Ten-Year Follow-Up of Orbital Volume Augmentation With Calcium Hydroxyapatite Filler in Postenucleation Socket Syndrome.

PURPOSE: To describe the efficacy and persistence of injectable calcium hydroxyapatite (CAHY) to correct orbital volume deficit in postenucleation socket syndrome. METHODS: An observational study was conducted as a clinical review of all patients in the authors' practice who received injectable CAHY placed in the extraconal and intraconal space to increase orbital volume with a 10-year follow up. The amount of CAHY to be injected was defined according to the degree of orbital volume deficit. Patients previously treated with radiotherapy or with a conjunctival fornix insufficient to accommodate the external prosthesis were excluded. All the patients with at least 10 years of follow up were included in the study. RESULTS: Thirty-one postenucleation socket syndrome patients received injectable CAHY for orbital volume augmentation, with a 10-year follow up. The mean amount of preoperative relative enophthalmos measured by Hertel's exophthalmometry was 14.16 ± 2.15. An increase in the mean orbital volume of 3.35 ± 0.91 at 6 months and 2.97 ± 1.35 at 10 years was obtained. The mean follow-up was 219 ± 18 months (range, 184-240). Patients demonstrated clinical and cosmetic improvement that was observed to continue for 10 years. The complications were peribulbar ecchymosis, 2 extrusions of the internal prosthesis, and 2 ptosis. CONCLUSIONS: Injectable CAHY provides safe, simple, repeatable, and cost-effective technique to treat volume deficiency in the enophthalmic orbit in the long term. The volume augmentation obtained with this semipermanent filler demonstrated a lasting effect in the orbit with negligible loss of volume at 10 years.

Assessment of the specificity of corvis biomechanical index-laser vision correction (CBI-LVC) in stable corneas after phototherapeutic keratectomy.

PURPOSE: The Corvis Biomechanical Index-Laser Vision Correction (CBI-LVC) is a biomechanical index to detect ectasia in post-refractive surgery patients (PRK, LASIK, SMILE). This study aims to evaluate the distribution of the CBI-LVC in stable patients who underwent Phototherapeutic Keratectomy (PTK) compared to PRK patients. METHODS: Patients who underwent PRK and PTK performed between 2000 and 2018 in Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy and remained stable for at least four years post-surgery were included. All eyes were examined with the Corvis ST (Oculus, Germany), whose output allows the calculation of the CBI-LVC. The distribution and specificity of the CBI-LVC in the two populations were estimated using a Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney test and compared. RESULTS: 175 eyes of 148 patients were included (85 eyes of 50 PTK patients and 90 eyes of 90 PRK patients). The distribution of CBI-LVC in the two groups showed a minor difference, with a median value in PRK patients of 0.000 (95% CI 0.000; 0.002) and 0.008 (95% CI 0.000; 0.037) in PTK patients (Mann-Whitney U test p = 0.023). The statistical analysis showed that the CBI-LVC provided a specificity of 92.22% in the PRK group, while in the PTK group it was 82.35%. Nevertheless, this difference was not statistically significant (Chi-squared test with Yates, p = 0.080). CONCLUSION: CBI-LVC provided similar specificity in stable PTK patients compared to those who underwent PRK. These results suggest that the CBI-LVC could be a useful tool to aid corneal surgeons in managing PTK patients.

Clinical outcome and quality of life of lacrimal sac mucocele treated via endoscopic posterior approach.

