Rosacea Core Domain Set for Clinical Trials and Practice: A Consensus Statement.

Importance: Inconsistent reporting of outcomes in clinical trials of rosacea is impeding and likely preventing accurate data pooling and meta-analyses. There is a need for standardization of outcomes assessed during intervention trials of rosacea. Objective: To develop a rosacea core outcome set (COS) based on key domains that are globally relevant and applicable to all demographic groups to be used as a minimum list of outcomes for reporting by rosacea clinical trials, and when appropriate, in clinical practice. Evidence Review: A systematic literature review of rosacea clinical trials was conducted. Discrete outcomes were extracted and augmented through discussions and focus groups with key stakeholders. The initial list of 192 outcomes was refined to identify 50 unique outcomes that were rated through the Delphi process Round 1 by 88 panelists (63 physicians from 17 countries and 25 patients with rosacea in the US) on 9-point Likert scale. Based on feedback, an additional 11 outcomes were added in Round 2. Outcomes deemed to be critical for inclusion (rated 7-9 by ≥70% of both groups) were discussed in consensus meetings. The outcomes deemed to be most important for inclusion by at least 85% of the participants were incorporated into the final core domain set. Findings: The Delphi process and consensus-building meetings identified a final core set of 8 domains for rosacea clinical trials: ocular signs and symptoms; skin signs of disease; skin symptoms; overall severity; patient satisfaction; quality of life; degree of improvement; and presence and severity of treatment-related adverse events. Recommendations were also made for application in the clinical setting. Conclusions and Relevance: This core domain set for rosacea research is now available; its adoption by researchers may improve the usefulness of future trials of rosacea therapies by enabling meta-analyses and other comparisons across studies. This core domain set may also be useful in clinical practice.

Evaluation of scleral thickness in patients with pterygium.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate scleral thickness measurements of pterygium patients using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) and to compare them with healthy individuals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Scleral thickness was measured from 2, 4, 6 mm posterior to the scleral spur with AS-OCT (Swept Source OCT Triton, Topcon, Japan) in 4 quadrants (superior, inferior, nasal and temporal). RESULTS: Eyes with pterygium were determined as Group 1, and contralateral eyes without pterygium were determined as Group 2. Healthy controls were determined as Group 3. In the measurements made from 4 mm posterior, no significant difference was found between Group 1 and Group 2 in any quadrants (p > 0.05). In all measurements made from 4 mm posterior to the scleral spur, scleral thickness was found to be significantly higher in Group 1 compared to Group 3 (p < 0.05). Measurements made from 2 mm posterior to the scleral spur in Group 1 was found to be significantly higher in the superior and temporal quadrants compared to Group 3 (p = 0.05), while no significant difference was found in the nasal and inferior quadrants (p > 0.05). When Group 2 and Group 3 were compared, scleral thickness measurements made from 4 mm posterior to the scleral spur was significantly thicker in all quadrants in Group 2 (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Scleral thickness was found to be higher in pterygium patients compared to healthy controls, especially when measured from 4 mm posterior to the scleral spur. It has been predicted that high scleral thickness may be associated with high fibroblast activity in subconjunctival structures, and this may predispose to pterygium.

Bilateral Iris Metastasis in a Patient with Small Cell Lung Carcinoma: A Case Report.

Small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) is a neuroendocrine tumor with high probability of early disseminated disease and paraneoplastic syndromes. Choroid is the most common uveal tissue affected by metastatic disease followed by iris and ciliary body. Herein, we present a 46-year-old male with bilateral multiple iris metastasis. Once diagnosed, the patient already had diagnosis of SCLC with cranial and bone metastases.

Severity Classification of Limbal Stem Cell Failure Due to Steven Johnson Syndrome in the Light of the Classification Consensus of Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency.

