Clinico-Radiological-Pathological Correlation of Visual Loss in COVID-Associated Rhino-Orbito-Cerebral Mucormycosis.

PURPOSE: To correlate the clinical, radiological, and histopathological features in Covid-associated Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis cases presenting with acute visual loss. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: Covid-associated Rhino-orbito-cerebral mucormycosis cases with unilateral visual loss, planned for exenteration, underwent orbital and ophthalmological ocular examination. The available radiological sequences, doppler ultrasonography and histopathology findings were correlated with clinical manifestations. RESULTS: The median age was 51 years and the male: female ratio was 3:1. All except one presented with unilateral ophthalmoplegia. The ocular media were hazy in 2 eyes. In 8 eyes, retinal changes were suggestive of occlusion of CRA (6), combined occlusion of CRA and central retinal vein (1), and myopic degeneration with hypertensive retinopathy (1). The contralateral eye showed retinal ischemic changes in one patient. Radiological imaging showed orbital apex involvement in the 10 affected eyes and one contralateral eye. Ipsilateral cavernous sinus thrombosis, diffusion restriction on MRI of optic nerve, internal carotid artery narrowing/thrombosis, and cortical watershed infarcts were seen in 8, 4, 4, and 2 cases, respectively. The blood flow in CRA and ophthalmic artery was absent or reduced in all the 10 affected eyes and in 1 contralateral eye. On histopathology, orbital fat necrosis, fungal hyphae, acute inflammation, granuloma formation, ischemic thrombosis of ophthalmic artery was observed in 10 specimens. CRA was patent in 9 and thrombosed in 1 eye. Optic nerve was ischemic in 8 and viable in 2 eyes. CONCLUSION: Acute visual loss in ROCM cases is associated with orbital apex involvement and thrombotic ischemia of ophthalmic artery. Cessation of flow in CRA possibly occurs secondary to ophthalmic artery thrombosis.

COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF SEQUENTIAL INTRAOPERATIVE USE OF WHOLE BLOOD FOLLOWED BY BRILLIANT BLUE VERSUS CONVENTIONAL BRILLIANT BLUE STAINING OF INTERNAL LIMITING MEMBRANE IN MACULAR HOLE SURGERY.

PURPOSE: To compare the structural and functional outcome of use of autologous heparinized whole blood before staining internal limiting membrane with brilliant blue (BB) versus conventional BB-assisted macular hole surgery. METHODS: Sixty eyes of 60 patients were randomly divided equally in Group A (BB staining using whole blood) and Group B (conventional BB staining). Clinical assessment and spectral domain optical coherence tomography was done at baseline and 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 16 weeks, and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Group A eyes had a significantly higher best-corrected visual acuity as compared with Group B postoperatively (P < 0.001, <0.001, 0.004, 0.04 at 3, 6, 16 weeks, and 6 months). Inner segment/outer segment junction continuity was noted in greater number of eyes in Group A compared with Group B (P = 0.02, 0.002, 0.003, and 0.03 at 3, 6, 16 weeks, and 6 months). Eyes in Group A had significantly higher outer foveal thickness at 3 weeks (P = 0.001) and 6 weeks (P < 0.001) compared with Group B. CONCLUSION: Use of whole blood before staining internal limiting membrane with BB causes earlier and better visual rehabilitation postoperatively, which could be attributed to earlier photoreceptor regeneration as evidenced by inner segment/outer segment junction continuity and increase in outer foveal thickness.

Analysis of foveal avascular zone by using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography angiography in healthy Indian eyes.

PURPOSE: To analyze FAZ superficial (s) and deep (d) area and dimensions by using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in healthy eyes and to assess effect of age, gender, axial length (AL), central foveal thickness (CFT), and central choroidal thickness (CCT) on FAZ. We aimed to study FAZ dimensions with OCTA in healthy Indian eyes with the purpose of creating a normative database. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Observational cross-sectional study. METHODS: In total, 200 healthy eyes in the age group of 20-60 years having best corrected visual acuity better than 6/12 (Snellen's) with no systemic illness/intraocular surgery were included. FAZ parameters were calculated using OCTA, and the same was evaluated for any correlation with different ocular parameters mentioned above. The data were reported as frequencies/percentages and mean ± SD. The association between quantitative variables was evaluated using Pearson's correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The dFAZ area (0.56 ± 0.12 mm 2 ) was larger than the sFAZ area (0.42 ± 0.13 mm 2 ). Females had larger FAZ than males. AL and CFT had a negative correlation, whereas CCT had a positive correlation with FAZ. Age did not influence FAZ. sFAZ and dFAZ varied significantly in healthy eyes. CONCLUSION: FAZ parameters calculated using OCTA in healthy Indian eyes suggested that the area and dimensions in both SCP and DCP are larger in individuals from the Indian subcontinent when compared to other parts of the world. FAZ area and dimensions, when compared to previous studies, were variable. Thus, there is a need to establish normative data for ethnicity for proper interpretation of FAZ using OCTA.

