Structure-function models for estimating retinal ganglion cell count using steady-state pattern electroretinography and optical coherence tomography in glaucoma suspects and preperimetric glaucoma: an electrophysiological pilot study.

PURPOSE: To derive and validate structure-function models for estimating retinal ganglion cell (RGC) count using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and steady-state pattern electroretinography (ssPERG) parameters in glaucoma suspects (GS) and preperimetric glaucoma (PPG). METHODS: In this prospective cross-sectional study, 25 subjects (50 eyes) were recruited at the Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital. Subjects underwent comprehensive eye examinations, OCT, standard automated perimetry (SAP), and ssPERG testing. Eyes were divided into three groups based on the Global Glaucoma Staging System: healthy (N = 30), GS (N = 10), and PPG (N = 10) eyes. The combined structure-function index (CSFI), which estimates retinal ganglion cell count (eRGCCSFI) from SAP and OCT parameters, was calculated in each study subject. Two prediction formulas were derived using a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) to predict eRGCCSFI from ssPERG parameters, age, and average retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (ARNFLT) in 30 eyes selected at random (training group). GLMM predicted values were cross-validated with the remaining 20 eyes (validation group). RESULTS: The ARNFLT, ssPERG parameters magnitude (Mag) and magnitudeD (MagD), and eRGCCSFI were significantly different among study groups (ANOVA p ≤ 0.001). Pearson correlations demonstrated significant associations among ARNFLT, ssPERG parameters, and eRGCCSFI (r2 ≥ 0.31, p < 0.001). Two GLMMs predicted eRGCCSFI from Mag (eRGCMag) and MagD (eRGCMagD), respectively, with significant equations (F(3,18), F(3,19) ≥ 58.37, R2 = 0.90, p < 0.001). eRGCMag and eRGCMagD in the validation group (R2 = 0.89) correlated with eRGCCSFI similarly to the training group. Multivariate pairwise comparisons revealed that eRGCMag and eRGCMagD distinguished between healthy, GS, and PPG eyes (p ≤ 0.035), whereas independent Mag, MagD, and ARNFLT measures did not distinguish between GS and PPG eyes. CONCLUSION: This pilot study offers the first combined structure-function models for estimating RGC count using ssPERG parameters. RGC counts estimated with these models were generalizable, strongly associated with CSFI estimates, and performed better than individual ssPERG and OCT measures in distinguishing healthy, GS, and PPG eyes.

Adjunctive role of self-retained cryopreserved amniotic membrane in treating immune-related dry eye disease.

PURPOSE: To present a case of successful treatment of immune-related severe dry eye disease (DED) by self-retained cryopreserved amniotic membrane (CAM) in conjunction with conventional and systemic immunotherapy. OBSERVATIONS: A 48-year-old female with a 10-year history of rheumatoid arthritis under systemic immunomodulation developed non-resolved severe ocular dryness, pain, photophobia and blurred vision due to corneal epithelial keratopathy OD much worse than OS despite topical artificial tears, steroids, cyclosporine, autologous serum drops, punctal plugs and scleral lens for the last 3 years. During the first year, she received punctal cauterization and a total of 6 CAM, each for an average of 7.2 ± 2.3 days, for recurrent diffuse superficial punctate keratitis (SPK) with filaments to achieve an average symptom-free period of 2.4 ± 0.9 months and visual acuity improvement from 20/400 to 20/200. During the next 2 years, she received surgical closure of puncta for recurrent punctal reopening, additional systemic immunomodulation and a total of 4 CAM, each for an average of 8.5 ± 2 days, for recurrent scattered SPK, to achieve an average symptom-free period of 6.4 ± 1 months and visual acuity improvement from 20/200 to 20/70. CONCLUSIONS: Self-retained CAM can be an adjunctive treatment for immune-related DED, which is refractory to conventional and systemic immunotherapies.

