Topical erythropoietin for the management of scleral necrosis after ocular chemical burns.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of topical erythropoietin for chemical burn induced scleral necrosis. METHODS: This study included 18 eyes of 16 patients with chemical burn induced scleral necrosis who presented within 6 weeks of the injury. In the prospective arm, 11 eyes received topical erythropoietin, 3000 IU/mL every 6 h, along with standard medical treatment. Retrospectively, we included 7 consecutive eyes of 7 patients who were managed with conventional treatment as historical control group. The main outcome measure was healing of avascular scleral lesions. The secondary outcome measure was complete re-epithelization of cornea. RESULTS: Mean patient age was 39.8 ± 16.2 years in the erythropoietin group, and they presented 16.6 ± 15.2 days after acute chemical injury. Scleral necrosis improved in all eyes after 30.7 ± 23.2 days of treatment with topical erythropoietin. Corneal epithelial defects were completely healed in 10 eyes 61.9 ± 50.7 days after the start of the medication. In comparison, standard medical treatment alone did not improve scleral necrosis in the historical control group, necessitating ocular surface reconstruction including conjunctival advancement (1 eye) and tenonplasty (6 eyes). CONCLUSION: The results of our study showed that topical erythropoietin was effective in the management of chemical burn induced scleral necrosis. This treatment could avoid ocular surface reconstruction procedures in inflamed eyes.

Late-Onset Haze and Severe Corneal Flattening after Combined Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking and Photorefractive Keratectomy (CXL Plus): A Case Report.

Introduction: Significant corneal flattening and haze are important complications that can occur after combined corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) and photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) procedures (CXL Plus). Case Presentation: We present a 24-year-old man who underwent combined standard CXL and PRK. The patient experienced satisfactory vision for approximately 4 years after the surgery. However, after this period, he began to complain of visual blurring. Subsequent examination revealed significant corneal haze, excessive flattening in both eyes, and thinning (thinnest point 227 µm in the right eye, 244 µm in the left eye) 4 years postoperatively. Upon presentation, the corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) was 20/200 in the right eye and 20/400 in the left eye. The presenting refraction was +2.50 sph, -3.50 cyl *114 in the right eye and +11.5 sph, -9.75 cyl *81 in the left eye. With rigid gas permeable contact lenses, the corrected visual acuity was 20/50 in both eyes. Before the CXL Plus surgery, initial refraction and CDVA were 20/50 in the right eye (-5.50 sph, -3.00 cyl *175) and 20/30 in the left eye (-5.50 sph, -2.75 cyl *175). The patient was treated by penetrating keratoplasty. The CDVA reached 20/30 at the final follow-up. Conclusion: Our report highlights significant corneal haze and flattening that occurred 4 years after combined CXL and PRK treatment. These findings suggest that this procedure might not be safe in suspected patients of keratoconus. Further long-term follow-up research is necessary to evaluate the safety of combined CXL and PRK procedures.

Suture-related complications after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty for keratoconus.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence of suture-related complications, their risk factors, and effects on the clinical outcomes after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) for keratoconus. METHODS: In this retrospective, comparative, interventional study, the records of consecutive patients with keratoconus who underwent DALK were reviewed for suture-related complications. Univariate analyses were used to identify risk factors for suture complications. We compared groups with and without suture-related complications to evaluate the effects of these complications on clinical outcomes after DALK. RESULTS: Of the 633 DALKs, 438 eyes (69.2%) developed suture complications including loose sutures (32.7%), spontaneous suture rupture (30%), sterile suture abscesses (22.8%), suture tract vascularization (16.4%), suture erosion (10.3%), and suture cheese wiring (6.8%). Vernal keratoconjunctivitis increased the incidence of sterile suture infiltration, premature suture loosening, and suture tract vascularization. Loose suture was observed more commonly in larger graft size, while spontaneous suture rupture was associated with late suture removal. There was no statistically significant difference in postoperative outcomes including visual acuity, refraction, graft rejection, and failure in eyes with and without suture complications. However, suture-related complications were directly associated with sight-threatening ocular morbidities, including graft rejection (39 eyes), ulcer (1 eye), and failure (2 eyes). CONCLUSION: Suture-related complications frequently occurred after DALK for keratoconus. Ocular surface inflammation, large grafts, and late suture removal increased the risk of suture-related complications. While these complications had no negative impact on clinical outcomes in the majority of cases, some of them led to sight-threatening morbidity, underlining the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

Lately Diagnosed Acanthamoeba Keratitis Manifesting as an Intrastromal Corneal Abscess: A Case Report.

