Ocular-periocular burns in a tertiary hospital: Epidemiologic characteristics.

PURPOSE: Ocular burns are ophthalmic emergencies that can cause devastating injuries. This study aimed to analyze the epidemiology, complications, and management of ocular-periocular burns. METHODS: A total of 193 patients with ocular-periocular burns were admitted to our tertiary hospital from January 2018 to December 2020. The demographic characteristics of the patients, injury variables, complications, and treatments were evaluated. RESULTS: There were 142 male (73.6%) and 51 female (26.4%) patients with a mean age of 32.53±17.75 years. The average total body surface area was 12% (range, 1-80%). Injuries were most common at work (52.3%) and home (36.3%). Thermal burns were the most common injuries (74.6%), followed by chemical (14.5%) and electrical burns (10.9%). Alkaline agents (75.0%), mainly sodium hydroxide and lime, were common in chemical burns. Superficial lid burns were significantly higher in the thermal group (p < 0.001), and grade III-IV corneal burns were significantly higher in the chemical group (p < 0.001). Various complications were developed in 50 (13%) eyes. Medical treatment only was performed in 318 (82.4%) eyes, and additional surgical treatment was performed in 64 (17.6%) eyes; however, 54 (14.0%) underwent more than one surgery. The most common complications were corneal scars (7.3%), limbal deficiency (4.1%), and ectropion (3.9%). The most frequent procedures performed were amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) (11.9%) and tarsorrhaphy (6.7%). CONCLUSION: Chemical burns, limbal and conjunctival ischemia, and full-thickness eyelid defects had a poor prognosis. The degree of limbal deficiency and injury of intraocular structures were found to have a great influence on the outcome of their visual acuity.

Autologous tenon plug and patch in phacoburn.

This 75-year-old woman had phacomorphic angle closure, dense nuclear sclerosis, deep set eye, miotic pupil and tight corneal wound during phacoemulsification. Phacoemulsification wound burn was noted at the end of surgery. Tenon was harvested from the inferior conjunctiva, placed over the gape and anchored by two radial corneoscleral 10-0 nylon. Ten days later, anterior optical coherence tomography showed good wound apposition and sutures were removed with visual recovery to 20/25 (6/7.5) without astigmatism.

A Novel CD147 Inhibitor, SP-8356, Attenuates Pathological Fibrosis in Alkali-Burned Rat Cornea.

The corneal fibrotic responses to corneal damage often lead to severe corneal opacification thereby resulting in severe visual impairment or even blindness. The persistence of corneal opacity depends heavily on the activity of corneal myofibroblast. Myofibroblasts are opaque and synthesize a disorganized extracellular matrix (ECM) and thus promoting opacification. Cluster of differentiation 147 (CD147), a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily, is known to play important roles in the differentiation process from fibroblast to myofibroblast in damaged cornea and may therefore be an effective target for treatment of corneal opacity. Here, we examined the therapeutic efficacy of novel CD147 inhibiting verbenone derivative SP-8356 ((1S,5R)-4-(3,4-dihydroxy-5-methoxystyryl)-6,6-dimethylbicyclo[3.1.1]hept-3-en-2-one) on corneal fibrosis. Topical SP-8356 significantly reduced corneal haze and fibrosis in the alkali-burned cornea. In detail, SP-8356 inhibited both alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expressing myofibroblast and its ECM-related products, such as matrix-metalloproteinase-9 and collagen type III and IV. Similar to SP-8356, topical corticosteroid (prednisolone acetate, PA) also reduced the ECM-related products and opacification. However, prednisolone acetate failed to decrease the population of α-SMA-positive corneal myofibroblast. In conclusion, SP-8356 is capable enough to prevent corneal haze by preventing pathological fibrosis after severe corneal damage. Therefore, SP-8356 could be a potentially promising therapeutic drug for corneal fibrosis.

