Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drugs for treatment of retinopathy of prematurity.

BACKGROUND: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a key role in angiogenesis in fetal life. Recently, researchers have attempted to use anti-VEGF agents for the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a vasoproliferative disorder. There is currently uncertainty regarding the safety and efficacy of these agents in preterm infants with ROP. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of anti-VEGF drugs when used either as monotherapy, i.e. without concomitant cryotherapy or laser therapy or in combination with planned cryo/laser therapy in preterm infants with type 1 ROP (defined as zone I any stage with plus disease, zone I stage 3 with or without plus disease or zone II stage 2 or 3 with plus disease). SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2016, Issue 1), MEDLINE (1966 to January 1, 2016), EMBASE (1980 to January 1, 2016), CINAHL (1982 to January 1, 2016), conference proceedings, and previous reviews. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials that evaluated the efficacy and safety of administration, or both, of anti-VEGF agents compared with conventional therapy in premature infants with ROP. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard Cochrane and Cochrane Neonatal methods for data collection and analysis. MAIN RESULTS: Three trials, in which 239 infants participated, fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Two trials compared intravitreal bevacizumab with conventional laser therapy (monotherapy) while the third compared intravitreal pegaptanib plus laser treatment with laser and cryotherapy (combination therapy) in infants with type 1 ROP.Of the two studies that evaluated intravitreal bevacizumab, one randomized infants while the other randomized eyes of the infants to the intervention and control groups. The former did not report any difference in the incidence of complete or partial retinal detachment between the groups (143 infants; RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.21 to 5.13; RD 0.00, 95% CI -0.06 to 0.07; very low quality evidence) but reported a significant reduction in the risk of refractive errors - very high myopia - at 30 months of age (211 eyes; RR 0.06, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.20; RD -0.40, 95% CI -0.50 to -0.30; low quality evidence) and recurrence of ROP by 54 weeks' postmenstrual age (143 infants; RR 0.22, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.62; RD -0.20, 95% CI -0.31 to -0.09; moderate quality evidence) in the bevacizumab group. The study found no difference in the risk of mortality before discharge from the hospital (150 infants; RR 1.50; 95% CI 0.26 to 8.75; RD 0.01; 95% CI -0.04 to 0.07; low quality evidence), mortality at 30 months of age (150 infants; RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.30 to 2.45; RD -0.01; 95% CI -0.10 to 0.08; low quality evidence), corneal opacity requiring corneal transplant (286 eyes; RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.01 to 8.26; RD -0.01; 95% CI -0.03 to 0.02; very low quality evidence), or lens opacity requiring cataract removal (286 eyes; RR 0.15, 95% CI 0.01 to 2.79; RD -0.02; 95% CI -0.05 to 0.01; very low quality evidence). The second trial that randomized eyes of the infants did not find any difference in the risk of complete retinal detachment between the eyes randomized to bevacizumab and those that were randomized to laser therapy (13 eyes; RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.01 to 7.50; RD -0.08, 95% CI -0.27 to 0.11).When used in combination with laser therapy, intravitreal pegaptanib was found to reduce the risk of retinal detachment when compared to laser/cryotherapy alone (152 eyes; RR 0.26, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.55; RD -0.29, 95% CI -0.42 to -0.16; low quality evidence). The incidence of recurrence of ROP by 55 weeks' postmenstrual age was also lower in the pegaptanib + laser therapy group (76 infants; RR 0.29, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.7; RD -0.35, 95% CI -0.55 to -0.16; low quality evidence). There was no difference in the risk of perioperative retinal haemorrhages between the two groups (152 eyes; RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.24 to 1.56; RD -0.05, 95% CI -0.16 to 0.05; very low quality evidence). The risk of delayed systemic adverse effects with either of the drugs is, however, not known. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Intravitreal bevacizumab reduces the risk of refractive errors during childhood when used as monotherapy while intravitreal pegaptanib reduces the risk of retinal detachment when used in conjunction with laser therapy in infants with type 1 ROP. Quality of evidence was, however, low for both the outcomes because of the risk of detection and other biases. Effect on other critical outcomes and, more importantly, the long-term systemic adverse effects of the drugs are not known. The insufficient data precludes strong conclusions favouring routine use of intravitreal anti-VEGF agents in preterm infants with type 1 ROP. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: Further studies are needed to evaluate the effect of anti-VEGF agents on structural and functional outcomes in childhood and delayed systemic adverse effects such as myocardial dysfunction and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Toxic anterior segment syndrome and Urrets-Zavalia syndrome: Spectrum of the same entity?

