Electrophysiological research today remains an important method for the objective assessment of the functional state of the components of the visual analyzer.

There are methods, for example, OCT, that can objectively assess the structural and anatomical integrity of the retina, however, only indirectly shows functional activity. The undoubted advantage of EFR is the ability, excluding the subjectivity of the subject, to perform a functional topographic assessment of the malfunction of all systems of the visual analyzer. Private electrophysiology of the vision organ is represented by a variety of methods for recording the electrobiological activity of the cells of the visual analyzer: ERG, EOG, VEP, mfERG (multifocal electroretinography), and each option is directed to a separate part of it, therefore, to complete the picture, in particular in research works on animal models may use several techniques. In general, the limitation of EFR is its complexity and many confounding factors that can affect the result, ranging from stimulation parameters to the state of the patient himself. At the same time, the main area of prospective use of electrophysiological research is differential diagnosis, preclinical toxicology and scientific and experimental models. However, in recent decades, the active introduction of registration methods, including the appearance of multifocal electroretinography, as well as changes in the conditions of electrophysiological studies, open up new possibilities for the future evolution of the method. Classical methods for evaluating EFR data, taking into account the growth of data flow, do not provide detailed qualitative and quantitative information about the state of the visual analyzer. This leaves the possibility and the need for the study, optimization and algorithmization of the assessment data of the differentiated criteria inherent for a particular ocular pathology. EFRs require simpler and more adapted protocols for clinical practice, allowing a strictly differentiated approach to the smallest anatomical and functional changes, based on open databases and modern adaptation based on artificial intelligence. 

Topical and systemic carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (CAIs) are widely used in the treatment of glaucoma for reducing intraocular pressure. This part of the review describes the characteristics of systemic CAIs, their side effects and the ways to overcome them, as well as contraindications. The use of CAIs during pregnancy is considered. Particular attention is paid to the antioxidant activity of CAIs and the promising development of hybrid forms based on the existing CAIs as a part of a multipurpose glaucoma treatment strategy.

To date, the problem of interaction between humans and the surrounding microbiome continues to grow in the human population, which is expressed in the so-called crisis of antibiotic resistance. Microorganisms, being pathogens of infectious diseases, no longer have guaranteed pharmacological barriers that can stop their reproduction, which means that they continue to claim thousands of lives every year. This phenomenon is associated with many reasons, such as the presence of mobile genetic elements in bacteria that perform the function of horizontal gene transfer, responsible for their resistance to antibiotics. Mutational microevolution changes in the genotype of a bacterial cell can lead to the development of uncontrolled polyresistance. Also, the combination of micro-and macroevolutionary changes in the external signs of the pathogen determines the system of factors of aggression, invasion, protection and adaptation. Other factors causing antibioticoresistance include overuse of antibiotics and self-nominations during periods of self-medication, antibiotics and medical staff in subclinical doses, too short treatment courses, and sometimes their function in the absence of indications for therapy, the extensive use of antibiotics in agriculture. A number of preventive measures that could significantly affect the crisis of antibiotic resistance are being actively worked out at the state level and include programs to reduce the free circulation of antibiotics, optimize therapeutic regimes, improve diagnostic measures for the verification of pathogens, prevent the spread of infections, optimize interaction between pharmaceutical companies and registration organizations, stimulate investment and public-private partnership, and of course the international initiative on systemic interaction. This paper examines the cause-and-effect relationships that can have a direct impact on the resolution of the crisis of antibiotic resistance, which can be traced in the historical context and up to the present time, as well as describes modern promising scientific and technical directions that can give humanity a new «Golden bullet» against pathogens, in particular the use of artificial fluorophores-quantum dots.

As known, there are changes in the biomechanical properties of the fibrous tunic in glaucoma. This is also due to the imbalance between the formation and loss of collagen fibers. The cornea is a highly sensitive tunic of the eyeball, endothelium is one of the target organs in the formation of pathological changes in primary open-angle glaucoma, and endothelial dysfunction, according to many authors, plays a significant role in its pathogenesis. The unintended consequences of glaucoma surgery lead to a progressive loss of corneal endothelial cells, which can lead to corneal decompensation. In the proposed literature review, we analyzed more than 30 publications by authors representing the results of multicenter studies of the pathological effects of antiglaucoma operations on the corneal endothelium in patients with various types of uncompensated glaucoma. The analysis of both classic fistulizing type operations and modern, so-called micro-invasive techniques (MIGS), including the use of various drains and devices, is presented. Thus, the smallest decrease in the density of endothelial cells was noted during deep sclerectomy and trabeculectomy. The use of mitomycin C in glaucoma surgery significantly improving the prognosis, but increases the loss of endothelial cells in both high and low concentrations. The highest rates of loss of corneal endothelial cells are noted during using valves and shunts. Ex-PRESS shunt implantation is associated with a significant loss of corneal endothelial cell density in the immediate area to the drainage tube, and therefore, shunt implantation should not be considered as an option for eyes with corneal dysfunction. In addition, the authors prove that the drainage device changes its position in the anterior chamber, especially when performing massage and self-massage of filtration bleb, which leads to a greater loss of density of corneal endothelial cells.

