CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND VISUAL OUTCOMES IN ENDOPHTHALMITIS AFTER KERATOPROSTHESIS IMPLANTATION.

PURPOSE: To describe the presentation, microbiology, management, and prognosis of eyes with endophthalmitis after Boston keratoprosthesis implantation. METHODS: Retrospective case series with history, diagnostics, management, and outcomes data in endophthalmitis after keratoprosthesis implantation presenting to a tertiary center between 2009 and 2020. RESULTS: Of 137 keratoprosthesis-implanted eyes, 7 eyes of 7 patients (5%) developed endophthalmitis. On presentation, 6 (86%) reported decreased visual acuity, and only 1 (14%) reported pain. Peripheral corneal ulcers were present in 2 eyes (29%). Seidel testing was negative in all cases. Six eyes (86%) had retroprosthetic membranes. One (14%) underwent initial pars plana vitrectomy with mechanical vitreous biopsy, whereas 6 (86%) received a needle vitreous tap-half of which were dry. Organisms were isolated after vitreous tap in two eyes: Streptococcus intermedius and Mycobacterium abscessus. The mean visual acuity preendophthalmitis, at presentation, and at 6 months were 20/267, 20/5,944, and 20/734, respectively. The visual acuity improved 9.08 ± 11.78 Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study lines from presentation to 6 months. Six-month visual acuity was correlated with preendophthalmitis visual acuity (r = 0.92, P = 0.003) but not presenting visual acuity (P = 0.838). CONCLUSION: Visual acuity at 6 months is correlated with preendophthalmitis visual acuity, not presenting visual acuity. Endophthalmitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of painless intraocular inflammation any time after keratoprosthesis implantation, even if Seidel negative.

Postoperative Endophthalmitis in Immediate Sequential Bilateral Cataract Surgery: A Nationwide Registry Study.

PURPOSE: To report the incidence of postoperative endophthalmitis (PE) after immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery (ISBCS) in Sweden. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort registry study. PARTICIPANTS: Patient data from 1 457 172 cataract extractions, including 1 364 934 unilateral surgeries and 92 238 ISBCSs. METHODS: Endophthalmitis cases reported to the Swedish National Cataract Register (NCR) during a 16-year period (2002-2017) were analyzed in comparison to all control cases with regard to patient characteristics, surgical technique, and capsule complication. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Incidence and determinants for PE in ISBCS compared with unilateral surgeries. RESULTS: A total of 422 cases of PE were identified in 1 457 172 cataract extractions, yielding an overall incidence of 0.029% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.0262-0.0317). For unilateral procedures, the rate was 0.0299% (95% CI, 0.0270-0.0328) or 408 cases in 1 364 934 operations, whereas that for ISBCS was 0.0152% (95% CI, 0.0072-0.0231) or 14 incidents in 92 238 operations (P = 0.01). In a logistic regression model including all cataract procedures, nonuse of intracameral (IC) antibiotics (ABs), capsule complication, age 85 years or more, male gender, and ocular comorbidity were found to be independent risk factors for PE. All these parameters were less frequent in ISBCS. Notwithstanding, in the same multivariate analysis, ISBCS in itself was associated with a significantly lower risk for PE. At follow-up, 5 of the 14 PE cases in the ISBCS cohort had a visual acuity (VA) of 20/200 or worse. Of these, one 93-year-old ISBCS patient developed bilateral infection. CONCLUSIONS: After ISBCS in Sweden, PE occurred once in 6600 surgeries. The risk of sustaining a final VA of 20/200 or less was 1 incident in 18 000 operated eyes. When counseling potential ISBCS patients about the risk of PE, it seems reasonable to state that the reported risk in the literature is lower than that with unilateral surgery but not negligible. Precautions remain necessary.

