Topical 5-Fluorouracil 0.5% as primary treatment for Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of topical treatment with 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) 0.5% in cases of Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia (OSSN), and to assess the tolerance of patients undergoing treatment. METHODS: Patients with clinical diagnosis of OSSN referred to the Ocular Oncology division from the Federal University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, were recruited for the current study. Patients were treated with topical 5-FU 0.5% using a regimen of 4 times daily for 10 days, followed by a 3-week drug holiday, continued up to 3 cycles before an alternative treatment. Lesions were evaluated at baseline and throughout treatment. Treatment adherence was assessed using the Morisky Medication Adherence scale. Any adverse events along the treatment were noted. RESULTS: A total of 30 eyes of 30 patients adherent to the treatment were included in the study. Among the total cases treated with 5-FU 0.5%, 24 patients achieved therapeutic success after a mean treatment duration of 21.71 ± 7.77 days, representing a success rate of 80.00% (95% CI: 60.75-91.18%). For each 1 mm2 increase in the lesion area, the odds of treatment success decrease by 6% (OR: 0.94; 95%CI: 0.88-0.99; p = 0.033). Only mild adverse events such as ocular discomfort, ocular burning and tearing were observed along the treatment in 8 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Topical 5-FU 0.5% is an effective therapeutic option in the treatment of OSSN, with an 80% therapeutic success rate, showing good tolerability. The size of the lesion was identified as a factor influencing treatment success, therefore it should be taken into consideration when defining treatment approaches.

Ocular metastases profile in a tertiary hospital in São Paulo, Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: Ocular metastases are the most common intraocular tumours in adults. Data regarding the occurrence of these tumours in the Brazilian population is scarce. We aimed to investigate the profile of ocular metastases of patients referred to tertiary hospital service in São Paulo, Brazil. DESIGN: Retrospective study. PARTICIPANTS: Patients referred to the Ocular Oncology service of the Federal University of São Paulo with initial diagnostic hypothesis of ocular metastasis. METHODS: Data was retrospectively collected from medical records from June 2017 to June 2023. Age, sex, primary tumour site, previous knowledge of the systemic diagnosis, laterality, initial visual acuity (VA), local or systemic treatment and mean follow-up period were obtained. RESULTS: A total of 37 cases were referred to the ocular oncology division due to a suspected ocular metastasis, 15 (40.5%) were confirmed. Mean age at diagnosis was 53.47 ± 16.01 years old, the majority (86.7%) of patients already knew the systemic diagnosis. Breast cancer (66.7%) was the most common primary site, followed by Lung cancer (26.7%). Both eyes were affected in 66.67% of the cases, all patients had metastases at the choroid (100.0%), and the mean initial VA was 1.37 ± 1.04 logMAR. Chemotherapy was the main systemic treatment modality (73.3%), and most patients had no ocular treatment (53.3%). The mortality rate along the follow-up period was 30.0%. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the number of new patients absorbed by the Ocular Oncology service over the study period, the frequency of ocular metastases was relatively low. The patients' characteristics was comparable to data published in the international literature.

Impression cytology of ocular surface in xeroderma pigmentosum.

PURPOSE: To describe cellular alterations detected by impression cytology of the ocular surface in patients with xeroderma pigmentosum. The secondary objective was to assess the reliability of impression cytology in diagnosing ocular surface squamous neoplasia. METHODS: Patients with xeroderma pigmentosum underwent a single-day complete ophthalmological examination and impression cytology for ocular surface evaluation using 13 mm diameter mixed cellulose esters membrane filters and combined staining with Periodic Acid Schiff, Hematoxylin and Eosin, and Papanicolaou stains followed by microscopic analysis. The cytological findings were correlated with the clinical diagnosis. The impression cytology findings at baseline and one-year follow-up were correlated with the clinical course (no tumor, treated tumor, residual tumor recurrent tumor, new tumor). RESULTS: Of the 42 patients examined, impression cytology was performed in 62 eyes of 34 participants (65% females). The mean age of patients was 29.6 ± 17 years (range 7-62). Fifteen eyes had a clinical diagnosis of ocular surface squamous neoplasia. Impression cytology showed goblet cells (47, 75%), inflammatory cells (12, 19%), keratinization (5, 8%), and squamous metaplasia (30, 48%). Impression cytology was positive for atypical cells in 18 patients (12 with and 6 without ocular surface squamous neoplasia). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of impression cytology (at baseline) for diagnosis of ocular surface squamous neoplasia were 80%, 87%, 67%, and 93%, respectively, using clinical diagnosis of ocular surface squamous neoplasia as the reference standard. CONCLUSION: Impression cytology has a moderate positive predictive value for the diagnosis of ocular surface squamous neoplasia in patients with xeroderma pigmentosum. However, the lack of detection of atypical cells on impression cytology has a high negative predictive value for ocular surface squamous neoplasia. Integration of impression cytology in the long-term management of high-risk patients, such as patients with xeroderma pigmentosum, can avoid unnecessary diagnostic biopsies.

Evaluation of Meibomian gland dysfunction using meibography in patients with xeroderma pigmentosum.