ABSTRACT: A 42-year-old female contact lens wearer presented to a local emergency department with a 3-day history of decreased vision and ocular discomfort in her right eye. She was started on topical fluorometholone and oral acyclovir with initial diagnosis of herpes simplex keratitis. After 3 weeks of worsening symptoms, she was diagnosed with bacterial corneal ulcer and treated with levofloxacin eye drops every 2 hr. After 14 days of no improvement, she was referred to our clinic for further workup. Slitlamp examination demonstrated a solitary dense 3×3-mm infiltration involving anterior and central corneal stroma. The overlying epithelium was intact, and there was no subepithelial infiltration, radial perineuritis, keratic precipitates, or anterior chamber reaction. Corneal sensation was normal. Confocal microscopy and corneal biopsy were definitive for Acanthamoeba infection. The patient received polyhexamethylene biguanide 0.02% every 2 hr and oral ketoconazole 200 mg twice a day, which resulted in improvement in her signs and symptoms within 10 days. The medications were gradually tapered off over 5 months per clinical response. At the 9-month follow-up visit, the best-corrected visual acuity was 5/10 with a superficial central stromal scar at slitlamp examination. Acanthamoeba infection should be considered in contact lens wearers who present with intrastromal corneal abscess.

Laser in situ keratomileusis versus Artisan lens implantation in correcting ametropia after penetrating keratoplasty for keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To compare the long-term safety and efficacy of laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) with Artisan phakic intraocular lens implantation to correct refractive errors after penetrating keratoplasty (PK) for keratoconus. METHODS: This retrospective comparative interventional case series included a total of 33 consecutive keratoconus eyes that had previous PK and received subsequent LASIK (n = 16) or Artisan lens implantation (n = 17) were included in this study. Outcome measures were uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), refractive error, and complications. RESULTS: Postoperatively, the UDVA of ≥20/40 was achieved in none of the LASIK group compared to 62.5% of eyes in the Artisan group (P < 0.001); the respective values for CDVA of ≥20/40 were 87.5 and 94.1% (P = 0.51). Spherical equivalent refraction decreased from - 6.97 ± 1.50 D preoperatively to - 4.20 ± 2.05 D postoperatively in the LASIK group (P < 0.001) and from - 10.79 ± 2.15 D preoperatively to - 2.13 ± 1.23 D postoperatively in the Artisan group (P < 0.001). There was no significant change in the refractive astigmatism in LASIK group (P = 0.30) or Artisan group (P = 0.11). The efficacy and safety indices were significantly better for Artisan (0.82 ± 0.34 and 1.13 ± 0.30, respectively) than for LASIK (0.22 ± 0.17 and 0.85 ± 0.24, respectively, P ≤ 0.006 for both comparisons). While refractive error changed significantly from postoperative year 3 to the final visit in the LASIK group, it remained stable in the Artisan group through follow-up period. No significant complications were observed in any group. CONCLUSION: Artisan lens implantation provided superior and stable visual outcomes compared to LASIK for the management of post PK refractive errors in keratoconus eyes.

A Modified Formula for Intraocular Lens Power Calculation Based on Aphakic Refraction in a Pediatric Population.

