Temporary keratoprosthesis and primary corneal graft for ocular trauma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: When severe retinal and corneal injury occur together, a temporary keratoprosthesis (TKP) is often a last resort to allow posterior segment visualization to enable vitreoretinal surgery, followed by a penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) which can restore corneal clarity in a single operation. We aimed to assess visual outcomes following combined PKP and vitreoretinal surgery with the use of a TKP for cases of ocular trauma. DESIGN: A systematic literature review was performed following PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023423518). METHODS: CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, ISRCTN registry and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from inception to 27 April 2023. Randomized and non-randomized studies assessing visual outcomes after combined vitreoretinal surgery and PKP with the use of a TKP after ocular trauma were eligible for inclusion. Outcomes included change in best corrected visual acuity, corneal graft survival and retinal reattachment at final follow up. Proportional meta-analysis was used to estimate the overall rate of the primary outcomes. Risk of bias for non-randomized studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist for case series. RESULTS: A total of 19 studies met inclusion criteria reporting a total of 352 eyes. All studies were retrospective and non-randomized with follow up times ranging from 6 to 91 months, with at least 79% of outcomes reported after 6 months. After combined surgery the rate of corneal graft survival was 52% (95% CI 0.41-0.62; I2 60%) successful retinal attachment was 79% (95% CI 0.73-0.84; I2 0%). and improved visual acuity, when compared to no change or decrease in visual acuity, was 45% (95% CI 0.32-0.59; I2 66%). CONCLUSION: Patients with severe injury affecting the anterior and posterior segments have very limited treatment options. This systematic review found that when combined vitreoretinal surgery and PKP with a TKP are performed, approximately half of corneal grafts survive, anatomically successful retinal reattachment is likely, and a similar proportion of patients benefit in terms of improved visual acuity, compared to their preoperative function. This systematic review of the available literature may help inform surgeons of the benefits of using a TKP for cases of ocular trauma.

Early versus Delayed Timing of Primary Repair after Open-Globe Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

TOPIC: The timing of primary repair of open-globe injury is variable in major trauma centers worldwide, and consensus on optimal timing is lacking. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Surgery is the mainstay of open-globe injury management, and appropriate timing of surgical repair may minimize the risk of potentially blinding complications such as endophthalmitis, thereby optimizing visual outcomes. METHODS: A systematic literature review was performed following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews identifier, CRD42023442972). The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, Embase, and ISRCTN registries and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from inception through October 29, 2023. Prospective and retrospective nonrandomized studies of patients with open-globe injury with a minimum of 1 month of follow-up after primary repair were included. Primary outcomes included visual acuity at last follow-up and the proportion of patients with endophthalmitis. Certainty of the evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) approach. RESULTS: Fifteen studies met inclusion criteria, reporting a total of 8497 eyes. The most common injury types were penetrating and intraocular foreign body (IOFB). Meta-analysis found that primary repair less than 24 hours after open-globe injury was associated with 0.30 odds of endophthalmitis compared with primary repair conducted more than 24 hours after trauma (odds ratio, 0.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.19-0.79; I2 = 95%; P = 0.01). No significant difference was found in reported visual outcomes between patients whose open-globe injuries were repaired more than, compared with less than, 24 hours after trauma (odds ratio, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.61-1.29; I2 = 70%; P = 0.52). All included studies were retrospective and nonrandomized, demonstrating an overall low certainty of evidence on GRADE assessment. DISCUSSION: Only retrospective data exist around the effect of timing of open-globe repair, resulting in low certainty of the available evidence. However, this review of current evidence, predominantly including penetrating and IOFB injuries, suggests that primary repair performed less than 24 hours after open-globe injury is associated with a reduced endophthalmitis rate compared with longer delays, consistent with delay to primary repair increasing endophthalmitis risk. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Management and Clinical Outcomes of Eyes With Posterior Segment Intraocular Foreign Bodies Seen at a Tertiary Referral Center.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the prognostic factors regarding the visual and anatomic outcomes of eyes with posterior segment intraocular foreign body (PS-IOFB). PATIENTS AND METHODS: The medical records of 95 patients who underwent pars plana vitrectomy and PS-IOFB removal between 2004 and 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Data on anatomical and visual outcomes, as well as preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative variables were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 31.9 ± 12.3 years. The mean follow-up time was 21.9 ± 28.3 months. The median time interval from trauma to IOFB removal was 9 days. In univariate analysis, there was a positive correlation between initial visual acuity (VA) and final VA (P < 0.001). A higher ocular trauma score (OTS) was significantly associated with both anatomical and functional success (P < 0.001). Linear regression analysis showed that OTS was not superior to initial VA in predicting final VA (r = 0.625 vs r = -0.601). Anatomic and functional outcomes were not affected by the injury site, nature of PS-IOFB, or timing of PS-IOFB removal (P > 0.05 for all). Subretinal IOFB location, the need for silicone oil tamponade, and endophthalmitis (P = 0.005, P < 0.001, P = 0.044, respectively) were risk factors for poor visual outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The initial VA, the extent of the initial ocular damage, and the presence of endophthalmitis are important prognostic factors for functional success. [Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina 2024;55:434-442.].

