106 research outputs found

    State of the art of robotic surgery related to vision: brain and eye applications of newly available devices

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    Raffaele Nuzzi, Luca Brusasco Department of Surgical Sciences, Eye Clinic, University of Torino, Turin, Italy Background: Robot-assisted surgery has revolutionized many surgical subspecialties, mainly where procedures have to be performed in confined, difficult to visualize spaces. Despite advances in general surgery and neurosurgery, in vivo application of robotics to ocular surgery is still in its infancy, owing to the particular complexities of microsurgery. The use of robotic assistance and feedback guidance on surgical maneuvers could improve the technical performance of expert surgeons during the initial phase of the learning curve. Evidence acquisition: We analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of surgical robots, as well as the present applications and future outlook of robotics in neurosurgery in brain areas related to vision and ophthalmology. Discussion: Limitations to robotic assistance remain, that need to be overcome before it can be more widely applied in ocular surgery. Conclusion: There is heightened interest in studies documenting computerized systems that filter out hand tremor and optimize speed of movement, control of force, and direction and range of movement. Further research is still needed to validate robot-assisted procedures. Keywords: robotic surgery related to vision, robots, ophthalmological applications of robotics, eye and brain robots, eye robot

    How to minimize pterygium recurrence rates: clinical perspectives

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    Raffaele Nuzzi, Federico Tridico S.C.U. Ophthalmology Unit, “City of Health and Science” University Hospital, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy Abstract: The main treatment for pterygium is surgical removal. However, pterygium surgery is concerned with high rates of postoperative recurrence. Predicting factors of recurrence are not fully understood, yet, but they probably depend on a multitude of patient-related, clinical, and/or surgical factors. Several adjuvant treatments have been proposed to reduce postoperative pterygium recurrence, including different antimetabolites, antiangiogenetic factors, and radiation therapy. The purpose of this review is to collect the current evidence regarding application and limits of different therapeutic approaches for preventing postoperative recurrence of pterygium, giving insights and perspectives for better management of this disease. In the light of the current evidence, pterygium surgery cannot disregard wound coverage with conjunctival autografting or rotational flap combined with adjuvant treatments. The rotational flap technique is associated with shorter surgical time rates and prevents graft displacement and necrosis, given its vascular pedicle. Amniotic membrane may still be reserved in case of great conjunctival defects or insufficient conjunctiva. Repeated subconjunctival antivascular endothelial growth factor injections can be considered as an effective and safe adjuvant treatment. Moreover, management of postoperative pain is crucial. Innovative treatment strategies will probably target different molecular pathways, considering recent findings regarding pterygium pathogenesis, to improve better understanding and develop universally shared guidelines. Great importance shall be dedicated to the identification of novel molecular biomarkers and favoring factors of recurrence, in order to achieve a customized surgical treatment for each patient and obtain maximal reduction of postoperative recurrence. Keywords: pterygium, conjunctival autograft, rotational flap, amniotic membrane, adjuvant therapy, predicting factor

    Missione dei Padri Passionisti in Italia

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    Il Vescovo Mons. Semeraro con i Missionari Passionisti: P. Antonino Nuzzi, P. Raffaele Riccitelli, P. Gerardo Nesta, P. Bonaventura Perrone di Trepuzzi (LE), P. Arcangelo Paladini, P. Amedeo Tarantini di Novoli (LE), P. Giuseppe di Carbonara.NOTE: evento esteso a più giornate, 1964/03/8-2

    Low vision, visual impairments and metropolitan urban planning: example of a topographic enhancement, need and monitoring in an Italian city

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    Raffaele Nuzzi, Eleonora Bottacchi, Francesca Monteu Eye Clinic, University of Turin, Molinette Hospital, Turin, Italy Significance: The purpose of the study was to analyze all the steps needed to manage partially sighted or blind persons. Purpose: The aim of the first research was to collect and analyze data and opinions regarding the mobility of visually disabled people in Turin. The aim of the second research was to assess issues, daily needs and expectations regarding the urban reclassification plan for Via Nizza (Turin). Materials and methods: In the first study, we proposed a survey, partially structured and partially unstructured, of 100 patients enrolled in the Visual Rehabilitation Center of the Ophthalmic Hospital of Turin. In the second study, we collected data from a survey of eleven patients enrolled in the Turin section of the Italian Confederation of Blind. Results: It was observed that the visually disabled population was not necessarily elderly (46% of the population was less than 60 years of age); it was observed that the visually disabled people were active frequently. Environmental aids considered more useful were sound traffic lights (30%) and gradient signaling (29%); the first was not widespread in urban areas and was the aid most requested by the patients enrolled (49%); 48% of enrolled patients did not use tactile maps. As regards the reclassification of the urban plan of the area in Turin, important needs and expectations were highlighted. Conclusion: As regards urban planning in Turin as well as in other Italian cities, many changes in public facilities are to be done to ensure an increasing independence and safety of visually impaired people. Keywords: visually disabled people, blindness, public facilities, environmental aids, sound traffic lights, gradient signalin

    Sex Hormones and Their Effects on Ocular Disorders and Pathophysiology: Current Aspects and Our Experience

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    Sex hormones are molecules produced by the gonads and to a small extent by the adrenal gland, which not only determine the primary and secondary sexual characteristics of an individual, differentiating man from woman, but also participate in the functioning of the various systems of the body. The evidence that many eye diseases differ in terms of prevalence between men and women has allowed us, in recent years, to carry out several studies that have investigated the association between sex hormones and the pathophysiology of eye tissues. Specific receptors for sex hormones have been found on the lacrimal and meibomian glands, conjunctiva, cornea, lens, retina, and choroid. This work summarizes the current knowledge on the role that sex hormones play in the pathogenesis of the most common ocular disorders and indicates our clinical experience in these situations. The aim is to stimulate an interdisciplinary approach between endocrinology, neurology, molecular biology, and ophthalmology to improve the management of these diseases and to lay the foundations for new therapeutic strategies
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