Real-life experience on the effectiveness of conjunctival flap and amniotic membrane graft in the treatment of refractory fungal corneal ulcer.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the results of the conjunctival flap (CF) and cryopreserved amniotic membrane graft (AMG) in the management of fungal corneal ulcers either with complications or non-responsive to medical treatment. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective observational study. METHODS: Medical records of 30 patients with culture-positive fungal corneal ulcer treated with either CF or AMG (15 eyes in each group) in real world settings were retrieved for analysis. After the surgical procedure, patients were followed up on days 1, 7, 14, 21, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 180 to explore the outcomes of the operations along with complications. RESULTS: Infecting fungi were of genus Fusarium (n = 11), Aspergillus (n = 10), Mucor (n = 4) and Penicillium (n = 10). The most common indication was resistant ulcer with perforation. After the procedure, epithelization was completed in 11(73.33%) patients in the CF, and 13 patients in the (86.67%) AMG group. Visual acuity improvement was significantly better in the latter group (CF: 1 [6.67%] vs. AMG: 7 [46.67%], p = 0.023). Flap failure occurred in 4 patients (26.67%) from the CF and 2 (13.33%) from the AMG group. No significant differences were found between the two groups regarding success rate (p = 0.651), epithelialization time (p = 0.691), healing of corneal ulcer (p = 0.651), and postoperative stability (p = 0.651) of the flaps. CONCLUSIONS: CF and AMG are both effective for the management of refractory fungal corneal ulcers. However, AMG appears to improve visual acuity better than CF.

Comparison of conjunctival pedicle flap to corneal fixation strength achieved by Tisseel® fibrin glue, ethyl cyanoacrylate adhesive, ReSure® hydrogel sealant, and conventional suturing with 8-0 VICRYL® ophthalmic suture.

OBJECTIVE: To determine and compare the fixation strength of conjunctival pedicle flaps to cornea achieved via conventional ophthalmic suture and three different adhesive compounds. ANIMALS STUDIED: Ex vivo porcine globes. PROCEDURES: Following a 6 mm wide 500-micron-restricted depth lamellar keratectomy, conjunctival pedicle flaps were secured to the keratectomy site with either 8-0 VICRYL® suture or one of three adhesive products, including Tisseel® bioadhesive, ReSure® synthetic adhesive, or ethyl cyanoacrylate adhesive (n = 10 per surgical group). Adhesive application protocol varied by product based upon adhesive biocompatibility. Corneoconjunctival tissues were then harvested, clamped in a tensile testing device, and loaded at a rate of 1 mm/s under video surveillance until the point of failure. Peak load was determined for each test and used to compare fixation strength between samples. RESULTS: Forty conjunctival flaps were performed, with 6 omitted from evaluation due to dehiscence prior to tensile testing. Of the 34 flaps analyzed, 10 were secured with suture, 10 with cyanoacrylate, 8 with ReSure®, and 6 with Tisseel®. Flaps secured with suture withstood significantly higher applied tensile force compared with cyanoacrylate (p = .02474), ReSure® (p = .00000), and Tisseel® (p = .00002). Flaps secured with cyanoacrylate withstood significantly greater force than those secured with ReSure® and Tisseel® (p = .01194 and 0.01798, respectively). There was no significant difference in fixation strength between ReSure® and Tisseel® glue (p = .95675). CONCLUSIONS: Conjunctival pedicle flap fixation using 8-0 VICRYL® suture fixation was able to withstand significantly greater maximum tensile force compared to ReSure®, Tisseel®, or cyanoacrylate adhesives. Fixation strength achieved with cyanoacrylate adhesive was significantly greater than that achieved with ReSure® or Tisseel®.

Tenon excision with fibrin glue-assisted reattachment of conjunctiva flap (T.E.F.A.R.C) for the treatment of conjunctivochalasis.

