Bilateral acute depigmentation of the iris: a case report.

Bilateral acute depigmentation of the iris (BADI) is a new clinical entity of unknown etiology and is characterized by bilateral, symmetrical, and simultaneous depigmentation of the iris with focal or diffuse stromal atrophy; this condition generally has a good prognosis. We present a case of a 26-year-old woman who noted a spontaneous change in the iris color in both eyes in the last 2 months. The ophthalmological findings were atrophy of the iris stroma and pigmentation of the trabecular meshwork, without affecting the pigmented epithelium of the iris. Her intraocular pressure was normal and the visual acuity was 20/20 in both eyes.

Bilateral acute depigmentation of the iris: a case report / Despigmentação aguda bilateral da íris: um relato de caso

ABSTRACT Bilateral acute depigmentation of the iris (BADI) is a new clinical entity of unknown etiology and is characterized by bilateral, symmetrical, and simultaneous depigmentation of the iris with focal or diffuse stromal atrophy; this condition generally has a good prognosis. We present a case of a 26-year-old woman who noted a spontaneous change in the iris color in both eyes in the last 2 months. The ophthalmological findings were atrophy of the iris stroma and pigmentation of the trabecular meshwork, without affecting the pigmented epithelium of the iris. Her intraocular pressure was normal and the visual acuity was 20/20 in both eyes.

RESUMO A despigmentação aguda bilateral da íris (DABI) é uma nova entidade clínica caracterizada pela despigmentação bilateral, simétrica e simultânea da íris, com atrofia focal ou difusa do seu estroma, geralmente com bom prognóstico. Apresentamos o caso de uma mulher de 26 anos de idade que procurou atendimento médico em nosso serviço com queixa de mudança espontânea na cor da íris de ambos os olhos nos últimos dois meses. Os achados oftalmológicos observados durante o exame clínico foram atrofia do estroma da íris e pigmentação da malha trabecular, sem afetar o epitélio pigmentado da íris. A pressão intraocular era normal e acuidade visual de 20/20 em ambos os olhos.

New adjustable suture technique for trabeculectomy.

PURPOSE: To describe an adjustable suture (AS) experimental model that allows for tightening, loosening and retightening of the suture tension in trabeculectomy. METHODS: Standard trabeculectomy was performed in fifteen pig eyeballs. All pig eyes were tested twice: one test with conventional suture in both flap's corners (conventional suture group) and another test with a conventional suture at one corner and an adjustable suture in the other corner (AS group). The order in which each test was performed was defined by randomization. Intraocular pressure was measured at three time points: T1) when the knots were tightened; T2) when the AS was loosened or the conventional knot was removed; and T3) when the AS was retightened in the AS group or five minutes after the knot removal in the conventional suture group. RESULTS: The mean Intraocular pressure was similar between the two groups at time point 1 (p=0.97). However, significant Intraocular pressure differences were found between eyes in the conventional and adjustable suture groups at time points 2 (12.6 ± 4.2 vs 16.3 ± 2.3 cmH2O, respectively, p=0.006) and 3 (12.2 ± 4.0 vs 26.4 ± 1.7 cmH2O, respectively; p=0.001). While the conventional technique allowed only Intraocular pressure reduction (following the knot removal; T2 and T3), the AS technique allowed both Intraocular pressure reduction (T2) and elevation (T3) through the management (loosening and retightening) of the suture. CONCLUSION: This experimental model provides an effective noninvasive postoperative mechanism of suture tension adjustment.

Assessment of ocular surface toxicity after topical instillation of nitric oxide donors.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the ocular surface toxicity of two nitric oxide donors in ex vivo and in vivo animal models: S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) and S-nitroso-N-acetylcysteine (SNAC) in a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) matrix at final concentrations 1.0 and 10.0 mM. METHODS: Ex vivo GSNO and SNAC toxicities were clinically and histologically analyzed using freshly excised pig eyeballs. In vivo experiments were performed with 20 albino rabbits which were randomized into 4 groups (5 animals each): Groups 1 and 2 received instillations of 150 µL of aqueous HPMC solution containing GSNO 1.0 and 10.0 mM, respectively, in one of the eyes; Groups 3 and 4 received instillations of 150 µL of aqueous HPMC solution-containing SNAC 1.0 and 10.0 mM, respectively, in one of the eyes. The contralateral eyes in each group received aqueous HPMC as a control. All animals underwent clinical evaluation on a slit lamp and the eyes were scored according to a modified Draize eye test and were histologically analyzed. RESULTS: Pig eyeballs showed no signs of perforation, erosion, corneal opacity or other gross damage. These findings were confirmed by histological analysis. There was no difference between control and treated rabbit eyes according to the Draize eye test score in all groups (p>0.05). All formulations showed a mean score under 1 and were classified as "non-irritating". There was no evidence of tissue toxicity in the histological analysis in all animals. CONCLUSION: Aqueous HPMC solutions containing GSNO and SNAC at concentrations up to 10.0 mM do not induce ocular irritation.

