Quantitative Assessment of Periocular Autologous Fat Transfer Survival Using 3D Stereophotogrammetric Imaging.

PURPOSE: To assess periocular autologous fat transfer (AFT) survival by assessment of volume change with sequential 3D VECTRA imaging. OBJECTIVE: Little is known about the patterns of graft survival of AFT in the periorbital region, especially in cases involving prior radiotherapy or trauma. The aim of this pilot study was to characterize fat survival following AFT in patients with a broad range of clinical indications, with and without a history of prior radiotherapy, for both periocular and orbital AFT, and in a subgroup of patients with an anophthalmic socket. METHOD: A single-institution, prospective cohort study involving 18 applications of AFT for volume augmentation in the periocular and orbital area. All patients had sequential 3D VECTRA photographs following a validated standardized protocol. Patient demographics, including gender, age, ethnicity, underlying diagnosis, and volume of fat injected, were also collected. RESULTS: In total 13 patients were enrolled, 9 female (69.2%) and 4 male (31.0%). Mean age at the time of surgery was 47.8 years. Patients had volume deficiency secondary to a variety of causes; the most common cause was postenucleation socket syndrome following trauma in 6 patients (46.2%). The mean fat survival volume at the 1-month postoperative point was 70% and 55% by 6 months. AFT conducted with a multiport cannula for fat harvesting use had an initial higher rate of fat reabsorption with ANOVA p = 0.002, however, this was not observed at the later follow-up periods. There was no statistically significant difference in fat survival between abdominal or thigh donor fat sites. There was no statistically significant difference in residual injected volume at the early follow-up period between patients who had prior radiotherapy and those who did not p = 0.8496. CONCLUSION: AFT is an effective treatment for periorbital volume compromise with an acceptable survival rate in all categories of patients. Complex etiologies such as radiotherapy-related orbital and midface dysgenesis should not be a contraindication for AFT, with no difference in outcomes.

Blepharospasm Secondary to Deep Brain Stimulation of the Subthalamic Nucleus in Parkinson Disease: Clinical Characteristics and Management Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN-DBS) is an effective treatment for patients with motor symptoms of Parkinson disease but can be complicated by disabling blepharospasm and apraxia of eyelid opening (ALO). Currently, there is no clear consensus on optimal management, and addressing these issues is further hindered by systemic morbidity and resistance to treatments. We aim to describe the different phenotypes of these eyelid movement disorders, to report our management approach and patient responses to treatment. METHODS: A retrospective case series of all patients with blepharospasm/ALO secondary to STN-DBS that were treated at a tertiary center between 2011 and 2020. Data collected included date of Parkinson diagnosis, date of DBS surgery, date of development of blepharospasm/ALO symptoms, STN-DBS stimulation settings, and treatment given. Patients' symptoms before and after treatment were measured using the blepharospasm disability index and Jankovic Rating Scale. RESULTS: Five patients were identified with eyelid movement disorders secondary to STN-DBS. All patients had moderate-to-severe symptoms at presentation. Four patients received periocular botulinum toxin injections. Three patients underwent surgery in the form of frontalis suspension or direct brow lift with or without upper lid blepharoplasty. All reported an improvement in symptoms following treatment. CONCLUSIONS: A multimodality, patient-specific approach is required in the treatment of blepharospasm/ALO secondary to STN-DBS. Botulinum toxin injections can be effective, but patients may require surgery if toxin treatment alone becomes ineffective. Tailoring treatment to individual needs can result in a measurable improvement in symptoms.

METABOLIC SYNDROME AND ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN NORTHEAST NIGERIA.

Introduction: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a cluster of risk factors that may predispose to cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus. These risk factors include hypertension, central obesity, hyperglycaemia, hypertriglyceridemia and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). The presence of at least three of these risks factors defines MetS. Globally, MetS now affects children and adolescents with increasing obesity prevalence. This study determined the prevalence of MetS and associated risk factors among secondary school adolescents in Gombe Local Government Area(LGA), Northeast Nigeria. Methods: A cross-sectional study; 688 participants from 12 secondary schools in Gombe LGA, Northeast Nigeria. Data were obtained using structured questionnaire. Anthropometry and blood pressure were measured. Fasting plasma glucose, serum triglyceride and HDL-C were determined. Data were analysed using SPSS version 21. Result: The prevalence of MetS was 1.3%. Low serum HDL-C was the commonest risk factor. MetS was significantly higher in upper socio-economic class and private school participants. Lifestyle and family medical history were not significantly associated with MetS. Conclusion: This study showed that the prevalence of metabolic syndrome was low in the overall study population but high among centrally obese adolescents. Metabolic syndrome occurred in normal weight and underweight participants. Low HDL-C was the commonest risk factor for metabolic syndrome and lifestyle and family medical history were not associated with metabolic syndrome.