OBJECTIVE: Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is the surgical treatment for lacrimal sac mucoceles (LSM), yet variants of the procedure are several. Since LSM causes bone remodeling and thinning, especially of the lacrimal bone, osteotomy at that site is reasonably the easiest. The aim of the study is to support treatment of LSM via a posterior DCR approach, in a large cohort of cases, and report patients' quality of life after the procedure with validated questionnaires. METHODS: Single-center observational retrospective study on a specific methodology (endoscopic-DCR via posterior approach). Consecutive patients with LSM were enrolled in 2008-2020; CT scans were reviewed, bone thickness was measured bilaterally and compared. Resolution of mucocele, epiphora and infection were analyzed after 6-months. Patients were administered the Munk Score and Lacrimal Symptom Questionnaire (Lac-Q). Statistical analysis was done to compare bone thickness between the two sides; descriptive analysis of the questionnaires results was presented. RESULTS: Forty-four patients with LSM were enrolled. The LSM side showed frontal process thickness of 4.00 ± 1.06 mm (vs 3.90 ± 1.03 on the unaffected side; p = 0.23) and a lacrimal bone of 0.32 ± 0.12 mm (vs 0.41 ± 0.12; p < 0.001). Resolution of infection was achieved in 97.4% cases, anatomical patency in 87.2%. After 5 years, 84.6% of patients reported no relevant epiphora (Munk score 0-1). Social impact (Lac-Q) due to lacrimal malfunctioning was still noted in 30.8% patients. CONCLUSIONS: Adult LSM is a rare condition and DCR remains the mainstay of treatment. LSM physiopathology may support a preferred surgical choice via a posterior approach. Despite objective patency, some lacrimal way malfunctioning may be experienced in a minority of cases.

Excimer laser tissue interactions in the cornea.

Excimer lasers induces significant changes to corneal structure and corneal biomechanics. The aim of this paper is to describe all laser-tissue interactions which are relevant for clinical practice, particularly, we will focus on laser ablations profiles, causes of regression and haze and prevention of those. At last the manuscript will describe the impact on corneal biomechanics of different Laser Vision Corrections techniques.

New perspectives in keratoconus treatment: an update on iontophoresis-assisted corneal collagen crosslinking.

Keratoconus is a bilateral, asymmetric and progressive corneal disease. It usually results in apical thinning and steepening with corneal deformation and impaired vision. Since the early 1990 s, corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) has remained the primary treatment to stabilize the progression of the disease. Iontophoresis-assisted CXL (I-CXL) has been proposed as a non-invasive alternative to standard epithelium-off technique, showing promising results. In this article, we review up to date literature to provide state of art knowledge and future perspectives of I-CXL.

Orbital metastases from breast cancer: A single institution case series.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Among orbital tumors, metastatic lesions have a prevalence of 1% to 13%; on the other hand, breast cancer is the most common malignancy causing orbital metastases. The aim of this study is to present our experience dealing with orbital metastases caused by breast cancer, to assess characteristics and clinic-pathological data of patients suffering from this rare occurrence and to find indexes related with their prognosis and survival. METHODS: Records of 28 patients diagnosed with orbital metastases from breast cancer at the Department of Ophthalmology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Centre of Milano over a 27-year period (1992-2018) were retrieved and analyzed. RESULTS: Mean patients' age at breast cancer diagnosis was 56.29 ± 14.63 years. Mean time interval between breast cancer diagnosis and orbital metastasis occurrence was 5 ± 4.17 years. All lesions were estrogen receptor-positive; 79% of patients harbored progesterone receptor-positive lesions. Interestingly, the majority of deceased patients presented orbital lesions with MIB-1 index >50% (P = .0265) and had concomitant lung metastases (P = .0452). CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of orbital metastasis from breast cancer represents a challenging finding. Patients' clinical picture can include exophthalmos, edema, tumefaction, proptosis and/or diplopia. Significant symptomatic improvement can be achieved through surgery and other adjuvant treatments, such as radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Fate of endothelial cells after intrastromal implantation of Descemet's membrane-endothelial cell tissue.

