Comparison of mini-simple limbal epithelial transplantation and conjunctival-limbal autograft for the treatment of primary pterygium: a randomised controlled trial.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this double-masked, parallel randomised controlled trial was to compare the recurrence rate and other outcomes between conjunctival-limbal autograft (CLAu) and mini-simple limbal epithelial transplantation (mini-SLET) after excision of pterygium. METHODS: Eligibility criteria for participants was the presence of a primary nasal pterygium extending equally to or greater than two millimetres on the cornea on its horizontal axis from the nasal limbus. The participants were allocated into two groups (CLAu and mini-SLET) using simple randomisation with a table of random numbers. Participants and the outcome assessor were masked to the intervention. The study protocol is listed and available on https://clinicaltrials.gov (Identifier: NCT03363282). RESULTS: A total of 61 eyes were enrolled in the study, 33 underwent CLAu (group 1) and 28 mini-SLET (group 2), all eyes were analysed in each group. At 2, 3, 6 and 12 months the CLAu group exhibited a recurrence of 0%, 6.1%, 8.1% and 8.1%, while the mini-SLET exhibited a recurrence of 0%, 17.9%, 50% and 53.5% (p<0.05). There were no intraoperative or postoperative complications in either of the two groups. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that mini-SLET has a higher recurrence rate and provides no advantage over CLAu in the treatment of primary pterygium.

Results of Fibrin Glue Applied Over the Corneal Surface Immediately After Pterygium Surgery: A Novel Pain Relief Technique.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the use of fibrin glue on the corneal epitheliectomy site at the end of pterygium surgery versus conventional eye patch regarding pain levels, need for oral analgesic medications, number of days feeling pain, and awakening due to pain after surgery. METHODS: Forty-eight eyes of 24 patients with bilateral primary pterygium were included in this prospective, randomized, double-masked controlled trial. Each eye of the same patient was randomized to the intervention or control group. The intervention group received 2 drops of fibrin glue in the epitheliectomy site at the end of surgery and an eye patch, whereas the control group was only received an eye patch. Patients returned on the first and seventh days after surgery. Pain intensity (measured using the visual pain analog scale), need for oral analgesics, the number of days the pain lasted, and quality of sleep were assessed during follow-up visits and compared between groups. Comparison analysis accounted for sex, age, pterygium grading, and comorbidities. RESULTS: Visual analog pain scale after surgery was significantly lower in eyes receiving fibrin glue (-1.58; 95% confidence interval: -2.84 to -0.32; P = 0.014). In addition, the intervention group presented a 73% lower chance of using oral analgesics (OR: 0.27; 95% confidence interval: 0.07-0.95; P = 0.041). No difference in the awakenings at night was noted ( P = 0.240) nor the mean days of ocular pain in the first week after surgery ( P = 0.474). CONCLUSIONS: Fibrin glue at the end of pterygium surgery effectively reduces pain and the need for oral analgesics compared with conventional eye patching. This study is the first to describe the results of this strategy.

Inyecciones Intralesionales de 5-Fluorouracilo: tratamiento innovador y efectivo de Pterigión Primario / Intralesional Injections of 5-Fluorouracil: innovative and effective treatment of Primary Pterygium

