Effects of Teprotumumab on Eyelid Retraction in Thyroid Eye Disease.

PURPOSE: This study evaluates the efficacy of teprotumumab in reducing eyelid retraction in thyroid eye disease (TED) patients. METHODS: This retrospective study included patients with active or chronic moderate-to-severe TED who completed at least 4 cycles of teprotumumab. Patients with upper and/or lower eyelid retraction, defined as margin-to-reflex distance (MRD) 1 and/or MRD2 of more than 5 mm, in one or OU were included. The main outcome measure was a change in MRD1 and MRD2 after treatment. Changes in MRD1 and MRD2 were each analyzed for correlation (r) with changes in exophthalmolmetry. Student t test was performed for each comparison, and p values <0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: The study included 91 patients, predominantly female (87%), with an average age of 52.02 ± 14.6 years. The mean baseline proptosis measurement was 21.8 ± 2.9 OD and 21.7 ± 3.3 OS. The average MRD1 was 5.5 ± 1.5 OD and 5.4 ± 1.7 OS, and the average MRD2 was 6.1 ± 1.1 OD and 6.2 ± 1.1 OS. The follow-up duration post-treatment was 37.5 ± 31.7 weeks. At first follow-up post-treatment, the mean change in proptosis, MRD1, and MRD2 were -2.6 ± 2.0 OD, -2.5 ± 2.1 OS, -0.8.5 ± 1.4 OD, -0.8 ± 1.0 OS, and -0.7 ± 0.9 OD, -0.8 ± 1.0 OS, respectively. Correlation analysis showed that proptosis reduction was positively correlated with MRD1 and MRD2 reduction at the first post-treatment follow-up (MRD1: r = 0.23, p value < 0.01; MRD2: r = 0.17, p = 0.03]. CONCLUSION: Teprotumumab treatment improves upper and lower eyelid retraction. The improvement in MRD correlated positively with proptosis reduction, indicating the influence of globe position on eyelid position.

Is Blepharoplasty Cost-effective? Utility Analysis of Dermatochalasis and Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty.

PURPOSE: This cross-sectional prospective study measured utility values of upper eyelid dermatochalasis to quantify its impact on quality of life and assess cost-effectiveness of upper blepharoplasty. METHODS: Utility of dermatochalasis was assessed using the standard reference gamble and time trade-off methods, with dual anchor points of perfect eye function and perfect health. The utility value obtained was used to create a Markov model and run a cost-effectiveness analysis of blepharoplasty as a treatment for dermatochalasis while utilizing the societal perspective. RESULTS: One hundred three patients with dermatochalasis recruited from an urban outpatient ophthalmology clinic completed the utility survey. The authors determined utility values for dermatochalasis ranging from 0.74 to 0.92 depending on the measurement method (standard reference gamble/time trade-off) and anchor points. The cost-effectiveness analysis yielded an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $3,146 per quality-adjusted life year, well under the conventional willingness-to-pay threshold of $50,000 per quality-adjusted life year. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis with Monte Carlo simulation demonstrated that blepharoplasty would be cost-effective in 88.1% of cases at this willingness-to-pay threshold. CONCLUSIONS: Dermatochalasis has an impact on quality of life that is significantly associated with level of perceived functional impairment. Rising health care costs have underscored the importance of providing value-based treatment to patients, and the results of this study suggest that blepharoplasty is a cost-effective treatment option for symptomatic bilateral upper eyelid dermatochalasis.

Evaluating the Accuracy of ChatGPT and Google BARD in Fielding Oculoplastic Patient Queries: A Comparative Study on Artificial versus Human Intelligence.