Purpose: To investigate and optimize the accuracy of aphakic refraction (AR) techniques for secondary intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation in aphakic children. Methods: Thirty-three aphakic eyes of 18 patients who were candidates for secondary IOL implantation were enrolled in the present study. Axial length (AL) measured by optical biometry was used in the biometric formula (SRK-T, Holladay II, and Hoffer-Q). AR and spherical equivalent (SE) were used in two AR-based formulas (Ianchulev, Leccissotti). True power was calculated based on postoperative SE at three months' follow-up. Results: Regarding the postoperative SE, 13 (40%) eyes were within ± 1.00 diopters (D) and 22 (66%) were within ± 2.00 D. Median absolute error (MedAE) was predicted to be 4.4 and 7.3 D with the use of Ianchulev and Leccissotti formulas, respectively. The corresponding value was 0.8 D with the biometric formula. All eyes were deemed to have myopic refraction when using the AR-based formulas except one eye with the Ianchulev formula. The coefficient of our modified formula was 1.7 instead of 2.01 in the Ianchulev formula. MedAE with the use of new formulae was 0.5 D and was comparable with the true IOL power (P = 0.22). Conclusion: Both Ianchulev and Leccissotti formulas resulted in a significant myopic surprise in aphakic children aged between 4.5 and 14 years. The modified formula proved to determine a more accurate SE that is comparable with biometric formulas.

Penetrating Keratoplasty Versus Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty for Advanced Stage of Keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To compare visual acuity, refractive error, and complications after penetrating keratoplasty (PK) vs deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) in the management of advanced stage of keratoconus. DESIGN: Retrospective, comparative, interventional study. METHODS: This study enrolled 411 consecutive keratoconus eyes with preoperative mean keratometry ≥60 diopters (D) that received either PK (218 eyes) or DALK (193 eyes). The outcome measures were postoperative visual acuity, refraction, complications, and further surgical interventions. RESULTS: The mean follow-up duration was 77.9±46.5 and 72.9±47.8 months in the PK and DALK groups, respectively (P = .28). Compared with baseline values, postoperative visual acuity and refraction significantly improved in both groups. Postoperative corrected distance visual acuity was 0.18±0.13 and 0.26±0.19 logMAR in the PK and DALK groups, respectively (P < .001). Postoperative spherical equivalent refraction was -2.89±2.89 D after PK and -4.58±3.62 D after DALK (P < .001). Final keratometric astigmatism was comparable between the 2 groups (P = .82). Suture-related complications were observed in 48.6% of the PK eyes and 72.0% of the DALK eyes (P < .001). The incidence of graft rejection was 33.5% after PK and 19.7% after DALK (P = .002). At the last visit, 98.2% of PK grafts and 94.8% of DALK grafts remained clear (P = .06). CONCLUSION: Both techniques of corneal transplantation led to a significant improvement in the visual and refractive variables in eyes with advanced keratoconus. PK resulted in a better visual acuity and refraction with less suture-related complications compared to DALK. However, PK was associated with a higher rate of graft rejection. The 2 techniques were comparable in terms of graft survival.

Capsulectomy Shunt Revision versus Repeat Shunt Implantation Following Ahmed Glaucoma Valve Failure in Refractory Glaucoma.

PURPOSE: To investigate the efficacy of capsulectomy shunt revision (CSR) compared with the implantation of a second Ahmed glaucoma valve (re-AGV) in glaucoma patients with failed shunts. DESIGN: Quasi-experimental study. SUBJECTS: Forty-six eyes with failed Ahmed glaucoma valves (AGVs) were included in the study; 25 underwent CSR, whereas 21 underwent re-AGV. METHODS: Patients were scheduled for CSR or re-AGV based on the appearance and accessibility of the existing AGV versus the feasibility for re-AGV in other quadrants. The CSR involved incision and dissection down to the thick fibrous capsule around the AGV plate, which was excised extensively. For re-AGV, the second shunt was implanted in the supranasal or infranasal quadrants. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Surgical success, defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) > 5 mmHg, ≤ 21 mmHg, IOP reduction ≥ 20% from baseline, and no reoperation for glaucoma. Secondary outcome measures were IOP, number of glaucoma medications, and complications during a 12-month follow-up period. RESULTS: Mean IOP was significantly lower than preoperative values at all time points in both study groups (P < 0.001). Intraocular pressure decreased significantly from 28.3 ± 5.04 mmHg at baseline to 16.4 ± 2.4 mmHg at final follow-up in the capsulectomy group (P = 0.002). Corresponding IOP values for re-AGV were 30.99 ± 6.2 and 13.6 ± 3.8 mmHg, respectively (P = 0.001). Intraocular pressure in the CSR group was higher than re-AGV during the study (P = 0.003). The cumulative probability of success at 12 months was significantly higher in the re-AGV group (87.5% vs 53.3%, P = 0.002). There was no significant difference in the number of glaucoma medications and overall complications rate between the study groups. Wound leakage was the only complication more common in the CSR group (P = 0.012). CONCLUSION: In the eyes with a failed AGV, re-AGV and CSR are both effective. Implantation of a second shunt seems more effective than the surgical revision of an existing device; however, the latter procedure may be a viable option in selected cases. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Clinical Outcomes of Femtosecond Laser-assisted Implantation of 325-Degree Versus 340-Degree Arc Length Intracorneal Ring Segments in Naive Keratoconic Eyes.

