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Chronic alveolar hypoxia, whether due to residence at high altitude or lung disease, leads to a sustained increase in pulmonary vascular resistance and pulmonary hypertension (PH). Strategies that augment endogenous nitric oxide production or activity, including L-arginine supplementation, attenuate the development of PH. This action has been attributed to inhibition of vessel wall remodeling, thus preventing structural narrowing of the vascular lumen. However, more recent evidence suggests that structural changes are not responsible for the elevated vascular resistance observed in chronic hypoxic PH, calling into question the previous explanation for the action of L-arginine. We examined the effect of dietary L-arginine supplementation on pulmonary vasoconstriction, structurally determined maximum vascular lumen diameter, and vessel length in rats during 2 wk of exposure to hypoxia. L-Arginine attenuated the development of hypoxic PH by preventing increased arteriolar resistance. It did not alter mean maximal vascular lumen diameter, nor did it augment nitric oxidemediated vasodilatation, in chronically hypoxic lungs. However, the total length of vessels within the gas exchange region of the hypoxic lungs was significantly increased after L-arginine supplementation. These findings suggest that dietary L-arginine ameliorated hypoxic PH, but not by an effect on the structurally determined lumen diameter of pulmonary blood vessels. L-Arginine enhanced angiogenesis in the hypoxic pulmonary circulation, which may attenuate hypoxic PH by producing new parallel vascular pathways through the lung. vascular endothelial growth factor; nitric oxide; hypoxia; lung disease

Background: The Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 (AREDS 2) proved the benefit of vitamin and mineral supplementation in preventing advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AREDS 2 supplements are indicated for patients with either bilateral intermediate AMD (AREDS category 3) or unilateral neovascular AMD (AREDS category 4)., Aims: The aims of this telephone survey were to identify the rate of adherence of patients to AREDS 2 supplements and the factors associated with non-compliance in these patient groups., Methods: A patient telephone survey was conducted in an Irish tertiary care hospital. Patients were identified by chart review, and their AREDS categorization was reconfirmed. A telephone consultation was conducted with each patient to assess their compliance with the micronutrient supplements., Results: We identified 120 patients who met the AREDS criteria for supplementation. Of these, 103 patients were graded as category 4, and 17 patients were graded as category 3. Almost a fifth (18%) were current smokers. Under two-thirds (60%) of the patients were taking AREDS 2 supplements. Of the remainder, 83% of patients did not recall being advised of their benefit. The cost was cited by 10% of patients as a reason for non-compliance., Conclusion: The ophthalmologist not only has a duty of care to treat the neovascular complications of AMD, but they must also strive to improve patient compliance with AREDS supplements. The cessation of smoking needs to be actively promoted in order to stop preventable vision loss in patients with AMD., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Royal Academy of Medicine in Ireland.)

Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared.

A 33-year-old man presented with a 10-day history of bilateral blurred vision on a background of a prodromal influenza-like illness. Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT) and fundal examination coincided with a diagnosis of atypical central serous retinopathy. The patient's symptoms worsened during follow-up, and he was started on steroids. Subsequent fundal examination revealed yellow deposits in a honeycomb pattern and hard exudates in the perimacular region. Serial OCTs revealed progression of bilateral macular intraretinal and subretinal fluid. He was subsequently admitted to hospital for a full paraneoplastic workup. Liaison with our colleagues in other specialist retinal centres led us to a diagnosis of acute exudative polymorphous vitelliform maculopathy syndrome. We subsequently took fundal images to monitor disease progression and to monitor changes seen with autofluorescence in this rare disease entity., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© BMJ Publishing Group Ltd (unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.)

Purpose: Strabismus surgery aims to improve binocular vision, reduce diplopia, and enhance cosmesis. Adjustable strabismus procedures have been developed as a means of tackling unpredictability in some post-operative results. The purpose of the study was to compare the effectiveness of adjustable and non-adjustable squint procedures in the treatment of strabismus., Methods: We analyzed adjustable or non-adjustable squint surgery undergone in our Irish locality by retrospectively studying 27 consecutive patients at Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin., Results: There was no significant difference (p = 0.519) in the mean post-operative horizontal deviation between the adjustable group (mean = 11.6 PD) and the non-adjustable group (mean = 15.3 PD). We found that adjustable procedures resulted in a trend (p = 0.050) towards a greater mean horizontal effect per muscle (18.9 PD per muscle) than non-adjustable procedures (mean 9.7 PD). We went on to analyze the adjustable group in order to determine the impact on outcome in those patients in whom their adjustable sutures were manipulated postoperatively. Of the 11 patients who underwent adjustable procedures, 6 subsequently had adjustments made as planned and 5 did not require adjustment. Those patients who had their sutures adjusted demonstrated a smaller mean post-operative deviation (8.5 PD) than those patients in whom their suture was not adjusted (mean = 16.3 PD)., Conclusion: Our study displays a trend that adjustable procedures are more effective in terms of the mean horizontal effect per muscle operated, and is a novel way of reporting effectiveness of strabismus procedures.