Recent advances on ocular Demodex infestation.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To summarize recent advances on ocular Demodex infestation. RECENT FINDINGS: Demodex infestation is a potential cause of ocular surface inflammation. The pathogenesis of Demodex in eliciting ocular surface inflammation has been further clarified. Cliradex is currently the treatment of choice, it comprises the most active ingredient of tea tree oil, that is terpinen-4-ol, which helps eradicate Demodex mites and reduce ocular surface inflammation. SUMMARY: Ocular demodicosis is a common but overlooked eye disease that manifests a number of morbidities. Demodex folliculorum causes chronic anterior blepharitis whereas Demodex brevis causes posterior blepharitis, meibomian gland dysfunction, recurrent chalazia, and refractory keratoconjunctivitis. The lash sampling and microscopic counting method and in-vivo confocal microscopy are key diagnostic methods. Cliradex shows promising potential to reduce Demodex counts with additional antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory actions.

Conjunctivochalasis interferes with tear flow from fornix to tear meniscus.

PURPOSE: To determine whether conjunctivochalasis (CCh) interferes with tear flow from the fornix to the tear meniscus and depletes the fornix tear reservoir. DESIGN: Comparative case series. PARTICIPANTS: The study group of 24 CCh patients (8 asymptomatic and 16 symptomatic), 9 of whom underwent operative correction, was compared with a control group of 13 normal subjects. METHODS: After instilling a 5-µl fluorescein drop into the inferior fornix, the inferior tear meniscus was depleted using a capillary tube. The tear meniscus height, with and without blinking, was recorded and calculated by video meniscometer from sequential captured images. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The recovery rate of the original meniscus height was compared among groups at each time point after maximal depletion. RESULTS: The recovery rate of the tear meniscus was significantly slower in symptomatic than asymptomatic CCh patients when compared with normal subjects. Blinking 5 times facilitated such recovery in normal subjects and in asymptomatic CCh patients to the same extent as the normal, but not in symptomatic CCh patients. Deepening of the inferior fornix by removing degenerated Tenon's and reconstruction by cryopreserved amniotic membrane improved the recovery rate in symptomatic CCh patients to the same extent as normal subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The tear reservoir in the fornix rapidly replenishes the meniscus under normal circumstances. Conjunctivochalasis obliterates tears not only in the meniscus, but also in the reservoir, explaining how symptoms develop in CCh patients. Blinking is an effective compensatory mechanism to distinguish the severity of CCh. Surgical correction should not only restore the tear meniscus, but also deepen the fornix in CCh patients. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found after the references.

Ocular demodicosis as a risk factor of pterygium recurrence.

PURPOSE: To evaluate ocular demodicosis as a potential risk factor in pterygium recurrence. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study to correlate clinical findings with laboratory data. PARTICIPANTS: We retrospectively reviewed 94 patients (43 with primary and 51 with recurrent pterygia), among whom 68 patients received surgical correction, and prospectively enrolled another 23 pterygium patients and 14 nonpterygium controls for measuring the tear level of interleukin (IL)-17. METHODS: All patients had microscopically confirmed ocular demodicosis. Statistical correlations were analyzed among age, sex, aqueous tear deficiency, dry eye, ocular demodicosis, follow-up period, surgical outcome, and tear levels of IL-17 measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Correlation between ocular demodicosis or IL-17 levels and pterygium recurrence. RESULTS: Among 94 patients, ocular demodicosis was more prevalent in patients with recurrent pterygium than those with primary pterygium (P = 0.015). During follow-up of 16.5 ± 11.5 months, 68 postsurgical patients developed 7 corneal recurrences, which constituted 7.4% of primary and 12.2% of recurrent pterygium (P = 0.820). They also developed 8 conjunctival recurrences. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed combined (P = 0.000), corneal (P = 0.044), and conjunctival (P = 0.002) recurrence was significantly higher among patients with demodicosis than those without. Conjunctival recurrence occurred within 6 months in eyes without demodicosis but extended beyond 6 months in eyes with demodicosis. In 34 postsurgical patients with demodicosis, the mite count of 14 patients with recurrence was significantly higher than that of 20 without (P = 0.005). The IL-17 level was significantly higher in patients with either pterygium or demodicosis than controls (P = 0.049 and 0.040, respectively), and the IL-17 level was further elevated in patients with both pterygium and demodicosis (all P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Ocular demodicosis is a risk factor for pterygium recurrence, especially for conjunctival recurrence, presumably by perpetuating chronic inflammation mediated by T-helper (Th)17 lymphocytes.