C-X-C Chemokines Influence Intraocular Inflammation During Bacillus Endophthalmitis.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the C-X-C chemokines CXCL2 and CXCL10 as potential anti-inflammatory targets for Bacillus endophthalmitis. Methods: Bacillus endophthalmitis was induced in C57BL/6J, CXCL2-/-, and CXCL10-/- mice. At specific times postinfection, eyes were analyzed for Bacillus, retinal function, and inflammation. The efficacies of intravitreal anti-CXCL2 and anti-CXCL10 with or without gatifloxacin in B. cereus endophthalmitis were also assessed using the same techniques. Results: Despite similar Bacillus growth in eyes of C57BL/6J, CXCL2-/-, and CXCL10-/- mice, retinal function retention was greater in eyes of CXCL2-/- and CXCL10-/- mice compared to that of C57BL/6J mice. Neutrophil migration into eyes of CXCL2-/- and CXCL10-/- mice was reduced to a greater degree compared to that of eyes of C57BL/6J mice. Infected CXCL2-/- and CXCL10-/- mouse eyes had significantly less inflammation compared to that of C57BL/6J eyes. Retinal structures in infected eyes of CXCL2-/- mice were preserved for a longer time than in CXCL10-/- eyes. Compared to untreated eyes, there was less inflammation and significant retention of retinal function in eyes treated with anti-CXCL2 and anti-CXCL10 with or without gatifloxacin. Conclusions: For Bacillus endophthalmitis, the absence of CXCL2 or CXCL10 in mice resulted in retained retinal function and less inflammation. The absence of CXCL2 led to a better clinical outcome than the absence of CXCL10. The use of anti-CXCL2 and anti-CXCL10 limited inflammation during B. cereus endophthalmitis. These results highlight the utility of CXCL2 and CXCL10 as potential targets for anti-inflammatory therapy that can be tested in conjunction with antibiotics for improving treating Bacillus endophthalmitis.

Pivotal Role of Corneal Fibroblasts in Progression to Corneal Ulcer in Bacterial Keratitis.

The shape and transparency of the cornea are essential for clear vision. However, its location at the ocular surface renders the cornea vulnerable to pathogenic microorganisms in the external environment. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are two such microorganisms and are responsible for most cases of bacterial keratitis. The development of antimicrobial agents has allowed the successful treatment of bacterial keratitis if the infection is diagnosed promptly. However, no effective medical treatment is available after progression to corneal ulcer, which is characterized by excessive degradation of collagen in the corneal stroma and can lead to corneal perforation and corneal blindness. This collagen degradation is mediated by both infecting bacteria and corneal fibroblasts themselves, with a urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA)-plasmin-matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) cascade playing a central role in collagen destruction by the host cells. Bacterial factors stimulate the production by corneal fibroblasts of both uPA and pro-MMPs, released uPA mediates the conversion of plasminogen in the extracellular environment to plasmin, and plasmin mediates the conversion of secreted pro-MMPs to the active form of these enzymes, which then degrade stromal collagen. Bacterial factors also stimulate expression by corneal fibroblasts of the chemokine interleukin-8 and the adhesion molecule ICAM-1, both of which contribute to recruitment and activation of polymorphonuclear neutrophils, and these cells then further stimulate corneal fibroblasts via the secretion of interleukin-1. At this stage of the disease, bacteria are no longer necessary for collagen degradation. In this review, we discuss the pivotal role of corneal fibroblasts in corneal ulcer associated with infection by P. aeruginosa or S. aureus as well as the development of potential new modes of treatment for this condition.

Hypopyon: Is-it Infective or Noninfective?

Hypopyon usually corresponds to the sedimentation of white blood cells, and it signifies severe intraocular inflammation. This key clinical sign may occur in association with a wide variety of infectious, inflammatory, and neoplastic conditions that may be sight- and, occasionally, life-threatening. A careful history and thorough clinical examination are the cornerstones for orienting the differential diagnosis, identifying the causative agent, and initiating prompt and appropriate treatment. This review outlines the clinical characteristics and management of hypopyon in relation with the underlying causative infectious or noninfectious ocular or systemic diseases.

