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Scientific Reports Jun 2024This study aims to assess the association between nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), varenicline, and untreated smoking with the risk of developing eye disorders. We...
This study aims to assess the association between nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), varenicline, and untreated smoking with the risk of developing eye disorders. We employed a new-user design to investigate the association between NRT use and the incidence of eye disorders by the Taiwan National Health Insurance program. This study included 8416 smokers who received NRT and 8416 smokers who did not receive NRT (control group) matched using propensity scores between 2007 and 2018. After adjustment for relevant factors, a multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that compared with untreated smokers, NRT use was associated with a significantly reduced risk of macular degeneration (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.34; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.13-0.87, P = 0.024). When stratified by dose, short-term NRT use (8-28 defined daily doses) was associated with significantly lower risk of glaucoma (HR: 0.35; 95% CI: 0.16-0.80, P = 0.012) and a trend toward reduced risk of cataract (HR: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.36-1.01, P = 0.053) compared to no treatment. However, these associations were not observed with long-term NRT use. The results of this real-world observational study indicate that NRT use, particularly short-term use, was associated with a lower risk of certain eye disorders compared to no treatment for smoking cessation. Long-term NRT use did not demonstrate the same benefits. Thus, short-term NRT may be a beneficial treatment strategy for reducing the risk of eye disorders in smokers attempting to quit. However, further evidence is required to verify these findings and determine the optimal duration of NRT use.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Smoking Cessation; Glaucoma; Middle Aged; Macular Degeneration; Retrospective Studies; Cataract; Taiwan; Aged; Adult; Smoking; Tobacco Use Cessation Devices; Incidence; Varenicline
PubMed: 38926484
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-65813-8 -
Ceska a Slovenska Oftalmologie :... 2024The authors present a case of a thirty-eight-year-old patient with Alport syndrome. The patient had several ocular symptoms of the disease and has been treated for...
The authors present a case of a thirty-eight-year-old patient with Alport syndrome. The patient had several ocular symptoms of the disease and has been treated for systemic problems in connection with Alport syndrome since he was fifteen years old. At that age the patient also underwent a kidney transplant in order to deal with renal insufficiency. To date, he still uses immunosuppressants and antihypertensives. Furthermore, the patient suffers from perceptive deafness. The patient visited our clinic in 2021 with a request to solve his high refractive error, in which the diopters were so high that it was not possible to place them in spectacles. The patient's best corrected visual acuity was 0.6 with -8.0sph/-4.0cyl/ax15 in the right eye and 0.7partim with -8.0sph/-4.0cyl/ax155 in the left eye. The autorefractometer values were -6.25sph/-6.75cyl/ax17 in the right eye and -6.75sph/-6.5cyl/ax155 in the left eye. During the eye examination we found a number of ocular manifestations that are typical of Alport syndrome. On the cornea there were opacities as a residue of corneal erosions, and at one of the following check-ups we also found a newly developed corneal erosion. Subsequently, we found an anterior lenticonus and incipient cataract. Upon performing OCT, a typical temporal macular atrophy was evident. Fundus examination in artificial mydriasis showed just a minimal manifestation of fleck retinopathy. Due to the clinical manifestation we decided to perform cataract surgery and implant a monofocal toric intraocular lens in both eyes. There were no complications during the operations, however the surgeon registered a non-standard structure of the lens capsule. The capsule was more fragile, and performing capsulorhexis was much more complicated. A week after the surgery, higher cylinder diopters were still present. A decrease of the higher diopters was noticeable one month after surgery. The time interval between the first operation and the second operation was one month. The patient was highly satisfied with result, and uncorrected visual acuity improved by over four lines. After surgery the patient needed low diopters for near as well as far distance. In the case of this patient, the ocular manifestations were detected and treated in adulthood. Nevertheless, early detection of ocular symptoms of Alport syndrome in young patients before renal failure could lead to timely start of the treatment and delay a possible renal transplant. In case of any suspicion of Alport syndrome it is advised to send the patient to a pediatrician, and at an older age to an internal medicine specialist, for further examination.