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to analyze the outcomes of patients with toxic anterior segment syndrome (TASS) and Urrets-Zavalia (UZ) syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of all patients with TASS and UZ syndrome were studied. Corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), and the details of surgeries performed were recorded at 1 and 3 months. We studied the changes in CDVA and IOP using repeated-measure ANOVA and paired t -test, respectively. RESULTS: Four patients (44.4%) developed refractory UZ syndrome, and five (55.6%) patients had TASS. At the end of 3 months of follow-up, all nine patients had concentric rings of iris atrophy and corneal edema. None of the cases had hypopyon or vitritis. Peripheral anterior synechiae (PAS) with secondary glaucoma was present only in cases of UZ syndrome. Among the four cases of UZ syndrome, goniosynechialysis was performed for 2 cases and trabeculectomy for one case. Despite these interventions, IOP could not be controlled. Patients in the TASS group did not exhibit PAS formation, and IOP was normal, but corneal edema and concentric rings of iris atrophy persisted. Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty was performed for all the TASS cases. There was a statistically significant drop in CDVA (P = 0.028) and an increase in IOP (P = 0.029) at 3-month postcataract surgery. CONCLUSION: TASS and UZ syndrome could result in sight-threatening complications. They may be considered diseases of the same entity as both the conditions were found in the same cluster. TASS could be considered as an abortive attack of UZ syndrome.

Comparison of the clinical presentation and visual outcome in open globe injuries in adults and children over 30 months.

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical presentation and final visual outcome of open globe injuries in children and adults in a referral hospital over a 30-month period. METHODS: This is an institutional-based prospective study of open globe injuries cases presenting in the emergency department between July 2003 and December 2005. Patients were divided in 2 groups: group 1, children (2-15 years), and group 2, adults (>15 years). All the patients were admitted and emergency surgical interventions were undertaken. The clinical features at presentation and the final visual acuity are compared. Chi-square and Fisher exact tests were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Ninety and 84 patients were included in group 1 and group 2, respectively. The most common places of injuries were home or while playing outdoor games in group 1 (67%) and workplace in group 2 (53.5%). The presenting features were significantly more grave in group 2. These included poor presenting visual acuity (p=0.012), vitreous prolapse (p=0.002), presence of relative afferent pupillary defect (p=0.001), and incidence of endophthalmitis (p=0.004). Time interval between injury and surgical intervention (p=0.018) was better in group 2. Other features, such as presence of hyphema, uveal tissue prolapse, cataract, intraocular foreign body, and length or location of laceration were similar in both groups. The final visual outcome was similar in the groups (p = 0.21), with approximately half of the patients achieving vision of 20/60 or better in each group. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of injuries in children and adults occurred in their homes or workplaces, respectively. Although the clinical presentations of open globe injuries were significantly more grave in adults than in children, the final visual outcomes were similar.

Varied Presentations of Posterior Keratoconus: A Clinical Case Series.

PURPOSE: To describe the varied presentations of posterior keratoconus. METHODS: This is a 3-year institute-based retrospective study report from June 2015 to June 2018 that describes 13 eyes of 12 patients with varied presentations of posterior keratoconus, evaluating tomographic changes using Scheimpflug corneal tomography and anterior segment optical coherence tomography. Slit-lamp examination revealed circumscribed nebular corneal opacity with posterior corneal depression. RESULTS: Eleven patients had unilateral and one had a bilateral presentation. Five patients presented in the first and second decade with a nebular opacity and circumscribed excavation of the posterior cornea. One patient was a 12-year-old girl who presented with systemic manifestations. Seven others were middle-aged adults with superior, central, or peripheral excavation. Two patients had microcornea. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest case series on posterior keratoconus, depicting its varied features. Diagnosis of this uncommon condition requires a high index of suspicion, meticulous slit-lamp examination, and systemic evaluation to rule out other associated anomalies. We report a patient of unilateral posterior keratoconus with systemic associations, second such case in the literature.

Use of fine needle cytology in the diagnosis of orbital and eyelid mass lesions.

