Homoeopathic eye drops in the treatment of mild-to-moderate dry eye disease: Randomised, prospective, multicentre, single-masked study.

INTRODUCTION: To compare the efficacy and safety of a homeopathic eye drop medicinal product (Homeoptic®) with 0.9% sodium hydrochloride eye drops (Larmabak®) in patients with mild-to-moderate dry eye disease (DED). METHODS: Prospective, single-masked, observer-blinded, multicentre study on adult patients. Non-inferiority primary endpoint of the relative change between treatment groups in a composite Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score covering five symptoms of DED, namely pain, itching, sensation of dry eye, impression of foreign body presence and burning, after 30 days of treatment. Details of all Adverse Events (AEs) were recorded and analysed. RESULTS: Ninety three patients were randomised to each treatment arm. At Day 30, the mean VAS symptom score was 26.0 ± 18.8 in the Homeoptic® group and 32.8 ± 21.2 Larmabak® group. Homeoptic® was demonstrated to be non-inferior to Larmabak®: the mean treatment difference of -7 being below the 10 mm upper limit of the 95% CI ([-12.9; -1.0]) pre-set as significant. The superiority of Homeoptic® over Larmabak® was then established with detection of a significant difference between the two treatment groups (p = 0.022). Significant differences between the treatment groups in favour of Homeoptic® were also detected in isolated VAS scores for the symptoms dry eye sensation (p = 0.009) and burning (p = 0.004). Results of ocular surface staining tests to estimate corneal and conjunctival damage as well as patient satisfaction were also significantly in favour of Homeoptic®. No new safety concerns were identified. CONCLUSION: Homeoptic® is more effective than Larmabak® at relieving the symptoms of DED and constitutes an effective treatment for mild-to-moderate DED.

[Dupilumab-related blepharoconjunctivitis: Recommendations of the CEDRE group. Atopic dermatitis, conjunctivitis and dupilumab: Which management approach?] / Blépharo-conjonctivites sous dupilumab : recommandations du groupe CEDRE. Dermatite atopique, conjonctivites et dupilumab : quelle prise en charge ?

Dupilumab is a recombinant monoclonal IgG4 type antibody which inhibits IL4 and IL13 signaling. It is indicated in moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in adults and adolescents over 12 years of age. Its side effects include conjunctivitis and blepharoconjunctivitis, affecting between 4.7% and 28% of patients depending on the study. The incidence of conjunctivitis in patients treated with dupilumab for AD appears to be higher than placebo in clinical studies. This increase was not observed in patients treated with dupilumab for asthma or sinonasal polyposis. The risk factors for conjunctivitis in patients with AD are disease severity, pre-existence of conjunctivitis and low concentrations of dupilumab, but the pathophysiology of this disease is poorly understood. A literature search carried out in April and May 2020 showed an increase in the number of publications on the subject, but there are currently no official joint dermatologist-ophthalmologist recommendations for prevention and management. The objective of this article is to provide an overview of the status of this subject, to address the main questions raised by this type of conjunctivitis and to suggest a course of action for starting and continuing treatment with dupilumab in patients with AD, according to the recommendations of the French Ophthalmologist/Dermatologist group CEDRE.

[Management of ophthalmologic emergencies in general emergency departments: A retrospective multicenter study]. / Prise en charge des urgences ophtalmologiques en structure des urgences : étude multicentrique rétrospective.

INTRODUCTION: The growing shortage of working ophthalmologists makes it more difficult for the patient to access ophthalmological care, especially in an emergent context. These patients are thus taken to general emergency departments for ophthalmologic problems. OBJECTIVES: To observe the epidemiological characteristics of ophthalmic patients in general emergency centers and question the emergency physicians on their practice of ophthalmology. METHODS: A retrospective epidemiological study was conducted in the emergency departments of Rennes, Lorient and Saint-Brieuc over a period of three months. The demographic characteristics, diagnoses, examinations and procedures performed, opinions obtained from ophthalmologists and patient outcomes were studied. A qualitative study by online questionnaire was sent to the emergency physicians. RESULTS: Seven hundred and eighty-one patients were included, mainly men (68%) under 35 years (45%). The most frequent diagnosis was extra-ocular foreign body (32%). An ophthalmologist opinion was requested in 79% within 24hours. The online questionnaire was sent to 74 emergency physicians: 92% of them were willing to participate in additional training, 90% had sufficient means to practice ophthalmology in the emergency room. CONCLUSION: Emergency physicians could handle the most frequent ophthalmological emergencies, extra-ocular foreign bodies and minor trauma, with adapted material resources, autonomy for these conditions, and willingness for ophthalmologic training. Protocols could be proposed in order to optimize the care of these patients.

