Development and Validation of a Natural Language Processing Algorithm to Extract Descriptors of Microbial Keratitis From the Electronic Health Record.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this article was to develop and validate a natural language processing (NLP) algorithm to extract qualitative descriptors of microbial keratitis (MK) from electronic health records. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, patients with MK diagnoses from 2 academic centers were identified using electronic health records. An NLP algorithm was created to extract MK centrality, depth, and thinning. A random sample of patient with MK encounters were used to train the algorithm (400 encounters of 100 patients) and compared with expert chart review. The algorithm was evaluated in internal (n = 100) and external validation data sets (n = 59) in comparison with masked chart review. Outcomes were sensitivity and specificity of the NLP algorithm to extract qualitative MK features as compared with masked chart review performed by an ophthalmologist. RESULTS: Across data sets, gold-standard chart review found centrality was documented in 64.0% to 79.3% of charts, depth in 15.0% to 20.3%, and thinning in 25.4% to 31.3%. Compared with chart review, the NLP algorithm had a sensitivity of 80.3%, 50.0%, and 66.7% for identifying central MK, 85.4%, 66.7%, and 100% for deep MK, and 100.0%, 95.2%, and 100% for thin MK, in the training, internal, and external validation samples, respectively. Specificity was 41.1%, 38.6%, and 46.2% for centrality, 100%, 83.3%, and 71.4% for depth, and 93.3%, 100%, and was not applicable (n = 0) to the external data for thinning, in the samples, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: MK features are not documented consistently showing a lack of standardization in recording MK examination elements. NLP shows promise but will be limited if the available clinical data are missing from the chart.

Insulina tópica en queratopatía neurotrófica tras resección de neurinoma del acústico / Topical insulin in neurotrophic keratopathy after resection of acoustic neuroma

Caso clínico: Una paciente con antecedente de resección quirúrgica de un neurinoma del acústico presentó compromiso tanto del nervio facial como del nervio trigémino izquierdos. Inicialmente consultó por queratitis de exposición, pero 2 semanas después presentó una queratitis infecciosa. Tras la toma de la muestra corneal cursó con un defecto epitelial persistente, que no respondió al manejo médico. Se indicó insulina tópica con lo que se evidenció disminución del área de la lesión en los siguientes 5 días. Se colocó además, en ese momento, una lente de contacto terapéutica y, finalmente, 2 semanas después de haberse iniciado la insulina, el defecto epitelial cerró por completo. Discusión: Se trata de un caso complejo por la confluencia de parálisis facial, queratitis neurotrófica y queratitis infecciosa, que finalmente tuvo un resultado exitoso. La insulina tópica puede ser una terapia coadyuvante efectiva en casos de úlceras neurotróficas que no respondan a la terapia convencional

Case report: A patient with a history of surgical resection of an acoustic neuroma presented with involvement of both the left facial nerve and the left trigeminal nerve. She initially consulted for exposure keratitis, but two weeks later presented with an infectious keratitis. After taking the corneal sample, she presented with persistent epithelial defect, which did not respond to medical management. Topical insulin was indicated, and a decrease in the area of the lesion was seen in the following 5 days. A therapeutic contact lens was also placed at that time and finally, two weeks after the initiation of insulin, the epithelial defect completely closed. Discussion: This was a complex case due to the confluence of facial paralysis, neurotrophic keratitis, and infectious keratitis, which finally had a successful outcome. Topical insulin can be an effective adjuvant therapy in cases of neurotrophic ulcers that do not respond to standard therapy

Understanding the Pathogenesis of Neurotrophic Keratitis: The Role of Corneal Nerves.

Neurotrophic keratitis (NK) is a rare degenerative disease of the cornea caused by trigeminal nerve damage, which leads to loss of corneal sensitivity, corneal epithelium breakdown, and poor healing. Though extremely uncommon, NK is increasingly recognized for its characteristics as a distinct and well-defined clinical entity rather than a rare complication of various diseases that can disrupt trigeminal innervation. Indeed, the defining feature of NK is loss of corneal sensitivity, and its clinical findings do not correlate with the wide range of systemic or ocular conditions that underlie trigeminal nerve damage. Despite increasing awareness of NK as a distinct condition, its management continues to be challenged by the lack of treatments that target nerve regeneration. This review focuses on the role of corneal nerves in maintaining ocular surface homeostasis, the consequences (such as alterations in neuromediators and corneal cell morphology/function) of impaired innervation, and advances in NK diagnosis and management. Novel therapeutic strategies should aim to improve corneal innervation in order support corneal renewal and healing. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 717-724, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Long-Term Outcome of Combined Lateral Tarsal Strip With Temporal Permanent Tarsorrhaphy for Correction of Paralytic Ectropion Caused By Facial Nerve Palsy.