New adjustable suture technique for trabeculectomy / Nova técnica de sutura ajustável para trabeculectomia

PURPOSE: To describe an adjustable suture (AS) experimental model that allows for tightening, loosening and retightening of the suture tension in trabeculectomy. METHODS: Standard trabeculectomy was performed in fifteen pig eyeballs. All pig eyes were tested twice: one test with conventional suture in both flap's corners (conventional suture group) and another test with a conventional suture at one corner and an adjustable suture in the other corner (AS group). The order in which each test was performed was defined by randomization. Intraocular pressure was measured at three time points: T1) when the knots were tightened; T2) when the AS was loosened or the conventional knot was removed; and T3) when the AS was retightened in the AS group or five minutes after the knot removal in the conventional suture group. RESULTS: The mean Intraocular pressure was similar between the two groups at time point 1 (p=0.97). However, significant Intraocular pressure differences were found between eyes in the conventional and adjustable suture groups at time points 2 (12.6 ± 4.2 vs 16.3 ± 2.3 cmH2O, respectively, p=0.006) and 3 (12.2 ± 4.0 vs 26.4 ± 1.7cmH2O, respectively; p=0.001). While the conventional technique allowed only Intraocular pressure reduction (following the knot removal; T2 and T3), the AS technique allowed both Intraocular pressure reduction (T2) and elevation (T3) through the management (loosening and retightening) of the suture. CONCLUSION: This experimental model provides an effective noninvasive postoperative mechanism of suture tension adjustment.

OBJETIVO: Descrever uma nova técnica de sutura ajustável para o "flap" da trabeculectomia (TREC), que permite apertar e folgar a sutura no pós-operatório. MÉTODOS: Foram realizadas trabeculectoomia em 15 olhos de porco. Todos os olhos de porco foram testados duas vezes; um teste com sutura convencional nas duas extremidades do "flap"(grupo sutura convencional), outro teste com sutura convencional em uma das extremidades e na outra extremidade a sutura ajustável proposta por esse trabalho (grupo sutura ajustável). A ordem de qual teste seria realizado primeiro em cada olho foi definida por sorteio. A pressão intraocular foi medida de forma direta em três momentos: T1) Todas as suturas apertadas; T2) Após lise de uma sutura convencional ou de afrouxar a sutura ajustável; T3) Após apertar novamente a sutura ajustável ou no caso do teste com as duas suturas convencionais após 5 minutos da lise de uma das suturas. RESULTADOS: No primeiro momento de medida da pressão intraocular (T1) as pressões médias foram similares entre os dois grupos (p=0.97). No entanto, diferenças significativas em relação a pressão intraocular foram encontradas entre os grupos de sutura convencional e ajustável nos tempos 2 (12,6 ± 4,2 vs 16,3 ± 2,3 cmH2O, respectivamente; p=0,006) e 3 (12,2 ± 4,0 vs 26,4 ± 1.7cmH2O, respectivamente; p=0,001). Enquanto a técnica convencional permitiu somente a redução da pressão intraocular após a remoção da sutura (T2 e T3), a técnica de sutura ajustável permitiu tanto a redução (T2) quanto a elevação da pressão intraocular (T3) através do manejo da sutura. CONCLUSÃO: Esse modelo experimental demonstrou a eficácia de uma possível técnica não-invasiva para ajuste da tensão da sutura do "flap"no pós-operatório da trabeculectomia.

Assessment of ocular surface toxicity after topical instillation of nitric oxide donors / Avaliação da toxicidade na superfície ocular após instilação tópica de doadores de óxido nítrico

