Combined Papillectomy and Autologous Conjunctival Membrane Graft as Management of Giant Papillae for Severe, Refractory Palpebral Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis-A Case Report.

Introduction: Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) is an allergic disease that predominantly affects young individuals, with a higher incidence among males. Traditionally seen as a condition of childhood that resolves at puberty, recent studies have shown persistent cases in some individuals, potentially influenced by hot and dry tropical environmental conditions. VKC is more prevalent in regions with a hot and humid climate and a high presence of airborne allergens, leading to significant morbidity and impacting the quality of life for affected individuals. Severe and chronic cases can lead to vision-threatening corneal complications, making effective management crucial. Although the clinical profile of VKC varies geographically, comprehensive studies in specific regions remain limited. Case Presentation: In this case report, we present an 18-year-old male patient with severe and refractory VKC. Despite initial treatments, including topical and oral medications, recurrent episodes occurred every 6 months, accompanied by giant papillae (GP) formation and corneal ulcers. The patient had a history of triamcinolone injection and papillectomy combined with amnion membrane transplantation, but presented with a refractory disease in a year. Surgical intervention involving papillectomy and autologous conjunctival membrane graft was performed, leading to a smooth upper tarsal conjunctiva during the 2-year follow-up period, without GP recurrence and maintaining a clear cornea. The patient's symptoms were effectively managed with topical medications. Conclusion: The management of VKC necessitates a comprehensive approach involving preventive measures, pharmacological treatment, and surgical interventions for refractory cases. This case highlights the potential benefits of surgical techniques, such as papillectomy and autologous conjunctival membrane graft, in managing severe and refractory VKC cases with a history of previous surgical procedure failure. However, it is essential to recognize that exposure avoidance and allergic control remain fundamental in VKC management. Further research and larger studies are required to validate the efficacy of these surgical techniques in managing VKC.

Sight-Threatening Condition in Severe Thyroid Eye Disease: How We Should Manage.

Thyroid eye disease (TED) is an autoimmune disorder that is associated with thyroid gland dysfunction which causes muscle and orbital fat enlargement. This case report is aimed to present a case of sight-threatening TED and how we should manage this condition. We present a case of patient with chief complaint of vision loss and prominent eyes for 5 months prior to the visit to our eye hospital. Patient had sought advice from an ophthalmologist and internist. TED was eventually diagnosed 2 months after consulted with an ophthalmologist in the rural area. According to EUGOGO guidelines, TED with sight-threatening condition should be treated with glucocorticoid IV 500-1000 mg for 3 days consecutively. Although the patient was already given steroid injection for the initial treatment, the dosage was inadequate. After the inflammation process was reduced, the patient was reluctant to have an orbital decompression that was suggested. Hence, TED progressed continuously besides sight-threatening complications arising. He indeed underwent fat decompression and tarsorrhaphy as eyelid surgery to prevent corneal exposure. In follow-up, both visual acuity and corneal improvement were finally achieved. In the management of TED, collaboration between ophthalmologist and internist, who may be specialized in endocrinology, is imperative. They should be able to manage TED promptly and correctly, hence sight-threatening and other complications can be prevented and satisfactory results are achieved. Fat decompression should be considered as a good help to improve visual acuity nevertheless orbital decompression cannot be done.

Practical Guidelines Management of Graves Ophthalmopathy.

Graves' ophthalmopathy is the most common extra-thyroid manifestation in patients with Graves' disease, based on inflammatory and autoimmune conditions in orbital tissue. This practical guideline was formed by a multidiciplinary team, and is intended to provide guidance for diagnosis and management of Graves' ophthalmopathy in daily clinical practice to improve quality of care and treatment outcome.