[Perioperative visual loss : Rare, unknown, relevant?] / Perioperativer Visusverlust : Selten, unbekannt, relevant?

Perioperative visual loss (POVL) is a rare but severe complication following non-ophthalmological surgery under general anesthesia. A POVL can be caused by lesions in any part of the optical system. The predominant causes include corneal injuries and particularly ischemic damage. The symptoms of POVL substantially vary ranging from reduced vision to complete blindness. The risks involve factors related to the surgery as well as patient-specific factors. In general, the prognosis in cases of mechanical damage is better than for ischemic lesions. The treatment measures depend on the underlying pathomechanism and due to the limited evidence only a few treatment options are available. Therefore, preventive measures and meticulous documentation play a crucial role.

Prevalence and risk factors of exposure keratopathy among critically ill patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIMS: To identify the incidence, prevalence and risk factors of exposure keratopathy (EK) among critically ill patients. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis, in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 Statement. METHODS: The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database (CNKI), Chinese Biomedical Database (CBM), Weipu Database (VIP) and WanFang Database were systematically searched from inception to June 2022. Observational studies that reported EK among paediatric and adult critically ill patients were screened and included original articles based on the inclusion criteria. Two reviewers independently completed data extraction and quality assessments. Subgroup analysis investigated potential causes of heterogeneity. RESULTS: Of the 4508 studies identified, 23 studies involving 3519 subjects were included. The pooled prevalence of EK was 34.0%, and the pooled incidence rate of EK was 23.0%. Risk factors associated with EK in critically ill patients included lagophthalmos, chemosis, eye blinks <5 times per minute, mechanical ventilation, sedation, lower Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score and higher Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score. CONCLUSION: This review shows that EK rates are high in critically ill patients and are influenced by multiple factors. Medical staff should pay more attention to EK in critically ill patients, conduct professional evaluations and implement targeted eye care protocols to reduce its occurrence. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: This study shows the frequency of and multiple risk factors for EK in critically ill patients, which provides evidence-based guidance for nurses to evaluate the risk of EK in critically ill patients and take appropriate precautions to reduce the risk. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION: The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/) (CRD42022346964). PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: No patient or public contribution.

Alterações oculares decorrentes de picada de abelha na córnea / Ocular changes due to corneal bee sting

RESUMO O propósito deste estudo foi reportar as alterações oculares observadas após picada de abelha com ferrão retido na córnea. Destacamos o tratamento e o desfecho de uma lesão de córnea incomum e sua patogênese. Trata-se de relato de caso e revisão da literatura de lesões oculares por picada de abelha. Paciente do sexo feminino, 63 anos, procurou atendimento oftalmológico de urgência devido à picada de abelha na córnea do olho direito há 6 dias. Queixava-se de embaçamento visual, dor e hiperemia ocular. Apresentou acuidade visual de vultos no olho afetado. Ao exame, notaram-se hiperemia moderada de conjuntiva bulbar, edema corneano com dobras de Descemet e presença do ferrão alojado na região temporal, no estroma profundo da córnea. A paciente foi internada para ser abordada no centro cirúrgico sob anestesia geral. Durante a cirurgia, o ferrão teve que ser retirado via câmara anterior, mediante a realização de uma paracentese e uma lavagem da câmara anterior, com dupla via e solução salina balanceada. Ainda não existe na literatura um tratamento padrão na abordagem de pacientes com lesões oculares por picada de abelha, sendo importantes a identificação e o reconhecimento precoce de possíveis complicações que ameacem a visão.

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to report the ocular changes observed after a bee sting with a stinger retained in the cornea. We show the treatment and outcome of an unusual corneal injury and its pathogenesis. This is a case report and literature review of ocular injuries caused by bee stings. A 63-year-old female patient sought emergency ophthalmic care because of a bee sting on the cornea of her right eye six days before. She complained of blurred vision, pain, and ocular hyperemia. She had glare sensitivity on visual acuity in the affected eye. Examination revealed moderate hyperemia of the bulbar conjunctiva, corneal edema with Descemet's folds and a stinger lodged in the temporal region, in the deep stroma of the cornea. The patient was admitted to the operating room under general anesthesia. During surgery, the stinger had to be removed via the anterior chamber, by performing a paracentesis and washing the anterior chamber with a double flushing and balanced saline solution. There is still no standard treatment in the literature for patients with eye injuries caused by bee stings, and early identification and recognition of possible sight-threatening complications is important.