PURPOSE: To assess Meibomian gland dysfunction using meibography in patients with xeroderma pigmentosum and correlate with ocular surface changes. METHODS: This cross-sectional study evaluated patients with xeroderma pigmentosum. All patients underwent a comprehensive and standardized interview. The best-corrected visual acuity of each eye was determined. Detailed ophthalmic examination was conducted, including biomicroscopy examination of the ocular surface, Schirmer test type I, and meibography, and fundus examination was also performed when possible. Meibomian gland dysfunction was assessed by non-contact meibography using Oculus Keratograph® 5M (OCULUS Inc., Arlington, WA, USA). Saliva samples were collected using the Oragene DNA Self-collection kit (DNA Genotek Inc., Ottawa, Canada), and DNA was extracted as recommended by the manufacturer. Factors associated with abnormal meiboscores were assessed using generalized estimating equation models. RESULTS: A total of 42 participants were enrolled, and 27 patients underwent meibography. The meiboscore was abnormal in the upper eyelid in 8 (29.6%) patients and in the lower eyelid in 17 (62.9%). The likelihood of having abnormal meiboscores in the lower eyelid was 16.3 times greater than that in the upper eyelid. In the final multivariate model, age (p=0.001), mutation profile (p=0.006), and presence of ocular surface malignant tumor (OSMT) (p=0.014) remained significant for abnormal meiboscores. For a 1-year increase in age, the likelihood of abnormal meiboscores increased by 12%. Eyes with OSMT were 58.8 times more likely to have abnormal meiboscores than eyes without ocular surface malignant tumor. CONCLUSION: In the final model, age, xeroderma pigmentosum profile, previous cancer, and clinical alterations on the eyelid correlated with a meiboscore of ≥2. Meibomian gland dysfunction was common in patients with xeroderma pigmentosum, mainly in the lower eyelid. The severity of Meibomian gland dysfunction increases with age and is associated with severe eyelid changes.

Evaluation of Meibomian gland dysfunction using meibography in patients with xeroderma pigmentosum

ABSTRACT Purpose: To assess Meibomian gland dysfunction using meibography in patients with xeroderma pigmentosum and correlate with ocular surface changes. Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated patients with xeroderma pigmentosum. All patients underwent a comprehensive and standardized interview. The best-corrected visual acuity of each eye was determined. Detailed ophthalmic examination was conducted, including biomicroscopy examination of the ocular surface, Schirmer test type I, and meibography, and fundus examination was also performed when possible. Meibomian gland dysfunction was assessed by non-contact meibography using Oculus Keratograph® 5M (OCULUS Inc., Arlington, WA, USA). Saliva samples were collected using the Oragene DNA Self-collection kit (DNA Genotek Inc., Ottawa, Canada), and DNA was extracted as recommended by the manufacturer. Factors associated with abnormal meiboscores were assessed using generalized estimating equation models. Results: A total of 42 participants were enrolled, and 27 patients underwent meibography. The meiboscore was abnormal in the upper eyelid in 8 (29.6%) patients and in the lower eyelid in 17 (62.9%). The likelihood of having abnormal meiboscores in the lower eyelid was 16.3 times greater than that in the upper eyelid. In the final multivariate model, age (p=0.001), mutation profile (p=0.006), and presence of ocular surface malignant tumor (OSMT) (p=0.014) remained significant for abnormal meiboscores. For a 1-year increase in age, the likelihood of abnormal meiboscores increased by 12%. Eyes with OSMT were 58.8 times more likely to have abnormal meiboscores than eyes without ocular surface malignant tumor. Conclusion: In the final model, age, xeroderma pigmentosum profile, previous cancer, and clinical alterations on the eyelid correlated with a meiboscore of ≥2. Meibomian gland dysfunction was common in patients with xeroderma pigmentosum, mainly in the lower eyelid. The severity of Meibomian gland dysfunction increases with age and is associated with severe eyelid changes.

Impression cytology of ocular surface in xeroderma pigmentosum

ABSTRACT Purpose: To describe cellular alterations detected by impression cytology of the ocular surface in patients with xeroderma pigmentosum. The secondary objective was to assess the reliability of impression cytology in diagnosing ocular surface squamous neoplasia. Methods: Patients with xeroderma pigmentosum underwent a single-day complete ophthalmological examination and impression cytology for ocular surface evaluation using 13 mm diameter mixed cellulose esters membrane filters and combined staining with Periodic Acid Schiff, Hematoxylin and Eosin, and Papanicolaou stains followed by microscopic analysis. The cytological findings were correlated with the clinical diagnosis. The impression cytology findings at baseline and one-year follow-up were correlated with the clinical course (no tumor, treated tumor, residual tumor recurrent tumor, new tumor). Results: Of the 42 patients examined, impression cytology was performed in 62 eyes of 34 participants (65% females). The mean age of patients was 29.6 ± 17 years (range 7-62). Fifteen eyes had a clinical diagnosis of ocular surface squamous neoplasia. Impression cytology showed goblet cells (47, 75%), inflammatory cells (12, 19%), keratinization (5, 8%), and squamous metaplasia (30, 48%). Impression cytology was positive for atypical cells in 18 patients (12 with and 6 without ocular surface squamous neoplasia). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of impression cytology (at baseline) for diagnosis of ocular surface squamous neoplasia were 80%, 87%, 67%, and 93%, respectively, using clinical diagnosis of ocular surface squamous neoplasia as the reference standard. Conclusion: Impression cytology has a moderate positive predictive value for the diagnosis of ocular surface squamous neoplasia in patients with xeroderma pigmentosum. However, the lack of detection of atypical cells on impression cytology has a high negative predictive value for ocular surface squamous neoplasia. Integration of impression cytology in the long-term management of high-risk patients, such as patients with xeroderma pigmentosum, can avoid unnecessary diagnostic biopsies.

