Central Macular Thickness Measurements Research Articles

Assessment of RNFL and macular changes in the eye related to multiple substance use using OCT

Substance use is a chronic and recurrent public healthcare concern increasing in the world, causing negative outcomes. Two or more substance use is common among people who have substance use disorders and who receive treatment. For this reason, the present study aimed to measure Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer (RNFL), Mean Macular Thickness (MMT), Central Macular Thickness (CMT) in patients who have Multiple substance use disorder (MSUD) using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), considering that it will contribute to the literature. Among the inpatients who were rehabilitated in Elazig Mental Hospital Alcohol and Substance Addiction Treatment Center, 75 people who were diagnosed with MSUD according to DSM-5 and met the criteria, and 51 control groups were included in the study. RNFL, MMT and CMT measurements of both eyes of all participants were made by using the OCT. Total RNFL measurement were significantly thicker than the control group (p < 0.001). MMT and CMT of the eyes of the patient were thinner than the control group (p = 0.009, p < 0.001). The findings provide important contributions to the literature data and in light of these findings, it can be recommended to consider visual findings and possible neurodegeneration when evaluating patients in the addiction group and planning their treatment.

Assessment of the Retinal Ganglion Cell Layer after Uncomplicated Cataract Surgery.

(1) Background: This research aimed to evaluate the changes in ganglion cell layer thickness (GCLT) after uncomplicated cataract surgery in patients without previous ocular pathology and the impact of the appearance of cystoid macular edema on the GCLT and visual acuity. (2) Methods: The evaluation of 174 patients was performed with the indication of uncomplicated cataract surgery. The variables analyzed were demographic data, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), cataract type and OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) measurements of central macular thickness (CMT), and the presence of cysts and GCLT preoperatively and one day, one and three months after surgery. (3) Results: There was a relationship between the postoperative increase in retinal GCLT and BCVA after uncomplicated cataract surgery. The presence of microcysts reduced the thickness of the GCL, which is significantly related to the loss of BCVA. The appearance of cystoid macular edema one month after surgery was also related to the preoperative CMT. There was a statistically significant decrease in preoperative GCL but a statistically significant increase in preoperative CMT in patients with microcysts one-month post-surgery. (4) Conclusions: There is a relationship between postoperative retinal GCLT and BCVA after uncomplicated cataract surgery. The presence of microcysts significantly reduces the thickness of the GCL, which is significantly related to the loss of BCVA.

Correlations Between the Neutrophil-Lymphocyte Ratio, Platelet-Lymphocyte Ratio, and Serum Lipid Fractions With Neovascular Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Introduction Age-related macular degeneration, a chronic and progressive disease, is one of the leading causes of vision loss globally among the elderly population. Multiple hypotheses have been proposed regarding its pathogenesis, including the presence of lipid metabolism alteration. Dysfunctional lipid handling within retinal pigment epithelial cells has been implicated in the accumulation of lipofuscin and subsequent induction of oxidative stress and inflammation, all contributing to retinal degeneration. The present study aims to comparatively analyze the serum lipid fractiondistributions in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and controls. Materials and methods A retrospective study was carried out between January 2021 and December 2023 on 91 naïve patients with neovascular AMD and 90 controlsadmitted for routine cataract surgery. All subjects underwent a comprehensive ophthalmological exam, including ophthalmoscopy and optical coherence tomography (OCT) with central macular thickness (CMT) measurement. A complete blood count with differential and lipid fractions values was analyzed. The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) were comparatively analyzed between the control group and the test group. Results The groups were comparable in terms of age (73.84 ±7.52 years for the neovascular AMD group vs 72.1±10.92 years in controls; p=0.8) and gender distribution (p=0.243). The mean NLR and PLR values were slightly higher in the AMD groupbut not statistically significant (p=0.51, p>0.99, respectively). Comparative analysis of lipid profile fractions showed significantly higher HDL-C values in the exudative AMD group compared to normal subjects (61.27±19.4 mg/dL vs 50.99±7.86 mg/dL, p=0.006). Also, the proportion of subjects with HDL-C>60 mg/dL was higher in the exudative AMD group (p=0.014). There were no significant differences in total cholesterol (189.77±53.39 mg/dL vs 190.43±37.84 mg/dL, p=0.681), LDL-C, and TG. Logistic regression analysis showed that serum HDL-C and HDL-C values >60 mg/dL are significantly associated factors with neovascular AMD. However, there is no statistical correlation between the values of these biochemical parameters and visual acuity or CMT in the neovascular AMD patient group. Conclusions There were no correlations between NLR and PLR with neovascular AMD in the study group. Higher HDL-C valuesexceeding 60 mg/dL were associated with neovascular age-related macular degeneration and could represent a possible therapeutic target in neovascular AMD.

