A potential role for inflammatory cytokines in a rare late-onset capsular block syndrome: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Late-onset capsule block syndrome (CBS) is a rare complication of cataract phacoemulsification and the implantation of a posterior chamber intraocular lens (PCIOL), which manifests six months to years after surgery. The hallmark of CBS is the formation of an opaque liquid substance between the implanted intraocular lens (IOL) and the posterior capsule. However, its pathogenesis remains unclear. CASE PRESENTATION: A 64-year-old female patient with chronic angle-closure glaucoma (axis length < 21 mm) underwent trabeculectomy surgery combined with phacoemulsification and PCIOL. After a 4-year follow-up, a decline in visual acuity occurred in her right eye due to the location of opaque fluid in the visual axis and distension of the capsular bag. The initial course of action was to release the trapped fluid. Neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd: YAG) laser capsulotomy could not be employed due to her non-dilating pupil and high extension of the posterior capsule. Subsequently, anterior capsule peeling and anterior segment vitrectomy surgery were performed. The depth of the anterior chamber (ACD), the distance between the face of the retro-IOL and the posterior capsule, the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and the visual quality (VQ) were measured both before and after surgery. Inflammatory cytokine levels in the opaque substances (OS) trapped between the PCIOL and the posterior capsule were assessed using a flow cytometer and compared to normal statistical data in aqueous humor. After surgery, the patient experienced a significant improvement in BCVA and VQ. The distance between the face of the retro-IOL and the posterior capsule was on the verge of disappearing. However, ACD did not differ between pre- and post-operatively. Interleukin-8 (IL-8) and basic fibroblast growth factor (BFGF) concentrations were higher in the OS than in aqueous humor, especially in the former. However, the concentration of vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM) in the OS was lower than in aqueous humor. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior segment vitrectomy surgery proved to be a successful treatment for late-onset CBS, presenting a challenging case. In the human lens, inflammatory cytokines originating from the opaque substances may contribute to abnormal metabolism in the sealed area, a consequence of late-onset CBS.

[Spontaneous rupture of the anterior lens capsule in Alport syndrome (case study)]. / Samoproizvol'noe vskrytie perednei kapsuly khrustalika pri sindrome Al'porta (klinicheskoe nablyudenie).

Alport syndrome is a hereditary disease characterized by glomerulopathy, manifested by hematuria and/or proteinuria, progressive decline in renal function, often combined with hearing and vision pathology. This article presents a clinical case of spontaneous opening of the anterior lens capsule in a patient with Alport syndrome, accompanied by uveitis and ophthalmic hypertension, and describes the features of the surgical aid and the postoperative period.

OCULAR MANIFESTATIONS OF ASP38ALA AND THR59LYS FAMILIAL TRANSTHYRETIN AMYLOIDOSIS.

PURPOSE: To describe the ophthalmic manifestations of familial transthyretin amyloidosis (FTA) mutations, including Asp38Ala and Thr59Lys, which have not been previously reported to have ocular involvement. METHODS: This is an observational case series of prospectively collected data of 16 patients with FTA who were taking tafamidis for mild peripheral neuropathy and underwent a comprehensive ophthalmic examination at a single tertiary center, between January 2013 and March 2020. The ocular involvement of each FTA mutation type and the specific manifestations were the main outcome measures. RESULTS: Six of 16 patients with FTA manifested ocular involvement. Ocular involvement was noted in two of three patients with Glu89Lys mutations having retinal deposits, retinal hemorrhages, and corneal opacity. Three of nine patients with Asp38Ala mutations and one of two patients with Thr59Lys mutations showed ocular involvement that had not been previously described. The ophthalmic findings included glaucoma, anterior lens capsule opacity, vitreous opacity, and retinal deposits. The decrease in vascular flow due to perivascular cuffing of the amyloid deposits was detected by optical coherence tomography angiography. CONCLUSION: The current study newly described that two transthyretin mutation types of FTA, Asp38Ala and Thr59Lys, may manifest with ocular findings such as anterior lens capsule opacity and retinal deposits.

Lenticular fungal infection caused by Aspergillus in a patient with traumatic corneal laceration: a case report.