To observe the surgical outcome of "Tenon Excision with Fibrin Glue-Assisted Reattachment of Conjunctiva Flap" (T.E.F.A.R.C.) for the treatment of symptomatic conjunctivochalasis (CCH). This is a retrospective case series of CCH patients undergoing T.E.F.A.R.C. from January 2017 to December 2020 were reviewed. Seven patients (14 eyes) with symptomatic CCH received T.E.F.A.R.C. in both eyes. The symptoms before and after the procedures were compared and surgical complication was evaluated. The mean follow-up time was 13.7 ± 2.14 months. After the operation, resolution of the symptoms was reported in 12 eyes (86%). The grade of CCH decreased from 3 to 0 in all 14 eyes, and the restoration of inferior conjunctival surface and fornix within 1 day was also observed in all eyes. Most patients had localized injection and mild chemosis after the operation, which mostly recovered within 3 weeks. No complication or recurrence of CCH was reported after 1 year of follow-up. In conclusion, T.E.F.A.R.C. is a simple and effective treatment option for CCH with less surgical complication. Future larger studies are needed to confirm its clinical applicability.

Amniotic membrane transplantation combined with conjunctival flap covering surgery for the treatment of corneal perforations in fungal keratitis.

Purpose: To investigate the efficiency of amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) combined with conjunctival flap covering surgery (CFCS) for patients with corneal perforations in fungal keratitis (FK). Methods: In this non-comparative, retrospective case series, 16 participants of corneal perforation in FK were successfully treated by a combination of multilayer AMT and bipedicle conjunctival flap with partial tenon's capsule. Corneal healing, recurrence of FK, visual acuity, and relevant complications were reported as outcome measures. Results: Sixteen patients (13 male, 3 female) had a mean age of 58.8 ± 10.3 (range 29-72) years. The mean diameter of corneal perforation was 1.9 ± 0.7 (range 0.5-2.8) mm. Corneal perforations healed and all the patients preserved their eyeballs. During the 11.0 ± 4.4 (range 6-18) months of follow-up, there was no recurrence of FK in any of these cases. Visual acuity improved in 15 eyes (93.8 %) and remained unchanged in 1 patient (6.3 %) who had no light perception when first admitted. All 6 patients who accepted secondary keratoplasty showed improved best corrected visual acuity of more than 4 lines. The most frequently found fungi were Aspergillus species (6 of 16, 37.5 %) and Fusarium species (4 of 16, 25.0 %), followed by 1 Scedosporium apiospermum (1 of 16, 6.3 %). Conclusions: Combination AMT with CFCS is a safe and effective surgery for patients with corneal perforations in FK, particularly where eye banks and fresh corneas are not available. This surgery could preserve the integrity of the eyeball and avoid the recurrence of FK. Besides, it provides a greater opportunity for further optical keratoplasty.

Leucocytoclastic Vasculitis Presenting as Bilateral Ulcerative Keratitis: A Case Report.

Introduction: Small artery disease caused by neutrophils and immune-mediated is known as leucocytoclastic vasculitis (LCV). Clinically, it manifests as palpable, asymptomatic purpuric papules on the limbs. Ocular manifestation is rare. Here, we describe a case of peripheral ulcerative keratitis (PUK) associated with LCV. Case presentation: A 59-year-old man was referred to the hospital with blurred vision due to corneal perforation in his left eye. He complained of itchy nodules on his hands and lower legs for 15 years and the skin biopsy of the back of his hand revealed LCV 6 years ago, which suggested erythema elevatum diutinum. The patient was under treatment with anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs and physical features of LCV seen in him included erythema on his hands and legs. After receiving conjunctival flap covering surgery, the corneal perforation was resolved. Conjunctival flaps covered cornea that limited his vision to hand motion. Six months later, he was referred to our clinic again because of pain, redness, photophobia, and tearing in the right eye, presenting with PUK. Necrotic tissue was removed during surgery, which also included a conjunctival flap covering procedure. Following surgery, the symptoms were reduced, and the postoperative eye condition remained stable. Conclusion: To our knowledge, it is the first case of PUK secondary to LCV which was diagnosed 6 years ago. This case demonstrates that PUK associated with LCV can be successfully treated by surgical interventions.