PURPOSE: To evaluate the ocular surface toxicity of two nitric oxide donors in ex vivo and in vivo animal models: S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) and S-nitroso-N-acetylcysteine (SNAC) in a hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) matrix at final concentrations 1.0 and 10.0 mM. METHODS: Ex vivo GSNO and SNAC toxicities were clinically and histologically analyzed using freshly excised pig eyeballs. In vivo experiments were performed with 20 albino rabbits which were randomized into 4 groups (5 animals each): Groups 1 and 2 received instillations of 150 µL of aqueous HPMC solution containing GSNO 1.0 and 10.0 mM, respectively, in one of the eyes; Groups 3 and 4 received instillations of 150 µL of aqueous HPMC solution-containing SNAC 1.0 and 10.0 mM, respectively, in one of the eyes. The contralateral eyes in each group received aqueous HPMC as a control. All animals underwent clinical evaluation on a slit lamp and the eyes were scored according to a modified Draize eye test and were histologically analyzed. RESULTS: Pig eyeballs showed no signs of perforation, erosion, corneal opacity or other gross damage. These findings were confirmed by histological analysis. There was no difference between control and treated rabbit eyes according to the Draize eye test score in all groups (p>0.05). All formulations showed a mean score under 1 and were classified as "non-irritating". There was no evidence of tissue toxicity in the histological analysis in all animals. CONCLUSION: Aqueous HPMC solutions containing GSNO and SNAC at concentrations up to 10.0 mM do not induce ocular irritation.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a toxidade na superfície ocular de dois compostos doadores de óxido nítrico em modelos ex vivo e in vivo: S-nitrosoglutationa (GSNO) e S-nitroso-N-acetilcisteína (SNAC), em uma matriz de hidroxipropil metilcelulose (HPMC) nas concentrações finais de 1,0 and 10,0 mM. MÉTODOS: As toxicidades de GSNO e SNAC foram avaliadas clinicamente e histologicamente em modelo ex vivo usando globos oculares porcinos recém excisados. Experimentos in vivo foram realizados com 20 coelhos albinos que foram randomizados em 4 grupos (5 animais em cada): Os grupos 1 e 2 receberam instilações de 150 µL de solução aquosa de HPMC contendo GSNO 1,0 e 10,0 mM, respectivamente, em um dos olhos; Os grupos 3 e 4 receberam instilações de 150 µL de solução aquosa de HPMC contendo SNAC 1,0 and 10,0 mM, respectivamente, em um dos olhos. Os olhos contralaterias em cada grupo receberam solução aquosa de HPMC como controle. Todos os animais foram clinicamente avaliados em lâmpada de fenda e os olhos foram pontuados de acordo com o teste de Draize modificado e analisados histologicamente. RESULTADOS: Os globos oculares porcinos não apresentaram sinais de perfuração, erosão, opacidade da córnea ou outros danos graves. Esses resultados foram confirmados pela análise histológica. Não houve diferença entre os olhos dos coelhos tratados e controles de acordo com a pontuação do teste de Draize em todos os grupos (p>0,05). Todas as formulações apresentaram um escore médio menor do que 1 e foram classificadas como "não-irritantes". Não houve evidência de toxicidade tecidual nas análises histológicas em todos os animais. CONCLUSÃO: Soluções aquosas de HPMC contendo GSNO e SNAC em concentrações até 10,0 mM não induzem irritação ocular.

Bactericidal effect of S-nitrosothiols against clinical isolates from keratitis.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of two nitric oxide donors, ie, S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) and S-nitroso-N-acetylcysteine (SNAC), against clinical isolates from patients with infectious keratitis. METHODS: Reference broth microdilution assays were performed to determine the minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations for GSNO and SNAC against four American Type Culture Collection strains and 52 clinical isolates from patients with infectious keratitis as follows: 14 (26.9%) Pseudomonas species; 13 (25.0%) coagulase-negative Staphylococci; 10 (19.2%) Staphylococcus aureus; nine (17.3%) Serratia marcescens; and six (11.5%) Enterobacter aerogenes. Sterility control and bacterial growth control were also performed. RESULTS: SNAC showed lower minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations than GSNO for all clinical isolates from patients with infectious keratitis. For Gram-positive bacteria, mean minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations were 2.1 ± 1.3 and 8.6 ± 3.8 mM for SNAC and 4.6 ± 3.2 and 21.5 ± 12.5 mM for GSNO (P < 0.01). For Gram-negative bacteria, mean minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations were 3.3 ± 1.4 and 6.1 ± 3.4 mM for SNAC and 12.4 ± 5.4 and 26.5 ± 10.1 mM for GSNO (P < 0.01). The minimum bactericidal to inhibitory concentration ratio was ≤8 in 100% of all isolates tested for SNAC and in 94.2% tested for GSNO. CONCLUSIONS: SNAC and GSNO had effective inhibitory and bactericidal effects against bacterial isolates from keratitis. SNAC showed greater antimicrobial activity than GSNO against all bacteria. Gram-positive bacteria were more susceptible to the inhibitory and bactericidal effects of the S-nitrosothiols.

