Macular Degeneration: Njirić S

Kovacević D, Misljenović T, Njirić S, Mikulicić M, Vojniković B. · Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia. · Coll Antropol. · Pubmed #19140270 No free full text.

Abstract: The pathogenesis of age-related maculopathy (ARM), the most common cause of visual loss after the age of 60 years, involves a variety of hereditary and environmental factors. When the cataractous lens is removed and replaced by clear intraocular lens, a significant increase in ocular transmittance of optical radiation occurs. The aim of this study was to assess whether cataract surgery in older persons may increase the risk for development of ARM. This is a retrospective study. Medical records of 307 patients, aged 43 to 96 years, (163 male and 144 female) were randomly evaluated. They had undergone cataract extraction (phacoemulsification or extracapsular lens extraction) with clear intraocular lens implantation from January 2001 to December 2005 at the Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Rijeka. Patients were examined two weeks after surgery and followed up for at least two years. Based on the exclusion criteria, only patients without any sign of AMD at the first postoperative check up were included. A total of 80 patients (26%) showed development of ARM at the last check up, which was at least 2 years after surgery. Our results indicate that pseudophakia is a risk factor for development of ARM.

Sepić-Bilić T, Zeneral-Zuza I, Alpeza-Dunato Z, Njirić S, Vojniković B. · Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Audiology, University Hospital Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia. · Coll Antropol. · Pubmed #19138005 No free full text.

Abstract: During 3-year study of 73 patients with dental inflammation, sinusitis, otitis and 5 cases with granuloma, in 9 cases we observed the development of central retinitis. All patients were medicated with the same antibiotics and parabulbar depo of Prednisolonacetate. To 50% of these patients, we suggested eye protection with Yellow Medical filters during two months. In the first group with medication we observed better vision in 69%, but in the second group with eye protection with Yellow Medical filters we observed normalization of vision in 100%.

Vojniković B, Kovacević D, Njirić S, Coklo M. · Eye Polyclinic Dr. B. Vojniković, Rijeka, Croatia. · Coll Antropol. · Pubmed #18756880 No free full text.

Abstract: In the north Croatian Adriatic area in the period of seven years (from January 2001 to September 2007) 475 patients (39 to 80 years of age) with dry form of age related macular degeneration (AMD) were diagnosed. Complete ophthalmologic examination with special reference to visual field testing (Perimetric analysis) was performed. Peripheral visual field defects were found in 85% of patients. Elderly patients with more advanced forms of macular degeneration had more peripheral visual field defects. In 400 patients corticosteroid therapy (5 mg Prednisolonacetate, anterior H-inject, Winthorp) was administered via parabulbar injections every day/five days. Control group consisted of 75 patients treated with regular polyvitamine therapy (Lutein, Beta Karoten, Vitamin E). Patients treated with corticosteroids had peripheral visual field improvements from 10 to 25 degrees and central field improvements from 5 to 20%. In the control group treated with vitamins, central visual field showed improvements from 0.5 to 1% in 43 patients but without peripheral visual field improvements after 6 months.

Njirić S, Misljenović T, Mikulicić M, Pavicević L. · Eye Polyclinic "Dr. L. Pavicević", Rijeka, Croatia. · Coll Antropol. · Pubmed #17469763 No free full text.

Abstract: This study assesses the relation between age related macular degeneration (ARMD) and age, sex and occupation. It is designed as a retrospective study conducted on patients presenting to the Eye Polyclinic "Dr. L. Pavicević", Rijeka, Croatia, during the years 1995, 2000 and 2005, and included total of 6617 patients. The number of patients diagnosed with ARMD, their age and sex distribution, as well as the correlation between occupation type (indoor/outdoor) and the incidence of ARMD were analyzed. The results of our study show that the incidence of ARMD is slightly increased in female vs. male, strongly age related, as expected, and significantly increased in patients with outdoor type of occupation. Besides, an increasing trend of incidence is noted.

Vojniković B, Njirić S, Coklo M, Spanjol J. · Eye Polyclinic "Dr. B. Vojniković", Rijeka, Croatia. · Coll Antropol. · Pubmed #17469748 No free full text.

Abstract: This epidemiological study is completed on island Rab, located in North Adriatic Sea. For this study it is important that Adriatic Sea has one of the highest solar radiations in geographical area of Europe. The aim of this epidemiological study is to estimate correlation between incidence of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and exposure of sunlight in two different populations on island Rab. In the first group of population of island Rab, agriculturists and fishermen (n = 1300), incidence of AMD was in 18%, but in urban population only 2.5%. It is very interesting that correlation exists between incidence of AMD and exfoliation syndrome. In the group of chronic exposure to sunlight (agriculturists and fishermen) exfoliation syndrome exists in 28%, but in urban population it has never been seen. The age in both populations was 45-65 years. We can conclude that there is a very significant correlation between chronic exposure to sunlight and appearance of AMD.