Önder Üretmen

Deep sclerectomy with a nonabsorbable implant (T -Flux): preliminary results

BACKGROUND Deep sclerectomy is one of the two main types of nonpenetrating surgical methods of treating open-angle glaucoma. We aimed to determine, in a prospective study, the efficacy, success rate and complications of deep sclerectomy with implantation of a nonabsorbable drain made of highly hydrophilic acrylic (T-Flux). METHODS Twenty-five patients (25 eyes) with medically uncontrolled open-angle glaucoma were treated by deep sclerectomy with implantation of the T-Flux drain. We determined the rates of intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, surgical success (four categories) and complications. To evaluate the efficacy of this new implant in detail, we compared the success rates with those in a group of patients matched for age, sex, diagnosis, preoperative IOP, number of preoperative antiglaucoma medications and previous ocular surgery who underwent successful viscocanalostomy. RESULTS For two eyes in the deep-sclerectomy group, surgery was converted to standard trabeculectomy owing to perforation of the trabeculo-Descemets membrane during dissection of the corneal stroma. The following results apply to the remaining 23 eyes. After a mean follow-up period of 16.21 (standard deviation [SD] 3.93) months, the mean IOP had fallen from 26.26 (SD 4.3) mm Hg preoperatively to 17.60 (SD 4.35) mm Hg at the last postoperative visit (p = 0.000). The rate of complete success (IOP < 21 mm Hg without medication) was 86.9% at 1 month, 56.5% at 12 months and 39.1% at the last visit. The rates of qualified success (IOP < 21 mm Hg with or without medication) were 95.6%, 91.3% and 82.6%, respectively. No postoperative complications of the type that might occur after trabeculectomy were observed. Three eyes with an insufficient reduction in IOP underwent goniopuncture with a neodymium:YAG laser. Statistical analysis of the success rates revealed that deep sclerectomy with T-Flux implantation was comparable to viscocanalostomy at all postoperative visits (p > 0.05). INTERPRETATION A statistically significant drop of IOP with few postoperative complications over the short term was achieved with deep sclerectomy and T-Flux implantation. The success rates were comparable to, and not significantly better than, those of viscocanalostomy.

Non-penetrating deep sclerectomy and collagen implant surgery in glaucoma patients with advanced field loss

Purpose: The aim of the study was to determine the medium term intraocular pressure (IOP) lowering effects and the potential complications of non-penetrating deep sclerectomy and collagen implant (DSCI) surgery in glaucoma patients. Patients and methods: 54 eyes of 52 patients with medically uncontrolled open angle glaucoma with advanced field loss underwent DSCI under topical anaesthesia. Follow-up period was 24 months. Results: The mean preoperative IOP was 24.7 ± 6.2 mmHg and decreased to 15.1 ± 4.0 mmHg at 24 months (p = 0.0068). During the follow- up period, 36 of 54 eyes (66%) received no topical antiglaucomatous medications. In 18 eyes, monotherapy with topical beta blockers (Betaxolol HCl) was added to the regimen. At last visit , only two patients (3.8%) had IOP greater than 18 mmHg. We did not detect any additional optic disc changes, visual field or visual acuity defects postoperatively. Detailed slit-lampexamination revealed no anterior segment complications regarding the probablecomplications of trabeculectomy. None of the patients developed surgery relatedcataract. As a complication, we diagnosed one case of self-limited, shallow choroidal detachment. Conclusion: DSCI appears to provide considerable medium term IOP decrease with few postoperative complications without deteriorating visual acuity. Owing to our medium term results, we believe that DSCI could be a valuable alternative to trabeculectomy especially in cases of advanced medically uncontrolled open angle glaucoma.

