[Viral conjunctivitis as the first sign of COVID-19 infection (clinical observation)]. / Virusnyi kon"yunktivit kak pervyi priznak koronavirusnoi infektsii COVID-19 (klinicheskoe nablyudenie).

The article presents a case of complicated viral conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis was the initial sign of the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) in the patient. The disease had a fairly long course and led to symmetrical scarring in the form of partial external symblepharon and dry eye syndrome. Ophthalmologists should be aware about this disease and its complications. Early treatment with corticosteroids in combination with symptomatic therapy can contribute to prevention of the development of conjunctival scarring. In addition to conjunctival scarring, this disease can possibly potentiate the development of keratitis, optic neuritis, and uveitis.

Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus After COVID-19 Vaccination: Chance Occurrence or More?

ABSTRACT: As the understanding of COVID-19 infection becomes better, it is being recognized as a complex multisystem pathology rather than just affecting the lungs. Several ocular findings have been documented by researchers in individuals infected with COVID-19, and ocular symptoms may even be the first presenting feature of COVID-19 infection in 2.26% individuals. Several countries have started vaccination with inactivated or live vaccines to combat this pandemic, and varied side effects have been reported after vaccination. Few cases of herpes zoster have previously been reported in elderly patients with comorbidities after receiving COVID-19 vaccines. In this article, the authors described 2 interesting cases of herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) after receiving a live COVID-19 vaccine. The first case was a 35-year-old immunocompetent man who developed HZO 3 days postvaccine. The second case was a 40-year-old immunocompetent man who developed HZO 28 days postvaccine. To the best of our knowledge, no literature to date has described HZO after live vaccine.

Endotelitis por citomegalovirus y su diagnóstico mediante la microscopia confocal / Cytomegalovirus endotheliitis and its diagnosis by confocal microscopy

Objetivo: Describir las características del endotelio corneal por microscopia confocal en pacientes con lesiones basofílicas de inclusión como patognomónicas de endotelitis por citomegalovirus. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional de casos clínicos en pacientes con diagnóstico de endotelitis por citomegalovirus, atendidos en la Consulta de Córnea del Instituto Cubano de Oftalmología "Ramón Pando Ferrer", entre febrero del año 2010 y junio del 2018. La muestra incluyó 39 pacientes con diagnóstico clínico de endotelitis, a quienes se les realizó microscopia confocal con el equipo Confoscan 4 (Nidek Technologies). Resultados: De los 39 pacientes, 29 fueron del sexo masculino y 10 del femenino. Todos tenían entre 41 y 60 años de edad. En el 97,4 por ciento de los casos existió el antecedente de una conjuntivitis viral y un solo paciente fue positivo de HIV (2,6 por ciento). La mejor agudeza visual corregida de 0,3 o menos se mostró en el 100 por ciento de ellos antes del tratamiento, y después de este los 39 tenían entre 0,8 y 1,0. En el 100 por ciento de los casos se observaron cuerpos de inclusión basofílicos en el endotelio corneal, que fueron apreciables mediante la microscopia confocal. Conclusiones: Existe una relación entre la presencia de cuerpos de inclusión basofílicos en el endotelio corneal y las pruebas virológicas a citomegalovirus positivas, lo que puede permitir hacer PCR a casos que ya tienen confirmación mediante microscopia confocal de las características patognomónicas del endotelio corneal(AU)

Objective: Describe the characteristics of the corneal endothelium by confocal microscopy in patients with inclusion basophilic lesions as pathognomonic signs of cytomegalovirus endotheliitis. Methods: An observational study was conducted of clinical cases of patients diagnosed with cytomegalovirus endotheliitis attending the Cornea Service at Ramón Pando Ferrer Cuban Institute of Ophthalmology from February 2010 to June 2018. The study sample was 39 patients with a clinical diagnosis of endotheliitis who underwent confocal microscopy with a Confoscan 4 device (Nidek Technologies). Results: Of the 39 patients examined, 29 were male and 10 were female. All were aged 41-60 years. 97.4 percent had a history of viral conjunctivitis and only one was HIV positive (2.6 percent). Best corrected visual acuity was 0.3 or less in 100 percent before treatment, and 0.8 to 1.0 after treatment. Inclusion basophilic bodies visible by confocal microscopy were observed in the corneal endothelium of all patients. Conclusions: A relationship exists between the presence of inclusion basophilic bodies in the corneal endothelium and virological tests positive for cytomegalovirus, making it possible to perform PCR testing in cases with confocal microscopy confirmation of the pathognomonic characteristics of the corneal endothelium(AU)

COVID-19 Ocular Manifestations in the Early Phase of Disease.

