Hakan Koç

Background: This study aims to compare the readability levels and informational quality of responses generated by three different artificial intelligence (AI)-based text generation models in relation to Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (CSCR).Materials and Methods: A total of 40 questions pertaining to CSCR were formulated based on articles indexed in PubMed over the past ten years. These questions were submitted to three AI-based text generation tools ChatGPT 3.5, Gemini 2.5, and Microsoft Copilot. The resulting responses were analyzed for readability using five standard indices: Flesch Reading Ease Score (FRES), Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG), Gunning Fog Index (GFOG), and Automated Readability Index (ARI). Sentence lengths and structural complexity were also assessed. Contentquality was independently evaluated and scored by two researchers using a standardized rubric.Results: Nor adequate readability. A statistically significant difference in FRES scores was observed among the models (p = 0.01). Similarly, none of the models met the acceptable readability standards across the other four indices, with all scores exceeding recommended limits indicating generally poor readability. Among the tools, Gemini yielded significantly higher quality scores compared to the others (p < .001), suggesting superior informational content. Conversely, Microsoft Copilot produced more concise outputs characterized by shorter and fewer sentencesone of the models achieved theoptimal FRES threshold (≥ 60) required f.Conclusions: The findings suggest that AI-generated responses regarding CSCR are often overly technical and may not be easily comprehensible to individuals without a medical background. Moreover, the study highlights variability among different AI models in terms of both readability and content quality. These results underscore the importance of critically evaluating AI-generated medical content prior to its dissemination for public or clinical use.

Objective: The earthquakes that struck Kahramanmaraş on February 6, 2023, caused severe destruction and significantly impacted public health priorities in southeastern Türkiye. This study aimed to evaluate changes in public interest in ophthalmological topics before and after the disaster using Google Trends data. Methods: Thirty ophthalmological terms potentially influenced by disaster-related factors (e.g., stress, poor hygiene, sunlight exposure) were initially identified through literature review and expert consensus. Due to insufficient search volume, ten terms were excluded. Weekly relative search volume (RSV) values for 20 ophthalmological topics were retrieved using Google Trends for the three most devastated provinces (Hatay, Kahramanmaraş, and Adıyaman) from February 6, 2022, to February 3, 2024. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test (SPSS v22.0) was used to compare the time before and after the earthquake. Terms showing significant changes in at least two provinces were further analyzed across all 11 affected provinces. The threshold for statistical significance was established at p < 0.05. Results: Public search interest in “glasses” significantly decreased in Hatay (−15.2%, p<0.01), Kahramanmaraş (−16.91%, p<0.01), and Adıyaman (−19.49%, p<0.01). In Hatay (−92.11%, p<0.01) and Kahramanmaraş (−88.8%, p0.05), however, there was a noticeable but not statistically significant drop. A decline was also observed in searches for cataract, strabismus, and several other conditions; however, increases were noted in searches for conjunctivitis, eye strain, and glaucoma, but these changes were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Following this large-scale natural disaster, public interest in most non-urgent ophthalmic conditions decreased, suggesting a shift away from routine eye care needs. Google Trends may serve as a valuable tool for identifying community health priorities after catastrophic events, enabling a more efficient allocation of healthcare resources and targeted interventions.

To determine the structure and properties of corneal endothelial cells in patients with methamphetamine use disorder. The cross-sectional study included 33 eyes of 33 patients with methamphetamine (meth) use disorder and 33 eyes of 33 healthy subjects. Mean cell density, coefficient of variation, hexagonality ratio, maximum cell area, normal cell area, minimum cell area, and mean cell area were evaluated by non-contact specular microscopy. The parameters recorded in each group were compared. The mean ages of the individuals in the meth and control groups were 32.36 ± 7.68 and 31.18 ± 4.79 years, respectively. The mean daily meth dose was 0.306 ± 0.154 g, mean weekly meth use was 2.70 ± 1.46 days, and mean total meth dose was 302.70 ± 296.04 g in the meth group (p = 0.456). The mean corneal endothelial cell count (ECD) values were 2692.82 ± 372.52 in the Meth group and 2869.7 ± 261.31 in the control group (p = 0.76). The mean coefficient of variation (CV) values were 30.76 ± 3.41 in the meth group and 29.21 ± 2.55 in the control group (p = 0.042). Mean hexagonality ratio (%) (HEX) values were 57.73 ± 9.38 in the meth group and 57.88 ± 9.96 in the control group (p = 0.949). A positive correlation was observed between CV and meth dose and duration of meth use (p = 0.011, p = 0.000, respectively). The results of our study indicate that the corneal endothelium is subjected to stress in patients with a methamphetamine use disorder. The CV value suggests that the usability of methamphetamine as a quantitative indicator in the evaluation of possible corneal endothelial toxicity is an area that needs to be supported by further research.

