5-Fluorouracil With Microneedling Modulates Wound Healing in a Murine Model: An Immunohistochemical Analysis of Mechanism and Dose Efficacy.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to assess the dose-dependent immunohistopathological effects of intradermal microneedle-delivered 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) for postincisional wound healing in a murine model. METHODS: A prospective experimental study was performed. Twelve hairless mice were randomized into 4 treatment groups for postincisional wound treatment: microneedling with topical saline, or microneeding with topically-applied 5-FU at concentrations of 25 mg/ml, 50 mg/ml, or 100 mg/ml. Two surgical wounds were created on each animal. Combination wound treatments were performed on postoperative days 14 and 28, and cutaneous biopsies were obtained on day 56. Specimens were analyzed by a dermatopathologist, blinded to the treatment group, for collagen thickness, lymphocytic infiltration, histiocytic response, sub-epidermal basement membrane zone thickness, and myofibroblast density. RESULTS: Histopathologic evaluation showed increased collagen thickness, lymphocyte infiltration, and granuloma density in the groups undergoing microneedling treatment with 5-FU, compared to saline. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a trend toward thicker basement membranes with higher concentrations of 5-FU used, reaching statistical significance between controls and those treated with 100 mg/ml 5-FU ( p = 0.0493). A trend toward decreasing myofibroblast density with increasing doses of 5-FU was noted. No postincisional or treatment complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that microneedling is an effective topical subepithelial drug delivery system, and further suggest a beneficial dose-dependent immunomodulatory effect of 5-FU on intermediate wound healing when used in combination with microneedling. We recommend a 5-FU dose at the mid-range 50 mg/ml concentration to simultaneously maximize efficacy and minimize complication risk.

Acute retrobulbar hemorrhage after tooth extraction: Case report and treatment of a rare condition.

Retrobulbar hemorrhage (RBH) refers to hemorrhage within the bony orbital cavity and most commonly results from periorbital surgery or trauma. RBH following tooth extraction is a rare occurrence. Patients with RBH will endorse symptoms of periorbital pain, double vision, or vision loss, and present with evidence of proptosis, chemosis, or subconjunctival hemorrhage. Irreversible vision loss may occur if orbital compartment syndrome (OCS) results in the setting of RBH and is not expediently treated. Herein we present a case of a 72-year-old female who developed a RBH and OCS immediately after routine molar tooth extraction. Emergent treatment by the oral surgeon with a lateral canthotomy and inferior cantholysis led to full visual recovery. Dentists and oral surgeons should be aware of this potential rare vision-threatening complication of atraumatic tooth extraction and educated on the technique of decompressive lateral canthotomy and cantholysis.

Disseminated Coccidioidomycosis With Orbital Osteomyelitis and Periorbital Abscess.

Coccidioidomycosis osteomyelitis involving the orbital bones is exceedingly rare and is often misdiagnosed initially as other inflammatory or infectious conditions. No clear guidelines currently exist regarding appropriate management. The authors present an atypical presentation of disseminated coccidioidomycosis in an immunocompetent child with frontal bone superotemporal orbital rim osteomyelitis and associated periorbital abscess, successfully managed with surgical debridement through an upper eyelid crease incision.

Consideration of Nasal Contour in Endoscopic Forehead Rejuvenation.

Purpose: Preliminary studies have suggested an improvement in nasal aesthetics after endoscopic forehead lifting. We aimed to assess subjective and objective changes in nasal contour after minimally invasive forehead rejuvenation. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent endoscopic forehead lifting by four surgeons at a single surgery center from 2004 to 2018. All patients had subperiosteal blunt release of soft tissues overlying the radix. Changes in nasal contour were assessed on pre- and postoperative patient photos by four independent judges using the Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale. Objective changes in nasal length and length-to-base ratio were measured on patient photographs using ImageJ software. Measurements were further compared by demographic variables of age and gender. Results: In total, 326 patients met inclusion criteria. Summative judging results revealed 79.4% of patients with clinical improvement in nasal contour (11.1% very much improved, 25.6% much improved, and 42.6% improved), 20.1% with no change and 0.6% with worsening. There was a statistically significant increase in average nasal length (2.17 mm, p < 0.0001) and length-to-base ratio (0.03, p < 0.0001) postoperatively. Stratification of patients by age and gender did not reveal a significant difference in degree of nasal proportion change. Conclusions: There is a noteworthy subjective and quantitative improvement in nasal contour and length after endoscopic forehead lifting. This change restores ideal facial proportions and may serve as a useful counseling point when offering this surgery to patients.

