Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada Disease: The Clinical Spectrum and Management of Case Series in a Tertiary Eye Centre in Northern Part Of Malaysia.

AIMS: We present the clinical spectrum, the initial clinical presentation with management trends in treating 14 Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease cases in a tertiary center in the Northern part of Malaysia. CASE SERIES: There were 14 cases of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease retrospectively reviewed over five years (from 2015 to 2020). The mean age at presentation was 37.7 years (range 21-64 years), with female predominance (85.7%). All cases presented with acute uveitic stage and bilateral eye involvement. Of them, 11 (78.6%) were probable VKH, and three (21.4%) were incomplete VKH. All patients attended with acute panuveitis at first presentation. The main posterior segment involvement was disc edema in 57.1% (16 out of 28 eyes) and exudative retinal detachment (ERD) in 35.7% (10 out of 28 eyes). Most of them presented with blindness (3/60 and worse) and moderate visual impair- ment (6/18-6/60); 35.71% each, followed by mild visual impairment (6/12-6/18), and severe visual impairment (6/60-3/60); 7.1% each. Ten patients (71.4%) required combination second-line immunomodulatory treatment during subsequent visits, and only four patients (28.6%) responded well to corticosteroid therapy. Most of the cases achieved no visual impairment (64.3%), followed by mild visual impairment (21.4%) and moderate visual impairment (14.3%), and none were severe or blind at the end of follow-up. CONCLUSION: VKH is a potentially blinding illness if there is inadequate control of the disease in the acute stage. Most of our patients achieved good visual outcomes with early immunomodulatory treatment and systemic corticosteroids.

The psychological status of patients with delayed intravitreal injection for treatment of diabetic macular edema due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: Since the enforcement of the Movement Control Order (MCO) to contain the spread of COVID -19 infection in Malaysia, most clinic appointments have been rescheduled and procedures and surgeries postponed to a later date. Clinic appointments including intravitreal endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) treatment for patients with diabetic macular edema (DME) were also no exception to the postponement. This measure takes a psychological toll on patients because of the overwhelming concern for their eye condition. This study was conducted to assess the psychological status of DME patients with delayed anti-VEGF treatment during the pandemic. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2020 to March 2021 in Ophthalmology Clinic Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HCTM UKM). Subjects diagnosed with center-involved DME aged between 20 to 80 years who experienced delayed anti-VEGF injection were recruited. Level of depression, anxiety and stress were assessed using DASS-21 questionnaire. Statistical analysis using non-parametric tests were performed to determine the relationship between the DASS-21 score and duration of last injection, in those whose vision was affected by delayed injection and the relationship to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. Statistical significance was denoted as p < 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 86 respondents with median age of 69 years old participated in this study. Most respondents were Malays (n = 47,54.7%) males (n = 51, 59.3%), had education up to secondary level (n = 37, 43%), unemployed (n = 78, 90.7%), married (n = 72, 83.7%) and living with their family (n = 82, 95.3%). The number of intravitreal injections received was at least three times among the respondents (n = 81, 94.2%). More than half of the respondents (n = 46, 53.5%) had been postponed for more than 12 weeks and felt that their vision was affected after delayed intravitreal injection (n = 47, 54.7%). Most of the subjects did not experience depression, anxiety, or stress. However, there was a significant level of stress scores among those with delayed injection of 9 to 12 weeks (p = 0.004), and significant anxiety (p = 0.029) and stress (p = 0.014) scores found in subjects with vision affected due to delayed treatment. CONCLUSION: The level of anxiety and stress can be significant in DME patients who experienced delay in intravitreal anti-VEGF treatment. Assessment of psychosocial impacts is important to identify early mental health issues potentially leading to the onset of psychiatry illness, thus early intervention is indispensable.

