Temporal artery biopsy: time for a rethink on training?

BACKGROUND: Temporal artery biopsy (TAB) is often performed by ophthalmology trainees without direct supervision. The traditional model of 'see one, do one, teach one' still prevails in most units. Whilst it is generally a safe procedure, damage to the temporal branch of the facial nerve has been reported when harvesting the frontal branch of the superficial temporal artery. METHODS: A survey of trainees from Wessex, Wales, London and Severn deaneries was performed to look at current training techniques, anatomical knowledge and practice. RESULTS: 38 trainees responded to the survey, with complete responses from 28 participants. Formal teaching of the anatomical considerations in TAB was not reported by any trainee, with informal teaching being standard practice. Whilst 61% of respondents reported having learnt about the anatomical 'danger zone' for facial nerve damage, 97% of trainees chose an incision that fell within this zone when given a choice between potential incision sites. CONCLUSION: TAB remains a largely trainee-taught, trainee-performed procedure. Most trainees are not aware of how to avoid the risk of damage to the temporal branch of the facial nerve. We suggest harvesting the parietal branch of the temporal artery via an incision outside the anatomical 'danger zone'. In our experience, this is an easily taught technique that minimises the potential risk of damage to the frontal branch of the facial nerve.

Expression of Endogenous Putative TSH Binding Protein in Orbit.

Thyroid stimulating antibodies (TSAB) cause Graves' disease and contribute to Graves' Orbitopathy (GO) pathogenesis. We hypothesise that the presence of TSH binding proteins (truncated TSHR variants (TSHRv)) and/or nonclassical ligands such as thyrostimulin (α2ß5) might provide a mechanism to protect against or exacerbate GO. We analysed primary human orbital preadipocyte-fibroblasts (OF) from GO patients and people free of GO (non-GO). Transcript (QPCR) and protein (western blot) expression levels of TSHRv were measured through an adipogenesis differentiation process. Cyclic-AMP production by TSHR activation was studied using luciferase-reporter and RIA assays. After differentiation, TSHRv levels in OF from GO were significantly higher than non-GO (p = 0.039), and confirmed in ex vivo analysis of orbital adipose samples. TSHRv western blot revealed a positive signal at 46 kDa in cell lysates and culture media (CM) from non-GO and GO-OF. Cyclic-AMP decreased from basal levels when OF were stimulated with TSH or Monoclonal TSAB (M22) before differentiation protocol, but increased in differentiated cells, and was inversely correlated with the TSHRv:TSHR ratio (Spearman correlation: TSH r = -0.55, p = 0.23, M22 r = 0.87, p = 0.03). In the bioassay, TSH/M22 induced luciferase-light was lower in CM from differentiated GO-OF than non-GO, suggesting that secreted TSHRv had neutralised their effects. α2 transcripts were present but reduced during adipogenesis (p < 0.005) with no difference observed between non-GO and GO. ß5 transcripts were at the limit of detection. Our work demonstrated that TSHRv transcripts are expressed as protein, are more abundant in GO than non-GO OF and have the capacity to regulate signalling via the TSHR.

The Role of Mitochondria-Linked Fatty-Acid Uptake-Driven Adipogenesis in Graves Orbitopathy.

