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Biomedical subjects

Fred Hendrikse

Publications and source records attributed to Fred Hendrikse.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Scleral buckling surgery after macula-off retinal detachment: worse visual outcome after more than 6 days.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of duration of macular detachment (DMD) on visual acuity (VA) in patients with macula-off rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD). DESIGN: Retrospective observational case series. PARTICIPANTS: Two hundred two consecutive patients (202 eyes) with primary uncomplicated macula-off RD, preoperative VA of 10/100 or worse, a precise history of when macular function was lost, successful reattachment surgery, and a minimal follow-up of 3 months. INTERVENTION: All RDs were repaired with a primary scleral buckling procedure performed by 3 vitreoretinal surgeons. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Visual acuity (best corrected and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively). RESULTS: Considering all eyes, the cumulative mean of the best-corrected postoperative VA (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [logMAR]) as a function of DMD shows a rapid worsening when DMD exceeds 6 days. Eyes were divided into 3 groups, corresponding to the DMD intervals immediate (within 10 days), delayed (11 days-6 weeks), and late (>6 weeks). Mean postoperative VAs (in logMAR) were 0.35+/-0.31 (between 20/40 and 20/50 Snellen equivalent) in eyes with DMD up to 10 days, 0.48+/-0.26 (20/60 Snellen equivalent) in the delayed group, and 0.86+/-0.30 (8/60 Snellen equivalent) in eyes with DMD longer than 6 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: The cumulative mean of the best-corrected postoperative VA (logMAR) as a function of DMD shows a rapid worsening when DMD exceeds 6 days. Our results indicate that the scleral buckling procedure should be done preferably within a 7-day DMD.

Adult↗

Cyclic GMP synthesis by human retinal pigment epithelial cells is mainly mediated via the particulate guanylyl cyclase pathway.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Cyclic 3',5'-guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), a central molecule in the phototransduction cascade, is also involved in a number of other physiological processes in the retina, like stimulating the absorption of subretinal fluid by activating the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell pump. The aim of this study was to quantify cGMP synthesis by RPE cells and to investigate the role of two separate enzymatic pathways (soluble versus particulate guanylyl cyclase) in its production. METHODS: cGMP expression was evaluated by immunochemistry and radioimmunoassay following culture of the D407 RPE cell line in the presence of a nonselective phosphodiesterase inhibitor (IBMX), in combination with the particulate guanylyl cyclase stimulator atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) or the soluble guanylyl cyclase stimulator sodium nitroprusside (SNP). RESULTS: Stimulation of the particulate guanylyl cyclase in RPE cells with ANP resulted in high intra- and extracellular cGMP levels. Stimulation of the soluble guanylyl cyclase by SNP resulted in a slight elevation of cGMP levels compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that cultured human RPE cells are capable of producing cGMP and that most cGMP is generated following stimulation of the particulate guanylyl cyclase pathway.