Paralytic ectropion caused by facial nerve palsy often requires surgical intervention for cornea protection. In this study, the authors intended to investigate the long-term surgical outcome of their surgical technique of correcting paralytic ectropion, which is a combined lateral tarsal strip and minimal temporal permanent tarsorrhaphy. The authors performed a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent paralytic ectropion repair by combined lateral tarsal strip with minimal temporal permanent tarsorrhaphy (5  mm) from January 2010 to December 2012. Patients with at least 1 year of follow-up were included. An analysis of preoperative and postoperative measurements included the extent of lagophthalmos, grade of superficial punctate keratopathy (SPK), and tear break-up time (tBUT). The study included 22 patients and a total of 22 eyes. The lagophthalmos, grade of SPK, and tBUT at both 1 month and 1 year of postoperative follow-up were all significantly improved compared with preoperatively (all P < 0.01). At 1 year after surgery, the mean SPK grade and tBUT were slightly, but not significantly, worse than at 1 month after surgery (P = 0.716 and P = 0.632, retrospectively). Three patients were not satisfied with the aesthetic appearance; however, no patient required additional surgery to enhance eyelid closure because of ectropion recurrence or to reopen the tarsorrhaphy during long-term follow-up. Combined lateral tarsal strip with minimal temporal permanent tarsorrhaphy is a quick, safe, and effective surgical technique for the treatment of lower eyelid paralytic ectropion. It produces minimal cosmetic disfigurement and low morbidity during long-term follow-up.

Adjunctive cryotherapy for pigmentary keratitis in dogs: a study of 16 corneas.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether soft cryotherapy (dimethylether, isobutene, and propane) can remove pigmentation of the cornea that has accumulated under different conditions when conventional therapy has been unsuccessful. ANIMALS STUDIED: Nine dogs with unilateral or bilateral corneal pigmentation (16 eyes) were included based on progressive corneal pigmentation that was unresponsive to long-term etiological treatment. The dogs had keratoconjunctivitis sicca or chronic superficial keratitis. PROCEDURES: A cryogen of 95% dimethylether, 3% isobutane, and 2% propane was applied to the pigmented areas of each cornea under anesthesia. Initial corneal pigmentation and changes were documented over the entire study period using a grading scheme and clinical photographs. RESULTS: Most of the pigment deposits were gone by 5-15 days after cryosurgery. Postoperatively, the dogs showed some corneal edema and corneo-conjunctival inflammation, and three dogs had superficial corneal ulcers; these symptoms had resolved by 1 month after the procedure. Follow-up for more than 90 days was available in five dogs (nine corneas), and we observed total or partial repigmentation when the underlying disease was not controlled. A new cryotherapy procedure was successfully performed in two of these dogs. CONCLUSIONS: Given the sensitivity to cold of melanocytes, cryotherapy is a viable adjunctive treatment for refractory severe corneal pigmentation. Etiological treatment remains necessary to prevent pigmentation from rapidly reappearing. Only a few dogs were followed for more than 90 days; further study is necessary to evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of soft cryotherapy.

Queratitis lamelar difusa: complicaciones del Lasik / Diffuse lamellar Keratitis: lasik Complications

Se presenta un estudio sobre la cirugía refractiva corneal que es la que se ocupa del tratamiento quirúrgico de las alteraciones de refracción con la microcirugía con Láser excimer, opción terapéutica muy eficaz, ya que ofrece un mínimo de molestias y una rápida recuperación. Se estudia además la queratitis lamelar difusa y su complicación, además, se describen etiología, cuadro clínico. Se presenta la clasificación de Linebarger. Se emiten consideraciones finales (AU)

A study is presented on corneal refractive surgery which is what concerns the surgical treatment of refractive disorders with excimer laser microsurgery, highly effective treatment option, offering minimal discomfort and rapid recovery. It also is studied the DLK and its complications also is described etiology and clinical manifestations. It is presented the classification of Linebarger. Final considerations are issued (AU)

Stage III diffuse lamellar keratitis following conductive keratoplasty over a LASIK flap.