Choroidal Thickness and Central Macular Thickness Measurements with Cirrus HD-OCT in Healthy.

This research was conducted to determine the normal values of choroidal thickness in healthy individuals and to evaluate the relationship between this thickness and age, gender, refraction, axial length and average macular thickness using OCT. In the study, the right eyes of 400 healthy individuals (234 women, 166 men) between the ages of 4 and 70 years, who applied to the Department of Ophthalmology outpatient clinic for examination, were evaluated. Macular thickness, macular volume, and foveal thickness were found to be 249.12 ±21.32 µm, 9.98 ±0.5 µm3 and 280 ±13.45 µm, respectively. According to linear regression analysis, a negative correlation was detected between age and subfoveal choroidal thickness (p &lt; 0.05). It was determined that foveal thickness, retinal volume and average retinal thickness were higher in men, and foveal thickness increased with age (p &lt; 0.05). As a result of the research, it was determined that age is an important factor affecting choroidal thickness. It is thought that, in future, improving in vivo imaging of the choroid and measuring choroidal thickness using OCT will facilitate understanding of the pathophysiological basis of many ophthalmological diseases.

The role of blood neutrophil lymphocyte ratio in predicting the initial response to anti-VEGF treatment in neovascular AMD patients.

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has a critical role in age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and intravitreal injection of anti-VEGF drugs is the mainstay of neovascular AMD treatment. Blood neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is shown to be a biomarker of inflammation in AMD. We aimed to investigate the role of NLR in predicting favorable short-term anti-VEGF treatment results in neovascular AMD patients. A total of 112 patients diagnosed with exudative AMD and had taken 3 monthly intravitreal bevacizumab injections were analyzed retrospectively. Medical records were reached to obtain neutrophil and lymphocyte values to calculate NLR. Best-corrected visual acuity and central macular thickness (CMT) measurements were recorded at each visit. T test or Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare continuous variables, and chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables. Receiver operating characteristics curve (ROC) analysis was performed to determine cut-off, sensitivity, and specificity values. P value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean age was 68.1 ± 7.2years, and the mean NLR was 2.11 ± 0.81. The ROC analysis revealed a cut off value of 2.0 for NLR to predict at least 100μm CMT change (sensitivity 87.1%; specificity 87.8%) and a cut off value of 2.4 for NLR to predict at least 0.1 logMAR visual improvement (sensitivity 77.2%; specificity 64.8%) after 3 monthly IVT bevacizumab injections. NLR can provide additional prognostic information for the identification of patients with a good initial response to anti-VEGF therapy.

Optical Coherence Tomography-guided intravitreal bevacizumab in the treatment of refractory pseudophakic cystoid macular edema – case study

One of the serious vision threatened complications of cataract surgery is refractory PCME. That is why this complication has to be managed in time and adequately. Non steroidal and steroidal antiinflammatory and anti VEGF agents like bevazicumab are useful for refractory PCME. OCT has an important role in detecting PCME and measurement of central macular thickness to control the treatment of PCME. In this case study patient after rutin uncomplicated FACO surgery with refractory PCME at postop 4-th week is described. Despite of using of topical NSAID+steroidal antiinflammatory treatment there was no improvement in decreased vision and CMT was remained stable increased (811 mmk). Vision was increased only after 2 week of i/v bevazicumab injection, macular edema resolved and CMT decreased (280 mmk) which was revealed by OCT. In conclusion, OCT quided i/v bevacizumab is safe and well tolerated treatment option for refractory PCME.