Randomized Clinical Trial of Topical Insulin Versus Artificial Tears for Healing Rates of Iatrogenic Corneal Epithelial Defects Induced During Vitreoretinal Surgery in Diabetics.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to measure and compare the effect of topical insulin (0.5 units, 4 times per day) versus artificial tears (Vismed, sodium hyaluronate 0.18%, 4 times per day) for the healing of postoperative corneal epithelial defects induced during vitreoretinal surgery in diabetic patients. METHODS: This is a double-blind randomized controlled hospital-based study involving diabetic patients with postoperative corneal epithelial defects after vitreoretinal surgery. Diabetic patients were randomized into 2 different groups and received either 0.5 units of topical insulin (DTI) or artificial tears (Vismed, sodium hyaluronate 0.18%; DAT). The primary outcome measured was the rate of corneal epithelial wound healing (mm 2 /h) over a preset interval and time from baseline to minimum size of epithelial defect on fluorescein-stained anterior segment digital camera photography. The secondary outcome measured was the safety of topical insulin 0.5 units and artificial tears (Vismed, sodium hyaluronate 0.18%). Patients were followed up until 3 months postoperation. RESULTS: A total of 38 eyes from 38 patients undergoing intraoperative corneal debridement during vitreoretinal surgery with resultant epithelial defects (19 eyes per group) were analyzed. DTI was observed to have a significantly higher healing rate compared with the DAT group at rates over 36 hours ( P = 0.010), 48 hours ( P = 0.009), and 144 hours ( P = 0.009). The rate from baseline to closure was observed to be significantly higher in the DTI group (1.20 ± 0.29) (mm 2 /h) compared with the DAT group (0.78 ± 0.20) (mm 2 /h) as well ( P < 0.001). No adverse effect of topical insulin and artificial tears was reported. CONCLUSIONS: Topical insulin (0.5 units, 4 times per day) is more effective compared with artificial tears (Vismed, sodium hyaluronate 0.18%, 4 times per day) for the healing of postoperative corneal epithelial defects induced during vitreoretinal surgery in diabetic patients, without any adverse events.

Delayed Horner's Syndrome Post Thyroid Carcinoma Surgery.

Post-thyroidectomy Horner's syndrome (HS) is a rare occurrence, and its probability increases when a modified radical neck dissection is performed. We present a case of a patient with papillary thyroid carcinoma who presented with Horner's syndrome one week after the right lateral dissection of the cervical lymph nodes. She underwent a complete thyroidectomy four months prior to this surgery. Both surgeries were uneventful intraoperatively. On examination, the right eye (RE) had partial ptosis with miosis and the absence of anhidrosis. A pharmacological test with phenylephrine 1% was used to localize the interruption of the oculosympathetic pathway with postganglionic third-order neuron involvement. She was treated conservatively, and her symptoms improved over time. Horner's syndrome is a rare and benign complication of post-thyroidectomy surgery with radical neck dissection surgery. Since it does not compromise visual acuity, the disease is constantly overlooked. However, in view of the facial disfigurement and the possibility of incomplete recovery, the patient needs to be forewarned regarding this complication.

Determination of Factors Influencing the Health Belief Model (HBM) and Adherence to Intravitreal Anti-vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Among Patients With Diabetic Macular Edema (DME).

