The aim of the present study is to examine the demographic data and clinical features of ocular surface injuries due to thermal burns and to evaluate LSCD in the light of global consensus. Thirty-three eyes of 20 cases with ocular surface injury due to thermal burn who attended to the clinic between 2012 and 2023 were included in the study. LSCD severity was staged according to the global consensus which was published in 2019. The mean age of 20 cases was 45.8 ± 13.362 (19–78) and female/male ratio was 4/16. The causes of thermal burns were exposure to fire in 10 (50

To evaluate the severity distribution of chemical burn-induced Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) according to the novel global consensus classification and to compare the treatment approach, before and after the global consensus. Medical records of 127 eyes of 109 patients with LSCD were included. LSCD stages were categorized according to the global consensus classification published by “International LSCD Working Group”. The mean age was 37.5 ± 16.5(6–75). The distribution of LSCD stage according to the global consensus scale was as follows: Stage 1A in 5 eyes(3.9

Objectives: To examine and to understand the limbal stem-cell deficiency (LSCD) because of Steven–Johnson syndrome (SJS) in line with the new classification system for the first time in the literature. Methods: Medical records of patients with LSCD because of SJS were reviewed retrospectively. In addition to demographic data and ophthalmologic or systemic findings, anterior segment photographs of the patients were reviewed retrospectively. Limbal stem-cell deficiency severity was graded according to the classification published by the Limbal Stem Cell Working Group. Results: Twenty-four eyes of 14 patients with eye involvement secondary to SJS were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 36.09±16.70 (9–58) years and the female-to-male ratio was 11:3. The anterior segment photographs of the patients were evaluated by two independent masked observers. Limbal stem-cell deficiency severity was graded according to the classification published by Deng et al. Corneal opacity was divided into three stages according to the area of involvement. Corneal opacity was classified as Stage I if the central 5 mm region of the cornea was not affected, as Stage II if the central 5 mm region of the cornea was affected, and as Stage III if the entire corneal surface was affected. Limbal involvement was classified as Stage A if it was below 50%, as Stage B if it was between 50% and 100%, and as Stage C if it was 100%. Conclusion: This is the first study in the literature to describe and classify LSCD because of SJS, according to the new LSCD classification. Consistent with the results, LSCD follows a bimodal distribution. Most patients demonstrated severe (Stage III—32.14%) or mild (Stage IA—21.42%) LSCD.

Background: Band keratopathy is a chronic, degenerative corneal disease resulting from gradual calcium deposition in the superficial cornea. Herein, we report the spectrum of causes, treatment outcomes, and recurrence rates of band keratopathy at a tertiary referral center throughout one decade. Methods: This retrospective study included patients with clinical diagnoses of band keratopathy who were treated with combined ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and superficial keratectomy with or without amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT). Patient medical records were reviewed, and detailed demographic and ophthalmological data, such as baseline and last follow-up best-corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA), ocular or medical comorbidities, type of intervention, postoperative follow-up duration, relevant complications, and recurrence were recorded. Results: A total of 32 eyes of 29 patients with 3 (10.3%) bilateral and 26 (89.7%) unilateral cases of treatment-requiring bank keratopathy were included. The mean (standard deviation [SD]) (range) age was 39.4 (22.4) (2–74) years, and most patients were female. The most common secondary cause was previous vitreoretinal surgery with silicone oil tamponade (15.6%); however, idiopathic cases were the most common (18.8%). Systemic comorbidities were present in 27.6% of patients, consisting of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, coronary artery disease, Behcet’s disease, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis; however, none of the patients had systemic diseases associated with hypercalcemia. Two of the 3 patients with bilateral involvement had chronic uveitis secondary to systemic rheumatological disease. The mean (SD) follow-up duration was 5.6 (4.0) years, and no serious postoperative complications occurred. The mean (SD) baseline and final BCDVA in logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) were 1.98 (1.0) and 1.7 (1.0), respectively (P > 0.05). Combined EDTA chelation and superficial keratectomy with and without AMT were performed in 12.5% and 87.5% of eyes, respectively. Recurrence was observed in 37.5% of eyes within the mean (SD) (range) follow-up of 9.4 (9.1) (1–32) months. Seven of the 12 eyes with recurrence underwent re-EDTA chelation combined with superficial keratectomy and AMT; however, 5 patients managed conservatively. Conclusions: In this study, band keratopathy requiring intervention more commonly affected female individuals and was unilateral. Most cases were idiopathic. Systemic comorbidities were present in approximately one-third of cases. Managing band keratopathy using a combination of EDTA chelation and superficial keratectomy with or without AMT could be a potential treatment modality. Further large-scale studies are required to provide robust conclusions regarding the efficacy and safety of this management approach.

