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Introduction The emergence of electronic cigarettes as the "healthier" version of smoking has been popular, especially among young adults. However, knowledge about the potential effects of e-cigarettes on ocular structures is scarce. Objective To compare the mean change in dry eye parameters between e-cigarette smokers and non-smokers and to correlate between dry eye parameters with device power output. Methodology A cross-sectional, single-visit study was conducted involving 85 e-cigarette smokers and 85 non-smokers. All participants were evaluated on dry eye parameters, including the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score, tear meniscus height (TMH), tear break-up time (TBUT), cornea fluorescein staining, and Schirmer's I test. The mean change in dry eye parameters was compared between e-cigarette smokers and non-smokers. The correlation between dry eye parameters with device power output was analyzed. Results Specifically, 32.94% of e-cigarette smokers were found to have a TMH <0.2 mm, compared to only 5.88% of non-smokers (p<0.001). A significant change in mean TBUT was found between the e-cigarette smokers (10.41+2.65 seconds) and non-smokers (12.66+3.14 seconds, p<0.001). The lower mean Schirmer's I test was found among e-cigarette smokers (12.75+7.24 mm, p<0.001). No significant change in the median OSDI score and corneal fluorescein staining. The OSDI score and device power output were found to have a significant positive correlation (p=0.003). There was a significant association between dry eye signs and device power output, including TMH (p=0.047), TBUT (p=0.002), Schirmer's I test (p<0.001), and corneal fluorescein staining (p<0.001). Conclusion Electronic cigarette smokers are prone to develop dry eyes. Concern should be raised on the risk of electronic cigarette use on ocular health, and regulation on e-cigarette ban should be revisited.
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This is a case of an orbital abscess evidenced radiologically in a 41-year-old female with no comorbidities. She was healthy and had no history of trauma or infection of the adjacent structures. She denied having symptoms of upper or lower respiratory and urinary tract infections. The decision for surgical drainage was made following a slow response to antimicrobial agents after 24 hours, a progressive painful erythematous eyelid swelling, and further deterioration of vision. Her clinical condition and visual acuity improved following cutaneous incision and drainage. Culture and sensitivity results for urine and orbital abscess were positive for Staphylococcus (S.) aureus. The patient regained full visual recovery without any sequelae. In conclusion, an orbital abscess is a blinding and life-threatening condition that rarely occurs in immunocompetent individuals and uncommonly arises from distant sources. A high index of suspicion, early institution of appropriate diagnostic imaging, and aggressive medical and surgical treatment are necessary for a favorable visual outcome in orbital abscess cases.
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Primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the lacrimal sac is extremely rare, usually representing secondary involvement of systemic malignancy. We report a case of bilateral primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the lacrimal sac presenting with bilateral medial canthal swelling for one month which was preceded by a history of chronic bilateral epiphora and a recurrent history of dacryocystitis. The symptoms partially responded to systemic antibiotics for the past three years. Clinical examination revealed bilateral diffuse erythematous medial canthal swelling extending to the upper cheeks. CT of the orbits and paranasal sinuses demonstrated soft tissue masses involving bilateral lacrimal sacs and ducts. Endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) with excision biopsy of both lacrimal sac was performed and histopathologically confirmed the diagnosis of extranodal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma. She completed six cycles of chemotherapy. The symptoms subsided and radiologically showed a significant reduction of soft tissue mass at bilateral nasolacrimal sacs and ducts after completion of chemotherapy. Recurrent atypical presentation of dacryocystitis with suboptimal response to standard treatment should raise a suspicion of secondary cause. Histopathological examination is therefore crucial to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.
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Successful irido-zonulo-hyaloidotomy in combination with complete pars plana vitrectomy in malignant glaucoma may lead to better intraocular pressure (IOP) control and a promising visual outcome. We report a case of an 81-year-old woman who presented with a ten-day history of right eye redness and blurring of vision associated with throbbing pain. An ocular examination revealed right-eye visual acuity (VA) of 6/60. The cornea was oedematous with a shallow anterior chamber (AC) and a grade 0 (Shaffer's grading) by gonioscopy. The intraocular pressure at presentation was 52 mmHg. The optic disc was pink, with a cup-disc ratio of 0.3. Complete pars plana vitrectomy with irido-zonulo-hyaloidotomy was performed in view of poorly controlled intraocular pressure despite aggressive medical therapies, laser treatment, and the Chandler procedure. Postoperatively, the IOP was maintained at mid-teens without intraocular pressure-lowering agents. The visual acuity improved to 6/9. The early decision for irido-zonulo-hyaloidotomy with complete pars plana vitrectomy leads to resolution of malignant glaucoma with a lower relapse risk.
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A healthy 25-year-old gentleman sustained a left eye perforating injury involving a metallic intraocular foreign body. Upon examination, his best-corrected visual acuity was 6/6 in the right eye and 1/60 in the left eye. There was a full thickness cornea-scleral laceration wound with uveal tissue prolapse at 7 o'clock. The pupil was peaked inferonasally. The anterior chamber was deep with cells grade 4+ and a hyphema level. The posterior segment could not be visualized due to a vitreous haemorrhage. The computed tomography scan revealed a high-density foreign body embedded in the posterior wall of the globe. He underwent primary toilet and suturing of the left eye cornea-scleral laceration, followed by pars plana vitrectomy with an endolaser and gas tamponade. However, the foreign body could not be identified intraoperatively. Post-operation, the left eye vision improved, achieving his premorbid best-corrected visual acuity of 6/6 by six months post-op. The intraocular foreign body was managed conservatively in view of the excellent visual acuity and the risk of further surgery. The patient has remained asymptomatic since then until his last follow-up at 30 months post-operation.