Alergia ocular: tipos, edad de aparición, prevalencia y morbilidad / Ocular allergy: types, age of onset, prevalence and morbidity

Introducción: La alergia es el desorden más común del sistema inmunitario. En las últimas décadas, la prevalencia de las enfermedades alérgicas ha aumentado de forma considerable en todos los países. Objetivo: Describir el contexto actual de la alergia ocular para la realización de un diagnóstico precoz, una identificación temprana de los subtipos, un adecuado manejo terapéutico y un control de la severidad. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática de la literatura científica de mayor impacto con el uso de las palabras clave. Se limitó la búsqueda por tipo de diseño (revisiones, series de casos, estudios descriptivos, analíticos y experimentales, metaanálisis). No se tuvo en cuenta el idioma de la publicación. Las bases de datos utilizadas fueron: PubMed, Ebsco Host, Lilacs y Science Direct. Se identificaron y se evaluaron 114 artículos, de los cuales se seleccionaron 24 por su pertinencia para el estudio. Conclusiones: La alergia ocular es uno de los trastornos oculares más comunes encontrados en las consultas pediátricas y oftalmológicas. Si bien en la mayoría de los casos se trata de formas leves, estas pueden interferir en la calidad de vida del paciente. Es importante que estos pacientes con manifestaciones oftalmológicas de alergia se remitan al alergólogo para detectar otra patología, que, asociada al padecimiento alérgico, origine los síntomas que suelen ser graves, con una duración y frecuencia importantes(AU)

Introduction: Allergy is the most common disorder of the immune system. In recent decades, the prevalence of allergic diseases has increased considerably in all countries. Objective: To describe the current context of ocular allergy in order to make an early diagnosis, an early identification of subtypes, establish an adequate therapeutic management and control of severity. Methods: A systematic search of the scientific literature with the highest impact was performed using keywords. The search was limited by type of design (reviews, case series, descriptive, analytical and experimental studies, meta-analysis). The language of the publication was not taken into account. The databases used were: PubMed, Ebsco Host, Lilacs and Science Direct. A total of 114 articles were identified and evaluated, of which 24 were selected for their relevance to the study. Conclusions: Ocular allergy is one of the most common ocular disorders encountered in pediatric and ophthalmology consultations. Although in most cases these are mild forms, they can interfere with the patient's quality of life. It is important that these patients with ophthalmologic manifestations of allergy are referred to the Allergist to detect other pathology, which associated with the allergic condition originate the symptoms that are usually severe, with a significant duration and frequency(AU)

[Alterations of the anterior segment of the eye caused by exposure to UV radiation]. / UV-strahlenexpositionsbedingte Veränderungen am vorderen Augenabschnitt.

BACKGROUND: By identifying diseases of the anterior segment of the eye associated with exposure to UV light, recommendations for action can be derived. AIM: After reading this review, the reader should be familiar with UV light-associated diseases of the anterior segment of the eye. METHOD: Using a selective literature search, UV light-associated diseases of the anterior segment of the eye were identified and protective mechanisms are described. RESULTS: The UV light-associated lesions of the anterior segment of the eye include basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, malignant melanoma of the eyelids and conjunctiva, pterygium, keratoconjunctivitis photoelectrica and climatic droplet keratopathy as well as cortical cataract. CONCLUSION: Eyeglasses for filtering UV light, sunglasses and special safety glasses, such as welding helmets and wearing headgear protect against UV light exposure to the anterior segment of the eye and the associated diseases.

Bilateral Phlyctenular Keratoconjunctivitis in the Context of Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A Case Report and Literature Review.

PURPOSE: To report a case of severe bilateral phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis (PKC) associated to hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). CASE REPORT: A 26-year-old male with reactivation of HS in the last few months presented with concurrent pain and vision loss secondary to bilateral PKC resistant to topical treatment. There were no other infectious or autoimmune disorders. Systemic immunosuppression was needed, with simultaneous improvement of the ophthalmological and dermatological findings. CONCLUSIONS: Different inflammatory eye diseases have been reported in the context of HS. Acute inflammation in HS reactivation would trigger an autoimmune response, acting as a common causal mechanism in this association. We have reported a new case of inflammatory eye disease - HS in the form of PKC, not previously described in the literature, and consistent with immune dysregulation where the systemic Staphylococcus aureus burden due to HS may act as an additional causal factor.

Superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis: a comprehensive review.