Keratitis in patients with corneal foreign bodies: a cross-sectional study in Cali, Colombia / Ceratite em pacientes com corpos estranhos na córnea: um estudo transversal em Cali, Colômbia

ABSTRACT Purposes: To describe the clinical characteristics and factors associated with keratitis in patients with corneal foreign bodies in Colombia. Methods: This cross-sectional study was based on a clinical records review of patients who had corneal foreign bodies and were admitted to the emergency department between June 2018 and June 2019 in Cali, Colombia. The primary outcome was the presence of keratitis diagnosed based on clinical criteria. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify associated factors. Results: A total of 381 corneal foreign bodies in 372 patients were analyzed (median age, 40.0; interquartile range, 29.0-53.0 years; male, 94.7% (n=352). Ninety-five patients developed keratitis (24.9%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 20.8%-29.5%). In the multivariate analysis, age 30 years (odds ratio [OR] 2.15, 95% CI 1.06-4.36), finding of aqueous flare (OR 2.81, 95% CI 1.39-5.66]), and a foreign body in the peripheral cornea (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.19-3.50] were associated with an increased risk for keratitis. Sex, time between injury and admission, and corneal edema were not related to keratitis (p>0.05). Conclusion: In Cali, Colombia, a high proportion of keratitis was reported in patients with corneal foreign body. Age, an aqueous flare, and a foreign body in the peripheral cornea were the factors associated with keratitis.

RESUMO Objetivo: Descrever as características clínicas e os fatores associados à presença de ceratite em pacientes com corpos estranhos na córnea em uma população colombiana. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal baseado na revisão dos registros clínicos de pacientes com corpos estranhos na córnea admitidos em um departamento de emergência em Cali, Colômbia, entre junho de 2018 e junho de 2019. O desfecho primário foi a presença de ceratite diagnosticada através de critérios clínicos. Foram utilizados modelos de regressão logística univariada e multivariada para identificar os fatores associados. Resultado: Neste estudo, foi analisado um total de 381 corpos estranhos na córnea em 372 pacientes (idade média: 40,0 anos, intervalo interquartil: 29,0-53,0; sexo masculino: 94,7% [352 casos]). Noventa e cinco casos desenvolveram ceratite (24,9%, intervalo de confiança de 95% — IC 95%: 20,8%-29,5%). Na análise multivariada, para idade ≤30 anos (razão de chances — RC: 2,15, IC 95%: 1,06-4,36), o achado de flare aquoso (RC: 2,81, IC 95%: 1,39-5,66]) e a presença de corpo estranho na periferia da córnea (RC: 2,05, IC 95%: 1,19-3,50) foram associados a um risco aumentado de ceratite. Sexo, tempo entre a lesão e a internação, e edema da córnea não foram relacionados à ceratite (p>0,05). Conclusão: Há uma proporção elevada de ceratite em casos de corpos estranhos na córnea em Cali, Colômbia. Os três fatores associados à ceratite foram a idade, o achado de flare aquoso e a presença de corpo estranho na periferia da córnea.

Stable Gastric Pentadecapeptide BPC 157-Possible Novel Therapy of Glaucoma and Other Ocular Conditions.

Recently, stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 therapy by activation of collateral pathways counteracted various occlusion/occlusion-like syndromes, vascular, and multiorgan failure, and blood pressure disturbances in rats with permanent major vessel occlusion and similar procedures disabling endothelium function. Thereby, we revealed BPC 157 cytoprotective therapy with strong vascular rescuing capabilities in glaucoma therapy. With these capabilities, BPC 157 therapy can recover glaucomatous rats, normalize intraocular pressure, maintain retinal integrity, recover pupil function, recover retinal ischemia, and corneal injuries (i.e., maintained transparency after complete corneal abrasion, corneal ulceration, and counteracted dry eye after lacrimal gland removal or corneal insensitivity). The most important point is that in glaucomatous rats (three of four episcleral veins cauterized) with high intraocular pressure, all BPC 157 regimens immediately normalized intraocular pressure. BPC 157-treated rats exhibited normal pupil diameter, microscopically well-preserved ganglion cells and optic nerve presentation, normal fundus presentation, nor- mal retinal and choroidal blood vessel presentation, and normal optic nerve presentation. The one episcleral vein rapidly upgraded to accomplish all functions in glaucomatous rats may correspond with occlusion/occlusion-like syndromes of the activated rescuing collateral pathway (azygos vein direct blood flow delivery). Normalized intraocular pressure in glaucomatous rats corresponded to the counteracted intra-cranial (superior sagittal sinus), portal, and caval hypertension, and aortal hypotension in occlusion/occlusion-like syndromes, were all attenuated/eliminated by BPC 157 therapy. Furthermore, given in other eye disturbances (i.e., retinal ischemia), BPC 157 instantly breaks a noxious chain of events, both at an early stage and an already advanced stage. Thus, we further advocate BPC 157 as a therapeutic agent in ocular disease.