The prevalence of male androgenetic alopecia is increasing worldwide. Evaluation of dry eye parameters and meibomian glands of male androgenetic alopecia patients may help to better understand the effect of this disease on dry eye and to provide appropriate treatment for these patients. The aim of this work is to evaluate the relationship between male androgenetic alopecia, dry eye, and meibomian gland function. A total of 80 eyes of 80 patients, 40 eyes of 40 patients diagnosed with male androgenetic alopecia, and 40 eyes of 40 healthy men were included. The presence of dry eye was evaluated with the Schirmer I test, invasive tear film break-up time (TBUT), Oxford scale scoring (cornea and conjunctiva staining), and the Ocular Surface Disease Index score. Evaluation of the eyelid meibomian glands was performed using the LipiScan System, and the descending meibomian glands for each eyelid were scored proportionally. The average age of patients with androgenetic alopecia and the control group is 41.93 ± 6.65 and 40.75 ± 7.32 years, respectively (p = 0.413). The mean Schirmer I test score was statistically significantly lower in the androgenetic alopecia group (p = 0.001), and the mean Ocular Surface Disease Index score was significantly higher in the androgenetic alopecia group compared to the control group (p = 0.001). In the androgenetic alopecia group, mean TBUT was lower (p = 0.001) and mean Oxford scale score was higher (p = 0.009). Total, upper, and lower meibomian gland scores were statistically significantly higher in the androgenetic alopecia group (p = 0.001, p = 0.001, and p = 0.001, respectively). There may be an association between male androgenetic alopecia and dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction. Male individuals with androgenetic alopecia should be closely followed for dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction.

Purpose: Investigating the effect of staying in a container or at home on postoperative findings after cataract surgery Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent cataract surgery between May 2023 and May 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups based on whether they stayed at home or in a container. The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), corneal edema, central corneal thickness (CCT) assessed by pachymetry, and intraocular pressure (IOP) were recorded and preoperatively, early findings at the 1st week and 1st month postoperatively compared between the two groups. Results: The postoperative BCVA values at week 1 and month 1 in both group were significantly improved compared to the preoperative values (p<0.05). In both group, corneal edema and CCT values were significantly higher at week 1 (1.1) compared to preoperative values. The IOP values at postoperative week 1 and month 1 were significantly lower than the preoperative values (p<0.05). When comparing the groups that stayed at home and those that stayed in the container after cataract surgery, no significant differences were observed in BCVA, corneal edema, CCT, and IOP at the 1st week and 1st month. When evaluating other postoperative complications, no cases of endophthalmitis, cystoid macular edema, retinal detachment, or corneal decompensation were reported in either group. Conclusion: Recent studies conducted in earthquake-affected regions of Turkey have shown that hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead, and other toxic substances were released into the environment during the earthquake. Exposure to toxic pollutants in the air, water, and soil can vary depending on whether one stays at home or in a container. In our study, this situation did not affect the outcomes after cataract surgery. We observed that postoperative care at home or in a container had no significant impact on surgical and visual early outcomes after cataract surgery. The limitations of the study included its retrospective nature and small sample size. There is a need for prospective studies with larger sample sizes.

Backgraund: To determine the potential relationship between age-related macular degeneration and iris freckles. Method: In this case-control study, iris photographs of 300 eyes of 300 patients diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration and 300 eyes of 300 healthy volunteers were obtained with the help of a high-resolution mobile phone camera. The evaluated iris photographs were classified according to the Descriptive Iris Color Classification Scale. Results: The average age of the AMD group is 73.05 ± 6.93, and the average age of the control group is 73.43 ± 5.72. (p = 0.124) While freckles were present in 200 (66.7%) of the patients in the AMD group, freckles were not observed in 100 patients (33.3%) of AMD group. While freckles were present in 142 (47.3%) of the patients in the control group, freckles were not observed in 158 of control group(52.7%). There was a significant difference in the presence of freckles between the two groups. (p < 0.001) The average number of freckles in the AMD group was 3.97 ± 3.07, and the number of freckles in the control group was 3.06 ± 2.55. (p = 0.001) Conclusion: We think that evaluation of iris details, especially the presence of iris freckles, should be used routinely in age-related macular degeneration screening. The risk of age-related macular degeneration can be predicted by evaluating iris details, which is an easy and inexpensive method.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a persistent, chronic inflammatory disease of the lungs. Tiotropium, used in the treatment of COPD, is a muscarinic receptor antagonist that provides long-acting bronchodilation. Our study aimed to investigate the effects of Tiotropium on anterior chamber parameters. The study was conducted as an observational cross-sectional and prospectively between October 2023 and April 2024. Patients were examined in three groups: Group 1 consisted of untreated COPD patients; Group 2 consisted of healthy volunteers similar age and gender, and Group 3 included COPD patients receiving Tiotropium 18 mcg via HandiHaler. Anterior chamber parameters, intraocular pressure values, and photopic-mesopic pupil diameters were measured at the initial visit for Group 1 and Group 2 patients, and at the third month of treatment for Group 3 patients. Thirty-six patients were included in each group in the study. No significant differences were observed in ocular findings between the patient and control groups. In COPD patients receiving Tiotropium, narrowing of angle parameters, an increase in photopic-mesopic pupil diameters, and intraocular pressure were observed at the third month of treatment. This study is the first research that investigate the effects of Tiotropium on anterior chamber parameters, pupil diameters, and intraocular pressure in COPD treatment. In conclusion, patients with COPD receiving Tiotropium therapy for three months showed narrowing in angle parameters, an increase in intraocular pressure, and photopic-mesopic pupil diameter; however, no patients developed drug-induced acute angle closure glaucoma. An independent ethics committee approved the study (Giresun EAH KEAK 2023/180 and 9.10.2023/02) which was performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, Guidelines for Good Clinical Practice. The study was conducted as prospectively, observational case–control. The Clinical Trial Number obtained for the study is NCT06525051 and was taken on 2024–07-29.

Purpose To investigate the acute effects of upper eyelid blepharoplasty on intraocular pressure (IOP) and ocular biometric parameters. Method This prospective cross sectional study examined the eyes of 49 patients with dermatochalasis. Following a detailed ophthalmological examination, corneal topography was used to evaluate the eyes mesopic and photopic pupil diameter, anterior chamber depth, and corneal astigmatism on the day of surgery and on days first and seventh postoperatively. Ocular biometry was used to assess axial length and intraocular lens power. Goldmann applanation tonometry was used to measure intraocular pressure. Results Forty-nine eyes (26 males and 23 females) of 49 patients aged between 44 and 76 years (mean 61 ± 7.9) were included in our study. The mean anterior chamber depth (ACD) was 2.90 ± 0.37 mm preoperatively, 3.00 ± 0.29 mm at postoperative day first, and 3.04 ± 0.29 mm at postoperative day seventh, and the increase in anterior chamber depth was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The mean astigmatism values were measured as preoperative 0.73 ± 0.69 D, postoperative first day 0.93 ± 0.81 D, and postoperative seventh day 1.26 ± 0.90 D. The increase in astigmatism values was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The mean pupil diameter measurements in the mesopic environment were 4.20 ± 0.61 mm preoperatively, 4.40 ± 0.59 mm on the first postoperative day, and 4.39 ± 0.57 mm on the seventh postoperative day, and there was a statistically significant difference between the three measurements (p = 0.03). The mean IOP measurements of the patients were 15.91 ± 3.51 mmHg preoperatively, 16.81 ± 3.36 mmHg on the first postoperative day, and 16.97 ± 3.13 mmHg on the seventh postoperative day. The increase between these three measurements was statistically significant (p = 0.013). Conclusion This study includes important insights into the potential acute phase impact of blepharoplasty surgery on ocular findings. Patients undergoing upper eyelid surgery should be informed about the possible change in ocular biometric parameters, intraocular pressure, and pupil diameter.

To determine the structure and properties of corneal endothelial cells in children and adolescents with ADHD who received methylphenidate treatment at least six months. The prospective, observational study included 33 eyes of 33 patients diagnosed with ADHD who received methylphenidate treatment for at least six months, 33 eyes of 33 patients newly diagnosed with ADHD who did not start medication treatment, and 33 eyes of 33 healthy individuals. Average cell density, coefficient of variation, maximum cell area, normal cell area, minimum cell area, average cell area, and hexagonality ratio values were evaluated by non-contact specular microscopy. The parameters recorded in all three groups were compared. The average age of children in the ADHD + MPH, ADHD, and control groups is 9 ± 1.7, 8.9 ± 2.3, and 8.9 ± 1.8 years, respectively. (p > 0.05) The average MPH treatment dose is 0.94 ± 0.19 mg/kg, the average daily MPH intake is 34.12 ± 14.04 mg, and the average duration of use of MPH is 24.03 ± 12.46 months. Central corneal thickness (CCT) was measured as an average of 540.45 ± 31.23 in the ADHD + MPH group, 540.61 ± 29.69 in the ADHD group, and 546.58 ± 27.72 in the control group. (p = 0.499) The average coefficient of variation (CV) values were measured as 25.48 ± 4.22 in the ADHD + MPH group, 26.12 ± 3.48 in the ADHD group, and 26.12 ± 3.64 in the control group. (p = 0.491) The average hexagonality ratio (%) (HEX) values were measured as 69.45 ± 8.41 in the ADHD + MPH group, 68.21 ± 6.82 in the ADHD group, and 68.91 ± 7.97 in the control group. (p = 0.892) No statistically significant difference was observed between all three groups in terms of all parameters. Methylphenidate treatment administered for at least six months with a diagnosis of ADHD did not have a toxic effect on the corneal endothelium.