OBJECTIVE: To study the use offine needle cytology (FNC) in the diagnosis of orbital and eyelid lesions. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 34 orbital and eyelid lesions were subjected to fine needle aspiration (FNA) and nonaspiration techniques, and the cytologic findings and diagnoses of 28 lesions were correlated histpathologically. Data were statistically analyzed, and the specificity, sensitivity, predictive values and rate of nondiagnostic aspirates were calculated. RESULTS: Of 28 cases, 9 were orbital and 19 were eyelid lesions. There was 100% concordance in differentiating benign vs. malignant orbital and eyelid lesions; the concordance with respect to the precise histologic diagnosis was 100% for orbital and 77.7% for eyelid lesions. The overall percentage of malignant lesions was 53.1%; the rest were benign neoplastic, cystic or inflammatory lesions. The overall concordance rate in differentiating benign vs. malignant lesions and for precise histologic diagnosis was 100% and 80.8%, respectively. The rate of nondiagnostic aspirates was 5.9%. Sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values of FNA in detecting malignant lesions were 100%. CONCLUSION: If done with adequate safety precautions to protect the eye, FNC is a simple, safe, reliable, minimally invasive and rapid test for diagnosis of orbital and eyelid lesions.

Risk factors for endothelial cell damage in diabetics after phacoemulsification.

BACKGROUND: To assess the corneal endothelium, central corneal thickness and the factors associated with endothelial cell damage after phacoemulsification in diabetics in comparison with non-diabetics. METHODS: It was a case control study with 80 eyes each in the diabetic group and the control group. Intraoperative mydriasis, effective phaco time (EPT) and postoperative inflammation were measured. Preoperative, 1st week, 6th week and 3rd month postoperative endothelial cell density (ECD), coefficient of variation (CV), hexagonality and central corneal thickness (CCT) were also measured using Konan noncon robo specular microscope (Model - NSP 9900). RESULTS: In the control group, patients in the age group of 60-69 years were 3.8 times more at risk of ECL compared to patients in the age group of 50-59 years. Patients in whom EPT was ≥0.50 min, were 8.8 times more at risk of ECL when compared to patients in whom EPT <0.25 min. In the diabetic group, patients who had an inflammatory score of 1+ in the first postoperative week; also had 5.7 times more risk of ECL when compared to patients in whom the inflammatory score was 0.5+ in the first postoperative week. There was a significant increase in CV (p-0.03) and CCT (p-0.03), significant decrease in the hexagonality (p-0.01) and no statistically significant difference in the endothelial cell loss (ECL) (p-0.34) in diabetics after phacoemulsification when compared to controls. CONCLUSION: The present study reveals postoperative inflammation as a risk factor for ECL in diabetics and not intraoperative mydriasis and EPT.

Efficacy of intraoperative vancomycin in irrigating solutions on aqueous contamination during phacoemulsification.

PURPOSE: To study the efficacy of adding vancomycin in irrigating solutions, in comparison to topical antibiotic given preoperatively for a day, during phacoemulsification, in reducing the anterior chamber (AC) contamination. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was a prospective, interventional, hospital-based study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a study involving 400 eyes of 400 paitens, undergoing routine phacoemulsification between January 2004 and June 2006. The patients were non-randomly assigned to two groups: Group 1 included 180 patients, who received topical ciprofloxacin eye-drops (four-hourly) for a day preoperatively and Group 2 included 220 patients, who underwent phacoemulsification with vancomycin (20 microg/ml) in the irrigating solution. Anterior chamber aspirate obtained at the end of the surgery was sent for microbial workup. The number of positive cultures in both the groups was determined. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: This was performed using Chi-square test. RESULTS: Aqueous samples showed microbial growth in 38 (21.1%) out of 180 eyes in Group 1 and in 17 (7.7%) out of 220 eyes in Group 2 ( P = 0.001). Coagulase-negative staphylococcus was the most common organism in both the groups. Aqueous samples from four eyes in group 1 showed multiple organisms, while none of the sample from group 2 showed more than one organism. None of the eyes in either group showed fungal contamination. One patient in Group 1 developed endophthalmitis, and the causative organism was Alcaligenes faecalis. All patients were followed up for a minimum of six months (range: 6 to 14 months and mean: 9.3 months). CONCLUSION: Addition of vancomycin in irrigating solutions is more efficacious in reducing AC contamination in comparison to topical antibiotic administered a day preoperatively.

