Expression of Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinases (TIMP-1, TIMP-2, TIMP-3, TIMP-4) in Blood Serum of Patients with Keratoconus.

Background: The etiology of keratoconus is unclear. Current evidence suggests that inflammatory and systemic mechanisms might play a role in its pathophysiology. The proper interaction of proteolytic enzymes-matrix metalloproteinases-and their specific tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) within the cornea is essential in maintaining its structure, transparency and healing processes.

Choroidal neovascularization associated with butterfly-shaped pattern dystrophy - a case report.

The pattern dystrophies (PDs) are a group of primarily autosomal dominant inherited macular diseases that cause the deposition of lipofuscin in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and may lead to significant vision loss in later life. Patients can develop choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and/ or geographic atrophy (GA) and for this reason they are often misdiagnosed as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). We presented a case of a 66-year-old patient complaining of vision loss in the right eye (RE) for 8 months.

Late-Onset Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder Mimicking a Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy-Case Report.

A 60-year-old white woman presented to the emergency department with painless decrease of visual acuity in the left eye (LE). The diagnosis of a non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy in the LE was established based on the clinical picture and the results of static perimetry, fluorescein angiography, visual evoked potential, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and orbit. Six months later, the patient reported visual impairment in the right eye (RE).

-Related Cone-Rod Dystrophy: Clinical Characteristics, Imaging Findings, and Genetic Test Results-A Case Report.

Cone-rod dystrophies (CRDs) are a heterogeneous group of inherited retinal diseases (IRDs) characterized by cone photoreceptor loss, that is followed by subsequent rod photoreceptor impairment. A 49-year-old man complaining of diminution of vision in both eyes (OU) was referred to our outpatient clinic. He reported visual loss for 5 years, but it was most progressive during the last few months.

Comparison of INTEGRA and the Manual Method to Determine the Axis for Intraocular Lens Implantation-A Case Series of 60 Eyes.

(1) Background: To compare the results of a new intraoperative contactless device (INTEGRA Optomed, Poland) with the result of a manual method for determining the axis for toric intraocular lens implantation. (2) Material and Methods: This retrospective observational study included 60 eyes of 40 patients (17 men, 23 women) who had toric intraocular lenses implanted. A video recording of each surgery that used the INTEGRA system was made for the analysis.

Choroidal neovascularization secondary to ocular syphilis.

Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a very rare but sight-threatening complication of ocular syphilis. We reported the case of a 51-year-old woman who presented with a 2-week history of visual loss in the right eye (RE). Fundus examination demonstrated vitritis and the optic disc margin blurring.

Comparison between using INTEGRA and manual method in determining axis for intraocular lens implantation: Preliminary retrospective study.

The aim of this study was to explore the efficacy, repeatability, and efficiency of a new intraoperative contactless device (INTEGRA Optomed, Chorzów, Poland) for determining the axis for toric intraocular lens implantation and then to compare this with that determined using a manual method.This study was conducted at the Ophthalmological Center for Children and Adults Optomed, Chorzów, Poland.This nonrandomized, retrospective, observational study included 20 eyes of 12 patients (5 males and 7 females) who had toric intraocular lens implanted.

Effect of caffeine on biomarkers of oxidative stress in lenses of rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes.

Introduction: One of the major causes of cataract in diabetes is oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS). Nowadays, new substances with antioxidative properties that may prevent cataract development are needed. One such substance is caffeine - an alkaloid with well-documented antioxidative activity.

Effect of Topical Prostaglandin F2α Analogs on Selected Oxidative Stress Parameters in the Tear Film.

: Topically administered antiglaucoma medications, especially those containing benzalkonium chloride (BAC), may cause local adverse effects and compromise ocular surface. The aim of the study was to assess the effect of topical prostaglandin F2α analogs (PGAs): preservative-free latanoprost, BAC-preserved latanoprost, preservative-free tafluprost, and BAC-preserved bimatoprost, on selected oxidative stress parameters in the tear film. : The patients were divided into five groups: group C ( = 25) control group-subjects who did not use topical antiglaucoma medications, group L ( = 22)-patients using topical preservative-free latanoprost, group L+BAC ( = 25)-patients using topical BAC-preserved latanoprost, group T ( = 19)-patients using topical preservative-free tafluprost, and group B+BAC ( = 17)-patients using topical BAC-preserved bimatoprost.