CONTEXT: Depot-specific expansion of orbital adipose tissue (OAT) in Graves orbitopathy (GO; an autoimmune condition producing proptosis, visual impairment and reduced quality of life) is associated with fatty acid (FA)-uptake-driven adipogenesis in preadipocytes/fibroblasts (PFs). OBJECTIVE: This work sought a role for mitochondria in OAT adipogenesis in GO. METHODS: Confluent PFs from healthy OAT (OAT-H), OAT from GO (OAT-GO) and white adipose tissue in culture medium compared with culture medium containing a mixed hormonal cocktail as adipogenic medium (ADM), or culture-medium containing FA-supplementation, oleate:palmitate:linoleate (45:30:25%) with/without different concentration of mitochondrial biosubstrate adenosine 5'-diphosphate/guanosine 5'-diphosphate (ADP/GDP), AICAR (adenosine analogue), or inhibitor oligomycin-A for 17 days. Main outcome measures included oil-red-O staining and foci count of differentiated adipocytes for in vitro adipogenesis, flow cytometry, relative quantitative polymerase chain reaction, MTS-assay/106 cells, total cellular-ATP detection kit, and Seahorse-XFe96-Analyzer for mitochondria and oxidative-phosphorylation (OXPHOS)/glycolysis-ATP production analysis. RESULTS: During early adipogenesis before adipocyte formation (days 0, 4, and7), we observed OAT-specific cellular ATP production via mitochondrial OXPHOS in PFs both from OAT-H and OAT-GO, and substantially disrupted OXPHOS-ATP/glycolysis-ATP production in PFs from OAT-GO, for example, a 40% reduction in OXPHOS-ATP and trend-increased glycolysis-ATP production on days 4 and 7 compared with day 0, which contrasted with the stable levels in OAT-H. FA supplementation in culture-medium triggered adipogenesis in PFs both from OAT-H and OAT-GO, which was substantially enhanced by 1-mM GDP reaching 7% to 18% of ADM adipogenesis. The FA-uptake-driven adipogenesis was diminished by oligomycin-A but unaffected by treatment with ADP or AICAR. Furthermore, we observed a significant positive correlation between FA-uptake-driven adipogenesis by GDP and the ratios of OXPHOS-ATP/glycolysis-ATP through adipogenesis of PFs from OAT-GO. CONCLUSION: Our study confirmed that FA uptake can drive OAT adipogenesis and revealed a fundamental role for mitochondria-OXPHOS in GO development, which provides potential for therapeutic interventions.

Quantitative Assessment of Orbital Decompression Surgery Using Photogrammetric Stereoimaging.

PURPOSE: To evaluate periorbital volume changes, using quantitative photogrammetric stereoimaging, after bony orbital decompression for thyroid eye disease (TED) and compare this to changes in Hertel exophthalmometry. Tissue volumes of the upper and lower eyelids were also assessed independently. DESIGN: Prospective, nonrandomized, nonconsecutive series of patients. SUBJECTS: Adults with inactive TED who had elected to undergo bony orbital decompression at Moorfields Eye Hospital between 2015 and 2017. METHODS: With their eyes gently closed, patients with inactive TED underwent imaging using the VECTRA M3 system (Canfields Imaging, Fairfield, NJ), both before and at least 3 months after orbital decompression. Proptosis was assessed by Hertel exophthalmometry. Using the manufacturer's software, changes in periorbital volumes between the preoperative and postoperative images were calculated for the upper and lower eyelids. The Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient was used to assess the linear relationship between changes in periorbital volume and exophthalmometry. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Change in stereoimaging volumes of the upper and lower eyelids, and clinical proptosis as measured with Hertel exophthalmometry. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients (11 males; 33%) underwent lateral decompression (39 orbits in 26 patients), lateral decompression with complete ethmoidectomy (3 orbits in 3 patients), combined decompression of lateral wall, medial wall, and medial half of floor (10 orbits in 6 patients), or bilateral lateral, medial, and complete floor decompression (1 patient). The corresponding average volumetric changes were 1.74 ml (median 1.64; range 0.39-3.73 ml), 3.38 ml (median 3.38, range 1.89-4.88 ml), 4.05 ml (median 3.53, range 1.72-6.43 ml), and 4.52 ml (range 4.36-4.68 ml), respectively. Similarly, the average reduction in proptosis was 3.6 mm (median 3; range 1.5-7 mm), 5.3 mm (median 5; range 5-6 mm), 7.4 mm (7.5; range 6-9 mm), and 9 mm (range 8-10 mm). Periorbital volume changes were related to the reduction in exophthalmometry (r = 0.713, p < 0.0001), and reduction of lower eyelid volume did not increase further with more than two-wall decompression. CONCLUSION: Graded orbital decompression reduces both proptosis and the upper and lower eyelid tissue volumes, the eyelid changes being likely to influence decisions about future restorative eyelid surgery. The significant changes in eyelid profiles underlines the established principle of thyroid periocular rehabilitation, namely decompression, then strabismus surgery, and finally eyelid surgery.