Purpose: To describe the anterior chamber migration of a fluocinolone acetonide (Iluvien) implant in the context of previous vitrectomy and complicated cataract surgery., Methods: Retrospective observational case series. Two patients with a history of vitrectomy and complicated phacoemulsification surgery, one of whom had pseudoexfoliation., Results: The implant migrated to the anterior chamber shortly after implantation. One patient had the implant removed after one recurrence; the other used pilocarpine 2% eye drops to reduce the risk of further migration., Conclusion: Complicated cataract surgery and vitrectomy can be associated with migration of fluocinolone acetonide implants into the anterior chamber.

Aim: To identify challenges inherent in introducing a toric intraocular lens (IOL) to a non-refractive cataract practice, and evaluate residual astigmatism achieved and its impact on patient satisfaction., Methods: Following introduction of a toric IOL to a cataract practice with all procedures undertaken by a single, non-refractive, surgeon (SB), pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative data was analysed. Attenuation of anticipated post-operative astigmatism was examined, and subjectively perceived visual functioning was assessed using validated questionnaires., Results: Median difference vector (DV, the induced astigmatic change [by magnitude and axis] that would enable the initial surgery to achieve intended target) was 0.93D; median anticipated DV with a non-toric IOL was 2.38D. One eye exhibited 0.75D residual astigmatism, compared to 3.8D anticipated residual astigmatism with a non-toric IOL. 100% of respondents reported satisfaction of ≥ 6/10, with 37.84% of respondents entirely satisfied (10/10). 17 patients (38.63%) reported no symptoms of dysphotopsia (dysphoptosia score 0/10), only 3 respondents (6.8%) reported a clinically meaningful level of dysphotopsia (≥ 4/10). Mean post-operative NEI VF-11 score was 0.54 (+/-0.83; scale 0 - 4)., Conclusion: Use of a toric IOL to manage astigmatism during cataract surgery results in less post-operative astigmatism than a non-toric IOL, resulting in avoidance of unacceptable post-operative astigmatism., Competing Interests: Statement All authors certify that they have no affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial interest (such as honoraria; educational grants; participation in speakers’ bureaus; membership, employment, consultancies, stock ownership, or other equity interest; and expert testimony or patent-licensing arrangements), or non-financial interest (such as personal or professional relationships, affiliations, knowledge or beliefs) in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript.

Introduction: The outer nuclear layer (ONL) contains mostly photoreceptor bodies and reduced post-operative ONL thickness (ONLT) is associated with poor visual outcome in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD)., Methods: Spectral domain ocular coherence tomography was recorded before and 6 weeks following RRD repair in 27 consecutive patients., Results: The repair consisted of combined 20-guage pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and encirclement in 66.7% of cases, 22.2% underwent PPV alone and 11.1% scleral buckle alone. The mean (± standard deviation) ONLT was reduced in detached retinae (94.1 ± 31.1 microns) compared to the unaffected eye (119.5 ± 26.8 microns). Postoperatively the ONLT increased to 103.3 (± 32.8) microns. ONLT at presentation in the affected eye is significantly and positively correlated with the final ONLT in the affected eye (Pearson's correlation: r = 0.80, p = 0.029)., Conclusion: The finding that ONLT is reduced in detached retinae carries implications for visual prognosis.

Purpose: To look at tonometry differences between 3 tonometers and to correlate this difference with central corneal thickness (CCT) in glaucomatous and nonglaucomatous eyes., Methods: A total of 145 patients were recruited (39 with glaucoma). Intraocular pressure (IOP) was carried out using the Tonosafe (TS), Tono-Pen XL (TP), and Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT). CCT was also performed using a digital pachymeter., Results: The TS underestimated IOP when compared with the GAT by a mean (±SD) of 1.03±2.14 mm Hg (P<0.001). The TP when compared to the GAT overestimated IOP by a mean (±SD) of +1.09±6.38 mm Hg (P=0.071). We found only 31% of TP readings to be within ±2 mm Hg of the GAT readings and only 60% to be within ±4 mm Hg of the GAT readings. Correlation was poor (F=0.247) between the GAT and TP with the coefficient of determination being 0.061. The difference in IOP was independent of CCT and a diagnosis of glaucoma., Conclusions: The TS, when compared with the GAT, underestimates IOP with a tendency for this to increase in the higher range of IOP readings. The TP is poorly correlated with the GAT.

