Carmela Carnevale

Circulating levels of reactive oxygen species in patients with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy and the influence of antioxidant supplementation: 6-month follow-up

Aims: The aim was to evaluate circulating levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and changes in central macular thickness (CMT) in patients with nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR) after antioxidant supplementation. Materials and Methods: A total of 68 patients (68 eyes) with NPDR were enrolled. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: Treated with antioxidant supplement (Group A) and untreated control group (Group B). Each tablet, for oral administration, containing pycnogenol 50 mg, Vitamin E 30 mg and coenzyme Q10 20 mg. CMT and free oxygen radical test (FORT) were analyzed at baseline (T0), 3 (T1) and 6 (T2) months in both groups. Results: In Group A, FORT levels and CMT were significantly reduced over time (P < 0.001 for both). In Group B, FORT levels were increased (P < 0.001) and CMT did not vary significantly (P = 0.81) over 3 time points. Conclusions: This is the first study showing the reduction of ROS levels in patients with NPDR thanks to antioxidant therapy. Moreover, our findings have suggested also an influence on retinal thickness.

Cystoid Macular Edema Induced by Low Doses of Nicotinic Acid

Cystoid macular edema (CME) is a condition that involves the macula, causing painless vision loss. In this paper, we report a case of niacin-induced bilateral cystoid macular edema (CME) in a middle-age woman taking low dose of niacin (18 mg of nicotinic acid). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed retinal thickening and cystoid spaces in both eyes, whereas fluorescein angiography (FA; HRA 2, Heidelberg Engineering) revealed the absence of fluorescein leakage also in later phases. Four weeks after discontinuation of therapy there were a complete disappearance of macular edema at funduscopic examination and an improvement of visual acuity in both eyes. Furthermore OCT showed a normal retinal profile in both eyes. In our opinion considering the wide availability of niacin, medical monitoring and periodical examination should be considered during niacin administration. To our knowledge, this is the first report in the literature that described the very low-dose niacin-induced bilateral niacin maculopathy.

Visual Outcomes and Contrast Sensitivity after Bilateral Implantation of Multifocal Intraocular Lenses with +2.50 or +3.0 Diopter Addition: 12-Month Follow-Up

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate visual acuity and contrast sensitivity after bilateral implantation of AcrySof® IQ ReSTOR® +2.50 D or +3.00 D. Methods: A total of 56 eyes with cataract had bilateral implantation of a multifocal IOL. Inclusion criteria were corneal astigmatism less than 1.0 diopters, axial length between 22.0 and 24.0 mm, and no associated ocular disease. Outcome measures recorded 12 months postoperatively were binocular uncorrected and corrected distance, intermediate and near visual acuities, and contrast sensitivity. Postoperative quality of life and patient satisfaction were assessed with the VF-14 Questionnaire. Results: Twenty months postoperatively, the mean uncorrected and best-corrected distance visual acuities, UCIVA at 60 cm, and contrast sensitivity were similar in all two groups. UCNVA were better in the +3.00 IOL group than in the +2.50 D group. Patients reported good performance for visual tasks. Conclusion: Apodized multifocal IOLs seem a good compromise for non-spectacles life in elderly patients; our study indicates that this solution has a good long-term stability on patients’ visual function.