary open-angle glaucoma

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of brimonidine 0.2% and dorzolamide 2% on the ocular blood flow velocity in patients with newly diagnosed primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Forty-four (44) patients with newly diagnosed POAG were included in a prospective, comparative, randomized clinical study. Twenty-six (26) healthy volunteers, whose age and gender matched, were recruited to compare the baseline hemodynamic characteristics of the patients. After a complete eye examination, baseline blood flow velocity measurements of the retrobulbar vessels were made with color Doppler ultrasonography. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either brimonidine 0.2% or dorzolamide 2% for a 3-month period. Blood flow velocity measurements were repeated after 3 months. Both brimonidine and dorzolamide significantly reduced the intraocular pressure. The baseline ophthalmic artery pulsatility index was higher in patients with POAG than control subjects. Whereas there was a significant increase in peak systolic velocity of the central retinal artery, no significant change was observed in the other vessels with brimonidine and dorzolamide treatment. There was little difference, in terms of ocular blood flow velocity, between newly diagnosed glaucoma patients and control subjects. Both topical brimonidine and dorzolamide significantly reduced the intraocular pressure without altering ocular blood flow velocity in patients with newly diagnosed POAG.

Efficacy and complications of releasable suture trabeculectomy and standard trabeculectomy

PURPOSE

To compare the efficacy and complications of releasable suture trabeculectomy and standard trabeculectomy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixty-four patients with uncontrolled glaucoma despite maximally tolerated medical therapy were included in a prospective, comparative, randomized clinical study. Standard trabeculectomy was performed on the 32 patients (Group 1) by one ophthalmologist and releasable suture trabeculectomy was also performed on the 32 patients (Group 2) by another ophthalmologist. Intraocular pressure, hypotony, shallow anterior chamber, iridocorneal touch and other complications were evaluated postoperatively. Examinations were performed daily for 1 week, for the 1st month and thereafter for every 3 months.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was 11.0 +/- 2.4 months in Group 1 and 11.5 +/- 3.8 months in Group 2. On the first postoperative day mean intraocular pressure was determined 9 +/- 2.7 mmHg in Group 1, and 21.6 +/- 1.1 mmHg in Group 2 (p = 0.007). The mean intraocular pressure was 10.1 +/- 1.4 mmHg in Group 2 after suture removal. Shallow anterior chamber was observed in 11 (34.3%) patients of Group 1 and 2 (6.2%) patients of the Group 2 in the early postoperative period (p = 0.005). Iridocorneal touch was observed in 5 (15.6%) patients of Group 1 and 1 (3.1%) patient of Group 2 (p = 0.196). There was no statistically significant difference in the mean intraocular pressure between the two groups at 3, 6 and 12 months (p = 0.663, p = 0.362, p = 0.182, respectively).

DISCUSSION

Releasable scleral flap sutures reduce the incidence of shallow anterior chamber and iridocorneal touch after trabeculectomy. Releasable scleral flap suture technique and standard trabeculectomy are similar in terms of lowering intraocular pressure at 1-year-follow up.

A possible link between the pseudoexfoliation syndrome and coronary artery disease

PURPOSE

This is a collaborative case-control study from Ophthalmology and Cardiology departments of a tertiary care hospital, designed to explore the relationship between coronary artery disease (CAD) and pseudoexfoliation syndrome (PEX).

METHOD

In all, 50 patients with CAD proven by coronary angiography, and 50 controls with normal coronary angiographic findings were compared in terms of PEX, other vascular diseases, and retinal vascular findings. chi2-test and Student's t-test were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The number of patients with PEX among CAD (+) patients was substantially larger than controls. In all, 28 of 50 CAD (+) patients and only 12 of 50 CAD (-) patients had PEX. PEX was significantly associated with CAD (P=0.001). When all patients were regrouped according to the presence of PEX, patients with PEX did not differ from patients without PEX in terms of age (P=0.360) and sex (P=0.507), but the prevalence of CAD was higher (P=0.001) and fundoscopic findings of vascular diseases were significantly more prominent (P=0.0001) in PEX (+) patients.

DISCUSSION

We demonstrated statistically significant difference in the prevalence of PEX in CAD patients, and also in the prevalence of CAD in PEX (+) individuals. These were striking differences. We should consider the possibility of the presence of PEX in CAD patients; and the predisposition of PEX (+) persons for CAD, which necessitates a fundus examination for findings of systemic vascular diseases.

Optic atrophy and macular degeneration as initial presentations of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis

PURPOSE

To report a case of subacute sclerosing panencephalitis in which the initial clinical presentations were optic atrophy and macular degeneration.

DESIGN

Observational case report.

METHODS

A 9-year-old boy with visual loss attributable to optic atrophy and macular degeneration had a diagnostic examination.

RESULTS

The visual acuity levels of both eyes were light perception at presentation. Fundus examination revealed bilateral optic atrophy and macular degenerative changes including retinal pigment epithelial atrophy, macular scarring, and epiretinal membrane formation. The antimeasles IgG titers were high both in serum and cerebrospinal fluid samples. Neurologic symptoms of myoclonus, ataxia, motor, and mental disabilities occurred 4 months after the onset of first visual disturbances and 2 weeks after the patient applied to our clinic.

CONCLUSION

Children with optic atrophy and macular degenerative lesions should be examined for sclerosing panencephalitis, even if the classical neurologic symptoms of this disease are not present.

Analysis of Changes in Corneal Shape and Bulbus Geometry after Retinal Detachment Surgery

PURPOSE

To investigate changes in corneal shape and anterior segment following retinal detachment surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

25 consecutive patients with retinal detachment were enrolled in this study. Computer-assisted videokeratography was performed before and after retinal detachment surgery and changes in the anterior segments of postoperative patients were also noted.