A 48-year-old man who had conductive keratoplasty (CK) for consecutive hyperopia following myopic laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) developed progressive diffuse lamellar keratitis. To our knowledge, this is the first report of CK after LASIK that required surgical intervention for interface inflammation.

A report of GJB2 (N14K) Connexin 26 mutation in two patients--a new subtype of KID syndrome?

Keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness syndrome is a rare congenital ectodermal disorder, characterized by presence of skin lesions, neurosensory hearing loss, and vascularizing keratitis. Several autosomal dominant mutations in the Connexin 26 gene (GJB2) have been discovered as a cause of this syndrome. We report two patients who presented with a combination of clinical features of keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness syndrome (e.g., congenital bilateral neurosensory hearing loss and erythrokeratoderma), however, lacking other characteristics typical of this condition. In addition, they both demonstrated striking mucocutaneous findings (e.g., chronic lip fissuring, gingival hyperemia), resulting in diagnostic difficulties. In both patients, a GJB2 mutation (N14K) was identified, which shares the same gene with classic Keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness syndrome but has never been described in patients with this condition. We propose that the findings observed in our patients are a distinct subtype of Keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness syndrome, thus expanding the spectrum of connexin-associated keratodermias.

The painful eye.

Emergency physicians are required to diagnose and treat patients who have a painful eye on a regular basis. This article focuses on ophthalmologic emergencies that range in presentation from mild to severe symptomatology and include vision and eye-threatening ailments. The etiology, pathophysiology, physical examination, and treatment of the following conditions are discussed: acute angle closure glaucoma, scleritis, anterior uveitis, optic neuritis, keratitis, and corneal abrasion. This article should provide the necessary information to allow for rapid diagnosis and initiation of appropriate treatment of the painful eye.

Rethinking contact lens associated keratitis.

This review presents a critical analysis of the literature relating to the use of binomial and polynomial classification schemes for categorising corneal infiltrative events (CIEs) associated with contact lens wear and the epidemiology of such events. The results of the Manchester Keratitis Study-a 12-month, prospective, hospital-based epidemiological study of contact lens wearer suffering from CIEs-are used as a tool to challenge and test traditional thinking in relation to contact lens associated keratitis. An innovative aspect of this study is the use of a novel clinical severity matrix to systematically score the severity of CIEs based on 10 key signs and symptoms. The ambiguities inherent in using binomial classification schemes (such as, microbial versus sterile, ulcerative versus non-ulcerative etcetera) are highlighted. The failure of a polynomial scheme-due to extensive classification overlap between proposed sub-types of CIEs-is demonstrated using a Venn diagram. A cartographic analysis reveals that infiltrates tend to occur in the superior cornea of patients wearing extended wear silicone hydrogel lenses, in the central cornea of patients wearing daily wear hydrogel daily disposable lenses and in the peripheral cornea of patients wearing daily wear hydrogel (excluding daily disposable) lenses. Infiltrates that occur more towards the limbus are less severe. The incidence of CIEs is higher when contact lenses are worn overnight. Logistic analysis reveals that the risk of developing a severe CIE is five times greater with conventional hydrogel extended wear versus silicone hydrogel extended wear. The male gender, smoking, a healthy eye and body, and the late Winter months are associated with an increased risk of developing CIEs. The rate of significant visual loss as a result of developing a CIE is low. Two key conclusions are drawn from this work, which represent a radical rethinking of this potentially sight-threatening condition. CIEs should be considered as a continuous spectrum of ocular disease. If a contact lens wearer presents with a sore eye that is becoming progressively worse and a CIE is observed in that eye, lens wear should be suspended and anti-microbial therapy initiated immediately.

Can subtypes of contact lens-associated corneal infiltrative events be clinically differentiated?