Topics: Humans; Nephritis, Hereditary; Male; Adult; Refractive Surgical Procedures; Visual Acuity
PubMed: 38925900
DOI: 10.31348/2024/28 -
Aging Jun 2024Iridocyclitis and the use of glucocorticoid medication have been widely studied as susceptibility factors for cataracts. However, the causal relationship between them...
Iridocyclitis and the use of glucocorticoid medication have been widely studied as susceptibility factors for cataracts. However, the causal relationship between them remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the causal relationship between the development of iridocyclitis and the genetic liability of glucocorticoid medication use on the risk of senile cataracts occurrence by performing Two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses. Instrumental variables (IVs) significantly associated with exposure factors (P < 5 × 10) were identified using published genome-wide association data from the FinnGen database and UK Biobank. Reliability analyses were conducted using five approaches, including inverse-variance weighted (IVW), MR-Egger regression, simple median, weighted median, and weighted mode. A sensitivity analysis using the leave-one-out method was also performed. Genetic susceptibility to glucocorticoid use was associated with an increased risk of developing senile cataracts (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.02-1.17; P < 0.05). Moreover, iridocyclitis was significantly associated with a higher risk of developing senile cataracts (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.01-1.05; P < 0.05). Nonetheless, some heterogeneity in the IVs was observed, but the MR results remained consistent after penalizing for outliers. The estimates were consistent in multivariate analyses by adjusting for body mass index (BMI) and diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM). This study provides new insights into the prevention and management of senile cataracts by highlighting the increased risk associated with iridocyclitis and the use of glucocorticoids.
PubMed: 38925660
DOI: 10.18632/aging.205963 -
Geriatrics (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of ultrasounds used in phacoemulsification during cataract surgery on the corneal structure and morphology in...
The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of ultrasounds used in phacoemulsification during cataract surgery on the corneal structure and morphology in patients over 65 years. We compared the outcomes of phacoemulsification techniques in terms of corneal cell morphology in 77 patients over 65 years old and 43 patients under 65 years old. Corneal cell density, central corneal thickness and hexagonality were measured preoperatively and post-surgery (at 1 and 4 weeks) by specular microscopy. The effect of gender, axial length and anterior chamber depth on the parameters of corneal endothelium were evaluated. In both groups, a progressive decrease in endothelial cells was observed, starting from the first week post-surgery until the fourth postoperative week. The central corneal thickness increased in both groups with maximum values at the first week postoperatively, while their initial values were restored in the fourth week post-surgery, with no statistical difference between groups. Statistically significant differences were noticed in terms of cell hexagonality in the group over 65, showing smaller hexagonality at all preoperative and postoperative time points compared to group under 65. Our result highlights the importance of routine specular microscopy performed before surgery, regardless the age of the patients, with caution and careful attention to the phaco power intensity, ultrasound energy consumption and intraoperative manipulation of instruments, as well as proper use of viscoelastic substances to reduce corneal endothelium damage, especially in elderly patients.
PubMed: 38920433
DOI: 10.3390/geriatrics9030077 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2024We describe a technique to reattach the detached Descemet's membrane, following cataract surgery. From the main clear corneal cataract incision, aqueous humor is ejected...
We describe a technique to reattach the detached Descemet's membrane, following cataract surgery. From the main clear corneal cataract incision, aqueous humor is ejected completely by apposition of the cornea to the iris for approximately 3 s. This ensures the fluid in the space between the stroma and Descemet's membrane is ejected and the detached Descemet's membrane returns to its original position. Sterile air is injected through a paracentesis 180 degrees away from the Descemet's membrane detachment, to maintain a complete air-filled chamber. Full air tamponade is maintained for 20 min, following which one-third of the air is ejected from the chamber to prevent an increase of postoperative intraocular pressure.
PubMed: 38919939
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1402853 -
BMC Ophthalmology Jun 2024To evaluate the optical performance and safety of a new multifocal lens with a novel optical design featuring two additional foci (or intensifiers) in patients with... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
BACKGROUND
To evaluate the optical performance and safety of a new multifocal lens with a novel optical design featuring two additional foci (or intensifiers) in patients with cataract and presbyopia.