The article discusses the effectiveness of accelerated collagen crosslinking in the treatment of patients with corneal diseases, a common basic pathogenetic link of which is endothelial corneal decompensation. This method was used to treat patients with bullous keratopathy and endothelial dystrophy of Fuchs’ cornea with a long postoperative follow-up. In connection with the controversial results of researchers, reflecting the positive dynamics of the postoperative period, the question of the expediency of accelerated collagen cross-linking in patients with this pathology as a monotherapy is discussed.

The study included 25 patients (26 eyes) with mean age 69.10 ± 10.61 years (40 to 82 years). There was Fuchs corneal endothelial dystrophy in 16 patients (17 eyes), in 9 patients (10 eyes) — stage II, in 7 patients (7 eyes) — stage III. Bullous keratopathy was present in 9 patients (9 eyes). All patients underwent treatment according to the method of accelerated collagen corneal crosslinking. In patients with bullous keratopathy (9 eyes), the data on the central thickness of the cornea and the maximum corrected visual acuity did not differ from the initial data at any of the postoperative visits, and did not differ from each other (p > 0.83). On the contrary, in some patients the dystrophic process progressed in the form of the appearance of fibrotic changes in the stroma of the cornea. Corneal transplantation was recommended to all patients under observation after treatment at different periods of observation. In patients with Fuchs endothelial dystrophy, a significant difference in the maximum corrected visual acuity from the initial data was observed only 6 months after surgery.

The expediency of accelerated collagen cross-linking in the treatment of patients with corneal diseases accompanied by endothelial decompensation as monotherapy is very doubtful. The study of combined surgical methods for treating this complex corneal pathology using cross-linking as an auxiliary method seems promising. 

Тhe main treatment for angle-closure glaucoma is laser iridectomy. Somatic comorbidity (autoimmune, allergic, chronic infectious diseases) affects the results of laser iridectomy.

Purpose: to evaluate in practice the algorithm for applying the method of laser iridectomy in compliance with preventive measures, including medical support before and after surgery, both in patients with concomitant somatic pathology and without it.

Patients and methods. The analysis of combined laser iridectomy’s results in 61 patients (94 eyes) was carried out. A method was used to determine the tactics of management the patients with latent stage of angle-closure glaucoma and pigment dispersion syndrome (Patent RU N 2726404), including an assessment of the general immune status based on information about somatic diseases and medications taken. Combined laser iridectomy was performed in two stages in one visit. The first stage is coagulation in the projection of the lacunae at the periphery of the iris; at the second stage, two through holes were formed. All patients received medication in accordance with the algorithm. The level of reactive hypertension was assessed in 1 hour after surgery, on the first and seventh days after the intervention.

Results. In case of standard medical support for laser iridectomy, the level of reactive hypertension is higher in the group of patients with concomitant somatic pathology than without it. Adding additions to the standard drug regimen in a group of patients with impaired general immune status ensures that the target intraocular pressure is achieved. The use of an algorithm for performing laser iridectomy in patients with angle-closure glaucoma and concomitant somatic pathology makes it possible to achieve the target intraocular pressure early after surgery and to avoid complications. 

The purpose: prospective study of the long-term refractive and visual results of ReLEx® SMILE, depending on the degree of corrected myopia.

Material and methods. The three study groups included 71 patients; the mean age was 26.48 ± 5.5 years. Group I consisted of 20 patients (39 eyes) mean SE –2.62 ± 0.87 D, group II — 26 patients (51 eyes), mean SE 4.68 ± 0.74 D, Group III — 25 patients (47 eyes), mean SE 6.88 ± 0.72 D. All patients underwent femtolaser correction of myopia using the ReLEx® SMILE method with the VisuMax™ laser system (Carl Zeiss Meditec AG).

Results. Uncorrected visual acuity of 09 — 1.0 was noted in 34 eyes (87.2 %) in group I, in II — in 43 eyes (84.3 %), in 37 eyes (78.7 %) in group III. The efficiency coefficient was 1.0 in groups I — II and 0.89 in group III. There was no decrease in corrected visual acuity (CVA) during the correction of mild and moderate myopia, in group III it was recorded by 0.1 in two cases (4 %), by 0.2 in one case (2 %), the safety factor in I — II groups 1.0, in III 0,89. Two years after ReLEx® SMILE, refraction of ± 0.5 D from planned in the study groups was achieved, respectively, in 94.9, 88.2, 76.6 % of cases, ± 1.0 D in 100 % of cases in I, II groups, in 97 % of cases in III group. The predictability coefficient was 0.95 in group I, 0.88 in group II, and 0.77 in group III. Refractive regression compared with the results 1 month postoperatively was 0.08 D in group I, 0.1 D in group II, and 0.16 D in group III. Analysis of the long-term results of ReLEx® SMILE allows us to conclude: the method is safe and effective, provides high predictability of refractive results in correcting various degrees of myopia. Further study of the long-term results of the operation, the creation and use of nomograms, taking into account the individual characteristics of the cornea, will improve the predictability and stability of refractive results in the correction of high myopia. 

