Ocular involvement in facial nerve paralysis: risk factors for severe visual impairment and ocular surface exposure in 1870 patients.

PURPOSE: To identify the risk factors associated with the development of ocular surface exposure and severe visual impairment (SVI) in patients with facial nerve palsy (FNP). METHODS: Ocular data of all consecutive FNP patients (N = 1870) presenting to an eye-care network over the past 10 years were reviewed. Risk factors associated with SVI (best-corrected visual acuity <20/200) and ocular surface exposure at presentation were evaluated using multivariate analysis and odds ratios (OR). RESULTS: The prevalence of SVI was 15%, and 47% had ocular surface exposure at the first presentation. The presence of corneal scar (28% vs. 10.2%, p < .001; OR 3.05), corneal ulcer (12.9% vs. 2.3%, p < .001; OR 4.67), older age at presentation (p < .001; OR 1.02), >10 mm lagophthalmos (p < .001; OR 8.7), male sex, and duration of FNP (p = .021; OR 1) were independent risk factors for developing SVI. Of the 893 eyes with ocular surface exposure, 75 (3.9%) had a corneal ulcer, and 11 (0.6%) were perforated, with the rest having epithelial defects and punctate keratopathy. Patients with neoplastic etiology (15.9% vs. 5.7%; p < .001; OR 2.39), lagophthalmos (49% vs. 29.7%; p < .001; OR 2.25) and poor Bell's phenomenon (9.4% vs. 4.2%; p = .005; OR 1.8) had twofold risk for developing ocular surface exposure. CONCLUSION: Eyes with lagophthalmos, poor Bell's phenomenon, and FNP of neoplastic etiology have a higher risk of developing ocular surface exposure. Male sex, increasing age, longer duration of FNP, and >10 mm lagophthalmos are associated with SVI in FNP patients; hence, early and timely intervention is necessary.

Acremonium keratitis: Risk factors, clinical characteristics, management, and outcome in 65 cases.

Purpose: To study the risk factors, clinical presentation, management options, and outcomes in cases of culture-proven Acremonium keratitis. Methods: Medical and microbiology records of culture-proven Acremonium keratitis from Jan 2007 to Dec 2019 at a tertiary eye care center were reviewed. Details of clinical findings on each visit and operating notes were reviewed from the medical records. All cases were subjected to corneal scraping at the first visit for microbiological investigation consisting of direct smear examination and culture. Topical natamycin 5% was the mainstay of medical treatment. Surgical treatment was considered for nonresponding patients. Results: During the 13-year study period, 65 cases of culture-proven Acremonium keratitis were identified out of 1605 cases of fungal keratitis. Trauma was the most common predisposing factor in 32 cases (49.2%). The average area of the corneal stromal infiltrate was 24.8 mm2 at the initial presentation. Hypopyon at the time of presentation was evident in 28 (43.1%) cases. Staphylococcus spp. was the most common (n = 22, 33.8%) organism coexistent with Acremonium. Direct microscopy of corneal scraping was positive for fungal filaments in 57/65 (87.6%) cases. Medical management alone was given in 44 patients (67.6%). Age (>50 years) and treatment delay (>15 days) were found to be independent risk factors for the poor final visual outcome (VA <20/60). Conclusion: When treated early, Acremonium keratitis responds well to medical therapy with currently available topical antifungals. However, advanced and nonresponding cases require surgical intervention for resolution of the infection.

The retinal vascular growth rate in babies with retinopathy of prematurity could indicate treatment need.

