Improved Watershed Algorithm-Based Microscopic Images Combined with Meibomian Gland Microprobe in the Treatment of Demodectic Blepharitis.

The objective of the study was to explore microscopic images under a watershed segmentation algorithm combined with meibomian gland microprobe in the treatment of demodectic blepharitis. For segmenting the connected target objects in the image, the watershed algorithm was utilized first to obtain the target region in the image, and then, the fuzzy C-means (FCM) clustering algorithm was used to cluster the targets. The different grayscale regions in the microscopic images were segmented. 90 patients with demodectic blepharitis-related dry eyes were selected, and they were divided into experimental group 1 (group E1, n = 30), experimental group 2 (group E2, n = 30), and control group (group CG, n = 30). The breakup time (BUT) of the tear film, the subjective score of clinical symptoms, and the number of mites were compared among the three groups before and after treatment. The results showed that after treatment, the indicators of group E1 and group E2 were significantly lower than those before treatment, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). The treatment effect of group E1 was significantly better than that of the other two groups (P < 0.05). The subjective clinical symptom scores of groups E1, E2, and CG were 13.43 ± 1.41, 13.51 ± 1.41, and 13.64 ± 0.84, respectively, before treatment, and those after treatment were 3.1 ± 1.841, 5.4 ± 0.661, and 13.4 ± 0.841, respectively. The clinical sign scores of the groups E1 and E2 after treatment were remarkably different from those before treatment (P < 0.05). Compared with the scores of clinical signs and clinical symptoms after treatment, those of group E1 showed the largest differences, indicating the best treatment effect. In conclusion, the treatment effect of blepharitis could be promoted with the improved watershed algorithm, and the microscopic images combined with meibomian gland microprobe gave the better effect in the treatment of demodectic blepharitis than the conventional drug heat compress.

Use of Crossed Polarizers to Enhance Images of the Eyelids.

PURPOSE: To describe imaging of the external eye with Crossed Polarizers to enhance clinically important features in digital photographs of the eyelids. METHODS: External photographs with and without crossed polarizing filters were taken of patients with blepharitis and controls with no clinical eye pathology. RESULTS: Photographing eyelid skin through Crossed Polarizers decreased reflections on the skin surface and improved visualization of eyelid telangiectasias and blood vessels in patients with a broad range of skin pigmentation and ethnicities. CONCLUSIONS: The use of Crossed Polarizers in imaging the external eye reduces reflections and glare from the eyelid skin and margins, thereby allowing for a more detailed evaluation of underlying structures and analysis of images. These findings suggest that including Crossed Polarizers in clinical photography has informative applications for assessing eyelid disease.

Confocal Microscopy for Special Sites and Special Uses.

This article describes the use of confocal microscopy for special sites and unconventional applications. These new applications have been made possible thanks to the introduction on the market of a hand-held camera. Special sites discussed include mucosa, nails, and palms and soles. Special uses discussed include infections and infestations; tumor mapping; understanding clinical, dermoscopic, and histology features; videos and ex vivo confocal microscopy.

[Intermittent swelling of the eyelid]. / Een intermitterende zwelling van het ooglid.

BACKGROUND: Mucoceles are benign mucous-containing cysts that can occur in the sinuses. They arise as a result of an obstruction of the sinus ostium. There is often a delay in diagnosis because symptoms are so variable. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 52-year-old woman had intermittent swelling of the eyelid. A CT scan of the sinuses showed a mucocele in the frontal sinus with breakthrough to the left orbit. Treatment consisted of marsupialisation by means of functional endoscopic sinus surgery with septum correction. CONCLUSION: Breakthrough of a mucocele to the orbit should be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients with an intermittent swelling of the eyelid.

Central corneal thickness in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction.

PURPOSE: The aim was to evaluate central corneal thickness in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction. METHODS: The study group was made up of 40 eyes of 20 patients with meibomian gland dysfunction (mean age, 40.55 ± 10.7 years). Forty eyes of 20 healthy individuals (mean age, 39.25 ± 11.1 years) without any ophthalmic or systemic pathology were used as a control group. The central corneal thickness was measured with ultrasonic pachymetry. RESULTS: The mean central corneal thickness was 541.45 ± 24.68 µm in the study group and 544.30 ± 22.16 µm in the control group. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean central corneal thickness measurements in the meibomian gland dysfunction group in comparison with the control group (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Central corneal thickness measurements do not differ in patients with meibomian gland dysfunction compared with healthy control subjects.

Herpes simplex blepharoconjunctivitis presenting as complete acquired ankyloblepharon.

PURPOSE: A 90-year-old woman was referred to us with a 1-month history of progressively worsening blepharoconjunctivitis. She had a complete acquired ankyloblepharon of the right lids, which resulted in the appearance of a right upper lid abscess on computed tomography. METHODS: Blepharotomy with separation and debridement of the lid margins was performed. RESULTS: Cultures were positive only for herpes simplex virus, type II. CONCLUSIONS: Herpes simplex blepharoconjunctivitis may take many clinical forms. Our patient's severe manifestations led to the clinical and radiologic appearance of preseptal cellulitis with a right upper lid abscess.