A fungal epidemic amidst a viral pandemic: Risk factors for development of COVID-19 associated rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis in India.

PURPOSE: To study the risk factors for development of COVID-19 associated rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) during the COVID-19 pandemic in India. METHODS: Multi-centric retrospective case-control study conducted from October 2020 to May 2021. Cases comprised of consecutive patients of COVID-19-associated ROCM (CA-ROCM) presenting at the participating ophthalmic institutes. Controls comprised of COVID-19-positive or COVID-19-recovered patients who did not develop ROCM. Comparative analysis of demographic, COVID-19 infection, treatment parameters and vaccination status between cases and controls performed. Clinical and imaging features of CA-ROCM analyzed. RESULTS: There were 179 cases and 361 controls. Mean age of presentation in cases was 52.06 years (p = .001) with male predominance (69.83%, p = .000011). Active COVID-19 infection at the time of presentation of ROCM (57.54%, p < .0001), moderate to severe COVID-19 (p < .0001), steroid administration (OR 3.63, p < .00001), uncontrolled diabetes (OR 32.83, p < .00001), random blood sugar >178 mg/dl were associated with development of CA-ROCM. Vaccination showed a protective effect (p = .0049). In cases with intracranial or cavernous sinus extension there was history of steroid administration (OR 2.89, p = .024) and orbital apex involvement on imaging (OR 6.202, p = .000037) compared to those with only rhino-orbital disease. CONCLUSION: Male gender, active COVID-19 infection, moderate or severe COVID-19, uncontrolled diabetes, steroid administration during COVID-19 treatment are risk factors for developing rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis. Vaccination is protective. Random blood sugar of >178 mg/dl in COVID-19 positive or recovered patients should warrant close observation and early detection of ROCM. Presence of ophthalmoplegia, blepharoptosis at first clinical presentation and orbital apex involvement on imaging are associated with intracranial extension in ROCM.

Peripunctal Mass Lesions: Clinicopathological Analysis and Surgical Outcomes-A Multicentric Series.

PURPOSE: To report the epidemiology, histopathological spectrum, and surgical outcomes of peripunctal mass lesions. METHODS: Multicentric retrospective case series involving 6 centers in India. All cases of peripunctal masses with histopathological diagnoses and minimum follow up of 3 months were included. Demographic data, clinical photographs, objective assessments of clinical improvement were assessed before and after treatment. RESULTS: A total of 50 patients were included. The mean age was 46.4 years (range: 12-76 years). The mean duration of complaints was 27.4 months (range: 1-120 months) and mean follow-up period after surgery was 15.8 months (range: 3-120 months). The most common presenting complaints were a mass lesion/cosmetic concern (82%), followed by epiphora (48%) and foreign body sensation (16%). The most common lesion was melanocytic nevus (19/50; 38%), followed by squamous papilloma (8/50; 16%), hidrocystoma (7/50; 14%), and epidermoid cyst (7/50; 14%). Three cases of malignant tumors were diagnosed: 2 cases of sebaceous gland carcinoma and 1 case of squamous cell carcinoma. In all, 21 of 50 (42%) cases underwent excision with the placement of a Mini-Monoka stent, whereas the remaining 29 cases underwent only excision. At final follow up, a healed punctal opening was visible in 46 of 50 (92%) of the cases; 2 (4%) cases had a slit-like punctum and in 1 case (2%), a stenosed punctum was visible. However, only 1 case (2%) reported epiphora at follow up. CONCLUSIONS: Peripunctal masses are largely benign and present most commonly on the lower eyelid. Melanocytic nevus is the most common peripunctal mass lesion. In the series, stent placement did not play a significant role in the functional outcome.

Transcutaneous retrobulbar injection of amphotericin B in rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis: a review.