Phototherapeutic keratectomy: current approaches and changing trends in a tertiary eye clinic / Ceratectomia fototerapêutica: abordagens atuais e tendências de mudança em uma clínica oftalmológica terciária

ABSTRACT Purpose: To examine the efficacy of phototherapeutic keratectomy as a treatment for variable pathologies with anterior corneal opacities and evaluate the distribution of phototherapeutic keratectomy indications over the past 10 years. Methods: The records of 334 eyes from 276 patients who underwent phototherapeutic keratectomy between March 2010 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Etiologies of the patients who underwent phototherapeutic keratectomy were noted, and their changes were examined. Refractive and visual acuity results before and after the operation were recorded and analyzed according to etiology. Results: The mean age of the patients was 40.7 ± 16.2 years (range: 19-84). The mean follow-up was 25.5 ± 19.1 months (range: 3-96). Phototherapeutic keratectomy was most frequently applied for corneal stromal dystrophies (44%, 151 eyes from 111 patients), and granular dystrophy was the most common phototherapeutic keratectomy indication among corneal dystrophies. Unlike other indications, there has been an increase in the application of phototherapeutic keratectomy for persistent subepithelial opacities due to adenoviral conjunctivitis in the past 10 years. There was a significant increase in visual acuity in all groups except for the recurrent epithelial defect group (p<0.05). The greatest improvement in visual acuity was detected for stromal dystrophies in the granular dystrophy subgroup. Conclusion: Despite changing indication trends, phototherapeutic keratectomy remains an effective and reliable treatment for anterior corneal lesions.

RESUMO Objetivo: Examinar a eficácia da ceratectomia fo­toterapêutica para o tratamento de patologias variáveis que apresentarem opacidades anteriores da córnea, e avaliar a distribuição das indicações de ceratectomia fototerapêutica nos últimos 10 anos. Métodos: Foram revisados retrospectivamente os prontuários de 276 pacientes, com 334 olhos tratados com ceratectomia fototerapêutica entre março de 2010 e o ano de 2020. As etiologias dos pacientes submetidos à ceratectomia fototerapêutica foram anotadas e suas alterações foram examinadas. Os resultados refrativos e de acuidade visual antes e após a operação foram registrados e analisados de acordo com a etiologia. Resultados: A idade média dos pacientes foi de 40,7 ± 16,2 anos (faixa: 19-84). O tempo médio de acompanhamento foi de 25,5 ± 19,1 meses (faixa: 3-96). A ceratectomia fototerapêutica foi aplicada com mais frequência para distrofias estromais corneanas (44%, 151 olhos de 111 pacientes); entre as distrofias corneanas como um todo, a distrofia granular foi a indicação terapêutica mais comum desse procedimento. Ao contrário de outras indicações, nos últimos 10 anos houve um aumento na aplicação de ceratectomia fototerapêutica em casos de opacidade subepitelial persistente causada por conjuntivite adenoviral. Houve um aumento significativo na acuidade visual em todos os grupos, exceto para o grupo com defeito epitelial recorrente (p<0,05). A maior melhora na acuidade visual foi detectada em casos de distrofia estromal, no subgrupo das distrofias granulares. Conclusão: Apesar das mudanças nas tendências de indicação, a ceratectomia fototerapêutica continua sendo uma abordagem terapêutica eficaz e confiável para tratar lesões da córnea anterior.

Nursing interventions to prevent corneal injury in critically ill sedated and mechanically ventilated patients: A systematic review of interventions.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the effectiveness of interventions to prevent corneal injury in critically ill, sedated, and mechanically ventilated patients. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: A systematic review of intervention studies was conducted in the following electronic databases: Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences, LIVIVO, PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science, and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Study selection and data extraction were performed by two independent reviewers. Quality assessment of the randomized and non-randomized studies was performed using the Risk of Bias (RoB 2.0) and ROBINS-I Cochrane tools, respectively, and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cohort studies. The certainty of the evidence was assessed according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. RESULTS: 15 studies were included. Meta-analysis showed that the risk of corneal injury in the lubricants group was 66% lower (RR = 0.34; 95 %CI: 0.13-0.92) than in the eye-taping group. The risk of corneal injury in the polyethylene chamber was 68% lower than in the eye ointment group (RR = 0.32; 95 %CI 0.07-1.44). The risk of bias was low in most of the studies included and the certainty of the evidence was evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: The most effective interventions to prevent corneal injury in critically ill sedated mechanically ventilated, who have compromised blinking and eyelid closing mechanisms, are ocular lubrication, preferably gel or ointment, and protection of the corneas with a polyethylene chamber. IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE: Critically ill, sedated, and mechanically ventilated patients who have compromised blinking and eyelid closing mechanisms must receive interventions to prevent corneal injury. Ocular lubrication, preferably gel or ointment, and protection of the corneas with a polyethylene chamber were the most effective interventions to prevent corneal injury in critically ill, sedated, and mechanically ventilated patients. A polyethylene chamber must be made commercially available for critically ill, sedated, and mechanically ventilated patients.