Cell Line↗

Intraocular pressure-lowering effect of adding dorzolamide or latanoprost to timolol: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering effect of 2% dorzolamide or 0.005% latanoprost when added to 0.5% timolol. DESIGN: Meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. PARTICIPANTS: Seventeen articles reporting on 19 study arms with 5 possible treatment combinations and 4 study arms serving as controls. METHODS: Articles written in English, German, French, or Dutch and published up to December 2004 were identified in Medline, Embase, the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, and references from relevant articles. For the article to be considered, over 85% of the patients had to have primary open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The pooled 1- to 3-month additional IOP-lowering effect after a run-in phase on timolol was calculated by performing meta-analysis using the random effects model. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Absolute and relative changes in IOP after run-in on timolol for peak moment, trough moment, or mean diurnal curve. RESULTS: The pooled change from baseline [mean (95% confidence interval)] for 0.5% timolol varied from -0.7 mmHg (-1.2 to -0.2, for the mean diurnal curve) to -2.0 mmHg (-1.3 to -2.7, at peak). Pooled changes for 2% dorzolamide in concomitant use with 0.5% timolol were -4.1 mmHg (-4.4 to -3.8) at trough and -4.9 mmHg (-5.3 to -4.5) at peak. The fixed 2% dorzolamide and 0.5% timolol combination resulted in a pooled change of -3.8 mmHg (-4.2 to -3.4) at trough and -4.9 mmHg (-5.3 to -4.5) at peak. The concomitant use of 0.005% latanoprost and 0.5% timolol gave a pooled change from baseline of -6.0 mmHg (-6.8 to -5.2) at the mean diurnal curve. The fixed combination of 0.005% latanoprost and 0.5% timolol resulted in a mean change of -3.0 mmHg (-3.8 to -2.2) at the mean diurnal curve. CONCLUSION: In this meta-analysis of clinical trials, the addition of dorzolamide or latanoprost further lowers IOP in eyes on timolol. This result may not be generalizable because these trials may have included nonresponders to timolol.

Antihypertensive Agents↗

Intravitreal prednisolone sodium succinate reduces diabetic macular edema without intraocular pressure rise.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the six-month results of patients treated with intravitreal prednisolone sodium succinate injections for persistent diabetic macular edema. DESIGN: Retrospective, noncontrolled, clinical case series. METHODS: Nineteen eyes had intravitreal injections with prednisolone sodium succinate. Need for retreatment was based on fluorescein angiographic or optical coherence tomography evidence of persisting macular edema. RESULTS: Mean visual acuity at six weeks, three months, and six months after injection was significantly better than the mean preoperative visual acuity (P = .015, P = .004, and P = .031, respectively). In none of the studied eyes intraocular pressure exceeded 22 mm Hg. No other adverse events, such as endophthalmitis or retinal detachment, occurred. CONCLUSIONS: In this small pilot study, mean visual acuity improvement was statistically significant up to six months postoperatively. Current results suggest that intravitreal injection of the solution of prednisolone sodium succinate may be a safe and good alternative in eyes with macular edema.

Aged↗

Changes in glaucoma treatment and achieved IOP after introduction of new glaucoma medication.

PURPOSE: To describe changes in glaucoma treatment and achieved IOP (intraocular pressure) over the period 1995-2002, 4 years before and 4 years after new glaucoma drugs had become available (January 1999). METHODS: An observational study was conducted in primary open-angle glaucoma (suspect), and ocular hypertension patients (n=1561) who had started medical treatment in 1995 or thereafter. The processes of starting, changing and intensifying medical treatment in general, and in patients with contraindications to beta-blockers before and after January 1999 were described. The change in mean IOP and the percentage of patients achieving an intraocular pressure below 18 or 22 mmHg were calculated. RESULTS: After January 1999, a shift from starting on betaxolol to hypotensive lipids took place. This shift was more pronounced in patients with respiratory comorbidity. The percentage of patients starting on timolol did not differ between both periods. After January 1999, therapy was changed more often in the first two visits compared with the period before January 1999 (38% versus 27%, P<0.0001). In more recent years, a larger percentage of glaucoma patients were treated with two or more drugs (34% in 2002 versus 13% in 1995). Over the period 1995-2002, baseline IOP did not change (P=0.85); for mean IOP at visit 4, a trend to lower IOPs was observed (P<0.0001). More patients achieved an IOP level under 22 and 18 mmHg after January 1999 than before, 85% versus 77%, and 46% versus 33%, respectively (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows a change in process of glaucoma treatment and lower achieved IOP after new glaucoma drugs had become available.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

Increased glutamate levels in the vitreous of patients with retinal detachment.