Aberrações ópticas de alta ordem em pacientes com distonias faciais tratados com toxina botulínica / Ocular wavefront aberrations in patients with facial dystonia treated with botulinum toxin

OBJETIVO: Avaliar as aberrações ópticas de alta ordem em pacientes com distonias faciais tratados com toxina botulínica tipo A. MÉTODOS: Pacientes com diagnóstico clínico de espasmo hemifacial ou blefaroespasmo essencial em atividade foram submetidos ao exame biomicroscópico e à análise de frente de ondas através do aberrômetro Alcon LADARvision®, sob midríase medicamentosa. A seguir, foram tratados com injeções de toxina botulínica tipo A. Após um mês, a análise de frente de ondas foi repetida da mesma forma e pelo mesmo oftalmologista. As aberrações de alta ordem foram comparadas antes e após o tratamento. O teste T pareado foi utilizado para comparar os valores numéricos antes e após o tratamento. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos no estudo um total de 11 pacientes, 6 com blefaroespasmo essencial (54,5 por cento) e 5 com espasmo hemifacial (45,5 por cento). Nos pacientes com espasmo hemifacial foram analisados apenas o lado acometido, totalizando 17 olhos com espasmo. A idade variou de 50 a 72 anos, com média de 65,9 ± 8,2 anos. Oito pacientes eram do sexo feminino (72,7 por cento), sendo a relação masculino/feminino de 1:2,6. A média do "root mean square" (RMS) das aberrações de alta ordem foi 0,68 antes e 0,63 após um mês do tratamento (p=0,01). A média da aberração esférica foi de 0,23 e 0,17 antes e após o tratamento respectivamente (p=0,01). Não houve diferenças estatisticamente significantes nos demais tipos de aberrações de alta ordem após o tratamento (p>0,05). CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento com toxina botulínica A pode diminuir as aberrações esféricas em pacientes com distonias faciais.

PURPOSE: To analyze the ocular wavefront aberrations in patients with facial dystonia treated with botulinum toxin A. METHODS: Patients with benign essential blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm in activity underwent slit lamp examination and bilateral wavefront analysis under pharmacologic mydriasis using Alcon LADARvision® wavefront aberrometry system. After that, all patients were treated with botulinum toxin A injections performed by the same ophthalmologist. After one month, the wavefront analysis was performed in the same way and by the same examiner. The main outcome measure was the change in ocular wavefront aberrations. Paired T-test was used to compare pre and post-injection numeric wavefront values. RESULTS: From a total of 11 patients enrolled in this study, 6 (54.5 percent) had essential blepharospasm and 5 (45.5 percent) had hemifacial spasm. The fellow eyes of patients with hemifacial spasm were not included, totalizing 17 eyes with spasm. Eight patients were female (72.7 percent) and three were male (27.3 percent), the male:female ratio was 1:2.6. The age ranged from 50 to 72 years old with a mean of 65.9 ± 8.2 years. The mean of high order root mean square (RMS) wavefront aberrations was 0.68 before and 0.63 one month after the treatment (p=0.01). Before the treatment, the mean of spherical aberration was 0.23 and decreased to 0.17 one month after the treatment (p=0.01). There was no significant difference in the other higher-order aberrations before and after the treatment (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The treatment with botulium toxin may decrease spherical aberrations in patients with facial dystonia.

Demodex folliculorum on the eyelash follicule of diabetic patients / Demodex folliculorum nos cílios de pacientes diabéticos

PURPOSE: To compare the prevalence of Demodex folliculorum on the eyelashes of patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy and healthy voluntaries. METHODS: Type 2 diabetic patients with proliferative retinopathy and age- and gender-matched healthy voluntaries (group control) underwent a slit lamp examination which three eyelashes containing cylindrical dandruff were removed from each lid by fine forceps. The lashes were dyed with fluorescein and the presence of Demodex folliculorum was verified by direct visualization under a light microscope. The mites were recognized based on its morphology and peculiar movement. The results were expressed in "positive" when at least one mite on one lash was found and "negative" when no mite was identified. The Chi-square test was used for comparing mites' presence in both groups. RESULTS: Forty-two patients were included in each group. The age ranged from 50 to 60 years old, with a mean of 56.4 ± 5.2 years. The male:female ratio was 0.6:1. There was no statistically significant difference with regard to age and gender in both groups (p>0.05). Demodex folliculorum was significantly more prevalent in diabetic patients (54.8 percent) than in control patients (38.1 percent) (p=0.048). CONCLUSION: Demodex folliculorum was more prevalent in diabetic patients than in healthy voluntaries, independently of gender and age.