Two-step strategy-conjunctival flap covering surgery combined with secondary deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty for the treatment of high-risk fungal keratitis.

AIM: To investigate whether the two-step strategy [conjunctival flap covering surgery (CFCS) combined with secondary deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK)] is effective for patients with high-risk fungal keratitis (FK). METHODS: In this noncomparative, retrospective case series, 10 subjects (6 males, 4 females) with a mean age of 56.5±7.1 (range 47-72)y with high-risk FK undergone the two-step strategy were included. Reported outcome measures were healing of the corneal ulcer, recurrence of FK, reject reaction, improvement in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and relevant complications. RESULTS: The average diameter of corneal infiltrates was 7.50±0.39 mm, ranging from 6.94 to 8.13 mm. The mean depth of corneal infiltrates was 422.4±77.1 µm, ranging from 350 to 535 µm. The mean corneal thickness was 597.4±117.3 µm, ranging from 458 to 851 µm. Hypopyon and endothelial plaques were presented in all patients. The period between the two steps was 3.65±0.9 (ranging from 3 to 5)mo. The graft diameter was 7.75±0.39 mm. At the last follow-up (average 9.25±3.39, ranging from 5.5 to 17mo), no fungal recurrence or graft rejection appeared, and all patients showed improvement of BCVA. One patient suffered from liver function impairment due to oral voriconazole for 4wk and recovered spontaneously after 1wk of drug withdrawal. CONCLUSION: The two-step strategy is safe and effective in the treatment of high-risk FK by transforming intentional therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty during acute infection to later optical DALK. It is a practical strategy, especially in areas lacking fresh donor corneas and eye bank services.

Preliminary study on the efficacy of lacrimal duct reconstruction with pedicled conjunctival flap in the treatment of severe lacrimal canalicular obstruction with conjunctivochalasis.

AIM: To determine the efficacy and safety of pedicled conjunctival lacrimal duct reconstruction in the treatment of severe obstruction of superior and inferior lacrimal canaliculi with conjunctivochalasis. METHODS: This study was performed as a retrospective analysis of patients who received conjunctival dacryocystorhinostomy with pedicled conjunctival flap reconstruction combined with tube intubation due to severe superior and inferior lacrimal canalicular obstruction with conjunctivochalasis from January 2019 to October 2019. The clinical data included the degree of preoperative epiphora and postoperative relief, preoperative examination of lacrimal duct computed tomography and ultrasound biomicroscopy, postoperative evaluation of lacrimal duct function by chloramphenicol taste and fluorescein dye disappearance test, etc. Syringing was carried out to determine the reconstruction and patency of the lacrimal duct. RESULTS: All 9 patients (9 eyes) had severe canalicular obstruction with conjunctivochalasis. The patients included 4 males and 5 females aged between 47-65y with an average age of 52.2±6.7y. At 3mo follow-up, the tube was removed and the patients were followed for a further 3mo. After tube removal, 6 patients showed no epiphora. These patients also had positive chloramphenicol tastes and normal fluorescein dye disappearance test results. Two patientshad epiphora. Also, syringing showed partial patency of the reconstructed lacrimal duct. One patient had no improvement in epiphora with negative chloramphenicol taste and fluorescein dye disappearance test results and obstruction of the reconstructed lacrimal duct. The total effective rate of the operation was 8/9, with no serious complications. CONCLUSION: Pedicled conjunctival lacrimal duct reconstruction conjunctival dacryocystorhinostomy is safe and effective for superior and inferior canalicular obstruction with conjunctivochalasis.

Management of XEN Gel Stent Exposure with Conjunctival Erosion via Rotational Conjunctival Flap and Amniotic Membrane Transplantation-A Case Report.