Experimental models have implicated glutamate in the irreversible damage to retinal cells following retinal detachment. In this retrospective study we investigated a possible role for glutamate and other amino acid neurotransmitters during clinical rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). Undiluted vitreous samples were obtained from 176 patients undergoing pars plana vitrectomy. The study group consisted of 114 patients (114 eyes) with a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Controls included 52 eyes with an idiopathic macular hole or idiopathic epiretinal membrane and 10 eyes with a traction retinal detachment due to proliferative diabetic retinopathy. Vitreous concentrations of glutamate, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), taurine, glycine, and aspartate were determined by high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Multivariate analysis was used to examine a possible association between amino acid neurotransmitter levels and several clinical variables including visual acuity. The mean vitreous concentration of glutamate in eyes with a rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (16.6 +/- 5.6 microM) was significantly higher as compared to the controls (13.1 +/- 5.2 microM) (P = 0.001). Taurine levels were also increased in RRD, whereas no significant difference could be observed in glycine, aspartate and GABA levels when comparing RRD with controls. A correlation was found between increased vitreous glutamate and a lower pre-operative visual acuity. No association was, however, observed between post-operative visual acuity and the level of any of the five amino acid neurotransmitters. RRD was associated with a significantly increased vitreous glutamate concentration. Using visual acuity as a functional parameter in this study, we could not demonstrate a correlation between vitreous glutamate, or any of the other tested amino acid neurotransmitters and visual outcome.

Aspartic Acid↗

Increased nitric oxide (NO) pathway metabolites in the vitreous fluid of patients with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment or diabetic traction retinal detachment.

BACKGROUND: Nitric oxide (NO) plays a significant role in physiological and pathological processes in the retina. In the L-arginine-NO pathway, NO synthase (NOS) converts L-arginine to NO and L-citrulline. Increased NO production, mediated by inducible NOS has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various vitreoretinal diseases. In the present study it is hypothesized that in rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), the production of NO pathway metabolites might be upregulated. METHODS: Using high-pressure liquid chromatography citrulline, arginine and nitrite were measured in vitreous fluid of 93 eyes with RRD, nine eyes with a traction retinal detachment due to proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), and in 49 control samples of vitreous fluid from eyes without retinal detachment. RESULTS: The mean vitreous concentrations of citrulline and arginine were significantly increased in eyes with RRD (9.6+/-4.3 and 97.3+/-29.2; respectively) or in eyes with a traction retinal detachment (25.8+/-10.3 and 130.7+/-23.7; respectively) as compared to control eyes (7.1+/-3.2 and 75.9+/-18.1; respectively). The mean level of nitrite was also higher in vitreous fluid of patients with RRD (2.24+/-1.4) or patients with a traction retinal detachment (2.21+/-0.72) than in the controls (2.01+/-0.72), although not significantly so. CONCLUSIONS: We found increased levels of NO pathway metabolites in the vitreous fluid of eyes with retinal detachment, which may reflect a possible role of NO in the pathogenesis of this disease.

Aged↗

Immunohistochemical analysis of the internal limiting membrane peeled with infracyanine green.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether the peeled internal limiting membrane (ILM) contains cellular retinal cell fragments, and to learn more about their possible origin. DESIGN: Experimental study. METHODS: ILM peeled from ten eyes during vitrectomy by infracyanine green (ICG) was studied immunohistochemically using the markers: GFAP, S-100, and vimentin. Five ILM specimens were from eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME), two from eyes with a macular hole, and three from eyes with persisting macular edema after retinal detachment surgery. RESULTS: In eight of the ten ILM specimens, we found GFAP-positive staining, indicating the presence of remnants of footplates from Müller cells or glial cells. Two ILM specimens were positive for S-100, indicating the presence of neural cells or ganglion cells. CONCLUSIONS: ILM peeled from the retina during vitrectomy using ICG may contain remnants of Müller cell footplates, neural cells, and ganglion cells.