Purpose: To evaluate and establishe the number of patients with ocular manifestations in the early phase of systemic COVID-19 infection.Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed in a COVID-19 referral center regarding ocular findings in patients with COVID-19 in the first few days of the disease. The patients were submitted to a clinical examination, an ophthalmic exam and a RT-PCR for SARS-COV-2.Results: Out of 1740 patients, we reported 108 patients with ocular manifestations. Forty-nine with markedly conjunctivitis had conjunctival swab positive for SARS-COV-2, four of them developed keratitis. There were mostly no evidence of retinopathy nor decrease in visual acuity. They had no marked clinical symptoms, which can contribute and demonstrate that the virus may cause ocular disease as an only finding or in the very early stage of the infection.Conclusion: Patients were in the first days of COVID-19 infection, presented ocular manifestations suggested to be related to the virus and need to be aware of the pathways of transmissions.

Ophthalmic manifestations in the COVID-19 clinical spectrum.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to determine the frequency and various types of ophthalmic manifestation of patients with COVID-19. METHODS: This is a prospective observational study conducted on patients with SARS-Co-V-2 infection, at a dedicated tertiary COVID-19 hospital in South India from April 1 to July 31, 2020. At the time of their admission to the COVID hospital, demographic data such as name, age, sex was recorded. A thorough history regarding the onset, duration, progression, nature of symptoms and its associated factors, medication history, treatment history were elicited and documented. Ocular examination was performed under torchlight by an ophthalmologist posted for COVID duty. Further investigations including imaging were sought for, depending on clinical indications. Serial follow-up examinations of all patients were carried out every 72 hours or when patients complained of any ocular symptoms whichever earlier, until discharge. All relevant data were compiled and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 2742 patients were examined. Of them, 1461 (53.28%) were males and 1281 (46.72%) were females. The mean age (±SD) was 39.46 ± 17.63 years. None of the patients in our study had any ocular symptoms or signs as the presenting complaint at the time of their admission. On subsequent follow-up, only 20 (0.72%) developed ocular manifestations, of which 19 (95%) had features suggestive of Bilateral viral conjunctivitis. However, 1 (5%) patient had orbital cellulitis secondary to pansinusitis. CONCLUSION: Ophthalmic manifestations in the clinical spectrum of COVID-19 infection are uncommon and unlikely to be the presenting clinical impression. However, it has broadened our view to a wider spectrum of COVID-19 presentations enhancing our clinical acumen for staunch detection of COVID-19 suspects in our daily practice, augmenting early diagnosis and management and also break the chain of transmission for the greater good of humanity.

Ocular manifestations of SARS-CoV-2: Literature review. / Manifestaciones oftalmológicas del SARS-CoV-2: Revisión de la literatura.

In this review, a summary is presented of the main reports regarding the potential ocular manifestations of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Scientific evidence is based on letters to the editor, clinical cases and case series, cross-sectional, and a few longitudinal studies. To date, it includes viral conjunctivitis, immune conjunctivitis, and oculomotor palsies (OCP) due to the novel coronavirus. Retinopathy is discussed. A viral conjunctivitis outbreak can be isolated or associated with the systemic picture, mainly pulmonary, before or after the onset of respiratory symptoms. It can be both unilateral and bilateral, follicles are typical, and duration is variable between 5 and 21 days. Immune-mediated conjunctivitis consists of eye redness, together with erythroderma and fever. It appears more frequently in children, and has been associated with a «Kawasaki-like¼ disease and toxic shock syndrome. OCP can present on its own, or as part of Miller-Fisher syndrome, along with ataxia, and hyporeflexia. Ophthalmologists have a considerable risk of developing COVID-19 due to close contact with the patient, exposure to tears and eye secretions, and the use of various pieces of equipment and devices susceptible to contamination.

Ocular Features and Associated Systemic Findings in SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

PURPOSES: To describe the prevalence of ocular features among COVID-19 patients and their relationship with clinical data, inflammatory markers and respiratory support therapy (including CPAP); to investigate SARS-CoV-2 in ocular secretions of symptomatic patients. METHODS: 172 COVID-19 patients were evaluated for presence of ocular manifestations. Clinical and laboratory data were also reviewed. Conjunctival swabs were analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR. RESULTS: Forty-five patients (26.2%) reported ocular manifestations. Patients treated with CPAP were more likely to have ocular abnormalities (p <.01). The presence of ocular symptoms was not associated with more significant alterations on blood tests. Conjunctival swabs from patients with suspect conjunctivitis yielded negative results for SARS-CoV-2. CONCLUSIONS: Ocular features are not infrequent in COVID-19 patients, but the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in ocular secretions is low. Ocular manifestations in hospitalized COVID-19 patients can also be a consequence of respiratory support therapy. Prevention of possible transmission through ocular secretions is still recommended.