[Rapid improvement in visual function after high-dose oral corticosteroids in patients with inflammatory optic neuropathy]. / Amélioration rapide de la fonction visuelle après corticothérapie orale à forte dose chez des patients atteints de neuropathie optique inflammatoire.

PURPOSE: To study the progression of visual acuity and visual function parameters in patients with optic neuritis (ON) treated with high-dose oral corticosteroid therapy. METHODS: This retrospective descriptive monocentric study included nine patients with ON treated with orally administered methylprednisolone at 1000 mg per day for three to five days. The follow-up visits were performed on day 4 (D4), day 15 (D15), day 30 (D30) and day 90 (D90) after treatment was begun. The initial examination (D0) and the follow-up visits included a visual acuity (VA) assessment according to the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study scale, a contrast sensitivity test and a 30.2 automated visual field (Visual Field Index [VFI]). The overall subjective tolerance of the treatment was assessed by patients on a scale from 0 to 10. RESULTS: We observed an improvement of all parameters from D4. From D0 to D4, the average VA increased from 40.1 letters to 57.9 letters, the average VFI from 40.9% to 70.3% and the overall average contrast sensitivity from 7.7 dB to 11.3 dB. From D15 to D90, the average VA increased from 77 letters to 80.3 letters, the average VFI from 91.2% to 97.9% and the overall average contrast sensitivity from 15.4 dB to 16.7 dB. Four patients rated tolerance at 10 (excellent), three between 8 and 9, and two at 6. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated rapid improvement of visual function parameters in patients with ON after high-dose oral corticosteroids.

[Clinical evaluation of the new screening procedures for hydroxychloroquine retinopathy, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology guidelines. Prospective study of 184 patients]. / Évaluation en pratique clinique des nouvelles stratégies de dépistage des maculopathies toxiques au plaquénil, selon les nouvelles recommandations de l'American Academy of Ophthalmology. Étude prospective monocentrique à propos de 184 patients.

PURPOSE: To compare the results, in clinical practice, of screening procedures for hydoxychloroquine retinopathy, according to the new recommendations of the American Academy of Ophthalmology of 2011. METHODS: Hundred and eighty-four patients on long-term hydroxychloroquine underwent ophthalmologic evaluation, including fundus examination, 10.2 automated visual field, fundus autofluorescence, SD-OCT optical coherence tomography, and multifocal ERG, whenever possible, in a prospective monocentric study. RESULTS: There was a significant correlation (P<0.05) between cumulative HCQ dose and positive results on SD-OCT and 10.2 visual field. There were no significant correlations between high cumulative HCQ dose and positive results for fundus examination, autofluorescence, or multifocal ERG. Average cumulative doses between the healthy group (946g) and the maculopathy group (1427g) were significantly different (P<0.05). Out of 184 patients, 12 toxic maculopathies were found (prevalence 6.5%). For these 12 cases, 5 were diagnosed at clinical stages, and 7 were diagnosed in the early preclinical stage. Ten patients had positive visual fields, and 8 patients had pathological SD-OCT signs. Autofluorescence was affected in the clinical stage, but not in the preclinical stage. In four out of the twelve cases of maculopathy, patients had pathological ERG results. CONCLUSION: The significant correlation between cumulative HCQ dose, considered as the main risk factor for maculopathy, and positive SD-OCT and 10.2 visual field results render the combination of these two tests the basis of the screening strategy for plaquenil maculopathy. These results suggest using a simplified screening procedure, including annual SD-OCT and 10.2 visual field while taking the cumulative dose into account. Multifocal ERG seems more helpful for diagnostic confirmation than screening, especially for the preclinical stage. Fundus autofluorescence is not an efficient test for early diagnosis.

[Role of PET-scan in the positive diagnosis of sarcoidosis in the work-up of uveitis]. / Apport du TEP-scan dans le diagnostic positif de la sarcoïdose, au cours du bilan d'uvéite indéterminée.

INTRODUCTION: Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous inflammatory disease, which may present as uveitis. Work-up includes the search for pulmonary and extra-pulmonary sites, with the assistance of PET-scanning. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present six patients enrolled retrospectively from March 2012 to November 2013 with uveitis, for whom a systemic work-up was performed, along with specific tests for sarcoidosis. 18-FDG PET-scan was performed when histology was inconclusive for epithelioid granulomata and giant cells, or when CT and/or chest X-ray were normal, in cases of uveitis clinically suggestive of sarcoidosis. RESULTS: Hypermetabolic foci were found in all patients, in inflammatory areas with foci mainly located in the mediastinal (65%), hilar (33%), cervical, and supraclavicular regions. There was no correlation between ACE levels and positivity of the PET-scan, since only two patients exhibited ACE > 70 IU/L. DISCUSSION: PET-scan is a promising technique in the field of sarcoid uveitis; however, histologic proof remains the gold standard. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the value of PET-scan in the assessment of indeterminate uveitis, by screening for sarcoidosis, and permits an assessment of the extent of the disease.