Recession of the Inferior Rectus Muscle Under Topical Anesthesia in Thyroid Ophthalmopathy

PURPOSE To evaluate the results of inferior rectus muscle recession with adjustable loop suture under topical anesthesia for vertical deviations secondary to thyroid ophthalmopathy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Five patients with a vertical deviation greater than 15 PD and severe limitation of upgaze were enrolled in the study. Before proceeding with corrective strabismus surgery, we waited at least 6 months after stabilization of ocular alignment and normalization of thyroid chemistries. All patients underwent inferior rectus muscle recession with adjustable loop suture under topical anesthesia. The postsurgical follow-up was at least 12 months. RESULTS Preoperatively, the mean vertical deviation was 24 PD. At 1 year postoperatively, it had decreased to 2.4 PD. Two patients were orthotropic and 3 patients had residual hypotropia ranging from 2 to 6 PD. The limitation of upgaze was relieved significantly in the postoperative period. Two patients had minimal limitation of downgaze, but none complained of diplopia in the primary or reading positions. Surgery did not trigger a flare-up of orbital inflammation in the early postoperative period. CONCLUSION We advocate that recession of the inferior rectus muscle with adjustable loop suture under topical anesthesia is safe and effective in patients with thyroid ophthalmopathy.

Influences of cyclopentolate hydrochloride on anterior segment parameters with Pentacam in children

Purpose:  To investigate the effects of cyclopentolate hydrochloride 1% on the main numerical parameters of anterior segment with Pentacam rotating Scheimpflug camera in children.

Comparison of outcomes of viscocanalostomy and phacoviscocanalostomy

BACKGROUND Many adults who undergo glaucoma filtering surgery also need surgical treatment of coexisting cataract. Recent reports of the use of new alternative non-penetrating techniques in combination with phacoemulsification have given encouraging results. The purpose of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of viscocanalostomy and phacoviscocanalostomy in the management of medically uncontrolled open-angle glaucoma. METHODS Twenty patients who underwent phacoviscocanalostomy in one eye each were enrolled in the study. Twenty matching patients who underwent viscocanalostomy in one eye each at our institution were selected as the control group. Postoperative reductions in intraocular pressure (IOP) and number of antiglaucoma medications were compared between the groups. Visual acuity and complications were secondary outcomes. RESULTS Significant reductions of IOP and of use of antiglaucoma medication occurred in both groups (p < 0.05); these results were comparable in the two groups (p > 0.05). The mean IOP reduction was 34% in the eyes that underwent viscocanalostomy alone and 38% in the eyes that underwent phacoviscocanalostomy. The success rates of the two procedures were also comparable (p > 0.05). In the combined-surgery group the best-corrected visual acuity improved by 2 or more lines in 18 eyes (90%). Intraoperative complications did not occur in either group. INTERPRETATION Combining phacoemulsification with viscocanalostomy did not have a negative effect on the IOP control achieved by viscocanalostomy alone and did not increase the complication rate. Phacoviscocanalostomy was safe and effective in the surgical management of eyes with both glaucoma and cataract.

Axial Length Changes Accompanying Successful Nonpenetrating Glaucoma Filtration Surgery

We aimed to evaluate the effect of nonpenetrating glaucoma filtration surgery on axial length (AL). Thirty patients (30 eyes) who underwent successful nonpenetrating glaucoma filtration surgery were prospectively analyzed. AL was measured preoperatively and postoperatively at 1 and 12 months. Associations between change in AL and age, gender, diagnosis, preoperative and postoperative visual acuity, refraction and intraocular pressure (IOP) were analyzed. AL decreased in 22 of 30 eyes postoperatively. The mean change in AL measurement was –0.15 ± 0.27 mm (range –1.37 to +0.12 mm) at 1 month. Regression analysis showed that young age, a high preoperative IOP and a greater change in IOP were associated with a greater decrease in AL (p < 0.02). The mean AL at 12 months was almost the same as the preoperative value (p >0.2), but was significantly greater than the mean AL 1 month postoperatively (p = 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between the IOP levels obtained postoperatively at 1 and 12 months (p >0.1). Nonpenetrating glaucoma surgery can result in a small decrease in AL which can reverse during the follow-up period.