Novel coronavirus disease pandemic and ophthalmologist's perspectives.

Ophthalmologists are among those healers facing a higher risk of acquiring novel coronavirus disease 2019, called COVID-19, during their professional duties since they have close physical contact with their patients. Some patients with COVID-19 may present with or may develop conjunctivitis during the course of the illness. The ocular secretions and tears have been identified to have positive results to COVID-19 tests and as such could be a source of spread. This review aims at providing the useful guidelines to ophthalmic professionals for their own safety, and safety of their patients based on the available current literature, and also based on personal experience and observations. Literature search was made on PubMed for COVID-19 in relation to ophthalmology in the limited period of the last quarter of 2019 and first quarter of 2020. Research also included access to current guidelines published by various ophthalmic societies. Accordingly, present and future ophthalmic practice patterns need to be modified.

La Oftalmología en tiempos de COVID-19 / Ophthalmology in the time of COVID-19

RESUMEN La historia de las pandemias y el hombre moderno han marcado un antes y un después en la medicina actual, como sucedió con la gripe española en el año 1918. La última registrada mundialmente es el Coronavirus, el cual -identificado como COVID-19 (por sus siglas en inglés), manifiesto por el agente viral SARS-CoV-2- desde su comienzo el 30 de diciembre del año 2019 guarda estrecha relación con la Oftalmología. El objetivo de esta investigación fue documentar la nueva evidencia científica relacionada con esta entidad y su manifestación ocular, mediante la revisión de la literatura comprendida del 1ro. de enero al 25 de abril del año 2020, con el uso de metabuscadores en inglés y en español. Dentro de los medios de transmisibilidad que han sido documentados, la sintomatología respiratoria es la más estudiada; sin embargo, existen manifestaciones oculares con la presencia del virus SARS-CoV-2 en la lagrima y en la conjuntiva de los pacientes infectados por COVID-19. El cuadro más característico se presenta con una conjuntivitis viral inespecífica. La tasa de mortalidad es un tema de especial relevancia. La estadística acumulada sugiere mayor letalidad y, por tanto, la necesidad de ejecutar medidas y acciones sociales para el control poblacional. La letalidad mundial en este momento es de 7,2 por ciento; en América Latina de 5,8 por ciento y en Cuba de 4,2 por ciento. El presente documento realiza un abordaje integral de la patología COVID-19 con respecto a las recomendaciones internacionales para el personal de Oftalmología y los centros oftalmológicos, así como acerca de los factores de riesgo, el cuadro clínico, los nuevos tratamientos y los reportes de estudios clínicos que se encuentran actualmente en fase de estudio(AU)

ABSTRACT The history of pandemics and modern man have marked a before and after in current medicine, as was the case with the Spanish flu in 1918. The last pandemic recorded worldwide is coronavirus, identified as COVID-19, caused by the viral agent SARS-CoV-2. From its onset on 30 December 2019 this disease has had a close connection to ophthalmology. The purpose of the study was to document the new scientific evidence about this condition and its ocular manifestation through a literature review covering the period extending from 1 January to 25 April 2020, using search terms in English and Spanish. Respiratory symptoms are among the transmission routes most commonly dealt with. However, some ocular manifestations are characterized by the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in tears and in the conjunctiva of patients infected with COVID-19. The most typical manifestation is nonspecific viral conjunctivitis. Mortality rate is a topic of special relevance. The statistics accumulated suggest greater fatality and thus the need to implement social measures and actions aimed at population control. The current fatality rate is 7.2 percent worldwide, 5.8 percent in Latin America and 4.2 percent in Cuba. The present paper provides a comprehensive analysis of COVID-19 based on international recommendations for ophthalmology personnel and facilities, as well as the risk factors, clinical status, new treatments and reports about ongoing clinical studies(AU)

Presentación atípica de molusco contagioso: compromiso ocular bilateral en paciente con VIH / Atypical presentation of molluscum contagiosum: bilateral ocular involvement in a patient with HIV