Purpose: To analyze the weekly rate of retinal vascular growth in treatment-naïve babies with various stages of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and validate if this could be a predictor of treatment need. Methods: Retrospective review of medical charts and retinal images of babies with various stages of ROP. The images were enhanced using red-green image enhancement software. Using the length of the horizontal disc diameter (DD) of each eye, the vessel growth was measured from the disc margin up to the vessel tip in fixed quadrants. The rate of vessel growth was the ratio of vessel length to the number of weeks it took to reach this length. The babies were divided into treatment warranting ROP (group 1), low-risk pre-threshold (type II) ROP (group 2,), and no-ROP (group 3) for analysis. The "no-ROP" group acted as normal control. Group 1 was further subdivided into 1A (threshold ROP), IB (aggressive posterior ROP), 1C (hybrid ROP), and ID (high-risk pre-threshold ROP). Results: Out of 436 eyes, groups 1, 2, and 3 had 238, 108, and 90 eyes, respectively. The mean rate of vascular outgrowth along with 95% confidence interval (CI) was 0.490 [0.487,0.520], 0.612 [0.599, 0.638], and 0.719 [0.703, 0.740] DD/week, respectively, for babies with "treatment warranting," "low risk pre-threshold" and "no ROP" groups, respectively. In our estimate, more than 80% of eyes with a vessel growth rate of 0.54 DD/week or less required treatment. Conclusion: A rate of retinal vascular growth less than 0.54 DD/week can be used to determine treatment requirements in babies with ROP.

Correlation of vitreous chamber depth with ocular biometry in high axial myopia.

PURPOSE: The proportion of axial length (AL) occupied by vitreous chamber depth (VCD), or VCD:AL, consistently correlates to ocular biometry in the general population. Relation of VCD:AL to ocular biometry in high myopia is not known. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relation of VCD and VCD:AL to ocular biometry of highly myopic eyes. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional retrospective study of records of 214 myopic eyes (<-1 D SE, aged 20-40 years) attending the refractive surgery services. High axial myopia was defined as AL >26.5 mm. Eyes with posterior staphyloma and myopic maculopathy were excluded. Records were assessed for measurements of AL, central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness (LT), white to white diameter (WTW), and vitreous chamber depth (VCD). Groups were formed based on increasing AL, while the sum of CCT, ACD, and LT was recorded as anterior segment depth (AS). The main outcome measure was the correlation of VCD and VCD:AL to ocular biometry. A comparison was also performed based on of degree of axial myopia. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 27.0 ± 5.2 years. VCD showed a very strong correlation with AL (R = 0.98, P < 0.001) but did not correlate to any anterior parameter. VCD:AL showed moderate negative relation with AS (R = -0.43, P < 0.001) and ACD (R = -0.3, P < 0.001), while it had a weakly negative relation with LT (R = -0.18, P = 0.006). VCD:AL showed strong negative relation (R > ~0.7) with AS in all individual groups of AL. Among anterior parameters, WTW showed the most consistent relation with ocular biometry. CONCLUSION: VCD:AL is a better correlate of ocular biometry in high myopia as compared to VCD. However, the correlation is weaker than that noted by previous studies done on the general population. Longitudinal studies of VCD:AL in the younger age group is recommended.

Early changes in host and donor lenticule thickness after Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty.

PURPOSE: To analyze the early changes in host and donor lenticule thickness after Descemet Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSEK). METHODS: DSEK was performed on 32 eyes of 31 patients. Pre- and post- operative slit lamp examination and anterior segment Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) was done on day-1, day-7, 1 month, and 3 months. RESULTS: There were significant changes in host, lenticule, and total corneal thicknesses between day-1 and day-7, and day-7 and 1 month. There were significant changes in host thickness and total corneal thickness between 1 month and 3 months. Thickness changes were significant between day-1 and day-7, and 1 month and 3 months for thick and thin host, respectively, whereas these changes were observed both for thick and thin host between day-7 and 1 month. Similarly, significant changes were observed between day-7 and 1 month, and day-7 and 1 month in thin lenticule whereas in case of thick lenticule, it was observed till the 3 months follow-up period. There was a significant improvement in visual acuity till the 3 months follow-up period. No significant correlation was observed between visual acuity and host and lenticule thickness. CONCLUSION: The thicknesses of host and lenticule decrease continuously. Lenticule thickness stabilizes before host. Thinner cornea stabilizes earlier compared to thicker cornea.