A patient-initiated treatment model for blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: To test, in a two-arm, single center, superiority, randomized controlled trial, the effectiveness of and costs associated with a patient-initiated treatment model for people with hemifacial spasm (HFS) and blepharospasm (BEB) in comparison to usual care. METHODS: One hundred and thirty patients with HFS or BEB, aged 18 years or over, were recruited from a nurse-led botulinum toxin type A clinic at an eye hospital in the United Kingdom (UK), completed baseline measures and were randomized (1:1). The intervention group determined their own botulinum toxin type A (BoNT/A) treatment schedule during the trial period (9 months) and received an information leaflet with a "hotline" number to book an appointment. Usual care appointments were scheduled by treating clinicians. Data analysts were blind to study group. The primary outcomes were disease severity and functional disability, as measured by the Jankovic Rating Scale and Blepharospasm Disability Index, respectively. Secondary outcomes included quality of life, anxiety and depression, satisfaction with care, confidence in the service, economic costs and employment days lost. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients were randomized to each group. The intervention demonstrated no statistically significant difference to usual care for any of primary outcomes. On secondary outcomes the levels of anxiety differed significantly (F2, 142.39 = 1.65, p = 0.02), with the intervention arm exhibiting a decrease and the control arm an increase (Hedges' g = - 0.26 [99% CI -0.83, 0.32]). No other statistically significant differences were found for secondary outcomes. Overall healthcare costs and costs to the patient were on average £198.95 less (95% CI -£256.76, £654.67; p = 0.10) per participant for those in the intervention compared to usual care, although this finding was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: We did not observe differences between the patient-initiated treatment model and usual care for people with BEB or HFS, on any primary outcome measure, quality of life, or depression. The patient-initiated treatment model may, however, have the potential to save healthcare costs and reduce anxiety. Patients using this new model were also equally as satisfied in the service and confident in their care as those receiving treatment as usual. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov ID NCT02577224 , 16th October 2015.

Rituximab for thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is the most frequent extrathyroidal manifestation of Graves' disease, affecting up to 50% of patients. It has a great impact on quality of life. Rituximab (RTX) is a human/murine chimeric monoclonal antibody that targets the CD20 receptor on B-lymphocytes. Preliminary work has shown that blocking this CD20 receptor with RTX may affect the clinical course of TAO by reducing inflammation and the degree of proptosis.  OBJECTIVES: This review update, originally published in 2013, assesses the efficacy and safety of using RTX for the treatment of TAO. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2022, Issue 2), which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Trials Register, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Latin American and Caribbean Health Science Information database (LILACS), the ISRCTN registry, clinicaltrials.gov and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (WHO ICTRP). There were no language restrictions in the electronic search for trials. We last searched the electronic databases on 22 February 2022.  SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of RTX administered by intravenous infusion using any dosage regimen for the treatment of active TAO in adults, compared to placebo or glucocorticoids treatment.  DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Two review authors independently scanned titles and abstracts, and screened full-text reports of potentially relevant studies. The outcomes of interest in this review were: clinical activity score (CAS), NOSPECS severity scale, proptosis (mm), palpebral aperture (mm), extraocular motility (degrees or diplopia rating scale), quality of life and adverse effects. MAIN RESULTS: We identified two studies that met the inclusion criteria in this updated review. Across both studies, the mean age of participants was 55 years and 77% were women. RTX compared to intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) One study, conducted in Italy, compared RTX (n = 15 after one participant withdrew) with IVMP (n = 16) for active TAO (CAS ≥ 3 out of 7 or 4 out of 10). We judged this study to be at low risk of bias in most domains, but it was stopped early because of disease reactivation in the comparator group (5/16 participants). This study provided low-certainty evidence that RTX may result in CAS improvement at 24 weeks compared to IVMP (15/15 versus 12/16 improved by ≥ 2 points; risk ratio (RR) 1.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.98 to 1.78). Only very low-certainty evidence was available for the other outcomes: NOSPECS improvement by 2 or more classes (3/15 versus 3/16; RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.25 to 4.49); proptosis improvement by 2 mm or more (0/15 versus 1/16; RR 0.35, 95% CI 0.02 to 8.08); palpebral aperture improvement by 3 mm or more (2/15 versus 0/16; RR 5.31, 95% CI 0.28 to 102.38); motility improvement by 1 class or more (3/15 versus 3/16; RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.25 to 4.49); and improvement on the Graves' ophthalmopathy QoL scale by at least 6 points for "functioning" (5/14 versus 8/13; RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.25 to 1.32), and "appearance" (9/14 versus 6/13; RR 1.39, 95% CI 0.69 to 2.82). Adverse events were more common in the RTX group (RR 1.39, 95% CI 0.90 to 2.13; low-certainty evidence). Minor adverse effects (mild infusion reactions) were observed in most people receiving RTX at first infusion. Two participants experienced a major infusion reaction, likely cytokine release syndrome. RTX compared to placebo One study, conducted in the USA, enrolled 25 participants with active TAO (CAS ≥ 4 out of 7), comparing RTX (13 participants) to placebo. We judged this study to be at low risk of bias in most domains, but it was stopped early due to recruitment issues. It provided very low-certainty evidence on the following outcomes at 24 weeks: CAS improvement by 2 or more points (4/13 RTX versus 3/12 placebo; RR 1.23, 95% CI 0.34 to 4.40); NOSPECS improvement by 2 or more classes (2/13 versus 2/12; RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.15 to 5.56); proptosis improvement by 2 mm or more (2/13 versus 4/12; RR 0.46, 95% CI 0.10 to 2.08); palpebral aperture median change (0 mm in RTX group, in both eyes separately, versus -0.5 mm and 0.5 mm in placebo group right and left eye, respectively); motility median diplopia score (3 versus 2.5); SF-12 physical component median score (45.9 versus 40.3) and mental component median score (52.8 versus 46.1). More participants in the RTX group experienced adverse effects (8/13 versus 3/12; RR 2.46, 95% CI 0.84 to 7.18).  AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is currently insufficient evidence to support the use of RTX in people with TAO. Future studies investigating RTX in people with active TAO may need to be multi-centre in order to recruit enough participants to make an adequate judgement on the efficacy and safety of this novel therapy.

