Validity and reliability of the Thai version of the ASCRS SPEED II preoperative OSD questionnaire in Thai cataract surgery candidates.

OBJECTIVES: To develop a Thai version of the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery (ASCRS)-modified Standard Patient Evaluation of Eye Dryness (SPEED) II© preoperative ocular surface disease (OSD) questionnaire (ASCRS SPEED II-Thai) and evaluate its validity and reliability in Thai cataract surgery candidates. METHODS: The original English version of the questionnaire was translated and adapted cross-culturally to Thai language. The ASCRS SPEED II-Thai was evaluated for content validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability. Five experts in the ocular surface field critically reviewed the ASCRS SPEED II-Thai to measure the content validity indexes (CVI). A total of 105 cataract surgery candidates were recruited from an ophthalmology clinic to complete the questionnaire. Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated to assess internal consistency and test-retest reliability, respectively. RESULTS: During the translation and cross-cultural adaptation processes, only two minor modifications were made to the original version for clarification without changing their meaning. All items in the ASCRS SPEED II-Thai had an item-level CVI of 1.00, representing complete agreement among content experts. The scale-level CVI was 1.00, indicating excellent content validity of the questionnaire. The participants found no difficulty in understanding each question in the pilot test. Cronbach's alpha for the ASCRS SPEED II-Thai was 0.82, indicating good internal consistency. The test-retest reliability was good to excellent, with ICC values ranging from 0.83 to 1.00 (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The ASCRS SPEED II-Thai is a valid clinical tool with adequate reliability for preoperative OSD screening among Thai cataract surgery candidates.

12-Month Outcomes of Small Incision Lenticule Extraction With Proper Head Positioning but No Reference Marking for the Correction of Astigmatism.

PURPOSE: To investigate the 12-month outcomes of small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) with proper head positioning but no reference marking for correcting astigmatism. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of 3,541 patients (5,953 eyes) who underwent SMILE between July 2010 and April 2021. Patient positioning on the treatment bed was meticulously done in every patient to avoid face turn, head tilt, and chin-up or chin-down posture. The corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), manifest refraction, astigmatic outcomes, and adverse events were evaluated at 1, 3, and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean preoperative manifest spherical equivalent and manifest cylinder were -5.15 ± 2.24 diopters (D) (range: -0.13 to -12.88 D) and -1.00 ± 0.77 D (range: -0.25 and -6.00 D), respectively. Of all eyes, 88.4% and 98.6% had the spherical equivalent within ±0.50 and ±1.00 D of emmetropia at 12 months. The percentage of eyes with UDVA of 20/20 or better was 92.5%. Six eyes (0.1%) lost two or more lines of CDVA at the 12-month visit. The predictability of cylinder correction was excellent, with 88.1% within ±0.50 D and 98.9% within ± 1.00 D of astigmatism correction at 12 months. The mean correction index (CI) at 12 months was 1.09 ± 0.45 (range: 0.17 to 4.99), indicating a slight astigmatism overcorrection. The high cylinder group tended to have undercorrection with greater residual astigmatism, whereas the low cylinder group was likely to have overcorrection with lesser residual astigmatism (P < .001). No serious adverse events were observed. CONCLUSIONS: SMILE with proper head positioning but no reference marking produces safe, efficient, predictable, and stable outcomes for astigmatism correction over a 12-month period. [J Refract Surg. 2023;39(10):683-692.].

Epstein-Barr Virus Keratouveitis-Induced Malignant Glaucoma After Penetrating Keratoplasty: A Case Report and Literature Review.

PURPOSE: To report a case of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) keratouveitis-induced malignant glaucoma after repeat penetrating keratoplasty (PK). METHODS: Retrospective review of the patient's medical records and review of literature on EBV corneal endotheliitis and/or anterior uveitis. RESULTS: A 78-year-old Thai female patient presented with a markedly edematous corneal graft, dense pigmented keratic precipitates, fibrinous anterior chamber reaction, uniformly flat anterior chamber, and ocular hypertension of 55 mmHg in the left eye on the first day after the third PK. An aqueous tap for polymerase chain reaction analysis was positive for EBV DNA but negative for other herpesviruses. The patient was diagnosed with EBV endotheliitis and anterior uveitis-induced malignant glaucoma; and successfully treated with oral valacyclovir and topical 2% ganciclovir eye drops. CONCLUSIONS: EBV endotheliitis and anterior uveitis can induce malignant glaucoma following PK. A high index of suspicion is required when a patient has a history of unexplained multiple graft rejections.