BACKGROUND: To report a case of lenticular infection caused by Aspergillus, which was diagnosed 13 weeks after traumatic corneal laceration. CASE PRESENTATION: A 60-year-old woman presented with traumatic corneal laceration including anterior lens capsule rupture and traumatic cataract after being hit with a chestnut in the right eye. There were multiple injuries due to tiny thorns of the chestnut, including the conjunctiva, sclera, cornea, and anterior lens capsule. But no visible foreign body was detected by slit-lamp examination. Topical corticosteroid was prescribed to resolve the conjunctival inflammation induced by the thorns of chestnut, which could have caused persistent irritation. As conjunctival injection and edema being decreased during outpatient clinical follow-up, embedded conjunctival foreign body was detected and surgically removed (1st surgery). Approximately 10 weeks after the trauma, severe inflammation of the anterior segment accompanied with hypopyon developed suddenly and at the same time embedded scleral foreign body was revealed. After removal of scleral foreign body (2nd surgery), unspecified mold species was cultured from the scleral foreign body in SDA (Sabouraud dextrose agar) plate. Suspicious corneal foreign body was removed as 3rd surgery and phacoemulsification of traumatic cataract was planned as 4th surgery. Aspergillus was finally detected from removed anterior capsule and fibrotic membrane during the operation. Fungal infection resolved successfully after administration of topical (1% voriconazole and 5% natamycin) and systemic (fluconazole) antifungal agents and phacoemulsification of traumatic cataract. CONCLUSION: Chestnut thorns can damage multiple ocular tissues simultaneously. Lens capsular rupture could result in fungal inoculation and lead to delayed lenticular fungal infection with complicated cataract formation. In cases of ocular trauma due to organic substances such as thorns and branches, the possibility of fungal infection should be considered.

Ectopic lens material in an otherwise healthy 5-week-old infant.

PURPOSE: To report the unusual finding of ectopic lens material in an otherwise healthy 5-week-old infant. METHODS: Case report and literature review. RESULTS: An asymptomatic 5-week-old female infant was found to have unilateral ectopic lens material in the retrolental space of the left eye associated with a posterior capsular defect. CONCLUSION: The abnormality is likely embryological in origin, and the established progression for similar conditions means long-term monitoring is required to ensure the best possible visual outcome.

Disease and Surgery of the Equine Lens.

Examination of the lens is critical, particularly when evaluating horses with visual impairment or performing prepurchase examinations. To adequately evaluate the lens, the pupil must be pharmacologically dilated. A cataract is any lens opacity. The size, density, and position of a cataract determine the impact on vision. Cataracts may be congenital or inherited or occur secondary to trauma or equine recurrent uveitis. Surgical removal is the only treatment option for vision impairing cataracts, but careful selection of surgical candidates is critical for successful outcomes.

Jellyfish sign for intraoperative identification of posterior lenticonus.

Posterior lenticonus is a rare progressive disease characterized by protrusion of posterior lens capsule along with lens cortex into the vitreous cavity. It may be associated with local thinning or absence of posterior lens capsule. It generally occurs sporadically, but familial cases have also been reported. If visually significant or if amblyopia is present, lens removal is indicated. Treatment consists of clear or cataractous lens extraction, optical correction along with prompt amblyopia therapy. In this case, we propose a "jellyfish sign" seen intraoperatively, which is referred to the characteristic movement of the posterior capsular cataractous material on injection of balanced salt solution in the capsular bag.

Bilateral lens luxation and intracapsular lens extractions in a Matshchie's tree kangaroo.

An adult, female, captive, Matshchie's tree kangaroo was diagnosed with an anterior lens luxation in the right eye and a lens subluxation in the left eye. Both eyes were treated surgically with intracapsular lens extractions. A 360° rhegmatogenous retinal detachment was diagnosed 6 months postoperatively in the left eye. Aphakic vision was maintained in the right eye 9 months postoperatively. Based on family history and the lack of antecedent ocular disease, the lens luxations were presumed to be inherited and veterinarians should be aware of this condition within the captive tree kangaroo population.