Purpose. Comparative analysis of the wavefront aberrations and ophthalmoergonomic parameters after excimer laser and orthokeratological correction of myopia in patients aged over 35 years.

Patients and methods. The study included 21 patients: 12 (24 eyes) after excimer laser correction of myopia (group 1) and 9 (18 eyes) after orthokeratology (group 2). The average age of patients after excimer laser surgery was 38.5 years, after orthokeratological correction 46.1 years. Special studies included ophthalmoergonomical tests: far and near distance visual acuity, capacity of the visual analyzer, visual productivity, reading velocity, mesopic vision, relative accommodation reserves, objective accommodative response, pseudo-accommodation volume. Wavefront aberrations were conducted on the OPD-scan 3.

Results. The spherical equivalent of residual refraction was –0.625 ± 0.08D in the excimer group, and –1.58 ± 0.24D in orthokeratological group. Despite the difference in refraction, values of distance binocular and monocular visual acuity were the same in both groups: in group 1 monocular visual acuity was 0.74 ± 0.03, binocular 0.85 ± 0.03; in group 2 — 0.71 ± 0.06 and 0.89 ± 0.05 respectively. The parameters of both monocular and binocular accommodative response measured on Grand Seiko were 50 % higher in the excimer group compared to those in the orthokeratological group. Relative accommodation reserves appeared to be two times more in the excimer group. The volume of pseudo-accommodation was 2.375 ± 0.12D in group 1, which appeared to be 20 % more than in the group 2 (p = 0.0414). The level of wavefront aberrations was significantly higher in orthokeratological group with the exception of vertical aberrations and, especially horizontal coma, which were significantly higher after excimer laser surgery. Generally, the dynamics of aberrations in both groups correlates with changes of the corneal topography.

Conclusion. Excimer laser surgery with hypocorrection is more recommended for patients aged 35–40, and orthokeratological correction for patients over 45 years old. 

Purpose: to study the combined Photo-Activated Chromophore for Keratitis — Corneal Cross-Linking (PACK-CXL) in combination with fulguration of the infiltration zone in the treatment of medically refractive acanthamoebic keratitis.

Patients and methods. The study included 9 patients (10 eyes) with medically refractive acanthamoebic keratitis. The diagnosis was confirmed by confocal microscopy data from a microbiological study of scraping of corneal tissue from the lesion site with Romanovsky-Giemsa stain. All patients underwent combined surgical treatment of PACK-CXL with pre-fulguration. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) of the anterior segment of the eye was also performed using an RTVue-100 apparatus (Optovue USA), determination of visual acuity, photographing before and after surgery.

Results. In 6 cases (60 %), a positive effect was noted, relief of the symptoms of the disease and the formation of turbidity within a month after the procedure, as well as an increase in the maximum corrected visual acuity. According in vivo confocal microscopy, 6 months after the intervention, no signs of infection were detected. In 4 cases, the therapeutic effect was absent. Subsequently, 3 patients (3 eyes) underwent therapeutic keratoplasty. In one eye, the infectious process was stopped medically for 6 months.

Conclusion. The combined PACK-CXL method together with fulguration can be effective and safe in the treatment of medically refractive acanthamoebic keratitis, allowing keratoplasty to be performed with an optical goal if necessary, after stopping the infection process in a distant period. 

Purpose: The development and clinical study of improved femtosecond laser-assisted phacoemulsification (PE) technology of hard nucleus cataract.

Patients and methods. Improved femtosecond laser-assisted PE of hard nucleus cataract performed in 83 patients (93 eyes) (1st group), known femtosecond laser-assisted PE technique performed in 72 patients (78 eyes) (2nd group), torsional PE performed in 81 patients (89 eyes) (3rd group). The degree of intraoperative myosis, effective ultrasound time, corneal endothelial cell loss were evaluated in all groups.