OBJETIVO: Determinar la efectividad de 5-Fluorouracilo intralesional en el alivio sintomático, astigmatismo y deseo de cirugía en pacientes con pterigión primario. Métodos: Estudio experimental realizado entre enero y marzo de 2020 en la Unidad de Oftalmología del Hospital del Salvador, Chile. Se seleccionaron 14 ojos (14 pacientes) en lista de espera quirúrgica, expuestos a inyecciones intralesionales quincenales de 10 mg de 5-FU. Se realizó una evaluación clínica inicial con OSDI para medición sintomática, cámara fotográfica y lámpara de hendidura para apariencia clínica, y autorrefractómetro para astigmatismo, siendo reevaluados 60 días después, añadiéndose la pregunta de si mantenían el deseo de operarse. Se dividió la muestra en grupo A y B según recibieron dos o una dosis de 5-FU, respectivamente. RESULTADOS: La edad promedio de los participantes fue 56,8 ± 11,1 años. El grupo A presentó un OSDI inicial de 50 ± 23,8 que, posterior a la intervención, se redujo a 21 ± 13,5 (p < 0,001). El grupo B tuvo un OSDI inicial de 47 ± 17,3, disminuyendo a 22 ± 16,2 (p < 0,005). Ambos cambios estadísticamente significativos. En cuanto al aspecto físico, hubo reducción del tamaño lesional en 2 de los 14 pacientes, ambos del grupo A. No hubo cambios respecto al grado de astigmatismo. Hubo 2 pacientes que decidieron no realizarse la cirugía posterior a la intervención. Conclusión: La inyección intralesional de 5-FU demostró mejoría significativa en el alivio sintomático, sin complicaciones asociadas, generando un tratamiento alternativo al quirúrgico en pacientes con pterigión primario, pudiendo posponer la cirugía.

OBJETIVES: To determine the effectiveness of intralesional 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) in symptomatic relief, astigmatism, and desire for surgery in patients with primary pterygium. Methods: The experimental study was carried out between January and March 2020 in the Ophthalmology Unit of the Hospital del Salvador, Chile. Fourteen eyes (14 patients) were selected on the surgical waiting list and exposed to fortnightly intralesional injections of 10 mg of 5-FU. An initial evaluation was performed with OSDI for symptomatic measurement, a photographic camera and slit lamp for clinical appearance, and an auto-refractometer for astigmatism, being re-evaluated 60 days later, adding the question of whether they maintained the desire to undergo surgery. The sample was divided into groups A and B depending on whether they received two or one dose of 5-FU, respectively. RESULTS: The average age of the participants was 56.8 ± 11.1 years. Group A presented an initial OSDI of 50 ± 23.8, which, after the intervention, decreased to 21 ± 13.5 (p < 0.001). Group B had an initial OSDI of 47 ± 17.3, decreasing to 22 ± 16.2 (p < 0.005)-statistically significant changes. The degree of astigmatism had no changes. Regarding the physical aspect, there was a reduction in the size of the lesion in 2 of the 14 patients, both in group A. Two patients decided not to undergo surgery after the intervention. Conclusions: The intralesional injection of 5-FU showed a significant improvement in symptomatic relief without associated complications, generating a therapeutic alternative in patients with primary pterygium without surgical indication.

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.

Climatic Droplet Keratopathy Is a Misnomer for This Corneal Degeneration.

PURPOSE: To describe a new insight into the Climate Droplet Keratopathy (CDK) pathophysiology and its major predisposing factors. METHOD: A literature search was undertaken on PubMed to compile papers published on CDK. The following is a focused opinion tempered by synthesis of current evidence, and research of the authors. RESULTS: CDK is a multifactorial rural disease common in regions with high incidence of pterygium, but not related to the type of climate or ozone concentrations. Although it has been thought that climate is the cause of this disease, recent investigations deny that and reveal that other environmental factors such as dietary intake, eye protection, oxidative stress, and ocular inflammatory pathways play an important role in the pathogenesis of CDK. CONCLUSION: Considering the negligible effect of climate, the present name " CDK" for this illness can be confusing for young ophthalmologists. Based on these remarks, it is imperative to start using an accurate name like "Environmental Corneal Degeneration (ECD)" that fits the most recent evidence related to its etiology.

