Limbal Autograft Stem Cell Transplantation: More Than 20-Year Follow-up.

Limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) is a very challenging situation and difficult to manage. A great works and ideas were conducted over the past 50 years. Numerous surgical techniques were proposed. We are reporting more than a 20-year follow-up of a case of limbal autograft stem cell transplantation due to LSCD secondary to chemical injury.

Early therapeutic lamellar keratoplasty for acanthamoeba keratitis followed by implantable Collamer lens for visual rehabilitation.

We are reporting the case of a 25-year-old female who developed acanthamoeba keratitis after wearing contact lenses for high myopia. She was diagnosed as acanthamoeba and started the treatment of antiacanthamoeba for 3 consecutive weeks, followed by bare Descemet's therapeutic lamellar keratoplasty (LKP) with the maintenance of antiacanthamoeba treatment to control the infection. In the late postoperative period, visual rehabilitation was obtained by insertion of implantable Collamer lens (ICL) with her final visual outcome was 20/30. For acanthamoeba keratitis, early bare Descemet's therapeutic LKP has a better outcome in comparison to late penetrating keratoplasty in terms of infection eradication and globe preservation. After removal of all sutures, the refractive error can be corrected with photorefractive procedures as well as ICL.

Causes of Phakic Implantable Collamer Lens Explantation/Exchange at King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the causes of phakic implantable collamer lens (ICL) explantation/exchange at an eye hospital in Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed for patients who underwent ICL implantation from 2007 to March 2014 and data were collected on cases that underwent ICL explantation. RESULTS: Of the 787 ICL implants, 30 implants (3.8% [95% confidence interval 2.6%; 5.3%]) were explanted. The causes of explantation included incorrect lens size (22), cataract (4), high residual astigmatism (2), rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (1), and intolerable glare (1). Corrective measures mainly included an exchange with an appropriately sized lens (9), ICL explantation (11), with phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation (6), or replacement with an ICL of correct power (2). CONCLUSION: Incorrect ICL size was the most common cause of ICL explantation. More accurate sizing methods for ICL are required to reduce the explantation/exchange rate.

Comparison of Olive Tipped and Conventional Steven's Cannula for Sub-Tenon Ophthalmic Anesthesia.

PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of the olive tipped (OT) cannula to the conventional Steven's cannula for sub-Tenon block (STB) before cataract surgery. METHODS: This prospective, randomized, double-masked compared STB delivered in cataract surgery patients with an OT cannula or a conventional Steven's cannula (ST). Outcome variables included the akinesia score and lid movement scores at 5 and 10 min. The patient perception of pain during delivery of the STB and surgery were also compared between groups. Surgeon satisfaction with anesthesia was compared between groups. P <0.05 was statistically significant. RESULTS: There were sixty patients in each group. The age between groups was not statistically different (P = 0.4). The body mass index was higher in the ST group compared to the OT group (P < 0.001). The akinesia score at 5 and 10 min did not differ between groups (P = 0.07 and P = 0.6, respectively). The patient perception of pain during STB and surgery were similar between groups (P = 0.1 and P = 0.06, respectively). There were six patients with mild chemosis and redness in the OT group and 15 patients in the ST group. CONCLUSION: An OT cannula is equally effective as the conventional Steven's cannula for delivering STB anesthesia before cataract surgery.

Surgical Treatment of Corneal Ectasia with Motowa's Trephine and Selective Suturing Technique.

A 40-year-old male presented with bilateral ectasia, contact lens intolerance, and astigmatism >10 D in both eyes. The patient had end-stage pellucid marginal degeneration that warranted surgical treatment. We present a unique surgical technique to stabilize the cornea, minimize astigmatism, improve vision and corneal status, and avoid penetrating keratoplasty.

Amniotic Membrane Transplant with a Special Technique (Motowa's Sandwich Technique) in Mooren's Ulcer.

To illustrate amniotic membrane transplant (AMT) with a novel surgical technique ("sandwich technique") for treating patients with malignant Mooren's ulcer. A case report of a patient with bilateral, malignant Mooren's ulcer who had undergone systemic steroid therapy and topical immunosuppresive therapy to stabilize his condition. However, perforation of cornea occurred in one eye. AMT with a new surgical technique ("Motowa's sandwich technique") was performed to treat this case. On the 1(st) day postoperatively, there was no pain, no photophobia, and visual acuity was same as preoperatively. At 4 weeks postoperatively, visual acuity improved in the right eye to 20/160 with pinhole, and there was no fluorescein staining. The right eye was quiet. Amniotic membrane transplant with "Motowa's sandwich technique" resulted in the preservation of the anatomical integrity and progression of disease was halted along with an improved vision. This technique is a novel surgical modality in treating Mooren's ulcer. Further study on a large cohort of patients is required for evidence-based data to verify the outcome of this initial case report.

