Clinical Profile and Treatment Outcomes of Patients With Acremonium Species Positive Keratitis Managed in a Tertiary Eye Care Center.

PURPOSE: To report the clinical profile and treatment outcomes of patients with culture-positive Acremonium keratitis. METHODS: This is a retrospective observational study. Medical records of all patients treated in a tertiary eye hospital for culture positive infective keratitis from March 2016 to February 2021 were screened, of which those positive for Acremonium species on fungal culture were reviewed. Demographic details, clinical presentation, clinical course, treatment given, total follow-up duration, time taken for ulcer to heal, scar size, and final visual acuity in the last follow-up were recorded. RESULTS: Fifty three cases of fungal keratitis caused by Acremonium species were identified, 22 females and 31 males, with average age of 46.39±18.64 years. The mean duration of symptoms being 54.47±50 days. Only five patients had a history of trauma with vegetative matter. Clinical presentation of patients showed a large number of variations, with 2 patients presenting as peripheral ulcerative keratitis and 1 with epithelial plaque. The mean visual acuity of patients at presentation was 2.43±0.46 logMAR units. Thirty-three of 53 patients presented with perforated corneal ulcer and underwent penetrating keratoplasty; 20 patients were medically managed on topical voriconazole 1%, natamycin 5%, and oral voriconazole. The mean duration of healing of epithelial defect was 95±60.62 days (range 60-165 days). CONCLUSION: Acremonium keratitis has a long and indolent course. A prolonged combination therapy of natamycin and voriconazole seems to be effective in the management. A delay in the diagnosis of Acremonium keratitis often leads to clinical worsening requiring keratoplasty.

Long-term Outcomes of Fibrin Glue-Assisted Intrascleral Haptic Fixation of Posterior Chamber Intraocular Lenses in Children.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the long-term outcomes of intrascleral haptic fixation of posterior chamber intraocular lens (PCIOL) with fibrin glue in children. METHODS: This is a retrospective case study conducted in a tertiary eye institute in North India. A total of 118 eyes of 82 children who underwent glued intrascleral haptic fixation of PCIOLs were retrospectively analyzed. Detailed analysis of the indication for surgery and ocular and systemic associations was performed. The outcome measures included intraoperative complications, final visual and refractive outcomes, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 10.16±3.94 years. Fifty-one patients (62.2%) were male and 31 (37.8%) were female. The mean follow-up period was 31.28±13.22 months. The mean preoperative corrected distance visual acuity was 1.18±0.63 Logarithm of Mean angle of resolution (logMAR) which improved to 0.60±0.58 logMAR postoperatively at 6 weeks (P<0.001). The mean preoperative and 6 weeks postoperative endothelial cell density were 3,176.08±318.6 and 2,936±289.9 cells/mm2, respectively (P=0.23). In the immediate postoperative period, corneal edema (19 eyes; 16.1%), decentered IOL/tilt (3 eyes; 2.54%), vitreous hemorrhage (3 eyes; 2.54%), optic capture (4 eyes; 3.38%), and hypotony (2 eyes; 1.69%) were seen. In the late postoperative period (>6 weeks), retinal detachment was observed in two eyes that had associated Marfan syndrome. Cystoid macular edema was seen in four eyes (3.38%), and glaucoma was seen in five eyes (4.23%). CONCLUSIONS: Fibrin glue-assisted intrascleral haptic fixation of a PCIOL is a safe and effective method to manage aphakia with inadequate capsular support in children.

Assessment of posture-induced cyclotorsion during cataract surgery using the Verion image-guided system.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this prospective observational study is to analyse posture-induced cyclotorsion in eyes undergoing conventional phacoemulsification with toric intraocular lens (IOL) implantation and femtolaser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) using the Verion image-guided system. METHODS: Cyclotorsion was assessed in patients who underwent conventional phacoemulsification with toric IOL implantation and FLACS between June 2017 and November 2017 with registration of iris architecture, limbal and bulbar conjunctival blood vessels acquired preoperatively using the Verion Reference Unit (the patient in sitting position) and intraoperatively under the microscope using the digital marker of the Verion image-guided system with the patient in supine position. RESULTS: Forty-four eyes of 30 patients (21 men and 9 women) were included with the mean age of 56.5 ± 17.1 (range, 19-89; median, 62) years. The mean cyclotorsion induced by change in posture from sitting to supine position was 5.84 ± 3.25° (range, 1-17; median, 5). Overall, clockwise (CW) rotation (59.1%) was noted to be more common than counter clockwise (CCW) rotation (40.9%). Furthermore, CW rotation was more common in men than in women, and CCW rotation was significantly more common in women. Patients who underwent bilateral sequential cataract surgery show similar cyclorotation (CW or CCW) in both eyes more often than mixed rotation (85.7% vs 14.3%). CONCLUSION: Significant cyclotorsion can occur in supine position during cataract surgery. Accurate assessment of the amount and direction of cyclotorsion aids in appropriate alignment of the toric IOL for optimal visual outcomes.