Retinal Ganglion Cell Functional Recovery after Intraocular Pressure Lowering Treatment Using Prostaglandin Analogs in Glaucoma Suspects: A Prospective Pilot Study.

Aim and background: To evaluate the ability of pattern electroretinogram (PERG) to detect improvement of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) function in glaucoma suspects (GS) after medically reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) using prostaglandin analog drops. Materials and methods: Six subjects (eight eyes) received topical IOP lowering treatment based on their clinical examination and were observed at Manhattan Eye, Ear & Throat Hospital over an average of 3.1 ± 2.2 months. During this time, participants underwent a full ophthalmologic exam and were evaluated with a Humphrey visual field analyzer (HFA) 24-2 [24-2 mean deviation (MD), 24-2 pattern standard deviation (PSD), and 24-2 visual field indices (VFI)], Diopsys NOVA PERG optimized for glaucoma [magnitude (Mag), magnitudeD (MagD), and magnitudeD/magnitude ratio (MagD/Mag ratio)] and optical coherence tomography (OCT)-derived average retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (avRNFLT) and average ganglion cell layer + inner plexiform layer (avGCL + IPL) thicknesses at baseline visit (pretreatment) and 3 months later (posttreatment). Goldman applanation tonometry was used to measure IOP at each visit. Paired sample t-tests were conducted to determine the statistical significance of the change in IOP, HFA indices, PERG parameters, and OCT thickness measurements between the two visits. Results: Lowering IOP by 22.29% resulted in a significant increase (32.98 and 15.49%) in MagD [t (7) = -3.174, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.53, -0.08, p = 0.016] and MagD/Mag ratio [t (7) = -3.233, 95% CI = -0.20, -0.03, p = 0.014], respectively. There was a positive percentage change for all variables of interest, however, 24-2 MD, Mag, avRNFLT, and GCL+ IPLT did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: After reducing IOP by 22.29% for a duration of 3.1 months, the PERG parameters, MagD and MagD/Mag ratio, significantly improved by 32.98 and 15.49%, respectively. Clinical significance: Pattern electroretinogram (PERG) may be a crucial tool for clinicians to locate a window of opportunity in which degenerating yet viable RGCs could be rescued from irreversible damage. We suggest consideration of PERG as a tool in early retinal ganglion cell (RGC) dysfunction detection as well as for monitoring IOP lowering treatment. How to cite this article: Tirsi A, Gliagias V, Sheha H, et al. Retinal Ganglion Cell Functional Recovery after Intraocular Pressure Lowering Treatment Using Prostaglandin Analogs in Glaucoma Suspects: A Prospective Pilot Study. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2023;17(4):178-190.

Ten-Year Outcomes of LASIK for Pediatric Myopic Anisometropia.

Purpose: To evaluate long-term safety, effectiveness, and stability of unilateral LASIK in pediatric myopic anisometropic amblyopia. Methods: This retrospective study included children who received unilateral LASIK for myopic anisometropia of >6 D, after mandatory 6-month occlusion/penalization therapy. They were evaluated at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years and biannually until 10 years. Outcome measures included visual acuity, refraction, ocular alignment, stereopsis, corneal clarity, and corneal topography. Results: 32 patients (16 girls) with mean age of 8.6 ± 2.3 years completed 10 years of follow up after unilateral LASIK. Mean preoperative spherical equivalent refraction (SER) was -10.3D ±2.0D in the affected eye, with anisometropic difference of -9.5D ±1.7D. Mean post-LASIK SER was -1.3D±0.8D (p<0.001). Anisometropia significantly decreased to 0.3D±0.8D, 0.4D±1.0D, and 1.0±2.5D at 6 months, 1 year and 10 years respectively (p<0.001). 11 patients (34%) who had preoperative intermittent exotropia (< 15°) regained orthophoria in all gazes, while 5 of 10 who had constant exotropia with large angle (>30°) required strabismus surgery for ocular alignment. BCVA improved from 0.04±0.6 Decimal at baseline to 0.6 ±0.2 after LASIK and occlusion therapy (p< 0.001). Despite insignificant refractive regression in both eyes, patients have maintained orthophoria, improved stereopsis, clear cornea, and the topography showed no evidence of post-LASIK ectasia. Conclusion: LASIK appears safe, effective, and stable for correcting refractory pediatric myopic anisometropia, in which conventional measures fail or endanger normal visual development. Eliminating anisometropic aniseikonia consequently restores binocular vision and stereopsis which, along with amblyopia therapy, would reverse amblyopia and prevent recurrence.