Autologous fibrin glue versus sutures for conjunctival autograft in primary pterygium: a randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To describe and compare the autologous fibrin glue and traditional sutures for conjunctival graft attachment in patients undergoing primary pterygium excision surgery. METHOD: A randomized clinical trial included patients who underwent pterygium surgery with conjunctival autologous graft (CAG). Using randomization, a single-trained surgeon performed graft fixation with autologous glue or sutures. The glue was prepared immediately before the surgery, using the patient's blood components. After centrifugation, the plasma was collected and enhanced with calcium gluconate. Postoperative assessments were performed on Days 1, 7, 21, 30 and 180. The study evaluated postoperative edema and pain and complications. The mean surgical time was compared. Recurrence of the pterygium was assessed 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The study evaluated 61 eyes. Thirty-three eyes underwent pterygium surgery using the glue technique, and 28 underwent the traditional suture technique. Fifty-one patients (83.60%) had successful graft adhered to at the end of follow-up. Ten patients (10/33) lost their graft in the glue group, and only 69.70% maintained graft presence in the fourth week versus 100% of the patients in the suture group (p = 0.001). Pain scores were lower in the glue group, and clinical edema was significantly higher. There was no significant difference in graft retraction or the presence of granuloma, necrosis or postoperative infection. CONCLUSION: Autologous fibrin glue is an affordable option for CAG fixation in particular contexts where commercial fibrin glue is unavailable, and it could offer advantages compared to sutures. A higher graft loss rate was observed and might be related to topical anesthesia, and improvements to the technique are needed. CLINICALTRIALS: gov Identifier: NCT04151017. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04151017?term=20170467&draw=1&rank=1 .

Analysis of the thickness of conjunctival autograft in pterygium surgery with the Moscovici dissection technique compared with manual dissection / Análise da espessura do autoenxerto conjuntival na cirurgia de pterígio com a técnica de dissecção de Moscovici comparada com a dissecção manual

ABSTRACT Objective Compare the thickness of conjunctival autografts in pterygium surgery using the Moscovici dissection technique with manual dissection and assess the difficulty of the techniques. Methods In this randomized clinical trial, 30 eyes of 30 patients undergoing pterygium surgery were divided into the Moscovici Dissection Technique Group and the Manual Dissection Group. The patients were treated at the Hospital Oftalmológico Visão Laser (Santos, São Paulo, Brazil). Optical coherence tomography was performed to measure graft thickness three months postoperatively. Three images were obtained from each eye, and three measurements were taken at a distance of 1.5mm perpendicular to the limbus in each capture. The surgeon graded the difficulty of obtaining the graft with the technique performed from one (lowest difficulty) to four (highest difficulty). Results We found statistically significant difference between the difficulty of the two techniques and the mean conjunctival autograft thickness in the two groups (p=0.01 e p=0.05, respectively). The average difficulty rating for the Moscovici Dissection Technique Group (Air Group) was 1.47, while that for the Manual Dissection Group (MD group) was 2.20. The mean thickness of the three measurements was 252µ in the Air Group and 298µ in the MD Group, with medians of 250µ and 278µ, respectively. Conclusion Our study showed that the Moscovici technique results in thinner grafts and can be performed with greater surgical ease.

RESUMO Objetivo Comparar a espessura de autoenxertos conjuntivais em cirurgia de pterígio utilizando a técnica de dissecção de Moscovici com a de dissecção manual e avaliar a dificuldade das técnicas. Métodos Neste ensaio clínico randomizado, 30 olhos de 30 pacientes submetidos à cirurgia de pterígio foram divididos em um Grupo de Técnica de Dissecção de Moscovici e um Grupo de Dissecção Manual. Os pacientes foram tratados e avaliados no Hospital Oftalmológico Visão Laser (Santos, São Paulo, Brasil). A tomografia de coerência óptica foi realizada para medir a espessura do enxerto 3 meses após a cirurgia. Três imagens foram obtidas de cada olho, e três medidas foram realizadas a uma distância de 1,5mm perpendicular ao limbo em cada captura. O cirurgião classificou a dificuldade de obtenção do enxerto com a técnica realizada de um (menor dificuldade) para quatro (maior dificuldade). Resultados Encontramos diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre a dificuldade das duas técnicas e a espessura média do autoenxerto conjuntival nos dois grupos (p=0,01 e p=0,05, respectivamente). A classificação média de dificuldade para o Grupo de Técnica de Dissecção de Moscovici foi de 1,47, enquanto a do Grupo de Dissecção Manual foi de 2,20. A espessura média das três medidas foi de 252μ no Grupo de Técnica de Dissecção de Moscovici e de 298μ no Grupo de Dissecção Manual, com medianas de 250μ e 278μ, respectivamente. Conclusão Nosso estudo mostrou que a técnica de Moscovici resulta em enxertos mais finos e pode ser realizada com maior facilidade cirúrgica.