Volk eye check ocular measurement device for objective periorbital measurements: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Volk Eye Check (VEC) is a portable digital ocular measurement device that automatically captures clinical photographs with facial measurements in real time (Volk Optical Inc), claiming to reduce measurement errors. The accuracy and repeatability of this ocular measurement device in the periorbital region has not been reported. AIM: To report the reproducibility and repeatability of periocular biometric measurements using Volk Eye Check Ocular measurement device. METHODS: Prospective, single blind, comparative study. Two experts performed digital photography of 100 volunteers using the standard photography technique using Oculoplasty module of the Volk Eye Check ocular measurement device. Each expert photographed the volunteer twice, to obtain two sets of automated printouts of 13 periorbital biometrics that were measured automatically by the ocular measurement device. Bland Altman plot and multiple comparisons of means from linear mixed-effects model fit by REML using simultaneous contrasts with p values reported by Bonferroni method were used as statistical tests to analyze following parameters: MRD1 (margin reflex distance-1), MRD2 (margin reflex distance-2), PFH (palpebral fissure height), HVID (horizontal visible iris diameter), ALL (aperture length at lateral limbus), and ALM (aperture length at medial limbus). RESULTS: The mean inter-observer difference in measurement (mm) was as follows: MRD1 (0.04), MRD2 (0.02), HVID (0.01), PFH (0.03), ALL (0.05), ALM (0.08). The mean intra-observer difference in measurement (mm) was as follows: MRD1 (0.02), MRD2 (0.09), HVID (0.0), PFH (0.09), ALL (0.06), ALM (0.05). CONCLUSION: Periorbital biometric measurements using Volk Eye Check ocular measurement devices are highly reproducible and repeatable. The oculoplasty module of Volk Eye Check ocular measurement device can provide reliable periorbital measurements for routine clinical use and for objective clinical studies.

The FICI grading for a dacryocystorhinostomy ostium.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to propose a simple grading to assess the health of a dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) ostium. METHODS: Prospective case series of 237 Ostia evaluated following dacryocystorhinostomy were included in the study. All the ostia were assessed for 10 parameters in detail using the earlier published DCR ostium scoring (DOS scoring). Each of the 10 parameters were scored individually, and final DOS scores were obtained. The anatomical and functional outcomes of each of the surgery were noted. The most significant parameters that influenced the success were determined using the binary recursive partitioning in a conditional inference framework. Data management and statistical tests were performed using the statistical "Software R" and the library "partykit" toolkits. RESULTS: The most significant DCR ostium parameters that influenced the outcomes were anatomical and functional fluorescein dye transit (p < 0.001), dynamicity of internal common opening (ICO) on the blink (p < 0.001), end-on threats to ICO from granuloma, membrane or a synechia, and cicatricial closure of the Ostia. Each of these significant factors (FICI - Fluorescein endoscopy dye test, ICO dynamicity, Cicatricial ostium closure and ICO threats) were assigned simple scoring and the final scores were graded from 0 (poor DCR ostium) to +5 (excellent DCR ostium). FICI grading can guide the physician on the health status of the DCR ostium and the possible need for intervention. CONCLUSION: FICI DCR ostium grading is a simple, easy to perform, and physician-friendly system. More studies with larger sample size would help in further validating the FICI grading.

Early results of circularity and centration of capsulotomy prepared by three different methods.

AIM: To compare the difference of capsulotomy produced by precision pulse capsulotomy (PPC), manual (M-CCC), and femtosecond laser assisted capsulotomy (FLAC) in relation to intraocular lens (IOL) centration, circularity and its effect on visual outcomes. METHODS: Prospective, non-randomized comparative study conducted at LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India. Sixty eyes of 52 patients were grouped into 3 (FLAC, PPC and M-CCC) based on capsulotomy techniques used. Twenty consecutive eyes with uneventful phacoemulsification and with no comorbidities affecting the capsulotomy or visual outcome were included in each group. The main outcome measure was IOL centration in relation to capsulotomy and pupil. Secondary outcome measures were post-operative visual acuity, manifest refraction and aberration profile between groups. RESULTS: At 5wk the visual, refractive outcomes and endothelial cell density were comparable between the 3 groups. The median circularity index of FLAC was statistically significantly different to M-CCC or PPC (1-10) groups (P<0.01) but PPC (11-20) was comparable to FLAC. Decentration of IOL center in relation to capsulotomy was seen only between the PPC (1-10) group and FLAC group (P=0.02). The IOL was well centered in relation to the pupil in all the groups (P=0.46). The quality of vision parameters like the higher order aberrations, spherical aberration, coma, trefoil, modular transfer function, and Strehl ratio were comparable between the groups. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that despite differences in the morphology of capsulotomy produced by PPC, M-CCC, FLAC a well-centered IOL can be achieved. The measured capsular morphology parameters do not affect visual outcomes.

