2026 Issue 4 at a Glance:
Esteemed colleagues,
The 4th issue of the Turkish Journal of Ophthalmology for the year 2026 brings together current studies that can directly contribute to our clinical practice. The featured articles span a wide spectrum of topics, ranging from myopia control to anterior segment imaging, from oculoplastic oncology to strabismus and uveitis, and from vitreoretinal surgery to rare hereditary retinal diseases.
In the editorial article of this issue, titled “The Evolution of Myopia Control Spectacle Lenses in Türkiye,” Altıparmak addresses the development of myopia control spectacle lenses in Türkiye from a historical perspective. This journey, from progressive and bifocal designs to peripheral progressive lenses and later to next-generation technologies like DIMS, CARE, and HAL, actually reflects a broader paradigm shift: The objective in childhood myopia is no longer solely to correct existing refractive error, but to also strive to prevent future high myopia (See pages 220-221).
In the original research section, Bibi et al. compare Pentacam and MS-39 measurements of white-to-white distance, an important biometric parameter in refractive and anterior segment surgeries. Their findings of no significant difference and a good level of agreement between the two devices in this measurement are reassuring for daily clinical practice (See pages 222-228).
The study by Osagie et al. examines 100 cases of periocular basal cell carcinoma and once again demonstrates the importance of histopathological subtype and anatomical location in surgical success. The association of infiltrative tumors with the risk of perineural invasion and incomplete excision highlights the importance of a risk-based approach and Mohs surgery (when applicable), particularly in surgically challenging areas such as the medial canthus (See pages 229-235).
Dizdar Yiğit et al. present the validity and reliability study of the Turkish Adult Strabismus Quality of Life Questionnaire (AS-20). This study is important because it allows clinicians in Türkiye to measure not only the motor and sensory but also the psychosocial consequences of adult strabismus. The Turkish-adapted scale exhibited good psychometric properties, thus providing our clinical practice with a valuable tool for assessing treatment success from the patient’s perspective (See pages 236-241).
In a study by Kılıçarslan et al. investigating the clinical features and long-term outcomes of Fuchs uveitis syndrome in Türkiye, heterochromia was observed in less than half of the patients, while diffuse stellate keratic precipitates were much more frequent, serving as a reminder that the classic finding of heterochromia should not be given undue weight during diagnosis. Other clinically noteworthy findings from the study are that cataracts are the most frequent complication and that vision can generally be preserved in the long term (See pages 242-247).
The study by Kalita et al. on the acute effects of caffeine on ocular parameters in young adults hits somewhat closer to daily life. Following a single 240 mg dose of caffeine, improvements were observed in accommodation, vergence, and contrast sensitivity, while small but significant increases were detected in pupil diameter and intraocular pressure. This interesting study shows that morning coffee temporarily affects not only our alertness but also our visual system (See pages 248-255).
In the review section, Avcı et al. discuss current surgical options for large, high myopia-associated, refractory, or traumatic macular holes in their comprehensive article titled “Current Approaches in the Management of Complicated Macular Holes.” Methods ranging from the inverted internal limiting membrane flap to autologous retinal transplantation, as well as various tissue grafts such as amniotic membrane and lens capsule, are discussed along with their indications, advantages, and limitations. In particular, the treatment algorithm presented by the authors serves as a highly guiding framework for individualizing surgical choices in complex cases (See pages 256-268).
In the case report section, İşbilir et al. describe four members of the same family with Malattia Leventinese/Doyne honeycomb retinal dystrophy confirmed by detection of an EFEMP1 gene mutation. In this rare autosomal dominant disease, which can mimic age-related macular degeneration, the presence of diffuse, radially distributed drusen-like deposits, especially in young patients, should raise suspicion of inherited macular dystrophies. The fact that this study represents the first genetically confirmed familial series from Türkiye also carries special significance (See pages 269-278).
In the Letters to the Editor section, Yabanoğlu et al. use a case study to remind us that inherited retinal dystrophies can sometimes present with inflammatory findings, mimicking uveitis. It is an instructive piece that beautifully demonstrates the diagnostic value of multimodal imaging, electrophysiology, and, when necessary, genetic testing in patients who are followed for uveitis but do not respond as expected to treatment (See pages 279-282).
An article by Gönül et al. presents the coexistence of retinitis pigmentosa and Coats-like vitreoretinopathy, drawing attention to a rare but challenging clinical picture. The combined evaluation of genetic testing, wide-field imaging, and the treatment of peripheral vascular changes demonstrates the importance of a personalized approach in these patients (See pages 283-286).
A case of bilateral ocular hypotony secondary to severe dehydration and uremia, presented by Aksoy et al., serves as a reminder that a marked decrease in intraocular pressure may not always stem from a primary ocular disease. It is a highly instructive case in terms of illustrating the clinical implications of the relationship between systemic hemodynamic status and ciliary body perfusion (See pages 287-289).
Finally, Kaderli et al. present a case of serous retinal detachment secondary to hypotony following trabeculectomy in a highly myopic patient, along with its successful treatment using intravitreal SF6 gas. Reminding us of the unique risks of glaucoma surgery in highly myopic eyes, the article also demonstrates a practical treatment option that can be applied when facing a rare but serious complication (See pages 290-293).
This issue offers current answers to frequently encountered clinical problems while simultaneously expanding our differential diagnosis perspectives with rare diseases and unusual clinical presentations. We thank all our authors, reviewers, and colleagues for their contributions and wish you pleasant and productive reading.
On behalf of the Editorial Board,
Sait Eğrilmez, MD