MACULAR BURN DURING AN ATTEMPTED YAG LASER CAPSULOTOMY BY INADVERTENT USE OF SELECTIVE LASER TRABECULOPLASTY MODE OF A DUAL-MODE LASER.

PURPOSE: To present a case of a patient who suffered a macular burn after an attempted YAG laser capsulotomy because of the inadvertent use of the selective laser trabeculoplasty mode of a dual-mode laser. METHOD: Case report. RESULTS: A 62-year-old man with slight opacification of the posterior capsule noted sudden central vision loss immediately after an attempted YAG laser capsulotomy. The selective laser trabeculoplasty mode of a dual-mode laser had inadvertently been used. Color photographs, fluorescein angiography, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography revealed a laser burn in the macula. The patient's central vision was impaired. CONCLUSION: Inadvertent selection of the selective laser trabeculoplasty mode when attempting to perform a YAG laser capsulotomy with a dual-mode laser may cause a macular burn with impairment of central vision. We encourage all users of dual-mode lasers to actively choose and verify the appropriate settings to minimize the risk of inadvertent retinal damage.

Sunlight and ultraviolet radiation-pertinent retinal implications and current management.

Unprotected and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from sunlight, lasers, and arc welding leads to outer retinal damage. The photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium located in the posterior pole are particularly susceptible to this radiation. Classically known as solar retinopathy, this disorder frequently affects young individuals who have clear lenses and a propensity toward observing solar eclipses. Various imaging techniques aid the clinician in diagnosis, even if patients cannot recall an exposure event. By far the most utilized technique is optical coherence tomography that, in tandem with fluorescein angiography, and fundus autofluorescence, is crucial in ruling out other conditions. Fortunately, the prognosis of acute UV retinopathy is favorable, as most cases fully recover; however, a significant percentage of patients suffer from chronic sequelae: reduced acuity and lifelong central/paracentral scotomas. Thus, education toward understanding UV exposure risks, coupled with either abstinence or proper eye protection, is critical in preventing macular damage. We outline the various etiologies responsible for UV-induced retinopathy, describe the limited treatments available, and provide recommendations to minimize the potential devastating ophthalmic consequences as our society increases its reliance on UV-emitting technology and further engages in solar eclipse viewing.

Mechanisms of Retinal Damage after Ocular Alkali Burns.

Alkali burns to the eye constitute a leading cause of worldwide blindness. In recent case series, corneal transplantation revealed unexpected damage to the retina and optic nerve in chemically burned eyes. We investigated the physical, biochemical, and immunological components of retinal injury after alkali burn and explored a novel neuroprotective regimen suitable for prompt administration in emergency departments. Thus, in vivo pH, oxygen, and oxidation reduction measurements were performed in the anterior and posterior segment of mouse and rabbit eyes using implantable microsensors. Tissue inflammation was assessed by immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. The experiments confirmed that the retinal damage is not mediated by direct effect of the alkali, which is effectively buffered by the anterior segment. Rather, pH, oxygen, and oxidation reduction changes were restricted to the cornea and the anterior chamber, where they caused profound uveal inflammation and release of proinflammatory cytokines. The latter rapidly diffuse to the posterior segment, triggering retinal damage. Tumor necrosis factor-α was identified as a key proinflammatory mediator of retinal ganglion cell death. Blockade, by either monoclonal antibody or tumor necrosis factor receptor gene knockout, reduced inflammation and retinal ganglion cell loss. Intraocular pressure elevation was not observed in experimental alkali burns. These findings illuminate the mechanism by which alkali burns cause retinal damage and may have importance in designing therapies for retinal protection.

A rare case of a direct ocular contact burn to the right eye.

Ocular thermal burns represent an oculoplastic emergency, with the potential for blindness owing to limbal ischaemia. We present a rare case of a 66-year-old man who sustained a direct thermal contact burn to the right eye.

360-Degree Iris Burns Following Conductive Keratoplasty.

