[PHOTOKERATITIS AS RESULT OF DOMESTIC EXPOSURE TO ULTRAVIOLET-C (UVC) LIGHT].

INTRODUCTION: During the global outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, people sought ways to disinfect their domestic and public surroundings. One of the sanitation options included the usage of ultraviolet-C (UVC) lamps since UVC radiation has been shown to effectively inactivate the SARS-Coronavirus. UVC radiation may also be effective against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Here we report four cases of bilateral photokeratitis due to the improper usage of UV lamps during the first outbreak of COVID-19 in Israel. METHODS: We collected 4 case reports from patients who were diagnosed with bilateral photokeratitis due to improper usage of UV lamps in their domestic environment from May to December 2020 during the first outbreak of COVID-19 in Israel. RESULTS: A total of four patients presented with signs and symptoms of bilateral photokeratitis after exposure to UV lamps. DISCUSSION: Acute exposure of UVC to the cornea may cause "burns", known as photokeratitis. The signs of photokeratitis usually appear a few hours after the exposure. Precautious steps to educate the population must include using protective eyewear in any exposure to UV light and avoiding the use of germicidal lamps in public locations with exposure to the population.

Bilateral Thermal Keratopathy Due to Plasma Skin Regeneration.

A 40-year-old woman underwent periocular plasma skin regeneration, a cosmetic treatment for periorbital rejuvenation. She subsequently developed bilateral thermal keratitis, manifesting as blurred vision, irritation, and redness, with a vision decrease to 20/60 and 20/50 in her OD and OS, respectively. Examination demonstrated bilateral large, irregular corneal epithelial defects and edema, necessitating treatment with amniotic membrane grafts, bandage contact lenses, and hypertonic saline. One year posttreatment, her visual acuity improved to 20/20 and 20/25, albeit with ongoing symptomatic dryness and bilateral anterior stromal haze. This case, as only the second reported instance of ocular damage from periocular plasma skin regeneration, underscores the need for heightened awareness of potential ocular complications following plasma skin regeneration and reinforces the importance of protective measures during periocular procedures.

Risk of Keratitis and Keratopathy in Hidradenitis Suppurativa Patients: A Global Federated Health Network Analysis.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is linked to immune dysregulation and systemic inflammation. While previous studies indicate a higher prevalence of ocular manifestations in HS, the specific risk of keratopathy and keratitis remains unclear. The primary aim of this study was to assess the risk of keratitis and keratopathy in individuals with HS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study conducted with data from the TriNetX database, 53,716 patients with HS were matched to an equivalent number of non-HS controls using propensity score matching. The study covered the period from January 1st, 2005, to December 31st, 2017. Hazard ratios and their respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs), were computed to evaluate the occurrences of keratitis and keratopathy over a 5-year duration in patients with HS, compared to non-HS controls. RESULTS: HS was associated with a 1.52 times higher risk of keratitis over a 5-year period (95%CI=1.24-1.86) and a 1.47 times higher risk of keratopathy (95%CI=1.18-1.84). These risks remained consistent in sensitivity analyses. The elevated risk of keratitis was observed across both sexes. However, the risk of keratopathy was significantly higher in women with HS (HR=1.61, 95%CI=1.24-2.10) and individuals aged 18-64 years (HR=1.32, 95%CI=1.04-1.68). CONCLUSION: HS was linked to an elevated risk of both keratitis and keratopathy over a 5-year period. Ophthalmologic manifestations are recommended to be considered in HS standard care.

Applications of photodynamic therapy in keratitis.

Keratitis is corneal inflammatory disease which may be caused by several reason such as an injury, allergy, as well as a microbial infection. Besides these, overexposure to ultraviolet light and unhygienic practice of contact lenses are also associated with keratitis. Based on the cause of keratitis, different lines of treatments are recommended. Photodynamic therapy is a promising approach that utilizes light activated compounds to instigate either killing or healing mechanism to treat various diseases including both communicable and non-communicable diseases. This review focuses on clinically-important patent applications and the recent literature for the use of photodynamic therapy against keratitis.

[Subfamily of betaherpesviruses as a cause of epithelial and stromal keratitis]. / Podsemeistvo beta-gerpesvirusov kak prichina epitelial'nykh i stromal'nykh keratitov.