OBJECTIVES: To examine and to understand the limbal stem-cell deficiency (LSCD) because of Steven-Johnson syndrome (SJS) in line with the new classification system for the first time in the literature. METHODS: Medical records of patients with LSCD because of SJS were reviewed retrospectively. In addition to demographic data and ophthalmologic or systemic findings, anterior segment photographs of the patients were reviewed retrospectively. Limbal stem-cell deficiency severity was graded according to the classification published by the Limbal Stem Cell Working Group. RESULTS: Twenty-four eyes of 14 patients with eye involvement secondary to SJS were included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 36.09±16.70 (9-58) years and the female-to-male ratio was 11:3. The anterior segment photographs of the patients were evaluated by two independent masked observers. Limbal stem-cell deficiency severity was graded according to the classification published by Deng et al. Corneal opacity was divided into three stages according to the area of involvement. Corneal opacity was classified as Stage I if the central 5 mm region of the cornea was not affected, as Stage II if the central 5 mm region of the cornea was affected, and as Stage III if the entire corneal surface was affected. Limbal involvement was classified as Stage A if it was below 50%, as Stage B if it was between 50% and 100%, and as Stage C if it was 100%. CONCLUSION: This is the first study in the literature to describe and classify LSCD because of SJS, according to the new LSCD classification. Consistent with the results, LSCD follows a bimodal distribution. Most patients demonstrated severe (Stage III-32.14%) or mild (Stage IA-21.42%) LSCD.

Ocular manifestations of granulomatosis with polyangiitis: report from a tertiary eye care center.

PURPOSE: To report demographic characteristics and ophthalmological manifestations of patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) in a tertiary eye care center in Turkey. METHODS: Medical records of patients with GPA-related ocular manifestations evaluated between 2013 and 2023 were included. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients including nature of systemic involvement, ophthalmologic symptoms and signs, laboratory investigations and treatment modality were reviewed. RESULTS: Twelve eyes of 10 patients (5 female/5 male) were included. The mean age was 57.2 ± 12.2 (35-71) years. Five (50%) patients were already diagnosed with GPA. Ocular involvement was the first manifestation of GPA in 3 patients. The remaining 2 patients had simultaneous systemic and ocular symptoms at presentation. Conjunctival hyperemia (9 eyes) and pain (7 eyes) were the most frequent presenting symptoms followed by blurred vision (3 eyes). The frequencies of ocular manifestations were as follows:episcleritis (3 eyes), isolated peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK) (3 eyes), scleritis (3 eyes), simultaneous PUK and scleritis (2 eyes) and periorbital mass (1 eye). CONCLUSION: Ophthalmological manifestations can be the initial findings in GPA. Since GPA can affect different structures of the eye, it sometimes might be challenging for ophthalmologists. Therefore, it is crucial for ophthalmologists to be well-informed about GPA-related ocular findings and to have a high index of suspicion for GPA. Although PUK associated with scleritis is highly suggestive for GPA, isolated cases of PUK or scleritis can be seen in GPA. Therefore, it is important to adopt a multidisciplinary approach, consider GPA in differential diagnosis, and benefit from accurate diagnostic tests.

Impression Cytologic Evaluation of the Conjunctiva in Patients Treated with Topical 1% Voriconazole

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate any conjunctival metaplastic changes by impression cytology in patients who underwent topical 1% voriconazole treatment for severe fungal keratitis. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Departments of Ophthalmology and Medical Pathology. Patients who were treated with 1% topical voriconazole for fungal keratitis for at least 3 months were included. The used topical voriconazole treatment was initiated as one drop every hour and was tapered according to clinical improvement in all patients. Treatment was continued 4 times a day for at least 3 months. Impression cytology samples were collected at least 3 months after cessation of topical voriconazole from the affected eyes and from the fellow eyes as a control group. Collected specimens were transferred to the pathology department for evaluation and grading (Nelson's grading system). Results: The mean age of the patients was 57.68±17.32 years (range, 22-87 years). The impression cytology grade of the inferior bulbar conjunctiva was 1.73±0.77 (range, 0-3) in the study group and 1.19±0.98 (range, 0-3) in the control group (p=0.03). The impression cytology grade of the temporal bulbar conjunctiva was 1.69±0.73 (range, 0-3) in the study group and 1.15±0.88 (range, 0-3) in the control group (p=0.02). The impression cytology grades of the nasal and superior bulbar conjunctiva did not differ statistically (p values 0.13 and 0.17, respectively). Conclusion: Topical voriconazole is an effective broad-spectrum antifungal drug, but it induces conjunctival squamous metaplasia. Clinicians should be aware of this possible side effect of topical voriconazole and should carefully evaluate the conjunctiva of treated patients at each visit to detect possible metaplastic changes.