Role of radiotherapy in hemophilic pseudotumor of the orbit.

Hemophilic pseudotumor is an encapsulated, chronic, slowly expanding hematoma usually seen in 1-2% patients with severe coagulative disorder (James et al., 2003). It usually occurs in soft tissues, muscles, tendons, and subperiosteal part of the bones. It slowly enlarges, develops a fibrous capsule, and destroys underlying tissues by progressive necrosis (James et al., 2003). Hemophilia is an X chromosome-linked hereditary disorder caused by defective synthesis or synthesis of dysfunctional factor VIII molecules (Harold et al., 2006).

Ocular Manifestations in Leukemias and Their Correlation with Hematologic Parameters at a Tertiary Care Setting in South India.

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of ocular manifestations and the association of these manifestations with hematologic parameters among patients with leukemia attending a hemato-oncology unit at a tertiary care government hospital in South India. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional observational study. PARTICIPANTS: All patients attending a hemato-oncology unit at a tertiary care government hospital in South India who were diagnosed with acute or chronic leukemia that was confirmed by a bone marrow biopsy. METHODS: Consecutive patients with leukemia presenting at the hematology clinic underwent standardized leukemia blood workup and comprehensive ophthalmic evaluation. Patient demographics, the type of leukemia, ophthalmic features, and hematological parameters such as hemoglobin level, white blood cell count, and platelet counts were recorded. The association between ophthalmic manifestations and blood counts was analyzed using multivariable regression analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The study measured the prevalence of various ocular manifestations in different types of leukemias and their association with hematologic parameters. RESULTS: In total, 133 eyes of 133 patients were examined during the study period. The prevalence of leukemic ophthalmopathy was found to be 68% in cases of acute myeloid leukemia, 42% in cases of acute lymphoid leukemia, 33% in cases of chronic lymphoid leukemia, and 13% in cases of chronic myeloid leukemia. Vision-threatening complications such as subhyaloid hemorrhage involving the posterior pole (20%) and vitreous hemorrhage (10%) were seen exclusively in patients with acute leukemias. Multivariable logistic regression after adjusting for the type of leukemia, patient age, and white blood cell and platelet counts showed that the hemoglobin level was the only factor predictive of developing subhyaloid hemorrhage (every 1-g/L increment increase in hemoglobin level led to a 30% reduction in the likelihood of developing subhyaloid hemorrhage; 95% confidence interval 0.5-0.9; P = 0.02). The probability of developing subhyaloid hemorrhage was reduced by >50% when hemoglobin level improved from 5 to 7 g/L and when platelet count improved from 10 000 to 50 000 cells/mm3 for both types of acute leukemia. There was no association between white blood cell counts and ophthalmic manifestations. CONCLUSION: Leukemic ophthalmopathy is more common in acute and myeloid cases and less common in chronic and lymphoid subtypes. It is predominantly due to secondary rheological changes. Blood transfusion should be considered when hemoglobin level and platelet count decrease below 7 g/L and 50 000 cells/mm3, respectively, to prevent vision-threatening complications. Patients with acute leukemias should undergo ophthalmic screening at baseline and then periodically to prevent visual morbidity.

Hypopyon iritis after primary fresh amniotic membrane transplantation.

PURPOSE: To report the occurrence of hypopyon iritis after primary, fresh amniotic membrane transplant (AMT). METHODS: A case report of a 65-year-old man who underwent AMT along with placement of hydrophilic contact lens for symptomatic relief of pseudophakic bullous keratopathy for the first time. The amniotic membrane (AM) transplanted was obtained freshly after an elective cesarean section. RESULTS: The patient developed hypopyon on the second postoperative day. Culture of remnants of AM and contact lens were negative. Hypopyon did not respond to periocular antibiotics but disappeared with periocular steroids. Hypopyon was noticed again at 1-week follow-up because of poor compliance of the patient. It again responded to periocular steroids. At 1-year follow-up, the patient is asymptomatic with 20/600 vision. CONCLUSIONS: Sterile hypopyon iritis appeared after primary AMT with fresh AM, and it disappeared with periocular steroids.

Fine needle aspiration cytology of primary lymphoid lesions of the orbit: report of four cases.

