A Comprehensive Assessment of Long-Term Complications in Patients with Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis.

INTRODUCTION: Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), and SJS/TEN overlap syndrome are rare severe hypersensitivity reactions that lead to epithelial sloughing. Studies investigating the chronic multisystem effects of these syndromes and assessing patients in terms of quality of life (QOL), depression, and anxiety in the pediatric population are limited. In this study, we aimed to investigate the long-term effects of these diseases from a multisystem perspective. METHOD: Sixteen pediatric patients diagnosed with SJS, TEN, and SJS/TEN overlap syndrome were evaluated between September 2020 and March 2021. Physical and eye examinations were performed. To evaluate QOL and psychological status, Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI), Screen for Child Anxiety-Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED), and Children's Depression Inventory (CDI) were conducted. The patients' general characteristics, symptoms, and examination findings at their first admission were retrospectively obtained from the hospital's electronic records. RESULTS: Nineteen percent of the patients were female (n = 3). There were 7 patients (44%) with the diagnosis of SJS, 5 patients (31%) with TEN, and 4 patients (25%) with SJS/TEN overlap. The median follow-up time of the subjects was 6.5 years. The most common sequelae in the chronic period were skin changes (n = 13, 81%). Hyperpigmentation was the most common skin change (n = 9, 56%). In the last evaluation, 9 cases had eye involvement. In two cases, eye examination was normal in the acute phase, while ocular involvement was present in the chronic period. In 4 (50%) patients, there was height and/or weight percentile loss. Three patients' SCARED scores and 2 patients' CDI scores were high. According to the CDLQI survey, SJS, TEN, or SJS/TEN overlap syndrome had a small to moderate effect on the QOL in the 43% (n = 6) of the patients. The ANA values of 3 patients (60%) were positive at the follow-up and negative at the first admission. CONCLUSION: SJS, TEN, and SJS/TEN overlap syndrome may cause sequelae even after a long time of the onset of the disease. Patients' QOL and psychological status can be affected negatively. Ocular symptoms may develop in the follow-up, even without involvement in the acute period. Patients with SJS, TEN, and SJS/TEN overlap syndrome should be followed up in the chronic period and approached multidisciplinary.

NONPERFORATING INTRASCLERAL STABBING FOR SUTURELESS 23G SCLEROTOMY CLOSURE.

PURPOSE: The need for suturing leaking sclerotomies have not been eliminated completely in transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy (TSV). This study aims to describe a novel technique for 23-gauge (G) sclerotomy closure in TSV surgery and discuss its effectiveness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two hundred and thirty cases of 180 patients who underwent 23G TSV with various diagnoses were included to the study. Cases with connective tissue diseases, thin sclera, and significant conjunctival and scleral scarring were excluded. Nonperforating intrascleral stabbing (NIS) was performed to leaking 23G sclerotomies (n = 650) and 27G chandeliers (n = 84). Demographics, rate of sclerotomy closure with NIS procedure, the need for suturing, and complications of the procedure were recorded. RESULTS: The overall success of NIS was found to be 91.0% in sclerotomies. Although 9.1% of sclerotomies required sutures, 592 of the 650 sclerotomies could be closed with NIS procedure ( P < 0.001). Nonperforating intrascleral stabbing procedure helped close 98.8% of leaking 27G chandeliers. An average of 1.28 ± 0.52 NIS attempts were needed for successful sclerotomy closure. Closure of sclerotomies with the NIS technique were somewhat related to the location of the sclerotomy, history of TSV and NIS, duration of TSV, and type of endotamponade. Hypotonia and choroidal detachment were seen in one case. No additional interventions were needed to normalize intraocular pressure in any case. Subconjunctival hemorrhage happened to be the leading complication of the procedure. CONCLUSION: NIS procedure seems as a practical, reproducible, cost-effective, and uncomplicated approach, which significantly reduces the need to suture 23G sclerotomies. Further studies are required.

Isolated and Transient Nuclear Midbrain Blepharoptosis in a Young and Healthy Adult.