Treatment of Epithelial Basement Membrane Dystrophy to Optimize the Ocular Surface Prior to Cataract Surgery.

Purpose: To assess the effectiveness of cryopreserved amniotic membrane (CAM) after debridement in treating epithelial basement membrane dystrophy (EBMD) prior to cataract surgery. Methods: This pilot study included 2 treatment groups: a prospective study group of 9 subjects with significant EBMD who received debridement followed by self-retained CAM, and a retrospective, control group of 10 consecutive subjects who received debridement followed by a bandage contact lens (BCL). Slit-lamp photography after fluorescein staining were used to monitor healing. Corneal topography and IOL calculation were compared at baseline and 1 month after the procedure. Refraction and ocular surface stability were also compared after cataract surgery. Results: Corneal reepithelialization after debridement occurred in 4.6 ± 0.8 days in the study group and 6.8 ± 0.6 days in the control (p < 0.05). Corneal topography showed changes in curvature from 43.5 ± 1.2D at baseline to 44.6 ± 1.2D at 1 month in the study group and from 45.0 ± 0.6D to 45.7 ± 0.8D in the control (p = 0.38). Average change in IOL calculation was 1.56 D in the study group, compared to 0.95 D in control (p = 0.29). Post-cataract refraction in both groups was within ±0.5 Diopter of the anticipated, and corneal surface remained stable without EBMD recurrence. Conclusion: Management of ocular surface disorders prior to cataract surgery stabilizes IOL calculation and reduces postoperative refractive surprises. CAM relatively accelerated healing after debridement; however, it was not better than BCL in stabilizing the ocular surface and improving visual outcome. The use of CAM in cases of EBMD remains speculative.

Ocular surface morbidity in eyes with senile sunken upper eyelids.

PURPOSE: To report ocular surface findings in eyes manifesting senile sunken upper eyelids. DESIGN: Cross-sectional comparative case series. PARTICIPANTS: A study group of 38 eyes of 38 patients with sunken upper eyelids was compared with a control group of 26 age- and gender-matched patients without sunken upper eyelids. METHODS: Patient records were retrieved and compared between the 2 groups and among different severities of sunken upper lids. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Ocular surface deficits were measured by symptoms, eyelid blinking and closure, Bell's phenomenon, apposition of lids and puncta to the globe, conjunctiva inflammation and chalasis, corneal epithelial breakdown by fluorescein and Rose Bengal staining, and the fluorescein clearance test. RESULTS: Ocular irritation or pain was less common, but tearing and mucous buildup were more common in the study group than the control group, and it tended to be worse in the morning. Incomplete blinking, incomplete closure, abnormal Bell's phenomenon, lid/punctum ectropion, and delayed tear clearance were more frequently detected in the study group than the control group and were more evident in severely affected eyes. Incomplete blinking was significantly correlated with incomplete closure, whereas abnormal Bell's phenomenon was significantly correlated with early morning symptoms. Conjunctivochalasis was less common in the study group than the control group. Corneal epithelial breakdown was more common in the study group than the control group, and was more severe in severely affected eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Sunken upper eyelids are associated with ocular surface morbidity characterized by corneal epithelial breakdown because of an array of ocular surface deficits leading to exposure and desiccation, not only during the day but also in the night. Recognition of this potential risk factor will help to understand pathogenesis and formulate effective therapies in complex ocular surface diseases. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): The authors have no proprietary or commercial interest in any of the materials discussed in this article.