Superior limbic keratoconjunctivitis (SLK) is characterized by chronic inflammation of the superior limbus and superior bulbar and tarsal conjunctivae. Patients also often have fine punctate staining of the limbus and adjacent area, superior limbic proliferation seen as thickening of the limbal epithelium and surrounding conjunctiva, and occasionally filaments at the superior limbus and upper cornea. SLK frequently presents with ocular irritation, foreign body sensation, and photophobia. SLK can be associated with other ocular and non-ocular conditions, such as thyroid disease. Although the pathogenesis of SLK is still unknown, it is thought to be related to mechanical injury, tear film instability, or an autoimmune/inflammatory etiology. Many patients with SLK can be asymptomatic or have symptoms that resolve or remit spontaneously. For symptomatic SLK, patients are managed medically with treatments such as lubricants, topical anti-inflammatory or immunomodulatory medications, punctal occlusion, and bandage contact lenses. Patients with symptoms refractory to medical management may need surgical interventions. We detail the current literature on the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, associated conditions, histopathology, pathogenesis, and treatment of SLK.

Human Adenovirus Species D Interactions with Corneal Stromal Cells.

Notable among the many communicable agents known to infect the human cornea is the human adenovirus, with less than ten adenoviruses having corneal tropism out of more than 100 known types. The syndrome of epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC), caused principally by human adenovirus, presents acutely with epithelial keratitis, and later with stromal keratitis that can be chronic and recurrent. In this review, we discuss the current state of knowledge regarding the molecular biology of adenovirus infection of corneal stromal cells, among which the fibroblast-like keratocyte is the most predominant, in order to elucidate basic pathophysiologic mechanisms of stromal keratitis in the human patient with EKC.

A rare case of primary sinonasal tuberculosis presented with phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis in a pediatric patient: A case report and literature review.

RATIONALE: Tuberculosis is a common cause of phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis, especially for patients who live in a high endemic area of tuberculosis. We report a rare case of pediatric phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis associated with primary sinonasal tuberculosis. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 7-year-old boy presented with a 5-month history of redness of the left eye accompanied by mild visual impairment. Physical examination revealed elevated pinkish-white nodules with a circumcorneal hypervascularized lesion on the left conjunctiva. DIAGNOSIS: Computed tomography revealed an enhancing soft tissue mass in the left maxillary sinus with bone destruction. Histopathology of maxillary tissue showed chronic inflammation without granuloma. Special stain, culture and polymerase chain reaction for mycobacterium were initially negative. Left maxillary sinus tuberculosis was diagnosed by positive Mycobacterium tuberculosis polymerase chain reaction from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded maxillary tissue. INTERVENTIONS: Two month of oral isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol, followed by 10 months of oral isoniazid and rifampicin without topical eye drops agent were prescribed. OUTCOMES: Two months after initiation of treatment, the phlyctenular lesion had significantly improved. A follow-up computed tomography showed a significant reduction in the size of the maxillary sinus lesion and the extent of adjacent bone destruction. LESSONS: Primary sinonasal tuberculosis is an uncommon cause of phlyctenular keratoconjunctivitis in children. When microbiological and histopathological evidences are absent, polymerase chain reaction analysis has a crucial role in the diagnosis of tuberculosis, especially in patient with uncommon presentation.

Vision and Ocular Surface Salvage in Extreme Postburn Cicatricial Ectropion With Infectious Exposure Keratitis.

Prevention and early management of postburn cicatricial ectropion is the best strategy to avoid ocular complications, with poor visual prognosis in extreme cases. A 51-year-old man presented with diminution of vision and absolute inability to close both eyes, 3 months after thermal burn injuries to face, upper limbs, and trunk. His best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 1/60 in BE. He had bilateral extremely severe ectropion involving both upper and lower lids with complete inability to close the eyes. The ensuing exposure keratitis developed secondary infection by Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the right eye and multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the left eye. His extreme ectropion prevented infection healing, so its release and full-thickness skin grafting was done when partial resolution of infection was noted. After 3 months, he had moderate residual ectropion in BE; vascularized corneal scar in the inferior part of the right eye (BCVA:20/40) and adherent leucoma in left eye (BCVA:HM). Prioritizing ectropion surgery in our extreme case for infection control, facilitated corneal healing. Our case highlights the extreme consequences of not taking preventive measures or of managing incident ectropion following thermal injury to the face.

[Keratoconjunctivitis photoelectrica (arc eye)]. / Photokératoconjonctivite par coup d'arc.