Microbial keratitis in Sao Paulo, Brazil: a 10-year review of laboratory results, epidemiological features, and risk factors / Ceratite microbiana em São Paulo, Brasil: uma revisão de 10 anos dos resultados de laboratório, características epidemiológicas e fatores de risco

ABSTRACT Purpose: To study epidemiological data, laboratory results, and risk factors associated with microbial keratitis. Methods: We conducted a retrospective study of corneal sample cultures from patients with microbial keratitis from January 2010 to December 2019. Results were analyzed according to the etiological diagnosis of bacterial, mycotic, or parasitic infection and were associated with related risk factors. Results: We analyzed 4810 corneal samples from 4047 patients (mean age 47.79 ± 20.68 years; male 53.27%). The prevalence of bacterial, fungal, and Acanthamoeba infections were 69.80%, 7.31%, and 3.51%, respectively. The most frequently isolated bacteria were coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) (45.14%), S. aureus (10.02%), Pseudomonas spp. (8.80%), and Corynebacterium spp. (6.21%). Among CoNS, the main agent was S. epidermidis (n=665). For mycotic keratitis, Fusarium spp. (35.42%) and Candida parapsilosis (16.07%) were the most common agents among filamentous and yeasts isolates, respectively. Contact lens use was associated with a positive culture for Acanthamoeba spp. (OR = 19.04; p < 0.001) and Pseudomonas spp. (OR = 3.20; p < 0.001). Previous ocular trauma was associated with positive fungal cultures (OR = 1.80; p = 0.007), while older age was associated with positive bacterial culture (OR = 1.76; p = 0.001). Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated a higher positivity of corneal sample cultures for bacteria. Among those, CoNS was the most frequently identified, with S. epidermidis as the main agent. In fungal keratitis, Fusarium spp. was the most commonly isolated. Contact lens wearers had higher risks of positive cultures for Acanthamoeba spp. and Pseudomonas spp. Ocular trauma increased the risk of fungal infection, while older age increased the risk of bacterial infection.

RESUMO Objetivo: Estudar os dados epidemiológicos, resultados laboratoriais e fatores de risco associados às ceratites infecciosas. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo das amostras de cultura de córnea em pacientes com ceratites infecciosas entre Janeiro/2010 a Dezembro/2019. Os resultados foram analisados de acordo com o diagnóstico etiológico de infecção bacteriana, fúngica ou parasitária e correlacionado com os fatores de risco relacionados. Resultados: Quatro mil, oitocentas e dez amostras corneanas de 4047 pacientes (média de idade de 47,79 ± 20,68 anos; homens em sua maioria (53,7%) foram incluídas. A prevalência de infecções por bactéria, fungo e Acanthamoeba foram de 69.80%, 7,31%, and 3,51%, respectivamente. A maioria das bactérias mais frequentemente isoladas foram Staphylococcus coagulase-negativo (CoNS) (45,14%), S. aureus (10,02%), Pseudomonas spp. (8,80%), e Corynebacterium spp. (6,21%). Dentre CoNS, o principal agente foi S. epidermidis (n = 665). Nas ceratites fúngicas, Fusarium spp. (35,42%) e Candida parapsilosis (16,07%) foram os agentes mais comuns entre os filamentosos e leveduriformes, respectivamente. O uso de lentes de contato foi associado à cultura positiva para Acanthamoeba spp. (OR = 19,04; p < 0,001) e Pseudomonas spp (OR = 3,20; p < 0,001). Trauma ocular prévio foi associado a culturas positivas para fungo (OR = 1,80; p = 0,007), e idade avançada foi associada a culturas positivas para bactéria (OR = 1,76; p = 0,001). Conclusões: Nossos achados demonstraram uma maior positividade para bactérias em amostras de cultura corneana. Dentre estas, CoNS foi mais frequentemente identificado, sendo S. epidermidis o principal agente. Nas ceratites fúngicas, Fusarium spp. Foi o mais comumente isolado. O risco de positividade para Acanthamoeba spp. e Pseudomonas spp. foi maior em usuários de lentes de contato. Trauma ocular aumentou o risco de cultura positiva para fungo, ao passo que idade mais avançada aumentou o risco de infecção bacteriana.

Microbial keratitis in Sao Paulo, Brazil: a 10-year review of laboratory results, epidemiological features, and risk factors.

