Septum-sparing minimally invasive technique for levator advancement surgery in aponeurotic ptosis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcome of small incision levator advancement with septum-sparing technique and compare it with standard levator advancement. METHODS: The surgical findings and clinical data of patients with aponeurotic ptosis who underwent small incision or standard levator advancement surgery in our clinic between 2018 and 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. For both groups; age, gender, systemic and ophthalmic comorbidities, levator function, preoperative and postoperative margin-reflex distance, change in margin-reflex distance after surgery, symmetry between the eyes, follow-up time, perioperative and postoperative complications (under/overcorrection, contour irregularity, lagophthalmos) were all evaluated and recorded. RESULTS: The study included 82 eyes, 46 from 31 patients in Group I who had small incision surgery, and 36 from 26 patients in Group II who had standard levator surgery. There was no statistically significant difference in surgical success between the two groups (80% and 81% respectively, p = 0.692). The levator function and preoperative margin-reflex distance correlated positively with surgical success. CONCLUSION: Small incision levator advancement is a less invasive procedure than standard levator advancement because of the smaller skin incision and preservation of orbital septum integrity, but it requires good knowledge of eyelid anatomy and experience in eyelid surgery. In patients with aponeurotic ptosis, this surgery can be performed as a safe and effective surgical technique with a similar success rate as standard levator advancement.

Epiphora and Dacryocystitis After Transcanalicular Laser-assisted Dacryocystorhinostomy due to an Undiagnosed Dacryolith.

A 45-year-old female patient who had previously undergone endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EN-DCR) at another surgical center was diagnosed with functional failure after DCR and underwent an uneventful transcanalicular laser-assisted DCR (TCL-DCR). After 5 months, the patient underwent endoscopic examination due to persistent epiphora and dacryocystitis attacks. Endonasal visualization revealed a large dacryolith that filled the ostium and sac and was removed en bloc mechanically with forceps. Carbonized material on the dacryolith's superior part indicated that it was perforated through-and-through by the laser beam during TCL-DCR. The patient's complaints were resolved completely following the removal of the dacryolith. The transcanalicular lacrimal procedures do not allow complete visualization of the contents of the lacrimal sac, and the laser beam can ablate even an undetected dacryolith and may result in unsuccessful DCR, although the surgical course may look completely uneventful.

An algorithm for Botulinum toxin A injection for upper eyelid retraction associated with thyroid eye disease: long-term results.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and complications of transconjunctival Botulinum toxin A injections performed according to an algorithm, for the management of upper eyelid retraction associated with thyroid eye disease. METHODS: Seventy one eyes of 60 patients at the inactive stage, who had undergone Botulinum toxin A injection were reviewed retrospectively. Botulinum toxin A was injected transconjunctivally, just above the superior tarsal border of the upper eyelid in doses between 2-15 units according to an algorithm, depending on the amount of retraction. Margin-reflex distances were measured according to the photographs taken under standard conditions before and after the injections at the tenth day, then the second month and the fourth month. Additional Botulinum toxin A injections were performed in patients who had an undercorrection on the tenth day. Complications such as diplopia and ptosis were recorded. RESULTS: The study included 38 females, 22 males with a mean age of 43.3 ± 13.1. Normal margin-reflex distances (3-4 mm) were reached in the 58 of 71 eyes (81.7%). Additional injections were needed in eight eyes (11.2%) for residual retraction on the tenth day. Ptosis was the major complication in four eyes for 1-3 weeks after injection. Upper eyelid retraction recurred after 5.1 ± 0.9 months in all patients. CONCLUSION: In the treatment of upper eyelid retraction due to thyroid eye disease, transconjunctival injection of Botulinum toxin A is an effective, safe, transient, and repeatable method with few complications in patients. The algorithm used in this study resulted in high success rate in long-term follow-up.

Distichiasis in association with entropion in metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer treated by pertuzumab, trastuzumab, and docetaxel combination chemotherapy.