METHODS
In this single-center, non-randomized prospective observational study, 31 patients underwent implantation of the new multifocal IOL between March 2020 and November 2021 at a tertiary clinical center in Buenos Aires and Ramos Mejia, Argentina. Postoperative examinations with emphasis on uncorrected and corrected visual acuity at distance and near and at two different intermediate distances (80 cm and 60 cm) were performed during the 3 postoperative months.
RESULTS
Of the 31 patients who underwent implantation of the new IOL, 30 underwent bilateral surgery (61 eyes in total). At 3 months, all 61 eyes had an uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCDVA) of at least 0.15 logMAR; 57 eyes (93%) had an uncorrected distance visual acuity (UCDVA) of 0.1 logMAR and 27 eyes (44%) had an UCDVA of 0.0 logMAR. At 80 cm, 60 eyes (98%) had an uncorrected intermediate visual acuity (UCIVA) of at least 0.1 log MAR and 48 eyes (79%) had an UCIVA of 0.0 logMAR.
CONCLUSION
The new multifocal IOL with a novel optical concept (5 foci) showed a wide range of visual acuity especially at intermediate and near distances in patients undergoing cataract surgery. Uncorrected visual acuity was excellent at all tested distances, monocularly and binocularly, spectacle independence and patient satisfaction were high.
Topics: Humans; Visual Acuity; Prospective Studies; Female; Male; Aged; Multifocal Intraocular Lenses; Middle Aged; Prosthesis Design; Presbyopia; Refraction, Ocular; Lens Implantation, Intraocular; Pseudophakia; Phacoemulsification; Cataract; Lenses, Intraocular; Aged, 80 and over; Follow-Up Studies
PubMed: 38918765
DOI: 10.1186/s12886-024-03521-7 -
Cureus May 2024Congenital toxoplasmosis is caused by transplacental infection of during pregnancy. We present a case of a congenital toxoplasma with intracranial calcifications,...
Congenital toxoplasmosis is caused by transplacental infection of during pregnancy. We present a case of a congenital toxoplasma with intracranial calcifications, microcephaly, growth restriction, a unilateral cataract that developed in the third trimester, and a coincidental post-axial-polydactyly. Antenatal imaging findings are important to guide further testing and confirmation of diagnosis, it is important to know all possible associations and prognoses for timely counseling, testing, and intervention. To our knowledge, no case has been published with findings of unilateral cataract in congenital toxoplasmosis and associated coincidental polydactyly. Therefore, we wish to add this case to the current scientific literature.
PubMed: 38915958
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61058 -
Clinical Ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.) 2024To compare the accuracy of modern intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation formulas with that of older formulas, such as SRK/T and Hoffer Q, in pediatric cataract...
PURPOSE
To compare the accuracy of modern intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation formulas with that of older formulas, such as SRK/T and Hoffer Q, in pediatric cataract surgery.
METHODS
This retrospective study included 100 eyes of 100 children who underwent routine cataract surgery with primary IOL implantation in a bag. This study used four IOLMaster 700 integrated formulas: SRK/T, Hoffer Q, Haigis, and Barrett Universal II (BUII). In addition, the following formulas were used: EVO 2.0, Hill RBF 3.0, Hoffer QST, Kane, and PEARL DGS, which are available online.
RESULTS
There was a statistically significant difference between SRK/T and most other formulas, except for Hoffer Q, Hoffer QST, and BUII (p < 0.05). SRK/T yielded the lowest median absolute error (MedAE) of 0.63 D. This was followed by the BUII (0.66 D), Hoffer Q, and Hoffer QST (0.68 D). SRK/T also yielded the highest percentage of cases within ± 0.50 D (43% of the cases). For patients aged 2 to 5 years, SRK/T formula yielded statistically significantly better results than all other included formulas (p < 0.05) with MedAE = 0.44 D, 58.33% and 87.50% of the cases were within ± 0.50 D and ± 1.0 D of intended refraction, respectively.