[Intralesional Injections of 5-Fluorouracil: innovative and effective treatment of Primary Pterygium]. / Inyecciones Intralesionales de 5-Fluorouracilo: tratamiento innovador y efectivo de Pterigión Primario.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness of intralesional 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) in symptomatic relief, astigmatism, and desire for surgery in patients with primary pterygium. METHODS: The experimental study was carried out between January and March 2020 in the Ophthalmology Unit of the Hospital del Salvador, Chile. Fourteen eyes (14 patients) were selected on the surgical waiting list and exposed to fortnightly intralesional injections of 10 mg of 5-FU. An initial evaluation was performed with OSDI for symptomatic measurement, a photographic camera and slit lamp for clinical appearance, and an auto-refractometer for astigmatism, being re-evaluated 60 days later, adding the question of whether they maintained the desire to undergo surgery. The sample was divided into groups A and B depending on whether they received two or one dose of 5-FU, respectively. RESULTS: The average age of the participants was 56.8 ± 11.1 years. Group A presented an initial OSDI of 50 ± 23.8, which, after the intervention, decreased to 21 ± 13.5 (p < 0.001). Group B had an initial OSDI of 47 ± 17.3, decreasing to 22 ± 16.2 (p < 0.005)-statistically significant changes. The degree of astigmatism had no changes. Regarding the physical aspect, there was a reduction in the size of the lesion in 2 of the 14 patients, both in group A. Two patients decided not to undergo surgery after the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The intralesional injection of 5-FU showed a significant improvement in symptomatic relief without associated complications, generating a therapeutic alternative in patients with primary pterygium without surgical indication.

Association of high-risk human papillomavirus with ocular surface squamous neoplasia: a case-control study in Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of high-risk hu-man papilloma virus (HR-HPV) and other risk factors with ocular surface squamous cell neoplasia (OSSN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We obtained DNA from 22 fresh frozen OSSN tissues and 22 pterygia as controls, we used a broad-spectrum HPV DNA amplification short PCR fragment to identify HPV infection in all specimens and then genotyped HPV by a reverse hybridization line probe assay. We also obtained demographic, sun exposure, and tobacco consump-tion information. RESULTS: HR-HPV frequency was 40.9% in the OSSN group and 4.5% in the pterygia group (p=0.009). After covariate adjustment, OSSN was associated with HR-HPV (OR=16.3, 95%CI=1.2,218.1, p=0.03) and sunburn (OR=10.8, 95%CI=1.8,86.0, p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Ocular surface squamous cell neoplasia is a multifactorial disease. The strong association between HR-HPV and OSSN, suggests that HR-HPV could play an etiological role in OSSN development.

Donor graft harvesting with air in pterygium surgery.

PURPOSE: Report a new technique for improvement of pterygium surgery: donor graft harvesting with air. CASE REPORTS: We describe a technique that was used with 138 patients who underwent surgery that included a conjunctival autograft and fibrin glue with air injection to dissect the Tenon capsule from the conjunctiva. RESULTS: No complications occurred with this technique and all patients achieved good results. DISCUSSION: The surgical time with this new technique was similar to that reported in the literature. In addition, the graft thickness was close to that reported with femtosecond laser dissection and it was thinner than that reported with aesthetic/saline dissection (unable to determine statistical significance). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPORTANCE: With the injection of an air bubble, we could easily dissect the conjunctiva from the Tenon capsule and quickly acquire thin grafts without any additional costs or complications.