Results. Femtosecond laser-assisted PE is an effective technique for hard nucleus cataract removal, which can significantly reduce the energy ultrasonic load on the eye tissue. The proposed method for the instillation of prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors and the observance of the minimum possible interval between the first and second stages of the operation can prevent significant intraoperative narrowing of the pupil. A significant narrowing of the pupil by more than 2 mm after the femtolaser stage was noted in 7 (7.5 %) cases in the 1st group of patients, in 15 (16.9 %) cases in the 2nd group, in 5 (6.4 %) cases in the 3rd group. The results of the study has shown a significant decrease in the effective ultrasound time for a femtosecond laser-assisted PE compared with a torsional PE. The effective ultrasound time was in the 1st group (improved technology of femtosecond laser-assisted PE) — 3.81 ± 0.75, in the 2nd group (known technology of the femtosecond laser-assisted PE) — 5.23 ± 1.07 s (p < 0.05), in the 3rd group (OZil technology) — 8.67 ± 1.83 s (p < 0.05). The decrease in the effective ultrasound time has become a determining factor in reducing the loss of corneal endothelial cells in both femtosecond laser-assisted PE technologies compared to torsional PE. The average loss of corneal endothelial cells 3 months after surgery was 8.7 ± 1.8 % in the 1st group, 10.3 ± 2.1% in the 2nd group, 13.5 ± 2.7 % (p < 0.05) in the 3rd group of patients.

Conclusion. The proposed improved technology contributes to the solution of some problems that characterize femtosecond laser-assisted PE, and also helps to reduce the effective ultrasound time and the loss of corneal endothelial cells. 

The combination of such refractive errors as high and medium astigmatism with anisometropia and presbyopia considerably reduces patients’ standard of living, first of all because methods of the correction stated are very limited. Spectacle correction is, as a rule, extremely uncomfortable or impossible in case of an anisometropia of more than 2.0 dioptres and a high degree of astigmatism; opportunities of contact lenses correction are limited in case of an astigmatism of more than 2.5 dioptres. Therefore these patients are often deprived of adequate visual rehabilitation and prefer not to use means of optical vision correction at all which considerably lowers their quality of life and can be the reason of asthenopia, violation of binocular vision and decrease in fusional reserves. This problem is aggravated with the development of a presbyopia when patients get older. The first manifestations of it reveal themselves in such patients earlier than in emmetrops, their age-mates. Excimer laser technology development has made it possible to help a large number of patients with the most severe refractive disorders, but these techniques still have significant limitations in patients with presbyopia, especially in case of a patient’s strong need for keen eyesight at a close distance. In addition, these patients require a particularly careful examination and preliminary modeling of target refraction at the planning stage of a surgical intervention, for which we use soft contact lenses in our practice. Target refraction modeling with spectacle lenses does not always allow to adequately predict the patient satisfaction with the results of correction. We consider the method of target refraction modeling using soft contact lenses to be the most accurate for this objective; it is widely used in our clinic. This technique is especially effective in patients with presbyopia, who are planning excimer laser correction of the most common types of refractive errors. The article presents a clinical case of binocular excimer laser correction of a high and medium degree compound myopic astigmatism in a patient with anisometropia and presbyopia, which was performed in two stages using LASIK (Custom Q) technology after the preliminary target refraction modeling with the use of soft contact lenses.

The multifactorial nature of the retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) pathogenesis, makes the thorough study of the mechanism of pathological retinal neovascularization actual. However recently the attention of scientists has been attracted by the participation of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the development of retinal vasoproliferative diseases. Purpose: to study the role of AT-II in the pathogenesis of experimental ROP (EROP) in the original model of the disease. Material and methods. To reproduce EROP Wistar rats (n = 15) were exposed to the oxygen concentration varying from 60 to 15% every 12 hours for 14 days from the first day after birth followed by room air for 7 days. Throughout the experiment, the room maintained a constant temperature (+26 °C) and light regime (12 hours a day, 12 hours a night) modes. Control rats (n = 12) were born and kept under normal oxygen content (21 %). Batches of EROP (n = 5) and control (n = 4) rats were sacrificed on 7, 14 and 21 days. All rats underwent binocular enucleation, after which every eyeball was opened on the limb, the cornea and lens were removed with the remains of a persistent vascular bag and a hyaloid artery. Retinas were isolated, homogenized and stored at -20 °C. Angiotensin-II (AT-II) in homogenates was measured using the IFA kit. Results. On the 7th day of the experiment, the level of AT-II in the retina of the experimental group rats was 0.19 ± 0.02 pg/mg protein that was significantly higher than in controls (0.12 ± 0.01 pg/mg protein). On the 14th and 21st days concentrations of AT-II in EROP and control groups had no significant difference. Conclusion. On the 7th day of the experiment, i.e. at the period corresponding to the existence of avascular retinal zones in both groups concentration of AT-II in the retinas of rats with EROP was significantly higher than in controls. This fact indicate the role of this proangiogenic factor in the induction of pathological neovascularization in ROP. Possible prognostic function of this parameter during the period before ROP manifestation has undoubted practical significance.