Unravelling the Complex Anatomy of the Tear Trough and Lower Eyelid Folds: A Review of Cadaveric Studies in the Literature.

The lower eyelid tear trough deformity is a common cosmetic concern which is the result of multiple anatomic changes in the lower eyelid, usually resulting from age. A sound understanding of the underlying anatomy is vital to inform surgeons about the ideal treatment options for rejuvenation of this region and to minimize the risk of complications. Cadaveric studies provide unique insight into underlying anatomic changes. Here we review the relevant published cadaveric studies relating to the tear trough deformity and its treatment.

Orbital compartment syndrome following tear trough filler injection.

A patient was treated with tear trough filler and developed a retrobulbar haemorrhage. This was managed acutely with a lateral canthotomy and cantholysis with no lasting visual compromise. This is the first reported case of an orbital compartment syndrome following filler injection and highlights the potential blinding complications which can occur. There should be an increased awareness of this complication amongst practitioners administering tear trough filler.

Recurrent epiphora after dacryocystorhinostomy surgery: Structural abnormalities identified with dacryocystography and long term outcomes of revision surgery : Success rates of further surgery following failed dacryocystorhinostomy surgery.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the aetiopathology of recurrent epiphora or stickiness after dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) surgery, identifiable on dacryocystography (DCG), and to assess the success rates of secondary corrective surgeries. METHODS: Consecutive post-DCR DCG images from patients with recurrent symptoms were reviewed between 2012 and 2015. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-nine eyes of 137 patients were evaluated. Fifty-eight DCGs showed normal postoperative findings, 4 an upper/lower canalicular block, 13 a common canalicular block, 31 a completely closed anastomosis, 50 a narrow anastomosis, and 3 an anastomosis draining into a nasal sinus. The most successful corrective procedures for each failure category were: Lester Jones Tube (LJT) for a normal post-operative DCG (17/18 success), Sisler trephination with tubes for upper/lower canalicular block (1/2 success), redo-DCR with tube for common canalicular blockage (5/6 success), redo-DCR +/- tube for completely closed anastomosis (12/16 success), LJT followed by redo-DCR +/- tube for narrow surgical anastomosis (1/1 and 17/27 success respectively), and redo-external-DCR with tube for anastomosis into a nasal sinus (1/1 success). Redo-DCR was ineffective in patients who had good post-DCR anatomical patency (22% success). CONCLUSION: This is the first study to report success rates of redo-DCR surgery according to anatomical findings confirmed by DCG. The outcome flow diagram help clinicians recommend procedures that are most likely to be successful for their patient's specific anatomical abnormality. It also provides a visual tool for the shared decision-making process. Notably, symptomatic patients with a normal DCG post DCR are unlikely to benefit from redo-DCR, with a LJT being the recommended next step.