Keyhole Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty for Boston Keratoprosthesis Corneal Melt.

Corneal melt remains a challenging complication of Boston keratoprosthesis (KPro) and may lead to disastrous consequences such as endophthalmitis, KPro extrusion, and permanent loss of vision. Several procedures have been suggested to repair established melts; however, KPro removal or exchange is often required due to high recurrence. We herein describe a novel surgical technique to repair corneal melt: a lamellar corneal graft is centrally trephined, and a radial cut is extended from the central opening to create a keyhole graft. The graft is draped around the KPro and tightly secured around the central stem. The radial cut is closed with sutures, and the graft is secured into the underlying tissue with fibrin glue and sutures. The graft remains stable with the KPro in place, while the patients maintain a 20/200 vision or better at two years. This technique is a useful alternative for securing KPro and preventing corneal melt recurrence.

Correlation between ocular Demodex infestation and serum immunoreactivity to Bacillus proteins in patients with Facial rosacea.

PURPOSE: To investigate correlation between ocular Demodex infestation and serum. DESIGN: A prospective study to correlate clinical findings with laboratory data. PARTICIPANTS: We consecutively enrolled 59 patients: 34 men and 25 women with a mean age of 60.4+/-17.6 years (range, 17-93). METHODS: Demodex counting was performed based on lash sampling. Serum immunoreactivity to two 62-kDa and 83-kDa proteins derived from B oleronius was determined by Western blot analysis. Facial rosacea, lid margin, and ocular surface inflammation were documented by photography and graded in a masked fashion. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Statistical significance based on correlative analyses of clinical and laboratory data. RESULTS: These 59 patients were age matched, but not gender matched, regarding serum immunoreactivity, ocular Demodex infestation, or facial rosacea. There was a significant correlation between serum immunoreactivity and facial rosacea (P = 0.009), lid margin inflammation (P = 0.040), and ocular Demodex infestation (P = 0.048), but not inferior bulbar conjunctival inflammation (P = 0.573). The Demodex count was significantly higher in patients with positive facial rosacea (6.6+/-9.0 vs. 1.9+/-2.2; P = 0.014). There was a significant correlation of facial rosacea with lid margin inflammation (P = 0.016), but not with inferior bulbar conjunctival inflammation (P = 0.728). Ocular Demodex infestation was less prevalent in patients with aqueous tear-deficiency dry eye than those without (7/38 vs. 12/21; P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The strong correlation provides a better understanding of comorbidity between Demodex mites and their symbiotic B oleronius in facial rosacea and blepharitis. Treatments directed to both warrant future investigation.

Amniotic membrane extraction solution for ocular chemical burns.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of amniotic membrane extract (AME) for ocular chemical burns. METHODS: Prospective non-comparative interventional case series study. Consecutive 14 eyes of 11 patients with acute or chronic chemical burns, being recruited in one referral centre, received AME topically in combination with traditional treatment. Ocular discomfort, visual acuity, ocular surface inflammation, re-epithelialization, corneal thickness, corneal neovascularization and symblepharon were evaluated. RESULTS: Symptom relieved and ocular surface inflammation reduced dramatically in all eyes. Epithelial defect healed in all eyes with acute burns, in which less than 7 clock hours of limbus was involved, after 16.6 days (1-44 days) AME treatment. AME failed to close the epithelial defect in all eyes with chronic chemical burn coexisting diffuse limbal stem cell deficiency; however, the area of epithelial defect decreased to 58% (11.1%-68.2%) at final visit. During a follow-up period of 8.2 months (6-11 months), visual acuity improved in 12 eyes (86%). There was mild neovascularization in three eyes with grade III and IV acute burns, and slow progress of neovascularization in chronic burns. Mild symblepharon developed in two eyes with grade III and IV acute burns, whereas there was no significant progress of symblepharon in chronic cases. CONCLUSIONS: Although it is a preliminary and uncontrolled study, topical application of AME is effective in reducing inflammation, promoting reepithelization in the treatment of chemical burns, especially for mild to moderate acute cases.