Effect of Cycloplegia on Anterior Segment Structures and Scleral Thickness in Emmetropic Eyes.

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of topical cyclopentolate hydrochloride-induced cycloplegia on anterior segment biomechanics in emmetropic eyes using anterior segment-optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). Methods: Twenty-five emmetropic eyes of 25 volunteers were included. All underwent central corneal thickness (CCT) and anterior chamber depth (ACD) measurements. Anterior scleral thickness (AST) was measured at the level of the scleral spur (SS)(AST-0), 1,000 µm posterior of the SS (AST-1), and 2,000 µm posterior of the SS (AST-2) in the nasal and temporal quadrants using AS-OCT. All measurements were repeated after cycloplegia. Results: The mean age was 30.6 ± 12.4 (8-45) years. The mean CCT did not significantly change after cycloplegia (P = 0.7). The mean ACD was significantly increased [3.3 ± 0.2 (2.7-3.9) to 3.7 ± 0.3 (3-4.2) µm; P = 0.001]. In the nasal quadrant, the mean AST-1 and AST-2 were 512.3 ± 34.4 (433-570) and 529.6 ± 34.2 (449-599); decreased to 478 ± 26.8 (423-530) and 486.2 ± 28.3 (422-544) µm, respectively, after cycloplegia (P = 0.00; P = 0.00). In the temporal quadrant, the mean AST-1 and AST-2 were 522.5 ± 24.7 (473-578) and 527.2 ± 39.9 (450-604); decreased to 481.1 ± 33.7 (421-550) and 484.6 ± 26.6 (433-528) µm, respectively (P = 0.00; P = 0.00). There was no significant difference in AST-0 after cycloplegia in both quadrants [from 697.5 ± 46 (605-785) to 709.5 ± 64.7 (565-785) for nasal and from 718.4 ± 40.1 (632-796) to 722.9 ± 60.6 (596-838) for temporal; P = 0.2; P = 0.3, respectively]. Conclusion: After cycloplegia, there was a significant thinning of ASTs posterior to SS and a slight increase in AST in the SS level. ACD deepened after cycloplegia, and there was no significant change in CCT. Cycloplegic agents temporarily inhibit ciliary muscle contraction and may affect anterior segment parameters and sclera. Inhibition of forward-inward movement of the ciliary body by cycloplegia affects ASTs and ACD by causing a change in the mechanical force of the ciliary muscle on the sclera.

Amniotic Membrane Transplantation for Reconstruction of Ocular Surface Lesion Excisions in Pediatric Population.

PURPOSE: To define the use of human amniotic membrane transplantation (hAMT) for reconstruction of the ocular surface after ocular surface lesion excisions in pediatric population during the last decade in a tertiary eye center. METHODS: A total of 31 patients who underwent hAMT procedure because of the excision of ocular surface lesions between January 2009 and December 2021 were included in this study. The medical data were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: The female-to-male ratio was 14/17. The mean age of the patients was 10.1±4.1 (range, 1-18) years. Although a single hAMT was applied to most of the cases (94.4%; 34 eyes), more than one hAMT was applied to 5.6% of cases (2 eyes). The amniotic membrane degradation duration was found to be 21.5±10.8 (range, 13-50) days. CONCLUSIONS: Amniotic membrane is used as a biomaterial in various ocular surface diseases with its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound healing properties. Although widely used, there are only a few studies reporting its clinical efficacy in the pediatric age group. It seems to be safe and effective in pediatric age group for ocular surface reconstruction after ocular surface lesion excisions.