Sight-Threatening Thyroid Eye Disease: Role of Diabetes Mellitus and Interaction with Other Risk Factors.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to investigate whether diabetes mellitus (DM) is an independent risk factor in sight-threatening thyroid eye disease (ST-TED) and explore the interaction of DM with other known risk factors in TED. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study and included 202 consecutive TED patients presenting between 2013 and 2019. Data collected included demography, history of smoking, thyroid dysmetabolism, and presence of DM, TED-duration, activity and severity, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and follow-up. Primary outcome measure was development of ST-TED and secondary outcome measures included change in BCVA, activity, and bilateral ST-TED. RESULTS: Mean age of the cohort was 52.14 + 9.14 years and 74 (36%) were male. DM was present in 49 (24%) and a positive history of smoking in 65 (32%) TED patients. Cox's proportional hazards showed the presence of DM (hazard ratio [HR] 2.22; P = 0.02) and a positive history of smoking (HR 3.62; P = 0.003) were significant risk factors for development of ST-TED and dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON). Older age was a risk factor (HR 1.05; P = 0.02) for DON. DM increased the risk of developing bilateral ST-TED (OR 4.14; P = 0.004). Median follow-up was 4 months (range 0.1-96 months). A linear mixed model to predict longitudinal interaction between risk factors, found TED patients in DM group were likely to have worsening of visual function and a positive history of smoking accentuated this adverse outcome. CONCLUSION: DM and smoking are major independent risk factors predictive of ST-TED. Coexisting DM either singularly or in combination with smoking may predict worsening of visual function in TED patients.

Posterior uveal melanoma in 321 Asian Indian patients: analysis based on the 8th edition of American Joint Committee Cancer classification.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the presenting features, treatment, and outcomes of posterior uveal melanoma (PUM) in Asian Indians based on the 8th edition of American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) classification. METHODS: Retrospective interventional case series of 321 Asian Indian patients with PUM. RESULTS: Based on AJCC, PUM was classified into categories T1 (n = 36; 11%), T2 (n = 74; 23%), T3 (n = 126; 39%), and T4 (n = 85; 27%). Regarding tumor features, T4 was more likely to have pre-equatorial epicenter (vs T1 and T2; p ≤ 0.011), iris abnormalities (vs T2 and T3; p ≤ 0.002), and extraocular tumor extension (vs T3; p = 0.001), whereas T1 was more likely to have macular epicenter (vs T2, T3, T4; p ≤ 0.013), lipofuscin deposits (vs T3 and T4; p ≤ 0.008), and amelanotic tumors (vs. T4; p = 0.003). On multivariate analysis, factors predictive of systemic metastasis were increasing tumor thickness (p = 0.002) and extraocular tumor extension (p = 0.009). The 5-, 10-, and 15-year melanoma-related metastases rates were 0%, 0%, and 0% in T1, 0%, 60%, and 60% in T2, 7%, 40%, and 70% in T3 and 13%, 36%, and 76% in T4, respectively. Risk for metastasis was 1.23 times more for every 1-mm increase in tumor thickness and 9 times more with extraocular tumor extension. CONCLUSION: The AJCC 8th edition provides prognostic classification for PUM in Asian Indian patients. The significant risk factors for metastasis were increasing tumor thickness and extraocular tumor extension.

Comparative study of pars plana vitrectomy with or without intravitreal dexamethasone implant for idiopathic epiretinal membrane.