Purpose: To evaluate and compare clinical outcomes after femtosecond laser-assisted implantation of 325-degree versus 340-degree arc length intracorneal ring segments (ICRS) in eyes with keratoconus (KCN). Methods: In this prospective non-randomized interventional case series, 23 eyes of 21 patients diagnosed with KCN, underwent femtosecond laser-assisted implantation of two types of ICRS, which included a 325-degree ICRS (Group 325) and a 340-degree ICRS (Group 340). The primary outcome measures were uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), and the secondary outcome measures included corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), sphere, cylinder, mean refractive spherical equivalent (MRSE), keratometry, vectorial change in corneal astigmatism, and the location of maximum keratometry relative to the corneal apex. The study groups were compared using the primary and secondary outcome measures obtained at postoperative months six and 12. Results: Groups 325 and 340 consisted of 10 and 13 eyes, respectively. The two groups were comparable in terms of parameters measured preoperatively. On comparison to the baseline values, both study groups exhibited a significant increase in UDVA and CDVA measured at postoperative month six (Ps < 0.05) and a significant decrease in the sphere, cylinder, spherical equivalent refraction, and keratometry readings measured at postoperative months six and 12 (Ps < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of visual, refractive, and keratometric outcomes at any time point. No intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed in any of the study groups. Conclusion: Both the 325-degree ICRS and the 340-degree ICRS effectively and equally improved visual, refractive, and keratometric outcomes in keratoconic eyes.

Scientific Publications and Subject Clusters in the Field of Glaucoma: A Scientometric Analysis.

Purpose: To analyze the glaucoma research in the Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus to determine the top features, trends, and subject clusters. Methods: In this scientometric study, all glaucoma publications in Scopus and WoS were analyzed based on various characteristics such as authors, journals, and co-word analysis. Data analysis was conducted using both Excel and VOSviewer. Results: A gradual increase in the publication rate was found for articles in the field of glaucoma in both Scopus and WoS databases. In this regard, most publications were conducted in the USA and the University of California System. The co-word network was constituted of five clusters, including glaucoma, intraocular pressure, open-angle glaucoma, visual acuity, and optic disc. It showed that the top 10 highly cited articles were more addressed by epidemiologic studies. Conclusions: The findings of this study had a more precise vision of the previous research on the field of glaucoma. It also provided the possibility to discover hidden patterns and emerging events of a subject by explaining the most essential aspects of research and identifying the areas that need more research. The findings could be useful for authors and health policymakers in academia and countries.

Risk of Induction of Corneal Neovascularization with Topical Erythropoietin: An Animal Safety Study.

Purpose: To evaluate the pro-angiogenic effect of topical erythropoietin on cornea in chemical burn-injured rabbit eyes. Methods: The corneal alkali-burn injury was induced in 10 eyes of 10 rabbits using filter paper saturated with 1.0 mol sodium hydroxide. The eyes were categorized into the treatment group (n = 5) that received topical erythropoietin (3000 IU/mL) every 8 hr for one month versus the control group (n = 5) that received normal saline every 8 hr for one month. All eyes were treated with topical ciprofloxacin every 8 hr until corneal re-epithelialization was complete. Corneal epithelial defects, stromal opacity, and neovascularization were evaluated after the injury. At the conclusion of the study, the rabbits were euthanized and their corneas were submitted to histopathological examination. Results: Baseline characteristics including the rabbits' weight and the severity of corneal injury were comparable in two groups. Time to complete corneal re-epithelialization was 37 days in the treatment group and 45 days in the control group (P = 0.83). There was no significant difference between the groups in the rate of epithelial healing or corneal opacification. Clinical and microscopic corneal neovascularization was observed in one eye (20%) in the treatment group and two eyes (40%) in the control group (P = 0.49). Conclusion: Recombinant human erythropoietin administered topically did not induce vessel formation in rabbit corneas after chemical burn.