A 32-year-old otherwise healthy man presented with acute-onset bilateral blepharoptosis of 6 days' duration. On examination, he had severe ptosis bilaterally and mildly restricted abduction in the left eye. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed a 10-mm-diameter lesion in the dorsal midbrain. The ptosis resolved spontaneously within two weeks. Systemic investigation did not uncover any aetiological factor. During 70 months' follow-up, neither any systemic disease nor ptosis relapse developed. Isolated nuclear midbrain ptosis has been previously reported in a few patients and these had neoplastic or inflammatory causes. In this patient, spontaneous resolution of the nuclear ptosis within weeks suggested that the underlying cause might be isolated ischaemic damage to the central caudal nucleus.

Efficacy of Dexamethasone Implants in Uveitic Macular Edema in Cases with Behçet Disease.

PURPOSE: Investigation of the efficacy of intravitreal dexamethasone implants (0.7 mg) in patients with Behçet disease (BD) who had cystoid macular edema (CME) despite immunomodulatory treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven eyes of 20 patients who had intravitreal dexameth-asone implant injections and follow-up for more than 6 months were included in this study. Best corrected visual acuities (BCVA), intraocular pressures (IOP), and central macular thicknesses (CMT) were recorded. Systemic immunomodulatory treatment was noted. Injection-related complications and the need for recurrent injections were recorded. RESULTS: Statistically significant anatomical and functional success was achieved with a single injection. BCVA increased from 0.85 ± 0.72 to 0.45 ± 0.52 logMAR, while the mean CMT decreased from 406 ± 190 to 243 ± 101 µm at the sixth month. The peak of visual acuity gain was reached within the first 2 months and a substantial proportion of the patients gained 3 or more lines. There was no complication other than transient IOP elevation in 4 eyes and cataract surgery in 2 eyes. CONCLUSION: Adjuvant intravitreal dexamethasone implant injections offer promising results in cases of BD with CME. It is effective in preserving the macular anatomy and vision particularly in transition to biological agents.

A Case Report and Literature Review of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada-Like Uveitis Secondary to Dabrafenib and Trametinib: 4-Year Follow-Up Using Retinal Multimodal Imaging.

PURPOSE: To report a case of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH)-like uveitis under treatment with Dabrafenib and Trametinib for metastatic malignant melanoma, representing the longest follow-up (49 months) with retinal multimodal imaging. METHODS: Retrospective case report. RESULTS: A 49-year-old female with metastatic relapsing cutaneous malignant melanoma presented with blurry vision in both eyes for 1 week. She had been treated with Dabrafenib and Trametinib for 2 months. Fundus examination detected serous retinal detachments (SRDs) and hyperemic optic disks. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) revealed SRDs, retinal pigment epithelium undulations, choroidal thickening, and loss of normal choroidal vascular architecture. The patient was diagnosed with VKH-like uveitis secondary to targeted agents since systemic investigations were unremarkable. Dabrafenib and Trametinib were discontinued, and pulse steroid treatment was started. Following the improvement of retinal and choroidal signs, the same targeted agents were restarted 6 weeks later. No recurrence of uveitis occurred during 49 months of follow-up; however, the convalescent phase findings of VKH were observed in the fundus examination. The systemic status of the patient, who is still using Dabrafenib and Trametinib, is stable. CONCLUSION: Although the mechanism is still unknown, the development of VKH-like uveitis secondary to targeted therapy may indicate successful tumor control in patients with metastatic melanoma. Providing effective immunosuppression with corticosteroids and making necessary dose modifications with a multidisciplinary approach may extend the survival of patients.

Different Cases, Different Manifestations of Post-COVID-19 Retinal Artery Occlusion: A Case Series.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a procoagulant disease that increases the risk of clinically evident thrombotic complications. Herein we present 3 cases with different retinal artery occlusions that emerged soon after the diagnosis of COVID-19. The first patient had central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) that resulted in visual loss in one eye. The second patient had inflammatory peripheral retinal artery occlusion, vasculitis, and uveitis which did not affect vision. The third patient presented with CRAO following the progression from orbital cellulitis to orbital apex syndrome. Interestingly, CRAO progressed to internal carotid artery occlusion in this case within days and resulted in monocular visual loss. Variations in the underlying pathophysiology and the characteristics of individual immune responses in patients with COVID-19 may be factors that determine differences in clinical manifestations. This article aims to describe different presentations of COVID-19-related retinal artery occlusions and discuss possible pathophysiological aspects.

