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This work aims to evaluate the effects of gum arabic and eugenol on inflammatory angiogenesis in a subcutaneous silica inoculum model. Ninety-six Wistar rats were distributed over 16 groups. The substances administered by gavage included distilled water, gum arabic (500 mg/100g weight), and eugenol (10mg/100g weight). Control groups received 0.2 mL of sterile distilled water subcutaneously. The experimental groups were subjected to an inoculum of 0.2 mL of silica solution (50 mg/mL) subcutaneously. For seven or 14 days, the groups received distilled water or gum arabic or eugenol or gum arabic plus eugenol. There was no difference between the histological analysis of slides stained with hematoxylin-eosin. There was a reduction in vascular density in animals that received only gum arabic for 7 (0.09 µm² ± 0.02) or 14 (0.08 µm² ± 0.03) days and only eugenol for seven days (0.08 µm² ± 0.03), but this was not statistically significant. The microvascular density significantly increased in the group treated with eugenol for 14 days (0.14 µm² ± 0.02). Eugenol reduced inflammatory angiogenesis when administered for seven days and stimulated it when administered for 14 days. Gum arabic had a potential inhibitory effect on this model. The study of inflammatory angiogenesis, induced by a silica inoculum in the subcutaneous tissue of rats, is a new and reproducible model for evaluating angiogenesis and inflammation.

Scleral and iris fixation of intraocular lenses (IOL) are useful in the treatment of surgical or traumatic aphakia, luxation, and subluxation of IOL if the patient does not present appropriate capsular support. However, there is no consensus in the literature about which of these 2 methods is safer and better. The authors performed a literature review searching the main postoperative outcomes obtained with the use of each surgical method. Scleral and iris fixation of IOL are efficient in correction of the patients’ visual acuity, even though each technique presents distinct complications which depend especially on the experience of the surgeon with the performed surgical method. It is important to understand that individuals submitted to scleral or iris fixation present previous preoperative complications in their eyes. Besides, both procedures are very complex, involving intense manipulation of the eye globe. The success rate of these surgical techniques is highly variable and has a close relation to the preoperative conditions of the patient’s eye and the improvement of the surgeon’s learning curve.

Background: Studies have shown a higher incidence of dry eye among patients with diabetes compared to patients without diabetes. However, information regarding dry eye in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy and laser therapy indication is not sufficient. Objective: To estimate the clinical manifestation of dry eye syndrome in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy and laser therapy indication. Method: A cross-sectional study was performed during a local evaluation campaign of diabetic patients with vision disabilities at the Instituto Cearense de Oftalmologia in Fortaleza, CE, Brazil. Patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy and laser therapy indication were included in the study. An anamnesis directly to dry eye complaints was performed, and eligible participants completed the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire. The slit lamp examination was performed with fluorescein staining; the tear break-up time (TBUT) was measured, and conjunctiva and corneal was evaluated using Rose Bengal (RB) staining. Finally, the Schirmer I test was performed. Results: Twenty-five patients were included in the study with a diagnostic time of Diabetes Mellitus ranged from 1 to 35 years, with an average of 17.2 ± 8.7 years. In our sample, 14 patients (56%) reported glycemic control with insulin, while 11 patients (44%) had oral hypoglycemic agents. The most prevalent complaint was blurred vision (96% of patients) followed by low visual acuity (92%). A less prevalent complaint was pain (44%). The mean OSDI score was 49.4 ± 24.2. TBUT was less than 10 seconds in 21 patients (84%), and RB staining grade was more than 3 in 13 patients (52%). The results of the Schirmer I test ranged from 2 to 35 mm, with a mean of 13.57 ± 9.78 mm. It was smaller than 10 mm in 15 patients (60%). Conclusion: The frequency of manifestation of dry eye syndrome was very common in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy and laser therapy indication. Ocular surface care should be provided for those patients with significant ocular morbidity.

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of topical instillation of pegaptanib sodium upon inflammatory angiogenesis induced in the rabbit cornea by alkaline cauterization. Methods: Inflammatory angiogenesi...