Background: Despite its proven effectiveness and safety profile, the XEN gel stent (Allergan Inc., CA, USA) for minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) has a probability of postoperative complications, including postoperative hypotony, hyphema, stent migration, stent obstruction, bleb fibrosis, and fibrin formation. In particular, the use of adjunctive Mitomycin-C (MMC) might be associated with bleb-related complications, including conjunctival erosion, XEN gel stent exposure, and blebitis. However, there are few studies on XEN gel stent exposure and its management. We describe a case of XEN gel stent exposure with conjunctival erosion 18 months postoperatively, which resolved effectively after combination treatment with a rotational conjunctival flap and amniotic membrane transplantation. Case presentation: A 74-year-old Korean male patient with diabetes and hypertension underwent uncomplicated ab interno XEN gel stent implantation with a subconjunctival injection of 0.1 cc of 0.02% MMC and presented with low intraocular pressure (IOP) with a well-functioning filtering bleb. Periocular pain and tearing developed 18 months after the initial operation, with mild deterioration of visual acuity to 20/100. Despite conservative medical treatment, the conjunctival erosion was not relieved. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) revealed an exposed XEN gel stent with conjunctival erosion. We performed bleb revision surgery using a rotational conjunctival flap and amniotic membrane transplantation. Slit-lamp examination and AS-OCT showed a well-formed moderate bleb without leakage, and IOP continued to be well controlled (14 mm Hg with latanoprost) until six months after bleb revision. Conclusions: This case report highlights the importance of careful examination, including slit-lamp examination, the Seidel test, and AS-OCT, to identify accurate anatomical positioning and to monitor ocular surface changes after XEN gel stent implantation with MMC or 5-FU. Combination treatment (rotational conjunctival flap and amniotic membrane transplantation) may be relatively safe for persistent XEN gel stent exposure.

Corneal perforation associated with ocular graft-versus-host disease.

Corneal perforation is a rare and serious complication of ocular graft-versus-host disease (oGVHD) patients. This study was to retrospectively report seven corneal perforation patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Demographic, hematologic, and ophthalmological data of patients were clarified in detail. Nine eyes of seven corneal perforation patients were clarified (Cases 3 and 6 were bilateral and the others are unilateral). All the cases had other affected GVHD organs, especially skin involvement. The duration between HSCT and corneal perforation was usually long with 21 (17-145) months as median interval, whereas the duration between oGVHD diagnosis and corneal perforation was relatively shorter with 4 (2-81) months as median interval. Most patients presented to ophthalmology department with poor visual acuity, BUT and Schirmer's test. Eyelid marginal hyperemia and irregularity were observed in most corneal perforation eyes. Keratoplasty or conjunctival flap covering (CFC) surgeries was performed after corneal perforation. After a long-term follow-up for most patients (median 21 months, range: 2-86 months), only two eyes of two patients (22.22%) had a final BCVA of 20/100 or better. Patients involved in both cutaneous GVHD and blepharitis indicate the aggressive development of oGVHD. Early diagnosis, long-term follow-up, and effective multi-disciplinary treatments for oGVHD patients are essential. Corticosteroids and immunosuppressor remain essential, whereas the use of topical corticosteroids should be carefully considered in corneal ulceration patients. In addition, appropriate surgeries should be performed to control oGVHD development in time.

Conjunctival flap with auricular cartilage grafting: a modified Hughes procedure for large full thickness upper and lower eyelid defect reconstruction.