Inhibitory effect of miR-497 on the repair of diabetic mice corneal epithelial damage by targeting wnt3a / 中华实验眼科杂志

Objective:To investigate the inhibitory effect of miR-497 on the corneal epithelial healing in diabetic mice and its possible mechanism.Methods:Forty healthy clean-grade wild-type C57BL/J6 mice were randomly divided into a blank control group and a model control group, with 20 mice in each group.Another 20 CRISPR/Cas9-mediated miR-497 knockout mice and miR-497 overexpression mice were taken as miR-497 knockout and miR-497 overexpression groups, respectively.The diabetes model was constructed by continuous intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) to the mice in model control, miR-497 knockout and miR-497 overexpression groups, and the mice in blank control group were injected with an equal amount of citrate buffer, followed by 8-week normal feeding.After the establishment of diabetes model, the corneal epithelial injury model was further constructed by scraping off part of the corneal epithelium with a central diameter of 2 mm.The corneal epithelial defect area of mice in 0, 12, 24 and 36 hours after corneal epithelial injury was observed by corneal fluorescein sodium staining.The expression of Wnt3a and β-catenin proteins in mice corneal tissues was detected by Western blot.The expression of miR-497 as well as the mRNA expression levels of cell proliferation-associated factor genes CyclinD1, c-Myc, and Ki-67 mRNA was detected by real-time quantitative fluorescence PCR.The targeting relationship between miR-497 and wnt3a was detected by a dual luciferase reporter gene assay.Human corneal epithelial cells (HCEC) were cultured in vitro and transfected with miR-497 mimics, miR-497 mimics negative control, miR-497 inhibitor, and miR-497 inhibitor negative control by Lipo8000 as miR-497 mimics group, mimics negative control group, miR-497 inhibitor group, andmiR-497 inhibitor negative control group, respectively, all of which were cultured in high glucose medium containing 25% glucose.Another two groups of HCEC were taken and cultured in medium containing 5% and 25% glucose as control and high glucose groups, respectively.The cell proliferation viability was determined by CCK8 method.The use and care of animals complied ith the ARVO statement.The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University (2019K-K010). Results:Eight weeks after STZ injection, the blood glucose of mice was significantly higher and the weight was significantly lower in each diabetic model group than those of blank control group (all at P<0.05). At 12, 24 and 36 hours after the corneal epithelial injury, the percentages of corneal epithelial defect area observed by slit-lamp microscopy in model control group were significantly higher than those in blank control group and miR-497 knockout group and lower than those in miR-497 overexpression group, and the differences were statistically significant (all at P<0.05). The relative expressions of wnt3a and β-catenin proteins in the corneal tissues of model control group were significantly lower than those of blank control group and miR-497 knockout group, but higher than those of miR-497 overexpression group, and the differences were statistically significant (all at P<0.05). The relative expressions of CyclinD1, c-Myc and Ki-67 mRNA in model control group were lower than those in miR-497 knockout group, but higher than those in miR-497 overexpression group, and the differences were statistically significant (all at P<0.05). The relative expression of miR-497 in model control group, miR-497 knockout group and miR-497 overexpression group was 1.00±0.02, 0.63±0.06 and 1.48±0.03, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( F=19.62, P<0.01). The luciferase activity of miR-497-5p mimics group in wild-type wnt3a transfected cells was lower than that of miR-497-5p negative control group and empty vector group, and the differences were statistically significant (all at P<0.05). In the mutant wnt3a transfected cells, there was no significant difference in the luciferase activity among various groups ( F=0.73, P=0.59). The cell proliferation A value of high glucose group was 0.59±0.03, which was significantly lower than 0.59±0.03 of normal control group and 0.88±0.08 of miR-497 inhibitor group, but significantly higher than 0.48±0.11 of miR-497 mimics group (all at P<0.05). Conclusions:The silencing of miR-497 may promote the repair of diabetic corneal epithelial defects by targeting wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Incidência de lesão de córnea em terapia intensiva: um estudo de coorte / Incidencia de lesión en la córnea en terapia intensiva: un estudio de cohorte / Incidence of corneal injury in intensive care: a cohort study

Resumo Objetivo Identificar a incidência de lesão de córnea em pacientes internados na unidade de terapia intensiva e associar os principais fatores de risco com a ocorrência de lesão de córnea em pacientes internados na unidade de terapia intensiva. Métodos Estudo de coorte prospectivo, no qual foram incluídos 40 pacientes internados na unidade de terapia intensiva, no período de dezembro de 2019 a fevereiro de 2020. A análise de dados ocorreu de forma descritiva e inferencial, por testes estatísticos e medidas de efeito. Resultados A amostra foi composta por 40 pacientes. A lesão de córnea se desenvolveu em 20% (n=8) dos participantes e está significativamente associada aos seguintes fatores: tempo de internação de dois a sete dias (70%; n=28), Glasgow < 13 (50%; n=7), uso de sedativo (33,3%; n=8),uso de broncodilatador (36,8%; n=7), uso de Traqueostomia (TQT) (50%; n=6) e Ventilação Mecânica Invasiva (VMI) (58,3%; n=7), o piscar menos de cinco vezes (61,5%; n=8), o fechamento parcial da pálpebra(38,9%;n=7), a hiperemia (34,8%; n=8), o edema palpebral(41,2%; n=7), o edema conjuntival (50%; n=7) e o ressecamento(50%; n=5). Conclusão O paciente internado em unidade de terapia intensiva está exposto a diversos fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento de lesão na córnea, com destaque para ventilação mecânica e Glasgow menor que 13 sendo necessária a implementação de medidas profiláticas para lesão de córnea, mediante o controle e mitigação dos fatores de risco e exposição do paciente.