Impact of Valsalva manuever on choroidal vascularity index, central choroid and central macula

BackgroundEvaluation of the effects of the Valsalva maneuver on choroidal vascularity index, central choroid and the central macula. MethodsEighty-four eyes of 42 healthy volunteers were evaluated in this prospective study. The central macular layer was assesed using the retinal map mode of the spectral domain OCT (Optovue RTVue XR, Optovue Inc., Fremont, CA), OCT images taken in the Enhanced Deep Imaging mode were transferred to the Image J program and the choroidal vascularity index and subfoveal choroidal thickness measurements were calculated. ResultsThe mean age of volunteers was 35.4±7.2 years. Choroidal vascularity index, subfoveal choroidal thickness, central macular thickness and intraocular pressure measurements in the resting position were 67.99±2.1%, 337.73±12.8 µm, 232.04± 8.4 µm, 14.04±2.5 mmHg respectively, during Valsalva maneuver were 69.44±2.1%, 351.15±12.2 µm, 238.84±8.1 µm, 19.4±5.4 mmHg respectively. There was a statistically significant increase during Valsalva maneuver. ConclusionThe Valsalva maneuver may cause temporary changes in choroidal vascularity index, subfoveal choroidal thickness, central macular thickness and intraocular pressure. These measurements may be misinterpreted in situations where patients breath-hold inadvertantly causing the Valsalva maneuver.

Evaluation of the choroidal vascular index and choroidal changes in migraine subgroups

PurposeTo investigate binarized choroidal structural parameters, retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, and retina changes duringattack-free periods in patients with migraine using enhanced depth imaging optic coherence tomography (EDI-OCT), and compare patients with migraine with aura and without aura (MwA and MoA, respectively) and aura subgroups (visual aura, non-visual aura), with age and sex-matched healthy subjects. MethodThis observational, prospective study included 102 patients with migraine and 36 healthy controls. Central macular thickness (CMT), retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell layer (GCL), and choroidal thickness (CT) were measured using a Spectralis OCT device. The choroid vascularity index (CVI) was evaluated using the Image-J software. CVI was calculated as the proportion of the luminal area (LA) to the total choroidal area (TCA). RNFL, CMT, CT, and CVI measurements were compared statistically. ResultsChoroidal thickness at 1500 µm temporal of the fovea was found to be statistically significantly thinner in the MwA and MoA groups compared with the control group (p ≤ 0.01). There was a significant difference in the subfoveal CT values of the MwA and control groups (p < 0.05). The mean RNFL thickness of patients with migraine with visual aura was found to be statistically significantly thinner than in the migraine group with non-visual aura (98.73 ± 8.4 and 109.4 ± 16.8) (p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the RNFL CMT, GCC, and CVI values in the MwA, MoA, and control groups (p > 0.05). ConclusionWe found that the choroidal thickness was significantly decreased in patients with migraine, especially in the MwA group. In the visual aura subgroup, the mean RNFL thickness was significantly decreased compared with the non-visual aura subgroup.

Relationship Between Macular Thickness and Visual Acuity in the Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema With Anti-VEGF Therapy: Systematic Review.

To examine the relationship between central macular thickness (CMT) measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and visual acuity (VA) in patients with center-involving diabetic macular edema (DME) receiving antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment. Peer-reviewed articles from 2016 to 2020 reporting intravitreal injections of bevacizumab, ranibizumab, or aflibercept that provided data on pretreatment (baseline) and final retinal thickness (CMT) and visual acuity (VA) were identified. The relationship between relative changes was assessed via a linear random-effects regression model controlling for treatment group. No significant association between the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) VA and CMT was found in 41 eligible studies evaluating 2667 eyes. The observed effect estimate was a 0.12 increase (95% CI, -0.124 to 2.47) in logMAR VA per 100 µm reduction in CMT after treatment change. There were no significant differences in logMAR VA between the anti-VEGF treatment groups. There was no statistically significant relationship between the change in logMAR VA and change in CMT as well as no significant effect of the type of anti-VEGF treatment on the change in logMAR VA. Although OCT analysis, including measurements of CMT, will continue to be an integral part of the management of DME, further exploration is needed on additional anatomic factors that might contribute to visual outcomes.