Bilateral Endogenous Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Endophthalmitis in a Young Athlete: A Story of Full Recovery

Endogenous endophthalmitis (EE) is an ophthalmological emergency. We report the long-term outcome of bilateral methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus EE in a 23-year-old healthy immunocompetent athlete who presented with EE secondary to pelvic abscess and remained with excellent vision.

ACUTE SYPHILITIC POSTERIOR PLACOID CHORIORETINITIS: MULTIMODAL IMAGING AND ELECTROPHYSIOLOGIC FINDINGS BEFORE AND AFTER TREATMENT.

PURPOSE: To describe the clinical course of acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinitis (ASPPC) in the preplacoid stage, placoid stage, and after treatment with penicillin. METHOD: A retrospective case report of serial multimodal imaging and electrophysiology studies of a patient with ASPPC, with 18 months of follow-up. RESULTS: A 47-year-old man presented with bilateral panuveitis. The patient defaulted follow-up and returned when his vision deteriorated. Tests for neurosyphilis and retroviral disease were positive, and treatment was initiated. The earliest change on serial optical coherence tomography was loss of the signal from the reflective band corresponding to the ellipsoid zone. In the placoid stage, there was nodular thickening of the retinal pigment epithelium. The ellipsoid zone signals reappeared after treatment. Fundus fluorescein angiogram at presentation showed peripapillary vasculitis and disk leakage; indocyanine green angiography revealed multiple hypofluorescent spots in the peripapillary region and posterior pole that was not visible clinically. The angiographic abnormalities resolved after treatment. Electrophysiology demonstrated bilateral maculopathy and reduction of both a- and b-waves from dark-adapted and light-adapted responses at presentation. The b-waves (inner retina) recovered partially with treatment. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of the multimodal imaging and electrophysiology findings in a patient with acute syphilitic posterior placoid chorioretinitis, before the development of the classic placoid lesion. Improvement of structural and functional pathology after systemic treatment is demonstrated.

Cross-Linking Assisted Infection Reduction (CLAIR): A Randomized Clinical Trial Evaluating the Effect of Adjuvant Cross-Linking on Bacterial Keratitis.

PURPOSE: To determine whether there is a benefit to adjuvant corneal cross-linking (CXL) for bacterial keratitis. METHODS: This is an outcome-masked, randomized controlled clinical trial. Consecutive patients presenting with a smear-positive bacterial ulcer at Aravind Eye Hospitals at Madurai, Pondicherry, and Coimbatore in India were enrolled. Study eyes were randomized to topical moxifloxacin 0.5% or topical moxifloxacin 0.5% plus CXL. The primary outcome of the trial was microbiological cure at 24 hours on repeat culture. Secondary outcomes included best spectacle corrected visual acuity at 3 weeks and 3 months, percentage of study participants with epithelial healing at 3 weeks and 3 months, infiltrate and/or scar size at 3 weeks and 3 months, 3-day smear and culture, and adverse events. RESULTS: Those randomized to CXL had 0.60 decreased odds of culture positivity at 24 hours (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.10-3.50; P = 0.65), 0.9 logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution lines worse visual acuity (95% CI: -2.8 to 4.6; P = 0.63), and 0.41-mm larger scar size (95% CI: -0.48 to 1.30; P = 0.38) at 3 months. We note fewer corneal perforations or need for therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty in the CXL group. CONCLUSIONS: We were unable to confirm a benefit to adjuvant CXL in the primary treatment of moderate bacterial keratitis. However, CXL may reduce culture positivity and complication rates; therefore, a larger trial to fully evaluate this is warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT02570321.