Insect Bite Mimicking Malignant Eyelid Tumor.

Insects are a class of living creatures within the arthropods. Bite is a wound produced by the mouth parts of an insect. Although insect bite reactions are commonly seen in clinical practice, especially in dermatology clinics, injuries from insect bites are less commonly encountered in ophthalmology clinics. Herein, we report a 28-year-old male presenting with a rapidly growing mass on his right upper eyelid following a suspected insect bite.

Evaluation of scleral thickness in patients with Fuchs endothelial dystrophy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate scleral thickness using anterior segment-optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) in Fuchs endothelial dystrophy (FED) and compare the results with healthy individuals. METHODS: Thirty-two eyes of 32 patients with FED and 30 eyes of 30 age, gender, spherical equivalent and axial length matched healthy participants were included. All subjects underwent a detailed ophthalmological examination including endothelial cell density and central corneal thickness (CCT) measurements. Scleral thickness was measured by AS-OCT (Swept Source-OCT, Triton,Topcon,Japan) in 4 quadrants (superior, inferior, nasal, temporal) from 6 mm posterior to the scleral spur. RESULTS: The mean ages were 62.5 ± 13.2 (33-81) for FED group; 64 ± 8.1 (48-81) for control group. CCT was significantly greater in FED group than in the control group (586.8 ± 33.1 (514-635) vs 545.0 ± 20.7 (503-587), respectively)(p = 0.000). In FED group, mean scleral thickness in the superior, inferior, nasal and temporal quadrants were 434.0 ± 30.6 (371-498), 442.8 ± 27.6 (395-502), 447.7 ± 31.4 (382-502), 443.4 ± 30.3 (386-504) µm, respectively. In control group, the mean scleral thickness in the superior, inferior, nasal and temporal quadrants were 381.3 ± 20.0 (341-436), 383.2 ± 16.0 (352-436), 389.2 ± 21.0 (353-440), 383.2 ± 19.2 (349-440) µm, respectively. The mean scleral thickness was significantly higher in all quadrants in FED group than in control group (p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: In patients with FED, scleral thickness was significantly higher. FED is a progressive corneal disease that results in the accumulation of extracellular material in the cornea. These findings suggest that the accumulation of extracellular deposits may not be limited to the cornea. Due to their functional similarity and anatomical proximity, sclera may also be affected in FED.

Clinical Approach to Ocular Cicatricial Pemphigoid.

Objectives: To evaluate the demographic data, ocular and systemic findings, clinical management, and outcomes of patients with ocular cicatricial pemphigoid (OCP). Materials and Methods: The medical records of 11 patients diagnosed as having OCP in the ophthalmology department of Ege University between 2008 and 2021 were evaluated retrospectively. Results: The patients' mean follow-up time was 14±5.76 months. All eyes (100%) had conjunctival involvement and 18 (81.81%) had corneal involvement. According to the Tauber staging system, 7 (31.81%), 8 (36.36%), and 7 (31.81%) of the eyes were stage 2, 3, and 4, respectively. The diagnosis was confirmed in 6 (66.66%) of 9 patients who underwent biopsy. Amniotic membrane transplantation was performed in 7 eyes, entropion surgery in 2 eyes, and electrocauterization for trichiasis in 5 eyes. Systemic involvement was observed in 45.45% (5/11) of patients, most commonly oral mucosal involvement (18.18%). Review of medical records showed that alkylating agents, steroids, and dapsone were used in patients treated before 2020. Mycophenolate mofetil was preferred to be used in combination with corticosteroids. Although treatment responses before mycophenolate mofetil usage could not be evaluated well because of loss to follow-up, 4 (66.66%) of 6 patients who received steroid treatment combined with mycophenolate mofetil showed partial or complete clinical remission. No serious side effects and drug withdrawal were observed. Conclusion: OCP is a sight-threatening autoimmune disease that affects older adults. Although positive biopsy results are valuable for diagnosis, negative results do not exclude the diagnosis. The main treatment is systemic immunosuppressives. Disease activity can be suppressed, especially with early initiation of drug therapy. These patients require a multidisciplinary approach. Especially in the presence of isolated ocular findings, ophthalmologists should be able to make the decision to start immunosuppressive treatment, and systemic treatment should not be delayed.