Macula, choroid and retinal nerve fiber layer optical coherence tomography biomarkers in liver dysfunction

Abstract Objectives We aimed on evaluating the effect of liver dysfunction on retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), GCL++ (ganglion cell layer + RNFL + inner plexiform layer), central macular thickness (CMT) and subfoveal choroidal thickness (CT) measurements. Methods Fifty two patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC group) and 61 healthy individuals (control group) were included in our study. Blood alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, albumin, prothrombin time results as the international normalized ratio (INR), neutrophil (NEUT), lymphocyte (LYMP), neutrophil lymphocyte rate (NLR), platelet (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV) levels were analyzed in both groups. RNFL, Inferior RNFL (IRNFL), Superior RNFL (SRNFL), GCL++, CMT and CT were measured by swept source optical coherence tomography (OCT). The choroidal vascular index (CVI) was also obtained. Results GGT (p=0.001), ALP (p&lt;0.001), albumin (p&lt;0.001), NEUT (p=0.046) and MPV (p&lt;0.001) values were higher in the PBC group. INR (p=0.017) and PLT (p=0.027) values were lower in the PBC group. CMT (p=0.015), CT (p=0.002), and GCL++ (p&lt;0.001) values were found lower in the PBC group. Conclusions OCT analyzes revealed thinning in CMT, CT and GCL++ in patients with liver dysfunction. OCT analyzes should be evaluated during periodic ocular examinations of PBC patients.

Retinal Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Findings following Retinoblastoma Treatment by Chemotherapy.

To investigate the macular microvascular changes after different kinds of chemotherapy in patients with extramacular retinoblastoma (RB). In this study, 28 eyes of 19 patients with bilateral RB treated with intravenous systemic chemotherapy (IVSC group) and 12 eyes of 12 patients with unilateral RB treated with intra-arterial chemotherapy (IAC group) were compared with 6 normal fellow eyes of 6 patients with unilateral RB treated with IVSC (IVSC fellow eye group), and 7 normal fellow eyes of 7 unilateral RB patients treated with IAC (IAC fellow eye group), as well as 12 age-matched normal eyes. Enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography measurements of central macular and subfoveal choroidal thickness (CMT and SFCT) as well as optical coherence tomography angiography measurements such as retinal superficial capillary density (SCD), deep capillary density (DCD), and choriocapillaris density were documented. Images of 2 eyes in the IVSC group and 8 eyes in the IAC group were excluded from the final image analysis due to severe retinal atrophy. Overall, 26 eyes with bilateral RB treated with IVSC and 4 eyes of 4 patients with unilateral RB treated with IAC were compared with the mentioned control groups. Best-corrected visual acuity was 1.03 logMAR in the IAC patients compared to 0.46 logMAR in the IVSC group at the time of imaging. While the CMT and SFCT were lower in the IAC group in comparison with the IAC fellow eye and normal groups (P < 0.05 for all), no remarkable difference was observed between the IVSC group and the control groups based on the mentioned parameters. Although the SCD showed no significant difference between the IVSC and control groups, this parameter was significantly lower in the eyes receiving IAC relative to the corresponding fellow eye group (P = 0.042) and normal control eyes (P = 0.047). The mean DCD was considerably lower in both the treatment groups compared to the control groups (P < 0.05 for all). Our study showed a substantial decrease in SCD, DCD, CMT, and choroidal thickness in the IAC group, which may explain the lower visual outcome in this group.

ALTERATIONS IN CENTRAL MACULAR THICKNESS AFTER UNCOMPLICATED PHACOEMULSIFICATION CATARACT SURGERY AND INTRAOCULAR LENS IMPLANTATION

Purpose: Evaluation of central macular thickness changes with optical coherence tomography (OCT) in patients with uncomplicated phacoemulsification cataract surgery and intraocular lens implantation.&#x0D; Methods: 44 eyes of 30 patients who underwent uncomplicated phacoemulsification cataract surgery and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation were included in this study. Central macular thickness measurements were performed preoperatively and postoperative 2nd week, 1st and 3rd months with optical coherence tomography. Central macular thickness values were measured at the central 1x1 mm area obtained from fovea centered 6x6 mm macular map in the OCT measurements. Preoperative values were compared with the values in the postoperative period. &#x0D; Results: The mean age of the patients was 66.7 ± 8.7 years. The mean central macular thickness values were 268.5 µm preoperatively, 269.3 µm 2 weeks after surgery, 275.9 µm 1 month after surgery and 274.9 µm 3 months after surgery. There was no statistically significant change in the postoperative two weeks period compared with the preoperative measurements. (p = 0.536). Compared to the preoperative values, central macular thickness significantly increased 1 month and 3 months after the surgery. There was a statistically significant change in central macular thickness measurements at 1st month(p &lt; 0.001) and 3rd months (p &lt; 0.001) compared with the preoperative values. &#x0D; Conclusions: Our data indicate that an increase in central macular thickness is not rare after uncomplicated phacoemulsification cataract surgery. Compared to the preoperative measurements we have demonstrated an increase in central macular thickness in the postoperative period.