CONCLUSION
The SRK/T formula showed the best IOL power calculation results in pediatric cataract surgery, followed by BUII, Hoffer Q, and Hoffer QST. In children aged 2-5 years, the SRK/T formula outperformed all other formulas, followed by the BUII and Hoffer QST formulas. In children older than 5 years, there was no statistically significant difference between the different formulas (p > 0.05); Hoffer Q and SRK/T showed slightly better MedAE in this age group (5-10 years).
PubMed: 38915745
DOI: 10.2147/OPTH.S468294 -
BioRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Jun 2024Variability in physical resilience to aging prompts a comprehensive examination of underlying mechanisms across organs and individuals. We conducted a detailed...
Variability in physical resilience to aging prompts a comprehensive examination of underlying mechanisms across organs and individuals. We conducted a detailed exploration of behavioral and physiological differences between C57BL/6 and CB6F1 mice across various age groups. In behavioral assays, B6 mice displayed superior performance in rotarod tasks but higher anxiety while CB6F1 mice exhibited a decline in short-term memory with age. Grip strength, long-term memory, and voluntary wheel running declined similarly with age in both strains. Examining physiological phenotypes, B6 mice exhibited lower body fat percentages across ages compared to CB6F1 mice, though cataract severity worsened with age in both strains. Analysis of cardiac functions revealed differences between strains, with worsening left ventricular hypertrophy and structural heart abnormalities with age in CB6F1 mice along with higher blood pressure than B6. Lesion scores showed an age-related increase in heart, kidney, and liver lesions in both strains, while lung lesions worsened with age only in CB6F1 mice. This study underscores the validity of behavioral assays and geropathology assessment in reflecting age-related decline and emphasizes the importance of considering strain specificity when using mouse models to study human aging.
PubMed: 38915625
DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.14.599036 -
International Journal of Retina and... Jun 2024The EVA Nexus system offers several technical improvements over its predecessor. The newly designed Aveta cannula system for vitrectomy surgery avoids the need for...
BACKGROUND
The EVA Nexus system offers several technical improvements over its predecessor. The newly designed Aveta cannula system for vitrectomy surgery avoids the need for removal of the valve from the infusion cannula. The chamfered leading edge of the cannula also reduces the insertion force needed. The new EquiPhaco needles in combination with SmartIOP provide excellent anterior chamber stability during phaco-emulsification surgery, enabling to work at lower infusion pressures, and the multiburst phaco mode allows easier removal of hard cataracts. The system offers a secondary active infusion line for independent control of pressure to the anterior and posterior chambers, monitoring of flow rate/reflux and warning of infusion bottle emptying. This study evaluated whether these technical improvements result in improved surgical safety.
METHODS
In total, 250 eyes that underwent vitrectomy (53%) or phaco-vitrectomy (47%) using the EVA Nexus system were prospectively included. The occurrence of intraoperative adverse events was compared to that of historically operated eyes using the EVA system.
RESULTS
The average age of the patients was 63 years. A total of 33% of the patients were operated on for retinal detachment, 17% for macular pucker, 11% for treating floaters, 9% for removing silicone oil, 8% for macular hole repair and 22% for other diseases. In 75% of surgeries, 23 G instruments were used, and 27 G instruments were used in 25% of cases. Device issues that occurred included priming cycle issues (n = 4), eye pressure stability problems (n = 6) and vitrectome performance issues (n = 1), all of which in the first 100 patients who were included and were fixed with software updates. The frequency of surgical complications in the anterior segment was lower than that in the historically recorded surgical reports. Intraoperative events in the posterior segment included hemorrhage from retinal vessels, choroidal hematoma, iatrogenic retinal damage/tear, and subchoroidal infusion. Again, these events occurred rarely and less frequently than in the historical surgical reports.
CONCLUSIONS
The EVA Nexus provides a surgical platform that reduces the incidence of intraoperative adverse events and iatrogenic complications in both anterior and posterior segment surgery. This could increase surgical safety during cataract and vitrectomy surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER CLINICALTRIALS.GOV: : NCT05229094 Data 22/5/2021.
PubMed: 38915097
DOI: 10.1186/s40942-024-00563-3