Posterior Ocular Structures Research Articles

Event-related potential (ERP) evidence for visual processing differences in children and adults with cystinosis (CTNS gene mutations)

BackgroundCystinosis, a rare lysosomal storage disease caused by mutations in the CTNS gene, is characterized by cystine crystallization and accumulation within multiple tissues, including kidney and brain. Its impact on neural function appears mild relative to its effects on other organs during early disease, but since therapeutic advances have led to substantially increased life expectancy, neurological implications are of increasing interest, necessitating deeper understanding of the impact of cystinosis on neurocognitive function. Behavioral difficulties have been reported in cystinosis in the visual domain. Very little is known, however, about how the brains of people living with cystinosis process visual information. This is especially interesting given that cystine accumulation in the cornea and posterior ocular structures is a hallmark of cystinosis.MethodsHere, high-density scalp electrophysiology was recorded to visual stimuli (during a Go/No-Go task) to investigate visual processing in individuals with cystinosis, compared to age-matched controls. Analyses focused on early stages of cortical visual processing.ResultsThe groups differed in their initial cortical response, with individuals with cystinosis exhibiting a significantly larger visual evoked potential (VEP) in the 130–150 ms time window. The groups also differed in the associations between neural responses and verbal abilities: While controls with higher IQ scores presented larger neural responses, that relationship was not observed in cystinosis.ConclusionsThe enlarged VEP in cystinosis could be the result of cortical hyperexcitability and/or differences in attentional engagement and explain, at least partially, the visual and visual-spatial difficulties described in this population.

Evaluation of the Levels of Low-dose Topical Atropine (0.01%) in Aqueous and Vitreous Humor in Human Eyes.

This is the first human study that confirmed penetration of 0.01% topical atropine in aqueous and vitreous humor in live human eyes. This supports the possible mode of action of atropine via posterior ocular structures. This knowledge will help improve the outcomes in myopia management. The purpose of this study was to evaluate penetration of low-dose atropine 0.01% in aqueous and vitreous humor. In this cross-sectional interventional pilot study, 48 cataract cases were divided into four groups (12 each), and 30 epiretinal membrane/macular hole cases were divided into three groups (10 each). One drop of 0.01% atropine was put in the eye to be operated. Aqueous humor samples were taken from patients undergoing cataract surgery at 60 ± 15 minutes in group 1, 120 ± 15 minutes in group 2, 240 ± 15 minutes in group 3, and 360 ± 15 minutes in group 4. Vitreous humor samples were taken from patients undergoing vitreoretinal surgery for epiretinal membrane/macular hole at 120 ± 15 minutes in group 1, 240 ± 15 minutes in group 2, and 360 ± 15 minutes in group 3. The assay of atropine was performed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Median concentrations of atropine in aqueous samples were 1.33 ng/mL (min-max, 0.6 to 6.46 ng/mL; interquartile range [IQR], 3.05 ng/mL) at 60 minutes, 2.60 ng/mL (min-max, 0.63 to 4.62 ng/mL; IQR, 1.97 ng/mL) at 120 minutes, 1.615 ng/mL (min-max, 0.1 to 3.74 ng/mL; IQR, 1.62 ng/mL) at 240 minutes, and 1.46 ng/mL (min-max, 0.47 to 2.80 ng/mL; IQR, 1.73 ng/mL) at 360 minutes, and those in vitreous samples were 0.102 ng/mL (min-max, 0 to 0.369 ng/mL; IQR, 0.366 ng/mL) at 120 minutes, 0.1715 ng/mL (min-max, 0 to 0.795 ng/mL; IQR, 0.271 ng/mL) at 240 minutes, and 0.2495 ng/mL (min-max, 0 to 0.569 ng/mL; IQR, 0.402 ng/mL) at 360 minutes, respectively. Measurable concentration of low-dose topical atropine (0.01%) was noted in aqueous and vitreous humor after instillation of a single drop of low-dose atropine. Muscarinic receptors located in the posterior segment such as the choroid and retina could be the possible site of action of low-dose atropine in myopia.