Update On Cenegermin Eye Drops In The Treatment Of Neurotrophic Keratitis.

Neurotrophic keratitis is an underdiagnosed degenerative condition induced by impairment to the corneal nerves which may lead to persistent epithelial defects and corneal blindness. Current medical and surgical treatments are only supportive and poorly tackle the underlying problem of corneal anesthesia; hence, fail to provide a permanent cure. Cenegermin is a newly introduced recombinant human nerve growth factor (rhNGF) that may address this issue. Preliminary clinical trials have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of topical cenegermin in patients with moderate to severe neurotrophic keratitis; however, the clinical experience with this drug is still limited. This review summarizes the pathogenesis and management of neurotrophic keratitis as well as the mechanism of action, uses, and limitations of cenegermin eye drops in the treatment of neurotrophic keratitis.

Outcomes of the Shunt Tube Exposure Prevention Study: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

PURPOSE: To compare the long-term safety and efficacy of amniotic membrane-umbilical cord (AM-UC) and pericardium patch grafts in reducing glaucoma shunt tube exposure. DESIGN: Multicenter, prospective, randomized clinical trial. PARTICIPANTS: Adults with uncontrolled glaucoma undergoing glaucoma drainage device (GDD) implantation. METHODS: Patients were randomized to receive GDD with either AM-UC or pericardium patch grafts to cover GDD tubes. Patients were followed up clinically with anterior segment (AS) OCT to assess patch graft stability and host-tissue integration prospectively. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Tube exposure, graft thinning, and graft-related complications. RESULTS: A total of 81 eyes of 81 patients (50 women, 31 men) with a mean age of 67±13 years underwent GGD implantation using Baerveldt (n = 72) or Ahmed valve (n = 9). Tubes were inserted in the anterior chamber (n = 71), sulcus (n = 6), or pars plana (n = 4). Tube ligation was performed with Baerveldt GDD along with fenestration (n = 51) or orphan trabeculectomy (n = 21). Tubes were covered with AM-UC (n = 41) or pericardium (n = 40). The mean follow-up time was 29±8 months (range, 13-40 months). Tube exposure occurred in 1 eye (2%) in the AM-UC group at 3 months and in 2 eyes (5%) in the pericardium group at 2 and 6 months (P = 0.54). Sequential AS OCT showed better host-tissue integration and significantly less graft thinning in the AM-UC group. Early graft thinning (≤3 months) occurred in 5 eyes (12%) in the AM-UC group and in 17 eyes (43%) in the pericardium group (P = 0.002). Late thinning occurred in 2 eyes (5%) and 11 eyes (28%) in the AM-UC and pericardium groups, respectively (P = 0.007). Graft translucency and cosmetic appearance of the AM-UC graft were superior to those of the pericardium graft. No evidence of graft rejection or infection was associated with the patch grafts in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Amniotic membrane-umbilical cord grafts are well tolerated and offer an alternative to pericardium for safe and stable tube shunt coverage. Its high-tensile strength, low immunogenicity, and excellent host-tissue integration significantly reduced graft thinning.

Role of conjunctival inflammation in surgical outcome after amniotic membrane transplantation with or without fibrin glue for pterygium.