Histologic Evaluation of Nonvisual Afferent Sensory Upper Eyelid Proprioception.

PURPOSE: Recent research has suggested a possible role for proprioception in ipsilateral frontalis activation in the setting of ptosis; however, there has not been any robust histologic or anatomic evidence to support this theory. To further elucidate proprioceptive structures in the eyelid, this investigation uses validated histologic techniques to explore the presence of proprioceptive structures or afferent neural networks in the Levator Palpebrae Superioris (LPS) and Müller muscle. METHODS: Müller muscle and LPS samples were evaluated by a laboratory with extensive experience with the histology of extraocular muscle proprioception. Immunofluorescence and confocal laser scanning microscopy were used to analyze the tissue samples. RESULTS: Thirty-four Müller muscle samples and 10 LPS samples were analyzed. Golgi tendon bodies and muscle spindles were not identified in the Müller muscle and LPS samples. This result is expected in the Müller muscle given that these structures are not typically present in smooth muscle, but noteworthy in the skeletal muscle of the LPS. Previously undescribed synaptophysin-positive free nerve terminals within the intermuscular connective tissue of the Müller muscle were identified. CONCLUSIONS: The nerve terminals identified are anatomically consistent with free nerve endings present in the extraocular muscles that have been implicated in proprioception. These findings advance our current knowledge of the ultrastructure of Müller muscle and the LPS and suggest a possible mechanism for proprioception in the upper eyelid that may have a role in ipsilateral brow elevation in the setting of ptosis.The authors describe proprioception in the upper eyelid: A histologic analysis.

Comparison of Revision Rates of Anterior- and Posterior-Approach Ptosis Surgery: A Retrospective Review of 1519 Cases.

PURPOSE: To compare revision rates for ptosis surgery between posterior-approach and anterior-approach ptosis repair techniques. METHODS: This is the retrospective, consecutive cohort study. All patients undergoing ptosis surgery at a high-volume oculofacial plastic surgery practice over a 4-year period. A retrospective chart review was conducted of all patients undergoing posterior-approach and anterior-approach ptosis surgery for all etiologies of ptosis between 2011 and 2014. Etiology of ptosis, concurrent oculofacial surgeries, revision, and complications were analyzed. The main outcome measure is the ptosis revision rate. RESULTS: A total of 1519 patients were included in this study. The mean age was 63 ± 15.4 years. A total of 1056 (70%) of patients were female, 1451 (95%) had involutional ptosis, and 1129 (74.3%) had concurrent upper blepharoplasty. Five hundred thirteen (33.8%) underwent posterior-approach ptosis repair, and 1006 (66.2%) underwent anterior-approach ptosis repair. The degree of ptosis was greater in the anterior-approach ptosis repair group. The overall revision rate for all patients was 8.7%. Of the posterior group, 6.8% required ptosis revision; of the anterior group, 9.5% required revision surgery. The main reason for ptosis revision surgery was undercorrection of one or both eyelids. Concurrent brow lifting was associated with a decreased, but not statistically significant, rate of revision surgery. Patients who underwent unilateral ptosis surgery had a 5.1% rate of Hering's phenomenon requiring ptosis repair in the contralateral eyelid. Multivariable logistic regression for predictive factors show that, when adjusted for gender and concurrent blepharoplasty, the revision rate in anterior-approach ptosis surgery is higher than posterior-approach ptosis surgery (odds ratio = 2.08; p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The overall revision rate in patients undergoing ptosis repair via posterior-approach or anterior-approach techniques is 8.7%. There is a statistically higher rate of revision with anterior-approach ptosis repair.

Wingtip Flap for Reconstruction of Full-Thickness Upper and Lower Eyelid Defects.