We report the first case of distichiasis combined with entropion in a HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer patient treated by pertuzumab, trastuzumab, and docetaxel combination therapy. After 7 months, she had ocular complaints including pain, irritation, burning, dryness, and redness in her both eyes. Ophthalmologic examination revealed distichiasis and a mild entropion involving her lower eyelids bilaterally. She remained free of symptom and in complete response to maintenance chemotherapy.

Reconstruction of Large Upper Eyelid Defects With Bilobed Flap and Tarsoconjunctival Graft.

PURPOSE: To describe the reconstruction of large upper eyelid defects with bilobed flap and tarsoconjunctival graft. METHODS: The medical records of 5 patients who underwent upper eyelid tumor excision and eyelid reconstruction with a bilobed flap were reviewed. Various parameters, including demographic and clinical data, defect diameter, primary defect closure, complications, and follow-up time, were recorded. After tumor excision, the posterior lamella was reconstructed with an autologous tarsoconjunctival graft and anterior lamella with a superiorly based lateral bilobed flap. RESULTS: All 5 patients (3 women, 2 men; age: 42-87 years) had malignant epidermal (n = 2) or adnexal (n = 3) tumors. Mean excisional defect diameter was between 18.5 and 25 mm. In all patients, the anterior lamellar defect was closed primarily with a bilobed flap. After surgery, a total of 4 complications occurred in 3 patients. One patient required orbital exenteration because of tumor recurrence. In the other patients, the functional and esthetic results were satisfactory. Follow-up time ranged from 4 to 102 months. CONCLUSION: Lateral periorbital bilobed flap can be a good alternative for the single-stage reconstruction of large upper eyelid defects.

Anterior-Approach Versus Posterior-Approach Levator Advancement Surgery in Aponeurotic Ptosis.

PURPOSE: To compare the effectiveness and complications of levator reinsertion in aponeurotic ptosis surgery using anterior and posterior approaches. METHODS: Seventy-eight (36 females, 42 males) patients with acquired aponeurotic ptosis were evaluated. Pre- and postoperative margin reflex distance, symmetry of height, contour and skin crease, corneal problems, and lagophthalmus were evaluated and compared between the 2 groups. Independent and paired samples t-test, Pearson Chi-square, and Fisher exact test were used to evaluate the results. RESULTS: The anterior approach was performed on 43 eyelids and the posterior approach was performed on 35 eyelids. The mean age of the anterior-approach group was 62.1 ±â€Š11 years, and posterior-approach group was 50.1 ±â€Š15.1 years, respectively (P < 0.001). The male-female ratio was 28/15 in the anterior-approach group, and 14/21 in the posterior approach group (P = 0.027). The success rate of the anterior approach was 69.8% and the posterior approach was 57.1% (P = 0.248). The mean margin reflex distance change was statistically significant in both anterior- and posterior-approach techniques (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, respectively). Three (6.9%) patients in the anterior-approach group and 11 (31.4%) in the posterior-approach group required reoperation (P = 0.005). Lagophthalmus rates were similar (3 eyes in the anterior versus 7 eyes in the posterior group, P = 0.103). CONCLUSIONS: Both anterior- and posterior-approaches are effective and safe techniques for aponeurotic ptosis treatment. The posterior approach seems to be preferred by female and younger patients because there is no undesirable scar formation although it has the disadvantage of higher rates of reoperation.

Do ocular pulse amplitude and choroidal thickness change in patients with thyroid eye disease?