OBJETIVO: Comparar a prevalência de Demodex folliculorum nos cílios de pacientes com retinopatia diabética proliferativa e voluntários normais. MÉTODOS: Pacientes com diabetes mellitus tipo 2 apresentando retinopatia proliferativa e voluntários normais com mesma distribuição de sexo e idade (grupo controle) foram submetidos a exame em lâmpada de fenda. Três cílios com secreção "em colarete" foram removidos de cada pálpebra com pinça delicada. Os cílios foram corados com fluoresceína e a presença de Demodex folliculorum foi verificada por visualização direta através de microscópio de luz. As larvas foram reconhecidas baseadas em sua morfologia e movimentos peculiares. Os resultados foram expressos em "positivo" quando foi encontrada pelo menos uma larva em um cílio e "negativo" quando nenhuma larva foi encontrada. O teste de Chi quadrado foi utilizado para comparar a presença das larvas nos dois grupos. RESULTADOS: Quarenta e dois pacientes foram incluídos em cada grupo. A idade variou de 50 a 60 anos com média de 56,4 ± 5,2 anos. A relação masculino:feminino foi de 0,6:1. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante com relação ao sexo e idade entre os dois grupos (p>0,05). Demodex folliculorum foi significantemente mais prevalente em pacientes com diabetes (54,8 por cento) que no grupo controle (38,1 por cento) (p=0,048). CONCLUSÃO: Demodex foliculorum foi mais prevalente em pacientes diabéticos que em voluntários normais, independentemente do sexo e da idade.

Sebaceous carcinoma of the eyelid - different diagnostic times, different outcomes: case reports / Carcinoma de glândulas sebáceas palpebral - diferentes momentos de diagnósticos, diferentes resultados cirúrgicos: relatos de casos

Sebaceous carcinoma of the eyelid is a very rare slow-growing tumor and is considered an aggressive eyelid neoplasm. It can reach mortality rate of about 6 percent. Diagnosis is often delayed because of its ability to masquerade as other periocular lesions, both clinically and histologically. We present three cases of sebaceous carcinoma, with different surgical outcomes, showing the importance of early diagnosis.

Carcinoma sebáceo é um tumor raro de crescimento lento considerado uma das mais agressivas neoplasias palpebrais. Pode alcançar taxa de mortalidade de aproximadamente 6 por cento. O diagnóstico tardio é comum devido a sua habilidade de se confundir com outras lesões perioculares tanto clinicamente quanto histologicamente. Relatamos três casos de carcinoma sebáceo da pálpebra com diferentes resultados cirúrgicos, enfatizando a importância do diagnóstico precoce.

Comparative analysis of the nuclear lens opalescence by the Lens Opacities Classification System III with nuclear density values provided by Oculus Pentacam: a cross-section study using Pentacam Nucleus Staging software.

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical classification of cataract using the Lens Opacities Classification System (LOCS) III with the mean values of lens density provided by the Pentacam Scheimpflug System in nuclear cataracts. METHODS: One hundred and one eyes from 101 patients with age-related nuclear cataract were submitted to clinical examination for lens grading score using LOCS III. According to LOCS III, nuclear opalescence was divided in six groups. Patients were evaluated by the Pentacam Scheimpflug System for the mean lens density using the Pentacam lens densitometry program (PLDP), the Pentacam Nucleus Staging (PNS) mean value and the PNS cataract grading score. RESULTS: A positive correlation between the mean values of lens density and LOCS III classification, considering groups 1 to 5, could be noticed with PLDP and PNS mean value. The mean values between the groups were similar using the PLDP and the PNS mean value. However, when the PNS cataract grading score was evaluated, there was low correspondence with LOCS III classification. CONCLUSION: Pentacam Scheimpflug device offers an objective measure of the lens nuclear density on nuclear cataracts. PLDP and the PNS mean value were both useful to evaluate age-related nuclear cataract up to LOCS III group 5.

[Treatment of tear trough deformity with hyaluronic acid gel filler]. / Tratamento dos sulcos palpebromalar e nasojugal com ácido hialurônico.

BACKGROUND: Volume loss and muscular hyperactivity are two major components of the aging process that contribute to the formation of the folds and wrinkles. Tear trough deformity is one of the most difficult depressions to correct surgically. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of ten patients submitted to periorbital filling with hyaluronic acid gel filler. METHODS: Between June and August, 2008, 10 patients have had their tears troughs treated with hyaluronic acid gel filler. The filler was introduced by a serial puncture technique and approximately 0.1 ml was injected at each pass. The filler was placed in the pre-periosteal tissue. Patients photographs before and after the procedure were reviewed to assess the outcomes. RESULTS: The mean volume per side needed to achieve correction was on the right side 0.61 ml (SD=0.25) and on the left side 0.65 ml (SD=0.26). The most common complications were bruising, erythema, local swelling, and pain at the injection site. The effect of treatment lasted up to 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study showed that the treatment of tear trough deformity with hyaluronic acid gel filler was feasible, predictable and effective. All patients were very satisfied with their results.