Purpose: To report a rare case of isolated bilateral simultaneous superior ophthalmic vein occlusions secondary to antiphospholipid syndrome., Case Report: We report the case of a 77-year-old female who presented with a one week history of right relative proptosis, conjunctival injection and optic disc swelling. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed bilateral orbital masses which were diagnosed as superior ophthalmic vein occlusion. The patient was anticoagulated and the lesions resolved completely. System cardiovascular and haematological work-up revealed the patient was suffering from anti-phospholipid syndrome., Conclusion: Although superior ophthalmic vein occlusion is rare, it is an important differential as orbital biopsy is to be avoided. This is only the second reported case secondary to antiphospholipid syndrome and the first such case with bilateral occlusions.

Background. Enucleation is a psychologically and physically traumatic event associated with chronic pain. It would be desirable to better predict which patients will have pain after surgery. Methods. A cross-sectional postal questionnaire study of adults undergoing enucleation captured the demographic details, Pain Quality Assessment Scale (PQAS), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), and the Facial Pain Assessment questionnaire. Patients were classified as suffering from chronic pain if they reported a pain score of >1 out of 10 on the numerical pain score (NRS). Results. Seventeen of 60 adults participated in the study. 47% of patients reported chronic pain (mean pain score = 1.4 ± 0.7, n = 17); 25% experienced pain daily. No difference in age, surgical side, reason for surgery, or the duration of time since the surgery was noted. All patients had low PQAS scores and 50% of individuals with persistent pain were concerned about their facial appearance. There was no significant difference in the level of catastrophization noted in patients with or without pain or between the subgroups (rumination, magnification, or helplessness). Conclusions. Although persistent pain following enucleation affected a significant number of patients, the pain intensity was mild. Enucleation influenced the physical perception some individuals had of themselves.

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) and laser-assisted subepithelial keratectomy (LASEK) on dry-eye disease markers including tear osmolarity, Schirmer testing, and the ocular surface disease index (OSDI)., Setting: Laser Suite, Mater Private Hospital, Dublin, Ireland., Design: Prospective controlled cross-sectional observation study., Methods: In a single center, consecutive eyes that had LASIK or LASEK had dry-eye disease markers assessed preoperatively and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively., Results: In LASIK eyes (n = 50), the mean tear osmolarity was significantly elevated (by 2.8%) at 12 months (P=.009, Student t test). The mean Schirmer test values were not significantly altered postoperatively in either group. The mean OSDI was maximum in LASIK eyes at 3 months (mean follow-up 7.2 months ± 8.2 [SD]) and in LASEK eyes (n = 35) preoperatively (mean follow-up 9.1 ± 9.7 months)., Conclusions: There were no significant differences in dry-eye disease markers or tear osmolarity between LASIK and LASEK patients at any stage after surgery up to 1 year. Although tear osmolarity remains one of the highest predictive tests of dry eye, it is complementary with other diagnostic criteria in the context of dry eye after refractive surgery., (Copyright © 2012 ASCRS and ESCRS. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To evaluate the role of postoperative prone posturing for a single night in the outcome of trans pars plana vitrectomy (TPPV) with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peel and 20% perfluoroethane (C2F6) internal tamponade for idiopathic macular hole., Methods: This prospective trial enrolled 14 eyes in 14 consecutive patients with idiopathic macular hole. All eyes underwent TPPV with vision blue assisted ILM peeling with and without phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) for macular hole. Intraocular gas tamponade (20% C2F6) was used in all cases with postoperative face-down posturing overnight and without specific posturing afterwards. LogMAR visual acuity, appearance by slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and ocular coherence tomography (OCT) scans were compared preoperatively and postoperatively to assess outcome., Results: Among 14 eyes recruited, all eyes were phakic; 50% of patients underwent concurrent phacoemulsification with IOL. The macular holes were categorized preoperatively by OCT appearance, 4 (28.57%) were stage 2, 7 (50%) were stage 3, and 3 (21.43%) were stage 4. Mean macular hole size was 0.35 disk diameters. Symptoms of macular hole had been present for an average of 6.5 months. All holes (100%) were closed 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Mean visual acuity (logMAR) was improved to 0.61 at 3 months and was stable at 6 months after the surgery. None of the eyes had worse vision postoperatively., Conclusions: Vitrectomy with ILM peeling and 20% C2F6 gas with a brief postoperative 1 night prone posturing regimen is a reasonable approach to achieve anatomic closure in idiopathic macular hole. Concurrent cataract extraction did not alter outcomes and was not associated with any additional complications.