TFOS lifestyle: Impact of societal challenges on the ocular surface.

Societal factors associated with ocular surface diseases were mapped using a framework to characterize the relationship between the individual, their health and environment. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and mitigating factors on ocular surface diseases were considered in a systematic review. Age and sex effects were generally well-characterized for inflammatory, infectious, autoimmune and trauma-related conditions. Sex and gender, through biological, socio-economic, and cultural factors impact the prevalence and severity of disease, access to, and use of, care. Genetic factors, race, smoking and co-morbidities are generally well characterized, with interdependencies with geographical, employment and socioeconomic factors. Living and working conditions include employment, education, water and sanitation, poverty and socioeconomic class. Employment type and hobbies are associated with eye trauma and burns. Regional, global socio-economic, cultural and environmental conditions, include remoteness, geography, seasonality, availability of and access to services. Violence associated with war, acid attacks and domestic violence are associated with traumatic injuries. The impacts of conflict, pandemic and climate are exacerbated by decreased food security, access to health services and workers. Digital technology can impact diseases through physical and mental health effects and access to health information and services. The COVID-19 pandemic and related mitigating strategies are mostly associated with an increased risk of developing new or worsening existing ocular surface diseases. Societal factors impact the type and severity of ocular surface diseases, although there is considerable interdependence between factors. The overlay of the digital environment, natural disasters, conflict and the pandemic have modified access to services in some regions.

Agreement of implantable collamer lens sizes using parameters from different devices.

Objective: To assess agreement and repeatability of white-to-white (WTW) and anterior chamber depth (ACD), and agreement of implantable collamer lens (ICL) size using these measurements from different devices. Methods and analysis: A retrospective review of 83 eyes with ICL implantation (42 patients) was conducted. The agreement of WTW (measured with WaveLight Topolyzer and Orbscan IIz) and ACD (measured with WaveLight Oculyzer and Orbscan IIz) was analysed. Correlation of ICL sizes and difference of eyes with unacceptable vaults between two data sets (WaveLight platform; Topolyzer and Oculyzer and Orbscan IIz) were assessed. Results: Average WTW measured by Orbscan IIz and Topolyzer demonstrated good agreement (Ρ 0.884) with low systematic bias (-0.03±0.1 mm) and narrow 95% limits of agreement (LoA) of -0.28 to 0.22. Average ACD measured by Orbscan IIz and Oculyzer also showed good agreement (Ρ 0.903) with low systematic bias (-0.04±0.1 mm) and relatively narrow 95% LoA (0.2 to 0.12). ICL size selected according to two data sets showed moderate to strong level of agreement (Kappa=0.81). There was a statistically significant difference (p<0.001) in the proportion of eyes with unacceptable postoperative vaults when using the Wavelight platform data set (five eyes, 6.02%) and the Orbscan IIz data set (12 eyes, 14.46%). Conclusion: Although the agreement of WTW and ACD between devices was good, there was a significant difference in proportion of eyes with unacceptable postoperative vaults when using two data sets. Therefore, Topolyzer and Oculyzer might not be suitable for operating interchangeably with Orbscan IIz for ICL size selection.

