One year of COVID-19 in Italy: are containment policies enough to shape the pandemic pattern?

A successful fight against COVID-19 greatly depends on citizens' adherence to the restrictive measures, which may not suffice alone. Making use of a containment index, data on sanctions, and Google's movement trends across Italian provinces, complemented by other sources, we investigate the extent to which compliance with the mobility limitations has affected the number of infections and deaths over time, for the period running from February 24, 2020 to February 23, 2021. We find proof of a deterrent effect on mobility given by the increase in sanction rate and positivity rate among the population. We also show how the pandemic dynamics have changed between the first and the second wave of the emergency. Lots of people could be spared by incorporating greater interventions and many more are at stake, despite the recent boost in vaccinations. Informing citizens about the effects and purposes of the restrictive measures has become increasingly important throughout the various phases of the pandemic.

Orbital dermoid cyst of childhood: clinical pathologic findings, classification and management.

To analyze the characteristics and treatment outcomes of pediatric orbital dermoid cysts. Chart review of consecutive pediatric biopsy-proven dermoid cysts surgically removed at the Department of Ophthalmology, Maggiore Hospital, between 2000 and 2007. We excised dermoid cysts from 30 children (30 eyes) whose mean age at the time of surgery was 24 months (range 6-84). The most common presentation of the cyst was a palpable or partially palpable mass (100%), followed by a superior lid ptosis (10%). Twenty patients (67%) had superficial cysts with margins well-definable by palpation, and 10 patients (33%) had deep cysts that extended beyond the orbital rim with an incomplete palpation of margins requiring imaging studies. The most frequent localization of the cysts was the superior temporal zygomatico-frontal suture (86.6%), followed by the superior nasal frontal suture (10%). Complete removal of the cysts was achieved and confirmed histopathologically, and there were no recurrences among the patients at a mean follow-up of 28 months (range 6-73). One child, however, developed a temporary orbital hematoma. The superficial cysts had an anatomic mean diameter of 10 mm (range 2.5-15), and the mean age of the patients at surgery was 19 months (range 6-31). The deep cysts had a larger diameter with a mean of 14 mm (range 10-30) (P = 0.008), and the children were older at presentation with a mean age of 34 months (range 15-84) (P = 0.03). There was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) between the two groups (superficial and deep) when comparing age and diameter. Cysts with palpably distinct margins (superficial) can be easily and completely excised with no recurrence. Cysts with indistinct margins need detailed computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging investigation because they may require deep orbital dissection. Complete excision of the cyst's capsule may be difficult as a result. In our review we have not found cysts with intracranial extension.

Physical exertion (lifting) and retinal detachment among people with myopia.

BACKGROUND: People with myopia (near sightedness) are at increased risk for retinal detachment. We explored other factors that may be associated with retinal detachment within this high-risk group. METHODS: We conducted a case-control study comprising 61 cases with retinal detachment and myopia and 99 hospital controls who also had myopia. Cases were recruited from a general hospital, and controls from ophthalmologic clinics. Participants compiled a questionnaire including details of past and current occupational lifting tasks to explore Valsalva maneuver as a possible risk factor. We devised a cumulative lifting index to distinguish light and heavy lifting. RESULTS: After adjusting for potential confounders, we found strong associations of retinal detachment with eye surgery, eye or head trauma, severe myopia (all known risk factors), and heavy lifting (vs. no lifting, odds ratio = 4.4 [95% confidence interval = 1.5-13]) and high body mass index (>or=25.5 kg/m, 6.8 [1.6-29]). CONCLUSIONS: Heavy occupational lifting and being overweight may be important risk factors for retinal detachment among people with myopia. The role of these risk factors in the etiology of retinal detachment deserves to be explored in more general populations.