La infección por molusco contagioso (MC) en adultos se asocia frecuentemente a transmisión sexual y/o inmunodepresión, por ejemplo, por VIH. En este grupo, la manifestación clínica suele ser atípica. A continuación, se presenta el caso de un paciente con diagnóstico de VIH, bajo recuento de CD4 y carga viral elevada que consulta por múltiples MC en genitales, tronco, cara y ojos además de conjuntivitis en ojo derecho. Se mantuvo terapia antirretroviral (TARV) y se indicó tratamiento para conjuntivitis. La infección por MC en pacientes con VIH se asocia a etapas SIDA con un aumento de los casos a menor recuento de linfocitos CD4, generalmente menor a 200 cel/mL. La pobre respuesta inmune celular de estos pacientes explica su comportamiento clínico atípico. Este grupo presenta una mayor mortalidad que el de pacientes seropositivos sin MC, lo que se explica por la mayor inmunosupresión asociada. El diagnóstico es clínico, aunque podría verse entorpecido cuando hay compromiso ocular por la presencia de lesiones atípicas que hacen necesario considerar diversos diagnósticos diferenciales. El tratamiento es controversial y tiende a existir una baja respuesta y recidiva frente a terapias convencionales en pacientes con VIH cuando la inmunosupresión es marcada por el recuento CD4 muy bajo. La TARV pareciera ser la mejor alternativa para su tratamiento, sin embargo, es importante considerar posibles complicaciones asociadas, como la instauración de síndrome de restauración inmunológica una vez iniciada. Esto podría traducirse en lesiones oculares graves cuando existe compromiso en este órgano

Molluscum contagiosum (MC) infection in adults is frequently associated with sexual transmission and / or immunosuppression, for example by HIV. In this group, the clinical manifestation is usually atypical. Herein we present the case of a patient with a diagnosis of HIV, a low CD4 count and a high viral load who consulted for multiple MC in the genitals, trunk, face and eyes, as well as conjunctivitis in the right eye. Antiretrovitral therapy (ART) was maintained and treatment for conjunctivitis was indicated. MC infection in HIV patients is associated with AIDS stages with an increase in cases with a lower CD4 lymphocyte count, generally less than 200 cells / mL. The poor cellular immune response of these patients explains their atypical clinical behavior. This group presents a higher mortality than that of seropositive patients without MC, which is explained by the greater associated immunosuppression. The diagnosis is clinical, although it could be hampered when there is ocular compromise due to the presence of atypical lesions that make it necessary to consider various differential diagnoses. Treatment is controversial and there tends to be a poor response and relapse to conventional therapies in patients with HIV when immunosuppression is marked by a very low CD4 count. ART seems to be the best alternative for its. However, it is important to consider possible associated complications such as the onset of immune restoration syndrome once it has been started. This could translate into serious eye injuries when this organ is compromised

Management of chronic complications associated with herpes zoster ophthalmicus.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Herpes zoster ophthalmicus (HZO) has the potential to cause significant visual morbidity and functional disability in patients with recalcitrant disease, keratitis, and postherpetic neuralgia. This article will review the current methods of prevention and treatment of anterior segment-related chronic complications of HZO. RECENT FINDINGS: HZO-related anterior segment ocular complications can range to include conjunctivitis, keratitis, and uveitis that can all be difficult to manage. Furthermore, many clinicians differ in their approach to disease management given the relative lack of large randomized controlled trials to guide therapy. The goal in managing complications of HZO is to reduce visual morbidity and to improve analgesia, and here, we present current recommendations for the management of anterior segment complications of HZO. SUMMARY: Recent advances in vaccine technology and the initiation of the Zoster Eye Disease Study improve the possibility of reducing the burden of disease while also further standardizing management of HZO.

The eyes have it: influenza virus infection beyond the respiratory tract.

Avian and human influenza A viruses alike have shown a capacity to use the eye as a portal of entry and cause ocular disease in human beings. However, whereas influenza viruses generally represent a respiratory pathogen and only occasionally cause ocular complications, the H7 virus subtype stands alone in possessing an ocular tropism. Clarifying what confers such non-respiratory tropism to a respiratory virus will permit a greater ability to identify, treat, and prevent zoonotic human infection following ocular exposure to influenza viruses; especially those within the H7 subtype, which continue to cause avian epidemics on many continents.

The Clinical Spectrum of Zika Virus in Returning Travelers.

INTRODUCTION: The clinical spectrum of Zika virus had, to date, been described in small series from endemic/epidemic countries and is not well established. METHODS: We describe the clinical manifestations of laboratory-proven Zika virus infection in Israeli travelers during December 2015-February 2016, and review all published cases of travel-related Zika virus. RESULTS: During the study period, 8 returning Israeli travelers were diagnosed with Zika virus infection. In addition, 41 published cases were included, mostly from Latin America to Europe and North America. Overall, 65.3% were diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction. Rash was the most frequent symptom, present in 95.7% of cases, followed by fever and arthralgia. Conjunctivitis was present in 53.1%; however, only 40.3% presented with a triad of conjunctivitis, fever, and rash. Less frequent symptoms included dysgeusia and nightmares, which, together with arthralgia, persisted for several weeks in some travelers. CONCLUSIONS: Zika virus clinical picture in travelers is diverse. Prolonged symptoms may occur.