PURPOSE:The purpose of this study was to examine demographic and tomographic parameters in pediatric patients diagnosed with keratoconus and to evaluate the difference between early and late age periods. METHODS:This retrospective study included patients younger than 18 years of age who were diagnosed with keratoconus. All examination findings, demographic data, tomography parameters, and keratoconus stages were recorded. The patients were divided into two groups: 14 years or younger (Group 1) and those between 14 and 18 years old (Group 2). All corneal tomography parameters were compared in the subgroups and were evaluated statistically. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS:A total of 131 eyes of 71 patients were included. The mean age was 15.7 ± 1.8 (range, 10-18) years, and the female-to-male ratio was 23/48. The mean best spectacle-corrected visual acuity was 0.36 ± 0.44 (range, 0-3.1) logMAR. The averages of K1, K2, Km, and Kmax were 49.0 ± 6.2 (range, 39.6-74.5) D, 53.5 ± 7.0 (range, 43.3-76.8) D, 51.3 ± 6.5 (range, 41.5-75) D, and 59.1 ± 9.0 (range, 44.7-85.2) D, respectively, and the mean central corneal thickness (CCT) was 456.9 ± 63.5 µm (range, 261-601). The distribution of eyes with keratoconus from stages 1-4 was 5.3%, 36.6%, 38.9%, and 19.1%, respectively. When the groups were compared, K1, K2, Km, and Kmax were significantly steeper in Group 1 compared to Group 2 (P = 0.006, P = 0.004, P = 0.004, and P = 0.007, respectively). CCT and the thinnest corneal thickness values were significantly less in Group 1 (P = 0.038 and P = 0.041, respectively). CONCLUSION:The decision for treatment - especially cross-linking - should be made at the right time due to the increased risk of progression in the earlier ages in pediatric keratoconus population.

OBJECTIVES:In this study, we aimed to define demographic data and trends in use of amniotic membrane transplant during the past decade at a tertiary eye center. MATERIALS AND METHODS:We included 272 patients who underwent amniotic membrane transplant for ocular surface pathology from January 2009 to December 2021. We retrospectively evaluated the medical data. RESULTS:The male-to-female ratio of patients was 41/23. Mean age of the patients was 50 ± 23.6 years (range, 1-91 years). Indications consisted of ocular surface lesion excision surgery (n = 184; 66.7%), chemical injury (n = 25; 9.1%), persistent epithelial defect (n = 23; 8.3%), keratitis (n = 22; 8%), noninfectious corneal perforation (n = 9; 3.3%), bullous keratopathy (n = 9; 3.3%), and ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (n = 4; 1.4%). Single amniotic membrane transplant was applied to 236 patients (85.5%), and multiple transplant was applied to 40 patients (14.5%). We observed repeated amniotic membrane transplant rates and amniotic membrane degradation durations that were associated with primary disease (P = .005 and P < .001, respectively). Degradation time was shorter in cases of chemical burns and keratitis than in cases after ocular surface lesion excision. Amniotic membrane transplant indication rates were statistically different between the first 6 years and the last 6 years of the 12 years of data (P = .041). The frequency of amniotic membrane transplant application in microbial keratitis has increased substantially in the past 2 years. CONCLUSIONS:Amniotic membrane is used as a biomaterial in various ocular surface diseases due to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. After transplant, the amniotic membrane, which is directly related to the inflam-matory processes of the primary disease, degrades gradually. There may be changes in the trend of amniotic membrane transplant, the indications of which are progressively expanding over time.