Clinical outcomes after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty using the big-bubble technique in patients with keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To report clinical outcomes of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) using the big-bubble technique in patients with keratoconus. DESIGN: Prospective noncomparative interventional study. SETTING: Single hospital. PATIENTS: Eighty-one unselected consecutive patients with moderate to advanced keratoconus intolerant to contact lenses and with poor spectacle-corrected visual acuity. INTERVENTION: DALK big-bubble technique. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Intraoperative and postoperative complications, postoperative uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), manifest refraction, corneal topography, and endothelial cell density. RESULTS: Seventy-eight procedures (96%) were completed as DALK. Big-bubble was achieved in 50 cases (64%); 28 (36%) required manual intrastromal dissection. Intraoperative microperforations occurred in 11 cases (13%). Baseline mean uncorrected visual acuity was 20/500 and 20/60 two years after surgery. Average preoperative BSCVA, was 20/100 and 20/30 at the end of follow-up. Final BSCVA was better in patients in whom big-bubble with exposure of the Descemet membrane was achieved (P < .05). Average keratometry and SD (standard deviation) refraction changed from 62.1 +/- 6.7 diopters and -10.76 +/- 5 diopters to 47.51 +/- 4.73 diopters and -1.81 +/- 3.2 diopters, respectively after surgery. Mean preoperative endothelial cell density was 2202.29 +/- 392.35 cells/mm(2) and 2034 +/- 438.39 cells/mm(2) two years after surgery. Two patients developed stromal rejection. CONCLUSIONS: The DALK big-bubble technique is a valuable treatment in patients with keratoconus. Visual outcome is comparable to standard penetrating keratoplasty (PK) when formation of big-bubble with exposure of the Descemet membrane (DM) was achieved. Clinically important graft-host interface developed in some cases after manual intrastromal dissection. Stromal rejection is a rare complication.

Simple test to confirm cleavage with air between Descemet's membrane and stroma during big-bubble deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty.

We describe a simple test to confirm big-bubble formation in deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty by observing the position and movements of small air bubbles injected into the anterior chamber through a limbal paracentesis. The test also allows evaluation of the extension of Descemet's membrane cleavage from the posterior stroma relative to the margins of the corneal trephination.

Candida albicans interface infection after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty.

PURPOSE: To report a case of interface infection by Candida albicans after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK). METHODS: A 30-year-old man with keratoconus underwent DALK. Four weeks after surgery, the patient developed multiple infiltrates in the graft-host interface with absence of intraocular infection. Donor rim cultures grew C. albicans. Penetrating keratoplasty (PK) was performed because of worsening of the infection despite topical, local, and systemic antifungal therapy. RESULTS: Cultures carried out on the excised donor cornea confirmed donor-to-host transmission of C. albicans. An aqueous tap taken before PK was negative. Six months after PK, the corneal graft was clear with no recurrence of infection. CONCLUSIONS: After DALK, in cases of donor graft microbial contamination, infection may develop at the graft-host interface. This may delay or prevent direct intraocular penetration of microorganisms, reducing the risk of development of endophthalmitis. PK may be needed to eradicate the infection in cases where conservative treatment fails.

Frequency of positive donor rim cultures after penetrating keratoplasty using hypothermic and organ-cultured donor corneas.

PURPOSE: To compare the frequency of positive rim cultures after penetrating keratoplasty using corneas preserved by hypothermic and organ culture storage. To evaluate the influence of standard procurement techniques on the frequency of microbial donor rim contamination. METHODS: Six hundred four donor corneas stored at 31 degrees C and 214 at 4 degrees C were studied. Microbiology studies were carried out during organ culture storage, and corneas with positive medium cultures were discarded. Frequency of postoperative positive rim cultures was related to the type of corneal storage and procurement technique used. RESULTS: Thirty-nine (6.4%) corneas with positive medium cultures were discarded during organ culture. Microbiology reports of 628 donor rims cultures from 671 (94%) consecutive transplants were reviewed. Positive rim cultures resulted in 24 (3.8%) cases. None of the patients developed endophthalmitis. The frequency of postoperative positive rim cultures was greater after hypothermic than organ culture storage, being 9.8% and 1.3%, respectively (chi(2) = 24.9; P < 0.001). With organ culture storage, the frequency of positive rim cultures was 1.3% and 1.4% after enucleation and in situ corneal excision, respectively (chi(2) = 0.03; P = 0.638). After hypothermic storage, positive rim cultures were found in 8% of the corneas procured using enucleation and 12% of the corneas excised in situ (chi(2) = 0.829; P = 0.254). CONCLUSIONS: Organ culture storage allows one to recognize and discard corneas with microbial contamination during storage. This method significantly reduces the frequency of postoperative positive rim cultures compared with hypothermic storage. Procurement methods do not influence the percentage of positive rim cultures.

