PubMed Health⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

Ayala Pollack

Publications and source records attributed to Ayala Pollack.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Induction and blockage of oligodendrogenesis by differently activated microglia in an animal model of multiple sclerosis.

The role of activated microglia (MG) in demyelinating neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis is controversial. Here we show that high, but not low, levels of IFN-gamma (a cytokine associated with inflammatory autoimmune diseases) conferred on rodent MG a phenotype that impeded oligodendrogenesis from adult neural stem/progenitor cells. IL-4 reversed the impediment, attenuated TNF-alpha production, and overcame blockage of IGF-I production caused by IFN-gamma. In rodents with acute or chronic EAE, injection of IL-4-activated MG into the cerebrospinal fluid resulted in increased oligodendrogenesis in the spinal cord and improved clinical symptoms. The newly formed oligodendrocytes were spatially associated with MG expressing MHC class II proteins and IGF-I. These results point to what we believe to be a novel role for MG in oligodendrogenesis from the endogenous stem cell pool.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Ocular axial length changes in pseudophakic children after traumatic and congenital cataract surgery.

BACKGROUND: Pseudophakic children tend to develop a large myopic shift. This may be in part due to accelerated growth in axial length. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the postoperative change in axial length (DeltaAL) in pseudophakic eyes, after extraction of traumatic or congenital cataract. METHODS: Included in this retrospective study were 20 children who had undergone surgery for traumatic, unilateral congenital, or bilateral congenital cataracts. All patients were under 10 years old at the time of operation. Axial length was measured perioperatively as well as 1 year or more postoperatively. The three groups were subdivided according to patients' ages (below or above 5 years). The DeltaAL in the operated eyes was compared with DeltaAL of the fellow nonoperated eyes. The difference in DeltaAL between operated and fellow nonoperated eyes was compared among the groups. RESULTS: DeltaAL was greater for operated eyes than for fellow nonoperated eyes (traumatic cataract: p=0.06; unilateral congenital cataract, p=0.055). Axial elongation was significantly greater in children under 5 years old at operation than in those older than 5 (p=0.025). The difference in rate of DeltaAL between operated and fellow nonoperated eyes, per 1 year of follow-up, was similar for traumatic and unilateral congenital cataract groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated a tendency toward greater axial lengthening in pseudophakic eyes of children, when compared with their nonoperated eyes. No significant difference was found in the tendency for increased axial lengthening between eyes operated on for traumatic cataracts and those operated on for congenital cataracts.

Body Weights and Measures↗
PubMed2006

Outcome of posterior capsulotomy in late capsular block syndrome with posterior capsular opacification.

BACKGROUND: To examine the results of neodymium:yttrium-aluminium-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser posterior capsulotomy in eyes with late or previously unrecognized capsular block syndrome (CBS) presenting with deterioration of vision owing to posterior capsular opacification (PCO). METHODS: Patients, who underwent uneventful phacoemulsification with intraocular implantation and were referred for Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy owing to PCO, were prospectively examined for the presence of CBS. When indicated, Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy was carried out. Prospective follow-up examinations were performed for the next 6 months. The outcome measures were post-laser change in best corrected visual acuity, refraction, change in intraocular pressure, inflammation and complication rate. RESULTS: Of 655 patients referred for capsulotomy, eight had an associated CBS in that eye. These eight eyes comprised the study cases. The presence of CBS had not been recognized before the development of PCO. Best corrected visual acuity improved in all cases. In seven out of eight (87.5%) eyes refraction was unchanged throughout the follow up. Ocular hypertension, inflammation or other complications did not develop. CONCLUSION: Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy in eyes with PCO and late or previously unrecognized CBS is a safe procedure, resulting in improved visual acuity without refractive change.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

[Increase in posterior segment depth in eyes with corneal opacities].