Efficacy and outcome of simple limbal epithelial transplantation for limbal stem cell deficiency verified by epithelial phenotypes integrated with clinical evaluation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and outcome of simple limbal epithelial transplantation (SLET) for limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) using epithelial phenotype detection integrated with clinical manifestation. METHODS: This prospective multicenter study included patients with LSCD who underwent autologous SLET (autoSLET) and living-related allogenic SLET (Lr-alloSLET). All patients were assessed by slit-lamp biomicroscopy, in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM), and impression cytology with immunofluorescence staining (ICIF) before and after surgery. The criteria for success were the presence of a clinically non-conjunctivalized cornea and corneal epithelium detected by IVCM or ICIF. Otherwise, the case would be considered a failure. Visual improvement and risk factors for SLET failure were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 28 eyes of 26 patients (11 autoSLET and 17 Lr-alloSLET) were included. The median age was 53 years (range, 35-63), and the follow-up time was 29.5 months (range, 17.5-39.8). The overall survival rate was 89.3% at 2 years and 75.6% at 3 years with no difference between autoSLET and Lr-alloSLET (p = 0.24). Seven eyes subsequently underwent penetrating keratoplasty. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed that all corneal buttons had corneal epithelium and limbal stem cell markers. Visual improvement was achieved in both SLET groups (p < 0.001). Failed SLET developed between 5 and 32 months postoperatively. However, absolute risk factors for SLET failure were unidentified. CONCLUSION: The efficacy of autoSLET and Lr-alloSLET for LSCD was excellent. Limbal explants can regenerate and restore the corneal surface while maintaining the characteristics of limbal stem cells as shown by epithelial phenotype detection and immunohistochemistry integrated with clinical evaluation.

Outcomes of Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty in Bangkok, Thailand.

PURPOSE: To investigate the medium-term clinical outcomes and risk factors for primary graft failure after Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) in Thai patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a single-center retrospective cohort study. Sixty-two eyes of 62 patients who underwent DMEK at Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, with a minimum of 24-month follow-up were recruited. Preoperative donor and recipient characteristics, intraoperative data, and postoperative outcomes including best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), graft clarity, endothelial cell density (ECD), central corneal thickness (CCT), and complications were evaluated at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 67.2 ± 9.9 years, and 52% were female. The mean follow-up time was 37.5 ± 11.0 months. The most common indications for DMEK were Fuchs' endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) (53.2%) and pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (PBK) (17.7%). Nearly half of patients had triple-DMEK. The median preoperative BCVA was 20/400. Postoperative BCVA of ≥ 20/40 was reached in 37.1% and of ≥ 20/20 in 6.5% after 1 month which increased to 54.8% and 17.7% after 3 months; and to 67.7% and 27.4% after 24 months. Endothelial cell loss (ECL) at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months was 30.5%, 33.8%, 44.4%, and 45.9%, respectively. Graft diameter was the single factor, showing a significant relationship with postoperative ECD. Most frequent postoperative complications included graft detachment (22.6%), increased IOP/glaucoma (17.7%), and primary graft failure (16.1%). In univariate analysis, death-to-operation time and the diagnosis of PBK were significantly associated with the occurrence of primary graft failure. CONCLUSION: DMEK is a safe, effective, and feasible treatment for endothelial failure in Asian eyes. Careful case selection, use of relatively fresh donor tissues, and appropriate surgical techniques can prevent primary graft failure and facilitate optimal outcomes following surgery.

Mycobacterium haemophilum scleritis: two case reports and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Mycobacterium haemophilum is a rare and emerging nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM). It normally causes localized or disseminated systemic diseases, particularly skin infections and arthritis in severely immunocompromised patients. There have been 5 cases of M. haemophilum ocular infections reported in the literature. Only 1 case presented with scleritis with keratitis. Here, we reported 2 cases of M. haemophilum scleritis. One of them was immunocompetent host and had keratitis with radial keratoneuritis as a presenting sign. CASE PRESENTATION: Case 1: A 52-year-old Thai female with rheumatoid arthritis presented with scleritis. Conjunctival scraping was carried out and the culture result was positive for M. haemophilum. Despite receiving systemic and topical antibiotics, her clinical symptoms and signs worsened. Surgical debridement was performed. After surgery, the lesion was significantly improved and finally turned to conjunctival scarring. Case 2: A 32-year old healthy Thai male without underlying disease presented with nodular scleritis and keratouveitis with multiple radial keratoneuritis. Surgical debridement of the scleral nodule was performed. Initial microbiological investigations were negative. Herpes ocular infections was suspected. Topical antibiotics, oral acyclovir, low-dose topical steroids and systemic steroids were started. The scleral inflammation subsided but later the keratitis relapsed, requiring corneal biopsy. Histopathology of the specimen revealed acid-fast bacteria and M. haemophilum was identified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. The diagnosis of Mycobacterial keratitis was made. Although using the combination of systemic and topical antibiotics, his clinical status progressively deteriorated. Multiple therapeutic penetrating keratoplasties were required to eradicate the infection. No recurrence was found during the 1-year follow-up in both cases. CONCLUSIONS: M. haemophilum can cause scleritis and keratitis, even in immunocompenent host. Radial keraoneuritis is first described in M. haemophilum keratitis. NTM keratitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with radial keratoneuritis. Increased awareness and early diagnosis using appropriate culture conditions and molecular techniques are important for the proper treatment of this infection. Prompt surgical intervention appears to be vital for successful management of M. haemophilum scleritis and keratitis.