RESULTS

In the local buckling group, statistically significant changes were observed in the anterior chamber depth, lens thickness, and vitreous length (distance from posterior surface of lens to the retina) in the postoperative period. However, in the encircling group, statistically meaningful changes were observed in the vitreous length, axial length of the globe, and the central corneal curvature and thickness in the postoperative period.

CONCLUSION

Corneal topography and axial measurements may be useful for evaluating the shape of the cornea after retinal detachment surgery. Because the resultant refractive changes are very important for the visual rehabilitation of the patients.

Comparison of subretinal fluid levels of two 0.3% ciprofloxacin-containing eye drops

PURPOSE

Two ophthalmic solutions of 0.3% ciprofloxacin eye drops are available in Turkey: Ciloxan and Siprogut. A previous study by the same authors was the first to report vitreous penetration of ciprofloxacin-containing eye drops. The aim of the present study was to compare the levels of drug found in the subretinal fluid by the two products following local administration.

METHODS

Forty-three patients undergoing conventional retinal detachment surgery received either Ciloxan (22 patients) or Siprogut (21 patients). Beginning 6 h before surgery, two drops of solution were instilled onto the operative eye every 30 min for the first 3 h and then hourly for the next 3 h. Subretinal fluid samples were collected 30 min after administration of the last dose and were assayed for ciprofloxacin levels using a method involving high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorometric detection.

RESULTS

The minimum and maximum subretinal fluid concentrations measured were 0.11 microg/mL and 0.65 microg/mL, respectively, with Ciloxan, and 0.08 microg/mL and 0.62 microg/mL, respectively wth Siprogut. There was no statistical difference between the subretinal fluid ciprofloxacin levels of the two products. The subretinal fluid drug evels attained by both products were below the minimum inhibitory concentrations of common ocular pathogens.

CONCLUSIONS

Ciloxan and Siprogut can penetrate subretinal fluid. The ocular bioavailability of ciprofloxacin after local administration is equivalent for both pharmaceutical products.

Combined phacoemulsification, vitrectomy, foreign-body extraction, and intraocular lens implantation

PURPOSE

To assess the outcome of simultaneous phacoemulsification, pars plana vitrectomy, intraocular foreign-body extraction, and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.

SETTING

SSK Ankara Eye Hospital, Department of Vitreoretinal Surgery, Ankara, Turkey.

METHODS

Seventeen patients with corneal perforation, intraocular foreign body, vitreous hemorrhage, and lens opacity had simultaneous clear corneal phacoemulsification, pars plana vitrectomy, intraocular foreign-body extraction, and IOL implantation.

RESULTS

Postoperative complications included massive retinal fibrosis in 2 patients, retinal detachment in 1, and cilioretinal artery occlusion in 1. At a mean follow-up of 15.2 months, best corrected visual acuity improved in the remaining 13 eyes (76%). The IOL was stable in all cases.

CONCLUSION

Combined phacoemulsification with IOL implantation and vitreoretinal surgery was safe in selected cases of penetrating ocular trauma resulting from an intraocular foreign body.

Aqueous humour levels of topically applied ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin in the same subjects

PURPOSE

To evaluate aqueous humour levels of topical 0.3% ciprofloxacin and 0.3% ofloxacin in the same subjects.

METHODS

Thirty-two bilateral cataractous patients received topical 0.3% ciprofloxacin in one eye and 0.3% ofloxacin in the other eye before each cataract extraction. Eyedrops were repetitively instilled for 6 h. Aqueous humour samples were collected and assayed for drug concentrations by a method described originally by us using high-performance liquid chromatography.

RESULTS

Mean aqueous ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin levels were 0.33 +/- 0.04 microgram/ml (mean +/- SEM) and 1.34 +/- 0.14 micrograms/ml respectively (p < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Ofloxacin level in the aqueous humour is 4 times higher than that of ciprofloxacin in the same subjects.

Penetration of topical, oral, and combined administered ofloxacin into the subretinal fluid

AIMS

To assess the subretinal fluid (SRF) levels of ofloxacin following topical, oral or combined administration.

METHODS

31 patients undergoing conventional retinal reattachment surgery were randomly assigned to three groups. Nine patients received topical ofloxacin, 11 patients received oral ofloxacin, and the other 11 patients received combined administration. Collected SRF samples were analysed for drug level by using high performance liquid chromatography.

RESULTS

SRF drug levels after oral and combined administration were significantly higher than that after topical administration (p=0.0002 and p=0.0002, respectively) while there was no significant difference between oral and combined administration (p=0.0844).

CONCLUSIONS

Ocular bioavailability of ofloxacin in SRF after oral and combined administration is equivalent. The addition of oral ofloxacin to topical therapy increased drug SRF penetration sixfold.

Changes in anterior chamber depth and intraocular pressure after phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

To determine anterior chamber depth (ACD) and intraocular pressure (IOP) following uncomplicated cataract extraction with phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The ACDs and IOPs of 56 patients were prospectively evaluated after phacoemulsification and IOL implantation. Measurements of ACD were performed using ultrasonography and measurements of IOP were performed using a Goldmann applanation tonometer preoperatively and at 1 week and 1, 3, 6, and 9 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

The mean IOP had decreased and the mean ACD had increased significantly by 1 month postoperatively (P < .03 and P < .01, respectively). Between 1 and 3 months, a significant increase in ACD (P < .05) and decrease in IOP (P < .01) was also observed. The ACD peaked (3.51 +/- 0.45 mm) and the IOP reached its lowest value (10.05 +/- 2.23 mm Hg) at 3 months postoperatively. The reduction in IOP and increase in ACD remained significant during the follow-up period, compared with the preoperative values.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that increases in ACD and decreases in IOP occur in selected patients after uncomplicated cataract extraction by phacoemulsification with IOL implantation.