BACKGROUND: The role offine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in diagnosis and differentiation of primary orbital lymphoid lesions is debatable, and little literature exists on cytodiagnosis of orbital lymphoid lesions. CASES: Four patients with orbital lesions underwent routine FNAC. In 3 cases, histopathologic examination was performed with immunohistochemistry (IHC). Cytologic features and diag- noses were correlated with histopathologic diagnoses. Two were cytologically diagnosed with low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and 2 with pseudolymphoma and inflammatory pseudotumor, respectively. Of the 2 cases of histologically diagnosed NHL, 1 had concordant diagnosis and the other had a jalse negative diagnosis of pseudolymphoma; both showed significant increase in mast cells, with neoplastie lymphoid cells exhibiting a higher N:C ratio and coarser chromatin texture. The case cytologically interpreted as suspicious for NHL was identified as a psetedolymphoma on histology (false positive). The case of inflammatory pseudotumor, in which hiopiy was not peiformned, responded well to corticosteroids, strengthening the cytologic diagnosis. CONCLUSION: FNAC diagnosis and differentiation of benign vs. malignant primacy orbital lymphoid lesions is often difficult. Careful cytologic interpretation with respect to certain subtle cytologic details is needed in minimizing false positive or false negative diagnoses. In difficult situations, IHC using suitable immunomarkers proves highly useful.

Lenz microphthalmic syndrome in an Indian patient.

A case of Lenz microphthalmia syndrome in a seven-month-old male child having features of unilateral anophthalmia, microcephaly, external ear and finger abnormalities, hydrocele and hypospadias is being reported. The unilateral involvement and anophthalmia is rare in Lenz syndrome. The manifestation of hydrocele in association with this syndrome has not been seen in earlier cases. This is the first documented case from India.

Isolated Superior Divisional Oculomotor Nerve Palsy and Nystagmus Following Mild Trauma.

Traumatic isolated divisional oculomotor nerve palsy has not been reported following mild head injury. We present an interesting case of a 10-year-old male boy who presented with right-sided ptosis, upgaze palsy, and horizontal nystagmus following a mild head trauma. Magnetic resonance imaging showed right superior rectus muscle atrophy. After observing for 6 months, right inferior rectus recession was done. The abnormal head posture and diplopia got corrected, but nystagmus persisted, although with appreciably decreased amplitude. We here report a rare case of an isolated superior divisional oculomotor nerve palsy following mild head trauma. Nystagmus accompanying a divisional oculomotor nerve palsy has never been reported before, making this case more unique. A critical step-wise approach to the case with possible mechanisms are discussed.

Sequential development of non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy in a patient on hemodialysis.

Purpose: Non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NA-AION) is typically a disorder of patients 50 years and older predisposed to the vascular and structural optic disc risk factors. We present an interesting case of sequential development of NA-AION in a 45-year-old patient with end-stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: Observational case report. Results: A 45-year-old female on hemodialysis for chronic renal failure complained of sequential acute onset sudden painless gross diminution of vision in right eye followed by the left eye. At presentation, fundus examination revealed secondary optic atrophy and a pallid disc edema with few hemorrhage in the right and left eye, respectively. Ambulatory blood pressure recorded nocturnal dips of diastolic blood pressure. Fundus fluorescein angiography showed hypoperfusion of the left optic disc, confirming the diagnosis of NA-AION. She was treated with oral steroids, but with no improvement. Conclusion: Both treating nephrologist and ophthalmologist should be aware of this uncommon but potentially blinding complication, to permit its early recognition and prevent the occurrence in the fellow eye. Also, care should be taken to prevent and treat any hypotensive episodes during and following dialysis therapy in such high-risk patients.

Tuberculous scleral abscess with choroidal detachment.

We present a case of ocular tuberculosis (TB) presenting as scleral abscess with choroidal detachment. A 60-year-old woman presented with intense pain, redness, watering and decreased vision in the right eye (RE) for 1 week duration. Slit lamp examination of RE revealed diffuse scleritis with two pus-pointing areas in the supero-temporal quadrant suggesting scleral abscess. Fundus examination of the RE showed choroidal detachment in the temporal and inferior quadrant. Left eye examination was unremarkable. Ziehl-Neelsen staining of scleral biopsy showed acid-fast bacilli. PCR of the scleral tissue was also positive for Mycobacterium tuberculosis genome. The final diagnosis of tuberculous scleral abscess with choroidal detachment was made and patient showed good response to antitubercular treatment. In countries endemic for TB, it should be considered as a differential diagnosis for scleral abscess, since prompt diagnosis and treatment will ensure good visual outcome as depicted in our case.