Quantitative Assessment of Orbital Decompression Surgery Using Photogrammetric Stereoimaging.

PURPOSE: To evaluate periorbital volume changes, using quantitative photogrammetric stereoimaging, after bony orbital decompression for thyroid eye disease (TED) and compare this to changes in Hertel exophthalmometry. Tissue volumes of the upper and lower eyelids were also assessed independently. DESIGN: Prospective, nonrandomized, nonconsecutive series of patients. SUBJECTS: Adults with inactive TED who had elected to undergo bony orbital decompression at Moorfields Eye Hospital between 2015 and 2017. METHODS: With their eyes gently closed, patients with inactive TED underwent imaging using the VECTRA M3 system (Canfields Imaging, Fairfield, NJ), both before and at least 3 months after orbital decompression. Proptosis was assessed by Hertel exophthalmometry. Using the manufacturer's software, changes in periorbital volumes between the preoperative and postoperative images were calculated for the upper and lower eyelids. The Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient was used to assess the linear relationship between changes in periorbital volume and exophthalmometry. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Change in stereoimaging volumes of the upper and lower eyelids, and clinical proptosis as measured with Hertel exophthalmometry. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients (11 males; 33%) underwent lateral decompression (39 orbits in 26 patients), lateral decompression with complete ethmoidectomy (3 orbits in 3 patients), combined decompression of lateral wall, medial wall, and medial half of floor (10 orbits in 6 patients), or bilateral lateral, medial, and complete floor decompression (1 patient). The corresponding average volumetric changes were 1.74 ml (median 1.64; range 0.39-3.73 ml), 3.38 ml (median 3.38, range 1.89-4.88 ml), 4.05 ml (median 3.53, range 1.72-6.43 ml), and 4.52 ml (range 4.36-4.68 ml), respectively. Similarly, the average reduction in proptosis was 3.6 mm (median 3; range 1.5-7 mm), 5.3 mm (median 5; range 5-6 mm), 7.4 mm (7.5; range 6-9 mm), and 9 mm (range 8-10 mm). Periorbital volume changes were related to the reduction in exophthalmometry (r = 0.713, p < 0.0001), and reduction of lower eyelid volume did not increase further with more than two-wall decompression. CONCLUSION: Graded orbital decompression reduces both proptosis and the upper and lower eyelid tissue volumes, the eyelid changes being likely to influence decisions about future restorative eyelid surgery. The significant changes in eyelid profiles underlines the established principle of thyroid periocular rehabilitation, namely decompression, then strabismus surgery, and finally eyelid surgery.

Validating three-dimensional imaging for volumetric assessment of periorbital soft tissue.

Purpose: To evaluate the accuracy and interobserver variability of three-dimensional (3D) stereophotogrammetric imaging for volumetric assessment in the periorbital region and to propose a protocol for measurement. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed. Fifty-eight normal adult subjects had photographs taken using the VECTRA M3 imaging system on two separate occasions at a single center teaching hospital. The primary study outcome measurement was mean volume change in the periorbital region, using different methods of image analysis with the following variables: registration method, eyes open or closed, eyelids measured separately or together, extension of area measured to include mid-face. Accuracy was defined as the agreement between paired images with no measured change in volume (0 mL). The agreement between two independent observers was assessed using Bland-Altman plots. Results: There was a statistically significant difference (P < .0001) between the different methods of measurement, with registration of images having the most effect (partial eta squared 0.229). A mean change in volume of 0.11 ± 0.13 mL was reported for the most accurate method. Agreement between observers was confirmed (highest Intraclass Correlation Coefficient 0.63). Conclusions: Assessment of volumetric change in the periorbital region using 3D image reconstruction is accurate with good interobserver repeatability and is suitable for clinical use. A protocol for data acquisition using the VECTRA M3 is proposed. 3D image reconstruction holds promise to enable diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and surgical outcome evaluation in ocular adnexal disease.

Which factors impact on quality of life for adults with blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm?