The Risk of Sympathetic Ophthalmia Associated with Open-Globe Injury Management Strategies: A Meta-analysis.

TOPIC: Sympathetic ophthalmia (SO) is a sight-threatening granulomatous panuveitis caused by a sensitizing event. Primary enucleation or primary evisceration, versus primary repair, as a risk management strategy after open-globe injury (OGI) remains controversial. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This systematic review was conducted to report the incidence of SO after primary repair compared with that of after primary enucleation or primary evisceration. This enabled the reporting of an estimated number needed to treat. METHODS: Five journal databases were searched. This review was registered with International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (identifier, CRD42021262616). Searches were carried out on June 29, 2021, and were updated on December 10, 2022. Prospective or retrospective studies that reported outcomes (including SO or lack of SO) in a patient population who underwent either primary repair and primary enucleation or primary evisceration were included. A systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Random effects modelling was used to estimate pooled SO rates and absolute risk reduction (ARR). RESULTS: Eight studies reporting SO as an outcome were included in total. The included studies contained 7500 patients and 7635 OGIs. In total, 7620 OGIs met the criteria for inclusion in this analysis; SO developed in 21 patients with OGI. When all included studies were pooled, the estimated SO rate was 0.12% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.00%-0.25%) after OGI. Of 779 patients who underwent primary enucleation or primary evisceration, no SO cases were reported, resulting in a pooled SO estimate of 0.05% (95% CI, 0.00%-0.21%). For primary repair, the pooled estimate of SO rate was 0.15% (95% CI, 0.00%-0.33%). The ARR using a random effects model was -0.0010 (in favour of eye removal; 95% CI, -0.0031 [in favor of eye removal] to 0.0011 [in favor of primary repair]). Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations analysis highlighted a low certainty of evidence because the included studies were observational, and a risk of bias resulted from missing data. DISCUSSION: Based on the available data, no evidence exists that primary enucleation or primary evisceration reduce the risk of secondary SO. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosure may be found in the Footnotes and Disclosures at the end of this article.

Visual outcomes and prognostic factors of early pars plana vitrectomy for open globe injury.

OBJECTIVES: To identify the clinical features and outcomes of early vitrectomy in patients with open globe injury (OGI) and the prognostic factors for visual outcome. METHODS: This retrospective observational case series included 390 eyes in 389 patients diagnosed with OGI receiving vitrectomy within four days after injury. Preoperative parameters included the injury types, wound locations, consequent tissue damages, initial visual acuity (VA), and ocular trauma score. Postoperative outcome measures included surgical procedures, retinal (re)attachment, complications, and final VA. The logistic analysis evaluated the prognostic factors for visual outcome. RESULTS: Intraocular foreign bodies (59.2%) and penetrating injuries (28.7%) were the most common injury types. Among the 165 eyes with retinal detachment (RD), 121 (73.3%) had retinal reattachment during early primary vitrectomy, and 32 (19.4%) were repaired during a second or subsequent surgery. Thirteen eyes (3.3%) were enucleated. The final VA improved from the initial level in 207 eyes (55.2%), remained unchanged in 123 (32.8%), and decreased in 45 (12.0%). Multivariable regression revealed that the injury zone, initial VA, RD, and endophthalmitis were associated with poor visual outcomes (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Higher zone injury, low initial VA, RD, and endophthalmitis are predictors of poor visual outcome in eyes undergoing early vitrectomy for OGI.

Direct Laser Photocoagulation of the Retinal Pigment Epithelium: A Novel Method to Seal Retinal Breaks during Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Retinal Detachment.