Predicting factors and prediction model for discriminating between fungal infection and bacterial infection in severe microbial keratitis.

A retrospective medical record review including 344 patients who were admitted with severe microbial keratitis at Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, from January 2010 to December 2016 was conducted. Causative organisms were identified in 136 patients based on positive culture results, pathological reports and confocal microscopy findings. Eighty-six eyes (63.24%) were bacterial keratitis, while 50 eyes (36.76%) were fungal keratitis. Demographics, clinical history, and clinical findings from slit-lamp examinations were collected. We found statistically significant differences between fungal and bacterial infections in terms of age, occupation, contact lens use, underlying ocular surface diseases, previous ocular surgery, referral status, and duration since onset (p < 0.05). For clinical features, depth of lesions, feathery edge, satellite lesions and presence of endothelial plaque were significantly higher in fungal infection compared to bacterial infection with odds ratios of 2.97 (95%CI 1.43-6.15), 3.92 (95%CI 1.62-9.45), 6.27 (95%CI 2.26-17.41) and 8.00 (95%CI 3.45-18.59), respectively. After multivariate analysis of all factors, there were 7 factors including occupation, history of trauma, duration since onset, depth of lesion, satellite lesions, endothelial plaque and stromal melting that showed statistical significance at p < 0.05. We constructed the prediction model based on these 7 identified factors. The model demonstrated a favorable receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC = 0.79, 95%CI 0.72-0.86) with correct classification, sensitivity and specificity of 81.48%, 70% and 88.24%, respectively at the optimal cut-off point. In conclusion, we propose potential prediction factors and prediction model as an adjunctive tool for clinicians to rapidly differentiate fungal infection from bacterial infection in severe microbial keratitis patients.

Epithelial analysis of simple limbal epithelial transplantation in limbal stem cell deficiency by in vivo confocal microscopy and impression cytology.

Simple limbal epithelial transplantation (SLET) is a relatively new treatment for severe limbal stem cell deficiency. Outcomes of treatment are typically determined based on clinical manifestations. In this prospective-multicenter study, we aimed to analyze the epithelial phenotypes of the corneas after SLET using IVCM and IC, and correlated them with clinical findings. Ten eyes of nine patients, who underwent SLET (five autologous SLET and five living-related SLET) were recruited. A set of examinations included slit-lamp biomicroscopy, corneal in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM), and impression cytology (IC) was performed in all eyes at least twice (≥ 3-month interval) postoperatively. Then, a correlation between findings of the three examinations was analyzed. There were seven eyes with clinical success (no central neovascularization) showed pure corneal epithelial phenotype or mixed corneal-conjunctival phenotypes (mostly cornea) in either IVCM or IC. Three eyes with clinical failure, presented with peripheral and central neovascularization, showed total or predominant conjunctival phenotype in IVCM and sole conjunctival phenotype in IC. From a total of 22 sets of examinations, there was a high correlation between clinical manifestation vs. IC (κ = 0.844, observed agreement = 81.82%) and a substantial correlation between clinical manifestation vs. IVCM (κ = 0.727, observed agreement = 76.19%) and between IVCM versus IC (κ = 0.729, observed agreement = 76.19%). In conclusion, IVCM and IC facilitate determination of epithelial phenotype of the cornea after SLET. There was a substantial to high correlation between IVCM, IC and clinical presentations. Findings observed by IVCM and IC may allow early detection of epithelial alterations in eyes underwent SLET before clinical recognition.