PURPOSE: This article presents the first clinical results of intravital morphological verification of epithelial and stromal keratitis associated with betaherpesviruses. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group included 12 patients (12 eyes) diagnosed with herpetic keratitis. During the initial visit to the clinic, each patient underwent a standard ophthalmological examination, as well as a number of laboratory tests: immunochemical analysis of blood, molecular diagnostics, and confocal microscopy. Histological study of the cornea was additionally performed in cases indicated for surgical treatment (2 patients). RESULTS: According to enzyme-linked immunoelectrodiffusion essay (ELISA), acute-phase immunoglobulins of class M (Ig M) to cytomegalovirus (CMV) were detected in only one clinical case. Class G immunoglobulins (Ig G) to both CMV and human herpes virus type 6 (HHV-6) were detected in the majority of cases. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) revealed CMV DNA in tears (2 patients) and in saliva (4 patients). The HHV-6 genome was found in tears (2 patients) and in saliva (3 patients). According to the results of confocal microscopy, owl's eye cells were found in 8 patients of the group. Histological examination of the cornea helped identify pathognomonic cells in one case. Thus, 8 patients of the group were diagnosed with keratitis associated with the betaherpesvirus subfamily. CONCLUSION: Results of observation of the study patients suggest the possibility of developing keratitis associated with the subfamily of betaherpesviruses with localization in the superficial layers of the cornea. Confocal microscopy can be useful for identification of pathognomonic owl's eye cells in the corneal tissues and confirmation of the diagnosis of betaherpesvirus-associated keratitis. Investigation of the etiological factor of superficial and stromal viral keratitis is important for determining the further tactics of pharmacotherapy.

Bedside assessment of ophthalmic manifestations in neurocritical care: A study in Southern India.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the incidence of Ocular Surface Disorders (OSDs), including Dry Eye Disease, Chemosis, and Exposure Keratitis, among patients admitted to the Neurocritical Care Unit (NCC). Additionally, we sought to assess the correlation between these OSDs, the length of hospitalization at NCC, and the Glasgow Coma Score (GCS). The heightened risk of OSD development in the NCC environment, coupled with pre-existing neurological impairments, can lead to conditions like dry eye disease, chemosis, corneal abrasions, and infectious keratitis, ultimately resulting in corneal opacities and perforations that significantly impact visual acuity and overall quality of life. METHODS: In this observational cross-sectional study, we examined the ocular health of all patients admitted to an NCC unit from February to May 2022. We assessed the presence of Conjunctivitis, chemosis, Keratitis, and Dry Eyes in relation to the duration of stay at NCC, GCS, lagophthalmos, adherence to the prescribed eye care protocol in NCC, and the use of mechanical ventilation. Our study comprised one hundred subjects over a four-month period, with a mean age of 51.92 ± 18.73 years (ranging from 17 to 89), including 70% males and 30% females (gender ratio of 2.33). RESULTS: Our findings revealed that 26 eyes (13%) exhibited Conjunctival Hyperemia, 23 eyes (11.5%) displayed Chemosis, and severe dry eye was prevalent in 41 (20.5%) eyes. A statistically significant association was observed between GCS (p-value <0.001) and Keratitis (p-value 0.0035) with dry eyes (Chi-Square Test). Notably, the incidence of dry eyes was significantly higher among patients with a prolonged stay of ≥10 days (p-value 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Patients admitted to Neurocritical Care Units necessitate meticulous eye care and structured protocols to mitigate the risk of long-term ocular complications such as exposure keratitis. Given their heightened susceptibility to these conditions, proactive measures are imperative to ensure optimal ocular health among NCC patients.

Bilateral interstitial keratitis following COVID-19: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Although the primary target of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is the respiratory tract, the expression of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor in other tissues facilitates viral entry in others parts of the body, including ocular structures. Ocular manifestations may occur before, during, or after systemic infection. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 60-year-old male who presented with bilateral interstitial keratitis after the onset of COVID-19, with ocular symptoms starting within 7 days after systemic symptoms. Laboratory investigation did not identify any alternative etiology for his disease, although the possibility of Epstein-Barr virus or herpes simpex virus could not be definitively ruled out. The patient had already developed significant corneal scarring and visual debilitation by the time topical steroids were initiated, and his final corrected visual acuity with rigid gas permeable contact lenses was 20/50 and 20/80 in the right and left eye, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The involvement of ocular tissue by the virus can lead to permanent sequelae such as severe visual loss, and clinicians should be aware of and recognize ophthalmic manifestations of this disease to prompt early intervention.

Post-laser refractive surgery keratitis: A concise narrative review.

Laser refractive surgery (LRS) is a specialized surgical discipline within ophthalmology that focuses on vision correction via laser techniques. LRS requires a high rate of accuracy and exactitude to improve the visual outcome and minimize complications, which may lead to delayed visual recovery. Keratitis, either infectious or noninfectious, is a post-LRS complication that requires early diagnosis and proper interventional measures. In this narrative review, we summarize different aspects of keratitis following LRS. This literature review aims to provide a thorough understanding of the causes of post-LRS infectious keratitis and its appropriate management for successful outcomes.

