Comparison of Scheimpflug Corneal Tomography and Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography Measurements in Corneal Cystinosis: A Case Series.

PURPOSE: To report the clinical course and compare the utility of Scheimpflug tomography (ST) and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) for central corneal thickness (CCT) and corneal densitometry (CD) assessment in patients with corneal crystals owing to nephropathic cystinosis. METHODS: A retrospective chart analysis of three patients with nephropathic cystinosis and the presence of corneal cystine crystals in both eyes was performed. All patients underwent clinical examination and anterior segment photography, ST, and AS-OCT scans. Corneal densitometry was exported from built-in proprietary software for ST and from custom-made validated software for AS-OCT. Anterior segment optical coherence tomography images were rescaled to grayscale units from 0 (maximum transparency) to 100 (minimum transparency) to match built-in ST densitometry readings. Furthermore, the mean pixel intensity, representative of CD, was calculated from the pixels corresponding to the segmented cornea. RESULTS: All three patients had pathognomonic cystine crystals deposits in the cornea and were treated with cysteamine medications that resulted in clinical improvement. The CCT measured using ST exhibited a range from 560 to 958 µm. Conversely, when assessed with AS-OCT, the CCT varied within the range of 548 to 610 µm. Both examinations could be performed, but in the more severe cases, AS-OCT showed far greater utility to estimate CD. In four of six eyes examined, ST showed disproportionate CCT values, compared with the AS-OCT, whereas reliable CD measurements were only available in AS-OCT. CONCLUSION: The AS-OCT could be considered a baseline ocular measurement in cystinosis and in the evaluation of disease progression and treatment efficacy.

The role of topical insulin in ocular surface restoration: A review.

Corneal epithelial defects are one of the most common ocular disorders. Restoring corneal integrity is crucial to reduce pain and regain function, but in cases of neurotrophic or desensitized corneas, healing can be significantly delayed. Treating neurotrophic corneas is challenging for ophthalmologists, and surgical intervention is often indicated to manage refractory cases that are unresponsive to medical therapy. Over the last decade, as more expensive therapeutics reach the market, topical insulin has returned to the forefront as an affordable option to improve corneal wound healing. There is still a paucity of data on the use and the efficacy of topical insulin, with no consensus regarding its indications, preparation, or posology. Here we review the literature on topical insulin for corneal and ocular surface pathologies, with a focus on the current evidence, its mechanisms of action, and its safety profile. Additionally, we share our experience in the field and provide a potential framework for future research.

Solitary Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Metastasis to the Eyelid: A Case Report.

Introduction: This study is a case of solitary clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) eyelid metastasis in a 66-year-old man as the first sign of a primary tumor. ccRCC usually spreads to the lungs, mediastinum, bones, liver, and brain, while ocular metastases are rare. Case Presentation: Solitary metastasis presented as a solid mass in the central third of the upper eyelid, which has been growing for 3 weeks. Treatment included tumor removal and blepharoplasty. Histopathological examination showed metastasis of clear cell renal carcinoma. A thorough examination revealed a primary tumor on the lower pole of the right kidney. A right nephrectomy was performed, and histopathology showed ccRCC. Postoperative examinations showed no signs of local or systemic disease. Sunitinib malate was administered to the patient. Conclusion: The eyelid metastasis in this case was still solitary and had been discovered before the existence of the primary tumor was known. Ocular metastasis of renal carcinoma is a rare initial manifestation of the disease and therefore requires a multidisciplinary approach in the treatment of these patients.

Artificial Endothelial Layer Implantation After Multiple Failed Keratoplasties.

PURPOSE: Presenting the first case of noncellular corneal endothelial substitute after multiple failed penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and lamellar endothelial keratoplasty. METHODS: Our case presented with pseudophakic bullous keratopathy after a history of 2 rejected PKs and 1 rejected Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty. We implanted an artificial endothelial layer. RESULTS: The implant remained fully attached for a follow-up period of 12 months, and central corneal thickness decreased significantly. The patient reported improvement in her subjective vision, although ocular comorbidities limited the visual potential. CONCLUSIONS: This new device could serve as an alternative to lamellar endothelial corneal transplantation in cases where tissue rejection has occurred and is highly likely to recur. The technique is simple, and the deswelling effect on the cornea persisted, although the visual results require further validation in patients with a higher visual potential.