PURPOSE: This study evaluates and compares the accuracy of responses from 2 artificial intelligence platforms to patients' oculoplastics-related questions. METHODS: Questions directed toward oculoplastic surgeons were collected, rephrased, and input independently into ChatGPT-3.5 and BARD chatbots, using the prompt: "As an oculoplastic surgeon, how can I respond to my patient's question?." Responses were independently evaluated by 4 experienced oculoplastic specialists as comprehensive, correct but inadequate, mixed correct and incorrect/outdated data, and completely incorrect. Additionally, the empathy level, length, and automated readability index of the responses were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 112 patient questions underwent evaluation. The rates of comprehensive, correct but inadequate, mixed, and completely incorrect answers for ChatGPT were 71.4%, 12.9%, 10.5%, and 5.1%, respectively, compared with 53.1%, 18.3%, 18.1%, and 10.5%, respectively, for BARD. ChatGPT showed more empathy (48.9%) than BARD (13.2%). All graders found that ChatGPT outperformed BARD in question categories of postoperative healing, medical eye conditions, and medications. Categorizing questions by anatomy, ChatGPT excelled in answering lacrimal questions (83.8%), while BARD performed best in the eyelid group (60.4%). ChatGPT's answers were longer and potentially more challenging to comprehend than BARD's. CONCLUSION: This study emphasizes the promising role of artificial intelligence-powered chatbots in oculoplastic patient education and support. With continued development, these chatbots may potentially assist physicians and offer patients accurate information, ultimately contributing to improved patient care while alleviating surgeon burnout. However, it is crucial to highlight that artificial intelligence may be good at answering questions, but physician oversight remains essential to ensure the highest standard of care and address complex medical cases.

Teprotumumab for Thyroid Eye Disease-related Strabismus.

PURPOSE: To assess and quantify teprotumumab's effect on thyroid eye disease-related strabismus by change in measured horizontal and vertical deviations and change in extraocular motility. METHODS: We reviewed a series of patients with thyroid eye disease-related strabismus treated with teprotumumab. Exclusion criteria included age under 18 years, strabismus of alternate etiology, or thyroid eye disease-related reconstructive surgery during the treatment course. Primary outcomes were absolute (prism diopters) and relative (%) differences in horizontal and vertical deviations in primary position at distance, as well as change in ductions of the more affected eye. Secondary outcomes included incidence and timing of strabismus surgery postteprotumumab. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients were included, with mean age 63 years and thyroid eye disease duration 10 months. After teprotumumab, there was 6 prism diopters (39%) mean reduction in vertical deviation ( p < 0.001), without significant change in mean horizontal deviation ( p = 0.75). Supraduction, abduction, adduction, and infraduction significantly improved in the more restricted eye ( p < 0.01, p < 0.01, p = 0.04, and p = 0.01, respectively). Thirty-five percent of patients underwent strabismus surgery posttreatment, at an average 10 months after last infusion. CONCLUSIONS: Teprotumumab produced a statistically significant reduction in vertical but not horizontal strabismus angles in primary position at distance. Extraocular motility in all 4 ductions also improved. A substantial minority of patients still required strabismus surgery following teprotumumab.

Reconstruction of Full-Thickness Eyelid Defects Following Tumor Resection: The Bucket Handle Modification.

PURPOSE: To describe a modified approach for full-thickness lower eyelid defect reconstruction. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of 5 patients with large full-thickness lower eyelid defects after tumor resection requiring reconstruction. For these lower eyelid defects, a lateral-based or superior-based tarsoconjunctival pedicle flap from the upper eyelid was used to rebuild the posterior lamella. In all cases, the anterior lamella was supplied from an adjacent myocutaneous flap in a bucket handle configuration. Data collection included tumor type and location, size of eyelid defect, presence of canalicular involvement, postoperative eyelid position, patient satisfaction, and complication rates. RESULTS: Five eyelids of 5 patients underwent Mohs micrographic excision of basal cell carcinoma followed by reconstruction with a bucket handle flap. Age range was 68 to 96 years old (mean of 81 y). Five patients presented with lower eyelid involvement. The defect size ranged from 80% to 100% of the eyelid. Three patients had canalicular involvement and required bicanalicular nasolacrimal stent placement. After reconstruction, all patients showed good eyelid apposition to the globe with excellent esthetic outcome. No revision procedures were done. Average follow-up time was 13 months (range of 8 to 21 mo). CONCLUSION: The bucket handle flap for full-thickness eyelid reconstruction is a simple technique that allows for preservation of all anatomical layers of the anterior lamella. This technique shows promising functional and esthetic outcomes.

