Search

Introduction : Advances in technology and technique have led to a significant improvement in the prognosis after cataract surgery. However, there are complications that can significantly affect this prognosis, such as posterior capsule rupture and corneal decompensation. For vitreous prolapse associated with posterior capsule rupture, classic or pars plana anterior vitrectomy is required. Aim : The aim of the study was to compare corneal endothelial cell destruction after cataract surgery associated with posterior capsule rupture and classical and pars plana anterior vitrectomy, respectively. Material and method : The study was prospective, on 12 consecutive cases of cataract surgery associated with posterior capsule rupture. Classical anterior vitrectomy was performed in group A, with 5 patients, while pars plana anterior vitrectomy was performed in group B. For all cases, the Stellaris phacoemulsification device (Baush & Lomb, tm) and the associated vitrectomy device was used. Results : Pars plana anterior vitrectomy had a statistically significant lower rate of corneal endothelial damage, both in absolute value and as a percentage of initial density. Conclusions : Pars plana anterior surgery is a somewhat unfamiliar technique for anterior pole surgeons. But it is easy to learn and brings a decrease in the rate of damage to the corneal endothelium., (© The Authors.Romanian Society of Ophthalmology.)

Despite the significant evolution in recent years in the medical field, many fetal conditions that can be detected in the early stages, remain a social and economic burden due to a lack of diagnostic and treatment programs. The main objective of the present study was to realize a screening program related to the early detection of Down syndrome, by analyzing biochemical and imaging markers, in women from the rural areas of Southwest Romania. Accordingly, data from 269 pregnant women were taken into evaluation for maternal age, maternal weight, smoking and diabetic statuses, along with ultrasound measurements that were performed to establish fetal nuchal translucency (FNT) and biochemical analysis of free β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) and pregnancy-associated plasma protein (PAPP-A). Patients at high risk for trisomy 21 (≥1:250) were counseled and the optimal protocol was established for each case. Of the 269 patients studied, 5.6% were included in the risk group based on β-hCG-associated MoM (multiple median approaches) analysis, sonographic measurements and maternal age correlation. Specifically, 60% of patients at risk presented a β-hCG MoM value >1.5 and 20% of patients at risk presented a value ≤0.5 for PAPP-A MoM, and the average maternal age was 33. Measurement of FNT and serum markers, together with associated MoM intervals, was not sufficient to establish the diagnosis of trisomy 21 and to make a risk group inclusion. In summary, the association between sonographic measurements and serum marker values, together with maternal age, are predetermined and indispensable conditions for the most accurate classification in a high-risk group., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright: © Sorop et al.)

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) monoclonal antibodies can inhibit neovascularization and also to block the growth of several tumor cell lines. Treatment with anti-VEGF drugs like Bevacizumab (Avastin®) and Aflibercept has proven optimistic results in various malignant diseases. The present study was aimed to investigate Bevacizumab and Aflibercept in vitro effects on two human melanoma cell lines (A375 and SK-Mel-28), as well as on a healthy cell line (HaCaT human keratinocytes), followed by characterization of the in ovo effects on the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM). Our data indicated that Bevacizumab and Aflibercept decreased human melanoma cells viability in a dose-dependent way, a more significant effect was obtained for Aflibercept. Regarding the safety profile of the active compounds tested, they showed a low-moderate irritation score. In the case of the tested samples, the vascular capillaries were not majorly affected. In both cases, the only notable change was the appearance of a slight vascular coagulation. The viability of the embryos after application was good, they survived more than 24 hours after testing the compounds on the CAM.

Background and Objectives: There is a clear evidence that pregnancy is associated with high production of sex hormones. During the first, second and third trimester of pregnancy, blood hormones levels increase gradually. Cells with affinity for sex hormones have been identified in different ocular tissues, such as: lid, lacrimal gland, meibomian gland, bulbar and palpebral conjunctivae, cornea, iris, ciliary body, lens, retina (retinal pigment epithelium) and choroid. This is why pregnancy is associated with changes at ocular level, involving anterior and posterior segments. Several clinical trials have been made trying to highlight changes in corneal biomechanics during pregnancy. By conducting this review, we want to evaluate both the changes in parameters that define corneal biomechanics and intraocular pressure values in pregnant. Materials and Methods: Following a systematic search in the literature related mainly to changes in corneal biomechanics during pregnancy, focusing on the paper published in the last decade, we included in a meta-analysis the cumulative results of three prospective comparative studies. Results: Important changes in corneal biomechanics (corneal hysteresis and corneal resistance factor) parameters were observed in women in the third trimester of pregnancy, but these variations were not statistically significant. Also, a decrease in intraocular pressure was mentioned in these women, but only the corneal compensation intraocular pressure showed a decrease with statistical significance. Conclusions: A decrease in corneal compensatory intraocular pressure was observed in pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy, but without other statistically significant changes resulting from the analysis of the other three parameters (corneal hysteresis, corneal resistance factor and Goldmann-correlated intraocular pressure).