Resumen Objetivo Identificar la incidencia de lesión en la córnea en pacientes internados en una unidad de cuidados intensivos y asociar los principales factores de riesgo con los episodios de lesión de córnea en pacientes internados en una unidad de cuidados intensivos. Métodos Estudio de cohorte prospectivo, en el que se incluyeron 40 pacientes internados en una unidad de cuidados intensivos, en el período de diciembre de 2019 a febrero de 2020. El análisis de los datos se realizó de forma descriptiva e inferencial, mediante pruebas estadísticas y medidas de efecto. Resultados La muestra estuvo compuesta por 40 pacientes. La lesión en la córnea se presentó en el 20 % (n=8) de los participantes y está significativamente asociada a los siguientes factores: tiempo de internación de dos a siete días (70 %; n=28), Glasgow < 13 (50 %; n=7), uso de sedante (33,3 %; n=8), uso de broncodilatador (36,8 %; n=7), uso de traqueotomía (TQT) (50 %; n=6) y ventilación mecánica invasiva (VMI) (58,3 %; n=7), parpadear menos de cinco veces (61,5 %; n=8), cierre parcial del párpado (38,9 %; n=7), hiperemia (34,8 %; n=8), edema palpebral (41,2 %; n=7), edema conjuntival (50 %; n=7) y resecamiento (50 %; n=5). Conclusión Los pacientes internados en una unidad de cuidados intensivos están expuestos a diversos factores de riesgo para contraer lesión en la córnea, con énfasis en la ventilación mecánica y Glasgow menor a 13, para lo cual es necesario implementar medidas profilácticas para lesión en la córnea mediante el control y mitigación de los factores de riesgo y exposición de los pacientes.

Abstract Objective To identify the incidence of corneal injury in patients hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit and associate the main risk factors with the occurrence of corneal injury in patients hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit. Methods This is a prospective cohort study, in which 40 patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit were included, from December 2019 to February 2020. Data analysis was descriptive and inferential, using statistical tests and effect measures. Results The sample consisted of 40 patients. Corneal injury developed in 20% (n=8) of participants and is significantly associated with the following factors: length of stay from two to seven days (70%; n=28), Glasgow < 13 (50%; n= 7), use of sedatives (33.3%; n=8), use of bronchodilators (36.8%; n=7), use of tracheostomy (TCT) (50%; n=6) and invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) (58.3%; n=7), blinking less than five times (61.5%; n=8), partial eyelid closure (38.9%; n=7), hyperemia (34.8%; n=8), eyelid edema (41.2%; n=7), conjunctival edema (50%; n=7) and dryness (50%; n=5). Conclusion Patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit are exposed to several risk factors for developing corneal injury, with emphasis on mechanical ventilation and Glasgow less than 13, requiring the implementation of prophylactic measures for corneal injury, through the control and mitigation of risk factors and patient exposure.

The Effects of Passive Blinking on Exposure Keratopathy among Patients in Intensive Care Units.

Background: Patients in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) are at risk of eye disorders such as Exposure keratopathy (EK) due to impaired blinking and incomplete eye closure. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of passive blinking exercise (PBE) on EK among patients in ICUs. Materials and Methods: This single-blind, randomized, clinical trial was conducted in 2017. The study participants included 51 patients purposively recruited from the three ICUs of Valiasr Teaching Hospital, Arak, Iran. Through coin tossing, one eye of each participant was randomly allocated to the intervention group and the other to the control group. The eye in the control group received routine eye care, whereas the eye in the intervention group received routine eye care and PBE for a week. EK prevalence and severity were assessed daily for 7 consecutive days using fluorescein eye staining papers and an ophthalmoscope with a cobalt blue filter. Results: The study groups did not significantly differ from each other in terms of the baseline prevalence and severity of EK. After the intervention, the prevalence of EK (χ 2 = 13.44, df = 1, p < 0.001) and the prevalence of grade II EK (χ 2 = 8.33, df = 1, p = 0.003) in the intervention group were significantly lower than the control group. Conclusions: PBE is effective in significantly reducing EK prevalence and severity among patients in ICUs. Therefore, critical care nurses are recommended to use PBE for EK prevention and management.

Risk for corneal injury in intensive care unit patients: A cohort study.