IntroductionGlaucoma is a progressive optic neuropathy that requires continuous monitoring. The purpose of the study was to develop and evaluate the usability of a mobile application, for iOS and Android platforms, containing functionalities to improve patients’ knowledge about glaucoma and facilitate their treatment. MethodsThe application was developed by a multidisciplinary team using an adapted version of a co-design methodology. Thirty-six volunteers were selected, among patients and patients' relatives, from the Instituto Cearense de Oftalmologia, chosen by rational choice sampling, to answer the System Usability Scale after having prior orientation. The results extracted from the questionnaire were analyzed quantitatively. After grouping by age, a proportions test (z-test) was performed. ResultsIt was possible to develop an application for mobile devices named “GlaucoCheck”. Of the 36 interviewees, the average age was 51 (22-69) years old, 56% were women, and 64% had a university degree. The average APP score for usability in the SUS questionnaire was 75.6 (95% CI 74.1-77.2). DiscussionThere was an appropriate acceptance of patients to the “GlaucoCheck”, as it was considered easy to handle, exhibiting interactive and uncomplicated layout. It was possible to develop an application and to register a positive acceptance by the users, encompassing functions that permits better adherence to treatments and additional knowledge about glaucoma.

PURPOSE To develop a mobile app that allows photographs to be captured and edited under the overlay of images and projection of a protractor with 360 degrees axis markings, which enables the surgeon to accurately visualize the programmed and marked alignment where the intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS) will be implanted, detecting possible marking errors. METHODS A codesign methodology was chosen to develop the Eye Axis Check application. After app development, measurements were obtained, and comparisons were made between manual marks and ICRS alignment with and without the app in 13 eyes that had undergone ICRS implantation for keratoconus. The mobile app was made available to 15 ophthalmic surgeons in different cities to assess its usability. RESULTS The users approved the developed application for ease of use and utility. No difference was found between the markings made manually and those made with the app, and the mean difference between ICRS centralization and assessment made by the app was 4.84 degrees (95% confidence interval: -5.32 to 15.01; P = 0.3193). On comparison of the agreement between app measurements and manual measurements for the ICRS centration, no significant differences were found, and excellent concordance (0.991) and a strong positive linear correlation (0.984) were observed. CONCLUSIONS A mobile app for preoperative planning and intraoperative ICRS alignment was developed and revealed to be useful and easy to use, allowing the surgeon to visualize the programmed alignment where the ICRS will be implanted.

PURPOSE To compare direct and indirect LASIK flap thickness measurements using ultrasound and Scheimpflug technology. METHODS Eighty-two eyes treated with laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis refractive surgery using a femtosecond laser (IntraLase FS150) were prospectively included in the study. Flap thickness was set to 115 μm. Corneal flap thickness was measured using the direct method-ie, ultrasound pachymetry immediately after flap construction in the presence of cavitation bubbles-and indirect methods, with subtraction of intraoperative post-lift corneal thickness measured using ultrasound pachymetry (intrastroma) from preoperative central corneal thickness using ultrasound (Indirect-US) or Scheimpflug thinnest pachymetry (Indirect-Scheimpflug). RESULTS Mean flap thickness was overestimated using the indirect methods, Indirect-US and Indirect-Scheimpflug (122.6 ± 24.5 μm and 128.1 ± 26.1 μm, respectively; P < 0.0060 and P < 0.0001, respectively). There were no significant correlations between the direct and indirect methods. Indirect-Scheimpflug was significantly higher (P = 0.0122) than Indirect-US. The closest average flap thickness compared with the set parameter of 115 μm was that of the direct method (115.6 ± 8.6 μm; 95% confidence interval: -1.3 to 2.5; P = 0.5163). The direct method provided the lowest SD of all groups (SD: 8.64). CONCLUSIONS The direct method of flap thickness measurement was the most comparable to the set parameter compared with the indirect subtraction methods. Additional studies are needed to determine which method allows for the most accurate measurement of flap thickness.