PURPOSE: The authors report a case with multiple iris burns after conductive keratoplasty to correct hyperopia. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 52-year-old woman with hyperopia had a previous conductive keratoplasty procedure and underwent a conductive keratoplasty re-treatment 6 months later. Postoperatively, she presented with 360-degree iris burns in both eyes that were correlated with the corneal conductive keratoplasty scars. In addition, specular microscopy revealed decreased endothelial cell density for both eyes. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first reported case of iris burns associated with conductive keratoplasty. [J Refract Surg. 2016;32(11):776-778.].

Corneoscleral Laceration and Ocular Burns Caused by Electronic Cigarette Explosions.

PURPOSE: To report cases of acute globe rupture and bilateral corneal burns from electronic cigarette (EC) explosions. METHODS: Case series. RESULTS: We describe a series of patients with corneal injury caused by EC explosions. Both patients suffered bilateral corneal burns and decreased visual acuity, and one patient sustained a unilateral corneoscleral laceration with prolapsed iris tissue and hyphema. A review of the scientific literature revealed no prior reported cases of ocular injury secondary to EC explosions; however, multiple media and government agency articles describe fires and explosions involving ECs, including at least 4 with ocular injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Given these cases and the number of recent media reports, ECs pose a significant public health risk. Users should be warned regarding the possibility of severe injury, including sight-threatening ocular injuries ranging from corneal burns to full-thickness corneoscleral laceration.

Molten metal-related ocular thermal burn: report on two cases / Queimadura térmica ocular por metal derretido: relato de dois casos

ABSTRACT We report two cases of severe thermal burns on the ocular surface and its adnexal appendages that developed secondary to exposure to molten heavy metal with a melting temperature of near-thousand degree Celsius. Despite aggressive intervention and strict monitoring, the profound inflammation caused significant damage to the ocular surface, ending up in an intractable infection with an unfavorable outcome. The heat of the molten metal at impact, the heat-retaining capacity of the heavy metal, the total area of the ocular surface exposed to the molten metal, and the duration of exposure determined the severity of the injury. The unfavorable outcome, despite an intensive treatment, in terms of visual acuity and cosmetic appearance, should be explicitly explained to the patient, and a psychiatrist consultation should be considered if necessary.

RESUMO Relatamos dois casos de queimaduras graves da superfície ocular e seus anexos causadas por exposição à metais pesados derretidos com temperatura de fusão de quase mil graus Celsius. Embora rigorosamente acompanhados, a inflamação intensa causou danos significativos para a superfície ocular, que acabou em uma infecção intratável com um resultado desfavorável. O calor do metal fundido no momento do impacto, a capacidade de retenção de calor do metal pesado, a área total da superfície ocular exposta ao metal fundido e a duração da exposição determinaram a gravidade da lesão que vai ocorrer. O resultado desfavorável, apesar do tratamento intensivo, em relação à acuidade visual e à aparência estética, devem ser claramente explicados ao paciente e uma consulta ao psiquiatra deve ser considerada, se necessário.

Closure technique for leaking wound resulting from thermal injury during phacoemulsification.

UNLABELLED: We describe a method of wound closure with a conjunctival flap in cases of wound burn. A fornix-based conjunctival flap is raised to adequately cover the wound. Then, a single horizontal mattress suture with 10-0 monofilament nylon is passed to appose the wound. The conjunctival flap is hinged to the corneal end of the loop so the conjunctival flap covers the wound when the suture is tied. The wound is thus sealed by conjunctiva with optimum suture tension. This suture was applied in 5 patients with clear corneal incisions who developed wound burn during phacoemulsification. All had an uneventful recovery with a sealed wound from the first postoperative day and satisfactory visual outcomes with low residual astigmatism at the final refraction. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: Neither author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty after 2 previously rejected femtosecond laser-assisted keratoplasties.