Purpose: To evaluate the validity of a keratometry (K)-independent method of estimating effective lens position (ELP) before phacoemulsification cataract surgery., Setting: Institute of Eye Surgery, Whitfield Clinic, Waterford, Ireland., Design: Evaluation of diagnostic test or technology., Methods: The anterior chamber diameter and corneal height in eyes scheduled for cataract surgery were measured with a rotating Scheimpflug camera. Corneal height and anterior chamber diameter were used to estimate the ELP in a K-independent method (using the SRK/T [ELP(rs)] and Holladay 1 [ELP(rh)] formulas)., Results: The mean ELP was calculated using the traditional (mean ELP(s) 5.59 mm ± 0.52 mm [SD]; mean ELP(h) 5.63 ± 0.42 mm) and K-independent (mean ELP(rs) 5.55 ± 0.42 mm; mean ELP(rh) ± SD 5.60 ± 0.36 mm) methods. Agreement between ELP(s) and ELP(rs) and between ELP(h) and ELP(rh) were represented by Bland-Altman plots, with mean differences (± 1.96 SD) of 0.06 ± 0.65 mm (range -0.59 to +0.71 mm; P=.08) in association with ELP(rs) and -0.04 ± 0.39 mm (range -0.43 to +0.35 mm; P=.08) in association with ELP(rh). The mean absolute error for ELP(s) versus ELP(rs) estimation and for ELP(h) versus ELP(rh) estimation was 0.242 ± 0.222 mm (range 0.001 to 1.272 mm) and 0.152 ± 0.137 mm (range 0.001 to 0.814 mm), respectively., Conclusion: This study confirms that the K-independent ELP estimation method is comparable to traditional K-dependent methods and may be useful in post-refractive surgery patients., (Copyright © 2011 ASCRS and ESCRS. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To report the value of dual biometry in the detection of biometry errors., Methods: Study 1: retrospective study of 224 consecutive cataract operations. The intraocular lens power calculation was based on immersion biometry. Study 2: immersion biometry was compared with optical coherence biometry (OCB) in terms of axial length, anterior chamber depth, keratometry readings and the recommended lens power to achieve emmetropia. Study 3: prospective study of 61 consecutive cataract operations. Both immersion and OCB were performed, but lens power calculation was based on the latter., Results: Study 1: 115 (86%), 101 (75.4%), 90 (67.2%) and 50 (37.3%) of postoperative spherical equivalents were within +/-1.5 dioptres (D), +/-1.25 D, +/-1 D and +/-0.5 D of the target, respectively. Study 2: excellent agreement between axial length readings, anterior chamber depth readings and keratometry readings by immersion biometry and OCB was observed (reflected in a mean bias of -0.065 mm, -0.048 mm and +0.1803 D, respectively, in association with OCB). Agreement between the lens power recommended by each technique to achieve emmetropia was poor (mean bias of +1.16 D in association with OCB), but improved following appropriate modification of lens constants in the Accutome A-scan software (mean bias with OCB = -0.4 D). Study 3: 37 (92.5%) and 23 (57.5%) of operated eyes achieved a postoperative refraction within +/-1 D and +/-0.5 D of target, respectively., Conclusion: Systematic errors in biometry can exist, in the presence of acceptable postoperative refractive results. Dual biometry allows each biometric parameter to be scrutinized in isolation, and identify sources of error that may otherwise go undetected.

Purpose: To report the impact of posture-related ocular cyclotorsion on one surgeon's surgically induced astigmatism (SIA) results and the variance in SIA., Setting: Institute of Eye Surgery, Whitfield Clinic, Waterford, Ireland., Methods: This prospective randomized controlled study included eyes that had phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation. Eyes were randomly assigned to have (intervention group) or not have (control group) correction for posture-related ocular cyclotorsion. In the intervention group, the clear corneal incision was placed precisely at the 120-degree meridian with instruments designed to correct posture-related ocular cyclotorsion. In the control group, the surgeon endeavored to place the incision at the 120-degree meridian, but without markings., Results: The intervention group comprised 41 eyes and the control group, 61 eyes. The mean absolute SIA was 0.74 diopters (D) in the intervention group and 0.78 D in the control group; the difference between groups was not statistically significant (P>.5, unpaired 2-tailed Student t test). The variance in SIA was 0.29 D(2) and 0.31 D(2), respectively; the difference between groups was not statistically significant (P>.5, unpaired F test)., Conclusions: Attempts to correct for posture-related ocular cyclotorsion did not influence SIA or its variance in a single-surgeon series. These results should be interpreted with full appreciation of the limitations of currently available techniques to correct for posture-related ocular cyclotorsion in the clinical setting., (Copyright 2010 ASCRS and ESCRS. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)