Mucormycosis is an aggressive and potentially fatal invasive fungal infection. The most common form of mucormycosis is rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM). While it is commonly seen in immunocompromised patients, it is also known to affect healthy individuals. The global disease burden of ROCM has increased significantly following the surge in cases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Endoscopic sinus debridement, systemic antifungal therapy, and control of the underlying immunosuppressive condition are essential for the management of ROCM. Orbital involvement, however, presents a challenge to clinicians. Intervention strategies that have been described to treat orbital disease include orbital exenteration, conservative orbital debridement with or without irrigation with amphotericin B and transcutaneous retrobulbar injection of amphotericin B (TRAMB). Currently, there is a lack of clarity regarding the indications and outcomes of TRAMB as a treatment modality. In this review, the drug formulations used, the complications, and outcomes of previously described cases that have used TRAMB in cases of ROCM are discussed. Favorable outcomes following TRAMB depend on appropriate patient selection and radiological evidence of the orbital burden of the disease. This review aims to familiarize clinicians with objective parameters for patient selection for TRAMB, namely the extent of the disease, the clinical features, and radiological findings; viz. the clinical interpretation of areas of contrast uptake and those of necrosis. TRAMB can be considered as a viable option in select cases of orbital mucormycosis where exenteration or debridement are not indicated, or when there is limited orbital disease.

Immunopathology of COVID-19 and its implications in the development of rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis: a major review.

PURPOSE: To present a literature review on various immunopathologic dysfunctions following COVID-19 infection and their potential implications in development of rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM). METHODS: A literature search was performed via Google Scholar and PubMed with subsequent review of the accompanying references. Analogies were drawn between the immune and physiologic deviations caused by COVID-19 and the tendency of the same to predispose to ROCM. RESULTS: Sixty-two articles were reviewed. SARS-CoV-2 virus infection leads to disruption of epithelial integrity in the respiratory passages, which may be a potential entry point for the ubiquitous Mucorales to become invasive. COVID-19 related GRP78 protein upregulation may aid in spore germination and hyphal invasion by Mucorales. COVID-19 causes interference in macrophage functioning by direct infection, a tendency for hyperglycemia, and creation of neutrophil extracellular traps. This affects innate immunity against Mucorales. Thrombocytopenia and reduction in the number of natural killer (NK) cells and infected dendritic cells is seen in COVID-19. This reduces the host immune response to pathogenic invasion by Mucorales. Cytokines released in COVID-19 cause mitochondrial dysfunction and accumulation of reactive oxygen species, which cause oxidative damage to the leucocytes. Hyperferritinemia also occurs in COVID-19 resulting in suppression of the hematopoietic proliferation of B- and T-lymphocytes. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 has a role in the occurrence of ROCM due to its effects at the entry point of the fungus in the respiratory mucosa, effects of the innate immune system, creation of an environment of iron overload, propagation of hyperglycemia, and effects on the adaptive immune system.

Concomitant adult onset xanthogranuloma and IgG4-related orbital disease: a rare occurrence.

Adult onset xanthogranulomatous disease is a rare orbital disease. IgG4-related disease is a systemic disease that can often manifest in the orbit. In this communication, we present the case of a patient with a xanthelasma-like lesion on the upper eyelid, and an enlarged lacrimal gland, which on biopsy was diagnosed as an orbital xanthogranuloma. Detailed serological workup showed that the patient was found to have elevated serum IgG4 levels. The orbital specimen was re-stained and found to be positive for IgG4. The patient was treated with oral steroids with partial resolution of the lesion. This is an interesting case of both histopathological adult onset xanthogranuloma (AOX) and IgG4-related orbital disease (IgG4-ROD). The early evidence suggests that the diagnosis of one of these disorders should point the physician to investigate for the presence of the other, especially if xanthogranulomatous disease is diagnosed first.

Rhino-orbital mucormycosis following COVID-19 in previously non-diabetic, immunocompetent patients.

