Triamcinolone for the Treatment of Graves Ophthalmopathy Tested With Short Tau Inversion Recovery Magnetic Resonance.

PURPOSE: To evaluate if parabulbar triamcinolone reduces orbital swelling in patients with Graves ophthalmopathy. METHODS: This is a prospective study of a series of patients with active and moderate Graves ophthalmopathy. Short tau inversion recovery magnetic resonance was used to evaluate the intensity of the extraocular rectus muscles and orbital fat, before and after the treatment with parabulbar triamcinolone. RESULTS: The signal intensity ratio of the sum of the OD rectus muscles was 3.67 before treatment (95% CI, 3.26-4.09) and 2.83 after treatment (95% CI, 2.63-3.03) (p < 0.001), and of the muscles of the left orbit, 3.94 before treatment (95% CI, 3.50-4.38) and 2.85 after treatment (95% CI, 2.56-3.14) (p < 0.001). The signal intensity ratio of the fat decreased from 2.95 (95% CI, 2.69-3.21) to 2.33 (95% CI, 2.07-2.58) (p < 0.001). After treatment, there were no local or systemic complications. CONCLUSION: The use of parabulbar triamcinolone reduces orbital inflammation of patients with active and moderate Graves ophthalmopathy.

[Assessment of a teleophthalmology program for the prevention of diabetes blindness in a rural area of Argentina.] / Evaluación de un programa de teleoftalmología para prevención de la ceguera por diabetes en una zona rural de la Argentina.

Introduction: Teleophthalmology programs have become one of the main tools for the early detection of diabetic retinopathy. Assessing the implementation of these programs is essential to contextualize and understand their effectiveness in different regions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of annual eye examination in people with diabetes before and after implementing a teleophthalmology program in the province of La Pampa (Argentina). Methods: A before-and-after study design was performed, comparing the rate of eye examination performed before and after starting with the Program. The analysis was carried out with a random survey of people with diabetes. People from rural and urban areas of the province were included. The program was implemented only in the rural area, while the urban area has the traditional care system. Results: The annual eye examination rate carried out before and after the implementation of the Program in rural areas improved from 39.3% to 78.6%. Being 22.9% higher than in the urban area. Conclusion: The studied teleophthalmology program achieved a significant increase in eye examinations. These kinds of programs are essential to face blindness due to diabetes in the rural regions of Argentina.

Introducción: Los programas de teleoftalmología se han transformado en una de las principales herramientas para detectar oportunamente la retinopatía diabética. Evaluar la implementación de estos programas es fundamental para contextualizar y comprender su funcionamiento en diferentes regiones. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la tasa anual de fondo de ojos en personas con diabetes antes y después de implementar un programa de teleoftalmología en la provincia de La Pampa (Argentina). Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un diseño de antes y después, comparando la tasa de fondo de ojos realizado antes y después del comenzar con el Programa. La evaluación se realizó mediante una encuesta aleatoria a personas con diagnóstico de diabetes. Para el análisis se incluyeron personas de la zona rural y urbana de la provincia. El programa fue implementado solamente en la zona rural, mientras que la zona urbana cuenta con el sistema tradicional de atención. Resultados: La tasa anual de fondo de ojos realizado antes y después de la implementación del Programa en áreas rurales paso de un 39,3% a un 78,6%. Siendo superior en un 22,9% al de la zona urbana. Conclusión: El programa de teleoftalmología evaluado logró un aumento significativo en la evaluación del fondo de ojos de las personas con diabetes. Implementar este tipo de programas es fundamental para combatir la ceguera por diabetes en la región rural de la Argentina.

[Prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in a rural area of Argentina]. / Prevalencia de retinopatía diabética en una zona rural de Argentina.

Diabetic retinopathy is one of the major problems public health is facing in the 21st century. The worldwide prevalence is increasing; however, little is known about the frequency of this disease in Argentina. Tele-ophthalmology programs have helped to face and to better understand this disease, mainly in rural areas. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in the province of La Pampa. A cross-sectional observational study was carried out, evaluating the characteristics of the population assisted by a tele-ophthalmology program in a rural area of the province. The images, taken with a non-mydriatic retinal camera, the intraocular pressure and general characteristics of the population were evaluated. A disease prevalence of 21.5% was estimated and 14.1% of them had a vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy. In addition, it was observed that 5.0% had glaucoma, 63.4% hypertension and 42.6% dyslipidemia. These findings are similar to those reported in other countries around the world. These data are fundamental to understand the details of the epidemiological situation in this region and to be able to develop health strategies to deal with this disease.