AIM: To investigate the suitability of a modified Hughes procedure, which consists of conjunctival flap with auricular cartilage grafting in reconstructing large full thickness upper and lower eyelid defect. METHODS: Patients with full thickness eyelid carcinoma involving more than 50% margin length who underwent surgical resection were retrospectively reviewed in the study. The defects were reconstructed using conjunctival flap with auricular cartilage grafting, covered with myocutaneous flap above. Followed-up time ranged from 12 to 24mo. Outcomes were classified as "good", "fair", and "poor" by evaluating the margin appearance, eyelid appearance, and complications. RESULTS: A total of 42 patients were enrolled in the study (26 males, 16 females, mean age, 68.6±7.7y, range: 53 to 82y). The mean defect widths measured 23.2±2.9 mm (range, 17 to 28 mm). The mean posterior lamellar defect height was 5.5±1.3 mm (4 to 8 mm). Thirty-seven patients had a "good" outcome (88.1%), 5 patients had a "fair" outcome (11.9%), and no one had a "poor" outcome. CONCLUSION: Conjunctival flap with auricular cartilage grafting and myocutaneous flap grafting is an effective procedure in reconstructing large full thickness upper and lower eyelid defect. It can not only achieve satisfied reconstruction, but also preserve intact tarsal plate of the opposite eyelid, avoiding retraction or entropion.

Efficacy of conjunctival flap surgery for deep corneal ulcers.

Aim: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of a selective, partial, pedicle conjunctival flap in the treatment of deep corneal ulcers with or without perforation, resistant to medical treatment. Method: This interventional self-controlled retrospective study included 31 eyes of 31 patients with deep corneal ulcers who underwent conjunctival flap surgery in a tertiary eye care unit between 2017 and 2019. Of these, 9 eyes exhibited corneal perforation. The follow-up period was 12 months. The primary outcome measures were restoring ocular surface integrity and secondary outcome measures were improvement in visual acuity and postoperative complications encountered. Results: Out of the total of 31 patients, 17 patients (55%) were males and 14 patients (45%) were females. The mean age was 56.03 ± 15.46 years. The mean disease duration was 64.10 ± 35.01 days, the mean diameter of the ulcer was 3.61 ± 1.02 mm and the mean depth of the ulcer was 70.65 ± 20.28% of the thickness of the cornea. The etiology was extensive and the corneal ulcers were categorized as infectious (12), noninfectious (16), and unknown (3). An anatomic cure was obtained in 29 (94%) of 31 eyes. Conjunctival flap surgery was unsuccessful in 2 eyes that required evisceration. The postoperative visual acuity (BCVA) improved in 13 (42%) of the 31 eyes, decreased in 9 eyes (29%) and remained unchanged in 9 eyes (29%). The most frequent complications after conjunctival flap surgery were pseudopterygium, cataract and corneal opacity and less frequent complications were glaucoma, astigmatism, flap retraction, corneal perforation and endophthalmitis. Conclusions: Conjunctival flap surgery can successfully treat refractory deep corneal ulcers. It can restore ocular surface integrity and provide metabolic and mechanical support for corneal healing. Also, it can avoid emergency penetrating keratoplasty or create appropriate conditions for a future optic keratoplasty.

A Comparison of Subconjunctival Wound Healing between Different Methods of Dissecting Subconjunctival Tissues.

OBJECTIVE: To compare different methods for dissecting subconjunctival tissues by developing subconjunctival wound healing models. METHODS: New Zealand white rabbits were separated into 3 groups based on the method by which the rabbit subconjunctival wound healing model was generated: subconjunctival tissues were dissected episclerally (EPI) or subepithelially (SUB), with a corresponding blank control (CON). All the cases in the experimental groups were surgically prepared with conjunctival flaps, and they were sacrificed on the third postoperative day. At the surgical sites, the protein levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1)-α, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 were detected by Western blot, morphological vascularity was measured by Adobe Photoshop, and subconjunctival fibrosis was assessed by histology. RESULTS: Compared with the CON group, both the EPI and SUB groups showed significantly upregulated protein levels of HIF-1α, VEGF-A, and MMP-2. In addition, the protein levels of HIF-1α, VEGF-A, and MMP-2 were higher in the EPI group than in the SUB group. Morphological vascularity was significantly elevated in the EPI group compared with the SUB and CON groups. Collagen content was markedly increased in the EPI group compared with the SUB and CON groups. CONCLUSIONS: Dissecting subconjunctival tissues subepithelially inhibits subconjunctival fibrosis, which may be instructive in tenonectomy in filtration surgery.