Distinctive Features of Orbital Adipose Tissue (OAT) in Graves' Orbitopathy.

Depot specific expansion of orbital-adipose-tissue (OAT) in Graves' Orbitopathy (GO) is associated with lipid metabolism signaling defects. We hypothesize that the unique adipocyte biology of OAT facilitates its expansion in GO. A comprehensive comparison of OAT and white-adipose-tissue (WAT) was performed by light/electron-microscopy, lipidomic and transcriptional analysis using ex vivo WAT, healthy OAT (OAT-H) and OAT from GO (OAT-GO). OAT-H/OAT-GO have a single lipid-vacuole and low mitochondrial number. Lower lipolytic activity and smaller adipocytes of OAT-H/OAT-GO, accompanied by similar essential linoleic fatty acid (FA) and (low) FA synthesis to WAT, revealed a hyperplastic OAT expansion through external FA-uptake via abundant SLC27A6 (FA-transporter) expression. Mitochondrial dysfunction of OAT in GO was apparent, as evidenced by the increased mRNA expression of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and mitofusin-2 (MFN2) in OAT-GO compared to OAT-H. Transcriptional profiles of OAT-H revealed high expression of Iroquois homeobox-family (IRX-3&5), and low expression in HOX-family/TBX5 (essential for WAT/BAT (brown-adipose-tissue)/BRITE (BRown-in-whITE) development). We demonstrated unique features of OAT not presented in either WAT or BAT/BRITE. This study reveals that the pathologically enhanced FA-uptake driven hyperplastic expansion of OAT in GO is associated with a depot specific mechanism (the SLC27A6 FA-transporter) and mitochondrial dysfunction. We uncovered that OAT functions as a distinctive fat depot, providing novel insights into adipocyte biology and the pathological development of OAT expansion in GO.

The first UK national blepharospasm patient and public involvement day; identifying priorities.

PURPOSE: We describe the planning and outcomes of the first 'Blepharospasm Day' in the UK. Blepharospasm is a distressing condition for patients and carers. Our 'patient and public involvement' event aimed to: cultivate a more informed patient group via active dialogue, help clinicians more effectively prioritise research and to facilitate peer-to-peer support for affected patients and public. DESIGN: A national one-day event was organised by the oculoplastics department at Moorfields Eye Hospital. The event was divided into informative lectures delivered by professionals and a patient panel, during which patients shared their experiences and expectations. METHODS: Data were collected from a variety of sources including: an interactive voting "LiveWall" poster, a pre-event questionnaire; "living with Blepharospasm", transcripts from patient panel discussions; and a feedback questionnaire. RESULTS: The event was well-received with 100% of respondents rating it good or excellent. Four research themes were identified: "aetiology", "alternative treatments", "faster, more accurate diagnosis", and "symptom control". Delegates' self-reported knowledge of blepharospasm increased significantly after the event. Limitations of the BdSI severity-assessment tool were noted with 22% of respondents failing to utilise it appropriately. CONCLUSION: Through our innovative "Blepharospasm Day", patient's priorities for research were identified, delegates understanding of blepharospasm increased and an independent blepharospasm patients-representatives' group was established; a first in the UK. Furthermore, short-fallings identified in the BdSI tool highlight the need for better severity-assessment tools. We demonstrate the benefits of the 'patient and public involvement' approach in the management of complex conditions such as blepharospasm. ABBREVIATIONS: PPI: Patient and public involvement; SLV-PSP: sight loss and vision sector - priority setting partnership; BRC: Biomedical Research Centre; NIHR: National Institute for Health Research; BsDI: Blepharospasm Disability Index.