Medium-term results of implantable miniaturized telescopes in eyes with age-related macular degeneration

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of an implantable miniaturized telescope, the IMT, in patients with age‐related macular degeneration (ARMD). Setting: Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Ophthalmology Department, Idot;zmir, Turkey. Methods: Among 15 patients meeting the inclusion criteria for IMT implantation, 3 were willing to participate in this prospective clinical trial and had cataract extraction with IMT implantation. The effect of the IMT on visual outcome and daily activities was assessed over 18 months. Results: All patients had some improvement in distance and near vision. However, this did not lead to significant improvements in the ability to perform daily activities. One patient had 2 attacks of mild iritis that were controlled with topical medications. In another patient, bubbles that were noted inside the IMT soon after implantation were still present at 1 year. In this patient, the IMT was replaced with a conventional poly(methyl methacrylate) intraocular lens. Conclusions: Implantation of an IMT may positively affect the visual outcome and daily activities in some ARMD patients. However, proper patient selection and fully informed patient consent and understanding are mandatory.

The Nature and Origin of Intraocular Metallic Foreign Bodies Appearing after Phacoemulsification

In order to evaluate the nature and origin of metallic foreign bodies embedded in the iris after uneventful phacoemulsification, we aimed to produce metallic fragments by applying ultrasound power with the same phaco machine and handpiece in an experimental model in vitro. In a glass bottle, we used linear phaco power of 100% continuously for 5 min first with a new phaco tip and then with a used tip. Afterwards, the fluid in the bottle was filtered through a Millipore filter. The remains on the filter were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and microprobe. Small particles remained on the filter which was used for the new tip. Microprobe microanalysis showed that these particles were mainly titanium, the same as the phaco tip. SEM of both the new and the used tips showed small fragments on the exterior surface and lumen. Intraocular metallic foreign bodies after phacoemulsification are likely to be shaken loose from the phaco tip. Although it is mostly agreed that these fragments are well tolerated, their overall effect remains to be evaluated in the long term.

An approach to the surgical management of total oculomotor nerve palsy

The goal of the procedure was to keep the eyes of patients with total oculomotor palsy in the straight ahead position by means of surgery on the horizontal and inferior rectus muscles in one session, without involving the superior oblique muscles. Six patients underwent surgery for total oculomotor nerve palsy. All of the surgical procedures were carried out on the muscles of the paralytic eye. We performed hemi-hangback recession of the lateral rectus and resection of the medial rectus for exotropia in all patients. Depending on the magnitude of vertical deviation, the insertions of the horizontal rectus muscles were moved upward, alone or in combination with hemi-hangback recession of the inferior rectus. The mean preoperative horizontal deviation was 66.6 PD. Two years after the operation, the horizontal deviation was measured to be 11.6 PD. Similarly, the mean preoperative vertical deviation of 16 PD decreased to 6.6 PD in two years. This procedure did not disturb normally functioning superior oblique and lateral rectus muscles. Subjectively, all of the patients were satisfied with their alignment two years after the operation. We are of the opinion that this technique is a safe, simple and effective procedure and can be regarded as a first-choice operation in total oculomotor palsy. If one fails to maintain the eye position with this procedure, one can still perform a second operation on the superior oblique muscle, which remains untouched in our procedure.

Erythrocyte deformability in high-tension and normal tension glaucoma.

The exact cause of primary open angle glaucoma is still unknown. Intraocular pressure is a major factor but it is impossible to explain the whole mechanism of glaucomatous optic nerve damage with only increased intraocular pressure. Other factors play important roles in the development of glaucoma. With this point of view, vascular factors have been implicated in the pathogenesis of glaucoma.We tried to determine the etiopathogenetic role of decreased erythhrocyte deformability in normal tension glaucoma and high-tension glaucoma. The study group consisted of 16 patients with the diagnosis of normal tension glaucoma, 17 patients with the diagnosis of high-tension glaucoma, and 24 patients as controls.Independent t-tests were used to compare the three groups two by two for age, hematocrit, mean cell volume, plasma protein level, cardiovascular risk factors, and erythrocyte deformability. There was no statistically significant relationship (p > 0.05) between the groups concerning the erythrocyte deformability. When we consider all of 57 patients, we found that both increasing age (> 60 years) and greater mean cell volume (> 84 fl) had a statistically significant relationship with decreased erythrocyte deformability (p < 0.05). When we performed Pearson correlation analysis, we found that only mean cell volume and erythrocyte deformability had a statistically significant relationship (r=0.31, p=0.02).We conclude that decreased erythrocyte deformability is not a major factor in the ethiopathogenesis of normal tension glaucoma and high-tension glaucoma.