Background Diabetic macular edema (DME) is becoming one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide with a significant impact on quality of life. The effectiveness of intravitreal (IVT) anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy has been established by clinical trials and has become the treatment of choice in the majority of DME patients in reducing macular edema and improving visual acuity. Frequent drop-out and discontinuation of treatment are major issues. Lack of compliance can lead to worsening outcomes and be a burden to patients and the healthcare system. Purpose The purpose of this study is to assess multiple factors that affect adherence to IVT anti-VEGF treatment among patients with DME, including socioeconomic causes and the Health Belief Model (HBM) domains, in addition to exploring the relationship between them. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted among DME patients in Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from December 2020 to June 2021. We identified eligible patients using a retrospective chart review of clinical findings and optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings. Included subjects were of Malaysian nationality, aged 18 years and above, who were initiated or re-initiated IVT anti-VEGF treatment regime and on follow-up for at least six months from initial injection from January 2019 onwards. A translated and validated self-administered questionnaire was given to the respondents. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0 (Released 2019; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). Demographics of the patient were summarized using descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test was used to compare the difference in components of the HBM questionnaire. Linear regression was further used to explore the relationship between patients' demographics and the HBM component. Results A total of 141 patients participated in this study, of whom 56.2% patients were adherent to treatment. The majority were aged 60 years and above (56.7%), male (52.5%), Malay (38.9%), and married (71.6%). There was a significant statistical difference in patients who were adherent to treatment, in terms of life entourage (p=0.004, Fisher Exact test). HBM domains that influenced adherence to treatment included perceived severity, perceived barriers, perceived benefits, cues to action, and self-efficacy (p<0.05, independent sample t-test). Further, multiple logistic regression tests on sociodemographic factors and HBM domains after eliminating confounding factors narrowed down the significant variables to perceived susceptibility (p= 0.023), perceived benefits (p< 0.001), and self-efficacy (p< 0.001). Conclusion Patients' adherence to IVT anti-VEGF is influenced by perceived susceptibility to complications from DME, perceived benefits to the treatment, and self-efficacy.

Review of Evidence for the Usage of Antioxidants for Eye Aging.

Oxidative stress is one of the common factors leading to age-related eye diseases in older adults. Factors such as high oxygen consumption, high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and cumulative exposure to high-energy visible light in the eyes, lead to excessive generation of reactive oxygen species, hence triggering apoptosis of ocular cells and giving rise to ophthalmic diseases. Dietary supplements such as carotenoids, anthocyanins, and vitamins have antioxidant properties which may be of benefit in retaining better vision or reversing vision impairment; thus, studies have been conducted to understand the role of dietary supplements in the treatment or prevention of ophthalmic diseases. While high concentration of carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin decrease the risk of developing age-related macular disease, anthocyanins and vitamins play a role in the treatment and prevention of other ophthalmic diseases: saffron extract reduced intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients; bilberry extract prevented impairments in lenses and retina, as well as alleviate symptoms of dry eye disease; high concentration of beta-carotene may reduce the risk of developing cataract. Further studies with clinical measurements are required to investigate the effectiveness of antioxidants on visual function and ophthalmic diseases.

The effectiveness of laser vitreolysis for vitreous floaters in posterior vitreous detachment.

Purpose: To determine the effectiveness of laser vitreolysis in terms of contrast sensitivity function (CSF) and vision-related quality of life (VRQol) for symptomatic floaters due to posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). Materials: This is an interventional study that involved 57 eyes of 45 patients with symptomatic floaters for more than 3 months. Patients underwent one to three sessions of vitreolysis via Neodymiun-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd:YAG) laser. We examined the CSF using the computer programs Freiburg Acuity and Contrast Test (FrACT) and VRQoL survey using the National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire-25 (NEI VFQ-25) before, and 1 month after, vitreolysis. Results: Twelve patients had both eyes lasered and 33 patients had one eye lasered. The mean CSF improved from 3.20 ± 0.85%W to 2.64 ± 0.63%W 1 month after vitreolysis. Each use of the laser showed a significant mean difference in CSF (%W) as analyzed by paired t-test before and after the first laser (0.29 ± 0.49%W [P ≤ 0.001]); after the first and second laser (0.35 ± 0.53%W [P = 0.01]); and after second and third laser (0.21 ± 0.31%W [P = 0.02]). There was improvement in the median of four subscales in NEI VFQ-25 scores post treatment: general vision (z = -3.30, P = 0.001), near activity (z = 3.396, P = 0.001, distance activity (z = -2.788, P = 0.005), and mental health (z = -2.219, P = 0.026). The mean scores increased to 79.55 ± 9.45 from the baseline 75.06 ± 9.69 (P ≤ 0.001). No adverse events were recorded 1 month after the laser treatments. Conclusion: Vitreolysis by Nd:YAG laser improved the CFS and VRQoL in symptomatic PVD patients.