VISUAL OUTCOME OF EARLY VITRECTOMY AND INTRAVITREAL ANTIBIOTICS IN ACUTE POSTSURGICAL AND POSTINTRAVITREAL INJECTION ENDOPHTHALMITIS: European Vitreo-Retinal Society Endophthalmitis Study Report Two.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the visual outcome associated with intravitreal antibiotics (IVA) and pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for acute postprocedure endophthalmitis. METHODS: Data from 237 eyes presenting with acute postprocedure endophthalmitis were collected from 57 retina specialists in 28 countries. All eyes were treated with IVA on the day of presentation. We classified eyes according to the method of treatment used as IVA and early PPV (IVA + PPV within 1 week of presentation) groups. RESULTS: After exclusion of ineligible eyes, data from 204 eyes were analyzed. The mean (SD) age of patients was 62.7 (21.8) years and 69.3 (12.7) years in the IVA and PPV groups, respectively (P = 0.18). Endophthalmitis secondary to cataract, intravitreal injections, PPV, and other intraocular procedures represented 64.2%, 16.2%, 13.7%, and 5.9% of cases, respectively. Intravitreal antibiotics alone were administered in 55 eyes (27.0%), and early PPV was performed in 149 eyes (73.0%). No difference was found between groups in the final visual acuity of ≥20/60 (43.6%, 65 eyes vs. 34.5%, 19 eyes) and ≤counting fingers (30.9%, 46 eyes vs. 36.4%, 20 eyes) for IVA versus early PPV groups, respectively. Vision of light perception (odds ratio = 12.2; 95% confidence interval: 2.0-72.6) and retinal detachment (odds ratio = 7.7; 95% confidence interval: 1.5-409) at baseline were predictive of vision of ≤counting fingers. Retinal detachment at baseline (odds ratio = 20.4; 95% confidence interval: 1.1-372.1) was predictive of final retinal detachment status. CONCLUSION: The current retrospective multicenter cohort of eyes with acute postprocedure endophthalmitis reports similar outcomes after treatment with IVA alone when compared with IVA and early PPV within 1 week of presentation.

Pars Plana Vitrectomy for Endophthalmitis: Microbiologic Spectrum and Clinical Outcomes.

Purpose: To report visual outcomes, microbiologic spectrum, and antibiotic resistance in endophthalmitis patients undergoing pars plana vitrectomy (PPV).Methods: Retrospective study of 32 patients who underwent PPV with microbial analysis. Linear mixed models were utilized to compare visual acuity (VA).Results: Streptococcal species and coagulase-negative staphylococcus (CoNS) were the most common organisms. No resistance to vancomycin or fluoroquinolones was observed. Culture-negative individuals had better VA and lower incidences of retinal detachment (RD) and hypotony and better VA than culture-positive group at post-surgical month 3 (p = .025) and marginally at month 12 (p = .098). CoNS endophthalmitis (final logMAR VA 0.80) was associated with better VA than Streptococcal endophthalmitis (final logMAR VA 2.36) (p = .001). Secondary RD was observed in 33.3% of non-cataract endophthalmitis.Conclusion: No organisms were resistant to vancomycin or fluoroquinolones. Culture-negative endophthalmitis had better VA and lower rates of RD and hypotony than culture-positive group. A high rate of RD was observed in non-cataract endophthalmitis.

Tolerance to Light of Patients Suffering From Infectious Keratitis.