All in All Anterior to Posterior Segment Ocular Diseases in a Single Individual

Significance: Anterior to posterior ocular diseases in the eye is possible, although rare. Visual disturbances and ocular discomfort may contribute to several factors. Purpose: The purpose of this case report was to describe the possibility of multiple ocular diseases that may present in the eye, making it imperative for optometrists to perform a comprehensive eye examination daily. Case report: A 57-year-old, female presented with a severe gritty sensation in the right eye. The patient underwent Laser Assisted In-situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) 30 years ago and her medical history reveals newly diagnosed Hypertension. The patient has mild bilateral blepharoptosis, and on slit lamp examination with fluorescein staining, the ocular surface reveals multiple Superficial Punctate Keratitis (SPK) possibly due to Post-LASIK. Further, mild clouding of the crystalline lenses was noted suggestive of Nuclear Sclerosis (NS). Dilated eye examination, reveals tiny multiple yellowish-white reflecting particles which were Asteroid Hyalosis (AH) and flame-shaped hemorrhages extended from the optic disc to the macula that is suggestive of Central Retinal Vein Occlusion (CRVO). All in all anterior to posterior segment ocular diseases in this patient were managed accordingly by Optometrist and Ophthalmologist. The diagnosis made were bilateral aponeurotic ptosis, severe dry eyes, NS, AH, and CRVO. The patient was treated with topical cyclosporine and Anti-vasular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) scheduled. Conclusion: This case demonstrates the role of patient history, clinical findings, diagnosis, and treatment of blepharoptosis, chronic dry eye, NS, AH, and CRVO. It emphasizes the importance of evaluating the anterior to posterior segment ocular structures and managing such cases requires close collaboration and teamwork with ophthalmologists. Careful examination and systemic evaluation are vital in such a scenario. It is important to educate patients that any sudden vision loss is not normal and they should consult an eye care professional immediately.

The evaluation of the effect of Nd-YAG capsulotomy on posterior ocular vascular structures by Optical coherence tomography angiography

BackgroundWe aimed to examine the changes in retinal, choroidal and optic nerve head vascular structures after Nd-YAG laser application due to posterior capsule opacification after cataract surgery by Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). MethodsFifteen eyes of 15 patients who have posterior capsule opasification and underwent Nd-YAG laser capsulotomy were included in the study. OCTA imagings of patients were made before and one hour, one week and one month later after the laser procedure. ResultsNo significant change was determined before and after capsulotomy in macular thickness measurements, flow areas and vessel densities (all p > 0.05). Optic nerve head vessel densities and flow areas didn't differ preoperatively and postoperatively (p > 0.05). ConclusionsNd-YAG laser capsulotomy for posterior capsule opacification has no detectable effect on macular and optic nerve flows and vessel densities.

Changes in ocular pulse amplitude and posterior ocular structure parameters in type 1 diabetic children without diabetic retinopathy.

Background:It is important to determine changes in posterior ocular structures in the early period before retinopathy develops in pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM).Objective:To evaluate inner plexiform layer (IPL), ganglion cell layer (GCL), and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thicknesses, as well as the relationship between choroidal thickness (CT) and ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) in type 1 diabetic children without diabetic retinopathy (DR).Design:A prospective observational study.Methods:Group 1 (n = 44) consisted of pediatric patients with type 1 DM without DR, and Group 2 (n = 65) of pediatric control subjects. Both intraocular pressure (IOP) and OPA were measured using a dynamic contour tonometer. CT, IPL, GCL, and RNFL were all measured using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT).Results:The mean IOP and OPA values were 16.67 ± 2.34 and 1.85 ± 0.34, respectively, in group 1, and 15.14 ± 2.17 and 1.65 ± 0.25 in Group 2 (p = 0.001 for both). The mean subfoveal CT value was 294.30 ± 67.61 μm in group 1 and 394.42 ± 69.65 μm in Group 2 (p < 0.001). The mean GCL and RNFL values were 1.09 ± 0.11 and 96.46 ± 11.69, respectively, in group 1, and 1.14 ± 0.09 and 101.73 ± 9.33 in Group 2 (p = 0.005 and p = 0.008, respectively).Conclusions:IOP and OPA values were higher, and CT, GCL, and RNFL values were lower in children with type 1 DM during the early stages than in the healthy control group. These findings suggest that CT may be a marker of retinal involvement in children with type 1 DM without DR.