PURPOSE: To determine the clinical significance of postoperative conjunctival inflammation noted at the third or fourth week after intraoperative application of mitomycin C and amniotic membrane transplantation for pterygium. METHODS: This retrospective study included 27 eyes of 23 patients with primary (n = 12) or recurrent (n = 15) pterygia. All cases were operated by extensive removal of subconjunctival fibrovascular tissue and intraoperative application of 0.04% mitomycin C in the fornix, followed by amniotic membrane transplantation by using either fibrin glue (14 eyes) or sutures (13 eyes). Main outcome measures included development of conjunctival inflammation, pyogenic granuloma, and pterygium recurrence after surgery. RESULTS: For a follow-up of 29.6 +/- 17.2 months (range, 6-56 months), 16 (59.3%) eyes without postoperative conjunctival inflammation resulted in favorable outcomes. Conjunctival inflammation around the surgical site was noted in the remaining 11 (40.7%) eyes and was significantly more common in eyes with sutures than those with fibrin glue (61.5% vs. 21.4%, respectively; P = 0.05). Among those with this inflammation, 7 eyes receiving subconjunctival injection of triamcinolone resulted in complete resolution and a good aesthetic outcome. Four eyes without this injection gradually developed conjunctival (n = 1) or corneal (n = 1) recurrence and/or pyogenic granuloma (n = 3). CONCLUSIONS: Host conjunctival inflammation is still common after intraoperative application of mitomycin C and amniotic membrane transplantation, especially when sutures are used in pterygium surgery. If left untreated, persistent inflammation may lead to a poor surgical outcome.

Amniotic membrane transplantation in trabeculectomy with mitomycin C for refractory glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To compare outcomes of trabeculectomy combined with mitomycin C (MMC) and amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) with those of trabeculectomy with MMC alone in refractory glaucoma. METHODS: This prospective, randomized study included 37 eyes with refractory glaucoma at such high risks as neovascular, pseudophakic, and prior failure. Trabeculectomy with MMC and single-layer AMT under the scleral flap was performed in 19 eyes and trabeculectomy with MMC alone in 18 eyes. The outcome measures included intraocular pressure (IOP), number of antiglaucoma medications, and complications. All patients were followed for 12 months. RESULTS: Complete success (IOP <22 mm Hg without glaucoma medications) was seen in 15/16 (93.7%) study eyes and 9/15 (60%) control eyes at 6 months postoperatively (P=0.03), and in 12/15 (80%) and 6/15 (40%) at 12 months after surgery, respectively (P=0.03). IOP decreased from 45.6+/-12.7 mm Hg and 44.9+/-10.7 mm Hg preoperatively in study and control groups to 15.3+/-2.3 mm Hg and 21.3+/-3.8 mm Hg, respectively, at 12 months (P<0.0001). Early postoperative hypotony developed in 3 (16.7%) control eyes owing to excessive filtration but none of study eyes (P=0.1). Encapsulated bleb occurred in 7 (38.9%) control eyes but in 1 (5.3%) study eye (P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: In refractory glaucoma, trabeculectomy combined with MMC and AMT compared to trabeculectomy with MMC alone has higher success rates, lower postoperative mean IOPs, and less complication rates.

New use of 8-0 polypropylene suture for four-point scleral fixation of secondary intraocular lenses.

We describe 4-point scleral fixation of a posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC IOL) using 8-0 polypropylene (Prolene) sutures, without the handshake technique. First, 4 sclerotomy sites are marked 2.5 mm from the limbus, and 2 scleral grooves are created in between. Two sets of 8-0 polypropylene sutures are then passed through the IOL haptics. The PC IOL is inserted behind the iris, and the sutures are pulled ab interno and tightened for optimum IOL centration. The sutures and exposed knots are imbedded within the scleral groove and sealed with fibrin glue. This 4-point scleral fixation technique was performed uneventfully in 9 cases (4 men, 5 women; mean age 71.4 years ± 12.2 [SD]) and the PC IOL was stable for 10 months (range 8 months to 1 year) with no signs of IOL subluxation, dislocation, tilt, or suture-related complications such as erosion or infection.