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether orbital changes induced by thyroid eye disease affect the ocular pulse amplitude and choroidal perfusion. Materials and Methods: A total of 38 eyes of 38 patients with thyroid eye disease (Group 1) and 38 eyes of 38 control individuals (Group 2) with normal intraocular pressure were enrolled in this study. Thyroid eye disease activity was defined using clinical activity score. Intraocular pressure measurement with Goldmann applanation tonometer, axial length, central corneal thickness, Hertel exophthalmometry and systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements were taken from each patient. Ocular pulse amplitude and intraocular pressure were measured using dynamic contour tonometry. Choroidal thickness was measured by enhanced depth imaging-optical coherence tomography at subfoveal, nasal and temporal 1000 µm area. Results: Intraocular pressures measured with Goldmann applanation tonometer and dynamic contour tonometry and mean ocular pulse amplitude were not statistically different between groups. However mean choroidal thicknesses were significantly lower when compared to control group. Ocular pulse amplitude and intraocular pressure measurement with dynamic contour tonometry did not change significantly with the increase in clinical activity score. There was not statistically significant correlation between ocular pulse amplitude and choroidal thicknesses in patients with thyroid eye disease. Conclusion: Ocular pulse amplitude and choroidal perfusion were not found to change with orbital involvement in thyroid eye disease and with disease activity, especially in patients with normal intraocular pressure. Although choroidal thickness was thinner than control group, choroidal perfusion did not change as a compensatory mechanism for maintaining ocular homeostasis.

An Atypical Case of Microphthalmos With Cyst: Cyst Masquerading as Phthisical Eye.

A 6-year-old boy diagnosed with congenital microphthalmic OS was referred for prosthetic eye fitting. He was otherwise healthy without known congenital anomalies. His visual acuity was 20/20 in the OD and no light perception in the OS. His disfigured OS with a conjunctivalized opaque cornea appeared smaller than his OD. He had left esotropia with severely restricted ductions in all directions of gaze. The preoperative orbital MRI of the patient revealed a small orbital cyst posteroinferior to the OS. Because the patient could not tolerate the prosthetic eye worn over his disfigured eye, evisceration was planned. During the surgery, blunt dissection of the conjunctiva and Tenon's capsule uncovered a large orbital cyst that was misdiagnosed as phthisis bulbi preoperatively based on the clinical examination and imaging findings. The structure that was thought to be an orbital cyst on orbital MRI was the microphthalmic eye. Enucleation with cyst excision was performed. Patient had uneventful postoperative course and has been wearing an artificial eye for 1 year since surgery.

Transcanalicular diode laser assisted dacryocystorhinostomy in primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction: 2-year follow up.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the success rate of 980 nm transcanalicular diode laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy (TDL-DCR) in patients with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO) and to consider the time and the reasons of failure. METHODS: Hundred and thirty eyes of 125 patients who underwent of TDL-DCR for the treatment of PANDO are included in this retrospective, noncomparative, nonrandomized, interventional study. The mean follow-up time was 24.29 months (range 8-34 months). Functional success was described as disappearance of epiphora and presence of a patent ostium on lacrimal irrigation. Anatomical success was described as a patent ostium to irrigation but continuing epiphora. Patients with persistent epiphora and a closed ostium were classified as a surgical failure. RESULTS: At third month follow up, 85.4% of cases had complete resolution of their symptoms. The functional success rate decreased to 67.7% at 6 months, to 63.3% at first year, and to 60.3% at second year, while the patency of the lacrimal drainage system was restored in 93.1%, 74.6%, 69.5%, and 68.2% of the cases, respectively. The average total amount of delivered laser energy was 1322.7 J. No correlation could be found between the age of the patient, delivered laser energy, and the surgical success (p = 0.38, p = 0.62). CONCLUSIONS: Transcanalicular diode laser-assisted DCR is a fast and relatively easy alternative surgical method, which avoids a facial skin scar, to treat PANDO. The functional success rate is higher in the first months but decreases to low 60 %'s at the end of first year and remains the same at the second-year follow up.