Evaluation of Posterior Ocular Structures in Patients with Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Evaluation of Posterior Ocular Structures in Patients with Familial Hypercholesterolemia

Posterior ocular structural changes and glaucoma susceptibility in patients with hemifacial spasm.

To evaluatethe changes in the posterior ocular structures and glaucoma susceptibility in patients with hemifacial spasm (HFS). Prospective observational clinical study. This study included 46 long-standing HFS patients with a minimum follow-up of 12months. The participants' eyes were divided into three groups: (1) 46 affected eyes of patients with clinical HFS; (2) 46 unaffected fellow eyes and, (3) 46 eyes of healthy sex and age-matched controls. All participants were assessed by a detailed clinical examination and optical coherence tomography (OCT) with enhanced depth imaging (EDI). EDI-OCT images were binarized using ImageJ software. Peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell complex (GCC), choroidal thickness (CT), and choroidal vascularity index (CVI) were used to compare the structural characteristics of the affected eyes with fellow and control eyes. The CT measurements were performed from the subfoveal and locations at 750μm and 3000μm intervals from the foveal center, and the average of CT measurements at 5 locations was accepted as mean CT. The demographic and clinical characteristics among the groups were similar (for all, P > 0.05). Mean peripapillary RNFL thickness of the inferior quarter was significantly lower in affected eyes, compared to fellow eyes (P = 0.023) and control eyes (P = 0.040). Mean GCC thickness significantly decreased in affected eyes, compared to fellow eyes (P = 0.019) and healthy controls (P = 0.008). Mean CT thickness significantly decreased in affected eyes, compared to fellow eyes (P = 0.002) and healthy controls (P < 0.001). Mean subfoveal CVI (65.94% ± 1.46) was found to be significantly thinner than the unaffected fellow (68.19% ± 1.84, P = 0.011) eyes and control eyes (67.23% ± 0.84, P = 0.044). This study's outcomes show that long-standing HFS is associated with glaucoma-associated morphological OCT findings and decreased both CT and subfoveal choroidal vascularity. These findings may be related to the fact that the posterior ocular structures are affected by long-lasting paroxysmal orbicularis contractions.

The impact of celiac disease and duration of gluten free diet on anterior and posterior ocular structures: Ocular imaging based study.

To evaluate the eyes of adult celiac disease (CD) patients and investigate the association between these ocular parameters with celiac specific antibodies and duration of gluten free diet (GFD). This cross-sectional study included 72 eyes of 36 CD patients (18-51 years of age) and 70 eyes of 35 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. In addition to a complete ophthalmologic examination, all patients were scanned by a Scheimpflug camera, specular microscopy and spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Endothelial cell density (ECD), anterior chamber angle (ACA) degrees, anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber volume (ACV) and central macular thickness (CMT) values were lower in CD patients as compared with control group (p values = 0.038, 0.024, 0.002, 0.038 and 0.046 respectively). ECD and CMT were lower in celiac patients whom endomysial antibodies (EMA) IgA were positive (p = 0.001, p = 0.042 respectively). Tissue transglutaminase IgA antibody (anti tTG IgA) was weakly positively correlated (p > 0.05) with ACD, and positively (r = 0.319; p < 0.05) correlated with ACV. As the duration of compliance to the diet increased in the celiac group the mean and inferior retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness decreased (p = 0.035, p = 0.008 respectively). Mean, inferior and temporal RNFL thicknesses were lower in celiac patients whose duration of GFD was longer than 5 years (p < 0.05). Decreases in ECD, ACA degree, ACD, ACV and CMT can occur in CD patients. In adult celiac patients; ECD, CMT might be effected in the presence of positive EMA, and ACD, ACV might be effected in the presence of higher anti tTG IgA titer. Adult celiac patients who had longer duration of GFD may have thinner RNFL. RNFL may be thinner in celiac patients who comply with GFD for more than 5 years.