Conjunctival flap surgery in the management of ocular surface disease (Review).

Literature regarding conjunctival flap surgery was reviewed to describe and discuss the rationale for this type of procedure. The conjunctival flap is an acknowledged surgery for the treatment of various corneal diseases with a chronically compromised ocular surface, such as severe dry eye, neurotrophic or neuroparalytic disease, or bullous keratopathy. The purpose of this surgery is to restore the integrity of the corneal surface and thus to prevent gradual corneal ulceration and secondary infection, as well as to ameliorate pain, reduce the need for frequent medications, improve cosmetic appearance, and offer an alternative to invasive surgery or enucleation. Since the introduction of more effective methods of treating severe ocular surface diseases, conjunctival flap surgery has rarely been the primary modality of treatment and has usually followed a range of medical and surgical treatments. The availability of improved ocular lubricants, more effective antimicrobials, bandage contact lenses, tissue adhesives, and other corneal and conjunctival surgical interventions, has reduced the need for conjunctival flaps. However, conjunctival flaps remain extremely useful in selected cases and deserve a place in the ophthalmologist's repertoire for the management of ocular surface disease.

A modified technique of keratoleptynsis ("letter-box") for treatment of canine corneal edema associated with endothelial dysfunction.

PURPOSE: To describe a modified keratoleptynsis procedure, as a method of preserving central corneal function, and evaluate the outcome in vision, reduction of corneal thickness and treatment of epithelial corneal ulcers in cases with endothelial cell dysfunction. METHODS: Forty-four dogs (72 eyes) were affected by progressive corneal edema, with or without ulcerative keratitis. All patients were treated with a dorsal and ventral superficial keratectomy followed by conjunctival flaps, maintaining a clear central cornea. Corneal thickness measurements were obtained via ultrasound biomicroscopy. RESULTS: All eyes showed resolution of ocular discomfort postoperatively, with a median time to resolution of 35 days. Two years post-surgery, vision had been lost in 2 of 29 eyes (7%). From the initial population, 23 dogs (39 eyes) had follow-up evaluations of corneal thickness. The mean central corneal thickness was 1359 ± 251 µm prior to surgery. Thickening of the central cornea was observed one week after surgery to 1559 ± 263 µm. Decreased corneal thickness was reported, at 1 month, 4 months, 10 months and 2 years postoperatively (1285 ± 267 µm, 1102 ± 150 µm, 1121 ± 288 µm, 1193 ± 283 µm, respectively). All eyes showed a similar trend of increasing and then decreasing corneal thickness. CONCLUSIONS: This surgical technique provided statistically significant reduction in central corneal thickness and sustained relief of ocular pain. Reduction in corneal thickness appeared to be maintained 2 years post-surgery, and all patients remained comfortable. Superficial corneal pigmentation and fibrosis resulted in vision loss in two eyes.

Update on surgical management of corneal ulceration and perforation.

Corneal ulcerations are a medical emergency, and in recalcitrant cases, leading to perforation, a surgical ophthalmological emergency. The urgency of the treatment is dictated by the necessity of preventing complications that can lead to serious ocular morbidities. Medical treatment represents the first therapeutic approach and is a defining step in the further management of a patient with corneal ulceration. Multiple surgical strategies are available, but the option depends on the etiology and parameters of the ulceration: size, depth, and location.