AIM: Studies in animals and in humans demonstrate an increase in axial length and induced myopia in eyes with early onset corneal scars. The purpose of this study was to compare the total ocular axial length and the length of the anterior and the posterior segments, in eyes with unilateral central corneal opacification with the unaffected fellow eyes. Elongation of the eye and progressive myopia, may lead to both anisometropia and amblyopia. METHODS: In six patients with unilateral corneal opacification that developed at an early age, complete eye examinations with refraction were performed. Ocular axial measurements were determined by A-mode ultrasound. RESULTS: The mean ocular length was greater in eyes with central corneal opacities compared with the fellow eyes (27.53 vs. 23.38 mm; p < 0.003), due to elongation of the posterior segment (19.75 mm vs. 15.87 mm; p<0.008). No significant change was found in the length of the anterior segments. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed an ipsilateral increase in the posterior segment length in patients with unilateral corneal opacification which had occurred in childhood. The cause is unknown but may be due to altered visual input. Progressive myopia in corneal leukoma is a factor to be taken into account in the follow-up and treatment of patients with central corneal opacities that occurred in childhood.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Results of combined phacoemulsification and trabeculectomy with mitomycin C in pseudoexfoliation versus non-pseudoexfoliation glaucoma.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to evaluate the rate of intraoperative and postoperative complications and the outcome of combined phacoemulsification (phaco) with posterior chamber (PC) intraocular lens (IOL) and trabeculectomy in patients with pseudoexfoliation (PXF) versus non-pseudoexfoliation (non-PXF) glaucoma. METHODS: One hundred and four eyes of 88 patients with combined phaco, PC IOL and trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (MMC) were included in the study. MMC 0.02% was applied for 1 min in all cases. Main outcome measures were rate of intraoperative and postoperative complications, intraocular pressure (IOP) and visual acuity (VA). Success rates were determined via Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Surgical success for both groups was defined as IOP being less than 21 mmHg with no treatment or less than 16 with one topical pressure-reducing agent allowed. RESULTS: The PXF group included 55 (52.9%) eyes and the non-PXF group 49 (47.1%) eyes. Transition to extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) occurred in 12.7% of the PXF group, and in 6.1% of the non-PXF group (P=0.16). The occurrence of vitreous loss did not differ significantly between the groups. Patients of both groups had a significant IOP reduction after surgery (P=0.0001). At the end of postoperative follow-up, the success rate approached 83.6% in the PXF group and 83.7% in the non-PXF group. The most common postoperative complications were hyphema (14.5%) in the PXF group and fibrin (14.3%) in the non-PXF group. CONCLUSIONS: Although transition to ECCE was more frequent in the PXF than in the non-PXF group, there was no significant difference in the rate of complications between PXF and non-PXF eyes.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

Multiple branch retinal arteriolar occlusions associated with smallpox vaccination.

We describe a rare combination of multiple multiple branch retinal arteriolar occlusions (BRAO) and encephalopathy, which developed in an adult male 10 days after smallpox vaccination. A 53-year-old physician presented with sudden temporal visual field loss in the left eye. Ten days earlier he had received a smallpox vaccination. Hyperbaric oxygen was administered because of suspected BRAO. Examination on day 3 revealed a decrease in visual acuity and loss of visual field. Fundoscopy of the left eye disclosed a retinal infarct in the inferior macula and multiple cotton wool spots over the entire posterior pole. Fluorescein angiography showed delayed arterial filling and multiple non-perfused areas. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain disclosed white matter focal lesions. Neurological examination was normal. Audiological examination revealed mild hearing loss caused by an old phonic trauma. A combination of intravenous methylprednisolone and immunoglobulins, recommended for the treatment of Susac syndrome, was administered. At the follow-up visit 3 months later, visual acuity in the left eye improved, fundoscopy showed resolution of the cotton wool spots and temporal disc pallor, and the visual field was substantially restored.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents↗
PubMed2005

[Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide for diffuse diabetic macular edema--one year follow-up].