Comparison of topical steroids versus adjunctive intracameral triamcinolone versus posterior subtenon triamcinolone in pediatric cataract surgery.

Purpose: Prolonged postoperative topical corticosteroids are commonly given after pediatric cataract surgery to control inflammation. This study was undertaken to compare the efficacy, safety, and compliance of postoperative topical steroids and adjunctive intracameral (I/C) triamcinolone acetonide (tricort) and posterior subtenon (PST) triamcinolone in modulating postoperative inflammation after surgery. Methods: Forty-eight eyes of children with pediatric cataract between the ages of 5 and 10 years were randomized into three equal groups (T, I, S) before surgery. Group T received postoperative topical 1% prednisolone tapered over 4 weeks; Group I received adjunctive intraoperative I/C 1.2 mg/0.03 ml tricort and topical 1% prednisolone for 2 weeks postoperatively, and Group S received a single 0.5 ml (40 mg/ml) PST tricort without topical steroids. Signs of inflammation, intraocular pressure (IOP), and central corneal thickness were assessed at day 1, week 1, week 3, week 6, and week 12 postoperatively with optical coherence tomography (OCT) macula to rule out cystoid macular edema at the sixth and 12th weeks postoperatively. Results: Posterior synechiae were present in two eyes out of 16 in groups T and I, which resolved. Severe anterior chamber cells were present in four eyes out of 16 in group T, in two eyes in group I, and in one eye in group S, which resolved. All groups had comparable pre- and postoperative IOP. Conclusion: In pediatric cataracts, outcomes were better with PST tricort and the adjunctive I/C tricort compared to postoperative topical prednisolone, for modulating postoperative inflammation.

Predictive Accuracy of the Hill-RBF 2.0 Formula in Pediatric Eyes: Comparison of 5 Intraocular Lens Formulas.

PURPOSE: To compare the predictive accuracy of the Hill-Radial Basis Function (Hill-RBF) 2.0 formula with the Barrett Universal II, Hoffer Q, SRK/T, and Holladay 1 formulas in pediatric eyes. METHODS: In this observational study, 99 eyes of 70 children 4 to 18 years old with clinically significant congenital or developmental cataracts attending the pediatric ophthalmology clinic in Guru Nanak Eye Centre were included. Optical biometry was performed in all patients with the Lenstar LS-900 (Haag-Streit). Intraocular lens (IOL) power predicted by the Hill-RBF formula was selected. Mean absolute prediction error (MAE) at 8 weeks of follow-up was calculated for the Hill-RBF, Barrett Universal II, Hoffer Q, SRK/T, and Holladay 1 IOL power formulas. Percentages of eyes having residual refraction within ±0.50, ±0.50 to ±1.00, and greater than ±1.00 diopters (D) of target refraction were calculated. RESULTS: The MAEs were 1.08 ± 1.00 D for the Hill-RBF, 1.24 ± 1.20 D for the Barrett Universal II, 1.25 ± 1.06 D for the Hoffer Q, 1.25 ± 1.10 D for the SRK/T, and 1.28 ± 1.01 D for the Holladay 1 formulas. The Hill-RBF formula had the lowest MAE, which was significantly lower than the Holladay 1 and Hoffer Q formulas. However, the difference in MAE between the Hill-RBF and the SRK/T and Barrett Universal II formulas was not statistically significant (P > .05). The Hill-RBF group had the maximum percentage of eyes with residual error within ±0.50 D of the target refraction. CONCLUSIONS: The overall evidence from the studies indicates that the Hill-RBF method that uses artificial intelligence and works independent of specific anatomical features is non-inferior to the Barrett Universal II, Hoffer Q, SRK/T, and Holladay 1 formulas in pediatric eyes. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2023;60(4):282-287.].

An atypical presentation of sympathetic ophthalmia following chemical ocular burns.