Outcomes of preoperative intrapterygial injection of mitomycin C for pterygium excision with and without inferior conjunctival flap.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to report the comparison of recurrence rate and complications of intrapterygial injection of mitomycin C (MMC) 1 month before bare sclera excision of pterygium with and without conjunctival flap from the inferior bulbar conjunctiva. METHODS: This prospective interventional study enrolled 60 patients of pterygia from November 2010 to June 2012. All eyes received 0.1 ml (0.02%) of intrapterygial MMC injection 1 month preoperatively. Patients were divided into two groups of 30 each: Group 1 - bare scleral excision (BSE) and Group 2 - BSE with conjunctival flap from the inferior bulbar conjunctiva to cover the bare sclera. Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and unpaired t-test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The mean age was 40.6 ± 12.8 years and 36.9 ± 10.9 years in Group 1 and 2, respectively, (P = 0.2329). There were 11 (36.7%) males and 19 (63.3%) females in Group 1 and 7 (23.3%) males and 23 (76.7%) females in Group 2 (P = 0.101). The recurrence rate was 0% in Group 1 and 3.3% (1 eye) in Group 2 (P = 1.00). Postoperatively, scleral whitening occurred in 6 (20%) eyes in Group 1 and none in Group 2 (P = 0.015). CONCLUSION: Both techniques, BSE alone or with conjunctival flap from the inferior bulbar conjunctiva 1 month after intrapterygial MMC, resulted in negligible (0%-3.3%) recurrence of pterygium. Conjunctival flap significantly reduced (0%) the postoperative complication of scleral whitening. This is the first report of efficacy of conjunctival flap in reducing scleral whitening after intrapterygial MMC.

Conjunctival Flap with Biodegradable Collagen Matrix Implantation for the Treatment of Scleromalacia after Periocular Surgery.

Purpose: To report a new surgical procedure using biodegradable collagen matrix (Ologen) implantation with conjunctival flap for reconstruction of scleromalacia after periocular surgery. Methods: A total of 26 areas of 25 eyes in 25 patients were included. We divided all eyes according to the preoperative extent of calcified plaque or scleral defect as follows: small, large, and large and severe. Morphologic outcomes were graded from 0 to 7, with higher scores indicating worse cosmetic outcomes. Results: Mean follow-up period was 8.3 ± 5.6 months. No eyes showed recurrence or specific complications related to Ologen such as implant extrusion or allergic reaction. Minor complications such as flap vessel engorgement and flap hypertrophy were easily treated. Mean morphologic outcome scores were 1.8, 2.4, and 5.3 in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Discussion: The combined surgery may be an effective and safe procedure for the treatment of scleromalacia after periocular surgeries.

Recubrimiento conjuntival en afecciones corneales / Conjunctival flap in corneal diseases

Objetivo: Determinar la eficacia del recubrimiento conjuntival en afecciones corneales. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de corte transversal, entre los años 2015 y 2017 en el Instituto Cubano de Oftalmología Ramón Pando Ferrer. La muestra quedó conformada por 52 pacientes quienes asistieron a la consulta externa del Servicio de Córnea de la mencionada institución. Resultados: Predominó el sexo masculino con el 63,5 por ciento de los pacientes. El grupo etario comprendido entre los 50 y 59 años de edad representó el 26,9 por ciento. Entre las afecciones corneales, el mayor porcentaje correspondió al descemetocele (30,8 por ciento), seguido de las úlceras corneales (23,1 por ciento). La técnica más empleada fue el recubrimiento conjuntival total representada por el 46,2 por ciento de las cirugías realizadas. El 80,8 por ciento de los casos evolucionó a la cicatrización corneal. La complicación más frecuente fue la retracción del colgajo (9,6 por ciento). Conclusiones: Los recubrimientos conjuntivales resultan un simple y eficaz procedimiento quirúrgico en pacientes que no responden a tratamiento médico o perforaciones corneales menores o iguales a 3 mm. Es un procedimiento extraocular que puede realizarse de urgencia para disminuir el dolor y la inflamación y puede ser revertido para realizar cirugías con fines visuales en un segundo tiempo(AU)