Impact of soft and rigid gas-permeable contact lenses on visual performance in mesopic conditions.

CONTEXT: Evaluation of visual quality in soft and rigid gas-permeable contact lens wearers, with an emphasis on twilight vision. PURPOSE: To assess the visual acuity and visual performance at dusk before and after soft and rigid gas-permeable contact lens (CL) correction in healthy subjects. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This prospective study was conducted in a tertiary eye-care center. METHODS: Sixty eyes corrected with soft contact lenses (SCLs) and 30 eyes with rigid gas-permeable contact lenses (RGPCLs) were enrolled in this study. Patients underwent corrected distance visual acuity with spectacles (CDVAs), corrected distance visual acuity with contact lenses (CDVAcl), and twilight vision (TV) testing (Vista Vision Far-Pola, DMD MedTech charts). Parameters were evaluated before and after the CL fitting and repeated 3 months after the baseline visit. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: MedCalc for Windows, version 11.4 (MedCalc Software, Ostend, Belgium). RESULTS: Rigid gas-permeable CL wear showed significant improvement in CDVAcl compared to wearing spectacles on both visits ( P = 0.0039 and P = 0.0003, respectively). TV with CLs was significantly better in both groups compared to the TV with spectacles at the baseline visit ( P = 0.0011 in SCL group; P = 0.0001 in RGPCL group), and at the follow-up visit, this significance was proven for the RGPCL group ( P = 0.001). Also, spectacle TV showed a significant improvement on the follow-up visit ( P = 0.0022 in SCL group; P = 0.0269 in RGPCL group). CONCLUSION: Contact lens wear improves visual performance compared to spectacles. TV results showed superiority of CLs compared to the spectacles, without a statistical difference regarding the CL type.

Belgian Endothelial Surgical Transplant of the Cornea (BEST cornea) protocol: clinical and patient-reported outcomes of Ultra-Thin Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (UT-DSAEK) versus Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) - a multicentric, randomised, parallel group pragmatic trial in corneal endothelial decompensation.

OBJECTIVES: Corneal blindness is the third most frequent cause of blindness globally. Damage to the corneal endothelium is a leading indication for corneal transplantation, which is typically performed by lamellar endothelial keratoplasty. There are two conventional surgical techniques: Ultra-Thin Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty (UT-DSAEK) and Descemet Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK). The purpose of this study is to compare both techniques. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The trial compares UT-DSAEK and DMEK in terms of clinical and patient reported outcomes using a pragmatic, parallel, multicentric, randomised controlled trial with 1:1 allocation with a sample size of 220 participants across 11 surgical centres. The primary outcome is the change in best-corrected visual acuity at 12 months. Secondary outcomes include corrected and uncorrected vision, refraction, proportion of high vision, quality of life (EQ-5D-5L and VFQ25), endothelial cell counts and corneal thickness at 3, 6 and 12 months follow-up appointments. Adverse events will also be compared 12 months postoperatively. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The protocol was reviewed by ethical committees of 11 participating centres with the sponsor centre issuing the final definitive approval. The results will be disseminated at clinical conferences, by patient partner groups and open access in peer-reviewed journals. GOVERNANCE OF THE TRIAL: Both, trial management group and trial steering committee, are installed with representatives of all stakeholders involved including surgeons, corneal bankers, patients and external experts. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT05436665.

Prolonged Face Mask Wearing Worsens Self-Reported Dry Eye Symptoms during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Dental Healthcare Practitioners.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate self-reported MADE during the COVID-19 pandemic in dental healthcare practitioners and identify their possible risk factors. Material and Methods: An anonymous questionnaire was sent to doctors of dental medicine in the time period from February 2022 to August 2022. The online questionnaire included demographic characteristics and clinical characteristics: presence and deterioration of DED symptoms while wearing the face mask, personal protective face equipment, use of contact lenses, history of eye surgery, current use of medications, number of hours wearing face mask, and evaluation of subjective DED symptoms using modified Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI). Results: A total of 405 participants were included in the study and an overall prevalence of MADE was 29.1% (95% CI: 24.7 - 33.6). The participants who used masks more than 6 hours per day during the whole day reported a higher OSDI score (12.5 (IQR = 2.6 - 29.2)) compared to the participants who used masks less than 6 hours/day (6.25 (IQR = 0 - 22.92); Mann-Whitney U Test p = 0.066). Multivariable logistic regression revealed the following possible risk factors for self-reported MADE: age (older than 61 years) OR: 3.522 (95% CI 1.448 - 8.563); p=0.05, and wearing the face mask more than 6 h at work OR: 1.779 (95% CI 1.017 - 3.113); p=0.044. Conclusion: The prevalence of self-reported MADE among dental healthcare practitioners appears to be significant. The use of a face mask for a prolonged duration increases OSDI scores. MeSH Terms: face masks, dry eye, MADE, ocular discomfort, COVID-19, protective face equipment.