PURPOSE: To study epidemiological data, laboratory results, and risk factors associated with microbial keratitis. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of corneal sample cultures from patients with microbial keratitis from January 2010 to December 2019. Results were analyzed according to the etiological diagnosis of bacterial, mycotic, or parasitic infection and were associated with related risk factors. RESULTS: We analyzed 4810 corneal samples from 4047 patients (mean age 47.79 ± 20.68 years; male 53.27%). The prevalence of bacterial, fungal, and Acanthamoeba infections were 69.80%, 7.31%, and 3.51%, respectively. The most frequently isolated bacteria were coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) (45.14%), S. aureus (10.02%), Pseudomonas spp. (8.80%), and Corynebacterium spp. (6.21%). Among CoNS, the main agent was S. epidermidis (n=665). For mycotic keratitis, Fusarium spp. (35.42%) and Candida parapsilosis (16.07%) were the most common agents among filamentous and yeasts isolates, respectively. Contact lens use was associated with a positive culture for Acanthamoeba spp. (OR = 19.04; p < 0.001) and Pseudomonas spp. (OR = 3.20; p < 0.001). Previous ocular trauma was associated with positive fungal cultures (OR = 1.80; p = 0.007), while older age was associated with positive bacterial culture (OR = 1.76; p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrated a higher positivity of corneal sample cultures for bacteria. Among those, CoNS was the most frequently identified, with S. epidermidis as the main agent. In fungal keratitis, Fusarium spp. was the most commonly isolated. Contact lens wearers had higher risks of positive cultures for Acanthamoeba spp. and Pseudomonas spp. Ocular trauma increased the risk of fungal infection, while older age increased the risk of bacterial infection.

The impact of antibiotic prophylaxis with intracameral cefuroxime on postoperative infectious endophthalmitis rates in a high-volume cataract surgery center.

Our purpose was to compare postoperative infectious endophthalmitis rates before and after the introduction of antibiotic prophylaxis via intracameral with cefuroxime (ATB-P IC) in a high-volume cataract surgery service. Retrospective cohort study considering patients who underwent cataract surgery at Ophthal Hospital Especializado, São Paulo, Brazil, from January/2011 to December/2019. Patients operated from 2013 to 2019 comprised the ATB-P IC group while those operated from 2011 to 2013 formed the control group without the ATB-P IC protocol. A total of 23,184 cataract surgeries were included, with 6,207 in the Control Group and 16,977 in the ATB-P Group. A significantly higher rate of endophthalmitis was observed in the control group (0.0967%) when compared to the ATB-P group (0.0177%) (p = 0.014). Surgeries performed with ATB-P showed 80% less chance of reported endophthalmitis (OR = 0.20; 95% CI 0.05-0.72; p = 0.014) than those without ATB-P. Of the six cases confirmed by culture in the control group, all tested positive for Pseudomonas aeroginosa and the only case confirmed by culture in the ATB-P group was positive for Staphylococcus epidermidis. Our findings strongly support the use of intracameral antibiotic prophylaxis with cefuroxime to reduce postoperative infectious endophthalmitis rates, and we recommend its incorporation into cataract surgery protocols.

Toluidine blue 1% eye drop versus optical coherence tomography for margin delimitation of ocular surface squamous neoplasia.

PURPOSE: To compare the use of toluidine blue 1% eye drops with anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT) for the determination of tumour margins in patients with ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN). METHODS: The study was conducted from July 2020 to June 2021 at the Ocular Oncology department at the Federal University of São Paulo, Brazil. Slit-lamp photographs after toluidine blue staining and OCT of the anterior segment were taken on the same day from patients with OSSN. Photographs and OCT images were analyzed quantitatively using the software ImageJ and IMAGEnet®, respectively. The agreement between techniques was evaluated qualitatively through the Bland-Altman graph and quantitatively through intraclass correlation (ICC). RESULTS: A total of 21 participants (71.43% males) with a clinical diagnosis of OSSN were included in the study. The average + SD diameter along the chosen axes was 4.43 ± 2.08 mm with OCT of 4.37 ± 2.03 mm with toluidine blue, a difference not statistically significant (p = 0.2891). The Bland-Altman analysis indicated a good qualitative agreement between the methods, with all cases inserted within the limits of agreement from -0.3217 to 0.4268. The ICC quantitative analysis showed an almost perfect agreement of 99.57% (95%CI: 98.96-99.83%; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed that OCT and toluidine eye drops are equivalent in determining margins for tumour measurements, which is particularly relevant in low-income settings where anterior segment OCT is not available. The use of toluidine blue 1% could be an useful alternative to quantify the size of the tumour, help to monitor tumour growth, and outline margins for surgical planning.

Regional Disparities in Prevalence and Causes of Visual Impairment and Blindness, Cataract Surgical Coverage and Ocular Findings in Adults 50 Years and Older in Brazil: A Comparative Analysis between Two Population-Based Cross-Sectional Surveys Performed Within a 10-Year Interval.