Purpose: Benign essential blepharospasm (BEB) and hemifacial spasm (HFS) are debilitating conditions causing spasms to the eyes and/or face and can significantly impact on quality of life (QoL). Initial research has highlighted potential factors impacting on QoL in BEB, but there remains a wealth of demographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors that may contribute to QoL but have not received attention. Methods: Cross-sectional baseline data were collected before a single-masked randomised controlled trial from 130 adults with BEB and HFS recruited from botulinum toxin clinics at Moorfields Eye Hospital, London. QoL was measured using the 24-item Craniocervical Dystonia Questionnaire (CDQ24), which provides a total score and five subscale scores relating to Stigma, Emotional state, Pain, Activities of daily living (ADL), and Social/family life. Treating clinicians provided clinical data. Hierarchical multiple regressions were performed on this baseline data to identify significant predictors of QoL. Results: ADL and Stigma were the areas most impacted upon whilst patients experienced better adjustment in relation to Pain, Social/family life, and Emotional state. CDQ24 Total scores were explained by the model (80% variance) and were significantly associated with appearance concerns, emotional representations, perceived negative consequences of the condition, mood, and dose of botulinum toxin. Conclusions: Patients with BEB and HFS report a detrimental impact on ADL and perceived stigma in relation to their condition. Predominantly, individual perceptions and mood are associated with QoL in this population, rather than demographic and clinical factors, signifying areas to target in the design of future healthcare services or interventions.

Teprotumumab for Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy, a condition commonly associated with Graves' disease, remains inadequately treated. Current medical therapies, which primarily consist of glucocorticoids, have limited efficacy and present safety concerns. Inhibition of the insulin-like growth factor I receptor (IGF-IR) is a new therapeutic strategy to attenuate the underlying autoimmune pathogenesis of ophthalmopathy. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter, double-masked, randomized, placebo-controlled trial to determine the efficacy and safety of teprotumumab, a human monoclonal antibody inhibitor of IGF-IR, in patients with active, moderate-to-severe ophthalmopathy. A total of 88 patients were randomly assigned to receive placebo or active drug administered intravenously once every 3 weeks for a total of eight infusions. The primary end point was the response in the study eye. This response was defined as a reduction of 2 points or more in the Clinical Activity Score (scores range from 0 to 7, with a score of ≥3 indicating active thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy) and a reduction of 2 mm or more in proptosis at week 24. Secondary end points, measured as continuous variables, included proptosis, the Clinical Activity Score, and results on the Graves' ophthalmopathy-specific quality-of-life questionnaire. Adverse events were assessed. RESULTS: In the intention-to-treat population, 29 of 42 patients who received teprotumumab (69%), as compared with 9 of 45 patients who received placebo (20%), had a response at week 24 (P<0.001). Therapeutic effects were rapid; at week 6, a total of 18 of 42 patients in the teprotumumab group (43%) and 2 of 45 patients in the placebo group (4%) had a response (P<0.001). Differences between the groups increased at subsequent time points. The only drug-related adverse event was hyperglycemia in patients with diabetes; this event was controlled by adjusting medication for diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with active ophthalmopathy, teprotumumab was more effective than placebo in reducing proptosis and the Clinical Activity Score. (Funded by River Vision Development and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01868997 .).

Topical anaesthesia plus intracameral lidocaine versus topical anaesthesia alone for phacoemulsification cataract surgery in adults.