Corneal Neurotization-Indications, Surgical Techniques and Outcomes.

Corneal neurotization is a promising surgical approach for the treatment of moderate to severe neurotrophic keratopathy. This technique aims to restore corneal sensation by transferring healthy nerves, either directly or via a conduit, to the anesthetic cornea. This review provides a report on the current state of development, evidence, and experience in the field. We summarize the data available from clinical reports and case series, placing an emphasis on the diversity of the surgical techniques reported. While these data are encouraging, they also highlight the need for a consensus in reporting outcomes and highlight how the next step will involve validating putative outcome parameters when researching and reporting corneal neurotization surgery.

The ABCD grading system in assessment of corneal cross-linking effect in keratoconus with different cone locations

Purpose: The aim of this study was to analyse the postoperative corneal cross-linking results of corneal parameters and the ABCD grading system, depending on the cone location.MethodsThirty eyes of 25 patients with keratoconus (KC), who received the corneal cross-linking (CXL) treatment, were included in this study. The exclusion criteria were: patients under 18 years of age, corneal pachymetry less than 400 μm, corneal scarring, history of ocular trauma, history of ocular surgery, and corneal pathology other than KC. Patients were examined at the baseline visit, and followed-up at three, six, and twelve months after the CXL. All patients underwent visual acuity and Scheimpflug tomography at all visits. Progression parameters, keratometries, and ABCD grading were compared between the visits. Patients were classified into two groups: central and paracentral cones group (within the central 5 mm corneal zone) and peripheral cones group (outside the central 5 mm corneal zone), based on X-Y coordinates of maximal keratometry (Kmax).ResultsParameter A remained relatively stable throughout the follow-up period in both groups. Parameter B and parameter C showed a significant increase in both groups postoperatively. Parameter D showed stability at the 6-month post-CXL visit in the peripheral KC group, while the central and paracentral KC group showed improvement at the 12-month post-CXL visit.ConclusionThere was no significant difference in the postoperative response between different cone locations in the ABCD grading system, when classifying according to the Kmax, except an earlier recovery of the parameter D in peripherally located cones. (AU)

The ABCD grading system in assessment of corneal cross-linking effect in keratoconus with different cone locations.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyse the postoperative corneal cross-linking results of corneal parameters and the ABCD grading system, depending on the cone location. METHODS: Thirty eyes of 25 patients with keratoconus (KC), who received the corneal cross-linking (CXL) treatment, were included in this study. The exclusion criteria were: patients under 18 years of age, corneal pachymetry less than 400 µm, corneal scarring, history of ocular trauma, history of ocular surgery, and corneal pathology other than KC. Patients were examined at the baseline visit, and followed-up at three, six, and twelve months after the CXL. All patients underwent visual acuity and Scheimpflug tomography at all visits. Progression parameters, keratometries, and ABCD grading were compared between the visits. Patients were classified into two groups: central and paracentral cones group (within the central 5 mm corneal zone) and peripheral cones group (outside the central 5 mm corneal zone), based on X-Y coordinates of maximal keratometry (Kmax). RESULTS: Parameter A remained relatively stable throughout the follow-up period in both groups. Parameter B and parameter C showed a significant increase in both groups postoperatively. Parameter D showed stability at the 6-month post-CXL visit in the peripheral KC group, while the central and paracentral KC group showed improvement at the 12-month post-CXL visit. CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in the postoperative response between different cone locations in the ABCD grading system, when classifying according to the Kmax, except an earlier recovery of the parameter D in peripherally located cones.

The analysis of the glaucoma screening event results obtained during the World Glaucoma Week in Zagreb, Croatia.