A comparison of proptosis reduction with teprotumumab versus surgical decompression based on fat-to-muscle ratio in thyroid eye disease.

PURPOSE: To explore if orbital fat-to-muscle ratio (FMR) is predictive of whether surgical decompression or teprotumumab leads to greater proptosis reduction in thyroid eye disease (TED). METHODS: A single-center retrospective cohort study comparing surgical decompression with teprotumumab according to FMR. All TED patients completing an 8-dose course of teprotumumab between January 2020 and September 2022 and all patients undergoing bony orbital decompression from January 2017 to December 2019 were included. Subjects were excluded if they were <18 years, received both surgical decompression and teprotumumab, or lacked orbital imaging. The primary exposure variable was teprotumumab or surgical decompression. The secondary exposure variable was baseline FMR. The primary outcome measure was change in proptosis (mm). RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients, mean age 53.5 years (±11.4), were included in the teprotumumab group and 160 patients, mean age 48 years (±11.1), in the surgical group. Average proptosis reduction after teprotumumab and surgical decompression was 3 mm (±1.44) and 5 mm (±1.75), respectively. The FMR was stratified at the median of 1.80. In subjects with FMR < 1.80, teprotumumab showed equivalent proptosis reduction compared to surgical decompression, -0.33 mm (SE 1.32) p = .802. In subjects with FMR ≥ 1.80, surgical decompression led to significantly more proptosis reduction than teprotumumab, 3.01 mm (SE 0.54), p < .001. CONCLUSIONS: Baseline FMR can be used to counsel patients as to proptosis reduction with teprotumumab versus surgery. Subjects with low FMR obtain comparable proptosis reduction with teprotumumab or surgery, whereas high FMR is associated with more significant proptosis reduction following surgery over teprotumumab.

Transcutaneous retrobulbar amphotericin B for rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis: a multi-center retrospective comparative study.

PURPOSE: To assess whether transcutaneous retrobulbar amphotericin B injections (TRAMB) reduce exenteration rate without increasing mortality in rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM). METHODS: In this retrospective case-control study, 46 patients (51 eyes) with biopsy-proven ROCM were evaluated at 9 tertiary care institutions from 1998 to 2021. Patients were stratified by radiographic evidence of local orbital versus extensive involvement at presentation. Extensive involvement was defined by MRI or CT evidence of abnormal or loss of contrast enhancement of the orbital apex with or without cavernous sinus, bilateral orbital, or intracranial extension. Cases (+TRAMB) received TRAMB as adjunctive therapy while controls (-TRAMB) did not. Patient survival, globe survival, and vision/motility loss were compared between +TRAMB and -TRAMB groups. A generalized linear mixed effects model including demographic and clinical covariates was used to evaluate the impact of TRAMB on orbital exenteration and disease-specific mortality. RESULTS: Among eyes with local orbital involvement, exenteration was significantly lower in the +TRAMB group (1/8) versus -TRAMB (8/14) (p = 0.04). No significant difference in mortality was observed between the ±TRAMB groups. Among eyes with extensive involvement, there was no significant difference in exenteration or mortality rates between the ±TRAMB groups. Across all eyes, the number of TRAMB injections correlated with a statistically significant decreased rate of exenteration (p = 0.048); there was no correlation with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with ROCM with local orbital involvement treated with adjunctive TRAMB demonstrated a lower exenteration rate and no increased risk of mortality. For extensive involvement, adjunctive TRAMB does not improve or worsen these outcomes.

Teprotumumab-related Cutaneous Hypersensitivity Reactions.

The authors report 4 cases of cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions developing in the course of teprotumumab treatment for thyroid eye disease. The onset of the cutaneous hypersensitivity reaction was also observed during the treatment course in all cases, between the second and fifth infusions. Teprotumumab-related cutaneous reactions suggest a possible immunogenic component of the monoclonal antibody and highlight the importance of close monitoring during treatment.