Favourable response to infliximab in a case of bilateral refractory Mooren's ulcer.

A woman with progressive bilateral Mooren's ulcer developed recurrent corneal perforations and melting requiring tectonic grafts, despite conventional immunosuppressant therapy. Following treatment with infliximab, an anti-tumour necrosis factor agent, the patient showed marked reduction in conjunctival inflammation and no further recurrence of corneal thinning and perforation during 2-year follow up on maintaining treatment.

European multicenter study of the AcrySof ReSTOR apodized diffractive intraocular lens.

OBJECTIVE: To report the safety and effectiveness of the AcrySof ReSTOR apodized diffractive intraocular lens (IOL), model MA60D3, when implanted into the capsular bag. DESIGN: Multicenter European study including university clinics, eye hospitals, and private ophthalmic surgical centers. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred twenty-seven subjects implanted in cataractous eyes in an open multicenter study. INTERVENTION: After phacoemulsification, the foldable 3-piece hydrophobic acrylic apodized diffractive IOL was implanted in the capsular bag using a Monarch injector with an A-cartridge. The mean preoperative patient age was 68.4+/-12 years. Intraocular lens implant power ranged from 18.0 to 25.0 diopters (D) in 0.5-D increments. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Distance visual acuity (VA), near VA, spectacle dependence, unwanted visual symptoms, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: At the 6-month postoperative visit, binocular (both eyes simultaneously) mean uncorrected distance and near logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution VAs for the MA60D3 were 0.04+/-0.14 and 0.09+/-0.12 (n = 118), respectively. In addition, 88.0% and 84.6% of ReSTOR subjects achieved spectacle independence for distance and near vision, respectively. Glare and halos were reported as severe by only 8.5% and 4.2% of patients, respectively. Ninety-two percent of patients stated that they would choose to have the same lens implanted again after the first implant, and 95.7% answered likewise after the second implant. CONCLUSIONS: The AcrySof ReSTOR MA60D3 IOL demonstrated excellent near VA without compromising distance vision. Spectacle independence and patient satisfaction were high, whereas unwanted photic phenomena were clinically acceptable.

Two-step LASIK with topography-guided ablation to correct astigmatism after penetrating keratoplasty.

PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy, predictability, stability, and safety of a two-step LASIK procedure using topography-guided ablation to correct astigmatism after penetrating keratoplasty. METHODS: Fifteen eyes of 15 patients underwent a two-step LASIK procedure at the Maggiore Hospital of Bologna, Italy. In the first step, a flap was created using the Hansatome microkeratome. In the second step, topography-guided ablation using the LaserSight LSX was planned with interactive software (CIPTA) once topographical and refractive stabilization had been obtained. Uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), cylindrical correction, gain of lines of BSCVA, spherical equivalent refraction, and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Minimum follow-up was 12 months (range: 12 to 30 months). Uncorrected visual acuity improved in all 15 (100%) eyes. At the last postoperative examination, 11 (73%) eyes had UCVA > or = 20/40. Nine (60%) eyes were within 1.0 diopter (D) of the attempted correction. Mean postoperative astigmatism was -1.67 (range: -3.5 to 0; standard deviation: 1.26). Index of success of astigmatic correction was 0.26. No patient lost Snellen lines of BSCVA. Intraoperative complications included two buttonhole flaps, and postoperative complications included one flap retraction. No further laser treatment was needed. CONCLUSIONS: The two-step LASIK procedure using topography-guided ablation reduces spherical and cylindrical refractive error due to penetrating keratoplasty. Topography-guided ablation also proved to be effective in correcting irregular astigmatism.