To evaluate limbal graft transplantation success in pediatric patients with chemical injury-induced limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) using the ‘LSCD Working Group’ staging system. Medical records of 11 eyes of 11 children who underwent limbal graft transplantation (limbal autograft/limbal allograft) were included. Surgical success was defined as improvement in the post-operative 1st year LSCD stage. The mean age was 12 ± 5 (4–17) years. Causative agent was alkaline in 4(36.4

OBJECTIVES:We present demographic data and clinical features of corneal perforations repaired with patch grafts prepared from residual donor corneal rims. MATERIALS AND METHODS:For this retrospective study, we evaluated patients who underwent corneal perforation repair with corneal or corneoscleral patch grafts. We recorded demographic data, as well as perforation cause, examination notes, tissue type-size used, follow-up time, and additional surgeries. Anterior segment photographs were also evaluated. Transplanted tissues were prepared from residual donor corneas used in penetrating keratoplasty and were manually adjusted to the precise size of the wound. RESULTS:Fifteen patients were enrolled in the study. Mean age of the patients was 64.9 ± 19.7 years (range, 15-81 years) with a female-to-male ratio of 0.85. The causes of perforation were grouped as inflammation, infection, and trauma. The main indications were inflammation (n = 7; 46.7%) and infection (n = 6; 40%), followed by trauma (n = 2; 13.3%). All patients demonstrated preservation of globe integrity during the follow-up time; however, 1 patient's eye required regrafting with limbal conjunctival excision due to melting and leakage. Three eyes required permanent tarsorrhaphy to control progressive exposure keratopathy, and 2 eyes underwent penetrating keratoplasty to cure scar-related corneal opacity. CONCLUSIONS:Patch grafts are effective surgical interventions to assure and maintain globe integrity in corneal perforations. The main advantage seems to be that patch grafting allows special preparations for wound architecture. Moreover, in clinics performing keratoplasty, these patch tissues are readily available.

Objectives: To evaluate the clinical characteristics and treatment strategies of limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) patients managed with medical therapy. Materials and Methods: The study included 29 eyes of 21 patients with LSCD who were managed medically at Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology between May 2013 and May 2023. LSCD stages before and after medical treatment were recorded according to the LSCD staging system published by the International LSCD Working Group. The medical records of patients showing improvement in LSCD stage with medical treatment without surgical intervention were evaluated. Results: The mean age was 35.5±23.8 years (range, 5-71 years) with a male-to-female ratio of 6:15. The primary etiology of LSCD was ocular rosacea in 12 patients (57.1%), marginal keratitis in the setting of blepharitis in 8 patients (38.1%), and topical medication toxicity in 1 patient (4.8%). The mean baseline best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.25±0.26 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) (range, 0-1 logMAR). Pre-treatment LSCD stage was stage 1A in 5 eyes (17.2%), stage 1B in 12 eyes (41.4%), stage 1C in 4 eyes (13.8%), stage 2A in 4 eyes (13.8%), and stage 2B in 4 eyes (13.8%). Complete regression of LSCD was achieved in 6 eyes (20.7%) with medical treatment addressing the primary etiology. In the remaining eyes, after medical treatment, the severity of LSCD decreased below the surgical threshold, which is considered stage 2B. The mean final BCVA was 0.07±0.1 logMAR (range, 0-0.4 logMAR). Conclusion: This study highlights that LSCD can be completely or partially reversible with appropriate management, especially in cases with underlying limbal niche dysfunction, where inflammation plays a significant role. Although limbal stem cell transplantation is considered the main treatment approach for LSCD, localized and early-stage LSCD can be effectively managed medically without the need for surgical intervention.