Acute angle closure: qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the anterior segment using anterior segment optical coherence tomography.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate different mechanisms of acute angle closure and to compare it with unaffected fellow eyes and primary angle closure suspects using anterior segment optical coherence tomography. DESIGN: Prospective, cross-sectional. PARTICIPANTS: 116 eyes (76 patients) with angle closure disease were included. METHODS: Eyes were categorized into three groups: (i) acute angle closure (40 eyes); (ii) fellow eyes of acute angle closure (40 eyes); and (iii) primary angle closure suspect (36 eyes). Complete ophthalmic examinations including gonioscopy, A-scan biometry and anterior segment optical coherence tomography were performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Based on the anterior segment optical coherence tomography images, four mechanisms of primary angle closure including pupil block, plateau iris configuration, thick peripheral iris roll and exaggerated lens vault were evaluated among the three subtypes of angle closure disease. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in the mechanism of angle closure disease among the three groups (P < 0.001). Although the majority of fellow and primary angle closure suspect eyes had pupil block mechanism (77.5% and 75%, respectively), only 37.5% of acute angle closure eyes had dominant pupil block mechanism. The percentage because of exaggerated lens vault was greatest in acute angle closure eyes (50%). Acute angle closure eyes had the shallowest anterior chamber depth (P < 0.001), least iris curvature (P < 0.001) and greatest lens vault (P = 0.003) compared with the other two groups. CONCLUSIONS: A statistically significant difference in the underlying primary angle closure mechanisms among acute angle closure eyes as compared with their fellow eyes and primary angle closure suspect may exist.

Using Natural Language Processing to Identify Different Lens Pathology in Electronic Health Records.

PURPOSE: Nearly all published ophthalmology-related Big Data studies rely exclusively on International Classification of Diseases (ICD) billing codes to identify patients with particular ocular conditions. However, inaccurate or nonspecific codes may be used. We assessed whether natural language processing (NLP), as an alternative approach, could more accurately identify lens pathology. DESIGN: Database study comparing the accuracy of NLP versus ICD billing codes to properly identify lens pathology. METHODS: We developed an NLP algorithm capable of searching free-text lens exam data in the electronic health record (EHR) to identify the type(s) of cataract present, cataract density, presence of intraocular lenses, and other lens pathology. We applied our algorithm to 17.5 million lens exam records in the Sight Outcomes Research Collaborative (SOURCE) repository. We selected 4314 unique lens-exam entries and asked 11 clinicians to assess whether all pathology present in the entries had been correctly identified in the NLP algorithm output. The algorithm's sensitivity at accurately identifying lens pathology was compared with that of the ICD codes. RESULTS: The NLP algorithm correctly identified all lens pathology present in 4104 of the 4314 lens-exam entries (95.1%). For less common lens pathology, algorithm findings were corroborated by reviewing clinicians for 100% of mentions of pseudoexfoliation material and 99.7% for phimosis, subluxation, and synechia. Sensitivity at identifying lens pathology was better for NLP (0.98 [0.96-0.99] than for billing codes (0.49 [0.46-0.53]). CONCLUSIONS: Our NLP algorithm identifies and classifies lens abnormalities routinely documented by eye-care professionals with high accuracy. Such algorithms will help researchers to properly identify and classify ocular pathology, broadening the scope of feasible research using real-world data.

Optical Density and Polarized Light Microscopy to confirm calcification of Intra-ocular Lens.

Introduction: Intra-ocular lens (IOL) calcification is a rare yet serious complication, presenting as clouding within the optics of IOL and necessitating IOL exchange. Patient and Clinical Findings: In this case, a 77-year-old male experienced gradual vision loss in his left eye (LE) over four years post-cataract surgery a decade before. His best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 3/60 in the LE, with the anterior segment displaying a clear cornea but an opacified IOL within the capsular bag. Ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM) revealed hyperechoic reflections from the IOL in the LE. ImageJ software used on UBM images indicated a significant difference in optical density (OD) compared to the right eye (RE). Results: The patient was diagnosed with IOL calcification in LE, and underwent anterior vitrectomy and IOL exchange with sulcus-placed IOL with optic capture in the capsular bag, resulting in an improved visual acuity of 6/18. Microscopic examination of explanted IOL revealed whitish calcium carbonate crystal deposits on the IOL, which were visible under polarized light. Conclusions and significance: The innovative use of polarized light and ImageJ software can be used in resource-constraint settings to confirm the diagnosis in such cases. Based on ImageJ on the UBM image, OD can pick up even subtle changes in the optical clarity of the IOL optic preoperatively.