Conjunctival Perivascular Epithelioid Cell Neoplasm With RBM10-TFE3 Fusion Presenting as Recurrent Subconjunctival Hemorrhage.

Subconjunctival hemorrhages commonly present to eye care professionals and are frequently regarded as benign self-limited conditions. In selected cases, subconjunctival hemorrhages can be a harbinger of more severe disease. Perivascular epithelioid cell tumors, or PEComas, are rare mesenchymal neoplasms believed to originate from perivascular myoid cells and are rarely present in ocular structures. We present a rare case of a conjunctival perivascular epithelioid cell tumor that initially presented with recurrent subconjunctival hemorrhage. To our knowledge, this is the first description of a PEComa with a RBM10-TFE3 gene fusion, only previously seen with renal cell carcinoma. Physicians should be aware of this rare condition, its location in the fornix and its presentation as a recurrent subconjunctival hemorrhage.

Ectopic Fibrous Dysplasia Presenting As a Well-Circumscribed Orbital Mass.

The authors present the case of a middle-aged woman with subacute progressive swelling of the OD associated with pain and severely limited duction in all gazes. MRI demonstrated a ~3 cm circumscribed mass in the extraconal space, which displaced and distorted the globe and impinged upon ocular adnexa. She underwent lateral orbitotomy with bone osteotomy to remove the mass, and subsequent histopathologic examination showed woven bone set within a fibrotic background, microscopic features of fibrous dysplasia. Fibrous dysplasia is characterized by abnormal scar-like bony proliferation, typically within a preexisting structure of the skeletal system. To the authors' knowledge, this represents the first example of fibrous dysplasia presenting as an orbital mass unconnected to the craniofacial skeleton.

Evaluation of Depression and Anxiety in a Diverse Population With Thyroid Eye Disease Using the Nationwide NIH All of Us Database.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prevalence of depression and anxiety among individuals with thyroid eye disease (TED) and identify sociodemographic risk factors using the NIH All of Us database. METHODS: Three hundred ninety eight cases with TED were compared with 1,592 controls with demographics matching the 2020 US Census. Primary outcomes were diagnosed depression or anxiety; Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scores and General Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scores were included as secondary outcomes. We performed multivariable logistic regression to generate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between TED and depression and anxiety. RESULTS: Patients with TED were more likely to have depression (OR 2.72, 95% CI 2.08-3.56, p < 0.001) and anxiety (OR 2.82, 95% CI 2.16-3.70, p < 0.001) than controls. In patients with TED, female gender was an independent risk factor for both depression (OR 1.72; 95% CI 1.00-5.07, p = 0.05) and anxiety (OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.25-3.85, p = 0.006). Unemployment (OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.03-2.94, p = 0.04) and lower income (OR 0.88 for income as a continuous variable, 95% CI 0.79-0.99, p = 0.03) were risk factors for anxiety. Risk factors for more severe depression as assessed by PHQ-9 included lower income (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.57-0.85, p < 0.001), and protective factors included Black race (OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.02-0.45, p = 0.002). Lower income was associated with more severe anxiety as assessed by GAD-7 (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.64-0.94, p = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with TED were more likely to develop depression and anxiety compared with controls. This study highlights the psychosocial impact of TED and associated socioeconomic risk factors.

Associations Between Thyroid Eye Disease and Glaucoma Among Those Enrolled in the National Institutes of Health All of Us Research Program.