PURPOSE: To report a series of 13 immunocompetent patients who developed new-onset uncontrolled diabetes mellitus (DM) following COVID-19 infection and presented as rhino-orbital mucormycosis (ROM). METHOD: Retrospective study. RESULTS: A total of 127 patients of COVID-19 Associated Mucormycosis (CAM) were evaluated at four centres in India. All patients underwent endoscopic sinus debridement surgery and received systemic amphotericin-B therapy. Five patients (5/13; 38.4%) received retrobulbar amphotericin-B injections. Orbital exenteration was performed in advanced orbital involvement or progression of orbital disease in spite of maximal medical therapy. In his cohort, 13/127 (10.2%) patients presented with new onset DM, where one patient had bilateral disease. The mean age was 35.9 years (range: 20-51 years) and the mean duration from diagnosis of COVID-19 to the diagnosis of mucormycosis was 14.2 days. While 7/13 (53.8%) of the patients received systemic corticosteroids during the course of their treatment for COVID-19, six patients received no steroids or immunomodulators. The mean follow-up period was 9.2 weeks (range: 3-18 weeks) following discharge. Life salvage was possible in 100% of the cases. While overall globe salvage was possible in 42.8% (6/14 eyes), the globe could be preserved in 4/5 patients who received retrobulbar amphotericin-B injections. CONCLUSIONS: Those involved in the care of COVID-19 patients should be aware about the possibility of recent-onset DM, even in patients without a history of corticosteroid therapy. Rarely, recent-onset DM following COVID-19 may present as rhino-orbital mucormycosis, which requires aggressive surgical and medical intervention.

Patient perceptions regarding the use of smart devices for medical photography: results of a patient-based survey.

AIM: To assess patient perceptions regarding medical photography and the use of smart devices, namely mobile phones and tablets for medical photography. METHODS: A questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 280 consecutive adult patients who presented to the oculoplastics clinic at a tertiary eye care centre. The responses were tabulated and analysed. RESULTS: Of the 280 patients surveyed, 68% felt that medical photography had a positive impact on their understanding of their illnesses and 72% felt that the use of smartphones for medical photography was acceptable. Respondents below the age of 40 years were more likely to approve of the use of mobile phones for photography as compared to those over 40. Most patients (74%) preferred a doctor to be the person photographing them. While a majority approved of doctors and trainee physicians having access to their photographs, they felt non-physician healthcare personnel should not have access to clinical photographs. Also, 72% of the respondents felt that the patient's consent should be taken before using their photographs. It was noted that patient identification and breach of confidentiality could be some of the potential issues with using smart devices as cameras in the clinic. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical photography in general and, specifically, using smart devices for clinical photographs have gained acceptance among patients. The outcomes of this study may be utilized to create policy guidelines for the use of smart devices as photography tools in the clinics. The findings of this survey can also help to create standardized, uniform patient consent forms for clinical photography.

Dacryolithiasis: A Review.

PURPOSE: To review and summarize the clinical features, presentations, diagnostic modalities and management of dacryolithiasis. METHODS: A comprehensive PubMed search of all English articles on dacryolithiasis was reviewed. Although this review primarily relied on articles written in English, non-English-language articles that had abstracts translated into English were also reviewed. Data reviewed included epidemiology, pathogenesis, appearance and composition, clinical features, presentations, diagnostic modalities, management of dacryolithiasis and the implications of incidental dacryoliths found during lacrimal surgery. RESULTS: Although an unknown proportion of dacryolithiasis cases may remain asymptomatic; epiphora, acute and/or recurrent dacryocystitis, punctal discharge, and localized swelling are the most common presenting features of dacryolithiasis. It may also present as partial nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Dacryoliths exhibit a variety in external appearances. While some minimally invasive techniques for the removal of dacryoliths have been described, dacryocystorhinostomy with removal of the dacryoliths remain the most effective treatment in cases of symptomatic dacryolithiasis. The expression and production of certain proteins and peptides, namely those of the trifoil factor family play a significant role in the pathogenesis of dacryoliths. CONCLUSIONS: The management of dacryolithiasis is driven by the goal of resolution of secondary obstruction and/or inflammation. Although a large number of dacryoliths are incidentally found during dacryocystorhinostomy, certain clinical features such as unilateral sac distension, particularly those with a palpable firm medial canthal mass, might lead one to have a high index of suspicion. It remains unclear if the incidental finding of a dacryolith during a dacryocystorhinostomy has a favorable prognostic value.

The impact of IgG-4-ROD on the diagnosis of orbital tumors: A retrospective analysis.