Bilateral Sequential Spontaneous Anterior Dislocated Intraocular Lens in a Patient With Retinitis Pigmentosa.

Retinitis pigmentosa is one of the risk factors for intraocular lens dislocation post cataract surgery which can lead to many complications. A 64-year-old Chinese female with bilateral pseudophakia and retinitis pigmentosa was referred for the continuation of care in 2009 with baseline visual acuity of hand movement bilaterally due to the retinitis pigmentosa. The cataract surgeries with posterior chamber intraocular lens (PCIOL) implantation in her early 50s were uneventful. In 2011, her right eye PCIOL dislocated anteriorly into the anterior chamber spontaneously and touched the cornea. It was complicated with bullous keratopathy and corneal decompensation. Intraocular pressure (IOP) was normal. PCIOL explantation, anterior vitrectomy and surgical peripheral iridotomy were performed. However, the cornea remained decompensated postoperatively. Her left eye was stable until 2019 when she developed acute angle closure secondary to complete anterior dislocation of PCIOL with pupillary block glaucoma. She underwent left eye PCIOL explantation, anterior vitrectomy and surgical peripheral iridotomy when IOP was optimised medically. Finally, both eyes were left aphakic due to poor prognosis with light perception (PL) vision, IOP was stable on single topical antiglaucoma and bilateral decompensated corneas were maintained with topical hypertonic saline. This case highlights the different serious sequelae of bilateral eyes in an unfortunate retinitis pigmentosa patient.

Isolated Infiltrative Optic Neuropathy in an Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Relapse.

Optic nerve infiltration as the first sign of isolated central nervous system relapse of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is rare. A seven-year-old girl with standard-risk B-cell ALL who was in remission presented with sudden onset of left eye pain and loss of vision. Examination revealed no perception to light in the left eye with positive relative afferent pupillary defect. The optic disc was hyperemic and swollen with total obscuration of the disc margin associated with central retinal artery and vein occlusion. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain and optic nerve showed left intraorbital optic nerve thickening associated with perineural enhancement and intraconal fat involvement. Lumbar puncture revealed leukemic infiltration with blast cells after a week of eye symptoms, while bone marrow aspiration was negative for malignant cells. A diagnosis of left leukemic optic nerve infiltration with central retinal artery and vein occlusion was made. A high index of suspicion with repeat cerebrospinal fluid sampling is crucial to confirm the diagnosis as vitreous biopsy may fail to reveal infiltrative cells.

Dieffenbachia-Induced Transient Crystalline Keratopathy: A Case Report and Review of Previously Reported Cases.

We report a case of transient crystalline keratopathy induced by contact with Dieffenbachia plant sap and review previous reports on plant-induced crystalline keratopathy. A 27-year-old man with underlying diabetes mellitus presented with ocular pain, redness, and tearing after Dieffenbachia plant sap accidentally entered his right eye while he had been cutting the grass one day prior to presentation. The visual acuity of his right eye was 6/9. His conjunctiva was injected with an epithelial defect over the inferior conjunctiva. There were fine needle-like oxalate crystals in the epithelial and stromal layer of the cornea inferiorly. He was treated with topical dexamethasone and levofloxacin. The crystals disappeared from the cornea when he was reviewed one month later. He maintained good visual acuity, and no corneal opacity was noted. In conclusion, patients with crystalline keratopathy after exposure to Dieffenbachia plant sap can have a full recovery without sequelae after supportive treatment. Eliciting the history from patients regarding the type of plant involved is imperative. Ophthalmologists should be aware of the possibility of crystalline keratopathy developing, even though most patients retain good vision.

The Lucky Ones: A Report of Two Cases of Intraorbital Foreign Bodies.