PURPOSE: To report on a patient with a welding flash burn with subsequent scarring and edema who twice underwent femtosecond laser-assisted keratoplasty (FLAK). Both grafts failed due to endothelial decompensation. He subsequently underwent successful Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) under the second FLAK graft to decrease rejection risk and prevent further full-thickness keratoplasty. METHODS: A 51-year-old man with a history of 2 FLAK procedures with subsequent graft failures likely from noncompliance with postoperative medications had diffuse microcystic edema with a visual acuity of counting fingers at 5 feet. The patient underwent DSAEK procedure 4 months after the second FLAK procedure. RESULTS: No dehiscence occurred during second laser trephination of cornea. Sections of mild misalignment between the first and second FLAK graft trephinations were noted on optical coherence tomography. Post-DSAEK, the patient had a rapidly clearing, well-attached graft with mild temporal overlap of the graft-host interface. All sutures were removed from the overlying FLAK graft by 3 months after DSAEK (7 months after repeat FLAK). At 9 months post-DSAEK, the patient's uncorrected visual acuity was 20/40 and best spectacle-corrected visual acuity was 20/30. CONCLUSIONS: Early secondary femtosecond laser trephination after first FLAK is possible even if the second graft is misaligned. A crescent remnant of the original graft was well-healed into the host cornea 7.5 months after the original surgery. The 3-month-old second FLAK graft was able to support a DSAEK surgery and rapid postoperative visual recovery. All sutures were removed from the cornea by 7 months after the second FLAK surgery.

Ignition of eyelash extensions during routine minor eyelid surgery.

Preoperative patient questionnaires enquiring about the presence of prosthetics are routine. Eyelash extensions are not part of standard preoperative questionnaires. This case illustrates how this impacts patient safety during minor eyelid surgery.

Corneal heat scar caused by photodynamic therapy performed through an implanted corneal inlay.

A 60-year-old man had a combination of laser in situ keratomileusis and Kamra corneal inlay implantation to correct presbyopia. Although the outcome was favorable postoperatively, central serous chorioretinopathy was observed in the left eye along with a decrease in the uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuities and the corrected near visual acuity (CNVA). Photodynamic therapy (PDT) was later performed in a university hospital. After PDT, the patient experienced a decline in the visual acuity and came to our clinic a month after the PDT. Degeneration and a scar were observed at the location of the inlay due to the heat and burning. Flattening of the corneal topography was also observed where the corneal scar was located, along with a significant decrease in CDVA in the left eye. Prior to any surgery in which the corneal inlay is an impediment, surgeons should take advantage of the reversibility of the Kamra inlay by explanting the inlay.

Temperature profiles of sleeveless and coaxial phacoemulsification.

PURPOSE: To study the temperature profile at the corneal wound during 2 sleeveless techniques versus 2 coaxial phacoemulsification techniques. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba and Ein-Tal Eye Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel. DESIGN: Experimental study. METHODS: Thirty-six porcine eyes were randomized into 4 groups: Group 1: conventional coaxial system (3.0 mm incision); Group 2: coaxial microincision cataract surgery (MICS) system (2.2 mm incision); Group 3: bimanual MICS (1.1 mm incision); Group 4: sleeveless tri-MICS (1.1 mm incision) using a 19-gauge anterior chamber maintainer as the sole fluid source. Temperature measurements were taken using a thermocouple and an infrared thermal imaging system. Measurements were taken in 2 settings; that is, with and without occlusion. RESULTS: With no occlusion, corneal burns did not occur in any group. However, corneal temperatures were lower with the sleeveless systems (Groups 3 and 4) than with the coaxial systems (Groups 1 and 2) (P=.0003). When occlusion was induced, temperatures were kept constantly low in the sleeveless groups, whereas in the coaxial groups, temperatures increased rapidly, causing corneal burns within seconds. The mean temperature elevations at the incision sites were 39 °C, 48.5 °C, 13.6 °C, and 11.3 °C in Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively (P<.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Sleeveless phacoemulsification maintained lower tissue temperatures than sleeved coaxial methods. During occlusion, fluid flow around the naked tip of the sleeveless systems prevented heat accumulation and corneal burns.