La retinopatía diabética es uno de los grandes problemas que enfrenta la salud pública en el siglo XXI. La prevalencia mundial se encuentra en constante aumento; sin embargo, poco se conoce sobre la frecuencia de esta enfermedad en la Argentina. Los programas de tele-oftalmología han ayudado a combatir y a comprender mejor esta enfermedad, principalmente en áreas rurales. El objetivo del siguiente trabajo fue estimar la prevalencia de la retinopatía diabética en la provincia de La Pampa. Se realizó un estudio observacional de corte transversal, evaluando las características de la población asistida por un programa de tele-oftalmología en la zona rural de la provincia. Se evaluaron imágenes de retina obtenidas con un retinógrafo no midriático, la presión intraocular y características generales de la población. Se estimó una prevalencia del 21.5% y un 14.1% de estas personas tenían una amenaza visual grave. Además, se observó que el 5.0% tenían glaucoma, 63.4% hipertensión arterial y 42.6% dislipemia. Estos resultados son similares a los presentados en otros países del mundo. Son datos fundamentales para comprender detalles de la situación epidemiológica en esta región y poder armar estrategias sanitarias para enfrentar a esta enfermedad.

Incidence of endophthalmitis post cataract surgery in a Tertiary Hospital of Buenos Aires.

OBJECTIVE: Acknowledging the rates of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery is very important to understand the seriousness of the disease. Until now, there is no data of this situation in Argentina. The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of postoperative endophthalmitis after cataract surgery at a tertiary hospital, a medical facility which provides a high degree of subspecialty expertise, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. METHOD: Retrospective cohort study of adult patients who underwent cataract phacoemulsification surgery between 2006 and 2020 at Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, was performed. Patients with endophthalmitis diagnosis within the first 6 weeks after surgery were included. Those who underwent extracapsular surgery or combined surgeries were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 29 326 cataract surgeries were performed in ten years. The annual incidence of acute postoperative endophthalmitis after cataract surgery was 0.102% (95% CI 0.069-0.146). Thirty cases of endophthalmitis were diagnosed. The main microorganism was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (45.4%). Final visual acuity was higher than 0.3 (LogMAR) in 46.6% of the patients. CONCLUSION: The incidence of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery in this hospital is within the range reported globally. Knowing the regional incidence contributes to decide if new prophylaxis measures are necessary.

OBJETIVO: Conocer las tasas de endoftalmitis después de la cirugía de cataratas es muy importante para comprender la gravedad de la enfermedad. Hasta el momento, no hay datos de su situación en Argentina. El objetivo de este estudio fue estimar la incidencia de endoftalmitis postoperatoria tras cirugía de catarata en un hospital de tercer nivel o alta complejidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Método: Se realizó un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo de pacientes adultos operados de facoemulsificación de cataratas entre 2006 y 2020 en el Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires. Se incluyeron pacientes con diagnóstico de endoftalmitis dentro de las primeras 6 semanas posteriores a la cirugía. Se excluyeron los pacientes que se sometieron a cirugía extracapsular o cirugías combinadas. RESULTADOS: En diez años se realizaron un total de 29.326 operaciones de cataratas. La incidencia anual de endoftalmitis postoperatoria aguda después de la cirugía de cataratas fue del 0.102% (IC del 95%: 0.069-0.146). Treinta casos de endoftalmitis fueron identificados. El principal microorganismo fue Pseudomonas aeruginosa (45.4%). La agudeza visual final fue superior a 0.3 (LogMAR) en el 46.6% de los pacientes. Conclusión: La incidencia de endoftalmitis después de la cirugía de cataratas en este hospital está dentro del rango reportado a nivel mundial. Conocer la incidencia regional contribuye a decidir si son necesarias nuevas medidas de profilaxis.

Chronic conjunctivitis as a prognosis factor of dacryocystorhinostomy: a retrospective case-controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the history of chronic conjunctivitis increases the likelihood of epiphora after an external dacryocystorhinostomy (Ex-DCR) and to elucidate other factors that may affect the prognosis of this surgery. METHODS: This is a retrospective case-controlled study. Patients who had epiphora after an Ex-DCR were compared with patients who did not present epiphora. Medical history of conjunctivitis, use of antiglaucomatous drops, rhinitis, and nasal pathology were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 129 adult patients undergoing external DCR were evaluated, of which 73% had decreased tearing. Forty-five percent of the patients who continued with epiphora had a history of conjunctivitis, compared to the 20% of those who did not (p = 0.003). At the same time, the 20% of those who continued with epiphora had a history of rhinitis compared to the 8% of those who did not (p = 0.043). CONCLUSION: Patients with a history of chronic conjunctivitis are less likely to improve the epiphora after performing an Ex-DCR. We consider that it is important to evaluate this antecedent before surgery.