Clinical and in vivo confocal microscopy characteristics of Candida keratitis following keratoplasty.

BACKGROUND: We present six patients who developed Candida keratitis postoperatively. The clinical features, diagnostic testing including in vivo confocal microscopy, and outcomes are presented. METHODS: Six patients who developed Candida keratitis following penetrating and endothelial keratoplasty, were referred to Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital between 2018 to 2021.The diagnosis was established following cultures of either corneal scraping or biopsy. In vivo confocal microscopy examination was also performed to confirm the diagnosis and characterize the morphology, distribution and the depth of Candida spp. All patients were treated with topical voriconazole (VCZ) 1% and natamycin (NTM) 5%. Patients with mid/deep stromal keratitis or interface infection were treated additionally with intrastromal or interface VCZ irrigation (0.05 mg/0.1mL). RESULTS: The cultures of corneal scrapings (4 cases) or biopsies (2 cases) were all positive for Candida spp. In vivo confocal microscopy examination was positive for fungal elements in five of the six patients. The infection resolved in five of the six patients. The patients' final uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) ranged from hand movements (HM) to 20/80. CONCLUSION: In vivo confocal microscopy is a useful non-invasive clinical technique for confirming the diagnosis of Candida keratitis. Intrastromal and interface irrigated VCZ injections are effective treatment options.

Neurotrophic Keratopathy After Slow Coagulation Transscleral Cyclophotocoagulation.

PURPOSE: Decreased corneal sensation and subsequent neurotrophic keratopathy (NK) is an uncommon complication after transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCPC). Post-TSCPC NK has been rarely reported in the literature, predominantly after traditional, "pop technique" continuous-wave TSCPC or micropulse CPC. The authors report the first case series of NK after slow-coagulation TSCPC (SC-TSCPC). METHODS: This was a respective chart review of patients who developed NK after SC-TSCPC. The collected data included demographic data, type of glaucoma, risk factors for corneal anesthesia in addition to the number of laser spots, and the extent of the treated area. RESULTS: Four eyes experienced NK after SC-TSCPC. The median time for the development of NK was 4 weeks. At the final visit, 2 patients had a resolution of NK, 1 had a persistent corneal ulcer, and 1 had worsening NK and corneal perforation. CONCLUSIONS: NK is a rare but a vision-threatening complication that can develop after SC-TSCPC in patients with risk factors for decreased corneal sensation. Early diagnosis and proper management are crucial to reducing the risk of vision loss and improving the prognosis of these cases.

Queratouveítis y conjuntivitis causadas por Euphorbia ingens. Revisión de un caso / Keratouveitis and conjunctivitis caused by Euphorbia ingens: A case review

Euphorbia ingens es una planta ubicua, que contiene una savia lechosa. Puede accidentalmente dañar los ojos de los humanos por su naturaleza cáustica, causando conjuntivitis, queratitis, uveítis, estafiloma anterior y cicatrización corneal en pacientes no tratados. Presentamos el caso de un paciente cuyo ojo entró en contacto con esta savia lechosa, causándole conjuntivitis, defecto epitelial corneal y uveítis. Después de un tratamiento intensivo, su ojo se recuperó completamente. Recomendamos el uso de guantes y gafas protectoras antes de manipular este tipo de plantas (AU)

Euphorbia ingens is a ubiquitous plant who has a milky sap. It can accidentally harm human's eye by its caustic nature, causing conjunctivitis, keratitis, uveitis, anterior staphyloma and corneal scarring in untreated patients. We present the case of a patient whose eye came into contact with the milky sap. He suffered conjunctivitis, corneal epithelial defect and uveitis. After intensive treatment, his eye made a complete recovery. We recommend gloves and protecting glasses before handling these types of plants (AU)

Therapeutic contact lens-related infection by a novel pathogenic fungus Coniochaeta hoffmannii-a case report.

This study aims to report a rare instance of corneal decompensation brought on by Coniochaeta hoffmannii fungus invasion of a bandage contact lens (BCL). A 71-year-old man with pseudophakic bullous keratopathy (PBK) had BCL treatment for four months to symptomatically reduce pain and itching in his right eye. However, the patient unexpectedly lost his vision. The slit-lamp examination revealed an edematous cornea; the extensive direct inspection raised suspicion of BCL. For morphological characterization, the BCL extracted was inoculated onto 5% sheep blood agar and PDA. By Sanger sequencing method the isolate's genomic DNA was molecularly identified as C. hoffmannii.

Infectious Keratitis After Keratorefractive Surgery: Update and Review of the Literature.