Intraorbital foreign bodies are a common complication of eye trauma. If improperly managed, it may lead to severe complications. In this case series, the first case is an intraconal foreign body after being hit by a stone, and the second case is an intraconal foreign body from a metallic piece of a crane wheel. We discuss the role of imaging in confirming the presence of the foreign body, localizing it, and guiding when surgery is indicated. Our two cases showed differences in the management approach, as the first case had multiple issues requiring multiple procedures. However, the second case had a relatively specific pathology, management, and outcome. With adequate treatment and a bit of luck, the visual outcome can be satisfactory.

Case Series on Endogenous Klebsiella pneumoniae Endophthalmitis: More Than Meets the Eye.

Endogenous endophthalmitis (EE) is a rare but potentially sight-threatening disease with an appreciable mortality rate. Diabetes mellitus remains the most frequently associated condition especially in the Asian population, which potentiates Klebsiella pneumoniae involvement. Endogenous Klebsiella pneumoniae endophthalmitis (EKE) usually has a poor final visual outcome despite treatment with intravitreal and systemic antibiotics. We report three cases of EKE with systemic involvement Klebsiella pneumoniae invasive syndrome (KPIS). KPIS was diagnosed in three patients with multiple comorbidities who presented with a blurring of vision and eye redness. Patient 1 was a 63-year-old Malay man diagnosed with left eye panophthalmitis with multifocal liver and prostate abscesses. He underwent drainage of the liver abscess and eventually evisceration of the left eye due to scleral perforation. Patient 2 was a 66-year-old Malay woman diagnosed with left eye endophthalmitis. Due to hemodynamic instability, vitrectomy was delayed and eventually sustained corneal perforation and eviscerated. The patient eventually succumbed to infection. Patient 3 was a 42-year-old Malay woman diagnosed with KPIS, renal abscess, lung abscess, and left endogenous endophthalmitis. She underwent a vitrectomy but her postoperative vision remained poor. All patients received multiple intravitreal antibiotics and systemic antibiotics. KPIS is frequently associated with catastrophic disabilities. Our cases highlight the importance of an early suspicion of systemic involvement in patients presenting with EKE. Prompt diagnosis, emergent radiographic evaluation, early adequate drainage, and appropriate treatment with antibiotics potentially improve survival and visual prognosis.

Microbial Contamination of Extended Use Ophthalmic Drops in Ophthalmology Clinic.

PURPOSE: The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of microbial contamination of multi-user preserved ophthalmic drops (POD) in Ophthalmology Outpatient Clinic (OOC), to compare the rate of contamination between the dropper tip and the residual contents in the bottle, and to identify the contaminating organisms. METHODS: This was an observational cross-sectional study using a convenience sampling method conducted in the OOC of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Center, Malaysia. The samples of POD bottles were divided into groups obtained after 14 days (T14) and after 30 days (T30) of use. The contamination rate at the dropper tip and in the residual contents was determined and the contaminating organisms were identified. RESULTS: A total of 140 of 149 extended-use POD bottles were included. The prevalence of contamination was 30%. There was a statistically significant difference in the rate of contamination between samples T14 and T30 (19% and 11%, respectively; p=0.046). Proparacaine and tropicamide showed higher contamination rates in the T14 samples (p=0.027 and p=0.497, respectively) than in the T30 samples. The site of contamination was higher at the dropper tip than in the residual contents (p>0.05). Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species were the most frequently identified contaminants (89%). CONCLUSION: The dropper tip was more contaminated than the residual contents, and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species, which are common commensal flora of the ocular conjunctiva and skin, were the most frequently identified organisms.

The Epidemiological Profile of Open Globe Injuries and Prognostic Factors in a Tertiary Care Centre.