PURPOSE: With very photophobic patients, the advantages of red or near infrared light to develop new ophthalmology imaging devices seem obvious: no or little glare, possibility of long signal integration, no phototoxicity, and lesser autofluorescence of ocular tissues. Nevertheless, in this range, the shortest possible wavelength facilitates signal detection. The aim of this study was, thus, to determine the maximal irradiance tolerated with 6 wavelengths: 2 red, 2 far red, and 1 near infrared lights to determine the shortest wavelength well tolerated by patients, in comparison with the standard cobalt blue light of ophthalmology slitlamp. METHODS: An interventional, monocentric, single-group assignment study was conducted on 30 eyes of 30 patients with infectious keratitis. Thanks to a customized machine, the photophobic eye was exposed to the 6 lights with increasing intensity. The patients switched off the light when the discomfort was too elevated. The maximal cumulative irradiance possible at 482, 650, 675, 700, 750, and 800 nm were 171, 689, 759, 862, 920, and 889 mW/cm, respectively. RESULTS: The maximal cumulative irradiance tolerated by patients increased significantly with wavelength (P < 0.001), but the difference was not significant between each increment: red at 675 nm gave a significantly higher cumulative irradiance than blue at 482 nm; red at 700 nm did not provide significant gain compared with 675 nm; and far red at 750 nm still provided additional gain compared with 700 nm, but no significant gain was observed between 750 and 800 nm. The shortest wavelengths were stopped more quickly, and more than 50% of patients reached the maximum irradiance delivered by the source at 750 and 800 nm. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate that a light source at 750 and 800 nm can be used for ophthalmic imaging with good tolerance in photophobic patients. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03586505.

Clinicomicrobiological profile, visual outcome and mortality of culture-proven endogenous endophthalmitis in Taiwan.

This is a retrospective study in consecutive cases with cultured-proven endogenous endophthalmitis (EE) treated at the largest tertiary medical center in middle Taiwan in the past 10 years. 83 eyes of 70 patients were enrolled. The mean interval between systemic diseases to the diagnosis of EE was 8.84 ± 6.94 days. The mean initial visual acuity (VA) in the logarithm of minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) was 1.63 ± 0.87. Type 2 diabetes mellitus was the most common predisposing medical illness (N = 53, 63.86%). The most common infectious sources were intra-abdominal abscess (N = 36, 43.37%), and the second most reason was urinary tract infection. The causative pathogen was Gram-negative predominant (N = 64, 77.11%). After aggressive treatment, 34.94% of eyes regain useful vision, and only six eyes underwent enucleation or evisceration. The binary multivariate logistic regression model revealed that female gender (95% CI 1.002-19.036, p = 0.05, OR 4.37), initial VA logMAR (95% CI 0.089-0.550, p = 0.01, OR 0.22), and more intravitreal injections (95% CI 0.368-0.927, p = 0.023, OR 0.58) were independent risk factors influencing final outcomes. Based on the results mentioned above, early diagnosis is recommended to gain better outcomes. The mean interval between systemic diseases to the diagnosis of EE was 8.84 ± 6.94 days in our sample population, clinicians should maintain a higher index of suspicion during this period when encountering patients with bacteremia or fungemia.

ISG15 Acts as a Mediator of Innate Immune Response to Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection in C57BL/6J Mouse Corneas.

Purpose: IFN-stimulated gene (ISG) 15 is a type 1 IFN-induced protein and known to modify target proteins in a manner similar to ubiquitylation (protein conjugation by ISG15 is termed ISGylation). We sought to determine the role of ISG15 and its underlying mechanisms in corneal innate immune defense against Pseudomonas aeruginosa keratitis. Methods: ISG15 expression in cultured human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) and mouse corneas was determined by PCR and Western blot analysis. Gene knockout mice were used to define the role of ISG15 signaling in controlling the severity of P. aeruginosa keratitis, which was assessed with photographing, clinical scoring, bacterial counting, myeloperoxidase assay, and quantitative PCR determination of cytokine expression. Integrin LFA-1 inhibitor was used to assess its involvement of ISG15 signaling in P. aeruginosa-infected corneas. Results: Heat-killed P. aeruginosa induced ISG15 expression in cultured HCECs and accumulation in the conditioned media. Isg15 deficiency accelerated keratitis progress, suppressed IFNγ and CXCL10, and promoted IL-1ß while exhibiting no effects on IFNα expression. Moreover, exogenous ISG15 protected the corneas of wild-type mice from P. aeruginosa infection while markedly reducing the severity of P. aeruginosa keratitis in type 1 IFN-receptor knockout mice. Exogenous ISG15 increased bacteriostatic activity of B6 mouse corneal homogenates, and inhibition of LFA-1 exacerbated the severity of and abolished protective effects of ISG15 on P. aeruginosa keratitis. Conclusions: Type 1 INF-induced ISG15 regulates the innate immune response and greatly reduces the susceptibility of B6 mouse corneas to P. aeruginosa infection in an LFA-1-dependent manner.