Transcriptomics and network analysis highlight potential pathways in the pathogenesis of pterygium.

Pterygium is a common ocular surface condition frequently associated with irritative symptoms. The precise identity of its critical triggers as well as the hierarchical relationship between all the elements involved in the pathogenesis of this disease are not yet elucidated. Meta-analysis of gene expression studies represents a novel strategy capable of identifying key pathogenic mediators and therapeutic targets in complex diseases. Samples from nine patients were collected during surgery after photo documentation and clinical characterization of pterygia. Gene expression experiments were performed using Human Clariom D Assay gene chip. Differential gene expression analysis between active and atrophic pterygia was performed using limma package after adjusting variables by age. In addition, a meta-analysis was performed including recent gene expression studies available at the Gene Expression Omnibus public repository. Two databases including samples from adults with pterygium and controls fulfilled our inclusion criteria. Meta-analysis was performed using the Rank Production algorithm of the RankProd package. Gene set analysis was performed using ClueGO and the transcription factor regulatory network prediction was performed using appropriate bioinformatics tools. Finally, miRNA-mRNA regulatory network was reconstructed using up-regulated genes identified in the gene set analysis from the meta-analysis and their interacting miRNAs from the Brazilian cohort expression data. The meta-analysis identified 154 up-regulated and 58 down-regulated genes. A gene set analysis with the top up-regulated genes evidenced an overrepresentation of pathways associated with remodeling of extracellular matrix. Other pathways represented in the network included formation of cornified envelopes and unsaturated fatty acid metabolic processes. The miRNA-mRNA target prediction network, also reconstructed based on the set of up-regulated genes presented in the gene ontology and biological pathways network, showed that 17 target genes were negatively correlated with their interacting miRNAs from the Brazilian cohort expression data. Once again, the main identified cluster involved extracellular matrix remodeling mechanisms, while the second cluster involved formation of cornified envelope, establishment of skin barrier and unsaturated fatty acid metabolic process. Differential expression comparing active pterygium with atrophic pterygium using data generated from the Brazilian cohort identified differentially expressed genes between the two forms of presentation of this condition. Our results reveal differentially expressed genes not only in pterygium, but also in active pterygium when compared to the atrophic ones. New insights in relation to pterygium's pathophysiology are suggested.

Pseudopterígio em coelho - tratamento com tracolimus / Pseudopterygium in a rabbit - treatment with tracolimus

Background: Pseudopterygium, also known as aberrant conjunctival growth, is poorly described in the literature, althoughit is known that this abnormality is uncommon and affects dwarf rabbits and their crossbreeds. The etiology of this diseaseis unknown, but there are hypotheses that the conjunctival growth cause may have its origins in immunological factors,inflammation, traumatic conditions, or cartilage dysplasias. Thus, this study reports the treatment efficacy applied in arabbit, through the continuous use of tracolimus eye drops, after surgical procedure of conjunctival fold resection, as away of controlling the pseudopterygium in rabbits.Case: This case report discusses the positive results from the surgical and therapeutic conduct of a clinical case attended bythe Ophthalmology and Microsurgical Veterinary Service at the Hospital Veterinário Universitário (HVU) of the UFSM. Thepatient was a male rabbit, sterilized, approximately 2-year-old, crossed with a dwarf rabbit. The owner’s main complaintwas the change in the aspect of the left eye, with progressive worsening in the previous four weeks. In the ophthalmologicalexamination, the animal did not present impaired vision or discomfort, however, a vascularized pink membrane was noted,which consisted of a fold of the bulbar conjunctiva, that grew centripetally and covered 90% of the cornea in 360 degrees.The diagnosis was confirmed through visual inspection and the patient’s history. The eye alteration had a characteristicaspect, described as proliferation of the bulbar conjunctiva over the cornea, in a centripetal manner and without signs ofinflammation. In addition, other ophthalmological alterations were ruled out during the patient’s physical and specificexamination. The patient was referred for anesthetic evaluation and, in addition, pre-surgical blood tests were performed,which were normal, according to the expected ranges for the species...

