We measured interleukin-1 beta (IL-1b) and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) in the vitreous humour and serum of patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), in order to determine the role of these cytokines in the pathogenesis of the disease. Vitreous and serum samples were collected from 21 patients with PDR who were undergoing pars plana vitrectomy. Control vitreous samples were obtained from cadavers and control serum samples from healthy subjects. The cytokines were measured by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay. Vitreous IL-1b and TNF-a concentrations in patients with PDR exceeded those of controls (Po0.05), as did serum IL-1b and TNF-a. We suggest that increased vitreous IL-1b and TNF-a levels may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of PDR, which features abnormal cell proliferation and neovascularisation.

We might suggest that the elevated levels of TGF-beta2 in the aqueous of glaucoma patients could play a role in the pathogenesis of glaucoma.

The findings suggest that IL-6 and IL-8 may be involved in the pathogenesis of PDR, PVR, and traumatic PVR. High proportions of RPE cells and macrophages are associated with elevated IL-6 and IL-8 levels in the vitreous of PDR and PVR patients; however, the fact that these cells are not predominant in traumatic PVR suggests that different immune response mechanisms may be active in the pathogenesis of these disorders.

Topical cyclosporin A is an effective treatment in the management of severe allergic conjunctivitis with a benefit as a steroid-sparing agent.

PURPOSE: Applied pre- and postoperative corneal topography outcomes with visual acuities were evaluated to determine the surgical results in pterygium therapy. METHODS: The study group consisted of 30 eyes of 26 patients with primary and recurrent pterygium. Mean patient age was 52.26±11.50 years (range: 27 to 68 years). Pre- and postoperative visual acuity and corneal topography were evaluated for each case. Statistical analysis was performed using the repeated-measure test. RESULTS: The mean uncorrected visual acuity was 0.41±0.30 preoperatively and 0.63±0.26 postoperatively (P<.001). The mean best spectacle-corrected visual acuity was 0.59±0.28 preoperatively and 0.84±0.22 postoperatively (P<.001). Surface regularity index ranged from 1.96±1.08 preoperatively to 1.09±0.76 postoperatively (P<.001). The mean surface asymmetry index was 3.05±2.85 preoperatively and 1.39±1.70 postoperatively (P=.003). The mean topographic astigmatism was 4.65±3.02 preoperatively and 2.33±2.26 postoperatively (P=.003). CONCLUSIONS: Examination of the topographic records reveals pterygium-associated corneal flattening in the horizontal meridian along the line of the pterygium. The improvement in topographic pattern and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity can be used as one indicator of the success of pterygium surgery. [J Refract Surg. 2005;21:166-170.]

Purpose: The efficacy of topical azithromycin (AZ) supplementation to systemic AZ has not been studied. This study evaluates the efficacy of topical AZ supplementation to systemic AZ, warm compresses, artificial tears, and lid scrubs for the treatment of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD). Methods: Eighty-five patients with stage 4 MGD were enrolled in the study. The patients enrolled into the study were divided into 2 groups. Group 1 comprised 55 patients who received preservative-free topical 1.5% AZ administered as a unit dose, and group 2 comprised 30 patients who did not receive topical AZ. Both groups were prescribed artificial tear eye drops and systemic AZ. Fluorescein tear film breakup time (TBUT), corneal staining, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) symptom scores, and meibum quality were evaluated at baseline and after 1 and 3 months. Results: The mean age of patients in group 1 was 48.3 ± 13.4 years (25 men and 30 women) and in group 2 was 50.7 ± 10.2 years (12 men and 18 women). After treatment at the first and third month, group 1 showed significant improvement in mean TBUT, mean corneal staining score, meibum quality, and mean OSDI scores compared with baseline (P < 0.05). In group 2, only the OSDI score and meibum quality improved significantly after treatment compared with baseline (P < 0.05). Conclusions: These results demonstrate clinically and statistically greater improvement in MGD-associated signs and symptoms with the addition of topical AZ to the systemic treatment.

Purpose: To evaluate the results of surgical management of scleral defects using fascia lata, cornea, and sclera as graft materials. Methods:The scleral defects of 8 patients were repaired surgically.Six had previous intraocular surgery, 1 had eye trauma, and the other had both intraocular surgery and trauma. Corneoscleral grafts were used in 3 eyes, scleral grafts in 4, and fascia lata was used in 1 eye. Results:In 7 patients, we achieved the desired cosmetic and tectonic success. During the follow-up period, a recurrent defect was seen in 1 patient, and a second operation was required.Conclusions: Surgical techniques using fascia lata, corneal, and scleral grafts are effective for scleral defects.

Pars plana vitrectomy is found to be an effective therapeutic approach in removing intraocular foreign bodies, but the preoperative and postoperative complications determine the visual outcome.