BACKGROUND: Phacoemulsification cataract surgery is usually performed in adults under local anaesthesia. Topical anaesthesia, which involves instilling anaesthetic drops to the ocular surface prior to and during surgery, has found large acceptance internationally. It is safe and allows for rapid patient turnover and visual recovery. Some surgeons have supplemented topical anaesthesia with intracameral lidocaine, reasoning that this may further reduce intraoperative pain, particularly during surgical stages involving manipulation of intraocular structures and rapid changes in fluid dynamics. This review, originally published in 2006 and updated in 2020, explores the efficacy and safety of using supplementary intracameral lidocaine in phacoemulsification cataract surgery. OBJECTIVES: To assess whether supplementing topical anaesthesia with intracameral lidocaine for phacoemulsification cataract surgery in adults reduces intraoperative and postoperative pain, and to assess differences in participant satisfaction, need for additional intraoperative anaesthesia, surgeon satisfaction, measures of intraocular toxicity, and adverse effects attributable to choice of anaesthesia. SEARCH METHODS: We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, LILACS BIREME iAH, and six trial registries on 4 February 2020. We also searched the reference lists of identified studies. There were no language restrictions. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) where participants underwent phacoemulsification for age-related cataract under topical anaesthesia with or without intracameral lidocaine either in two eyes of the same participant, or in different participants. We also included studies that used oral or intravenous sedation in addition to local anaesthesia. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed trial methodological quality using standard Cochrane procedures. MAIN RESULTS: We identified five new RCTs in this updated review. We included a total of 13 trials in the review, conducted in the UK, the USA, Australia, Italy, Canada, Taiwan, Singapore, India, and Pakistan, and comprising 2388 eyes of 2355 participants (one study was a paired-eye study with each participant acting as their own control). The age range of participants was 34 to 95 years. We excluded studies that only included low-risk participants and excluded more difficult operative cases, for example hard lens nuclei or small pupils. We excluded studies assessing only participants with Fuchs' endothelial dystrophy. We judged one study as at high risk for selection bias. We assessed five studies as having an unclear risk of bias for random sequence generation and seven studies an unclear risk of bias for allocation concealment. We judged three studies as at high risk of performance bias, as the surgeon was not blinded, and two studies as at unclear risk of bias for this domain. No studies were judged as at high risk for detection bias, but five studies were judged to have an unclear risk of bias for this domain. We judged all 13 included studies to have a low risk of attrition bias and an unclear risk of reporting bias. Data from eight RCTs favoured topical anaesthesia plus intracameral lidocaine 0.5% to 1% over topical anaesthesia alone for reducing intraoperative pain when measured using a 10-point visual analogue scale, analysed as a continuous outcome. Mean pain score was 0.26 lower in the supplemental intracameral lidocaine group (95% confidence interval (CI) -0.39 to -0.13, 1692 eyes, moderate-quality evidence). Data from seven RCTs favoured supplemental intracameral lidocaine for reducing intraoperative pain when measured as a dichotomous outcome. The odds ratio of experiencing any pain was 0.40 versus the topical anaesthesia-only group (95% CI 0.29 to 0.57, 1268 eyes, moderate-quality evidence). Data from four RCTs did not show any additional benefit on postoperative pain when measured using a 10-point visual analogue scale (mean difference 0.12 points, 95% CI -0.29 to 0.05, 751 eyes, moderate-quality evidence). The impact on participant satisfaction was uncertain as only one small study investigated this outcome. The study suggested no difference between groups (mean difference 0.1 points, 95% CI -0.47 to 0.27, 60 eyes, low-quality evidence). Data from seven RCTs did not demonstrate a difference between groups in the need for additional intraoperative anaesthesia (odds ratio 0.88, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.39, 1194 eyes of 1161 participants; low-quality evidence), although this result is uncertain. A variety of measures were reported relating to possible intraocular toxicity. Data from four RCTs did not demonstrate a difference between groups in mean percentage corneal endothelial cell count change from pre- to postoperatively (mean difference 0.89%, 95% CI -1.12% to 2.9%, 254 eyes of 221 participants, moderate-quality evidence). Synthesis of the evidence from eight RCTs identified no difference in intraoperative adverse events between groups (odds ratio 1.00, 95% CI 0.32 to 3.16, 1726 eyes, low-quality evidence). This result should be interpreted with caution, mainly due to a lack of clear definitions of adverse events, low numbers of events, heterogeneity between studies, and large confidence intervals. Large observational studies may have been more appropriate for looking at this outcome. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is moderate-quality evidence that supplementation of topical anaesthesia with intracameral lidocaine 0.5% to 1% for phacoemulsification cataract surgery in adults reduces participant perception of intraoperative pain. The odds of experiencing any pain (as opposed to no pain) were 60% less for the topical anaesthesia plus intracameral lidocaine group versus the topical anaesthesia-only group. However, the numerical amplitude of the effect may not be of great clinical significance on the continuous pain score scale. Generally, the pain scores were consistently low for both techniques. We found moderate-quality evidence that there is no additional benefit of intracameral lidocaine on postoperative pain. There is insufficient evidence to determine the impact on participant satisfaction and need for additional intraoperative anaesthesia due to low-quality evidence. There is moderate-quality evidence that intracameral lidocaine supplementation does not increase measures of intraocular toxicity, specifically loss of corneal endothelial cells. There is low-quality evidence that the incidence of intraoperative adverse events is unchanged with intracameral lidocaine supplementation, but as RCTs are not the optimum medium for looking at this, this result should be interpreted with caution. Further research specifically investigating the adverse effects of intracameral anaesthesia might help to better determine its safety profile. Economic evaluations would also be useful for detailing cost implications.

Long-Term Outcomes of StopLoss Jones Tubes for Epiphora in Patients With Early or Multiple Loss of Lester Jones Tubes.