Purpose. To develop a mobile app that allows capturing and editing of photographs, performs image transposition and projection of a protractor with 360° axis markings, and permits accurate visualization of programmed alignment for the positioning of toric intraocular lenses (IOLs). Methods. In this prospective case series study, a codesign methodology was chosen to develop the Eye Axis Check application. After app development, measurements were obtained and comparisons were made between manual marks and toric IOL alignment without and with the app in 30 eyes that had undergone cataract surgery with toric IOLs. The mobile app was made available to 15 ophthalmic surgeons in different cities to assess its usability. Results. The users approved the developed application for its ease of use and utility. The mean difference between the markings made manually and those made with the app was 1° (±2°; range: 0°–5°), and the mean difference between the IOL position and the assessment made by the app was 3° (±3°; range: 0°–12°). Upon comparison of the agreement between the app measurements and the manual measurements for the IOL angle, no significant differences were found, and an excellent concordance (0.997) and a strong positive linear correlation (0.995) were observed. Conclusion. A mobile app for preoperative planning and intraoperative toric IOL alignment was developed and revealed to be useful and easy to use.

According to the World Health Organization, cataract is the major cause of reversible visual impairment in the world. It is present as the cause of decreased visual acuity in 33% of the visual impaired citizens. With the increase of life expectancy in the last decades, the number of patients with cataract is expected to grow for the next 20 years. Nowadays, the only effective treatment for cataracts is surgery and its surgical outcomes have been increasingly satisfactory with the technological advancement.Pharmaceutical development has been also responsible for surgical outcomes enhancement. This includes the development of new ophthalmic viscoelastic devices (OVDs), intraocular dyes, mydriatics, miotics, anesthetics, irrigating solutions, and antibiotics. However, the increased costs and demand for cataract surgery may be hard to meet in the future unless clinical preventive and curative options are evaluated.In this chapter, we review the studies that addressed pharmacological applications in cataract.

Dense brunescent cataracts represent a major challenge for surgeons. We performed a literature review focusing on surgical challenges dense brunescent cataracts present. All relevant literature was...

To investigate the relationship between retinal sensitivity and persistence of subretinal fluid and then to analyze microperimetry as a prognostic predictor of acute central serous chorioretinopathy.A prospective observational study. Fourteen eyes of 14 patients presenting with first episode acute central serous chorioretinopathy were enrolled and underwent ocular examination, spectral domain optical coherence tomography, and MAIA microperimetry were performed. After three months of follow-up, without any treatment, visual acuity and spectral domain optical coherence tomography macular thickness assessments and microperimetry were repeated. The main outcome was to find a relation between initial macular sensitivity and persistence of subretinal fluid. A receiver operating characteristic curve was plotted to indicate the best macular sensitivity cutoff point that would be able to predict whether a patient with acute central serous chorioretinopathy would progress to the chronic form. According to the cutoff, we calculated the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for macular sensitivity as a method to predict persistence of subretinal fluid.On the basis of the receiver operating characteristic curve, a cutoff of 20 dB macular sensitivity was obtained, as the best balance between sensitivity and specificity to predict chronicity. Using this cutoff, the method had a sensitivity of 71% and specificity of 100% with a positive predictive value of 100% and negative predictive value of 78%. Furthermore, it was found that eyes with acute central serous chorioretinopathy and microperimetry of less than 20 dB had a relative risk of 4.5 to develop subretinal fluid persistence.Microperimetry with a cutoff of 20 dB may be a useful test to predict the persistence of subretinal fluid, allowing the ophthalmologist to use treatment tools earlier, preventing extracellular damage and visual impairment.

According to the World Health Organization, cataract is the major cause of reversible visual impairment in the world. It is present as the cause of decreased visual acuity in 33% of the visual impaired citizens. With the increase of life expectancy in the last decades, the number of patients with cataract is expected to grow for the next 20 years. Nowadays, the only effective treatment for cataracts is surgery and its surgical outcomes have been increasingly satisfactory with the technological advancement.