AIM: To identify the incidence and risk factors for corneal injury amongst critically ill patients. METHOD: A prospective cohort study with adult patients from one intensive care unit in Northern Brazil. Logistic regression was performed to predict the risk factors associated with corneal injury. RESULTS: Data from 149 patients revealed 18.8% (28/149) corneal injuries. Factors independently associated with corneal injury were patients with eyeball exposure (OR: 27.31; 95% CI: 3.50-212.78); lagophthalmos (OR: 17.15; 95% CI: 5.78-50.85); chemosis (OR: 7.39; 95% CI: 2.28-23.97), periorbital oedema (OR: 7.99; 95% CI: 2.19-29.13) and hospitalisation >7-days (OR: 11.96; 95% CI: 3.27-43.66) had a significantly higher risk of developing corneal injury in this ICU. CONCLUSION: Corneal injury was a common complication amongst critically ill patients and was associated with altered physiological function of the eyes such as exposure, lagophthalmos, chemosis and periorbital oedema. This study suggests introduction of a corneal injury prevention protocol for nursing and adding lagophthalmos and chemosis to the NANDA-I Taxonomy, thus contributing to the assessment and monitoring for the risk for corneal injury in critically ill patients.

Análise comparativa entre os índices tomográficos em pacientes com ceratocone inicial / Comparative analysis of tomographic indices in patients at early stage of keratoconus

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar sensibilidade do volume corneano, asfericidade e índice D para o diagnóstico precoce de ceratocone. Métodos: Estudo transversal analítico, realizado entre dezembro de 2018 e outubro de 2020, no qual foram analisados os prontuários de 39 pacientes (78 olhos) diagnosticados com ceratocone por um único subespecialista em córnea, por meio dos critérios de Belin/Ambrosio Enhanced Ectasia. Os dados coletados foram: asfericidade anterior, asfericidade posterior, índice D e suas frações (Da, Db, Dt, Dp e Df). Os dados foram digitados e manipulados em Excel, para posterior tratamento utilizando o programa Statistical Package for Social Science do Windows, versão 21.0. As variáveis categóricas foram apresentadas como valor absoluto e percentual. Variáveis contínuas foram apresentadas como média ± desvio-padrão e mediana (intervalo de confiança de 95%). Resultados: Foram analisados 78 olhos, com idade média de 28,2±5,8 anos e porcentagem entre o sexo feminino e masculino de 59,0% e 41,0%, respectivamente. O índice D apresentou estreita relação com sua fração Db nos casos iniciais de ceratocone, enquanto a fração Dt apresentou tal relação de forma reduzida. Conclusão: A correlação entre o índice D e sua fração Db sugere alterações precoces na elevação corneana posterior, colaborando para o diagnóstico de ceratocone subclínico.

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess sensitivity of corneal volume, corneal asphericity, and D index in early diagnosis of keratoconus. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study, carried out between December 2018 and October 2020, which analyzed the medical records of 39 patients (78 eyes) diagnosed as keratoconus by a single corneal specialist, using the criteria of Belin-Ambrosio Enhanced Ectasia Display. The collected data were anterior asphericity, posterior asphericity, D index and its parameters (Da, Db, Dt, Dp and Df). The data were entered and handled in Excel, for later data treatment using the software Statistical Package for Social Science, version 21.0, for Windows. The categorical variables were presented as absolute value and percentages. The continuous variables were presented as mean±standard deviation, and median (95% of confidence interval). Results: We analyzed 78 eyes, mean age of 28.2±5.8 years, 59.0% of sample were female, and 41.0%, male. The D index showed a close relation to its Db parameter in the cases of keratoconus at early stage, while Dt parameter showed a reduced relation. Conclusion: The correlation between the D index and its Db parameter suggests early changes in the posterior corneal elevation, contributing to early diagnosis of subclinical keratoconus.

Reproducible Derivation and Expansion of Corneal Mesenchymal Stromal Cells for Therapeutic Applications.

Purpose: A reproducible protocol for the production of corneal mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (cMSCs) is necessary for potential clinical applications. We aimed to describe successful generation and expansion of cMSCs using an explant method. Methods: Corneoscleral rims of human cadaveric eyes were divided into four pieces and used as explants to allow outgrowth of cMSCs (passage 0, or P0). The cells were subcultured at a 1:10 ratio until passage 5 (P5). The characteristics as well as therapeutic effects of expanded cMSCs were evaluated both in vitro, using a scratch assay, and in vivo using epithelial debridement and chemical injury mouse models. Results: All explants demonstrated outgrowth of cells by 7 days. Although the initial outgrowth included mixed mesenchymal and epithelial cells, by P1 only cMSCs remained. By subculturing each flask at a ratio of 1:10, the potential yield from each cornea was approximately 12 to 16 × 1010 P5 cells. P5 cMSCs demonstrated the cell surface markers of MSCs. The secretome of P5 cMSCs induced faster closure of wounds in an in vitro scratch assay. Subconjunctival injection of P5 cMSCs in mouse models of mechanical corneal epithelial debridement or ethanol injury led to significantly faster wound healing and decreased inflammation, relative to control. Conclusions: cMSCs can be reproducibly derived from human cadaveric corneas using an explant method and expanded with preservation of characteristics and corneal wound healing effects. Translational Relevance: The results of our study showed that cMSCs produced using this scheme can be potentially used for clinical applications.