Efficacy of subthreshold micropulse laser combined with ranibizumab in the treatment of diabetic macular edema.

In this study, we aimed to evaluate and compare the visual acuity, macular volume, central macular thickness, change in number of intravitreal ranibizumab injections with micropulse laser applications after loading dose of anti-VEGF to DME patients. Retrospective study. This study was carried out on 97 patients (45 ranibizumab and 52 micropulse grid laser+ranibizumab) with diabetic macular edema patients who were followed in the Retina Unit. At the control visit after three loading ranibizumab injections administered once a month, micropulse grid laser was applied to one group and ranibizumab injection was continued PRN to both groups for an average of 9.27 ± 2.42months and central macular thickness, macular volume and visual acuity were recorded. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of gender, smoking and systemic diseases, initial central macular thickness, macular volume and visual acuity measurements (p > 0.05). Central macular thickness, macular volume and visual acuity values measured at the last follow-up of the patients were not significantly different between the groups (p > 0.05). The mean post-treatment injection requirement was 4.19 ± 1.01 for the ranibizumab with micropulse laser combination group and 5.53 ± 1.14 for the ranibizumab group (p < 0.001). Micropulse laser treatment after initial loading doses reduces the need for anti-VEGF injections. There is no deleterious effect on visual acuity and retinal imagings. Therefore, while combination therapy provides an effective treatment, it can also reduce the risk of complications of intravitreal anti-VEGF injections. Studies with the participation of more patients may help in the selection of treatment methods by comparing micropulse laser combined with different injection protocols.

A Pediatric COVID-19 Study: Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer, Ganglion Cell Layer, and Alterations in Choroidal Thickness in Swept-Source OCT Measurements.

To investigate early covid measurements of central macular thickness (CMT), retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell layer (GCL) thickness, and choroidal thickness (ChT) in children recovered from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This cross-sectional study was carried out 4 weeks after completed COVID-19 treatment. The diagnosis of the Alpha variant COVID-19 was made by the polymerase chain reaction test after prediagnosis with clinical, laboratory, and radiological findings. A total of 46 children were included in the study. Pediatric patients who received COVID-19 treatment comprised the COVID-19 group (24 children), and healthy children were enrolled in the control group (22 children). Only the right eyes of the participants were enrolled in the study. All pediatric patients in the COVID-19 group required hospitalization without the need for intubation. Swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) was used to measure CMT, RNFL, and GCL thickness, and ChT measurements. The COVID-19 and control groups had similar mean values of visual acuity, intraocular pressure, spherical equivalent, axial length, and CMT (p > 0.05 for all). RNFL thickening, GCL, and choroidal thinning were observed in all SS-OCT measurements of COVID-19 children. However, RNFL thickening was significant only in the global and nasal peripapillary quadrants. GCL thinning was significant in the nasal/inferior sector (p < 0.002 for all). Some significant correlations were observed between the mean levels of inflammatory markers and OCT measurements (p < 0.002). This study may be among the first reports of SS-OCT examination of COVID-19 children. OCT measurements showed changes in retinal and ChT in the COVID-19 children as in adult patients.

Analysis of the Thickness of the Outer Retinal Layer Using Optical Coherence Tomography - A Predictor of Visual Acuity in Schizophrenia.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the thickness of the outer retinal layer (ORL) together with macular thickness and changes in the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) in patients with schizophrenia in comparison with healthy controls. This study included 114 eyes of 57 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and 114 eyes of 57 healthy controls. Central foveal thickness (CFT), central macular thickness (CMT), and ORL thickness were measured in both groups via the images obtained by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). RNFL was also assessed in four quadrants (inferior, superior, temporal, nasal). CMT measurements were presented as the average thickness of the macula in the central 1 mm area on the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) grid. The ORL thickness was defined as the distance between the external limiting membrane and retinal pigment epithelium at the center of the foveal pit. The mean age of 57 patients was 37 ± 10 years, of whom 34 (60%) were male and 23 (40%) female. No statistically significant difference was found between groups in terms of age and gender (p = 0.8 for age, p = 0.9 for gender). There was no statistically significant difference in the mean CMT between the two groups (p = 0.1). The mean ORL thickness in the two groups was 99.8 ± 8.3 and 103.7 ± 6.2, respectively, and was significantly decreased in the schizophrenia group (p = 0.005). RNFL analysis demonstrated significant thinning in the inferior and superior quadrants compared to healthy controls (p < 0.001 and p = 0.017, respectively). SD-OCT findings - especially ORL and RNFL thickness - may be related to the neurodegenerational changes in schizophrenia.