Postoperative hyphema due to persistent tunica vasculosa lentis in glaucoma associated with neurofibromatosis-a case report.

An 8-month-old girl referred from her pediatrician with a diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) presented with an enlarged cloudy cornea of the left eye and a swollen left side of the face. Her left eye had intraocular pressure (IOP) of 21 mm Hg, corneal diameter of 16 mm, ectropion uvea, cup:disk ratio of 0.9, axial length of 28.06 mm, and S-shaped upper lid deformity. Uneventful combined trabeculotomy-trabeculectomy with mitomycin C was performed. On postoperative day 1, there was a new total hyphema that persisted for 2 weeks. An anterior chamber washout was performed, revealing the source of bleeding to be a persistent tunica vasculosa lentis along the zonules of the lens. Viscotamponade was performed, and the corneal wounds were closed, with the ocular tension slightly elevated. Bleeding did not recur for the following 5 months, and IOP was controlled until final follow-up.

[Visual impairment and blindness in children in a Malawian school for the blind]. / Sehbehinderung und Blindheit bei Kindern in einer malawischen Blindenschule.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the anatomic sites of severe visual impairment and blindness in children in an integrated school for the blind in Malawi, and to compare the results with those of previous Malawian blind school studies. METHODS: Children attending an integrated school for the blind in Malawi were examined in September 2011 using the standard WHO/PBL eye examination record for children with blindness and low vision. Visual acuity [VA] of the better eye was classified using the standardised WHO reporting form. RESULTS: Fifty-five pupils aged 6 to 19 years were examined, 39 (71 %) males, and 16 (29 %) females. Thirty eight (69%) were blind [BL], 8 (15 %) were severely visually impaired [SVI], 8 (15 %) visually impaired [VI], and 1 (1.8 %) was not visually impaired [NVI]. The major anatomic sites of visual loss were optic nerve (16 %) and retina (16 %), followed by lens/cataract (15 %), cornea (11 %) and lesions of the whole globe (11 %), uveal pathologies (6 %) and cortical blindness (2 %). The exact aetiology of VI or BL could not be determined in most children. Albinism accounted for 13 % (7/55) of the visual impairments. 24 % of the cases were considered to be potentially avoidable: refractive amblyopia among pseudophakic patients and corneal scaring. CONCLUSIONS: Optic atrophy, retinal diseases (mostly albinism) and cataracts were the major causes of severe visual impairment and blindness in children in an integrated school for the blind in Malawi. Corneal scarring was now the fourth cause of visual impairment, compared to being the commonest cause 35 years ago. Congenital cataract and its postoperative outcome were the commonest remedial causes of visual impairment.

A one-year follow-up study of ocular and systemic complications of intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (Avastin).