Photokeratitis is a painful keratitis caused by exposure of insufficiently protected eyes to the ultraviolet (UV) rays. We talk about "arc eye" when photokeratitis is caused by UV rays emitted by electric arc during electric arc welding process. We here report the case of a 35-year old rider, with no previous medical-surgical history, who had looked at an electric arc for a few minutes while the doors of his building were welded. He had bilateral burning in his eyes associated with lacrimation, photophobia and blepharospasm. Clinical examination showed corrected visual acuity of 8/10 and 9/10, conjunctival hyperemia with punctate erosive keratitis limited to palpebral fissure after the use of fluorescein. Given patient's clinical picture, keratoconjunctivitis photoelectrica (arc eye) was diagnosed. Treatment was based on topical antibiotics, wetting agents as well as agents with healing properties. Outcome was marked by total disappearance of the signs with restoration of bilateral visual acuity (10/10). This study highlights the role of prevention using appropriate protection equipment.

Ocular Manifestations of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2): A Critical Review of Current Literature.

The novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), emerged in China in the city of Wuhan in December of 2019 and since then more than 5,000,000 people have been infected, with approximately 338,000 deaths worldwide. The virus causes the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is characterized by fever, myalgia and cough, with severe acute respiratory syndrome being the most fearsome complication. Nevertheless, the vast majority of cases present mild symptoms or none. Central nervous system and cardiovascular manifestations have been reported. The range of ocular manifestations, either as a result of the infection or as a result of the treatment, has not yet been discussed. In this study, a systematic review of current literature relevant to COVID-19 was performed with focus on modes of transmission, ocular manifestations related to infection and medications, as well as the control of infection in ophthalmic practice.

Fungal Keratitis, or Misled by a Small Insect?

The pine processionary caterpillar is an insect that has multiple small, thin hairs around its body as a defense mechanism. These hairs have a hazardous effect on ocular structures and cause a broad range of reactions from conjunctivitis to endophthalmitis, referred to as ophthalmia nodosa. The diagnosis of the disease is based on the patient's history and the detection of the hairs on ocular structures. In this report, we present a patient with ophthalmia nodosa misdiagnosed as fungal keratitis, and the actual diagnosis was made by in vivo confocal microscopy. We also would like to increase awareness among ophthalmologists about the disease which has a growing distribution area due to climate change.

Complicaciones asociadas al uso de lentes de contacto blandas / Complications associated with the use of soft contact lenses

Las lentes de contacto blandas son una buena alternativa al uso de gafas para la corrección de defectos refractivos. Sin embargo, un mal uso puede asociarse a complicaciones. La manipulación incorrecta, la mala higiene o el sobreuso de dichas lentes pueden producir mala tolerancia, inflamación ocular e incluso secuelas visuales. En esta revisión se describen las complicaciones más frecuentes, y también las más graves, de tipo infeccioso y no infeccioso asociadas al uso de lentes de contacto blandas, así como las recomendaciones para su correcto uso

Soft contact lenses are a good alternative to the use of glasses for the correction of refractive defects. However, improper use can be associated with complications. Incorrect handling, poor hygiene, or over-use of the lenses can lead to poor tolerance, eye inflammation, and even visions sequelae. In this review, the most common and also the most serious are described, including the infectious and non-infectious complications associated with the use of soft contact lenses, including recommendations for their correct use

Cactus-induced keratoconjunctivitis in Texas: A case series of three dogs and one cat.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the historical, clinical, and diagnostic features of small animal patients affected by cactus-induced keratoconjunctivitis and their response to therapy. ANIMALS STUDIED: Three dogs and one cat. PROCEDURES: Ophthalmic examination directed subsequent selected diagnostic tests in each case including light microscopy of extracted foreign bodies, in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM), corneal histopathology, and corneal bacterial culture. Treatments consisted of foreign body surgical extraction with concurrent medical therapy (three cases), or medical therapy alone (one case). RESULTS: Clinical histories obtained supported acute cactus injury in all cases. Ophthalmic abnormalities were unilateral in each case and included ulcerative keratoconjunctivitis associated with linear, microscopic conjunctival and/or corneal penetrating cactus spines, known as glochids. Light microscopy and IVCM showed glochids to be heavily barbed, consistent with the spine morphology Prickly Pear (Opuntia) cactus species. Bacterial culture yielded Proprionicimonas sp. in one case with keratomalacia. Surgical extraction of spines was challenging, and residual conjunctival and/or corneal glochids were present in all cases. Patient discomfort resolved at a median of 21 days (range 10-51 days). Vision-threatening complications were not observed in any case at the time of last follow-up examination. Epithelial downgrowth, demonstrated by IVCM and histopathology, was present in one case at 108-day follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Cactus-induced keratoconjunctivitis should be considered as a differential in regions in which Opuntia cacti are prevalent, and microscopic ocular foreign bodies are observed. Although glochids are difficult to extract, positive clinical outcomes can occur in small animal patients despite the presence of residual organic corneal foreign material.

Recent trends of ocular complications in patients with atopic dermatitis.