Video Caso Clínico: Trauma Ocular con Herida Penetrante con Hernia de Iris / Clinical Case video: Ocular Trauma Penetrating Eye Enjury with Iris Proplase

INTRODUCCIÓN: En lo que a traumatismos se refiere, el ojo es el tercer órgano más afectado después de manos y pies [1]. El trauma ocular constituye una de las principales causas de pérdida de la visión unilateral y determina consecuencias graves en el ámbito psico-social del individuo; siendo la causa más común de ceguera unilateral en la edad pediátrica, principalmente en países en vías de desarrollo [2]. La epidemiología de las lesiones oculares depende de varios factores; como el estilo de vida, el estado socioeconómico y las actividades deportivas y recreativas [2]. Según la Organización Mun-dial de la Salud (OMS), la incidencia anual mundial de traumatismo ocular es de alrededor de 55 millones [1]. Alrededor del 38-52% de todos los casos de urgencias oftálmicas son traumas ocu-lares y el 0.9-1.8% de ellos deben ser ingresados debido a un traumatismo grave [2]. Las lesiones varían desde una pequeña abrasión epitelial de la córnea hasta penetración y ruptura del globo [3]. El desgarro de la córnea, el desgarro de la esclerótica y el daño de la lente son las morbilidades observadas con mayor frecuencia del traumatismo ocular, seguidas de laceración del párpado, prolapso uveal, anomalías de la cámara anterior, desprendimiento de retina y avulsión del nervio óptico [1]. Las lesiones oculares, incluso las de menor importancia, pueden generar importantes cargas económicas por la necesidad de cuidados especiales, la costosa hospitalización, tratamiento y rehabilitación visual [2]. Este artículo presenta un caso clínico de trauma ocular, con pronóstico desfavorable según OTS. Epidemiológicamente entre el 30-40% de las cegueras monoculares son producidas por traumas oculares [2]. Al existir un trauma ocular con herida penetrante, se debe intervenir de forma oportuna en las primeras 24 horas para prevenir complicaciones y mejorar el pronóstico [4].(au)

BACKGROUND: The eye is the third most common organ affected by trauma after hands and feet [1]. Eye trauma is one of the main causes of unilateral vision loss and imposes major social and psychological impact on patients; in fact it is the most common cause of unilateral blindness in pediatric age groups, especially in developing countries [2]. The epidemiology of eye injuries depends on several factors, such as lifestyle, socioeconomic sta-tus, and sports and recreational activities.[2] According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global annual incidence of eye trauma is around 55 million [1]. About 38-52% of all cases in ophthal-mic emergency rooms are ocular traumas and 0.9-1.8% of them needs to be admitted due to severe trauma [2]. Corneal tear, scleral tear and lens damage are the most frequently observed morbidities of ocular trauma, followed by lid laceration, uveal prolapse, anterior chamber abnormality, retinal detachment and optic nerve avulsion. [1]. Eye injuries, even the minor ones, can result in significant economic burdens due to special care and family costs, the expensive hospital admission, treatment and visual rehabilitation. [2] We present a case report of ocular trauma, with poor prognosis according to OTS. Epidemiologically between 30-40% cases of monocular blindness are caused by eye trauma [2]. In cases of ocular trauma with penetrating injuries, patients should be treated in the first 24 hours to prevent complications and improve the prognosis [4].(au)

Traumatic corneal flap avulsion and loss 13 years after LASIK.

Postoperative flap displacements after Laser In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) are uncommon complications, and flap losses are even less frequent, occurring most commonly within 24 hours after the procedure. Although cases of late subluxation have been reported up to 14 years after the surgery, the longest reported time after surgery for late flap loss is four years after LASIK. We report a case of a 54-year-old man that presented a traumatic total flap avulsion and loss 13 years after LASIK. According to our knowledge, this is the longest time reported in such a case in the literature. Medical treatment yielded an acceptable visual result. This case reinforces the concept that there could be a lifelong potential risk of traumatic corneal flap loss after LASIK.

Anti-inflammatory potential of human corneal stroma-derived stem cells determined by a novel in vitro corneal epithelial injury model.

BACKGROUND: An in vitro injury model mimicking a corneal surface injury was optimised using human corneal epithelial cells (hCEC). AIM: To investigate whether corneal-stroma derived stem cells (CSSC) seeded on an amniotic membrane (AM) construct manifests an anti-inflammatory, healing response. METHODS: Treatment of hCEC with ethanol and pro-inflammatory cytokines were compared in terms of viability loss, cytotoxicity, and pro-inflammatory cytokine release, in order to generate the in vitro injury. This resulted in an optimal injury of 20% (v/v) ethanol for 30 s with 1 ng/mL interleukin-1 (IL-1) beta. Co-culture experiments were performed with CSSC alone and with CSSC-AM constructs. The effect of injury and co-culture on viability, cytotoxicity, IL-6 and IL-8 production, and IL1B, TNF, IL6, and CXCL8 mRNA expression were assessed. RESULTS: Co-culture with CSSC inhibited loss of hCEC viability caused by injury. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and polymerase chain reaction showed a significant reduction in the production of IL-6 and IL-8 pro-inflammatory cytokines, and reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokine mRNA expression during co-culture with CSSC alone and with the AM construct. These results confirmed the therapeutic potential of the CSSC and the possible use of AM as a cell carrier for application to the ocular surface. CONCLUSION: CSSC were shown to have a potentially therapeutic anti-inflammatory effect when treating injured hCEC, demonstrating an important role in corneal regeneration and wound healing, leading to an improved knowledge of their potential use for research and therapeutic purposes.