This study was to determine the prevalence of immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related orbital disease (IgG4-ROD) among patients who have previously undergone biopsy and were diagnosed to have idiopathic orbital inflammatory disease (IOID) or orbital lymphoproliferative disease (OLD), namely, lymphoma and benign reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (BRLH). This is a retrospective cross-sectional study. The charts and slides of all patients who underwent biopsies and were histopathologically diagnosed to have either IOID or OLD were reviewed. Demographics, clinical features, initial histopathological diagnoses, treatment received, and final outcome were noted. Using the diagnostic criteria for diagnosis for IgG4 disease, those cases that would classify as "possible IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD)" were reviewed, reclassified, and reassigned a diagnosis of IgG4-ROD. We reviewed 105 patients' clinical charts. Of these 105 patients, upon reviewing the histopathology, 18 (17.15%) patients were found to fit the diagnostic criteria for possible IgG4-ROD. Of these 18 patients who were now reassigned the diagnosis of IgG4-ROD, the most common previous histopathological diagnosis was found to be IOID, for eight patients (44%), then BRLH, which was noted in five patients (27.8%), followed by lymphoma, which was noted in two patients (11.1%). Previously diagnosed cases of IOID and OLD were found to fulfill the criteria for IgG4-ROD. Given the advent of recent diagnostic and histopathological techniques, all cases of suspected IOID and OLD should be screened for IgG4-ROD and all previously diagnosed cases must be closely followed up, given the systemic implication of IgG4-RD. Histopathological reassessment of previously diagnosed cases may be considered.

Indian Survey on Practice Patterns of Lacrimal and Eyelid Disorders (iSUPPLE) Report 2: Mitomycin-C and Lacrimal Stents in Dacryocystorhinostomy.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to assess practice patterns on the use of intraoperative Mitomycin-C (MMC) and lacrimal stents (intubation) in dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) for nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO) among oculoplastic surgeons in India. The survey was aimed at obtaining data on the duration of stent placement and specifics regarding MMC usage namely, concentration and duration of application. METHODS: A survey that included questions on the management of lacrimal disorders was sent in April 2015 to members of the Oculoplastic Association of India, through an email communication. The results were tabulated and analyzed. RESULTS: External DCR is the preferred surgery of choice to treat NLDO for most oculoplastic surgeons (86%) surveyed. A majority (58%) of the respondents do not place stents during DCR routinely in their practice. Lesser experienced oculoplastic surgeons (<10 years of experience) when compared with more experienced surgeons were more likely to place stents routinely in their DCRs (59% versus 19%; P = 0.0002). Of the special situations that the respondents would consider stent placement, the most common scenarios were the presence of coexisting canalicular pathology followed by cases of previously failed DCRs. The preferred duration for stent removal was 3 months (48%). Intraoperative MMC was used routinely by only 36% of the respondents. The most common condition where they would consider intraoperative MMC was previously failed DCRs. Three minutes (25%) and 0.2 mg/mL (30%) were the preferred duration of application and concentration of MMC, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: External DCR is the most preferred surgery for NLDO; in comparison, endoscopic DCR enjoys less popularity as the surgical procedure of choice in NLDO. Adjunctive procedures, namely intraoperative MMC and stenting of the lacrimal passages, are not routinely performed; however, previously failed DCRs are common indications when the respondents may use MMC and/or lacrimal stents. Three months is the preferred duration for stent removal. The trends regarding the concentration of MMC and the application show considerable variation, underscoring the need for evidence-based guidelines to assist oculoplastic surgeons.

Vision Loss due to Central Retinal Artery Occlusion Following Embolization in a Case of a Giant Juvenile Nasopharyngeal Angiofibroma.

Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) is a benign, vascular, and locally aggressive tumor that arises in the nasal cavity, extending into the nasopharynx and often in to the orbit. It may rarely present to the ophthalmologist with proptosis and optic neuropathy. Preoperative embolization of JNA is done before surgical resection. In this communication, the authors report a rare occurrence of ipsilateral central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) following embolization with polyvinyl alcohol in a 13-year-old boy with right-sided JNA. Retrospective review of the angiograms pointed out to a suspicious communication between the external carotid artery and the ophthalmic vessels. Pre-embolization detailed study of the angiograms is necessary to avoid such devastating complications. Although rare, vision loss is a possible complication arising from embolization of nasopharyngeal and intracranial tumors, and all patients undergoing these procedures should be informed of the risk of visual loss because it has a lasting impact on the quality of life.

Seeing the unseen: Charles Bonnet syndrome revisited.

Charles Bonnet syndrome (CBS) is a rare condition that encompasses three clinical features: complex visual hallucinations, ocular pathology causing visual deterioration, and preserved cognitive status. Common associated ocular pathologies include age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts. Several theories have been proposed to try to explain the visual hallucinations. However, the pathophysiology remains poorly understood, and treatment is largely based on anecdotal data. The lack of awareness of CBS among medical professionals often leads to inappropriate diagnosis and medication. In a country like India, where awareness of mental health is not widespread, cultural myths and stigma prevent patients from seeking professional help. Here we describe two cases of CBS and revisit different ocular morbidities that have been reported to occur in conjunction with CBS. Psychiatrists and ophthalmologists alike must be sensitive to this clinical condition to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Optic nerve glioma: an update.

Optic nerve glioma is the most common optic nerve tumour. However, it has an unpredictable natural history. The treatment of optic nerve gliomas has changed considerably over the past few years. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can now stabilize and in some cases improve the vision of patients with optic nerve gliomas. The treatment of optic nerve glioma requires a multi-disciplinary approach where all treatment options may have to be implemented in a highly individualized manner. The aim of this review article is to present current diagnostic and treatment protocols for optic nerve glioma.

Intraocular malignant melanoma of the choroid presenting as orbital cellulitis.

We report a case of choroidal melanoma with features suggestive of orbital cellulitis. A 24-year-old Asian Indian male presented with a 20-day history of sudden loss of vision in the right eye. Edematous eyelids with complete mechanical ptosis, complete ophthalmoplegia, gross proptosis accompanied by massive chemosis, and prolapse of the inferior forniceal conjunctiva were noted. He denied perception of light in the right eye. The left eye was unremarkable. B-scan ultrasonography of the right eye showed a large dome-shaped mass filling the posterior segment suggestive of choroidal melanoma. Computed tomography confirmed those findings and showed no extraocular tumor extension. The patient was conservatively treated with systemic steroids following which the inflammation subsided. He underwent enucleation of the right eye and a diagnosis of spindle A cell choroidal melanoma was confirmed by histopathological examination. Although rare, orbital cellulitis is one of the presenting features of choroidal melanoma. Uveal melanoma-associated orbital cellulitis can be well controlled with systemic steroids, does not always indicate extraocular tumor extension, and can occur in spindle A cell melanomas.

Cataract surgical training among residents in India: Results from a survey.

Purpose: To assess the quantum of cataract surgical training opportunities for trainees enrolled in ophthalmology residency programs in India. Methods: An anonymous online survey was sent across to resident ophthalmologists across India through various social media platforms. The results were tabulated and analyzed. Results: A total of 740 resident ophthalmologists participated in the survey. In all, 40.1% (297/740) were independently performing cataract surgeries. Of those who were not performing independent cataract surgeries, 62.5% (277/443) were in the third year of residency. A significantly higher proportion of trainees who were not operating independent cataract surgeries were enrolled in MD/MS programs as compared with DNB courses (65.6% vs. 43.7%; P < 0.0001). Of those who were operating independent cases; 97.1% had exposure to manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS), whereas only 14.1% performed phacoemulsification. It was noted that 31.3% of residents reported that on an average a trainee in their training program performed less than 100 independent cataract surgeries throughout the residency. Apart from cataract surgery, the most performed surgeries by residents were pterygium excision (85.3%), followed by enucleation/evisceration (68.1%). When it came to training aids, 47.2% (349/740) of the respondents reported no access to wet lab, animal/cadaver eyes, or surgical simulators for training. Conclusion: The amount of surgical exposure in terms of cataract surgery across residency programs in India is low with most of the ophthalmology residents who participated in this survey not operating cataracts independently; even in their final year of residency. Exposure to phacoemulsification in residency programs is very limited across the country. Although some programs do provide well-rounded surgical exposure to trainees, such centers are scarce; the stark variations in infrastructure, training opportunities, and surgical numbers warrant an overhaul in the structure and curriculum of residency programs in India.