PURPOSE: To investigate disparities in the prevalence and causes of visual impairment and blindness, cataract surgical coverage, and ocular findings in older adults from two Brazilian geo-socio-demographic areas, São Paulo and Parintins cities. METHODS: Data from two population-based studies including participants 50 years and older from the cities of São Paulo (São Paulo Eye Study - SPES, 2004) and Parintins (Brazilian Amazon Region Eye Survey - BARES, 2014) were aggregated. RESULTS: A total of 5318 participants (3677 from SPES;1641 from BARES) were included. The prevalence of severe visual impairment (SVI) and blindness were, respectively, 0.74% (0.46-1.02) and 0.77% (0.48-1.05) in SPES and 1.72% (1.09-2.35) and 3.44% (2.55-4.33) in BARES. SVI and blindness were associated with BARES study [OR = 2.27 (1.30-3.95); p = .004 - SVI] [OR:4.07 (2.51-6.60); p < .001- blindness]; and older age [OR = 10.93 (4.20-28.45); p < .001 - SPES; OR = 17.96 (8.75-36.83); p < .001 - BARES] while higher education level was a protective factor [OR = 0.21 (0.05-0.95) - SPES; p = .042; OR = 0.21 (0.05-0.91); p = .037 - BARES]. Cataract was the main cause of bilateral severe visual impairment (25.93% in SPES and 64.29% in BARES) and bilateral blindness (21.43% in SPES and 35.71% in BARES). Cataract surgical coverage was significantly lower in BARES (36.32%) compared to SPES (57.75%). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of SVI and blindness was three times higher in older adults from the Brazilian Amazon compared to those living in São Paulo city, despite a 10-year interval between the two studies. These disparities should be mitigated by initiatives to promote access to eye care services targeting underprivileged and remote Brazilian areas.

Eye-related emergency visits during the early phase of the coronavirus disease pandemic in a reference hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil / Atendimento no pronto-socorro de oftalmologia durante o início da pandemia do Covid-19 em um hospital de referência em São Paulo, Brasil

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the profile of emergency eye-related visits at a reference eye hospital in Sao Paulo during the first months of the quarantine due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and to compare it with that in the same period of the previous year. Methods: Data were obtained from the emergency department of Ophthal Hospital Especializado, Sao Paulo, Brazil. All the cases registered between March 23 and May 19, 2020, were included in the study as Group 2020. The cases registered between March 23 and May 19, 2019, were included in the study as Group 2019. Frequency tables were used for the descriptive analyses. The chi-square and Fisher exact tests were applied to compare categorical variables between the groups. Results: We observe a decrease of 46.15% in the number of cases during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 compared with the same period in 2019. We observed a significant increase in the incidence rates of the following pathologies in 2020 compared with 2019: eyelid disorders (12.3%), corneal disorders (97.1%), retinal pathologies (173.1%), refraction (62.9%), glaucoma (acute and chronic; 43.9%), scleral alterations (68.8%), trauma (39.3%), herpes (54.7%), and cataracts (549.9%). On the other hand, the incidence rates of the following disorders decreased: conjunctivitis (-33.4%), disorders of lacrimal system (-81.0%), iridocyclitis (-39.9%), and postoperative visits (-80.1%). Conclusion: During the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, we observed a drastic decrease in the number of patients who visited the emergency eye service. The main reasons for visiting were also changed, with higher frequencies of high-severity cases such as retina disturbances, cornea disturbances, glaucoma, and trauma and lower frequencies of transmittable conditions such as conjunctivitis.

RESUMO Objetivos: Avaliar o perfil das consultas de emergência oftalmológicas durante os primeiros meses de quarentena por pandemia de covid-19 em um hospital oftalmológico de referência em São Paulo e compará-lo com o mesmo período do ano anterior. Métodos: Os dados foram extraídos do serviço de emergência do Hospital Ophthal Especializado, São Paulo, Brasil. Todos os casos registrados entre 23 de março e 19 de maio de 2020 foram incluídos no estudo como Grupo 2020. Os casos registrados entre 23 de março e 19 de maio de 2019 foram incluídos no estudo como Grupo de 2019. Tabelas de frequência foram utilizadas para análises descritivas. Os testes Qui-quadrado e Exato de Fisher foram aplicados para comparar variáveis categóricas entre os grupos. Resultados: Observamos uma diminuição de 46,15% no número de casos durante a pandemia Covid-19 em 2020 quando comparado ao mesmo período sem pandemia em 2019. Foi observado um aumento significativo nos achados de pálpebra (+12,3%), córnea (+97,1%), retina (+173,1%), refração (+62,9%), glaucoma (+43,9%), esclera (+68,8%), trauma (+39,3%), herpes (+54,7%) e catarata (+549,9%) em 2020 quando comparado para 2019. Por outro lado, houve redução nos casos de conjuntivite (-33,4%), transtornos do aparelho lacrimal (-81,0%), iridociclite (-39,9%) e consultas pós-operatórias (-80,1%). Conclusão: durante a fase inicial da pandemia Covid-19, foi observada uma redução drástica no número de pacientes que procuram o serviço de emergência ocular. Houve também uma mudança nos principais motivos para visitas com frequências mais altas de casos de alta gravidade como distúrbios da retina, distúrbios da córnea, glaucoma e trauma, e frequências mais baixas de condições transmissíveis como conjuntivite.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnosis and treatment of ocular cancer / Impacto da pandemia de COVID-19 no diagnóstico e tratamento do câncer ocular