Aged↗

Intraocular pressure-lowering effects of all commonly used glaucoma drugs: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction achieved by the most frequently prescribed glaucoma drugs and a placebo in a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. DESIGN: Meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-seven articles reporting on 28 randomized clinical trials. These articles reported 6953 participants for the trough and 6841 for the peak. METHODS: Articles published up to December 2003 were identified in the following data sources: Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, and references from relevant articles. Over 85% of the patients had to be diagnosed with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) or ocular hypertension (OH), and articles had to be written in English, German, French, or Dutch. Quality of trials was assessed by a Delphi list with additions. The pooled 1-month IOP-lowering effect from baseline at peak and trough was calculated by performing meta-analysis using the random effects model. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Absolute and relative change in IOP from baseline, for peak and trough moments. RESULTS: Relative IOP reductions from baseline [mean (95% confidence interval)] were -23% (-25% to -22%) for a peak and -20% (-23% to -17%) for a trough for 0.5% betaxolol; peak, -27% (-29% to -25%), and trough, -26% (-28% to -25%), for 0.5% timolol; peak, -22% (-24% to -20%), and trough, -17% (-19% to -15%), for 2.0% dorzolamide; peak, -17% (-19% to -15%), and trough, -17% (-19% to -15%) for 1.0% brinzolamide; peak, -25% (-28% to -22%), and trough, -18% (-21% to -14%) for 0.2% brimonidine; peak, -31% (-33% to -29%), and trough, -28% (-30% to -26%) for 0.005% latanoprost; peak, -31% (-32% to -29%), and trough, -29% (-32% to -25%) for 0.004% travoprost; peak, -33% (-35% to -31%), and trough, -28% (-29% to -27%) for 0.03% bimatoprost; and peak, -5% (-9% to -1%), and trough, -5% (-10% to -0%) for the placebo. The difference in absolute IOP reduction from baseline between timolol and prostaglandin analogs or prostamide varied from -0.4 to 0.1 mmHg at trough and from 1.0 to 1.5 mmHg at peak. Quality scores of included studies were generally high, a mean of 14.2 on a scale from 0 to 20 (interquartile range, 13-16). CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis suggests that bimatoprost, travoprost, latanoprost, and timolol are the most effective intraocular pressure-reducing agents in POAG and OH patients.

Adrenergic alpha-Agonists↗

In vitro sustained human transscleral drug delivery of fluorescein-labeled dexamethasone and methotrexate with fibrin sealant.

PURPOSE: To study the use of fibrin sealant as a drug delivery system for the sustained transscleral delivery of dexamethasone and methotrexate. METHODS: Scleral sections excised from moist-chamber-stored human globes were mounted in a perfusion chamber. Dexamethasone-fluorescein or methotrexate-fluorescein in either fibrin sealant or balanced salt solution (BSS) was applied to the episcleral surface. BSS was perfused to the choroidal side, fluorescence was measured in perfusate fractions, and an apparent scleral permeability P(A) was calculated for each solute-vehicle combination. RESULTS: P(A) for both compounds was significantly lower with fibrin sealant delivery compared to delivery in BSS (p < 0.001). However, the fibrin sealant vehicle provided a more sustained release of both drugs through 24 hr. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporating dexamethasone and methotrexate into a fibrin sealant provided a more gradual drug delivery and a more uniform delivery compared to dissolving these drugs in BSS. Fibrin sealant could be useful for transscleral delivery for posterior segment disease.

Dexamethasone↗

The impact of a nationwide introduction of new drugs and a treatment protocol for glaucoma on the number of glaucoma surgeries.