The Impact of Graves’ Ophthalmopathy on Anterior and Posterior Ocular Structures: Ocular Imaging Based Study

The Impact of Graves’ Ophthalmopathy on Anterior and Posterior Ocular Structures: Ocular Imaging Based Study

Efficacy and Safety of Suprachoroidal CLS-TA for Macular Edema Secondary to Noninfectious Uveitis: Phase 3 Randomized Trial

Injection of pharmacotherapy into the suprachoroidal space, between the sclera and choroid, is an alternative delivery technique developed with the rationale of providing higher drug concentrations to posterior ocular structures compared with other intraocular and periocular injection procedures. This study was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of suprachoroidally injected triamcinolone acetonide formulation (CLS-TA), a suspension of triamcinolone acetonide, in improving vision among patients with noninfectious uveitis complicated by macular edema (ME). Phase 3 masked, randomized trial. One hundred sixty patients with ME secondary to noninfectious uveitis. Patients were required to have a best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 5 or more Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters (Snellen equivalent, 20/800) and 70 or fewer ETDRS letters read (Snellen equivalent, 20/40) in the study eye. Patients were randomized 3:2 to suprachoroidally injected CLS-TA or sham treatment, with administrations at day 0 and week12. The primary end point was improvement from baseline of 15 or more ETDRS letters in BCVA at week 24. The secondary end point was reduction from baseline in central subfield thickness (CST) at week24. In the CLS-TA arm, 47% of patients gained 15 or more ETDRS letters in BCVA versus 16% in the control arm (P < 0.001), meeting the primary end point. Mean reductions in CST from baseline were 153 μm versus 18 μm (P < 0.001). No serious adverse events (AEs) related to treatment were reported. Corticosteroid-associated AEs of elevated intraocular pressure occurred in 11.5% and 15.6% of the CLS-TA and control groups, respectively. Cataract AE rates were comparable (7.3% and 6.3%, respectively). Patients in the CLS-TA study arm experienced clinically significant improvement in vision relative to the sham procedure, demonstrating the efficacy of suprachoroidal injection of CLS-TA for the treatment of ME in a vision-threatening disorder.

Evaluation of Posterior Ocular Structures in Patients with Isolated Iris Coloboma.

Objectives:To measure lamina cribrosa thickness (LCT), lamina cribrosa depth (LCD) and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) by imaging posterior ocular structures in pediatric cases with isolated unilateral iris coloboma and to investigate the differences as compared with healthy contralateral eyes of these cases (fellow eyes) and healthy control eyes.Methods:This cross-sectional, comparative prospective study included seven children (age range, 9-17 years) with unilateral isolated iris coloboma. The healthy contralateral eyes of these cases formed the fellow group. An age-matched (age range 8-17 years) control group (n=9), including children with both eyes having either normal or corrected-to-normal visual acuity, was formed. A detailed ophthalmic examination was performed. The posterior ocular segments were evaluated using spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) with enhanced depth imaging (EDI) technique.Results:The SFCT was 372.0±48.8 µm, 375.3±44.0 µm, and 386.5±71.8 µm, respectively, and the LCD was 362.4±68.3 µm, 354.4±47.1 µm, and 350.7±38.1 µm, respectively, in the coloboma, fellow, and control eyes. There was no difference between the groups regarding SFCT and LCD. The mean LCT was significantly thinner in the coloboma eyes (200.2±9.5 µm) than in the fellow (238.8±26.7 µm; p=0.023) and control eyes (240.0±12.9 µm; p<0.001). The LCT showed no significant correlation with age, axial length or spherical equivalent.Conclusion:Better visual prognosis is expected in isolated iris coloboma. However, detailed examinations using new technologies, such as SD-OCT, may reveal some structural changes. Longitudinal studies are required to understand if a thinner LCT in coloboma eyes is associated with any future problems.

Effect of UV-absorbing Contact Lenses on Conjunctival Ultraviolet Autofluorescence