Some Russian cosmonauts in space flight have revealed swelling of the optic nerve head of varying severity. Four clinical cases presented in this article. A quantitative method for the analysis of OCT images of the optic nerve head and the retina has been developed for the diagnosis and monitoring of the optic nerve’s state. This method is quite informative, regardless of the opinion of each specific medical consultant; diagnosis of optic nerve head edema can be performed according to the generally accepted Frisen’s grading, and thus objectify its diagnostic capabilities. In cases when changes in the optic nerve head are not visualized during ophthalmoscopy, quantitative analysis of OCT images allows one to quantify the presence of optic nerve head edema at the subclinical stage. This objective diagnostic method allows us to establish and quantify the amount of industrial activity, which, with edema of the optic nerve because of intracranial hypertension, mostly pronounced on the nasal side of the nerve disc. Determining the thickness of the retina and head of the optic nerve in the nasal side are paramount for monitoring changes in papilledema in dynamics, especially in the subclinical and 0 stage according to Frisen. Quantitative measurements of the optic nerve head in the temporal side are necessary for the diagnosis, developed papilledema and differential diagnosis of 1-2 stages on the Frisen scale. The use of this diagnostic method has the great importance in assessing the influence of various factors of the space flight on the optic nerve head.

Purpose: to study the antioxidant system and lipid status of serum and evaluate the effect of Cytoflavin on these characteristics in patients with progressive and stable primary open angle glaucoma (POAG).

Patients and methods. 67 patients with advanced stage POAG were observed. The average age was 66.3 ± 1.5 years. According to the course of the glaucoma process all patients were randomized into 2 groups: the 1st group with the stable glaucoma (31 patients) and the 2nd group with rapidly progressive glaucoma (36 patients). The progression criteria of POAG were global ganglion cell loss volume (GLV) and perimetric index (mean deviation-MD). For assessment of the reactivity of the vascular endothelium, a test with reactive hyperemia was performed using ultrasound method. The assessment of oxidative stress (OS) including peroxides, malonyldialdehyde (MDA) and the total antioxidant capacity of serum (AOS) were evaluated. The investigations of lipid metabolism included the level of cholesterol total (CT), cholesterol of low-density lipoproteins cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoproteins cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG) and atherogenic index (AI).

Results. In the 2nd group there was the significant decrease of the mean GLV indices compared to those in the 1st group (7.16 ± 2.5 и 1.06 ± 0.2, respectively, р < 0.001). The mild degree of endothelial dysfunction (ED) predominantly was detected in patients of the 1st group (69 % of cases). The moderate and marked ED were found in patients with progressive POAG (68 and 25 %, respectively). The high level of OS in serum was determined in 43 % of patients of the 1st group and in 69 % of patients of the 2nd group (significant increase of peroxides and MDA). In patients with progressive POAG the mean indices of lipid metabolism (CT, LDL-C, HDL-C, TG, AI) were significantly higher than in healthy subjects (р < 0.001). Cytoflavin had a positive effect on the vascular endothelium function, normalization of lipid metabolism and decrease of OS in serum with increasing AOS in patients with progressive POAG.

Conclusion. The assessment of the indices of OS, AOS and lipid metabolism enable us to determine the risk of progression of POAG and evaluate of the effectiveness of treatment. 

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is becoming more and more widespread disease. Investigation of local changes of metabolic pathways in the eye improves our knowledge about diabetic retinopathy pathogenesis and provide perspective for the development of new pathogenetically based and individually focused therapy of this disease.

Purpose of the study was to determine the concentrations of angiotensin II (AII), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and matrix metalloprotease-9 (MMP-9) in tears and serum of patients with diabetic retinopathy, estimate their significance for the evaluation of diabetic retinopathy severity and choice of treatment.

Patients and methods. Tear and serum samples from 31 patients with diabetic retinopathy were analysed. Control group consisted of healthy volunteers of the same sex and age. Concentrations of angiotensin II, angiotensin-converting enzyme and matrix metalloprotease-9 were measured using the ELISA kits.

Results: in controls angiotensin II concentration was 9.8 ± 5.5 pg/ml, in tears — 11.8 ± 6.6 pg/ml, angiotensin-converting enzyme concentration in serum was 82.6 ± 10.9 ng/ml, in tears it was 40 times lower: 2.5 ± 0.5 ng/ml, matrix metalloprotease-9 concentration in serum was 186.3 ± 8.9 ng/ml while in tears it was 100 times lower: 2.0 ± 0.9 ng/ml. In tears of patients with diabetic retinopathy levels of all 3 substances were significantly higher than in controls. Concentration of angiotensin II was 8 times higher, angiotensin-converting enzyme concentration 5 times higher and matrix metalloprotease-9 level 3 times higher. In serum angiotensin II concentration was increased 9 times, angiotensin-converting enzyme — 2 times. No difference in serum matrix metalloprotease-9 levels was observed. Thus diabetic retinopathy cause a significant activation of local and systemic rennin-angiotensin system. Local changes are more marked than systemic. Estimation of angiotensin II, angiotensin-converting enzyme and matrix metalloprotease-9 concentrations in tears can serve as an objective test for the diabetic retinopathy diagnostic and a pathogenetic rationale for the development of a new method of therapy — topical use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. 

Phenylephrine test is one of the main factors determining the possibility of performing superior tarsal muscle resection. However, the influence of various factors on its result remains unexplored.