PURPOSE: To report the prevalence of undiagnosed glaucoma, as well as demographic characteristics and risk factors among glaucoma suspects who were detected in a publicly promoted intraocular pressure (IOP) based glaucoma screening event. METHODS: A total of 2468 subjects older than 18 years participated in the glaucoma screening event in Zagreb, in 2014, which included a medical interview and IOP measurement using Icare tonometer. 256 subjects (10.37%) were identified as glaucoma suspects, out of which 125 (5.06%) subjects underwent further detailed ophthalmic examination and were classified into five diagnostic groups. RESULTS: The prevalence of all types of newly diagnosed glaucoma was 1.175%, while the prevalence of ocular hypertension (OH), primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), primary angle closure (PAC) and secondary glaucoma (SG) was 0.16%, 0.89%, 0.16% and 0.12%, respectively. The prevalence of newly diagnosed glaucoma in glaucoma suspects was 23.2%. 17.60% of glaucoma suspects were diagnosed as POAG. Older age was statistically significantly associated with POAG (p = 0.001) and PAC (p = 0.029). At the univariate level, refractive errors were a statistically significant predictor of POAG, and those with hyperopia had more than three times larger odds for POAG. At the multivariate level, none of the predictors reached statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Successful cooperation between healthcare institutions and media can be a useful way of increasing awareness and detection of individuals at an increased risk for developing glaucoma.

Assessment of the postoperative effect of corneal cross-linking on keratoconus using the ABCD grading system.

PURPOSE: To monitor the changes in the ABCD grading system during a one-year follow-up after a corneal cross-linking (CXL) procedure. METHODS: This prospective study included 30 eyes of 25 patients with keratoconus, who received the CXL treatment. The patients with a history of ocular trauma or surgery and other corneal pathology were excluded from the study. The patients were examined at the baseline visit and followed up at 3, 6, and 12 months after the CXL. All the patients underwent a standard CXL procedure with visual acuity and Scheimpflug tomography testing at each visit. The corneal parameters and ABCD grading were monitored throughout the follow-up period. RESULTS: There were no significant changes of parameter A and anterior radius curvature (ARC) in the ABCD grading system. Parameters B and D showed progression postoperatively, with an improvement of parameter D on the final visit. Parameter C showed a statistically significant increase at all three post-CXL visits, but a constant gradual decrease in the value over time. CONCLUSION: The ABCD grading system can be very useful in monitoring the progression of keratoconus (KC), but it can also help in monitoring the efficacy of corneal cross-linking. The anterior surface parameters in the ABCD grading system did not show progression in the post-CXL period, and parameters C and D showed improvement and stability a year after the procedure.

Ocular Manifestations of Miller Fisher Syndrome: a Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Miller Fisher syndrome (MFS) is a variant of Guillain-Barré syndrome and is characterised by a clinical triad of ophthalmoplegia, ataxia and areflexia. OBJECTIVES: This report presents an atypical case of MFS characterized by ocular and gastrointestinal involvement, and anti-ganglioside antibody-positivity. METHODS: A 17-year old boy was referred to our ophthalmology emergency room with signs and symptoms of diplopia and upper lid ptosis of the right eye. He underwent a complete ophthalmologic examination with special reference to strabologic status, as well as a neuropediatric examination with serum antiganglioside antibody panel. RESULTS: Strabologic examination showed horisontal diplopia (near and far), ptosis of the upper eyelid on the right and bilateral ophthalmoplegia (limited elevation). Orthoptic examination revealed esotropia of 8 prism dioptres (PD) at near and 18 PD at far distance. A pediatric neurologist found normal limb power, deep tendon reflexes and flexor plantar responses, but attenuated right patellar reflex. Serum anti-GQ1b IgG (+++), anti-GQ1b IgM (++) and anti-GD1a IgM(++) were positive. Positivity of anti-GQ1b IgG antibody confirmed the existence of incomplete MFS. We treated the patient with systemic intravenous immunoglobulins for five days, and after five months of follow-up, all symptoms resolved. CONCLUSION: MFS can present itself as a wide range of clinical features and its timely recognition is important. Despite the alarming nature of the disease, patients with MFS tend to have a good recovery of presented symptoms, and without any significant residual deficit.

Mask-Associated Dry Eye During COVID-19 Pandemic-How Face Masks Contribute to Dry Eye Disease Symptoms.