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the impact of social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic on the number of new cases and therapeutic approaches at the Ocular Oncology division from the Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Methods: A retrospective study was conducted by medical records review of new patients treated before the pandemic from March 2019 to September 2019 (pre-pandemic group) and during the pandemic from March 2020 to September 2020 (pandemic group). Data regarding age, sex, ethnicity, place of origin, clinical diagnosis, time since referral, and proposed therapy were analyzed. Results: We analyzed 186 new cases, 122 from the pre-pandemic group and 64 from the pandemic group, representing a decrease of 47.54% in new cases. There was no statistically significant change in sex, race, state of origin, history of cancer, age, or time with suspected cancer (p>0.05). A higher frequency of malignancies was observed in the pandemic group (68%) when compared to the pre-pandemic group (48.48%). Benign tumors were the most common diagnosis in the pre-pandemic group (41.80%), while conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma was the modal diagnosis in the pandemic group (31.25%). There was a decreasing trend (p=0.097) in the number of surgeries (-7.63%) and an increase in topical treatment (+10.68%). There was also a tendency to perform fewer surgeries in benign tumors and decreased follow-up visits. Conclusion: Our findings showed a significant decrease in the number of new cases referred to the Ocular Oncology service. Moreover, the pandemic led to a switch in the therapeutic approach with preference to non-invasive treatments that would demand operating rooms. A drastic increase of cases perhaps in advanced stages might be expected because of the decrease observed in the first six months of quarantine.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto do isolamento social devido à pandemia COVID-19 sobre o número de casos novos e abordagens terapêuticas. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo por revisões de prontuários de novos pacientes tratados antes da pandemia, de março de 2019 a setembro de 2019 (grupo pré-pandemia), e durante a pandemia, de março de 2020 a setembro de 2020 (grupo pandemia). Dados analisados incluíram idade, sexo, etnia, local de origem, diagnóstico clínico, tempo desde o encaminhamento e terapia proposta. Resultados: Um total de 186 novos casos foram analisados, sendo 122 do grupo pré-Pandemia e 64 do grupo Pandemia, representando uma redução de 47,54%. Não houve alteração estatisticamente signi ficativa quanto a sexo, raça, estado de origem, história do câncer, idade ou tempo de encaminhamento (p>0,05). Observou-se maior frequência de malignidades no grupo pandemia (68%) quando comparado com o grupo pré-pandemia (48,48%). Os tumores benignos foram os casos mais diagnosticados no grupo pré-pandemia (41,80%), enquanto no grupo pandemia o diagnóstico mais frequente foi o carcinoma de células escamosas de conjuntiva (31,25%). Houve tendência (p=0,097) de diminuição no número de cirurgias (-7,63%) e de aumento no tratamento tópico (+10,68%). Houve também uma tendência a diminuição de indicação cirúrgica em tumores benignos e diminuição dos retornos imediatos. Conclusão: Nossos achados mostram uma diminuição significativa no número de novos casos encaminhados ao setor de Oncologia Ocular. Além disso, a pandemia levou a uma mudança na abordagem terapêutica com preferência a tratamentos não invasivos, a fim de evitar o uso de salas de cirurgia. Um aumento drástico de casos, talvez em estágios avançados, pode ser esperado como resultado da diminuição observada nos primeiros 6 meses de quarentena.

Comparison of Ahmed glaucoma drainage implant outcomes in the anterior chamber versus pars plana.

OBJECTIVE: To compare long-term outcomes of eyes undergoing Ahmed glaucoma drainage implants in the anterior chamber versus the pars plana.Retrospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: Operated patients were divided into anterior-chamber or pars plana groups. METHODS: Follow-up data included intraocular pressure (IOP), need for antiglaucoma medications (AGMs), and postoperative complications. Treatment success was evaluated based on the following criteria: IOP ≤21 mm Hg and no AGM use, IOP ≤21 mm Hg with or without AGM use, IOP ≤18 mm Hg and no AGM use, IOP ≤18 mm Hg with or without AGM use, IOP ≤15 mm Hg and no AGM use, and IOP ≤15 mm Hg with or without AGM use. RESULTS: A total of 170 eyes were selected and split into an anterior-chamber group (n = 57) and a pars plana group (n = 113). No differences between groups were found on the decrease in IOP (p = 0.612) or number of AGMs (p = 0.695) in the postoperative period. No differences regarding corneal decompensation (p = 0.554) or retinal detachment (p = 0.168) were observed between groups. The 1-year success rates for all the criteria were, respectively, 89%, 96%, 88%, 92%, 88% and 90%; the 3-year success rates for all the criteria were, respectively, 33%, 61%, 32%, 55%, 28%, and 45%; and the 5-year success rates for all the criteria were, respectively, 7%, 48%, 7%, 36%, 4% and 17%. CONCLUSIONS: No differences between the groups were observed for long-term outcomes of IOP, AGM use, or postoperative complications. Success rates were comparable between groups, decreased along the follow-up time, and were higher when associated with AGM use.