RESULTS OF TWO CASES WITH DISTINCT COMPLICATIONS DUE TO INTRAVITREAL BEVACIZUMAB IN RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY.

PURPOSE: To present the surgical outcome and long-term follow-up of 2 cases who underwent intravitreal bevacizumab injection for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and subsequently developed full thickness macular hole and endophthalmitis. METHODS: Case report. PATIENTS: The first case is a premature girl who was delivered 650 g at the 27th week of postmenstrual age (PMA) because of preeclampsia and received intravitreal 0.16 mg bevacizumab bilaterally at the 38th PMA with the diagnosis of ROP. She was referred with endophthalmitis 10 days after injection in the left eye. Endophthalmitis resolved with pars plana vitrectomy that was performed the following day. The second case is a premature girl who was delivered at the 30th week of PMA weighing 1,230 g and received intravitreal 0.16 mg bevacizumab injections bilaterally at the 39th PMA with a diagnosis of ROP. Retinopathy of prematurity regressed in the follow-up; however, full thickness macular hole was noted in the right eye on the first week of the injection. Pars plana vitrectomy, internal limiting membrane peeling, and gas tamponade were performed at the 41st PMA week. Full thickness macular hole persisted despite pars plana vitrectomy whereas glaucoma emerged during the follow-up. CONCLUSION: Development of endophthalmitis and macular hole may occur after intravitreal injections in cases with ROP.

Intraocular Lens Elongation Technique with Haptic Modification for Sulcus Implantation.

Objectives: To define a haptic modification technique to increase the overall length of the intraocular lens (IOL) and evaluate the postoperative outcomes of patients in whom this technique was applied. Materials and Methods: The preoperative and postoperative characteristics of patients who underwent modified IOL implantation into the sulcus between May 2019 and December 2019 were evaluated. Modified Sensar AR40e lenses with hydrophobic acrylic optic and polymethylmethacrylate haptics were implanted to all eyes. Before implanting the IOL, the haptics were grasped with two toothless forceps and bent to elongate the total diameter of the IOL from 13.0 mm to 14.5 mm. Results: The study included 11 eyes of 11 patients who underwent modified three-piece IOL implantation into the sulcus due to insufficient capsular support. The mean age of the patients was 53.9±12.2 years. The mean axial length was 24.13±1.93 mm. Sulcus implantation was required due to aphakia in 9 eyes and IOL dislocation in 2 eyes. No haptic breakage occurred during the IOL modification technique or implantation. The mean preoperative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.88±1.1 logMAR, while postoperative BCVA was 0.28±0.30 logMAR. No IOL dislocation or decentration was observed during 6-month postoperative follow-up. Conclusion: The larger diameter lenses obtained with this inexpensive and easily applicable technique may allow a more stable sulcus implantation in eyes with inadequate capsular support.

SD-OCT assessment of macular and optic nerve alterations in patients recovered from COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify microstructutal alterations in the macula and peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) in patients recovered from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) using spectral domain optic coherence tomography (SD-OCT). DESIGN: Retrospective, observational. PARTICIPANTS: This comparative, cross-sectional study included patients who recovered from COVID-19 (Group 1) and age- and sex-matched normal controls (Group 2). METHODS: A comprehensive ophthalmic examination, including best-corrected visual acuity and biomicroscopic anterior and posterior segment examination was performed. SD-OCT analysis of the macula and peripapillary RNFL was obtained for each participant. In addition, patient demographics and comorbidities were recorded. RESULTS: 238 eyes of 122 subjects (Group 1: n = 63; Group 2: n = 59) were included. The incidence of coexisting comorbidity was higher in Group 1 (n = 26/63, 41.3%) compared with Group 2 (n = 12/59, 20.3%) (p = 0.013). The central foveal thickness (CFT) was significantly higher in Group 1 (271.0±26.8 µm) than Group 2 (263.2±22.0 µm) (p = 0.015). The average outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness at central fovea in Group 1 (85.4±13.3 µm) was significantly thicker than that in Group 2 (81.4±15.2 µm) (p = 0.035). The mean peripapillary RNFL thickness of Group 1 (102.6±8.8 µm) and Group 2 (100.9±8.3 µm) were similar (p = 0.145). The mean choroidal thickness of groups at the fovea and at 1500 µm nasal and temporal to the fovea were not significantly different (p > 0.05 for all). CONCLUSION: Significant thickness alterations in individual retinal layers and CFT was detected in post-COVID-19 patients. The increase in CFT and ONL thickness might be attributed to direct infection or viral-induced inflammatory response of retina.

Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor Treatment in the Management of Pediatric Noninfectious Uveitis: Infliximab Versus Adalimumab.

Purpose: Management of uveitis displays a particular challenge in childhood. This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of infliximab (IFX) and adalimumab (ADA) in pediatric noninfectious uveitis that were refractory to conventional immunosuppresives. Methods: This retrospective single-center study included 33 patients who were treated with anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents (16 with IFX and 17 with ADA). Patients had diverse etiologies, including juvenile idiopathic arthritis, idiopathic uveitis, and Behçet's disease. Demographic characteristics, systemic diagnosis, findings of the ophthalmological examination, control of ocular inflammation, response to treatment, and the rate of clinical remission were studied. Results: Fourteen (87.5%) patients receiving IFX and 10 (58.8%) patients receiving ADA achieved response to treatment during the follow-up (P = 0.118). The agents were discontinued with complete clinical remission in 6 (37.5%) patients receiving IFX and in 2 (11.8%) patients receiving ADA (P = 0.118). Baseline visual acuities and parameters of inflammation improved significantly in both groups after anti-TNF therapy. Conclusion: Both IFX and ADA are safe and effective for pediatric noninfectious uveitis.

Laser photocoagulation, intravitreal anti-VEGF, and vitreous surgery for the treatment of juxtapapillary retinal capillary hemangioma.

Juxtapapillary retinal capillary hemangiomas (JRCHs) are benign vascular tumors located on or adjacent to the optic nerve head. A 19-year-old girl presented with epiretinal membrane (ERM) associated with an elevated and round vascular tumoral mass located in the juxtapapillary region of her left eye. She was subsequently diagnosed with isolated JRCH. A combined approach with laser photocoagulation and intravitreal bevacizumab injection was used to facilitate shrinkage of the tumor preoperatively and pars plana vitrectomy was used to remove the tumor and ERM. A small remnant of tumoral mass remained intact and did not show any growth for 7 years.

How Does Usage of Serotonin Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors Affect Intraocular Pressure in Depression Patients?

PURPOSE: To evaluate anterior segment parameters and intraocular pressure (IOP) modifications in patients using serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) due to major depressive disorder. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 170 eyes of 85 subjects. All subjects were divided into three groups: group 1 included 44 healthy control subjects, group 2 included 22 patients receiving antidepressants for 1 week to 6 months, and group 3 included 19 patients receiving antidepressants for >6 months. All subjects underwent a detailed ophthalmologic examination, including gonioscopy. Anterior segments of all subjects were evaluated with the Scheimpflug system and pupil diameter (PD), central corneal thickness, anterior chamber depth (ACD), anterior chamber volume, and anterior chamber angle (ACA) measurements were enrolled. RESULTS: The median IOP was significantly lower in patients using antidepressants [16.0 (11.0-21.0) mmHg] than the control group [17.5 (12.0-21.0) mmHg] (P = 0.041). The PD was significantly larger in patients using antidepressants [3.56 (2.29-5.60) mm] than the control group [2.95 (2.00-4.40) mm] (P = 0.000). In the study group, PD was also significantly larger in patients using SNRIs for ≥6 months [3.67 (2.38-5.08) mm] than <6 months [3.31 (2.29-5.60) mm] (P = 0.000). The median ACD was significantly lower in patients using antidepressants for ≥6 months [3.21 (2.52-4.06) mm] than the control group [3.44 (2.63-4.29) mm] (P = 0.000). ACAs were measured between 25° and 55° by Scheimpflug imaging. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of SNRIs causes mydriasis and decrease in width of ACD. These changes may not increase IOP as long as the patient has an open angle. SNRIs lead to decrease in IOP particularly in long-term usage.