Comparison of preservative-free ketotifen fumarate and preserved olopatadine hydrochloride eye drops in the treatment of moderate to severe seasonal allergic conjunctivitis.

PURPOSE: To compare preservative-free ketotifen 0.025% ophthalmic solution to olopatadine 0.1% ophthalmic solution in with the treatment of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) in clinical practice. METHODS: This was a comparative, randomised, investigator-masked, pilot clinical study in adult patients with documented history of SAC and presenting with moderate to severe itching and conjunctival hyperemia. Eligible patients initiated either ketotifen or olopatadine treatment at a dose of one drop twice daily for 28days. The resolution of ocular signs and symptoms was assessed on day 7 and day 28. Itching was also assessed within 15minutes following the first instillation (day 0). Conjunctival impression cytology was performed at each visit to assess the evolution of ICAM-1 expression (day 0, 7 and 28). RESULTS: Seventy-five patients were randomised (ketotifen: 38 patients; olopatadine: 37 patients). At day 28, the composite score for primary criteria (itching, tearing, and conjunctival hyperemia) improved from 6.8±1.2 to 0.9±1.0 in the Ketotifen group, without statistically significant difference between treatment groups (P=0.67). There was no relevant difference between treatment groups in other efficacy parameters, except a trend for a more rapid resolution of conjunctival hyperemia in the Ketotifen group. Both drugs were well tolerated, with a trend for a better tolerability reported by patients on ketotifen compared to those on olopatadine at day 7 (P=0.054). CONCLUSIONS: A rapid and comparable improvement in SAC was achieved after 28days of treatment with both preservative-free ketotifen and preserved olopatadine ophthalmic solutions, with a slightly better ocular tolerance with unpreserved ketotifen 0.025% eye drops.

[Epidemiological aspects of keratoconus in children]. / Aspects épidémiologiques du kératocône chez l'enfant.

PURPOSE: To study the epidemiological aspects of keratoconus in children. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of patients with keratoconus diagnosed prior to age 15 or after age 27. Age, gender, reason for consultation, ethnicity, personal and family history, allergic history, eye rubbing, optical and surgical treatment, and educational and professional background were identified. Data from each group were compared by Chi(2) testing. RESULTS: Forty-nine children and 167 adults were studied. The majority of patients were Caucasian. Children were more frequently male (P=0.0386) and allergic (67.35% versus 47.31% in adults, P=0.0136). Eye rubbing was found in 91.84% of children and 70.06% of adults (P=0.002). In total, 12.24% of children had a family history of keratoconus versus 14.97% of adults (P=0.6324). Totally, 68.09% of children were fitted with rigid contact lenses versus 15.66% of adults (P=0.0909). In all, 80.5% of surgically treated children underwent corneal collagen cross-linking versus 30% of adults. DISCUSSION: Younger patients are more often male, with women being older at time of diagnosis. Allergy is a frequent association. However, 25% of children in the general population display allergies. In any event, eye rubbing is a common feature, whether due to itching or induced ametropia. CONCLUSION: In order to detect the disease early, corneal topography could be performed routinely in all young, allergic boys with a history of eye rubbing and recent-onset corneal astigmatism.

Traumatic optic nerve avulsion: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Case report of a traumatic optic nerve avulsion. OBSERVATION: We report the case of a traumatic right optic nerve avulsion in an 11-year-old boy as a result of a contusion with a surfboard. On initial examination, the patient exhibited bilateral mydriasis with a right afferent pupillary defect. Visual acuity was no light perception. A moderate microhyphema was noted along with intraocular pressure of 12mmHg and no open globe. Fundus examination revealed retinal ischemia with white retinal edema, attenuated arteries and segmentally occluded vasculature. In place of the optic nerve, there was a hole with associated vitreous hemorrhage. Non-contrast CT and MRI demonstrated vitreous prolapse into the optic nerve sheath, which still appeared securely attached to the globe. Spectral domain OCT and visual evoked potentials confirmed disruption of the ganglion cell layer. DISCUSSION: While obvious in the presence of clear media, an avulsion may remain undetected in the case of associated vitreous hemorrhage. Orbital imaging may clarify the diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Although rare, optic nerve avulsions exhibit the same risk profile as open globe injuries and arterial occlusions.