ABSTRACT Purpose The intended purpose of UV-absorbing contact lenses is to protect the cornea and posterior ocular structures from UV-induced damage. Few studies report conjunctival effects of UV-absorbing contact lens materials. The purpose of this study was to evaluate conjunctival ultraviolet autofluorescence (UVAF) for contact lens wearers of UV-absorbing and minimally UV-absorbing materials. Methods Forty-four volunteers enrolled in the cross-sectional study. Three groups were recruited; non-contact lens wearers (n = 15), minimally UV-absorbing contact lens wearers (n = 15), and UV-absorbing contact lens wearers (n = 14). Ocular sun exposure was calculated using self-reported measures. Conjunctival UVAF images of temporal and nasal conjunctiva, acquired using a Nikon D7000 camera system adapted with appropriate flash and filter system, were analyzed using ImageJ. A sub-group of participants including only subjects with measurable UVAF was analyzed. Results No significant differences were present between groups found similar for age, gender, and ocular sun exposure. The area of UVAF significantly increased following lens removal for UV-absorbing contact lens wearers compared with non-contact lens wearers. Furthermore, for contact lens wearers compared with non-lens wearers, area of UVAF was significantly greater between right and left eyes (p = .04 minimally UV-absorbing, p = .01 UV-absorbing), and between nasal (p = .046 minimally UV-absorbing, p = .01 UV-absorbing), and temporal (p = .01 UV-absorbing) areas. However, no significant difference was found between contact lens wearers of the two groups. No difference was found between nasal and temporal UVAF regions during contact lens wear (p = .28) or after lens removal (p = .16) (Mann–Whitney U). Conclusions Contact lens materials have conjunctival effects, with increased UVAF in both UV-absorbing and minimally UV-absorbing contact lens wearers compared with non-lens wearers. UV-absorbing and minimally UV-absorbing contact lens materials appear to influence nasal and temporal areas of the ocular surface equally.

Şizofreni Hastalarında Gözün Arka Segment Yapılarının Değerlendirilmesi

Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the effects of schizophrenia on posterior ocular structures including the retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), central macular thickness (CMT), choroidal thickness (CT) and lamina cribrosa (LC) measurements.Methods: A total of 35 patients with schizophrenia and 35 healthy individuals were enrolled. Only the right eye of each participant was tested. RNFL thickness in all quadrants, CT, CMT, LC thickness, and LC depth (LCD) measurements were performed using Fourier domain optic coherence tomography (OCT), and each variable was compared between groups.Results: The mean age and sex distributions were similar between groups (p=0.528 and p=0.299, respectively). The average, superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal RNFL thicknesses were significantly lower in schizophrenia patients than in controls (p&amp;lt;0.001, p&amp;lt;0.001, p=0.001, p=0.002 and p&amp;lt;0.001, respectively). The mean subfoveal and perifoveal CT were not significantly different between the groups (subfoveal; p=0.676, 1.5 mm nasal; p=0.632, 3 mm nasal; p=1.000, 1.5 mm temporal; p=0.811, 3 mm temporal; p=0.145). The mean CMT was similar among the groups (p=0.678). LC thickness and LCD were not statistically significant between groups (p=0.816 and p=0.161).Conclusions: We demonstrated that RNFL thicknesses in all quadrants were significantly lower in schizophrenia patients than in control subjects. However, there were no significant differences in the CMT, perifoveal and subfoveal CT, LC thickness, and LCD between the groups. These results suggest that OCT can be used to image neuronal loss by evaluating the RNFL in patients with schizophrenia. Keywords: Schizophrenia; retinal nerve fiber layer; choroidal thickness; lamina cribrosa thickness; macular thickness

Aflibercept Treatment for Macular Edema following Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion: Age-Based Responses

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare responses to aflibercept treatment in age-based groups of patients with macular edema following branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Methods: Eighty-five patients with macular edema following BRVO were divided into 4 groups according to their age: Group I (i.e., 45- to 54-year-olds), Group II (i.e., 55- to 64-year-olds), Group III (i.e., 65- to 74-year-olds), and Group IV (i.e., 75- to 84-year-olds). Each patient received a loading dose of 3 monthly intravitreal aflibercept injections. The treatment response was evaluated with visual acuity (VA) and optical coherence tomography measurements of the central foveal thickness (CFT), outer nuclear layer thickness (ONLT), and photoreceptor layer thickness (PRLT) before treatment and 1 month after the first and third injections. Results: In Group I (n = 19), Group II (n = 25), Group III (n = 23), and Group IV (n = 18), the mean values of VA, CFT, ONLT, and PRLT improved significantly 3 months after treatment. Whereas VA improved the most in Group I, its improvement significantly decreased in each progressively older age group, as did the reduction of the CFT, ONLT, and PRLT values, all of which were greater in groups I and II. Furthermore, age significantly correlated with changes in VA, CFT, ONLT, and PRLT across all groups. Conclusion: The efficacy and effectiveness of aflibercept treatment decrease in patients with macular edema following BRVO as they age, most likely due to age-related changes in posterior ocular structures.