The relationship between topical anti-glaucoma medications and the development of lacrimal drainage system obstruction.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether any topical anti-glaucoma medications increase the risk of lacrimal drainage system obstruction or whether the presence of preservatives alone is sufficient to generate obstruction. METHODS: This nested case-control study compared a group of patients with lacrimal duct obstruction who received topical anti-glaucoma medications to a control group of patients without obstruction. RESULTS: The medical records of 255 patients with glaucoma who consulted the Oculoplastic Section with complaints of watery eyes were reviewed. Among these patients, 59 exhibited lacrimal drainage obstruction. Ninety-four percent of patients with lacrimal drainage obstruction used beta-blockers, and 41% used prostaglandin analogs. A logistic regression model was used to adjust for age, sex, and the use of other medications. No significant differences were observed regarding the topical anti-glaucoma medications used between groups. CONCLUSION: No single topical anti-glaucoma medication demonstrated a stronger association with the development of lacrimal duct obstruction.

Incidence of endophthalmitis post cataract surgery in a tertiary hospital of Buenos Aires / Incidencia de endoftalmitis post cirugía de catarata en un hospital de tercer nivel en Buenos Aires

Abstract Objective: Acknowledging the rates of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery is very important to understand the seriousness of the disease. Until now, there is no data of this situation in Argentina. The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence of postoperative endophthalmitis after cataract surgery at a tertiary hospital, a medical facility which provides a high degree of subspecialty expertise, in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Method: Retrospective cohort study of adult patients who underwent cataract phacoemulsification sur gery between 2006 and 2020 at Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, was performed. Patients with endophthalmitis diagnosis within the first 6 weeks after surgery were included. Those who underwent extracapsular surgery or combined surgeries were excluded. Results: A total of 29 326 cataract surgeries were performed in ten years. The annual incidence of acute postoperative endophthalmitis after cataract surgery was 0.102% (95% CI 0.069-0.146). Thirty cases of endophthalmitis were diagnosed. The main microorganism was Pseudomonas aeruginosa (45.4%). Final visual acuity was higher than 0.3 (LogMAR) in 46.6% of the patients. Conclusion: The incidence of endophthalmitis after cataract surgery in this hospital is within the range reported globally. Knowing the regional incidence contributes to decide if new prophylaxis measures are necessary.

Resumen Objetivo: Conocer las tasas de endoftalmitis después de la cirugía de cataratas es muy importante para comprender la gravedad de la enfermedad. Hasta el momento, no hay datos de su situación en Argentina. El objetivo de este estudio fue estimar la incidencia de endoftalmitis postoperatoria tras cirugía de catarata en un hospital de tercer nivel o alta complejidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Método: Se realizó un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo de pacientes adultos operados de facoemulsificación de cataratas entre 2006 y 2020 en el Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires. Se incluyeron pacientes con diagnóstico de endoftalmitis dentro de las prime ras 6 semanas posteriores a la cirugía. Se excluyeron los pacientes que se sometieron a cirugía extracapsular o cirugías combinadas. Resultados: En diez años se realizaron un total de 29.326 operaciones de cataratas. La incidencia anual de endoftalmitis postoperatoria aguda después de la cirugía de cataratas fue del 0.102% (IC del 95%: 0.069-0.146). Treinta casos de endoftalmitis fueron identificados. El principal microorganismo fue Pseudomonas aeruginosa (45.4%). La agudeza visual final fue superior a 0.3 (LogMAR) en el 46.6% de los pacientes. Conclusión: La incidencia de endoftalmitis después de la cirugía de cataratas en este hospital está dentro del rango reportado a nivel mundial. Conocer la incidencia regional contribuye a decidir si son necesarias nuevas medidas de profilaxis.

Prevalencia de retinopatía diabética en una zona rural de Argentina / Prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in a rural area of Argentina

Resumen La retinopatía diabética es uno de los grandes problemas que enfrenta la salud pública en el siglo XXI. La prevalencia mundial se encuentra en constante aumento; sin embargo, poco se conoce sobre la frecuencia de esta enfermedad en la Argentina. Los programas de tele-oftalmología han ayudado a combatir y a comprender mejor esta enfermedad, principalmente en áreas rurales. El objetivo del siguiente tra bajo fue estimar la prevalencia de la retinopatía diabética en la provincia de La Pampa. Se realizó un estudio observacional de corte transversal, evaluando las características de la población asistida por un programa de tele-oftalmología en la zona rural de la provincia. Se evaluaron imágenes de retina obtenidas con un retinógrafo no midriático, la presión intraocular y características generales de la población. Se estimó una prevalencia del 21.5% y un 14.1% de estas personas tenían una amenaza visual grave. Además, se observó que el 5.0% tenían glaucoma, 63.4% hipertensión arterial y 42.6% dislipemia. Estos resultados son similares a los presentados en otros países del mundo. Son datos fundamentales para comprender detalles de la situación epidemiológica en esta región y poder armar estrategias sanitarias para enfrentar a esta enfermedad.