PURPOSE: To study the trend in number of glaucoma surgeries, and the influence hereon of the introduction of new glaucoma medication, reimbursement of its costs, and the introduction of a treatment protocol. METHODS: Out of the Dutch Health Care Registration, all open angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension patients aged 20 years and older, who underwent glaucoma surgery were selected. Over the period 1995 until 2003 the trend in the number of monthly performed glaucoma surgeries was described by LOESS spline procedure. RESULTS: From 1995 until 2003, 15,888 surgeries were included. Overall mean age was 67.5 years (SD 13.0). Mean age declined by 0.29 year per year (95% CI, 0.21-0.37). In 1995 and 1996 the number of yearly performed glaucoma surgeries was approximately 2400. From 1997 onwards this number started to decrease, resulting in a 45% decrease in the year 2000. From 2000 on the number of surgeries stabilized at approximately 1350 per year. In 1999 the total number of prescriptions rose by 20% compared with 1998, and then stabilized. In 2002, 48% of the prescriptions were prescriptions for new medication. CONCLUSION: The number of glaucoma surgeries in the Netherlands almost halved over a 3.5-year period, most likely due to the introduction of new medications. In the remaining study period the number leveled off. From the present data a substitution effect and not merely a postponement of glaucoma surgeries may be suggested, providing additional evidence that a sustained reduction in the number of glaucoma surgeries was reached in the studied period.

Adult↗

The influence of intraocular pressure on the transscleral diffusion of high-molecular-weight compounds.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of intraocular pressure on the permeability of the human sclera to high-molecular-weight compounds. METHODS: Human transscleral permeability to FITC-albumin (70 kDa) and 70-kDa and 150-kDa FITC-dextran was determined at transscleral pressures from 0 to 60 mm Hg. For each compound at each pressure, six to eight experiments were performed. Scleral sections were mounted in a two-compartment perfusion chamber. Temperature was maintained at 37 degrees C. Fractions of choroidal perfusate were collected, and fluorescence was measured with a spectrofluorometer. From these data, scleral permeability K(trans) (in centimeters per second) was calculated. RESULTS: Permeability to FITC-albumin was decreased by approximately one half when pressure was elevated from 0 to 30 mm Hg (P < 0.05). No significant differences in permeability to 70-kDa FITC-dextran were observed at pressures from 0 to 60 mm Hg. Permeability to 150-kDa FITC-dextran decreased by a little more than one half when transscleral pressure was raised from 0 to 15 mm Hg and was approximately 10 times lower at 60 mm Hg than at 0 mm Hg (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Human sclera was permeable to compounds with a molecular weight of up to 150 kDa at transscleral pressures ranging from 0 to 60 mm Hg. Transscleral diffusion was relatively unaffected by the pressure gradient, although for 150-kDa FITC-dextran at 60 mm Hg a 10-fold decrease was observed compared with that at 0 mm Hg. These experiments suggest that high-molecular-weight compounds (e.g., immunoglobulins and oligonucleotides) could be effectively delivered transsclerally to the intraocular tissues under circumstances of physiological or elevated intraocular pressure.

Dextrans↗

Effectiveness of multifocal intraocular lenses to correct presbyopia after cataract surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Although monofocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) are effective in improving vision after cataract surgery, the loss of accommodation is not restored by implantation of these IOLs. Because multifocal IOLs may improve uncorrected distance and near vision, we compared the clinical outcome and patient satisfaction after implantation of monofocal and multifocal IOLs. Sociodemographics, eagerness for spectacle independence (ESI), and neuroticism were tested as predictors of satisfaction. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. PARTICIPANTS: Cataract patients with no ocular comorbidity were operated from August 1999 to January 2001; 75 patients were implanted with monofocal IOLs, and 78 with multifocal IOLs. METHODS: Assessments were made preoperatively (t1), 3 months after first-eye surgery (t2), and 3 months after second-eye surgery (t3). Primary outcomes were obtained by ophthalmic tests, whereas secondary outcomes were examined by interviews. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcomes consisted of near and distance visual acuity (VA). Secondary outcomes related to spectacle dependence, vision-related functioning, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: At t3, multifocal IOLs showed significantly better uncorrected near VA than monofocal IOLs (P<0.01) and an increase in quality ratings of unaided near vision between t1 and t3 (on a scale of 1-5: 1.6 at t1 vs. 2.9 at t3, P<0.001). At t2 and t3, patients with multifocal IOLs were more likely to "never" or "only now and then" wear spectacles for near and distance than patients with monofocal IOLs (at t3, 42.7% multifocal vs. 21.6% monofocal for near [P = 0.002] and 75.0% multifocal vs. 46.2% monofocal for distance [P = 0.001]). On a 0- to 15-point scale, monofocal IOL patients showed fewer complaints from cataract symptoms, including halos and distorted vision, at t3 (1.2 monofocal vs. 2.1 multifocal [P = 0.002]). Satisfaction related to preoperative expectations was similar in the monofocal and multifocal groups. The perceived quality of corrected near vision had the strongest relationship with patient satisfaction (beta = 0.22; 95% confidence interval: 0.060-0.523). Sociodemographics, ESI, and neuroticism did not predict patient satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, patient satisfaction did not differ between the groups of monofocal and multifocal IOLs. Independent of ESI or neuroticism scores, success of both IOLs depends on preoperative expectations and postoperative quality of aided near vision. This article contains additional online-only material available at .