Efficacy of systemic propranolol for severe infantile haemangioma of the orbit and eyelid: a case study of eight patients.

AIM: To assess the efficacy of systemic propranolol for severe capillary haemangiomas involving eyelid and orbit. METHOD: This was a longitudinal retrospective study that began in November 2007, involving eight children with disfiguring orbit and eyelid capillary haemangioma who received oral propranolol therapy. Three patients with life-threatening haemangiomas spreading to the orbit were first treated with systemic corticosteroids and beta-adrenergenic blocking agents. The remaining five patients with functional visual impairment received propranolol only. All children were given propranolol at a dose of 2 mg/kg body weight per day. The treatment was initiated between 2 and 36 months of age, with a follow-up period ranging from 6 to 30 months. Beta-blocking agents were used for 3-10 months. RESULTS: We observed a successful 100% regression: that is, clinical regression by flattening 24 h after the start of treatment, regression on colour Doppler ultrasound imaging with an increase in resistance index of blood vessels, or regression seen on MRI. No re-growth was observed after the trial ended. CONCLUSION: Despite their self-limiting course, infantile orbital and eyelid haemangiomas can cause visual impairment or disfigurement. Corticosteroids are used as first-line therapeutic agents for problematic infantile haemangiomas. Other options include interferon-α and vincristine, which present problematic side effects. In our series, propranolol was shown to inhibit haemangioma tumour growth with a better benefit/risk ratio. In the absence of any randomised study comparing the effects of systemic corticosteroids and propranolol, we propose that beta-blockers could be used as first-line therapy for severe periocular haemangiomas.

[Metronidazole: alternative treatment for ocular and cutaneous rosacea in the pediatric population]. / Le métronidazole, alternative thérapeutique des rosacées oculaires et cutanées de l'enfant.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness and tolerance of systemic metronidazole in the treatment of childhood ocular and cutaneous rosacea. METHOD: Single-center multidisciplinary retrospective study. PATIENTS: Children aged between 1 and 15, with ocular and/or cutaneous rosacea, treated in the pediatric ophthalmology and dermatology department of Bordeaux, France, from January 1996 to September 2009. RESULTS: Eleven patients out of 20 had ocular and cutaneous rosacea, three had ocular symptoms only, and six had cutaneous symptoms only. In 11 patients (55%), the ocular symptoms preceded the skin disease. Meibomian cyst and phlyctenular conjunctivitis were the main symptoms. Keratitis was seen in four patients and lower corneal ulcer in two cases. The papulopustular form was the most frequent dermatologic form. All patients with ocular involvement received first-line treatment of eyelid hygiene. No topical ophthalmic treatment such as corticosteroid or cyclosporine 0.5% or 2% was used. Thirteen patients who showed no improvement despite eyelid treatment, the association of ocular and cutaneous rosacea, severe ocular involvement with keratitis, and severe recurrent cutaneous rosacea were treated orally. Two patients, aged between 12 and 14 years, received treatment with an anti-inflammatory dose of doxycycline for 2 to 3 months and achieved complete remission. One 22-month-old patient received oral treatment with erythromycin at a dose of 250 mg three times daily for 4 months. Ten patients, aged 12 to 64 months, were treated with systemic Metronidazole. Treatment lasting at least 3 months at a dose between 20 and 30 mg/kg per day was necessary to obtain complete and lasting remission. An early cessation of treatment, before 3 months, seems associated with partial remission of the disease and early recurrence. In cases complicated by ocular keratitis and corneal ulcer, prolonged treatment lasting 6 months led to clinical remission. The short courses (3-6 months) were preferred to long-term administration to prevent neurological toxicity. Maintenance therapy was based on eyelid hygiene. No recurrences and no toxic effects were observed at a median of 48 ± 6 months. CONCLUSION: Childhood ocular rosacea is not rare, but is often misdiagnosed. It often precedes skin symptoms but it can remain isolated. Metronidazole could be alternative treatment for ocular and cutaneous rosacea in the pediatric population.

[Congenital cataract removed early: long-term visual acuity outcome and refractive changes]. / Cataractes congénitales opérées précocement: devenir visuel et réfractif à long terme.

