Outcomes of Boston keratoprosthesis in aniridia: a retrospective multicenter study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term outcomes of keratoprosthesis as an alternative surgical procedure in the management of aniridic keratopathy. DESIGN: Retrospective, multicenter case series. METHODS: Fifteen adult patients (16 eyes) with aniridia who were deemed at high risk for regular donor corneal transplantation underwent a Boston type I keratoprosthesis procedure for visual rehabilitation. Device retention rate, preoperative and postoperative visual acuity, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were studied. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 45 (median 50) years. Six of the patients were females. Eleven patients had previously undergone donor corneal transplantations (average two grafts), with failure. In 10 patients, the keratoprosthesis surgery was combined with other procedures such as cataract extraction, tube shunt implantation, vitrectomy, and intraocular lens removal. No intraoperative complications were encountered. The follow-up ranged from two months to 85 months, with a median of 17 months. All devices remained in situ throughout the entire follow-up period. The visual acuity improved in all but one patient from a median of counting fingers (light perception to 20/300) to 20/200 (hand motions to 20/60). Comorbid preoperative conditions particularly optic nerve and foveal hypoplasia limited the final postoperative vision. No endophthalmitis or extrusion of the device occurred. One device required repair procedure without necessitating a removal. CONCLUSIONS: Keratoprosthesis offers significant vision benefits in this patient group.

Advances in pharmacotherapy for allergic conjunctivitis.

INTRODUCTION: Allergy is the fifth leading group of chronic diseases, affecting as much as 40% of the first-world population. Its pathophysiology has a genetic component, and is driven by the immune system's sensitized response to antigens and environmental factors. As research continues to uncover the mediators responsible for ocular allergy, the development of novel drugs should progress. AREAS COVERED: A literature review of allergic conjunctivitis, ocular allergy and their treatment was performed using PubMed and Medline. Additional information is also included from clinicaltrials.gov and associated web sites for drugs currently in clinical trials. EXPERT OPINION: The initial step of therapy remains identification and avoidance of allergic triggers. The mainstay of treatment is the new generation of dual-acting antihistamines. Drugs that improve the magnitude and duration of relief, with greater subject responder rates, are gradually making their way into the clinic. Allergic conjunctivitis is a relatively easy disease to study because of the availability of models such as the conjunctival allergen challenge. New classes of drugs that target inflammatory pathways or mediators involved in the early and late-phase allergic response are being screened in these models and we are making progress in identifying the next generation of anti-allergic therapy.

Ulcerative keratitis in mycosis fungoides.

PURPOSE: To present a case of ulcerative keratitis and impending corneal perforation in a patient with mycosis fungoides (cutaneous T-cell lymphoma) that developed eyelid involvement. METHODS: Case report analysis. Cultures and biopsies of the right cornea, conjunctiva, and eyelids were obtained. Biopsy tissue was examined with histologic and immunohistologic stains. RESULTS: This patient with mycosis fungoides involving the eyelids developed corneal exposure and bacterial keratitis with impending corneal perforation. Lamellar keratoplasty and permanent tarsorrhaphy were performed to protect the globe from perforation. DISCUSSION: Mycosis fungoides involving the eyelids is capable of causing severe ocular tissue injury without direct infiltration of the malignant lymphocytes. Preventative medical and surgical measures must be taken to protect the globe.