The effect of voluntary fasting and dehydration on posterior ocular structures

Purpose: Islamic Ramadan is the month of fasting, in which intake of food and drink is restricted from sunrise until sunset. The objective of the present study was to find out the effects of religious fasting on posterior ocular structures.Materials and methods: In this prospective study, 34 eyes of 34 healthy volunteers with a mean age of 34.09 ± 7.20 years were enrolled. Volunteers with any systemic disorder and eyes with pathology or previous surgery were excluded. One week before Ramadan (non-fasting period) and during Ramadan (fasting period) at the same hours (at 08:00 and 16:00 h), choroidal, macular, and retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thicknesses were measured by spectral domain optical coherence tomography. Results were compared using paired sample t-test, and a p value <0.05 was accepted as statistically significant.Results: The comparison of 16:00-h measurements significantly revealed lower values during fasting period when compared non-fasting period for choroidal thickness (non-fasting and fasting, respectively; subfoveal: 299.26 ± 41.3 and 280.03 ± 38.75 p < 0.001, nasal: 246.09 ± 53.59 and 227.06 ± 53.82 p < 0.001, and temporal: 273.56 ± 42.68 and 257.44 ± 45.06 p = 0.001) and paracentral macular thickness (superior: p = 0.002, inferior: p = 0.010, temporal: p = 0.013, and nasal: p = 0.016). By contrast, no significant differences were found in the central macular thickness between the fasting and non-fasting periods (p = 0.735). Also, no statistically significant difference was noted for RNFL thickness at the different periods and time points.Conclusion: Our results reveal that Islamic religious fasting is associated with statistically significant alterations in choroidal and paracentral macular thickness in healthy volunteers. However, more detailed investigations should be designed to evaluate whether fasting has a pivotal influence on pathological conditions.

Adenosine receptor distribution in Rhesus monkey ocular tissue

Adenosine receptor (ADOR) antagonists, such as 7-methylxanthine (7-MX), have been shown to slow myopia progression in humans and animal models. Adenosine receptors are found throughout the body, and regulate the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and glutamate. However, the role of adenosine in eye growth is unclear. Evidence suggests that 7-MX increases scleral collagen fibril diameter, hence preventing axial elongation. This study used immunohistochemistry (IHC) and reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to examine the distribution of the four ADORs in the normal monkey eye to help elucidate potential mechanisms of action. Eyes were enucleated from six Rhesus monkeys. Anterior segments and eyecups were separated into components and flash-frozen for RNA extraction or fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde and processed for immunohistochemistry against ADORA1, ADORA2a, ADORA2b, and ADORA3. RNA was reverse-transcribed, and qPCR was performed using custom primers. Relative gene expression was calculated using the ΔΔCt method normalizing to liver expression, and statistical analysis was performed using Relative Expression Software Tool. ADORA1 immunostaining was highest in the iris sphincter muscle, trabecular meshwork, ciliary epithelium, and retinal nerve fiber layer. ADORA2a immunostaining was highest in the corneal epithelium, trabecular meshwork, ciliary epithelium, retinal nerve fiber layer, and scleral fibroblasts. ADORA2b immunostaining was highest in corneal basal epithelium, limbal stem cells, iris sphincter, ciliary muscle, ciliary epithelium, choroid, isolated retinal ganglion cells and scattered scleral fibroblasts. ADORA3 immunostaining was highest in the iris sphincter, ciliary muscle, ciliary epithelium, choroid, isolated retinal ganglion cells, and scleral fibroblasts. Compared to liver mRNA, ADORA1 mRNA was significantly higher in the brain, retina and choroid, and significantly lower in the iris/ciliary body. ADORA2a expression was higher in brain and retina, ADORA2b expression was higher in retina, and ADORA3 was higher in the choroid. In conclusion, immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR indicated differential patterns of expression of the four adenosine receptors in the ocular tissues of the normal non-human primate. The presence of ADORs in scleral fibroblasts and the choroid may support mechanisms by which ADOR antagonists prevent myopia. The potential effects of ADOR inhibition on both anterior and posterior ocular structures warrant investigation.