Floppy eyelid syndrome: review.

Floppy eyelid syndrome is characterized by the easy evertion of the upper eyelid which occurs spontaneously during the sleep, causing the exposure of the eye surface and chronic papillary conjunctivitis. Its pathogenesis is not totally defined yet: it is usually more frequent in middle-aged, male obese patients and it is associated with systemic disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, high blood pressure and diabetes. On the occasions which conservative treatment fails, surgical procedures present good results, including surgical techniques which are constantly evolving.

Comparative analysis of the nuclear lens opalescence by the Lens Opacities Classification System III with nuclear density values provided by Oculus Pentacam: a cross-section study using Pentacam Nucleus Staging software / Análise comparativa da opalencência nuclear cristaliniana pelo Lens Opacities Classification System III com valores de densidade nuclear fornecidos pelo Oculus Pentacam: estudo transversal utilizando o Pentacam Nucleus Staging software

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical classification of cataract using the Lens Opacities Classification System (LOCS) III with the mean values of lens density provided by the Pentacam Scheimpflug System in nuclear cataracts. METHODS: One hundred and one eyes from 101 patients with age-related nuclear cataract were submitted to clinical examination for lens grading score using LOCS III. According to LOCS III, nuclear opalescence was divided in six groups. Patients were evaluated by the Pentacam Scheimpflug System for the mean lens density using the Pentacam lens densitometry program (PLDP), the Pentacam Nucleus Staging (PNS) mean value and the PNS cataract grading score. RESULTS: A positive correlation between the mean values of lens density and LOCS III classification, considering groups 1 to 5, could be noticed with PLDP and PNS mean value. The mean values between the groups were similar using the PLDP and the PNS mean value. However, when the PNS cataract grading score was evaluated, there was low correspondence with LOCS III classification. CONCLUSION: Pentacam Scheimpflug device offers an objective measure of the lens nuclear density on nuclear cataracts. PLDP and the PNS mean value were both useful to evaluate age-related nuclear cataract up to LOCS III group 5.

OBJETIVO: Comparar a classificação clínica de catarata nuclear, utilizando o Lens Opacities Classification System (LOCS) III, e o valores médios de densidade nuclear fornecido pelo sistema Pentacam Sheimpflug. MÉTODOS: Cento e um pacientes (101 olhos) com diagnóstico de catarata nuclear senil foram submetidos a exame clínico para graduação da opalescência nuclear de acordo com o LOCS III e divididos em seis grupos de acordo com a mesma. Os pacientes foram posteriormente avaliados pelo sistema Pentacam Scheimpflug para obtenção do valor médio de densidade fornecido pelo programa de densitometria cristaliniana do aparelho (PLDP), valor médio de densidade calculado pelo Pentacam Nucleus Staging software (PNS) e o escore de graduação de catarata nuclear fornecido pelo PNS. RESULTADOS: Observou-se uma correlação positiva entre os valores médios de densidade cristaliniana fornecidos pelo PLDP e PNS e a classificação clínica LOCS III, considerando os grupos 1 ao 5. Os valores médios de densidade nuclear de cada grupo foram similares utilizando dados do PLDP e PNS. Entretanto, quando foi analisado o escore de graduação da catarata fornecido pelo PNS foi observada uma baixa correspondência com a classificação LOCS III. CONCLUSÃO: O Pentacam Scheimpflug oferece uma medida objetiva da densidade nuclear cristaliniana em cataratas nucleares. Os valores médios de densidade nuclear fornecidos pelo PLDP e PNS foram úteis na avaliação de catarata nuclear senil até o grupo 5 da classificação LOCS III.

Microbial keratitis at a referral center in Brazil.

To describe the epidemiological and laboratory characteristics of microbial keratitis at a referral center in Brazil. Charts of all patients referred to the Ocular Microbiology Laboratory at Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP) from July 1975 to September 2007 were retrospectively reviewed. The following data were recorded: age, gender, involved eye, use of ocular medication, previous trauma or surgery, contact lens wear and the results of laboratory cultures. The study included 6,804 corneal cultures. The mean age was 42.1 ± 21.4 years. The male-to-female ratio was 1.5:1. Positive cultures were obtained in 3,309 (48.6%) cases. Of these, bacteria were isolated in 2,699 (39.7%), fungi in 364 (5.3%) and Acanthamoeba in 246 (3.6%) samples. Positive bacterial cultures were 2.7-fold more frequent in patients with previous use of steroids (P < 0.01), and a 30% reduction in positive bacterial cultures was observed in patients with previous use of antibiotics (P < 0.01). A total of 1,524 patients (22.4%) had a past history of ocular surgery. Contact lens wearers showed a 1.7 times greater chance of having an Acanthamoeba-positive culture (P < 0.01). Previous ocular trauma was present in 1,118 (16.4%) cases and injury caused by plants showed a 3.8 times greater chance of a positive fungal culture (P < 0.01). Bacterial organisms were identified as the most frequent agent followed by fungi and Acanthamoeba. Prescription of steroids and antibiotics prior to corneal scrapings may modify the laboratory test results. Previous corneal surgery, contact lens wear and ocular trauma have been shown to be risk factors for bacterial, Acanthamoeba and fungal keratitis, respectively.