Aim. To evaluate the effect of patient age, degree of ptosis, and levator muscle function on the result of the phenylephrine test.

Patients and methods. 45 patients were examined (64 eyelids). The following examinations were performed for all patients: assessment of the degree of ptosis, levator muscle function and the phenylephrine test.

Results. Age and the degree of ptosis do not affect the results of the phenylephrine test. Reduced levator muscle function leads to a decrease of the phenylephrine test results.

Conclusion. The phenylephrine test remains an important criteria for patient selection for the planning superior tarsal muscle resection. Levator muscle function does affect the phenylephrine test result. 

Objective. Our study was to examine the degree of the light sensitivity impairment of the retina in patients with chronic cerebral ischemia, as well as to reveal the dynamics of these disorders on the background of the neuropeptide, depending on the stage of vascular encephalopathy.

Patients and methods. Comparative analysis of visual function was conducted in 70 persons (140 eyes). Patients were divided into 2 groups, each group is divided into two subgroups. To study the light sensitivity of the retina used automatic computer perimeter Hamphrey Field Analyzer HFA II — I Series (model 610, ZEISS, Germany).

Results. As a result of quantifying visual field defects in patients with chronic cerebral ischemia at 2 and 3 tbsp. vascular encephalopathy before treatment received preferential reduction of the light sensitivity of the retina in the temporal halves When comparing manual data with chronic cerebral ischemia patients 2 and 3 stadies vascular encephalopathy control group no significant differences before and after treatment have been identified. However, it is important to note that after 6 months treatment in the same group showed a slight increase in absolute numbers of cattle. In the control group using Cortexin observed reduction in the amount of absolute cattle.

Conclusions. The light sensitivity of the retina in patients with chronic cerebral ischemia decreases as the disease progresses, with a primary lesion of the temporal halves of the visual fields. The improvement in the computer perimetry during the treatment, especially in combination with cortexin can be attributed to the normalization of the retina cellular structures, improving the transfer of information and the partial restoration of the disturbed functions, which indicates the relative ischemia is reversible processes, which is effective in patients with stage 2 or 3 vascular encephalopathy. 

Long-term conjunctival infections are challenging for the outpatient ophthalmologist. This is due to significant changes in microflora towards resistant gram-negative bacteria. Long-term conjunctival infections are challenging for the outpatient ophthalmologist. This is due to a significant change in microflora towards resistant gram-negative bacteria. The above studies are based on microbial associations, which are the causes of inflammatory processes, conjunctiva and cornea.

Purpose: to increase the effectiveness of the diagnosis and treatment of chronic specific inflammatory diseases of the organs of vision.

Patients and methods. The study was conducted in patients with chlamydial infection (n = 589) and included chronic conjunctival infections lasting more than 4 weeks, follow-up of patients with partners, family members for 3 or more years. Results. The study was carried out in patients with chlamydial infection (n = 589) and with chronic infectious diseases that lasted more than 4 weeks, following patients and family members for 3 or more years. During this period, we performed more than 3 studies for each patient — for diagnostic laboratory studies and 2 consecutive controls 1 and 2 months after treatment, mixed infection was detected in 256 people (10 %), the proportion of women was 20–30 years is 67 %, men — 51 %. In 27 % of cases, communities of Ch. trachomatis and Ureaplasma parvum as leading causative agents of the eye infections.

Conclusions. Chlamydia is most often found together with Ureaplasma parvum (27 % of cases among mixed infections). Treatment of various forms of chlаmidia infection is carried out with the help of “Floxal” (0.3 % ofloxacin — drops and ointment). 

Purpose: Objective: to evaluate the effect of treatment of bacterial corneal ulcers of varying severity using a combination of antibacterial and corticosteroid drugs.

Material and methods. 63 patients with bacterial corneal ulcers of varying severity were treated. The study used a quantitative scale to assess the severity of corneal ulcers. Group 1 — patients with mild corneal ulcers (18 patients); Group 2 — patients with moderate corneal ulcer (17 patients); group 3 — severe corneal ulcer (11 patients); control group — patients with mild corneal ulcer (17 patients). Patients of groups 1, 2 and 3, in addition to the conventional treatment, received Dexamethasone 0.1 % — 0.3 ml in parabulbar injections from the first day of treatment for the entire treatment period. Kr). In addition to the standard ophthalmological examination, all patients were assessed for the ulcer defect using measurements on OCT-POG accessing the parameters of the diameter of the corneal ulcer (d) and the depth coefficient (Kr).

Results. The patients in the 1st group received antibacterial treatment and the addition of parabulbar injections of a corticosteroid drug (Dexamethasone). It allowed to decrease the treatment time and the period of hospitalization, promoted faster epithelialization and a reduction in the depth of the ulcer, less coarse scarring of the cornea, allowed to increase the functional results of treatment. The proposed treatment for severe corneal ulcers in 55 % of cases allows to use only conservative treatment. It is possible to obtain moderate opacity with vascularization in 60 % cases, which contributes to the preservation and/or improvement of visual acuity, despite the severity of the inflammatory process without the use of surgical intervention.