Surgical Repair of Orbital Blow-Out Fractures: Outcomes and Complications.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the demographics of patients with orbital blow-out fractures, as well as the success and complications of surgical repair with porous polyethylene membrane sheet implants through transconjunctival technique and to compare the results to previously published studies. Methods: This retrospective study included 57 patients diagnosed with orbital blow-out fractures referred to our clinic between 2018 and 2022. Seventeen patients (29.8%) underwent orbital fracture repair through a transconjunctival technique employing porous polyethylene membrane sheets. The indications for surgery were enophthalmos >2 mm and persistent ocular motility restriction, diplopia, and strabismus. The success criteria were <2 mm of enophthalmos and complete correction of eye motility, diplopia, and strabismus. Results: The study group consisted of ten females and 47 males with a mean age of 31.12 years. The most common cause of injury was assaults (50.9%), followed by falls (38.6%), traffic accidents (5.3%), and accidental impacts (5.3%). The inferior wall (61.4%) was the most common fracture site, followed by the medial wall (21.1%) and a combination of the inferior and medial walls (21.1%). The surgically treated group showed a significant improvement in ocular motility restriction (88.2-23.5%, p=0.002), diplopia (70.6-23.5%, p=0.008), and enophthalmos (1.41 mm to 0.82 mm, p=0.012) after surgery. The surgery was successful in ten of 17 cases (58.8%), and the success rate was higher in patients who were treated early (77.8% vs. 37.5%), but the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.092). Conclusion: Orbital blow-out fracture repair using porous polyethylene membrane sheets through a transconjunctival approach is a safe and effective surgical technique for orbital blow-out fracture repair. Although patients who had early surgery had a higher success rate in our study group, larger study groups are needed to assess the effect of surgical timing on success.

A Comparison of Transcanalicular, Endonasal, and External Dacryocystorhinostomy in Functional Epiphora: A Minimum Two-Year Follow-Up Study.

Purpose: To compare the outcomes of transcanalicular diode laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy (TCL-DCR), nonendoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (NEN-DCR), and external dacryocystorhinostomy (EXT-DCR) as first-line treatments for functional epiphora. Methods: This multicenter, retrospective, case-control study included 135 eyes of 135 patients with functional epiphora (86 females and 49 males). Functional epiphora was diagnosed based on a patent lacrimal system with a delay in the fluorescein dye disappearance test (FDDT) or dacryoscintigraphy (DSG) and no ocular surface or eyelid abnormalities. The patients were treated with TCL-DCR (2008-2011) or Ext-DCR (2005-2008, 2011-2017) at Beyoglu Eye Research Hospital (Istanbul, Turkey) and NEN-DCR at Carrot Eye Surgery Clinic affiliated with the McMaster University (Hamilton, ON, Canada) (2010-2016). Success was defined as the absence of epiphora and the normalization of an earlier delayed FDDT after surgery. Results: The TCL-DCR, NEN-DCR, and EXT-DCR groups consisted of 38, 47, and 50 eyes with 25.9, 44.2, and 45.9 months of follow-up. The success rate for TCL-DCR was 65.8%, 70.2% for NEN-DCR, and 84.0% for EXT-DCR. During the follow-up period, 13.2% of TCL-DCR cases and 6.4% of NEN-DCR cases developed an anatomic obstruction of the lacrimal system. Conclusion: The EXT-DCR group had a higher success rate in the management of functional epiphora than the NEN-DCR and TCL-DCR groups and was significantly safer in terms of an iatrogenic anatomic block of the lacrimal system.