Objectives:The aim of the present study was to evaluate any conjunctival metaplastic changes by impression cytology in patients who underwent topical 1% voriconazole treatment for severe fungal keratitis. Materials and Methods:The study was conducted at Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Departments of Ophthalmology and Medical Pathology. Patients who were treated with 1% topical voriconazole for fungal keratitis for at least 3 months were included. The used topical voriconazole treatment was initiated as one drop every hour and was tapered according to clinical improvement in all patients. Treatment was continued 4 times a day for at least 3 months. Impression cytology samples were collected at least 3 months after cessation of topical voriconazole from the affected eyes and from the fellow eyes as a control group. Collected specimens were transferred to the pathology department for evaluation and grading (Nelson’s grading system). Results:The mean age of the patients was 57.68±17.32 years (range, 22-87 years). The impression cytology grade of the inferior bulbar conjunctiva was 1.73±0.77 (range, 0-3) in the study group and 1.19±0.98 (range, 0-3) in the control group (p=0.03). The impression cytology grade of the temporal bulbar conjunctiva was 1.69±0.73 (range, 0-3) in the study group and 1.15±0.88 (range, 0-3) in the control group (p=0.02). The impression cytology grades of the nasal and superior bulbar conjunctiva did not differ statistically (p values 0.13 and 0.17, respectively). Conclusion:Topical voriconazole is an effective broad-spectrum antifungal drug, but it induces conjunctival squamous metaplasia. Clinicians should be aware of this possible side effect of topical voriconazole and should carefully evaluate the conjunctiva of treated patients at each visit to detect possible metaplastic changes.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE:Non-traumatic aetiologies are one of the leading causes of corneal perforations. The management of corneal perforation is quite challenging and complex for anterior segment surgeons. The appropriate surgical approach for each case is usually determined on the basis of a combination of many different parameters. BACKGROUND:The study aimed to evaluate surgical approach options and outcomes in the treatment of non-traumatic corneal perforations. METHODS:Patient data who underwent surgery for non-traumatic corneal perforation between 2016 and 2023 were retrospectively evaluated. Medical records were assessed in terms of age, gender, perforation aetiology, the first and last examination notes, surgical approach, follow-up time, and additional surgeries and outcomes according to anatomical, therapeutic and functional success. Anterior segment photographs were investigated for thorough explanation of the examinations. RESULTS:Forty-five eyes of 45 patients were included (mean age 61.2 ± 22.4 (90-2), female/male ratio 20/25). Surgical approaches applied according to the size and location of the perforation site included fibrin glue application (6), amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) (9), corneal patch graft application(15), and tectonic keratoplasty (15). The ratio of inflammatory and infectious causes as the two main indications was 29/16. Globe integrity was ensured with the first surgery in 27 eyes. However, 17 eyes required secondary surgical attempts due to failure of the first approach and 1 eye underwent evisceration. AMT was the least successful method among other methods in anatomical, therapeutic, and functional assessment. CONCLUSION:There are various surgical approaches for repairing non-traumatic corneal perforations, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. These include high tissue resistance, the ability to remove necrotic tissue, ease of access, and anti-inflammatory activity. It is possible to successfully repair corneal perforations with single and combined methods, considering the above-mentioned features, especially depending on the size and location of the defect. While AMT is a viable and time-saving choice - especially in the lack of donor tissues - further interventions are necessary in most circumstances.

To report demographic characteristics and ophthalmological manifestations of patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) in a tertiary eye care center in Turkey. Medical records of patients with GPA-related ocular manifestations evaluated between 2013 and 2023 were included. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients including nature of systemic involvement, ophthalmologic symptoms and signs, laboratory investigations and treatment modality were reviewed. Twelve eyes of 10 patients (5 female/5 male) were included. The mean age was 57.2 ± 12.2 (35–71) years. Five (50

OBJECTIVES:We evaluated limbal stem cell transplant success in limbal stem cell deficiency due to chemical injury at a tertiary eye care center in Turkey with a novel system for describing limbal stem cell deficiency, as developed by the Limbal Stem Cell Working Group.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Medical records of 80 eyes of 80 patients after limbal stem cell transplant for limbal stem cell deficiency secondary to chemical injury were included, with patients grouped according to surgical procedure, ie, limbal autograft, limbal allograft, and cultivated limbal epithelial cell transplant. Surgical success was defined as improvement in postoperative year 1 of limbal stem cell deficiency stage.RESULTS:Patients' mean age was 37.9 ± 15.7 years (range, 4-71 years). Male/female ratio was 2.4. Forty-five patients (56.3%) were injured with alkaline substance, and 16 (20%) with acid substance. Mean follow-up time was 60.3 ± 30.6 months (range, 6-118.6 months). Limbal autograft, allograft, and cultivated limbal epithelial cell transplants were performed in 58 (72.5%), 12 (15%), and 10 (12.5%) eyes, respectively. Intervals between injury and surgery in limbal autograft, limbal allograft, and cultivated limbal epithelial cell transplants were 43.3 ± 94.1 months (range, 0.5-592 months), 14.5 ± 10.6 months (range, 2.4-32.5 months), and 122.8 ± 158.9 months (range, 21.1-504 months),respectively (P = .02); and surgical success rates in each group were 65.5%, 41.7%, and 90%, respectively (P = .03). Overall surgical success rate was 65%.CONCLUSIONS:Accurate determination of the limbal stem cell deficiency stage is crucial for proper evaluation of surgical success. Surgery type and interval between injury and surgery were the most important factors associated with higher surgical success rates. Despite the limited number of patients in the subgroups, the results were remarkable to emphasize the significance of a novel limbal stem cell deficiency scoring system.

