Sustained release of BCNU for the treatment of intraocular malignancies in animal models.

Sustained release of 1,3-bis(2)chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) via an episcleral implanted silicone device was used to treat Brown-Pearce epithelioma in the anterior chamber of rabbit eyes. One group of test eyes received BCNU dissolved in sesame oil; a second group received BCNU in pure ethanol. Control eyes received only the diluent, sesame oil or pure ethanol. The effectiveness of the various dosages and diluents was compared by clinical observation, by weight of the enucleated eyes, and by histopathologic examination. Sustained release of BCNU via an episcleral implanted silicone device delayed the growth of Brown-Pearce epithelioma in rabbit eyes of both test groups. The most effective action resulted from administration of BCNU in pure ethanol.

Glued-on, rigid gas-permeable contact lens for severe radiation-induced keratitis.

A 68-year-old woman with severe radiation-induced keratoconjunctivitis sicca became progressively unresponsive to conventional medical treatment. Her left eye deteriorated rapidly and required total tarsorrhaphy. In an attempt to stabilize the right eye and preserve some functional vision, we glued a high-Dk rigid, gas-permeable contact lens with tissue-grade cyanoacrylate adhesive to Bowman's membrane. This glued-on contact lens induced rapid and dramatic improvement of the patient's comfort and sight. Recent developments in high-permeability, rigid, contact-lens materials now make artificial replacement of the epithelium a potentially useful treatment for severe ocular surface disease when conventional treatment has failed.

Cyanoacrylate temporary tarsorrhaphy in the management of corneal epithelial defects.

Cyanoacrylate tarsorrhaphy is an easily administered, painless technique for the temporary management of corneal epithelial defects. We have used the technique in 17 patients to treat persistent epithelial defects and exposure keratitis, as well as following epikeratophakia, allowing the tarsorrhaphy to remain in place for 1 to 15 days (mean, 5.7 days). Eleven of the 17 patients required only one application of cyanoacrylate; five had additional cyanoacrylate applied at the time of the original tarsorrhaphy to produce more extensive lid closure; and one required additional cyanoacrylate on day 3 to produce more extensive lid apposition.

A novel antibiofilm technology for contact lens solutions.

PURPOSE: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including sodium salicylate, inhibit extracellular bacterial biofilm production. The authors studied the effect of the addition of sodium salicylate on bacterial adherence and biofilm formation on contact lenses and cases and commonly used medical polymers. METHODS: The study was done in vitro with bacterial adherence and biofilm measured on lenses and cases that were exposed to saline contaminated with Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa with and without 1 and 3 mm sodium salicylate. Bacterial adherence to contact lenses was quantitated by a vortex assay and by scanning electron microscopy. Biofilm formation on contact lens cases and other polymers was measured by an optical density assay and a radiolabeling assay. RESULTS: Inhibition of biofilm formation was demonstrated on plastic contact lens cases in a dose-related manner with 1 and 3 mm sodium salicylate. A dose-related decrease in bacterial adherence also was noted. Assays with contact lenses also demonstrated less adherence in the presence of sodium salicylate. Electron micrographs of the contact lens showed less biofilm, most noticeable with 3 mm salicylate. Other studies demonstrated decreased adherence of S. epidermidis to polyethylene and polystyrene. Sodium salicylate also decreased biofilm on plastic tissue culture wells, but sorbic acid paradoxically increased deposition. CONCLUSION: The authors found that the addition of low-dose sodium salicylate to saline decreased the adherence of S. epidermidis and P. aeruginosa to contact lenses and lens cases. Biofilm production also was decreased on the lens cases and on medical polymers used to make plastic cases. These studies suggest that sodium salicylate deserves additional study to determine its use in contact lens solutions.