Incidence and Determinants of Endophthalmitis within 6 Months of Surgeries over a 2-Year Period at King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Saudi Arabia: A Review.

BACKGROUND: We present the incidence and determinants of endophthalmitis between July 2010 and June 2012 at King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. On its basis, we recommended recommendations to strengthen the infection prevention and control strategies. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of health records type of study. The details of cases reported having endophthalmitis among those operated in 2 years of study period were studied. The incidence of endophthalmitis was calculated for different eye surgeries and epidemiological variables. The causative organisms in vitreous tap were reviewed. The visual outcomes 6 weeks following intervention/treatment of endophthalmmitis were also studied. RESULTS: Of the 22,554 cases operated, 17 developed endophthalmitis. The incidence was 0.08% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.04-0.11). The incidence of endophthlamitis among cataract surgeries was 0.12% (95% CI 0.04-0.21). Five specimens did not show any bacteria or fungus. Staphylococcus epidermis (3 cases) was the main pathogen identified. In 8 (47%) eyes, vision deteriorated in spite of treatment. In 5 (29%) eyes, it became stable and in 4 (23.5%) eyes, it improved following treatment. Signs of infection were noted in 1(st) week, 3 weeks and 12 weeks in 4, 6 and 5 eyes respectively. Late presentation of infection (6 months postoperatively) was reported in two eyes. CONCLUSIONS: A vigilant infection control unit in a large eye hospital helps in monitoring endophthalmitis related catastrophes and suggests timely preventive measures to reduce the occurrence and appropriate measures to limit visual disabilities following eye surgery related endophthalmitis.

Influence of GlideScope assisted endotracheal intubation on intraocular pressure in ophthalmic patients.

BACKGROUND: Traditional Macintoch laryngoscopy is known to cause a rise in intraocular pressure (IOP), tachycardia and hypertension. These changes are not desirable in patients with glaucoma and open globe injury. GlideScope is a video laryngoscope that functions independent of the line of sight, reduces upward lifting forces for glottic exposure and requires less cervical neck movement for intubation, making it less stimulating than Macintosh laryngoscopy. AIM: The aim was to assess the variations in IOP and hemodynamic changes after GlideScope assisted intubation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After approval of the local Institutional Research and Ethical Board and informed patient consent, 50 adult American Society of Anesthesiologist I and II patients with normal IOP were enrolled in a prospective, randomized study for ophthalmic surgery requiring tracheal intubation. In all patients, trachea was intubated using either GlideScope or Macintoch laryngoscope. IOP of nonoperated eye, heart rate and blood pressure were measured as baseline, 1 min after induction, 1 min and 5 min after tracheal intubation. RESULTS: IOP was not significantly different between groups before and after anesthetic induction and 5 min after tracheal intubation (P = 0.217, 0.726, and 0.110 respectively). The only significant difference in IOP was at 1 min after intubation (P = 0.041). No significant difference noted between groups in mean arterial pressure (P = 0.899, 0.62, 0.47, 0.82 respectively) and heart rate (P = 0.21, 0.72, 0.07, 0.29, respectively) at all measurements. CONCLUSION: GlideScope assisted tracheal intubation shown lesser rise in IOP at 1 min after intubation in comparison to Macintoch laryngoscope, suggesting that GlideScope may be preferable to Macintosh laryngoscope.

Resources for eye care at secondary and tertiary level government institutions in Saudi Arabia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the number of healthcare personnel and equipment resources for eye care at government institutions in different administrative zones of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) and to recommend measures for increasing resources to address deficiencies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data on resources (personnel and equipment) for eye care were collected from all governmental eye units in 2012. The data was regrouped by zones and administrative areas. The mid-2012 population projections were used to calculate the ophthalmologist to population ratio and optometrist to population ratio. The equipment available for eye care was reviewed. RESULTS: All 60 institutions in 13 administrative areas and five zones of KSA participated in this study. There were 407 ophthalmologists and 147 optometrists. The ophthalmologist to population ratio was 1:43,000 (1:12,900 in the northern zone to 1:80,300 in the western zone). By 2015, 700 ophthalmologists will be required, and by 2020, 1,100 ophthalmologists will be required. The optometrist to population ratio was 1:95,000 (1:34,100 in the northern zone to 1:146,700 in the western zone). Nearly 2,800 and 4,400 allied eye care personnel will be needed by 2015 and 2020. Diagnostic and treatment equipment such as lasers, electrophysiologic and ultrasound equipment, and fundus cameras were not available at all institutions. CONCLUSIONS: Data from the private sector need to be included to draw conclusions on the human resource index for eye care in the Kingdom. An unequal distribution of resources in different zones and administrative areas requires attention. Better utilization of available resources is recommended before fulfilling the demand for additional resources.