PURPOSE: Extrusion is the most common cause of failure in conventional Lester Jones tubes (LJTs). StopLoss Jones tubes (SLJTs) with distal flange are designed to reduce this complication. This study compared the survival of SLJTs with their prior LJTs and control patients with LJTs-only. METHODS: Retrospective review of consecutive LJT or SLJT insertion between January 2014 and December 2016. RESULTS: Twenty-eight eyes of 23 patients had 31 SLJTs. Before their SLJTs, these patients had 116 cumulative failed LJTs. Forty-seven eyes of 34 patients had 59 LJTs only. Fifty-two percent of SLJT group and 18% of LJT-only group had complex medial canthal conditions (p = 0.003). Compared to their previous LJTs, the SLJTs were less likely to extrude (3% SLJT vs. 64% prior LJT, p < 0.0001); there was no statistical difference in rates of sinking in (26% SLJT vs. 13% prior LJT, p = 0.0964). The median survival of LJTs in those who went on to have a SLJT was 3.5 months. SLJT insertion significantly lengthened the median survival to 26 months (p < 0.0001), comparable to the LJT-only group (25.5 months, p = 0.45). While extrusion was also the most common complication in the LJT-only group, this occurred only in 20% of eyes; tube failure from sink-in occurred in 14% of eyes. CONCLUSIONS: SLJTs, in patients prone to multiple or early prior LJT losses, can be used to rescue this group and allow them to regain a similar survival curve to the less complicated LJT-only group. Rates of tube extrusion are significantly reduced with the use of SLJT.

The first UK national blepharospasm patient and public involvement day; identifying priorities.

PURPOSE: We describe the planning and outcomes of the first 'Blepharospasm Day' in the UK. Blepharospasm is a distressing condition for patients and carers. Our 'patient and public involvement' event aimed to: cultivate a more informed patient group via active dialogue, help clinicians more effectively prioritise research and to facilitate peer-to-peer support for affected patients and public. DESIGN: A national one-day event was organised by the oculoplastics department at Moorfields Eye Hospital. The event was divided into informative lectures delivered by professionals and a patient panel, during which patients shared their experiences and expectations. METHODS: Data were collected from a variety of sources including: an interactive voting "LiveWall" poster, a pre-event questionnaire; "living with Blepharospasm", transcripts from patient panel discussions; and a feedback questionnaire. RESULTS: The event was well-received with 100% of respondents rating it good or excellent. Four research themes were identified: "aetiology", "alternative treatments", "faster, more accurate diagnosis", and "symptom control". Delegates' self-reported knowledge of blepharospasm increased significantly after the event. Limitations of the BdSI severity-assessment tool were noted with 22% of respondents failing to utilise it appropriately. CONCLUSION: Through our innovative "Blepharospasm Day", patient's priorities for research were identified, delegates understanding of blepharospasm increased and an independent blepharospasm patients-representatives' group was established; a first in the UK. Furthermore, short-fallings identified in the BdSI tool highlight the need for better severity-assessment tools. We demonstrate the benefits of the 'patient and public involvement' approach in the management of complex conditions such as blepharospasm. ABBREVIATIONS: PPI: Patient and public involvement; SLV-PSP: sight loss and vision sector - priority setting partnership; BRC: Biomedical Research Centre; NIHR: National Institute for Health Research; BsDI: Blepharospasm Disability Index.

Pilot study of a nurse-led adult lacrimal clinic at a tertiary ophthalmic centre.

This article provides the reader with an outline of the anatomy and physiology of the lacrimal system and illustrates how a variety of pathologies within this system can result in the development of a watery eye. It describes the role of the nurse consultant in the diagnosis and management of patients with watery eye in the lacrimal clinic, and how the training programme for the development of such skills was implemented. Following training, within the realms of an established pilot study, the nurse consultant began to implement her skills in a newly established nurse-led lacrimal clinic. Patients seen in the lacrimal clinic would previously have been assessed and managed by a doctor. To confirm the accuracy of this approach, an audit was undertaken comparing the nurse-led diagnosis and management plans with that of an oculoplastic doctor. In addition, patient waiting times in the clinic and patient satisfaction were assessed, as important indicators of quality of care.

Characterizing Congenital Double Punctum Anomalies: Clinical, Endoscopic, and Imaging Findings.

