Massive Demodicosis of the Eyes in a Patient with Sjögren Syndrome: A Case Report.

PURPOSE: Demodex mites infestation, typically asymptomatic, is a problem for patients with weakened immune systems because it often takes the form of symptomatic, massive infection. The Demodex mites play an important role in the occurrence of a range of eye surface diseases such as Demodex blepharitis, Meibomian gland dysfunctions, conjunctivitis and corneal changes. The ocular infection is closely related to the systemic invasion. Our goal was to minimize infestation and alleviate the symptoms of massive demodicosis so as to prevent further damage to the cornea. METHODS: Our research note involves a 61-year old woman diagnosed with secondary Sjögren syndrome due to rheumatoid arthritis. On the background of the autoimmune disease, corneal perforation of the left eye occurred that was cured by surgery. Then during the follow-up visit the patient was found (microscopically) massively infected with Demodex mites and the developed symptoms were particularly severe. RESULTS: Adequate dry eye syndrome and massive demodicosis therapy significantly reduced the number of Demodex mites and improved the patient's condition. CONCLUSION: We would like to draw the attention of the physicians of different specialties that special care should be taken with respect to the therapy of dry eye syndrome and ocular demodicosis in patients with immunological disorders to achieve therapeutic success and avoid particularly dangerous consequences of these diseases.

Clinical Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Neurotrophic Corneal Ulcer.

PURPOSE: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous blood product without preservatives and rich in proteins and growth factors which make it possible for cells to differentiate, proliferate, and migrate, thus stimulating healing and regeneration of tissues. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of autologous platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of neurotrophic keratopathy. METHODS: The study group consists of 25 patients with nonhealing corneal ulcers due to herpes simplex or herpes zoster infection and facial nerve or trigeminal nerve paralysis as a result of a neurosurgical operation caused by a tumour or stroke. The patients were given autologous platelet-rich plasma drops five times a day and additionally preservative-free artificial tears and a vitamin A ointment at night for maximum 3 months. The following were evaluated: best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), healing of corneal surface, subjective symptoms, and changes in corneal thickness with the use of anterior segment optical coherent tomography (AS-OCT). RESULTS: BCVA before the treatment was 0.10 ± 0.14, and after the treatment it was -0.3 ± 0.27 (p=0.001). Improved visual acuity and less subjective symptoms were observed in all patients. Complete healing of the ulceration was observed in 20 patients (80%). Four patients (16%) experienced considerable improvement of their clinical condition (reduced size and depth of the ulceration and inflammatory state: smaller conjunctival injection and swelling, improved visual acuity, and less subjective symptoms). In one of the patients, an amniotic membrane was transplanted due to the lack of improvement of his local condition. In all patients, the progression of corneal thinning was stopped. An average corneal thickness in its thinnest point was 322.3 ± 125.8 µm before the treatment, and 404.5 ± 118.7 µm (p < 0.05) after the treatment. None of the patients reported general or local side effects of the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Autologous platelet-rich plasma is a blood-based product which seems efficient in the treatment of neurotrophic keratopathy.

[Fungal infections of the cornea--diagnostics and management]. / Diagnostyka i postepowanie w grzybiczych zakazeniach rogówki.

Fungal keratitis, an important cause of corneal infectious disease, is one of the most challenging types of microbial keratitis to diagnose, isolate the etiologic fungal organism and treat successfully. Aspergillus spp. are most commonly responsible for fungal keratitis worldwide. Most cases occur in hot, humid climates. Fungi invade the ocular surface only when it is compromised and gain access into the corneal stroma through a defect in the epithelial barrier. Pathogens multiply then, and cause inflammatory reaction together with tissue necrosis. Symptoms of fungal keratitis typically are not as acute as those of other forms of microbial keratitis. On examination, both signs seen in other forms of microbial keratitis and specific features of fungal keratitis are observed. In all cases with suspected fungal keratitis, corneal smears and cultures should be performed as soon as possible. Antifungal therapy should be restricted to those cases with fungus-positive laboratory results. The use of topical corticosteroids in the treatment of fungal keratitis is contraindicated. In about one-third of patients pharmacological therapy is not successful. In those cases, surgical intervention is essential. The main goal of surgical intervention is to control infection and maintain the integrity of the globe. The most commonly performed surgery in fungal keratitis is therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty. The use of topical corticosteroids is contraindicated in early postoperative period.