Conservative treatment of early and moderate pellucid marginal degeneration: a new refractive approach with intracorneal rings.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of the intracorneal ring (ICR; Intacs, Addition Technology, Inc., Fremont, CA) for the treatment of pellucid marginal degeneration (PMD). DESIGN: Case series. PARTICIPANTS: Eight patients with PMD who were intolerant to contact lenses received ICR segments in the superior cornea (0.25 mm thickness) and in the inferior cornea (0.45 mm thickness). The diagnosis was supported by Orbscan II tomography (Bausch & Lomb). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Preoperative and postoperative uncorrected visual acuity, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), refractive astigmatism, and spherical equivalent were assessed. Changes in corneal shape were evaluated by corneal tomographic maps. RESULTS: The minimum follow-up was 12 months (range, 12-42 months; standard deviation [SD], 14.14). Uncorrected visual acuity improved in all 8 eyes (100%). At the last postoperative examination, 6 eyes (75%) had a BCVA > or =20/25; mean postoperative refractive astigmatism was -2.53 (range, -4.50 to -1.25; SD, 1.03). Mean postoperative spherical equivalent was -1.52 (range, -7.25 to +1.87; SD, 3.01). At the third postoperative month, refractive stability was obtained. No patients lost any Snellen lines of BCVA. No intraoperative and postoperative complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Intracorneal ring implantation is a promising new treatment for patients with early to moderate PMD and who are intolerant of contact lenses.

Posterior capsule opacification after phacoemulsification: silicone CeeOn Edge versus acrylate AcrySof intraocular lens.

PURPOSE: To compare the rates and morphologic features of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) after small-incision phacoemulsification and in-the-bag implantation of 2 foldable intraocular lenses (IOLs) over an 18-month follow-up. SETTING: Departments of Ophthalmology, Hospital of Conegliano, Conegliano, and Maggiore Hospital of Bologna, Bologna, Italy. METHODS: In an open clinical study, 78 cataract patients were randomly selected to have implantation of a silicone CeeOn Edge (Pharmacia) or acrylate AcrySof (Alcon) IOL after phacoemulsification cataract surgery. All the patients were operated on using a standard technique and in-the-bag IOL implantation. One eye in each patient was studied. Morphologic evaluation of PCO was performed using Evaluation of Posterior Capsule Opacification software. RESULTS: At 18 months in the CeeOn Edge group, 36 eyes (90%) had a clear posterior capsule and 4 (10%) had PCO that did not affect visual acuity. In the AcrySof group, 26 eyes (68%) had a clear posterior capsule, 11 (29%) had PCO that did not affect visual acuity, and 1 (3%) had PCO with a decrease of 2 or more lines of visual acuity that required a neodymium:YAG laser capsulotomy. No eye developed Elschnig pearls or stretched folds in the bag. The postoperative best corrected visual acuity ranged from 0.8 to 1.0 in 96% in the CeeOn Edge group and in 92% in the AcrySof group. No IOL haze or discoloration was observed in the CeeOn Edge group. Mild IOL decentration and tilting occurred in 4 AcrySof eyes; however, no glistenings were found any AcrySof IOL. CONCLUSIONS: Both the CeeOn Edge and AcrySof groups had a low incidence of PCO after an 18-month follow-up. The CeeOn Edge group had significantly less PCO than the AcrySof group. These results confirm that IOLs with square truncated edges create a barrier effect at the optic edge, reducing the overall incidence of PCO.