In non-Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (nDSAEK), the host DM and endothelium are not removed surgically before the introduction of the posterior lamellar graft; the result is that the patient has both the healthy donor endothelium and the diseased or residual host endothelium. Conversely, DSAEK tissues, that are inserted with inverted polarity (upside down), do not survive and the graft fails. While the mechanism of endothelial cell transplantation is clear, the fate of the endothelial cells retained between two stromal interfaces and their physiological role, if any, is not well understood. The aim of our study was therefore to evaluate the viability of a healthy endothelial-Descemet's membrane (EDM) graft after the insertion into a stromal pocket of a recipient donor cornea. Research corneas (n = 52) were divided into three groups: Group A, where an EDM (obtained from another cornea) with good endothelium was inserted in a stromal pocket endothelium side down; Group B, consisting of control corneas with a stromal pocket but without EDM insertion; and Group C, pre-stripped membranes resting on their stroma (not in a stromal pocket). The tissues were preserved in tissue culture medium for 21 days at 31 °C. Parameters including viability of endothelial cells, expression of tight junctions (ZO-1) and thickness were evaluated. After 21 days, all the membranes inserted within the stromal pocket of Group A survived, although an average endothelial cell loss of 30.1% (± 18.10) and a mortality of 10.2% (± 22.86) were recorded. Qualitative analysis using triple staining with Hoechst, ethidium homodimer and calcein AM confirmed the mortality. ZO-1 was expressed where the cells were present, showing good integrity of tight junctions. Group C showed an average endothelial cell loss of 1.9% (± 3.38), a mortality of 0.02% (± 0.07) and a higher expression of ZO-1. An EDM graft with endothelium facing downwards can survive in a stromal pocket for at least 3 weeks, with an overall cell mortality of 30%. Further studies are needed to evaluate the possible outcomes of the insertion of a healthy intrastromal EDMs with reverse polarity and in edematous corneas.

Ex-vivo experimental validation of biomechanically-corrected intraocular pressure measurements on human eyes using the CorVis ST.

The purpose of this study was to assess the validity of the Corvis ST (Oculus; Wetzlar, Germany) biomechanical correction algorithm (bIOP) in determining intraocular pressure (IOP) using experiments on ex-vivo human eyes. Five ex-vivo human ocular globes (age 69 ±â€¯3 years) were obtained and tested within 3-5 days post mortem. Using a custom-built inflation rig, the internal pressure of the eyes was controlled mechanically and measured using the CorVis ST (CVS-IOP). The CVS-IOP measurements were then corrected to produce bIOP, which was developed for being less affected by variations in corneal biomechanical parameters, including tissue thickness and material properties. True IOP (IOPt) was defined as the pressure inside of the globe as monitored using a fixed pressure transducer. Statistical analyses were performed to assess the accuracy of both CVS-IOP and bIOP, and their correlation with corneal thickness. While no significant differences were found between bIOP and IOPt (0.3 ±â€¯1.6 mmHg, P = 0.989) using ANOVA and Bonferroni Post-Hoc test, the differences between CVS-IOP and IOPt were significant (7.5 ±â€¯3.2 mmHg, P < 0.001). Similarly, bIOP exhibited no significant correlation with central corneal thickness (p = 0.756), whereas CVS-IOP was significantly correlated with the thickness (p < 0.001). The bIOP correction has been successful in providing close estimates of true IOP in ex-vivo tests conducted on human donor eye globes, and in reducing association with the cornea's thickness.

Corneal curvature gradient map: a new corneal topography map to predict the corneal healing process.

PURPOSE: To evaluate a new curvature gradient topography map to predict postoperative corneal remodeling. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 32 eyes of 16 patients with myopia underwent excimer ablation surgery with a postoperative high curvature gradient. The new curvature gradient map (acquired immediately postoperatively) shows the difference between the curvatures of two points over the distance between them; it was compared to the tangential curvature difference map between 1 and 12 months postoperatively to determine their relationship. Corneas were divided into 12 regions for analysis: four 90°-wide sectors centered on 0°, 90°, 180°, and 270°. There were three subdivisions in each sector: central (radius: 0 to 2.75 mm), paracentral (radius: 2.75 to 3.25 mm), and peripheral (radius: 3.25 to 4.5 mm). Linear regression analysis was performed by region. RESULTS: The following regions had significant relationships between the initial curvature gradient and curvature difference between 1 and 12 months postoperatively: the paracentral zone of the 90° sector (P = .0145; R(2) = 0.1832) and both the central (P = .0034; R(2) = 0.2522) and paracentral (P = .0452; R(2) = 0.1271) zones of the 270° sector. The greatest average initial tangential curvature was in the 270° sector. CONCLUSIONS: The initial curvature gradient after surgery predicted change in tangential curvature over the subsequent 12 months in areas where initial tangential curvature was greatest. When the curvature gradient was high, the surface curvature modification remained in progress months after surgery.