OBJECTIVES: To summarize the clinical manifestations, microbiological profile, treatment, and prognosis of corneal infections after different keratorefractive surgery. METHODS: To obtain relevant studies, English-language databases, including PubMed, Ovid Embase, Web of Science, and CLNAHL, were searched from January 1979 to March 2022. The fundamentals of the literature, clinical characteristics, pathogens, and treatments were retrieved for each included article. RESULTS: Eighty-four studies involving 306 infectious eyes were included in this review. Risk factors of potential infection included a history of blepharitis, contact lens usage, and contaminated surgical instruments. The mean onset time was 22.9±38.7 days (range: 1 day to 3 years). The most common organism isolated from infectious keratitis after keratorefractive surgery were Staphylococcus aureus , followed by Mycobacterium and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus . Most of the infections after refractive procedures were sensitive to medical treatment alone, and the ultimate best-corrected visual acuity after medical treatment was as follows: 20/20 or better in 82 cases (37.0%), 20/40 or better in 170 cases (76.5%), and worse than 20/40 in 52 cases (23.5%). Surgical interventions including flap lift, flap amputation, ring removal, and keratoplasty were performed in 120 eyes (44.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Most infections after keratorefractive surgery occur within a week, whereas more than half of the cases after laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis happen after about a month. Gram-positive cocci and mycobacterium are the most common isolates. Infections after LASIK, intracorneal ring (ICR) implantation, and small incision lenticule extraction, which primarily occur between the cornea layers, require irrigation of the tunnels or pocket with antibiotics.

Diagnosis and treatment of filamentary keratitis in a patient with Demodex infestation--an overlooked risk factor: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Filamentary keratitis is an ocular condition that is tricky to handle for the difficulty to find the underlying cause. Here we report a case of filamentary keratitis associated with Demodex infestation which highlights the importance of Demodex mites as an easily-overlooked risk factor. CASE PRESENTATION: A 63-year-old woman had recurrent symptoms of foreign body sensation and sometimes painful feelings in her left eye soon after her surgical correction of ptosis in this eye. She was then diagnosed as conjunctivitis and given antibiotic eye drops. After one week, the patient complained of aggravation of symptoms with small corneal filaments in the left eye under slit-lamp examination. Despite the removal of filaments and addition of topical corticosteroids and bandage contact lenses, the patient's condition persisted with enlarged filaments and severe ocular discomfort. 3 days later, eyelashes with cylindrical dandruff were noticed and Demodex infestation was confirmed by microscopic examination of these eyelashes at our clinic this time. She was asked to use tea tree oil lid scrub twice daily. After 3 weeks, her filamentary keratitis was resolved with a dramatic improvement in symptoms and signs. And no recurrence of filamentary keratitis was noticed during the one-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In this case, filamentary keratitis was resolved only with treatment of Demodex infestation while conventional treatment failed. Considering the fact that Demodex infestation is a common but easily overlooked condition, it may be suggestive to take Demodex infestation into account as a risk factor of filamentary keratitis, especially in refractory cases.

Norepinephrine as the Intrinsic Contributor to Contact Lens-Induced Pseudomonas aeruginosa Keratitis.

Purpose: Contact lens wear (CLW) is one of the leading risk factors for Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis (PAK). However, the intrinsic factors that contribute to the high susceptibility to keratitis during CLW remain to be elucidated. CLW over an extended period can elevate corneal norepinephrine (NE) concentration. In this study, we investigated the role of NE in promoting PAK. Methods: We constructed an injury-induced PAK model and a CLW-induced PAK model to confirm the impact of NE during corneal infection. Pharmacological blockage of NE and gene knockdown mouse were used to investigate the downstream effector of NE. RNA sequencing was performed to explore the cellular alterations during NE treatment. Non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test or Kruskal-Wallis test were used to ascertain the significance (P < 0.05). Results: Supplementation of NE led to PAK even without artificial corneal injury during CLW. The effect was mediated by the ß2-adrenergic receptor (ß2-AR) in the corneal epithelium. The ß2-AR blockage by the NE antagonist ICI118,551 (ICI) or by deleting of its encoding gene Adrb2 significantly alleviated infection during CLW. Conversely, ß2-AR activation compromised the integrity of the epithelium and significantly increased the cortical plaque marker ezrin. Transcriptome analysis identified that the protective effect of ICI on the keratitis was mediated by dual-specificity phosphatases. Suramin, a Dusp5 antagonist, abrogated the protective effect of ICI. Conclusions: These data reveal a new mechanism by which NE acts as an intrinsic factor that promotes CLW-induced PAK and provide novel therapeutic targets for treating keratitis by targeting NE-ß2-AR.