Outcomes of descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty using imported donor corneas.

BACKGROUND: The lack of development of local donor tissue acquisition in several regions of the world has resulted in the necessity of performing keratoplasty with imported donor corneas. The greatest concern about the use of donor corneas supplied by foreign eye banks is the effect of the increased donor death-to-operation time which inevitably occurs during the tissue recovery, tissue processing, and tissue transfer between the countries. The purpose of this study was to report the outcomes of descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) using imported donor corneas. METHODS: This retrospective, non-comparative case series investigated the outcomes of the 102 consecutive DSAEK procedures using imported donor corneas performed at a single university-based hospital between August 2006-2014. The main outcome measures were postoperative best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), endothelial cell density (ECD), and complications. RESULTS: The mean death-to-operation time was 9.52 ± 1.48 days (range, 8-13). The mean preoperative ECD was 2761 ± 285 cells/mm2. Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy was the predominant indication for grafting. The mean follow-up duration was 65.3 months. Ninety-three eyes had improved vision postoperatively (91.18%). BCVA unchanged in 3 eyes due to preexisting macular scar and advanced glaucoma. Primary graft failure occurred in 6 eyes (5.88%). Of the 93 eyes with improved BCVA, 100% had their best corrected vision within the first 1 year. The mean ECD at 6, 12, 24, 36, and 60 months after surgery was 1762 ± 294 cells/mm2, 1681 ± 284 cells/mm2, 1579 ± 209 cells/mm2, 1389 ± 273 cells/mm2, and 1251 ± 264 cells/mm2 respectively. The mean ECD loss at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, and 5 years after surgery was 36.2%, 39.1%, 42.8%, 49.7%, and 54.7% respectively. The most common complication was graft detachment/dislocation (10.78%). There were no cases of any postoperative infection. CONCLUSIONS: DSAEK with imported donor corneas provides rapid and good visual rehabilitation. The percentages of endothelial cell loss were comparable to those achieved in Western series using domestic corneas in which fresher tissues were available for transplantation.

Pattern of Uveitis in a Tertiary Ophthalmology Center in Thailand.

PURPOSE: To study the etiology and pattern of uveitis in a tertiary ophthalmology center in Thailand. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on uveitis patients presenting to a uveitis clinic at Ramathibodi Hospital, Thailand, between February 2014 and January 2015. RESULTS: A total of 758 uveitis patients were enrolled into this study. The most common identified cause was herpetic uveitis (17.2%), followed by Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease (13.5%), cytomegalovirus uveitis (12.7%), and HLA-B27/spondyloarthropathy-associated uveitis (12.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Herpetic uveitis was the commonest form of infectious uveitis, whereas Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease was most frequently seen as the non-infectious cause of uveitis in Thailand.

Modified Surgical Techniques for Managing Intraoperative Floppy Iris Syndrome.

Purpose. To report a modified surgical strategy in the management of intraoperative floppy iris syndrome-associated iris prolapse. Methods. Prolapsed iris is left as is and a new corneal incision near the original wound but at a different site is created. Depending on the location of the original incision and the surgeon's preference, this additional incision can be used as a new port for phacoemulsification tip or can be the new site for the iris to securely prolapse, allowing for the surgery to proceed safely. Results. We present 2 cases of iris prolapse and inadequate pupil dilation in patients with IFIS. Along with our modified technique, additional iris retractors were placed to increase the workspace for the phacoemulsification tip. The cataract surgery was performed successfully without further complications in both cases. Conclusion. This surgical technique could be an adjunct to allow the surgeons to expand the armamentarium for the management of IFIS-associated iris prolapse.

Boston Type 1 Keratoprosthesis for Gelatinous Drop-Like Corneal Dystrophy.