Purpose: To define the use of human amniotic membrane transplantation (hAMT) for reconstruction of the ocular surface after ocular surface lesion excisions in pediatric population during the last decade in a tertiary eye center. Methods: A total of 31 patients who underwent hAMT procedure because of the excision of ocular surface lesions between January 2009 and December 2021 were included in this study. The medical data were retrospectively evaluated. Results: The female-to-male ratio was 14/17. The mean age of the patients was 10.1±4.1 (range, 1–18) years. Although a single hAMT was applied to most of the cases (94.4%; 34 eyes), more than one hAMT was applied to 5.6% of cases (2 eyes). The amniotic membrane degradation duration was found to be 21.5±10.8 (range, 13–50) days. Conclusions: Amniotic membrane is used as a biomaterial in various ocular surface diseases with its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound healing properties. Although widely used, there are only a few studies reporting its clinical efficacy in the pediatric age group. It seems to be safe and effective in pediatric age group for ocular surface reconstruction after ocular surface lesion excisions.

Objectives:To evaluate the demographic data, ocular and systemic findings, clinical management, and outcomes of patients with ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP).Materials and Methods:The medical records of 11 patients diagnosed as having OCP in the ophthalmology department of Ege University between 2008 and 2021 were evaluated retrospectively.Results:The patients' mean follow-up time was 14±5.76 months. All eyes (100%) had conjunctival involvement and 18 (81.81%) had corneal involvement. According to the Tauber staging system, 7 (31.81%), 8 (36.36%), and 7 (31.81%) of the eyes were stage 2, 3, and 4, respectively. The diagnosis was confirmed in 6 (66.66%) of 9 patients who underwent biopsy. Amniotic membrane transplantation was performed in 7 eyes, entropion surgery in 2 eyes, and electrocauterization for trichiasis in 5 eyes. Systemic involvement was observed in 45.45% (5/11) of patients, most commonly oral mucosal involvement (18.18%). Review of medical records showed that alkylating agents, steroids, and dapsone were used in patients treated before 2020. Mycophenolate mofetil was preferred to be used in combination with corticosteroids. Although treatment responses before mycophenolate mofetil usage could not be evaluated well because of loss to follow-up, 4 (66.66%) of 6 patients who received steroid treatment combined with mycophenolate mofetil showed partial or complete clinical remission. No serious side effects and drug withdrawal were observed.Conclusion:OCP is a sight-threatening autoimmune disease that affects older adults. Although positive biopsy results are valuable for diagnosis, negative results do not exclude the diagnosis. The main treatment is systemic immunosuppressives. Disease activity can be suppressed, especially with early initiation of drug therapy. These patients require a multidisciplinary approach. Especially in the presence of isolated ocular findings, ophthalmologists should be able to make the decision to start immunosuppressive treatment, and systemic treatment should not be delayed.