Abstract Diabetic retinopathy is one of the major problems public health is facing in the 21st century. The worldwide prevalence is increasing; however, little is known about the frequency of this disease in Argentina. Tele-ophthalmology programs have helped to face and to better understand this disease, mainly in rural areas. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in the province of La Pampa. A cross-sectional observational study was carried out, evaluating the characteristics of the population assisted by a tele-ophthalmology program in a rural area of the province. The images, taken with a non-mydriatic retinal camera, the intraocular pressure and general characteristics of the population were evaluated. A disease prevalence of 21.5% was estimated and 14.1% of them had a vision-threatening diabetic retinopathy. In addition, it was observed that 5.0% had glaucoma, 63.4% hypertension and 42.6% dyslipidemia. These findings are similar to those reported in other countries around the world. These data are fundamental to understand the details of the epidemiological situation in this region and to be able to develop health strategies to deal with this disease.

A millimetric ruler for Lester Jones tube placement in conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy.

PURPOSE: To describe the use of a ruler to increase the accuracy and customization of Lester Jones tube placement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a review of 92 patients who underwent minimally invasive conjunctivodacryocystorhinostomy using this instrument. RESULTS: The success rate was 100%, with an average operating time of 15 minutes. In nine patients, late migration of the Jones tube into the nasal cavity required a secondary intervention, with successful Jones tube repositioning. In five cases, obstruction of the tube opening was caused by conjunctival overgrowth. CONCLUSION: The millimetric ruler engraved in the sleeve of the trocar allows measuring and placing a personalized tube for each patient.

Horizontal diplopia following upper blepharoplasty.

Diplopia is an infrequent complication after blepharoplasty. Most of the cases are in its vertical form due to trauma of the extraocular muscles. In this article, we present a case of horizontal diplopia following cosmetic upper blepharoplasty; we review the literature on this unexpected complication and offer some recommendations to avoid it.

Delleman (oculocerebrocutaneous) syndrome: case report.

Delleman syndrome is an unusual entity, characterized by ocular cysts or microphthalmia, focal dermal anomalies and cerebral malformations. In the following article, we carry out a review of the disease and we present the case of a patient with microphthalmos and palpebral coloboma. As we could not put orbital expanders at an early stage, we performed reconstructive surgery.

The relationship between topical anti-glaucoma medications and the development of lacrimal drainage system obstruction / A relação entre medicamentos tópicos anti-glaucoma e o desenvolvimento de obstrução do sistema de drenagem lacrimal

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate whether any topical anti-glaucoma medications increase the risk of lacrimal drainage system obstruction or whether the presence of preservatives alone is sufficient to generate obstruction. Methods: This nested case-control study compared a group of patients with lacrimal duct obstruction who received topical anti-glaucoma medications to a control group of patients without obstruction. Results: The medical records of 255 patients with glaucoma who consulted the Oculoplastic Section with complaints of watery eyes were reviewed. Among these patients, 59 exhibited lacrimal drainage obstruction. Ninety-four percent of patients with lacrimal drainage obstruction used beta-blockers, and 41% used prostaglandin analogs. A logistic regression model was used to adjust for age, sex, and the use of other medications. No significant differences were observed regarding the topical anti-glaucoma medications used between groups. Conclusion: No single topical anti-glaucoma medication demonstrated a stronger association with the development of lacrimal duct obstruction.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar se algum medicamento tópico anti-glaucoma aumenta o risco de obstrução do sistema de drenagem lacrimal ou se a presença de conservantes é su fi cien te para gerar obstrução. Métodos: Este estudo de caso-controle aninhado comparou um grupo de pacientes com obstrução do ducto lacrimal que receberam medicações tópicas anti-glaucoma contra um grupo controle de pacientes sem obstrução. Resultados: Foram revistos os prontuários de 255 pacientes com glaucoma que consultaram a Seção de Oculoplástica com queixas de olhos lacrimejantes. Dentre esses pacientes, 59 apresentavam obstrução da via lacrimal de drenagem. Noventa e quatro por cento dos pacientes com obstrução usaram betabloqueadores e 41% usaram análogos de prostaglandinas. Um modelo de regressão logística foi utilizado para ajustar a idade, sexo e o uso de outros medicamentos. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas em relação às medicações tópicas anti-glaucoma usadas entre os grupos. Conclusão: Nenhum medicamento anti-glaucoma tópico único demonstrou uma associação mais forte com o desenvolvimento de obstrução do ducto lacrimal.