The effect of smoking cessation on posterior ocular structures

This study evaluated changes in cho-roidal and macular thickness in healthy volunteers and chronic smokers. Thirty-three eyes of 33 chronic smokers (study group) and 33 eyes of 33 healthy controls who had never smoked were prospectively evaluated. Comprehensive ophthalmic assessment included slit lamp biomicroscopy, stereoscopic fundus examination, and intraocular pressure measurement. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography was used to measure choroidal and macular thickness 1 month before smoking cessation (smoking period) and after 3 months of smoking cessation (nonsmoking period). The mean age of the participants was 41.88 ± 6.52 years (range, 26-52), and the average smoking duration was 8.6 ± 2.5 years (range, 5-16). The thickness of the paracentral choroid (nasal: 1,500 mm, p=0.001 and temporal: 1,500 mm, p=0.001) had significantly decreased after 3 months of smoking cessation. The thicknesses of the subfoveal choroid in the smoking and nonsmoking periods were not significantly different (p=0.194). The mean central macular thickness was 267.21 ± 18.42 mm in the smoking period and 268.42 ± 18.28 mm in the nonsmoking period (p=0.022). Smoking was associated with statistically significant changes in paracentral choroidal and central macular thickness in healthy volunteers. Pathological studies should be performed to evaluate the effects of smoking on posterior ocular structures.

Evaluation of posterior ocular changes using enhanced depth imaging-optical coherence tomography in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

Evaluation of the nerve fiber thicknesses of the macula, choroid, and retina using the apnea-hypopnea index in individuals with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) without systemic components. Prospective, controlled study. The central macular, choroidal, and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thicknesses were evaluated using enhanced depth imaging-spectral domain optical coherence tomography in individuals with OSAS. In people with severe OSAS who had received treatment, posterior ocular structures were examined over 3 months (4th and 12th weeks), and changes were evaluated. Only the right eyes of the participants were evaluated in the study. A total of 72 people were involved in the study, with 18 in the control group and 19 with mild, 16 with moderate, and 19 with severe OSAS. No significant difference was found among the groups in terms of demographic measures. No significant differences were found among the groups in terms of the measures of central macular, central subfoveal choroidal (CSCT), temporal choroidal, nasal choroidal, and RNFL thicknesses. In severe OSAS cases in which treatment was administered, although subjective clinical recovery was observed, statistically significant thinning was detected during the 3-month follow-up period in the CSCT, general RNFL, as well as in the inferior and superior nasal quadrants, and temporal superior quadrant (p=0.005, p=0.009, p=0.039, p=0.003, and p=0.02, respectively). In the group with severe OSAS, thinning in some posterior ocular tissues was observed. Although patients with severe OSAS may experience clinical recovery, we recommend that they would be followed up in terms of ocular ischemic injury.

The assessment of anterior and posterior ocular structures in hyperopic anisometropic amblyopia.

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to examine the relationship or differences in ocular structures of amblyopic eyes compared to fellow eyes in children and young adults with hyperopic anisometropic amblyopia.Material/MethodsHyperopic participants with anisometropic amblyopia, defined as the presence of best-corrected visual acuity differences of at least 2 Snellen lines and 1.5 diopters between amblyopic and fellow eyes, were studied. Using the IOL Master, Pentacam Scheimpflug imaging and Spectralis optical coherence tomography, the axial length, corneal curvature, and anterior chamber depth (ACD), as well as the thickness of the cornea, peripapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), and macula, were compared between children and young adults and between their amblyopic and fellow eyes.ResultsIn 53 participants with hyperopic anisometropic amblyopia, there were significant differences in the anterior corneal curvature, ACD and axial length between the amblyopic and fellow eyes of all the patients. The mean central macular thickness in the amblyopic eyes was significantly thicker (P=.001) in the group aged 5 to 12 years; however, this was not the case in the group aged 13 to 42 years. There was no significant difference in average RNFL thickness in either group.ConclusionsWe found significantly greater mean central macular thickness in anisometropic amblyopic eyes among participants aged 5 to 12 years, but not among those who were older. Similarly, the interocular differences in axial length parameters seemed to be related to the central macular thickness differences between the amblyopic and fellow eyes in the younger group.

Ocular injuries - a review

No abstract available