PURPOSE: To report the outcomes of Boston type 1 keratoprosthesis in the management of advanced gelatinous drop-like corneal dystrophy (GDLD). METHODS: A retrospective, noncomparative, interventional case series was conducted at Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. Four eyes of three siblings with molecularly and histologically confirmed GDLD from a Thai family underwent an uneventful Boston type 1 keratoprosthesis implantation for visual rehabilitation. Clinical data were obtained from a review of the medical records. Visual acuity, device retention, and postoperative complications were the main outcome measures. The follow-up ranged from 8 to 96 months. RESULTS: One eye received keratoprosthesis surgery as a primary penetrating procedure. The other three eyes had the surgery as a secondary procedure after graft failure. Best-corrected visual acuity was favorably improved from counting fingers to 20/25 in two eyes, from hand movement to 20/20 in one eye, and from hand movement to counting fingers at 2 feet in one eye caused by severe amblyopia. The improved vision was maintained for 8 months to 6.2 years after surgery. Postoperative complications included disease recurrence in the donor graft (N = 3), manageable retroprosthetic membrane (N = 3), intraocular pressure elevation responded to antiglaucoma drugs (N = 2), and Pseudomonas keratitis with severe corneal melting requiring device removal (N = 1). All of our patients failed to have a comfortably well-fitting contact lens after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Boston type 1 keratoprosthesis could be considered as a reasonable option in the management of advanced GDLD. However, patients remain at risk for sight-threatening postoperative complications as long as the keratoprosthesis is retained. The use of Boston keratoprosthesis implantation needed to be individualized on a case-by-case basis.

Agreement between clinical history method, Orbscan IIz, and Pentacam in estimating corneal power after myopic excimer laser surgery.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the agreement between the clinical history method (CHM), Orbscan IIz, and Pentacam in estimating corneal power after myopic excimer laser surgery. Fifty five patients who had myopic LASIK/PRK were recruited into this study. One eye of each patient was randomly selected by a computer-generated process. At 6 months after surgery, postoperative corneal power was calculated from the CHM, Orbscan IIz total optical power at the 3.0 and 4.0 mm zones, and Pentacam equivalent keratometric readings (EKRs) at 3.0, 4.0, and 4.5 mm. Statistical analyses included multilevel models, Pearson's correlation test, and Bland-Altman plots. The Orbscan IIz 3.0-mm and 4.0 mm total optical power, and Pentacam 3.0-mm, 4.0-mm, and 4.5-mm EKR values had strong linear positive correlations with the CHM values (r = 0.90-0.94, P = <0.001, for all comparisons, Pearson's correlation). However, only Pentacam 3.0-mm EKR was not statistically different from CHM (P = 0.17, multilevel models). The mean 3.0- and 4.0-mm total optical powers of the Orbscan IIz were significantly flatter than the values derived from CHM, while the average EKRs of the Pentacam at 4.0 and 4.5 mm were significantly steeper. The mean Orbscan IIz 3.0-mm total optical power was the lowest keratometric reading compared to the other 5 values. Large 95% LoA was observed between each of these values, particularly EKRs, and those obtained with the CHM. The width of the 95% LoA was narrowest for Orbscan IIz 3.0-mm total optical power. In conclusion, the keratometric values extracted from these 3 methods were disparate, either because of a statistically significant difference in the mean values or moderate agreement between them. Therefore, they are not considered equivalent and cannot be used interchangeably.

Treatment with intrastromal and intracameral voriconazole in 2 eyes with Lasiodiplodia theobromae keratitis: case reports.

To report the clinical presentation and the role of intrastromal and intracameral voriconazole injection in the management of rare cases of fungal keratitis caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae.Two eyes of 2 patients with Lasiodiplodia keratitis unresponsive to topical and oral antifungal medications were included in this study. Diagnosis of Lasiodiplodia keratitis was confirmed by microbiological analysis, including culture-based (case 1 and 2) and DNA sequencing techniques (case 2 only).The first patient presented with multiple satellite lesions and one of these infiltrates spread deeply into the cornea, forming a stromal abscess. Another patient had a large full-thickness corneal infiltrates with several fungal balls in the anterior chamber, requiring a limbus-to-limbus therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty. Despite aggressive topical therapy, the stromal abscess continued to worsen in the first case and recurrent keratitis was observed postoperatively in the second case. Voriconazole 50 µg/0.1 mL was administered intracamerally and intrastromally around the fungal abscess as adjuncts to topical antimycotics in the first case. The second patient who needed therapeutic keratoplasty was treated with an intracameral injection of 50 µg/0.1 mL voriconazole at the end of surgery. Postoperatively, 100 µg/0.1 mL voriconazole was also injected intracamerally after the recurrence of infection was noted in the graft. Reinjections were given 48 hours apart in both cases. After the injections, all corneal and anterior chamber lesions were reduced in size and density and completely resolved within 4 weeks.Intrastromal and intracameral voriconazole injections may offer safe and effective treatment options for L theobromae keratitis.