Accommodation, Ocular↗

Monitoring of rabbit cornea response to dehydration stress by optical coherence tomography.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the application of optical coherence tomography (OCT) for continuous noninvasive monitoring and quantification of the dynamics of corneal response after exposure of the cornea to dehydrating stress. METHODS: The changes in central corneal thickness (CCT) and scattering properties of the cornea were monitored with OCT in rabbit cornea in vivo after topical application of a glycerin-based hypertonic agent (HA) or prolonged surface evaporation of the cornea. The observed changes in backscatter were correlated with the changes in corneal hydration. RESULTS: An inverse relationship was found between the logarithm of the intensity of backscatter within the cornea and the degree of corneal hydration at which the intensity of the backscatter changed up to 20 times between the peak of the de- and rehydration phases. An analytical relationship is derived between the magnitude of the backscatter from the stroma and the extent of corneal hydration. Furthermore, depending on the concentration of the drug, a peak overshoot in corneal thickness in the range of 40% to 90% was detected during the rehydration process after topical application of the HA. At a 100% concentration of HA, the average dehydration rate was 74 microm/min, whereas the average rehydration rate was 12.4 microm/min. The same parameters for surface evaporation were 2.7 and 1.5 microm/min, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: OCT may offer a unique capability to quantitatively monitor the dynamics of corneal response and to assess corneal function based on noninvasive detection of the changes in the optical properties and morphology of the cornea after topical application of dehydrating agents.

Animals↗

High TGF-beta2 levels during primary retinal detachment may protect against proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

PURPOSE: Transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta2 and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) after retinal detachment surgery. The exact role of these factors in the early events, immediately after primary retinal detachment, is not yet known, and determining their roles was therefore the purpose of this study. METHODS: Subretinal fluids were collected prospectively from 144 patients during surgery for scleral buckling. TGF-beta2 and HGF were measured with commercially available ELISA kits. Thirty patients in whom a redetachment caused by postoperative PVR developed, were compared with 114 patients with an uncomplicated retinal detachment. The controls included 18 vitreous samples from patients with macular hole or pucker. Multivariate regression analysis was used to compare the relative roles of growth factors and clinical factors in the development of PVR. RESULTS: The median amount of subretinal TGF-beta2 was approximately two times lower in patients with postoperative PVR (1.9 ng/mL) than in the uncomplicated detachment group (3.3 ng/mL; P=0.002). TGF-beta2 levels in the PVR-positive group were similar to control vitreous levels (1.8 ng/mL). Subretinal HGF concentrations were not significantly different between the two groups of patients (PVR positive: 8.8 ng/mL; PVR negative: 8.9 ng/mL), but were higher than control vitreous levels (4.6 ng/mL; P=0.01). Stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that of all factors under study, decreased TGF-beta2 content was the exclusive predictor of postoperative PVR (P=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: High TGF-beta2 levels in subretinal fluid at the time of primary retinal detachment may protect a patient against subsequent development of PVR.