Conclusion. The proposed treatment, involving the use of the corticosteroid drug Dexamethasone 0.1 % in parabulbar injections of 0.3 ml once daily for a bacterial corneal ulcer of mild severity for, average, 15.0 ± 1.4 days, a bacterial corneal ulcer of moderate severity — 18.0 ± 1.3 days, severe bacterial corneal ulcer — 25.0 ± 4.4 days, seems to be effective if the proposed parameters of the diameter and depth of the corneal ulcer are controlled. 

Purpose: to assess the possibilities of ophthalmonutraceuticals using in age-related macular degeneration (AND) patients.

Patients Methods. The study included 35 patients (68.3 ± 6.3 years old; 15 men, 20 women) with AMD (AREDS-2 and AREDS-3 categories). As an ophthalmic nutraceutical, a biological active supplement was used, included vitamins C and E, zinc, lutein, zeaxantine, cooper, selenium (Retinorm; 3 capsules per day with meals). The observation period was 12 months (6 courses of therapy). There were the main control points: examination at study entry and examination at study completion. All those observed patients were underwent standard ophthalmological examination; fundus state photo registration (Nidek); OCT (Opto-Vue). The significance of a possible increase in the proportion of AREDS-3–4 AMD category patients was assessed using the Pearson γ2 test. An additional criterion was the maximum corrected visual acuity (MCVA) stabilization. The mean and its standard deviation (M ± s) were calculated, the significance of differences was assessed using the Wilcoxon’s t-test.

Results. The study was completed in 33 patients. In 2 eyes a transition of AMD from the AREDS-2 to AREDS-3 category was recorded (an increase in the number and size of druses, with the appearance of large druses). The increase in the proportion of patients with the AREDS-3 AMD category was statistically insignificant (γ2 = 0.267; p = 0.606). In no case was there a transition to the AREDS-4 category. In the vast majority of those who completed the study (31 eyes; 93.9 %), the manifestations of AMD were stable, which, taking in account the chosen criterion, allows us to consider nutraceutical support to be affective. MCVA during the observation period also remained stable with a slight, but statistically insignificant tendency to its increase (from 0.72 ± 0.07 to 0.75 ± 0.09; t = 37.5, p > 0.05). One patient was excluded from the study after 6 months of observation due to development of an allergic skin reaction (presumably to the components of a nutraceutical). In the vast majority of patients (97.1%), no significant side effects of therapy were observed, the nutraceutical regimen was comfortable. One more patient was excluded from the study (after 3 months) due to his failure to appear for next follow-up examination.

Conclusion. The use of Retinorm ophthalmonutraceutical can stabilize the manifestations of AMD (AREDS-2–3) in 93.9 % of patients with follow-up periods of up to 12 months. Repeated courses of therapy in 97.1 % of patients are not accompanied by significant side effects, and the regimen for taking ophthalmonutraceuticals is characterized by patients as comfortable. 

Purpose: tо evaluate effectiveness of cataractogenesis prophylaxis in patients with epiretinal membrane (ERM) after vitrectomy based on the pirenoxin use.

Patients and мethods. The study included 72 patients (64.5 ± 6.4 years old; 31 men, 41 women) with ERM before and after 25G microinvasive vitrectomy with removal of ERM. The 1-st group patients (36 eyes) received pirenoxin instillation (Catalin®; 3 times a day, 6 months) in addition to the standard pharmacological support. The 2-nd group patients received only standard therapy. All patients underwent: standard ophthalmologic examination; lens state photoregistration with an assessment of lens opacities intensity (LOCS-III classification) with the calculation of the cataract development index (CDI). These were control points: examination before vitrectomy and 5 months after surgery. At control points, the incidence of lens opacities in the observation groups was also evaluated. Statistical analysis included: calculation of the mean and its standard deviation (M ± s); assessment of the significance of differences in control points with each group (Wilcoxon's T-test) and between groups (Mann—Whitney U-test); Pearson xi-square test.

Results: In the 1-st group (pirenoxin instillation), 6 months after vitrectomy and ERM removal, the following indicators were noted: the initial cataract incidence was 5.6 %; CDI — 0.36 ± 0.03 points, increasing the maximum corrected visual acuity (MCVA) from 0.31 ± 0.03 to 0.6 ± 0.05. In the 2-nd group similar indicators significantly differed from the 1-st group data: the initial cataract incidence was 36.1 % (Pearson xi-square test > 3; p < 0.05); CDI — 3.1 ± 0.3 points (p < 0.01); the MCVA increase from 0.3 ± 0.05 to 0.43 ± 0.1 (p < 0.05).