Coloboma Accompanying Microphthalmos With Orbital Cyst in a Mother and Child.

Microphtalmos with orbital cyst is a rare congenital abnormality of the eye and orbit that is caused by incomplete closure of the embryonic fissure. The cysts project through in a coloboma of the affected eye. It may be sporadic or genetic. Herein, the authors present a 32-year-old mother with unilateral and her 4-month-old daughter with bilateral microphtalmos and accompanying orbital cyst.

Fungal Keratitis and Corneal Perforation as a Rare Complication of Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking Treatment.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to report a case of fungal keratitis with subsequent corneal perforation after corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) treatment performed for keratoconus. CASE REPORT: A 20-year-old woman presented with redness and discharge in the left eye. She had a history of bilateral CXL procedure performed for keratoconus elsewhere 4 days earlier. The visual acuity was hand motion in the left eye. Slit-lamp examination revealed extended corneal melting with surrounding infiltrates. The patient was hospitalized, and corneal epithelial scraping samples were sent for microbiological assessment. In the meantime, empirical antibiotic therapy (fortified topical antibiotics: vancomycin 50 mg/mL, ceftazidime 50 mg/mL, and fluconazole 2 mg/mL q1 hour) was initiated. In direct microscopy of the corneal scraping, septate hyaline fungal hyphae were detected and topical fluconazole was switched to topical voriconazole (10 mg/mL). Three days after hospitalization, corneal melting progressed to perforation and corneal suturing with 10-0 monofilament was performed to reform the anterior chamber. Complete resolution of keratitis with residual scarring was noticed in 2 weeks. Three months later, penetrating keratoplasty was performed to obtain better visual acuity. CONCLUSIONS: CXL with riboflavin has become a common procedure to prevent keratoconus progression by strengthening the biomechanical specialties of the cornea. Although the treatment itself has been used in the management of microbial keratitis and related corneal melting, fungal keratitis and corneal perforation after a CXL procedure for keratoconus might also be detected. Clinicians should be aware of this rare but devastating complication of CXL treatment and start prompt treatment when suspected.

Clinical Features of Pediatric Age Herpes Simplex Virus Keratitis.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to evaluate the clinical features of pediatric herpes simplex virus keratitis, its recurrence rates, and its effects on visual acuity. METHODS: In this retrospective case series, records of pediatric patients (0-16 years) who presented with herpes simplex virus keratitis between January 2012 and September 2021 were evaluated. Data including age, gender, additional systemic diseases, the number of recurrences, recurrence time, treatment protocol, follow-up period, and presence of amblyopia were reviewed. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients (16 females and 8 males) with a mean age of 6.6 ± 4 (1.1-15) years were included in the study. The mean follow-up time was 21 ± 19.9 (7-94) months. Four patients (16.6%) had bilateral keratitis. Including all 4 patients with bilateral involvement, a total of 10 (41.6%) patients had additional systemic diseases that cause immunodeficiency. After prophylactic antiviral treatment for at least 6 months (except for isolated epithelial keratitis), recurrence was detected in 5 (22.7%) patients, who were all immunodeficient. Among immunodeficient individuals, the recurrence rate was found to be 50%. Keratitis recurrence was significantly associated with immunodeficiency ( P = 0.03). However, type of keratitis ( P = 0.42), gender ( P = 0.47), and bilaterality ( P = 0.54) were not related with recurrence. 66.7% of the patients younger than 10 years developed amblyopia during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In childhood, the most frequent corneal manifestation of herpes simplex virus is stromal keratitis that mostly progresses with corneal scarring, residual astigmatism, and amblyopia. The recurrence rate increases in the presence of immunosuppression. Close follow-up, rapid diagnosis, and treatment are critical for battling against amblyopia and achieving good visual prognosis.