Aripiprazole induced transient myopia: a case report and review of literature.

Aripiprazole is a drug belonging to the group of atypical antipsychotics. Ocular side effects of aripiprazole are rare. We report a case of transient myopia in a 33-year-old male who was being treated for schizophrenia with oral quetiapine and was recently supplemented with aripiprazole. One month after the addition of aripiprazole the patient reported sudden onset painless blurring of vision in both eyes. He was found to have myopia of-3.0 diopters in both eyes; his corrected visual acuity being 20/20. He was advised to discontinue aripiprazole. Ten days later on examination, the patient had an uncorrected visual acuity of 20/20 in both eyes. The stoppage of symptoms on stopping the drug indicates a strong correlation between the drug and the adverse effect. Ophthalmologists and psychiatrists must be aware of this reversible adverse drug reaction, so it may be treated promptly.

Assessment of a high-fidelity, virtual reality-based, manual small-incision cataract surgery simulator: A face and content validity study.

Purpose: To establish the face and content validity of the HelpMeSee Eye Surgery Simulator - a virtual reality-based cataract surgery simulator for manual small-incision cataract surgery (MSICS). Methods: The face and content validity were assessed on the sclero-corneal tunnel construction course. A questionnaire with 11 questions focused on the visual realism, with resemblance to real life surgery, and the training value of the simulator was developed. Thirty-five experienced MSICS surgeons participated in the study. Responses were recorded using a seven-point scoring system. Results: Overall, 74.3% (26/35) of the respondents agreed that the overall visual representation of the eye and the instruments in the simulator were realistic. The task of injecting a visco-elastic through the paracentesis was reported to be the most visually realistic task with a mean score of 5.78 (SD: 1.09; range: 2-7). With regard to content validity, 77.1% (27/35) of the subjects felt agreed that the errors and complications represented throughout the entire tunnel construction module were similar to those encountered in real life; the task of entering the anterior chamber with the keratome had a mean score of 5.54 (SD: 0.98; range 1-7), being rated the highest in that aspect. Overall, 94.3% (33/35) of the subjects agreed that the simulator would be useful in developing hand-eye co-ordination. A similar number of 94.3% (33/35) agreed that based on their experience, they would recommend cataract surgical training on this simulator. Conclusion: The results suggest that the HelpMeSee Eye Surgery Simulator appears to have sufficient face and content validity for cataract surgical training.

A novel, versatile cannula for vitreoretinal surgery: Bapaye aspiration scraper - Initial experience.

The induction of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) is an important step in the successful outcome of vitreoretinal surgery for various indications. This may pose a significant challenge intraoperatively in cases of strong adhesion between the posterior hyaloid and retina. Various techniques to achieve intraoperative PVD have been described which involve active aspiration as well as non-aspiration techniques to achieve a plane of separation between the posterior hyaloid and retina. Very frequently, combinations of these techniques might be necessary to achieve successful PVD induction. We describe a novel instrument that combines aspiration as well as non-aspiration techniques for PVD induction, Bapaye aspiration scraper. It is also useful in various vitreoretinal interface procedures due to its design and is compatible with small-gauge vitrectomy systems which are commonly used in modern vitreoretinal surgery.

Embracing technology in cataract surgical training - The way forward.

While ophthalmology as a surgical branch itself has evolved technologically with newer instruments, techniques and procedures; ophthalmic surgical training appears to have stagnated in terms of how it is delivered and how trainees' learning and performance are assessed. This collaborative editorial attempts to identify the lacunae in ophthalmic residency training and highlight how technological tools such as surgical simulators can be incorporated into ophthalmic training even in limited-resource settings with good results.