Recurrent Conjunctival Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Intraocular Tumor Extension after Topical Erythropoietin: A Case Report.

Topical erythropoietin has been recently introduced for the treatment of avascular conjunctival and scleral lesions. Before this treatment can be routinely used, however, its safety profile and contraindications should be determined. Herein, we report a case of recurrent conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and intraocular tumor extension after treatment with topical erythropoietin for excisional biopsy-induced scleral necrosis. An 87-year-old man underwent excisional biopsy for a conjunctival leukoplakic mass. Histological examination showed a well-differentiated SCC on the postoperative day 10. All borders of the specimen were reported to be involved with tumoral cells. The patient did not receive further surgical intervention or topical mitomycin since he developed surgically induced scleral necrosis on the postoperative day 14. Topical erythropoietin 3,000 IU/mL was started every 6 h, and avascular scleral lesion healed over 21 days of treatment with topical erythropoietin. However, 4 months after complete improvement, the tumor recurred with extension into the anterior chamber. Ultrasound biomicroscopy showed the involvement of sclera, iris root, and ciliary body with blunting of the anterior chamber angle. Orbital extension was not detected in magnetic resonance imaging. Topical erythropoietin administered in eyes with a history of conjunctival SCC could be linked to tumor recurrence and intraocular invasion. We recommend avoiding topical erythropoietin in eyes with existing conjunctival SCC or a previous history of conjunctival SCC that was incompletely removed.

Progressive ectropion uveae and secondary angle-closure glaucoma in type 1 neurofibromatosis.

PURPOSE: To present a case of progressive ectropion uveae and secondary angle-closure glaucoma in association with type 1 neurofibromatosis (NF-1). OBSERVATION: An 11-year-old-Hispanic-male with a known history of NF-1 who was followed for the ocular manifestations of NF-1 developed an irregular pupil and ectropion uveae in the right eye at the age of 3 years that gradually increased in severity. The area of ectropion uveae increased in size and extended superiorly with concurrent superior synechial angle closure and intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation. The patient subsequently developed chronic angle-closure glaucoma that could not be controlled with medical therapy. He underwent successful implantation of an aqueous drainage device which resulted in excellent intraocular pressure reduction. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: Ectropion uveae can be progressive and lead to the development of extensive angle closure in patients with NF-1. Despite the low incidence of glaucoma in patients with NF-1, the presence of ectropion uveae in this condition necessitates careful observation of the anterior segment, including the anterior chamber angle and close monitoring of the IOP.

Trabeculotomy Versus Combined Trabeculotomy-Trabeculectomy for Management of Primary Congenital Glaucoma.

PRCIS: Trabeculotomy (T) alone is as safe and effective as combined trabeculotomy-trabeculectomy (TT) in patients with primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) and requires significantly fewer examinations under anesthesia in the postoperative period. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of T and combined TT as the initial surgical procedure for patients with PCG. METHODS: In this retrospective study, medical records of patients who had undergone T or TT as the initial procedure for PCG were reviewed. The primary outcome measure was a surgical success, defined as 5≤ intraocular pressure (IOP) ≤21 mm Hg, IOP reduction of at least 20% with no need for further glaucoma surgery. Secondary outcome measures were the number of glaucoma medications and complications. RESULTS: A total of 134 eyes from 134 patients with a mean follow-up of 8±6.6 years were included consisting of 106 and 28 eyes, which had undergone T and TT, respectively. Success rates were comparable with both surgical procedures at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years with no statistically significant difference. IOP was significantly decreased from 27.5±4.2 mm Hg preoperatively to 15.62±3.4 mm Hg at the 5-year follow-up visit in the T group and from 25.3±6.5 to 17.1±3.2 mm Hg in the TT group (P=0.1) there was no significant difference between the 2 groups in the number of glaucoma medications (P=0.2). Patients in the T group required significantly fewer examinations under anesthesia than the TT group (7.3±4.4 vs. 10.1±3.9, P=0.04). CONCLUSION: Trabeculotomy alone seems as effective as combined trabeculotomy-trabeculectomy and may significantly reduce exposure to anesthesia in primary congenital glaucoma patients.