Pseudopterígio em coelho - tratamento com tracolimus / Pseudopterygium in a rabbit - treatment with tracolimus

Background: Pseudopterygium, also known as aberrant conjunctival growth, is poorly described in the literature, althoughit is known that this abnormality is uncommon and affects dwarf rabbits and their crossbreeds. The etiology of this diseaseis unknown, but there are hypotheses that the conjunctival growth cause may have its origins in immunological factors,inflammation, traumatic conditions, or cartilage dysplasias. Thus, this study reports the treatment efficacy applied in arabbit, through the continuous use of tracolimus eye drops, after surgical procedure of conjunctival fold resection, as away of controlling the pseudopterygium in rabbits.Case: This case report discusses the positive results from the surgical and therapeutic conduct of a clinical case attended bythe Ophthalmology and Microsurgical Veterinary Service at the Hospital Veterinário Universitário (HVU) of the UFSM. Thepatient was a male rabbit, sterilized, approximately 2-year-old, crossed with a dwarf rabbit. The owners main complaintwas the change in the aspect of the left eye, with progressive worsening in the previous four weeks. In the ophthalmologicalexamination, the animal did not present impaired vision or discomfort, however, a vascularized pink membrane was noted,which consisted of a fold of the bulbar conjunctiva, that grew centripetally and covered 90% of the cornea in 360 degrees.The diagnosis was confirmed through visual inspection and the patients history. The eye alteration had a characteristicaspect, described as proliferation of the bulbar conjunctiva over the cornea, in a centripetal manner and without signs ofinflammation. In addition, other ophthalmological alterations were ruled out during the patients physical and specificexamination. The patient was referred for anesthetic evaluation and, in addition, pre-surgical blood tests were performed,which were normal, according to the expected ranges for the species...(AU)

Pterygium surgery with conjunctival limbal autograft in an eye clinic from Villavicencio, Colombia / Cirurgia de pterígio com autoenxerto conjuntival em uma clínica de oftalmologia em Villavicencio, Colômbia

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe results of pterygium surgery at Clínica de Cirurgía Ocular Villavicencio, in Meta, Colombia. Methods: A retrospective analysis of pterygium surgeries performed between January 2017 and December 2019. Results: Approximately 1,200 records were reviewed, and 1,200 procedures included. The most frequent complications were corneal Dellen, pterygium recurrence, graft retraction and pyogenic granuloma (7.5%, 2.5%, 3% and 0.75% respectively). These were identified within the first 6 months of surgery. Conclusion: Pterygium surgery using conjunctival autografts is an effective technique, with low recurrence rates and very few complications.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever os resultados da cirurgia de pterígio na Clínica de Cirurgía Ocular Villavicencio, Meta, Colômbia. Métodos: Análise retrospectiva de cirurgias de pterígio realizadas entre janeiro de 2017 e dezembro de 2019. Resultados: Aproximadamente 1.200 prontuários foram revisados e 1.200 procedimentos foram incluídos. As complicações mais frequentes foram o Dellen corneano, a recorrência do pterígio, a retração do enxerto e o piogranuloma (7,5%, 2,5%, 3% e 0,75%, respectivamente). Essas complicações foram identificadas nos primeiros 6 meses após a cirurgia. Conclusão: A cirurgia de pterígio pela técnica de autoenxerto conjuntival é um procedimento eficaz, com baixos índices de recorrência e poucas complicações.