PURPOSE: Pentagonal wedge resection is a technique used to address a wide variety of eyelid pathology. This procedure frequently results in excess skin at the apex of the wound, commonly known as a "dog ear." A variety of methods have been described to address the cutaneous redundancy, the most classic of which is the Burow's triangle repair. The authors present a technique to address the anterior lamellar excess that avoids placement of a vertical scar traversing the pretarsal and preseptal portion of the affected eyelid. The repair moves the preseptal closure of the wound temporally, away from the moving portion of the eyelid. The horizontal incision that transposes the vertical closure temporally is concealed in the eyelid crease. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients undergoing this technique for eyelid reconstruction was undertaken. The surgical technique is described in detail. RESULTS: The procedure has been performed on 7 patients (8 eyelids). Patients were followed for an average of 12 weeks. Indications for surgery were floppy eyelid syndrome requiring horizontal shortening of the upper eyelid and neoplastic lesions involving the upper or lower eyelid. There were no complications. All patients had a satisfactory outcome with regard to function and cosmesis. CONCLUSIONS: Full-thickness excision of the central two-thirds of the lower and upper eyelid is used extensively to manage a wide variety of conditions. The authors present a technique for addressing the anterior lamellar closure with notable advantages over previously described methods. The major advantages of this technique are that it results in a vertical closure that is horizontally displaced from the primary action of the levator aponeurosis and avoids anterior and midlamellar scarring of the upper and lower eyelid that may inhibit vertical movement. In addition, the cutaneous scar is more easily concealed.

Extranodal Rosai-Dorfman Disease of the Orbit: Clinical Features of 8 Cases.

PURPOSE: To report on the presentation, radiography, histology, and treatment of 8 cases of extranodal Rosai-Dorfman disease involving the orbit. METHODS: Multicenter retrospective case series. RESULTS: Five males and 3 females had a median age of 10 years (range 2-78 years). Presenting signs and symptoms included proptosis, periorbital pain, palpable mass, blepharoptosis, decreased vision, diplopia, impaired extraocular motility, and afferent pupillary defect. Four patients had bilateral orbital disease, while 4 had unilateral disease. Six cases were extraconal, 1 was intraconal, and 1 was both intra- and extra-conal. Four cases had only extranodal disease without lymphadenopathy (3 of which had localized orbital disease). Diagnosis was confirmed by exam, orbital, and/or systemic radiography, and biopsy in all cases. Treatment strategies included excision or debulking, systemic corticosteroids, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, observation or a combination thereof. At last follow up, 4 patients were disease free, while 4 had residual improved disease. CONCLUSIONS: Rosai-Dorfman disease of the orbit is a rare clinical entity. Purely extranodal disease is rare, with isolated orbital disease being exceedingly rare. This study is unique in that 4 of 8 patients had strictly isolated extranodal disease of the orbit. A large majority of the cases had disease in the extraconal space, contrasting with previous reports. In addition, lacrimal gland disease, particularly bilateral involvement, was prominent in the current study. Although there is no consensus on treatment, surgical excision should be attempted if plausible in symptomatic patients especially if the orbit represents a localized site of disease.

Bilateral lacrimal gland disease: clinical features of 97 cases.