Purpose: To investigate if use of adjunctive intravitreal dexamethasone implant during pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) leads to faster visual recovery and reduction of retinal thickness in idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM). Methods: In this non-randomized, comparative, interventional study 30 eyes (from 30 patients with idiopathic ERM) were enrolled. In the control group (n = 15), patients underwent 25-G pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and ERM peeling. In the study group (n = 15), each patient underwent the same procedure as those in the control group, and also received an additional dexamethasone implant. Primary outcome after treatment was mean gain in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and secondary outcome was reduction in central retinal thickness (CRT). Data were analyzed using Fisher's exact test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, and two-sample t-test. Results: The mean gain in BCVA (logMAR) from baseline at 1-month follow-up was significantly higher in the study group (median = -0.3, IQR = -0.4, -0.1) than in the control group (median = 0, IQR = -0.1, 0.3; P < 0.008). However, no significant difference in mean gain in BCVA between the two groups was detectable at the 6-month follow-up (P < 0.55). At 1-month follow-up, one and seven patients in the control and study groups gained ≥15 letters of BCVA (P < 0.05), respectively. The mean reductions in CRT at the 1-month follow-up were significantly higher in the study group than in the control group (Mean = -60 µm, SD = 92.1; P < 0.014; 95% CI = 19.75-156.54). The difference in mean reduction of CRT at 6 months was not significant (P < 0.24). Conclusion: Adjunctive dexamethasone implant can aid faster visual recovery after PPV in idiopathic ERM, although the implants do not affect long-term gains in visual acuity.

Outcomes of Ahmed glaucoma valve FP8 versus FP7 in adult secondary glaucoma.

AIM: To compare the outcomes of Ahmed glaucoma valve (AGV) pediatric FP8 versus the large-sized adult FP7 implants in an adult secondary glaucoma. METHODS: Patients who underwent AGV implantation from January 2011 to December 2016 for adult secondary glaucoma (due to causes other than post-vitreoretinal/buckle surgery glaucoma) with a follow-up of 6 months were included for this retrospective study. Success was defined as IOP > 6 mm Hg and < 21 mm Hg without any loss of vision, with or without the need of anti-glaucoma medications or additional procedures for control of IOP. Hypertensive phase was defined as IOP > 21 mmHg at any visit in the first 6 months of postoperative follow-up period, while failure was defined as IOP > 21 mm Hg even after medications or additional procedures, need of removal of implant or loss of light perception. Cumulative survival rates and intraoperative or postoperative complications along with IOP profiles were compared between the implants. RESULTS: Of 43 patients, 19 patients underwent FP7 and 24 patients underwent FP8 Ahmed Glaucoma valve implantation. The IOP significantly reduced in both groups from baseline (31 ± 8.2 mm Hg in FP7 eyes and 37 ± 13.1 mm Hg in FP8 eyes) by a mean of 64 ± 23.5% in FP8 and 64 ± 21.5% in FP7 group, respectively, p = 0.8 with comparable final IOP of 16.5 mm Hg and 16.9 mm Hg, respectively, p = 0.9. Both groups had 75% qualified success rates at 20 months after surgery with similar rates of need for postoperative medications or incidence of hypertensive phase. The FP8 eyes had more frequent conjunctiva-related complications in eyes with prior surgeries and preoperative conjunctival scarring while the other complications were similar in the two groups. CONCLUSION: Surgical outcomes of adult FP7 and pediatric FP8 AGV in adult secondary glaucoma seem to achieve similar IOP control and success rates. This suggests that smaller-sized FP8 can be used in adult glaucoma with good surgical outcomes albeit with careful case selection in eyes with extensive preoperative scarring to avoid conjunctival thinning-related complications postoperatively.

Alteration of Tear Cytokine Expressions in Primary Acquired Nasolacrimal Duct Obstruction - Potential Insights into the Etiopathogenesis.