Case series: Extended wear of rigid gas permeable scleral contact lenses for the treatment of persistent corneal epithelial defects.

OBJECTIVES: To report the successful treatment of persistent corneal epithelial defects that failed to respond to alternative treatment methods using extended wear of three different rigid gas-permeable scleral lenses. METHODS: Eight eyes of eight patients with persistent corneal epithelial defects were treated with Blanchard Onefit 2.0 Scleral lens, BostonSight Scleral lens, and BostonSight PROSE device and were observed for defect resolution and improvement in best-corrected visual acuity over the duration of treatment. RESULTS: All eyes observed complete re-epithelialization with a mean time of 11.1 ± 5.5 days. At the conclusion of the treatment, visual acuity improved in all but one patient. No complications were observed during treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Scleral lenses provide the corneal epithelium with hydration, oxygen permeation, and protection from mechanical forces; thereby facilitating healing of persistent corneal epithelial defects. This case series demonstrates the successful use of continuous wear scleral lenses in a number of patients for the treatment of persistent epithelial defects refractory to other interventions.

Sclerokeratoplasty for the early management of acquired anterior staphyloma.

Objective: To report a case of acquired anterior staphyloma after trauma and its first surgical management. Methods: This is a case report of a 17-year-old man who had a history of trauma by insect on the right eye, without a previous history of eye conditions, and evolved with local pain and low visual acuity. The ophthalmological exam showed light perception visual acuity in right eye and 1,0 in left eye, anterior staphyloma and impossibility to blink. The first surgical procedure proposed was sclerokeratoplasty and the second one an optical transplantation but, after step one, the patient did not return to the service and missed the follow-up. Results: Sclerokeratoplasty was proposed once the posterior segment and the crystalline were preserved in topical position. The anterior tumor was excised in free-cut and corneal-scleral graft sutured in single points with 10-0 mononylon. Gatifloxacin 0.3% with Prednisolone Acetate 1%, Epitezan® and Atropine 1% were prescribed immediately postoperative. After 60 postoperative days, he maintained the use of Dexamethasone 0.1% and Atropine 1% and the patient had visual acuity of perception of hand movement in the affected eye. Conclusion: Few treatment options are alternatives to evisceration. In this case report, the sclerokeratoplasty was the chosen technique for the initial management. The second step was not possible due to loss of follow-up. Despite the uncomplicated procedure, we need greater compliance by the patient to conclude the treatment.

Clinical effect of combined bandage contact lenses and artificial tears on corneal epithelial injury due to correction of blepharoptosis / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective To explore the effect of the combination of bandage contact lenses and ar-tificial tears on corneal epithelial injury , due to correction of blepharoptosis in patients .Methods Thirty-five patients (56 eyes) were included in this randomized controlled trial during May 2013 to May 2018 ,and randomly divided into observation group (combination of bandage contact lenses and artificial tears) and control group (combination of erythromycin eye ointment and artificial tears ) ,and followed up for 3 months .The corneal wound healing ,corneal fluorescent staining (FL ) ,Schirmer test (Slt) ,break-up time (BUT ) and the severity of eye pain were documented and compared by sta-tistical method .Results The scores of FL in the observation group were reduced (t = - 3 .211 , P <0 .05 ;t = - 3 .312 , P < 0 .05) ; the scores of eye pain in the observation group were reduced (t =- 7 .105 ,P < 0 .05 ; t = - 6 .543 , P < 0 .05) 7 days and 1 months postoperatively as compared with controls .The corneal wound healing of the observation group was improved during the same time peri-od (χ2 = 10 .286 ,P < 0 .05 ;χ2 = 4 .918 ,P < 0 .05) ,The BUT score of the observation group were im-proved (t = 3 .763 ,P < 0 .05 ;t = 3 .833 ,P < 0 .05) .However ,all above differences failed to reach sta-tistical significance 3 months postoperatively (the scores of FL ,t = 0 .328 ,P > 0 .05 ;the scores of eye pain ,t = - 1 .800 , P > 0 .05 ;the corneal wound healing ,χ2 = 1 .018 , P > 0 .05 ;the BUT score ,t =1 .661 ,P > 0 .05) .Conclusions The combination of bandage contact lenses and artificial tears is rec-ommended for the early use after correction of blepharoptosis ,to alleviate eye symptoms and promote corneal wound healing .