Chlamydia trachomatis Mimicking COVID-19 Chronic Follicular Conjunctivitis.

PURPOSE: To characterize the clinical presentation and report lab findings of Chlamydia trachomatis follicular conjunctivitis in two patients with a positive history of active COVID-19 infection. Participants. Two patients with follicular conjunctivitis with a recent history of COVID-19 infection. DESIGN: Retrospective, noncomparative, case report. METHODS: Demographic data including age, gender, and place of residence were recorded. A full exam with an emphasis on inflammatory characteristics and systematic workup. Sample follicles were surgically excised in selected cases, and molecular and histopathological analyses were performed. RESULTS: Both patients were initially treated for viral conjunctivitis. After symptoms failed to resolve, biopsy results indicated that both patients were positive for chlamydia conjunctivitis and treated accordingly. CONCLUSIONS: These cases illustrate the role of biopsy as an investigative tool in chronic conjunctivitis and the importance of having a broad differential when treating patients with acute conjunctivitis.

Toxic Anterior Segment Syndrome: Inadvertent Administration of Intracameral Lidocaine 1% and Phenylephrine 2.5% Preserved With 10% Benzalkonium Chloride During Cataract Surgery.

PURPOSE: To report 3 patients with corneal decompensation and anterior uveitis within 24 hours of cataract surgery from a single ambulatory surgery center using intracameral lidocaine HCl 1% and phenylephrine 2.5% inadvertently preserved with 10% benzalkonium chloride. METHODS: This case series describes 3 patients who underwent traditional cataract extraction with a significant decrease in visual acuity in the immediate postoperative period resulting in secondary surgical intervention for corneal decompensation in 2 patients. RESULTS: All 3 patients experienced a dramatic decrease in visual acuity on the day of surgery, ranging from 20/400 to light perception. They were treated with topical steroids and sodium chloride, with stabilization of vision at 20/60 in 1 patient. The remaining 2 patients did not recover with medical management. One underwent Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty with placement of the corneal graft on top of Descemet membrane, which could not be removed secondary to extensive fibrosis. The third patient underwent penetrating keratoplasty secondary to deep corneal scarring. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first case series of toxic anterior segment syndrome occurring secondary to the use of benzalkonium chloride-preserved intracameral lidocaine and phenylephrine. Clinicians should remain alert to this phenomenon, and should refrain from using intracameral preservatives during cataract surgery.

Microbiology and Biofilm Trends of Silicone Lacrimal Implants: Comparing Infected Versus Routinely Removed Stents.

PURPOSE: To investigate the pathogens and biofilms responsible for clinically significant infection of silicone stents implanted within the lacrimal system. METHODS: Retrospective review of culture results and patient demographics for all silicone lacrimal stents removed early for clinically significant infection and sent to the Bascom Palmer Microbiology Laboratory through the end of year 2010. As a control, routinely removed, clinically noninfected stents from the same institution were prospectively sent for culture over a 6-month period. Four clinically infected and 6 clinically noninfected stents showing mucus within the lumen at removal were sent for scanning electron microscopy. Images were randomized and graded by a microbiologist for the presence of organisms, matrix deposits, organisms within matrix, and overall impression of significant biofilm formation. RESULTS: Nineteen stents were included in the study; 100% of clinically infected (n = 10) and noninfected (n = 9) stents were culture positive. Culture positivity for nontuberculous mycobacterium was found in 90% of infected stents and none of the noninfected stents (p < 0.001). Of infected stents, 50% grew Gram-positive organisms compared with 89% of noninfected stents (p = 0.07). Fifty percent of infected versus 67% of noninfected stents were culture positive for Gram-negative organisms (p = 0.46). Electron microscopy of stents revealed organisms consistent with culture results (size, shape) in planktonic and biofilm form. Masked observer image grading revealed a statistically significant higher amount of organism and biofilm on infected versus noninfected specimen. CONCLUSION: Nontuberculous mycobacteria comprise the primary pathogens responsible for clinically significant infection of silicone stents in the lacrimal system in South Florida. Robust biofilm production by this organism likely plays a role in pathogenesis. Further research into biofilm-related lacrimal implant infection may aid in the development of useful prevention and treatment strategies.

Over-the-counter migration of steroid use: impact on the eye.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide opinions on the potential impact of increasing use of steroids by various formulations, as recent approvals have switched intranasal steroids to over-the-counter (OTC) status. Systemic glucocorticosteroids are the predominant formulations available only by prescription, whereas low-dose dermatological formulations are also available OTC. The recently approved OTC intranasal steroid has generated questions on their potential adverse effects, especially on the eye. RECENT FINDINGS: Oral and ophthalmic steroids have the most potent impact on the development of increased intraocular pressure (IOP) and lens opacifications (ILO), but other factors such as age, race and comorbidities (e.g. hypertension, diabetes and smoking) also play a role. There are no biomarkers that have been established to identify populations at additional risk. However, individuals of Caribbean, African, Hispanic or Asian ancestry have a higher predilection for the development of glaucoma and thus may be predisposed to IOP. ILO has been noted to have a slight increase with intranasal corticosteroids, but no specific correlations with the development of cataracts. SUMMARY: The OTC placement of intranasal steroid may cause a subset of genetically sensitive individuals to earlier development of IOP and ILO, but the socioeconomic benefit for patients with allergies having access to the 'OTC open formulary' appears to warrant consideration with caveats of monitoring the effect at large, especially in susceptible populations such as those with a family history or specific ancestries.