Purpose To describe the epidemiology of open globe injuries and its prognostic factors from the perspectives of a tertiary care centre in northern Malaysia. Methods A retrospective study of open globe injuries in a period of three years between June 2017 and May 2020. Patients presenting with open globe injuries were identified and recruited from hospital census. Case records were retrieved and analysed after recruitment. Results A total of 114 patients with 118 open globe injuries were included in the study. Four patients had bilateral eye involvement. Men were found to have seven and a half times higher rate of ocular injuries than women. The predominant age group of ocular trauma presentation was in younger adults between the age of 21 and 30 years old. Work-related injuries account for almost half of the globe injuries (48.7%) followed by motor vehicle accident-related, domestic accident-related, and others. The significant factors related to the visual outcome are presenting visual acuity (VA), presence of relative afferent pupillary defect (RAPD) and vitreous loss. Conclusion The factors related to visual outcomes in this study may aid the clinician in determining the visual prognosis of ocular injuries. Young working males were the most susceptible group to sustain penetrating ocular injuries due to their job nature. Health education and safety at workplace are essential to reduce the occurrence of ocular injuries.

Evaluation of Three-Dimensional Heads up Ophthalmic Surgery Demonstration From the Perspective of Surgeons and Postgraduate Trainees.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the satisfaction of surgeons and trainees with three-dimensional (3D) ophthalmic surgery during a demonstration compared to traditional surgery. METHODS: This validated questionnaire-based study was conducted over 1-month during which Ngenuity 3D surgery was demonstrated. All surgeons and trainees exposed were recruited to complete a questionnaire comprising visualization, physical, ease of use, teaching and learning, and overall satisfaction. RESULTS: All 7 surgeons and 33 postgraduate students responded. Surgeons reported no significant difference except overall (P = 0.047, paired t-test). Postgraduate trainees reported significantly better experience with 3D for illumination (P = 0.008), manoeuvrability (P = 0.01), glare (P = 0.037), eye strain (P = 0.008), neck and upper back strain (P = 0.000), lower back pain (P = 0.019), communication (P = 0.002), comfortable environment (P = 0.001), sharing of knowledge (P = 0.000), and overall (P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: During early experience, surgeons and trainees reported better satisfaction with 3D overall. Trainees had better satisfaction with 3D in various subcomponents of visualization, physical, ease of use, and education.

Transforming ophthalmic education into virtual learning during COVID-19 pandemic: a global perspective.

OBJECTIVE: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has imposed measures of social distancing and barriers in delivery of "in person" education. Institutions, involved in training the next generation of ophthalmologists, are using alternative teaching methods to maintain the standard of education. METHODS: We conducted a worldwide survey among physicians, who are actively involved in Ophthalmology-related education, between 3 and 14 April 2020. The expert survey, developed on the basis of literature search and focus group discussions, comprised 23 questions addressing the use of e-learning in Ophthalmology during the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: A total of 321 participants from both academic and non-academic institutions worldwide, with variable practice experience and expertise, completed the survey. Before the pandemic, the majority of participants used traditional training modalities, including lectures, grand rounds and journal clubs, and 48% did not use any e-learning. There was a statistically significant increase in the use of all e-learning alternatives during the pandemic (p < 0.001), associated mainly with the availability of e-learning facilities (p < 0.001) and the academic character of institutions (p < 0.001). Zoom® was recognized as the mostly used platform for virtual teaching. Although theoretical teaching may take place, the surgical training of residents/fellows was dramatically reduced. The latter was significantly associated with participants' perspectives about teaching practices (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: COVID-19 pandemic imposed great challenges in the educational field of Ophthalmology. The experience related to virtual training in Ophthalmology, gained during the pandemic, may change the traditional teaching practices in the world and provide new educational opportunities.

Cyphellophora sp. Isolated from a Corneal Ulcer in the Human Eye.

Cyphellophora is a black yeast-like fungus with most of the strains being isolated from soil and plants. It tends to cause sooty blotch and flyspeck disease in plants. In humans, it is known to cause superficial skin and nail infections. This report highlights the case of a patient who initially presented with a small corneal abrasion which rapidly progressed into a corneal ulcer after the patient did not respond to the initial conventional treatment. The laboratory results from the corneal scraping found it to be Cyphellophora sp.