PURPOSE: To assess the association between thyroid eye disease (TED) and glaucoma. METHODS: Patients 18 years of age and over enrolled in the NIH All of Us Research Program, a nationwide cohort, were extracted. Those with conditions relating to TED were identified and compared with 2020 US Census-matched controls without a diagnosis of TED in a 1:4 ratio. The authors used Pearson's χ 2 tests to study demographics by TED status, and logistic regression to generate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals to evaluate the association between TED and glaucoma (any type, including glaucoma suspect), using those without TED as the reference group. Multivariable models were adjusted for age, gender, race/ethnicity, eye doctor visits, and smoking status. RESULTS: A total of 393 cases of TED and 1,572 US Census-matched controls were identified. The median age of the cohort was 63 years (interquartile range: 48-73 years). Age, gender, and race/ethnicity varied by TED status ( p < 0.001). Overall, 114 (29.0%) of TED cases had a diagnosis of glaucoma, compared with 94 (6.0%) of non-TED controls. On bivariate logistic regression models, those diagnosed with TED were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with glaucoma compared with controls (odds ratio: 6.42; 95% confidence interval: 4.76-8.70; p < 0.001). This trend persisted on multivariable logistic regression controlling for confounding factors (odds ratio: 3.37; 95% confidence interval: 1.85-6.20 p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with TED were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with glaucoma. Clinicians caring for patients with TED should be aware of this elevated risk and arrange glaucoma evaluation, accordingly.

Inflammation and Fibrosis in Orbital Inflammatory Disease: A Histopathologic Analysis.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the histopathologic inflammation and fibrosis of orbital adipose tissue in orbital inflammatory disease (OID) specimens. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, inflammation, and fibrosis in orbital adipose tissue from patients with thyroid-associated orbitopathy (TAO), granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), sarcoidosis, nonspecific orbital inflammation (NSOI), and healthy controls were scored by 2 masked ocular pathologists. Both categories were scored on a scale of 0 to 3 with scoring criteria based on the percentage of specimens containing inflammation or fibrosis, respectively. Tissue specimens were collected from oculoplastic surgeons at 8 international centers representing 4 countries. Seventy-four specimens were included: 25 with TAO, 6 with orbital GPA, 7 with orbital sarcoidosis, 24 with NSOI, and 12 healthy controls. RESULTS: The mean inflammation and fibrosis scores for healthy controls were 0.0 and 1.1, respectively. Orbital inflammatory disease groups' inflammation (I) and fibrosis (F) scores, formatted [I, F] with respective p -values when compared to controls, were: TAO [0.2, 1.4] ( p = 1, 1), GPA [1.9, 2.6] ( p = 0.003, 0.009), sarcoidosis [2.4, 1.9] ( p = 0.001, 0.023), and NSOI [1.3, 1.8] ( p ≤ 0.001, 0.018). Sarcoidosis had the highest mean inflammation score. The pairwise analysis demonstrated that sarcoidosis had a significantly higher mean inflammation score than NSOI ( p = 0.036) and TAO ( p < 0.0001), but no difference when compared to GPA. GPA had the highest mean fibrosis score, with pairwise analysis demonstrating a significantly higher mean fibrosis score than TAO ( p = 0.048). CONCLUSIONS: Mean inflammation and fibrosis scores in TAO orbital adipose tissue samples did not differ from healthy controls. In contrast, the more "intense" inflammatory diseases such as GPA, sarcoidosis, and NSOI did demonstrate higher histopathologic inflammation and fibrosis. This has implications in prognosis, therapeutic selection, and response monitoring in orbital inflammatory disease.

Delayed hypersensitivity reaction from microneedling twenty years after silicone fillers.

Skin rejuvenation procedures have increasingly flooded the aesthetic market, one of which includes microneedling. In microneedling, multiple fine punctures of the skin are performed with a needle to induce neocollagenesis. Microneedling has increasingly been used to treat inflammatory acne, acne scarring, photodamaged skin, and even radiation dermatitis. We present a patient with a stable history of liquid injectable silicone (LIS) given 20 years prior who developed chronic periocular and facial hypersensitivity after undergoing microneedling at a medi-spa. Long-term steroids and immunosuppressants were needed for control. The patient's severe reaction and resistance to treatment highlights the potential complications of microneedling administered by a non-medical professional in the setting of prior injectable silicone.

Differential effects of teprotumumab treatment based on fat-to-muscle ratio in patients with thyroid eye disease.