Indigenous Eye Health in the Americas: The Burden of Vision Impairment and Ocular Diseases.

Review of the burden of vision impairment and blindness and ocular disease occurrence in Indigenous Peoples of the Americas. We systematically reviewed findings of the frequency of vision impairment and blindness and/or frequency of ocular findings in Indigenous groups. The database search yielded 2829 citations, of which 2747 were excluded. We screened the full texts of 82 records for relevance and excluded 16. The remaining 66 articles were examined thoroughly, and 25 presented sufficient data to be included. Another 7 articles derived from references were included, summing a total of 32 studies selected. When considering adults over 40 years old, the highest frequencies of vision impairment and blindness in Indigenous Peoples varied from 11.1% in high-income North America to 28.5% in tropical Latin America, whose rates are considerably higher than those in the general population. Most of the ocular diseases reported were preventable and/or treatable, so blindness prevention programs should focus on accessibility to eye examinations, cataract surgeries, control of infectious diseases, and spectacles distribution. Finally, we recommend actions in six areas of attention towards improving the eye health in Indigenous Peoples: access and integration of eye services with primary care; telemedicine; customized propaedeutics; education on eye health; and quality of data.

Impact of pterygium on central corneal thickness measured by optical coherence tomography in older adults.

PURPOSE: To measure the central corneal thickness (CCT) using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) in older adults with and without pterygium from the Brazilian Amazon Region Eye Survey (BARES). METHODS: BARES is a population-based epidemiological cross-sectional study conducted in Parintins city. Participants were residents ≥45 years of age identified through a door-to-door interview. Eligible participants were invited for a comprehensive eye exam. Pterygium occurrence and severity were assessed by ophthalmologists through slit-lamp examination considering its location (nasal or/and temporal) and severity (lesion with extension <3 mm, ≥3 mm not reaching the pupillary margin or ≥3 mm reaching the pupillary margin). CCTs were obtained and measurements from the more severely affected eye were included. Images were analyzed offline by masked observers. RESULTS: A total of 671 subjects, 533 (79.4%) with pterygium in at least one eye and 138 (20.6%) without pterygium in either eye, were examined. The mean CCT evaluated by multiple linear regression and adjusted for demographic variables and pterygium severity was 521 ± 34 µm (median = 521; range = 304-665). Decreased CCT was significantly associated with age and pterygium severity. Individuals aged 65-74 years had CCT 7 µm thinner than those aged 45-54 years (p = 0.044), individuals aged 75 years and older had CCT 15 µm thinner than those aged 45-54 years (p = 0.001), and eyes with severe pterygium had CCT 33 µm thinner than eyes without pterygium (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The CCT analysis in this population-based sample shows that a thinner cornea is associated with pterygium severity and older age.

Eye-related emergency visits during the early phase of the coronavirus disease pandemic in a reference hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the profile of emergency eye-related visits at a reference eye hospital in Sao Paulo during the first months of the quarantine due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and to compare it with that in the same period of the previous year. METHODS: Data were obtained from the emergency department of Ophthal Hospital Especializado, Sao Paulo, Brazil. All the cases registered between March 23 and May 19, 2020, were included in the study as Group 2020. The cases registered between March 23 and May 19, 2019, were included in the study as Group 2019. Frequency tables were used for the descriptive analyses. The chi-square and Fisher exact tests were applied to compare categorical variables between the groups. RESULTS: We observe a decrease of 46.15% in the number of cases during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 compared with the same period in 2019. We observed a significant increase in the incidence rates of the following pathologies in 2020 compared with 2019: eyelid disorders (12.3%), corneal disorders (97.1%), retinal pathologies (173.1%), refraction (62.9%), glaucoma (acute and chronic; 43.9%), scleral alterations (68.8%), trauma (39.3%), herpes (54.7%), and cataracts (549.9%). On the other hand, the incidence rates of the following disorders decreased: conjunctivitis (-33.4%), disorders of lacrimal system (-81.0%), iridocyclitis (-39.9%), and postoperative visits (-80.1%). CONCLUSION: During the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, we observed a drastic decrease in the number of patients who visited the emergency eye service. The main reasons for visiting were also changed, with higher frequencies of high-severity cases such as retina disturbances, cornea disturbances, glaucoma, and trauma and lower frequencies of transmittable conditions such as conjunctivitis.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the diagnosis and treatment of ocular cancer.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of social isolation due to the COVID-19 pandemic on the number of new cases and therapeutic approaches at the Ocular Oncology division from the Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted by medical records review of new patients treated before the pandemic from March 2019 to September 2019 (pre-pandemic group) and during the pandemic from March 2020 to September 2020 (pandemic group). Data regarding age, sex, ethnicity, place of origin, clinical diagnosis, time since referral, and proposed therapy were analyzed. RESULTS: We analyzed 186 new cases, 122 from the pre-pandemic group and 64 from the pandemic group, representing a decrease of 47.54% in new cases. There was no statistically significant change in sex, race, state of origin, history of cancer, age, or time with suspected cancer (p>0.05). A higher frequency of malignancies was observed in the pandemic group (68%) when compared to the pre-pandemic group (48.48%). Benign tumors were the most common diagnosis in the pre-pandemic group (41.80%), while conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma was the modal diagnosis in the pandemic group (31.25%). There was a decreasing trend (p=0.097) in the number of surgeries (-7.63%) and an increase in topical treatment (+10.68%). There was also a tendency to perform fewer surgeries in benign tumors and decreased follow-up visits. CONCLUSION: Our findings showed a significant decrease in the number of new cases referred to the Ocular Oncology service. Moreover, the pandemic led to a switch in the therapeutic approach with preference to non-invasive treatments that would demand operating rooms. A drastic increase of cases perhaps in advanced stages might be expected because of the decrease observed in the first six months of quarantine.