Purpose: To investigate the presence and level of 35 distinct cytokines in the tear fluid obtained from patients with primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction (PANDO) and compare it with controls in an effort to understand the disease etiopathogenesis.Methods: Standard protocols were used for collecting tears from 60 eyes (20 diseased eyes and 20 healthy fellow eyes of unilateral PANDO, 20 control eyes of healthy subjects). A total of 35 analytes involved in inflammation, angiogenesis and wound healing were assessed by multiplex ELISA. Alterations in the tear levels of cytokines in PANDO and their comparison with the levels in the non-diseased fellow eye and healthy volunteers were noted. STRING analysis was used to assess the involved biological pathways of the altered cytokines. Linear mixed effect model was used for statistical analysis. A P value of <0.05 was considered significant.Results: There was significant upregulation of 10 pro-inflammatory cytokines in tears from diseased eyes of PANDO patients in comparison with the non-diseased controls and include matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP 9), serpin E1, Interleukin-6 (IL-6), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), vascular endothelial growth factor-A and R2 (VEGF-A, VEGF R2), platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM-1), c-reactive protein (CRP), chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) and platelet-derived growth factor- AA (PDGF-AA). Amongst the anti-inflammatory cytokines, three were significantly upregulated in diseased eyes of PANDO patients in comparison with the non-diseased controls and include granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF), retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases -1 (TIMP-1). There were no significant differences between the control eyes of the diseased patient and control eyes of healthy subjects. Based on the significantly altered cytokines, string analysis revealed that the biological pathways involved in the etiopathogenesis of PANDO include inflammation, angiogenesis, negative regulation of apoptosis, cellular proliferation and hormonal regulation.Conclusions: In cases of PANDO, dysregulation of certain cytokines was disease specific. Biological pathways reflect a possible link and interaction between the inflammatory cytokines with vasculature and hormonal microenvironments of the lacrimal drainage system, which in a way is bringing three promising candidates in the PANDO etiopathogenesis on a common ground.

Vitreous D-Lactate Levels as a Biomarker in the Diagnosis of Presumed Infectious Culture Negative Endophthalmitis.

Purpose: Microbiological investigations of vitreous fluid have often failed to detect the causative agent in infectious endophthalmitis resulting in a clinical dilemma. D-Lactate is a byproduct of bacterial metabolism, and its accumulation in sterile body fluids indicates bacterial infection. The aim of the study was to evaluate the measurement of vitreous fluid D-lactate for the diagnosis of infectious endophthalmitis and to define an optimal D-lactate concentration for the differentiation from non-infectious samples.Methods: Vitreous samples of 41 patients clinically diagnosed as endophthalmitis and 20 patients with non-infectious disorders, as controls, between October 2018 and February 2019 were included in the study. D-lactate levels were determined by a D-lactate colorimetric assay kit (MAK058 Sigma-Aldrich) and the receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) of D-lactate were calculated. The clinical finding of D-lactate production in bacterial endophthalmitis was also verified in a mouse model of bacterial endophthalmitis.Results: Of the 41 patients included in the infectious group, 25 had culture-positive infections of which 13/25 were gram-positive organisms and 12/25 grew gram-negative bacilli. Based on the ROC curve, the sensitivity of D-lactate was found to be 80% and specificity 100% and a cut-off value of above 47.06 ng/µl for D-lactate was defined as positive or true infectious in vitreous samples for diagnosis of endophthalmitis. In-vivo, a mouse model of bacterial endophthalmitis showed the significant production of D-lactate levels in retina and vitreous. Interestingly the levels were elevated in Gram-negative infections compared to Gram-positive bacterial endophthalmitis.Conclusion: Our clinical and in-vivo mouse model data showed that vitreous fluid D-lactate could be used as a bacterial-specific biomarker in the diagnosis of most infectious endophthalmitis and could be implemented for the evaluation of treatment success.

Comparison of Pediatric Cataract Surgical Techniques Between Pediatric Ophthalmology Consultants and Fellows in Training: A Video-Based Analysis.

PURPOSE: To compare intraoperative technique and quality of surgical steps in pediatric cataract surgery between pediatric ophthalmology consultants and fellows in training. METHODS: In a video-based analysis by two fellowship-trained pediatric ophthalmologists, 42 surgical videos of pediatric ophthalmology consultants and 34 videos of fellows in training were graded based on the International Council of Ophthalmology's Ophthalmology Surgical Competency Assessment Rubrics (ICO-OSCAR). Six steps in surgery were analyzed: wound construction, anterior continuous curvilinear capsulorrhexis, irrigation and aspiration, intraocular lens implantation, primary posterior capsulorrhexis with anterior vitrectomy, and wound suturing. Cohen's Kappa was used to rate inter-observer agreement. RESULTS: Cohen's Kappa scores ranged from 0.6 to 0.8. The median scores for surgical steps for both analyzed groups were similar. The mean duration of surgery was shorter for consultants (24 minutes, range: 10 to 45 minutes) than for fellows (40 minutes, range: 15 to 70 minutes). The median age of patients operated on by consultants was younger (24 months, range: 2 to 180 months) than fellows (58 months, range: 10 to 150 months). CONCLUSIONS: The quality of the surgical steps performed by pediatric ophthalmology consultants and fellows in training was similar. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2019;56(2):83-87.].