Influence of graft-host interface on the quality of vision after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty in patients with keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of graft­host interface on the quality of vision after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK). METHODS: Retrospective, nonrandomized, comparative case series. Sixty patients (60 eyes) with advanced keratoconus underwent DALK using the big-bubble technique. Twenty-eight patients had complete stromal excision with Descemet membrane (DM) exposure[DALK with DM baring (DM-DALK)], whereas in 32 cases, a layer of stroma was left adherent to the recipient DM [DALK without DM baring (pre-DM-DALK)]. Twenty-two patients with keratoconus (22 eyes) who underwent penetrating keratoplasty (PK) were chosen for comparison. Main outcome measures were uncorrected visual acuity, best spectacle-corrected visual acuity, low-contrast visual acuity(LCVA), and Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity. RESULTS: Uncorrected visual acuity was equal in the 3 groups. Median best spectacle­corrected visual acuity was 0.1 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) in the PK group, compared with 0.06 logMAR in the DM-DALK group (P = 0.66) and 0.12 logMAR in the pre-DM-DALK group (P = 0.016). Pre-DM-DALK patients exhibited worse LCVA than PK (P = 0.029) and DM-DALK patients (P = 0.022), whereas PK and DM-DALK patients showed comparable LCVA (P = 0.974). Pelli-Robson contrast sensitivity was equivalent in PK and DM-DALK groups (P = 0.408) and greater in DM-DALK group than in pre-DM-DALK group (P = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS: In selected patients, quality of vision after DALK was comparable to that after PK when stromal excision was extended to the DM and inferior to vision after PK when layers of stroma were left adherent to the DM. Advances in DALK technique are required to allow easier and repeatable baring of the DM.

Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty after Intacs implantation in patients with keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) in patients with unsatisfactory vision after intrastromal corneal ring segment (ICRS) implantation for keratoconus refractive correction. METHODS: Prospective interventional case series. Five patients with consecutive keratoconus and poor visual outcome after ICRS implantation underwent DALK Big bubble technique. Three patients had ICRS explanted several months before lamellar graft surgery because of late postoperative complications; the other 2 had ring segments in place at the time of DALK. RESULTS: Average preoperative logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) uncorrected visual acuity was 1.5 +/- 0.685 (20/800) and 0.74 +/- 0.427 (20/114) at the end of the follow-up. Mean preoperative logMAR best-corrected visual acuity was 0.56 +/- 0.089 (20/70) and 0.12 +/- 0.044 (20/25) at the last examination. Mean MRSE changed from -8.75 +/- 6.74 diopters (D) preoperatively to -3.35 +/- 2.302 D postoperatively. Mean topographic astigmatism and mean topographic keratometry (K) varied from 3.96 +/- 2.197 and 50.06 +/- 3.965 D preoperatively to 1.72 +/- 1.147 and 42.34 +/- 2.356 D postoperatively, respectively. No operative complications occurred. One patient developed stromal rejection that regressed after topical steroid therapy. CONCLUSIONS: DALK may be proposed in alternative to penetrating keratoplasty for the treatment of patients with keratoconus with poor visual result after ICRS implantation. DALK Big bubble technique may be carried out with ICRS in place. Visual and refractive outcomes are comparable with standard penetrating keratoplasty in patients with keratoconus.

Choroidal effusion after diode laser cyclophotocoagulation in Sturge-Weber syndrome.

Sturge-Weber syndrome is complicated by glaucoma in 30% of patients; of these, 60% develop glaucoma in infancy and 40%, in childhood. Medical treatment often fails to adequately control IOP in these patients, and surgical intervention is frequently necessary. Filtration surgery may be complicated by expulsive choroidal hemorrhage and massive choroidal effusion, more often in patients with Sturge-Weber syndrome compared with other patients presenting with glaucoma, particularly in eyes with choroidal hemangioma, because the rapid decrease in IOP during surgery may induce the transudation of fluid from a fragile vessel in the choroidal hemangioma, leading to the development of choroidal effusion. When the risk of drainage surgery is considered too high, diode laser cyclophotocoagulation may, in theory, be a safer treatment to lower the IOP. Our case illustrates that significant but transient choroidal effusions can still occur after diode laser procedure.