The Influence of Pterygium on Meibomian Glands and Dry Eye Parameters.

SIGNIFICANCE: Mechanical factors are also associated with meibomian gland dysregulation in patients with pterygium. Dry eye parameters were assessed, and the results support the association between pterygium and dry eye disease. PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate how meibomian gland dysfunction and dry eye parameters relate to the existence of pterygium. METHODS: Patients with pterygium and healthy volunteers of similar age and demographic characteristics were included. Schirmer 1 test, Ocular Surface Disease Index score, fluorescein tear film breakup time, and ocular surface staining scores (Oxford score) were recorded. Meiboscores were estimated based on meibomian gland loss rate on infrared meibography (SL-D701; Topcon, IJssel, the Netherlands). The symmetry of meibomian gland loss with respect to eyelid midline was assessed. RESULTS: Fifty-four eyes with pterygium (group 1) and 50 eyes of healthy volunteers (group 2) were included. The mean ages were 54.0 ± 12.3 and 52.3 ± 8.0 years, respectively. Schirmer 1 test results and tear film breakup time were lower in group 1 ( P = .007, P < .001). Oxford and Ocular Surface Disease Index scores were significantly higher in group 1 ( P = .009, P < .001). The mean meiboscores were significantly higher in group 1 ( P < .001). There was meibomian gland depletion in 90.7% (49 of 54) of group 1 and 32% (16 of 50) of group 2 ( P < .001). Meibomian gland loss region was distributed asymmetrically in 75.5% (37 of 49) of the eyes in group 1, but not in any of the eyes in group 2. The asymmetry was located on the side where the pterygium was detected in 94.5% (35 of 37) of these eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Meibomian glands are influenced morphologically and functionally in eyes with pterygium. The overlap of the pterygium location and meibomian gland abnormality suggests a direct mechanical relationship. In managing pterygium patients, the possibility of meibomian gland dysfunction and associated evaporative dry eye should be considered.

Evaluation of the factors that influence surgical outcome in conjunctival-limbal allograft transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the surgical results and the variables affecting the outcomes in conjunctival-limbal allograft transplantation (CLAL). METHODS: Patients who underwent CLAL for limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) between 2007 and 2019 were included in the study. LSCD staging was performed according to the staging system developed by the 'Limbal Stem Cell Working Group'. Stage 1C and higher stage LSCD patients were included in the study. 'Successful surgical outcome' was defined as improvement in LSCD stage at 1 year postoperatively. RESULTS: A total of 19 eyes of 19 LSCD patients were included. The mean age of the patients was 40.21 ± 14.65 (6-65) years, and the male/female ratio was 12/7. CLAL was performed in 9 (47.3%) patients with Stage 2B, 9 (47.3%) patients with Stage 3 and 1 (5.4%) with Stage 1C. LSCD aetiology; chemical injury (12), vernal keratoconjunctivitis (2), aniridia (1), corneal degeneration (1), and unknown (3). Surgery was successful in 52.6% of cases. Surgical success was associated with lower LSCD stage (p = 0.04). Lower grades of chemical injury at presentation and a longer time interval between injury and CLAL were associated with higher surgical success (p = 0.001; p = 0.001). The mean postoperative follow-up time was 50.77 ± 29.46 (6-98) months. CONCLUSIONS: Despite graft rejection and long-term use of immunosuppressants, CLAL is still one of the most preferred techniques in the treatment of bilateral LSCD. Preoperative LSCD stage and degree of chemical burn are important factors affecting the surgical outcome. Also, CLAL surgery should not be rushed and should be performed when inflammation has subsided.