Treatment of the tear trough deformity with hyaluronic acid.

BACKGROUND: Volume loss and muscular hyperactivity are two major components of the aging process that contribute to the formation of the folds and wrinkles. Tear trough deformity is one of the most difficult depressions to correct surgically. OBJECTIVE: The authors evaluate the results of periorbital filling with hyaluronic acid (HA) in a small series of patients. METHODS: Between June 2008 and December 2009, 25 patients were treated with HA to correct tear trough deformities. The HA was administered into the preperiosteal tissues with a serial puncture technique and approximately 0.1 mL was injected at each pass. Each patient's before and after photographs were reviewed by three surgeons; to objectively assess the outcomes, a quantitative scale was used to grade the pre- and postinjection results. The significance of subjective aesthetic evaluation of the photographs was evaluated with the Mann-Whitney U-test. Differences were regarded as significant if probabilities were less than 0.05. RESULTS: The mean (SD) volume per side needed to achieve correction was 0.54 (0.27) mL on the right and 0.61 (0.30) mL on the left. Complications included some degree of bruising, erythema, and local swelling. Most patients (88%) had cosmetic improvement according to the independent evaluation. CONCLUSIONS: All patients were very satisfied with their results. During the course of the study, the authors determined that the ideal candidates for this treatment are young, with thick skin and a definite hollow.

Tratamento dos sulcos palpebromalar e nasojugal com ácido hialurônico / Treatment of tear trough deformity with hyaluronic acid gel filler

OBJETIVO: Verificar a eficácia do preenchimento dos sulcos nasojugal e palpebromalar deprimidos através da injeção de ácido hialurônico e analisar as complicações observadas. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo piloto, prospectivo, aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Universidade Federal de São Paulo, com pacientes recrutados no Serviço de Plástica Ocular do Departamento de Oftalmologia da UNIFESP/EPM. Foram selecionados pacientes de ambos os sexos, com idade entre 25 e 60 anos, que apresentavam os sulcos nasojugal e/ou palpebromalar deprimidos, que não haviam sido submetidos à cirurgia na pálpebra inferior nem apresentavam histórico de trauma nesse local. O ácido hialurônico foi aplicado via transcutânea e depositado na região supraperiosteal em pequenos volumes. Todo paciente foi tratado pelo mesmo cirurgião (GAPV), tendo sido examinado no pós-operatório em intervalos regulares e fotografado no pré-operatório, no pós-operatório imediato, na 4ª semana, no 6º e no 12º mês após o procedimento. Ao final deste período todas as fotos foram analisadas por profissional não ligado a esta pesquisa, visando verificar a eficiência da técnica em atingir seus objetivos. RESULTADOS: Entre junho e agosto de 2008, 10 pacientes foram incluídos neste estudo piloto. Oito pacientes foram tratadas uma única vez, enquanto duas precisaram de retoque na 4ª semana após a aplicação inicial. O volume injetado foi em média de 0,61 ml (DP=0,25) no lado direito e de 0,65 ml (DP=0,26) no lado esquerdo. As complicações observadas foram equimose em 6 casos, edema local maior que 48 horas em um paciente e lesão cutânea semelhante à acne em um participante. CONCLUSÕES: O estudo piloto demonstrou que o tratamento dos sulcos nasojugal e pálpebro-malar com uso de ácido hialurônico se mostrou eficaz e previsível, com alto nível de satisfação dos pacientes e com resultado duradouro.