Conclusion. Pirenoxin (Catalin®) has demonstrated quite high efficacy in the cataract prevention in patients after vitrectomy with ERM removal. 

Purpose. To develop the automated expert support system for optic nerve head morphological description in normal conditions and in pathology.

Methods. The proposed expert support system is based on the integration algorithm of luminance samples along the diagonal, it allows to detect the optic nerve head border. On the basis of this algorithm the method for solving the following tasks of fundus image processing have been proposed: detecting of the optic nerve head border, method of the morphological description of the optic nerve head boundary, method of the determining the value of the disk excavation. An experimental study of the parameters effect on the effectiveness of the optic nerve head detecting method was made.

Results. The effectiveness assessment of the proposed border detection algorithm on the optic nerve head model has showed that the amount of overlap averaged 0.985, which indicates high quality. It was found that the algorithm for estimating the diameter of the single-sided optic nerve head image is sufficiently resistant to changes in such parameters as the influence of the noise level in the scene and the offset of the strobe center coordinates of the samples accumulation from the image center coordinates. Evaluation of the efficiency of the optic nerve head borders morphological description has showed that the value of the first-order derivative of the result of accumulation of luminance readings diagonally for images of optic nerve head with blurred boundaries is 2 times smaller than for images of optic nerve head with clear boundaries. The effectiveness of the method of selecting the border for assessment the disk excavation size was examined. It was obtained that the error in estimating the magnitude of excavation amounted to an average of 8.43 %.

Conclusions. Тhe presented expert support system allows to automate the process of optic disk morphological description, in particular, such parameters as the state of the border and the size of the disc excavation. This method can be used to create medical expert systems and software for fundus images processing. 

Fungi implicated in mycotic keratitis include different species. Conventional methods for the diagnosis of fungal keratitis include staining of corneal scarpings, culture medium (Sabouraud agar) for isolating fungi.

Purpose. To evaluate the effectiveness of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for the detection of fungal etiology in comparison with the conventional diagnostic methods in cases with suspected fungal corneal ulcer.

Patients and methods. Seven patients with severe corneal ulcers with more than 3 weeks duration. Corneal scarpings and corneal buttons from seven patients who had undergone therapeutic keratoplasty were used for microbiological and PCR analysis. PCR diagnostic kits for the differential detection of Candida albicans DNA and total fungi DNA (DNA Fungi), which allows to identify most pathogenic fungi without determining their species were used. Microbiological methods: microscopy of gramstained smears, culture techniques, including selective for fungi agar Saburo with chloramphenicol.

Results. PCR: Fragments of all corneas removed from keratoplasty (6 patients) revealed fungal-common DNA (Fungi DNA) and did not detect Candida albicans DNA, which correlated with sowing results on Saburo medium (mold fungi found in 5 of 6 corneas). Fungi DNA was also detected in the corneal scraps taken prior to surgery; however, growth of fungi during sowing on various nutrient media was not found.

Conclusion. Corneal fungal ulcers are a serious disease, often leading to visual disability. The rapid determination of etiology and the correct choice of therapy determines the outcomes of the disease. The advantage of PCR over the culture method: the speed of obtaining results (4 hours instead of 3–7 days); high sensitivity, which allows detecting fungi not only in the tissue of the removed cornea, but also in scrapes from the cornea ulcer of patients who previously received antifungal therapy. The presence of commercial kits for differential detection of fungal-common DNA and DNA of Candida albicans extends the possibilities of PCR in the screening diagnosis of fungal keratitis and the selection of drugs before determining the type of pathogen. 

High prevalence of blepharitis, multifactorial etiology and chronic course with the possibility of serious complications, including conjunctivitis, multiple chalazions, keratitis, dry eye syndrome — cause significant difficulties in the treatment of this disease. Prescribing treatment of the process only in case of exacerbation with the use of even modern antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory drugs gives only a short-term effect.

The aim is to present the clinical features of the blepharitis of different localization and the choice of the optimal treatment algorithm on the example of specific clinical cases. The article presents current data on the classification, etiology and mechanism of blepharitis development. Based on a detailed description of two clinical cases of blepharitis, the features of the clinical course, the range of necessary examinations and consultations of specialists are presented. The first case describes blepharitis associated with the severe rosacea in a teenager with a typical complication in the form of rosacea — keratitis. The second case is devoted to the features of the posterior blepharitis clinical course with meibomian gland dysfunction, complicated by multiple chalazions. The article explains in detail the stages of prescribing various medications, including eyelid hygiene, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory therapy and artificial tears, discusses possible side effects of the therapy and ways to restore the eye surface.

Conclusion. The basis of blepharitis treatment is regular three-component eyelid hygiene. In case of exacerbation it is advisable to prescribe antibacterial and anti-inflammatory drugs, taking into account the sensitivity and ability to destroy microbial biofilms. In order to increase patient adherence to treatment, the choice of hygiene products and moisturizing drops should take into account the tolerability of the drug and the convenience of its use.