INTRODUCTION: Removing pediatric crystalline lens abnormalities has improved recently. Congenital cataract is the main cause. PATIENTS AND METHOD: This retrospective study analyzed 121 eyes in children that were operated early at the Bordeaux Hospital (France) from 2000 to 2005, with no exclusion criterion. The Anova test and the Bartlett Chi2 test were used for the statistical analysis. RESULTS: This cohort mainly recruited congenital cataract with half of the population operated on at less than 1 year of age, including 41 before the age of 6 months. The mean age at surgery was 1.93 years (range, 9 days to 8.86 years). Seventy-nine eyes underwent primary intraocular lens implantation (78.8% for unilateral cataracts and 55.1% for bilateral cataract). The mean postoperative refraction was +1.94 D with a mean myopic shift of -1.22 D over 2.89 years of follow-up. Of the operated eyes, 64.7% improved 0.5 D or better, with a mean gain of 0.38. The final visual acuity (AVF) was 0.51. Before the age of 1 year, the mean AVF was 4.1/10 (range, 1/50 to 12/10). The mean AVF of the implanted eyes (5.4/10+/-4.2/10) was higher than those corrected by contact lenses (2/10+/-1.6/10) (p=0.024). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Primary intraocular lens implantation provides significantly better AVF than aphakic contact lens-corrected eyes and provides better stabilization over time whatever the age.

[Conjunctival provocation test]. / Les tests de provocation conjonctivaux.

The conjunctival provocation test (CPT) is a human model of ocular allergy that has been used to study the ocular response to allergenic stimuli and to evaluate antiallergic therapy. Considerable useful information has been gained on the ocular allergic response and drug efficacy using the conjunctival provocation test and naturally occurring seasonal allergic conjunctivitis. The safety and the efficacy of these CPTs has resulted in many authors using this tool in the etiologic diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis. This article summarizes the possibilities of these CPTs as a tool for the study, evaluation, diagnosis, and therapeutic follow-up of allergic conjunctivitis.

[Conjunctival provocation test: recommendations]. / Le test de provocation conjonctival: recommandations pratiques pour le diagnostic des conjonctivites allergiques.

The diagnosis of ocular allergy, which has become a real public health problem occurring in 25% of the general population and continues to rise, requires allergic testing. Skin and blood tests combined with interviewing the patient demonstrate sensitivity to one or more antigens. However, while allergic testing and interviews generally reveal the cause of the symptoms, only the conjunctival provocation test (CPT) provides clear evidence of a functional relation between the conjunctival pathology and exposure to the antigen. Since there is still no validated consensus regarding the criteria for positivity of the CPT in routine practice, the working group attempted to establish the major guidelines for conducting the test, to standardize approaches and pinpoint areas of uncertainty. The group established a consensus regarding the conditions for using the test (patient selection, allergens to be tested, usable concentrations, the test protocol, the signs and symptoms to be assessed, interpretation of results, follow-up) and identified two distinct patient groups (outpatients and hospitalized patients) in whom test-taking conditions are different. The outpatient group includes patients suffering from benign forms of conjunctivitis (acute, seasonal, or chronic) and those sensitive to the usual allergens (mainly domestic and airborne). In these cases, the test is given in a medical setting with an allergologist or an ophthalmologist who instills the drops relatively rapidly. The criterion for positivity is the extent of the pruritus. On the other hand, in the hospital population, which is composed of patients suffering from vernal conjunctivitis, the attempt to establish the triggering factor requires a more elaborate protocol carried out in an ophthalmologic setting and based on the association of a range of clinical and biological factors. The deliberations of the working group should lead to the standardization of the CPT procedure for diagnostic purposes.

[Advantages and disadvantages of the femtosecond laser microkeratome]. / Avantages et inconvénients du microkératome laser femtoseconde.

Laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) complications are mainly attributable to imperfect cutting with the mechanical microkeratome. The femtosecond laser is an important challenger because it can provide extremely precise cutting beginning at any corneal point. We analyze the potential of this new tool from the results reported in the literature. The optomechanical control of the impact position provides freer and more effective intrastromal cutting than the blade. The best cutting matrix is obtained with the postage stamp method. If the plasma quality is not perfectly under control, side effects such as tissue streaks and secondary ultraviolet radiations can be observed. For LASIK surgery, femtolaser cutting can offer greater safety, reproducibility, predictability and flexibility. The risk of incomplete or irregular cutting and the free cap risk are reduced. Striae, epithelial defects and interface deposits should be minimized. A better flap congruence can limit the risk of secondary displacement and epithelial ingrowth. The results of making thinner flaps should be more predictable. Other than the high cost of the procedure, laser cutting has very few disadvantages. In 1999, Intralase Corporation introduced the first femtolaser microkeratome on the American market. Approximately 120,000 intra-LASIK procedures have been carried out with fewer cutting complications than with the mechanic blade.