Unusual case of double anterior segment with two lenses and double cataract in a 6-month child.

INTRODUCTION: Anterior segment duplicity with two lenses is a rare event which pathogenesis is still unknown. Different ocular and systemic abnormalities might be associated with such event. CASE OBSERVATIONS: Hereby we describe a case of a 6-months female child referred to our service due to signs of ocular malformation in the left eye. The ocular exam showed a double anterior segment with twin lenses in one single eye, associated with double lamellar opacity and persistence of the two hyaloid arteries. The patient underwent surgical treatment with lensectomy and vitrectomy aiming visual stimulation and prevention of definitive visual loss secondary to amblyopia. CONCLUSION: In any case of ocular malformation, efforts to provide adequate visual stimulus are necessary to avoid amblyopia. In our case, the opacified lenses were removed, the patient adapted contact lenses and will be followed-up for visual stimulation at the ophthalmic pediatric division aiming the best visual prognosis possible.

The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on eye-related emergency visits / Efeitos da pandemia da Covid-19 em atendimentos de emergência ocular

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the profile of emergency eye-related visits and compare the findings with the same period before the pandemic. Methods Cross-sectional study performed during one year at a reference eye hospital. Cases registered at the emergency Municipal Hospital Complex of Santo Andre, Brazil, between March, 2019 and February, 2020 were included in the study as the Pre-pandemic group. Cases registered between March, 2020 and February, 2021 were included as the Pandemic group. Cases were classified according to the International Classification of Diseases ICD-10 and Related Health Problems. Results There was a decrease of 52.1% in the emergency eye care visits during the pandemic period (n=9,198) when compared to the pre-pandemic period (n=19,220), with significant reductions in nonspecific cases (-98.1%), postoperative visits (-67.0%), disorders of the conjunctiva (-54.1%), tear film (-49.4%) and refraction (-85.6%) during the pandemic period. Conditions such as retina disorders (+202.7%), sclera disorders (+76.2%), orbit disorders (+20.2%), glaucoma (+66.6%) and trauma (+19.4%) have shown increased rates, as well as those related to eyelids (+186.9%), cornea (+33.4%), uvea (+40.2%), and herpes (+55.3%). Conclusion A drastic reduction in the number of eye-related emergency visits was observed during the Covid-19 pandemic, outlining a new profile of care, with higher frequency of sight-threatening conditions and lower frequency of contagious and non-specific diagnosis.

RESUMO Objetivo Avaliar os efeitos da pandemia da Covid-19 no perfil dos atendimentos oftalmológicos de emergência e comparar os achados com os do período anterior à pandemia. Métodos Estudo transversal realizado ao longo de 1 ano em um hospital oftalmológico de referência. Casos registrados no Complexo Hospitalar Municipal de Emergências de Santo André (SP, Brasil) entre março de 2019 e fevereiro de 2020 foram incluídos no estudo como Grupo Pré-Pandemia. Os casos registrados entre março de 2020 e fevereiro de 2021 foram incluídos no Grupo Pandemia. Os casos foram classificados de acordo com a Classificação Internacional de Doenças e Problemas Relacionados à Saúde. Resultados Houve redução de 52,1% no número de atendimentos oftalmológicos de emergência durante o período pandêmico (n=9.198) quando comparado ao pré-pandêmico (n=19.220), com reduções significativas em casos inespecíficos (-98,1%), visitas pós-operatórias (-67,0%), distúrbios da conjuntiva (-54,1%), filme lacrimal (-49,4%) e refração (-85,6%) durante o período de pandemia. Condições como distúrbios da retina (+202,7%), distúrbios da esclera (+76,2%), distúrbios da órbita (+20,2%), glaucoma (+66,6%) e trauma (+19,4%) apresentaram taxas aumentadas, bem como aquelas relacionadas a pálpebras (+186,9%), córnea (+33,4%), úvea (+40,2%) e herpes (+55,3%). Conclusão Observou-se drástica redução no número de atendimentos oftalmológicos durante a pandemia da Covid-19, delineando um novo perfil de atendimento, com maior frequência de quadros que levam à baixa de visão e à menor frequência de diagnósticos contagiosos e inespecíficos.