Retinal dysfunction of syphilitic outer retinopathy.

PURPOSE: We present our findings in two cases of retinal dysfunction caused by syphilitic outer retinopathy. CASE 1: A 59-year-old man visited our clinic complaining of blurred vision in his left eye. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) demonstrated an absence of the ellipsoid zone (EZ) in the left eye. A round yellowish-white lesion was observed in the posterior pole of the left fundus. Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) showed hyperfluorescent areas in the posterior pole of both fundi although no specific ophthalmoscopic findings were seen in the right eye. The amplitudes of the LA 3.0 1 Hz and LA 3.0 30 Hz ERG responses were reduced with better preservation of the rod responses. Based on a strong positivity to the rapid plasma reagin (RPR) assay and the Treponema pallidum hemagglutination (TPHA) test, he was diagnosed with syphilitic outer retinopathy and treated with systemic antibiotics. The treatment resulted in a restoration of the retinal structures and cone function. CASE 2: A 47-year-old man was referred to our clinic complaining of reduced vision in both eyes. Although the ocular fundus appeared normal, FAF showed a diffuse hyperfluorescent area in the posterior pole and multiple hyperfluorescent spots. Indocyanine green angiography showed multiple confluent areas of hypofluorescence. OCT demonstrated irregular EZs in both eyes. The amplitudes of the LA 3.0 1 Hz and LA 3.0 30 Hz ERG responses were slightly reduced with prolonged implicit times. These findings are comparable to the findings in patients with multiple evanescent white dot syndrome. However, the strong positivity to the RPR and TPHA tests led us to diagnose the patient with outer retinopathy caused by syphilis. Systemic administration of antibiotics resulted in the restoration of the retinal structures and retinal function. CONCLUSIONS: Syphilitic outer retinopathy affected the retinal structures and function that can be restored by antibiotic treatments.

A Prospective, Randomized Trial of Povidone-Iodine 0.6% and Dexamethasone 0.1% Ophthalmic Suspension for Acute Bacterial Conjunctivitis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a topical ophthalmic suspension combination of povidone-iodine 0.6% (PVP-I) and dexamethasone 0.1% (DEX) for infectious and inflammatory components of bacterial conjunctivitis. DESIGN: Randomized, double-masked, multicenter, phase 3 clinical trial. METHODS: Subjects of all ages (those <3 months had to be full-term) with a diagnosis of bacterial conjunctivitis were randomized 3:1:3 to either PVP-I/DEX, PVP-I alone, or placebo. The primary endpoint was clinical resolution in the study eye, and the key secondary efficacy endpoint was bacterial eradication, both at the day 5 visit. Adverse events (AEs) were documented at all visits. RESULTS: Overall, 753 subjects were randomized (intent-to-treat [ITT] population; PVP-I/DEX [n = 324]; PVP-I [n = 108]; placebo [n = 321]); mean and standard deviation (SD) age was 44.3 (22.9) years, and most were female (61.2%) and white (78.1%). In all treatment groups, mean treatment compliance was >98%. The modified ITT population for the efficacy analysis comprised 526 subjects. In the study eye at the day 5 visit, clinical resolution was achieved by 50.5% (111/220) subjects in the PVP-I/DEX group vs 42.8% (95/222) in the placebo group (P = .127), and bacterial eradication was achieved by 43.3% (94/217) and 46.8% (102/218), respectively (P = .500). Treatment-emergent AEs were experienced by 32.8% (106/323), 39.8% (43/108), and 19.0% (61/321) of subjects in the safety population treated with PVP-I/DEX, PVP-I, and placebo, respectively (most mild in severity). CONCLUSION: In this study, PVP-I/DEX did not demonstrate additional benefit in clinical efficacy compared with placebo in subjects with bacterial conjunctivitis.