BACKGROUND: Sympathetic ophthalmia is a rare disease that can present as bilateral granulomatous uveitis after a penetrating trauma or surgery in one eye. FINDINGS: We report a case of a 47-year-old male with history of decreased vision in the right eye, six months after sustaining severe chemical injury in the left eye. He was diagnosed with sympathetic ophthalmia and was treated with corticosteroids and long-term immunosuppressive therapy, leading to complete resolution of intraocular inflammation. Final visual acuity was 20/30 at one year of follow up. CONCLUSIONS: Sympathetic Ophthalmia following chemical ocular burns is extremely uncommon. It can present as a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. It warrants early diagnosis and management.

Central retinal artery occlusion after vaccination with whole virion inactivated SARSCoV- 2 vaccine Covaxin.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccinations have been associated with a higher risk of thromboembolic events. There have been no reports of central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) after vaccination with the indigenously developed Covaxin, and worldwide, there has been only one such isolated case after administration of the AstraZeneca vaccine. We report a case of a 44-year-old healthy man who presented with sudden painless vision loss in his left eye 10 days after receiving Covaxin. His best-corrected visual acuity was minimal perception of light, with a relative afferent pupillary defect. Fundus examination revealed arterial attenuation and macular cherry red spot, suggesting an acute CRAO. Optical coherence tomography showed macular swelling and disorganization of the inner layers due to ischemic sequelae. Blood work was normal and cardiovascular examination was unremarkable. The patient was kept on follow-up. To our knowledge, this is the first case of an isolated CRAO after Covaxin administration, but further studies are needed to evaluate this potential association.

Postpartum Endogenous Endophthalmitis in a Young Immunocompetent Female by a Rare Fungus Candida ciferrii.

BACKGROUND: Postpartum fungal endogenous endophthalmitis is an extremely rare condition, particularly in young healthy women. It can lead to permanent vision loss. FINDINGS: We report a case of a 26-year-old lactating mother with a history of decreased vision in her right eye after a normal vaginal delivery. She was diagnosed with endogenous endophthalmitis caused by a very rare fungus, Candida ciferrii, on vitreous biopsy, 2 months after the initial presentation. After vitrectomy, she was treated with oral antifungal therapy and, subsequently, her visual acuity improved to 20/30 with quiet eye after 6 months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Postpartum fungal endogenous endophthalmitis can present as a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. It warrants early diagnosis and management.

Comparison of optical biometry and conventional acoustic biometry in the axial length measurement in silicone oil-filled eyes.

Purpose: To compare the axial length (AL) obtained by A-scan biometry (PAC SCAN 300AP; Sonomed Escalon, USA) and LENSTAR-LS 900 (Haag-Streit, Koeniz, Switzerland) in silicone oil (SiO)-filled eyes. Methods: AL measurements were taken in 50 SiO-filled eyes using A-scan and LENSTAR-LS 900 before SiO removal and 1 month following SiO removal. In the subset of patients requiring intraocular lens (IOL) insertion, the predicted refraction and the refraction obtained were compared. IOL power in these patients was calculated using SRK-T formula and the AL obtained by LENSTAR. Results: In SiO-filled eyes, a significant difference was noted between the AL values obtained using the two methods (P = 0.0002). No significant difference was noted after SiO removal (P = 0.634). In the subset of patients needing IOL insertion, no significant difference (P = 0.07) was seen between target refractive error and postoperative refractive error (mean deviation from the target being 0.176 diopter). AL of an SiO-filled eye is more accurately measured using optical low coherence reflectometry (OLCR)-based biometry (LENSTAR) than with conventional acoustic biometry (A-scan). Conclusion: We conclude that LENSTAR gives more accurate biometry in an SiO-filled eye. The AL obtained after SiO removal was comparable and showed no significant difference.

Ocular sequelae in severe COVID-19 recovered patients of second wave.

Purpose: To evaluate the retinal microvascular changes in patients, recovered from severe COVID-19 during the second wave of the pandemic in North India. Methods: In this observational cross-sectional study, 70 eyes of 35 patients who recovered from severe COVID-19 during the second wave underwent detailed ophthalmic evaluation 4-6 weeks after discharge. Twelve controls were also enrolled, and the difference in the findings between the case and control groups on optical coherence tomography (OCTA) were studied. Result: The ages of study participants ranged from 27 to 60 years with the male:female ratio being 1.05:1. The fundus changes suggestive of ischemia in the form of cotton wool spots and vascular tortuosity were seen in 25 eyes (35.71%). Increased venous tortuosity was the most common finding seen in 23 eyes (32.85%), of which 10 eyes (28.57%) had concurrent hypertensive retinopathy (HTR) changes. There was a significant reduction in the mean vascular density (VD) and perfusion density (PD) for both the superficial capillary plexus (SCP) and deep capillary plexus (DCP) at inner, outer ring, and whole (P < 0.05). Foveal avascular zone was significantly enlarged in both the SCP (P = 0.01) and the DCP (P = 0.03). The mean ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) was significantly reduced in comparison to controls (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Severe COVID-19 can result in microvascular changes at the macula in the form of reduction in vascular and perfusion density, which can be evaluated using OCTA. As structural changes precede functional changes, a close watch is recommended in patients showing compromise in retinal microvasculature.