BACKGROUND: This study evaluates the clinical effectiveness of employing direct retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) laser photocoagulation as a technique for achieving chorioretinal adhesion to effectively seal retinal breaks. METHODS: A total of 20 eyes from 20 patients were enrolled in the study; all selected eyes exhibited either rhegmatogenous or combined rhegmatogenous-tractional retinal detachment. During vitrectomy, direct RPE laser photocoagulation was executed, employing a power range of 100-150 mW and a duration of 120-200 ms, targeting the peripheries where the edges of each retinal break were anticipated to settle post-reattachment. This treated area's neuroretina thickness was compared to measurements obtained after conventional transretinal laser photocoagulation. RESULTS: Patients were followed for an average duration of 24 months, with a range of 11-46 months. A visible pigmentary reaction in the ophthalmoscopic examination was evident in the treated regions for all but one eye, where the retinal break was situated amidst myelinated nerve fibers. The study encountered no severe complications, and successful retinal reattachment was achieved in all 20 eyes. The mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at the final follow-up showed a statistically significant improvement compared to preoperative levels (p < 0.0001). A noteworthy difference in neuroretinal thickness was observed one-month post-surgery between areas treated with direct RPE and those treated with transretinal photocoagulation, measuring 217 µm and 104 µm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that direct RPE laser photocoagulation is an effective therapeutic intervention for sealing retinal breaks.

The Use of Preoperative Prophylactic Systemic Antibiotics for the Prevention of Endopthalmitis in Open Globe Injuries: A Meta-Analysis.

TOPIC: This study reports the effect of systemic prophylactic antibiotics (and their route) on the risk of endophthalmitis after open globe injury (OGI). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Endophthalmitis is a major complication of OGI; it can lead to rapid sight loss in the affected eye. The administration of systemic antibiotic prophylaxis is common practice in some health care systems, although there is no consensus on their use. METHODS: PubMed, CENTRAL, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Embase were searched. This was completed July 6, 2021 and updated December 10, 2022. We included randomized and nonrandomized prospective studies which reported the rate of post-OGI endophthalmitis when systemic preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis (via the oral or IV route) was given. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and ROBINS-I tool were used for assessing the risk of bias. Where meta-analysis was performed, results were reported as an odds ratio. PROSPERO registration: CRD42021271271. RESULTS: Three studies were included. One prospective observational study compared outcomes of patients who had received systemic or no systemic preoperative antibiotics. The endophthalmitis rates reported were 3.75% and 4.91% in the systemic and no systemic preoperative antibiotics groups, a nonsignificant difference (P = 0.68). Two randomized controlled trials were included (1555 patients). The rates of endophthalmitis were 17 events in 751 patients (2.26%) and 17 events in 804 patients (2.11%) in the oral antibiotics and IV (± oral) antibiotics groups, respectively. Meta-analysis demonstrated no significant differences between groups (odds ratio, 1.07; 95% confidence interval, 0.54-2.12). CONCLUSIONS: The incidences of endophthalmitis after OGI were low with and without systemic antibiotic prophylaxis, although high-risk cases were excluded in the included studies. When antibiotic prophylaxis is considered, there is moderate evidence that oral antibiotic administration is noninferior to IV. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE(S): The author(s) have no proprietary or commercial interest in any materials discussed in this article.

Preventing Retinal Detachment: The Encircling Laser Retinopexy Technique.

Encircling (360 degree) retinal detachment prophylaxis using indirect ophthalmoscope laser delivery recently achieved strong proof of safety and effectiveness by preventing the development of peripheral retinal tears and detachments in the eyes of patients with Stickler syndrome (syndromic eyes). Untreated, Stickler syndrome patients have a 65% lifetime risk of retinal detachment (half by age 20, 80% bilateral). This report describes an optimal technique of encircling laser retinopexy to also prevent the more common retinal detachments seen in aging (non-syndromic) eyes that share with Stickler syndrome the common pathogenesis of peripheral retinal tears caused by vitreous traction.