OBJECTIVE: Bilateral lacrimal gland (LG) disease is a unique presentation that can result from varied causes. We reviewed the diagnoses, clinical features, and outcomes of 97 patients with this entity. DESIGN: Case series. PARTICIPANTS: Ninety-seven patients with bilateral LG disease. METHODS: Retrospective review and statistical analysis using analysis of variance and the Fisher exact test. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patient demographics, clinical features, diagnostic testing, diagnosis, and treatment. RESULTS: Patient age ranging from 8 to 84 years (mean, 46 years). The predominant gender was female (77%), and race included black (49%), white (38%), and Hispanic (12%) patients. Diagnoses fell into 4 categories: inflammatory (n = 51; 53%), structural (n = 20; 21%), lymphoproliferative (n = 19; 20%), and uncommon (n = 7; 7%) entities. The most common diagnoses included idiopathic orbital inflammation (IOI; n = 29; 30%), sarcoidosis (n = 19; 20%), prolapsed LG (n = 15; 15%), lymphoma (n = 11; 11%), lymphoid hyperplasia (n = 8; 8%), and dacryops (n = 5; 5%). Inflammatory conditions were more likely in younger patients (P<0.05) and in those with pain (P<0.001) and mechanical blepharoptosis (P<0.01) at presentation, whereas lymphoma was more common in older patients (P<0.001) without active signs of inflammation at presentation. Black patients were more likely to have sarcoidosis (P<0.01). Laboratory results showed high angiotensin converting enzyme level being significantly more likely in patients with sarcoidosis (P<0.05). However, sensitivity was limited to 45%, with 25% of patients diagnosed with IOI also demonstrating positive results. Corticosteroid therapy was the treatment of choice in 38 cases, corresponding to resolution of symptoms in 29% and improvement in an additional 32%. Overall, chronic underlying disease was found in 71% of patients, among whom 26% achieved a disease-free state, whereas 3% succumbed to their underlying disease. CONCLUSIONS: The cause of bilateral lacrimal gland disease most commonly was inflammatory, followed by structural and lymphoproliferative. Patient characteristics and clinical presentations were key features distinguishing between competing possibilities. Despite local control with corticosteroids or radiotherapy, underlying disease continued in 71% of patients and led to death in 3%.

Periocular abscesses following brow epilation.

PURPOSE: The aim of this article was to report the clinical presentation, radiography, culture results, treatment modalities, and outcomes of periocular abscesses associated with brow epilation. METHODS: This was a retrospective case series including 26 patients referred for periocular abscess following brow epilation. RESULTS: Twenty-six female patients with a median age of 20.5 (range, 12-73) years were referred for oculoplastic evaluation of periocular abscesses related to recent brow epilation. All patients were treated with incision and drainage along with systemic antibiotics. Culture results revealed 16 cases of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, 3 of methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, and 7 cultures that showed no growth. All patients had resolution of their abscesses at 1-month follow-up visits without progression to orbital cellulitis. CONCLUSIONS: Periocular abscess formation after brow epilation has been previously described in only a single case report in the literature. The authors believe this entity is underreported given their current report describing 26 such cases. Given the high prevalence of cosmetic brow epilation in females, the authors believe a careful history regarding brow epilation in any patient presenting with a periocular abscess or preseptal cellulitis is essential to explore the possible cause of their infection. The majority of patients in the current study's cohort had methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-related abscesses, and treatment with antibiotics with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus coverage may be a prudent first line choice in such patients.

Congenital upper eyelid ectopic cilia.

Ectopic eyelid cilia is an uncommon congenital anomaly typically occuring in otherwise healthy children. It is asymptomatic, but parents may wish surgical excision for cosmetic benefits. The authors describe three cases of ectopic upper eyelid cilia, surgical intervention, and follow-up results.

Severe eye injuries in the war in Iraq, 2003-2005.

PURPOSE: To document the incidence and treatment of patients with severe ocular and ocular adnexal injuries during Operation Iraqi Freedom. DESIGN: Retrospective hospital-based observational analysis of injuries. PARTICIPANTS: All coalition forces, enemy prisoners of war, and civilians with severe ocular and ocular adnexal injuries. METHODS: The authors retrospectively examined severe ocular and ocular adnexal injuries that were treated by United States Army ophthalmologists during the war in Iraq from March 2003 through December 2005. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence, causes, and treatment of severe ocular and ocular adnexal injuries. RESULTS: During the time data were gathered, 797 severe eye injuries were treated. The most common cause of the eye injuries was explosions with fragmentation injury. Among those injured, there were 438 open globe injuries, of which 49 were bilateral. A total of 116 eyes were removed (enucleation, evisceration, or exenteration), of which 6 patients required bilateral enucleation. Injuries to other body systems were common. CONCLUSIONS: Severe eye injuries represent a significant form of trauma encountered in Operation Iraqi Freedom. These injuries were most commonly caused by explosion trauma.

Broad fascia fixation enhances frontalis suspension.