Granular corneal dystrophy: an enigma resolved.

PURPOSE: To report the intra-familial phenotypic variation of granular corneal dystrophy (GCD) across different age groups. METHOD: Two cases of GCD belonging to the same family (mother and daughter) were assessed and clinical findings were noted. RESULT: An 18-year-old female with complaint of glare, on examination showed brownish granules involving bowman's layer and superficial corneal stroma suggesting a diagnosis of Bowman layer dystrophy. Screening of her mother revealed multiple diffuse white granular opacities with snowflake appearance involving the central cornea. The intervening cornea was clear and limbus was not involved. Focal illumination showed deep stromal involvement. All these findings were typical of GCD. Genetic analysis revealed mutation of TGF beta-1 located on 5q31 which was consistent with our clinical diagnosis of GCD. CONCLUSION: Variable clinical presentation of GCD in different age groups can lead to diagnostic dilemma. Screening of family members can be helpful especially when dealing with early cases of GCD.

Transscleral Suture-Fixated Versus Intrascleral Haptic-Fixated Intraocular Lens: A Comparative Study.

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical outcomes between sutured transscleral-fixated and intrascleral haptic-fixated posterior chamber intraocular lens (IOL). SETTING: Dr Rajendra Prasad Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. DESIGN: A comparative case series. METHODS: Forty eyes of 40 patients were included; 20 in each group. Patients in group 1 underwent sutured transscleral-fixated IOL and those in group 2 underwent intrascleral haptic-fixated IOL augmented by fibrin glue. Parameters evaluated were uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), central macular thickness (CMT), IOL tilt on ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), and pseudophakodonesis on slitlamp and UBM. RESULTS: The most common cause of aphakia was complicated cataract surgery (50%). The mean preoperative UCVA in logarithm of minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) was 1.59±0.24 and 1.63±0.26 in group 1 and 2, respectively (P=0.45). There was significant improvement in UCVA in both groups (P=0.001) at 6 months (group 1: 0.33±0.17; group 2: 0.22±0.10); the improvement being greater in group 2 (P<0.05). Mean percentage endothelial cell loss and IOP change were comparable. Mean CMT (µm) was 250.95±23.98 and 225.85±21.13 in group 1 and 2, respectively (P=0.009). Pseudophakodonesis was more in group 1 as assessed on slitlamp (P=0.037) and as assessed on UBM (P=0.046). Macular edema was the most common complication seen more in group 1. CONCLUSIONS: Intrascleral haptic-fixated IOL provides more stable fixation, better visual outcome, and lesser complication in comparison with sutured transscleral-fixated IOL.

Comparative evaluation of outcomes of phacoemulsification in vitrectomized eyes: silicone oil versus air/gas group.

The purpose of this study is to comparatively evaluate the morphology of cataract, intraoperative and postoperative complications (IPC), and surgical outcomes of phacoemulsification in post 23G vitrectomized eyes in silicone oil versus air/gas group. This prospective interventional clinical study took place in the Dr. RP Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, AIIMS, New Delhi, India. Eighty-nine eyes of 89 consecutive vitrectomized patients with cataract were included. All underwent phacoemulsification and evaluated for cataract morphology, surgical difficulties, IPC, visual acuity, and specular count. Mean age of patients was 50.24 ± 15.19 years. There were 65 males and 24 females and 48 eyes in silicone oil group and 41 in air/gas group. Combination type was the commonest morphology seen in both silicone oil (52.08 %) and air/gas group (70.33 %) followed by posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC) in 31.25 % silicone group and 12.2 % air/gas group. Posterior capsular plaque (PCP) was seen in 41.67 % of silicone oil versus 7.32 % air/gas group; p < 0.005. Pupillary abnormalities were significantly more in oil (31.25 %) than in air/gas group (9.76 %); p = 0.014. Mean duration between vitrectomy and phacoemulsification in oil group versus air/gas group was 8.39 ± 4.7 months and 10.9 ± 5.22 months, respectively; p < 0.005. Mean postoperative logMAR visual acuity was better in air/gas (0.43 ± 0.25) than in oil (0.66 ± 0.29) group, p < 0.005. There was no significant difference in mean endothelial cell loss postoperatively in either groups (p = 0.25). Morphology of cataract differs in the two groups with PSC being more common in oil group. The mean time of cataract onset was significantly less in patients with oil group, and poor visual outcome in oil group may be attributable to the increased PCP noted.