Use of erythropoietin in ophthalmology: a review.

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a glycoprotein hormone that regulates hematopoiesis in the human body. The presence of EPO and its receptors in different tissues indicates that this hormone has extramedullary effects in other tissues, including the eye. We focus on the biological roles of this hormone in the development and normal physiologic functions of the eye. Furthermore, we explore the role of EPO in the management of different ocular diseases - including diabetic retinopathy, retinopathy of prematurity, inherited retinal degeneration, branch and central retinal vein occlusion, retinal detachment, traumatic optic neuropathy, optic neuritis, methanol optic neuropathy, nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, glaucoma, and scleral necrosis.

Topical Erythropoietin for Treatment of Scleral Necrosis.

PURPOSE: To investigate the safety and efficacy of topical erythropoietin for the treatment of scleral necrosis. METHODS: This study enrolled eight consecutive patients with scleral necrosis due to previous ocular surgery, rheumatoid arthritis-associated necrotizing anterior scleritis, and thermal and chemical burns. Conventional treatments failed to heal avascular scleral lesions in all eyes. Patients were treated with topical erythropoietin (3000 IU/mL) four times a day. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 37.6 ± 15.5 years. The interval between the development of scleral necrosis and initiation of topical erythropoietin was 25.6 ± 12.0 days. The necrotic sclera completely healed within 31.9 ± 16.9 days in all patients. The avascular lesions did not recur, and there was no evidence of side effects during the study. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that topical erythropoietin could be safely used to manage scleral necrosis. Randomized clinical trials are needed to further explore the efficacy of this intervention in patients with avascular scleral lesions.

The Inhibitory Effect of Connective Tissue Growth Factor Antibody on Postoperative Fibrosis in a Rabbit Model of Trabeculectomy.

Purpose: To compare the efficacy of subconjunctival injection of an anti-connective tissue growth factor antibody (anti-CTGF) versus mitomycin-C (MMC) and placebo in reducing scar formation in a rabbit model of trabeculectomy. Methods: A total of 14 rabbits were included. Nine rabbits underwent trabeculectomy with subconjunctival injections of either anti-CTGF antibody, MMC, or balanced salt solution (BSS), each administered in three eyes, before peritomy. The anti-CTGF group received a repeated dose of the antibody five days after surgery. All nine rabbits were euthanized on day 14; the globes were stained with hematoxylin & eosin, Masson's Trichrome, and immunohistochemistry for detecting alpha-smooth muscle (α-SMA) actin. RNA extraction was performed on five eyes of the remaining rabbits which included one eye without any surgery, one eye 5 hr after trabeculectomy without any injection, one eye five days after trabeculectomy without any injection, and two eyes five days after trabeculectomy with administration of MMC and BSS, respectively. Results: The mean bleb area in the anti-CTGF, MMC, and control groups was 3.8 ± 1.45, 5.9 ± 1.4, and 3.5 ± 1.9 mm2, respectively. Collagenous tissue was found to occupy the bleb area by 13.7%, 13.5%, and 18.5%, respectively. This ratio was significantly higher in the BSS group (P = 0.04). The expression of CTGF mRNA after 5 hr and five days in eyes undergoing trabeculectomy were significantly more pronounced as compared to the unoperated eye. The mean H-SCORE of α-SMA-immune reactive cells calculated as the grade of staining multiplied by the percentage of immune stained cells was 14.6, 10.22, and 140.58 in the anti-CTGF, MMC, and control groups, respectively. While the control eyes had a significantly higher score (Ps < 0.001), the anti-CTGF and MMC groups were comparable (P = 0.87). Conclusion: Based on the results of this animal study, the anti-CTGF antibody injection resulted in a significant reduction in collagenous tissue and myofibroblast cells after trabeculectomy.

The Influence of Near Vision Tasks on Intraocular Pressure in Normal Subjects and Glaucoma Patients.