Precision of limbal ischemia evaluation in ocular chemical injuries with anterior segment optical coherence tomography angiography.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the limbal ischemia objectively in ocular surface chemical injuries by using anterior segment optical coherence tomography angiography (AS-OCTA). METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, acute ocular surface chemical injury patients with less than 1 week injury history were enrolled. Demographic data of the patients were noted, and detailed ophthalmological examination with Dua classification was performed. AS photographs and AS-OCTA images were obtained and used for the assessment of limbal ischemia. To visualize the limbal vasculature, the device was focused manually to get a sharp image for all 4 quadrants of the limbus. The absence of vasculature was regarded as "ischemia," and the amount of the ischemia was defined in clock hours. The limbal ischemia detected in clinical evaluation with biomicroscopy was compared with the AS-OCTA detected ischemia amount to make a conclusion for the correlation. RESULTS: Nineteen eyes of 18 patients with acute ocular surface chemical injury were enrolled to the study (2 female, 16 male). The mean age was 35.1 ± 10 (18-55), and the mean best corrected visual acuity was 0.75 ± 1 (0.1-3.1) LogMAR. The causative agents were acid in 6 and alkaline in 12 patients. Limbal ischemia detected by using AS-OCTA was greater ((5.8 ± 2.6 (2-10) clock hours) than that detected in biomicroscopy (4.8 ± 2.4 (2-12) clock hours). The difference was statistically significant (p < 0.0005). CONCLUSION: AS-OCTA has a significant importance on limbal vascularity visualization; therefore, its use for more objective and sensitive evaluation of limbal ischemia in ocular surface chemical injuries seems to have a crucial impact. AS-OCTA images may reveal the extension of limbal ischemia more precisely than clinical evaluation with biomicroscopy. However, future studies with higher number of patients are needed to come to a specific conclusion.

Evaluation of Limbal Stem Cell Transplant Success in Ocular Chemical Injury.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated limbal stem cell transplant success in limbal stem cell deficiency due to chemical injury at a tertiary eye care center in Turkey with a novel system for describing limbal stem cell deficiency, as developed by the Limbal Stem Cell Working Group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Medical records of 80 eyes of 80 patients after limbal stem cell transplant for limbal stem cell deficiency secondary to chemical injury were included, with patients grouped according to surgical procedure, ie, limbal autograft, limbal allograft, and cultivated limbal epithelial cell transplant. Surgical success was defined as improvement in postoperative year 1 of limbal stem cell deficiency stage. RESULTS: Patients' mean age was 37.9 ± 15.7 years (range, 4-71 years). Male/female ratio was 2.4. Forty-five patients (56.3%) were injured with alkaline substance, and 16 (20%) with acid substance. Mean follow-up time was 60.3 ± 30.6 months (range, 6-118.6 months). Limbal autograft, allograft, and cultivated limbal epithelial cell transplants were performed in 58 (72.5%), 12 (15%), and 10 (12.5%) eyes, respectively. Intervals between injury and surgery in limbal autograft, limbal allograft, and cultivated limbal epithelial cell transplants were 43.3 ± 94.1 months (range, 0.5-592 months), 14.5 ± 10.6 months (range, 2.4-32.5 months), and 122.8 ± 158.9 months (range, 21.1-504 months),respectively (P = .02); and surgical success rates in each group were 65.5%, 41.7%, and 90%, respectively (P = .03). Overall surgical success rate was 65%. CONCLUSIONS: Accurate determination of the limbal stem cell deficiency stage is crucial for proper evaluation of surgical success. Surgery type and interval between injury and surgery were the most important factors associated with higher surgical success rates. Despite the limited number of patients in the subgroups, the results were remarkable to emphasize the significance of a novel limbal stem cell deficiency scoring system.