PURPOSE: To elucidate the recent trends in prevalence and characteristics of ocular complications of atopic dermatitis (AD). STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional observational study. METHODS: Among AD patients who visited our department between 2012 and 2015, 70 patients (140 eyes; recent AD group) who gave informed consent to participate in the study were analyzed. Following a medical interview, ophthalmological examinations were conducted for ocular complications related to AD. The data were compared to those of 280 AD patients (560 eyes) analyzed in a similar study conducted at our department in 1991-1993 (previous AD group). RESULTS: Blepharitis was found in 58 eyes (41%) in the recent AD group, and the frequency was significantly lower compared to the previous AD group (294 eyes, 53%) (p < 0.05). Tears in retina or pars plana ciliaris occurred in 22 eyes (4%) in the previous AD group, compared with none in the recent AD group (p < 0.01). Retinal detachment was observed in 12 eyes (2%) in the previous AD group, and none in the recent AD group (p < 0.01). Atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC) increased significantly in the recent AD group compared to the previous AD group (74.3% vs. 39.5%) (p < 0.001). Patients with a habit of slapping around the eye decreased significantly from 32.5% in the previous AD group to 12.1% in the recent AD group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Ocular complications in AD patients show a trend of decrease in recent years, which presumably is attributed to educational activities to increase patient awareness and advances in therapeutic strategy.

Challenging Treatment of Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia in Patients with Atopic Disease.

PURPOSE: Few studies have described ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) and its association with atopic diseases and there is no consensus on the course of OSSN in atopic patients. We thereby report three patients with atopy and OSSN. METHODS: Retrospective case series. RESULTS: Three male patients with mean age of 73 presented with OSSN and history of atopy treated with immunosuppressant therapy. Their histories included atopic dermatitis and keratoconjunctivitis. All patients had treatment complicated by multiple surgeries, recurrences, or advanced disease. The patients initially received medical treatment with topical interferon-alpha-2b (IFNα2b). However, all the patients had recurrences and required modification of treatment including topical 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). CONCLUSION: We report on three patients with a history of atopy whose OSSN presentation and course was challenging. Overall, our cases responded better to topical 5-fluorouracil compared to topical interferon-alpha-2b, but recurrences were common. These patients may benefit from more aggressive and long-term treatment.

Ocular Whipple Disease: Report of Three Cases.

Purpose: To emphasize the different manifestations of ocular involvement in Whipple disease with challenge in establishing the diagnosis as clinical, laboratory, and histological features could mimic other uveitis entities. Methods: Case reports of three patients. Results: The first patient was an African male suffering from a chronic bilateral keratoconjunctitivitis that was initially misdiagnosed as a chronic allergic conjunctivitis. The second patient was an Italian female who presented with bilateral vitritis, whereas the third patient was an Italian male suffering from a chronic bilateral panuveitis. The diagnosis of ocular Whipple in the first and third case was made by a positive T. whipplei PCR from the ocular specimen, and the second patient had detection of T. whipplei from extraocular sites. Conclusions: Whipple disease can have protean manifestations in the eye including an isolated ocular surface involvement manifested as keratitis.

Inflamed Obstructive Meibomian Gland Dysfunction Causes Ocular Surface Inflammation.

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is one of the primary causes of evaporative dry eye. Stagnation of meibum induces an unstable tear film, thus resulting in shortened tear film breakup time and superficial punctate keratopathy (SPK) in the lower cornea and punctate staining of lower bulbar conjunctiva. MGD is sometimes accompanied with inflammation (termed "meibomitis") via the proliferation of bacteria in the meibomian gland and eyelash area. Meibomitis is strongly related to ocular surface inflammation such as corneal cellular infiltrates and neovascularization, SPK, and conjunctivitis. It is difficult to differentiate SPK caused by dry eye from that caused by meibomitis. When clinicians are unaware of the existence of meibomitis, and only aware of SPK on the cornea, they often try to treat SPK as it is caused by dry eye using dry eye-specific eyedrops or even using punctual plugs when conservative therapy is ineffective. However, even when intensive dry eye therapy is applied, it may be unsuccessful until SPK caused by meibomitis is recognized and treated with systemic antimicrobial agents. Hence, the tear secreting glands, including the meibomian glands, and the ocular surface should be clinically considered as one unit (i.e., the meibomian gland and ocular surface [MOS]) when considering the pathophysiology and treatment of ocular surface inflammatory diseases (i.e., corneal epithelial damage). Following this clinical pathway, a treatment focusing on meibomian gland inflammation may be a more reasonable approach for meibomitis-related or associated keratoconjunctivitis to more effectively treat this ocular surface disease.