Repeatability and Reproducibility of a New Partial Coherence Interferometer; AL-Scan Optic Biometer

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the intra-observer repeatability and inter-observer reproducibility of the ocular parameter measurements in cataract eyes using the new partial coherence interferometer, AL-Scan. Eighty-six eyes with cataracts were included in this prospective study. Axial length, average keratometry, anterior chamber depth, central corneal thickness, white-to-white distance and intraocular lens power calculation with the SRK-T formula were determined by two observers. The measurements were repeated by the same observers using the same AL-Scan unit on the same eye approximately 2 weeks later, just before surgery. Inter-observer reproducibility was excellent, with very high interclass correlation coefficients (˃0.984) for all measured parameters. Standard deviations (Sw) and coefficients of variation (CV) of the repeated measurements were low, which demonstrated high intra-observer repeatability, except for the central corneal thickness and white-to-white distance measurements (Sw≤0.224 ∞CV≤ 1.072). The precision of the measurements obtained by the AL-Scan biometer is highly reliable and observer-independent. [Med-Science 2016; 5(1.000): 222-32

Prevalence of Keratoconus and Subclinical Keratoconus in Subjects with Astigmatism Using Pentacam Derived Parameters

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of keratoconus (KCN) and subclinical KCN among subjects with two or more diopters (D) of astigmatism, and to compare Pentacam parameters among these subjects. Methods: One hundred and twenty eight eyes of 64 subjects with astigmatism ≥2D were included in the study. All subjects underwent a complete ophthalmic examination which included refraction, visual acuity measurement, slit lamp biomicroscopy, retinoscopy, fundus examination, conventional corneal topography and elevation-based topography with Pentacam. The diagnosis of KCN and subclinical KCN was made by observing clinical findings and topographic features; and confirmed by corneal thickness and elevation maps of Pentacam. Several parameters acquired from Pentacam were analyzed employing the Mann-Whitney U Test. Results: Mean age of the study population was 29.9±9.8 (range 15-45) years which included 39 (60.9%) female and 25 (39.1%) male subjects. Maximum corneal power, index of vertical asymmetry, keratoconus index and elevation values were significantly higher and pachymetry was significantly thinner in eyes with clinical or subclinical KCN than normal astigmatic eyes (P< 0.05). Conclusion: The current study showed that subjects with 2D or more of astigmatism who present to outpatient clinics should undergo corneal topography screening for early diagnosis of KCN even if visual acuity is not affected. Pentacam may provide more accurate information about anterior and posterior corneal anatomy especially in suspect eyes

Management of hypotony and flat anterior chamber associated with glaucoma filtration surgery

<b>AIM:</b>To determine the effectiveness of pharmacological and interventional treatment of hypotony and flat anterior chamber (FAC) resulting from glaucoma filtration surgery.<b>METHODS:</b>We retrospectively examined the medical records of fifty-two trabeculectomy patients (52 eyes) who developed postoperative hypotony and FAC. The management and associated complications of hypotony, changing intraocular pressure (IOP) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were evaluated.<b>RESULT:</b>Of the 52 patients with hypotony, 29 (56%) had a grade 1 FAC, 21 (40%) had a grade 2 FAC, and only 2 had a grade 3 FAC. There was no significant difference between the mean preoperative IOP and the mean IOP at three and six months after surgery. Thirteen eyes (25%) required antiglaucomatous medication three months after surgery. The mean BCVA at 6mo after surgery was significantly reduced as compared with the mean preoperative BCVA.<b>CONCLUSION:</b>Hypotonia and FAC following trabeculectomy are associated with troublesome complications that require pharmacological and/or surgical treatment. Thus, close follow-up is essential for affected patients

Tear function in patients with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis

Objectives: To evaluate dry eye symptoms and clinical tear film alterations in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). Materials and methods: Thirty-five non-diabetic CRF patients undergoing hemodialysis, and 31 healthy individuals were enrolled. An ocular surface disease index questionnaire (OSDI) was administered, and after a complete ocular examination, Schirmer and tear break-up time (TBUT) tests were performed. Results: OSDI scores were significantly higher (p < 0.01) and TBUT tests were significantly lower (p = 0.01) in CRF patients than in the control group. Schirmer test results were also lower in the CRF patients group, but lacked statistical significance (p = 0.20). Conclusion: Patients with CRF should be advised to obtain an ophthalmic examination, especially for dry eye

Tear Film Osmolarity in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus (vol 50, pg 1, 2013)

WOS: 00032359290000