Transepithelial iontophoresis corneal collagen cross-linking for progressive keratoconus: initial clinical outcomes.

PURPOSE: To report initial clinical results of transepithelial corneal collagen cross-linking with iontophoresis (I-CXL). METHODS: Twenty eyes of 20 patients diagnosed as having progressive keratoconus who underwent I-CXL were included in this prospective non-randomized clinical study. Corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), spherical equivalent and cylinder refraction, various corneal topography and Scheimpflug tomography parameters, aberrometry, anterior segment optical coherence tomography, and endothelial cell count were assessed at baseline and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: CDVA improved significantly at 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively (logMAR difference of -0.07 ± 0.01, -0.09 ± 0.03, and -0.12 ± 0.06, respectively; P < .05). Aberrometry remained stable during follow-up and a trend toward improvement was noted. All topographic parameters (including maximum keratometry) were stable during the follow-up, but exhibited a positive non-significant trend toward improvement. Minimum corneal thickness values were stable for up to 12 months postoperatively. None of the patients showed a progression of keratoconus. Endothelial cell counts did not change significantly (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary results up to 1 year postoperatively indicate the efficacy of I-CXL in stabilizing the progression of this degenerative disease combined with significant improvement of CDVA. I-CXL, which spares the corneal epithelium, has the potential to become a valid alternative for halting the progression of keratoconus while reducing postoperative patient pain, risk of infection, and treatment time in select patients; however, the relative efficacy of this technique compared to standard epithelium-off techniques remains to be determined.

Macular hypotrophy after internal limiting membrane removal for diabetic macular edema.

PURPOSE: To compare the anatomic and functional effects of three different approaches to nontractional diabetic macular edema. METHODS: Retrospective comparative study. Sixty eyes of 60 patients diagnosed with cystoid diabetic macular edema and treated with 1.25 mg/mL intravitreal bevacizumab (Group A), laser photocoagulation (Group B), or vitrectomy with inner limiting membrane peeling (Group C) were included in the study. Changes in number of Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters, central macular thickness, largest diameter of the intraretinal cysts (IC), and choroidal thickness were investigated. Analyses were performed during follow-up visits at Months 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12. RESULTS: Visual acuity only significantly improved in Group A at the last follow-up (P = 0.004). Central macular thickness significantly decreased in every group throughout the follow-up period. Differences in central macular thickness between Groups A and B (P < 0.01), A and C (P < 0.01), and B and C (P < 0.01) were significant. Intraretinal cysts also significantly decreased in each group throughout the follow-up period. Differences in IC size between Groups A and B (P = 0.8), A and C (P = 0.1), and B and C (P = 0.1) were not significant. Choroidal thickness did not undergo any significant change in any group throughout the follow-up period. A significant correlation was also found in Group A between best-corrected visual acuity at month 12 and baseline central macular thickness (R = 0.3; P = 0.006), and in Group B between postoperative best-corrected visual acuity at month 12 and baseline IC size (R = 0.8; P < 0.01, negatively correlated at 92.4%). CONCLUSION: According to our retrospective data, diabetic macular edema with intraretinal cysts larger than 390 µm should not be treated with vitrectomy with ILM peeling, because this may induce subfoveal atrophy, defined as the "Floor Effect," and subsequent visual deterioration.

Low Rate of Postoperative Pterygium Recurrence in Patients under Treatment with Low-Dose Oral Doxycycline for Chronic Blepharitis: A First Report.