Objectives: To evaluate and compare the risk factors, presenting features, and outcomes of patients with culture-positive and culturenegative microbial keratitis (MK) who presented to a tertiary referral center. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of the medical records of 314 patients who were diagnosed with MK in our clinic between 2012 and 2019. Results: Among 314 patients, 142 had positive cultures (45.2%). The mean ages of the culture-positive and -negative patients at the time of diagnosis were 51.39±21.31 (range, 14-90) years and 56.68±21.34 (7-94) years, respectively (p=0.028). The mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of the culture-positive and -negative patients were1.74±1.25 (0-3.1) LogMAR and 1.91±1.23 (0-3.1) LogMAR prior to treatment and increased to 1.21±1.30 (0-3.1) LogMAR and 1.27± 1.29 (0-3.1) LogMAR at last visit, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between culture-positive and -negative patients’ BCVA levels at presentation or last visit. Ninety-two patients (64.7%) were infected with bacteria and 50 patients (35.2%) with fungi. The most common pathogen was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (18.3%), followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae (11.2%) and Fusarium spp. (11.2%). Keratitis foci were either centrally or paracentrally located in 105 eyes (73.9%) of culture-positive patients and 149 eyes (86.6%) of culture-negative patients. Multiple foci were present mostly in culture-positive patients (p=0.001). There was no significant difference between the culture-positive and -negative groups in terms of hypopyon presence (p=0.364). The proportion of contact lens (CL) wearers was 33% (n=47) among culturepositive MK patients and 13.3% (n=23) among culture-negative MK patients, respectively (p<0.001). Culture positivity was found to be significantly higher in keratitis associated with CL use (p=0.0001). Conclusion: Microbiological analysis and culture evaluation are important steps in order to manage proper treatment in microbial keratitis. Prognosis mostly depends on the infectivity of the microbiological agent.

Objective To evaluate the surgical results and the variables affecting the outcomes in conjunctival-limbal allograft transplantation (CLAL). Methods Patients who underwent CLAL for limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) between 2007 and 2019 were included in the study. LSCD staging was performed according to the staging system developed by the ‘Limbal Stem Cell Working Group’. Stage 1C and higher stage LSCD patients were included in the study. ‘Successful surgical outcome’ was defined as improvement in LSCD stage at 1 year postoperatively. Results A total of 19 eyes of 19 LSCD patients were included. The mean age of the patients was 40.21 ± 14.65 (6–65) years, and the male/female ratio was 12/7. CLAL was performed in 9 (47.3%) patients with Stage 2B, 9 (47.3%) patients with Stage 3 and 1 (5.4%) with Stage 1C. LSCD aetiology; chemical injury (12), vernal keratoconjunctivitis (2), aniridia (1), corneal degeneration (1), and unknown (3). Surgery was successful in 52.6% of cases. Surgical success was associated with lower LSCD stage ( p = 0.04). Lower grades of chemical injury at presentation and a longer time interval between injury and CLAL were associated with higher surgical success ( p = 0.001; p = 0.001). The mean postoperative follow-up time was 50.77 ± 29.46 (6–98) months. Conclusions Despite graft rejection and long-term use of immunosuppressants, CLAL is still one of the most preferred techniques in the treatment of bilateral LSCD. Preoperative LSCD stage and degree of chemical burn are important factors affecting the surgical outcome. Also, CLAL surgery should not be rushed and should be performed when inflammation has subsided.

Purpose The primary aim of this study is to investigate Acanthamoeba in clinical samples of keratitis cases (n = 60), in contact lens (CL) and lens care solutions of asymptomatic CL users (n = 41), and to identify the genotypes in positive samples. The secondary aim is to assess the risk factors and clinical features of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) patients. Methods All samples from patients and asymptomatic CL users were examined by microscopy and inoculated in non-nutrient agar plates. PCR was performed using the DNA isolated from corneal scrapings, CL and lens care solution samples. Positive DNA samples were sequenced to determine the genotype of Acanthamoeba. Results In none of the samples, Acanthamoeba was identified by microscopy, while Acanthamoeba was detected in a patient with keratitis by culture method. However, Acanthamoeba was detected in 11.66% (7/60) of the keratitis patients by PCR. The genotypes of these isolates detected by sequencing were T4 (4), and T5 (3). Acanthamoeba was detected in none of the samples of asymptomatic CL users by any of the three methods. Conclusion To best of our knowledge, this is the first study to detect T5 genotype in AK patients from Turkey. In addition, the CL use was found to be an important risk factor for AK.