BACKGROUND: In the year 2020 we observe the world adapting to "new normal" due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ways of which include physical distancing, hand hygiene, and wearing a face mask. There is no conclusive evidence about ocular manifestations of the new coronavirus infection, but cases of conjunctivitis, keratitis, and episcleritis have been reported in infected individuals. OBJECTIVE: Determining if wearing a face mask during COVID-19 pandemic causes a new onset or deterioration of previously existing dry eye disease (DED). METHODS: A prospective cohort study included 203 participants, all using surgical facemasks daily due to new regulations during COVID-19 pandemic. Participants completed a survey, containing modified Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire. They were divided into groups according to: sex, age, duration of face mask-wear, and existence of prior DED history. RESULTS: Our results indicate that women have a statistically higher OSDI score compared to men (14.4 (IQR = 2.4 - 41.7) vs. 5.0 (IQR = 0.0 - 24.4); P = .004). Age did not significantly affect OSDI median values. Group that used masks from 3 to 6 hours/day demonstrated significantly higher OSDI scores compared to <3 hour/day group (15.3 (IQR = 8.3 - 47.7) vs. 8.3 (IQR = 0.0 - 35.1); P = .001). OSDI score was significantly greater in participants with prior DED history compared to those without it (36.1 (IQR = 14.1 - 61.6) vs. 4.2 (IQR = 2.3 - 8.3); P <.001). Participants with prior DED exhibited greater worsening of their disturbances during mask wearing period compared to the ones without previous DED (54.8% vs. 17.7%, Chi-Square 28.3 DF1; P <.001), regardless of daily mask wear duration. CONCLUSION: Our study confirmed the existence of mask-associated dry eye (MADE), most profoundly in females, subjects with a history of prior DED, and if wearing a face mask lasts longer than 3 hours per day. Ophthalmologists should advise their patients of the potential ocular surface health risks related to inadequately fitted facemasks.

Corneal cross-linking for treatment of progressive keratoconus in a patient with Alport syndrome: A case report.

PURPOSE: Ocular features of Alport syndrome include anterior lenticonus, posterior polymorphous corneal dystrophy, and fleck-and-dot retinopathy in most cases. Keratoconus in such patients has been rarely mentioned in previous studies. To our knowledge, this is the first report of corneal cross-linking for halting the progression of keratoconus in a patient with Alport syndrome. CASE REPORT: A 22-year-old male was referred for his initial corneal topography, after he was already prescribed with rigid gas-permeable contact lenses. Alport syndrome was diagnosed in his infancy and gene COL4A5 mutation was confirmed. Ophthalmological evaluation confirmed keratoconus. One-year follow-up showed a progression on his right eye and standard corneal cross-linking was performed. Stabilization of the disease marked by normalization in visual function and corneal tomography values was noticed 1 year after the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: When diagnosing ocular clinical findings of Alport syndrome, keratoconus should be considered. Standard corneal cross-linking protocol can halt its progression.

Rebound Tonometry over Soft Contact Lenses.

INTRODUCTION: Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) is named as a gold standard for intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement. AIM: To assess the accuracy of intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements using rebound tonometry over hydrogel and silicone hydrogel contact lenses (CLs) of different powers. METHODS: This study included 117 eyes of 61 patients (12 male, 49 female), all habitual wearers of hydrogel and silicone hydrogel CLs, and none previously diagnosed with glaucoma, ocular hypertension or anterior surface disease. Five IOP measurements were taken over each eye using a rebound tonometer (Icare): with soft CLs in situ and then repeated without CLs. Lens power ranged from -9.50 to +10.00 spherical diopters and to a maximum of -0.75 cylinder diopters. RESULTS: A significant positive correlation was found between IOP measurements with and without CLs. The difference between IOP measurements with (mean 20.74±5.19 mmHg) and without (mean 18.79±4.36 mmHg) CLs was found to be 1.95 mmHg (P <0.01). Statistical analysis was performed using the paired t-test and a correlation coefficient was calculated (r = 0.59; P <0.001). We have observed that increase in central corneal thickness (CCT) correlates positively with increase of measurement error of rebound tonometry (r = 0.43; P <0.001). CONCLUSION: We have shown good reliability of IOP measurements over CLs of different materials and thickness profiles while using rebound tonometer which makes it a feasible and accurate method for clinical purposes.

Unruptured Giant Intracranial Aneurysm of the Internal Carotid Artery: Late Ocular Symptoms.