PURPOSE: A schema has recently been described for clinical differentiation among 4 symptomatic subtypes of contact lens-associated corneal infiltrative events (CIEs): microbial keratitis (MK), contact lens-induced peripheral ulcer (CLPU), contact lens-induced acute red eye (CLARE), and infiltrative keratitis (IK). The clinical utility of this schema has been challenged in the literature. The aim of this study is to determine whether it is possible to clinically differentiate among these conditions. METHODS: Criteria for MK, CLPU, CLARE, and IK were applied to a data set of 111 contact lens-associated CIEs, spanning a wide range of clinical severities, presenting consecutively to a hospital clinic. A Venn diagram analysis was used to determine the extent to which these conditions can be clinically differentiated. RESULTS: Of the 111 CIEs, 20% could be classified unambiguously as MK, CLPU, CLARE, or IK, 56% could be classified as 1 of 2 conditions, 13% could be classified as 1 of 3 conditions, and 0% could be classified as 1 of 4 conditions. Eleven percent of CIEs could not be classified as any of the 4 conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Although the etiology of CIEs is multifactorial, the considerable overlap between the clinical presentation of MK, CLPU, CLARE, and IK is such that it is not possible to clinically differentiate between them with any degree of certainty. A preferred approach might be to consider CIEs as part of a disease continuum whereby these events can manifest in various degrees of severity, depending as well on the point at which the condition is observed in the course of the natural history of the disease.

Stage 4 diffuse lamellar keratitis after laser in situ keratomileusis Clinical, topographical, and pachymetry resolution 5 years later.

In March 1999, a 35-year-old woman had uneventful laser in situ keratomileusis in both eyes on the same day. Five days postoperatively, slitlamp biomicroscopy of the left eye showed an appearance similar to haze after photorefractive keratectomy, with greater density at the center and striae convergent toward the infiltrate (stage 4 diffuse lamellar keratitis [DLK]). The patient received treatment with dexamethasone 0.2% eyedrops every 2 hours. After 2 weeks, visual acuity was better and improvement was evident on topography, pachymetry, and slitlamp photography. The improvements were more marked at 6 months and 1 year. There was a progressive increment in corneal thickness and consequent improvement in corneal transparency, curvature, and regularity. This case, in which continuous morphologic adaptation of the cornea occurred, indicates that observation, rather than intervention, is a valid therapeutic option for stage 4 DLK.

Confocal microscopy of stage 4 diffuse lamellar keratitis with spontaneous resolution.

PURPOSE: To report confocal microscopic findings at the onset of stage 4 diffuse lamellar keratitis and after its resolution. Stage 4 is the most severe form of diffuse lamellar keratitis. Its incidence is approximately 1 in 5000 and is associated with stromal melting, deep flap folds, central haze, hyperopic shift, irregular astigmatism, and severe decrease in visual acuity. METHODS: A 22-year-old woman underwent bilateral uncomplicated laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) for myopia. Postoperative course in the right eye was uneventful; however, in the left eye, stage 4 diffuse lamellar keratitis developed. Confocal microscopy examination was performed in both eyes at the onset of the syndrome and after its resolution. Findings in the eye with diffuse lamellar keratitis (left eye) were compared with the uninvolved (right) eye. RESULTS: The condition improved spontaneously and 2 years later, slit-lamp microscopy showed resolution of the folds and haze with subsequent improvement of visual acuity. However, confocal microscopic examination in the left eye revealed a persistent stromal subclinical haze on both sides of the lamellar cut and prominent folds that extended into the anterior stroma. CONCLUSION: Confocal microscopy revealed that in spite of normal appearance on slit-lamp microscopy, micromorphological alterations persisted after spontaneous resolution of stage 4 diffuse lamellar keratitis.

[Unified classification of conditions united by the notion of "diffusive lamellar keratitis (D.L.K.)" in the corneal refractive surgery]. / K voprosu o edinoi klassifikatsii sostoianii, ob"edinennykh poniatiem "diffuznyi lamelliarnyi keratit" (DLK, DLK), v refraktsionnoi khirurgii rogovitsy.

A total of 4810 laser keratomilase surgeries (LASIK) in myopia and hypermetropia were analyzed. The spherical equivalent of clinical refraction in myopia amounted to -6.56 +/- 1.34 diopters, in hypermetropia it amounted to +3.97 +/- 1.74 diopters. The refraction parameters in myopia ranged from 1.5 diopters to 12.0 diopters; in case of astigmatism they ranged from 0.5 diopters to 2.75 diopters, and in hypermetropia they varied from 1.5 to 6.25 diopters. The age of patients ranged from 18.5 to 52; there were 49.3% male patients and 50.7% female patients. The observation period was up to 2 years. The lamellar corneal incision was implemented by three types of microkeratomes: "Hansatome" (Germany), "Moria" (France) and "Nidek" (Japan). Photoablation was carried out by Keracor Techlas 217 (Germany) of the "flying dot" scanning type and by "Profil 500" (Russia). The primary DLK reaction of the dystrophic nature amounted, during the first year of using the method, to 1:75 cases, during the second year it was 1:350 cases. The share of secondary DLK manifestations ranged from 0.1 to 17% with regard for a type of complications. DLK can be characterized by various forms, phases and stages. The reaction can be primary (early) and secondary (delayed). Basically, it is a universal inflammatory response of keratocytes to a prolonged malfunction of lamellar flap due to disadaptation. It is described as a complication of the lamellar surgery as a whole and is, most probably, a response to the sutureless surgery. There are factors, which diminish the frequency of such complication. A new working classification of the DLK response is presented. A new clinical classification of DLK and DLK-like conditions in the corneal lamellar surgery is offered. Finally, notion "lamellar malfunction" is offered for a comprehensive usage in refraction surgery.