This paper presents the case of a 58-year-old heavy smoker female who came to our clinic with acute pain, as well as mastication and feeding difficulties. The macroscopic examination revealed oral erosive lesions and ulcerations. The polymorphic aspect of the lesions required the differential diagnosis of oral erythroplakia or carcinoma, which were excluded by biopsy. At the same time, we assessed the expression of S100 protein, Ki67 and the cluster of differentiation (CD) 4, CD8 (T-cell) and CD20 (B-cell) immune cell markers by immunohistochemical analysis. As a result, after the clinical and pathological assessment, the diagnosis of oral lichen planus was established, and a therapy plan was conducted. We observed a favorable clinical evolution after the administration of corticosteroids and immunomodulatory agents.

Objective. This study followed the variability in the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area measured using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and high blood pressure. Material and Methods. This prospective, non-randomized, cohort study evaluated 46 eyes in 26 patients with high blood pressure associated with diabetic non-proliferative retinopathy (mild, medium, and severe forms) and diabetic proliferative retinopathy. Results. Our results showed early macular alterations (microaneurysms, leakage, neovascularizations, intraretinal microvascular abnormalities), a higher class of severity despite a relatively normal clinical aspect and higher values of FAZ associated with neovascularization undetected by SD-OCT (spectral domain-OCT). Conclusion. Measurement of the foveal avascular zone area using OCTA early detects macular alterations that precede classical retinography and SD-OCT determinations. Abbreviations: FAZ = foveal avascular zone; OCTA = optical coherence tomography angiography; IRMA = intraretinal microvascular abnormalities; SD-OCT = spectral domain-optical coherence tomography; OU = both eyes; PD = papillary diameter; ETDRS = early treatment diabetic retinopathy study; BP = blood pressure; OD = right eye., (©Romanian Society of Ophthalmology.)

Objective. This study aimed to determine the possible relationship between variability of diabetic macular edema associated with hypertension retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and essential high blood pressure, in correlation with contrast sensitivity. Material and Methods. In order to accomplish the objective, this retrospective study evaluated the progression of diabetic macular edema in patients with high blood pressure during day time through measurements of the total macular volume and central macular thickness using optical coherence tomography and contrast sensitivity variations measured through Pelli Robson test, four times a day, along with glycemia and blood pressure measurements. Results. Our results showed a statistically significant correlation between the values of glycemia and central macular thickness, and between contrast sensitivity and macular thickness at every tested hour. Conclusions. The study revealed many statistically significant correlations involving blood pressure, blood glucose levels, Pelli Robson test and central macular thickness. Abbreviations: OCT = optical coherence tomography; DME = diabetic macula edema; SD-OCT = spectral domain optical coherence tomography; LOCS = lens opacities classification system; LE = left eye; ANOVA = analysis of variance., (©Romanian Society of Ophthalmology.)

Aim: To present a series of 2 cases of central serous chorioretinopathy and the changes in the macular pigment optical density during the evolution of the disease. Material and methods: A 32-year-old patient presented himself for blurred vision on his LE. The SD OCT imaging revealed serous macular detachment of the neurosensory retina on the LE. The MPOD results were 0.72 on RE and 0.91 on LE. After treatment and resorption of the subretinal fluid, the MPOD values were 0.72 on the RE and 0.82 on the LE. The second patient was a 36-year-old male with metamorphopsia on LE and serous macular detachment on this eye. The MPOD results were 0.43 on RE and 0.58 on the LE and, after treatment, they were 0.38 on the RE and 0.43 on the LE. Conclusions: Central serous chorioretinopathy is a disease of unknown pathophysiology in which we observed a higher MPOD on the eye with CSC than on the fellow eye and a decrease in the MPOD value after the resorption of the subretinal fluid. Abbreviations: L = lutein, Z = zeaxantin, MZ = mezozeaxantin, AMD = age related macular degeneration, MPOD = macular pigment optical density, MP = macular pigment, HFP = Heterochromatic Flicker Photometry, CSC = central serous chorioretinopathy, RE = right eye, LE = left eye.