Evaluation of macular changes after uncomplicated phacoemulsification surgery by optical coherence tomography.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of uncomplicated phacoemulsification surgery on macula by optical coherence tomography (OCT). METHODS: A total of 110 eyes of 102 patients who underwent uncomplicated phacoemulsification and foldable intraocular lens implantation at Beyoglu Eye Research and Training Hospital between February and March 2005 and who were without any systemic disease, fundus or other ocular pathology were included. Postoperatively, topical prednisolone acetate (6 x 1) and ofloxacine (5 x 1) was started, and by decreasing the dosage progressively, treatment was continued for 6 weeks. Full ophthalmologic and OCT examinations were done preoperatively and at the postoperative 1st day, 1st week, 1st, 3rd, and 6th months. Mean retinal thicknesses, volumetric analyses at central fovea, superior, inferior, temporal, and nasal macular quadrants, and thinnest foveal retinal thicknesses were recorded. Preoperative and postoperative measurements were analyzed statistically by using ANOVA test, paired samples t-test with Bonferroni correction, and Pearson's correlation test. RESULTS: The mean central foveal retinal thickness was preoperatively 202.4 +/- 25.9 micro m, postoperatively 200.4 +/- 26.1 micro m at 1st day (p = 0.29), 208.4 +/- 27.6 micro m at 1st week (p = 0.29), 226.2 +/- 54.9 micro m at 1st month, 215.2 +/- 24.0 micro m at 3rd month, 213.5 +/- 29.4 micro m at 6th month (p < 0.001). Perifoveal macular thicknesses at superior, inferior, temporal, and nasal quadrants were 264.9 +/- 28.8 micro m, 266.1 +/- 29.5 micro m, 255.0 +/- 31.3 micro m, 260.3 +/- 34.0 micro m, respectively, preoperatively; 287.9 +/- 28.4 micro m, 288.0 +/- 26.3 micro m, 286.8 +/- 33.1 micro m, 272.0 +/- 32.4 micro m, respectively, at postoperative 1st month (p < 0.001). The change in mean central foveal thickness, foveal thinnest retinal thickness, mean perifoveal retinal thickness and volumetric analyses was insignificant at postoperative 1st day (p > 0.05), and significant at 1st week, 1st, 3rd, and 6th months (p < 0.05 for all measurements). CONCLUSIONS: Statistically significant increase in macular thickness was detected at postoperative early periods, after the 1st week after uncomplicated cataract operation. The increase in macular thickness starts from parafoveal regions. Longer follow-up of patients is required for the macular consequences, and different treatment protocols should be studied in a randomized controlled fashion.

Imiquimod 5% cream for the treatment of large nodular basal cell carcinoma at the medial canthal area.

Context (Background): Imiquimod (IMQ) 5% cream is an immunomodulatory and antitumorigenic agent, which was used as a topical treatment regimen, who had periocular basal cell carcinoma (BCC). AIM: This study aims to present three cases with large BCC at the medial canthal area treated with IMQ 5% cream. MATERIALS AND METHODS: IMQ 5% cream was used in three patients with ages 45, 49, and 73 who preferred medical treatment over surgery. Following incisional biopsy IMQ cream was used once a day, 5 times a week and the patients were followed up weekly during 12 week treatment period and monthly after the clearance of the lesion. RESULTS: Erythema and erosion on the surface of the lesion, injection of conjunctiva, burning and itching sensation, epiphora and punctate keratitis were seen in all patients during the treatment period. The ophthalmic side effects could be managed by topical lubricating eye drops and the inflammatory reactions resolved within 1 month after cessation of therapy. The patients were followed up for at least 3 years without tumor recurrence and the biopsies taken from the suspected area were found to be tumor free. CONCLUSION: Surgical excision of carcinoma of the eyelid at medial canthal area can be difficult without causing damage to the lacrimal system and reconstruction of the defect may need grafts or flaps. IMQ may provide an alternative therapy to surgery in certain cases.

Transconjunctival dacryocystorhinostomy: Long term results.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of transconjunctival dacryocystorhinostomy (TRC-DCR) surgery in patients with epiphora due to primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO) at second year follow-up. METHODS: In this retrospective, interventional study, 33 eyes of 29 patients, with epiphora due to PANDO, are included. Lower eyelid conjunctiva is incised at vestibulum inferomedially to access the lacrimal sac and nasal mucosa. Bone is perforated with burr and rongeurs and saccal and nasal flaps are anastomosed. Conjunctival wound edges are apposed and left unsutured. Intraoperative difficulties, surgical time and complications are noted. Average follow-up time was 2 years. Anatomical success was defined as patent lacrimal passages upon irrigation and functional success was defined as relief of epiphora. RESULTS: In nineteen (57.6%) eyes the surgeries were completed with the anterior and the posterior flaps sutured. In eight eyes (24.2%) only anterior flaps could be sutured. In 6 eyes (18.2%), the surgical procedure was converted to external dacryocystorhinostomy since the nasal mucosa could not be exposed adequately via transconjunctival route. The mean surgical time was 65.1 min. One patient had a millimeter long lower eyelid margin laceration in one eye (3.7%) intraoperatively due to traction for visualization of the operative site. Epiphora resolved in 25 of 27 eyes (92.5%) in whom TRC-DCR could be completed. Epiphora and failure to irrigation were noted in two eyes (7.4%) at the postoperative 4th and 8th months, respectively and required reoperation. No complications occurred, except granuloma formation at the conjunctival incision site in three eyes (11.1%). Epiphora resolved in all the six eyes of patients who underwent an external DCR (100%). CONCLUSION: Transconjunctival dacryocystorhinostomy is a scarless dacryocystorhinostomy technique which is performed without endoscope and/or laser assistance, with 92.5% success rate comparable to external DCR at the second year follow-up without major complications.