PURPOSE: To characterize the distribution of fat-to-muscle ratio (FMR) across patients with thyroid eye disease (TED) and to assess the association between FMR and therapeutic response to teprotumumab. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of patients completing a full course of teprotumumab for TED between January 2020 and March 2022 at a single tertiary referral center. Patients without baseline orbital imaging were excluded. Quantitative analysis of FMR was performed by manual segmentation of patients' imaging using OsiriX software. The primary outcome measure was change in clinical measurement of proptosis. Linear regression modelled change in proptosis against FMR. Statistical significance was set at p < .05. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients (3 M:19F) were included with a mean age of 49.4 ± 15.5 years. The FMR ranged from 1.11 to 6.54, mean 3.15 ± 1.30. The data did not deviate from a normal distribution (Shapiro-Wilk test for normality, p = .18). Pre- and post-treatment average proptosis measurements were 21.72 ± 3.56 mm and 18.81 ± 3.07 mm, respectively. Univariable linear regression demonstrated a 0.78 ± 0.36 mm greater reduction in proptosis for every 1 unit decrease in FMR (p = .038). CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to the traditional dichotomous characterization of TED into type 1 and type 2 phenotypes, orbital FMR may represent a continuum of disease manifestation, more closely following a normal rather than bimodal distribution. Furthermore, pre-treatment FMR is associated with response to teprotumumab; those with lower FMR experiencing a greater reduction in proptosis. This has implications for patient selection and counselling regarding the expected treatment outcome.

Outcomes of Single Suture Mueller's Muscle Conjunctival Resection: Ethnic Considerations.

PURPOSE: To compare outcomes of Mueller's Muscle Conjunctival Resection (MMCR) between 2 groups of patients with different anatomy due to ethnic heritage. METHODS: The medical records of patients who underwent MMCR between 2013 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who underwent additional procedures, such as upper blepharoplasty and browplasty, were excluded from the study. Patients were divided in 2 groups based on self-identified ethnic groups (Asian and Caucasian). Image J software was used to calculate MRD1 from digital images. The improvement of MRD1 (net MRD1) after surgery was evaluated and compared between 2 groups. RESULTS: Eighty-three eyes of 68 patients were included in this study. The Asian group consisted of 41 eyelids from 28 patients. The Caucasian group consisted of 42 eyelids from 40 patients. The average age was 52.18 (SD 20.176) in the Asian group compared with the 66.45 years (SD 9.22, p < 0.005) in the Caucasian group. The mean improvement of MRD1 was 1.96 ± 0.75 mm in Asian group and 2.05 ± 0.72 mm in Caucasian group, which was not statistically significant (p = 0.62). The incidence of ptosis overcorrection and undercorrection between the groups was also not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: There was no statistically significant difference in the surgical outcomes among the 2 study groups. Despite differences in the anatomy of Caucasian and Asian eyelids, MMCR is a successful procedure in patients self-identified from both ethnic groups.

Lateral Wall Implant as an Adjunct to Lateral Wall Orbital Decompression in Severe Thyroid Eye Disease.

PURPOSE: To describe the use of a lateral wall implant as an adjunct in lateral orbital wall decompression in severe thyroid eye disease. METHODS: This study is a retrospective review of 6 patients who underwent prior orbital decompression but had persistent proptosis. These patients underwent lateral wall decompression with adjunct lateral wall implant placement with a manually vaulted 0.6-mm polyethylene-coated titanium mesh implant. Data collection included: visual acuity, intraocular pressure, exophthalmometry, ocular motility, eyelid position, and complication rates. RESULTS: Eight orbits in 6 patients underwent maximal lateral wall decompression and reconstruction using the polyethylene-coated titanium implant. Four males and 2 females were included with ages ranging from 25 to 73 years. Visual acuity improved an average of 2.4 lines (range 0-5 lines). Intraocular pressure improved an average of 7.5 mm Hg (2-13 mm Hg). There was reduction of proptosis by 3.4 mm on average (1-7 mm). Upper eyelid retraction improved on average by 1.8 mm (0-5 mm). Horizontal eye movements improved by 11% on average (-3.1% to +25%). Excellent cosmesis was achieved with no visible temple deformity, trismus, conjunctival scarring, orbital hemorrhage, or vision loss. CONCLUSIONS: The amount of volume created in lateral wall decompression is limited by the amount of native bone present and the temporalis muscle. In severe or recalcitrant cases, the authors propose the placement of a lateral wall implant as an adjunct to laterally displace the temporalis muscle and create additional volume. This technique accomplishes further reduction of proptosis in patients who have undergone prior orbital decompression.