BACKGROUND: Macular edema is the main cause of visual impairment in diabetic patients. Its treatment is mainly based on laser photocoagulation. Intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide (TA) has recently been proposed as a new treatment for eyes with diabetic macular edema resistant to conventional laser photocoagulation. AIM: To evaluate the one year efficacy and safety of a single TA injection administered for diffuse diabetic macular edema unresponsive to prior laser treatment. DESIGN: Interventional case series. METHODS: Setup: University medical center out-patient clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-one patients with bilateral diffuse diabetic macular edema. INTERVENTION: A single intravitreal injection of triamcinolone acetonide. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual acuity measured by ETDRS score, retinal area evaluation clinically and retinal thickness evaluation by Retinal Thickness Analysis (RTA) at 3 and 12 months following injection. Secondary outcomes were intraocular pressure control and cataract progression. RESULTS: Three months following injection, the mean improvement in visual acuity was 4.7 +/- 11.7 letters in the study group as compared to 0.2 +/- 11.4 in the control group (p = 0.18). No difference was noticed one year following injection. Clinical assessment of the retinal area of edema revealed a substantial difference between patients and controls at 3 months (p = 0.0006) and at one year (p = 0.05). RTA evaluation revealed improvement in retinal thickness solely at the 3 months exam. Four eyes developed high intraocular pressure and required treatment (p = 0.054). No difference in cataract progression was noted between the two groups (p = 0.69). CONCLUSIONS: Injection of TA may improve visual acuity for a limited time. Increased intraocular pressure is a frequent side effect. During a one year follow-up, no evidence of ocular toxicity was noted in eyes with diffuse diabetic macular edema.

Anti-Inflammatory Agents↗
PubMed2005

[Diabetic retinopathy following cataract surgery].

BACKGROUND: Approximately 20% of patients undergoing cataract surgery have diabetes mellitus. AIM: To evaluate the course of diabetic retinopathy after cataract surgery. METHODS: Diabetic patients with no or mild to moderate preoperative diabetic retinopathy were included and classified into 4 groups (A-D): A--The course of retinopathy, B--macular edema, C--the effect of voltaren ophtha eye drops and D--systemic glycemic control. Group E included eyes with previous laser treatment for proliferative retinopathy. Clinical and angiographic retinal findings were scored before and after surgery. Progression was defined as an increase in the retinal score. In groups A, C, D and E the non-operated eye served as a control. In group B, the eyes of nondiabetic patients who had undergone cataract surgery served as a control. RESULTS: Retinopathy was stable in 66% and progressed in 34% (p < 0.005). Progression occurred during the first 6 postoperative months in 84%. Preoperative retinopathy was a risk factor for progression. Good visual acuity was achieved in 67% and was correlated with: preoperative retinopathy and postoperative deterioration. Macular edema was found in 50% of eyes compared to 8% of the controls (p < 0.005). Its development was correlated with preoperative retinal status. Twenty six eyes were treated with voltaren eye drops and 24 with placebo. Progression of macular edema was seen less often in eyes treated with voltaren (p < 0.001). Deterioration of retinopathy was less common in cases when HbA1C was equal to or lower than 7.5 mg%. CONCLUSIONS: Close retinal follow-up after cataract surgery is recommended, especially in patients with preoperative diabetic retinopathy. Systemic control of diabetes and antiinflammatory eye drops may improve surgical results.

Cataract Extraction↗
PubMed2004

Eyelid bleeding and atypical amyloidosis.

PURPOSE: To describe a case of atypical systemic amyloidosis in a patient who presented with recurrent subcutaneous bleeding of the eyelids and auricles. DESIGN: Observational case report. METHODS: A 52-year-old man with chronic cardiac failure, hypertension, weight loss, and impotence presented with recurrent bleeding of the eyelids and auricles, and was investigated for suspected amyloidosis. RESULTS: Biopsy specimens taken from the bone marrow, salivary gland, abdominal subcutaneous fat, and gastric mucosa, and eyelids were all negative for Congo red. Results of a conjunctival biopsy, which were returned after the patient's death, and cardiac muscle autopsy were positive for Congo red staining, indicating amyloidosis. CONCLUSION: The findings in this case show that the presentation of amyloidosis may be atypical. Ophthalmologists should consider a diagnosis of amyloidosis in patients with periorbital bleeding, even if biopsies are negative for Congo red. A conjunctival biopsy may be useful in establishing a diagnosis of primary systemic amyloidosis.