The evolution of the anterior capsulotomy.

The paper describes the development of the anterior capsulotomy from its early crude beginnings in the 18 century to the possibility of automated surgery today via continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC). The reasons for the opening of the capsule have changed from a roughly made tear to allow access to the nucleus for its extraction, to the creation of more regular openings to allow support for intraocular lenses. With the development of continuous circular tears it was possible to be certain to contain the intraocular lens (IOL) in the capsular bag.

Effect of Resveratrol, a Dietary-Derived Polyphenol, on the Oxidative Stress and Polyol Pathway in the Lens of Rats with Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes.

Resveratrol is found in grapes, apples, blueberries, mulberries, peanuts, pistachios, plums and red wine. Resveratrol has been shown to possess antioxidative activity and a variety of preventive effects in models of many diseases. The aim of the study was to investigate if this substance may counteract the oxidative stress and polyol pathway in the lens of diabetic rats.

The use of intrastromal corneal ring segments in patients with myopia and keratoconus.

Intrastromal corneal ring segments were primary used for correcting myopia ranging from -0.5 to -3.0 diopters.

Combination of Aflibercept and Bromfenac Therapy in Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Pilot Study Aflibercept and Bromfenac in AMD.

BACKGROUND Among many protocols for treatment of exudative AMD, combined therapy of anti-VEGF agents and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) seems to be an ideal alternative to monotherapy based on ranibizumab or bevacizumab. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of aflibercept and bromfenac in the treatment of exudative AMD. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was conducted on a group of 27 patients with exudative AMD who were administered intravitreal aflibercept and topical bromfenac (study group) once a month.

Inducible and endothelial nitric synthetase expression and nitrotyrosine accumulation in iris vasculature of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma: a pilot study.

Background: The "double-faced" effect of nitric oxide (NO) is thought to play an important role in triggering and progression of glaucoma.

Material/methods: Iris samples were obtained during iridectomy in 35 patients (mean age of 65.4±5.

The gamma knife in ophthalmology. Part Two--Other ocular diseases.

Gamma Knife was designed by Lars Leksell in the early 1950's. It gave rise to a new discipline of medicine--stereotactic radiosurgery. Main use of Gamma Knife in ophthalmology--discussed in the first part of this paper--is non-invasive treatment of uveal melanoma.

The gamma knife in ophthalmology. Part One--Uveal melanoma.

The Gamma Knife was designed by Lars Leksell in the early 1950's. It gave rise to a new discipline of medicine--stereotactic radiosurgery. Primarily dedicated to neurosurgery, the Gamma Knife has become an alternative, widely used surgery technique.

Combination of bevacizumab and bromfenac therapy in age-related macular degeneration: a pilot study.

Background: According to recent studies, the newest strategy for the treatment of exudative age-related macular degeneration is to combine anti-VEGF agents with non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as nepafenac and bromfenac to decrease the frequency of intravitreal injections. Since most research has focused on ranibizumab, the aim of this study is to evaluate whether an alternative drug such as bevacizumab could lead to similar outcomes.

Material And Methods: The study was conducted on a group of 26 patients who were administered intravitreal bevacizumab and topical bromfenac (study group) and 26 patients with single bevacizumab therapy (control group).

von Willebrand factor in iris vasculature of glaucoma patients.

Background: Previous reports have indicated the role of endothelium disturbances, as expressed by von Willebrand factor (vWF) release, in pathophysiology of glaucoma. The objective of this study was to investigate the vWF expression in iris vasculature of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).

Material And Methods: Immunohistochemistry of vWF expression was performed on cryostat sections of samples collected at the time of peripheral iridectomy and controls collected from dead donors.