Does the use of preoperative antiglaucoma medications influence trabeculectomy success?

PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of preoperative antiglaucoma medications on trabeculectomy outcome. METHODS: Two hundred fifteen eyes, which underwent primary trabeculectomy, were retrospectively analyzed. The average follow-up was 39.8±30.3 months. The only cases of primary open-angle glaucoma, with or without pseudoexfoliation (PXF), were included. "Complete success" was defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) <18 mmHg without glaucoma medications, whereas relative success was defined as the same IOP target with medications. The influence of the preoperatively used glaucoma medications on surgical success was analyzed by univariate Pearson correlation and multivariate (ordinal) regression analysis. RESULTS: There were 118 male (54.9%) and 97 female (45.1%) patients with a mean age of 66.9±9.3 years. PXF glaucoma (PXFG) was present in 93 eyes (43.3%). In 33 patients (15.3%), diabetes mellitus (DM) was present. Complete success was achieved in 116 eyes (54%), relative success in 81 eyes (37.6%), and failure in 18 eyes (8.4%). Neither the total number nor the duration of glaucoma medications used before trabeculectomy was found to have any statistically significant influence on surgical success. In statistical analysis, a combination of topical beta-blocker and carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (BB+CAI) used before surgery was found to be associated with statistically better outcome, whereas the preoperative use of topical beta-blockers alone could have a negative influence on success. PXF was shown to be independently associated with trabeculectomy outcome on multivariate regression analysis. CONCLUSION: The glaucoma medications used preoperatively were not found to have any statistically significant negative influence on the trabeculectomy outcome and use of the combined BB+CAI preparation could have a positive influence, whereas the use of topical beta-blockers alone could have a negative influence on success, although not statistically significant. The presence of PXF was independently associated with a better surgical outcome.

Corneal biomechanical properties in thyroid eye disease.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of thyroid eye disease (TED) on the measurement of corneal biomechanical properties and the relationship between these parameters and disease manifestations. A total of 54 eyes of 27 individuals with TED and 52 eyes of 30 healthy control participants were enrolled. Thyroid ophthalmopathy activity was defined using the VISA (vision, inflammation, strabismus, and appearance/exposure) classification for TED. The intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement with Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT), axial length (AL), keratometry, and central corneal thickness (CCT) measurements were taken from each patient. Corneal biomechanical properties, including corneal hysteresis (CH) and corneal resistance factor (CRF) and noncontact IOP measurements, Goldmann-correlated IOP (IOPg) and corneal-compensated IOP (IOPcc) were measured with the Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA) using the standard technique. Parameters such as best corrected visual acuity, axial length, central corneal thickness, and corneal curvature were not statistically significant between the two groups (p > 0.05). IOP measured with GAT was higher in participants with TED (p < 0.001). The CH of TED patients was significantly lower than that of the control group. There was no significant difference in the corneal resistance factor between groups. However, IOPg and IOPcc were significantly higher in TED patients. CH and VISA grading of TED patients showed a negative correlation (p = 0.007). In conclusion, TED affects the corneal biomechanical properties by decreasing CH. IOP with GAT and IOPg is found to be increased in these patients. As the severity of TED increases, CH decreases in these patients.