Association between primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and WDR36 sequence variance in Italian families affected by POAG.

Background/aims: To assess the involvement of WDR36 sequence variance in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in Italian patients.

Methods: A cohort of 34 Italian families affected by POAG was analysed by denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography for mutation in the WDR36 gene. Among the 34 families enrolled, 25 were affected by high-tension glaucoma (HTG), four by juvenile open-angle glaucoma and one by normal tension glaucoma.

Longterm follow-up of diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in the treatment of refractory glaucoma.

Purpose: This prospective study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of transscleral diode laser cyclophotocoagulation (TDLCP) in advanced refractory glaucoma.

Methods: A total of 124 eyes in 121 patients with advanced glaucoma refractory to medical treatment were treated consecutively with TDLCP. Success was defined as final intraocular pressure (IOP) of 5-21 mmHg in eyes with visual acuity (VA) of more than hand movements (HM) and relief of pain in eyes with VA of HM or less, including blind eyes.

Clinical and ultrasound biomicroscopic features in iris melanocytoma.

The clinical and ultrasound biomicroscopic features of two cases of iris melanocytoma are evaluated. On ultrasound biomicroscopy examination, iris melanocytoma appears as a highly reflective nodular mass with a smooth or irregular surface and sharp and well-defined edges. Ultrasound biomicroscopy also allows clear visualization and measurement of the tumors.

An in vivo confocal microscopy analysis of effects of topical antiglaucoma therapy with preservative on corneal innervation and morphology.

Purpose: To evaluate the long-term effects of preservative-free and preservative-containing antiglaucoma eye drops on the tear secretion and ocular surface.

Design: Comparative retrospective study.

Methods: A total of 84 patients with bilateral primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension divided into 5 groups according to type of topical hypotensive therapy and 20 healthy age-matched volunteers were studied.

Amniotic membrane graft: histopathological findings in five cases.

Amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) is an effective treatment for ocular surface reconstruction; however, the mechanisms through which amniotic membrane (AM) exerts its effects as well as its fate after transplantation have not been entirely elucidated and have been investigated only in part. We evaluate the integration of AM in the host cornea in five patients who underwent AMT as the result of Bowen's disease, band keratopathy, radio- or cryotherapy-induced keratopathy, chemical burn or post-herpetic deep corneal ulcer with descemetocele. Due to persistent opacification in four cases and a progressing tumor in one case, penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and enucleation were performed as early as 2 months and up to 20 months after AMT.