PURPOSE: To characterize the anatomical anomaly of congenital double puncta, identify factors contributing to epiphora and its treatment. METHODS: Retrospective review of patients presenting with epiphora and a double lacrimal punctum over a 6-month period. RESULTS: Five consecutive patients (3 female) were identified. The median age was 50 years (range 34-76). Investigations included punctum optical coherence tomography, dacryocystography, and canalicular endoscopy. The medial punctum was more morphologically abnormal when compared with healthy puncta, with optical coherence tomography showing no vertical canalicular component in 80% (4/5) of patients, and a more superficial than usual horizontal canaliculus in 80% (4/5). Dacryocystography and canalicular endoscopy showed the junction of the 2 inferior canaliculi, which was very proximal in 1, mid canalicular in 2, and at the level of the common canaliculus in 2. In 1 patient, the only abnormality identified was the double lower punctum, with a high tear meniscus and delayed fluorescence dye disappearance test. They underwent endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy with improvement of epiphora. In the other 4 patients, causes of epiphora were nasolacrimal duct stenosis with mucocoele, punctal stenosis, common canalicular stenosis with nasolacrimal duct stenosis, upper canaliculitis, and blepharitis. Their treatments included endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy, punctoplasty, canaliculotomy, and blepharitis treatment. All had improvement of epiphora following treatment. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the underlying canalicular anomalies are varied and that the clinical manifestation is also heterogenous. Optical coherence tomography imaging suggests that the medial of the 2 puncta is the more morphologically abnormal one, with dacryocystography and canalicular endoscopy demonstrating different accessory canaliculi lengths.Double puncta coexist with a range of other nasolacrimal pathologies. OCT suggests that the medial of the 2 double puncta is the abnormal one, with DCG and endoscopy demonstrating a range of accessory canaliculus lengths.

Tocilizumab for thyroid eye disease.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid eye disease (TED) is an autoimmune disorder that constitutes a major clinical and therapeutic challenge. Current treatment options for moderate-to-severe TED include immunotherapy, orbital radiotherapy and decompression surgery. Limited drugs of proven efficacy are available for the treatment of people with TED. Given the role in the pathogenesis of TED of interleukin (IL)-6 expression in adipocytes, fibroblasts and macrophages, the proposed theory is that inhibition of IL-6 by tocilizumab may be an effective treatment in TED by directly reducing the inflammatory response. In addition, there is an unmet need for a new treatment that can modify the natural course of the disease and reduce the incidence of late complications that can occur as a result of fibrosis following inflammation. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the efficacy and harms of tocilizumab for the treatment of people with TED. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Trials Register) (2018, Issue 6); MEDLINE Ovid; Embase Ovid; LILACS BIREME; OpenGrey; the ISRCTN registry; ClinicalTrials.gov; the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) and the EU Clinical Trials Register. The date of the search was 31 July 2018. SELECTION CRITERIA: We searched for trials of tocilizumab administered by intravenous infusion using any dosage regimen, compared with placebo or intravenous glucocorticoid therapy for people with TED. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We planned to use standard methods recommended by Cochrane. The primary outcome was change in TED score (as defined by investigators). Secondary outcomes included measurement of the following parameters: change in proptosis, change in extraocular motility, change in palpebral aperture measurements, number of relapses, development of optic neuropathy and change in quality of life score. We planned to measure these outcomes at three months (range two to six months) and 12 months (range six to 18 months) post-treatment. Adverse outcomes included any adverse effects identified in the trials at any time point. MAIN RESULTS: No studies met the inclusion criteria of this review. We found one randomised, placebo-controlled, double masked study (NCT01297699). This study plans to evaluate the efficacy and harms of tocilizumab administration in people with moderate-to-severe or sight-threatening graves' ophthalmopathy (GO), that had not responded adequately to treatment with intravenous corticosteroid pulses. It was completed in December 2015 and will be assessed for inclusion in the review when data become available. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: There is currently no evidence from randomised controlled trials evaluating the efficacy and harms of tocilizumab for the treatment of people with TED.

Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome in a Case of Nonspecific Orbital Inflammation.

The immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome is an exaggerated abnormal immune response, typically seen in HIV-positive patients following restoration of a normal CD4 count as a result of initiation of antiretroviral therapy. It has been described in relation to either occult opportunistic infections or to a paradoxical relapse of a previously successfully treated infection with negative microbiological cultures. The authors report the case of a 60-year-old HIV-positive African male who presented with 2 episodes of orbital inflammation that occurred in conjunction with improvements of CD4 count following Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy. This phenomenon was underpinned by biopsies obtained following each episode. Interestingly, on both occasions, he responded well to corticosteroid therapy. Although the soft tissues of the orbits are a common area affected by other inflammatory diseases, it is rare for them to be involved in immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case report of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome affecting the orbits exclusively. The authors believe that it is probably an underdiagnosed condition and may be erroneously labeled as idiopathic in many cases. This case report inspires us to keep an open mind when dealing with patients on antiretroviral therapy.