Adolescent↗

Clinical variables and their relation to visual outcome after vitrectomy in eyes with diabetic retinal traction detachment.

BACKGROUND: To analyse vitrectomy results in diabetic eyes with retinal traction detachment and to investigate which variables are associated with a worse visual outcome. METHODS: Forty-four diabetic eyes (33 patients) with central retinal traction detachment were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 10 months, median visual acuity significantly improved from 20/800 to 20/160 (P=0.02), despite the fact that the majority of patients had a long-standing macular traction detachment (median 120 days). Twenty-two eyes (50%) achieved a visual acuity of >20/200. The retina was finally reattached in 38 eyes (86.3%). Univariate analysis showed that patients with type 2 diabetes, age older than 50 years, preoperative visual acuity <20/200, iris neovascularisation and macular detachment of >30 days had a significantly worse final visual outcome. After multiple logistic regression analysis, age and iris neovascularisation were the strongest predictors of a worse visual outcome; if both were present, the chance of a obtaining a visual outcome of <20/200 was almost 90%. CONCLUSIONS: Age and iris neovascularisation were the strongest predictors for a low visual outcome. In a review of vitrectomy studies in eyes with severe diabetic traction detachment in the past 2 decades, we found a trend towards higher anatomic success rates, while visual outcome only slightly improved. The current study confirmed the importance of ophthalmic variables, but also indicates the importance of evaluating systemic variables in larger series in order to predict which eyes may truly benefit from vitrectomy.

Adult↗

Corneal desiccation in rigid contact lens wear: 3- and 9-o'clock staining.

The current knowledge of treatment options together with signs and symptoms, classification, prevalence, and etiology of 3- and 9-o'clock staining in rigid contact lens wear are described in this review article. In total, 11 treatment options for the management of 3- and 9-o'clock staining were found in the literature. Five of these treatment options are related to lens parameters, namely edge lift, edge thickness and shape, back surface geometry, total diameter, and back optic zone radius. Three other options are related to lens performance: movement, centration, and surface wettability. Three more variables can be identified: blinking habits, tear supplements, and, finally, switching to a hydrogel material. There is controversy on how to adjust the most important individual variables for management of 3- and 9-o'clock staining. The advocated treatment options are often related to the fitting techniques used: lid attachment or interpalpebral fit. Implications for practice and for further research are discussed.

Contact Lenses↗

Basic fibroblast growth factor, glutamine synthetase, and interleukin-6 in vitreous fluid from eyes with retinal detachment complicated by proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

PURPOSE: To investigate the presence of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), glutamine synthetase (GS), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in vitreous fluid from eyes with retinal detachment complicated by proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). DESIGN: Comparative case series; experimental study. METHODS: In a prospective study, we measured bFGF, GS, IL-6, and total protein in vitreous fluid samples from 53 eyes from 53 consecutive patients with PVR operated on in our hospital. As controls, vitreous fluid samples from eyes with a macular hole (n = 9) or pucker (n = 11) were used. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Laboratory data of the patient group were compared with the control group and correlated with various clinical data, especially with visual recovery and redetachment. RESULTS: For IL-6, bFGF, and total protein we found significantly higher levels in PVR patients' eyes than in control eyes (P =.03, P =.046, and P <.0001, respectively). Within the PVR group, no significant correlation was found for IL-6, bFGF, GS, or total protein with the various tested clinical variables. CONCLUSIONS: We found increased levels of IL-6, bFGF, and total protein in vitreous fluid from patients' eyes with PVR. Whether the increased levels of IL-6, bFGF, and total protein are the result of an injury-induced upregulation of these proteins as part of a self-protective mechanism of the retina to minimize photoreceptor damage after the mechanical injury induced by retinal detachment is, at present, not known.

Adolescent↗