Stereoacuity changes after laser in situ keratomileusis.

PURPOSE: To study changes in near and distance stereoacuity after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). METHODS: A prospective interventional study was conducted at an apex tertiary care ophthalmology center in India. Near and distance stereoacuity was tested in 40 patients (80 eyes) who underwent LASIK for myopic correction and got unaided vision of 0.67 or better in each eye. Stereoacuity was tested with best spectacle correction before LASIK, and post-LASIK stereoacuity was tested with unaided eye near and distance Randot tests. RESULTS: Forty patients (80 eyes) had a mean (±SD) pre-LASIK refractive error of -4.70 (±1.72) DS OD and -4.59 (±1.58) DS OS and a mean (±SD) anisometropia of 0.55 (±0.51) DS. The median pre-LASIK near stereoacuity was 70 arcsec and distance stereoacuity was 200 arcsec, both of which improved after LASIK to 30 and 60 arcsec, respectively (p < 0.001, both). Amount of refractive error was not associated with stereoacuity but anisometropia of greater than or equal to 1 diopter had significantly worse distance stereoacuity in both the pre-LASIK and post-LASIK period. The post-LASIK near stereoacuity and distance stereoacuity were strongly associated (r = 0.706, p < 0.001) unlike the change in stereoacuity. CONCLUSIONS: Near and distance stereoacuity shows significant improvement after LASIK. Stereoacuity is associated with the degree of anisometropia but not the amount of refractive error corrected.

Incision-Site Descemet Membrane Detachment During and After Phacoemulsification: Risk Factors and Management.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the occurrence of localized incision-site Descemet membrane detachment (DMD) during and after phacoemulsification and to study its relationship with phacoemulsification parameters. METHODS: Forty-three, consecutive uneventful cases of phacoemulsification through 2.8-mm clear corneal incision were included in this prospective study. Preoperatively, the grade of cataract was assessed. The phacoemulsification parameters noted were phacoemulsification time, aspiration time, cumulative dissipated energy (CDE), ultrasound time, and total fluid volume. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) was performed on postoperative days 1 and 7 to study the course of the incision-site DMD. RESULTS: Fourteen of 43 cases (32%) showed localized incision-site DMD either intraoperatively or on AS-OCT on the first postoperative day. Of these, nine cases were detected intraoperatively, and six cases were detected on AS-OCT on the first postoperative day. All cases were of planar type and resolved spontaneously. A single case showed a concurrent DMD involving central cornea, which resolved without any surgical intervention. The occurrence of DMD was significantly higher in those with the total ultrasound time greater than 60 sec (P=0.038) (odds ratio: 7.639). The CDE was higher in cases with DMD; however, the result was not statistically significant (P=0.062). Torsional equivalent in level-3, total torsional time, equivalent torsional time, aspiration time, and the total fluid volume were comparable (P>0.05) between cases with and without incision-site DMD. CONCLUSION: Postphacoemulsification incision-site DMD may occur in up to one third of cases and is associated with increase in the total ultrasound time.

Sutureless clear corneal DSAEK with a modified approach for preventing pupillary block and graft dislocation: case series with retrospective comparative analysis.

