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Laser flare photometry: a noninvasive, objective, and quantitative method to measure intraocular inflammation

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Abstract

Aqueous flare and cells are the two inflammatory parameters of anterior chamber inflammation resulting from disruption of the blood–ocular barriers. When examined with the slit lamp, measurement of intraocular inflammation remains subjective with considerable intra- and interobserver variations. Laser flare cell photometry is an objective quantitative method that enables accurate measurement of these parameters with very high reproducibility. Laser flare photometry allows detection of subclinical alterations in the blood–ocular barriers, identifying subtle pathological changes that could not have been recorded otherwise. With the use of this method, it has been possible to compare the effect of different surgical techniques, surgical adjuncts, and anti-inflammatory medications on intraocular inflammation. Clinical studies of uveitis patients have shown that flare measurements by laser flare photometry allowed precise monitoring of well-defined uveitic entities and prediction of disease relapse. Relationships of laser flare photometry values with complications of uveitis and visual loss further indicate that flare measurement by laser flare photometry should be included in the routine follow-up of patients with uveitis.

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Acknowledgements

Laser flare cell photometry study at Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology was supported by the Research Fund of Istanbul University (project number 53/03062005).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey

    Ilknur Tugal-Tutkun

  2. Inflammatory Eye Diseases, Center for Specialized Ophthalmic Care, Lausanne, Switzerland

    Carl P. Herbort

  3. Istanbul Tip Fakultesi, Goz Hastaliklari A.D., Capa, 34390, Istanbul, Turkey

    Ilknur Tugal-Tutkun

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Correspondence to Ilknur Tugal-Tutkun.

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Tugal-Tutkun, I., Herbort, C.P. Laser flare photometry: a noninvasive, objective, and quantitative method to measure intraocular inflammation. Int Ophthalmol 30, 453–464 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10792-009-9310-2

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