Amyloidosis↗
PubMed2004

High-resolution functional optical imaging: from the neocortex to the eye.

Much work remains to be done to establish the clinical usefulness of the RFI for early diagnosis and treatment guidance. The discoveries obtained by functional optical imaging of the neocortex in the last 15 years and the recent RFI studies of the eyes of normal subjects and patients with diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration suggest that functional optical imaging of the retina is likely to become a multi-modality powerful clinical tool.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Occurrence and progression of diabetic retinopathy after phacoemulsification cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the risk factors associated with the occurrence and progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR) after phacoemulsification cataract surgery. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel. METHODS: The medical charts of 52 eyes of 48 consecutive patients who had phacoemulsification were retrospectively reviewed. The occurrence of DR (new development of any DR) and progression (DR requiring laser treatment) were correlated with patients' age, sex, duration of diabetes, control of diabetes, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and surgical technique. Exclusion criteria were significant ocular conditions and a follow-up shorter than 6 months. RESULTS: The occurrence of DR was associated with male sex, and among males, with the duration of the disease. An analysis including all patients showed that postoperative progression of preexisting DR was not associated with any factor except poor blood sugar control. Neither the occurrence nor progression of DR was associated with reduced visual acuity CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence and progression of DR after phacoemulsification were associated with different factors. Poor systemic control of diabetes increases the risk.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

Results of combined surgery by phacoemulsification and vitrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Eyes scheduled for posterior segment surgery may have cataract, which obscures the visualization of the retina. Surgery may be carried out either by a two-step procedure: i.e., removal of the cataract followed later by posterior segment surgery; or it may be done in a single session: i.e., combined surgery of both the anterior and posterior segments. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcomes of combined surgery by phacoemulsification and vitrectomy. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 42 patients with coexisting cataract and vitreoretinal disease who underwent combined surgery by phacoemulsification and pars plana vitrectomy at one session. RESULTS: Indications for surgery were vitreous hemorrhage in 71.4%, retinal detachment in 11.9%, macular hole in 11.9%, and epiretinal membrane in 4.8%. There were no significant intraoperative complications. The main early postsurgical complications were fibrinous formation in 11.9%, elevated intraocular pressure in 23.8%, and recurrent vitreous hemorrhage in 9.5%. There were a few late complications related to phacoemulsification: posterior synechia in 9.5%, posterior capsular opacification in 7.1%, and dislocating intraocular lens in 4.8%. Recurrent retinal detachment occurred in five eyes and rubeoisis iridis in one. Visual acuity was improved in 85.8%, stable in 7.1% and worse in 7.1%. CONCLUSIONS: Phacoemulsification performed at the time of posterior segment surgery enables good visualization during the vitrectomy, facilitates surgery, and is associated with only minor complications. In cases with cataract and vitreoretinal diseases, combined surgery by phacoemulsification and vitrectomy in one session may be considered.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Prostaglandin analogs for hair growth: great expectations.

Latanoprost, a prostaglandin analog, has been reported to stimulate eyelash growth in patients using it in eye preparations for glaucoma and body and scalp hair growth when used topically in various animal models. Will prostaglandin analogs be the next agents used for forms of alopecia?