Tarsoconjunctival flap in scleral necrosis: report of three cases / Retalho tarsoconjuntival em necrose escleral: relato de três casos

ABSTRACT To report a series of three cases (four eyes) of scleral necrosis after pterygium excision, in which the tarsoconjunctival flap technique was used as treatment. Three patients who progressed to scleral necrosis after surgical pterygium excision were selected. The first patient underwent excision using the bare sclera technique and developed scleral thinning in the immediate postoperative period. The second and third patients received beta irradiation and had late onset scleral necrosis. The tarsoconjunctival flap technique was performed by the same surgeon. Recovery was satisfactory from both anatomical and functional perspectives in all cases, and the technique was considered effective and safe. Although there are only few reports about this technique in the literature, it can be considered as a good alternative to treat scleral necrosis.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar uma série de três casos (quatro olhos) de necrose escleral pós-exérese de pterígio, em que se utilizou como tratamento a técnica de retalho tarsoconjuntival. Foram selecionados três pacientes que evoluíram para necrose escleral após tratamento cirúrgico de exérese de pterígio: o primeiro caso após técnica de esclera nua, com evolução para afinamento escleral no pós-operatório imediato; o segundo e o terceiro fizeram uso de betaterapia e apresentaram necrose escleral tardiamente. A técnica de recobrimento tarsoconjuntival foi executada pelo mesmo cirurgião. A recuperação foi satisfatória em todos os casos, do ponto de vista anatômico e funcional, sendo eficiente e segura. Apesar das escassas menções na literatura, essa técnica pode ser considerada uma boa alternativa para tratamento da necrose escleral.

Exérese de pterígio em paciente pós-LASIK com técnica de air bubble / Pterygium surgery with air bubble technique in a post-LASIK patient

RESUMO O pterígio é uma das doenças que mais acomete a superfície ocular, principalmente em regiões próximas ao Equador. Ocorre principalmente em adultos jovens, podendo ocasionar sintomas, danos estéticos e ópticos. Relata-se um caso de exérese de pterígio classificado pela extensão corneana em grau II e, pela vascularização, em grau 2 de Tan, com cirurgia prévia de LASIK, a partir de uma nova técnica, a técnica de Moscovici, a qual fundamenta-se na dissecção com bolha de ar, com a finalidade de separar o epitélio conjuntival do estroma profundo e da Tenon, com maior facilidade e rapidez e para obter enxertos finos.

ABSTRACT Pterygium is one of the diseases that most affect the ocular surface, especially in regions close to the equator. It mainly affects young adults and can cause symptoms, as well as aesthetic and optical impairment. We report a case of pterygium excision classified by grade II corneal extension and Tan grade 2 vascularization with previous laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) surgery, using a new technique, the Moscovici technique, which is based on dissection with an air bubble to separate easier and faster the conjunctival epithelium from the deep stroma and the Tenon, obtaining thinner grafts.

Correlation between the presumed pterygium with dry eye and with systemic and ocular risk factors.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the epidemiology of the pterygium and its correlation with dry eye symptoms and with the potential systemic and ocular predictors. METHODS: This study is a population-based, cross-sectional study in which random visits were made to the 600 households of 600 participants of age ≥40 years in Ribeirão Preto-SP (n=420) and Cassia dos Coqueiros-SP (n=180) in Brazil. The participants were subjected to a structured interview with a detailed questionnaire to collect information on demography and the potential risk factors. Next, random participants with pterygium (n=63) or not (n=110) were evaluated for the ocular surface changes. RESULTS: The frequency of pterygium in Ribeirão Preto was 21% (15.7% among women and 32.1% among men; p=0.0002). In Cássia dos Coqueiros, the corresponding frequency was 19.4% (17.3% among women and 25.5% among men; p=0.28). The mean age of the affected individuals was higher than that of the unaffected ones (65.6 ± 10.5 years vs. 61.2 ± 12.0 years, p=0.02). A positive correlation was noted between pterygium and any prior radiotherapy and chemotherapy (p<0.0001, for both). A higher score on corneal fluorescein and conjunctival lissamine green staining was asso ciated with pterygium (p=0.0003 and 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSION: We noted a high frequency of pterygium in two Brazilian adult populations, mainly among the men and elderly. Ocular surface damage and a previous history of radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy were found to be associated with pterygium.