Ocular effects of mobile phone radiation

: To find out the adverse effects of prolonged mobile phone radiation on the users’ eyes. : A convenience sample of 200 adults visiting our out-patient’s services with 20/20 vision was randomly recruited for this study. The ipsilateral eye on the preferred side during talking was considered as the preferred side and the other as non-preferred side. All participants underwent Schirmer’s test (S1T), Tear film break-up time (TBUT), central corneal thickness (CCT) and central macular thickness (CMT) measurements for comparison on both the sides. The approximate cumulative duration of the talk time (hours/day) while keeping the phone over the ear was recorded.: The mean age of participants was 25.1+5.4 years and 124 (62%) preferred to use the right ear for telephonic conversations. The TBUT (19 + 2.7 vs. 20 + 3 seconds), Schirmer’s (21.5 + 2.8 vs. 22.6 + 2.5 mm), p &amp;#60;0.001 for both and CCT (527 + 20 vs. 530 + 19µ) (p= 0.005) were significantly lower in the preferred side. Multivariable linear regression showed that speaking on the phone for longer periods lead to slightly lower ipsilateral TBUT (0.31 seconds lower TBUT with every 1-hour increment in talk time, 95%CI= -0.67 to 0.03 seconds, p=0.07)but not Schirmer’s values.: Mobile phone use affects the tear fluid dynamics (TBUT and S1T) and the corneal thickness of the eye. Thus, any of the radiations or thermal effect or both from the mobile phones can affect the eye and its structures. Further studies are needed to address these consequences.

Effects of Smoking on Outcomes of Anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Therapy in Patients with Diabetic Macular Edema: A Retrospective Case-Control Study.

To determine the effect of smoking on the response to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapy treatment in patients with diabetic macular edema (DME). This is a retrospective case - control study that included 60 eyes with DME. Smoking habits were obtained from hospital records and patient recall. Patients were divided into two groups: the ever-smoker group and the never-smoker group. All patients received Intravitreal ranibizumab with three loading doses followed by PRN protocol and all were followed up for at least 1 year. Outcome measures were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT) at the fovea, and number of visits. Smoking was not associated with worse posttreatment visual acuity and was not found to influence the change in ocular coherence tomography measurement of central macular thickness and the change in BCVA (posttreatment minus pretreatment). There were no statistically significant differences in the duration of treatment or number of visits between two groups of patients the ever-smoker group and the never-smoker group (P > 0.05). In this study, smoking status did not influence the treatment outcome of anti-VEGFs; however, smoking should be encouraged due to its well-known other systemic unwanted effects.

Результаты применения функциональных методов исследования у детей с сахарным диабетом 1 типа в зависимости от уровня гликированного гемоглобина

Aim: to assess correlations between ocular ultrasound (US) biometry and optical coherence tomography (OCT) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Patients and Methods: 79 children were enrolled. The control group included 52 age-matched healthy children. Axial length (AL, mm) and lens thickness (LT, mm) were measured by US. Central corneal thickness (CCT) and central macular thickness (CMT) were measured by OCT (Cirrus 2000, Carl Zeiss Meditec, Germany). Correlation analysis to assess the relationship between HbA1c, US, and OCT was performed. Results: 55.7% of the participants were boys (n=44) and 44.3% were girls (n=35). Children were assigned into six groups depending on HbA1c levels. Group 1 (HbA1c &lt;6.0%) included 8 children, group 2 (HbA1c 6.1–7.0%) 29 children, group 3 (HbA1c 7.1–8.0%) 21 children, group 4 (HbA1c 8.1–9.0%) 8 children, group 5 (HbA1c 9.1–10%) 5 children, and group 6 (HbA1c &gt;10%) 8 children. The mean AL was 22.7±1.1 mm. The greatest AL was reported in groups 2 and 4, while the least AL was reported in groups 3 and 6. The greatest LT was reported in groups 4 and 6. In group 1, LT was similar to those in the control group. In all groups but group 2, CCT was greater than in controls. CMT demonstrated a negative correlation with HbA1c levels in the study groups. CMT was the greatest in children with T1D of 5 years’ durati Conclusion: in children with T1D, US and OCT findings correlate with HbA1c levels and T1D duration. Ocular biometry, CCT, and CMT measurements are useful tests illustrating the level of compensation of systemic disease. Dynamic assessment of these parameters will help develop indicators of diabetic retinopathy in children with T1D. Keywords: diabetes, ultrasound, optical coherence tomography, glycated hemoglobin. For citation: Abdulina V.R., Stepanova I.S. Functional tests in children with type 1 diabetes and their correlation with hemoglobin A1c levels. Russian Journal of Clinical Ophthalmology. 2022;22(2):99–102 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2311-7729-2022-22-2-99-102.