The purpose of this study was to describe a modified technique of sutureless DSAEK with continuous pressurized internal air tamponade. This was a prospective interventional case series, single-center, institutional study. Twenty-seven patients with corneal decompensation without scarring were included. Aphakic patients and patients with cataractous lens requiring IOL implantation surgery were excluded. Following preparation of the donor tissue, a corneal tunnel was made nasally with two side ports. All incisions were kept long enough to be overlapped by the peripheral part of the donor tissue. Descemet membrane scoring was done using a reverse Sinskey hook, following which it was removed with the same instrument or by forceps. The donor lenticule was then inserted using Busin's glide. Continuous pressurized internal air tamponade was achieved by means of a 30-gauge needle, inserted through the posterior limbus, for 12-14 min. At the end of the surgery, air was partially replaced with BSS, leaving a moderate-sized mobile air bubble in the anterior chamber. At the 6 month's follow-up, CDVA improved from counting fingers at half meter-6/24 preoperatively to 6/9-6/18 postoperatively, and the mean endothelial cell count decreased: to 1,800 from 2,200 cell/mm(2) preoperatively (18.19 % endothelial cell loss). Donor lenticule thickness as documented on AS-OCT was 70-110 µ on Day 1 and 50-80 µ at 6 months postoperative. None of the cases had flat AC or peripheral anterior synechiae formation. None of the patients required a second intervention. There were no cases of primary graft failure, pupillary block glaucomax or donor lenticule dislocation postoperatively. Our modified technique is simple and effective with reduction in postoperative complications associated with DSAEK, thereby maximizing anatomic and functional outcomes associated.

Collagen cross-linking in keratoconus in Asian eyes: visual, refractive and confocal microscopy outcomes in a prospective randomized controlled trial.

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of collagen cross-linking (CXL) in the treatment of keratoconus. A prospective randomized sham-controlled clinical trial was undertaken and 43 eyes with moderate to severe keratoconus were randomized into two groups that is the treatment (n = 23) and the sham (n = 20) group. CXL was performed with riboflavin (0.1 in 20 % dextran) followed by UVA radiation (365 nm, 3 mW/cm(2), 30 min). In the sham group, only riboflavin was administered without UVA radiation. Uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity, intraocular pressure, corneal thickness, keratometry, endothelial count, confocal microscopy were evaluated at baseline and at 1 week, 1, 3, and 6 months. In cases where CXL was done, UDVA improved by mean 0.11 ± 0.06 logMAR units at 6 months (P = 0.01). The refractive cylinder and spherical equivalent decreased by mean of 0.62 D (P = 0.01) and 0.5 D (P = 0.19), respectively. Ultrasonic central corneal thickness decreased by mean 22.7 ± 10.3 µm (P = 0.01). The maximum and minimum keratometry decreased by mean of 1.2 ± 0.8 D (P = 0.01) and 0.83 ± 1.2 D (P = 0.39), respectively. The specular count and intraocular pressure did not show any significant change. In the sham group, no significant change was observed in any parameter. Confocal analysis showed that the epithelial healing was complete at 1 week after crosslinking. The sub-epithelial plexus showed loss of nerve plexus at 1 month, regeneration of nerve fibers which started at 3 months and was complete at 6 months. The anterior stroma showed loss of keratocytes with honeycomb oedema and apoptotic bodies till 3 months. The regeneration of keratocytes started at 3 months and was complete at 6 months of follow-up. Collagen cross-linking is an effective procedure to halt progression in keratoconus. The confocal microscopic changes correlate with the outcomes in the treatment and the sham groups.

Acute hydrops with secondary bacterial keratitis: sequelae of paediatric refractive surgery.

A 24-year-old male patient with bilateral high myopia presented to our outpatient department with sudden onset of pain and diminution of vision in his right eye. He had sequentially undergone bilateral trabeculectomy and photorefractive keratectomy at the age of 6 years in both eyes. This was followed by radial keratotomy in right eye at the age of 8 years. The slit lamp examination demonstrated the presence of infiltrates in central cornea with an underlying fluid cleft, along with 14 radial keratotomy scars. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography confirmed the presence of intrastromal cleft in communication with anterior chamber. Bacterial culture revealed coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. The patient was successfully treated with fortified antibiotics in conjunction with the sensitivity report. This case underlines the need for a cautious approach towards refractive surgery in paediatric age group and highlights the long-term sequelae of retreatments in these cases.

Combined corneal biomechanical and tomographical indices in subclinical and forme fruste keratoconus.