Novel TACSTD2 mutation in gelatinous drop-like corneal dystrophy.

We identified a novel mutation in the tumor-associated calcium signal transducer 2 (TACSTD2) gene in a consanguineous Thai family with gelatinous drop-like corneal dystrophy (GDLD). All affected family members presented with an intense amyloid substance deposited on the cornea, which required surgical management. Genetic analysis of these individuals revealed a homozygous mutation c.79delC, in the TACSTD2 gene. Both parents of these individuals were unaffected and showed heterozygous mutations in the TACSTD2 gene. The mutation produced a truncated protein sequence that might be the cause of GDLD.

Medium-term outcomes of boston type 1 keratoprosthesis implantation in Bangkok, Thailand.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the medium-term outcomes after Boston type 1 keratoprosthesis surgery in patients with poor prognosis for standard keratoplasty. METHODS: A prospective study of a case series was conducted at a university-based referral center from 2006 to 2013. Forty-two eyes of 40 patients with a minimum follow-up of 4 years were recruited. The main outcome measures included best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA), keratoprosthesis retention, and complications. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 64.9 ± 15.2 months (range, 48-88 months). At 1 week, 90.5% had an improvement in BSCVA by ≥2 lines compared with that in preoperative BSCVA. The best-ever vision was reached by the end of 6 months. Nevertheless, 39.5% (15/38) could not maintain the improved vision. The major etiology of visual deterioration after initial gains was glaucoma (60%). The initial keratoprosthesis retention rate was 80.9%, corresponding to a failure rate of 4 per 100 eye-years or 0.04/eye-year. Autoimmune diagnosis was the independent risk factor for keratoprosthesis failure (hazard ratio, 5.68; 95% confidence interval, 1.41-22.85; P = 0.014). The common postoperative complications were glaucoma, retroprosthetic membrane, corneal melting, infectious keratitis, and endophthalmitis. CONCLUSIONS: Boston type 1 keratoprosthesis is an alternative for patients who are not candidates for corneal transplants. However, there was a trend toward visual loss over time most commonly because of progressive glaucoma. Therefore, appropriate patient selection, lifelong follow-up, and early aggressive treatment of complications are recommended.

Topical 100% serum eye drops for treating corneal epithelial defect after ocular surgery.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of topical 100% serum eye drops for corneal epithelial defect after ocular surgery. A total of 181 patients who received topical 100% serum therapy for the treatment of corneal epithelial defect following several different types of ocular surgery were recruited into this study. Each patient already failed conventional medical therapy before being prescribed 100% serum eye drops. Slit-lamp biomicroscopic examination with fluorescein staining was performed at baseline and all follow-up visits. The main outcome measures were the rate of complete healing of the corneal epithelial defect and incidence of adverse events. One hundred and seventy-eight eyes (98.34%) received autologous serum eye drops, and 3 (1.66%) received allogeneic serum eye drops. The overall success rate of treating persistent postoperative epithelial defect using 100% serum eye drops was 93.92% (95% CI 0.88-0.98). The median time to complete corneal epithelialization was 4 days (95% CI 4-5). Adverse reactions were observed in 3 patients (1.66%), including sticky sensation with minimal eye discomfort and asymptomatic trace corneal subepithelial infiltration. No serious complications were reported. In conclusion, 100% serum eye drops are effective, safe, and tolerable for treating postoperative corneal epithelial defect following ocular surgeries.