Microbiologic trends and biofilm growth on explanted periorbital biomaterials: a 30-year review.

PURPOSE: To investigate microbiologic trends and role of biofilm on periorbital biomaterials surgically explanted for recalcitrant infection. METHODS: A search of the Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine microbiology laboratory electronic database was conducted from 1980 to 2010. Culture results were analyzed from submitted periorbital biomaterials explanted for nonresolving infections or exposure. Random select samples cultured during the study were sent for electron microscopy. RESULTS: Twenty-one explanted biomaterials were identified from 18 patients. Five orbital plate implants included 2 made of nylon, 1 of porous polyethylene, 1 of silicone, and 1 metallic. Of 4 anophthalmic socket sphere implants, 2 were silicone, 1 was porous polyethylene, and 1 was poly-2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate. Lacrimal intubation devices included 10 silicone stents and 2 pyrex glass Jones tubes. All biomaterials were culture positive with 40 total isolates identified. The most common organisms overall were Mycobacterium chelonae (N = 9), Staphylococcus aureus (N = 8), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (N = 3). One hundred percent of orbital spheres had Gram-positive organisms, 90% of lacrimal silicone stents grew atypical mycobacterium, and 60% of orbital plates were culture positive for yeast species. Mixed organism growth was documented on 58% of the specimens. Ten of 12 implants (83%) examined with electron microscopy exhibited organisms encased in glycocalyx, suggestive of biofilm. CONCLUSIONS: A diverse array of microorganisms can colonize biomaterials implanted within the orbit and lacrimal drainage system. The authors' study showed that the majority of infected periocular and orbital alloplastic implants display biofilm when studied with electron microscopy (83%). The cultured organism type depended on the implant location and composition. Most infected silicone lacrimal stents grew atypical mycobacterium, whereas infected orbital fracture repair plates demonstrated yeast species. Biofilms are known to be antibiotic resistant, explaining the need to explant most infected alloplastic implants. Further research concerning treatment of biofilms may prevent explantation and improve surgical outcomes.

Diagnosis of ocular surface lesions using ultra-high-resolution optical coherence tomography.

PURPOSE: To assess the use of ultra-high-resolution (UHR) optical coherence tomography (OCT) in the diagnosis of ocular surface lesions. DESIGN: Prospective, noncomparative, interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-four eyes of 53 consecutive patients with biopsy-proven ocular surface lesions: 8 primary acquired melanosis lesions, 5 amelanotic melanoma lesions, 2 nevi, 19 ocular surface squamous neoplasia lesions, 1 histiocytosis lesion, 6 conjunctival lymphoma lesions, 2 conjunctival amyloidosis lesions, and 11 pterygia lesions. INTERVENTION: Ultra-high-resolution OCT imaging of the ocular surface lesions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical course and photographs, UHR OCT image, and histopathologic findings. RESULTS: Ultra-high-resolution OCT images of all examined ocular surface lesions showed close correlation with the obtained histopathologic specimens. When clinical differential diagnosis of ocular surface lesions was broad, UHR OCT images provided optical signs indicating a more specific diagnosis and management. In cases of amelanotic melanoma, conjunctival amyloidosis, and primary histiocytosis and in 1 case of ocular surface squamous neoplasia, UHR OCT was instrumental in guiding the diagnosis. In those cases, UHR OCT suggested that the presumed clinical diagnosis was incorrect and favored a diagnosis that later was confirmed by histopathologic examination. CONCLUSIONS: Correlations between UHR OCT and histopathologic findings confirm that UHR OCT is an adjunctive diagnostic method that can provide a noninvasive means to help guide diagnosis and management of ocular surface lesions. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Pseudohypopyon as a clinical manifestation in metastatic lung carcinoma.

Pseudohypopyon is a rare clinical presentation of meta-static disease in the eye. The authors report a case of anterior chamber pseudohypopyon in a 74-year-old man with a history of primary central nervous system and spleen lymphoma, as well as lung, prostate, and bladder carcinoma. A diagnostic vitrectomy and anterior chamber paracentesis of the involved eye was performed that confirmed non-small-cell carcinoma of lung primary.

Allergic complications with laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article reviews the complications of laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK) associated with ocular allergy. This review will provide guidance and heighten the need for a more comprehensive allergic evaluation before recommending LASIK procedure to patients. The material provided allows enhanced awareness of the potential postsurgical effects on allergic responses of the ocular surface and management thereof. RECENT FINDINGS: Ocular allergy is often underdiagnosed and has been previously reported only in a handful of peer-reviewed journals as the cause for ocular irritation and visual morbidity in post-LASIK dry eye disease. Diffuse lamellar keratitis is one complication of LASIK that has been linked to atopic individuals. LASIK causes significant inflammation in normal eyes, which is only exacerbated in atopic patients. Atopy may be a contributing factor in patients with patients with post-LASIK dry eye symptoms. Further investigation is required to better understand the complications of LASIK in allergic patients. SUMMARY: LASIK surgery has been associated with increased anterior surface inflammatory processes that include dry eye syndromes and ocular allergy. In addition, poorer outcomes of LASIK procedures have been reported in patients with moderate to severe ocular allergies and chronic forms of allergic conjunctivitis, which is an absolute contraindication to the LASIK procedure. We propose preoperative and postoperative management algorithms for allergic LASIK candidates.