PURPOSE: Evaluation of combined corneal tomographic and biomechanical parameters in subclinical/forme fruste keratoconus (ScKC/FFKC). DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational case-control study. METHODS INCLUSION CRITERIA: Thirty-one eyes with ScKC (fellow eye of KC with any one sign: keratometry >47 diopters, cylinder >1.5 D, central corneal thickness <500 µm, with/without abnormal topography) or FFKC (fellow eye of KC with normal topography and slit lamp examination) >13 years (cases) and 44 eyes of age-matched 22 healthy subjects (controls). EXCLUSION CRITERIA: Clinically diagnosed KC, presence of corneal scars, and prior ocular surgery eyes. STUDY PARAMETERS: Sixteen Pentacam, 15 Corvis ST, and five Sirius parameters were analyzed using paired sample t -test, and a subsample found to be significantly different was used in receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The Youden index was calculated, and Pearson's correlation analysis was done. RESULTS: Five Pentacam, three Corvis ST, and two Sirius parameters had an area under curve (AUC) >0.75. Tomographic and biomechanical index (TBI) (cutoff 0.59, 95% specificity, 77% sensitivity), Belin Ambrosio enhanced ecstasia display (cutoff 1.8, 81% specificity, 80% sensitivity), and symmetry index of posterior corneal curvature (cutoff 0.16, 97% specificity, 67% sensitivity) best identified early KC. TBI strongly correlated with maximum Pentacam parameters in both cases and controls. Corvis biomechanical index strongly correlated only in cases, and SP-A1-SD weakly correlated in cases. CONCLUSION: Upon combined analysis, the average sensitivity and specificity, respectively, of top three parameters (according to AUC) from Pentacam and Corvis ST were 74.1% and 95.4% for posterior elevation and TBI. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was registered in Clinical Trial Registry of India on January 28, 2022. The Trial Registration Number is REF/2022/01/050638.

Comparative posterior corneal profile of keratoconus hydrops versus Haab's striae in congenital glaucoma.

Keratoconus eyes develop corneal decompensation more often compared to eyes with primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) following Descemet's membrane (DM) tear. This study was conducted to compare the posterior corneal morphology in areas with DM breaks with regards to DM and pre-Descemet's layer (PDL) between the two. In this cross-sectional comparative study, anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) scans of the posterior cornea of advanced keratoconus eyes with hydrops ( n = 12), PCG eyes with Haab's striae ( n = 15), and healthy control eyes ( n = 14) were compared for DM-PDL morphology. These were further corroborated by the histopathology of corneal buttons from keratoconus ( n = 14) and PCG ( n = 13) cases obtained following penetrating keratoplasty and compared with controls (enucleated retinoblastoma globes, n = 6) on light microscopy and collagen IV immunostaining. AS-OCT showed a thicker median DM/PDL complex in PCG (80 µm) versus keratoconus eyes (36 µm, P = 0.01; Kruskal-Wallis test). The median height and length of detached DM-PDL were significantly more in keratoconus versus PCG (145 µm, 1766.1 ± 1320.6 µm vs. 26.5 µm, 453.3 ± 303.2 µm, respectively, P = 0.012; Kruskal-Wallis test). Type-1 DM/PDL detachment (seen as a characteristic taut chord) in keratoconus (90%) was the most common morphological pattern versus intracameral twin protuberance (92%) following DM breaks in PCG. Histopathology confirmed thicker DM in PCG (median: 63.4 µm) versus keratoconus eyes (median: 33.2 µm) or controls (27.1 µm) ( P = 0.001; Kruskal-Wallis test). Greater height/length of DM/PDL detachment compounded by poor healing response (lower DM/PDL thickness) probably causes more frequent corneal decompensation in keratoconus eyes when compared to PCG eyes following DM tears.

Visual outcomes with implantable Collamer lens versus small incision lenticule extraction in moderate-high myopia: A pilot study.

PURPOSE: To compare the visual outcomes of implantable Collamer lens (ICL) with small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) in cases of moderate-high myopia. METHODS: A prospective comparative study was conducted on 60 eyes of 30 patients with moderate-high myopia (-3D to -8D with astigmatism ≤1 D) at a tertiary eye care center. Patients underwent either SMILE or ICL in both eyes and had a postoperative follow-up of 1 year. RESULTS: The manifest refractive spherical equivalent was -5.22 ± 1.05 D and -5.4 ± 1.17 D in the SMILE and ICL groups, respectively (P = 0.53). The mean sphere and cylinder were comparable between the groups. The mean uncorrected visual acuity improved from 1.18 ± 0.19 logMAR to 0.03 ± 0.07 logMAR in SMILE and 1.14 ± 0.25 logMAR to 0.011 ± 0.04 logMAR in the ICL group. The efficacy for SMILE was 83.3% and that for ICL was 93.3%. Safety and predictability (±0.5D) for both was 100%. A significant increase was observed in ocular aberration with a decrease in modular transfer function in the eyes that underwent SMILE, whereas no significant change in the eyes that underwent ICL. A significant difference was observed in all parameters of ocular aberration except corneal trefoil, corneal astigmatism, and PSF between the two groups at the final follow-up. The contrast sensitivity at final follow-up was higher in ICL cases when compared to SMILE. The quality of vision (QoV) score suggested a better QoV with ICL; however, the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Both SMILE and ICL are safe in patients with moderate-high myopia. The efficacy, contrast sensitivity, and postoperative ocular aberration profile are better in cases undergoing ICL.