Prostaglandin F2-Alpha Eye Drops (Bimatoprost) in Graves' Orbitopathy: A Randomized Controlled Double-Masked Crossover Trial (BIMA Trial).

BACKGROUND: Previous in vitro experiments have demonstrated that prostaglandin F2-alpha (PF2α) reduced proliferation and adipogenesis in a murine cell line and human orbital fibroblasts derived from subjects with inactive Graves' orbitopathy (GO). The objective of this study was to determine if the PGF2α analogue bimatoprost is effective at reducing proptosis in this population. METHODS: A randomized controlled double-masked crossover trial was conducted in a single tertiary care academic medical center. Patients with long-standing, inactive GO but persistent proptosis (>20 mm in at least one eye) were recruited. Allowing for a 15% dropout rate, 31 patients (26 females) were randomized in order to identify a treatment effect of 2.0 mm (p = 0.05; power 0.88). Following informed consent, participants were randomized to receive bimatoprost or placebo for three months, after which they underwent a two-month washout before switching to the opposite treatment. The primary outcome was the change in exophthalmometry readings over the two three-month treatment periods. RESULTS: The mean exophthalmometer at baseline was 23.6 mm (range 20.0-30.5 mm), and the mean age of the patients was 55 years (range 28-74 years). The median duration of GO was 7.6 years (interquartile range 3.6-12.3 years). The majority were still suffering from diplopia (61.3%) with bilateral involvement (61.3%). Using multi-level modeling adjusted for baseline, period, and carry-over, bimatoprost resulted in a -0.17 mm (reduction) exophthalmometry change ([confidence interval -0.67 to +0.32]; p = 0.490). There was a mean change in intraocular pressure of -2.7 mmHg ([confidence interval -4.0 to -1.4]; p = 0.0070). One patient showed periorbital fat atrophy on treatment, which resolved on stopping treatment. Independent analysis of proptosis by photographic images (all subjects) and subgroup analysis on monocular disease (n = 12) did not show any apparent benefit. CONCLUSIONS: In inactive GO, bimatoprost treatment over a three-month period does not result in an improvement in proptosis.

Management of acute retrobulbar haemorrhage: a survey of non-ophthalmic emergency department physicians.

INTRODUCTION: Acute retrobulbar haemorrhage (RBH) with orbital compartment syndrome is a sight-threatening ophthalmic emergency requiring treatment with lateral canthotomy and cantholysis (LC/C). However, such cases may present to non-ophthalmic emergency departments (ED) out-of-hours, when specialist intervention is not readily available. We completed a survey of ED physicians to explore experiences of RBH and confidence in undertaking LC/C. METHODS: From February to April 2018, an online survey was sent to ED physicians of all training grades in seven UK locations. The survey comprised a case vignette of a patient presenting with clinical features of RBH with orbital compartment syndrome, with multiple choice questions on the diagnosis, management and onward referral of such cases. Additional questions explored the experience of RBH, LC/C and perspectives on current and future training of ED physicians in this area. RESULTS: 190 ED doctors completed the survey (response rate 70%). While 82.8% correctly diagnosed RBH and 95.7% recognised irreversible visual loss as a consequence of untreated RBH with orbital compartment syndrome, 78.7% indicated that they would initially undertake CT imaging rather than performing LC/C. Only 38.9% had previously encountered a case of RBH and only 37.1% would perform LC/C themselves, with 91.4% indicating that this was due to lack of training. 92.2% felt that more training was required for ED physicians in RBH management and performing LC/C. CONCLUSION: While cases of RBH with orbital compartment syndrome are infrequent, it is important that RBH management with the vital, sight-saving skill of LC/C is added to the United Kingdom Royal College of Emergency Medicine training curriculum. At present, though the majority of ED physicians can identify RBH, the minority are willing or able to undertake LC/C, potentially risking irreversible but avoidable visual loss.