Resurgence of ocular syphilis in British Columbia between 2013-2016: a retrospective chart review.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the trends and explore the demographics, ophthalmic manifestations, and outcomes of ocular syphilis cases in British Columbia. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. PARTICIPANTS: Ocular syphilis cases reported to the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) between January 2013 and December 2016. METHODS: The demographic and clinical data were extracted from the BCCDC's centralized sexually transmitted infection database and the ophthalmologists' clinical charts. RESULTS: There was a steady increase in the rate of syphilis infection per 100 000 population, from 3.4 in 2010 to 18.4 in 2018. There were 39 ocular syphilis cases identified from January 2013 to December 2016. The median age was 50 years (interquartile range: 40-59.5 years); 82.1% were male and 51.3% were HIV positive. The clinical charts belonging to 32 patients were available for review, 14 of which (43.8%) presented with bilateral ocular complaints (46 affected eyes). The most commonly noted ocular presentations were uveitis (93.5%), including retinal vasculitis in 54.3%, and optic nerve involvement in 65.2% (which included papillitis, optic nerve swelling, or pallor). Panuveitis was the most frequent type of uveitis (52.2% of all eyes); 77.8% of affected eyes with best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ≤20/50 on presentation had an improvement of 2 or more Snellen lines of visual acuity at their final assessment. At presentation, 37.0% of eyes had BCVA ≤20/200, which decreased to 17.1% at final assessment. CONCLUSION: Ocular syphilis, although rare, is on the rise globally and can result in serious ocular sequelae. A high index of suspicion is required for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Traumatic Staphylococcus gallinarum endophthalmitis and detachment of a pallid retina.

A rare case of Staphylococcus gallinarum endophthalmitis with intraocular foreign body (IOFB) was managed successfully by vitrectomy, IOFB removal and intravitreal antibiotics with steroids. Intraoperatively, the inferior retina was noted to be pale, possibly secondary to arteriolar occlusion/inflammation. This pale retina detached while peeling the vitreous, but spontaneously reattached postoperatively within a week. The case report describes the natural course of an iatrogenic detachment of pallid retina and the outcome of an uncommon ocular infection.

Corneal lymphangiogenesis ameliorates corneal inflammation and edema in late stage of bacterial keratitis.

Lymphatic vessels play a crucial role in systemic immune response and regulation of tissue fluid homeostasis. Corneal lymphangiogenesis in bacterial keratitis has not been studied. In this study, we investigated the mechanism and the role of corneal lymphangiogenesis in a murine bacterial keratitis model using Pseudomonas aeruginosa. We first demonstrated that corneal lymphangiogenesis was enhanced mainly in the late stage of bacterial keratitis, contrary to corneal angiogenesis that started earlier. Corresponding to the delayed lymphangiogenesis, expression of the pro-lymphangiogenic factors VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 increased in the late stage of bacterial keratitis. We further found that F4/80 and CD11b positive macrophages played an essential role in corneal lymphangiogenesis. Notably, macrophages were specifically involved in corneal lymphangiogenesis in the late stage of bacterial keratitis. Finally, we demonstrated the beneficial role of corneal lymphangiogenesis in ameliorating the clinical course of bacterial keratitis. Our study showed that bacterial activity was not directly involved in the late stage of keratitis, while corneal lymphangiogenesis reduced corneal edema and clinical manifestation in the late stage of bacterial keratitis. These findings suggest that the process of lymphangiogenesis in bacterial keratitis ameliorates corneal inflammation and edema in the late stage of bacterial keratitis.