Alopecia↗
PubMed2002

Pneumatic retinopexy: results in eyes with classic vs relative indications.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the results of pneumatic retinopexy in 3 groups of eyes with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. METHODS: In this retrospective, consecutive study, 44 eyes of 44 patients who underwent pneumatic retinopexy were divided into 3 groups: eyes with vitreoretinal abnormalities (group A), pseudopakic or aphakic eyes (group B), and phakic eyes without vitreoretinal abnormalities (group C). RESULTS: Single retinopexy success was achieved in 10 (71%) of 14 eyes in group A, 7 (64%) of 11 eyes in group B, and 16 (84%) of 19 eyes in group C (P=.42). Final success after reoperation was achieved in 13 (93%) of 14 eyes in group A, 10 (91%) of 11 eyes in group B, and in all 19 eyes in group C (P=.44). In group B, the rate of single retinopexy success using cryotherapy was significantly higher (5/5; 100%) than when laser photocoagulation was used (1/5; 20%) (P=.015). The final visual outcome obtained in the 3 groups was similar. There were no significant intergroup differences in either early or late complications. CONCLUSIONS: The best results were achieved in eyes with classic indications for pneumatic retinopexy, though the differences between these results and those in the nonclassic indications were not significant. In pseudophakic or aphakic eyes, the rate of single operation success after cryopexy was significantly higher than the rate after laser photocoagulation.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Microscope-induced retinal phototoxicity in cataract surgery of short duration.

OBJECTIVE: Microscope-induced retinal phototoxicity has been described after prolonged cataract surgery, usually in operations lasting longer than 100 minutes. The purpose of this study was to compare the features of microscope-induced retinal phototoxicity occurring in patients who underwent cataract surgery of short duration and long duration. DESIGN: A retrospective nonrandomized comparative trial. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-four patients, whose medical records documented the development of phototoxic lesions in the retina as a result of cataract surgery, were divided into two groups: group A with 14 patients whose operating time was 30 minutes or less, and group B with 20 patients whose operating time was greater than 30 minutes. INTERVENTION: All patients underwent either phacoemulsification or extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) with implantation of an intraocular lens. RESULTS: The mean operating time was 23.1 minutes (range, 11-30 minutes) in group A, and 60.8 minutes (range, 34-123 minutes) in group B. Phacoemulsification was done more often in group A (P = 0.001) and ECCE in group B (P = 0.0003). A final refraction of +/- 1 D was achieved by 12 eyes (86%) in group A and by 12 eyes (60%) in group B (P = 0.11). The correlation between final refraction and duration of the operation was significant; the closer the final refraction approached to emmetropia, the shorter the duration of surgery (r = 0.53; P = 0.001). Diabetic retinopathy was more common in group A (P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Phototoxic lesions of the retina may occur during cataract surgery even when the duration of the operation is short. The most relevant associated factors found in this study were correction approximating emmetropia and diabetic retinopathy.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

Retinal detachment in eyes with vitreous loss and an anterior chamber or a posterior chamber intraocular lens: comparison of the incidence.

PURPOSE: To compare the incidence of retinal detachment within 6 months of cataract surgery complicated by vitreous loss in eyes with a posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC IOL) or an anterior chamber IOL (AC IOL). SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel. METHODS: In this retrospective consecutive nonrandomized comparative case series, all cases of cataract surgery complicated by vitreous loss between January 1991 and March 1998 were reviewed. Included were patients who had thorough anterior vitrectomy and primary IOL implantation and at least 6 months follow-up. Exclusion criteria were congenital and traumatic cataract, previous intraocular surgery, and previous retinal detachment. Patients receiving an unsutured single-piece poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) PC IOL formed the PC group, while those receiving flexible open-loop single-piece PMMA AC IOLs formed the AC group. The incidence of postoperative retinal detachment in the 2 groups was compared. RESULTS: Of the 151 eyes of 149 patients, 66 received a PC IOL and 85 received an AC IOL. Two eyes (3.0%) in the PC group and 2 (2.4%) in the AC group developed retinal detachment; the difference between groups was not statistically significant (P = 1.00, Fisher exact test). CONCLUSIONS: In eyes that have vitreous loss and thorough anterior vitrectomy, AC IOL implantation did not appear to increase the incidence of retinal detachment.

Aged↗