Adjustable versus non-adjustable sutures for strabismus.

BACKGROUND: Strabismus, or squint, can be defined as a deviation from perfect ocular alignment and can be classified in many ways according to its aetiology and presentation. Treatment can be broadly divided into medical and surgical options, with a variety of surgical techniques being available, including the use of adjustable or non-adjustable sutures for the extraocular muscles. There exists an uncertainty as to which of these techniques produces a better surgical outcome, and an opinion that the adjustable suture technique may be of greater benefit in certain situations. OBJECTIVES: To determine if either an adjustable suture or non-adjustable suture technique is associated with a more accurate long-term ocular alignment and to identify specific situations in which it would be of benefit to use a particular method. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Trials Register) (2017, Issue 5); Ovid MEDLINE; Ovid Embase; LILACS; the ISRCTN registry; ClinicalTrials.gov and the ICTRP. The date of the search was 13 June 2017. We contacted experts in the field for further information. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing adjustable to non-adjustable sutures for strabismus surgery. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard procedures recommended by Cochrane. Two review authors independently screened search results and extracted data. We graded the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS: We identified one RCT comparing adjustable and non-adjustable sutures in primary horizontal strabismus surgeries in 60 children aged less than 12 years in Egypt. The study was not masked and we judged it at high risk of detection bias. Ocular alignment was defined as orthophoria or a horizontal tropia of 8 prism dioptres (PD) or less at near and far distances. At six months, there may be a small increased chance of ocular alignment with adjustable sutures compared with non-adjustable sutures clinically, however, the confidence intervals (CIs) were wide and were compatible with an increased chance of ocular alignment in the non-adjustable sutures group, so there was no statistical difference (risk ratio (RR) 1.18, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.53). We judged this to be low-certainty evidence, downgrading for imprecision and risk of bias. At six months, 730 per 1000 children in the non-adjustable sutures group had ocular alignment. The study authors reported that there were no complications during surgery. The trials did not assess patient satisfaction and resource use and costs. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We could reach no reliable conclusions regarding which technique (adjustable or non-adjustable sutures) produced a more accurate long-term ocular alignment following strabismus surgery or in which specific situations one technique is of greater benefit than the other, given the low-certainty and chance with just the one study. More high-quality RCTs are needed to obtain clinically valid results and to clarify these issues. Such trials should ideally 1. recruit participants with any type of strabismus or specify the subgroup of participants to be studied, for example, thyroid, paralytic, non-paralytic, paediatric; 2. randomise all consenting participants to have either adjustable or non-adjustable surgery prospectively; 3. have at least six months of follow-up data; and 4. include reoperation rates as an outcome measure.

Case-control study of risk factors for acute corneal hydrops in keratoconus.

