Epithelial ingrowth in descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty associated with vitreous loss.

BACKGROUND: Epithelial ingrowth is a rare but potentially sight-threatening complication caused by the invasion of corneal or conjunctival epithelial cells into the eye during ocular surgeries. DMEK is emerging as a widely used surgery for endothelial keratoplasty with its improved safety profile. We describe a case of epithelial ingrowth in the graft-host interface after uneventful DMEK associated with vitreous prolapse in the anterior chamber. CASE PRESENTATION: An 81-year-old female with Fuchs endothelial dystrophy underwent DMEK for corneal decompensation following cataract surgery. During the DMEK procedure, vitreous prolapse was observed around the intraocular lens (IOL). Her early postoperative course was unremarkable, but a dense paracentral interface opacity was observed during the 3-month follow-up. The area of epithelial ingrowth was imaged with optical coherence tomography (OCT) as a uniform nodule with a discrete increase in interface hyperreflectivity. A low-energy YAG laser was applied to remove the opacity. She maintained good vision and clear cornea without reoccurrence after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: We propose that, in addition to the introduction of epithelial cells during surgery, vitreous retention in the anterior chamber may be a risk factor by providing a scaffold that potentially aggravates epithelial ingrowth in DMEK. Our case demonstrated that early YAG intervention may disrupt interface epithelial cell growth, and the transmitted laser energy may fragment the scaffold vitreous noninvasively.

Serial bevacizumab injections and laser photocoagulation for macular edema associated with a retinal artery macroaneurysm.

An 84-year-old female with a history of hypertension and dyslipidemia was referred for a retinal artery macroaneurysm with exudation that had extended into the macula. She underwent a total of six injections of bevacizumab, with some improvement in visual acuity and retinal thickness. Due to persistent macular edema, focal laser photocoagulation was performed around the macroaneurysm. The vision remained at 20/30 during 20 months of follow up. Although anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy may improve vision and decrease retinal thickness in retinal artery macroaneurysm, recalcitrant cases may be treated with laser photocoagulation to seal the leaking vessel.

Endophthalmitis caused by staphylococcus epidermidis: in vitro antibiotic susceptibilities and clinical outcomes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: To investigate the antibiotic sensitivities and clinical outcomes of eyes with endophthalmitis caused by methicillin-sensitive versus methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MSSE/MRSE). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective, consecutive case series of all patients with endophthalmitis caused by S. epidermidis from January 1, 1996, through July 1, 2004, was conducted. The antibiotic sensitivities and clinical outcomes were obtained from the corresponding medical records. RESULTS: The study included 86 eyes of 86 patients with S. epidermidis endophthalmitis (34 MSSE and 52 MRSE). Endophthalmitis categories included cataract surgery (58), glaucoma surgery (12), trauma (7), vitrectomy (4), penetrating keratoplasty (4), and corneal suture ulcer (1). In vitro testing revealed that all MSSE and MRSE isolates were sensitive to vancomycin, 67% of MSSE isolates and 67% of MRSE isolates were sensitive to gatifloxacin, and 73% of MSSE isolates and 67% of MRSE isolates were sensitive to moxifloxacin (overall 68% sensitive). All eyes were treated with intravitreal vancomycin and either ceftazidime or amikacin. Visual acuity improved to a median of 20/80 at 3 months and 20/60 at 1 year. I CONCLUSIONS: In the current study, all MSSE and MRSE isolates were sensitive to vancomycin and 68% were sensitive to the fourth-generation fluoroquinolones. There were no significant differences in visual acuity outcomes of endophthalmitis caused by MSSE versus MRSE isolates.