Diffuse lamellar keratitis: incidence, associations, outcomes, and a new classification system.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the incidence, associations, and visual outcomes in patients with diffuse lamellar keratitis (DLK) after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). SETTING: University-based refractive surgery center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. METHODS: This retrospective review comprised 2711 eyes that had LASIK between September 1996 and September 1999. All eyes that developed DLK after LASIK were included. They were divided into type I DLK (center sparing) or type II DLK (center involved) and then subdivided into A (sporadic-DLK not diagnosed in other patients treated on the same day) or B (cluster-other patients identified with DLK). Type IA corresponded to center sparing, sporadic; type IB, center sparing, cluster; type IIA, center involved, sporadic; and type IIB, center involved, cluster. The main outcome measures were incidence of DLK after LASIK, time to diagnosis, time to resolution, and changes in best spectacle-corrected visual acuity (BSCVA). Unpaired t tests were used for statistical analyses. RESULTS: Thirty-six eyes (1.3%) developed DLK. Type I occurred in 58.3% of cases (type IA, n = 18; type IB, n = 3) and type II, in 41.7% (type IIA, n = 10; type IIB, n = 5). The mean time to diagnosis was not statistically significantly different between type I (1.8 days) and type II (1.1 days). Fourteen eyes (38.9%) developed DLK after an epithelial defect, representing an odds ratio of 13 times. The association with an epithelial defect was statistically significantly greater with type I (11/21 eyes, 52.4%) than with type II (3/15 eyes, 20.0%; P =.05). The mean time to resolution was 3.5 days in type I (type IA = 3.6 days; type IB = 2.7 days). This was significantly shorter than in type II, which had a mean time to resolution of 12.1 days (type IIA = 9.3 days; type IIB = 10.2 days) (P =.001). Loss of 2 or more lines of BSCVA occurred in 2 of 5 patients with type IIB and in no patients with types IA, IB, or IIA. CONCLUSIONS: Epithelial defects after LASIK increased the risk of DLK occurrence, especially type I. Type II DLK was associated with a prolonged time to resolution and carried a significantly higher risk of BSCVA loss than type I.

Common ocular infections. A prescriber's guide.

While most ocular infections are benign, others can be associated with devastating visual consequences. Most patients present with either ocular discharge, visual symptoms or a red or painful eye. The primary care physician is usually the first to evaluate these patients. We have separated ocular infections into 3 groups. Infections affecting the cornea and conjunctiva often present with eye pain and a red eye; noninfectious aetiologies can have a similar presentation. Infections inside the eye (endophthalmitis) often have devastating consequences. They usually occur following penetrating ocular trauma or after intraocular surgery. Prompt referral to an ophthalmologist is crucial. Infections in the soft tissue surrounding the eye (ocular adnexa and orbit) can involve the eye indirectly and can spread from the orbit into the brain. The purpose of this article is to review ocular infections and current opinion regarding treatment. A general guideline should be that the approach to treatment be governed by the severity of symptoms and the magnitude of possible consequences. Mild external infections can be typically treated empirically. Severe conjunctivitis, and any corneal infection, require aggressive management, often including cultures and broad spectrum antibiotics; cultures are often used to guide treatment. Devastating vision loss can occur, even with aggressive management. Preseptal cellulitis in adults and older children can be managed conservatively with oral antibiotics if the orbit and optic nerve are not involved and the patient is otherwise healthy. Orbital or optic nerve involvement, on the other hand, demands orbital imaging and more aggressive intervention. Patients who have had recent surgery are at risk for developing endophthalmitis. Complaints of pain or a red eye must be taken very seriously. These patients must be considered to have an intraocular infection until it can be ruled out, and should be aggressively managed by a physician trained in eye diseases and surgery.