PURPOSE: To report the use of a modified frontalis suspension procedure for congenital ptosis patients with minimal to no levator function. METHODS: Retrospective, non-comparative case series of frontalis suspension by 2 surgeons over a 21-year period. RESULTS: Frontalis suspension with broad fascia fixation was performed on 48 eyelids of 25 patients. All patients had visual obscuration due to blepharoptosis with only 0 mm to 2 mm of measurable levator function. Age ranged from 3 to 13 years. Minimum length of follow-up was 6 months (range, 6-174 months). The palpebral fissure was increased in all patients, improving their head position and unmasking their visual axis in primary gaze. Postoperatively, all patients developed transient exposure symptoms. There were no migrations, extrusions, infections, or granulomas. All patients achieved a satisfactory postoperative result based on eyelid position, function, and contour. CONCLUSIONS: This modified frontalis suspension procedure maximizes frontalis muscle recruitment, creating powerful eyelid elevation with stable effect over time. The technique minimizes other procedures' pitfalls and advances in cosmesis are achieved with enhanced eyelid crease formation and adjustable eyelid contour.

Tarsal switch levator resection for the treatment of blepharoptosis in patients with poor eye protective mechanisms.

PURPOSE: The authors report the use of a tarsal switch levator resection procedure that opens the palpebral fissure while reducing the risk of postoperative exposure in ptosis patients with poor eye protective mechanisms. DESIGN: Retrospective noncomparative case series. PARTICIPANTS: Fifteen consecutive patients of 2 surgeons at Texas Oculoplastic Consultants from July 1997 through July 2005. INTERVENTION: A composite tarsal-levator-conjunctival graft was taken from the upper eyelid and was transferred to the lower eyelid. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Clinical assessment of postoperative exposure keratopathy and position of palpebral fissure relative to visual axis. RESULTS: A composite tarsal-levator-conjunctival graft was taken from the upper eyelid and was transferred to the lower eyelid in 26 eyelids of 15 patients. One patient was excluded because of lack of follow-up. There were 7 men and 7 women; the age ranged from 20 months to 74 years. The average duration of follow-up was 34 months, with a range of 3 to 85 months. The palpebral fissure was moved cephalad in all patients, improving their head position and unmasking their visual axis in primary gaze. One patient experienced exposure symptoms after surgery and required recession of the levator aponeurosis of both upper eyelids. Overall patient satisfaction was excellent. CONCLUSIONS: The tarsal switch levator resection procedure elevates both the upper and lower eyelids a predetermined amount. This displaces the palpebral fissure superiorly, effectively opening the visual axis in primary gaze and decreasing the risk of postoperative exposure problems in patients with diminished eye protective mechanisms.

A permanent and reversible procedure to block tear drainage for the treatment of dry eye.

PURPOSE: To describe a technique of canalicular ligation and report observations on 59 consecutive surgeries. METHODS: Retrospective, non-comparative case series of canalicular ligation by 3 surgeons over a 7-year period. RESULTS: Fifty-nine eyelids of 29 patients (2 men and 27 women) underwent canalicular ligation for the treatment of severe dry eyes. Patient age ranged from 34 to 90 years. Average length of follow-up was 20 months. There were no complications. Ninety-one percent of patients noted an improvement in their symptoms. Two patients developed symptomatic epiphora more than 1 year postoperatively and both underwent successful reversal. CONCLUSIONS: Canalicular ligation is an effective technique for punctal occlusion in patients with severe dry eyes. It combines surgical ease with excellent cosmetic outcomes.

Paradoxical use of frontalis muscle and the possible role of botulinum a toxin in permanent motor relearning.

PURPOSE: To report 7 patients with paradoxical use of the frontalis muscle despite postsurgical correction of ptosis with good postoperative eyelid position. Successful treatment with botulinum A toxin facilitated motor relearning and cessation of muscle contraction. DESIGN: Interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: Seven patients, in 2 eye-plastic clinics, who underwent successful surgical correction of upper eyelid ptosis. METHODS: Review of clinical history, clinical photographs, treatment, and follow-up. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Frontalis muscle contraction and upper eyelid position. RESULTS: Patients underwent successful surgical correction of ptosis but continued using the frontalis muscle despite good eyelid position postoperatively. Frontalis contraction ceased spontaneously in 2 patients, but required botulinum A toxin injection in 5. The effects of a single treatment of botulinum A toxin lasted from 3 months to 2 years, longer than the expected effect of the toxin. CONCLUSION: Patients with long-standing eyelid ptosis may paradoxically continue utilizing the frontalis after successful surgical correction and despite good postoperative eyelid position. Cessation of frontalis contraction can be achieved with a single injection of botulinum A toxin. We hypothesize that chemodenervation, achieved with the toxin, may influence the central nervous system to relearn the set point for muscle contraction and may be associated with permanent motor relearning. Spontaneous resolution of muscle contraction can occur in the first months after surgery.