OBJECTIVES: To report systemic and ocular complications within a year of intravitreal injection of bevacizumab (Avastin) in ocular neovascularisation. METHODS: The quasi-experimental (randomized without control) study was carried out at the Eye Department of Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Karachi, from July 2008 to June 2010. It comprised 150 patients selected from the outpatient department with ocular neovascularisation through non-probability purposive sampling. After detailed history and examination, the patients were counseled for intravitreal injection Avastin (bevacjzumab) which was injected into the vitreous cavity in sterile environment in the operation theatre using fully aseptic technique. The injection site was compressed for several seconds to avoid reflux when the needle was removed. Paracentesis was done following the injection as soon as possible. Patients were discharged on moxifloxcin eye drops and steroid antibiotic combination ointment at night time. They were followed up the very next day, after 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year. Injection was repeated after 6 weeks if required and further repetition was done again after 6 weeks according to the need of the patient. RESULTS: Of the 150 patients, 93 (62%) were males and 57 (38%) were females. Most commonly presenting age group was between 50-60 years (n=51; 34%) followed by 41-50 years (n=41; 27.4%). Most common indication for intravitreal injection Avastin (bevacizumab) was proliferative diabetic retinopathy in 134 (89.33%) patients, followed by age-related macular degeneration (wet type) in 5 (3.3%) patients. Most frequently presenting ocular complication was subconjunctival haemorrhage seen in 35 (23%) patients, followed by regurgitation of drug from the site of injection in 8 (5.3%) patients, transient rise of intraocular pressure in 7 (4.7%) patients, mild uveitiS in 4 (2.7%) patients, lens injury in 3 (2%) patients, conjunctival chemosis and iatrogenic vitreous haemorrhage in 1 (0.7%) patients. Among the systemic complications were acute rise of blood pressure in 4 (2.7%) patients, and mild irritation and allergic reaction on skin in 1 (0.7%) patient. CONCLUSION: Avastin is generally a safe drug for treatment of ocular neovascularization. The complications reported were more associated with the technique of the procedure and not the drug itself and were easily manageable. Drug-related complications were limited, transient and easily managed with treatment.

Increased lens vault as a risk factor for angle closure: confirmation in a Japanese population.

PURPOSE: A thicker lens vault (LV), measured by anterior segment optical coherence tomography (ASOCT), was recently identified as a novel risk factor for angle closure in Chinese Singaporeans. The purpose of our study was to investigate the association of LV with angle closure in Japanese subjects. DESIGN: Case-control study METHODS: One hundred and twenty-four subjects with primary angle-closure disease and 80 controls were recruited. All participants underwent ASOCT, and customized software was used to measure LV, defined as the perpendicular distance between the anterior pole of the lens and a horizontal line joining the two scleral spurs. A-scan biometry was used to measure lens thickness (LT) and to calculate lens position (LP) and relative lens position (RLP). RESULTS: Eyes with angle closure had significantly shallower anterior chamber depth (ACD), shorter axial length, greater LV and LT (p <0.001 for all), and anteriorly positioned lenses (LP, p < 0.001; RLP, p = 0.019). After multivariate analysis adjusted for age, gender, ACD, LT, and RLP, increased LV was significantly associated with angle closure (odds ratio [OR] 24.2; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 2.3-250.5, comparing lowest with highest quartile), but no association was found for LT (OR 2.59; 95 %CI, 0.48-13.85). In a sub-analysis evaluating the effect of LT on LV, LV was significantly greater in both the angle-closure group with thinner lens (LT ≤ 4.91 mm) and angle-closure group with thicker lens (LT > 4.91 mm) compared to normal controls (p < 0.001 for both). CONCLUSIONS: In Japanese eyes, LV was independently associated with angle closure. These results corroborate the recent findings from Singapore on LV as a risk factor for angle closure.

Late-onset capsular block syndrome.

We describe two patients with late-onset capsular block syndrome who presented 6 years and 4 years, respectively, after cataract surgery and were successfully treated with Nd:YAG capsulotomy.

Uveitis-Glaucoma-Hyphema Syndrome: Clinical Features and Differential Diagnosis.

PURPOSE: to study the clinical features of uveitis-glaucoma-hyphema (UGH) syndrome, particularly those useful for a differential diagnosis from unilateral hypertensive acute anterior uveitis. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted on the clinical features of 9 patients with UGH syndrome. These features were then compared with those detected in 50 patients with unilateral hypertensive acute anterior uveitis. RESULTS: Fine and pigmented keratic precipitates (p = .0002 and p = .00004, respectively), iris atrophy (p = .0122), hyphema and vitreous opacities > 2+ (p = .0003), and cystoid macular edema (p = .009) were statistically associated with UGH syndrome. These clinical signs show a high specificity, ranging from 58 to 100%; the presence of pigmented keratic precipitates in the setting of a unilateral acute hypertensive anterior uveitis has a sensitivity and specificity of 89% and 84%, respectively. CONCLUSION: In patients operated on for cataract, UGH syndrome can be differentiated from unilateral hypertensive acute anterior uveitis considering specific clinical signs.