Purpose: To investigate the effect of static accommodative tasks on intraocular pressure (IOP) of glaucomatous and normal eyes. Methods: Four groups of subjects categorized as primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), primary angle-closure suspects (PACS), normal age-matched controls, and normal young adults (NYA; age < 40 years) were enrolled. The baseline IOPs were measured after the subjects were looking at a distant target for 15 min. Static accommodation was obtained by execution of near vision tasks (reading at 33 cm in daylight [300 lux] for 60 min). IOPs were measured at 15, 30, 45, and 60 min intervals while accommodating and then measured again after 15 min of relaxing accommodation while looking at a distant target. Results: One-hundred and eighteen eyes of 98 subjects were recruited. The study groups consisted of the following categories: 25 POAG (46 eyes), 24 PACS (47 eyes), 25 matched controls (50 eyes), and 24 NYA (48 eyes). Within all groups, the mean IOP decreased throughout the accommodation period at all time points. Maximum IOP reduction after accommodation was detected at the 30-min time among the POAG subjects, at the 45-min time in the PACS and matched control groups, and at 15 min after the relaxation of accommodation in the NYA group. IOP reduction levels showed no statistically significant difference among POAG, PACS, and the normal matched groups in their response to accommodation. However, NYA had significantly lower IOP and greater IOP reduction after the resting period (relaxation of accommodation). Conclusion: Static accommodative tasks can significantly reduce IOP in normal, POAG, and PACS individuals. Encouraging glaucoma patients to practice periodical near vision tasks could be viewed as an adjunctive measure for glaucoma management.

Ocular Manifestations of the Sturge-Weber Syndrome.

Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) or encephalotrigeminal angiomatosis is a non-inherited congenital disorder characterized by neurologic, skin, and ocular abnormalities. A somatic activating mutation (R183Q) in the GNAQ gene during early embryogenesis has been recently recognized as the etiology of vascular abnormalities in SWS. Approximately, half of the patients with SWS manifest ocular involvement including glaucoma as the most common ocular abnormality followed by choroidal hemangioma (CH). The underlying pathophysiology of glaucoma in SWS has not been completely understood yet. Early onset glaucoma comprising 60% of SWS glaucoma have lower success rates after medical and surgical treatments compared with primary congenital glaucoma. Primary angle surgery is associated with modest success in the early onset SWS glaucoma while the success rate significantly decreases in late onset glaucoma. Filtration surgery is associated with a higher risk of intraoperative and postoperative choroidal effusion and suprachoroidal hemorrhage. CH is reported in 40-50% of SWS patients. The goal of treatment in patients with CH is to induce involution of the hemangioma, with reduction of subretinal and intraretinal fluid and minimal damage to the neurosensory retina. The decision for treating diffuse CHs highly depends on the patient's visual acuity, the need for glaucoma surgery, the presence of subretinal fluid (SRF), its chronicity, and the potential for visual recovery.

Anterior Scleritis Manifesting After Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Report of Two Cases.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to report 2 patients with anterior scleritis manifesting after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS: The patients with confirmed COVID-19 developed anterior scleritis after their systemic symptoms were markedly improved. A thorough systemic workup identified no underlying autoimmune diseases. Ocular characteristics and safety and efficacy of systemic immunosuppressive therapy were evaluated. RESULTS: Case 1 was a 67-year-old woman who presented with necrotizing anterior scleritis in both eyes 3 weeks after the onset of COVID-19. One-week treatment with topical betamethasone and oral prednisolone (65 mg daily) did not result in improvement, so she was started on intravenous cyclophosphamide and subcutaneous adalimumab in addition to oral prednisolone. Necrotizing scleritis was gradually improved over 3 months. Case 2 was a 33-year-old man who presented with sectoral anterior scleritis in his right eye 2 weeks after the onset of COVID-19. He was started on topical betamethasone and oral prednisolone (85 mg daily). One week later, all signs and symptoms disappeared, and topical and oral corticosteroids were gradually tapered off over 2 weeks. There was no recurrence of respiratory symptoms or active scleritis in any cases after discontinuation of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: These cases suggest that COVID-19 can be associated with anterior scleritis, which responds to immunosuppressive and biologic agents. Ophthalmologists should consider anterior scleritis in patients with COVID-19 who present with ocular pain and redness during the convalescent phase of the illness.