Long-term outcomes of orbital fat decompression in Graves' orbitopathy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term clinical efficacy of orbital fat decompression in treating proptosis in Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO). METHODS: Retrospective review of 1604 eyes of 845 patients with symmetric (1518 eyes) and asymmetric (86 eyes) proptosis who received orbital fat decompression between 2003 and 2014. Changes in Hertel values were evaluated at baseline, 6 months postoperatively and yearly thereafter. Recurrence of proptosis, diplopia and other complications that required additional surgeries were documented and analysed. The surgical outcome was defined as complete success if there was proptosis reduction with no recurrence and improved or no diplopia. Partial success was considered if there was proptosis reduction without recurrence yet persistent or new-onset diplopia. Failure was considered if there was recurrence of proptosis regardless of diplopia. The patient's quality of life was also evaluated as a long-term outcome. RESULTS: After follow-up for 37.9±24.4 months, 1365 eyes (85.1%) achieved complete success, 219 eyes (13.7%) achieved partial success and 20 eyes (1.2%) had failure. Newly onset diplopia and secondary decompression occurrence rate remained low at 3.3% and 0.6%, respectively. The total proptosis reduction was 4.1±1.3 mm, which was consistent all through the intermediate and long-term (5-10 years) follow-up. The amount of orbital fat removal (4.5±1.1 mL) played a significant role in the long-term Hertel change. Importantly, the overall quality of life increased significantly for GO patients after undergoing orbital fat decompression. CONCLUSIONS: Orbital fat decompression has a long-term efficacy in correcting disfiguring proptosis with a low complication rate and without the need of secondary decompression procedures. This was also associated with a significant improvement in quality of life.

Safety and efficacy of 4-terpineol against microorganisms associated with blepharitis and common ocular diseases.

OBJECTIVE: Microbial infection has been reported to cause blepharitis, conjunctivitis and keratitis. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of a foam formulation of 2% 4-terpineol (T4O) against common ocular microorganisms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The antimicrobial effect of a 2% T4O formulation was evaluated by the United States Pharmacopeia 51 (USP <51>) antimicrobial effectiveness test for 14 and 28 days, as well as by a Time Kill Study (ASTM E2315) with a 60 s exposure time. Its potential of causing skin and ocular irritation was evaluated by the Repeated Insult Patch Test and the Hen's Egg Chorioallantoic Membrane Test, respectively. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: It was seen that 2% T4O formulation did not cause ocular irritation, skin irritation, sensitisation or allergic contact dermatitis in human subjects. Most importantly, it killed microorganisms listed in USP <51> at both 14 and 28 days and exerted a rapid killing effect within 60 s against 13 bacteria, 1 fungus and Acanthamoeba castellanii. CONCLUSION: The above finding suggests that 2% T4O formulation is safe and effective in killing microorganisms related to common ocular and skin infective diseases. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE: Although the clinical efficacy in treating ocular disease was not directly studied; this foam formulation containing 2% T4O, based on the in vitro results of this work, demonstrated that it can potentially be used as a preservative-free cleansing agent for ocular hygiene maintenance due to its ability to exert a broad-spectrum antimicrobial effect without causing ocular or skin irritation.

Treatment outcomes in the DRy Eye Amniotic Membrane (DREAM) study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of cryopreserved amniotic membrane (CAM) in reducing signs and symptoms of dry eye disease (DED) in a large patient population. METHODS: A retrospective chart review at 10 clinical sites was done of patients with refractory DED who received CAM and completed at least 3 months of follow-up. Data collected were demographics; medical history including previous and current ocular treatment, diagnosis, clinical presentations, comorbidity, duration and frequency of treatment with CAM; and concomitant medications. The primary outcome was the change in dry eye workshop (DEWS) score after treatment. RESULTS: A total of 97 eyes of 84 patients exhibited severe dry eye despite maximal medical treatments including topical artificial tears, cyclosporine-A, serum, antibiotics, and steroids. Patients manifested with superficial punctate keratitis (86%), filamentary keratitis (13%), exposure keratitis (19%), neurotrophic keratitis (2%), and corneal epithelial defect (7%). After CAM treatment for 5.4±2.8 days, 74 (88%) patients demonstrated an improved ocular surface along with a notable reduction of the severity as the overall DEWS score was significantly reduced from 3.25±0.5 at baseline to 1.44±0.6 at 1 week, 1.45±0.6 at 1 month, and 1.47±0.6 at 3 months (p<0.001). Ten eyes (10%) required repeated treatment to complete healing. Apart from discomfort during CAM placement, there were no adverse events. CONCLUSION: Placement of CAM is promising to enhance the recovery of ocular surface health and reduce signs and symptoms in patients with moderate-to-severe DED.