Prepuce mucosal graft for forniceal and conjunctival sac reconstruction in surgically intractable symblepharon.

A 12-year-old boy who had severe burns in the right eye from a firecracker injury 2 years previously was referred to our hospital with severe and recurrent symblepharon. The patient had received conjunctival sac reconstruction with amniotic membrane grafts twice at another hospital. A symblepharon lysis and conjunctival sac reconstruction with a mouth mucosal graft was performed. Eight months after surgery, he could not wear a prosthesis due to the recurrence of symblepharon. A prepuce mucosal graft obtained from circumcision was applied for forniceal and conjunctival sac reconstruction. One year postoperatively, the patient showed no recurrence of symblepharon and could comfortably wear a prosthesis. The prepuce is a useful alternative donor tissue in a male patient with no other available donor sites for conjunctival sac reconstruction.

Inhibition of corneal neovascularization after alkali burn: comparison of different doses of bevacizumab in monotherapy or associated with dexamethasone.

BACKGROUND: To compare the effects of different doses of bevacizumab with both saline and dexamethasone on inflammatory angiogenesis in the rat cornea induced by small chemical lesions. METHODS: Corneal chemical cauterization was performed on 24 rats. Animals were divided randomly into six groups and received a daily subconjunctival injection for 7 days of: balanced salt solution 0.1 mL or dexamethasone phosphate 4 mg/day or bevacizumab 2.5 mg/day, 3.75 mg/day, 5.0 mg/day or bevacizumab 5.0 mg/day + dexamethasone phosphate 4 mg/day. Clinical examination under slitlamp was performed daily for 7 days to evaluate corneal opacity and vessel size evolution. Computer assisted quantitative image analysis was used to measure the total corneal area covered by neovascularization. RESULTS: At final examination, the dexamethasone, bevacizumab 5.0 mg/day and dexamethasone + bevacizumab groups showed a significant lowering in corneal opacity score as compared with control (P = 0.024, P = 0.006 and P = 0.013, respectively). Also, a significant reduction on new vessels size score was observed. Surface of corneal neovascularization was significantly reduced in dexamethasone, bevacizumab 5.0 mg/day and dexamethasone + bevacizumab groups compared with control (P =0.045, P = 0.047 and P = 0.044, respectively). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates the ability of a 5.0 mg/day bevacizumab subconjunctival injection, in monotherapy or associated with dexamethasone, to cause a short-term involution of corneal neovascularization after corneal alkali burn. Combination of both of these treatments may have advantages to monotherapy approaches.

Corneal graft surgery combined with subconjunctival bevacizumab (avastin).

PURPOSE: To describe the use of subconjunctival bevacizumab (Avastin) as an adjunctive treatment in a vascularized cornea at the time of lamellar keratoplasty to reduce the risk of graft rejection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After a significant ocular high-velocity thermal injury, a patient developed extensive corneal scarring and a traumatic cataract. To improve vision, a corneal graft was indicated, but the presence of extensive neovascularization increased the risk of early graft rejection. RESULTS: Bevacizumab was injected subconjunctivally before surgery to reduce the corneal vessel load. There was a dramatic response in terms of vessel regression, but this was short lived and the vessels quickly regrew. The subconjunctival bevacizumab injection was repeated at the time of combined cataract extraction and lamellar corneal graft surgery, and the feeder vessels were cauterized at the limbus. After 6 months, the graft remained clear of vessels. CONCLUSIONS: This case is of interest because the eye was treated twice with subconjunctival bevacizumab with good short-term results in both instances but different longer-term outcomes in terms of vessel regrowth. This case suggests that the antiangiogenic effects of bevacizumab may be effectively harnessed at the time of a definitive surgical procedure, which reduces the stimulus for vessel regrowth.