The effects of loading ranibizumab on vision-related quality of life in the treatment of low-risk neovascular age-related macular degeneration.

Background:The loss of central vision plays a major role in the quality of life (QoL). This study evaluates the changes in QoL in the treatment of low-risk neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD).Objectives:The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in vision-related QoL in patients receiving intravitreal ranibizumab loading dose for low-risk neovascular AMD.Design:A prospective study.Methods:Forty-two eyes of 42 patients receiving ranibizumab injections for neovascular AMD were included in this prospective study. The changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT) of the patients before the treatment, and 1 month after three loading doses were evaluated. Turkish version of the National Eye Institute 25-Item Vision Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25 TR) was conducted. The changes of QoL scores through the NEI VFQ-25 TR questionnaire were compared with visual acuity (VA) and CMT measurements before the injections and 1 month after the loading dose.Results:Forty-two patients (19 females and 23 males) were included in the study, and the mean age was 72.69 ± 7.12 years. After the treatment, a statistically significant improvement in BCVA (0.98 ± 0.44, 0.76 ± 0.42 logMAR, p < 0.001) and a significant decrease in CMT (357.90 ± 71.71, 274.50 ± 58.35 μm, p < 0.001) was observed. The QoL composite score was found to be statistically significantly higher after the treatment (64.27 ± 11.47, 68.56 ± 11.39, p < 0.001). General vision (p < 0.001), ocular pain (p = 0.025), near activities (p < 0.001), distance activities (p = 0.027), vision-specific mental health (p = 0.014), vision-specific role difficulties (p < 0.001), and peripheral vision (p = 0.046) were significantly higher after the treatment.Conclusion:NEI VFQ-25 TR is a useful questionnaire for evaluating changes in visual functions and psychosocial characteristics of low-risk neovascular AMD patients before and after the injections.

Choroidal Thickness in Emmetropia: An Enhanced Depth Imaging Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography-Based Study.

Objectives:To investigate and determine the choroidal thickness (CT) in healthy emmetropic Turkish subjects aged between 20 and 40 years using Enhanced Depth Imaging Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (EDI-OCT).Methods:This study included 194 eyes of 194 healthy emmetropic subjects. All participants underwent a detailed ophthalmologic examination. Axial length (AL) was measured with optical biometry. CT measurements were performed at subfoveal, 1.0 mm temporal, and 1.0 mm nasal using the EDI-OCT. Central macular thickness (CMT) measurements were also performed at the same time. Participants were divided into two groups; Group 1 (age between 20 and 30 years) and Group 2 (age between 31 and 40 years). CT and CMT were compared among two groups.Results:The mean age of all the subjects was 26.61±6.08 years, the mean AL was 23.44±0.72 mm, and the mean spherical equivalent was −0.11±0.28 Diopter. The mean subfoveal, nasal, and temporal CT was 389.27±86.61 μm, 354.54±86.86 μm, and 368.25±78.69 μm, respectively. Subfoveal and nasal CT of female participants were found thinner than male participants (p=0.013 and p=0.008, respectively). CT and CMT were found similar between Group 1 and Group 2.Conclusion:This study showed that mean subfoveal CT and CMT was 389.27±86.61μm and 268.17±18.76 μm, respectively, among healthy emmetropic Turkish subjects. Females had thinner CT in subfoveal and nasal quadrants. In addition, age did not affect CT between 20 and 40 years.