An unruptured giant intracranial aneurysm of the internal carotid artery may tend to present with late ocular symptoms. This is the case of a 58-year-old female patient with a giant unruptured aneurysm of the right internal carotid artery. The patient presented with exclusively progressive reduction of visual acuity and visual field defects due to the mass effect of the growing aneurysm. The rupture of the aneurysm occurred before planned treatment. Clinical suspicion and timely recognition as well as prompt treatment play an important role in the final outcome of the management of giant unruptured intracerebral aneurysms.

The Resident Surgeon Phacoemulsification Learning Curve at Clinical Department of Ophthalmology, Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Center

The aim of the study was to analyze the resident learning process of phacoemulsification cataract surgery and to assess the resident phacoemulsification learning curve. This prospective study comprised 86 consecutive cases of phacoemulsification performed using standard technique by eight residents over a one-year period at Clinical Department of Ophthalmology, Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center in Zagreb. Operative data on each case included resident and attending surgeon, date of operation, step-by-step success questionnaire, and intraoperative complications. Postoperative data included visual acuity at one-month postoperative visit and postoperative complications. Eighty-six operations were performed under the supervision of attending surgeon. The mean best-corrected visual acuity improved from 0.47±0.25 to 0.8±0.25 postoperatively. Intraoperative complications occurred in 13 (15.12%) cases and continued to decrease throughout residency training. The mean number of individually performed steps per operation increased throughout residency (from 7.6 to 9.0). There was one early postoperative complication, endophthalmitis, which was successfully treated, and no other postoperative complications occurred. Resident surgical competency can be improved by maximizing the number of cataract procedures since the complication rates and the number of individually performed steps improved continuously with increasing surgical experience.

Sub-Bowman keratomileusis compared with photorefractive keratectomy--contralateral eye study.

The aim of this study was to compare two different refractive surgery approaches in correction of myopia with or without astigmatism. In patients where one eye underwent sub-Bowman keratomileusis (SBK) and the other eye photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), the objective and subjective results were retrospectively compared during the six-month follow-up. Eighty four patients (168 eyes) were involved in this retrospective contralateral study. The mean preoperative spherical refraction was -3.88 diopters (D) and the mean cylinder was -0.82 D for all eyes. Each patient underwent SBK on one eye and PRK on the contralateral eye. The eyes in the PRK group underwent mechanical epithelial removal, which was followed by laser treatment. Mitomycin C 0.02% was used for 15 seconds if ablation was deeper than 50 microns. In the SBK group, the intended 100-microm corneal flap was created with IntraLase femtosecond laser. All eyes underwent customized wavefront guided laser ablation using a VISX Star S4 IR excimer laser. Preoperative and postoperative outcome measures included best spectacle-corrected visual acuity, uncorrected visual acuity, corneal topography, contrast visual acuity, and anterior optical coherence tomography imaging. Patients were asked to complete subjective satisfaction questionnaires at each visit. Through the first 3 months of follow up, the SBK eyes demonstrated clinically and statistically better visual results than PRK eyes, between 3 and 6 months the results in the two groups began to equalize, and after 6 months of follow up there were no clinical and statistical differences between the SBK and PRK groups. SBK seems to be more practical for the patient with less pain, faster visual recovery, fewer medications, and overall superior experience.

Perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens in a caucasian: diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.

Perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens or dissecting cellulitis of the scalp is a rare, chronic destructive folliculitis of the scalp, characterized by painful nodules, purulent drainage, sinus tracts, keloid formation and cicatricial alopecia. The cause of the disease is unknown, but it is similar in many features to hidradenitis suppurativa and acne conglobata. In our case report, the patient's dermatologic appearance included one slightly erythematous, infiltrated alopecic area with draining lesions in the right parietal part of the scalp with a few alopecic areas in other parts of the scalp. The identification of the infectious agent, repeated swabs and KOH examination/or fungal cultures and tissue sampling for histopathologic analysis were necessary to confirm the diagnosis of perifolliculitis capitis abscedens et suffodiens. The patient received systemic antibiotics (azithromycin and amoxicillin-clavulanate) and oral antimycotic therapy (fluconazole), followed by a long period of oral isotretinoin with local skin care, which led to resolution and thus inhibited the evolution to scarring and nodular stage of the disease. Thus, such combined approach could be useful for other patients with these dermatologic problems.