BACKGROUND: Volume loss and muscular hyperactivity are two major components of the aging process that contribute to the formation of the folds and wrinkles. Tear trough deformity is one of the most difficult depressions to correct surgically. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of ten patients submitted to periorbital filling with hyaluronic acid gel filler. METHODS: Between June and August, 2008, 10 patients have had their tears troughs treated with hyaluronic acid gel filler. The filler was introduced by a serial puncture technique and approximately 0.1 ml was injected at each pass. The filler was placed in the pre-periosteal tissue. Patients photographs before and after the procedure were reviewed to assess the outcomes. RESULTS: The mean volume per side needed to achieve correction was on the right side 0.61 ml (SD=0.25) and on the left side 0.65 ml (SD=0.26). The most common complications were bruising, erythema, local swelling, and pain at the injection site. The effect of treatment lasted up to 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study showed that the treatment of tear trough deformity with hyaluronic acid gel filler was feasible, predictable and effective. All patients were very satisfied with their results.

Floppy eyelid syndrome: review / Síndrome da frouxidão palpebral: revisão da literatura

Floppy eyelid syndrome is characterized by the easy evertion of the upper eyelid which occurs spontaneously during the sleep, causing the exposure of the eye surface and chronic papillary conjunctivitis. Its pathogenesis is not totally defined yet: it is usually more frequent in middle-aged, male obese patients and it is associated with systemic disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, high blood pressure and diabetes. On the occasions which conservative treatment fails, surgical procedures present good results, including surgical techniques which are constantly evolving.

A síndrome de frouxidão palpebral é caracterizada pela fácil eversão da pálpebra que ocorre espontaneamente durante o sono causando exposição dos olhos, com consequente conjuntivite papilar crônica. Sua patogênese ainda não está totalmente definida e é mais comum em pacientes masculinos, obesos, de meia idade e está associada a doenças sistêmicas como apnéia obstrutiva do sono, hipertensão arterial e diabetes. Quando o tratamento clínico não apresenta boa resposta, procedimentos cirúrgicos apresentam bons resultados, com técnicas em constante evolução.

Upper blepharoplasty with or without resection of the orbicularis oculi muscle: a randomized double-blind left-right study.

PURPOSE: To compare the aesthetic outcomes of the upper blepharoplasty with or without resection of the preseptal orbicularis oculi muscle. METHODS: An interventional randomized double-blind left-right study was conducted in 15 consecutive patients with dermatochalasis of the upper eyelid. One side was randomly chosen for resection of the preseptal orbicularis oculi muscle (group 1). The orbicularis oculi muscle of the contralateral side was preserved (group 2). All patients scored differences between both sides on the seventh day, the thirtieth day, and the ninetieth day after the surgery regarding the following symptoms: edema, hematoma, itching, and pain. Three masked ophthalmic plastic specialists analyzed the aesthetic outcomes by the visual analogical scale. RESULTS: The scoring of symptoms was significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 on the seventh postoperative day. On the thirtieth and ninetieth days, there were no significant differences between groups 1 and 2. The analysis by 3 masked observers showed that the aesthetic result was worse in group 1 than in group 2 on the seventh postoperative day. There were no significant differences between groups 1 and 2 on the thirtieth and ninetieth days. CONCLUSIONS: Upper blepharoplasty causes more postoperative symptoms and presents worse initial aesthetic outcome when the preseptal orbicularis oculi muscle is excised. However, the final aesthetic outcome is the same when the preseptal orbicularis oculi muscle is excised or preserved.

[Ocular wavefront aberrations in patients with facial dystonia treated with botulinum toxin]. / Aberrações ópticas de alta ordem em pacientes com distonias faciais tratados com toxina botulínica.

PURPOSE: To analyze the ocular wavefront aberrations in patients with facial dystonia treated with botulinum toxin A. METHODS: Patients with benign essential blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm in activity underwent slit lamp examination and bilateral wavefront analysis under pharmacologic mydriasis using Alcon LADARvision wavefront aberrometry system. After that, all patients were treated with botulinum toxin A injections performed by the same ophthalmologist. After one month, the wavefront analysis was performed in the same way and by the same examiner. The main outcome measure was the change in ocular wavefront aberrations. Paired T-test was used to compare pre and post-injection numeric wavefront values. RESULTS: From a total of 11 patients enrolled in this study, 6 (54.5%) had essential blepharospasm and 5 (45.5%) had hemifacial spasm. The fellow eyes of patients with hemifacial spasm were not included, totalizing 17 eyes with spasm. Eight patients were female (72.7%) and three were male (27.3%), the male:female ratio was 1:2.6. The age ranged from 50 to 72 years old with a mean of 65.9 ± 8.2 years. The mean of high order root mean square (RMS) wavefront aberrations was 0.68 before and 0.63 one month after the treatment (p=0.01). Before the treatment, the mean of spherical aberration was 0.23 and decreased to 0.17 one month after the treatment (p=0.01). There was no significant difference in the other higher-order aberrations before and after the treatment (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The treatment with botulium toxin may decrease spherical aberrations in patients with facial dystonia.