PURPOSE: Low doses of systemic doxycycline (LD-SD) inhibit angiogenesis and the expression of matrix metalloproteases, which are determinants of pterygium progression. This study aimed to compare the recurrence rate and visual outcome of pterygium excision in patients undergoing chronic treatment with LD-SD for chronic refractory blepharitis and LD-SD-naive patients. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of patients that underwent surgical excision and conjunctival graft apposition was conducted. Patients were divided in a TETRA group (under LD-SD treatment at the moment of surgery) and a control group. The main outcome was the rate of recurrence at 1 year postoperatively. Secondary outcomes were the comparisons of surface regularity, visual quality, and dry-eye symptoms at 6-week, 6-month, and 1-year follow-up in the two groups. RESULTS: The TETRA group showed a significantly lower rate of 1-year recurrence both in primary (p = 0.034) and recurrent (p < 0.001) pterygia. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), astigmatic error, corneal total root mean square (RMS), and ocular surface disease index (OSDI) significantly reduced during the follow-up in both groups. The surface asymmetry index and high-order aberrations (HOAs) significantly reduced only in the TETRA group. The final BCVA was significantly higher, while the OSDI score and total RMS and HOAs were significantly lower in the TETRA group compared to the control. CONCLUSIONS: Patients under treatment with LD-SD showed a lower rate of recurrence at 1-year follow-up compared to controls. These patients also experienced higher BCVA and surface regularity and less dry-eye symptoms.

Camellin-Calossi Formula for Intraocular Lens Power Calculation in Patients With Previous Myopic Laser Vision Correction.

PURPOSE: To assess the performance of the Camellin-Calossi formula in eyes with prior myopic laser vision correction. METHODS: This was a retrospective case series. Patients included had a history of uncomplicated myopic laser vision correction and cataract surgery. The primary outcome measures were cumulative distribution of absolute refractive prediction error, absolute refractive prediction error, and refractive prediction error. These parameters were estimated post-hoc using the Camellin-Calossi, Shammas, Haigis-L, Barrett True-K with or without history, Masket, and Modified Masket formulas and their averages starting from biometric data, clinical records, postoperative refraction, and intraocular lens power implanted. RESULTS: Seventy-seven eyes from 77 patients were included. The Camellin-Calossi, Shammas, Haigis-L, Barrett True-K No History, Masket, Modified Masket, and Barrett True-K formulas showed a median absolute refractive error (interquartile range) of 0.25 (0.53), 0.51 (0.56), 0.44 (0.65), 0.45 (0.59), 0.40 (0.61), 0.60 (0.70), and 0.55 (0.76), respectively. The proportion of eyes with an absolute refractive error of ±0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, 1.50, and 2.00 diopters (D) for the Camellin-Calossi formula was 54.5%, 72.7%, 85.7%, 92.2%, 98.7%, and 100%, respectively. The cumulative distribution of the Camellin-Calossi formula showed the best qualitative performances when compared to the others. A statistically significant difference was identified with all of the others except the Haigis-L using a threshold of 0.25, with the Shammas, Modified Masket, and Barrett True-K at a threshold of 0.50 D and the Barrett True-K and Modified Masket at a threshold of 1.00 D. CONCLUSIONS: The Camellin-Calossi formula is a valid option for intraocular lens power calculation in eyes with prior myopic laser vision correction. [J Refract Surg. 2024;40(3):e156-e163.].

Persistent Conjunctival Chemosis after Lower Lid Blepharoplasty: A Comparison of Different Surgical Techniques.

Background: Conjunctival chemosis, a complication of lower blepharoplasty, can cause persistent discomfort and functional disturbances with worsening in the postoperative period following surgery. Methods: A review of the records of the lower blepharoplasty procedures carried out at the Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy was performed. Patients were categorized into two groups depending on the procedure performed: (1) transconjunctival blepharoplasty with the removal of the fatty lodges with canthopexy and (2) transcutaneous blepharoplasty with the removal of the fatty lodges with lateral canthoplasty. Each group was further divided into two more groups based on the surgical method used, that is either (a) cold blade and disposable cautery or (b) radiofrequency cut and coagulation and colorado tip (respectively 1a, 1b, 2a and 2b). All patients underwent a postoperative follow-up up to 24 months, which included an evaluation of cosmetic appearance, eyelid scarring and the severity of chemosis. The aim of the study was to investigate which of the surgical procedures causes a lower incidence of persistent type 3 conjunctival chemosis. Results: A total of 1047 patients who underwent lower lid blepharoplasty were included in the study. A total of 512 patients underwent transcutaneous blepharoplasty and 535 underwent the transconjunctival procedure. Among the first group of patients, 266 belong to group 1a and 246 to group 1b. In the second group, 264 were categorized as group 2a and 271 as group 2b. The incidence of type 3 chemosis in the transcutaneous blepharoplasty procedure with lateral canthoplasty was statistically significantly higher than in the transconjunctival approach, considering both the cold blade and the radiofrequency (p = 0.012, 0.010, 0.006, 0.004, respectively). Conclusions: A higher incidence of persistent type 3 conjunctival chemosis is associated with lateral canthus surgery and with the use of radiofrequency.

