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.]