PURPOSE: To determine risk factors for the development of acute corneal hydrops in keratoconus in the UK in a case-controlled study. METHODS: Between November 2009 and December 2010, we prospectively identified 73 individuals who developed acute corneal hydrops. We then identified 174 controls from nine regions in the UK with keratoconus who had not had hydrops. For cases and controls we recorded demographics and clinical features. Univariate and multivariable logistic regressions were performed to identify risk factors. RESULTS: Univariate analysis suggested strong associations between the odds of hydrops and each of vernal keratoconjunctivitis (OR 4.08, 95% CI 1.45 to 11.49, p=0.008), asthma (OR 2.70, CI 1.34 to 5.47, p=0.006), atopic dermatitis (OR 3.13, CI 1.50 to 6.56, p=0.002), learning difficulties (OR 7.84, CI 2.86 to 21.46, p<0.001), previous hydrops (OR 40.2; CI 6.2 to ∞, p<0.001), black ethnicity (OR 2.98, CI 0.98 to 8.99; p=0.05), visual acuity in the worse eye (OR 8.76 CI 3.86 to 19.88; p<0.001) and minimum keratometry of ≥48 D prior to the hydrops (OR 4.91, CI 1.07 to 22.6, p=0.041). The use of a contact lens correction was also found to be associated with the odds of hydrops (OR 0.08; CI 0.03 to 0.19, p<0.001). Multiple variable regression indicated that having vernal keratoconjunctivitis (adjusted OR (AOR) 15, 95% CI 1.30 to 173.7; p=0.03), asthma (AOR 4.92, CI 1.22 to 19.78; p=0.025), visual acuity in worse eye (AOR 4.11, CI 1.18 to 14.32; p=0.026) and a high keratometry value (AOR 4.44, CI 0.85 to 23.18; p=0.077) were independently associated with the odds of hydrops in subjects with keratoconus. CONCLUSION: Some individuals with keratoconus are at high risk of developing acute corneal hydrops. These patients could be managed more aggressively to reduce their risk of developing this complication of their disease.

Periocular necrotising fasciitis: a multicentre case series.

INTRODUCTION: Necrotising fasciitis (NF) is a severe infection of deep subcutaneous soft tissues with high morbidity and mortality. Periocular necrotising fasciitis (PONF) is a very rare condition with many unanswered questions about the presentation and management. We present a retrospective case series of patients with PONF from three centres in Australia and two in the UK to investigate the clinical and microbiological characteristics and outcomes and report on patients treated with antibiotics alone. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients (20 men; 69%) with PONF were identified and followed up for between 2 months and 10 years (median 57, mean 52.6 months) between 1990 and 2013. Conditions associated with chronic immunocompromise were present in 16/29 (55%). Twenty-one (75%) recalled minor periocular trauma or an infected lesion, two having been assaulted by the same assailant. Systemic shock occurred in 6/29 (21%) patients and 1 died. Group A, ß-haemolytic Streptococcus was the most common bacterium identified (25/29, 86%). Intravenous antibiotics were used in all patients, and up to five tissue debridements were required to control the disease in 23/29 (74%); reconstructive surgery was required in 12/29 (41%) patients. One patient died from the disease and visual loss occurred in four eyes of four patients (14%). CONCLUSIONS: PONF has a better prognosis than disease elsewhere in the body, but is still associated with significant risk of visual loss and a small risk of death. Intravenous antibiotic treatment with cautious observation may be reasonable in selected patients with a low threshold for debridement.

Ocular Findings in Alemtuzumab (Campath-1H)-induced Thyroid Eye Disease.

Alemtuzumab (Campath-1H) is a humanized anti-CD52 monoclonal antibody used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). Studies demonstrate significant reduction in relapse risk and the risk of accumulating sustained disability. Adverse events include infusion-associated reactions, infections, and secondary autoimmunity. Systemic thyroid disease is the most common secondary autoimmune event and affects up to approximately 30% of treated patients. This is the first description of the ocular findings and management in a case of thyroid eye disease (Graves' Ophthalmopathy [GO]) following alemtuzumab therapy. The ocular disease was managed conservatively while the systemic Graves' was managed with thyroidectomy.

Surgical Management of Cicatricial Ectropion in Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris.

Pityriasis rubra pilaris is an idiopathic, papulosquamous dermatological disease. It is clinically and histologically distinct from, but may resemble, psoriasis. Pityriasis rubra pilaris can be self-limiting but may also run a protracted, relapsing course. Medical treatment may involve topical emollients, systemic retinoids, methotrexate, and/or tumor necrosis factor antagonists. Ocular complications include cicatricial ectropion. The authors describe the surgical management of 3 patients with cicatricial ectropion secondary to pityriasis rubra pilaris. All patients had procedures involving skin grafts; 1 patient required multiple operations. The management principles are discussed, including the role and timing of surgery, within the context of emerging treatments for pityriasis rubra pilaris. Patients with pityriasis rubra pilaris and cicatricial ectropion should be closely managed by both ophthalmologist and dermatologist. The eyelid position may improve with conservative or surgical measures. If surgery is required, the limitations of skin grafting under these circumstances should be anticipated and patients counseled appropriately.