Comparison of clinical outcomes between femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery versus conventional phacoemulsification in vitrectomized eyes - A prospective interventional study.

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical outcomes and surgical safety between femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) and conventional phacoemulsification cataract surgery (CPCS) in vitrectomized eyes. METHODS: A prospective interventional comparative study was conducted at a tertiary eye care center. Sixty consecutive cases requiring cataract surgery following pars plana vitrectomy were allocated into Group 1 ( n = 30), who underwent FLACS with intraocular lens implantation, and Group 2 ( n = 30), who underwent CPCS with intraocular lens implantation, and followed up for 3 months. Primary outcome measures were intraoperative ultrasonic cumulative dissipated energy (CDE) and intraoperative and postoperative complications. The secondary outcome measures were postoperative changes in endothelial cell count (ECC) and central corneal thickness (CCT). RESULTS: Baseline corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), ECC, and CCT were comparable. Intraoperative CDE was significantly less in the FLACS group (8.11 vs. 15.83 percentage seconds; P = 0.012) with no intraoperative complication in either group. The postoperative CDVA was comparable between the groups with a trend toward earlier visual recovery in the FLACS group. The postoperative day (POD) 1 endothelial cell loss was higher in the CPCS group (7.54% vs. 2.05%), with the mean endothelial cell density being significantly higher in the FLACS group throughout the follow-up period ( P < 0.05). POD-1 corneal edema was higher in the CPCS group compared to FLACS with no significant difference on follow-up. Intraoperative migration of silicone oil to the anterior chamber was observed in 40% versus 0% in the CPCS versus FLACS groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: FLACS can be safely performed in post-vitrectomy eyes with lesser intraoperative ultrasonic energy used, postoperative endothelial cell loss, and change in CCT compared to CPCS.

Changes in confocal microscopy in glaucoma patients after intraocular pressure reduction with medical therapy.

PURPOSE: Topical glaucoma medication is the first line of management to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with glaucoma. In this study, we intended to compare the ultrastructural findings of the cornea in patients with glaucoma before and after the reduction of the IOP through confocal microscopy. METHODS: Ten patients (19 eyes) with newly diagnosed glaucoma were recruited from the glaucoma services of our tertiary care center. Demographic parameters were noted, and basic ocular examination, specular microscopy (Topcon SP3000P, Tokyo, Japan), and ultrasonic pachymetry (300 AP, Sonomed Escalon, Stoneham, MA, USA) were performed. In vivo confocal microscopy of corneal sections was performed using the z-ring Confoscan 4.0 (Nidek, Inc., Freemont, CA) at baseline and after 3 months of starting glaucoma medications. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 53.53 ± 9.34 years. There was a statistically significant reduction ( P < 0.0001) of IOP from 30.21 ± 7.42 mmHg (baseline) to 16.42 ± 4.14 mmHg (3 months). The mean central corneal thickness at baseline was 533.42 ± 3.96 µm, and it further decreased to 521.94 ± 42.45 µm at the end of 3 months ( P = 0.006). No significant change was noted in the mean epithelial cell density, mean keratocyte density in anterior and posterior stroma, and the mean endothelial cell density and cell area ( P >0.5). There was no significant percentage change in these parameters before and after the lowering of the IOP. CONCLUSION: A short-term (3 months) decrease in IOP using topical glaucoma medications caused a significant reduction in corneal thickness but did not have any significant ultrastructural changes in cornea measured using confocal microscopy.