Prevalência de conjuntivite adenoviral em clínica oftalmológica no município de Viçosa (MG) / Prevalence of adenoviral conjunctivitis at the ophthalmologic clinic on municipality of Viçosa/MG

Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência de Adenovírus como agente etiológico da conjuntivite, em clínica médica oftalmológica especializada, em Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Métodos: Amostras da secreção conjuntival de 91 pacientes clinicamente diagnosticados com conjuntivite foram submetidos à reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR), utilizando primers degenerados para a região codificadora do gene da proteína estrutural II. Posteriormente as amostras positivas foram submetidas a sequenciamento e genotipagem. Resultados: A análise dos resultados de PCR revelou prevalência de 36,3% de Adenovírus. Não havendo distinção entre os sexos e com maior prevalência na faixa etária de 26 a 65 anos com 60,60% dos casos positivos. O sequenciamento dos casos positivos por Adenovírus revelaram a presença dos sorotipos 3, 4, 7, 8 e 34 circulante na região. Conclusão: No município de Viçosa, dois em cada cinco casos de conjuntivite são de etiologia adenoviral.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of Adenovirus as a etiologic agent of conjunctivitis on a ophthalmic clinic in Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Methods: Samples of conjunctival secretion from 91 patients clinically diagnosed with conjunctivitis were subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using degenerate primers targeted to the gene encoding the structural protein II. Positive samples were subsequently subjected to sequencing and genotyping. Results: PCR results showed 36.3% prevalence of Adenovirus. No differences between the sexes and was found to be higher in the age group 26-65 years with 60.60% of the positive cases. Sequencing of positive cases showed the presence of Adenovirus serotypes 3, 4, 7, 8, and 34 circulating in the region. Conclusion: In Viçosa two in five cases of conjunctivitis has Adenovirus as etiologic agent.

Conjunctivitis: a systematic review of diagnosis and treatment.

IMPORTANCE: Conjunctivitis is a common problem. OBJECTIVE: To examine the diagnosis, management, and treatment of conjunctivitis, including various antibiotics and alternatives to antibiotic use in infectious conjunctivitis and use of antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers in allergic conjunctivitis. EVIDENCE REVIEW: A search of the literature published through March 2013, using PubMed, the ISI Web of Knowledge database, and the Cochrane Library was performed. Eligible articles were selected after review of titles, abstracts, and references. FINDINGS: Viral conjunctivitis is the most common overall cause of infectious conjunctivitis and usually does not require treatment; the signs and symptoms at presentation are variable. Bacterial conjunctivitis is the second most common cause of infectious conjunctivitis, with most uncomplicated cases resolving in 1 to 2 weeks. Mattering and adherence of the eyelids on waking, lack of itching, and absence of a history of conjunctivitis are the strongest factors associated with bacterial conjunctivitis. Topical antibiotics decrease the duration of bacterial conjunctivitis and allow earlier return to school or work. Conjunctivitis secondary to sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhea requires systemic treatment in addition to topical antibiotic therapy. Allergic conjunctivitis is encountered in up to 40% of the population, but only a small proportion of these individuals seek medical help; itching is the most consistent sign in allergic conjunctivitis, and treatment consists of topical antihistamines and mast cell inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The majority of cases in bacterial conjunctivitis are self-limiting and no treatment is necessary in uncomplicated cases. However, conjunctivitis caused by gonorrhea or chlamydia and conjunctivitis in contact lens wearers should be treated with antibiotics. Treatment for viral conjunctivitis is supportive. Treatment with antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers alleviates the symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis.

Progress in the pathogenesis of pterygium.

Pterygium is a type of benign uncontrolled growth of the conjunctive tissue that lays over the sclera. It can significantly alter visual function in advanced cases and become inflamed, leading to redness and irritation in the area. Although the exact etiology of pterygium remains uncertain, recent advances have provided important insight into the pathogenesis of pterygium. These studies indicate that tumor suppressor gene p53 and other genes associated with DNA repair, cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis are critical for the development of pterygium. In addition, Human papillomavirus infection has been shown to be a risk factor in some populations. In this article, the current understanding of the pathogenesis of pterygium is reviewed.