Congenital cystic eye with optic nerve.

Congenital cystic eye (CCE) is a rare condition caused by failure of invagination of the optic vesicle resulting in a persistent cyst replacing the eye. An associated optic nerve attached to the cyst is a rarely reported phenomenon that has been sparsely described histologically, with no immunohistochemistry reported previously. The authors present a case of CCE with optic nerve tissue inserting into the cyst, and present the histological and immunohistochemical findings.

Prolonged mydriasis after inadvertent topical administration of the calcium channel antagonist amlodipine: implications for glaucoma drug development.

CONTEXT: Calcium channel inhibitors are being investigated as potential therapeutic adjuncts to reduce painful ciliary muscle spasm and control intraocular pressure in glaucoma. Relatively little is known about the effect of topical administration of calcium channel blockers in humans. OBJECTIVE: (1) To describe prolonged fixed pupil dilation resulting from exposure to topical amlodipine (2) to review the evidence that links calcium channel blockers with mydriasis and (3) to discuss the implications for glaucoma pharmacotherapy. DESIGN: Single interventional case report, literature review (including human and animal studies) and analysis of reported adverse drug reactions (ADRs) records in the USA and UK. CASE: A 35-year-old female doctor presented to eye casualty with blurred vision and bilateral, fixed, dilated pupils. A history of exposure to liquid amlodipine while preparing a paediatric chemotherapy regimen for a neuroblastoma patient was elicited. The patient was reassured and observed. RESULTS: Pupil function returned to normal within 48 h. A multi-national review of adverse drug reactions reports was conducted, as well as an extensive literature search for case reports and experimental studies. To the authors' knowledge this is the first report of amlodipine causing mydriasis and we discuss the potential molecular mechanism. CONCLUSIONS: This case is the first to suggest that calcium channel blockers can cause prolonged mydriasis. These agents have been investigated as potential adjuncts in glaucoma therapy. As accidental topical exposure to amlodipine can cause prolonged pupil dilation, it could precipitate angle closure in predisposed patients.

The versatility of the temporoparietal fascial graft (TPFG) in orbital implant exposure.

BACKGROUND: The use of TPFGs for hydroxyapatite, porous polyethylene and silicone implant exposure has been described previously. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first description of this technique for acrylic implant exposure and paediatric patients. PURPOSE: To demonstrate the versatility of the TPFG in orbital implant exposures of varying duration, implant types and patient age as well as for recurrent exposure. METHODS: Retrospective, interventional, non-comparative case series. RESULTS: Twelve patients (13 grafts) are presented with a mean follow-up of 9.5 months. The duration of exposure prior to grafting ranged from 1-11 months occurring in bioceramic, hydroxyapatite, porous polyethylene and acrylic implant types. There were 2 graft failures (success rate 84.6%), one of which was treated with a 2nd TPFG. Two of the cases were from the paediatric age group. CONCLUSION: This study provides further supporting evidence for the safety and efficacy of the TPFG and demonstrates the use of this graft in a variety of different clinical situations.

Adjustable versus non-adjustable sutures for strabismus.