The aim of the here presented study was to look into the importance of the structural parameters of the eyeball, in relationship with the technical parameters of cataract surgery regarding the corneal endothelial changes made by it. Material and method: The paper refers at a prospective study in which we included eighty-eight consecutive eyes from eighty-six different patients having age-related cataract and a visual acuity of a values less than 0.8 considering best possible correction with it. The patients didn't have other obvious causes for the decreased visual acuity. The patients included in the present study were admitted at the Ophthalmology Department from Bucharest University Emergency Hospital between the month of April 2015 and February 2016 (ten months). Results: When we compared lots A, B with C, in regarding to the decrease of EDC, the results were relatively very similar. We had only one comparison for which we obtained a statistical significance, and that was for cataracts classified as group IV of hardness; here, between the first and the third lot, at seven days postoperatively we obtain p = 0.0472812. Conclusions: The conclusion for the present research was that in regarding cataract phaco-emulsification surgery we obtained a statistical significance when it comes to the destruction of epithelial cells. The results were observed, giving the depth of the anterior chamber, in cataracts classified in subgroup IV of hardness, only between patients who had a small depth of chamber comparing with those who had a large depth of the anterior chamber of the eye. When it comes to patients who had severe cataracts and small ACD, we need to attract more attention when the surgeon performs the maneuver and to keep an eye on the use of the adhesives which has viscoelastic in order to obtain additional corneal protection. Abbreviations : ACD = anterior chamber depth; ECD = endothelial cell density, EPT = effective time of phacoemulsification.

Aim: To assess the relationship between the macular pigment optical density and blue-light issued by computers, glare sensibility, with iris color, age, sex, or refractive errors., Material and Methods: 83 patients (166 eyes) were enrolled in a prospective observational study. They were divided into 2 groups: group 1 (study group) - computer using patients (time spent in front of the computer for minimum 8 hours per day, 5 days per week, 2 years) - 43 patients and group 2 (control group) - 40 patients. The following investigations were conducted in all the selected cases: visual acuity, refraction, biomicroscopy, measurement of the MPOD, glare sensitivity, assessment of eye color., Results: 51.81% of the patients were included in group 1, while the rest, 48.19%, were in group 2. Thus, the MPOD had a mean value of (+/ -SD) 0.42+/ -0.13 (t = -1.08, p = 0.28) in group 1, and 0.44+/ -0.16 on the LE. The results showed a MPOD mean value of 0.51+/ - 0.16 in group 2 and 0.51+/ -0 .16. (t = 0.49, p = 0 .62) on the LE. 55.77% of the patients with light colored iris and 56.14% of those with dark iris had a low MPOD., Conclusions: The data from our study failed to illustrate a significant correlation between MPOD and blue-light issued by computers. Furthermore, a statistic significant relationship regarding iris color, refractive errors, glare, and MPOD was not observed., Abbreviations: L = lutein, Z = zeaxanthin, MZ = meso-zeaxanthin, AMD = age related macular degeneration, MPOD = macular pigment optical density, MP = macular pigment, HFP = Heterochromatic Flicker Photometry, RE = right eye, LE = left eye.

The main motivation of an ocular-orbital reconstruction after a radical surgical intervention (evisceration, enucleation) is represented by the psychological and socio-economic impact of such interventions on life conditions of patients. The current methods for ocular prosthesis are based on a new concept, which is nanotechnology, and its main objectives represent the reconstruction of the remaining orbital volume, reduction of postoperative complications and maintaining a satisfactory esthetical aspect. This review will discuss the numerous types of ocular implants that have been used throughout history as well as the most recent methods used by ophthalmic surgeons, also taking into consideration the advantages and disadvantages from a cosmetic, functional and short and long term postoperative complications point of view.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to measure retinal vessel caliber and to examine early changes in macular thickness using optical coherence tomography (OCT). We evaluated to what extend vascular caliber and macular thickness differed between patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus without diabetic retinopathy compared with healthy individuals., Methods: 26 diabetic patients without diabetic retinopathy and 26 normal participants without any retinal and optic nerve diseases underwent ophthalmic examination, fundus photography, and OCT imaging. Temporal inferior retinal vessel diameters were measured using OCT. Also, we measured macular thickness in nine ETDRS subfields using Cirrus OCT., Results: The mean age in the diabetic group was 61.5 years and in the control group, 55.5 years. Wider retinal arterioles and venules were found in patients with diabetes compared with healthy subjects (120 µm versus 96 µm, p<0.005 and 137 µm versus 120.5 µm, p value <0.001, respectively). In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, central macular thickness was significantly thinner than that of control eyes (243.5 µm versus 269.9 µm, p value <0.001)., Conclusions: Our results support the hypothesis that the association between vascular damage and structural changes of the neuroretina is an early indicator of retinal impairment in patients with diabetes without diabetic retinopathy.