Clinical Presentations, Management, and Factors Affecting Outcomes in Posterior Segment Open Globe Injuries: An Analysis of 2,360 Eyes.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to report the clinical presentations, management, and factors affecting the outcomes of posterior segment open globe injuries in 2,360 consecutive eyes. METHODS: This was a retrospective, consecutive, non-comparative interventional case series. All cases with scleral and corneoscleral wounds presenting to these centers from January 2014 to January 2021 were included. The cases were defined according to the Birmingham Eye Traumatology Terminology system (BETTs) classification. The Ocular Trauma Score (OTS) was applied to the dataset. RESULTS: Mean age of presentation was 36.63 ± 19.92 years (median 35 years). Penetrating trauma accounted for 70.92%, rupture for 18.6%, perforation for 4.60%, and IOFB in 5.88% eyes. In 76.60%, the location of injury involved zone 1 extending till zone 2, while in 23.40% it involved zone 2 and/or zone 3. Vision at presentation was logMAR 3.03 ± 0.99 and at the last visit was logMAR 2.47 ± 1.42 (p < 0.0001). Time interval between presentation to the treatment center and globe repair was 13.93 ± 19.56 h (median 7.60 h). Favorable functional outcomes were seen in 29.20% eyes and favorable anatomic outcomes in 66.90%. Decreasing age at presentation, penetrating injury instead of rupture or perforating injury, a higher OTS, absence of corneal involvement, absence of retinal detachment at presentation, and absence of concurrent orbital fracture were associated with a favorable functional outcome (>20/200). Final visual acuity in logMAR correlated with the OTS value calculated at presentation. CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of retinal detachment and orbital fracture, posterior open globe injuries typically have a favorable functional outcome. OTS correlated with the final visual acuity.

Preventing Retinal Detachment: Where are We? Implications from Stickler Syndrome.

Stickler syndrome, a rare inherited disease, carries a lifetime risk of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) of up to 65%, higher than any other predisposing condition known. Both syndromic and non-syndromic eyes suffer RRD predominately from the same pathogenesis, vitreous tractional tears in the peripheral retina. Consequently, extraordinary publications in 2021-2022, each reporting successful prevention of RRD in Stickler syndrome, using 360-degree (encircling) laser retinopexy, provide the first strong evidence upon which similar prophylaxis in non-syndromic eyes at high risk of RRD from peripheral retinal tears can confidently go forward.

Guideline for the treatment of no light perception eyes induced by mechanical ocular trauma.

Severe mechanical ocular trauma with no light perception (NLP) predicts a poor prognosis of visual acuity and enucleation of the eyeball. Since the innovative treatment concept of exploratory vitreoretinal surgery has developed and treatment technology has advanced, the outcomes of severe ocular trauma treatment in NLP patients have greatly improved. However, there remains a lack of unified standards for the determination, surgical indication, and timing of vitrectomy in NLP eye treatment. To address these problems, we aimed to create evidence-based medical guidelines for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of mechanical ocular trauma with NLP. Sixteen relevant recommendations for mechanical ocular trauma with NLP were obtained, and a consensus was reached. Each recommendation was explained in detail to guide the treatment of mechanical ocular trauma associated with NLP.

Globe and Adnexal Trauma Terminology Survey.

Importance: Ocular trauma terminology should be periodically updated to enable comprehensive capturing and monitoring of ocular trauma in clinical and research settings. Objective: To update terminology for globe and adnexal trauma. Design, Setting, and Participants: A 2-round modified Delphi survey was conducted from January 1 to July 31, 2021, using an expert panel, including 69 ophthalmologists identified through their membership in ophthalmology (globe and adnexal trauma) societies. Consensus was defined as at least 67% expert agreement. A steering committee developed questions after identifying gaps in the current terminology via a targeted literature review. Round 1 sought consensus on existing and newly proposed terminology, and round 2 focused on unresolved questions from round 1. Experts included ophthalmologists who had managed, on average, 52 globe or adnexal trauma cases throughout their careers and/or published a total of 5 or more globe or adnexal trauma-related peer-reviewed articles. Main Outcomes and Measures: Expert consensus on ocular and adnexal terms. Results: A total of 69 experts participated in and completed round 1 of the survey. All 69 participants who completed round 1 were asked to complete round 2, and 58 responses were received. Consensus was reached for 18 of 25 questions (72%) in round 1 and 4 of 7 questions (57%) in round 2. Existing Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology system terminology achieved consensus of 84% (58 of 69 experts) in round 1 and 97% (56 of 58 experts) in round 2. Experts agreed on the need for further refinement of the definition of zones of injury (55 of 69 [80%]), as the zone affected can have a substantial effect on visual and functional outcomes. There was consensus that the mechanism of injury (52 of 69 [75%]) and status of the lacrimal canaliculi (54 of 69 [78%]), nasolacrimal ducts (48 of 69 [69%]), lens (46 of 58 [80%]), retina (42 of 58 [73%]), and central and paracentral cornea (47 of 58 [81%]) be included in the revised terminology. Conclusions and Relevance: There was consensus (defined as at least 67% expert agreement) on continued use of the existing Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology system definitions and that additional terms are required to update the current ocular trauma terminology.