Predictive Modeling of New-Onset Postoperative Diplopia Following Orbital Decompression for Thyroid Eye Disease.

PURPOSE: To identify risk factors for the development of new-onset, postoperative diplopia following orbital decompression surgery based on patient demographics, clinical exam characteristics, radiographic parameters, and surgical techniques. METHODS: We conducted a multi-center retrospective chart review of patients who underwent orbital decompression for thyroid eye disease (TED). Patient demographics, including age, gender, smoking history, preoperative exophthalmometry, clinical activity score (CAS), use of peribulbar and/or systemic steroids, and type of orbital decompression were reviewed. Postoperative diplopia was determined at a minimum of 3 months postoperatively and before any further surgeries. Cross-sectional area ratios of each extraocular muscle to orbit and total fat to orbit were calculated from coronal imaging in a standard fashion. All measurements were carried out using PACS imaging software. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was performed using Stata 14.2 (StataCorp, College Station, TX). RESULTS: A total of 331 patients without preoperative diplopia were identified. At 3 months postoperatively, 249 patients had no diplopia whereas 82 patients developed diplopia. The average postoperative follow-up was 22 months (range 3-156) months. Significant preoperative clinical risk factors for postoperative diplopia included older age at surgery, proptosis, use of peribulbar or systemic steroids, elevated clinical activity score, and presence of preoperative compressive optic neuropathy. Imaging findings of enlarged cross-sectional areas of each rectus muscle to the overall orbital area also conferred a significant risk of postoperative diplopia. Regarding surgical factors, postoperative diplopia was more common among those undergoing medial wall decompression, bilateral orbital surgery, and balanced decompression, whereas endoscopic medial wall decompression was found to be relatively protective. CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies risk factors associated with the development of diplopia following orbital decompression using multivariable data. This study demonstrates that several characteristics including age, clinical activity score, the cross-sectional muscle to orbit ratios, in addition to the type of orbital decompression surgery, are predictive factors for the development of new-onset postoperative diplopia.

Adjustable Medial Epicanthoplasty Using a Rotational Flap for Epiblepharon Repair.

ABSTRACT: This report aimed to introduce the new adjustable rotational skin flap for epicanthoplasty in combination with traditional epiblepharon repair by the modified Hotz procedure. This retrospective study involved 25 consecutive patients with superficial punctate keratitis secondary to epiblepharon complicated with epicanthal fold who underwent the combined surgery between 2019 and 2020. The mean patient age was 11.4 years in this study with a median follow-up was 8months (range, 3-12months). The rationale of the surgery was to release vertical tension of the eyelids by dissecting dense connective tissue beneath the epicanthal fold and to form a new medial canthus using a rotational skin flap supplied by the redundant the upper and/or lower eyelid skin excised during the epiblepharon repair. Postsurgical resolution ofsuperficial punctate keratitis and patient satisfaction was achieved in all patients. Additionally, there were no complications, and no revisional surgery was required in all patients for a median 8 months follow-up period. Utilizing a rotational skin flap during epiblepharon repair is a useful adjunct during epicanthoplasty surgery. This modification is well tolerated and allows for intraoperative adjustment, whereas minimizing scarring and allowing for improved tissue relaxation.

Secondary infection with rhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis associated with COVID-19.

We report two fatal cases of rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis associated with COVID-19 infection. Both patients had pre-existing diabetes mellitus type 2, were treated with corticosteroids, and developed ketoacidosis. Both patients rapidly declined owing to rapid extension of the infection into the intracranial cavity. We postulate that additional risk factors for opportunistic fungal infection exist in COVID-19 patients including mechanical ventilation and Sars-CoV-2 induced immunosuppression. The ophthalmologist's role is particularly important in the early diagnosis of mucormycosis associated with COVID-19.