Use of bioglass for orbital volume augmentation in enophthalmos: a rabbit model (oryctolagus cuniculus).

PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical and histologic response of Novabone-C/M as an osteoproductive alloplastic implant for volume augmentation in the orbit in the treatment of enophthalmos and to compare its outcome alone versus its use in combination with autogenous bone or Medpor granules. METHODS: Novabone-C/M, a bioactive silicone glass material, was implanted in the subperiosteal space of the left orbit of 12 New Zealand White rabbits. The animals were divided into 3 groups, each with 4 animals, based on the material implanted in the orbit: group 1, Novabone alone; group 2, Novabone plus Medpor granules; and group 3, Novabone plus autogenous bone fragments. All rabbits were studied clinically, radiographically, and histologically at 1-, 3-, and 6-month intervals. Animals underwent preoperative and postoperative computed tomography (CT) with 3-dimensional reconstruction, proptosis measurements, and volumetric analysis. Orbit specimens were studied histologically with mineralized bone stain (MIBS) to look for bone formation, reactivity, infection, implant resorption, and migration. RESULTS: There were no signs of significant inflammation or infection. Subcutaneous migration of the implant was seen radiographically but not clinically in groups 1 and 3. Induced proptosis averaged 2.5 mm (at 1 month) and showed regression in all groups over a 6-month period but was not statistically significant. Implant volume was markedly reduced in all groups, averaging 69% in group 1, 37% in group 2, and 59% in group 3 at 6 months. New bone formation and bone remodeling was present in all 3 groups at 3 months and only in group 2 at 6 months. The rate and amount of implant remodeling and bone formation was greatest in the Novabone/Medpor group (group 2). CONCLUSIONS: Bioglass particulate is biocompatible, easy to use in the orbit, and stimulates bone growth. Bioglass is associated with volume loss and migration over 6 months and may not provide adequate volume augmentation in the orbit when used alone for the treatment of enophthalmos. The duration and amount of bone formation may be enhanced when Novabone is used in conjunction with Medpor.

The porous polyethylene (Medpor) spherical orbital implant: a retrospective study of 136 cases.

PURPOSE: To evaluate complications and risk factors associated with the placement of wrapped and unwrapped porous polyethylene (PP) spherical implants after evisceration, enucleation, or secondary implantation. METHODS: A retrospective, interventional, noncomparative case series of consecutive cases of PP implant placement after anophthalmic socket surgery performed by three surgeons over a 5-year period. A PP spherical implant was placed in 133 patients, 61 women (2 bilaterally) and 72 men (1 bilaterally). There were 91 enucleations, 30 eviscerations, and 15 secondary implant placements. Sixty-six (48.5%) implants were wrapped prior to placement. Parameters evaluated included: age, sex, prior ocular surgery or radiation treatment, indications for surgery, procedure performed, size of PP sphere, material used to wrap the implant, and complications. RESULTS: A total of 17 of 136 (12.5%) cases had documented postoperative complications, with implant exposure being the most common. In 5 patients (3.7%), implant exposure developed: 1 after evisceration and 4 after primary enucleation. Three of the five exposures were small and resolved with either observation alone or in one case with surgical revision of the socket. In two cases, the exposures were large enough that removal of the implant was indicated, one after evisceration and the other after enucleation with placement of a wrapped PP sphere. CONCLUSIONS: Our series revealed no significant difference in exposure rate between wrapped and unwrapped PP sphere implants, nor was the exposure rate affected by whether an eye was eviscerated or enucleated.