Piezoelectric surgery versus mechanical drilling for orbital floor decompression: effect on infraorbital hypoaesthesia.

Purpose: To compare efficacy and safety of mechanical drill and piezoelectric technology in the prevention of infraorbital nerve hypoaesthesia during orbital floor decompression. Methods: Single-centre, non-randomized prospective, interventional case series. We enrolled 24 patients who underwent 3-wall orbital decompression. A total of 13 patients underwent floor decompression using 5-mm diamond dusted Piezoelectric tip (Synthes GmbH, Oberdorf, Germany), whereas 11 patients underwent conventional mechanical decompression of the floor using Stryker Core handpiece with 5-mm diamond dusted tip (Stryker, USA) and a Kerrison's bone ronguer. All surgeries were performed by a single surgeon (MNN) using standard surgical technique. The infraorbital nerve hypoesthesia was measured pre-operatively, and post-operatively on day 1, at 1 week, 6 weeks, 3 months, and final follow-up by an independent observer. Hypoaesthesia was graded on a simple numerical scale: 0 defined as "normal", 1 defined as "minimally reduced", 2 defined as "grossly reduced but perceptible", and 3 defined as "total loss". Results: The average follow-up after surgery was 16 months (range 13-48 months). The average score in the mechanical drilling group at day 1, week 6, week 12 and final follow-up was 1.9, 1.2, 0.7, and 0.6, respectively (p < 0.001). For the Piezo group, the average scores were 0.3, 0.2, 0.1, and 0.1, respectively. No procedure related complications were noted, and the average surgical time for floor decompression was comparable (p > 0.5). Conclusions: Piezoelectric technology is effective in orbital floor removal by minimizing infraorbital nerve hypoaesthesia.

Assessing the outcomes of mini-Monoka stent dilatation for primary punctal stenosis using the lacrimal symptom questionnaire.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to assess the quality of outcomes of mini-Monoka stent dilatation for punctal stenosis using the lacrimal symptom (Lac-Q) questionnaire. METHODS: Prospective interventional case series of 45 eyes of 25 consecutive patients who underwent mini-Monoka stent dilatation for primary punctal stenosis were included in the study. The stents were extubated at 4 weeks. The Lac-Q questionnaire was administered preoperatively and at 12 weeks and 24 weeks following the intervention. Outcomes assessed were anatomical success, functional success, and changes in the questionnaire scores including total, social impact, and lacrimal symptom scores. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and the probability of obtaining a certain score was calculated using the multinomial log-linear model. P < 0.05 was considered as significant. RESULTS: Monoka stents were performed for 45 eyes. A total of 75 questionnaire responses were analyzed. At the last follow-up of 24 weeks, the anatomical and functional success rates were 93.3% (42/45). The changes in the mean total score (7.68 preoperatively to 0.82 at 24-week follow-up) were statistically significant (P ≤ 0.001). The mean social impact scores showed significant improvement postoperatively from 4.06 to 0.53 (P ≤ 0.001). The mean lacrimal symptom score changed from a preoperative value of 3.62 to 0.28 (P ≤ 0.001) at the last follow-up. Postoperative scoring correlated well with the anatomical and functional success rates. The symptom scores corroborated with changes in the clinical outcomes. CONCLUSION: Mini-Monoka stent dilatation is a very effective intervention for the management of primary punctal stenosis, and Lac-Q questionnaire is a simple and useful tool to evaluate the quality of outcomes in such cases.