Aims: Evaluate the effect of LASSBio-596, structurally designed as a new hybrid of thalidomide, on inflammatory corneal angiogenesis. Methods: Eighteen rabbits were submitted to an alkaline cauterization in the right cornea. The animals were randomly allocated to three groups: vehicle, dexamethasone and LASSBio-596. Drugs were administered by eyedrops 3 times a day for 21 days. Evaluations were performed on days 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 21 after cauterization. At these time points, digital images of the cornea were captured in a standard fashion. The angiogenic response was measured using software that was developed specifically for this purpose. It calculated the following parameters: neovascularization area (NA), total vascular length (TVL) and blood vessel number (BVN). Results: It was observed that dexamethasone significantly decreased NA, TVL and BVN during all assessments. From the NA the angiogenesis rate (AR) was calculated in each group. Therefore, dexamethasone completely inhibited the inflammatory corneal angiogenesis with an AR of –0.001 ± 0.006 mm2/day, which was significantly lower (p < 0.001) than that observed after treatment with vehicle (0.078 ± 0.024 mm2/day) and LASSBio-596 (0.054 ± 0.012 mm2/day). Although LASSBio-596 reduced angiogenesis in relation to vehicle, according to NA, TVL and BVN values, this difference was not statistically significant. However, it was found that the AR as measured in the LASSBio-596 group was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than that seen in control animals, indicating a potential antiangiogenic effect. Conclusion: We conclude that topical application of LASSBio-596 at 1.0% has a potential inhibitory effect on inflammatory corneal angiogenesis in rabbits.

Introduction: To date, it has never been demonstrated the propagation sound speed in human corneas and lens in vivo. With the advent of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), it became possible to determine the dimensions of the ocular tissues without the interference of sound propagation speed and to use this information to define the real propagation sound speed for each patient and individualized structure. Aim: To determine the sound propagation speed in the cornea and lens from patients that theoretically exhibits differences in tissue elasticity (normal corneas and keratoconus, corneas of young and elderly patients, in addition to clear crystalline lens from young and elderly patients with cataract). Then, relate the determined velocity in each group with the expected tissue elasticity of the cornea and lens. Methods: We studied 100 eyes from 50 patients: 50 with keratoconus and no cataract and 50 with cataract and no corneal changes. All patients measured corneal and lens thickness by ultrasound methods (Ultrasonic Biomicroscopy - UBM and Ultrasonic Pachymetry - USP) and by OCT (RTVue®, Lenstar® and Visante®), then were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 (Cornea) analyzed the central corneal thickness (UBM, USP, RTVue®, Visante®, Lenstar®); Group 2 (Lens) analyzed the axial thickness of the lens (UBM and Lenstar®). Based on standard ultrasonic speed from USP (1640 m/s) and UBM (1548 m/s), we calculated the real sound propagation speed in each tissue. Results: Based on USP, the corneal sound speed on control group (1616 m/s) was faster than on keratoconus group (1547 m/s) (P Discussion: It is known that sound propagates faster in materials with lower elasticity. We found that the sound speed on keratoconic corneas (high elasticity) was slower and on cataract lens (lower elasticity) was faster than normal corneas and lens in vivo.

We describe a technique for image-guided femtosecond laser–assisted cataract surgery in a case of Peters anomaly type 2. The femtosecond laser technology enabled reliable construction of a complete capsulotomy despite central corneal opacification and a tented anterior capsule. Use of an image-guided femtosecond laser for cataract extraction in Peters anomaly type 2 is a safe method for removing these complex cataracts while preserving capsular and corneal integrity. Financial Disclosure Dr. De la Cruz is a consultant to Alcon Surgical, Inc. No other author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Purpose:To evaluate the visual performance of different types of intraocular lens (IOL) in eyes submitted to femtosecond laser (FSL) cataract surgery and to analyze whether this technology could result in spectacles independence.Design:Retrospective comparative case series.Methods:Consecutive eyes that were scheduled for FSL cataract surgery were included in this study. After one month postoperative, patients were divided into two groups: cases that required prescription for eyeglasses and cases that did not require prescription. In addition, the patients were analyzed according to the type of IOL that was implanted (monofocal, monofocal toric, multifocal and multifocal toric).Results:Thirty-five cataract surgeries were analyzed. Twenty-three eyes had a monofocal IOL implanted, and 12 had a multifocal IOL implanted. After 1 month, 12 cases required prescription (Group 1), and 23 did not require prescription (Group 2). The proportion of eyes that did not require corrective lenses was significantly greater (P = 0.02) in eyes that received multifocal IOL (91.67%) compared with those that received monofocal IOL (47.83%). Additionally, 100% of eyes that received multifocal toric IOL did not require eyeglasses at one month postoperatively.Conclusion:The FSL surgical precision associated with modern IOL technology may be an important factor related to vision satisfaction after cataract surgery.