Evaluation of adjuvant role of topical cyclosporine 1% in acute Stevens-Johnson syndrome: a randomised control trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of topical cyclosporine A 1% (CsA) as an adjuvant therapy in patients with acute Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS). METHODS: This is a randomised controlled trial in which 44 patients (88 eyes) with acute SJS, presenting within 3 months from the onset of the disease, were enrolled and randomised. Group A (n=44 eyes) patients received treatment with topical CsA 1% along with standard therapy consisting of topical corticosteroids, antibiotics and lubricants. Group B (n=44 eyes) patients received topical saline drops in combination with standard therapy. Various ocular surface parameters were assessed at baseline and the 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: The mean age of patients (years) was 23.9±15.1 in the CsA group and 26.0±18.7 in the control group (p=0.6840). The mean time from disease onset to presentation (days) was 17.0±14.0 and 12.9±11.3 in CsA and control groups, respectively (p=0.1568). At presentation, the mean grades of severity scores of various parameters were comparable. At 6 months, both groups showed a significant improvement in the mean severity grades of conjunctival hyperaemia (A, p=0.001; B, p=0.0001), mucocutaneous junction involvement (A, p=0.001; B, p=0.0001) and meibomian gland involvement (A, p=0.0471; B, p=0.006). Compared with baseline, the grades of corneal keratinisation (baseline, 0.48±0.7; 6 months, 1.02±0.8; p=0.0015) and neovascularisation (baseline, 1.07±1.2; 6 months, 1.57±1.0; p=0.0412) worsened after 6 months of CsA therapy. Intergroup comparison of grades of various parameters however did not reveal any significant difference at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Adjuvant treatment with topical CsA is not superior to standard therapy, in cases of acute SJS.

Management of acute corneal hydrops - Current perspectives.

Acute corneal hydrops (ACH) is a rare but sight-threatening complication of corneal ectasias. We aim to review the current literature on etiopathogenesis, histology, role of ancillary investigations, management, and outcomes of ACH by classifying the various management strategies based on their site of action and the underlying mechanism. A review of the literature was conducted by searching the following databases: PubMed (United States National Library of Medicine), Embase (Reed Elsevier Properties SA), Web of Science (Thomson Reuters), and Scopus (Elsevier BV) till April 2023. The literature search used various combinations of the following keywords: acute corneal hydrops, keratoconus, ectasia, management, keratoplasty. Nine hundred eighty-three articles were identified based on the above searches. Case reports which did not add any new modality of treatment to the existing literature, articles unrelated to management, those with no full text available, and foreign-language articles with no translation available were excluded. Eventually, 75 relevant articles that pertained to the management of ACH were shortlisted and reviewed. Recent studies have described newer surgical interventions like full-thickness or pre-Descemetic sutures, thermokeratoplasty, and plasma injection that aim to close the posterior stromal break. Posterior lamellar keratoplasties act by replacing the posterior torn Descemet's membrane (DM), and early deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) has been attempted to combine the correction of the anatomical defect and visual rehabilitation in a single surgery. These surgical interventions may help by reducing the scarring and increasing the number of patients who can be visually rehabilitated with contact lenses rather than keratoplasty.

Effective cataract surgical coverage in India: Evidence from 31 districts.

BACKGROUND: Effective Cataract Surgical Coverage (eCSC) is a core outcomes domain indicator to assess accessibility and quality of eye care services with limited available information. PURPOSE: To generate baseline estimates of eCSC for India. METHODS: We performed the analysis of data pooled from Rapid Assessment of Avoidable Blindness surveys conducted in 31 districts of India during 2015-2019 among persons aged 50+ years. eCSC was calculated at various thresholds, the primary being operable cataract at best corrected visual acuity <6/12, good outcome at presenting visual acuity of 6/12. RESULTS: Age-sex standardized and weighed eCSC in India was 36.7% (95% CI: 33.6, 39.9), and cataract surgical coverage (CSC) was 57.3% (95% CI: 53.3, 61.2), a relative quality gap in cataract surgery being 36.0%. eCSC in males was higher at 38.0% than females (35.6%). eCSC increased with education from 31.0% in illiterate participants to 59.7% in class 10 educated. On multivariate analysis, rural setting, increasing age, and residence in eastern or northeastern zones of India continued to be associated with poor/worse eCSC, while female gender was associated with higher eCSC. District-wide variations in eCSC were observed. CONCLUSION: Developmental factors have an important bearing on eCSC in India. Geographical variations point toward the need for targeted, locally relevant strategies.