Implantable loop recorder in Brugada syndrome: Insights from a single-center experience.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the characteristics and outcomes of patients diagnosed with Brugada syndrome (BrS) who underwent implantable loop recorder (ILR) insertion during routine clinical activity. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive screening of all consecutive patients diagnosed with BrS at our institution. We analyzed baseline clinical characteristics, arrhythmic findings, and outcomes. Results: Out of 147 BrS patients, 42 (29 %) received an ILR, 13 (9 %) underwent implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) placement, and 92 patients (63 %) continued regular cardiological follow-up. Patients who received an ILR had a higher prevalence of suspected arrhythmic syncope (43 % vs. 22 %, p = 0.012) and tended to be younger (median age 38 years, interquartile range 30-52, vs. 43 years, 35-55, p = 0.044) with a higher presence of SCN5A gene mutations (17 % vs. 6 %, p = 0.066) compared to those who continued regular follow-up. Additionally, compared to patients with an ICD, those with an ILR had a significantly lower frequency of positive programmed ventricular stimulation (0 % vs. 91 %, p < 0.001). During a median follow-up period of 14.7 months (4.7-44.8), no deaths occurred among the patients with ILR. Eight individuals (19 %) were diagnosed with arrhythmic findings through continuous ILR monitoring, primarily atrial fibrillation, and asystolic pauses. The median time from insertion to the occurrence of these events was 8.7 months (3.6-46.4). No adverse events related to ILR were reported. Conclusion: Continuous monitoring with ILR may facilitate the timely detection of non-malignant rhythm disorders in BrS patients with risk factors but without an indication for primary prevention ICD implantation.

Outcomes in the Treatment of Subretinal Macular Hemorrhage Secondary to Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Systematic Review.

Background: Subretinal macular hemorrhage (SRMH) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a relatively rare condition in ophthalmology characterized by blood collection between the neurosensory retina and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Without prompt treatment, visual prognosis is poor. A plethora of treatment approaches have been tried over the past years ranging from intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) monotherapy to direct subretinal surgery, with no conclusive superiority of one over the other. Materials and Methods: We conducted a systematic review of the outcomes and treatment modalities of SRMH from inception to 14 June 2022, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (PRISMA). The level of evidence was assessed for all included articles according to the quality of evidence according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Results: A total of 2745 articles were initially extracted, out of which 1654 articles were obtained after duplicates were removed and their abstracts screened. A total of 155 articles were included for full-text review. Finally, 81 articles remained that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Conclusions: Even though there are solid results supporting a variety of treatments for SRMH, the best treatment modality has still not been conclusively demonstrated and further research is needed.

Ophthalmological Manifestations in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Keep an Eye on It.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are multifactorial chronic inflammatory disorders affecting the gastrointestinal tract. However, a broad spectrum of extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs) is associated with IBD, affecting several organs and systems, such as the skin, musculoskeletal and hepatobiliary systems, and, not least, the eye. Approximately 10% of IBD patients can develop ocular EIMs (O-EIMs) with a higher prevalence in Crohn's disease (CD). Eye-redness, photophobia, pain, and blurred vision are the common symptoms, with a wide rate of severity and clinical impact on the quality of life. This narrative review aims to summarize the prevalence, pathogenesis, and current evidence-based management of O-EIMs, underlying the importance of a holistic approach and specialties collaboration for a prompt diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: PubMed was searched up to December 2023 to identify relevant studies investigating the pathogenesis, epidemiology, and treatment of O-EIMs in IBD patients. RESULTS: The mechanisms underlying O-EIMs are partially unknown, encompassing immune dysregulation, shared antigens between the eye and the gut, genetic predisposition, and systemic inflammation driven by high levels of interleukins and cytokines in IBD patients. The complexity of O-EIMs' pathogenesis reflects in the management of these conditions, varying from topical and systemic steroids to immunomodulatory molecules and biologic therapy, such as anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. A multidisciplinary approach is the backbone of the management of O-EIMs.

Keratoconus and Corneal Ectasia with Relatively Low Keratometry.

INTRODUCTION: The study aims to demonstrate and estimate the prevalence of clinical corneal ectasia and keratoconus (KC) in patients with relatively low keratometry (low-K KC). METHODS: In a retrospective, analytical, and non-interventionist study, one eye was randomly selected from 1054 patients from the original Tomographic Biomechanical Index (TBIv1) study and the external validation (from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Milan, Italy clinics). Patients were stratified into three groups. Group 1 included 736 normal patients, and groups 2 and 3 included 318 patients with clinical KC in both eyes, divided into low-K KC (90 patients) and high-K KC (228 patients), respectively. All patients underwent a comprehensive ophthalmological evaluation along with Pentacam and Corvis ST (Oculus, Wetzlar, Germany) examinations. Cases with maximum mean zone 3 mm keratometry (Kmax zone mean 3 mm) lower than 47.6 diopters (D) were considered as low-keratometry keratoconus, and cases with Kmax zone mean 3 mm higher than 47.6 D were regarded as high-keratometry keratoconus. RESULTS: Ninety (28.30%) of the 318 KC group presented ectasia with low-keratometric values (low-Kmax). The average age in the normal group was 39.28 years (range 6.99-90.12), in the low-Kmax KC group it was 37.49 (range 13.35-78.45), and in the high-Kmax KC group it was 34.22 years (range 12.7-80.34). Mean and SD values and median (range), respectively, of some corneal tomographic and biomechanical parameters evaluated from the low-Kmax KC group were as follows: Belin-Ambrósio enhanced ectasia display (BAD-D) 3.79 ± 1.62 and 3.66 (0.83-9.73); Pentacam random forest index (PRFI) 0.78 ± 0.25 and 0.91 (0.05-1); corneal biomechanical index (CBI) 0.58 ± 0.43 and 0.75 (0-1); TBI 0.93 ± 0.17 and 1 (0.35-1); and stiffness parameter at A1 (SP-A1) 86.16 ± 19.62 and 86.05 (42.94-141.66). CONCLUSION: Relatively low keratometry, with a Kmax lower than 47.6 D, can occur in up to 28.30% of clinical keratoconus. These cases have a less severe presentation of the disease. Future studies involving larger populations and prospective designs are necessary to confirm the prevalence of keratoconus with low keratometry and define prognostic factors in such cases.

Suboptimal visual outcome after femto-LASIK ablation in a high myopic patient.

A 28-year-old nurse had an aberration-free femto-laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) performed for her myopia of -6.25 -0.50 × 096 and -6.75 -0.50 × 175 in the right and left eye, respectively. Corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) preoperatively was 20/16. Preoperatively, there were no abnormalities on Scheimpflug imaging, and a pachymetry of 585 µm was measured in both eyes. Flap thickness was 115 µm. The patient was quite nervous during the surgery. Since the surgery, her uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) and CDVA are suboptimal at 20/30 and 20/20 in the right eye, and 20/20 and 20/16 in the left eye. 3 months postoperatively, there is a stable manifest refraction of +0.25 -1.25 × 030 and +0.25 -0.00 × 0. The keratometric astigmatism in the Scheimpflug imaging is 1.2 diopter (D) × 114 and 0.4 D × 78 in the right and left eyes, respectively (FIgures 1 and 2). Thinnest pachymetry is 505 µm and 464 µm in the right and left eye, respectively. Her wavefront analysis shows refraction in a 6 mm zone of -0.99 -1.22 × 32 and -0.91 -0.36 × 136. The cycloplegic refraction is 1.25 -1.00 × 023 and +1.00 -0.25 × 006 (Figures 3 and 4). What is the cause of the suboptimal visual outcome in this case? What would be your treatment strategy to improve visual outcome?