Comparison of the New Low-Cost Nonvalved Glaucoma Drainage Device with Ahmed Glaucoma Valve in Refractory Pediatric Glaucoma in Indian Eyes.

PURPOSE: To compare outcomes of a nonvalved glaucoma drainage device (the Aurolab aqueous drainage device [AADI] with a valved glaucoma drainage device (the Ahmed glaucoma valve [AGV]) in refractory pediatric glaucoma. DESIGN: Retrospective interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred sixteen eyes of 97 children with refractory pediatric glaucoma. METHODS: Children (≤16 years) treated with drainage implants from January 2007 through December 2016 with a minimum follow-up of 6 months (operated by a single surgeon) were included. Success was defined as intraocular pressure (IOP) ≥6 mmHg or ≤21 mmHg (complete without antiglaucoma medications [AGMs] and qualified with AGM); repeat glaucoma surgery or loss of light perception was failure. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Comparison of success rates and complications with AADI (350 mm2) and silicone AGV (models FP7 [182-mm2 surface area] and FP8 [102-mm2 surface area]) implantation. RESULTS: Outcomes of 116 eyes of 97 children (AADI, 36 eyes; AGV, 85 eyes; FP7, n = 14; FP8, n = 72) were analyzed. Median follow-up for AADI was 16.8 months (interquartile range [IQR], 11.7-24.5 months) and for AGV was 27 months (IQR, 15.3-52.3 months). Preoperative parameters (age, IOP, number of AGMs) were similar in both groups except number of previous nonglaucoma surgeries, which were significantly more in AADI (P = 0.05). Qualified success was similar (P = 0.81) in both groups, 91% and 88% at 1 year and 81% and 84% at 3 years with AADI and AGV, respectively. With AADI, the complete success was significantly more (41.8% vs.13.7%; P < 0.005). The postoperative mean IOP (12.6±5.5 mmHg vs. 17.6±6.8 mmHg; P = 0.001), median number of AGMs (1 [IQR, 0-2] vs. 2 [IQR, 1-3]; P < 0.001), and hypertensive phase (16.5% [n = 7] vs. 40% [n = 34]; P = 0.02) were significantly less in AADI compared with AGV. Transient complications (AADI, 30.5% [n = 11/36] vs. AGV, 21.1% [n = 18/85]; P = 0.26), sight-threatening complications (AADI, 13.9% [n = 5/36) vs. AGV, 7% [n = 6/85]; P = 0.22), and complications needing intervention (AADI, 19.4% [n = 7/36] vs. AGV, 14.1% [n = 12/85]; P = 0.46) were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: In refractory pediatric glaucoma, both AGV and AADI showed similar qualified success and complication rates at 1 and 3 years. However, the AADI showed greater complete success, better IOP control, less need for AGM, and lesser incidence of an hypertensive phase.

Assessing the Outcomes of Powered Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy in Adults Using the Lacrimal Symptom (Lac-Q) Questionnaire.

PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to assess the quality of outcomes of powered endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy using the lacrimal symptom (Lac-Q) questionnaire. METHODS: Prospective interventional case series of 50 consecutive patients who underwent primary powered endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy were included in the study. All the patients had stent placement which were removed at 4 weeks. The Lac-Q questionnaire was administered preoperatively and at 4 weeks and 16 weeks following the surgery. Outcomes assessed were anatomical success, functional success, and changes in the social impact and lacrimal symptoms scores. Statistical analysis was performed using Dunnette's procedure with bonferroni correction. RESULTS: Fifty-five powered endoscopic dacryocysto rhinostomies were performed on 50 patients. A total of 150 questionnaire responses were analyzed. At the 16 week follow up, the anatomical and functional success rates were 98% and 94%, respectively. The mean social impact scores showed significant improvement postoperatively from 3.88 to 0.3 (p ≤ 0.001). The changes in the total scores (12.5 preoperatively to 1.0 at 16 weeks follow up) were statistically significant (p ≤ 0.001). Postoperative scoring correlated well with the anatomical and functional success rates. The symptom scores reflected changes with change in the clinical condition. CONCLUSION: The Lac-Q questionnaire is a simple and useful tool to evaluate the quality of outcomes of powered endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy.