Chronic inflammation as a proposed risk factor for ocular surface squamous neoplasia

PURPOSE

Chronic inflammation is a predisposing factor for metaplastic changes and ultimately dysplasia. We describe cases of OSSN occurring in the setting of chronic ocular surface inflammation.

METHODS

Sixteen eyes from 14 individuals were included from one ocular oncology clinic between 2010 and 2023. Patients presented with ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) in the setting of chronic inflammation. The diagnosis of OSSN was made using anterior segment high-resolution optical coherence tomography (HR-OCT) and confirmed by histopathological analysis in all cases.

RESULTS

Median age on presentation was 61 [IQR 47.5-69.2] years. Eleven (86%) individuals were male and five (36%) identified as White Hispanic. Ten eyes were referred with ocular surface diagnoses including pannus (n = 4), scarring (n = 3), pterygium (n = 2), and herpetic keratitis (n = 1). Only six eyes were referred as possible neoplasia. All individuals had a history of ocular surface inflammation. The most common inflammatory conditions were ocular rosacea (seven individuals) and atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) (five individuals). Two individuals were found to have bilateral OSSN, one in the setting of ocular rosacea and the other in the setting of AKC. All 16 eyes from 14 individuals were suspected to have OSSN based on HR-OCT findings which guided the location of the incisional biopsies that subsequently confirmed histopathological diagnosis in all cases.

CONCLUSION

OSSN may arise in the setting of chronic inflammation on the ocular surface. Identification of the tumor can be challenging in these cases, and HR-OCT can be a key diagnostic tool in detecting OSSN.

New-Onset of Herpes Simplex Keratitis After Blepharoplasty, Case Series and Review of the Literature

PURPOSE

To report 3 cases of new-onset herpes simplex keratitis (HSK) after uncomplicated extraocular plastic surgery and discuss potential risk factors.

METHODS

This case series includes 3 patients who underwent uncomplicated blepharoplastic surgery. Within 2 weeks postoperatively, all patients reported ocular discomfort, and their ophthalmic examinations revealed corneal lesions suspicious of HSK. One case was confirmed as an active herpes infection, and the other 2 cases were clinically diagnosed with HSK. The patients were treated with oral acyclovir and followed up for up to 6 weeks.

RESULTS

All patients demonstrated improvement without sequelae at follow-up visits from 5 days to 4 weeks after initiating acyclovir treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Risk factors for new-onset HSK after uncomplicated extraocular surgeries may be related to an immunocompromised state, postoperative administration of topical or periocular corticosteroids, or environmental factors such as psychological stress. Ophthalmologists, particularly plastic surgeons, should be vigilant for ocular discomfort following eyelid surgeries and consider the possibility of herpes infection. This report highlights the importance of recognizing and managing HSK in the context of extraocular plastic surgery.

Femtosecond Laser Capsulotomy in Previous Radial Keratotomy

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to describe clinical experience using femtosecond laser-assisted anterior capsulotomy in eyes with previous radial keratotomy.

METHODS

Eyes of patients with previous radial keratotomy and cataract-related vision impairment who underwent phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation were retrospectively reviewed. Eyes with any vision impairment cause other than cataract or previous radial keratotomy were excluded.

RESULTS

Sixteen postradial keratotomy eyes were included. In 5 patients, manual anterior capsulectomy was successfully performed. Six eyes underwent femtosecond laser capsulotomy using routine parameters (incision depth 500 μm and 4 μJ power), of which in 3 eyes capsulotomies were complete, whereas in the other 3 eyes incomplete capsulotomy was evident. In 3 patients, both incision depth and power parameters were doubled (incision depth 1000 μm and 8 μJ power), whereas in 2 patients, only the pulse energy was doubled (8 μJ power) and in all 6 cases, the capsulotomy was successfully completed. At the last follow-up, all capsulotomies were intact without radial tears, and the intraocular lenses were stable and central.

CONCLUSIONS

Radial corneal scars after previous radial keratotomy may interfere with femtosecond laser-assisted anterior capsulotomy using routine parameters. Surgeons should be alert and ready to convert to manual anterior capsulectomy. Modification of the laser parameters may overcome this potential complication.

Long-term outcomes of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor treatment in peripapillary choroidal neovascularisation due to age-related macular degeneration

OBJECTIVE

To report the long-term outcomes of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment in eyes with peripapillary choroidal neovascularisation (PPCNV) associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study included patients with AMD-related PPCNV. Eyes were treated with anti-VEGF according to pro re nata regimen. Inactivation index was calculated as the proportion of disease inactivity from the total follow up time.

RESULTS

Sixty-seven eyes of 66 consecutive patients were included in the study; mean follow-up time was 53.2 months. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) remained stable for the first four years of follow up, with a significant deterioration in BCVA thereafter. Baseline BCVA was a significant predictor of final BCVA (p < 0.001). The mean inactivation index was 0.38 ± 0.23. Subretinal fluid (SRF) at presentation was significantly associated with decreased inactivation index (p < 0.05). Worse baseline BCVA, SRF and pigment epithelium detachment (PED), male sex, and younger patient age were associated with increased risk for recurrence after first inactivation (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The use of anti-VEGF agents in the treatment of AMD-related PPCNV managed to preserve BCVA in the first four years of follow-up. Male sex, SRF and PED at presentation and baseline BCVA are associated with increased risk for PPCNV recurrence after the first inactivation, and should prompt careful follow-up in these patients.

Initial High-Dose Prophylaxis and Extended Taper for Mushroom Keratoplasty in Vascularized Herpetic Scars

PURPOSE

To report the outcomes of initial high-dose and extended taper of antiviral and steroid prophylaxis for the treatment of eyes with high-risk vascularized herpetic corneal scars that underwent 2-piece mushroom keratoplasty (MK).

DESIGN

Prospective interventional case series.

METHODS

In this single-center study, 52 consecutive eyes with vascularized (≥2 quadrants) herpetic corneal scars underwent 2-piece microkeratome-assisted MK. Initial high-dose and extended taper of combined oral and topical antiviral and steroid prophylaxis was administered. Outcome measures were best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), refractive astigmatism (RA), endothelial cell density, immunologic rejection, herpetic recurrence, and graft failure rates.

RESULTS

Excluding patients with vision-impairing comorbidities, baseline BSCVA (1.73 ± 0.67 logMAR) significantly improved annually during the first 2 years (P < .001, P = .016), reaching 0.17 ± 0.18 logMAR at year 2, and remaining stable up to 10 years (P = .662). At 2 years, 86% of eyes saw ≥20/40, 55% saw ≥20/25, and 18% saw ≥20/20 Snellen BSCVA. RA exceeded 4.5 diopters in 7% of cases after wound revision for high-degree astigmatism in 7 cases. Endothelial cell loss was 40.9% at 1 year with an annual decline of 3.1% over 10 years. The 10-year cumulative risk for immunologic rejection, herpetic recurrence, and graft failure was 9.7%, 7.8%, and 7.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Initial high dose and extended taper of antiviral and steroid prophylaxis for MK in high-risk, vascularized herpetic corneal scars achieves clinical outcomes that remain stable for up to 10 years after surgery with minimal risk of immunologic rejection, herpetic recurrence and graft failure.

The effect of colonoscopy on intraocular pressure: an observational prospective study

PURPOSE

Colonoscopy is an endoscopic examination of the bowel. It requires insufflation of the large bowel lumen with gas which leads to intraabdominal hypertension (IAH). There is evidence suggesting that IAH positively correlates with intracranial pressure (ICP) and possibly with intraocular pressure (IOP). The aim of this study was to examine the effect of routine screening colonoscopy performed under sedation on the IOP in healthy individuals.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a prospective, single site, observational study. Healthy adults undergoing routine colonoscopy performed under sedation including propofol, fentanyl, and midazolam were recruited. Right eye IOP measurements were performed using Tonopen XL® in a left decubitus position at 5 time points during the procedure. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-test for paired samples.

RESULTS

Twenty-three Caucasians were recruited. There are 14 males (60%) with a mean age of 60.4 ± 10.4 years (range 36-74). Colonoscopy was conducted under sedation and completed in 22 subjects. Mean baseline IOP was 19.9 ± 4.7 mmHg, 15.8 ± 4.8 mmHg immediately after sedation, 13.5 ± 2.3 mmHg when the colonoscope had reached the cecum, 15.4 ± 5.0 mmHg 5 min after colonoscopy beginning, and 16.5 ± 5.5 mmHg when located in the rectum. The IOP reduction during the procedure was statistically significant (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Routine colonoscopy performed under sedation using propofol, fentanyl, and midazolam does not increase the IOP in healthy adults.

Risk factors for early flap misalignment following microkeratome-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis: A retrospective large database analysis

PURPOSE

To determine factors associated with early flap misalignment following microkeratome-assisted laser in situ keratomileusis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study included the right eyes of consecutive patients who underwent laser in situ keratomileusis procedure between 2005 and 2016 at Care-Vision Laser Centers, Tel-Aviv, Israel. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether or not they subsequently developed early flap misalignment.

RESULTS

A total of 14,582 eyes (mean age of patients: 32.4 ± 10.3 years) were included. Post-laser in situ keratomileusis early flap misalignment developed in 158 eyes (1.1%). Misalignment was more frequent during the spring (32.3% vs 22.8%, p = 0.003) and in a higher operating room temperature (23.34 ± 1.06 vs 22.98 ± 1.26, p < 0.001). In addition, in the misalignment group, there was a higher rate with the of use of the a Moria M2 microkeratome (rather than sub-Bowman's keratomileusis microkeratome) head (55.2% vs 40.5%, respectively, p < 0.001). In a multivariable analysis adjusted for surgeon and year of surgery, high operating room temperature (odds ratio = 1.22, p = 0.006), treatment zone of 9.0 mm (as opposed to smaller treatment zones, odds ratio = 1.54, p = 0.04), and springtime (odds ratio = 1.58, p = 0.02) were associated with flap misalignment. There was a significant difference in misalignment rates between surgeons (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

This study found that larger treatment zones, higher operating room temperature, operating during the spring, and the use of Moria M2 microkeratome were associated with increased flap misalignment rates. The association with operating room temperature and seasonal variation is of interest and merits further research.

Evaluation of the risk factors associated with conversion of intended deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty to penetrating keratoplasty

Background/aims

To identify and evaluate risk factors associated with the need to convert intended deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) to penetrating keratoplasty (PK).

Methods

Retrospective institutional cohort study including all consecutive eyes undergoing intended DALK between May 2015 and October 2018 at ‘Villa Igea’ Hospital (Forli, Italy). The indications for surgery were categorised as (1) keratoconus without scarring; (2) keratoconus with scarring; (3) non-keratoconus without scarring; and (4) non-keratoconus with scarring. Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was performed, introducing, as independent variables, those that reached a significance level of less than 0.05 in univariate analysis. The main outcome measure was whether or not conversion to a PK occurred.

Results

705 eyes were included, with conversion to PK occurring in 16.2% (n=114) of cases. The factors that remained significant in multivariate analysis were corneal scarring (OR=3.52, p<0.001), manual dissection (OR=42.66, p<0.001), type 2 bubble (OR=90.65, p<0.001) and surgeon inexperience (OR=10.86, p<0.001). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve based on the factors significant in the multivariate binary logistic regression analysis achieved a sensitivity of 89.5% (95% CI 82.3% to 94.4%) and a specificity of 80.2% (95% CI 76.8% to 83.3%) with an area under the ROC curve of 0.91 (95% CI 0.88 to 0.93) (p<0.001)

Conclusion

Occurrence of a type 2 bubble, the need for manual dissection, the presence of scarring and surgeon inexperience are independent risk factors for the need to convert intended DALK to PK. Correct identification and management of the type of bubble achieved during pneumatic dissection is instrumental in minimising the rate of conversion to PK.

Fracture of a polyimide-elastimide posterior chamber intraocular lens following blunt orbital trauma

PURPOSE

Fracture of a three-piece polyimide-elastimide intraocular lens at the optic-haptic junction following blunt trauma is a possible complication after cataract surgery. We report a case of an isolated posterior chamber intraocular lens fracture caused by direct ocular blunt trauma.

CASE

A 51-year-old patient underwent blunt orbital trauma caused by a raw chicken egg that was thrown at him, as he was walking. The posterior chamber intraocular lens was found in the anterior chamber, with a broken optic-haptic junction. The intraocular lens was exchanged, followed by iris fixation and pupilloplasty, with satisfactory postoperative anatomical and optical outcomes.

DISCUSSION

The three-piece polyimide-elastimide intraocular lens was fractured at the optic-haptic junction. Although the fractured intraocular lens surface had a regular appearance, it has been previously reported that the polyimide haptic's durability is probably inferior to that of polymethylmethacrylate. Therefore, it is highly susceptible to shear stress induced by a blunt trauma.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is an uncommon report of an implanted posterior chamber polyimide-elastimide intraocular lens fracture following blunt orbital trauma. Intraocular lens exchange and fixation had successful optical and anatomical results.

[NEW LENSES IN MODERN CATARACT SURGERY]

During cataract surgery the natural opaque crystalline lens is replaced by an artificial intraocular lens that compensates for the optical loss following lens removal. The conventional intraocular lens is mono-focal and necessarily requires spectacle correction for the clear vision at various foci in the same eye. In recent years a variety of intraocular lenses were developed including multifocal (bifocal and trifocal), "toric" lenses to correct corneal astigmatism, lenses with extended depth of focus and their combinations. Modern cataract surgery not only enables the correction of quality of vision but also enhances quality of life and eliminates spectacle dependence following surgery at all distances; far, intermediate and near.

Diagnosis and Management Practice Patterns among Pediatric Ophthalmology Personnel in Israel

PURPOSE

To investigate the diagnosis and management practice patterns of different aspects of pediatric ophthalmology among pediatric ophthalmologists and orthoptists in Israel.

METHODS

A 21-question survey was delivered to all registered pediatric ophthalmologists and orthoptists in Israel.

RESULTS

The response rate was 58.3%. Most pediatric ophthalmology personnel in Israel do not document intermittent exotropia (IXT) with a control scale, do not use modalities other than patching for amblyopia, and do not use distance stereoacuity tests. There was no consensus regarding patching and over minus treatments in IXT. In contrast to frequent use of prism adaptation test (PAT) for evaluating strabismus, most Israeli pediatric ophthalmology personnel do not use postoperation diplopia test (PODT). While most orthoptists use a questionnaire when diagnosing convergence insufficiency (CI), most pediatric ophthalmologists do not.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the current areas of consensus and disagreement regarding pediatric ophthalmology diagnosis and management practices in Israel. Adopting a uniform approach regarding diagnosing CI, including using a questionnaire by pediatric ophthalmologists and orthoptic exercises in the management of IXT, is warranted to enable unified treatment by pediatric ophthalmologist and orthoptists in Israel.

Risk Factors for Epithelial Ingrowth Following Microkeratome-Assisted LASIK

PURPOSE

To analyze the incidence and risk factors associated with epithelial ingrowth following uncomplicated microkeratome-assisted LASIK.

METHODS

All patients who underwent microkeratome-assisted LASIK between January 2006 and December 2014 in a single surgical center were reviewed. Epithelial ingrowth cases were identified and associated factors were assessed.

RESULTS

Overall, 149 (0.49%) of 30,574 cases developed epithelial ingrowth. The epithelial ingrowth group was older compared to controls (35.3 ± 12.3 vs 31.7 ± 10.3 years, P = .001) and had a higher percentage of moderate to high hyperopia (13.7% vs 5.3%, P < .001), early postoperative flap slippage requiring flap repositioning (9.4% versus 2.8%, P < .001), or flap lifting for enhancement (48.6% vs 4.3%, P < .001), were treated with a smaller optic zone (6 mm) (37.7% vs 15.2%, P < .001), with a Moria M2 microkeratome (Moria SA, Antony, France) (70.1% vs 55.5%, P = .02), by low volume surgeons (n < 1,000) (5.8% vs 1.3%, P < .001), in a lower operating room temperature (22.3 ± 1.8 vs 22.8 ± 1.6, P = .005), and with a greater maximum ablation depth (67.3 ± 29.7 vs 57.3 ± 30.3, P < .001). There was a high incidence of epithelial ingrowth in the enhancement group compared to primary LASIK (4.8% vs 0.2%, P < .001). The time between treatments (primary and enhanced LASIK) was significantly greater in the epithelial ingrowth group (mean: 1,110 ± 870 vs 626 ± 662 days, P < .001). There was a significant rise in epithelial ingrowth rates as time between primary and enhancement LASIK increased, peaking at 4 to 5 years (P < .001). In multivariate analysis, flap lifting for enhancement (odds ratio [OR] = 19.5, P < .001), 6-mm optic zone (OR = 2.2, P < .001), moderate to severe hyperopia (OR = 2.4, P = .005), greater ablation depth (OR = 1.005, P < .001), and low volume surgeon (OR = 3.9, P = .01) were associated with epithelial ingrowth (total R² = 15.4).

CONCLUSIONS

The potential risk factors described above may forewarn surgeons as to which individuals merit closer observation for this complication. [J Refract Surg. 2018;34(2):100-105.].

Circumferential silicone sponge scleral buckling induced axial length changes: case series and comparison to literature

Background

This study compared axial length changes induced by circumferential scleral buckling using a silicone sponge with literature reports for solid silicone rubber.

Methods

Records of patients treated with scleral buckling in 2009–2013 using a silicone sponge, with preoperative axial length biometry measurements were reviewed. Additional information included age, type of surgery, additional surgeries, phakic status and anatomical success of reattachment. Patients underwent repeat biometry. The medical literature was reviewed for articles describing axial length changes induced by circumferential buckling using solid silicone rubber.

Results

Twenty-eight patients (mean age 49.7 years, range 16–72) met the inclusion criteria. Mean axial length was 25.38 mm preoperatively and 26.12 mm at least 6 months postoperatively (SD 0.50 ± 0.09, p < 0.001); a mean increase of 0.74 mm. Half the patients subsequently underwent cataract surgery. Post-operative changes were not significant compared to pre-surgical refraction and corneal astigmatism. Axial length change was not significant between sexes (9 women and 19 men).

Conclusions

Axial length changes induced by circumferential scleral buckling using silicone sponge exclusively are similar to those reported in the literature for solid silicone rubber buckles. Scleral buckling using a silicone sponge, which may offer several surgical advantages, induces an acceptable axial length change similar to that seen with widely-used solid silicone rubber buckles.