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of the conjunctival flap to treat corneal diseases. Methods: Retrospective, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out from 2015 to 2017 at "Ramon Pando Ferrer" Cuban Institute of Ophthalmology. The sample was made up of 52 patients who went to the outpatient Service of the Corneal Department of the institution. Results: Males represented 63.5 % of patients. The 50-59 y group represented 26.9 percent. Among the corneal diseases, descemetocele exhibited the highest percentage (30.8 percent) followed by corneal ulcers (23.1 percent). The most used surgical technique was the total conjunctival flap in 46.2 percent of surgeries. 80.8 percent of patients evolved into corneal scarring. The most frequent complication was flap retraction (9.6 percent). Conclusions: The conjunctival flaps represent a simple and effective surgical procedure in patients who do not respond to medical treatment or in corneal perforations equal or under 3 mm. This is an extraocular procedure that may be performed in emergency in order to release pain and inflammation and may be reversed later to perform surgeries aimed at visual problems(AU)

Modified conjunctival flap as a primary procedure for nontraumatic acute corneal perforation.

OBJECTIVE: Appropriate management of nontraumatic acute corneal perforation is always a challenge even with the many advances in surgical materials and techniques. We reported the outcomes of a case series of acute corneal perforation repair using a newly modified conjunctival flap with amniotic membrane transplant (AMT), fibrin glue, and a bandage soft contact lens (BCL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 13 consecutive referral cases with nontraumatic acute corneal perforation at the University of Washington were reviewed. All open globes were repaired by a combined surgery with a modified conjunctival flap, AMT, fibrin glue, and BCL. Visual acuity, a slit lamp examination, and the patient-reported pain level were collected preoperatively and postoperatively. Subsequent corneal surgeries to improve visual function were also reviewed. RESULTS: All ocular surfaces of the 13 eyes were stable at postoperative follow-up. Eleven of the 13 patients had the same or worse visual acuity 1 week postoperatively. Nine of the 13 patients achieved better vision 6 months postoperatively. None of the patients developed perioperative or postoperative complications. Five patients with good visual potential underwent further corneal surgeries, including Boston keratoprosthesis and penetrating keratoplasty. The average referral distance was 217 miles and the median number of follow-up visits within 6 months was 4. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of a modified conjunctival flap, AMT, fibrin glue, and a BCL could provide a temporary method to stabilize and secure the integrity of the globe as well as the ocular surface after a nontraumatic acute corneal perforation. This approach allows easy follow-up and preserves the eye for future corneal surgery under optimal conditions.

Efficacy of autologous conjunctival flap on repairing the late-onset filtering bleb leakage.

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of autologous conjunctival flap surgery for repairing the late-onset filtering bleb leakage after trabeculectomy. METHODS: This study retrospectively reviewed 106 eyes from 106 patients with late-onset filtering bleb leakage after trabeculectomy who received autologous conjunctival flap surgery at the Zhongshan Ophthalmic Centre from 2005 to 2015. The basic information was recorded, and the interval time between trabeculectomy and autologous conjunctival flap surgery as well as related risk factors, intraocular pressure (IOP), anterior chamber depth (ACD) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were analysed. Moreover, 41 patients who completed the 1-year follow up were analysed to determine the IOP and BCVA changes and long-term success rates. RESULTS: The 50 male and 56 female subjects (average age 39.13±17.96y) included 47 (44.34%) and 33 (31.13%) cases of primary open angle and primary angle-closure glaucoma. The mean interval between trabeculectomy and repair surgery was 60.60±56.92 (3-264)mo. The mean mitomycin (MMC) concentration during trabeculectomy was 0.27±0.04 (0.12-0.4) mg/mL in the fornix-based conjunctival flap group (68 patients) and 0.28±0.04 (0.20-0.33) mg/mL in the limbal-based conjunctival flap group (11 patients). After bleb leakage, the patients' vision remained stable while the IOP decreased from 10.25±4.76 (3-20.86) to 9.44±4.33 (2-21) mm Hg (P<0.01). In the 41 analysed patients, the IOP was controlled at 15.68±5.11 (7-40) mm Hg in the 1st year after autologous conjunctival flap surgery and recurrence was not observed, for a long-term success rate of 100%. CONCLUSION: Autologous conjunctival flap repairing surgery is an effective technique for sealing filtering bleb leakages and controlling IOP postoperatively.