Corneal endothelial cell density and morphology after acute hydrops in keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To compare central corneal endothelium cell density and morphology in eyes with keratoconus and unilateral resolved hydrops with the unaffected fellow eye. METHODS: Bilateral confocal microscopy was performed 3 months after resolution of acute unilateral hydrops in patients with keratoconus who presented to the King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital between February 1, 2004, and November 31, 2005. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients (19 men and 7 women) with a mean age of 22 years (range, 11-36 years) were enrolled in the study. A history of ocular allergy or rigid gas-permeable hard contact lens wear was present in 14 and 12 patients, respectively. The mean interval to resolution of hydrops was 12 weeks (range, 9-14 weeks), after which neovascularization was present in 8 eyes. The mean endothelial cell density in affected and unaffected eyes was virtually identical (2759 vs. 2788 cells/mm2, respectively; P = 0.82), although 5 (19.2%) affected eyes did have endothelial cell density that was >15% less than that of the unaffected fellow eye. Compared with unaffected eyes, there was a mean increase polymegathism in affected eyes from 33% to 35% and a mean decrease in hexagonality from 60% to 55%, but these differences were not statistically significant (P = 0.11 and 0.06, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Decreased endothelial cell density is uncommon after resolution of acute hydrops, although morphologic changes may be present in a majority of cases.

Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty for keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To investigate surgical outcomes after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALKP) in eyes with keratoconus. METHODS: Retrospective review of 127 eyes of 118 keratoconus patients who underwent DALKP at King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between January 1, 1998 and November 30, 2001. The mean age of all patients was 25.9 years (range 11-70 years). The mean follow-up for all patients was 10.9 months (range 4-61 months). Baring of Descemet's membrane (DM) during DALKP was achieved in 47 (37%) eyes; some stroma was left during operation in the remaining 80 (63%) eyes. Snellen visual acuity, intraoperative complications, and postoperative graft status were assessed. RESULTS: At the last follow-up visit, 74% of all eyes were able to achieve a best-corrected visual acuity of 20/50 or better. This level of improvement was more statistically significant with baring of DM (P = 0.005). Intraoperative perforation of DM occurred in 16 (13%) cases and was statistically significant in eyes with deep corneal scars (P = 0.012). However, this perforation did not seem to have an impact on the final visual acuity (P = 0.48). Main graft-related complications included graft-host vascularization (7/127), stromal graft rejection (4/127), graft infection (1/127), and persistent epithelial defect (1/127). CONCLUSIONS: Deep lamellar keratoplasty provides a safer and successful alternative to penetrating keratoplasty for keratoconus patients but remains a challenging procedure. Endothelial graft rejection is absent after DALKP. However, stromal graft rejection, although very rare, does occur.

Microbial keratitis after amniotic membrane transplantation.

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of early-onset (<30 days) and late-onset (>30 days) microbial keratitis after treatment of persistent corneal epithelial defects with amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) utilizing tissue acquired from a commercial laboratory or prepared by the institutional eye bank. METHODS: A retrospective, non-randomized, sequential, comparative study was performed for every patient with a persistent corneal epithelial defect who underwent primary AMT at KKESH between January 1, 2003 and June 30, 2004. RESULTS: A total of 142 AMT procedures were performed for persistent corneal epithelial defects during the study period. There were 72 cases using commercially prepared tissue and 70 cases using locally prepared tissue. The mean patient age was 50.3+/-25.6 years (range, 1-104 years). The mean follow up was 6.3+/-5.0 months (range, 1-21 months). There were no cases of early-onset microbial keratitis in cases in which either commercially acquired tissue or locally prepared tissue was used. CONCLUSION: Amniotic tissue prepared in a commercial laboratory or by properly qualified eye bank personnel may be used for AMT in eyes with persistent corneal epithelial defects with minimal risk of microbial keratitis in the first postoperative month.