Objective: To evaluate the introduction of the femtosecond laser (FSL) to perform the key steps of the traditional cataract surgery process and the operational difficulties and safety of this new technology during routine use in an operating room in Brazil. Methods A retrospective study was conducted using the first cases operated on at a single center using the laser platform LenSx/Alcon with a soft contact lens patient interface.All patients underwent a detailed preoperative assessment.The anterior capsulotomy, nuclear fragmentation, and corneal incisions were created with the FSL; then, the surgery was completed following the standard phacoemulsification procedure. The main outcome measurements were difficulties and complications related to the learning curve and an analysis of postoperative uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA). Results: Of 31 patients (40 eyes), 9 patients had FSL cataract surgery in both eyes.The mean age was 64 ± 12 years (ranging from 42 to 82), the mean cataract nuclear sclerosis was grading 2 ± 0.6 (ranging from 1 to 4), and the preoperative mean UDVA in logMAR was 0.4 ± 0.2 (ranging from 0.1 to 1.3). Anterior capsulotomy was complete in all patients, and scissors were not needed to cut off any intact portion. The postoperative corneal incisions were not completely linear and showed some irregularities. Laser phaco-fragmentation was effective, with the division of the nucleus into smaller segments easily performed before phacoemulsification.After 1 month, the postoperative mean UDVA in logMAR was 0.1 ± 0.1 (ranging from 0.0 to 0.4) (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: With increasing surgical cases and experience, the phacoemulsification steps are performed precisely and effectively with FSL pretreatment, resulting in a safe learning curve. RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a introdução do laser de femtossegundo (FSL) para realizar etapas fundamentais da cirurgia de catarata tradicional e as dificuldades e segurança desta nova tecnologia na rotina de um centro cirúrgico no Brasil. Métodos: Um estudo retrospectivo foi realizado com os primeiros casos operados em um único centro usando a plataforma de laser LenSx/Alcon, sendo utilizado lentes de contato gelatinosa na interface do paciente. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a uma avaliação pré-operatória detalhada. Capsulotomia anterior, fragmentação nuclear e incisões na córnea foram criados com a FSL, em seguida, a cirurgia foi concluída com procedimento de facoemulsificação padrão. As principais medidas de desfecho foram dificuldades e complicações relacionadas à curva de aprendizado e análise da acuidade visual pós-operatória não corrigida à distância (UDVA). Resultados: Dos 31 pacientes (40 olhos), 9 realizaram cirurgia de catarata em ambos os olhos com FSL. A média de idade foi de 64 ± 12 anos (variando de 42 a 82), a média de classificação da catarata através da esclerose nuclear foi 2 ± 0,6 (variando de 1 a 4) e UDVA pré-operatória em logMAR foi de 0,4 ± 0,2 (variando de 0,1 a 1,3). A capsulotomia anterior foi completa em todos os pacientes e não precisou usar da pinça para cortar qualquer porção intacta. Incisões corneanas pós-operatórias não foram lineares, mostrando ainda algumas irregularidades. A facofragmentação a laser foi eficaz, com a divisão do núcleo em segmentos menores facilmente realizados antes da facoemulsificação. Após 1 mês de pós-operatório, UDVA em logMAR foi de 0,1 ± 0,1 (variando de 0,0 a 0,4) (P < 0,0001). Conclusão: Com o aumento do volume dos casos cirúrgicos e ganho de experiência, passos precisos da facoemulsificação são realizados com o pré-tratamento com o FSL, resultando em uma segura curva de aprendizagem.