Objectives: To report 10 years of pediatric ocular chemical burn experience in a tertiary eye care center in Turkey. Methods: Thirty-three patients aged 18 years and younger who presented with ocular chemical burn between 2011 and 2021 were enrolled. Demographic data and clinical characteristics of patients were reviewed. Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) stage was assessed according to LSCD working group's staging system. The initial and final best-corrected visual acuities were recorded. Results: The mean age was 10.4±5.5 (0.25–18) years with an F/M ratio of 12/21. Eleven (33.3%) of the patients were injured with acid and 5 (15.1%) with alkaline. The most common causative agent was nail polish remover (n=7, 21.2%), followed by cologne (n=5, 15.1%) and hand sanitizer (n=4, 12.1%). The severity of burn was ≥grade 4 in 20 patients (60.6%). Chemical injury resulted in LSCD in 18 patients (54.5%). Surgery was performed (LSCD ≥Stage 2 B) in 13 patients (39.3%); limbal stem cell transplantation (LSCT) (n=11), staged amniotic membrane transplantation, and symblepharon release (n=2). Penetrating keratoplasty after LSCT was performed in three of 11 patients. The mean follow-up time was 31.9±28.6 months (6–102.33) after the surgery. Conclusions: In pediatric population, accurate diagnosis and management of ocular chemical burns are challenging. Although the severity of burn and consequently LSCD rate seems to be high in children, comparative studies in a larger population are still needed.

Amaç: Göz bankamızda kornea donörlerinin serolojik analiz sonuçlarını incelemek ve seropozitif vericilerin yaş, cinsiyet ve yıllara göre dağılımını belirlemektir. Gereç ve Yöntemler: Ocak 2009 ve Nisan 2019 arasında göz bankamıza kabul olunan kornea donörlerinin serolojik sonuçları retrospektif olarak incelendi. Yaş, cinsiyet ve yıllara göre dağılımları kaydedildi. Bulgular: İki bin on beş korneanın 1.036 donörünün serolojik sonuçları incelendiğinde, 97 donöre ait 186 korneanın (%9,23) seropozitiflik nedeniyle imha edildiği görüldü. Yaş ortalaması tüm donörlerde 43±16,0(3-86), seropozitiflik nedeniyle imha edilen donörlerde 53,71±14,1(6-70) idi. İmha edilen gruplardaki yaş ortalamaları HBV pozitifler için 45,4±13,4(13-66), HCV pozitifler için 51,6±11,4(28-70), HIV pozitifler için 40,8±14,9(6-62), Sifiliz pozitifler için 47,0±29,6(26-68), HBV+HIV pozitifler için 59,5±2,1 (58-61) saptandı. Tüm donörlerde erkek/kadın oranı 765/271, seronegatif donörlerde 695/244 ve seropozitiflik nedeniyle imha edilen donörlerde 70/27(p=0,693) idi. İmha edilen gruplardaki erkek/kadın oranı HBV için 40/11, HCV için 10/3, HIV için 17/10, Sifiliz için 1/1 idi. HBV, HCV, HIV, HBV+HCV ve Sifiliz için seropozitiflik pikleri sırasıyla 2009 ve 2018, 2014 ve 2017, 2010 ve 2015, 2013 ve 2014 ve 2010 yıllarında izlenmiştir. Yaşa göre dağılımda, HBV pozitif donörlerin 4 ve 6., HCV pozitif donörlerin 6 ve 7., HBV+HIV pozitif donörlerin 6., HIV pozitif donörlerin 4 ve 6. dekadlarda pik yaptığı izlendi. Yaşa göre seropozitiflik dağılımında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı değişim izlenmezken(p=0,199), yıllara göre dağılıma bakıldığında ise tüm vericiler ve HBV, HCV ve HIV alt grupları için istatistiksel anlamlı fark saptandı (sırasıyla; p=0,016,p<0,001, p=0,022, p=0,003). Sonuç: Seropozitiflik erkek cinsiyette, 60 yaş ve altı grupta daha yüksek oranda görülmektedir. Yıllara ve yaşa göre seropozitiflik oranı öngörülemez seyir izlemekte ve yüksek seropozitiflik oranı önemini korumaktadır.