Bilateral total cataract as the presenting feature of celiac disease.

An 18-year-old male presented to the ophthalmology department with bilateral total subluxated cataract. On systemic examination, he was found to have grossly short stature, multiple severe bony deformities, hypogonadism and partial adontia. Detailed work-up revealed a biochemical and radiologic picture consistent with osteomalacia, which had resulted from malabsorption secondary to celiac disease, confirmed histopathologically. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of bilateral cataract as the presenting feature of celiac disease. Malabsorption leading to hypocalcemia along with chronic diarrhea itself may have contributed to the development of bilateral cataract.

Comparison of fundus fluorescein angiography, optical coherence tomography and optical coherence tomography angiography features of macular changes in Eales disease: a case series.

PURPOSE: To study the macular features in Eales disease patients observed with fundus fluorescein angiography (FA), optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was done on treatment naïve 31 eyes (23 patients) with Eales disease. Baseline parameters such as Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), slit-lamp bio microscopy (SLB), indirect ophthalmoscopy, FA, spectral-domain OCT {quantitative (central macular thickness [CMT]) and qualitative analysis on SD-OCT} and OCTA were performed. Any media opacity precluding the above investigations was excluded. RESULTS: Macular findings comprised of- epiretinal membrane, macular exudation, full thickness macular hole, sub internal limiting membrane bleed, cystoid macular oedema, neurosensory detachment and retinal thickening. Sixteen (51.6%) of our patients had macular changes as seen on all modalities together. SLB and indirect ophthalmoscopy missed macular findings in 50% patients and FA in 18.8% patients. OCT and OCTA diagnosed all macular findings. On comparison of mean BCVA in patients with macular involvement on FA, OCT and OCTA, compared to those without macular involvement, patients with macular involvement had lower BCVA (p 0.000, 0.01 and 0.001 respectively). Thus, FA missed many patients who had significant macular involvement and hence less vision. CONCLUSION: Eales disease though described in literature as classically being peripheral retina disease process, also has macular involvement. OCT and OCTA are useful guides to evaluation of macular involvement in these patients. The latter seems to be superior to FA in detecting macular abnormalities in this ailment. OCTA is non-invasive and shows deep capillary plexus changes which are not shown by any other modality.

Comparison of Goldmann applanation tonometer, Tono-Pen and noncontact tonometer in children.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the agreement of Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT) with Tono-Pen and noncontact tonometer (NCT) for measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP) in pediatric age group and to evaluate the correlation between central corneal thickness (CCT) and IOP measured with the tonometers used. MATERIALS AND METHODS: IOP was measured in 200 eyes in a group of Indian children, aged between 8 and 18 years using three different tonometers: NCT, the Tono-Pen and GAT. All IOP readings were made in the office settings by the same examiner. Readings obtained were compared between the instruments and with the CCT for each tonometer. Tonometer inter-method agreement was assessed by the Bland-Altmann method. The relations of CCT with absolute IOP values and inter-tonometer differences were analyzed by linear regression. RESULTS: The mean age was 13.37 ΁ 3.51 years. The mean IOP values recorded with NCT; Tono-Pen and GAT were 14.38, 15.63, and 12.44 mmHg, respectively. Both Tono-Pen and NCT recorded statistically higher IOP values than the GAT (P = 0.00) regardless of the CCT. The percentage increase of IOP measured over GAT was 15.66% for NCT and 25.70% for Tono-Pen which was also statistically significant. A correlation was found between CCT and IOP values obtained with all the three tonometers. CONCLUSION: IOP measurements on children vary significantly between instruments and correlations are affected by the corneal thickness. Further studies on children are needed to determine which instrument is most appropriate and to derive a normative IOP scale for the growing eye.

Choroidal thickness evaluation of healthy eyes, central serous chorioretinopathy, and fellow eyes using spectral domain optical coherence tomography in Indian population.

AIM: The purpose of this study is to establish a normative database of subfoveal choroidal thickness (CT) in healthy young Indians using spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD OCT). Evaluation and comparison of CT of central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC) and fellow eyes were also performed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a prospective, cross-sectional, and observational study. It included 112 normal eyes of 112 healthy volunteers who had no evidence of ocular or systemic disease, 84 CSC eyes with acute, treatment-naïve CSC, and 69 fellow eyes with no evidence of neurosensory detachment or pigment epithelium detachment on SD OCT. Complete history, examination, and SD OCT were performed in all eyes. RESULTS: The mean age of 81 patients (84 eyes) with CSC was 35.04 ± 8.86 years, 69 fellow eyes was 34.61 ± 8.71 years, and 112 healthy volunteers (112 eyes) was 33.16 ± 9.4 years (P < 0.05). The mean subfoveal CT of CSC eyes was 429 ± 74.18 µ, fellow eyes was 360 ± 57.99 µ, and normal eyes was 301.80 ± 46.59 µ (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: CT varies not only with age, axial length, and refractive error but also with races. Therefore, it is important to establish a normative database in a particular population before carrying out further research in diseased states. CT in CSC eyes is significantly thicker than fellow eyes, and CT of fellow eyes is significantly thicker than normal eyes. This reinforces the fact that choroidal permeability is increased in both eyes of patients with CSC.

Comparative Evaluation of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness After Conventional Brilliant Blue Assisted Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling Versus Brilliant Blue Selective Staining Using Whole Blood in Macular Hole Surgery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness after conventional brilliant blue (BB) assisted macular hole (MH) surgery versus BB selective staining using whole blood (WB) in MH surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty eyes with stage 4 idiopathic MH with a clear media were randomly divided into two equal groups. Group A eyes underwent sequential intraoperative use of autologous heparinized WB followed by BB dye for staining internal limiting membrane, whereas eyes in group B were subjected to conventional BB staining. Clinical examination and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography was done preoperatively and postoperatively up to 6 months. RESULTS: Mean global RNFL thickness and mean temporal RNFL thickness decreased in both groups postoperatively, but the reduction in RNFL thickness in group B was greater than group A at all postoperative visits (P < .05). CONCLUSION: BB toxicity may be responsible for reduction of RNFL thickness and WB appears to protect RNFL against dye toxicity. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina. 2016;47:436-442.].

Intravitreal bevacizumab as an adjunct to vitrectomy in advanced Eales' disease.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to report the use of intravitreal bevacizumab as an adjunctive treatment in two cases of advanced Eales' disease with vitreous haemorrhage and tractional retinal detachment, prior to vitreoretinal surgery. METHOD: In two patients presenting with vitreous haemorrhage, retinal neovascularisation and localised tractional retinal detachment, 1.25 mg of intravitreal bevacizumab was injected prior to vitrectomy, membrane peeling and endolaser photocoagulation of retina. RESULT: Regression of the retinal neovascularisation with resolution of dye leakage on fluoroscein angiography was observed in both cases. Membrane peeling could be performed with minimal bleeding during vitreoretinal surgery in both cases. CONCLUSION: Bevacizumab may be a possible adjunctive treatment to vitreoretinal surgery for the management of Eales' disease with tractional retinal detachment.

Chronic myeloid leukemia presenting with bilateral central retinal vein occlusion and massive retinal infiltrates.

Visual impairment as the initial symptom of leukemia, especially chronic myeloid leukemia, is rare, occurring in approximately 3% of all leukemias in children. We describe the case of a 14-year-old boy with vision loss attributable to bilateral central retinal vein occlusion and massive retinal infiltrates. Bone marrow biopsy demonstrated the BCR-ABL translocation, and the patient was diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia. A major cytogenetic remission was achieved 6 months after initiation of therapy.

Inflammatory glaucoma.

Glaucoma is seen in about 20% of the patients with uveitis. Anterior uveitis may be acute, subacute, or chronic. The mechanisms by which iridocyclitis leads to obstruction of aqueous outflow include acute, usually reversible forms (e.g., accumulation of inflammatory elements in the intertrabecular spaces, edema of the trabecular lamellae, or angle closure due to ciliary body swelling) and chronic forms (e.g., scar formation or membrane overgrowth in the anterior chamber angle). Careful history and follow-up helps distinguish steroid-induced glaucoma from uveitic glaucoma. Treatment of combined iridocyclitis and glaucoma involves steroidal and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents and antiglaucoma drugs. However, glaucoma drugs can often have an unpredictable effect on intraocular pressure (IOP) in the setting of uveitis. Surgical intervention is required in case of medical failure. METHOD OF LITERATURE SEARCH: Literature on the Medline database was searched using the PubMed interface.