New Safety Aspects in Corneal Donation-Studies on SARS-CoV-2-Positive Corneal Donors.

In the tissue donation field, to prevent pathogen transmission, all donors are screened by postmortem swabs for SARS-CoV-2 using qRT-PCR. Corneas from donors who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 were subjected to further investigations. Corneal transplants and culture medium from positive donors were cultured under appropriate safety conditions for further analyses. Cornea tissue samples, including sclera/limbus/cornea, and culture media were taken at different time points for testing for SARS-CoV-2 using qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and subgenomic RNA (sgRNA) analysis. Between January and May 2021, in four donors with initial negative premortem rapid tests, SARS-CoV-2 was detected post-mortem using qRT-PCR. In these cases, SARS-CoV-2 was observed at the beginning of cultivation in both tissue and culture medium using qRT-PCR and IHC. The virus was mainly localized in the limbus epithelial cells, with a stable detection level. Premortem rapid tests are potentially insufficient to exclude SARS-CoV-2 infection in corneal donors. While, for SARS-CoV-2, the risk of infection via transplants is considered low, a residual risk remains for presymptomatic new infections. However, our investigations provide the first indications that, with organ cultures, the risk of virus transmission is minimized due to the longer minimum culture period.

Successive trabecular meshwork photocoagulation in the treatment and prevention of refractory hypotony.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of successive trabecular meshwork photocoagulation (sTMP) on the elevation of intraocular pressure (IOP) to treat or prevent refractory hypotony. METHODS: The IOP changes of 15 refractory hypotonic eyes (or estimated to be hypotonic after silicon oil removal) in 15 consecutive patients were retrospectively analysed after sTMP. Fourteen eyes had intraocular silicone oil that was to be removed. Different lasers were used to destroy the trabecular meshwork 1-5 times (2.00±1.20 times on average) via the gonioscope or endoscope. Twelve eyes had a large area of exposed retinal pigment epithelium due to a large area of retinecotomy, one eye had a severe cyclitic scar, and two eyes had both a scar and a retinal defect. RESULTS: After sTMP (1 to 125 months of follow-up, 22.87 ± 38.88 months), the average IOP in the 15 eyes was 11.70 ± 3.19mmHg (n = 15), significantly higher than the value before sTMP (8.26 ± 1.93 mmHg, P < 0.05). The IOP of the 15 eyes increased by 3.44 ± 2.61 mmHg, Eight eyes with an IOP of less than 10 mmHg before sTMP showed an IOP ≥10 mmHg after sTMP. Following sTMP, the silicone oil was removed from six eyes, and one of these eyes suffered a retinal detachment. CONCLUSION: sTMP can significantly increase the IOP with a long-lasting effect and provide an opportunity for the removal of silicone oil despite large-area retinal defects or cyclitic scars in selected eyes.

Globe Ruptures: Outcomes and Prognostic Analysis of Severe Ocular Trauma.

PURPOSE: Eye trauma is an important cause of monocular visual loss worldwide. This study aimed to describe the structural and functional characteristics and outcomes of 281 globe ruptures. METHODS: Medical records of all patients undergoing surgery for a ruptured globe at Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Porto in the last 17 years were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: 281 eyes of 277 patients were included. The majority of them were males (71%) with a mean age of 59.7 ± 20.5. In 38.8% of the cases, the cause was a fall. At the time of admission, 29.5% of the eyes had a visual acuity (VA) greater than 20/200 and 12.5% had no light perception. The median time between trauma and primary repair was less than 8 h (interquartile range 5-12 h). A primary reconstruction was always attempted. Primary evisceration was performed in 14 cases (5%). In multivariable analysis, independent predictors of vision survival were male gender, shorter wound size, and absence of vitreous hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: In this large, retrospective study on globe ruptures, we identified male gender, short wound length, and the absence of vitreous hemorrhage or retinal detachment as predictors of improved functional outcome. We found a correlation between the presenting and final VAs. The Ocular Trauma Score predicted the outcome well. Our determination to reconstruct the traumatized eyes as early and as completely as possible was justified by the functional results: despite the severity of the injuries, one out of four eyes reached a final VA greater than 20/200.