BACKGROUND: Strabismus, or squint, can be defined as a deviation from perfect ocular alignment and can be classified in many ways according to its aetiology and presentation. Treatment can be broadly divided into medical and surgical options, with a variety of surgical techniques being available, including the use of adjustable or non-adjustable sutures for the extraocular muscles. There exists an uncertainty as to which of these techniques produces a better surgical outcome, and also an opinion that the adjustable suture technique may be of greater benefit in certain situations. OBJECTIVES: To examine whether adjustable or non-adjustable sutures are associated with a more accurate long-term ocular alignment following strabismus surgery and to identify any specific situations in which it would be of benefit to use a particular method. SEARCH METHODS: We searched CENTRAL (which contains the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Group Trials Register) (The Cochrane Library 2012, Issue 12), Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid MEDLINE In-Process and Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE Daily, Ovid OLDMEDLINE, (January 1950 to January 2013), EMBASE (January 1980 to January 2013), Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences (LILACS) (January 1982 to January 2013), the metaRegister of Controlled Trials (mRCT) (www.controlled-trials.com), ClinicalTrials.gov (http://clinicaltrials.gov) and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (www.who.int/ictrp/search/en). We did not use any date or language restrictions in the electronic searches for trials. We last searched the electronic databases on 17 January 2013. We also contacted experts in the field for further information. SELECTION CRITERIA: We planned to include only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing adjustable to non-adjustable sutures for strabismus surgery. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We did not find any studies that met the inclusion criteria for this review. MAIN RESULTS: We did not find any studies that met the inclusion criteria for this review, therefore none were included for analysis. Results of non-randomised studies that compared these techniques are reported. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: No reliable conclusions could be reached regarding which technique (adjustable or non-adjustable sutures) produces a more accurate long-term ocular alignment following strabismus surgery or in which specific situations one technique is of greater benefit than the other. High quality RCTs are needed to obtain clinically valid results and to clarify these issues. Such trials should ideally a) recruit participants with any type of strabismus or specify the subgroup of participants to be studied, for example, thyroid, paralytic, non-paralytic, paediatric; b) randomise all consenting participants to have either adjustable or non-adjustable surgery prospectively; c) have at least six months of follow-up data; and d) include re-operation rates as a primary outcome measure.

Intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) in patients receiving tamsulosin or doxazosin-a UK-based comparison of incidence and complication rates.

BACKGROUND: The association between intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) and tamsulosin has been well-described. The rate of IFIS in association with other α-1 antagonists needs further clarification. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of IFIS and associated cataract surgery complications in patients taking tamsulosin or doxazosin. METHODS: Patients receiving tamsulosin or doxazosin, and an equivalent number of controls, were identified using the electronic patient record for cataract surgery performed over 2 years. The presence of IFIS and intraoperative complications were ascertained. Modifications of surgical technique in the form of preoperative 1 % atropine, intraoperative diluted phenylephrine, iris hooks, or highly viscous viscoelastic materials were recorded. RESULTS: Of the 2,785 cataract operations performed in 2,028 patients, 52 cases (1.9 %) were on tamsulosin and 109 were on doxazosin (3.9 %). In the doxazosin group (excluding three cases with incomplete data), significantly more eyes (17 of 106 eyes, 16 %) showed at least one IFIS characteristic than controls, six eyes (6 %) required adjustment of surgical technique, and intraoperative complications occurred in two eyes (1.9 %). In the tamsulosin group, significantly more eyes (25 of 52 eyes, 48 %) demonstrated at least one IFIS feature than control or doxazosin eyes; 18 eyes (35 %) needed adjustment of surgical technique, and seven (13.5 %) suffered intraoperative complications. CONCLUSION: Incidence of IFIS was significantly higher in tamsulosin and doxazosin patients. The presence of IFIS was associated with a significantly higher complication rate. We would advise that all patients receiving α1 antagonists (not only those receiving tamsulosin) should be identified preoperatively, receive appropriate modifications in preparation, and have alternative techniques and a senior surgeon available at the time of surgery.

Perioperative spontaneous bilateral suprachoroidal hemorrhage.

Suprachoroidal hemorrhage is a rare condition, occurring most commonly in the perioperative period, although cases of unilateral spontaneous hemorrhages have been reported. We report a case of bilateral spontaneous suprachoroidal hemorrhage and discuss the potential causative factors.