Clofazimine-induced premaculopathy in a vitiliginous patient.

A 26-year-old male vitiliginous patient presented with decreased visual acuity because of a central scotoma in the left eye with no significant retinal changes on fundus examination. In this case report, a diagnosis of possible drug-induced premaculopathy was made, and the drugs were withdrawn. On the follow-up, after 3 months, the visual acuity in the left eye gradually improved. Early suspicion of drug-induced maculopathy and withdrawal of the drug may prevent the progression of maculopathy.

Concurrent Acute Retinal Necrosis in a Patient With Iridocorneal Endothelial Syndrome.

PURPOSE: To report a rare case of concurrent acute retinal necrosis in a patient with iridocorneal endothelial syndrome (ICE). METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 42-year-old woman showed acute diminution of vision in the right eye. Her fundus examination revealed features of acute retinal necrosis. She had also experienced gradual diminution of vision in her left eye for 5 years. The examination of her left eye revealed corneal edema with mild corectopia and increased intraocular pressure with abnormal endothelium on specular microscopy pointing to a diagnosis of ICE. CONCLUSIONS: This is a rare case where concurrent acute retinal necrosis and ICE syndrome are present in the same patient, possibly pointing to a common viral etiology causing both entities.

Bimatoprost Induced Serous Macular Detachment after Cataract Surgery.

We report a case of bimatoprost induced serous macular detachment and choroidal folds following uneventful cataract surgery. A 66-year-old male using topical bimatoprost in both eyes for open angle glaucoma underwent uneventful cataract surgery in the right eye. Postoperatively, he was restarted on topical bimatoprost and antibiotic-steroids combination drops. One week after surgery, he presented with conjunctival hyperemia, serous macular detachment, and choroidal folds at the posterior pole. Fundus fluorescein angiography showed perifoveal leaks in early stage with pooling of dye in late stage. Discontinuation of bimatoprost led to resolution of serous detachment and choroidal folds within 3 weeks with significant improvement in visual acuity. Occurrence of serous macular detachment and choroidal folds in this case could be probably related to the proinflammatory property of bimatoprost. Hence, it should be used with caution in the immediate postoperative period after cataract surgery.

Bilateral angle closure glaucoma following snake bite.

Snake venoms are complex heterogenous poisons with multiple effects. Ocular complications with snake bite are rare. This report describes two cases which developed bilateral acute angle closure glaucoma following snake bite. There was complete recovery in the two patients following timely diagnosis and treatment.

Ocular manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis and their correlation with anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies.

PURPOSE: To study the ocular manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis and to correlate the role of anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (anti-CCP antibody) with the ocular manifestations. METHODS: Three-hundred and ninety-two eyes of the 196 rheumatoid arthritis patients who attended the ophthalmology outpatient department underwent a detailed ocular examination using slit lamp biomicroscopy and ophthalmoscopy. The tear function of all the patients was assessed using Schirmer's test, tear film break-up time and ocular surface staining. The anti-CCP antibody titers for all the rheumatoid arthritis patients were estimated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay tests. RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients (135 eyes, 39%) out of the 196 patients studied had ocular manifestations typical of rheumatoid arthritis. Dry eye was the most common manifestation (28%, 54 patients). Of the patients, 78% was females (60 patients). The mean duration of rheumatoid arthritis in patients with ocular manifestations was 5.4±2.7 years and without ocular manifestations was 2.1±1.6years. Three percent of the patients had episcleritis (six patients). Scleritis was present in 2% of the patients (four patients). Peripheral ulcerative keratitis and sclerosing keratitis was present in 1% of the population each (two patients each). Eighty-five percent (66 patients) had bilateral manifestations 15% (eleven patients) had unilateral manifestations. There was a strong association between the presence of anti-CCP antibodies and ocular manifestations of rheumatoid arthritis which was shown by the statistically significant P-value of <0.0001. CONCLUSION: Ocular manifestations are a significant part of the extra-articular manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis. Dry eye was the most common ocular manifestation. There was a statistically significant association between the presence of anti-CCP antibodies specific to rheumatoid arthritis and the ocular manifestations.